Constitutional By-Laws

COWBOY CHURCH OF KAUFMAN, KAUFMAN, TEXAS

BYLAWS, REVISED APRIL 2010

ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHING MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Cowboy Church of Kaufman is open to anyone who meets the following qualifications:

A personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Baptism by immersion after faith in Christ as a testimony of salvation.

Membership may be established in the following ways:

Letter Candidates who are members in good standing of another church of like faith and order may petition the Cowboy Church to acquire a letter of membership from their previous church.
Statement Candidates who have previously been members of another church of like faith and order, but are unable to obtain a letter of membership from said church, may join by affirming that they are baptized (immersed) believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, holding to the historic teachings of Christianity, and desiring membership in the Cowboy Church.
Baptism Candidates accepting Christ as their Savior and requesting Christian baptism by immersion will be accepted as members upon baptism. All candidates for membership shall give a verbal testimony of their conversion, baptism, and walk with Christ to the Pastor or Lay Pastor of the Cowboy Church.

SECTION 2. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Cowboy Church of Kaufman may be terminated in one of the following ways:

Death
Letter A letter of dismissal for any member in good standing shall be granted to any church of like faith and order upon request from said church.
Exclusion If a member conducts himself in a manner which brings the name of Christ and the church into disrepute, it will be the responsibility of the elected leaders of the church, under the guidance of the Pastor, to attempt to restore the member in a spirit of love according to the guidelines set forth in Matthew 18:15 -17. If the member fails to respond positively to these attempts, exclusion will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the church membership present and voting at a called church conference
Erasure If a member requests erasure or offers proof of membership in a church of another denomination, his name will be removed from the roll.

SECTION 3. RIGHTS OF MEMBER

Each member present, 18 years of age and older, shall be entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted for a vote at any church conference. The right of a member to vote shall cease upon the termination of his membership in the church. Members have the right to vote on the following matters: the call of the Pastor and other professional ministerial staff, the election of congregational leaders, the annual church budget, indebtedness associated with land acquisition and/or building improvements, cumulative indebtedness for all other aspects of church business that exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the annual church budget, the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the church, the merger or dissolution of the church, and any other matter submitted by the elected leaders to the church for a vote.

ARTICLE II. MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP

SECTION 1. PASTOR

Call Upon the Pastor’s termination, a church conference will be called and the church will elect a Pastor Search Team. The nominations will be submitted by written ballot and given to an Elder or Lay Pastor. The nominees will then be presented to the church body. This team will consist of no fewer than seven (7) and no more than nine (9) members. The team will consist of representatives of the church body. The team will be made up of male and female elected members by the body of the church. No person shall serve on this team who has been a member of the church for less than one (1) full year. This team will seek out and evaluate prospective pastoral candidates until they achieve complete consensus on a single candidate. They will then report to the church body who, will set a time and date for the candidate to be received by the church. The approved date, must allow for a minimum of thirty (30) days before the church will receive the candidate. On that date, after the church has worshipped with the recommended candidate, a church conference shall be called and after a full discussion, a vote will be taken by secret ballot. A three-fourths (3/4 -75%) vote of the church members present and voting is required to extend a call. If the church body does not extend a “call” to the candidate, or if the candidate declines to accept, then the Pastor Search Team will begin a new search and come before the church with a second recommendation. This method will proceed until a Pastor is secured.
Duties The Pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the congregation. In that capacity, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, he shall preach and teach the word of God, lead the church in regular worship services, assist with administering the ordinances of the church, assist with moderating at church conferences, provide leadership to the ministerial staff, assist with administering church affairs, and generally fulfill all his pastoral duties as set forth in Scripture. The Pastor will be confidentially evaluated annually by the Elders of the church.
Termination The Pastor’s duties with the church may be terminated by resignation, death, or dismissal. Such dismissal will require three-fourths (3/4 – 75%) vote of the members present and voting at a called business meeting. The moderator for such a meeting will be a disinterested third party appointed by the elected leaders.

SECTION 2. PROFESSIONAL MINISTERIAL STAFF

Call The church will employ professional ministerial staff, sufficient for fulfilling the church’s mission. Such ministerial staff will require three-fourths (3/4 – 75%) vote of the congregation upon the recommendation of the search team. The search team shall be nominated by the church leadership and voted on by the church body.
Duties Professional ministerial staff persons will have specific and written job descriptions as outlined by the Pastor and Personnel Team.
Termination The service of professional staff persons may be terminated by resignation, death, or a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a church conference called by the Elders for that purpose.

SECTION 3. LAY PASTORS

The role of the Lay Pastor shall be described as follows:

In all things, a man of Christ-like Character towards all people in all situations.
A man who lives above reproach, not only from the scripture, but also his fellow Christians.
A man who leads the congregation to Christ centered service.
A man who serves his church in hard work, attending worship and events, and in giving.
A man who is an extension of the Pastor in service and in spirit.
A man who takes an active role in leading the worship service and shares his own faith.
A man who ministers to the congregation in their distressed times, in their developing faith, in their unsure decisions for Christ.
A man who looks after the physical needs of the congregation and the facilities.
A man who carries the name of Christ in all of his relationships.
An encourager to other leaders.

Purpose and Function Lay Pastors shall serve as an extension of the ministry of the Senior Pastor and in that capacity may serve as ex-officio members of teams, administer the ordinances of the church, assist in leading worship, and generally perform any other ministerial function of the Senior Pastor with his approval or at his request.
Qualifications Since Lay Pastors represent the ministry of the Senior Pastor, they must be men beyond reproach who meet the biblical qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1: 6-9. Before a nominee is recommended to the church for the role of Lay Pastor, the nominee must have been a church member for one (1) full year.
Selection Lay Pastors shall be nominated to the church body as needed by the Senior Pastor or in the absence of a Pastor, by elected leaders. To serve they must receive a three-fourths (3/4 – 75%) vote from the church body.
Duties Each Lay Pastor will have specific responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Pastor.
Term of Office Lay Pastors will be elected up to three (3) one (1) year terms, but may serve additional terms after a one (1) year lay-off. For the sake of the person and their family, no person should serve in this capacity for more than three (3) years unless there is a one (1)year sabbatical between terms of service.
Removal A Lay Pastor may be removed before their term of office expires by death, resignation, or consensus decision of the church body.

SECTION 4. ELDERS

Purpose and Function Elders shall serve to provide spiritual leadership and accountability to the church in accordance with scripture. They will provide a brotherhood of support and accountability for the Pastor, assist the ministry teams with difficult issues, serve as arbiters in matters of conflict or church discipline, and in general provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and assistance whenever and wherever appropriate. The Elder body shall be made up of a maximum of three (3) elected Elders plus the pastor, who is also an Elder. Elders do not run the church, they serve the church according to the scripture.
Qualifications Because Elders may be called on to handle the weightiest matters of the church, they should above all be men filled with wisdom, love and the Holy Spirit. All Elders must meet the Biblical qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:17 and Titus 1: 6-9 and must have a connection to the cowboy culture. The Senior Pastor shall be an Elder. Elders are selected from a group of men who have previous experience as Deacons or Lay Pastors and meet the qualifications (SEE SECTION 3 ABOVE) as a Lay Pastor prior to being considered as an Elder.
Selection and Term of Office
Removal Any member of the church may bring a written scriptural reason for removal of an Elder. Elders may be removed from office by their own decision or by consensus decision of the other Elders. Removal shall be based upon being spiritually unqualified or the inability to serve.
Vacancies Elder vacancies can occur by death, resignation, or removal. When a vacancy occurs, the existing Elders, meeting in Church Conference, shall select an interim to fill the vacancy until the next election.

SECTION 5. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Purpose and Function Elected leaders shall serve to provide spiritual leadership and accountability to the church in accordance with scripture. They will provide support and accountability for the Pastor, assist the ministry teams with difficult issues, and in general provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and assistance wherever and whenever appropriate. No one should be considered for an elected position in the church until they have proven themselves as a faithful member of the church for not less than one (1) year.
Qualifications (these expectations are required for all elected leaders in the church) Because elected leaders may be called on to handle the weightiest matters of the church, they should above all be persons filled with wisdom, love, and the Holy Spirit. They must meet the Biblical qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The Senior Pastor and all additional staff members must also meet these qualifications.

They commit themselves to be a learning person, focused on His will in their life. They commit themselves to live above reproach, and to develop servants to be leaders in the future.They commit themselves to make this church a priority in their life, even when it is inconvenient to their personal schedules and agendas, because they know God will use them if they are faithful. They commit to give and to attend faithfully, believing that God will use them to set the pace for service and support of His church.
Removal Any member of the church may bring a written scriptural reason for removal of an elected leader. Elected leaders may be removed from office by their own decision or by consensus decision of the church body. Removal shall be based upon being spiritually unqualified or the inability to serve.
Vacancies Leadership vacancies can occur by death, resignation, or removal. When a vacancy occurs, the church, meeting in Church Conference, shall select an interim to fill the vacancy until the next election.

ARTICLE III. SUPPORT STAFF

The Pastor and Personnel Team may suggest employment and termination of other employees as necessary for the efficient conduct of the business of the church.

ARTICLE IV. MINISTRY TEAMS

SECTION 1. GENERAL MINISTRY TEAMS

Purpose and Function Ministry teams shall be organized to carry out the specialized ministries of the church. Each ministry team shall have specific functions and responsibilities as assigned or approved by the Pastor and/or Elders.
Structure Ministry teams will be made up of an odd number (usually 5 - 9) of people organized to carry out a necessary ministry or function of the church. Each team member will have individual functions and responsibilities as assigned by the team. A staff member or Lay Pastor will be assigned to each team to offer assistance and serve as a liaison between the team and the Senior Pastor. One member of the team shall be designated by the Lay Pastor or staff member to be team leader and will be responsible for ensuring that the team functions properly. Teams will function by consensus, not majority vote. This means that teams must arrive at decisions that can be supported by each member of the team. If consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall either be tabled or placed before the church body for a final decision.
Qualifications Team members must be active members of the church in good standing, love the Lord and have a desire to see His kingdom grow, have credibility with other church members, have a passion for the mission of the team, be determined to make the team a top priority in their lives (this means that they are willing to rearrange their daily schedules or do whatever it takes to participate in team meetings and activities), and desire to use their talents and abilities to accomplish the team’s mission.
Formation of Teams General Ministry teams may be formed as needed by the Pastor and church body, by the Leadership Team, or by any active ministry team.
Selection of Team Leaders A ministry team leader is elected in a church conference by secret ballot. They must be a baptized member of the church to serve and be a person above reproach in their Christian character. It is suggested that ministry team leaders serve in a position for one (1) year and then move to a different ministry or step down. This is for the purpose that others may have the opportunity to serve in that capacity and so that one (1) person does not dominate the team leader role. If other persons are not available for the respective role, then the team leader is welcome to serve a second year.
Removal If a team member causes conflict, fails to carry out his or her responsibility to the team, or otherwise hampers the work of the team, every effort should be made by the team leader and assigned staff person to rectify the issue in a positive redemptive manner. However, if the problem persists, a team member may be removed by the consensus decision of the other team members.

SECTION 2. STANDING CONGREGATIONAL TEAMS

Purpose and Function Standing Congregational Teams shall provide oversight of the church’s regular business affairs and assist in finding and providing the tangible resources necessary to effectively carry out the church’s ministries. Membership on a standing team does not preclude a person from serving on a ministry team, such as Women's Ministry, or Fellowship Lunch.
Structure Standing Congregational Teams shall be composed of three (3) to six (6) members serving a three (3) year term with two (2) members rotating off each year. A staff member or Lay Pastor will be assigned to each team to offer assistance and serve as a liaison between the team and the church. Each year, one (1) member of the team shall be elected by the team members to be team leader and will be responsible for ensuring that the team functions properly. Teams will function by consensus, not majority vote. This means that teams must arrive at decisions that can be supported by each member of the team. If consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall either be tabled or placed before the Pastor and Elders for a final decision.
Qualifications Qualifications for standing ministry team members will be the same as those of general ministry team members. (Article IV. Section 1.)
Standing Teams The standing teams of the church shall be:
1. Personnel Team The Personnel Team will be responsible to ensure that the church has adequate support staff to effectively carry out its ministries. They will fill staff vacancies as needed or as directed by the church (except in the case of seeking a pastor, upon a vacancy of the pulpit, the personnel team may be used to select an interim pastor, but the Pastor Search Team will seek out and recommend a pastor to the church), conduct annual staff evaluations in the first quarter of each year periodic staff evaluations, make salary recommendations, and mediate church/staff disputes. The personnel team does not have hiring or firing authority. They do have the right and the responsibility to advise the church in such matters. This team will include at least one (1) church Elder other than the Pastor.
2. Facility Team The Facility Team will be responsible to ensure that the church has adequate facilities to effectively carry out its ministries. They will oversee the care, maintenance, and use of all facilities and grounds except the arena. They will also assist the Pastor and Elders with long range planning which will ensure that the church has adequate facilities to meet future needs. The facilities or equipment of the church are not to be loaned or rented for personal use by any member, employee, or friends of the church. Facilities are not loaned or rented for the events of other groups in the community.
3. Finance Team The Finance Team will be responsible to ensure that the church has adequate financial resources to effectively carry out its ministries. They shall work cooperatively with the Pastor, Lay Pastors, professional staff, and team leaders to find maximum resources for meeting each ministry need. They shall also be responsible for the preparation of the annual budget, for the oversight and accounting of all financial records, and for assisting the Pastor and Elders with long term planning which will ensure that the church has financial resources to meet future ministry needs. This team should include at least one (1) Elder other than the Pastor.
4. Arena Team The Arena Team will be responsible for providing the tools, resources, and personnel necessary for the church to effectively carry out its arena ministry. They shall be responsible for the oversight, care, maintenance, and use of the arena. They will work with the Leadership Team, as well as other ministry teams, to develop strategies and plan events that will utilize the arena to effectively reach the cowboy/western culture for Christ. Opening prayers should be offered at the opening of each event. No Arena events schedule on Sunday shall start before 3:00pm.
  
  Arena events should include but are not limited to, roping, barrel racing and family play days. The postponement of any event will not change/interrupt any other scheduled events, but be re-scheduled.
Selection and Term of Office
1. On or about October 1st of each year, the church will be asked to submit in writing the names of individuals to serve on the various standing teams. These names will be screened by the Pastor and Lay Pastors to ensure that the nominees meet the qualifications of an effective team member as set forth in Article IV, Section 1. If it is determined that a nominee is qualified, his name will be placed before the church as a candidate. However, if it is determined that they are not qualified, they will not be a candidate.
  
  Once a list of qualified candidates has been assembled, an election will be held on or before October 31st of each year. The candidates’ names will be placed on a secret ballot and those church members present and voting shall be asked to vote on the candidates for the standing team. The candidates receiving the most votes will serve three-year terms as standing team members unless removed.
Removal If a standing team member causes conflict, fails to carry out his or her responsibility to the team, or otherwise hampers the work of the team, every effort should be made by the team leader and assigned staff person to rectify the issue in a positive redemptive manner. However, if the problem persists, a team member may be removed by consensus decision of the other team members.

Vacancies on standing teams can occur by death, resignation, or removal. When a vacancy occurs, the team shall, by consensus and with the approval of the Elders, select an interim to fill the vacancy until the next election.

SECTION 3. SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams are teams such as a Building Team or a Pastor Search Team. The establishment of such teams comes from special elections in a regular church conference that are under the direction and supervision of the Elders. Persons serving on a special team must have been a member of KCCC for not less than one (1) year. All such teams will be selected by secret ballot after the church body has had reasonable opportunity to nominate and pray over the matter

ARTICLE V. CORPORATE OFFICERS

SECTION 1. PRESIDENT

The Pastor shall serve as the President and overall representative and overall administrator of the corporation. He will assist as moderator at church conferences and be responsible for ensuring that the daily business affairs of the church are appropriately and effectively executed.

SECTION 2. TRUSTEES

Purpose and Function When authorized and instructed by the church body, Trustees shall sign the title to church property; all legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property; all notes and loan instruments; and such other legal documents as may require execution on behalf of the church. There shall be a minimum of three (3) trustees.
Selection and Term of Office The church shall elect Trustees to a three (3) year rotating terms with one (1) trustee rotating off annually.
Removal A Trustee may be removed by death, resignation, or consensus decision of the Elders.

SECTION 3. CLERK/SECRETARY

Purpose and Function The Church Clerk shall serve as Secretary of the corporation. The responsibilities of the clerk will be to keep the minutes of all church conferences, insure that a proper file of all members is maintained, and prepare an annual report to be given to the Kauf-Van Baptist Association.
Selection and Term of Office The position of Church Secretary/Church Clerk shall be filled in the same process as other leadership roles in the church.

SECTION 4. VACANCIES

Fiscal year The Fiscal Year of the church will be on a calendar year basis beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year.
Accounting Procedures The Finance Team shall follow a system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds.
Budget The Finance Team, in consultation with the Pastor and ministry team leaders, shall prepare and submit a budget for congregational approval prior to the beginning of each Fiscal Year. The Finance Team must provide quarterly budget reports to the church within thirty (30) days of the end of each quarter. The Treasurer of the church is the manager of all checkbooks, financial records, ect.

The church does not advance payments or salaries until services are rendered. The church does not loan money to any member or employee. The church does not co-sign loans or credit cards/cell phone bills/utility agreements/leases, ect. for any member or employee. Except in the case of items such as food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, etc., the purchaser needs to provide evidence of competitive shopping for items worth $250.00 or more. The Finance Team should not be made up of husband and wives, nor should the Treasurer be a spouse to anyone on the Finance Team. Any notice of late payments could be ground for dismissal from position. The Finance Team should require monthly reporting, no exceptions.
Checks, Drafts, Etc.
1. All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the church shall be signed by at least two (2) people who have been designated by the Finance Team for that purpose.
2. The Treasure/Secretary of the church must not at any time be signer of church drafts, credit card or checks.
3. All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the church shall be signed by at least two (2) people who have been designated by the Finance Team for that purpose. All reimbursements must be for church authorized functions only.
4. Payees must present a bill or receipt in order to received payment.
5. Treasurer or Secretary must gain authorization from the Finance Team to issue any check over $150.00 unless the expense is authorized by the church approved budget.
Deposits
1. Utilize attached weekly offering log sheet.
2. Ensure that there are two (2) to three (3) counters that rotate each week.
3. The Treasurer must never be a counter. Use different color ink per counter for signature purposes.
4. Only bank issued depository bags and deposit slips must be used each week.
5. All funds received by the church shall be deposited on the Sunday they are received to the credit of the church in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as determined by the Finance Team.
6. No cash or other funds are to be removed from the weekly offerings for petty cash or other causes. All funds received must be deposited into the bank.
Special Offerings: Except in the case of annual mission offerings/world hunger offerings sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas or the Kauf-Van Association, all special offerings must first be approved by the Finance Team, and then announced to the church not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the offering.

SECTION 2. CHURCH CONFERENCES

Church Conferences Church conferences may be called by the members of the church in the event that a special session needs to function in between the quarterly church conferences. Notices of the time and place of all church conferences shall be given not later than thirty (30) days prior to such meetings by publication in the church newsletter or worship bulletin, or by public announcement at a regular Sunday morning worship service.
Place of Church Conferences All church conferences shall be held on the premises of the church.
Quorum The church members present at any duly called church conference shall constitute a quorum.
Proxies Voting by proxy at any church conference shall not be allowed or recognized.
Will of the Church All Ministry Teams, officers, and organizations of the church shall carry out the will of the church on any given matter, duly expressed by its vote.
Rules of Procedure The order of proceedings at church conferences shall be determined by the rules of practice contained in Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.
Conduct of Church Business All business of the church shall be conducted in a manner that honors Christ and respects others. The church shall strive to seek the will of God by prayerful deliberation and common consensus. The process of voting on significant matters such as church leaders/employees, financial matters, budget reports, purchase of land/facilities, etc will be conducted by written secret ballots. Only adult church members may vote on church business.

SECTION 3. CONTRACTS

The Trustees shall execute and deliver any contract or instrument in the name of the church, which may be authorized by the church to be so executed and delivered. In this connection, the church body as a whole shall be the ultimate authority for all actions taken by the church and no other person, organization or corporate officer shall have any authority to contract or otherwise bind the church without express authorization from the church body.

SECTION 4. BOOKS AND RECORDS

The church shall keep and maintain a complete and accurate record of all financial accounts, membership lists, and church conference minutes at its principle office. Any member, or his agent or attorney may inspect all books and records of the church, for any purpose at any reasonable time.

SECTION 5. PROHIBITION AGAINST SHARING IN CORPORATE EARNINGS

No member, officer, or person connected with the corporation, or any other private individual shall receive at any time any of the net earnings of pecuniary profit from the operations of the corporation, provided that this shall not prevent the payment to any such person of a reasonable compensation for services rendered to or for the corporation in effecting any of its purposes as shall be fixed by the church; and no such person or persons shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon the dissolution of the corporation. All members of the church shall be deemed to have expressly consented and agreed that upon such dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the corporation, after all debts have been satisfied, then remaining in the hands of the officers of the church shall be distributed, transferred, conveyed, delivered, and paid over, in such amounts as the church may determine or as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction upon application of the church, exclusively to charitable, religious, or educational organizations affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas or Kauf - Van Baptist Association which would then qualify under the provisions of Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.

SECTION 6. EXEMPT ACTIVITIES

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, no member, officer, or representative of the corporation shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the corporation not permitted to be taken or carried on by any organization exempt under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended, or by any organization contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (C)(2) of such code and regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths (3/4 - 75%) vote of the members present at a church conference called for that purpose. Any member of the church may propose amendments. Proposed amendments for church consideration shall be in written form and mailed thirty (30) days prior to the church conference to the last known address of all members eligible to vote. Amendments will be numbered, dated and attached to the original instrument.

Motivating Scriptures:

Matthew 18: 15-17
A Brother Who Sins Against You
¹⁵"If your brother sins against you, ^[a] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. ¹⁶But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'^[b] ¹⁷If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Timothy 3: 1-7
Overseers and Deacons
¹Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, ^[a] he desires a noble task. ²Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. ⁵(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?). ⁶He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Titus 1: 6-9
⁶An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷Since an overseer^[a] is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

THEOLOGICAL STATEMENT OF KAUFMAN COUNTY COWBOY CHURCH

1963 Baptist Message of Faith

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE

The 1962 session of the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in San Francisco, California, adopted the following motion: “Since the report of the Committee on Statement of Baptist Faith and Message was adopted in 1925, there have been various statements from time to time which have been made, but no overall statement which might be helpful at this time as suggested in Section 2 of that report, or introductory statement which might be used as an interpretation of the 1925 Statement. “We recommend, therefore, that the president of this Convention be requested to call a meeting of the men now serving as presidents of the various state Conventions that would qualify as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention Committee under Bylaw 18 to present to the Convention in Kansas City some similar statement which shall serve as information to the churches, and which may serve as guidelines to the various agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention. It is understood that any group or individuals may approach this committee to be of service. The expenses of this committee shall be borne by the Convention Operating Budget.”
Throughout its work your committee has been conscious of the contribution made by the statement of “The Baptist Faith and Message” adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1925. It quotes with approval it affirmation that “Christianity is supernatural in its origin and history. We repudiate every theory of religion which denies the supernatural elements of our faith.” Furthermore, it concurs in the introductory “statement of the historic Baptist conception of the nature and function of confessions of faith in our religious and denominational life.” It is, therefore, quoted in full as part of this report to the Convention:
“(1)That they constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body, large or small, for the general instruction and guidance of our own people and others concerning those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us. They are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament, viz., repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
“(2)That we do not regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of finality or infallibility. As in the past so in the future Baptists should hold themselves free to revise their statements of faith as may seem to them wise and expedient at any time.
“(3)That any group of Baptists, large or small have the inherent right to draw up for themselves and publish to the world a confession of their faith whenever they may think it advisable to do so.
“(4)That the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.
“(5)That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life.” The 1925 Statement recommended “the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, revised at certain points, and with some additional articles growing out of certain needs . . .”
Your present committee has adopted the same pattern. It has sought to build upon the structure of the 1925 Statement, keeping in mind the “certain needs” of our generation. At times it has reproduced sections of that Statement without change. In with instances it has substituted words for clarity or added sentences for emphasis. At certain points it has combined articles, other minor changes in wording, to endeavor to relate certain doctrines to each other. In still others (e.g., “God” and “Salvation”) it has sought to bring together certain truths contained throughout the 1925 Statement in order to relate them more clearly and concisely. In no case has it sought to delete from or to add to the basic contents of the 1925 Statement. Baptists are a people who profess a living faith. This faith is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ who is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.” Therefore, the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is Jesus Christ whose will is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. A living faith must experience a growing understanding of truth and must be continually interpreted and related to the needs of each new generation. Throughout their history Baptist bodies, both large and small, have issued statements of faith which comprise a consensus of their beliefs. Such statements have never been regarded as complete, infallible statements of faith, nor as official creeds carrying mandatory authority. Thus this generation of Southern Baptists is in historic succession of intent and purpose as it endeavors to state for its time and theological climate those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us. Baptists emphasize the soul’s competency before God, freedom in religion, and the priesthood of the believer. However, this emphasis should not be interpreted to mean that there is an absence of certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified. It is the purpose of this statement of faith and message to set forth certain teachings which we believe.

1 9 6 3 S T A T E M E N T

I. THE SCRIPTURES
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.
Ex. 24:4; Deut. 4:1-2; 17:19; Josh. 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11, 89, 105, 140; Isa. 34:16; 40:8; Jer. 15:16; 36; Matt. 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Rom. 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

II. GOD
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Gen. 1:1; 2:7; Ex. 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Levit. 22:2; Deut. 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chron. 29:10; Psalms 19:1-3; Isa. 43:3; 15; 64:8; Jer. 10:10; 17:13; Matt. 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Rom. 8:14-15; 1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 4:6; Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Gen. 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isa. 7:14; 53; Matt. 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16, 27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6, 19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18, 29; 10:30, 38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16, 28; 17:1-5; 21-22; 20:1-20, 28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5, 20; Rom. 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3, 34; 10:4; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8, 24-28; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 1 Tim 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Heb. 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15, 24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Rev. 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.

C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God though His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Gen. 1:2; Judg. 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isa. 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matt. 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10, 12; Luke 1:35; 4:1, 18-19; 11:13; 12;12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17, 39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Rom. 8:9-11, 14-16, 26-27; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19; 1 Tim. 3:16; 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:14; 3:16; Heb. 9:8, 14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Rev. 1:10; 22:17.

III. MAN
Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Gen. 1:26-30; 2:5, 7, 18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isa. 6:5; Jer. 17:5; Matt. 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6, 12, 19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18, 29; 1 Cor. 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22; Eph. 2:1-22; Col. 1:21-22; 3:9-11.

IV. SALVATION
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.
1. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
2. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
3. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.
4. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Gen. 3:15; Ex. 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matt. 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14, 29; 3:3-21, 36; 5:24; 10:9, 28-29; 15:1-6; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Rom 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18, 29-39; 10:9-10, 13; 13:11-14; 1 Cor. 1:18, 30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Gal. 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Phil. 2:12-13; Col. 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 2 Tim. 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12, 8, 14; James 2:14-26; I Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Rev. 3:20; 21:1-22:5.

V. GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-8; 1 Sam. 8:4-7, 19-22; Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 31:31ff.; Matt. 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22, 31; 25:34: Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45, 65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6, 12, 17-18; Acts 20:32; Rom. 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7, 26-36; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Eph. 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Col. 1:12-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2:10, 19; Heb. 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 1:2-5, 13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.

VI. THE CHURCH
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.
Matt. 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42, 47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23, 27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-15; 4:14, 1 Peter 5:1-4; Rev. 2-3; 21:2-3.

VII. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’ Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matt. 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Acts 20:7; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 10:16, 21; 11:23-29; Col. 2:12.

VIII. THE LORD’S DAY
The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.
Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3, 33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1, 19-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 2:16; 3:16; Rev. 1:10.

IX. THE KINGDOM
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Gen. 1:1; Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 3:2; 4:8-10, 23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Rom. 5:17; 8:19; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Col. 1:13; Heb. 11:10, 16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Rev. 1:6, 9; 5:10; 11:15; 21:22.

X. LAST THINGS
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will be dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isa. 2:4; 11:9; Matt. 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40, 48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 4:5; 15:24-28, 35-58; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thess. 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2; 2 Tim. 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13; Heb 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Rev. 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

XI. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-6; Isa. 6:1-8; