With God’s leading, to know Christ, and to make Him known to others. 

We believe:

1. In God, the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit, whose work is to reprove the world of sin, righteousness and of judgement. John 16:8.

1. That the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God given by      Divine inspiration without error and are the perfect rule of faith and practice.
2. In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His      substitutionary death on the cross for our sins, His physical resurrection from the grave, His ascension to the right hand of God where He ever liveth to make intercession for believers; and His personal visible bodily return to the earth at the end of the age.
3. That all men have sinned and that whosoever by faith repents of his sins and      receives the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior is born by the Holy Spirit and thereby becomes a Child of God.
4. In the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the eternal, conscious punishment of those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

We believe the Spirit of God has led us, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. On this profession of our faith, we do now in the presence of God, Angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will:

• Try to walk together in Christian love
• Strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort 
• Promote its spirituality and prosperity
• Sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines 
• Contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of God’s ministry, the expenses of Raymond 6. Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel to all nations.

Further, we promise, God helping, to: 

• Encourage family and secret devotion
• Biblically educate our children
• Seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances
• Walk prudently in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements
• Live to promote the Gospel and the kingdom of our Savior.
• We will watch over one another in brotherly love
• Remember each other in prayer
• Aid each other in sickness and distress
• Cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, and courtesy in speech
• Be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation.

We, moreover, engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

A. Pastor

We believe that Pastors and Deacons (Elders) should strive to meet the standards given by Paul to Timothy (1 Tim 3:2-7 NKJ), “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

1. Contract of Employment -The Pastor and the Community Church of Raymond, shall mutually agree on the Pastoral Contract of Employment. This Contract will be developed as an expression of understanding between Pastor and Church. The Contract shall cover the enumerated “Pastoral Duties” listed below with exceptions as mutually agreed depending on the remuneration received. The Contract shall cover details such as salary, agreed weekly work schedule, additional remuneration, auto and office expense and vacation and other details. For example, the pastor shall receive two weeks vacation with pay, to be taken at his convenience, each year. Additional time away from his normal duties may be agreed upon for outside ministry. The church shall pay the supply speakers during this time.

2. Pastoral Duties- It shall be the duty of the pastor, assisted by the Deacons (elders) to:

A. Preach and conduct the public worship of the church at its services

B. Lead the Mid-week Bible Study and Prayer. He may delegate the Bible Study teaching to a Deacon or other Bible teacher; however, the pastor is expected to attend this service.

C. The pastor is expected to attend the Bible School. A Deacon or other Bible teacher may perform the actual Bible teaching. 

D It is the pastor’s responsibility to keep himself informed of how the teaching is being performed and offer, as did Paul and Timothy, words of encouragement, and if necessary, reproof so that the Word will be taught with the Holy Spirit’s leading.

E. Lead the Members of Raymond Community in outreach ministry so the Gospel can be spread throughout the community; this leading will include training of our members. 

F. Bring devotions at meetings of the Church Board and keep it advised of his plans to grow the work.

G. Administer the ordinances.

H. Promote in every way possible the spiritual welfare of the members and community.

I. The Pastor’s and his family (living at his home) will set an example by their conduct, by regular attendance at all services and their being “on time” at services.

J. The Pastor will officiate at weddings and funerals of the Raymond church family unless, and with the approval of the Deacons, he feels it would not be appropriate. 

K. Perform such other duties as may become incumbent upon him. 

1. The Pastor shall chair a committee to accomplish this charge assisted by the      Deacons, and other members whom he feels are necessary. 
2. The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all other boards and committees.  It is expected that he will attend committee meetings as often as possible and is prudent with his busy schedule. It is the responsibility of each committee chair to notify the pastor of meetings and request his presence as required. Further, each committee chair shall keep the pastor informed of plans.

7. Pastoral Search Process-

a. Advisory Committee- Upon the resignation or dismissal of the pastor, the Church Board shall appoint an Advisory Committee to begin the process of searching out a suitable pastoral replacement. With the assistance of the Church Board, they will establish “search ground rules”; review the “identity” of the Community Church of Raymond, what credentials a new pastor should have, etc. 

b. Pastoral Search Committee- When the process of searching out a suitable pastoral replacement is established, the Advisory Committee shall request the Church Board to activate a Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) to continue the search. This committee shall, using the groundwork established, seek out a suitable pastoral candidate. The PSC will act as the Nominating Committee. 

The PSC must represent a broad cross section of our church, men & women, members & (perhaps) regular attendees who are not members.

As their first order of business, the PSC will elect their chair and secretary.

Use the Guidelines of the Articles of Faith to establish “who” is needed.

Be willing and able to dedicate lots of hours to pray, meet and learn about possible candidates, including checking resumes, references, perhaps go to see/hear candidate in action.

Speed is not the prime goal, but rather getting God’s man for the Community Church of Raymond!

Report only to Advisory Committee and Church Board. 

Be sure PSC has a consensus before acting

Adopt a “Code of Confidentiality”. It is not the general church or community’s business to know whom the PSC is considering, his and his family’s background, etc. until the Church Board is ready to present results to church to recommend calling Pastor.

When God shows the PSC His candidate for Pastor, they will tell the Board. 

1. The pastor shall be called to the service of the church upon the recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee to the Church Board. After approval by a 75% favorable vote the Pastoral Committee’s recommendation shall be presented to the Church Membership for approval (a 75% favorable vote is required). This meeting will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order

2. The pastor shall continue in office until he resigns or until his resignation is requested (7d). The Pastor and this church, shall mutually agree on details of his Contract of Employment, which will be developed mutually, as an expression of understanding.

3. The pastor shall subscribe to the doctrinal statements of faith contained in this Constitution and By-laws.

B. Officers of the Church

The Officers of the Church of Raymond shall consist of: Deacons, Trustees, Church Board Chairman and members, Organist, Church Secretary (Clerk), Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Christian Education Director. 

1. Church Board- The Church Board shall consist of a Chairman and five members, elected at the annual meeting (chairman and two members to be elected each year and three to hold over from the previous year). In addition, it will consist of Christian Education Director, Deacons, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Church Secretary (Clerk), Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Pastor. Its duties shall be to secure a pastor, to confer with the Pastor to make recommendations to the church on all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the church. It is also to take care of general business matters and it can authorize necessary expenditures up to a $1,000 limit.

These meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order.

2. Deacons- The church at its annual business meeting upon the recommendation of the pastor shall elect two to four Deacons. The Deacons shall assist the Pastor in all activities concerning the general spiritual welfare of the church. They shall aid with the ordinances of baptism and assist in the administration of the Lord’s Supper (See Pastoral Responsibilities A 4, 5 above).

3. Trustees- This section is currently under study to ensure it fully conforms to current New York law and our Articles of incorporation. Questions such as “trustees for life” and the requirement that Trustees be active members must be resolved. Until such questions are resolved, the current wording will be operative. “There shall be no less than seven and no more than eleven Trustees, each elected for a life term, or until he or she tenders resignation. Upon death or resignation, the church shall elect another to fill the vacancy, preferably a church member. The present Trustees shall continue in office and it shall be their duty to have charge of the temporal affairs of the church, as required by the laws of the State Of New York.” They shall be authorized to make necessary expenditures for the temporal affairs of the church, not to exceed $2,000 per project. 

4.  Church Secretary - The Church Secretary (Clerk) shall be elected at the annual business meeting, and shall record the minutes of all business meetings, both regular and special, and post notices of all such meetings. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep all church records, and write letters expressing actions of the Church Board, including letters of dismissal to members desiring to change their church affiliation.

5.  Ushers- There shall be two head Ushers elected at the annual meeting. They will choose additional ushers to serve at all services. It shall be the usher’s duty to provide for the comfort and order of the church in all of its services. 

Church Membership

Pastoral Relations- The calling of a pastor is covered in Section “Organization” A 7. The process of ending his term of service are covered in Section “Church Membership B 1.

A. Membership

1. Admission by profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We urge all believers to prayerfully consider following Jesus example and receiving Believers Baptism. 

Persons desiring membership shall indicate that desire to the Pastor, who, with his Committee, shall examine them in all matters relating to faith and Christian living. 

Persons desiring membership shall profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and give evidence in their lives of a change of heart.

Persons desiring membership shall accept the aims and ideals expressed in its Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, by ascribing to them.

Persons desiring membership may be received into the Church on the recommendation of the Pastor and his committee and a 75% favorable vote of the church members present. 

We believe in the ordinance of Believers Baptism, but immersion is not a prerequisite to membership. 

2. Admission by Letter-Current members of churches of like faith may be received into membership upon recommendation of the pastor and Church Board, and presentation of proper letters of transfer from such churches, and acceptance of the ideals and aims of this church as expressed in the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. 

3. Believers, upon their testimony, can be admitted to membership at the age of 12. Such members may not vote or hold office until they are at least 18.

