The name of this Corporation is Faith Bible Fellowship. It is an Illinois nonprofit religious Corporation with the principal offices in Troy Grove, Illinois.

Purpose

This Corporation is organized for exclusively religious purposes. Our commission is summarized as follows: "And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’" (Matthew 28:18-20). As such, Faith Bible Fellowship exists to see unbelieving people everywhere become fully-devoted, fully-developed, fully-functioning disciples of Jesus Christ -- to the glory of God.

Corporate Membership

This Corporation has no members. Any action which would otherwise require approval by a majority of all members requires only approval of the Board of Elders. All rights which would otherwise vest in the members vest in the Board of Elders.

Church membership does not exist at Faith Bible Fellowship (FBF). However, nothing contained in Section 1 of this Article shall be construed to limit the right of the Corporation to refer to persons associated with the Corporation as "members" even though such persons shall not be corporate members, and no such reference in or outside of this document shall constitute anyone being a member, within the meaning of Illinois Nonprofit Corporation Law. The Corporation may confer by amendment of these Present Practices some or all of the rights of a member, as set forth in the Illinois Nonprofit Corporation Law, upon any person or persons who do not have the right to vote for the election of officers or on a disposition of substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or on a merger or on a dissolution or on changes to the Corporation’s Present Practices, but no such person shall be a member within the meaning of Illinois Nonprofit Corporation Law. As such, persons admitted to a church membership (should one be established) shall not constitute a legislative body, and shall not possess powers to pass resolutions binding on the Corporation.

Elders

Subject to the limitations of pertinent restrictions of the Corporations Code of the State of Illinois, all the activities and affairs of the Corporation are exercised by or under the direction of the Elders, who are responsible for the shepherding and oversight of the flock. Without prejudice to such general powers, but subject to these same limitations, it is hereby expressly declared that the Elders possess the following powers in addition to the other powers enumerated in this document:

(A) To select and remove all the officers, agents, pastors, staff and employees of the Corporation; prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Scriptures, with law and with these Present Practices; fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.

(B) To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the Corporation as are required to fulfill the purposes of this Corporation and generally to conduct, manage, and control the activities and affairs of the Corporation and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Scriptures and with law, as they may deem best.

(C) To adopt, make and use a corporate seal, and to alter the form of such seal from time to time as they may deem best.

(D) To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with the purposes of this Corporation.

(E) To participate with the Pastor-Teacher in the administration of the ordinances of Baptism and Communion.

(F) To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Corporation and to cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, or other evidences of debt and securities.

(G) To carry on a business and apply any such profit that results from the business activity in which it may legally engage.

As directors of the Corporation, the authorized number of Elders correspond to the number of Scripturally qualified, duly appointed men. To fulfill fiduciary responsibilities from a legal stand-point, there shall be no less than two (2). In the event that a second Elder does not exist, a Trustee shall be appointed to serve a term of up to two years. This Trustee shall share the fiduciary responsibilities with the Elder until a second Elder is appointed (see Article V). Ideally, a functioning, reproducing Eldership shall number no less than three. Should the Elders number less than three (3), a Leadership Council shall be established to provide practical support to the ministry and oversight of the Elders, as well as to provide a forum for advanced leadership development within the church (See Article VI).

A man shall be appointed to Eldership by the Elders of Faith Bible Fellowship. The appointment process is as follows:

(A) The individual communicates his desire to be considered as a potential candidate for Eldership, or the Elders approach an individual to ascertain his interest in being considered as a potential candidate for Eldership.

(B) The potential candidate completes a Candidate Profile form and submits it to the Elders for their review.

(C) The Elders conduct a preliminary interview with the potential candidate.

(D) If favorable, the Elders begin an initial inquiry as to the potential candidate’s qualifications and suitability for office.

(E) If preliminary findings are favorable, the congregation is informed of the individual’s candidate status and is encouraged to prayerfully respond in writing to his potential appointment within a reasonable, yet defined period of time.

(F) All congregational feedback shall be evaluated by the Elders as to it’s content and merit.

(G) If favorable, a formal examination of the candidate will be conducted by the Elders to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for office. In the event that the Eldership numbers less than 3, and at the discretion and invitation of the Elders, qualified pastors serving area evangelical churches may be included in this examination. This examination shall include a forum open to the congregation.

(H) If favorable, feedback from those outside the church will be sought by the Elders in an effort to evaluate the candidate’s reputation within the community.

(I) Based on the totality of their findings, the Elders will determine whether to appoint the candidate to office.

(J) If so determined, a date shall be set for the qualifying candidate’s formal appointment and installation to the Eldership.

(K) The qualifying candidate shall be formally appointed and installed to the Eldership of Faith Bible Fellowship.

