Articles of Agreement – New Heights Missionary Baptist Church

PREAMBLE

For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of the church assembly; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith; for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world; with the understanding that Christ alone is our leader and the Word of God is for all time our all sufficient rule of faith; this church shall be governed by the following Constitution:

RULES OF ORDER

Let all things be done decently and in order – I Corinthians 14:40
Let all things be done with charity – I Corinthians 16:14
Let all things be done for the glory of Christ – I Corinthians 10:31

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

The name of this unincorporated association shall be New Heights Missionary Baptist Church, to be known hereafter as “the Church”.

ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE

The purpose of the Church is to:

Establish a Biblical Christian Church with any and all departments it may deem useful to propagate and practice the full Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Earnestly seek and promote the unity of God’s people in the scriptural manner in Godly love. To that end it shall associate and cooperate freely with other churches, church organizations, and church associations.
To act as Trustee under any trust incidental to the principal objects of the corporation and to receive, hold, administer and expend funds and property subject to such trust.
To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind for any lawful purpose without limit as to amount and with any person, firm, association or corporation, to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, issue and execute promissory notes, warrants and other negotiable or transferable interests.
To take, purchase or otherwise acquire; to own, hold, occupy, use and enjoy, manage, improve, develop and work; to grant, sell, exchange, let demise and otherwise dispose of real estate, buildings, and improvements, interest and estate therein without limit as to the amount thereof and wheresoever the same may be situated; to erect, construct, alter and repair buildings; to assume any and every kind of contract, agreement and obligation by or with any person, firm, corporation or association, or any Federal, State or other Government for the erection, construction, alteration, repair, renewal, equipment, improvement, development, use, enjoyment, leasing, management or control of any buildings, improvements or structures of any kind wherever the same may be situated.
To purchase or otherwise acquire, to own, hold, use and enjoy, to sell, assign and transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, deal in or deal with personal property of every kind and description without limit as to the amount thereof and wheresoever the same may be situated.
To borrow and to loan money and to give and to receive evidence of indebtedness and security thereof; to draw, make, accept, endorse, execute, and issue promissory notes, warrants, and other debentures of the corporation, or otherwise to make guarantees of every kind and secure any or all obligations of the corporation by mortgage, trust deed or otherwise.
To do all other acts necessary or expedient for the administration of the affairs and attainment of the purposes of the corporation and to have and exercise all the powers now or hereafter conferred by the Laws of the State of Oklahoma, upon non-profit corporations.

ARTICLE 3 - UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION AND TAX STATUS

The Church shall be an Unincorporation Association with all the rights and privileges under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.

Pursuant to 26 USC § 508:

(a) New organizations must notify Secretary that they are applying for recognition of section 501(c)(3) status

Except as provided in subsection (c), an organization organized after October 9, 1969, shall not be treated as an organization described in section 501(c)(3)

Specifically section 26 USC § 508(c)(1)(a), which reads,

churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches

And in reference to the Internal Revenue Code Publication 557 and IRC Publication section 501(c)(3), we, “The Church” formally declare that we are a Tax Exempt Church and as such, are Exempt from Federal Income Tax and are Eligible to receive Tax Deductible Contributions as defined by both IRC Publication 557 and 501(c)(3), which states the following:

IRC Publication 557: Organizations Not Required to File Form 1023

Some organizations are not required to file Form 1023. These include:

Churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or associations of churches, or integrated auxiliaries of a church, such as a men’s or women’s organization, religious school, mission society, or youth group.

These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3).

IRC Publication Section 501(c)(3) Definition of “Church:”:

Churches. Although a church, its integrated auxiliaries, or a convention or association of churches is not required to file Form 1023 to be exempt from federal income tax or to receive tax deductible contributions, the organization may find it advantageous to obtain recognition of exemption.

The Church DOES NOT find it ‘advantageous’ to ‘obtain recognition of exemption’ from the Internal Revenue Service as we respectfully retain and declare our sovereign right to remain a Tax Exempt Church as prescribed and described above and because the First Amendment of The Constitution of the United States of America clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

The Church affirms that it is automatically considered Tax Exempt from Federal Income Tax, Property Tax and that all tithe and offering contribution(s) shall be considered tax deductible pursuant to law.

ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Church shall be eligible to those (1) who are Born Again and give evidence to their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) who hold to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith as outlined in Holy Scripture; (3) who voluntarily choose to be a part of the Church; and (4) who is elected by a unanimous vote of the membership on record into Church membership.

The requirements to apply for Church membership are (1) as a candidate for baptism (2) a transfer by letter from a previous church of like faith (3) by statement of prior conversion and baptism with a sufficient explanation as for the use of membership by statement.

Each member candidate shall be interviewed by the Pastor before recommendation for membership and presentation to the Church body for a vote.

Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the Pastor and/or the Deacons for investigation, and the making of a recommendation to the Church within thirty (30) days. A unanimous vote of those Church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.

Members are placed on the Church roll. Only members on the Church roll are allowed to have a vote in the Church. Each member on the Church roll holds a single vote for the purpose of carrying out the business of the Church. All members of the Church have equal authority. Any member may bring matters forward for discussion at any Church meeting.

Members responsibilities

Attend worship and participate in church activities
Personal prayer and Bible study
Participation in the Communion of the Lord’s Supper, which is a privilege
Helping the Church whenever possible by using abilities to advance the purpose of the Church
Attending and participating in Church member meetings
Providing financial support to the Church
Living a holy and sanctified life in accordance to the Scripture.

The Church as a self-governed body is organized and operated under a congregational system. Members decide what the Church does, what are its priorities, how its money is spent, how various Church activities are run, and who are chosen to be the Ministers, Deacons, and officers of the Church for the purpose of carrying out the great commission.

All decisions are decided on by a majority vote (unless otherwise noted) of the membership on roll. The vote of the membership is not simply a democratic process but is use as a way of discerning God’s will for the Church.

ARTICLE 5 - CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Church Discipline is the process whereby the members of the Church take action to correct a Church member’s behavior which is adversely affecting both him/her and the Church as a whole.

In cases where a member becomes unwilling to place themselves under the authority of the Word of God, that member shall be disciplined by the Church. In all cases, the model found in the new Testament shall be followed (Mat 18:15-18, 1Co 5:1-13, 2Co 2:5-8, 2Th 3:6-15, Jam 5:19-20).

The Bible teaches that there are three instances in which Church discipline is to be initiated:

Divisive Behavior – Scripture warns Christians about the corrosive influence divisive people have on the Church. Church members who seek to stir up agitation against fellow Church members and/or the Church leadership must be stopped (Tit 3:10-11). All Church members must be vigilant to watch for those who cause divisions within the church. Paul warns about this in Rom 16:17-18
Immoral Behavior – The Bible compares unchecked immoral behavior to yeast that works itself through the whole lump of dough (1 Cor 5:6). Persistent immoral behavior on the part of a Church member must be corrected because it not only hurts the church member involved in the sin but also because it creates a lax moral environment within the Church, and it is a stain on the character of the Church (1Co 5:1-4).
Teaching against Church Doctrine – The Bible tells us that Christians must teach what is of sound doctrine (Tit 2:1). When someone persistently teaches doctrine that is in direct opposition to the Word of God and seeks to rally people to adopt such a position, that behavior must be confronted and corrected. Paul speaks specifically about this in 2Ti 2:17-18.

The purpose of Church discipline is (1) to protect the Church from division; (2) to protect the Church from the spread of false teaching; (3) to protect the Church from the spread of lax moral behavior; (4) to maintain the good character and name of the Church; and (5) to restore the erring Church member to a right relationship with God.

If a member is being divisive, teaching unsound doctrine and/or is living in persistent unrepentant sin, they are sinning against God. 2Th 3:14-15 teaches that we are not to associate with them in order that they may feel ashamed. Gal 6:1-2 also instructs that those caught in sin should be restored gently, but we are to watch ourselves that we are not also tempted.

The goal of Church discipline is to restore a Christian’s fellowship with God.

The process of Church discipline (Mat 18:15-17)

One on One Confrontation – This happens when one Church member confronts another Church member regarding their persistent, unrepentant sin, divisive behavior, and/or aberrant doctrinal teaching. If the Church member confronted acknowledges and repents of his/her behavior, the goal of the confrontation has been achieved – the erring Christian has changed his/her ways and the matter is considered resolved.
Multiple Confrontations – Oftentimes, the behavior goes unchecked even after one Christian is confronted by another. When this happens Scripture encourages Christians to escalate the process to involve one or two other Christians. In many cases, when the Christian in err is confronted multiple times by multiple people, they will grasp that what others are perceiving of their behavior is not one isolated perspective. If after multiple confrontations, the Church member confronted acknowledges and repents of his/her behavior, the goal of the confrontation has been achieved – the erring Christian has changed his/her ways and the matter is considered resolved.
Church Confrontation – Unfortunately, sometimes Christians will not change their persistent, unrepentant sin, divisive behavior, and/or aberrant doctrinal teaching, even after multiple confrontations. When this occurs, the Church steps in to lead the unrepentant Church member to repent. During the Church meeting, those Church members who have been involved in confrontations with or otherwise have been impacted by the Church member in question will be asked to present their charges. The Church member is asked to acknowledge and repent of their behavior. If the Church member in error submits in repentance, the goal of the confrontation has been achieved. The erring Christian has changed his/her behavior and the matter is considered to be resolved. If a Church member refuses to repent, the Church will have no other recourse than to proceed to step four. A refusal to meet with the Church on the part of the Church member in question will be interpreted as a “refusal of repentance.”
Removal From Membership and All Church Participation – When a Church member refuses to acknowledge and repent of his/her behavior, by majority vote of the Church, their name will be removed from the membership roll of the Church and they will be asked to leave the Church. Under no circumstances will they be allowed to participate again in any church worship service or Church-related activity until they have met again with the Church and repented. If at a future time the former Church member seeks to come back to the Church, even years afterward, the Church member must come before the Church and repent before he/she can be restored to Church membership.

Depending on the nature of the sin, some positions within the Church may not be restored to the individual even after repentance and restoration.

ARTICLE 6 - MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings for Worship: Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord’s Day and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the membership.

Section 2. Regular business meetings: Business meetings are to be held as often as needed; once a month is preferred. This meeting shall be conducted in the auditorium of the Church. The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports are to be given at each meeting.

Section 3. Special business meetings: Special business meetings of the Church may be called by anyone of the membership.

Section 4. Quorum: No record of any special or regular business meetings of the Church shall be made unless two thirds (2/3) or more of the membership are present to constitute a quorum. The Pastor should be present if at all possible.

Section 5: Order of Business: the regular order of business for regular business meetings shall be as follows:

Devotional
Reading of previous minutes
Report of the Treasurer
Reports of committees
Old or Unfinished business
New business
Adjournment

This order of business may be altered or suspended as needed. The usual parliamentary rules as laid down in “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall govern all debates when not in conflict with this constitution or the Scriptures.

ARTICLE 7 - FINANCES

All funds needed for maintenance of the Church shall be provided by voluntary contributions, tithes and offerings. Every member shall decide before God what he or she can cheerfully give to the support of the Lord’s work.
All offerings shall be counted by at least one other member that is not the Treasurer.
Deposits must be made promptly in a local bank.
A separate account will be established for the Church.

Financial reports will be furnished to the membership during regular business meetings or upon request by any person of the membership.

ARTICLE 8 - DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES

The Church shall provide for the establishment of departments or committees as the needs of the work may require. These committees and departments shall be subordinate to the membership and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees or departments. The membership in a regular or special business meeting may determine when the need of such committees and departments must be organized.

ARTICLE 9 - PROPERTY

The officers of the Church, under direction of a majority vote of the membership, shall have power to carry out all of the purposes and powers set forth in Article 2. The Pastor’s, along with the Secretary’s or Treasurer’s signature, shall be sufficient certification for negotiating any and all of the provided powers in said Articles.

ARTICLE 10 - AMENDMENT

This Constitution may be amended or changed by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present at any regular or special business meeting.

ARTICLE 11 - ORGANIZATION

The Church is organized exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes.

ARTICLE 12 - CONDUCT OF ORGANIZATION

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall be used to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trusties, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof.

ARTICLE 13 - REGULAR SERVICES

As a fellowship of Believers, New Heights Missionary Baptist Church will hold regular services for the spiritual equipping of the saints. The specific meeting places for these times of worship may vary to locations such as a leased or owned building or house, public property, meeting halls, restaurants, coffee shops, radio communications, conference call, cell phone conversations, online webinar(s), social media platforms, forums and all forms of digital communications (such as but not limited to website domains) that allow for the gathering of members of the Church.

ARTICLE 14 - RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF THE YOUNG

The Church affirms, as taught in the Scriptures, the practice of instructing the young in the ways of the Lord.

ARTICLE 15 - SAME SEX MARRIAGE

The Church declares that it is against our religious beliefs to conduct same sex marriage, celebrate, nor perform same sex unions. We hereby declare that marriage is solely to be between a man and a woman for the purposes of producing Godly offspring (Mal 2:15-16) as declared in the infallible Word of God.

Furthermore, we declare and affirm that the practice of the homosexual, bi-sexual and transgendered lifestyle to be an abomination before the Lord, and those that practice such act(s) and behavior(s) will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. This is in accordance with God’s Holy Word as described in Lev 18:22, Lev 20:13, Rom 1:27 and 1Co 6:9.

Furthermore, we affirm our religious right to deny membership, volunteer assignments, appointments and employment to anyone that is actively involved with or condones the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered and Homosexual lifestyle.

Furthermore, we declare that the use of any Church owned facilities may only be used for weddings that adhere to the traditional Biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman and are solely reserved for use by members. These facilities may not be used by any individual, group, or organization that advocates, endorses, or promotes homosexuality as an alternative or acceptable lifestyle. This policy also applies to birthday parties, reunions, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, etc. Under no circumstances is the Pastor, or any affiliate of this church, to officiate, participate, or endorse any wedding ceremony that violates the belief and teaching of this Church body in accordance with the Bible.

No activity of the Church shall be dictated by nor governed by Local, State or Federal authorities that shall supersede our religious Freedom(s), Liberty(s), and Right(s) in accordance with our affirmation(s) and declaration(s) as outlined in this section.

ARTICLE 16 - DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the Church, after all liabilities and obligations are paid, satisfied, and discharged, the property of the Church shall be applied and distributed as specified by the remaining members of the Church. The remaining members are requested (but not required) to use the property of the Church for the furtherance of the Gospel as outlined in Mat 28:18-20.

Sunday School	10:00 AM
Sunday Worship	11:00 AM
Sunday Evening	5:00 PM
Wednesday Evening	7:00 PM