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Binfield Free Church1. Name and Definition Binfield Free Church is an independent and self-governing Church comprising Christian believers who are members according to Section 4. It is free and non-denominational. 2. Purpose The purpose of our existence as a church is to glorify God:
3. Doctrinal Basis As set out in the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches' Doctrinal Basis . 4. Membership Individual believers have a personal relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and are members of the Universal Church, the Body of Christ. Consequently they are in a spiritual relationship with all other true believers. In New Testament times it was the normal practice for new converts to be added to the local church. Fellowship with other believers in the local church was clearly God's purpose for every Christian. The New Testament churches gathered by mutual agreement under the care of the elders whom God had appointed. There is no record of formal membership procedures but for the purposes of spiritual care and practical fellowship there was evidently a clear recognition of those who belonged to the local church. The neglect of these principles is to the detriment of the spiritual welfare of the believer and of the Lord's work in the local church. 4.1. Admission to Membership Membership of Binfield Free Church is open to all believers who can testify to their repentance of sin and a living faith in Christ, and whose daily lives are consistent with such a profession. Applicants should have either been baptised already or be seeking baptism at the same time as applying for membership (See Section 5.1). They should also be familiar with this Constitution and indicate their assent to it. However, Christians young in the faith will not be excluded from membership simply because they do not possess as clear an understanding of the Constitution as might be desired, provided this does not amount to active opposition to any point. Those seeking church membership shall apply to an elder of the church. Applicants will be interviewed by at least two members, one of whom should be an elder. Upon recommendation by the interviewers to the elders, the names will usually be submitted to the church for approval at the next church members' meeting. New members will be welcomed into membership at the first convenient Lord's Supper. 4.2. Privileges and Responsibilities of Membership 4.2.1. Service The life of the believer is one of service to Christ. Membership of a local church provides the ideal environment within which to serve, whether within the fellowship or outside. When the Lord is served in the name of a local church, it is clearly appropriate that this be done by those who are members. Positions of responsibility in the church should, therefore, only be held by members but the elders will carefully consider exceptional cases. Non-members are not permitted to represent the church or undertake work on its behalf without the prior agreement of the elders. 4.2.2. Fellowship Members should take every opportunity to fulfil the joyful duty of all Christians to love and edify one another by active participation in the life of the church. Members have the privilege and responsibility to express their fellowship in prayer, evangelism and service. Fellowship between the members of the church is demonstrated in a rich variety of ways, including:
Such fellowship is essentially practical and should be characterised by thoughtfulness, sacrifice, humility and an absence of destructive talk. At the same time, membership of the church must include the proper exercise of responsibility to the community at large. 4.2.3. Attendance Members should make every effort to attend the services and meetings of the church. 4.2.4. Commitment. Members should have a willing commitment to the work and functioning of the church, actively seeking the advancement of the Kingdom of God by using their particular gifts and by prayerful support of the elders and deacons in their work. 4.2.5. Stewardship. Every part of the Christian's life is to be dedicated wholeheartedly to the glory of Christ and this consideration must govern the use of time, energies and possessions.[1 Cor 10:31; Eph 5:16; Col 3:17,23.] As part of their stewardship, members are responsible for the financial needs of the Lord's work in the church. The scriptural exhortation is to give cheerfully, sacrificially and regularly, not reluctantly or under pressure, remembering the words of the Lord, "it is more blessed to give than to receive". Gifts from members will be used to maintain and expand the work of the Gospel, especially through:
[Prov 3:9; Mal 3:10; 1 Cor 9:11-14; 16:2; 2 Cor 8:1-22; 9:6-7; Gal 6:6-10.] 4.2.6. Recognition of Leadership. Members should respect the elders and are encouraged to discuss with them any matters of concern. They are to submit to the elders, recognising both their appointment by God and their authority within the bounds of Scripture to teach, exhort, reprove and rebuke. [1 Thess 5:12-13; Heb 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5. 4.3. Cessation of Membership The relationship of mutual dependence that exists between members means that there are relatively few legitimate reasons for which membership may cease. They include the following: 4.3.1. Service in another fellowship From time to time, the Lord may clearly call members of the church to serve in another fellowship. For example, a necessary move from the district may make continued membership impossible. In such cases, and recognising the clear hand of the Lord, the elders will ask the church members' meeting prayerfully to commit the member(s) in question to their new local fellowship of believers. 4.3.2. Termination of Membership by the church Termination of membership shall be decided by the church members' meeting in the light of a recommendation from the elders. Valid reasons for termination of membership include:
5. Ordinances 5.1. Christian Baptism The Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. A candidate for baptism must have made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and be seeking to obey Him. In accordance with New Testament practice, newly baptised people are expected to be welcomed into membership of the church. 5.2. The Lord's Supper In accordance with New Testament teaching, the Lord's Supper should be observed only by members of the true Church of Christ. Those who are not true believers are welcome to witness the ordinance but should be discouraged from taking the elements. 6. Elders The Lord Jesus Christ, as King and Head of His Church, has appointed a government by elders in each local community of Christians. The New Testament words translated "elders" and "overseers" are used interchangeably. Where they are used of a church rather than an individual these words are always plural, showing that, ideally, there should be more than one elder in each church. The elders as a body oversee the 'flock' (i.e. the church), and also minister to all who come within its proper care. They will have to give an account to God for the general functioning and welfare of the whole church and must therefore labour to ensure its vigour and purity. The Scriptures describe elders as those who 'rule' and are 'placed over' the flock. Although they are given authority by God in pastoring the church, they are not to function as lords over the people but as examples and servants. 6.1. The Responsibilities of Elders. 6.1.1. Provision of Spiritual Food.The arrangement and supervision of a suitable teaching and preaching programme to provide a balanced and wholesome diet for the whole flock. 