our constitution
Our foundation of faith and church governance, rooted in God’s Word.
As amended on February 9, 2025
Article I: Name and Incorporation:
The name of this organization shall be CORNERSTONE BIBLE CHURCH. This church shall be incorporated
under the laws of the State of Ohio, and its stated purpose is to provide a place of worship for its members, to
receive and disburse gifts and bequests, and to do all things necessary or incidental to carrying on such
purposes.
Article II: Purpose of Constitution:
1. To provide a legal framework for the existence and governing of Cornerstone Bible Church.
2. To provide a procedure for adding and removing members of the church
3. To provide a procedure for selection of Pastors and Elders.
Article III: Authority:
This church shall be subject to the direction of Jesus Christ as His will is expressed in the Bible. A Board of
Elders shall be the governing body of the church in seeking and interpreting the desire of the Lord for the
congregation. The elders shall be diligent in serving and communicating with the membership and shall be
sensitive to the needs and desires of the church body.
Article I: Name and Incorporation:
The name of this organization shall be CORNERSTONE BIBLE CHURCH. This church shall be incorporated
under the laws of the State of Ohio, and its stated purpose is to provide a place of worship for its members, to
receive and disburse gifts and bequests, and to do all things necessary or incidental to carrying on such
purposes.
Article II: Purpose of Constitution:
1. To provide a legal framework for the existence and governing of Cornerstone Bible Church.
2. To provide a procedure for adding and removing members of the church
3. To provide a procedure for selection of Pastors and Elders.
Article III: Authority:
This church shall be subject to the direction of Jesus Christ as His will is expressed in the Bible. A Board of
Elders shall be the governing body of the church in seeking and interpreting the desire of the Lord for the
congregation. The elders shall be diligent in serving and communicating with the membership and shall be
sensitive to the needs and desires of the church body.
Article IV: Doctrinal Statement:
1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in essence and having the same attributes, while distinct in
personality and function. (Deuteronomy 6:4,5; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Genesis 1:1;
Hebrews 11:3)
2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (66 books) to be the inspired Word of God,
inerrant, infallible and complete in the original writings, and the supreme and final authority for faith
and life. (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
3. We believe in Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin
Mary, and is true God and true man. (John 1:1,14; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 1:2,3)
4. We believe in the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. By His
gracious working the believer is born again into God’s Kingdom, indwelt, and empowered for holy living and fruitful service. He distributes gifts to build-up and equip the Church for ministry. (John
3:5; 16:8; Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 4:11-12; 5:18).
5. We believe that all human beings are created in God’s image and designed to walk in fellowship with
Him. Yet every person is a sinner by nature and by choice thereby incurring both physical and spiritual
death. (Genesis 1:26,27; 3:1-6; Romans 5:12,19; 3:23; 6:23)
6. We believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross as the perfect sacrifice for sins, taking our penalty upon
Himself. Christ rose from the dead bodily and ascended into heaven where He now reigns as Lord and
intercedes for His people. (Isaiah 53:4-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Hebrews 10:10,25; Philippians
2:6-11; Romans 8:1)
7. We believe that a Christian is one who acknowledges and turns away from his/her sin, trusts Christ for
forgiveness, and by faith receives Jesus as personal Savior and Lord. To know Christ in this way is to
become God’s child and have the assurance of eternal life. (Mark 1:l4,15; John 1:12; 3:16; 1 John 1:9;
5:11,12)
8. We believe in the “blessed hope,” which is the personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:30,44; Acts 1:11)
9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the Christian and the non-Christian, the eternal conscious
suffering of the lost in hell, and the eternal blessed fellowship of the saved in heaven. (I Corinthians
15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Hebrews 9:27)
10. We believe that Satan is the primary enemy of God, His work, and His people. Nevertheless, the devil
is a defeated foe destined for eternal destruction in the lake of fire. (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, 1
Peter 5:8,9; James 4:7; Revelation 20:10)
11. We believe in the Church, the Body of Christ, whose mission is to make disciples of all nations,
faithfully preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order that believers may have life in
His name. Through the ministry of the local church God intends that every believer be strengthened in
the faith and equipped for works of service. (Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:11,12,16; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke
24:47)
12. We believe that Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the Church: water baptism and the
Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) 13. We believe that God instituted marriage and ordained it to be between one man and one woman for
life (Genesis 2:18–25; Ephesians 5:22–33).
Article V: Membership:
Section 1: Eligibility
Candidates who are willing to (1) Make a confession of saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Accept the
Doctrinal Statement; (3) Abide by the Statement of Commitment; and (4) Abide by the constitution of this
church, shall be nominated for membership by the elders. After completing the membership application, each
person shall meet with at least two elders for the purpose of hearing their commitment to Christ. Upon
approval of the elders, their candidacy for membership shall be communicated to the church two weeks before
they are brought forward for membership. These two weeks are for congregational feedback concerning their
acceptance into membership. Upon elder approval, based on the feedback, they shall be received into
membership at any normal worship service.
1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in essence and having the same attributes, while distinct in
personality and function. (Deuteronomy 6:4,5; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Genesis 1:1;
Hebrews 11:3)
2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (66 books) to be the inspired Word of God,
inerrant, infallible and complete in the original writings, and the supreme and final authority for faith
and life. (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
3. We believe in Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin
Mary, and is true God and true man. (John 1:1,14; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 1:2,3)
4. We believe in the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. By His
gracious working the believer is born again into God’s Kingdom, indwelt, and empowered for holy living and fruitful service. He distributes gifts to build-up and equip the Church for ministry. (John
3:5; 16:8; Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 1:15; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 4:11-12; 5:18).
5. We believe that all human beings are created in God’s image and designed to walk in fellowship with
Him. Yet every person is a sinner by nature and by choice thereby incurring both physical and spiritual
death. (Genesis 1:26,27; 3:1-6; Romans 5:12,19; 3:23; 6:23)
6. We believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross as the perfect sacrifice for sins, taking our penalty upon
Himself. Christ rose from the dead bodily and ascended into heaven where He now reigns as Lord and
intercedes for His people. (Isaiah 53:4-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Hebrews 10:10,25; Philippians
2:6-11; Romans 8:1)
7. We believe that a Christian is one who acknowledges and turns away from his/her sin, trusts Christ for
forgiveness, and by faith receives Jesus as personal Savior and Lord. To know Christ in this way is to
become God’s child and have the assurance of eternal life. (Mark 1:l4,15; John 1:12; 3:16; 1 John 1:9;
5:11,12)
8. We believe in the “blessed hope,” which is the personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:30,44; Acts 1:11)
9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the Christian and the non-Christian, the eternal conscious
suffering of the lost in hell, and the eternal blessed fellowship of the saved in heaven. (I Corinthians
15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Hebrews 9:27)
10. We believe that Satan is the primary enemy of God, His work, and His people. Nevertheless, the devil
is a defeated foe destined for eternal destruction in the lake of fire. (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, 1
Peter 5:8,9; James 4:7; Revelation 20:10)
11. We believe in the Church, the Body of Christ, whose mission is to make disciples of all nations,
faithfully preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order that believers may have life in
His name. Through the ministry of the local church God intends that every believer be strengthened in
the faith and equipped for works of service. (Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:11,12,16; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke
24:47)
12. We believe that Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the Church: water baptism and the
Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) 13. We believe that God instituted marriage and ordained it to be between one man and one woman for
life (Genesis 2:18–25; Ephesians 5:22–33).
Article V: Membership:
Section 1: Eligibility
Candidates who are willing to (1) Make a confession of saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Accept the
Doctrinal Statement; (3) Abide by the Statement of Commitment; and (4) Abide by the constitution of this
church, shall be nominated for membership by the elders. After completing the membership application, each
person shall meet with at least two elders for the purpose of hearing their commitment to Christ. Upon
approval of the elders, their candidacy for membership shall be communicated to the church two weeks before
they are brought forward for membership. These two weeks are for congregational feedback concerning their
acceptance into membership. Upon elder approval, based on the feedback, they shall be received into
membership at any normal worship service.
