Church Constitution

Article One
NAME


The name of the church shall be the University Bible Church.


Article Two
INCORPORATION AND AFFILIATION


The University Bible Church is a non-denominational church.  It was organized as a daughter church of the Pocatello Bible Church in 1989.  University Bible Church is now an independent, self-supporting, self-governing church.  We are affiliated with the IFCA International.


Article Three
CONTINUANCE


In as much as many have given of their time, finances, and energy in the establishing of this work, it is hereby provided that, in the event of division, its property shall remain in the possession and control of those who adhere to these principles as set forth in Article Five of this constitution.


Article Four
PURPOSE


University Bible Church exists to help people get to know God better and to experience a growing and victorious Christian life.  We are a group of Christians who gather to Grow Together:  Becoming Disciples Who Make Disciples. Our Goals Are: 

  1. To reach the Idaho State University campus and our community with the gospel of Christ.  
  2. To provide a Biblical world view in an environment of conflicting theories and alternate lifestyles.  
  3. To minister to the individuals and families who have chosen to join us in our mission.  This includes quality nursery, Sunday school, youth, and adult programs.  
  4. To equip our students and members for a life of service for Christ regardless of their chosen occupation or location.  
  5. To be a training center for those who are interested in or involved in both volunteer and professional ministries.

It is our conviction that: 

  1. Every member is called to minister.
  2. God and His Word are sacred and unchangeable.
  3. Methods, organization, and activities are always open to change as we find more effective ways to minister.

Article Five
DOCTRINE


Since many have departed from the faith in these last days and have fallen into doctrinal error, we hereby declare our belief in the following fundamental doctrinal statement of the University Bible Church which is in agreement with that of the IFCA International .

  1. The Holy Scriptures

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed.  (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13)

  1. The Godhead

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfection.  (Deuteronomy 6:4; II Corinthians 13:14)

  1. The Person and Work of Christ
    1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man. (John 1:1-2,14; Luke 1:35) 
    2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice and that our justification is made sure by His literal physical resurrection from the dead.  (Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5)
    3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.  (Acts 1:9-10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; I John 2:1-2)
  1. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
    1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, and that He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption.  (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13-14)
    2. We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth, and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit.  (John 16:13; Ephesians 5:18; I John 2:20,27)
  1. The Total Depravity of Man

We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God but that in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature and became alienated from God, and that man is totally depraved, and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.  (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3,12)

  1. Salvation

We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.  (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; I Peter 1:18-19)

  1. The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
    1. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. (John 6:27-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:1,38-39; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:5)
    2. We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh.  (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15)
  1. The Two Natures of the Believer

We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural.  (Romans 6:13, 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; I Peter 1:14-16; I John 3:5-9)

  1. Separation

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and association is commanded by God.  (Romans 12:1-2; II Timothy 3:1-5 I John 2:15-17)

  1. Missions

We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the gospel to all mankind. (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 5:19-20)

  1. The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
    1. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts, and that the loving exercise of these gifts is essential for the growth of a healthy church.  We believe, however, that the revelatory and sign gifts (including the speaking in tongues) gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority established.  (I Corinthians 12:4-11; II Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-12)
    2. We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His own will for the sick and afflicted.  (John 15:7; I John 5:14-15)
  1. The Church
    1. We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this age.  (I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27)
    2. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures.  (Acts 14:27, 20:17,28-32; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
    3. We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control.  (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:38; Romans 16:1,4; I Corinthians 3:9,16, 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4)
    4. We believe in the ordinances of believer’s water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church age.  (Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 2:41,42, 18:8, I Corinthians 11:23-26)
  1. Dispensationalism

We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages.  These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose.  Three of these - the age of law, the age of the Church, and the age of the millennial kingdom - are the subjects of detailed revelation in scripture.  (John 1:17; I Corinthians 9:17; II Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10, 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24,25; Hebrews 7:19; Revelation 20:2-6)

  1. The Personality of Satan

We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire.  (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11, 25:41; Revelations 20:10)

