ARTICLE I
Name and Purpose
I. Name:
The name of this congregation shall be called Kirkwood Church.
II. Guidelines and Purposes:
A. Guidelines:
1. To establish an intimate relationship with God.
2. To build a strong fellowship with each other.
3. To proclaim the Good News to all.
B. Purposes:
To worship the Triune God, who is the Creator, and the One who is sovereign over the entire universe. To study and learn in order to obey the teachings of God and build the church based upon the Holy Scripture. Wholeheartedly endeavor and contribute to the work of proclaiming the Good News of salvation of Jesus Christ in accordance with the teaching of Matthew 28:19-20. Build unity and fellowship with fellow churches as well as Christians in order to strengthen one another’s faith in Jesus Christ our Savior.
III. Dogma:
A. This Church only recognizes the Old and New Testament as the Word of God without exception. The Old and New Testament is categorically the only foundation for the Christian’s faith.
B. We believe and accept Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, and each member recognizes that He is the Author and Perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2), and Redeemer of all mankind.
ARTICLE II
Administration and Regulations for Joining the Church
I. Administration
This Church operates as an independent and autonomous church under the authority of Christ. The Church’s authority of administration is set apart and based on the foundation of Scripture. This church has the authority to make decisions regarding acceptance of a member as well as the method and qualifications of membership.
This church is built on the model of a democracy, and the authority of the Church belongs to all of the members in accordance with the qualifications as written in this Constitution. The Church willingly welcomes constructive ideas to build and edify fellow churches of the same faith.
II. Method for Joining the Church
Any person can become a member of the Church and can become a member according to the requirements below:
A. Confirm his or her faith and be baptized according to the guidelines in this constitution or convey his or her faith and undergo study of the basic precepts faith class prior to baptism.
B. A person desiring to become a member of the Church must be present regularly during worship services for a minimum of the last three (3) previous months.
III. Rights of the Member
A. Contribute Ideas
1. The member has the right to submit ideas and contribute to the collective work of the Church with an attitude that is constructive, loving, and has the church’s benefit in mind.
2. The Church does not accept a divisive or incendiary attitude nor one that creates chaos within the Church.
3. Ideas or comments may be sent via mail or email to the Board of Pastors or the Leadership Board. Only correspondence with the signature (if by regular mail) and name and address of the sender clearly displayed will be accepted. The time limit allotted for a response to such correspondence is thirty (30) days. Anonymous letters are not honored and will not receive a response.
B. Elections and Nominations
1. Regular members 18 years or older have the right to vote in all elections regarding the issues presented before the church.
2. All regular members have the right to nominate him or herself for any position of the church in accordance with the guidelines written in this Constitution.
C. Organize and plan or participate in the ceremonies within the church.
Of note: No alcohol or beer of any form may be brought into the church.
All regular members have the right to participate in the ceremonies by the Church’s sponsor below:
1. The right to have a funeral
a. Member has the right to have a funeral according to the Church’s traditions
b. A member has the right to organize have a funeral according to the traditions of the church for a relative (who was a believer) of that member upon request.
2. The right to organize a wedding ceremony (between one man and one woman) if the couple meets the qualifications below:
