DOCTRINAL STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe the following doctrines to be entirely consistent with God’s revealed Word and that they are essential to Christian faith and practice:

THE HOLY BIBLE

We believe:
The Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, are the revealed Word of God. (2 Peter 1: 20-21)
They are without error and completely trustworthy. (Psalms 19: 7-8)
They are the supreme standard by which all faith, doctrine and practice are measured. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)
The authority and truthfulness of Scripture rests in its being inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)

THE TRIUNE GOD

We believe:
There is only one true God, (Deuteronomy 6: 4)
who eternally exists, (Psalms 102: 25-27)
who is infinitely perfect, and (Matthew 5: 48)
who is holy (Isaiah 6: 3)
He is one God who exists in three persons: (Matthew 3: 16-17)
God the Father, (Ephesians 4: 6)
God the Son, (John 5: 18)
God the Holy Spirit, (Acts 5: 3-4)
Each being distinct in function yet the same in essence and every divine perfection.

GOD, THE FATHER

We believe:
God the Father is the author of the universe. (Genesis 1: 1-31)
He is the creator, giver, and sustainer of life. (Isaiah 40: 28-31)
He is sovereign (being able to carry out all that He wills). (Job 42: 2)
All wisdom originates in Him, and that He alone knows all things. (Matt. 24: 36) He hates sin and carries out divine judgment against all wickedness. (Romans 2: 1-16)
He is compassionate and merciful to those who seek him. (1 John 4: 9-10)
He is the author of the plan of salvation. (John 3: 16-17)

GOD, THE SON

We believe:
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the promised Messiah. (Matthew 16: 15-17)
He became man without ceasing to be God. (John 1: 1-2, 14)
He was born of the virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1: 26-35)
He lived as a man without sin. (1 Peter 2: 22)
He lived completely submitted to the Father. (Luke 22: 42)
He came to earth to reveal God and to save sinners. (Philippians 2: 5-11)
He accomplished man’s salvation by His voluntary death on the cross: (1 Peter 2: 24)
Dying in our place, (1 Corinthians 15: 3)
Literally and physically rising from the dead, (Acts 2: 22-33)
And turning away the wrath of God from those who receive Him. (John 3:36)
He ascended into heaven and now abides at the right hand of God the Father. (Luke 22: 69)
Serving as: High Priest (Hebrews 4: 14-16), Intercessor (1 Timothy 2: 5), and Advocate (1 John 2: 1) for all believers.

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe:
The Holy Spirit to be the third person of the Trinity.
The function or ministry of the Holy Spirit is to:
Glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, (John 16: 13-15)
Convict the world of its sin, (John 16: 7-11)
Effect new birth in the believing sinner, (Titus 3: 5)
Indwell the Christian, (John 14: 16-17)
Seal the believer for redemption, (Ephesians 1: 13-14)
Instruct and to guide the Christian, (John 14: 26)
Empower the believer for godly living, (Galatians 5: 16-17)
Intercede for the Christian in prayer, (Romans 8: 26)
Distributes spiritual gifts unique to each believer, (1 Corinthians 12)
And Restrains evil in our day. (2 Thessalonians 2: 6-7)

HUMANITY

We believe:
Humanity (male/female) was created immutably by and in the image of God. (Genesis 1: 26-28)
Humanity was to serve as steward over the rest of creation. (Genesis 1: 26-28)
Through the first man Adam’s disobedience, all became sinners. (Romans 5: 12-14)
As sinners, we face God’s wrath and eternal separation from Him. (John 3: 36)
We are slaves to sin and unable to overcome this lost condition on our own. (John 8: 34)
The just penalty for this condition (sin) is Physical and Spiritual death. (Spiritual death is eternal separation from God which, without the intervening work of Christ, would be every person’s eternal state.) (Romans 6: 23)