  1. The Second Advent of Christ

We believe in that “Blessed Hope”, the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and pre-millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to the earth with His saints to establish His Millennial Kingdom.  (Zechariah 14:4-11; I Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18, 5:9; Revelation 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6)

  1. The Eternal State
    1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment.  (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29, 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13)
    2. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are at death absent from the body and present with the Lord, where, in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord.  (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23, 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6)
    3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain after death in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire where they will not be annihilated, but rather to suffer everlasting conscious punishment.  (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26;  II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15)


Article Six
MEMBERSHIP

  1. Regular Membership
Those desiring to unite with this church in membership should:
    1. Know Christ as their personal Savior and be walking in fellowship with Him.
    2. Have been baptized as a testimony of their faith and obedience to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
    3. Be in agreement with the constitution and doctrinal statement of the University Bible Church.
  1. Children

Children may be received into membership in this church upon testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ, but shall have no voting power until they reach the age of eighteen years.  However, they are encouraged to voice their opinions.

  1. Associate Membership

Servicemen, students and persons temporarily residing in the area and desiring to affiliate with the University Bible Church may join the church as associate members and retain membership in their home church.  The associate members may have a voice in the business of the church, but do not have voting privileges.  Applicants for this membership are subject to the procedure in paragraph one.


Article Seven
CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as members of the body of Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive together for the advancement of the church of Jesus Christ, to increase in knowledge and holiness, to be a mutual blessing and comfort to one another, and to do good to all men, especially to those of the household of faith. We engage, moreover, depending upon the Lord for strength, to attend the regular services of the church unless hindered for some reason that we could conscientiously give to the Lord and to support the work of the church by giving cheerfully as God has prospered.

We further engage, in order to promote the effectiveness of this testimony, to cooperate with those in places of leadership and to accept positions of responsibility as needs and opportunities arise. We the members of UBC will not pursue legal action or sue the church, pastors, elders, deacons, or church staff in connection with the performance of their official duties.

(cf. 1 Cor 6:1-8)


Article Eight
DISMISSING MEMBERS

Any member desiring to sever relations with the church may be granted a letter of dismissal and standing. Members moving from this area are urged to quickly find a Bible-believing assembly with which to fellowship and serve.

Members of UBC have entered a covenant to minister to one another's spiritual needs. Though members may resign at any time, this will not deter any church discipline which may be in process at the time of resignation.


Article Nine
DISCIPLINE

To safeguard the testimony of this church, any regular attender who in life or teaching violates the principles of this organization or its constitution shall be subject to discipline according to the pattern given in Matthew 18:15-17 and in the spirit taught in Galatians 6:1.  When deemed necessary, membership shall be suspended lest the “whole lump should be leavened.”  All discipline shall be administered by the Board of Elders.


Article Ten
PASTOR

Section 1

The Senior Pastor shall be called by at least a three-fourths majority of members present or fifty percent of the entire active membership, which ever is greater.  The same percentage is needed when considering the retaining or dismissing of the pastor.  This vote is to be taken in a constitutionally called congregational business meeting.  Generally, sixty days notice shall precede the effective date of dismissal or resignation of the Senior Pastor unless, by mutual agreement, a lesser or greater time period is specified.  Termination may be immediate in cases of moral defect, false teaching or divisive behavior.

The Senior Pastor shall serve indefinitely.  If at any time his personal belief or doctrinal statement is not in accord with that of this church, or if he is convicted of moral defection, his service shall be terminated as pastor by the Board of Elders.  Any individual or group within the membership who has grievance against the pastor or for any other reason believes that a change of pastor is desirable shall present their concern before the Board of Elders in person for their consideration.  If the request is denied by the elders, they may present a signed petition of 25% of the voting members and the matter will be presented to a congregational meeting called for this purpose.  There shall be a yearly vote of confidence at the Annual Meeting.

Section 2

The Senior Pastor shall have general oversight of the spiritual life of the church, regular services, and administration of baptism and the communion services.  He shall declare the whole Word of God and earnestly work for the salvation of souls and the spiritual advancement of all the flock of God under his care.

