FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP, INC
Constitution
(Philosophy of Ministry)
Preamble
We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in a decent and orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual Church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches.
Article I
Mission Statement
To glorify God by helping believers love the Lord their God
with all their heart, soul and might,
(Deut. 6:4-5; Mt. 22:36-38; 1 Jn. 4:7-21)
bringing them to maturity and unity,
(Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:24-29; Jn. 17:20-26)
that the world may believe God sent His Son, Jesus Christ.
(Jn. 17:20-26; 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
Article II
Purpose Statement
The purpose of Freedom Fellowship is
TO exalt the name of Jesus Christ through individual and corporate worship means.
TO equip the saints for the works of ministry through instruction means so the body may grow in the knowledge of the Son of God, to become mature disciples, and to fulfill the measure of the stature, which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
TO edify one another through fellowship means of encouraging one another and building up the body into a unity of faith.
TO evangelize our community, state, country, and world through evangelism means which proclaims the Word of God and calls people everywhere to respond to Jesus Christ through faith.
TO enable the body to fulfill this ministry purpose through the demonstration of wise stewardship over the resources God has so faithfully entrusted to this Body of Believers.
This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining or religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, colleges, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, missionary auxiliaries, print shops, day care centers, camps, nursing and retirement homes, cemeteries, thrift stores, and any other ministries that the elders may be led of God, all of which are established for the benefit of the members of Freedom Fellowship by providing opportunities for spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development.
Article III
Doctrinal Statement
The following are the doctrinal statements, which each member of Freedom Fellowship shall believe and support:
THE BIBLE
We believe the Scripture, all 66 books of the combined Old and New Testaments, is verbally inspired by God. We believe that the Bible is inerrant in the original writings, and it is the Christian’s final authority in faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
GOD
We believe that there is only one true, living sovereign, holy, and eternally existent God. God is infinitely perfect and He exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The triune God is the creator and sustainer of all things, the source of all truth, and is worthy of worship, confidence, and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Genesis 1:31)
THE PERSON AND WORD OF CHRIST
We believe, by the miracle of the virgin birth—that the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. We believe that He became man without ceasing to be God, to reveal God and to redeem mankind from sin. We believe that Christ died for the sins of all people as a substitutionary sacrifice. We believe that He arose bodily from the dead for our justification. Finally, we believe that He is now exalted at the right hand of God as Head of the Church. Christ is Lord of the individual believer, fulfilling His ministry as our Great High Priest and Advocate. (John 1:1-3, 14; Matthew 1:18-25; Philippians 2:5-9; Colossians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 1:11)
THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that He convicts the world of sin and regenerates the believing sinner, baptizing him into the Church (which is the Body of Christ). We believe that He indwells, guides, instructs, and empowers believers for godly living and service. We believe that God gives all believers at least one spiritual gift so we can use this gift for the strength and outreach of the Church. (John 14:16-19; 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 8:9, 11; Titus 3:5)
SALVATION
We believe that salvation is God’s free gift. Salvation is neither merited nor secured in part or in whole by any human virtue, work, ceremony, or effort. We receive God’s gift only through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, all true believers have—as a present possession—eternal life, perfect righteousness, and sonship in God’s family. Christians also enjoy every spiritual resource needed for life and godliness, and have the divine guarantee that they shall never perish. God has delivered Christians from all condemnation, and we have eternal security in Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
MAN
We believe that God created man in His image. But man sinned, incurring not only physical death, but also spiritual death (separation from God, which all people inherit from Adam). We believe that man is subject to Satan’s power; and that man, within himself, has no means of recovery or salvation. (Genesis 1:17, 31)
THE CHURCH
We believe that the true Church is composed of all who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, through saving faith in Jesus Christ. We also believe that those who are thus members of the true Church are eligible for membership in the local Church. (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Hebrews 10:25)
THE BLESSED HOPE
We believe in the personal, imminent and premillennial coming of our Lord. First, He will come to receive His own to Himself; later, He will set up His earthly kingdom and reign over redeemed Israel. At that time Christ will also reign over all nations, bringing peace and blessing to the world. We believe that this blessed hope has a vital bearing on our personal lives and service. (Titus 2:13)
THE CHRISTIAN'S WALK
We believe that God calls us—with a holy calling—to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. God wants us to live in the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit, so we will not fulfill the lusts of our physical bodies. We believe that the fallen, Adamic nature of the flesh cannot be eradicated in this life. Therefore, keeping ourselves constantly in subjection to Christ, we must allow God’s Holy Spirit to live through us in a daily “walk” of faith. Otherwise, the flesh will certainly demonstrate its presence in our lives, to the Lord’s dishonor. It is the responsibility and privilege of every Christian to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to seek and to make growing disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)
THE ETERNAL STATE
We believe that the souls of those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation immediately pass into His presence at death. There they remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of our bodies at Christ's coming for His Church. Then, with our souls reunited with our glorified bodies, we will live with Him forever in glory. We believe that God will punish unbelievers with everlasting separation from His presence, His glory, and His power. (John 3:16; 2:25; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
SATAN
We believe that Satan is a person, a fallen angel, the author of the fall of man, and the god of this age. However, we also believe that he is the Christian’s defeated enemy. His destiny is eternal punishment. (Job 1:6-12; Mark 8:32)
SIN
We believe that Adam, the first man, sinned by disobedience. This act resulted in the fall of all mankind. Therefore, all people have sinned and lost their ability to live for the glory of God. Mankind's fall has incurred both physical and spiritual death on all until there is forgiveness and salvation by the grace of God. (Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 3:10-23; 5:12-21; 6:23)
THE CHRISTIAN HOME
In addition to these important beliefs, we also believe that God has given the parents the responsibility to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6). We believe that a consistent and whole education will occur when home, Church, and school work closely together and are in agreement on the basis concepts of life.
BAPTISM AND LORD'S SUPPER
Jesus instructed His followers to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the Church two visible symbols (called "ordinances") as reminders. These two ordinances are baptism and the Lord's supper. Baptism by immersion is a one-time act of obedience and identification with Jesus as Lord. It serves as an outward sign of conscious confession of repentance and faith. The Lord's supper is an ongoing symbol remembering our Lord's death, burial, resurrection, and promised return. Each person must decide whether or not to be baptized or to participate in the Lord's Supper. Regardless, we do not regard anyone’s participation in these practices as a means of salvation. (Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 26: 26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)
Article IV
Ministry Priorities
WORSHIP
The purpose of Freedom Fellowship's Worship is to glorify God by helping believers worship the one true living God in spirit and in truth on a daily basis, and when the Church is assembled together corporately. (John 4:20-24)
Priority Objectives - Priority objectives for the accomplishment of the purpose of Worship will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Help believers know who God is - His glory, His majesty, His power, His worth.
• Help believers know who they are in Christ.
• Have a time of uninterrupted praise and worship in songs, hymns and spiritual songs, allowing people to get their focus off themselves and their circumstances, and placed on God and His glory.
• Help the congregation have the freedom to sing loudly and joyfully or be still, and know that our God reigns.
• Grow in our freedom in Christ and the leadership and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our assembly meetings.
Organization - The organizational structure which will be used to implement the appropriate plans to fulfill such objectives will be directed by the Senior Minister, Minister of Music and appropriate Ministry Teams. Refer to the separate Leadership Position Descriptions and Ministry Descriptions for additional information.
INSTRUCTION
The purpose of Freedom Fellowship's Instruction is to glorify God by helping believers have love out of a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith. (I Timothy 1:5; II Timothy 4:1-14)
Priority Objectives - Priority objectives for the accomplishment of the purpose of Instruction will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Instruction to believers is to be:
- Biblical in content
- Accurate in interpretation
- Practical in application
- Systematic in presentation
• Help every believer discover the joy and value of reading, studying, meditating, memorizing, believing, and obeying the scriptures.
Organization - The organizational structure that will be used to implement the appropriate plans to fulfill such objectives will be directed by the Minister of Education and appropriate Ministry Teams. Refer to the separate Leadership Position Description and Ministry Descriptions for additional information.
FELLOWSHIP
The purpose of Freedom Fellowship's Fellowship is to glorify God by providing the opportunities for people to get their relationship needs met, whether it is from the most casual contact to the deepest most intimate issues of the heart. (I John 1:3,7)
Priority Objectives - Priority objectives for the accomplishment of the purpose of Fellowship will include, but not be limited to, the following:
To provide places and opportunities for contact at five levels of relationship:
Level 1 Casual contact and friendly greeting
Level 2 Further introduction and interest
Level 3 Time spent together over a meal or dessert
Level 4 Small group meetings which are regular, more personal, deeper and more accountable
Level 5 Deep accountability, sharing and transparency
Organization - The organizational structure that will be used to implement the appropriate plans to fulfill such objectives will be directed by the Ministers of Discipleship and Recreation, and appropriate Ministry Teams. Refer to the separate Leadership Position Descriptions and Ministry Descriptions for additional information.
EVANGELISM
The purpose of Freedom Fellowship's Evangelism is to glorify God by helping every believer effectively and faithfully participate with Christ in sharing the gospel by lifestyle and word in our community and the world. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Priority Objectives - Priority objectives for the accomplishment of the purpose of Evangelism will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Help believers know and understand:
- the Purpose, Priority, and Plan of God to redeem, reclaim and save the lost from all nations.
- our individual call and responsibility to the gospel as an ambassador of Christ and minister of reconciliation. (II Cor. 5:17-21)
- the content of the gospel of grace. (I Cor. 15:1-4)
• To have a "Global Mindset" while locally involved in life and ministry.
• To pray for and be sensitive to opportunities for the gospel every day.
• To pray for laborers to be sent out into all regions of the world.
• To raise up and send laborers into the harvest from our own assembly.
• To significantly invest in and support the work of the gospel throughout the world.
The above priority objectives will be accomplished through biblical education, exposure, and equipping.
Organization - The organizational structure that will be used to implement the appropriate plans to fulfill such objectives will be directed by the Minister of Evangelism and Mission Ministry Team. Refer to the separate Leadership Position Description and Ministry Description for additional information.
STEWARDSHIP
The purpose of Freedom Fellowship's Stewardship is to glorify God by performing the works of the ministry in a "decent and orderly" manner. (I Cor. 14:40)
Priority Objectives - Priority objectives for the accomplishment of the purpose of Stewardship will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Lead and administrate the business affairs of the Church by the use of Biblical principles.
• Govern the operations of the Church by a responsible Board of Elders where possible conflicts-of-interest are avoided.
• Operate under a properly documented and updated Constitution, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Organizational Manual.
• Maintain a current Policies and Procedures Manual which addresses leadership and management, personnel, financial, facilities, general administration and ministry matters. Adequate documentation will support each adopted policy and procedure.
• Properly document and permanently file all actions of the Board of Elders, congregational meetings, council and committee meetings, etc.
• All Church employees and active ministry leaders will function under an accurate Leadership Position Description.
• Manage the Church finances by the use of generally accepted accounting principles for non-profit charitable religious organizations. Establish an effective system of internal financial controls to ensure integrity over the receipt and use of God's financial resources and the safeguarding of Church assets.
• Provide full disclosure of the Church's financial affairs to any Church member who would make a reasonable request.
• Maintain high standards in all fund-raising appeals and assure that donor confidentiality exists.
• Assist ministry leaders to be wise stewards of the financial resources which have been set aside in the Church's General Operating Budget for the work of their ministry. Restricted (designated) gifts will be properly managed based on the donor's intent.
Organization - The organizational structure that will be used to implement the appropriate plans to fulfill such objectives will be directed by the Minister of Administration and Executive Council. Refer to the separate Leadership Position Description and Ministry Description for additional information.
Article V
Ministry Distinctives and Values
SCRIPTURES
Leadership feels that all principles and practices of ministry must be submitted to the scriptures. In saying this, leadership insists that a clear distinction must be made between traditions, however effective they may have been in the past, and the clear teachings of the Word of God. The creative power of the Spirit of God must be allowed, through the Church's leadership, to constantly re-evaluate the activities of the congregation. There must be a willingness to discard old programs in order to change to new approaches into which God may be leading. The birthing of new ministries will parallel with God's provision of proven leadership.
WORSHIP
Becoming true worshippers - Worship services are designed primarily for the purpose of Biblical teaching and personal praise. An emphasis has been placed on worship through music. Leadership feels that music must prepare the heart for receiving God's Word. The primary method of biblical teaching is through expository teaching, accompanied with practical applications. Services are not designed with a performance, entertainment or spectator mentality in mind.
INSTRUCTION
Emphasis on the men - While recognizing that the Church has a responsibility to nurture all of its members, leadership feels that a special ministry emphasis must be placed on the husbands, fathers, and heads of the homes in order that they can properly teach and train each member within their home the infallible Word of God. Leadership desires to build spiritually healthy men through their accountability to other proven Godly men.
Emphases on the family - There are three divine institutions, which the Lord has established on this earth - the family, Church, and government. Since the family was the first of these institutions to be established, leadership feels that the parents have the primary responsibility for teaching and training their children for God. The Church should not merely co-exist with the family, nor should the Church, through its programs (however good), set up conflicts with the family. Instead, the Church must assist parents in every possible way to bring their children to love, honor, and serve the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Church ministries and programs must compliment, not divide the family.
Equipping the saints through adult electives and Sunday school classes - To balance between verse by verse exposition of Scripture and topical areas of importance and interest, a wide variety of adult electives and Sunday school classes will be offered to supplement corporate biblical instruction. These classes are designed to further equip, educate, and edify each member of the body on a small group basis.
FELLOWSHIP
A time to heal - Realizing that certain believers who visit our assembly might be coming from a prior church experience in which they have been spiritually wounded, it is the desire of leadership that these individuals take whatever time is needed to properly heal before they become directly involved in any ministry of this assembly.
Caring and accountability of all members - All members within this local assembly must be ministered to. Leadership recognizes the importance of social interaction as a way of establishing relationships on a more meaningful level, providing support and accountability among the members. Programs are provided in various areas of ministry to encourage fellowship among families, peer groups and on an individual basis.
EVANGELISM
All members are "ministers" - The primary philosophy for ministries is that of GOING into the community/world instead of COMING to a church building to be served. It is not the desire of leadership to build unneeded programs/ministries to fit members into, but instead there is a desire to equip members to do works of ministry through the use of their spiritual gift(s). All Church members are viewed as ministers of the gospel, not just those which are the paid pastoral staff.
Local and global evangelism - Leadership is committed to fulfilling the great commission of evangelism and outreach through this local assembly. Local (city, state, and nation) mission emphases and global (cross cultural/world) mission emphases are of high priority. Each believer is encouraged to witness to visitors, family members, friends, and those within our community both locally and abroad.
STEWARDSHIP
A well-managed ministry with a priority on excellence - It is the desire of leadership that the internal operations of this local assembly be handled in a "decent and orderly" manner which would be above reproach. The Church's business and financial operations will be managed at a level, which would be a pacesetter for all Church members and the world to follow.
Members are viewed as managers - The ownership of every tangible resource on the face of this earth belongs to God. Each member of this local assembly is considered a manager of those resources, which He has placed in their possession. Thus, financing the works of ministries within this local assembly is the obligation of each and every member within the body. Freedom Fellowship practices tithing for the financial support of Christ's Body, the Church, as God so commands. Tithing is an act of obedience and expression of love. Leadership recognizes that giving 10% of our income is the beginning Biblical standard of giving.
Plural leadership with transparency - The spiritual oversight responsibilities of this body of believers rests with the Senior Pastor as advised by a Board of Elders. Leadership is by a plurality form of governance, instead of a one-pastor (autocratic) lead approach. Leadership constantly strives to display a transparency to the body as it relates to their daily walk with the Lord.