SALVATION

We believe:
God has not left humanity in their lost condition, (Romans 6: 23)
God provided for their redemption through His Son Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1: 21)
Jesus Christ made possible the forgiveness of sin: (Acts 2: 36-38)
He took our sins upon Himself, (1 Peter 2: 24)
And He died in our place. (Romans 5: 8)
Christ satisfied God’s requirements regarding sin and its penalty (Romans 3: 23-26)
By His death and shed blood. (Romans 5: 9-11)
Whoever, without exception, turns to Christ and, in faith, repents and receives Him will: (Mark 1: 15)
Receive forgiveness of sin, (Romans 10: 9-13)
And inherit the gift of eternal life in heaven. (John 3: 15-18)
Salvation is a miraculous work by the Holy Spirit, (2 Corinthians 12: 3)
And it is what Christ referred to as being born again. (1 Peter 1: 3-9)
Salvation is a gift of His grace, completely separate from any of our works. (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

THE CHURCH

We believe:
The true Church (Global) is the body and bride of Christ of which He is the head. (Ephesians 5: 22-32)
It is made up of all true believers (Those who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been born again by the Holy Spirit). (Revelations 7: 9)
It is to be the protector and proclaimer of truth as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. (1 Timothy 3: 14-15)

Within the ‘Global’ Church are ‘local’ churches, (1 Corinthians 16: 19)
Of which Calvary Baptist Church (CBC) is one.
All are subject to the same authority of Christ and the Word of God. (Ephesians 5: 24)
CBC practices the ordinances of Baptism and Communion (Ordinance: a long established practice held to be symbolic of a spiritual reality and ordained by Christ.) (Acts 2: 37-47)
We believe baptism is: (Matthew 28: 18-20)
A demonstration of:
A belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ, (Acts 2: 27-40)
Repentance (an appeal to God for the forgiveness of sin) & (Mark 1: 4-5)
A desire to:
Identify with Jesus in His death, burial, & resurrection. (Romans 6: 3-8)
Immersion of a believer in water (“Baptize” is translated from the original Greek word “baptizo” which means to immerse). (Mark 1:10)
We believe:
Communion is:
Also known as ‘The Lord’s Supper’.
Instituted by Christ. (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
A privilege & obligation commemorating Christ’s sacrificial death.
We practice ‘open communion’ meaning to participate:
You don’t have to be a member of CBC.
You must be truly born again.
You must properly examine yourself, examining all sin. (1 Corinthians 11: 27-29)
The bread & the cup are symbolic only of the body & blood of Christ.

THINGS TO COME

We believe:
Three days following Christ’s death on the cross, (Matthew 12: 39-40)
God raised Him from the dead, and (Matthew 28: 1-7)
He ascended into heaven and rules at the right hand of God the Father. (Mark 16: 19)
Jesus Christ will personally and physically return from heaven. (Acts 1: 6-11)
At this time, there will be a bodily resurrection of the dead. (Philemon 3: 20-21)
Believers in Christ shall share with Him in His resurrection unto everlasting life in a literal heaven. (Hebrews 9: 27-28)
Non-believers will face judgment and everlasting punishment in a literal hell. (Revelations 20: 11-15)

CONVICTIONS STATEMENT

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…” (Romans 14:1-5, 10-13, 22-23).  We believe the following doctrines to be consistent with God’s revealed Word, and that, though they are not essential to Christian faith, they are substantially important for our church practices.  Though one may not hold the same convictions, one must be comfortable abiding by those convictions within the membership of this body.  The following are our convictions concerning:

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

We believe:
Human life is created by God and is very good. (Gen 1:26-31)
God gives life and breath to everyone. (Acts 17-25)
We were fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:13-16)
We were known, even before conception. (Jer. 1:5)
Human life lasts beyond death into eternity. (Jn. 5:28-29)
Therefore, we hold to the sanctity of all human life. (Gen. 9:6)
Since God alone is the author of life, we hold that it is a sinful act to unjustly terminate human life, whether by means of abortion, euthanasia, suicide or murder.

 

GENDER, FAMILY AND MARRIAGE

We believe:
God created two genders (male & female) to reflect the image and nature of God. Men and women are distinct from one another, equal in worth and complement one another. The family is the foundation of society as a God-given institution created for His glory. (Genesis 2: 24)
The responsibilities and structure of family is founded in Scripture. (Colossians 3: 18-21)
Family members are responsible to submit to each other: (Ephesians 5: 21- 6: 4)
in obedience to God, (1 Peter 2: 13-15)
Out of a love for Christ, and (Ephesians 5: 21)
Out of a love for one another. (Romans 12: 10)
Marriage is a sacred union ordained by God. (Genesis 2: 24)
For the happiness of mankind. (Genesis 2: 18)
For the propagation of the race. (Genesis 1: 28)
A lifelong spiritual and physical union between one man and one woman. (Matthew 19: 3-9)
Sex is reserved for this union. (1 Cor. 7:9)
Sexual immorality is sinful and offensive to God. (Lev. 18:6-23)
(Sexual immorality includes: lust, sex outside of marriage, adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality, bisexual conduct, incest and use of pornography.) Serves as a reflection of the glory of Christ and His church.  (Ephesians 5:22-25)

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

We believe:
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all believers. (1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4, 11)
These gifts bring glory to God, (1 Peter 4: 10-11)
Help and encourage the Church, (1 Peter 4: 10-11)
Function out of love, and (1 Corinthians 13: 1-3)
Are practiced properly, orderly, and with understandability. (1 Corinthians 14: 26-39)

SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER

We believe:
The Father’s will is:
All who believe in Christ as Savior will have eternal life. (John 6: 39-40)
Salvation is solely accomplished by God on the basis of His grace. (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
Upon believing, a person is “born again”. (John 3:3)
This believer is sealed/secure in Christ, kept by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1: 13)

SPIRIT BEINGS/ANGELS

We believe:
Angels are:
Created, spirit beings. (Psalms 148: 2, 5)
Some exist as holy, (Mark 8: 38)
And others exist as fallen. (2 Peter 2: 4)
With moral judgement, (Jude 1: 5-6)
With high intelligence, (Matthew 28: 5)
The holy angels exist to:
Glorify God, (Isaiah 6: 3)
Serve as messengers of God, (Acts 10: 3-8)
And minister to the people of God. (Hebrews 1: 14)
Satan (a fallen angel) literally exists. (Job 1 & 2)
He was cast out of heaven for wanting to be “like” God. (Isaiah 14: 12-17)
He is the deceptive enemy of God and man. (Ephesians 6: 11-13)
He actively opposes God on earth. (Matthew 4: 1-11)
At the appointed time, he will be punished. Cast into the lake of fire with those whose names are not found in the Lamb’s book of life. (Revelations 20: 10, 15)

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CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this church shall be Calvary Baptist Church of Platte, South Dakota. CBC was organized on June 29, 1975, and was incorporated with the State of South Dakota under the corporate ID Ch002957 on June 30, 1975.  CBC is affiliated with Converge Heartland (a District within Converge) and originally the Baptist General Conference.

 

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this church is to promote the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ in this community as well as in the world at large, to proclaim the gospel of redeeming grace that men and women might be saved, to protect and teach the Word of God that men and women might grow to maturity in the Christian faith, and by our life and testimony bring honor and glory to God.

ARTICLE III – CHURCH COVENANT  

Having each by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ received Him as our Redeemer, and having been born again by the Holy Spirit, recognizing that we have been baptized into the body of Christ, we commit ourselves to “be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the harmony and advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and fellowship; to promote its spiritual well-being; to sustain its worship, defend its ordinances, preserve its discipline, and make known its doctrines.  We agree to contribute cheerfully to the support of the ministry, both at home and abroad, to the relief of the poor, and the maintenance of the institutions fostered by this Church.

We also engage to maintain religious devotions privately in our homes; to educate our children in the knowledge of the Bible; to seek the salvation of our children, other family members, our friends, and acquaintances; to walk cautiously in the world; to be honest, fair, and just in our dealings and exemplary in our personal conduct and, in every way, to keep our behavior excellent to the glory of God.  We agree to avoid all gossip, hateful talk, and unrighteous anger and to abstain from every form of evil, glorifying God in our bodies which are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and to use our greatest efforts to purify and influence society.

