CONSTITUTION

This fellowship of believers shall be known as Rimbey New Life Fellowship.

Preamble

We of the Rimbey New Life Fellowship adhere to the tenets of historical Christianity, building upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone.  Eph. 2:16-20; I Cor. 3:11  We accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the livi b v Word of God and, therefore, the only infallible source of faith and life. 

II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:20-21

 Prerogatives

1)        This Fellowship shall be a self-governing, self-supporting body under Jesus Christ, Head of the Church.

2)        In connection therewith, or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of it’s purpose; all in accordance with it’s constitution and by-laws or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.

Aims and Purposes

In accordance with the Scriptural mandate, Col. 3:12-16, we of the Rimbey New Life Fellowship have determined to covenant together as members of the Body of Christ for the following purposes:

1)        To worship Almighty God, through Jesus Christ, in the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. Phil. 3:3

 2)        To provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith where God may be honored according to our distinctive testimony.  I Jn. 1: 3-7

 3)        To assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home and in the foreign lands.  Mark 16: 15-20

 4)         To serve one another in love, that all might be equipped to do the work of ministry apportioned by Christ to each of us through the Holy Spirit.  Eph. 4: 11-15

1. TENETS OF FAITH

1)       Holy Scriptures

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God by which we understand the whole Bible to be inspired in the sense that holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the very words of Scripture.  II Tim. 3: 16-17; II Peter 1: 20-21 Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the original writings. The whole Bible in the original is, therefore, without error and as such is infallible, absolutely supreme and sufficient in authority in all matters of faith and practice. Ps. 119: 160a; Matt. 5: 17-18

The bible does not simply contain the Word of God but is in reality the complete revelation and very Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit. Christian believers today receive spiritual illumination to enable them to understand the Scriptures, but God does not grant new revelations which are contrary or additional to inspired biblical truth.  I Cor. 2: 12-14; Prov. 30: 5-6

2)         The Godhead

The Godhead exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having the same nature and attributes and are worthy of the same homage, confidence and obedience.  Matt. 3: 16-17; Matt. 28: 19; II Cor. 13-14

1. The Father

The Father exists eternally as the Creator of heaven and earth, the Giver of the Law, to whom all things will be subjected, so that He may be all in all.  Gen. 1: 1; I Cor. 15:28

1. The Son

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal and only Begotten Son of the Father, is true God and true man, creator of all things.  John 1: 1; John 1:3; Phil. 2:6-7; John 10: 30; Heb. 1: 8; John 17  He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and by His sinless life, miracles and teaching, gave revelation of the Father.  Luke 1: 26-35; II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26; Acts 2: 22; John 12; 49 He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice.  I Peter 3: 18; Rom. 5: 6-8; I Cor. 15: 3 He rose from the dead.  Matt 28:6;

 I Cor 15: 4-20 He is now at the right hand of the majesty on high as our great High Priest.  Acts 1: 9-11; Acts 2: 33; Heb. 8: 1 He will come again to establish His kingdom in righteousness and peace.  Matt 25: 31

1. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is also God, performing actions and possessing the attributes of Deity.  Acts 5: 3-4 His personality is shown by the fact that He has personal characteristics and that individuals may relate to Him as a person.  John 16: 13-14

3)        Angels

1. Classification

Angels were created as intelligent and powerful beings to do the will of God and worship Him.  Ps. 103: 20; Rev. 5: 11-12  However, Satan the originator of sin, fell through pride and was followed by those angels who rebelled against God. These fallen angels or demons are active in opposing the purposes of God.  Isa. 14: 12-17; Ezek. 28: 11-19; I Tim. 4:1; Eph. 6: 11-12; Jude 6

Those who remained faithful continue before the throne of God and serve as ministering spirits. Heb. 1:14

1. Demons

Demons attempt to thwart God’s purposes. However, in Christ the believer may have complete liberty from the influence of demons. Heb. 2: 14; I John 4: 1-4; I John 4: 1-4  He cannot be possessed by them because his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit in which Christ dwells as Lord.  I Cor. 6; 19-20; Matt. 6: 24

