The Constitution of Boquete Bible Fellowship

Article I NAME The name of this church is “Boquete Bible Fellowship.” Article II MISSION STATEMENT This mission of the Church at large is found in the Great Commandment (to love God and to love others -Matthew 22:37-40)… and the Great Commission (to make disciples – Matthew 28:19-20). Article III VISION STATEMENT The vision of Boquete Bible Fellowship is to fulfill this mission by following the Lord Jesus Christ as the literal head of this church. We will diligently seek to do that byproviding to the people of Chiriqui Panama:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Holy Word of God.
A Place to worship and serve God.
Ministries of support for the poor, the needy and the spiritually hungry.
Bible study and fellowship to increase the knowledge of God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Article IV BOQUETE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Section 1 ACCEPTANCE INTO MEMBERSHIP

A pastor, minister, or elder will interview any person desiring to become a family member of BBF. The interview will consist of the applicant sharing: (1) how and when they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, (2) their desire and plan to live a life pleasing to God, (3) their willingness to abide by the constitution of this church, and (4) their attitude and commitment to our “Statement of Faith”. Notes from all membership interviews will be shared with the elder board. All members will adhere to the ordinance of believer’s baptism.
When the elders are satisfied that the individual meets the above requirements, he or she will be confirmed as a family member to the congregation at an appropriate service.
The purity of the Lord’s Body is of utmost importance, therefore, it is proper and reasonable to exclude from membership any person who holds contrary and conflicting beliefs, who lives in violation of Biblical standards, or whose presence would cause division within the Body of Christ.

Section 2 REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP Family membership will be removed:

Upon the request of a member who wishes to terminate his or her membership.
Upon the death of a member.
When a member joins another church.
Upon the absence of a member from communion and other gatherings of the church for one year, and failure of the member to provide satisfactory explanation of such absence. (The Board of Elders may, at their discretion, choose to suspend the application of this rule.)
Upon the unanimous vote of the elders, relating to issues of a disciplinary nature. When a member engages in a pattern of conduct which visibly violates Biblical standards, or which is detrimental to the ministry, unity, peace, or purity of the church, and such member remains unrepentant, the elders will follow our Lord’s instructions from Matthew 18:15-20. If the member remains unrepentant and chooses not to resign, such member will be removed from membership. This action will be announced to the congregation in a tenderhearted, discreet manner, followed by prayer, at the first appropriate Sunday service thereafter. The goal of such discipline will be to encourage repentance and restoration of fellowship with the Lord and His people.

Article V GOVERNMENT We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the literal head of this church. This is the foundational principle upon which Boquete Bible Fellowship is founded, and is the basis for this church’s form of government. It is intended that this central truth be reflected in any and all actions, provisions and decisions undertaken by elders, deacons, pastors, ministers, and church members regarding any matter(s) of the church. Section 1 FOCUS

Because Jesus Christ is the head of this church, He is the one who makes the decisions that regulate our church’s life and outlines how these decisions will be carried out. We believe that the Lord has chosen and ordained elders through whom He will lead and shepherd His flock. We further believe that the Lord enables those elders to focus on His leading and shepherding by providing assistance through deacons and/or others whom He has chosen.
Our duty as a church—elders, deacons, pastors, ministers, and congregation—is to refrain from taking our ideas to the Lord requesting His approval and assistance. Rather, we are to wait, listen, and accept from the Lord His direction and leadership.
Though formal decision making procedures are necessary, they must always be subservient to seeking the Lord diligently and continually in prayer, asking Him, “Lord, what do You want?” and “How do you want to do this?” We believe we must be a decision discerning church, not a decision making church.

Section 2 FORM The responsibility for governing this church shall rest with the elders who will be identified by the Lord Jesus Christ. The elders are charged with the responsibility of seeking the will of God, along with meaningful input from the membership, on any important matter(s) before the church. These matters may include selection of leadership, adoption of the annual budget, ministries of this church, shepherding of the flock, major purchases or expenditures, and changes to our Statement of Faith and Constitution. In order to practically be “decision discerners,” the elders commit to developing excellent communication skills with the Lord and to be held accountable to record in writing how God has spoken. (A) CONGREGATIONAL INPUT

All members are reminded that the purpose of seeking congregational input is to assist the elders in determining the will of God, not voicing the likes and opinions of individuals. Corporate and individual prayer should precede all congregational assembly. The members of this congregation, no less than the elders, have the duty of listening to the Lord.
Special assemblies may be called by the elders and/or be held in response to membership requests if determined appropriate by the elders.
The elders will solicit written input from the members on significant ministry issues. We believe that one of the significant ways God will lead this church and the elders is through input received from the congregation, whose members are seeking and listening to the Lord.
The elders are solemnly charged with making final determinations of God’s leading on all decisions, subject to the congregational review process.

(B) CONGREGATIONAL REVIEW PROCESS Members may request review of any decision of the elders, in accordance with the following process:

Members are exhorted to initiate this process only upon a firm conviction from the Lord.
The member(s) will, in a clear, biblical and loving manner, present their concerns in writing to the elders.
The elders will prayerfully interact with the Lord on the request. In addition, the elders may request a personal meeting with the individual(s).
The elders will, in a clear, biblical and loving manner, respond in writing to the concerns of the member(s), giving the reasons for their response and an explanation of why they believe God led them to the decision.
Members are exhorted to consider carefully with the Lord the response they receive from the elders and trust the Lord with the results of this process.

ArticleVI LEADERSHIP The leadership of this church may include elders, deacons, pastors, ministerial staff, and treasurer. Other positions may also be established and filled by the elders as necessary. Section 1 THE ELDERS The elders are charged with the spiritual leadership of the church in all areas of ministry. The elders will also serve as trustees of the church in the event of any legal requirements imposed by federal, state or local government. The elders will, when appropriate, prepare position papers on doctrinal issues that affect this church. (A) SELECTION

Elders will be men selected in view of their conformity with the scriptural qualifications described in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, and in recognition of God’s identification of them as leaders of this church. Those selected will have been a member of this church for at least six months and will have been actively engaged in ministry leadership and shepherding the flock.
Candidates for elder will be nominated by the existing elders. All candidates will be subject to congregational input in regards to scriptural qualifications. Confirmation of each nomination shall be by the concurrence of all of the elders present at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Elders as set forth herein. After confirmation, the elder(s) will be installed at an appropriate ceremony as prescribed by the elders. (Elders shall be nominated by the existing elders. Congregational members may suggest potential nominees to the elders. After nomination, all proposed elders will be subject to membership input in regards to scriptural qualifications. After confirmation, the elder(s) will be installed at an appropriate ceremony as prescribed by the elders.)
The term of office for an Elder will be two years with a maximum of 3 consecutive terms allowed. An Elder who has served 3 consecutive terms will not be elegible to hold office again until a one (1) year period has elapsed. A system of rotation will ensure that half the Elders retire every two years with the first group serving only a 1 year term before reappointment for 2 years. The second group would serve a 2 year term before reappointment for a further 2 years. This will maintain continuity and experience on the board. The elders will annually review the qualifications and ministry of each elder.

(B) TERMINATION

The office of elder may be terminated by appropriate resignation, by expiration of term, or by death.
The elders, at God’s direction, may remove, at any time, any elder who:
Violates Biblical standards
Disturbs the purity, peace, or unity of the church
Changes his views regarding our Statement of Faith or Constitution to the point that his views are no longer in agreement
Whose life and activities do not reflect the ideals God has set forth for this office
Removal will require a unanimous concurrence of the elders. An elder who is the subject of a motion for termination will not be allowed to serve in his office during the period of determination.

(C) QUORUM A quorum for the purpose of carrying out duties as an elder board shall consist of a majority of the existing elders. All actions taken by the elders not specifically addressed in this Constitution shall require the affirmation of a majority of elders. (A quorum for the transaction of business in all elders’ meetings shall consist of a majority of the total number of elders currently in office. All actions taken by the elders shall require the affirmation of a majority of elders currently in office.) Section 2 THE LEAD PASTOR The lead pastor will exercise general oversight of the spiritual life of the church, along with the elders. He will preach the Word of God in the services of the church and administer the ordinances. An incoming pastor will serve and participate on the elder board. After a six month period, he will be considered for confirmation as an elder. The pastor will hold an ex officio position on all committees of the church. (A) SELECTION

The elders will nominate a pastor of the church after prayerful investigation and examination. The elders will nominate only those men who conscientiously subscribe without mental reservation to our Statement of Faith and Constitution and who are or will become independent of any denomination. The nominee will have successfully completed college and/or seminary or offer an equivalent training deemed satisfactory by the elders. Unanimous concurrence by the elders is required for a pastor to be nominated.
After approval by three-fourths (3/4) of the voting members present at the called congregational meeting or voting in absentia, the lead pastor will be installed at an appropriate ceremony as prescribed by the elders.
The lead pastor’s salary shall be set by the joint action of the elders and the deacons.

(B) TERMINATION The elders, at God’s direction, may remove, at any time, any pastor who violates Biblical standards, disturbs the purity, peace, or unity of the church; who changes his views regarding this Statement of Faith and/or constitution to the point that his views are no longer in agreement; whose life and activities do not reflect the ideals God has set forth for this office; or if, after extended written and recorded communications with the Lord, the elders agree that it is God’s will to remove the pastor. A pastor who is the subject of a motion for termination will not be allowed to serve as an elder during the period of determination. The extent to which the pastor will continue his other duties will be decided on a case by case basis. Such removal of the pastor will require a unanimous concurrence of the elders. The pastoral relationship may also be terminated by mutual agreement between the pastor and elders, by appropriate resignation, or by death. Section 3 THE DEACONS The deacons will operate under the general supervision of the elders. The deacons’ commitment will be to perform tasks delegated by the elders in accordance with the Biblical mandates afforded the office. This could include: responsibility for the properties of the church and the maintenance and repair thereof, oversight of the finances and the treasurer, assistance at church services of worship and assemblies, and the oversight of assistance to the membership of the church in material matters of food, shelter, and clothing. (A) SELECTION

Deacons will be selected in view of their conformity with the scriptural qualifications described in I Timothy 3:8-13, and in recognition of God’s identification of them as leaders of this church. Generally, those selected will have been a member of this church for at least six (6) months and will have been actively engaged in ministry.
Deacons term of office will be two years with a maximum of 3 consecutive terms allowed. A Deacon who has served 3 consecutive terms will not be elegible to hold office again until a one (1) year period has elapsed. A system of rotation will ensure that half the Deacons retire every two years with the first group serving only a 1 year term before reappointment for 2 years. The second group would serve a 2 year term before reappointment for a further 2 years. The deacons will annually review the qualifications and performance of each deacon, and inform each deacon and the elders of the results of such review.
Current elders will nominate future deacons. Congregation members may suggest potential nominees to the elders. After nomination, all proposed deacons will be subject to membership input in regards to Scriptural qualifications. Confirmation of each nomination shall be by the concurrence of all of the elders present at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Elders as set forth herein. After confirmation the deacon(s) will be installed at an appropriate ceremony as prescribed by the elders.

(B) TERMINATION The elders, at God’s direction, may remove, at any time, any deacon who violates Biblical standards, disturbs the purity, peace, or unity of the church; who changes his views regarding this Statement of Faith and/or Constitution to the point that his views are no longer in agreement; or whose life and activities do not reflect the ideals God has set forth for this office. Such removal will require a unanimous concurrence of the elders. A deacon who is the subject of a motion for termination will not be allowed to serve in his office during the period of determination. The office of deacon may also be terminated by expiration of term, by appropriate resignation, or by death. (C) QUORUM A quorum for the purpose of carrying out deacons’ duties shall consist of a majority of the total number of deacons currently in office. All actions taken by the deacons shall require the affirmation of a majority of deacons present at an appropriate meeting of the deacons. (A quorum for the transaction of business in all deacons’ meetings shall consist of a majority of the total number of deacons currently in office.) Section 4 MINISTERS AND MINISTRY STAFF Any minister or ministry staff position will be nominated by the pastor, and approved by the elders. The elders may terminate any minister or ministry staff member at any time, in the same manner as described for the pastor. The salary of all ministers and ministry staff members will be set by the joint action of the elders and deacons. Section 5 THE TREASURER(S)

The deacons will nominate a church treasurer, to be approved by the elders, before the end of each church fiscal year. The treasurer selected will serve for the ensuing church fiscal year.
Expenditures in excess of an amount to be designated by the elders will necessitate the approval of the treasurer and an elder. The treasurer will be responsible for maintaining proper and prudent accounting for all church financial affairs and banking or financial accounts except those specifically made the responsibility of other treasurers.
Assistant treasurers for special funds may be selected by the deacons, if necessary, with the approval of the elders.
All treasurers of the church will make available for audit or inspection, any and all accountings, books or records of any fiscal nature, at any time, at the request of the elders or the deacons.

Article VII ORDINANCES The church shall celebrate the Scriptural ordinances of communion and believer’s baptism on a regular basis. This will be under the direction of the pastor(s) and the elders, with assistance from the deacons. Article VIII ORDINATION The church shall ordain qualified Christians for ministry. Such ministers shall be ordained and commissioned by an ordination council composed of the pastor and the Board of Elders. The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination as to their calling, their vision, their walk with the Lord, education, reputation, character, doctrinal beliefs, and ministry. Article IX DISCIPLINE We believe that one of the primary responsibilities of the church is to maintain the purity of the Body. We are directed by God to be holy. In recognition of the importance of this obligation, the elders will biblically and lovingly utilize every appropriate means to restore members who find themselves in patterns of serious misconduct. No accusation shall be brought against any member except under the testimony of two or three witnesses. When a member engages in a pattern of conduct which visibly violates Biblical standards, or which is detrimental to the ministry, unity, peace, or purity of the church, and such member remains unrepentant, the elders will follow our Lord’s instructions from Matthew 18:15-20. The goal of such discipline will be to encourage repentance and restoration of fellowship with the Lord and His people. If all efforts at restoration fail, such member will be removed from membership. This action will be announced to the congregation in a tenderhearted, discreet manner, followed by prayer. (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:1-5; Galatians 6:1-2; II Thessalonians 3:6) Article X AMENDMENTS The “Statement of Faith” may not be amended in any material point. The Constitution may be amended by unanimous concurrence of the elders at a special or regularly called meeting. As previously stated (see article V section 2), the elders will seek the Lord as well as input from the membership prior to making a determination toward amending the Constitution. Article XI DISSOLUTION The church recognizes that its legal status, as recognized by the federal, state and local government, exists as being organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In the event of dissolution, the assets of this church shall be distributed to a Christian organization, which has received notice of qualification from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3), or to another church of like faith and practice. The elders would determine the process of dissolution.