Section 2: Responsibilities
Church members who are 18 years and older have voting privileges. Additional responsibilities of church
members are summarized in the following Membership Statement of Commitment:
Having received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I do now in the presence of God and this church
joyfully commit myself to one another in the Body of Christ. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, it is my desire . . .
A. To seek the unity of the Spirit in all things by avoiding gossip and other sins of the tongue (Eph. 4:3);
B. To resolve conflict biblically according to Matthew 18:15–17;
C. To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and to
seek forgiveness (Eph. 4:32);
D. To encourage and pray with and for one another, sharing my burdens, sorrows, and joys; and bearing
others burdens, sorrows, and joys (Rom. 12:15; Jas. 5:16);
E. To honor and pray for the church leadership God has established, and to share my praises and concerns
with them (1 Thess. 5:12–13; Heb. 13:17);
F . To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer (1 Pet. 2:1–2; Matt. 6:9–15);
G. To use my spiritual gifts for the edification of the church (1 Pet. 4:10–11);
H. To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the church (2 Cor. 9:6–15);
I. To bring up my children, as may be entrusted in my care, in the way of the Lord (Eph. 6:2–4);
J. To not forsake the assembly of myself together with other believers at Cornerstone Bible Church (Heb.
10:24– 25);
K. To endeavor by example and by prayer, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the unsaved (Acts 1:8);
L. To purpose that when I remove myself from this place, I will as soon as possible, unite with some other church
where I can carry out the spirit of this Statement of Commitment and the principles of God’ s Word.
Section 3: Discipline
The purpose of church discipline is to restore a member who errs to a Biblical standard of conduct and doctrine
(Galatians 6:1); to maintain purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6); and to deter sin (1 Timothy 5:20).
Any member of Cornerstone Bible Church who teaches or insists on holding false doctrine, and/or who
persists in disturbing the unity or peace of the church shall be disciplined by the church accordingly. Scriptural
guidelines establish sequential steps, which should be followed progressively until repentance and restoration
occur (Matthew 18:15–18).
1. It is the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or sin
to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his/her repentance and restoration
(Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3) and if he/she appropriately responds, forgiveness should be granted. If
the erring individual does not heed this warning, then . . .
2. The warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his/her repentance, but
accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to
occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent
(Matthew 18:16). If he/she appropriately responds, forgiveness should be granted. But if the erring
individual still refuses to heed this warning, then . . .
3. It shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders. If the Board of Elders determines after
thorough and prayerful investigation confirming the heresy or sin with the individual and the lack of
appropriate repentance after confronted, the Board of Elders shall inform the congregation of the
church thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring
individual to repentance (Matthew 18:17). If he/she appropriately responds, forgiveness should be
granted. But if the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to
repentance, then . . .
4. The board of elders shall inform the congregation of the church at a regularly scheduled worship
service that the erring member shall be dismissed from the church membership pursuant to the
Scriptures and treated as an unbeliever (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13).
The members of this church agree that there shall be no appeal to any court (1 Corinthians 6:1–8) because of
the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third and fourth stages of church
discipline. It is clearly understood that the discipline process will continue to conclusion even if the erring
member leaves the church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership.
If the erring individual, after any such warnings or dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and
requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders, then he/she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties,
privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership (2 Corinthians 2:5–11).
Section 4: Termination
Membership shall be terminated for any of the following reasons:
1. By physical death.
2. By Request. Based on a written request, the elders may remove a member in good standing from the
membership of the church. Termination of their membership will be effective upon the formal written
response by the elders. This method of termination shall not be used as a way to avoid corrective
discipline of the church, which is outlined in Article V , Section 3.
3. By Inactivity. Termination by inactivity will be effective upon the completion of one year of
non-attendance at the public meetings of the congregation. After six months of non-attendance, the
individual may be placed on an inactive, non-voting membership list and will be notified of that
action.
4. By Dismissal. As part of the final step of church discipline, the elders may remove a person from
membership at any regular business meeting.
Article VI: Elders:
The government of the church, the conduct of its business, the supervision of its general work, its
organizations, and its spiritual life, shall, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, be vested in a plurality of
elders.
