Maranatha Baptist Church 877 SE 19TH ST, GRIMES, IA 50111 515.986.9202 |

Maranatha Baptist Church 877 SE 19TH ST, GRIMES, IA 50111 515.986.9202 | WWW.MBCGRIMES.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Church Covenant ...... 1 Definitions ...... 2 Constitution Preamble ...... 3 Article I - Name and Place ...... 3 Article II - Nature ...... 3 Article III - Purpose ...... 3 Article IV - Statement of Faith ...... 4 Article V - Character ...... 10 Article VI - Membership ...... 10 Article VII - Officers ...... 14 Article VIII - Subsidiary Officers ...... 24 Article IX - Manner of Elections ...... 26 Article X - Auxiliary Organizations and Committees ...... 27 Article XI - Meetings ...... 27 Article XII - Finances ...... 29 Article XIII - Missions ...... 29 Article XIV - Use of Church Building ...... 30 Article XV - Licensing and Ordination ...... 30 Article XVI - Amendments ...... 31 Article XVII - By-Laws ...... 31 By-Laws ...... 32 Article I - Purpose ...... 32 Article II - Authority and Amendments ...... 32 Article III – Office ...... 32 Article IV – Seal ...... 32 Article V – Indemnification ...... 32 Article VI - Tax Exempt Status ...... 33 Article VII - Private Benefit and Dissolution ...... 33 The Baptist Distinctives ...... 34

CHURCH COVENANT

"And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul" (2 Chronicles 15:12).

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 this Covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We promise by the help of the Holy Spirit to forsake the paths of sin, and to walk in the ways of holiness all the days of our lives. With this in view we promise to strive together 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 cheerfully and regularly to the support of its ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations.

We also promise to maintain family and personal devotions; to educate our children in the Word of God; to seek the salvation of our family and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our duties, and exemplary in our conduct; to avoid all gossiping, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from substance abuse and the sale and use of intoxicating drink as beverages; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the cause of our Savior; and to make Christ first in all things both spiritual and temporal.

We further promise to walk together in Christian love and watchfulness, giving and receiving admonition with meekness and affection; to remember each other in prayer; to help each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior, and to reconcile promptly.

We moreover promise that, when we move away from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith and practice, where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God's Word.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Constitution and its By-Laws, the following definitions shall apply:

Call: The invitation of the congregation to a qualified man to become a pastor of the church. Church: The corporate body incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa. Church Clerk: The church clerk shall be the person elected by the congregation to that position as stated in the constitution. Church Treasurer: The church treasurer shall be the person elected to that position by the congregation as stated in the constitution. Congregation: The members of the Church. Constitution: The first part of the by-laws of the Church as distinguished from the second part which is named the by-laws. Covenant: The church covenant adopted by Maranatha Baptist Church. Financial Secretary: The financial secretary shall be the deacon selected by the deacons to that position as stated in the constitution. Member: A person whose name appears upon the official membership list of the Church. Membership List: A list kept by the church clerk comprising those persons meeting the requirements for membership stated in this constitution. Officers: The pastor or pastors and deacons of the Church. President: The president of the Church shall be the pastor (if the Church has only one) or senior pastor (if the church has more than one pastor). Secretary: The secretary of the Church shall be the person selected by the deacons as the secretary of the deacons. Senior Pastor: The pastor so designated by the Church. Treasurer: The treasurer of the Church as a corporation shall be the financial secretary. Vice President: The vice president of the Church shall be the person selected by the deacons as the chairman of the deacons.

CONSTITUTION OF MARANATHA BAPTIST CHURCH of GRIMES, IOWA

PREAMBLE As a body of baptized believers, we place our faith wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. Having bound ourselves together in fellowship and believing it necessary to govern ourselves in an orderly and efficient manner, we do hereby adopt the provisions of the Church Covenant, the Constitution, By-laws, the Articles of Faith, and Baptist Distinctives contained in this booklet.

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PLACE The name of this organization shall be Maranatha Baptist Church of Grimes. The location shall be the city of Grimes in Polk County, Iowa.

ARTICLE II: NATURE This church is a non-for-profit ecclesiastical corporation under the laws of the State of Iowa.

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE The purpose of this organization shall be to establish a Bible-believing Baptist testimony in this community to the glory of God through the advancement of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It shall seek to attain this end through:

1. The worship of God, the Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, through the written Word (Philippians 3:3, John 4:23); 2. Preaching the Gospel and seeking to win the lost to Christ; Romans 1:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:2); 3. Consistent Christian living by conforming with our Church Covenant (Galatians 5:13-26; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18); 4. Personal evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:20); 5. Missionary endeavor (Acts 1:8); 6. Christian education: to teach, exhort and train as the Holy Spirit leads (Titus 2:1-15; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 10:25); 7. Administering the ordinances of baptism and communion (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24); and 8. Rendering Christian service (Galatians 6:1-10; Romans 12:1-15).

ARTICLE IV: STATEMENT OF FAITH 1. THE SCRIPTURES: We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written in its sixty-six books was verbally inspired and plenarily inspired, and the product of Spirit-controlled men. We believe it is infallible and inerrant and therefore is truth without any admixture of error in its matter. We believe that the Bible is the final authority for our faith and practice, and that it is the standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

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 (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 19:1-6; Isaiah 45:5-6; 18- 22).

3. THE TRINITY: We believe that God is One in essence, but 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 (Matthew 28:18-19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

4. GOD THE FATHER: We believe that God the Father is a Person separate from God the Son and God the Spirit, invisible to man in this life. He concerns Himself with the affairs of men, elects and draws men unto salvation, and has a paternal relationship to all believers (Matthew 28:19; 1 Timothy 1:17; Daniel 2:21; 4:17; Matthew 5:45; 1 Peter 1:2; John 6:44; Romans 8:15).

5. GOD THE SON: We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary; that He is One Person possessing two natures and thus is true God and true man; that He lived a sinless life and is incapable of sinning. That He gave Himself as a perfect substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all men; that He arose bodily from the grave, ascended into heaven where He is seated on the right hand of God interceding for His people. We believe that He will personally come in the air for His Church prior to the Tribulation, and will return with His Church at the close of the Tribulation to establish His millennial kingdom on earth (John 10:30-33; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35; Hebrews 7:26; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6).

6. GOD THE SPIRIT: We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He is equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same essence; 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 carries on a work of regenerating, baptizing into the body of Christ, that He is the seal in the sealing of believers, that He indwells, fills, guides, teaches, and sanctifies believers (Acts 5:3-4; John 14:26; John 16:8-11; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:14; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 5:18).

7. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts upon believers. We believe that some of these gifts are permanent for the entire church age and some were temporary. The temporary gifts which are not for this present period of church history are apostles, prophets, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing and miracles. The purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is to prepare saints to do the work of the ministry and to build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-12).

8. CREATION: We believe in the direct creation by God of the physical universe, all spirit beings, man, and lower forms of life, without the process of evolution. We believe that the Genesis account of creation is a literal, historical, and accurate account of the origin of the universe and man. We believe that all three Persons of the Trinity took part in creation, and that God sustains all creation but exists independently of it (Genesis 1 and 2; Colossians 1:15-18).

9. ANGELS: We believe that God created an innumerable company of sinless spirit beings known as angels, that many of these continue in their holy state and are the ministers of God; that Lucifer (now known as Satan or the devil) and many others rebelled against God; that these fallen angels, though defeated at the cross of Christ, still continue to oppose God and His work; that they will ultimately be judged by God and cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer everlasting punishment, which is their righteous due (Colossians 1:16; Ezekiel 28:12-15; Revelation 12:7-9; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 20:10; Matthew 25:41).

10. MAN: We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God; that through uncoerced disobedience Adam fell from his original state, became totally depraved in nature, was separated from God and came under condemnation and the sentence of death; that because of the 5

unity of the human race and the natural headship of Adam, all men (Jesus Christ, only excepted) are born with sin natures and have come under the consequences of sin (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12).

11. SALVATION: We believe that salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ, Who paid the full redemptive price, completely satisfied God's righteous demands by suffering the death penalty for man's guilt and imputed to man His righteousness, reconciling him to God. We believe that salvation is made effective to man only upon his exercise of personal faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. 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. We believe that the evidence of salvation appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life in Christ (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 5:1; John 3:6-7; Acts 16:30-33; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12).

12. SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER: We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6, John 10:28- 29; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Peter 1:5).

13. SANCTIFICATION: We believe that Scripture teaches four aspects of sanctification. Preparatory sanctification is that work of the Holy Spirit wherein He moves in a special, sovereign way in the life of an unbeliever, the result of which is that the person believes the gospel and trusts in Christ for salvation. Positional sanctification is that act of God whereby believers are, at the time of regeneration eternally set apart as belonging to God. Progressive sanctification is the process by which we are made partakers of His holiness; it progresses as the believer is yielded to the Spirit's control; it is carried on in the life of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, self-examination, watchfulness, and prayer. Ultimate sanctification will be realized when every believer is in the presence of the Lord, with redeemed soul and glorified body united, free from every trace of sin and rebellion (1 Peter 1:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; John 6:44; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 10:10-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Proverbs 4:18; 1 John 2:29; Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 5:18, 6:18; Galatians 5:16-24; John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 15:52-53; Ephesians 4:30, 5:27; 1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:9).

14. DISPENSATIONS: We believe that the dispensations are not ways of salvation, which has always been by grace through faith, but are 6

stewardships by which God administers His purpose on earth through man under varying responsibilities. We believe that God's program and purposes for Israel and His program and purposes for the Church are separate and not to be intermingled or confused.

15. THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH: We believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church, which is the Body of Christ; that it was established on the Day of Pentecost, and will be completed at the Rapture; and that all believers of this church age are added to this Church by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:22-32; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

16. THE LOCAL CHURCH: We believe that a local church is a 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 spiritual gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word. We believe that its officers are the pastor and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe that 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 and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; and that on all matters of membership , of polity, of government of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final (Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:17- 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 15:13-15; Matthew 18:17; 2 Corinthians 2:6; 8:1-2).

17. THE ORDINANCES: We believe that Christ left the Church two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior; that baptism must come after salvation; and that it is a prerequisite to the privilege of church membership. We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of Christ's death until He come, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. We believe any born-again church member in fellowship with Christ may partake in

communion (Acts 8:36; 38-39; John 3:23; Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 3:16; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28).

18. 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 things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only Lord of conscience, and the coming King of the earth (Romans 13:1- 7; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21-22; Acts 23:5; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19; Daniel 3:17-18).

19. THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED: We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of 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 happiness of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost (Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 6:17,18; 1 John 5:19; Romans 7:6; Romans 6:23; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; Matthew 25:34-41; John 8:21).

20. THINGS TO COME: We believe that the Scriptures foretell certain events among which are the following:

Rapture of the Church. We believe that Jesus Christ will return to the atmosphere of this earth; that the dead in Christ will rise first, then believers who are still living will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air and to ever be with the Lord; that the rapture is the next event on the revealed calendar and that no prophecy need be fulfilled before this occurs. We believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation. (1Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-54; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Romans 5:9).

Tribulation. We believe that following the rapture there will be a time of tribulation on the earth known as the seventh week of Daniel; that though there will be salvation during this period, it will be a time when the antichrist will be manifested, and that there will be great judgments from God. The later part of this period is known as the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24; Revelation 5-19).

Second Coming. We believe that following the tribulation Christ will return to the earth with His glorified saints to establish the millennial kingdom; that during the 1,000 years of peace and prosperity Satan will be bound and Christ will reign with a rod of iron; that at the end of the millennium Satan will be released for a short time, deceive many and lead them in final rebellion, but be put down with his armies by God (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; James 5:8; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 20:7-10).

Eternal State. We believe that the unsaved men of all ages will be resurrected and together with the evil angels will be finally judged and condemned to everlasting conscious punishment in hell; that all saved of all ages in glorified bodies will enjoy everlasting blessing in the presence of God (Revelation 20:11-15).

21. THE FAMILY: We believe the family is the first institution established by God. In light of God’s creative design, we believe that the Bible teaches that marriage is the joining of one man (genetically male) and one woman (genetically female) into a monogamous, lifelong covenant relationship. Sexual intimacy within marriage is honorable, but we believe that any sexual activity outside of marriage is condemned by God as immoral and is a perversion of God’s gracious will; these immoral perversions include, but are not limited to, adultery, multiple sexual unions, all forms of homosexuality, incest, polygamy, and polyamory.

We believe in the sanctity of life. We hold that all life is a gift from God. We believe that a new, living human person is formed at conception, that the unborn is a living soul, and that all human life is sacred. We believe that no human being has the right to take another human being's life either at the beginning [abortion] or at the end of that individual's existence [euthanasia] (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-12; Ephesians 5:22-33; Romans 1:18-27; 7:2; 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 7:1-5; Exodus 20:14; Lev. 18:22-23; 20:13; 1 Tim. 1:10; Hebrews 13:4; Jeremiah 1:5).

22. SEPARATION: Because we see the importance of fellowshipping with churches whose beliefs are the same as ours, Maranatha is currently a member of the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches (IARBC) and of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC). It is our conviction that the Bible teaches both personal separation unto God from worldliness, whether in personal actions, attitudes, or thoughts, and separation as a local church from religious organizations and programs which do not adhere to sound biblical teaching. 9

ARTICLE V: CHARACTER This Church is an autonomous, sovereign Baptist church, which is democratically governed by, and with the consent of, its members. The polity and practices of this Church are patterned after the churches of the New Testament.

ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP This Church shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of persons received into its membership. The membership of this Church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, who have been baptized by immersion after conversion, and have given assent to the Covenant, the Articles of Faith, and the Constitution of this Church.

A. Admission 1. Profession of Faith a. Each candidate for membership will relate his or her Christian experience to the pastor and deacons. The pastor and deacons, having satisfied themselves that the candidate is eligible for church membership, shall recommend the same to the Church, which shall vote upon the candidate's admission to membership. The candidate is encouraged to give personal testimony at some public meeting of the Church. b. Candidates may be received at any regular service or business meeting of the Church by a majority vote as governed by Article XI, section C. It is preferable that such candidates be received into membership at the mid-week prayer service. The right hand of fellowship will be extended to new members at the time of the observance of the Lord's Supper 2. Restoration a. Dismissed members or members on the broken fellowship roll may be restored to membership upon recommendation of the pastor and deacons and a vote of the Church. b. Dismissed members shall be required to give evidence of honest repentance and to make confession of wrong before the Church, when deemed necessary by the pastor and deacons.

c. Dismissed members may be received at any regular service or business meeting of the Church by a majority vote as governed by Article XI, Section C. B. Dismissal - Members may be dropped from the church membership roll at any regular service or business meeting by letter of commendation or broken fellowship by a vote of the Church as governed by Article XI section C. Death or a letter of resignation shall remove a member from the membership of the Church immediately. 1. Letter a. A letter of commendation shall be sent to any church of like faith and practice for a member in good and regular standing at that church's request. b. A letter of dismissal, stating the reason for dismissal, shall be sent to any church for a member not in good and regular standing at that church's request. c. Authorization of a letter of commendation or dismissal shall be given by a majority vote of the Church and the contents of the letter shall be determined by the pastor and deacons. 2. Broken Fellowship a. Resident Member (1) When any resident member becomes delinquent in his or her duties to this Church for more than six months, and all efforts to get a response are unavailing, upon the recommendation of the pastor and deacons and the vote of the Church, his or her name shall be placed on the broken fellowship roll. (2) All persons whose names are on the broken fellowship roll shall lose their privileges to vote, hold office, or participate in the business meetings of the Church. (3) Reinstatement to good standing of any person whose name is on the broken fellowship roll may be made by compliance with the customs of the Church in attendance, support, and Christian life, by application to the pastor and deacons and the vote of the Church. (4) Names on the broken fellowship roll shall not be counted when tabulating membership for statistical reports. (5) Members shall be notified of such action taken by the Church 11

(6) Those on the broken fellowship roll who are not reinstated within six months shall, after further effort to reconcile them, be dropped from the church rolls by recommendation of the pastor and deacons. They shall be notified in writing of such action. b. Non-Resident Members (1) Any member of this Church moving from Grimes or the surrounding vicinity, and who does not seek membership in some other church or who does not communicate with this Church at least once every year of his or her desire to remain a member of this Church shall on the recommendation of the pastor and deacons be dropped from the membership of this Church. The pastor and deacons shall review the names of non-resident members each Fall. (2) Members shall be notified of such action taken by the Church. (3) Non-resident college students, missionaries, and members of the armed forces shall not be considered as non-resident members. C. Discipline 1. Any member who has violated the Covenant and/or Articles of Faith or who has been guilty of conduct unbecoming a follower of Christ shall be considered for disciplinary measures. 2. The pastor and deacons shall constitute the discipline committee of the Church. 3. In case of personal differences between members of the Church, the pastor and deacons shall recommend that the parties endeavor to settle their differences in the manner laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15-18. 4. Any discipline problem must be presented to the discipline committee before bringing it to the Church. The person making the charges shall present the charges to the discipline committee in writing. 5. Where charges are made against a member, the accused shall be notified personally of the nature of the charges and shall be required to appear before the discipline committee to make answer to the charges.

6. If the accused person fails to appear on the date agreed on by himself (or herself) and the discipline committee, such failure will be considered by the discipline committee as an admission of guilt and he (she) shall be dealt with accordingly. 7. If the accused person appears before the discipline committee, there shall be a full and fair hearing of the case, and the discipline committee may be empowered to vote that the accused is innocent of the charges. If, on the other hand, a majority of the discipline committee present votes that the accused is guilty of the charge proffered, and shall recommend to the Church that the accused be excluded from membership of the Church, or that such other discipline as the case may warrant be required, the Church must either approve the recommendation or hear the case itself. 8. All discipline enacted by the Church must conform to the standards of God's Word as found in Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6- 15; and Galatians 6:1. The goal of all church discipline shall be restoration. 9. It is to be understood that this clause shall not be used as an excuse for unnecessary severeness in minor matters, but that the discipline committee shall always use kindness, consideration, and Christian love in determining the cases for discipline and the method of procedure in such cases. The Church should always respect the decision and recommendation of the discipline committee and try to carry out such recommendation in the spirit of love for all concerned. 10. The accused shall be able to go before the Church and state his (her) case after meeting with the discipline committee, if he (she) is dissatisfied with the decision of the discipline committee. D. Watchcare Membership Watchcare membership may be granted to qualified students of reputable character who are sixteen years of age or over and who are members of churches of like faith, upon approval of the pastor and deacons. Such membership will allow them to participate in various ministries of this local church. This does not require transfer of membership from their home church nor does it grant privileges of voting or holding elective office at this Church. E. A member shall be considered in good standing when he or she shall regularly attend this Church's services including communion, contribute 13

to the church program in proportion to his or her ability, and demonstrate in daily living the Christian way of life.

ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS The officers of this Church shall be: Pastor and deacons. These officers shall be expected to subscribe yearly to the Covenant and the Articles of Faith, and must do so in writing annually during the month of January.

A. The Pastor 1. His Qualifications a. He shall meet the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. No pastor of this Church shall be a member of any secret order or lodge, or engage in the non-medical use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or drugs. He must be of the male gender. No divorced person or person married to a divorced person may be a pastor of this church. b. He is given of God to the Church. "And He gave some . . . pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" Ephesians 4:11- 12. 2. His Call a. The deacons shall constitute the pulpit committee of the Church. b. A preliminary investigation shall begin as soon as possible after the resignation, removal, or death of a pastor. c. A delegation selected from the pulpit committee may, unannounced, investigate a prospective pastor at his home church and bring back a report to this Church. Any prospective pastor not pastoring a church shall be investigated as to his background. d. A prospective pastor, after investigation, shall meet with the pulpit committee, and then supply the pulpit of this Church for a number of meetings specified by the pulpit committee. e. A special business meeting shall be called by the pulpit committee to consider a call for the prospective pastor. A three- fourths (3/4) majority of the members present and voting by secret ballot is required to call a pastor.

f. To avoid confusion, only one prospective pastor may be considered at one time. g. The result of the special business meeting shall be made known to the pastor under consideration as soon as possible after such meeting. If the vote is favorable and if he accepts the call, he shall become pastor of the Church. Details of the call such as: salary, housing, car allowance, vacation time, etc., shall be included in a written invitation, subject to vote of the Church. h. The pastor shall have formal training at Bible college, seminary, or some other institution of higher learning, or a combination thereof. He should preferably be an ordained minister. i. After his election, the pastor-elect shall be installed by the deacons and a committee of ministers chosen by the deacons and the pastor-elect. j. The pastor and his wife shall become members of this Church. 3. His Tenure a. He is called for an indeterminate period of time and shall continue as long as that relation is mutually agreeable to himself and/or this Church. b. Termination of Office: (1) By Resignation: The pastor may resign at any time and his duties may be terminated thirty (30) days from the date of his resignation or at another time mutually agreeable to both the pastor and the Church. (2) By Church Action: In the spirit of Matthew 18, any difficulty arising from personal offense, fault, unsatisfactory service, or sinful behavior shall be addressed in the following manner: a) First, the accuser or concerned individual must go to the pastor alone. In the event that this is unwise (e.g. a sexual situation, physical or verbal abuse, domineering, a woman going alone or other similar situations), the process will immediately move forward to step two. b) Second, after step on is completed and does not resolve the matter, the accuser must go with two or three witnesses.

15 c) Third, after step two is completed and does not resolve the matter, the accuser must present the accusations and/or concerns to the deacons and pastors in writing. The document must include the names of the witnesses from step two and must be signed by the accuser. d) Once the signed document has been delivered to the deacons and pastors, they shall investigate the validity of the accusations and/or concerns. e) If the deacons and other pastors determine that there is no validity to the accusations and/or charges, they will report their findings to the accuser in the pastor’s presence and the matter will be considered closed. f) If the deacons and other pastors determine that there may be validity to the accusations and/or charges, they will report their finding to the accuser and the pastor. The pastor will have right to defend himself, and biblical solutions to the matter will be sought together. g) If the matter is serious enough that biblical solutions cannot be arrived at or parties are unwilling to reach solutions together, a special business meeting shall be called. The pastor will have the right to defend himself before the Church. The special business meeting must be announced at two Sunday services prior to the meeting. One of the non-accused pastors or the chairman of the deacons will call the church to order and serve as its moderator. The charges against the pastor will be read by the moderator and the pastor will be permitted to answer the charges verbally and/or in writing. h) If the matter is still not resolved following the first special business meeting, a second business meeting to request the termination of the pastor’s ministry shall be called. The special business meeting must be announced at two Sunday services prior to the meeting. i. One of the non-accused pastors or the chairman of the deacons will call the Church to order and serve as its moderator. ii. The charges against the pastor (which must be submitted ahead of time in writing and signed by no 16

fewer than ten members representing ten different families) will be read by the moderator. iii. The Church will then vote. iv. A majority of the members present and voting by secret ballot is necessary to dismiss a pastor. In such cases, his pastoral duties shall terminate immediately and his salary shall cease thirty (30) days from the date of dismissal. If at any time the pastor's personal belief, preaching or teaching shall not be in full accordance with the doctrinal standards of this Church, or if he falls into immorality, his services as pastor shall be terminated immediately following a constitutionally-called meeting of the congregation at which his dismissal has been requested by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of members present. 4. His Salary The pastor's salary, which has been set by the Church, shall be reviewed yearly by the deacons and recommendation made to the Church in December at the annual budget and election meeting or at any other time deemed advisable. 5. His Duties a. The pastor's duties shall be in fulfillment of 1 Peter 5:1-4. b. The pastor is an ex-officio member of all committees and may partake in their privileges and votes but need not assume their obligations. c. The pastor shall preside at all business meetings of the Church except in the case of his absence or at his election. The pastor may delegate this responsibility to the chairman of the deacons for any meeting he feels would be advantageous. d. The pastor and deacons shall consider and arrange for pulpit supplies and special pulpit guests. e. The music of the Church shall be under the watchcare of the pastor. f. All employees of the Church, including assistant pastors, secretaries, musicians, custodians, etc. shall be selected, hired, and discharged by the pastor, subject to approval of the other 17

pastors and deacons. Furthermore, in the case of an associate or assistant pastor, a two-thirds (2/3) majority must ratify the decision (see Article VII, A, 8). g. The pastor, in addition to the chairman of the deacons, the church clerk, and the treasurer shall have access to the church files and safety deposit box. 6. His Privileges a. He may call for a meeting of the Church or any committee thereof at such time as experience proves necessary. b. After one year of service, he may take a vacation of three weeks; after two or more years of service he may take an annual four- week vacation. These weeks are with full pay and may be taken at his own discretion. Other absences are to be approved by the deacons. c. He may attend family camp for one week. This shall not be considered as part of his vacation. Any ministry at camp will be at his discretion. d. He and his wife may be sent by the Church with all expenses paid to the annual meeting of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and such other meetings as the deacons may approve. e. The pastor shall be granted the privilege of holding special meetings each year, if he so desires; however, with the consent of the deacons. 7. His position If the Church shall have more than one pastor, one of them shall be designated the senior pastor by the church. His qualifications, call, tenure, duties, and privileges are delineated in the church Constitution, Article VII, Section A, 1-5. All other pastors shall be designated as associate or assistant. These men are to be governed by Article VII, Section A, 7 of the church Constitution. For legal purposes the pastor (if the Church has only one pastor), or the senior pastor (if the Church has more than one pastor) shall be designated president of the corporation. 8. His Associates and/or Assistants