4)        Man

Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God.  Gen. 1: 26; Gen. 2:7  He fell through sin and as a consequence, incurred both spiritual and physical death.  Rom. 5: 12;

James 1:14-15  Spiritual death and the depravity of human nature has been transmitted to the entire human race with the exception of the Man Jesus Christ.  Rom. 3: 10-19; Jer. 15: 9; Heb. 7: 26  Man can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.  John 14; 6; I Tim. 2: 5-6

5)        Salvation

1. Atonement of Christ

Salvation has been provided for all men through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross.  Isa. 53: 3-6; John 12: 32-33  It is the only perfect redemption and substitutionary atonement for all the sins of the world, both original and actual. His atoning work has been proven by His resurrection from the dead.  Rom. 4: 25;

 I John 2: 2   Those who repent and believe in Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and receive eternal life.  Acts 20: 21; I Pet. 1: 23-25  Furthermore, in the atonement, divine healing was provided for all believers.  Isa. 53: 4-5; Matt. 8: 16-17

1. Repentance and Faith

Man can only be born again through faith in Christ. Repentance, a vital part of believing, is a complete change of mind wrought by the Holy Spirit, turning a person to God from sin.  Gal. 3: 22-26; Eph. 2: 8; I John 5: 10-13

1. Regeneration

Regeneration is a creative work of the Holy Spirit by which man is born again and receives spiritual life.  I Pet. 1: 23; II Cor. 5: 17-18; John 3: 3-7

1. Justification

Justification is a judicial act of God by which the sinner is declared righteous solely on the basis of his acceptance of Christ as Savior.  Rom. 3: 3-5; Rom. 3: 24; Rom. 5: 1-2

6)        The Christian Experience

1. Assurance

Assurance of salvation is the privilege of all who are born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ, resulting in love, Gratitude and obedience toward God.  John 10: 27-29

Rom. 8: 35-39; John 14: 23; Col. 3: 17; I John 2: 6

1. Sanctification

Sanctification is dedication to God and separation from evil.   II Cor. 6: 14; II Cor. 7: 1 In experience it is both instantaneous and progressive.   Heb. 10: 10-14; John 17: 17-19; I Peter 1: 14-16; II Tim. 2: 19-22  It is produced in the life of the believer by his appropriation of the power of Christ’s blood and risen life through the Person of the Holy Spirit.  Rom. 6: 11-18  He draws the believers attention to Christ, teaches him through the Word and produces the character of Christ in him.  II Pet. 1: 3-4; Gal. 5: 22-23; I Cor. 13

1. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience in which the believer yields control of himself to the Holy Spirit.  Matt. 3: 11; Acts 1: 5  Through this he comes to know Christ in a more intimate way, and receives power to witness and grow spiritually. John 16: 13-15; Acts 1: 8; I Cor. 3: 18  Believers should earnestly seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Luke 24: 49; Acts 1: 4-8  The initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is freedom, and in that freedom comes the manifestation of the works of the Holy Spirit as laid out in scripture.  II Cor. 3:17; Acts 2: 1-4, 39; Acts 9: 17; I Cor. 14: 18 This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to the experience of the new birth.  Acts 8: 12-17; Acts 10: 44-46

1. The Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Spirit are supernatural abilities given by God through the exercising of which believers are enabled to minister effectively and directly in particular situations.  I Cor. 12: 4-11   They serve the dual function of building up the Church, and of demonstrating the presence of God within His Church.   I Cor. 12: 7; 14: 12, 24-25

1. Divine Healing

 Devine Healing provided in the atonement of Christ is the privilege of all believers. Matt. 8: 16-17  Prayer for the sick and gifts of healing are encouraged and practiced.  James 5: 14; I Cor. 12: 28-30

7)        The Church

1. The Universal Church

 All who are born again are members of the universal church which is the Body of Christ.  I Tim. 3: 15; I Cor. 12: 13; Eph. 5: 25; Col. 1: 18

1. The Local Church

1. Purpose

The local church is a body of believers in Christ who have joined together to function as part of the universal church.  I Cor. 16: 19; Matt. 18: 17  The local church is ordained by God and provides a context in which believers corporately worship God, observe the ordinances of the church, and are instructed in the faith and are equipped for the evangelization of the world.  Acts 20: 7; John 4: 23; II Tim. 2: 2; Eph. 4: 11-14

Ordinances

1. THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Lord’s Supper is a symbol, memorial and proclamation of the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. This ordinance of communion is to be participated in by believers until Christ returns.  I Cor. 10: 16-17, 11: 23-26; Matt. 26: 26-30

1. WATER BAPTISM

The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water, shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins, and have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation.   Matt. 28: 19; Rom. 6: 3-5; Col. 2: 12      

• Practices

1. Dedication of Children
2. Laying on of Hands for the Impartation of Blessing in Ordination, Prayer for the Sick, Prayer for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, etc.
3. Christian Marriage
4. Christian Burial of the Dead

 

1. Structure

The local church consists of three groups according to Phil. 1:1, they are:

1. Saints – Those who are born again of the Spirit of God and are the planting of the Lord in that Church. 1: 1-2
2. Deacons – Those who have been appointed by the saints to serve in the “daily ministrations” of the Church. Acts 6: 1-6
3. Bishops (Elders, Pastors) – Those who have been appointed by the body of elders as led by God to give oversight and spiritual direction to the Church. 13: 17

The terms Bishops (episkopos), Elders (presbuteros), and Pastor (poimen) are synonymous.  Acts 20:17, 28; I Pet. 5:1-2; Titus 1: 5-7  Each term refers to a different aspect of the same job:

Bishop refers to the responsibility of oversight.

Elder refers to the element of spiritual maturity.

Pastor refers to the duty of shepherding , feeding and nurturing the flock.

8)        The End of Time

1. The Present State of the Dead

 At death the souls of the believers pass immediately into the presence of Christ, and these remain in constant bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body.  II Cor. 5:  1, 4b, 8; Phil. 1: 21-24; I Cor. 15: 42-44  The souls of the unbelievers remain after death conscious of condemnation until the final bodily resurrection and judgment of the unjust.  Luke 16: 22-31; John 3: 36; II Thess. 1: 7-10; Rev. 20: 11-15

1. The Rapture

 The rapture, the blessed hope of the Church, is the coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself His own, both the living who shall be transformed, and the dead in Christ who shall be resurrected. For this event the believer should be constantly looking.  I Thes. 4: 13-19; I Cor. 15: 51-57; Titus 2: 13; Phil. 3: 20-21  Believers will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to be judged according to faithfulness in Christian service.  Rom. 14: 10-12; II Cor. 5: 9-10

1. The Tribulation

 The tribulation, the fulfillment of Israel’s 70^th week, will be a time of judgment on the whole earth.  I Thes. 5: 1-3, 9-10; II Thes. 1:7-10, 2: 3-12; Daniel 9: 24-27; Rev 13: 11-18  The later half of this period will be the time of Jacob’s trouble, which our Lord calls the great tribulation.  Jer. 30: 7; Rev. 13: 11-18; Matt. 24: 15-16, 21

1. The Second Coming of Christ

 The return of Christ to earth in power and great glory will conclude the great tribulation with the victory at Armageddon, the defeat of antichrist and the binding

of Satan.  Matt. 24: 27-30; Luke 17: 24, 26-30; Col. 3: 4; Rev. 16: 12-16, 17: 8, 17: 12-14, 19: 11, 20: 3  He will introduce the millennial age, restore Israel to her own land, lift the curse which now rests upon the whole creation, and bring the whole world to the knowledge of God.  Rev. 20: 6; Luke 22: 29-30; Dan. 2: 44-45; Isa. 1: 24-27, 2: 1-4; Zech. 14: 3-4, 9; Rev. 22: 3; Rom. 8: 19-22

1. The Final Judgment

 There will be a final judgment in which the unbelieving dead will be raised and judged at the great white throne, according to their works.  John 12: 48; Rom. 2: 2, 6, 11, 16; Dan. 7: 9-10; Rev. 20: 11-15  The beast and the false prophet, the devil and his angels, and whoever is not found in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to annihilation but to everlasting punishment, which is the second death.  Rev. 20: 10, 15; Matt. 25: 41;

 Jude 6; Rev. 21: 8

1. The Eternal State of the Righteous

 The righteous will share the glory of God in the new heaven and the new earth for eternity.  Matt. 13: 43; John 17; 24; II Peter 3: 14; Heb. 11: 10; Rev. 21: 1-2, 10, 22-23

III.       BY-LAWS 

1)        Meetings

1. a) The Annual Membership Business Meeting

The Annual Membership Business Meeting shall be held following completion of the financial statements each year, on a date chosen by the body of elders. Notice for this meeting shall be posted two weeks prior to the meeting date and shall be announced publicly to the church during two Sunday services prior to the meeting date. The Church’s yearly financial statement shall be presented and discussed at this meeting.

1. Special Business Meetings

Special business meetings may be called by a quorum of the body of elders (consisting of two-thirds of those serving as elders) at any time as necessary. Proper due notice of the purpose, time and place of the special meeting must be given two weeks prior to the meeting. Special meetings may also be called by one-half of the members of the church petitioning the body of elders to call a meeting. Similar two weeks notice must be posted stating the purpose, time and place.

1. Church Services and Meetings

 The scheduling of all services, rallies, evangelistic crusades and other special services shall be the responsibility and prerogative of the body of elders. These meetings will be announced in the weekly bulletins read on Sundays.

2)        Amendments

The Constitution, Tenets of Faith or By-Laws may be amended at any Annual Membership Business Meeting or Special Business Meeting called in the manner described in By-Law 1) Meetings. The amendment shall require a two-thirds majority of the voting members present to be adopted. Such amendments must not be contrary to scripture and the expressed purposes of the Constitution.

3)        Membership

1. Requirements
2. Membership shall be open to all who make profession of faith in Jesus Christ and who show forth in their lives characteristics of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. 14: 17-19
3. Such persons shall accept the Constitution, Tenets of Faith and By-Laws of Rimbey New Life Fellowship and shall submit to be governed by them.

I Pet. 2: 13-17, 5: 5

• Further, they will commit themselves to full participation in the life, work and financial undergirding of this church as the Lord directs. 3: 8-12

1. Membership shall be voluntary, based on the acceptance of the above criteria and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit in their hearts that God has planted them in this body. 61: 3
2. Procedure

Those desiring membership shall indicate to the body of elders of the church their desire to be placed on the church roll.

1. Acceptance and Termination

1. The body of elders reserves the right to accept, suspend, reject or terminate membership. Any suspension or termination of membership will be done in accordance with the procedures of discipline set forth in God’s Word and described herein. Titus 3: 10
2. Members moving to another church may be given a letter of recommendation to facilitate their acceptance and ministry into the new location.

 Acts 15: 22-27; I Cor. 16: 3

1. Waiver of Claim

Notwithstanding the provisions hereinbefore contained, membership in this local church shall be issued upon the condition that suspension, rejection or termination of that membership shall not give that member cause for legal action against Rimbey New Life Fellowship, the body of elders or any member taking part in the suspension, rejection or termination proceedings.

Discipline

Discipline of members shall be carried out in accordance with the pattern outlined in Scripture and applies to saints, deacons and the body of elders.  Matt. 18: 15-17;

I Tim. 5: 19-21; Titus 3: 10

Procedure:

1. 18: 15 If we see our brother sin or are wronged by him, we are to go to him one on one, after much prayer, and in love show him his fault.   Gal. 6: 1; I John 5:16

 

1. 18: 16 If he does not listen and continues in that sin, appeal may be  made to the body of elders of the church to intervene. This should only be done when the accuser has waited on God for His direction and also it is agreed by the majority of the body of elders that this next step is needful. Guilt may be established on the basis of the testimony of two or three witnesses, according to Scriptural precedent.  II Cor. 13: 1; Deut. 17: 2-6; 19: 15; I Tim. 5: 19; Deut. 17: 2-6

 

If at any step the accused repents and shows forth the fruits of repentance, they should be restored one to another and to the church. All discipline should be viewed as remedial and for the purpose of correction leading to godliness. Matt. 3: 8; II Cor. 2: 8

1. 18:17a If he does not listen and continues in that sin, the body of elders, after much prayer and seeking the Lord’s direction, may take the offence before the church. It must be presented in love with a desire for the correction and restoration and verified by the testimony of two or three witnesses.  I Tim 5: 20 

 

1. 18: 17b If he still refuses to listen and repent the body of elders may, at it’s discretion, terminate his membership in the church and his fellowship with the church.   I Cor. 5: 1-13

 

We wish to emphasize again that the goal and purpose of discipline is to correct and refine the individual and the church. It’s foundation is love, and must always be administered with the spiritual benefit of the accused and the church as the foremost consideration.

I Cor. 2: 6-11 “I therefore beg you to reinstate him in your affections and assure him by your love for him.”  II Cor. 2: 8

5)        Leadership

1. a) We believe the actual and literal Head of our church is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 1: 22-23

 

1. b) We believe in the priesthood of every believer. I Pet. 2: 5, 9  Jesus, our Head, has placed within each of us, His Holy Spirit, and purposes for each of us to mature and develop into the area of ministry in the church He has ordained for us.  5: 18;

            I Cor. 14: 1-32; Rom. 12: 4-21  We are all called to be equipped to do the work of ministry in the body and in the world.

1. c) We believe God has ordained leadership to be over us as a body. 13: 17  This leadership, who we call  the body of elders, has been given the oversight to feed, nurture, guide, protect and lead the flock of God.  I Pet. 5: 1-4

1. d) We believe the body of elders should be plural in number (three or more), and that the Pastor(s) should be freed financially by church support, to give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Acts 6: 4  The principal of plurality, established in Scripture should always be maintained for the checks, balances and moderation it tends to bring. A quorum of two-thirds of the body of elders should be in agreement in making major spiritual, financial and disciplinary decisions affecting the body, including the decision to hire a pastor for Rimbey New Life Fellowship.  Acts 14: 23; Acts 15: 2, 4, 6, 22, 23; Acts 20: 17; Acts 21: 18; Titus 1: 5

1. Qualifications for elders are found in I Tim. 3: 1-7; Titus 1: 5-9; James 3: 1-13;

Pet. 5: 1-4

1. The body of elders shall have the oversight, under God, of all departments of the church and shall chair all meetings, conduct all services and be responsible for the spiritual and financial direction of the church.
2. All nominations of deacons by the membership must meet the approval of the body of elders. Acts 6: 1-6  Areas of ministry and responsibility shall be given to the deacons by the body of elders, according to their equipping and the directing of the Lord. Deacons shall be appointed over areas of ushering, benevolence, maintenance, ministry to widows, etc. Before appointment, the church should consider the qualifications laid out in Scripture for deacons.  I Tim. 3: 8-13; Acts 6: 1-6
3. The body of elders may appoint or hire someone to be the church secretary in charge of recording, daily office duties, preserving records, filing, etc.
4. The body of elders may also appoint or hire someone to keep the books, deposit monies, and tend generally to the financial areas of the church including the yearly financial report.
5. The terms of office of elders or deacons shall be indefinite, subject to resignation, disciplinary action or dismissal, according to By-Law 4) Discipline, at the direction of the Holy Spirit. Acts: 8: 5-8, 29-40 (Philip, directed by the Holy Spirit, moved into the ministry of evangelism); Acts 21: 8 (“Philip the evangelist”)
6. Conditions for removal from office for members of the body of elders:
7. Departure from the Tenets of Faith in our Constitution.
8. Moral/integrity failure due to sexual, financial or relational behaviour.

• Misappropriation of Fellowship funds.

1. Loss of ability to function due to health or other personal issues.