Section 1: Qualification
Elders shall be nominated from the church membership on the basis of their spiritual qualifications as
described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. They are to be godly men who adhere to the doctrinal statement
of Cornerstone Bible Church and whose faith and ability to serve have been examined and approved by the
church body, as further described in section 3.
Section 2: Official Duties
The duties of the elders shall be . . .
1. To teach and exhort in sound doctrine as well as to refute those who contradict the truth of God (Acts
6:4; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9; Acts 20:28–31)
2. To be devoted to prayer (Acts 6:4)
3. To lead by Christ-like example (1 Timothy 4:6–16; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3;
4. To shepherd the body of Christ at Cornerstone Bible Church (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–3)
Section 3: Nominations, Elections, & Terms Nominations for new elders may be submitted by church members to the elders no later than four weeks prior to the election of new elders. The list of elder-approved nominations will be submitted to the congregation two
weeks before the business meeting at which the election is to be made. They will be elected to eldership by a
two-thirds vote of the members at Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business meeting having a quorum.
There will be no term stipulations for elders.
The elder:
1. Will be considered active as long as he feels he can fulfill the duties as described under Section 2.
2. Will be considered inactive if, at his own discretion or the advise of the other elders, he feels he cannot
fulfill the duties described under section 2. The details of this in-active status will be worked out
between the man and the rest of the elders.
3. Will be reaffirmed every four years in his role as elder by a two-thirds vote of the members of
Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business meeting having a quorum. (Any pastoral staff will
not be subject to reaffirmation every four years, but will continue to serve as an elder as he is able to
do so).
A chairman and a vice chairman of the Board of Elders shall be elected by the elders at their first meeting after
the annual meeting. The chairman shall be a board member other than a pastor.
The Board of Elders shall consist of as many as are gifted and called by the Holy Spirit at Cornerstone Bible
Church.
Section 4: Lead Pastor
We recognize within the elders, there will be those designated as pastoral staff (1 Timothy 5:17), with one
being designated as the Lead Pastor.
When the lead pastorate is vacant, the Board of Elders may serve as or appoint a search committee to pursue a
suitable pastoral candidate. The candidate must gain two-thirds approval from the elders before being
recommended to the congregation.
The pastoral candidate for lead pastor shall be elected by a two-thirds of the membership present at a business
meeting having a quorum. His tenure shall be for an indefinite period of time, subject to his ability and
availability to serve. In the event the lead pastor is unable to carry out regular assignments, he may, at the
discretion of the other elders, be required to step down from service for a period of time, until he is able to
once again fulfill his calling.
Section 5: Other Pastoral Staff
When any other Pastor’s position is vacant and/or deemed necessary by the elders, the Board of Elders shall
nominate an individual for the position, and he shall be elected by a two-thirds vote of the membership present
at a business meeting having a quorum. This also includes any interim pastoral position deemed necessary by
the elders.
Any other non-pastoral staff positions are at the discretion of the elders.
Section 6: Dismissal of Elders Any elder, including the lead pastor or other pastoral staff, may be removed from their position for any of the
following reasons:
1. Resignation of their position as the Lord moves them to do so.
2. Disqualification because of sin. Any elder, including the lead pastor or any other pastoral staff, may be
removed from office, based upon the decision by the other remaining elders, at any time, based upon
moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:1–6; Titus 1:7–9). The elders are
subject to the same process of church discipline as described in Article 5, Section 3:
3. Failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of being an elder. After much prayer and discernment, an
elder may be removed from office by the other remaining elders if they feel he is not capable of
fulfilling the responsibilities of being an elder.
Article VII: Deacons:
In agreement with the meaning of the word “deacon” (Greek: diakonos) and the enactment of the office in the
New Testament churches, deacons are ordained servants of Christ, providing assistance to the Elder Board
(Acts 6:1-6). The deacons discharge various responsibilities and contribute to ministries designed to provide
care and bring unity among the body of believers, which allows the elders to focus on prayer, ministering of
God’s Word, and governing the congregation.
Section 1: Qualifications
Deacons shall be selected from church members who: are godly men, agree with the doctrinal statement of
Cornerstone Bible Church, have been members for a minimum of one year, and meet the criteria outlined in 1
Timothy 3:8–12.
