What’s Our Mission?

We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus from all peoples, who love God with all their hearts, love their neighbors as themselves, and are eager to make disciples wherever we are.

Village Values

What makes Village who we are? We begin with the five values that shape our identity and motivate our ministry. Informing each of these values are our beliefs, which you can find below.

Village Beliefs

What a church believes ultimately informs its practice. The following four documents shape life and ministry at Village. Our Doctrinal Statement tells you what we believe about God and His world; our By-Laws tell you how we operate; our Covenant explains the promise members make to one another; and our Constitution simply identifies the core of our organizational existence as a local church.

Skip to By-Laws | Covenant | Constitution

What We Believe (Our Doctrine)

Our Doctrinal Statement gets into the specifics of what we believe as a church, and what we ask all our members to agree to.  It is a concise statement of what we believe about God, people and the world.

1.Of the Scriptures

We believe in the authority and sufficiency of the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, as originally written; that it was verbally and plenary inspired and is the product of Spirit-Controlled men, and therefore is infallible and inerrant in all matters of which it speaks. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creed and opinions shall be tried. II Tim. 3:16,17; II Pet. 1:19-21.

2.The True God

We believe there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love. That in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Ex 20:2,3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11

3.The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He bears witness to the truth of the gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the Agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer. Jn. 14:16-17; Matt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; Jn. 14:26; Lk. 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; Jn. 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; Jn. 3:5,6; Eph. 1:13,14; Mk. 1:8; Jn. 1:33; Acts 11:16; Lk. 24:49; Rom. 8:14,16,26,27

4.The Devil, or Satan

We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, the Devil; and that he was created by God as an angel but through pride and rebellion became the enemy of his Creator; that he became the unholy god of this age and the ruler of all the powers of darkness and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. Matt. 4:1-11; II Cor. 4:4; Rev 20:10.

5.Creation

We believe the Biblical account of the physical universe, angels and man; that this account is neither allegory nor myth, but is a literal, historical account of the direct immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process; that man was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, the first parents of the entire human race. Gen. 1,2; Col. 1:16,17; Jn. 1:3.

6.The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in innocence (in the image and likeness of God) under the law of his Maker, by voluntary transgression Adam fell from sinless and happy state, and all men sinned in him, in consequence of which all men are totally depraved, are partakers of Adam's fallen nature, and are sinners by nature and by conduct, and therefore are under just condemnation, without defense or excuse. Gen. 3:1-6; Rom. 3:10-19; 5:12,19; 1:18,32.

7.The Virgin Birth

We believe that Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can be born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God and God, the Son. Gen. 3:15; Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:35; Jn. 1:14.

8.Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is divinely initiated and wholly of grace through the mediatorial offices of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who, by the appointment of the Father, voluntarily took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, and honored the divine law by His personal obedience, thus qualifying Himself to be our Savior; that by the shedding of His blood in His death He fully satisfied the just demands of a holy and righteous God regarding sin; that His sacrifice consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that having risen from the dead He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. Repentance is a change of mind and purpose toward God prompted by the Holy Spirit and is an integral part of saving faith. Jn. 2:9; Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24,25; Jn. 3:16; Matt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7,8; Heb. 2:14-17; Is. 53:4-7; I Jn. 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24.

9.Resurrection and Priesthood of Christ

We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ and in His ascension into Heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest interceding for us. Matt. 28:6,7; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 20:27; I Cor. 15:4; Mk. 16:6; Lk. 24:2-6; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:6; 12:2; 7:25; I Tim. 2:5; I Jn. 2:1; Heb. 2:17; 5:5,10.

10.Grace and the New Birth

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about by our sovereign God in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith and newness of life. I Jn. 3:3; II Cor. 5:17; I Jn. 5:1; Acts 16:20-33; II Pet. 1:4; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13; Jn. 3:8.

11.Justification

We believe that justification is that judicial act of God whereby He declares the believer righteous upon the basis of the imputed righteousness of Christ, that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any work of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's shed blood. Rom. 3:24; 4:5; 5:1,9; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

12.Sanctification

We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in a threefold manner; first, an eternal act of God based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts the Savior; second, a continuing process in the saint as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the life; third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord's return. Heb. 10:10-14; 3:1; Jn. 17:17; II Cor. 3:18; I Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:25-27; I Thess. 4:3,4; 5:23,24; I Jn. 3:2; Jude 24,25; Rev. 22:11.

13.The Security of the Saints

We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6; Jn. 10:28,29; Rom. 8:35-39; Jude 1.

14.The Church

We believe that a local church is an organized congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are elders and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only Superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith for the furtherance of the gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; that on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final. I Cor. 11:2; Acts 20:17-28; I Tim. 3:1-13; Acts 2:41,42. We believe in the unity of all New Testament believers in the church which is the Body of Christ. I Cor. 12:12,13; Eph. 1:22,23; 3:1-6; 4:11; 5:23; Col. 1:18; Acts 15:13-18.

15.Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the single immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Savior, through Whom we died to sin and rose to a new life; that baptism is to be performed under the authority of the local church; and that is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership. We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. We believe that the Biblical order of the ordinances is baptism first, and then the Lord's Supper, and that participants in the Lord's Supper should be immersed believers. Acts 8:36,38,39; Jn. 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; Matt. 3:16; Col. 2:12; I Cor. 11:23-28; Matt. 28;18-20; Acts 2:41,42.

16.Separation

We believe in obedience to the Biblical commands to separate ourselves unto God from worldliness and ecclesiastical apostasy. II Cor. 6:14-7:1; I Thess. 1:9,10; I Tim. 6:3-5; Rom. 16:17; II Jn. 9-11.

17.Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming King of kings. Rom. 13:1-7; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21,22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29; 4:19,20; Dan. 3:17,18.

18.Israel

We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God's eternal covenant people, that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ, and that she will be gathered in the Holy Land and, after the completion of the church, will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ. Gen. 13:14-17; Rom. 11:1-32; Ezek. 37.

19.Rapture and Subsequent Events

We believe in the dispensational teaching of the Scriptures. We believe in the premillennial return of Christ, an event which can occur at any moment, and that at that moment the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies, and the living in Christ shall be given glorified bodies without tasting death, and shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seven years of the Tribulation. I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:42-44, 51-54; Phil. 3:20,21; Rev. 3:10. We believe that the Tribulation, which follows the Rapture of the Church, will be culminated by the revelation of Christ in power and great glory to sit upon the throne of David and to establish the millennial kingdom. Dan. 9:25-27; Matt. 24:29-31; Lk. 1:30-33; Is. 9:6,7; 11:1-9; Acts 2:29,30; Rev. 20:1-4,6.

20.The Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who are justified by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in the lake of fire. Mal. 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17,18; I Jn. 5:19; Rom. 7:6; 6:23; Prov. 14:32; Lk. 16:25; Matt. 25:34-41; Jn. 8:21; Rev. 20:14,15.

. . .

Return to Section Top ↑ | Return to Start ↑

Village By-Laws

Our By-Laws outline how we operate as a church.  They explain how our membership works, how we handle finances and how our leadership is structured.  

Preamble

These By-Laws are intended to provide structure and order in the operation and ministry of Village Baptist Church (VBC). They can be changed at any regular quarterly members’ meeting where notice on two consecutive Sundays has been given. The meeting must have a 25% quorum and a majority vote greater than 50%.

Article I: Membership

1. All members of this church shall be born-again believers who have been baptized by immersion, following, and because of their regeneration. All candidates for membership shall have read the Constitution, By-Laws, Covenant, Purpose and Vision Statements, position statements, and Doctrine of VBC and be in substantive agreement with their content. All prospective members must meet with the elders and have their recommendation. This recommendation can be brought to the church at any regular or special members’ meeting for consideration by the congregation. Those candidates who are rebellious to the clear teachings of the Scripture or are under unresolved biblical discipline, as determined by the elders, by a former church will not be considered for membership.

2. Members may be admitted who are younger than 18 years of age. Such members will enjoy the responsibilities and privileges of membership with the exception of voting participation in members’ meetings.

3. Members can be removed from membership by:

   a. Personal letter of request unless presently under church discipline as described in Article 1, Paragraph 3.

   b. Death

   c. Discipline according to Matthew 18 as described in Article 1, Paragraph 3.

   d. Letter of transfer to a like-minded church.

   e. Nonattendance. Nonattendance is defined as a failure to attend for a period of six months. Members will be contacted by the elders prior to church action.

4. In order to maintain its purity and peace, the local church has the Scriptural right and responsibility to discipline its members who consistently and willfully neglect the teachings of Scripture and are unwilling to repent. All discipline must accord with the pattern found in Matthew 18:15-20, and the spirit of Galatians 6:1 as outlined in our policy on church discipline. In the event that disciplinary action is required concerning a non-voting member (a minor), such action will be carried out in cooperation with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the non-voting member.

Article II: Members' Meetings

1. VBC will conduct its business in an orderly, dignified and open manner. Rules of parliamentary procedure will be observed.

2. There will be four regularly scheduled members’ meetings each year. The first meeting for each year will be an annual meeting where reports will be presented concerning the various areas of the church's ministries for the past year, and plans for the upcoming year. There will be three quarterly meetings scheduled following the annual meeting. At the third quarterly meeting, the budget for the following year will be approved, and officers for the following year will be elected.

3. VBC will be bound by its approved Constitution and Bylaws during these meetings.

4. There must be a quorum of 25% of the voting members of the church to conduct any business, unless otherwise stated in these By-Laws or Constitution.

5. Special members’ meetings may be called at any time to conduct business. These meetings may be called by a majority of the elders, a majority of the deacons, or by 50% of the voting membership of the church requesting the same by written petition. Notice and purpose of the special meetings shall be publicly read at two consecutive Sunday services and the agenda shall be posted in writing in a public place during the week prior to the meeting. No business except that which is posted may be transacted during special members’ meetings.

6. All church meetings will be officiated by the chairman of the elders, or another elder in his absence.

7. Voting members will be at least 18 years of age and attend services regularly.

8. The clerk will keep minutes of all business transacted during the meeting. This report will be a written and public record read during the following regularly scheduled meeting. The clerk will also be the keeper of the church minutes, and will maintain an accurate record of church membership. The clerk will be appointed by the church leadership.

Article III: Ecclesiastical Associations

This church shall be free to associate with whom it pleases, but in obedience to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, this church shall not be involved in any cooperative ministry (to include mission organizations, para-church organizations and providers of teaching materials) that associates it with a group which would deny the fundamentals of the faith (e.g. Virgin Birth, Deity of Christ, Substitutionary Atonement, Sinfulness of Man, Inspiration of Scripture, etc.) as determined by the elders.

Article IV: Finances

1. It is expected that the church shall assume its financial obligation by discharging any and all indebtedness on a scheduled payment plan. The church shall provide regularly and adequately for those whom God calls to minister here.

2. The church shall annually approve an operating budget, to be financed by freewill offerings. The elders will work with relevant deacons and lay ministry leaders to construct a budget to be presented to the congregation. Staff elders may not determine staff compensation. Lay elders and deacons designated by the lay elders propose recommendations for compensation. The proposed budget is presented prior to a quarterly members’ meeting for discussion, and approved by majority vote of the membership.

3. The Elders will appoint a financial secretary who shall keep a record of all giving, and this record will be available for each contributor at the beginning of each year.

4. The elders will appoint a treasurer who shall perform those duties common to this office. The treasurer will present quarterly reports to the church concerning all receipts and expenses. All checks require a double signature. Authorized signers are the treasurer, any lay elder, or any deacon so designated by the elders. All bills that are budgeted expenses, and all budgeted disbursements shall be paid by the treasurer. No individuals may sign checks personally benefiting them.

5. No indebtedness may be incurred at any time without congregational approval. The elders are authorized to spend from the general funds up to 20% of the average weekly budget by majority vote of the elders and the treasurer for a single variance or non-budgeted disbursement. Such variances and non-budgeted disbursements are limited to a cumulative total of 1% of the annual budget. Non-Budgeted disbursements greater than 20% of the average weekly budget, or smaller non-budgeted disbursements exceeding the cumulative annual limit require a majority vote by the elders, and congregational approval (per Article II, Paragraph 5). Designated funds may be spent up to the available fund balance by the elders or any deacon or VBC committee authorized by the elders, by a majority vote of elders and the treasurer.

Article V: Church Leadership

1. Two offices are established to lead and serve the church: elders and deacons. Men who are (or elect to become) members of VBC and are transparently qualified according to the qualifications described in the Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9) may be called to the office of elder. Men or women who are members of VBC and are transparently qualified according to the qualifications described in the Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8-13) may be called to the office of deacon. The church may have as many of each as its size and work demands. No elder or deacon may belong to an organization that violates the Scripture.

2. The elders at Village are responsible, according to Scripture: to teach Scripture to God’s people (1 Tim. 3:2; 4:13; Titus 1:9); to give themselves to prayer (1 Thess. 5:17); to administer the ordinances; to counsel and correct God’s people (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Titus 1:9); to protect God’s people (Acts 20:29-31; Titus 1:9-16 ); to lead by example and in service (1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 1 Thess. 2:1-13); to be transparent in their own growth (1 Tim. 4:13-16; Acts 20:28-32). The elders are responsible for all aspects of the worship services. All elders at Village share in the general duties of pastoral ministries in the church. They take full responsibilities for duties assigned to them and report directly and regularly to one another in elders’ meetings. All other office, maintenance, and appointed personnel shall be under pastoral supervision.

   The elders are responsible for final determinations in hiring, dismissing and management of all personnel. Candidate recruitment and selection may be delegated to deacons or a committee of members, at the discretion of the elders.

3. Two kinds of elders exist: staff and lay elders. All elders share in the pastoral leadership of the church, but are differentiated by time commitment, specialization and compensation. Staff elders devote themselves to pastoral work on a full-time basis and are financially supported by the congregation, and possess the title of “pastor.” Lay elders are non-staff shepherds who devote themselves to caring for the church alongside their other commitments.

4. Candidates for lay elders are identified and recommended by the elders. Men who are identified by the elders as those who exhibit the qualities and desire necessary to serve as an elder (1 Tim. 3:1ff), may be invited to become an Elder Candidate. Elder Candidates are those whom the elders recognize as qualified and competent to serve as elders at Village. Elder Candidates are then examined by the congregation at a special member’s meeting, and the elders solicit known concerns from the congregation. Upon a successful examination, Elder Candidates are presented for approval at a quarterly members’ meeting.

   Lay elders require 75% approval with a 50% quorum. Candidates who receive this approval become elders, effective immediately.

5. Staff elders may be called from within, or outside of the congregation. When the need arises to hire a staff elder, elders may consider an existing lay elder for the role. Lay elders must receive recommendation by a majority vote of the elders, and forego the need for a Search Committee, and steps (a) and (b) described below.

   If it is determined that outside applicants shall be considered, the elders will organize a Search Committee. Membership of this committee shall include elders, deacons and congregational members. Congregational members must be members in good standing, well-respected by the church at-large, having demonstrated maturity in life and service. They will be recommended by the congregation by a process of nomination, and a select number approved by the elders and deacons.

   This committee shall perform preliminary inquiry concerning the suitability of potential candidates. The Search Committee will identify qualified candidates, and will make recommendation to the elders. Candidates are approved and invited by the elders. The congregation will be kept apprised concerning this process and will be notified by mail when a candidate is being considered.

Once suitable candidates have been identified and selected to advance,

a. He will be invited to visit and preach multiple Sundays.

b. He shall undergo further inquiry by the elders and congregation.

c. Following this, the elders will schedule a special members’ meeting. This meeting will be announced via written notice sent to each member's home, and from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays preceding the meeting.

d. The membership will vote to call the candidate to serve as a staff elder. Candidates must receive 75% approval with a 50% quorum of voting members.

If an outside candidate is called and accepts the call to serve as a staff elder, he shall concurrently be added to the VBC membership record.

6. Lay elders are reaffirmed every three years by the other elders and the congregation. This reaffirmation assesses and confirms a lay elder’s continuing qualification, competency and willingness to serve, is reaffirmed by and is secured by a unanimous vote of the elders and 75% congregational approval with a 25% quorum at a members’ meeting. Lay elders may elect to take a sabbatical (up to one year) and return to service with a simple affirmation from the elders and congregation. An absence of more than one year will require the process outlined in article V, section 4.

Staff elders are not subject to this triennial reaffirmation, due to the nature of their calling by the church. Staff elders are eligible for a structured sabbatical every seven years of service

7. The Lead Pastor will serve as chairman of the elders. The chairman moderates all elders’ meetings and members’ meetings. This responsibility may be delegated in his absence. Elders are appointed to chair deacon meetings and serve as ex officio members of all organized groups and committees connected with the church.