B.  Ending Membership

1. Pastor- Ending the pastoral relationship shall proceed as follows:

Written request shall be made to the Church Board, signed by 10 adult members, representing not less than 5 families.

The Church Board shall confer separately with the pastor and with the signers of the request in that order.

The Church Board shall then call a membership meeting. The Board shall present its recommendations, after full consideration the issue will be brought to a vote by the Church members. A 75% vote by ballot is required to terminate the pastor’s services is required. This meeting will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order

To terminate the pastor’s services to the church at least 60 days notice shall be given by either party, unless otherwise mutually agreed.

2. Member Actions-

By Letter -Any member in good standing, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Church Board shall be granted a letter of transfer to unite with another church of like faith and practice. 

-Any member not in good standing, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Church Board shall be granted a letter of dismissal to unite with another church of like faith and practice. 

3. Church Discipline-

a. Inactive Members- The church Board shall contact members who are not abiding by the Church Covenant as demonstrated by their non-attendance at services and failure to support the work by their actions, urging them to return to active fellowship. If they refuse and fail to return to active fellowship, the Pastor and his committee shall recommend that the membership declare such persons “In-active” and they shall forfeit their rights to vote on matters brought to the membership.

b. Cancellation of Membership-The church membership reserves the right to cancel the membership of such persons who persist in conduct foreign to our Church Covenant and unbecoming to a Christian[1]. Before this action is taken an attempt must be made[2] by the Pastor and his committee to restore such a one to fellowship. The Church Board shall then call a meeting of the members, present its recommendations. This meeting will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order, after full consideration the issue will be voted by the Church members. A 75% vote by written ballot of the church members present shall be required to cancel membership.

General

A.  Meetings

1. All business meetings of the church shall be called by the Church Secretary (Clerk) at the request of the Chairman of the Church Board or the Pastor. These shall be announced two weeks in advance at scheduled services of Raymond Church. All meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order[3].

2. Meetings of the Church Board may be convened without a previous announcement.

B. Quorum

In all business meetings, fifteen voting members[4] or one quarter of the voting membership (whichever is less) of the church shall constitute a quorum, and have full power to make decisions on all church business. Written ballots with two-thirds of the votes in favor is required to approve the action being voted.

Voting for church officers shall require written ballots with two-thirds of the votes in favor is required to approve candidates. If only 1 candidate has been proposed for officers, a motion may be made that the Secretary cast a single ballot to elect each unopposed candidate

C. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the church shall begin the first day of January and end on the 31st day of December.

D. Voting Members

Church members must be in good standing and at least 18 years of age before being allowed to vote in the business meetings of the church.

E. Church Ordinances

1. The Lord’s Supper: This ordinance shall be observed at least 4 times a year at the beginning of each quarter. All true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are urged to participate in this memorial of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, we believe Christians should observe this according to the conditions set forth in 1 Cor. 11:23-32.

2. Believers Baptism: The ordinance of Believers Baptism shall be observed as needed. This ordinance is a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith as believers in the crucified, buried and risen Savior. As believers His shed blood makes us dead to sin, and gives us resurrection to a new life. Therefore, this church admonishes you, if you have not done so, to study the Scriptures, thereby convincing yourself of the joy and peace that will be yours in obedience to God’s Word by being immersed ( Matt. 3:16[5], Col. 2:11-12[6]).

3. Dedication of Children: We believe it right and proper that Christian parents bring their children to the church to be dedicated as a witness that the parents, with God’s help intend to bring them up to know God and His Word so that they will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord at an early age. We urge fellow believers to support the parents in this endeavor [2 Tim 1:5][7]

F. Amendments

These articles may be amended at any properly called business meeting of the church. All meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order[8]. A two-thirds vote of the members present is required. An announcement of the planned meeting must be made two Sundays before the business meeting. Voting shall be by ballot.

[1] Such as Paul warned Timothy of, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” [I Tim 4, NKJ]

[2] Paul instructed Timothy to tell the brethren,”Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear”. [I Tim 5,NKJ]

[3] All meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order[3] as summarized in the publication, “the Meeting Will Come to Order” published by the Michigan Co-op Extension Service.

[4] Subscribing to the Articles of Faith and Covenant printed above.

[5][Matt 3:16 NIV], 13,15,16" Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water."

[6] [ Col 3:11,12[NKJ], “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead."

[7] [2 Tim 1:5 NIV] "have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

[8] All meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s rules of Order[8] as summarized in the publication, “the Meeting Will Come to Order” published by the Michigan Co-op Extension Service.