THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE (Doctrinal Statement of Faith, Short Version) We are believers in the Biblical New Testament, Local, Independent, Fundamental ,Soul-winning, Sin-hating, Holy Living, Men dress as Men, Ladies dress as Ladies, Non-dating, Home-schooling as a Conviction, Church school as a ministry (Optional), Non-prejudice, KJB preaching, teaching, and studying, Pre-Trib, Pre-millenial, Non-tongue speaking, Amening, Conservative Christian Music Listening and Singing, Devil Hating, Non-compromising, Compelling & yet Compassionate, Unaffiliated Biblical New Testament Baptist Church!

THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE (Doctrinal Statement of Faith; Full version & Constitution) CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE FORT DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL Preamble We, the members of the DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL of Calcium, NY, do ordain and establish the following Constitution and By-Laws Article 1 - Church Name This body shall be known as the DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL Article 2- Description We hereby resolve to be an independent, unaffiliated, non-incorporated (non-501c[3]), work led by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Seeking to conform to the New Testament pattern, this body shall be an independent Baptist church, fellowshipping with other Baptist churches of like faith and practice. Article 3 - Purpose This church shall have as its objective: (1) To proclaim the Gospel message and compel people to its personal acceptance; (2) To win the lost throughout the world to Christ; (3) To administer the ordinances of the New Testament Church; (4) To build up the saved in teaching of Scripture through regular services, Sunday School, media, prayer services, Bible study and revival services, Christian schools, including preschool, day school, and Bible college, etc.; (5) To earnestly contend for and never depart from the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.   Article 4 - Authority Realizing that the Lord placed all authority within the hands of the local church, the authority for the conducting of the activities of this church and its ministries is vested in the body of scripturally baptized believers who comprise the active membership (Article V; Section 3) of this local assembly.  Business transactions shall be likewise conducted upon the authority of the church membership and the authority vested in the church leaders by the church body.  The church shall be congregational (democratic) in government and independent of the control of any other ecclesiastical body. Article 5 - Membership Section 1 - Mode of Admission 1. BAPTISM - Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and making a public profession of their faith in Christ, shall upon baptism by immersion in water by the authority of this church, be received into its membership. 2. LETTER - Any person who has been scripturally baptized by another church of like faith may be received by letter of recommendation or transfer from their respective church. 3. STATEMENT - Any person who is a member of another church of like faith, though he cannot for some reason present a letter, may give a statement of his salvation experience and baptism.  If, according to such a person's statement, he is qualified for membership in this church according to the standards of this constitution, he may be received into the active membership of this church. 4.  Under no circumstances will this church receive into its membership persons who may have been immersed by churches contrary to our faith. 5.  Persons from denominations or churches of another faith may be received into our membership after: (1) Examination as to their testimony of salvation; and (2) Baptism by immersion in water by authority of this church. 6. WATCHCARE - These individuals are members of another church yet want to join our church family while they are living short term in our community.  They won't be here long enough to transfer their membership from their church, but want to identify with our church family.  College students and short-term workers and military on short term assignments may use this membership option.  While Watchcare membership allows for all the privileges of fellowship and worship, one may not serve in an elected position of leadership or vote in church business sessions. Section 2 - Withdrawal from Membership 1. Membership in this church shall terminate as follows: a. By granting letters of dismissal to Baptist churches of like faith. b. By erasure: (1) Members who have joined some other church that is not of like faith and order; (2) Members who request that their names be dropped from the membership; (3) Members who are known to be deceased. (4) PARTICIPATION IN UNAUTHORIZED MEETINGS - Any member involved in a secret business meeting with relation to the church, will automatically have his membership terminated - no church vote will be necessary for this action.  Unauthorized letters, petitions or similar devices circulated for the purpose of any church business will fall under this heading and shall be cause for automatic exclusion. 2. Dismissal by letter shall be subject to the following rules: a. Requests must be made in writing to DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL and the name of the church with which the member wishes to unite must be designated. b. Applications shall be acted on, provided the member is in good standing.  If any objections are raised, then the matter shall be referred to the Pastor who shall present in writing any recommendations to the church in the matter. c. All letters shall be sent by mail to the Pastor or membership secretary of the church designated in the application.  Membership shall terminate upon the granting of letters. Section 3 - Membership Rules 1. ACTIVE MEMBERS - All those who show their interest in the church by regular attendance and those who because of sickness or infirmities or job obligations or military duty are unable to attend services shall be classed as active members. 2. INACTIVE MEMBERS - All those who without reasonable excuse do not attend the regular services of the church for a period of three (3) months may be placed on an inactive list.  Any members on the inactive list shall automatically become active members upon their resumption of regular attendance of the church and upon recommendation by the Pastor.  Names on the inactive list shall forfeit all church voting rights for that individual.  Members that do not support the church and its programs financially when it is within their means to do so will be considered inactive members as far as all church voting rights are concerned. Section 4 - Church Discipline The Scriptures state that it is the Church's duty to exercise discipline. God's command to exercise discipline is just as definite as His commands to baptize. The disciplining of members of the church is necessary for the spiritual health and strength of the body. A member who falls into sin should be dealt with according to the procedure given in the scriptures pertinent to their situation. Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-20 As permissible in the scriptures, we will seek to restore those who have been overtaken in a fault, but those who refuse counsel and continue to live contrary to the spirit and letter of the Statement of Faith and New Testament principles of Christian conduct will be dismissed from fellowship of Drum Baptist Chapel. Restoration can only occur when the person gives evidence of genuine repentance and humility. It shall be the duty of the Pastor to see that all rules regarding discipline are observed by the congregation. Titus 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:20; Matthew 18:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 Any member dismissed from fellowship will have none of the rights and privileges of the members in fellowship. Excluded members will be joyfully restored upon confession of their sin and after giving evidence of true repentance and humility. Section 4 - Duties of Members 1. It shall be the duty of each member to honor, to esteem, and to love their Pastor; to pray for him frequently, and to manifest a tender regard for his reputation.  (Psalm 105:15; Hebrews 13:17) 2. All members should bring themselves to the realization that we are a part of the body of Jesus Christ and that in God's sight we are brothers and sisters.  It is therefore our duty to love each other as such, to love and pray for this church as our earthly home, and to strive to honor our Lord in all that we do, say, bearing in mind that we are epistles of Christ, known and read by men. 3.  This church accepts the Biblical method "tithes and offerings" as its plan of finance.  Because our church depends upon the tithes and offerings of our members, we assert our conviction that proportionate giving is a distinct and positive command in the Scriptures and pledge ourselves to a systematic contribution for the support of the church of such a portion of our income as we believe God requires of us according to the principles laid down in 1 Corinthians 16:2; Malachi 3:8-10. 4. It shall be considered the duty of every member to do all that is in their power to win the lost of the community through personal soul-winning and to bring their converts to church with them for baptism and discipleship. Article 6 - Pastor Section 1 Qualifications The Pastor (also called the bishop, overseer and/or elder in Scripture) must fulfill the scriptural qualifications for such duties and leadership responsibilities as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, before being appointed to the position. The qualifications of a pastor are important.  It is important to understand and follow the qualifications in the manner God intended them.  Article 13 outlines the pastoral qualifications as the Scriptures say they must be. Section 2 Tenure The tenure of the Pastor's service in this local church is to be determined by the leadership of the Holy Spirit in his life.  The pastor of this church shall remain so until the time of his death, or voluntary resignation. Action for the termination of a Pastor shall be taken only for the following reasons: 1. Unscriptural teaching - departure from doctrines set forth in the Word of God in accordance with the doctrinal statement of this church. 2.  Immorality or sinful conduct.  Procedure is as follows: If the accusation is proven with two or three witnesses then a majority of the elected Deacons, or Trustees in case of no Deacons, shall announce a special business meeting at least two weeks in advance.  The church will then vote to vacate his office and seek to replace him. Section 3 Leadership The Pastor shall be ex-officio chairman over all committees and ex-officio head of all church organizations and his leadership shall be recognized in every phase of church life.  Nothing may be brought before the church in a meeting without it first going through the Pastor. The Pastor shall act as moderator at all meetings for the church unless such meetings are deemed necessary during the serious illness and absence of the Pastor. The pulpit supply shall be provided at the expense of the church, and shall be selected by the Pastor.  In the event of the Pastor being absent from regularly scheduled meetings of the church, he shall secure a capable speaker to accept the responsibilities of ministering the Word in his absence.  The Pastor shall attend Bible conferences, conventions, and clinics as he feels necessary. It is the duty of the Pastor to preach regularly at the church, or in his absence because of ministry elsewhere, to furnish qualified supply for the pulpit. (Acts 20:28) The Pastor shall faithfully preach and teach the Word of God and shall take oversight of the church in all phases of its work and endeavors.  He shall have the prerogative to bring to this church pulpit such special speakers as he feels will enhance the ministry of the church and will encourage the saints.  All pulpit supply must hold to the doctrinal statement of DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL. The Pastor shall take oversight of the entire ministry of the church and shall appoint all the teachers and associate pastors of this ministry for an indefinite period of time. The Pastor shall select those to direct and take part in the musical program of the church.  There shall be no class parties, programs, auxiliary meetings, etc.  conducted or planned without prior consent from the Pastor, and confirmation via the church planning calendar. The Pastor shall endeavor to lead the church to greater spiritual heights, to use his God-given abilities and wisdom as Pastor to direct the church in an effective and aggressive evangelistic ministry at home and around the world.  The Pastor has a twofold responsibility (1) to the Lord; (2) to the church. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7-17) Section 4 Salary The Pastor shall be furnished a housing allowance with all necessary utilities and upkeep being paid by the church as the church is able to do so.  The church shall pay to the Pastor a salary and such allowances and expenses as agreed upon by the church.  The church shall reevaluate the pastor's salary and allowances no less than once every year.  The church shall pay the expenses of the Pastor in the conduct of his office as it is able.  This shall include house, utilities, ministerial car expenses, and ministerial travel expenses. Article 7 - Deacons Section 1 This Church will have as many deacons as the Pastor deems necessary according to the numerical growth of the church.  The office of deacon shall be filled by scripturally qualified candidates as appointed by the Pastor.  When there is one qualified for this office and there is a vacancy among the deacons, a name may be submitted by any member in good standing to the deacons and Pastor for their approval with the Pastor being the final decision for the appointed position. Section 2 Whenever the church has more than one deacon it shall be a duty of the deacons to meet once a quarter, or as often as the Pastor should call a deacon's meeting.  It shall be a duty of the deacons to care for widows according to Acts 6:1-4, to visit the sick, to prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord's supper, and to cooperate with and relieve the Pastor of any responsibilities which would otherwise take away much of his time from prayer, study, and preaching. Section 3 The trustees shall be composed of the deacons and pastor.  In the event there are no deacons any male member in good standing may be appointed as a trustee by the pastor. The trustees shall provide signatures only in matters concerning legal transactions and church properties.  All property of the church shall be held in the name of the trustees.  They shall have no power to buy, sell, lease or transfer any church property without the specific vote of the church authorizing such action.  They shall have authority to incur normal expenses for the maintenance or protection of the church property.  Should there be times when qualified men are not available, the Pastor and his wife shall assume the role of trustee. Section 4 One must attend DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL at least three months before being considered for the office of a deacon. The length of service of a deacon will be determined by the Pastor. Article 8 - Other Offices Section 1 As the church grows and is able a church membership secretary shall be appointed by the Pastor.  The church membership secretary shall keep a complete record of all the official acts of the church.  The secretary shall keep a register of the names of the members, with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together with the record of baptism.  The secretary  shall issue letters of dismissal by the church and preserve on file all communications and written official reports.  At times when there is not an appointed secretary, the Pastor or the Pastor's wife shall assume these responsibilities. Section 2 As the church grows and is able a financial secretary shall be appointed by the Pastor.  The financial secretary shall receive all monies from the ushers after they have passed the offering plates and counted the money entering the results on the offering form.  There must be at least two people present to count the money and sign to verify the offering form.  The secretary shall keep an accurate account of all such monies received and disbursed them only by the approval of the church budget.  The secretary shall file a monthly and quarterly report of the treasury to the office of treasurer.  Copies will be given to our banker and department heads of church staff and will be made available to all members of the church.  No designated funds shall be diverted from their purpose as outlined by the church budget.  At times when there is not an appointed secretary, the pastor or his wife shall assume these responsibilities.  All financial records of this church will be open for public scrutiny except for individual privacy information kept on individuals giving records. Article 9 - Qualifications of Church Officers and Offices     All church officers shall be a member of DRUM BAPTIST CHAPEL, and they must sign and agree to follow the standards on the Church Workers Standards form before being appointed to any position.   A signed copy of this form will be kept on file for each worker.  Each worker that will deal with children must agree to a background check and this check will remain on file as long as the individual is a worker in the church. ARTICLE 10 - GOVERNMENT Section 1 The church takes and stands for the true Baptist position of government which is the absolute autonomy of the local church.  We believe in the congregational (democratic) rule in business affairs that allows every member an equal voice with the Bible having the final say and the Pastor being the deciding vote.  Therefore, this church shall always be a self-governing body and shall not be subject to any rules, regulations, pressures, etc. of any outside ecclesiastical body, group, or organization.  The majority vote of the active members of this church as laid down in this constitution shall be the determining factor in all decisions to be made as long as they are based on Scripture. Section 2 All properties, buildings, and grounds that are owned by this church shall be governed by the church body.  No ecclesiastical body, group, or organization can have control over the property of this church, nor have any voice in the use or disposition of this property. Article 11 - Church Finance This church accepts the scriptural method of "tithes and offerings" as its plan of finance.  All members will be encouraged to underwrite the church budget by giving at least the Biblical tithe (10% of their income) into the church budget. Whenever possible, it is our belief that the church not borrow money.  However, we do affirm in special circumstances that it may be necessary to borrow money.  Upon approval of the membership, at either a regular or special meeting, the church may borrow money from any individual, corporation, or banking institution and may execute such notes, bonds, or other documents as may be necessary or proper to evidence any such loans, and to secure the payment thereof from time to time, and to pledge and assign to such individual, corporation, banking institution trustee, or other act or acts as may be necessary to properly secure the person, firm, or institution from whom money is borrowed. Article 12- Elections Upon resignation, termination or death of the Pastor, a pulpit committee shall be appointed by the church by election to seek out possible candidates for the office, and their recommendations shall constitute a nomination.  The pulpit committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time.  No election of a Pastor shall take place except at a meeting called for that purpose of which one weeks public notice shall be given.  A simple majority vote by ballot of the members in good standing shall be necessary to an election of a Pastor.  To vote a member must be present with the only exceptions due to military or job deployment, or vacation. Article 13 - Articles of Faith, Doctrinal Statement The provisions of this entire Article are to be considered as fundamental, the basis upon which this church is founded, and none of the provisions of this Article shall ever be amended. THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE (Doctrinal Statement of Faith) Section 1 - The Word of God a) We believe that the Holy Bible is a supernatural Book; that it is the very God-breathed Word; that it is the full, the final, and the complete revelation of God's will to man; that it has God the Holy Spirit for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any admixture of error for its matter; that it was written by holy men of old as they were moved by the Holy Spirit; that it is verbally and plenary inspired and a perfect treasure of holy instruction; and that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and is, therefore, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. b) We believe the King James Version to be the preserved Word of God for the English speaking people, faithful and true to the original autographs (Textus Receptus & Masoretic); that other versions are inferior and flawed, with most being outright intentional perversions of God's Word; that other English versions are totally unnecessary, as the King James is not only faithful, but an absolutely effective conveyance of God's message to English speaking mankind.  We believe that the King James Bible does not just contain the Word of God but is the very Word of God for English speaking peoples. c) We believe that the King James Bible should be used in all English preaching services, in the Sunday School, in all English Christian literature and publications, in all memory work, and in all other places except in the case of showing errors of the other versions; that all the verses in the King James Bible belong in the Old and the New Testaments because they represent words that were in the original Texts; and that, though there might be other renderings from the original languages which could also be acceptable to us today, for an exhaustive study of any of the words or verses in the Bible, the student should return directly to the Traditional Masoretic Hebrew Text and the Traditional Received Greek Text rather than to any other translation for help.  We do believe that the King James Bible is without error and that no other rendering could "better" convey the word of God than it does now.  We believe that all officers and workers in Drum Baptist Chapel and mission endeavors that we support must adhere to this position and only use the KJV in preaching, teaching, and study except in the case to prove errors to others found in the other English versions. d) We believe that the books known as the Apocrypha are not the inspired Word of God in any sense whatsoever.  (Ps. 119:89; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18-19; Jn. 17:17; Jn. 3;32-34; 2 Pet.1:20-21; 1 Pet.1:10-12; Zeph. 1:1; Ps. 19:7-11; Ex. 20:3-17; Ps. 1:2; Jn. 12:48) Section 2 - The True God We believe that there is one, and only one, true and living God; that He is absolute in nature, perfect in attributes, holy in character, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; that He is infinite in wisdom, marvelous in power, and amazing in love; that He is holy, righteous, and true, worthy of all confidence and love; that He unites in Himself the infinite, the eternal, and the Almighty Three - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; that the three persons of the Godhead subsist in the same divine nature, essence and being; and that they are co-existent and co-equal in every divine attribute, each one executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Gen 1:1; Deut 4:39; Mark 12:29; Gen 17:1; Matt 5:48; Isa 6:3; 1 Chron 29:11-12; Ps 103:19; Rom 11:33-34; Matt 19:26; Ps 19:9; Matt 28:19; 1 Pet 1:2-3; 1 John 5:7; Ex 3:14; Gen 1:26; Titus 3:3-7) 1: God the Father  We believe that God the Father is the first person set forth in the Divine Trinity; that He is almighty, merciful, and just; that He is holy, righteous, and true; that He is eternally existent, glorious in nature, possessing the attributes of omnipotence (all powerful), omniscience (all knowing), and omnipresence (all present); and that He, in harmony with His divine office, loves, provides, and protects, thus exercising providential watchcare over the sons of men, and especially a fatherly care over the children of God. (Matt 28:19; Gen 17:1; Matt 19:26; Ps 19:9; Isa 6:3; Ps 100:5; Prov 15:3; Ps 139:1-6, 13-14; Ps 103:13; Matt 6:25-30; Matt 10:29-31; Matt 7:11) 2: God the Son - Virgin Born  We believe that God the Son is the second person set forth in the Divine Trinity; that He is Very God of Very God; that He is almighty, merciful, and just; that He is holy, righteous, and true; that He is eternally existent, glorious in nature, possessing the attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence; that God the Father, through the Holy Spirit, is actually and eternally His divine father, and Mary the Virgin is actually and innocently His human mother; and that He, in harmony with His divine office, mediates, seeks, and saves, thus exercising alone the mediatorial office of redemption. We believe that the two whole, perfect and distinct natures, the Godhead and Manhood, were inseparably joined together in one Person, without conversion, composition, or confusion; that this Person is very God and very Man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man ; that, on the human side, Christ became and remained a perfect man; that He was without sin throughout His life; that He could not sin; that He retained His absolute deity, being at the same time very God and very man; and that His earth life sometimes functioned within the sphere of that which was human and sometimes within the sphere of that which was divine.  His mother Mary remained a virgin until after the Birth of Christ and that she plays no part today in the redemption of man. We believe that the doctrine of the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is of great importance in the Bible; that Christ's Blood has been under attack in centuries past as well as in recent decades by modernist apostates; that Christ's Blood is not a mere figure of speech or "metonym" to be equal to "death"; that Old Testament sacrifices had two distinct parts: (1) the death of the sacrifice; and (2) the application of the blood of the sacrifice; that death was not sufficient, but the blood had to be applied properly; that it is the blood that makes "atonement for the soul"; that Christ's Blood was "shed for the remission of sins"; that Christ's Blood "purchased" the Church; that Christ's Blood was from God, as to its source, hence, it is Divine; that Christ's Blood provides redemption; that Christ's Blood is incorruptible; that Christ's Blood propitiates God the Father; that Christ's Blood justifies us; that Christ's Blood brings us near to God; that Christ's Blood gives us peace; that Christ's Blood provides forgiveness; that Christ's Blood provides reconciliation to God; that Christ's Blood purges the conscience, purifies the heavenly things, cleanses us from all sin, and washes us from our sins; that some of Christ's Blood was taken by Him to heaven and placed on the heavenly mercy seat thus cleansing the heavenly tabernacle; that Christ's Blood is now in heaven as the "Blood of sprinkling"; that Christ's Blood gives us boldness and access to the holiest in heaven; that Christ's Blood makes us perfect in every good work to do His will; and that Christ's Blood overcomes Satan. (Matt. 28:19; John 1:1-3; Isa 9:6; Matt 28:18; Titus 3:5-6; John 8:15-16; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 13:8; Phil 2:6; John 2:24; Matt 28:20; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:7-14; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Luke 19:10; John 3:16) 3: God the Holy Spirit:  We believe that God the Holy Spirit is the third person set forth in the Divine Trinity: that He is almighty, merciful, and just; that He is holy, righteous, and true; that He is eternally existent, glorious in nature, possessing the attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence; that He restrains the world, the flesh and the devil; that He witnesses to the Truth, convicts the lost, extols the Christ, and testifies to the righteous judgments of God; that He, in harmony with His divine office, comforts, teaches, testifies, preaches, guides; regenerates, empowers, sanctifies, and anoints, thus exercising the quickening role in the works of saving the lost and the supervising role in the life of the saved. We believe that some gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings were temporary; that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or the filling of the Spirit; and that the deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection.  We believe the Charismatic Tongues Movement is an unscriptural error relating to God the Holy Spirit and is not of God; that genuine tongues in the New Testament were authentic languages rather than the present ecstatic utterances which are counterfeit and spurious; that the sign gifts such as speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, special knowledge, and others, were all sign gifts which were manifested during the Apostolic age; that all such sign gifts ceased with the completion of the New Testament canon around 90 or 100 A.D.; that this movement seeks to unite apostates with believers in an unscriptural, ecumenical movement; and that true believers should separate from the Charismatic Tongues Movement immediately and completely. (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-13; Heb 9:14; I Pet 4:14; Isa 40:12-15; 1 Cor 2:10-12; Ps 139:7-12; 2 Thes 2:6-7; Jn. 3:6; Eph 1:13-14; Acts 1:8; 1 Pet 1:2; Isa 61:1) Section 3 - The Devil or Satan and His Angels We believe that Satan is an actual person, and not an imaginary influence; that he once enjoyed high heavenly honors and glorious heavenly privileges; that he, through pride, ambition, and self-will attempted to betray the Almighty and brought down upon his head the judgment of God; that he operates today as the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air; that he is a diabolical inventor, and arch-deceiver, and the father of all lies; that he is the greatest enemy, the mightiest tempter, and the most relentless accuser of the saints; that he shall one day be incarnated in the person of the Anti-Christ and in that role will finally meet the Christ in the battle of Armageddon; that there "The seed of woman shall bruise the serpents' head;" and that he shall eventually be cast into the lake of fire, the eternal place of punishment, prepared for the devil and his angels.  (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ezek 28:12-19; Isa 14:12-27; Gen 3:14; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; Matt 24:11; 2 Thes 2:7-11; John 8:44; 1 Pet 5:8; Gen 3:1-6; Rev 12:10; Dan 7:8; Rev 19:20; Gen 3:15; 2 Cor 11:13-15; John 14:30) Section 4 - The Creation We believe that the Genesis record of creation is literal, and not allegorical or figurative; that God personally created the heaven and the earth in six literal 24 hour days; that He miraculously brought forth all original matter out of nothing; that He actually fashioned all organic forms as specific creations subject to limited changes within the specie; that He definitely ordained each specie to bring forth after its kind; that He finally formed man out of the dust of the ground, not by any process of evolution but by instant action, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became immediately a living soul; that He created man in the image and likeness of God; that His every creative act was complete and perfect in itself; and that not one of His creations was conditioned upon antecedent changes naturally wrought during interminable periods of time.  (Gen. 1:1; Jn. 1:1-3, 14; Heb. 11:3; Gen. 1:21, 24-27; Gen. 2:7; Col. 1:16) Section 5 - The Fall of Man We believe that man, originally created in holiness and actually associated with God in innocence under His law, did, by voluntary transgression of the Lord's command, fall from the high and happy state in which he was created, and as a consequence, became a sinner alienated from God and brought upon himself and all mankind just condemnation; and that he is now, by virtue of his fallen nature, utterly devoid of holiness, positively inclined to evil, and actually condemned to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. (Gen 1:26-27; Ecc 7:29; Gen 3:6; 3:23-24; Ezek 18:4; Rom 5:12; 1:21-23; 3:10-18; Rev 21:8) Section 6 - The Righteous and the Wicked We believe that there is a monumental and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who through faith are justified in the Name of The LORD JESUS and sanctified by The SPIRIT of our GOD are truly righteous in HIS esteem; while all who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in HIS sight wicked and under the curse. We believe in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. (Mal 3:16-18; John 3:6; Rom 3:22, 24; 4:3; 1:17; 8:1-17; Acts 20:32; John 15:3; Rom 8:17; 6:23; 2 Cor 4:4; Rev 21:8; Matt 23:37; Prov 29:1; Matt 25:41) Section 7 - Heaven and Hell We believe in a literal Heaven and Hell; that Heaven is the eternal abode of those redeemed by GOD's grace; that Hell (and in latter days the Lake of Fire), is the eternal abode of all lost, unregenerate sinners. (Rev 20:11-15, 21:1, 8) Section 8 - Salvation by Grace and Regeneration We believe that grace is elective and saving; that it embraces the personal triune and redemptive ministry of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that it comprehends all of the labors put forth by the Almighty in the interest of perfect righteousness and the salvation of the lost soul; that it and it alone, saves even unto the uttermost all who repent toward God and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; and that salvation thus wrought is wholly by grace, "The free gift of God." requiring neither culture nor works in any form to secure it or to keep it; that it is God's plan that those who are saved be "Holy and without blame before him in love;" that ALL who believe will receive the adoption, which is related to the redemption of the body (cf. Rom 8:22-23), when all our inheritance based upon sonship is received; that predestination pertains to God's plan that we be conformed to the image of Christ; that we are to begin that process in this life, but God's sovereign purpose will be performed in perfection when all who have been saved are changed and are in the presence of Christ. We believe that in order to be saved lost sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration is a recreative act, far beyond comprehension, wrought in the believer's heart by the direct personal ministry of the Holy Spirit; that it is instantaneous, miraculous, and not evolutionary or cultural; that it embraces the divine acts of cleansing the heart from all inward sins and of pardoning the soul of all outward guilt, in connection with the work of begetting a new creature in Christ Jesus; that the dead sinner is made to live through the new birth, becoming thereby a regenerated spirit, possessing eternal life, the gift of God; that the new birth, that the new birth comes after the Holy Spirit secures voluntary repentance and belief in the gospel; that it is the actual impartation of the divine life, not a mere transformation of the human life; and that the proper evidence of regeneration appears in the holy fruits of obedient followers of the Lord Jesus.  The Bible teaches it is God's will that all get saved and that anyone has the opportunity and the calling from the Holy Spirit of God to get saved up until the day of their death. (2 Tim 1:8-9; Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:2-5; Matt 23:37; Rom 8:28-30; Heb 7:25; Acts 20:20-21; Rom 6:23; 11:6; 5:20; Isa 1:18; 55:1) Section 9 - Justification We believe that justification is one of the great gospel blessings secured through Christ for all who trust Him; that is a legal and divine decree, declaring the believing sinner just; that it is thus a state of being free from condemnation, including forgiveness for inward sins and pardon from outward sins; that it secures through faith freedom from legal bondage, exemption from the wrath of God, and possession of peace which passes all understanding; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely upon the evidence of faith in God and the Redeemer's blood; and that it brings us into a state of unchanging peace and favor with God and secures every other blessing needful for time and for eternity. (Rom 3:24-25, 28; 8:33; 8:1; John 5:24; Rom 4:3-8; 6:6; 5:9; 5:1; Phil 4:7; Rom 8:31-33; Gen 15:6; Heb 2:4) Section 10 - Repentance and Faith We believe that repentance and faith are solemn and inseparable prerequisites of salvation; that they are inseparable graces wrought in the heart by the quickening Holy Spirit; that the alien sinner, being deeply convicted of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come by the personal ministry of the Holy Spirit, and by Him having his understanding enlightened so that he can see the way of salvation through Christ, does actually repent, turning to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication, and does actually believe, surrendering himself wholeheartedly to the Lord Jesus, immediately receiving Him as personal and all-sufficient Saviour.  We believe that the new birth of the believer comes only through faith in Christ; that repentance is a vital part of believing; that repentance is in no way, in itself, a separate and independent condition of salvation; and that no other acts, such as confession, "lordship salvation," baptism, prayer, or faithful service, is to be added to believing as a condition of salvation. (Acts 20:21-22; Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph 2:8; John 6:44; John 16:8-11; Matt 3:1-2, 8; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3; 18:9-14; Acts 9:6; Rom 10:10) Section 11 - The Eternal Security of the Believer We believe that salvation wrought by grace is everlasting; that the saved soul journeying through the valley of the shadow of death need fear no evil; that the Holy Spirit-begotten and born are kept by the power of God; that the believer in Christ Jesus shall not be brought into eternal judgment; that no one can lay anything to the charge of God's elect; that they are securely held in both the hand of the Father and the Son; and that the age-old Bible doctrine, "Once saved, always saved," is heavenly and gloriously true. (John 3:16; 3:36; 5:24; 6:35, 44; Ps 23:4; Isa 37:23-24; Phil 1:6; 1 Pet 3:5; John 5:24; Rom 8:1; John 10:27-29; Rom 8:35-39; 2 Tim 1:12) Section 12 - The Christian Home Our church and society will be no stronger than the home. The home is where Biblical principles are to be applied first. Children should obey their parents, wives should submit to their husbands, and husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church. The younger women should be taught to when they are married to stay at home and love their children and husbands and guide the house. Furthermore, the education of the child should be at home if at all possible, cultivated by their church and definitely not by the world.  We believe it is primarily the responsibility of the parents, not the government or church, to insure that children are properly educated in matters pertaining to daily living.  We believe the best Biblical method to accomplish this objective is at home.  The mother is to be the keeper of the home and raise and instruct the children.   We believe it is against scripture for both parents of young children to work outside of the home.  It should be the endeavor of every Christian family to strive to obtain Scriptural criteria for life at home as their growth in the Lord increases.  (Eph 2:22-33; Eph 6: 1; Deu 6:6-8; Psalm 78:5) Section 13 - Sanctification We believe that sanctification is a divine work of grace; that it is not a state of sinless perfection attained through a "second blessing" or through a special "Baptism of the Holy Ghost;" that it is an act of grace by which the believer is separated unto God and dedicated unto His righteous purpose; that by it we enter into divinely appointed privileges and thus become larger partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work, begun in regeneration, and carried on in the life of every believer by the presence and the power the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, and that it is nurtured only by heaven's appointed means, especially by the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the saved through his self-examination, obedience, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. (1 Thes 4:3; 5:23; Rom 15:16; Jer 1:5; Prov. 4:18; John 17:17; 2I Cor 3:18; 1 John 2:29; Rom 8:5; 1 Tim 4:5; Luke 9:23; Matt 24:42; 7:7-11) Section 14 - Separation We believe Biblical separation is an important Bible doctrine; that we should obey the Biblical commands to separate ourselves wholly and completely unto God; that evil, false doctrine, and spiritual compromise are all contagious; that separation from such evil is the only dependable Biblical safeguard to remain spiritually clean; that we should therefore separate ourselves from worldliness, modernism, ecclesiastical apostasy, Neo-evangelicalism, the Charismatic Movement, immorality, Biblical compromises, and "disorderly" brethren; that obedient believers should not have close fellowship either with unbelievers or with "disorderly" brethren; that we should repudiate cooperation with men or movements which attempt to unite true Bible believers and apostates in evangelistic or other cooperative spiritual efforts; that we should be in sympathy with, and have close fellowship with only those organizations or movements whose speakers, associates, leaders or sponsors are NOT connected in any way with religious apostasy, neo-evangelical compromise, or charismatic confusion; that we should be in sympathy with, and have close fellowship with only those persons who speak on the platforms of men, churches, organizations or movements whose other speakers, associates, leaders or sponsors are NOT in any way connected with religious apostasy, neo-evangelical compromise, or charismatic confusion; and that we should have the above principles of Biblical separation not only stated on paper, but also put into practice. (2 Corin 6:14--7:1; 1 Thess 1:9-10; 2 John 1:9-11; 1 Corin 15:33; 2 Corin 6:17; 2 Thess 3:6, 11, 14-15; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Rom 16:17) Section 15 - Human Sexuality We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex.  We also affirm that according to the Scriptures anybody can be saved, repent, and turn from any of these sins. (Gen 2:24, 19:5,13, 26:8-9; Lev 18:1-30; Rom 1:26-29; 1 Cor 5:1, 6:9; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Heb 13:40) Section 16 - Abortion and Birth Control We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother are acceptable.  Birth control pills perform essentially the same job as abortion causing the fertilized egg to be rejected and thus is just as Biblically wrong as physical abortion.  We also believe that any method of birth control is usurping the authority of God as the Scriptures teach that it is His prerogative and not ours to open and close the womb. (Job 3:16; Psa 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa 44:24; 49: 1&5; Jer 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44). Section 17 - Divorce and Remarriage  We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies and gives no other grounds for separation after the marriage has been consummated. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery in the Bible and thus one should not remarry until one of the divorced parties has died or they both reconcile. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the Church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not Biblically be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon. (Mal 2:14-17; Matt 19:3-12; Rom 7:1-3; 1 Tim 3:2,12; Titus 1:6) Section 18 - Lawsuits Between Believers We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (1 Cor 6:1-8; Eph 4:31-32) Section 19 - Home School-Christian School-Public School We believe that it is the responsibility of the parents to control what their children are taught both spiritually and secularly.  We believe the Bible teaches the ideal family situation includes the home-schooling of the children.  We will do all that it can to support and assist this type of education.  We do acknowledge that due to circumstances beyond a persons control or debt whether justly or unjustly accrued may prevent this.  That is the purpose of the Christian School.  It is to provide a ministry of education for those that are currently unable or permanently unable to home school their children.  We under no circumstances can condone the attendance of public schools of our children.  It is our view  that the goal of all families is to have a Biblical home as much as possible.  This can and may include the operation of a Christian School even with the possibility of it being a soul-winning outreach.  If this be the case it will be the intent and mandate of this ministry to include in the curriculum of such school to teach the tenets of the Bible as outlined in the articles of faith.  It will also require faithful adherence to Biblical concepts and principles in the discipline of the students. Section 20 - The Church We believe that a Baptist Church, according to divine purpose and plan, is a visible, local, organized body; that it is composed of baptized believers associated together by a covenant of faith and fellowship in the Gospel; that New Testament validity flows from strict obedience to essential principles of New Testament Law; that it is a sovereign, independent, democratic, and militant body; that its ministry is gloriously blessed with the presence and leadership of the Holy Spirit and the light and revelation of the written Word; that its work should ever be from within to without and never from without to within; that it is a self-governing body and is the sole judge, under the limitations of the Scriptures, of the measure and method of co-operation; that it is the only ecclesiastical tribunal the Lord has on earth; that its judgment concerning membership, missions, benevolence, and support is final; that it was personally founded by Christ Jesus during His ministry on earth; that it is the only organization with authority to administer the Lord's Supper and Baptism; that it is subject to His laws and is the custodian of His ordinances; that the perpetuity of our faith, our doctrines and practices, ordinances and ordinations, has been effected through the Holy Spirit personally planting and preserving local Baptist Churches of like faith and order down through the centuries even until now; that the local Church is the only body with authority to carry out the Lord's work upon the earth in this age, and as such, all authority over membership, affairs, and missions is autonomous to the local Church; that the only organization authorized to do mission work is the local Church, and that the pattern of Acts 13 is the only one sanctioned and permitted by God; that the authority to send out missionaries is not in name or formality only, but is a matter of the practical aspects of sending, supervising, and authorizing missionaries to win souls, baptize, and teach, with the goal of establishing a New testament Baptist church; that no place in Scripture allows for mission boards, fellowships, or conventions to do this work; that a sponsoring church is responsible for the activities and doctrine of missionaries authorized by her, and is responsible to the missionary for his needs and well-being; that the Local church cannot surrender this authority and responsibility to any organization and remain faithful to Scripture.  We totally reject the false doctrine of the universal invisible church. (Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor 8:5; Matt 16:19; 18:15-17; John 14:16-17, 26; Acts 1:8; 13:1-4; Matt 18:17-18; Matt 26:19-20; 1 Tim 3:15; Mark 3:13-14; Luke 6:12-13) Section 21 - Non-discrimination due to ethnicity It is the objective of our church to glorify God in all of its endeavors. To this end all services and all functions (this includes the institution of marriage) of the Church are open to all Bible-believing individuals without regard to race, color, or national origin.  It is the clear teaching of the Word of God for all true Bible believers to live together in Unity of Faith. Section 22 - Church Administration We believe that the local Baptist church and the State should be kept completely separate; that civil officers should be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; that diligence should be had in seeking the will of God in all church matters; that missionary endeavor should ever be executed from within the local church to without; that pastors and deacons are the only divinely appointed church officers; that the Lord's Day, the first day of the week should be honored by the saints; that the Bible teachings should be constantly and consistently fostered by local Baptist churches; that members should be received into the fellowship of the local body by the local body; that unruly church members should be prayerfully and Scripturally disciplined by the local Baptist church; and that letters of membership should be granted to sister local Baptist churches of the same faith and practice.  It is the policy of this church that any children's class or activity must have at least two adults present that have been cleared by a background check. It is our solemn responsibility to protect children.  We are not opposed to the Sunday School class which consists of non-segregation in ages.  (Acts 1:8; 13:1-35; Rom 13:1-7; Acts 14:23; 6:1-6; 2:42; Rev 1:10; Matt 16:19; Acts 10:47; Matt 18:15-17; Acts 15:19-27; 18:27; Rom 16:1-2; Matt 28:19-20) Section 23 - The Ordinances We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances personally set in the church of the living God by the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that Baptism is the burial (by immersion) of a believer in water by the authority and instruction of the local Baptist church; that it symbolizes the death and the burial and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; that it also typifies the believer's death to sin, the burial of his old nature, and his resurrection unto a new life; and that it is administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We believe the Lord's Supper is a memorial spread and administered by the authority and instruction of the local Baptist church; that participation in the observance of the Lord's supper is restricted to a closed communion within the membership of our local Baptist church; that it symbolizes the broken body and the shed blood of the Son of God; that its observance points backward to the crucified Lord on Calvary and forward to the returning Lord in glory; that the elements of the Lord's Supper are unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice, referred to as "The cup" and "The fruit of the vine;" We believe all members of this local church are candidates for the Lord's Supper except for those under church discipline.  We also believe in closed communion.  The word "unworthily" is an adverb, pertaining to the method of partaking, not the "worthiness" of the one partaking. We believe that these ordinances are not sacraments, but are sacred symbols, pointing to the world's only Saviour, and bidding the sons of men to look unto and everlasting fellowship with the King of kings and Lord of lords when He shall return to take over the reins of all government. (Matt 26:26-29; 28:19; Rom 6:3-5; Matt 16:19; Acts 10:47; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Prov 20:1; Isa 28:7; Lev 10:9-10) Section 24 - Church Co-operation We believe that it is the privilege and the right of local Baptist churches to co-operate with each other in carrying out the commission of the Lord; that such co-operation is righteously effected only when the principles of Christ are preserved in the work fostered; and that all associated endeavors of local Baptist Churches should be carried on in such a way as to preserve the sovereign integrity of each local Baptist Church in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Cor 8:1-6, 16-24; 2 John 1-4; Matt 16:18-19; Acts 15:19-27) Section 25 - Heresy and Apostasy We believe in total and complete separation as taught in the Word of God, from all heresy and ecclesiastical apostasy. We believe the Scripture teaches that we are to: Try them, 1 John 4:1. Mark them, Rom 16:17. Rebuke them, Titus 1:13. Have no fellowship, Eph 5:11. Withdraw ourselves, 2 Thes 3:6. Receive them not, 2 John 10,11. Have no company with them, 2 Thes 3:14. Reject them, Titus 3:10. Separate ourselves, 2 Cor 6:17. Section 26 - Civil Government We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that all civil authorities are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in the things opposed by the Word of God which reveals the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. That church and state should be separate. No ecclesiastical group or denomination should be preferred above another by the state. The state should not impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal. (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Tim 2:1-3) Section 27 - Missions We believe that GOD's command to the local New Testament church concerning missions is clear and unmistakable In HIS WORD; that it is the responsibility of a church to support prayerfully and financially missionaries of like faith and practice, with the goal of winning the lost and establishing or supporting independent New Testament Baptist Churches home and abroad. A church will share in the spiritual blessings that come from helping others to win the lost.  We believe Acts 1:8 clearly gives the priority of missions for a church: 1) All Jerusalem-Our City, 2) All Judaea-The surrounding countryside, 3) Samaria-Nearby rival cities & counties, 4) The uttermost-the rest of the world.  Although all areas need to be a vital part of the missions program, the emphasis needs to be maintained in the order God sent forth in His Word.  We also believe that all monies collected will go directly to the missionaries sponsored by the church.  No monies will be sent to any outside co-operative program or mission board for disbursement nor any stand alone mission board.  We believe the only Scriptural "mission board" is the local church.  We believe any "mission board" not under the direct authority of a local church is not a scriptural entity.  We believe no "mission board" should force a missionary to give part of his hard earned support to the "mission board." (Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Cor 9:10) Section 28 - The Grace of Giving to the Local Church We believe that God's method of financing His earthly work of spreading The Gospel to all nations, and the care of the churches and the support of the ministry, is by tithes and offerings of His people through their local church; that this form of Scriptural giving is one of the Fundamentals of The Faith; that it is to be given to The Lord through His church to be distributed as directed by the leadership of The Holy Spirit as the need arises; that every believer is accountable to The Lord for one-tenth of his or her gross income, and that tithing was instituted long before the Mosaic Law was ever given and was practiced by the early church. (Gen 14:17, 20, Lev 27:30, Pro 3:9 & 10, Mal 3:8-10, 1 Cor 16:2, 2 Cor 9:6-8) Section 29 - The End Times and Related Events a) The Rapture -- The Blessed Hope: We believe that, according to the Word of God, the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of Christ in the air to receive to Himself into heaven both His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus; that this event will be pre-millennial (before the Millennium) and pre-tribulational (before any part of the seven year Tribulation); that it may occur at any moment; that this event is the blessed hope set before us in the Scripture, for which we should be constantly looking; and that at that moment the dead in Christ shall be raised in incorruptible, glorified bodies, and the living in Christ shall be given immortal, glorified bodies without tasting death.   (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess 4:16-18; 1 Corin 15:42-44, 51-54; Rev 3:10; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Corin 15:42-44, 51-54; Philip 3:20-21) b) The Tribulation: We believe that the' translation or rapture of the church will be followed by the tribulation of seven years, which is the fulfillment of Daniel's seventieth week for Israel; that, during the seven year tribulation, the church, the body of Christ, will be in heaven; that the whole period of Daniel's seventieth week will be a time of judgment on the whole earth; that at the end of the tribulation the times of the Gentiles will be brought to a close; that the latter half of this period will be the time of Jacob's trouble, which our Lord called the great tribulation; that universal righteousness will not be realized previous to the second coming of Christ; that the world is day by day ripening for judgment; and that the age of Grace will end with a fearful apostasy. (Dan 9:25-27; Rev 6:1--19:21; Jere 30:7; Matt 24:15-21; 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Tim 3:1-5) ARTICLE 13 - Qualifications of a Pastor Outlined PASTORAL QUALIFICATIONS,  A MUST FOR THE PASTOR! Word Study of Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 (All word #'s are from Strong's Concordance) The qualifications of a pastor are important.  Some of these come with time, some cannot be acquired due to events in a man's life that disqualifies him.  It is important to understand the qualifications how God intended them. MUST BE:    "Must Be" is easily seen as imperative and binding, it is a command from the highest authority.  The same Greek word is used referring to what Jesus must do in order to pay-in-full the gift of eternal life (Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.).  The qualifications listed are not good things for a pastor to have, these are necessary qualifications a pastor must have to qualify for the pastorate and to maintain the pastorate once he is called.  Matt. 16:21, "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."  Please remember, these are the qualifications of the Pastorate, not the Sunday School teacher, not the Usher, not the Evangelist, but the Pastor.  (Some of these same qualifications do however belong to the deacons).  God unequivocally lays down what a pastor MUST BE taking all the guess work and human reasoning out. TEMPERATE:     This word is found only once in the Greek New Testament.  The root word from which is derived shows dominion over an area such as the following verse illustrates: 1 Peter 4:11, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." A pastor needs to be strong and masterful in self-control in all areas of life.  This is what the pastor needs to be able to meet the need of his people.  This is a rightly prioritized and balanced Christian life.  A shepherd must carefully plan the paths of his flock.  He cannot take off running at the sight of a wolf or make over-corrections in hind sight. Eph. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  Matt. 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. BLAMELESS AS THE STEWARD OF GOD: a. BLAMELESS:     The man to be a pastor cannot be in the process of ironing out his problems, they should already be ironed out.  There should be no charges that would have any evidence or stick-ability in his business dealings or in dealings with the opposite sex.   Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; b. STEWARD:   Clearly the Pastor must realize first that it is not his congregation or work but God's.  He must also correctly preach and teach God's word -- the way God intended.  A pastor must be able to use God's word in discerning spiritual matters and also in physical matters pertaining to the sheep.  Until a man is able to do this he is not qualified to pastor.  This would include an above-board life and finances.  He should show a pattern of sound business practices.  Luke 12:42, "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?"  1 Cor. 4:1, "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." NOT SELF-WILLED     The pastor cannot be a man that seeks his own desires, but one whose concern is for the happiness of the flock so they will multiply, and the pleasing of the owner of the flock (God: 1 Sam 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.  Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;).  A man that has not reproduced sheep is not yet fit to pastor (a soulwinner, not just growing by transfer's and trades from another man's flock).  Luke 8:14, "And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." James 4:3, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."  One of the things that have crept into Baptist churches today is the doctrine of Calvinism (TULIP-S.GRACE).   This is a doctrine of self-willed men, not God willed men: 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  This doctrine thwarts God's will as it stifles the soul-winning effort that a man of God should have.  This is even more disconcerting when considering the history of persecution by John Calvin against Bible Believers (Baptist) and also against those that did not believe at all: "...all that filth and villainy...mad dogs who vomit their filth against the majesty of God and want to pervert all religion. Must they be spared?" (Oct. 16, 1555). He hated the Anabaptists and called them "henchmen of Satan."  "Anabaptists and reactionists should be alike put to death."  Four men who disagreed with him on who should be admitted to the Lord's Supper were beheaded, quartered, and their body parts hung in strategic locations in Geneva as a warning to others. He burned Michael Servetus (for rejecting infant baptism and for denying Christ's deity). Calvin wrote about Servetus, "One should not be content with simply killing such people, but should burn them cruelly." Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  Notice, God didn't say, "As many as were elected," but as many as "should be saved."  Once they are saved, they become the elect.  You don't become an elected official until you are given the office. NOT SOON ANGRY   A man that is quick to jump to conclusions is not qualified for the pastorate: James 1:19, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:".  Jesus was angry at certain things but He responded in the right way (or righteous way) John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;  16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. The pastor is not to be any different, he must respond appropriately or he will develop a skittish, nervous, untrusting flock.  1 Peter 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;  He cannot afford to be a grudge holder or bitter about things that have happened or are happening to him. Rom. 12:19, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."   NOT GIVEN TO WINE The clear implication here is that the pastor is not even supposed to use intoxicating drink as a beverage.  The reason: he should never be in the position where his judgment and decisions are impaired due to things he puts in his body. Pro. 31:4-5, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." NO STRIKER  Rev. 8:12, "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, ..." A pastor cannot be prone to be pushed to a point where he strikes out with physical violence during disagreements.  He must learn to assess the situation and react in a productive way.  He cannot be reactionary, he must assess situations and decide the best route of resolve.  Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. NOT A BRAWLER A Pastor needs to be a peacemaker among the sheep not helping them to be contentious.  2 Tim. 2:24, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"  A man that looks for fights cannot have an effective ministry to the flock.  A man that teaches others to look for a fight is not fit to pastor.  Fear of God and chastisement is important, but terror should not be part of the ministry.  Titus 3:9, "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." NOT GIVEN TO OR GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE-NOT COVETOUS: A man that covets for that which he has not will be led to impropriety with money.  He can never feed the flock of God as he should because his pursuits are not for them, but himself.  His messages will be geared towards this end of self-gratification 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;.  If the main concern of a pastoral candidate is the money or paycheck, it is a clear sign that he is not willing to trust God to meet his needs.  Titus 1:11, Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.  A pastor cannot be a lover of money, he will not only hurt his family, but the whole flock:  1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. LOVER OF HOSPITALITY   A pastor must love people, this is a requirement.  A pastor should desire to have church members over as guests (invited or uninvited), this is his ministry: Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. He should have a genuine concern for all peoples and have a desire to help them.  The pastor needs to spend more time with the sheep and less time with those out of the flock.  He also however must love the stranger and be hospitable to them too. 1 Peter 4:9, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging."  Matt. 25:35, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:"  For a flock to grow, they must learn fellowship from the pastor. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY   A pastor must love people, this is a requirement.  A pastor should desire to have church members over as guests (invited or uninvited), this is his ministry: Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  He should have a genuine concern for all peoples and have a desire to help them.  The pastor needs to spend more time with the sheep and less time with those out of the flock.  He also however must love the stranger and be hospitable to them too.  1 Peter 4:9, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging."  Matt. 25:35, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:"  For a flock to grow, they must learn fellowship from the pastor. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; VIGILANT The man of God needs always to be on guard, scripturally proving what he and others in and pertaining to his ministry are doing.  He needs to be cautious, prudent, and watchful in the protection of the sheep entrusted to him. 2 Tim. 4:5, "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."  A pastor needs to see the symptoms of the sheep and step in and deal with the problems before they get out of hand.  A pastor needs to be aware of that which is affecting the flock from outside the flock and deal with those problems quickly as well.  He must know when the whole flock needs an inoculation (preaching) and when individuals in the flock need an inoculation (individual correction).  He must exercise church discipline when it is needed.   Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  2 Cor 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  A true pastor will be very hesitant to believe in something IF it is possible for SATAN to counterfeit it.  He will be on guard to the extent that he will occasionally have to caution people about their beliefs or their experiences.  Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.   LOVER OF GOOD MEN A pastor must be able to  know which men to spend time with in the ministry--those willing to be taught and to grow.  It is a waste of the pastor's time and neglect of the rest of the flock if he spends time trying to disciple those who do not wish to be discipled.  He needs to recognize the signs of the type of person wanting the individualized attention to obtain greater things in the Christian life. A pastor needs to know whom to appoint to what position, whom to give authority to, whom to place his trust in for the better growth of the flock.   2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.  A pastor needs to learn to surround himself with good men both inside and outside the church.  A pastor needs outside counsel and fellowship of other pastors: Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.  Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.  1 Kings 12:6 And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?  7 And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.  8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:  9 And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?  10 And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.  11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.  12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.  13 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;  Lev 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. SOBER A pastor needs to be a man of balance - not going off on tangents.  He needs to calmly look upon each situation and measure it according to Scripture.  He needs not to be swayed by feelings nor by other outside controlling factors such as drugs or alcohol or "popular" opinion.  Titus 2:2, "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." 1 Cor. 14:20, "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."  The sober pastor is not under the control of external influences, he is not given to excesses; he knows his limits. Thus he is able to keep his fellow-Christians within the proper bounds of the Law, both in his preaching and counseling.  1 Cor 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. JUST A pastor must be a fair man.  He must judge correctly. Psa 82:2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.  He must be able to look at both sides of an issue and come up with the just solution: John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  A pastor can have his favorite friends, but he must not let his judgment be clouded because of them.  Col. 4:1, "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."  James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  Psa 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.   Prov 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Prov 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.  Prov 24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.  John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.  John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  John 7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? Acts 7:35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.   HOLY This is a pastor's fellowship with God.  A pastor must needs be consecrated to God, set apart for His use.  This is the one element that determines how good a conduit of God's power a pastor will be.  1 Tim 2:8, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."  1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  If a pastor has no communication with God, the chief shepherd, the care of the flock will grievously suffer.   HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD   A pastor must have his faith in the Word of God.  He must believe that it is completely inerrant and unable to be improved upon at all.  If his faith is not complete in this area he cannot guide the flock in step with God's will.  Matt. 6:24, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  The Bible claims it is perfect, the pastor must hold that it is perfect (not that it was!). 1 Thess 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.  When asked "Where is the perfect Word of God?", a pastor should be able to hold up and show you a perfect copy:  Psa 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.  In the English pastorate, it can be easily proven that this is the KJV because it is the only Bible with the Textus Receptus underlying it and the Masoretic Text.  If a pastor cannot hold up a Bible and say it is the perfect word of God without error, what is his authority?  It is his interpretation, and the Bible warns against that!  2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  A man that stands in the pulpit but cannot testify that he is holding in his hands the perfect word of God should not stand in the pulpit.  It was, is, and always will be perfect! EXHORT   A pastor must be able to encourage the flock to serve God throughout all adversities and persecutions to do right.  He must help the hurting to heal and to encourage the faithless to have faith. Rom. 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." 1 Thess. 3:2, "And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:"  2 Cor. 1:4, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."  A pastor should have a spirit of encouragement, not a spirit of a defeatist.  He needs to have the spirit of a team captain, leading them to believe in victory no matter the odds: Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  1 Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?  Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. CONVINCE:  He must be able to convince the lost in their need of a Saviour John 8:9, "And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.".  To be able to answer their arguments against getting saved Matt. 18:15, "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."  1 Tim. 5:20, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.".  He must be able to convince the saved to change.  A Pastor should be a proven soul-winner.  A pastor must not be an immature Christian: 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.   HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE-HIS OWN HOUSE, HAVING HIS CHILDREN: a. HUSBAND--WIFE: The Greek nouns gender clearly shows God's command that the pastor must be male and the wife female thus a lady cannot pastor.  It also clearly says that a pastor must be or must have been married and not always single (It is possible by Scriptural implication a deceased spouse would also be a qualifying factor) . 1 Tim. 2:12, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." 1 Cor. 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. b. ONE:  Rom. 3:30, "Seeing it is one God,..."  God means by "one", one.  This is not three Gods that agree as one, it is one God that is Trinity! Rom. 5:18, "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." One man caused it, One man ended it.  No other meaning.  When the Bible says the pastor must be the husband of one wife it is clear.  A pastor must not have been divorced and remarried while the former spouse is alive.  To do this according to Scripture is adultery. Luke 16:18, "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery." 1 Cor. 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.  Divorce also breaks many of the other pastoral qualifications listed in the Scriptures.  This also clearly does not by Scriptural implication mean a man cannot have a deceased spouse and then remarry and pastor.  That is still one wife according to the Bible.  A pastor cannot fully understand the love Christ has for His bride the church, if he has not had his own bride.  This is not a concept a man that has always been single can understand.  The Bible is clear on this and that is why the commandment is given.  Some single men quote: 1 Cor 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.   Paul is not dealing with men that have never been married in this verse.  Paul had been married and is not now.  1 Cor 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.  The context of this passage is to those that have lost a spouse for a reason, not to those that have not been married at all.  These are they that have had the benefits of marriage but have now been taken away from those benefits.  This cannot be used to prove a pastor does not have to be married, the pastoral qualifications are too clear. c. CHILDREN IN SUBJECTION-RULETH WELL-ABLE TO TEACH  By clear implication a pastor must have children, and they must be under his authority, the must have rules, and those rules must be enforced.  He must administer teaching, discipline, in both spiritual and physical manners.  This is the proof that he can handle a much larger responsibility of counseling married families & their associated problems. 1 Tim. 3:5, "(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" Notice, how is he to take care of his house, to RULE.  How should he take care of the church of God? He is to RULE as the husband rules in a family.  This is not as an apathetic dictator but as a shepherd over the flock, a father over his family: Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.   The Bible here is clearly speaking of the role of the pastor.  It cannot be the other elders of the church (deacons): Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  It was not the deacons place to rule, it was the missionary starting or the pastor pastoring the church.  Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: A pastor is the local authority ordained of God to be the shepherd and fulfill the job of a shepherd among his flock.  His authority according to God's Holy Word is that same authority that a Father has in a family.  Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:  A household does not have two heads, it has one.  God is clearly delineating the role of the pastor, and how a church can only have one head pastor.  Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. A man cannot prove his rule of the church if he does NOT have the RULE over his family.  This is a requirement.  Notice the child's requirement (which is actually a PASTORS requirement!): Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.  Riot is excess without restraint.  Unruly is life without rules.  The idea here is not the child's character, but how does the man deal with the child.  Are there rules