The Board of Elders serves in an advisory position to the Senior Pastor. It is the responsibility of the Senior Pastor to receive and cast the vision for the congregation. At those times when the Senior Pastor feels he has heard from the Lord on an issue and has consulted his advisors, he may have to make a decision that is contrary to the majority of leadership opinions. If and when such a decision is made, it will be supported by the Board of Elders and all leaders out of respect for the office of the Senior Pastor.
Equal access to God - Leadership is committed to the Priesthood of all believers. All born-again believers have equal access to God, and the Holy Spirit speaks to each believer, not just the elders, ministers, or ministry leaders. Each believer is encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's leadership as ministry needs arise within the body.
Communication and connection of all members - No body of believers should get to a size or structure, which would allow a member to be lost in the crowds. Freedom Fellowship Connection groups are used as the primary means for communication and connection with each Church member. These Freedom Fellowship Connection groups operate under the supervision and direction of the elders.
Article VI
Freedom Fellowship Membership Covenant
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 and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one Body in Christ:
TO commit ourselves as members to honor, esteem, and love our staff and one another
TO pray for each other constantly and to manifest tender regard for our reputation
TO walk together in Christian love by the aid of the Holy Spirit; to strive for the advancement of this Church and its ministries; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines
TO contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations; and to manage all the resources God has entrusted to us in such a way that He is glorified
TO encourage family and private devotions; to educate our children in the things of the Lord; to seek the salvation of our relatives, friends, neighbors and associates
TO walk worthy of our calling in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to engagements and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid malicious use of the tongue; to keep our testimonies above reproach; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior
TO seek to identify, develop and utilize my spiritual gift(s) and abilities; and to seek a place of service within the body, with the support and affirmation of the body
TO watch over one another in brotherly love; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feelings and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of scriptural guidelines, to secure it without delay
Article VII
Plurality of Leadership Statement
"Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust."
(Acts 14:23)
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood."
(Acts 20:28)
"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."
(Titus 1:5)
The New Testament clearly teaches that the Church is to be led by a plurality of godly men. Their assignment falls into four categories: First, these men are given both the responsibility and authority too skillfully and lovingly lead the flock. Next, they are to feed the flock, offering accurate and insightful teaching of the Scripture. Third, they are to care for the flock. This care is shown in the love, concern, prayers, ministry, and adept management of Church resources. Finally, they are to protect the flock from harmful influences and beliefs.
These leaders are known by three titles, each of which reveals a separate aspect of their function. All three titles are used in 1 Peter 5:1-2;
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under you care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;"
They are first called “elders”. An elder (Greek “presbuteros”) is a godly leader whose wisdom and maturity are respected by God’s people. Next, these are men who give oversight. That is, they are “overseers” (Greek “episkapos”). An overseer is a person who is a good manager of resources and guardian of people. Finally, these leaders are called “shepherds”, which is also translated as “pastors” (Greek poimain”). This word refers to the role of caring for and leading the flock.
It is important to note that within the New Testament model of church organization, authority for leadership is not granted to just one individual pastor, nor is it given as democratic rule by the congregation. Instead, the Scripture states that authority for leadership is conducted by a plurality of leaders who are appointed by the Church and accountable to God. The Scripture further teaches that when the Church supports the elders, both the Church body and individual Christian will flourish. (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Pet 5:1-5; Acts 20:28) These elders do not form a separated “clergy class” of Christians. Instead, the elders, some of whom fill Church vocational roles or other non-vocational roles, are brothers with the people, always seeking God’s best for the members of the Church. (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 2 Cor. 8:19).
Article VIII
Affiliation
Freedom Fellowship is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any denominational control.
Article IX
Conducting Church Affairs
The conduct of the affairs of Freedom Fellowship will be basically outlined in the Bylaws.
These Bylaws define the Church's organizational structure, rights of participants in this structure and procedures by which these rights can be exercised.
Article X
Amendments to the Constitution
This Constitution or any provision of them may be altered, amended or repealed, and a new Constitution may be adopted at any time by the Board of Elders, with affirmation of change, as reflected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any special or regular membership meeting at which a quorum is present.