We agree to be accountable to one-another; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to be slow to take offense, avoiding discord; always ready to forgive and to be reconciled; working to restore unity and Christian fellowship; always being mindful of the examples taught by our Savior.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

1. In order to preserve unity, harmony, stability, and consistency in this local body, the membership of this church will be maintained as follows:
   1. Anyone who by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ has trusted Him for salvation and thus demonstrates the reality of being born again,
   2. Anyone who is also, in clear conscience, able to personally affirm the Doctrinal Statement of Faith and abide within the Convictions Statement of this church,
   3. Anyone who, in clear conscience, is able to cooperate with the purpose and workings of this church as laid out here in this Constitution, and
   4. Anyone who is at least 17 years of age and has been baptized as a believer (See Baptism under the “The Church” heading in the Doctrinal Statement).

Those who have met these requirements will be received into the voting membership of this church.

1. Anyone who desires to join the membership of this church may do so by submitting a request for membership to the board of Elders. Upon review of the request and recommendation of the board of Elders, candidates will be welcomed into membership, by the affirmation of the congregation, at the next earliest Sunday morning service.
2. It is necessary that anyone whose faith and conduct have come to be in conflict with the purposes of this church, as outlined in this Constitution and adjoining documents, be suspended from the membership of this church until such conflicts can be resolved. Any such action shall only occur following proper review and recommendation by the board of Elders.  Actions that are taken will be in accordance with Matthew 18: 15-20.
3. The membership records shall be reviewed by the board of Elders and corrections will be made to those records prior to each annual meeting.Any member who fails to attend Sunday services for a period that exceeds one full calendar year (except for reasonable factors approved by the board of Elders) will be determined as “inactive” and sent notice of failure to attend and given two weeks to respond.  If there is no response or the person/s communicates the desire to end their membership, the membership will be revoked.  Membership is revoked automatically if there is no attendance for two years.

ARTICLE V – GOVERNMENT

A. In accordance with our doctrinal positions, this church shall govern its affairs in keeping with all Scriptural principles. The governing of the affairs of this church are never to be seen as ruling but always as serving.

B. There shall be two offices of men for the purpose of governing for the affairs of the church as follows, and together they shall comprise the governing Council. All voting matters decided by the Council and/or board of Elders require a 75% vote to pass (unless otherwise specified).

1. The Office of Elder:

a. The Elders are entrusted with the governance of the Church. The Elder’s oversight includes, but is not limited to, Devotion to Prayer (Acts 6:4), Shepherding(1 Pet 5:2-3; Acts 20:28), Teaching(1 Tim 3:2; 5:17; Tit 1:9; Eph 4:12), Protecting, Leading, Disciplining(Matt 18:15-20), Equipping and Caring for the corporate Church body and its individual Members as well as the Oversight(Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:1-2; 5:17; 1 Pet 5:2) of all ministry, operations and finances of the Church. The Elders are also responsible for being obedient to the Scriptures, the doctrine of the Church, establishing the overall vision of the Church, and appointing new Elders.

b. The Elders shall include the duly called “Pastor” and a minimum of 2 Elders from the voting membership who meet the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 5-9; including without limitation the requirement that Elders be men. All candidates for the position shall be nominated by the Elders by a unanimous vote and be approved by a 75% vote of the voting members present including turned in absentee ballots. The duties of the Elders, shall include but not be limited to, leading the Church to fulfill the purposes of the Church.

c. The office of the Elder shall have a 3-year term. An elder may serve 2 consecutive terms and then must step off for 1 year before being reconsidered for nomination.

d. Any Elder, with the exception of the duly called pastor, may take a leave of absence from the board for a period not to exceed 6 months and not more than once in any 2 year period, except by approval of the Elder board.

2. The Deacons:

a. The Deacons must meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The responsibility of the Deacons is not explicit in the Gospel text. The overall responsibility of the diaconate is to assist the Elders in their Service(Acts 6:1-7), Help Execute the Vision(Acts 6:3), Equip the Saints(Eph 4:11-13), and Fulfill the Practical Needs and Promote Church Unity(Matt 5:9; 1 Cor 1:10-11). The Deacons shall also be responsible for upkeep and maintenance of all property and facilities. The Deacons shall have the authority to make expenditures of up to $500; matters involving larger sums shall be brought to the Elders. The Deacons shall also be responsible along with the Treasurer for the receiving and handling of the offerings during any services of the church.

b. The Office of Deacon board shall consist of a minimum of 2 Deacons from the voting membership who meet the qualifications described in Acts 6: 1-7 and 1 Timothy 3: 8-13. All candidates for the position shall be nominated by the congregation, reviewed by the Council, and be approved by a 75% vote of the voting members present including turned in absentee ballots.

c. The office of Deacon shall have a 3-year term. A Deacon may serve 2 consecutive terms and then must step off for 1 year before being reconsidered for nomination.

d. Any Deacon may take a leave of absence from the board for a period not to exceed 6 months and not more than once in any 2-year period, except by approval of the Elder board.

