This page contains three documents the constitution, by laws and covenant statement. Use "Top" to return here then go back to Lone Rock church page, other Rocky Mountain Bible Mission churches, or the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission site. CONSTITUTION FOR LONE ROCK BIBLE CHURCH Stevensvllle, Montana Adopted May 4, 1998 ARTICLE I - Name The name of this church shall be "LONE ROCK BIBLE CHURCH". The organization took place on _________________, created and existing under the provisions of the "Montana Non-Profit Corporation Act" as specified in Sections 35-2-101 through 35-2-1203 inclusive, of the Montana Code Annotated (1985). The place where the principle business of said corporation is to be transacted and its offices kept is in Stevensville, Ravalli County, State of Montana. The corporation shall have and maintain in the State of Montana a registered office and a registered agent as required by the Montana Non-Profit Corporation Act.
Lone Rock Bible Church is a body of committed Christians (Eph. 3:21) who, out of obedience to Christ, are dedicated (1) to worship the living God (John 4:23-24); (2) to edify the saints for growth, service and stability (I Cor. 14:12; Eph. 4:11-16); and (3) to evangelize the unbelieving (Matt. 28:18-20: Acts 14:21); these by assembling together (Heb. 10:25), training and commissioning for service (Acts 13:1-3), meeting physical and spiritual needs (Acts 4:32-35) and proclaiming biblical truths locally, regionally and world-wide (Acts 1:5).
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God (II Tim. 3:16), without error in the original writings (II Peter 1:20-21), the compete revelation of His will for the salvation of those who believe, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life (II Peter 1:3-4). We believe in one God, (Deut. 6:4; I Tim. 2:5-6) Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (II Cor. 13:14). We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man (John 1:14; 8:58; Phil. 2:6-8), having been conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35) and born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-33). He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scripture (Rom.3:24-26). Further, He rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven (I Cor. 15.4-8; Acts 1.9), where at the right hand of the Majesty on High (Heb. 1:2-4) He is now the believers High Priest and Advocate (Heb. 8:1). We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ (John14:26), to convict and regenerate the sinner (John 3:5-8; 16:7-11); to indwell (Rom. 8:9), guide (John 16:13), instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and sacrifice. We believe that man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27), but fell into sin and is therefore lost (Rom. 3:23); only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained (Titus 3.5). We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7) and His resurrection (Eph. 2:6) provide the only ground for justification and salvation (Rom. 5:8-11) for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God (John 1:12; 3:3). We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church (Matt. 3:13-17; Acts 8:36-39; I Cor. 11:23-29). They are not, however, to be regarded as means of salvation (Eph. 2:9). We believe that the true Church is composed of all such persons who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and, through a saving faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8) are united together in the body of Christ of which He is Head (Rom 8:9; Col. 1:18). We believe that only those who are thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in this church (Acts 2:37-42; 5:14). We believe in the personal and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thess. 4:13-18). and that this "blessed hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer (1 John 2:28-29; Titus 2:13). We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord (II Cor. 5:8; Rev. 22:3-5); of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment (II Thess. 1:8-9; Rev. 20:11-15).
Section 1. Responsibilities of Members With the understanding that membership in Lone Rock Bible Church signifies a mutual covenant to minister to one another's spiritual needs (Mal. 3:16; Heb. 3:12-14; Gal. 6:1-2; Col. 3:12-17), and that this covenant may be dissolved only by mutual consent, all members are expected and encouraged to participate in the life of Lone Rock Bible Church (Acts 2:42-45). Members are expected to support the work of the church faithfully through prayers (Acts 2:42), financial contribution (Gen. 14:20; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor 9:6-15; Heb. 7:1-10), exercise of spiritual giftedness in gospel ministry (Eph. 4:1-16), honest communication with one another (Rom. 12:5), and performance of benevolent works in the name of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-14); Members are encouraged to communicate to the church board matters the member considers important. In the event of conflict, members agree to avoid litigation with one another, rather, to pursue biblical principles of resolution under the auspices of the church. (Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 6:1-7) Section 2. Reception of Members Persons twelve (12) years or older who desire to unite with Lone Rock Bible Church, who have been baptized since conversion, who have demonstrated evidence of regeneration and a commitment to the ministry of this church, and who embrace the doctrine of this church as outlined in the constitution, shall be visited by at least two elders regarding their experience of salvation and understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the constitution. Upon recommendation by the elder board, new members shall be received upon confession of faith and endorsement of the Lone Rock Bible Church covenant, at any regular or special meeting of the church. (Heb. 10:19-25) Section 3. Status of Members All members who regularly participate in Lone Rock Bible Church life (as per Section 4) shall be considered active members. The elder board shall decide cases in question. Section 4. Departure of Members By letter of transfer Any active member who desires a letter of transfer and recommendation to any other church is entitled to receive it upon request. The name of the church to which membership is to be transferred must be indicated in the request; a letter of transfer shall be sent to said church.. All letters of transfer shall include a request for acknowledgment of the receipt of the letter by the church to whom it is sent, such acknowledgment to terminate membership in Lone Rock Bible Church By termination of membership Any member who conducts himself or herself in a manner, which is deemed contrary to purpose of Lone Rock Bible Church, may be removed from membership by a unanimous vote of the elder board. The elder board shall investigate questionable behavior following the biblical guidelines of Matthew 18:15-17. The elders shall document the alleged offenses and the investigative procedure, with a view toward objective and fair treatment of the problem and a desire for direction, reconciliation and restoration of the member in question to the fellowship of the church body. Complete guidelines for addressing such problems are in the Bylaws, Article II, and "Church Discipline".
