Preamble
We, the active members of Grace Point Church of Paradise establish and commit ourselves to these following articles of constitution:
Article I
NAME
The name of this Church shall be Grace Point Church of Paradise.
Article II
PURPOSE
Our mission and purpose, rooted in the authority of Jesus Christ and his “great commission”, is to be developing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. This includes seeing people turn from wanderers into followers of Jesus Christ, training up those who follow in the basics of the Christian faith, and then training leaders who will continue to disciple and train others.
Article III
DOCTRINE
This statement of doctrine expresses a summary of our Faith, the essentials of the Gospel, and the basis of our unity in Jesus Christ.
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative, written Word of God.
2. We believe there is one God, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and eternally existent in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3. We believe that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh, at once fully divine and fully human. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His present ministry of intercession, and His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that human beings were created in the image of God but rebelled against God and are therefore fallen, lost, estranged from their creator, and in need of salvation.
5. We believe that only those who, by grace through faith, receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are converted, born again of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God.
6. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who convicts persons of sin, brings them to repentance, enables the Christian to pursue a life characterized by personal holiness and faithful discipleship in obedience to Jesus Christ, and gives "spiritual gifts" to the church which enrich worship, provide for spiritual oversight, and enhance effectiveness in witness.
7. We believe that the church, the "body of Christ," is composed of all those of every nation who through saving faith have entered into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. We further believe that the church is at the very center of God's cosmic purpose, and that He has committed to the church and every member of it the task of making Christ known throughout the world.
8. We believe that local congregations of baptized believers exist to equip the body of Christ through such means as worship, teaching, fellowship and prayer to spread the Gospel of Christ; to extend the influence of the Kingdom of God in the world; and to turn themselves outward to their local communities in evangelistic witness and compassionate service. We further believe that the quality of "body life" among believers in caring congregations is essential for effective evangelism and outreach.
9. We believe that the reality of sin in the human heart results in suffering, injustice, strife, and moral decay in society.
10. We believe that, in Jesus Christ, the way of love and reconciliation is revealed as God's way for His people and that the people of God are called to value the sanctity of human life, alleviate suffering, reject retaliation and personal vengeance, work for peace in all relationships, and to live as responsible stewards of all of God's creation.
11. We believe that God instituted marriage and the family at the beginning of human history. Right sexual union takes place only within the marriage relationship, which is a covenant between one man and one woman for life, and the family formed from such a union is the God-ordained context for the birth and nurture of children.
12. We believe in the resurrection of all people, those who are saved unto the resurrection of everlasting blessedness with the Lord, and those who are lost to eternal separation from God.
13. We believe that, in the fullness of time, God will bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Article IV
MEMBERSHIP
All those who have publicly confessed faith in Jesus Christ, have received believers baptism, have committed themselves: to its stated doctrinal statement, to living a holy life separated from sinful practices, to faithfully attend, participate, and support its services and programs and to submit to its discipline as described in the bylaws, shall be regarded as active members of Grace Point Church of Paradise with its attending privileges and responsibilities.
Article V
GOVERNANCE
Christ as head of the Church (Eph 5:23), exercises his authority in the Scriptures and through Elders which He places as overseers over His flock. A Board of Elders, comprised of men chosen according to the qualifications prescribed (I Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) and affirmed by the congregation, shall serve as leaders of the church. A Board of Deacons, comprised of persons chosen according to the qualifications prescribed (I Tim 3:8-13) and affirmed by the congregation shall serve as helpers to assist the Elders by managing specific functions of church life. Both boards shall be formed and operate in accordance with the specific directions laid out in the bylaws.
Article VI
MEETINGS
At least two member meetings shall be held each year for the conducting of church business in the manner prescribed in the bylaws.
Article VII
AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution are to be jointly proposed by the Board of Elders and the Board of Deacons. They shall be submitted in writing, along with an announcement of the date of a ballot vote, to the voting membership at least three Sundays before the vote is taken. A 75% affirmative vote of the active members who vote shall be required in order to alter this constitution.