Section 2: Official Duties
The duties of the deacons shall be any responsibilities delegated to them by the elders, that allow the elders to
focus on their God-given calling of shepherding, teaching, and praying for the congregation of Cornerstone
Bible Church (Acts 6:1-6). These duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Care for the widows, sick, elderly, or needy.
2. Care and distribution of benevolence funds.
3. Care for the church building and grounds.
4. Assist the elders with tasks as assigned.
Section 3: Nominations, Elections, & Terms Nominations for new deacons may be submitted by church members to the elders no later than four weeks
prior to the election of new deacons. The list of elder-approved nominations will be submitted to the
congregation two weeks before the business meeting at which the election is to be held. They will be elected to
the deacon board by a two-thirds vote of the members at Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business
meeting having a quorum. There will be no term stipulations for deacons.
The deacon:
1. Will be considered active as long as he feels he can fulfill the duties as described under Section 2.
2. Will be considered inactive if, at his own discretion or the advise of the other deacons and elders, he
feels he cannot fulfill the duties described under section 2. The details of this in-active status will be
worked out between the man and the rest of the deacons, with oversight by the elders.
3. Will be reaffirmed every 4 years in his role as deacon by a two-thirds vote of the members of
Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business meeting having a quorum.
A chairman of the Board of Deacons shall be elected by the deacons at their first meeting after the annual
meeting.
Section 4: Dismissal of Deacons
Any deacon may be removed from their position for any of the following reasons:
1. Resignation of their position as the Lord moves them to do so.
2. Disqualification because of sin. Any deacon may be removed from office upon the decision by the
elders (or recommendation of the remaining deacons, with approval by the elders) at any time, based
upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:8-12). The deacons are subject to
the same process of church discipline as described in Article 5, Section 3.
3. Failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of being a deacon. After much prayer and discernment,
any Deacon may be removed from office by the elders (or recommendation of the remaining deacons,
with approval by the elders) if they feel he is not capable of fulfilling the official duties of being a
deacon.
Article VIII : Business Meetings:
Section 1: Types of Meetings
An annual business meeting must be called by the Board of Elders during the month of February. A notice of
this meeting and agenda must be distributed by the Board of Elders to all members at least two weeks prior to
the meeting. The chairman of the Board or his designee shall chair all business meetings. Other meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Elders at its own volition or at the written request of
25% of the membership. If elders are being elected, two weeks notice is required.
Section 2: Quorum
At any business meeting, a majority of elders must be present as well as 50% of the voting membership.
Article IX : Amendments to the Constitution:
This Constitution, with the exception of the Doctrinal Statement, may be amended at a business meeting by a
2/3 vote of the total active membership. The Doctrinal Statement may be amended by an 80% vote of the total
membership. Notice of the proposed amendment must be distributed by the Board of Elders to all members at
least 30 days prior to the business meeting.
Article X : Settlement of Disputes:
In any dispute arising between church members or leadership pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching, the
shepherding of the church, and/or practices or policies related to its government, this dispute shall be resolved
by the Board of Elders or an independent Third Party committee selected solely for the purpose of resolving
the dispute. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration of the concerns of the parties and issues
involved, in a spirit of humility, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (I Corinthians
6:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-3).
In case of division of the church caused by conflict (from which we pray God by His mercy to preserve us), all
property and assets of the church shall belong to those who abide by its Constitution.
Article XI : Miscellaneous:
All matters not covered by this Constitution shall be the responsibility of the Board of Elders.
Article XII : Dissolution:
The elders may upon prayerful consideration and a unanimous decision, dissolve the work of the ministry of
Cornerstone Bible Church at any time deemed appropriate, sensible, and/or necessary.
Upon dissolution of this church organization, the elders shall cause the property and all assets herein to be
sold, either through private or public sale. From the proceeds, firstly all current and long-term obligations of
the church shall be paid. Secondly, all remaining funds shall be directed to such one or more Christian
organizations, the benefit of the church’s supported missionaries, and/or such other Christian endeavors as the
elders shall determine.