Section 1. Standing This church acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ as its only head (Eph. 5:23) and receives the Holy Scriptures as the only infallible guide in matters of faith, church order and discipline (Isa. 8:20; John 8:31; I Tim. 6:3-5), and is amenable to no other ecclesiastical body in matters interfering with church autonomy. As a Rocky Mountain Bible Mission member, Lone Rock Bible Church desires to remain autonomous; any organizational affiliation shall be for purposes of accountability, identification and ministry resource, and will exclude any hierarchical governmental influence. Section 2. Business Administration The business administration of this corporation shall be vested in and exercised primarily by the board (I Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:7, 17,24). These shall have authority to conduct, manage and control the business of the corporation, thus overseeing any and all such actions necessary toward executing the purposes of the corporation (I Pet. 5:1-4). Section 3. Seal The seal of the corporation shall consist of a disc, upon the outer edge of which shall be the words, "Lone Rock Bible Church, Stevensville, Montana," and in the center the words "Corporate Seal".
Section I. Overview The Church Board The affairs of Lone Rock Bible Church shall be managed by its board of elders (I Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 14:21-23). This board of directors may hereinafter be referred to as the "church board" or the "board". The church board shall consist of not less than three (3) elders (Acts 20:17; Phil. 1:1), and shall function as the trustees of the corporation. In the event of having less than three elders, the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission executive board will be asked to provide an interim elder until a sufficient number of elders is available from the congregation. The number of board positions may be modified, but not to less than the above-specified minimum, as determined by unanimous consent of the board. The board must meet as a corporate body on a monthly basis (unless otherwise mutually agreed upon) for the expeditious conduct of church business. Church members are encouraged to attend board meetings to provide input, other than in matters requiring confidentiality. The board will achieve unanimous consent prior to implementation of proposals (Acts 6:5). Plans and decisions deemed to be of special significance by the board may be brought before the congregation for discussion. Officers The officers of the church board shall consist of a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary and a treasurer; and such other officers as the church board may from time to time determine. Officers shall be elected for a one-year term by the church board. Each officer shall hold office until a successor is elected, unless his resignation, removal or death ends the term of the officer. Any two (2) offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of chairman and secretary. Any officer elected or appointed by the board may be removed by majority vote of the board whenever in its judgment the best interest of the church would be served thereby. Chairman The chairman shall exercise a general supervision and direction of the affairs of the church board. He shall preside at all meetings of the church board. He shall be ultimately responsible for the oversight of whatever actions are approved by the board. He shall sign or countersign all instruments that require his signature, and shall make such reports and perform such other duties incidental to his office as required of him by the board Vice-chairman In the absence or disability of the chairman, the vice-chairman shall exercise all his functions. He shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the chairman of the board. Secretary The secretary shall have custody of the corporate seal, issue notices of all meetings of the board, keep the minutes thereof, and of the meetings of the members, in books provided for that purpose, keep a register of the post office address of each member which shall be furnished to the secretary by such member, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and other such duties as from time to time may be assigned by the chairman of the church board. Treasurer Subject to such provisions as may be made from time to time by the board, the treasurer shall have the custody of all monies, funds, securities, contracts, mortgages, deeds of trust, leases and deeds of the corporation and shall keep proper books of account thereof, which books shall, at all times, be open to inspection by each board member. The treasurer shall deposit the monies and securities of the church in such depositories and on such terms and conditions as the board may direct and when so deposited, the treasurer shall not be personally responsible for their safekeeping. The treasurer shall render such reports relating to the monies, funds, securities, investments and fiscal affairs of the church as may be required of him from time to time by the board. He shall sign or countersign checks, stocks, securities, contracts, mortgages, deeds of trust, leases, deeds and other instruments as require his signature, and shall perform all duties incident to his office or that are properly required of him by the church board. He shall not pay out money, invest any funds, transfer or dispose of any securities or any other property, except on the authorization of the board. The treasurer shall give such bond, with such security, as the board from time to time my require; the cost or premium of any such bond shall be the sole cost and expense of the church. Subject to such limitations as the board may impose, the duties of the treasurer may be discharged and his books and records maintained by designated members acting