An appointed Elder shall assume office immediately and shall serve indefinitely until resignation, death, or disqualification and removal by the Board of Elders. A sabbatical for non-disqualifying reasons may be granted an Elder upon written request and with the approval of the Board of Elders. The terms and length of sabbatical shall be determined by the Board of Elders in the best interest of the requesting Elder and congregation.

Each member of the Board of Elders must possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:

(A) Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7).

(B) Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6).

(C) Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)

(D) Sober-minded, prudent (1 timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).

(E) Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 timothy 3:2).

(F) Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:8).

(G) Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).

(H) Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3).

(K) Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).

(L) Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain ( 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).

(M) Rules well his own house. His children are faithful; not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7).

(N) Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6).

(O) has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7).

(P) Not self-willed (Titus 1:7).

(Q) A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8).

(R) Just, fair (Titus 1:8).

(S) Holy, devout (Titus 1:8).

(T) Self-controlled (Titus 1:8).

As a practical matter, qualified candidates for Eldership shall be in agreement with the Creed, Position Statement, and ministry philosophy of FBF, including it's over-all emphasis on gathered discipleship and scattered evangelism (Amos 3:3, KJV).

Any Elder may be removed from office if he becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, such as 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), or his inability to serve is established in the minds of the remainder of the Board of Elders, to whom falls the ultimate responsibility of removal; this after careful examination and prayerful deliberation (1 Timothy 5:19,21). When an Elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in these Present Practices, any meeting (whether regular, special, or adjourned) of the Board of Elders of the Corporation may be held at any place within or without the State of Illinois.

Regular meetings of the Elders shall be held within the first two (2) weeks of each month, unless otherwise modified by them.

Members of the Board of Elders may participate in a meeting through use of conference communications equipment, so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear and speak with one another.

Trustee

In the event that a second Elder does not exist, a Trustee shall be appointed to serve a term of up to two years; this primarily to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities from a legal stand-point. As such, this Trustee shall share with the Elder in the appointment of officers of the Corporation and shall with the Elder represent the church in all legal and financial matters. He shall fulfill his term, having been appointed by the Elder and affirmed by a two-thirds majority of the congregation (those of at least 18 years of age) present at a meeting called for such a purpose. He may serve successive terms in-so-far as he his re-appointed by the Elder and re-affirmed by the congregation as previously described.

A suitable candidate for Trustee shall come from among spiritual men of Faith who actively involve themselves in church life and who exhibit the following qualities:

1. authentic relationship with Christ and submission to His Word

2. spiritual wisdom

3. godliness of character

4. leadership in the home

5. advanced/advancing psychological and spiritual maturity

6. a good reputation

7. a desire to serve Christ by serving His people

8. freedom from the love of money

Though a Trustee is not an Elder, a suitable candidate shall possess in germ form (at minimum) traits which are consistent with the biblical qualifications of an Elder (1 timothy 3: Titus 1). In addition, eligible candidates shall be in agreement with the Creed, Position Statement, and the ministry philosophy of FBF, including it's over-all emphasis on gathered discipleship and scattered evangelism (Amos 3:3, KJV).

Leadership Council

The concept of the Leadership Council is introduced at Faith Bible Fellowship within a particular framework. This framework includes the following:

A biblical ministry is one in which purpose and practice flow out of a sound understanding of the Scriptures. The commitment to such a ministry is rooted in three fundamental beliefs:

 

A. The Bible is the Word of God to Man.

God's Word comes to us by His initiative in Self-disclosure. It is not generated by man (2 Peter 1:20-21). As such it is authoritative with respect to belief and practice. Furthermore, it is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We need not turn elsewhere for a fundamental understanding of our purpose or practices.

 

B. Ministry is of God

The very existence of the Church is by God's providence, consistent with His purposes, and according to His plan (Ephesians 1:3-23; 2:8-10). Subsequently, the same is true for ministry . As such, individual participation in ministry is not only dependent on God, but derived from God. Consequently, it should be His Word which governs our practice in the ministry we have received.

 

C. Ministry is Ultimately for God

In His Self-disclosure, God reveals the ultimate end of ministry -- His glory (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; 2:7). As such, it is our commitment to glorify Him by conforming our practices to His revealed Word.

 

II. An Established Practice of Governance by Elders

A. The Practice of Governance by Elders is Established in the New Testament Scriptures.

A careful examination reveals a normative pattern of governance by Elders within the local church (Acts 14:23; 15:6; 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 14-15;Titus 1:5; James 5:14, cf. 1:1; 1 Peter 5:1-5, cf. 1:1). Consequently, from a biblical vantage-point, the principle of governance by elders is not determined by their number, but by their presence within the local church.

 

B. The Practice of Governance by Elders is Established at Faith Bible Fellowship.

This is true in terms of our formation, our position (see Position Statement), our precedents and our practice. This is not to imply the subordination of the Word of God to our practices, but that our practices are rooted in our best understanding of the Scriptures. What must be kept in mind is that the Leadership Council is introduced within an established framework, including the practice of governance by Elders. As such, it operates within that framework, not alters it.

 

The Church of Jesus Christ is an assembly of believers, called out by God, forming a living organism unlike all other entities in the world. Though in it's organization into local assemblies it may bear similarities in certain respects to other entities (i.e.-a business), in it's essence, it is unique. As such, the proper vantage point from which to view the church is the church (as revealed in the Scriptures), not a different entity.

Being sovereign in every respect, He is sovereign over His Church. This is true not only in terms of it's existence, but in terms of it's formation. As the Chief Shepherd, Christ will build His Church and give it gifted men to serve His purposes, consistent His will (1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16).

Leadership Council

Recognizing the breadth and weight of responsibility which falls to the Elder in the fulfillment of his ministry, and recognizing the sovereignty of God in their establishment within the church (Acts 20:28), a Leadership Council shall exist at Faith Bible Fellowship (FBF) until the formation of a functioning, reproducing Eldership is complete; an Eldership composed of at least three Elders (the third Elder having faithfully served at least eighteen months following appointment, 1 Timothy 5:21-22). The Leadership Council shall be composed of existing Elders, any Trustee who exists in lieu of a second Elder, and those men who exhibit the qualities commensurate with the role and who are formally appointed to the task.

While not assuming the biblical authority or function of the Elders (Romans 12:3-8), the Leadership Council shall serve as a means of providing practical support to their oversight and ministry. This is achieved as qualified men so appointed share in the decision-making process through counsel and advisement, and as they participate in the accomplishment of assorted tasks; particularly when assuming those tasks can enable the Elders to avoid undue encroachment upon their functional priority of the ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:1-7).

Consistent with the pursuit of a functioning, reproducing Eldership, the Leadership Council shall additionally serve as a forum for advanced leadership development within the church (FBF). As such, and in light of their function in support of the ministry and oversight of the Elders, those men appointed shall meet collectively with the Elders as a Council on a regular basis for the purpose of ministry discussion, study, and prayer -- and in some cases, they shall make themselves available for specialized discipleship and training.

Annual appointments to the Leadership Council shall be made in-so-far as suitable men are available who desire to serve in this way; the number of those appointed corresponding to the number of eligible men recognized as qualified. Ideally, the total number of non-Elders serving on the Leadership Council at any given time shall be no less than two. As such, they shall serve two year terms, having been appointed by the Elders and affirmed by a two-thirds majority of the congregation (those of at least 18 years of age) present at a meeting called for such a purpose. Men may serve successive terms in-so-far as they are re-appointed by the Elders and re-affirmed by the congregation as previously described. Barring unique circumstances, affirmation of Leadership Council appointments shall be made at the January congregational meeting.

Suitable candidates shall be spiritual men who actively involve themselves in church life and who exhibit the following qualities:

1. authentic relationship with Christ and submission to His Word

2. spiritual wisdom

3. godliness of character

4. leadership in the home

5. advanced/advancing psychological and spiritual maturity

6. a good reputation

7. a desire to serve Christ by serving His people.

Though at the outset no assumptions are made with respect to these men ultimately becoming Elders, in that such potential exists by the providence of God, they shall possess in germ form (at minimum) traits which are consistent with the biblical qualifications of an Elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). In addition, eligible candidates shall be in agreement with the Creed, Position Statement, and the ministry philosophy of FBF, including it's over-all emphasis on gathered discipleship and scattered evangelism (Amos 3:3, KJV).

Any member of the Leadership Council may resign from service in writing or be removed from service if he becomes physically or mentally incapacitated, spiritually unqualified, or his inability to serve is otherwise established in the minds of the remainder of the Leadership Council; this after careful examination and prayerful deliberation in accord with principles derived from the Scriptures (i.e. - Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Timothy 5:19). It is within this framework that all Council members (including Elders) shall maintain mutual accountability, while retaining the ultimate responsibility of Elders as overseers of the church (Acts 20:28).

With the formation of a functioning, reproducing Eldership complete (as defined in Section 1 above), the Leadership Council shall be dissolved by way of attrition. Barring resignation, removal, or death, a non-Elder duly-appointed shall fulfill the term for which he had been appointed. The completion of the final non-Elder's term shall mark the formal dissolution of the Leadership Council.

Other Councils, Committees and Appointments

To promote efficient handling of administrative matters, the Elders may appoint various councils, committees and positions from within its membership, from among any staff, and from the church at large. These councils, committees, and positions shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with the powers specifically delegated by the Elders. The general functions of councils, committees, and positions are:

(A) To bring considered recommendations to the Elders concerning ministries and functions.

(B) To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders.

All councils, committees and positions shall exist for the period specified by the Elders.