8. For compliance purposes with nonprofit corporation laws of the State of Illinois, the Lead Pastor shall serve as president of the corporation, and the elders shall elect, from their number, a secretary of the corporation.

9. Prospective deacons will be nominated by the congregation to fill the deacon roles created by the elders. The elders will finalize a ballot to be considered at a members’ meeting. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor at this members’ meeting.

Deacons shall be elected from the membership for a term of three years by 50% congregational approval with a 25% quorum. At the end of each term, a deacon’s continuing qualification, competency and willingness to serve is reaffirmed by the elders, and 50% congregational approval with a 25% quorum at a members’ meeting.

The deacons shall meet at least monthly with at least one of the elders for prayer, encouragement, problem-solving and strategic planning.

10. Elders and deacons may resign their office at any time, if they are unable to meet the requirements placed upon them by the church, as long as they are not avoiding confronting some sin in their lives.

Elders and deacons may be removed from office if caught in disqualifying behavior or open sin. Charges must be brought by two or more members in good standing (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Timothy 5:17–22). If the severity of the charge warrants, the elders may temporarily suspend the elder or deacon pending investigation. If in the course of a thorough investigation the charges prove to be accurate and warranting removal, the elders will bring the recommendation for removal to the church at a regular or special members’ meeting. Removal of an elder or deacon requires 75% approval with a 50% quorum of voting members.

The goal of any removal is to bring about spiritual restoration to the individual so removed. However, reinstatement is left to the discretion of the elders, and the approval of the congregation.

11. All other leadership positions necessary for the efficient operation of the church will be appointed from the membership by the elders. These positions will be filled by individuals who have shown themselves to be mature and godly.

Article VI: Standing Policies

Policy statements are directives for ministry and operation of the church. They are developed by the elders to provide structure to carry out ministry objectives. Policy statements are always concordant with existing Policy statements, these By-Laws, the Covenant and the Constitution. In the event of conflict, the Constitution followed by these By-Laws prevail. Policy statements deal with a wide range of issues and are available for public viewing upon request. Each policy statement will be reviewed by the elders every three years.

. . .

Return to Section Top ↑ | Return to Start ↑

Village Covenant

Our Covenant is a promise we make to one another at Village when we become members. In this short document, we try to capture the spirit of the biblical teaching on what it means to live as Christians, together.

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body of Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheer- fully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to teach our children the things of God; to seek the salvation of our family and friends; to live carefully in the world; to be just in our dealings; faithful in our engagements, and above reproach in our lifestyle; to avoid all gossip, slander and excessive anger, to seek God’s help and apply biblical wisdom in abstaining from the use or sale of any food, drink, drug, or practice that would bring unwarranted harm to the body, jeopardize our or another’s faith, bring reproach on our witness for Christ, or cause us to be mastered by it rather than the Holy Spirit; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feel- ing and courtesy in speech; slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay. We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

. . .

Return to Section Top ↑ | Return to Start ↑

Constitution

Our constitution describes the nature and purpose of our existence as an organization established in Illinois.

PREAMBLE

This church is a duly organized and gospel preaching Baptist Church. The authority over this church is the Word of God alone. This church proclaims the gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone.

1. This church is incorporated in the state of Illinois as a nonproft entity with the name Village Baptist Church of Aurora (VBC).

2. The church has a congregational form of government and claims the right to administer the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. All ministries are subordinate to the church.

3. The purpose of the church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to the lost in every place; to baptize and disciple those who have come to faith; to gather for the proclaiming of the word of God, worship, fellowship, prayer; and to fulfill the great commandment by loving the Lord our God and our neighbors as our selves.

4. This constitution can be changed only at the Annual Business Meeting with a 50% quorum and with a 75% majority vote.

5. This church is committed to its doctrinal position as presented in the Statement of Faith and Covenant.

6. Should this church choose to dissolve and cease to exist as a church, all of its tangible assets shall be turned over to a like-minded gospel preaching church or mission agency. A motion to dissolve the church will require a 75% vote of active voting members of those present.

. . .

Return to Section Top ↑ | Return to Start ↑