under the direction of an appointed deacon. Advisory Board The church board may invite certain members to attend board meetings on a regular basis. Those so endorsed shall be considered members of the advisory board. Advisory board members do not vote on motions before the board nor are they necessarily included in matters requiring confidentiality. Those who will serve as permanent elders or deacons shall be chosen by the elders from the advisory board. Congregants may also recommend individuals to serve as members of the advisory board. Section 2. Selection and Removal Elder and deacon selection and removal Any member under consideration for Lone Rock Bible Church office must display the following (Titus 1:5-9;I Tim. 3:1-7, 8-13): he must have a Christian testimony that honors the Lord Jesus Christ, the ability to serve in the office for which he is under consideration, a commitment to the teachings of the Word of God, a sense of God's calling to serve, and satisfaction of any Scriptural requirements the office might require. It will be the unanimous decision of the church board that a call be made to a member of the advisory board to join the church board. Length of terms shall be indefinite. A board member's tenure shall be terminated by his personal desire, debilitating circumstances of life, serious breach of Christian character as determined biblically by the board (re Bylaws, Article Ill, "Church Discipline"), or death of the board member. Should an elder or deacon be charged with serious breach of Christian character, that individual's voting privileges will be suspended pending resolution of the issue (I Tim. 5:17-20). Pastoral selection and removal Selection of a pastor shall follow the death, resignation or dismissal of the predecessor. With minimal delay the elder board, as the pastoral search committee, shall oversee the process of candidate search, screening, reviewing and interviewing. Candidates approved by the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission shall receive first consideration. Once the board gains consensus regarding an individual, he shall be presented to the congregation as a candidate for pastor. Upon the continued unanimity of the board, a call to become pastor shall be issued to the candidate. Removal of a pastor shall be by death, resignation or dismissal. Either party shall finalize resignation or dismissal following a ninety (90) day notice, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon. Immediate dismissal may occur when unresolved grievances against the pastor reach sufficient proportions to prompt a unanimous decision of the board. Section 3. Job Descriptions Pastor As primary teaching elder, the pastor of Lone Rock Bible Church must conscientiously and unreservedly endorse the church's doctrinal statement. He is to be a man dedicated to the study and proclamation of the Bible as the Word of God. He shall demonstrate a personable love toward both believers and unbelievers and shall maintain a consistent and meaningful devotional life. As pastor, he will be expected to equip this body of believers toward spiritual growth and development of ministry potential. He is to be devoted to his family and considerate of their needs. He shall willingly submit to accountability to the board. He shall conscientiously minister to the needs of the sick and hurting, and shall have oversight of corporate worship. He and his family shall aptly represent this body before the community. The pastor shall maintain his personal and domestic appearance in keeping with principles of self-discipline and a good reputation. He shall be prepared to administer and oversee outreach ministries and shall be sensitive to opportunities for evangelism. He shall be willing to broaden and refresh himself through participation in conferences and ongoing educational opportunities, and shall exhibit an attitude, which is teachable and sensitive to the will and leading of God with respect both to his personal and professional life. Elders The elders must conscientiously and unreservedly endorse the church's doctrinal statement. They shall have oversight of the spiritual and moral needs and direction of the church. As such, they shall be men who are zealous to cultivate their own spiritual lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, being men of the Word and prayer. They, with the pastor, shall plan and make decisions with regard to all matters of pulpit supply, outreach events, ministry strategy, special services, spiritual discipline and education. They shall assist those who need spiritual guidance. They shall visit the members and friends of the congregation, particularly the sick, destitute and new believers, in order to offer encouragement and discipleship. As examples to the church, elders shall demonstrate leadership in ministry involvement, hospitality and benevolence. They shall be growing in character as New Testament elders as outlined in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Deacons The deacons must conscientiously and unreservedly endorse the church's doctrinal statement. As such, they shall be men who are zealous to cultivate their own spiritual lives as disciples of Jesus Christ being given to the service of the church. Deacons shall supervise the physical dimension of the organization, including oversight Of the budget and maintenance of the building and church property (Acts 6:1-6). Deacons shall be responsible for benevolence spending. Section 4. Auxiliary Personnel The church board may establish auxiliary positions to support the mission of the church. Such positions may include, but are not limited to: associate pastor, Christian education director, vacation Bible school director, foreign missions coordinator, church secretary, and administrative assistant. Auxiliary personnel shall be church members.