Church members who are 18 years and older have voting privileges. Additional responsibilities of church
members are summarized in the following Membership Statement of Commitment:
Having received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I do now in the presence of God and this church
joyfully commit myself to one another in the Body of Christ. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, it is my desire . . .
A. To seek the unity of the Spirit in all things by avoiding gossip and other sins of the tongue (Eph. 4:3);
B. To resolve conflict biblically according to Matthew 18:15–17;
C. To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and to
seek forgiveness (Eph. 4:32);
D. To encourage and pray with and for one another, sharing my burdens, sorrows, and joys; and bearing
others burdens, sorrows, and joys (Rom. 12:15; Jas. 5:16);
E. To honor and pray for the church leadership God has established, and to share my praises and concerns
with them (1 Thess. 5:12–13; Heb. 13:17);
F . To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer (1 Pet. 2:1–2; Matt. 6:9–15);
G. To use my spiritual gifts for the edification of the church (1 Pet. 4:10–11);
H. To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the church (2 Cor. 9:6–15);
I. To bring up my children, as may be entrusted in my care, in the way of the Lord (Eph. 6:2–4);
J. To not forsake the assembly of myself together with other believers at Cornerstone Bible Church (Heb.
10:24– 25);
K. To endeavor by example and by prayer, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the unsaved (Acts 1:8);
L. To purpose that when I remove myself from this place, I will as soon as possible, unite with some other church
where I can carry out the spirit of this Statement of Commitment and the principles of God’ s Word.
Section 3: Discipline
The purpose of church discipline is to restore a member who errs to a Biblical standard of conduct and doctrine
(Galatians 6:1); to maintain purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6); and to deter sin (1 Timothy 5:20).
Any member of Cornerstone Bible Church who teaches or insists on holding false doctrine, and/or who
persists in disturbing the unity or peace of the church shall be disciplined by the church accordingly. Scriptural
guidelines establish sequential steps, which should be followed progressively until repentance and restoration
occur (Matthew 18:15–18).
1. It is the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or sin
to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his/her repentance and restoration
(Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3) and if he/she appropriately responds, forgiveness should be granted. If
the erring individual does not heed this warning, then . . .
2. The warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his/her repentance, but
accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to
occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent
(Matthew 18:16). If he/she appropriately responds, forgiveness should be granted. But if the erring
individual still refuses to heed this warning, then . . .
3. It shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders. If the Board of Elders determines after
thorough and prayerful investigation confirming the heresy or sin with the individual and the lack of
appropriate repentance after confronted, the Board of Elders shall inform the congregation of the
church thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring
individual to repentance (Matthew 18:17). If he/she appropriately responds, forgiveness should be
granted. But if the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to
repentance, then . . .
4. The board of elders shall inform the congregation of the church at a regularly scheduled worship
service that the erring member shall be dismissed from the church membership pursuant to the
Scriptures and treated as an unbeliever (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13).
The members of this church agree that there shall be no appeal to any court (1 Corinthians 6:1–8) because of
the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third and fourth stages of church
discipline. It is clearly understood that the discipline process will continue to conclusion even if the erring
member leaves the church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership.
If the erring individual, after any such warnings or dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and
requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders, then he/she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties,
privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership (2 Corinthians 2:5–11).
Section 4: Termination
Membership shall be terminated for any of the following reasons:
1. By physical death.
2. By Request. Based on a written request, the elders may remove a member in good standing from the
membership of the church. Termination of their membership will be effective upon the formal written
response by the elders. This method of termination shall not be used as a way to avoid corrective
discipline of the church, which is outlined in Article V , Section 3.
3. By Inactivity. Termination by inactivity will be effective upon the completion of one year of
non-attendance at the public meetings of the congregation. After six months of non-attendance, the
individual may be placed on an inactive, non-voting membership list and will be notified of that
action.
4. By Dismissal. As part of the final step of church discipline, the elders may remove a person from
membership at any regular business meeting.
Article VI: Elders:
The government of the church, the conduct of its business, the supervision of its general work, its
organizations, and its spiritual life, shall, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, be vested in a plurality of
elders.