6.1.2. Provision of Individual Care. The arrangement and supervision of counsel and care, watching over and encouraging the development of each individual. 6.1.3. Protecting the Flock from Internal and External Danger. The elders must be alert to dangers and take the necessary action in individual warning and discipline, in addition to the public teaching ministry. 6.1.4. Leading the Flock. The elders should take the initiative in stimulating and directing the flock into fresh avenues of service. This includes seeking, encouraging, training and recognition of suitably gifted individuals. 6.2. Appointment of Elders God calls and equips individuals as elders within the church, and the church must therefore seek to recognise these men. The New Testament gives no clear instructions on the exact process of appointing elders within a local church but it is clearly essential for all the members to be involved. Any member may suggest privately to an elder that another member be considered to serve as an elder within the church. The existing elders will then test the qualifications of the nominee according to Scripture. When they are agreed that God is leading towards a new appointment, all members will be notified of the name of the candidate by personal letter at least three clear weeks before a church members' meeting. Members will be invited to discuss their views on the proposed appointment with any elder. After the members have received their letters, an announcement will be made at a main public meeting of the church, giving the name of the candidate together with an invitation for any individual to discuss their views on the proposed appointment with any elder. In the absence of valid reasons to the contrary, the church will be asked to recognise the appointment at the church members' meeting (see Section 8.3). Appointment is for an indefinite period but, if an elder becomes unable to fulfil his function 7. Deacons 7.1. Responsibilities of Deacons The New Testament word means "servant". In a general sense, all believers are to be servants but some may be appointed to specific tasks within the church which involve significant responsibility. These tasks would normally fall to the elders but may be delegated to deacons as the need arises, so that the elders are not hindered in performing their primary functions, as outlined above. A deacon must be a man in cases where the delegated task would involve a position of leadership or authority over men. Where this is not the case women may be appointed. 7.2. Appointment of Deacons Elders will normally bring to the church the need they have identified for assistance in their work. Any member may then propose privately to any elder another member with the appropriate gifts to meet the need. The elders will test the qualifications of the nominee according to Scripture. When the elders are agreed, an announcement will be made a main public meeting of the church, giving the name of the candidate together with an invitation for any individual to discuss their views on the proposed appointment with any elder. In the absence of valid reasons to the contrary, the church will be asked to affirm the appointment at a church members' meeting. Appointment will be for as long as the need continues but, if a deacon becomes unable to fulfil their function properly, they may be permitted or required to relinquish the position by the unanimous decision of the elders or at the request of two-thirds of the members. 8. Church Members' Meetings The Scripture shows that these meetings served the following purposes:
The church members' meeting is therefore a vital part of the functioning of the church and members are urged to attend. It is not an opportunity for general discussion of minor business, which is the responsibility of the elders and deacons, but rather an occasion for dealing with the significant matters of church life. 8.1. Arrangements for Church Members' Meetings The elders are responsible for organising regular church members' meetings which will normally be held three times a year; one of which will be the Annual Meeting of the church. Other meetings may be called as required. The date of each meeting will be announced to the church at least two weeks beforehand, wherever possible. Where a decision of the church is being sought, the item will normally be notified to members on an agenda or by personal letter circulated prior to the meeting. 8.2. Content of Church Members' Meetings Aspects of the work, determined by the elders, will be reviewed. In addition, the financial affairs of the church will normally be discussed. Items of other business will normally only be accepted if notified to any elder at least seven days in advance of the meeting. At the Annual Meeting the progress of the work will be reviewed and the church will look forward to the work the Lord is calling it to do in the future. The church treasurer will present accounts which must have been independently examined or audited. 8.3. Conduct of Church Members' Meeting The meetings will normally be chaired by an elder and are to be spiritual occasions which should be orderly and conducted in an atmosphere of prayer, love and mutual trust. Minutes of meetings will be recorded, distributed normally within two weeks and approved at the following church members' meeting. The minute book will be kept by the elders but will be available for inspection by any church member. When decisions are to be made by the church the object is to discover the mind of Christ. The Members are reminded that some items of church business are confidential and that major matters should not be mentioned indiscriminately to non-members. In particular, details relating to church disciplinary procedures should be regarded as strictly confidential. 9. Legal ObjectivesThe Church is formed for charitable purposes in connection with the advancement of the Christian Religion and the relief of poverty and suffering, in accordance with its Constitution. 10. Amendments to the ConstitutionThis Constitution may only be amended at a church members' meeting and any changes must receive the support of at least two thirds of the total membership of the church. The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches Basis of Faith 1. God There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in his holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator, Saviour and Judge who sustains and governs all things according to his 2. The Bible God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice. 3. The Human Race All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of the fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him. 4. The Lord Jesus Christ The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. On the cross he died in the place of sinners, bearing God's punishment for their sin, redeeming them by his blood. He rose from the dead and in his resurrection body ascended into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for his people in the presence of the Father. 5. Salvation Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life. 6. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission. 7. The Church The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for pastoral care and for discipline, and for evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel. 8. Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into his church but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord's Supper is a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice offered once for all and involves no change in the bread and wine. All its blessings are received by faith. 9. The Future The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.
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