A. We, the members of the Day Bible Chapel of Saranac, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

A. The name of this chapel shall be the "Day Bible Chapel" of Saranac, Michigan.

A. This corporation is formed as an evangelical non-profit corporation for the following purposes:

1. To preach and teach the Word of God.
2. To provide Christian fellowship.
3. To win individuals to a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
4. To hold title to property, both personal and real, as the need may arise.
5. To send and support missionaries.
6. To care for the needy and poor.
7. To administer the sacraments, rites, and ceremonies and conduct the worship services of the church.

A. We stand for and emphasize the foundational truths held in common by evangelical Christians: Our basis of fellowship being a oneness of heart and mind in all things of the Lord, and adherence to the historic Christian faith expressed as follows:

1. We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God. They are the final authority for faith and life of every believer (II Tim. 3:16-17;II Peter 1:20-21; John 16:12-13; Mart. 5:18).
2. We believe in the triune God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - Co-eternal in being, having the same attributes and perfection's (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 5:3-4; II Cor. 13:14; John 1:1-4).
3. We believe in the personality of Satan, called the devil, and his present control over unregenerate mankind, and his eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Isa. 14:12-17; Rev.20: 10; Matt. 4:2-11, 25:41).
4. We believe God created man in His image, but that in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and that man is totally depraved, and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen. 1:26-27; Ro. 3:22-23, 5:12; Eph. 2:1-2).
5. We believe that, owing to this universal depravity and death in sin, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless born again; and that no degree of reformation, however great; no attainment in morality, however high; no culture, however attractive; no humanitarian and philanthropic schemes and societies, however useful; no baptism or other ordinance, however administered, can help the sinner to take even one step toward heaven; but a new nature imparted from above, a new life implanted by the Holy Ghost through the Word, is absolutely essential to salvation (Eph. 2:8-10; I Pet. 1:18-19; John 3:3,16; John 1:~; Eph. 1:7).
6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and Born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1,2; Lk 1:35).
7. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal physical resurrection from the dead (Ro. 3:24,25; I Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7;IPet. 1:3-5).
8. We believe in the resurrection of the saved unto everlasting life and blessedness in heaven. We believe the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord. We believe the resurrection of the unsaved into the everlasting punishment of hell (Matt. 24:4-6; John 11:25-26; II Cor. 5:8; Rev. 20:5-6,12-13).
9. We believe in the church, the body of Christ, consisting only of those who are born again, for whom He now makes intercession in heaven and for whom He shall come again (Matt. 16:16-18;Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 3:14-15; Acts 2:32).
10. We believe in Christ's commission to the church to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel to every person (Mark 16:16; Acts 1:8; Mart. 28:19-20; II Cor. 5:18-20).
11. We believe that the Holy Spirit, not as an influence, but as a Divine Person, the source and power of all acceptable worship and service, is our Abiding Comforter and Helper, that He never takes His departure from the church, nor from the feeblest of saints, but is ever present to testify of Christ, seeking to occupy us with Him, and not with ourselves, nor with our experience (John 7:38,39, 14:16-17, 16:12,14; Acts 1:8; Ro. 8:9; Phil. 3:3).
12. We do not encourage the visible manifestation or exercise of the charismatic or Pentecostal sign gifts (Ro. 8:9;John7: 38-39, 14:16, 16:13-14).

A. Day Bible Chapel recognizes two ordinances of the church. These are commanded for all believers (I Cor. 11:23; Mart. 28:19-20; Acts 18:18; I Peter 3:21; Acts 19:4-5).

1. The Lord's Supper:

a) 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 (I Cor. 11:23-30).
b) It is a supper of remembrance and hope.
c) This ordinance shall be observed at least once each quarter or more often as the Pastor and the governing body of the church decides.

2. Baptism

a) Baptism in any form shall not be a test of church fellowship or membership. The applicant for membership shall be allowed to decide the matter for himself, in accordance with his own scriptural convictions. In case the minister in charge has scruples against complying with the request of the applicant as to the form of baptism, the board shall secure the temporary service of some other minister to administer the sacrament.

A. Any person who has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her own personal Savior and gives assurance of a desire to live a consistent Christian life and takes active interest in the service of this church shall be eligible for membership.
B. Receiving Members:

1. Christians who desire to associate themselves with this church, and who fulfill the qualification for membership shall approach the pastor or a member of the governing body after two months attendance. Their name will be recommended for membership at the next regular meeting of the governing body. 2. Applicants who have been approved for reception into the membership shall be recommended to the church by announcement from the pulpit or in the bulletin for two consecutive Sundays. If no valid objections are received by the governing body during that period, the right hand of fellowship shall be extended to them at the following Sunday morning service. Their membership shall then be enforced. 3. The pastor and his wife automatically become members upon his taking up the duties as pastor. 4. No person holding membership in a secret social/religious organization shall be Eligible for membership II Cor. 6:14; 7:1).

C. Status of Membership: 1. The membership of this church shall consist of three groups; Active Membership, Associate Membership, and Inactive Membership.

a) Active Membership shall consist of such Christians as have been received in accordance with the provisions of the constitution who are not members of any other church.
b) Active members who have reached the age of 16 years shall be entitled to vote.
c) No minimum age shall be set for membership. The pastor and the governing body shall determine the spiritual fitness of each applicant who is under voting age.

2. Associate members are those who meet the qualifications of active members but are not permanent residents of the area; such as students, missionaries, etc., who may hold membership elsewhere. Associate members shall not have the right to vote, but have all other rights granted to active members.
3. Inactive members shall consist of the following:

a) without giving a satisfactory answer for such absence.
b) Those absent from the service of the church for a period of six months Those no longer living within the area but desiring to continue their membership with this church.
c) Those under the disciplinary action of the church.

(1) Inactive members shall not have the right to vote or hold any office in the church. It shall be within the province of the governing body of this church to order a review of the church membership annually or whenever it is deemed necessary.

D. Duties of Members

1. The duties of members to themselves are the acquisition of scriptural knowledge, constant progress in spirituality, following Peter's admonition to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
2. Members should honor, esteem and pray for the Pastor.
3. It is the duty of each member to cultivate and cherish brotherly love for all members of the church, and show this love.
4. Toward those who are not members of the church, it is the duty of the members to be faithful and diligent in fulfilling obligations and performing promises, and as ability may enable, to commit the Gospel of Christ unto them.
5. It is the duty of each member to uphold the church in offerings (I Cor. 16:2; II Cor 9:6), and in faithfulness to it services.

E. Discipline of Members

1. The discipline of members shall be according to Biblical exhortation (Gal. 6:1). The method shall be according to Matt. 18:15-17. The desired result of discipline is spiritual restoration of the church member.

a) Reasons for discipline are three-fold:

(1) Doctrinal deviation or heresy (I Tim. 6:3-5; Titus 3:20,11;Ro.16: 17,18).
(2) Immoral conduct (I Cor 5:9-13; II Cor. 6:14-17; II Thes. 3:6).
(3) Sowing discord, causing division or walking disorderly (Prov. 6:19; Ro. 16:17; II Thes. 3:6-7).

2. The discipline of this church in a, b and c above shall be entrusted to the pastor and the governing body. Any disciplinary action that is deemed necessary shall be in the spirit of love (II Thes. 3:14-15), and meekness (Gal. 6:1).
3. No accusation shall be brought against any member except upon the testimony of two or three witnesses (Matt. 18:16, II Cor. 13:1, I Tim. 5:19).
4. The suspected person shall be confronted with the charges in writing with a desire to correct the difficulty and restore proper fellowship. The accused party shall appear before the governing body in order to render a verdict on the matter. Failure of the accused person to appear before the governing body will not prevent the body from rendering a verdict in accordance with the testimony received. If the accused refuses to return to conduct that reflects Biblical practices, their name shall be dropped from the church membership and dealt with according to I Cor. 5:11; Titus 3:10-11; II Thes. 3:6-7, 14; Ro. 16:17-18).

3. Qualifications:
a) All board members must be active church members of Day Bible Chapel for a minimum of one year.

4. Recall:

a) If any elected or appointed officer willfully neglects his or her duties for three months or lives a life that brings reproach upon the church, they may be subject to recall by the church upon a majority vote of the members after the recommendation of the board. The church board shall appoint persons to fill any unexpired term.

5. Duties of the Board:

a) The board shall be the executive for the congregation in the official church business. The board shall have supervision over the business transactions and general work of the church. The board shall at all times be subject to the majority vote of the congregation.
b) The chairman shall preside at all church business meetings. Order shall be maintained according to Robert's Rules of Order.
c) Vice Chairman: The vice-chairman shall preside in the absence of the chairman.
d) Secretary: The secretary shall keep minutes of all church meetings and carry out necessary correspondence.
e) Treasurer: The treasurer shall have charge of all church money and keep an accurate record of all income and expenditures. The treasurer within recommended limits set by the board or congregation shall make disbursements. The treasurer shall make a monthly report to the board and an annual report to the congregation. Financial records shall be review annually within 2 months of the close of the fiscal year, prior to the annual meeting. The board shall appoint such persons necessary for this review.
f) Spending Limits: The Board of Directors approval is required for the Treasurer to disperse funds exceeding $100.00. The Board of Directors may disperse funds up to an amount not to exceed $2500.00.
g) Trustee: The trustee shall have oversight of the church property. The trustee shall be responsible for the proper upkeep and maintenance of the church property.
h) Then the position of Pastor becomes vacant, the board shall appoint a pulpit committee consisting of one board member, one deacon, and two active church members from the congregation. The committee shall recommend prospective Pastoral candidates to the church. Selection shall be made according to Article VIII, Section C.
i) The board shall create a nominating committee for the purpose of filling positions on the church board and deacon board. This committee shall be composed of the Pastor, one deacon, and two board members. The congregation may present nominations to this committee.

B. DeaconBoard:

1. The deacon board shall consist of at least three men. The senior Pastor shall serve as chairman of the deacon board.
2. The term of office for deacons is three years. The congregation at the annual meeting elects the deacons.
3. Duties of the Deacons

a) They shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual ministry of the church.
b) They shall arrange for worship services, pulpit supply, and serve for the Pastor when he is absent.
c) A deacon representative shall be appointed annually to the official board as a liaison between the official board and the deacon board. The representative is to attend all board meetings but has no voting rights.

4. Qualifications for Deacons:

a) Deacons must be at least 21 years of age or older. They must be men of spiritual and moral integrity, active members of Day Bible Chapel for minimum of two years.
b) Deacons must strive to maintain the qualities found in I Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He should be the husband of but one wife, meaning faithful to his present wife. He cannot be disqualified as a deacon on the grounds of past divorce.

VIII. PASTOR:

A. The Pastor, by virtue of his office, shall perform all the functions of the ministry: Preaching, teaching, administering the ordinances, and performing all weddings and funerals.
B. The Pastor and his wife are automatically members of Day Bible Chapel.
C. Pastoral Call:
1. The pulpit committee, as appointed by the board, shall investigate candidates and arrange for them to speak and teach. Investigation of a candidate shall include questions regarding training, experience, and other important information. Past positions shall be contacted for referrals. The pulpit committee shall make such information available to the board and congregation.

D. By virtue of his office, the Pastor shall be an exofficial member of all-church committees, boards, organizations, and departments. He may be called upon by these groups for advisement.
E. The Pastor shall have the authority to appoint assistant Pastors provided that such a position and person has first been approved by the board.
F. Termination:

1. The Pastor's term of office is indefinite. Normally, a notice of 30 days shall be given to terminate by either the church or the Pastor. Services and remuneration shall continue through this period unless otherwise mutually agreed.
2. Dismissal of any Pastor may occur at any time by vote of the active membership of Day Bible Chapel subject to the following:

a) A congregational meeting called for the purpose of dismissing the Pastor must be announced from the pulpit two consecutive Sundays before such a meeting. This meeting may take place after a two- thirds vote of the official board or after a petition of 25% of the active membership has been presented to the board calling for such a meeting. At such a meeting, a majority of ballots cast shall be required to terminate the Pastor's services.
b) In the event of DOCTRINAL or MORAL defection, the Pastor's services may be terminated immediately by action of the board to be ratified by a vote of the membership within thirty days.

A. This ministry shall be recognized as an extension of the teaching ministry of Day Bible Chapel. It shall be under supervision of the board who shall annually appoint the Sunday school Superintendent. The Sunday school Superintendent shall be in regular attendance at the Sunday school. The Sunday school Superintendent shall, with approval of the board, appoint teachers and officers for the Sunday school as deemed necessary. All regular Sunday school offerings and expenses shall be handled through the church treasurer.

A. This congregation, having been in full fellowship with the American Missionary Fellowship (Villanova, PA) since 1965, shall remain in such fellowship until such affiliation is terminated by a two-thirds vote of the active members. Such a vote is to be announced three consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting.

1. Relationship with American Missionary Fellowship:

a) In the event that the internal affairs of the church should reach a state of controversy that it seems impossible to achieve peaceful negotiations between the Pastor and the congregation or between factions in the congregation, the local or regional representative of AMF shall be called. The AMF representative shall aid the church in reaching a point of agreement, or in so defining the issues that a proper case may be prepared.
b) The efforts of AMF shall be understood to be investigative only and with a view towards recommendations leading to resolution of the problem. To this end, shall the AMF representative have the right to sit in on board, deacon or congregational meetings and to set up visitation appointments with the church families. The recommendations of the AMF representative can become binding only by a two-thirds vote by members in good standing.

XI. FINANCE:

A. This church is formed and organized as a religious and nonprofit body. The church shall not engage in such activities that will result in remunerative profit for itself or its members.
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A. In the event that this corporation be dissolved, all assets remaining after obligations and liabilities have been paid, satisfied, discharged, or adequate provision made therefore, shall be distributed equally among all missionaries annually supported by Day Bible Chapel at the time of dissolution.

A. This constitution may be amended at any regular, called or annual business meeting of this church by a two-thirds vote by members present at that meeting. Any amendment to be voted upon must be in writing and read aloud at the two Sunday morning worship services immediately prior to such a meeting.

A. Stated services:

1. The church shall maintain Sunday morning worship services and Sunday school services. The church leadership, vested in the Pastor, board, and deacons, shall have the authority to make changes and exceptions to these services.

B. Annual Meeting:

1. The church year shall be January 1 through December 31. The annual meeting shall take place in November on the regularly scheduled board meeting night or upon such other date as the board shall determine. At this meeting those nominated for leadership on the exofficial board or the deacon board shall be elected. Their term of office shall begin on January 1.

C. Thirty percent of all active members shall be able to conduct business at official meetings and other meetings called in accordance with this constitution.

1977: Original document created.
1991: Pastor Frank Lattimore/Board added scripture references.
1996: Stephen Grody converted from file on Pastor Lattimore System.
1997: Steve Grody reformatted text to portrait.
1999: Michael Novak reformatted to Microsoft Word 97.
1999: Gordon Meekhof reformatted to Microsoft Word 97 / added Spending Limits.