If an associate and/or assistant to the pastor is needed, he shall be chosen by the pastor, subject to the approval of the deacons and a two/thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast by the church members present at a regularly-called meeting for that purpose. No associate or assistant to the pastor shall be a member of any secret order or lodge, nor engage in the non-medical use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or drugs. Assistant or associate pastors must be of the male gender. No divorced person or person married to a divorce person may be an associate or assistant pastor of this church. B. Deacons 1. Their Qualifications a. The deacons shall meet the New Testament standards as given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. No deacon shall be a member of any secret order or lodge, nor engage in the non-medical use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or drugs. Deacons must be of the male gender, not a divorced person or married to a divorced person. Deacons must not be less than 21 years of age. Deacons shall be of mature judgment, unquestionable Christian character, loyal to the Word of God, devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the spiritual welfare of this Church. b. After the initial organization of the Church, deacons shall consist of men who have been members of this Church at least one full year. 2. Their Election. a. There shall be four deacons for the first year. Their number shall be expanded to five when church membership reaches seventy- five. The number shall be expanded to six when church membership reaches one hundred. After reaching one hundred church members, one additional deacon shall be added for each fifty additional church members until the number of deacons reaches ten. If church membership goes beyond three hundred, one additional deacon may be added for each additional hundred church members, not to exceed twelve deacons. (In case there is a lack of qualified men in the church, the number of deacons need not reach the above stated amounts.) b. The term of office shall be for three years and so arranged as to expire alternately. A deacon serving for two consecutive terms of 19

three years each shall be ineligible for re-election for at least one year. c. Any vacancies of church offices occurring during the fiscal year shall be filled by special appointment by the pastor and the deacons. d. The election of deacons will be in accordance with Article IX: Manner of Elections. 3. Their Duties a. The deacons shall serve as the trustees of the church. As trustees, the deacons will be responsible to handle all legal matters and shall perform all the duties required under Iowa law for the maintenance of the corporate forms and records. All actions are subject to church approval. b. The deacons as trustees shall supervise the care of all buildings and property belonging to the Church. The trustees shall not have any authority to sell, lease, give away, or dispose of in any manner, church property to exceed $200.00 in value. All actions are subject, upon demand, to the approval of the Church. The trustees in their deacons' report shall make a full account of their activities to the Church at each annual meeting [in January]. c. The deacons, as trustees, shall have the authority to act in things pertaining to church properties without the authority of the Church in cases of emergency. d. The deacons, as trustees, shall have authority to spend up to $500.00 for non-budgetary items without church action. e. The deacons shall be the custodians of all trust funds of the Church and they shall have the power to invest such funds in proper and safe securities being responsible to the Church for said funds at all times. They shall have full responsibility of the accounting and banking of all church offerings, and shall endeavor to keep the church treasury supplied with funds for the payment of bills and other indebtedness of the Church. f. The deacons shall determine with the pastor who shall use church property and for what purpose it shall be used. This shall apply to all meetings other than those specifically called for in this Constitution, e.g., weddings, funerals, etc. No use of the church

property shall be permitted that is not directly or indirectly related to the purpose of this Church. g. The deacons in conjunction with the pastor shall submit a ballot to the Church prior to the annual [budget and election] meeting with names for each office as specified elsewhere in this Constitution. h. The deacons shall act as a pulpit committee when the pulpit is vacated. It shall be the duty of the pulpit committee to fill the pulpit until the new pastor assumes his duties. In the event that the pulpit committee recommends an interim pastor, this recommendation shall be handled in accord with Article VII A 2 f, and Articles XI, B 4, C, and D. i. The deacons shall honor the ministry of the Word of God. They shall have a prayer life. They shall minister to the flock. It shall be the duty of the deacons to engage actively in all the spiritual work of the Church, to seek out such members as need special help and encouragement, to visit the sick, and to advise and aid the pastor in all matters relating to the spiritual interests of the Church. j. The deacons shall prepare and serve communion and assist in baptismal services. k. The deacons shall act as the membership committee, hearing all testimonies of those saved and seeking membership. l. The deacons shall not receive any compensation for their services. The Church may reimburse them for their expenses. 4. Their Meetings a. There shall be stated monthly meetings of the deacons. The election of deacon officers shall be held the first meeting of the new fiscal year. b. The retiring officers shall hold office until the new officers begin their terms at the first of the year. The retiring officers shall be responsible for making their fiscal year reports at the annual [January] meeting. c. The quorum for a meeting of the deacons shall be a majority of their membership. d. When any deacon fails to attend three (3) consecutive monthly meetings which his office requires him to attend, and all efforts 21

to get a response are unavailing, such office shall be considered vacant. This vacancy shall be filled as provided for in Article IX, E. This provision shall not apply in case of illness or unavoidable circumstances approved by the pastor and deacons. e. The pastor may call a special meeting of the deacons as he deems fit (church Constitution, Article VII, Section A, 5, a). Special meetings may also be called by request of [at least] one half (1/2) of the deacons acting in unison. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the deacons may fix any place, within the county of the principal office of the Church as the place for holding any special meeting of the deacons called by them. f. Notice of any special meeting shall be given at least three days previous thereto, unless the purpose of the meeting is to hear the testimony of a prospective church member, in which case notice may be given on the day of the meeting. g. The act of the majority of the deacons present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the deacons except to the extent otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, the Church Constitution, or the By-laws. h. A deacon of the Church who is present at a meeting of its deacons at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such actions with the person acting as secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered or certified mail to the secretary of the deacons immediately after adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a deacon who voted in favor of such action. i. Any action required by the Iowa Non-Profit Corporation Act to be taken at a meeting of the deacons of the Church, or any action which may be taken at any meeting of the deacons or a committee of deacons, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the deacons or all of the members of the committee of deacons, as the case may be. j. Subject to other applicable provisions contained in this Constitution and By-laws, any action required by the Iowa Non- Profit Corporation Act to be taken at a meeting of the deacons of 22

the Church, or any action which may be taken at a meeting of the deacons, or a committee of deacons, may be taken by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment through which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and the participation in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. 5. Their Organization a. The deacons shall select from among themselves annually the chairman of deacons. The chairman shall set up the agenda for the meeting in conjunction with the pastor. The deacon meeting shall be presided over by the pastor, who may delegate this duty to the chairman of the deacons. In case of the absence of the pastor or a vacancy in the pulpit, the meetings shall be presided over by the chairman. b. The chairman of the deacons shall, in the absence of the pastor conduct the regular prayer meeting, introduce visiting speakers, and see that an orderly service is prepared for such speakers. c. For legal purposes, the chairman of the deacons shall be the vice- president of the corporation. d. The pastor may designate the chairman of the deacons as the moderator of any church business meetings he deems fit. In the absence of the pastor, or in case of a vacancy in the pulpit, the chairman of the deacons shall moderate the church business meetings. e. The deacons annually shall select from among themselves a secretary who shall keep accurate minutes of all deacons' meetings, and maintain a complete and up to date file thereof. These minutes shall become property of the Church. f. The deacons annually shall select from among themselves a financial secretary who shall keep a record of individual giving so as to issue receipts (for income tax purposes) to each individual as soon as possible after the close of each calendar year. He shall deposit all funds received and provide a report of these funds on a regular basis to the church treasurer. In the case of the benevolent fund, this report of funds shall be directed to the chairman of the deacons. g. In addition, it is their duty to appoint an assistant to the financial secretary who is a godly, spiritually mature, trustworthy, faithful 23

member of the congregation to assist in the counting and recording of all offerings with either the Financial Secretary or a Deacon. Such appointment shall be ratified by the congregation at the Annual Business meeting. 6. Their Termination a. The deacon's office shall be terminated when there is a persistent disregard for his spiritual qualifications. b. A deacon's resignation may be called for by the deacons' simple majority, and in writing, and listing the charges. c. A deacon's resignation may be called for in writing by ten members of ten different families, listing the charges. d. No business relating to a deacon's termination of office may be acted upon without first being announced at two Lord's day [Sunday] services. e. The special business meeting called for the termination of a deacon's ministry will be conducted as follows: (1) The pastor will call the Church to order and serve as moderator. (2) The charges brought in writing and signed by the appropriate parties will be read by the pastor, and the deacon in question will be permitted to answer, verbally or in writing. (3) The Church will then vote. (4) It will require a simple majority to answer the question. f. The procedure should be done smoothly and in Christian love. In case of false doctrine or immorality, he will be removed as a deacon at once. ARTICLE VIII: SUBSIDIARY OFFICERS These officers shall consist of: the church clerk, the church treasurer, the Sunday school superintendent. These shall be elected at the annual election and budget meeting. These officers shall be subscribed yearly in writing in the month of January to the Covenant and the Articles of Faith of this Church.

A. Their Qualifications 1. These officers must, after the initial organization of the Church, have been active members of the Church for at least six (6) months. 24

2. These officers must be an example to others in consistent Christian living, godliness, and prayer. B. Their Responsibilities 1. The Church Clerk a. The church clerk shall attend all business meetings possible and keep an accurate record of the approved minutes of the Church. All records of the Church are to be considered the property of, and belonging to, the Church. b. The church clerk shall keep a record of the church membership, admissions, dismissals, deaths, terminations, baptisms, and the ordination services. The clerk shall keep a correct and complete mailing list of all members with their proper addresses, write all letters of commendation, and write for all letters of applicants. c. The church clerk, in the interim when a pastor leaves and a new pastor takes over, will write the call to the pastor. d. The church clerk must take a one-year sabbatical after serving five years in this position should he/she be re-elected for five consecutive terms. e. The church clerk shall turn over all records to the Church at the end of his/her term in office. 2. The Church Treasurer a. The church treasurer shall credit all monies to their proper account or accounts and record them in the records provided for this purpose. He shall make available the books for inspection and audit. b. The church treasurer shall, as directed by the Church or the trustees, make all disbursements paid by check. c. The church treasurer shall make a full report to the Church at each annual meeting [January]. He shall prepare a quarterly report to be presented to the Church at each quarterly business meeting. He shall make a monthly written report to the pastor and deacons. He shall make other reports as called for by the Church. d. The church treasurer must take a one-year sabbatical after serving five years in this position should he be re-elected for five consecutive terms. 25

e. He shall turn over all records and monies to the Church at the end of his term in office. 3. The Sunday School Superintendent a. The Sunday school superintendent may not be a member of any lodge or secret organization. He must not be divorced or married to a divorced person. b. The Sunday school superintendent shall be responsible for the general oversight of the Sunday school. He shall plan and announce all meetings of the teachers and officers of the Sunday school. c. The Sunday school superintendent, cooperating with the pastor and deacons, shall select and appoint all teachers and departmental superintendents in the Sunday school, and needed Sunday school personnel. ARTICLE IX: MANNER OF ELECTIONS

A. The nominations for the elective offices shall be made by primary election, which shall be held four weeks before the regular election on the second Wednesday of December, or as soon thereafter as possible. The names that appear most often on the returned ballots shall be considered nominees to be voted on at the regular election. There shall be no less than two names placed on the ballot for each office to be filled, when possible. B. Nominations cannot be made from the floor. C. The pastor and deacons shall act as an election committee and shall consider the character and qualifications of all nominees according to the requirements as set forth in the Church Covenant and Constitution. D. Primary election ballots shall be handed out or mailed by the church clerk to all active members of the Church no later than four weeks before the annual election and budget meeting. E. Any vacancies in elective church offices occurring during the fiscal year shall be filled according to the general pattern of Article IX. This process shall begin no later than two weeks after the public announcement of the vacancy. If necessary, the pastor and deacons may appoint a temporary replacement for the vacated office until the election has been completed.

ARTICLE X: AUXILARY ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES

A. Auxiliary Organizations 1. There shall be such organizations as the most efficient prosecution of our purpose shall demand, but none shall be started without the consent of the pastor and deacons. These organizations shall be self- governing but finally subject to the control of the Church through its Constitution and voted church policy. These organizations shall make an annual written report to the pastor and deacons. 2. All organizations considered a part of the church activities are required to confer with the pastor from time to time regarding plans and activities, and all matters of importance that affect the Church shall be submitted to the pastor and deacons for approval. 3. All major officers of organizations and all regular teachers must be members of the Church in good and regular standing. 4. Watchcare members who have received the approval of the pastor and deacons may hold auxiliary office and/or teach. B. Committees 1. All committees of a permanent nature shall be recommended by the pastor and deacons and approved by the church. 2. All committees shall be self-governing but finally subject to the control of the Church through its Constitution and voted church policy. 3. When any member of a committee fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings which his office or position requires him to attend, such office or position may be considered vacant. 4. All committees of a permanent nature shall be re-appointed annually at the annual business meeting. These committees shall be recommended by the pastor and deacons and approved by the Church. ARTICLE XI: MEETINGS

A. Meetings for Worship 1. The church shall meet each Sunday for public worship both mornings and evening. Occasional changes may be made by vote of the Church. 27

2. The weekday service of Bible study and prayer shall be held on Wednesday evenings. Occasional changes may be made by vote of the Church. 3. The ordinance of the Lord's supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of each month or occasionally at another time as prescribed by pastor and deacons. B. Meetings for Business In the conduct of business, the rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all cases to which they apply. In exception a two-thirds (2/3) majority shall establish the rule. Christian courtesy shall be shown in all deliberations and discussions. Necessary business may be conducted at any regular meeting of the church, within the guidelines of this Constitution. 1. Annual Business Meeting The annual business meeting shall be conducted on the third Wednesday of January or as soon thereafter as possible. 2. Quarterly Business Meeting The quarterly business meeting shall be conducted no later than the third Wednesday of April, July, and October, or as soon thereafter as possible. 3. Regular Election and Budget Business Meeting The regular election business meeting shall be held on the second Wednesday of December, or as soon thereafter as possible. The church budget for the following year shall also be approved at that meeting. 4. Special Business Meetings. Special business meetings may be called by the pastor, the deacons, or by written request of any seven (7) members who are eligible to vote and represent [are from] seven (7) [different] families of the Church. The purpose of the meeting shall be announced from the pulpit and/or published in the church bulletin on two different days at two public services prior to such meeting. C. Quorum

1. A quorum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active resident membership, eighteen years of age and over, shall be required for all business meetings. 2. For the purpose of determining a quorum, those members whose addresses may be other than Grimes but who attend with regularity shall be considered in the resident membership. 3. Members entitled to vote may vote in person or absentee ballot. The privilege of an absentee ballot, however, shall be limited to those who regularly attend and are active in the ministry of the church. Absentee ballots must be returned to the pastor or a deacon before the business meeting to which they pertain occurs and may not be by mail or proxy. D. Voting It is understood that all matters shall be settled by a majority vote of Members present, eighteen (18) years of age or older, unless the Church by its Constitution shall limit itself to some greater percentage than a majority vote. ARTICLE XII: FINANCES

A. The fiscal year shall begin on January first and end on the following December thirty-first. B. The Church shall have an annual budget prepared in the fall of each year by the pastor and deacons and presented to the Church for vote at the annual election and budget meeting. C. No financial obligation shall be placed upon the Church, without church action, except as stated in Article VII, Section B, 3, d. D. A financial review committee shall be elected annually by the deacons at least one month prior to the annual business meeting. This committee shall consist of two members, at least one having a knowledge of accounting methods. They shall conduct a thorough review of the books of the church treasurer as outlined in the church policies manual and present a report of their findings at the April quarterly business meeting. ARTICLE XIII: MISSIONS Our task in missions is to carry out the mandate given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). All church planting associated with Maranatha Baptist Church will be Baptist. All mission endeavors receiving regular support from Maranatha Baptist 29

Church must be in hearty agreement with the doctrine and practices found in Scripture as assembled and supported in the Statement of Faith and Summary of Baptist Distinctives of Maranatha Baptist Church.

ARTICLE XIV: USE OF CHURCH BUILDING

A. The church building may be used for all activities of church life. The church building has been erected and set apart for God's glory and in this sense should be used only for such activities that honor Him and His holy Word. The Church will gladly offer its services for weddings and funerals and other events at the discretion of the pastor and deacons, but no secret societies will be permitted to hold services or to perform their rituals in the building. B. All speakers shall have the approval of the pastor and deacons. No one shall circulate a petition or organize a cause without permission from the pastor or deacons. ARTICLE XV: LICENSING AND ORDINATION

A. Licensing 1. When a man in this membership is called to the Christian ministry and desires to be licensed, he shall make his desire known to the pastor and deacons. If the pastor and deacons, after having heard him preach, are satisfied concerning his salvation, his call to the ministry, and his consistent Christian living, it may be recommended to the Church that a license be granted. The Church may act upon this recommendation at any meeting of the Church. 2. The duration of this license shall be perpetual subject to the following conditions: No license granted by this Church shall be valid after the licensee leaves his pastoral position at the Church. A license may be annulled or withdrawn at any time should the Church in its judgment have sufficient reason for such action. B. Ordination 1. When, in the judgment of the pastor and deacons, a man in this membership is called to the Christian ministry, it shall be within the power of the deacons to recommend to the Church that a council, composed of the pastor and two messengers from churches of like faith and practice, be called for the purpose of examining the candidate. This examining council shall be called by church action.

2. The examining council shall thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination as to their call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal beliefs, and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service. After hearing the recommendation, the church may proceed with the ordination at a future date as agreed upon by both the Church and the candidate. 3. The following shall not be ordained to the ministry by this Church: a. One who cannot conform to the qualifications of a pastor as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 nor one who does not meet the qualifications to be a pastor of this church as set forth in this Constitution, Article VII, A. b. One who has not served six months as a pastor, assistant pastor, or other definite [vocational] Christian work in such manner as to convey reasonable evidence of God's call to the ministry. 4. It shall be within the power of the Church to discipline, even to revoking the ordination credentials, any minister ordained by this Church in accordance with this Constitution after an impartial trial conducted in the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13. The minister under trial shall have the privilege of appealing his case to the congregation within sixty (60) days after the decision. ARTICLE XVI: AMMENDMENTS This Constitution may be amended by three-fourths (3/4) vote of members present at any annual [January] business meeting, provided that there is a quorum and that notice of such proposed amendment has been clearly stated and submitted in writing to the Church no later than two previous quarterly business meetings. The proposed amendment must be publicly read to the Church from the pulpit at these two previous quarterly business meetings before it may be acted upon at the annual business meeting.

ARTICLE XVII: BY-LAWS To the extent not inconsistent with the provision of this church Constitution, the members at any regular or special meeting may adopt, amend or repeal By-laws for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the Church. Approved By-laws shall be maintained by the church clerk as permanent records of this Church and are church property.

BY-LAWS MARANATHA BAPTIST CHURCH OF GRIMES of GRIMES, IOWA

ARTICLE I: PURPOSE The purpose of the By-Laws is to define the organization, policies, and procedures of Maranatha Baptist Church and its ministries in areas not covered by the church Constitution.

ARTICLE II: AUTHORITY AND AMENDMENTS The By-Laws are under the authority of the congregation and the Constitution of Maranatha Baptist Church of Grimes and may be amended by majority vote of the congregation at any duly called business meeting following a two week posting and announcement. Approved By-Laws shall be maintained by the church clerk as permanent records of the church.

ARTICLE III: OFFICE The principal office of the Church in the State of Iowa shall be located in the city of Grimes, Polk County. The Church may have such other offices, within or without the State of Iowa, as the business of the Church may require from time to time.

The registered office of the Church required by the Iowa Non-Profit Corporation Act to be continuously maintained in Iowa shall be initially as provided in the Articles of Incorporation subject to change from time to time by resolution of the deacons and filing of a statement of said change as required by the Iowa Non-Profit Corporation Act.

ARTICLE IV: SEAL Until official church action to the contrary, Maranatha Baptist Church of Grimes shall have no seal.