Section 3    Pastoral Assistants

The Senior Pastor shall have the authority to select and dismiss all pastoral staff members.  Their selection however is subject to the approval of the elder board.  Generally, sixty days notice shall precede the effective date of dismissal or resignation of a pastoral staff member unless by mutual agreement a lesser or greater time period is specified.  Termination may be immediate in case of moral defect, false teaching or divisive behaviors.


Article Eleven
GOVERNMENT

The government of this church shall be vested in a Board of Elders who are selected and approved from among its membership.  In the absence of three qualified elders, the government of this church shall be vested in an Official Board consisting of all qualified elders and deacons, such Official Board having the combined authority of the Elder and Deacon Boards.


Article Twelve
OFFICERS

Section 1 - Elders (Trustees)

When qualified men are available (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9), a minimum of three elders shall be selected from the membership.  Additional elders may be selected as the growth of the church membership may require.  Elders are to be chosen for active terms of three years.  Upon the first appointment to the office of elder, they shall be duly ordained by the church.  No elder shall serve more than two successive terms.  At least one year shall elapse before reappointment after serving two terms in office.  Retiring elders shall retain their office and title but in an inactive status.

The elders shall participate in all the Elder Board’s regular business meetings, help serve the Lord’s Supper, act as spiritual advisors to the church, and serve as the pulpit committee in the event the church is without a pastor.  Each elder shall personally accept the responsibility to maintain the spirituality of the church and guard against corruption by sin or false doctrine
(Acts 20:28ff).

The Elder Board shall serve as, or appoint a nominating committee, for the annual elections.

It will also serve as the church’s official legal representative in all church business.  Applicants for membership shall be examined by two or more elders.  Upon satisfactory examination, which includes a testimony of the applicant’s conversion and a discussion of the doctrinal statement of the constitution, the elders will present them to the congregation for the right hand of fellowship.

Section 2 - Deacons

The deacons shall be chosen from the membership at large, and approved by the elders.  Such appointees shall be designated as “deacons” and should live and serve in the full conformity with the standards set forth in the Word of God (I Timothy 3:8-13).  The deacons shall have the care of the physical properties and administration of the church and shall hold themselves in readiness to assist in guiding the spiritual life of the church, ministering its ordinances and performing any necessary calling under direction of the Board of Elders.  They shall cooperate with the pastoral staff and suggestions of the Elder Board.  The term of office of a deacon shall be one year.  He shall not serve more than three terms consecutively.

Section 3 - Treasurer

The treasurer shall draw checks against the church as directed by the Board of Elders.  He shall prepare each month a financial statement showing the true status of the various funds in this account to be approved by the Board of Elders.  There shall also be prepared in approved form under his direction a financial statement showing the true status of all funds for the fiscal year of the church for presentation at the Annual Business Meeting.  He shall also have custody of the legal papers pertaining to property and finances of the church such as deeds, abstracts, insurance policies, bonds, notes, etc. which shall be kept in a depository designated by the Elder Board and must be submitted to audit as directed by the Elder Board.  He shall issue annual receipts to those members desiring them.

Section 4 - Church Clerk

The Church Clerk shall keep an accurate record of all congregational business meetings and any other meetings designated by the congregation or Official Board upon request of either body.  He shall be responsible for keeping a record of the church membership, admissions, deaths, baptisms, and ordination services.  He shall carry on and maintain a complete record of all correspondence and such other records as may pertain to his office.  He shall also have in custody any other papers, records, or documents as directed by the congregation or Elder Board.

Section 5

The treasurer, church clerk, deacons, and other officers as required shall be elected from the membership at the annual church business meeting.  Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled by appointments authorized by the Board of Elders.

Section 6

Any church officer, serving in any capacity, upon retiring or dismissal from office, shall be required to relinquish any and all church records of any description which shall be in his possession to his successor or to the pastor or some active member of the Board of Elders.


Article Thirteen
THE BOARD OF ELDERS

Section 1

Meetings of the Elder Board shall be held at regular monthly intervals.  Additional meetings may be held at the call of the senior pastor, or any three members.  Full minutes of all meetings shall be kept.

Section 2

The presence of at least two-thirds of the Elder Board members shall be necessary to transact business for the church, and a two-thirds vote of this quorum shall be necessary to ratify any action of the Board.  The Elder Board will have final authority over all business, boards, and offices in the church.


Section 3

The Elder Board shall be the executive body of the congregation in its dealings with the pastor, employees and all outside organizations.  They shall exercise supervision over the general work of the church and organizations within the church.  All officers of organizations within the church, Sunday School teachers, and all vitally connected with the life and work of the church must either be elected by or approved by the Board.

Section 4

The Elder Board should at all times seek and consider input from the congregation in matters of major importance.  The Board shall not encumber with loan, buy, sell, or transfer any major property or real estate involving the church without approval from the membership.

Section 5

The Elder Board shall consider and handle any suggestions, recommendations, request, or grievances upon the part of any active member or any organization within the church.

The Board shall review the membership roll of the church annually or at any time, which may be advisable.  Members who are known to have affiliated with other churches are to be dropped from the rolls unless such affiliation results from missionary status and meets with approval of the Board.

Members whose whereabouts are unknown or who have absented themselves from the services for a period of three months or longer without having notified the pastor or board shall be placed on an inactive membership list subject to later action by the board.  Such inactive members are not privileged to participate in congregational meetings as active members.

Inactive members may be restored to active membership upon application to the Board and at the discretion of that body.

Section 6

The Elder Board shall have authority to call a congregational meeting.  It shall be announced at least two Sundays before the meeting.

Meetings may be called on shorter notice by approval of two-thirds of the active membership.  All members should be notified if possible as to the purpose of a special meeting.

The Board shall call a congregational meeting for any stated reason to the written and signed request of one-third of the active membership of the church and complying with the above-mentioned conditions.

Section 7

The fiscal year of this church shall be from January 1 to December 31.  The Elder Board shall call a congregational meeting in January of each year.  At this meeting all reports of the year’s work shall be made in writing.  A full financial report shall be presented and, if necessary, an audit may be authorized by the Board.  Officers shall be elected and any other business transacted that may come before the congregation.

Section 8

At any regular or duly called meeting of the congregation, business may be transacted by a two-thirds majority of the active members present.  An active member shall be:  (a) one who is in regular attendance at the services of the church, (b) one who because of absence from the community or because of working conditions is unable to attend regularly, yet is definitely in fellowship and accord with the aims and purposes of the church, (c) one who because of physical disability is unable to attend services regularly.

A two-thirds vote is necessary to pass on any question or action.

Section 9

The Elder Board shall act as or appoint a nominating committee to select candidates for all elective offices within the church.  The committee shall prayerfully seek the guidance of the Holy Sprit in impartially selecting candidates for each office.

The nominating committee shall post a list of nominees for all offices at least two weeks before the annual congregational meeting.

Additional nominations may be presented in writing for the consideration of the nominating committee but not later than five days before the congregational meeting.  Nominations shall not be made from the floor during the congregational meeting.


Article Fourteen
ORDINATION

It shall lie within the province of this church to grant ordination to the gospel ministry to such men as can give a satisfactory account as to their conversion, call to the ministry, and preparation for the same.  Those who desire ordination may apply to the pastor of the church.  Examination of the applicant as to these matters shall be in a public meeting and shall be acted upon by the Elder Board or by a duly selected and qualified group of ministers assembled for this purpose.


Article Fifteen
AMENDMENTS

This constitution shall not be changed in its essence or meaning at any time in the future by any amendment to any article or provision of this constitution in violation of the spirit and principle of this constitution wherein it provides for the complete autonomy and self-government of this church or the statement of faith herein contained.  But this constitution may be otherwise amended in congregational meetings called for such a purpose.

Any proposed amendment must be publicized to the congregation at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which action is taken.


Article Sixteen
ASSETS

In case of the dissolution of University Bible Church, all assets, after paying debts, go to the Pocatello Bible Church and/or other like-minded non-profit Christian ministries.