Section 1: Qualification
Elders shall be nominated from the church membership on the basis of their spiritual qualifications as
described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. They are to be godly men who adhere to the doctrinal statement
of Cornerstone Bible Church and whose faith and ability to serve have been examined and approved by the
church body, as further described in section 3.
Section 2: Official Duties
The duties of the elders shall be . . .
1. To teach and exhort in sound doctrine as well as to refute those who contradict the truth of God (Acts
6:4; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9; Acts 20:28–31)
2. To be devoted to prayer (Acts 6:4)
3. To lead by Christ-like example (1 Timothy 4:6–16; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3;
4. To shepherd the body of Christ at Cornerstone Bible Church (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–3)
Section 3: Nominations, Elections, & Terms Nominations for new elders may be submitted by church members to the elders no later than four weeks prior to the election of new elders. The list of elder-approved nominations will be submitted to the congregation two
weeks before the business meeting at which the election is to be made. They will be elected to eldership by a
two-thirds vote of the members at Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business meeting having a quorum.
There will be no term stipulations for elders.
The elder:
1. Will be considered active as long as he feels he can fulfill the duties as described under Section 2.
2. Will be considered inactive if, at his own discretion or the advise of the other elders, he feels he cannot
fulfill the duties described under section 2. The details of this in-active status will be worked out
between the man and the rest of the elders.
3. Will be reaffirmed every four years in his role as elder by a two-thirds vote of the members of
Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business meeting having a quorum. (Any pastoral staff will
not be subject to reaffirmation every four years, but will continue to serve as an elder as he is able to
do so).
A chairman and a vice chairman of the Board of Elders shall be elected by the elders at their first meeting after
the annual meeting. The chairman shall be a board member other than a pastor.
The Board of Elders shall consist of as many as are gifted and called by the Holy Spirit at Cornerstone Bible
Church.
Section 4: Lead Pastor
We recognize within the elders, there will be those designated as pastoral staff (1 Timothy 5:17), with one
being designated as the Lead Pastor.
When the lead pastorate is vacant, the Board of Elders may serve as or appoint a search committee to pursue a
suitable pastoral candidate. The candidate must gain two-thirds approval from the elders before being
recommended to the congregation.
The pastoral candidate for lead pastor shall be elected by a two-thirds of the membership present at a business
meeting having a quorum. His tenure shall be for an indefinite period of time, subject to his ability and
availability to serve. In the event the lead pastor is unable to carry out regular assignments, he may, at the
discretion of the other elders, be required to step down from service for a period of time, until he is able to
once again fulfill his calling.
Section 5: Other Pastoral Staff
When any other Pastor’s position is vacant and/or deemed necessary by the elders, the Board of Elders shall
nominate an individual for the position, and he shall be elected by a two-thirds vote of the membership present
at a business meeting having a quorum. This also includes any interim pastoral position deemed necessary by
the elders.
Any other non-pastoral staff positions are at the discretion of the elders.
Section 6: Dismissal of Elders Any elder, including the lead pastor or other pastoral staff, may be removed from their position for any of the
following reasons:
1. Resignation of their position as the Lord moves them to do so.
2. Disqualification because of sin. Any elder, including the lead pastor or any other pastoral staff, may be
removed from office, based upon the decision by the other remaining elders, at any time, based upon
moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:1–6; Titus 1:7–9). The elders are
subject to the same process of church discipline as described in Article 5, Section 3:
3. Failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of being an elder. After much prayer and discernment, an
elder may be removed from office by the other remaining elders if they feel he is not capable of
fulfilling the responsibilities of being an elder.
Article VII: Deacons:
In agreement with the meaning of the word “deacon” (Greek: diakonos) and the enactment of the office in the
New Testament churches, deacons are ordained servants of Christ, providing assistance to the Elder Board
(Acts 6:1-6). The deacons discharge various responsibilities and contribute to ministries designed to provide
care and bring unity among the body of believers, which allows the elders to focus on prayer, ministering of
God’s Word, and governing the congregation.
Section 1: Qualifications
Deacons shall be selected from church members who: are godly men, agree with the doctrinal statement of
Cornerstone Bible Church, have been members for a minimum of one year, and meet the criteria outlined in 1
Timothy 3:8–12.