ARTICLE V: INDEMNIFICATION SECTION 1. Except as provided by Chapter 504A, Code of Iowa, the president, a director, officer, employee, or member of this corporation shall not be liable on the corporation's debts nor obligations, and the president, a director, officer, member, or other volunteer is not personally liable in that capacity, for a claim based upon an act of omission of the person performed in the discharge of the person's duties, except for a breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which

32 involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or for a transaction from which the person derives an improper personal benefit.

SECTION 2. The corporation shall indemnify the president, any director, officer, member, or other volunteer against all expenses, liabilities, and claims of every kind, including reasonable counsel fees, by or on behalf of any person or entity arising out of any act or omission performed in discharge of the person's duties on behalf of the corporation unless such act (a) constitutes a breach of the duty of loyalty to the corporation, (b) is not in good faith, (c) involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or (d) involves a transaction from which the person derives an improper personal benefit.

ARTICLE VI: TAX EXEMPT STATUS This Church is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distribution to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the charitable, religious, and educational purposes of the Church.

No substantial part of the activities of the Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Church shall not participate in, or intervene in behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these By- Laws, this Church shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this Church.

ARTICLE VII: PRIVATE BENEFIT AND DISSOLUTION No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, if any, directors, officers, or other private persons. Upon the dissolution of the corporation the officers shall, after paying and making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the corporation, transfer all of the assets of the corporation to the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches, or, if it [the IARBC] shall not be in 33 existence, to such other organization or organizations operated exclusively for religious purposes as the officers shall determine and are most closely in accord with the original intent and purpose of Maranatha Baptist Church of Grimes, Iowa.

THE BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES

B ible Our Only Authority A utonomy of the Local Church P riesthood of All Believers T wo Offices: Pastor and Deacons I mmersed, Regenerated Membership S oul Liberty T wo Ordinances: Baptism, and Communion S eparation of Church and State

Summary of Baptist Distinctives

1. We affirm the absolute authority of the New Testament in all matters of church faith and order. It takes a study of the New Testament to discover the church’s nature, mission, and order. (Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 2:4-9; 16-23) 2. Believer baptism by immersion is a personal identification of those who have made a credible profession of faith in Christ as Savior with the gospel message that Christ died, was buried, and rose again. (Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21) 3. The local Church is the place where regenerated baptized believers join in membership and carry out the work of Christ as the body of Christ, hold each other accountable for growing as disciples of Jesus Christ, and enjoy fellowship around the Lord’s table. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24; 1 Corinthians 11:33) 4. Individual Christian responsibility is the privilege and duty of direct access to God. This direct access places the believer in a position to make intercession for other believers and bring offerings to God. (Hebrews 4:14-16; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Peter 2:5) 5. Each individual believer is personally responsible to understand and obey the truth of God’s Word for themselves. Being personally convinced of the truth is what truly motivates the heart for understanding and obeying God. (1 John 2:20; 4:1-6; 2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:10-16) 6. The final authority under Christ for making the Church’s decisions is invested in the congregation as a whole. The Holy Spirit has been 34

given to all believers and all believers may express what they believe to be the mind of Christ Who is their Head. The office of Pastor/Bishop/Elder leads the body and the office of Deacon serves the body. (Acts 6:1-6; Acts 15; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 12; 1 Timothy 3:1- 13; 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17; 3 John 5-8) 7. The local church is an autonomous entity making binding decisions upon itself based solely on its conviction of the teachings of Scripture. Only Christ may control the dictates of the church and impose His will upon the Church by using His word and the expression of the assembled body of Christ. (1 Cor. 4:17; Col. 1:24- 27; 1 Tim. 3:15 and 4:6) 8. Coerced worship is not offered in spirit and in truth. It is not right to use the law, or the threat of imprisonment or death to compel others to follow Christ, or any religion for that matter. Any devotion offered to God must first come from the heart to be acceptable to God. The State will not attempt to fulfill the mission of the church nor will the Church attempt to fulfill the mission of government. (Isaiah 1:11-20; John 4:23-24; Luke 20:25; Acts 5:27-29; Romans 13:1-7)

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This Constitution was drafted and adopted in the fall of 1995. It has been amended as follows:

January 1999: A change was made to make head usher and Sunday school secretary appointed positions instead of elected positions. The positions of financial secretary and that of church treasurer were revised for clarification. A fifth deacon was to be added when the church would reach seventy-five members.

January 2000: The word "approved" was dropped concerning mission boards, schools, agencies, ministries and individuals. The word "Baptist" was added. Another addition was that they must be in hearty agreement with our Articles of Faith, both in doctrine and practice.

January 2001: In ARTICLE VIII, SUBSIDIARY OFFICERS, Section B 4 b, "board of deacons" was replaced with "pastor and deacons" and in the same article, section B 4 c, "board of deacons" was replaced with "senior pastor." The phrase "board of deacons" was replaced with the word "deacons" throughout the constitution since that is the term used in Scripture.

January 2003: Section 22 dealing with associations and biblical separation was added to ARTICLE IV, STATEMENT OF FAITH.

January 2009: ARTICLE XII: FINANCES, Section D, dealing with an auditing committee was replaced with the current section which makes provision for a financial review committee.

January 2010: ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS, Section B, Deacons, 3e, deleted sentence, “It is their duty to appoint one of their number to count and record all offerings with the treasurer”. ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS, Section B, Deacons, 5g was added.

January 2011: ARTICLE XI: MEETINGS, Section B, 2, changed “on the third...” to “no later than the third...”

January 2015: ARTICLE IV: STATEMENT OF FAITH, Section 21. THE FAMILY, added more specific statement on marriage, gender, and sexuality, with more scripture references. Section 2. THE TRUE GOD, added a few Scripture references. ARTICLE XIII: MISSIONS, deleted statement about supporting “only Baptist Mission boards, Christian schools, colleges, agencies, ministries, and individuals.” Strengthened statement about being in “hearty agreement” the statement of Faith and Baptist Distinctives. Added the Summary of Baptist Distinctives to the end of the document.

January 2016: ARTICLE VI.B so death or a letter of resignation would remove a person from membership immediately. ARTICLE VII.A.3.b.(2).a) & b), added c) through h) to reflect clear instruction of Matthew 18. ARTICLE VII.A.5.f, added the requirement of a 2/3 majority of the congregation to ratify hiring of an assistant or associate pastor. ARTICLE VII opening paragraph, removed Awana Commander and added subscription to Covenant and Statement of Faith. ARTICLE VII.B.4, deleted. ARTICLE IX.A & D, giving flexibility to timing of election meeting. ARTICLE IX.B., deleted statement disallowed divorced officers. ARTICLES XI.B.1-3 and XII.B, adding “or as soon thereafter as possible” to business meeting dates. ARTICLE XV.A.2, making licenses perpetual unless intentionally annulled.