A. There shall be a church Clerk and a church Treasurer. These offices shall be filled from the voting membership through the process of approval and recommendation of the Elders. The terms of these offices shall be indefinite with review by the  Elders being made each year prior to the annual meeting.

B. The President (an Elder chosen by the Elders by a unanimous decision), Vice-President (Pastor), Clerk, and Treasurer shall together make up the legal officers of the church.

C. Other positions, offices, committees, and organizations within the church shall be added or removed as is found to be necessary and beneficial to the purposes of the church. Any such addition or removal shall be accomplished through the same process of review and recommendation of the Elders. Voting members are encouraged to fill all offices and positions created within the church.

D. If the position of Pastor becomes vacant, a search committee shall be formed by the board of Elders who shall solicit qualified candidates for review. 1. Any candidate being considered, after being sent a copy of the Doctrinal Statement of Faith, Convictions Statement, and Constitution of this church, must meet the same requirements for membership and for those of an Elder. 2. No candidate shall be called without a unanimous recommendation from the search committee and a vote of affirmation from the congregation of 75% of the voting members present including turned in absentee ballots.

3. Dissolution of Pastoral Relationship

a.Pastor’s Resignation: The pastor may submit a letter of resignation to the Elders. Following no less than 30 days, CBC’s voting membership shall prayerfully vote to accept or reject the resignation at a business meeting (See VI-A-1, 2, & 3).

b.Grievances against Pastor: After prayer and an effort is made by the Elders to resolve grievances, CBC membership may dissolve the pastoral relationship by a 75% vote to do so, at a business meeting; if grievances cannot be resolved (See VI-A-1, 2, & 3)

ARTICLE VI – CHURCH MEETING

1. Besides the regular meetings of the Elders & Deacons, there shall be an annual meeting of all the church as well as special meetings as are necessitated and called by the Elders.
   1. Notice shall be given publicly during regular Sunday morning services for at least 2 consecutive weeks prior to any annual or special meeting of the church body.
   2. No meeting of the church body for the purpose of business shall be official without quorum (two-thirds of the  Elders, two-thirds of the Deacons, and a minimum of one-third of the total voting membership present). Any member who fails to attend Sunday church services for a period that exceeds one full calendar year (except for reasonable factors approved by the board of Elders) will be determined as “inactive” and not counted toward quorum. The “inactive” person/s will be notified at the yearly membership review, see IV – D.
   3. All matters must receive at least 75% of the vote from the total members voting, including absentee votes, in order to be approved.
2. Any non-budgeted action that would exceed in cost over 2% of the set total amount of the year’s current budget would require all the tenets required in Article VI, Section A to enact:
   1. Notice of 2 weeks prior to meeting and vote,
   2. Presence of quorum at vote,
   3. Three-fourths approval to pass.

…except in cases of unforeseen emergency as determined by the Council or the Elders.

 

ARTICLE VII – CHURCH PROPERTY

Any matter involving the purchase or disposal of the real property of this church or the deeding, renting, conveying, mortgaging, or significant altering of the same must be brought before the Council by the Deacons and then before the whole church in accordance with Article VI.  In case of division within the church membership, Church property shall belong to those members who abide by these documents.  If both parties are in agreement, then said property will go to those who remain affiliated with Converge Heartland.

 

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

The articles in this Constitution are adopted for the efficient and harmonious functioning of this local church in accordance with its purposes and biblical principles.  Any amendments, therefore, must be duly proposed before the Elders, approved by the Elders, then made public during the Sunday services for at least 2 weeks prior to being voted on.  Any such vote for amending this Constitution shall take place only at a meeting of the church body in accordance with Article VI.