Section 2: Official Duties
The duties of the deacons shall be any responsibilities delegated to them by the elders, that allow the elders to
focus on their God-given calling of shepherding, teaching, and praying for the congregation of Cornerstone
Bible Church (Acts 6:1-6). These duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Care for the widows, sick, elderly, or needy.
2. Care and distribution of benevolence funds.
3. Care for the church building and grounds.
4. Assist the elders with tasks as assigned.
Section 3: Nominations, Elections, & Terms Nominations for new deacons may be submitted by church members to the elders no later than four weeks
prior to the election of new deacons. The list of elder-approved nominations will be submitted to the
congregation two weeks before the business meeting at which the election is to be held. They will be elected to
the deacon board by a two-thirds vote of the members at Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business
meeting having a quorum. There will be no term stipulations for deacons.
The deacon:
1. Will be considered active as long as he feels he can fulfill the duties as described under Section 2.
2. Will be considered inactive if, at his own discretion or the advise of the other deacons and elders, he
feels he cannot fulfill the duties described under section 2. The details of this in-active status will be
worked out between the man and the rest of the deacons, with oversight by the elders.
3. Will be reaffirmed every 4 years in his role as deacon by a two-thirds vote of the members of
Cornerstone Bible Church present at any business meeting having a quorum.
A chairman of the Board of Deacons shall be elected by the deacons at their first meeting after the annual
meeting.
Section 4: Dismissal of Deacons
Any deacon may be removed from their position for any of the following reasons:
1. Resignation of their position as the Lord moves them to do so.
2. Disqualification because of sin. Any deacon may be removed from office upon the decision by the
elders (or recommendation of the remaining deacons, with approval by the elders) at any time, based
upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:8-12). The deacons are subject to
the same process of church discipline as described in Article 5, Section 3.
3. Failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of being a deacon. After much prayer and discernment,
any Deacon may be removed from office by the elders (or recommendation of the remaining deacons,
with approval by the elders) if they feel he is not capable of fulfilling the official duties of being a
deacon.
Article VIII : Business Meetings:
Section 1: Types of Meetings
An annual business meeting must be called by the Board of Elders during the month of February. A notice of
this meeting and agenda must be distributed by the Board of Elders to all members at least two weeks prior to
the meeting. The chairman of the Board or his designee shall chair all business meetings. Other meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Elders at its own volition or at the written request of
25% of the membership. If elders are being elected, two weeks notice is required.
Section 2: Quorum
At any business meeting, a majority of elders must be present as well as 50% of the voting membership.
Article IX : Amendments to the Constitution:
This Constitution, with the exception of the Doctrinal Statement, may be amended at a business meeting by a
2/3 vote of the total active membership. The Doctrinal Statement may be amended by an 80% vote of the total
membership. Notice of the proposed amendment must be distributed by the Board of Elders to all members at
least 30 days prior to the business meeting.
Article X : Settlement of Disputes:
In any dispute arising between church members or leadership pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching, the
shepherding of the church, and/or practices or policies related to its government, this dispute shall be resolved
by the Board of Elders or an independent Third Party committee selected solely for the purpose of resolving
the dispute. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration of the concerns of the parties and issues
involved, in a spirit of humility, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (I Corinthians
6:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-3).
In case of division of the church caused by conflict (from which we pray God by His mercy to preserve us), all
property and assets of the church shall belong to those who abide by its Constitution.
Article XI : Miscellaneous:
All matters not covered by this Constitution shall be the responsibility of the Board of Elders.
Article XII : Dissolution:
The elders may upon prayerful consideration and a unanimous decision, dissolve the work of the ministry of
Cornerstone Bible Church at any time deemed appropriate, sensible, and/or necessary.
Upon dissolution of this church organization, the elders shall cause the property and all assets herein to be
sold, either through private or public sale. From the proceeds, firstly all current and long-term obligations of
the church shall be paid. Secondly, all remaining funds shall be directed to such one or more Christian
organizations, the benefit of the church’s supported missionaries, and/or such other Christian endeavors as the
elders shall determine.