Section I. Meetings Devotional meetings Devotional meetings of Lone Rock Bible Church shall minimally include Sunday worship, prayer and Sunday school. In addition, devotional meetings may include Bible study, special musical, missionary, youth, evangelistic, discipleship or prayer groups, which are sanctioned by Lone Rock Bible Church. Annual meeting The annual meeting of the members and friends of Lone Rock Bible Church shall be held the third Sunday of January of each year, or as near this date as possible. At least two (2) weeks' notice shall be given by announcements made in the church bulletin and/or from the pulpit on the two Sundays preceding the annual meeting. Business meetings In addition to the annual meeting, special congregational meetings of the church may be held as determined by the board for the discussion of financial or personnel business of an urgent nature and shall be held prior to amending the constitution or by-laws. Service meetings Lone Rock Bible Church shall seek to accommodate weddings, funerals end varied receptions for members and non-members, based on the discretion and approval of the church board. Use of the church building and property as a community service is also subject to approval of the board on a case-by-case-basis. Ministry philosophy Because the Bible teaches that each believer is gifted by God for service in His kingdom, and that each also is answerable to God to heed the prompting of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Lone Rock Bible Church expects each believer to become involved in some facet of ministry. Every member is urged either to join an existing avenue of outreach or, in sensitivity to God's leading, to explore possibilities for new methods of reaching people with the gospel. The church shall seek to help believers learn their strengths and deploy them appropriately. (Rom. 12:61 Cor. 12:1-11)
Section I. The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper shall be observed with regularity, and as frequently as the elders shall direct. Elders deacons or designated others shall assist the pastor in the administration of this ordinance. (I Cor. 11 :2-29; Matt. 26:2-30) Section 2. Water Baptism The mode of baptism practiced by this church is immersion in water. The pastor and elders shall provide instruction to persons interested in baptism, and shall interview candidates in order to ascertain their readiness to be baptized. A public baptism service will be conducted at a time and place determined by the elders and the candidate(s) (Acts 8:36-39).
This constitution and/or bylaws may be repealed or amended or a new constitution and/or bylaws may be adopted at the discretion of the church board. A copy of any proposed amendments or other changes shall be distributed to the membership.
ARTICLE I - Finances Section I. Fiscal Year The fiscal year of Lone Rock Bible Church shall be from January I to December 31, inclusive. The church board shall, prior to the end of the fiscal year, prepare an annual budget and operate under the guidelines of the budget. Section 2. Purpose Lone Rock Bible Church is religious, charitable and educational in character; therefore, monetary profit is not its purpose. Section 3. Provision The necessary expenses of Lone Rock Bible Church shall be met primarily through voluntary gifts and contributions from individuals interested in the promotion of the purpose of Lone Rock Bible Church Section 4. Use of Finances All earnings from the use of any of the Lone Rock Bible Church property shall be used for the religious, missionary and benevolent purposes of Lone Rock Bible Church. No part of any net earnings from the property of Lone Rock Bible Church shall accrue to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual Section 5. Property The title to all real estate and personal property acquired by purchase, deed transfer, inheritance or other conveyance shall be held in the name of Lone Rock Bible Church. Section 6. Dissolution In the event of dissolution, all assets remaining after payment of debts will be distributed to the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission, and should that organization no longer exist, to any organization in sympathy with the aim and doctrinal statement of Lone Rock Bible Church as determined by unanimous agreement of the church board. Section 7. Audit Lone Rock Bible Church financial records shall be audited as deemed appropriate by the board. Any audit committee shall consist of at least three (3) members and shall not include those actively involved in maintaining the current books. Lone Rock Bible Church financial records shall be open for review.
Section I. Purpose Because Lone Rock Bible Church exists to promote the spiritual growth and well being of its membership, biblical principles affecting the discipline of its constituents shall be applied whenever a member's behavior seriously compromises biblical standards. This practice of church discipline is believed to be in the best interest both of the individual member and the corporate body in that it encourages accountability to one another toward an optimum expression of biblical Christianity. Relevant Scripture addressing such discipline includes Matthew 18:15-20; I Corinthians 5:1-13; Galatians 6:1; 2; Thessalonians 3:1-15 and 1 Timothy 5:19-21. All church disciplinary action shall be conscientiously directed toward the restoration of the offender to the fellowship and his or her reconciliation with the offended person(s). Section 2. Procedure Under the oversight of the elders, Lone Rock Bible Church shall strive to follow Scriptural guidelines in every case that leads to discipline. An observed transgression of biblical behavior shall first be lovingly confronted by the person(s) who witnessed the deviation. The confrontation shall include any clear evidence of wrong behavior as well as relevant biblical principles that have been violated. An invitation to repentance and parameters of accountability shall be proposed. If the invitation is rejected or accountability lapses, the intervention shall be repeated with the inclusion of the elders. If this does not bring about the necessary change(s), the congregation shall be informed of the problem and, if repentance and restoration do not occur, the offender shall be removed officially from the fellowship. Should such an unfortunate measure be necessary, both the church and the offender shall be informed that repentance and restoration remain a desired option. Further, should the removed member seek the sanction of another church, Lone Rock Bible Church must in all good conscience notify that church of the actions taken. (Matt. 15:15-16; Rom. 16:17-20; II Thess. 3:14-15) Section 3. Litigation In obedience to 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, the members of Lone Rock Bible Church agree not to pursue legal action against or sue any pastor, elder, deacon or church staff person. Section 4. Mediation and Arbitration In the event of unresolved differences involving an elder or a deacon, either the church board, the congregation or any member thereof shall have the right to seek mediation and/or arbitration from the Rocky Mountain Bible Mission.
Section 1. Philosophy Lone Rock Bible Church has the privilege and responsibility of providing its members and friends with biblically-based counseling to help them meet the challenges of the Christian life in a way that will bring honor to the Lord Jesus Christ and advance His kingdom. Trusting that the Bible provides complete instruction for Christian faith and practice, counseling will be based upon scriptural principles rather than on those of secular psychology or psychiatry. Section 2. Confidentiality Based on our understanding of Scripture, including the importance of being able to confess our sins freely, the official policy of Lone Rock Bible Church holds that all communications offered to the pastor and/or lay counselors will be of a confidential nature and will not be divulged to others except; (1) when there is a dear indication that a party might otherwise be harmed; or (2) when unrepentant sin necessitates seeking the assistance of others in the church to carry out the instructions of the Bible for church discipline, especially as set forth in Matthew 18:15-20 and 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and having been baptized in the name of the triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) on the profession of our faith in Him, we do solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant with one another in the presence of God and of His witnesses. WE SOLEMNLY COVENANT to join together in Christian love and fellowship, praying for and ministering to each other as fellow members of His Body, helping each other in sickness and in difficulties, comforting each other in sorrow, being sensitive to the hurts and needs of one another, submitting in accountability to those serving in leadership, and mutually building up the Body in knowledge, holiness and godly living. WE SOLEMNLY COVENANT to participate actively in the ministry of this church, finding our specific places of responsibility in the Body and utilizing the spiritual gifts with which God has endowed each of us, and becoming meaningfully involved in the worship work and witness to which God has called us. WE SOLEMNLY COVENANT to strive for the qualitative and quantitative growth and ever-widening missionary outreach of this church in light of the sobering task committed to us in the Great Commission of our Lord to "make disciples of all nations." WE SOLEMNLY COVENANT to maintain personal and family devotions, to recognize Christ as the center of our family life and witness, and to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, so that they in turn will take their individual places of responsibility in the church family. WE FURTHER COVENANT that in the event God leads us elsewhere, we will unite as soon as possible with another church of like faith and practice, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant in keeping with the teaching of God's Word. Name Date |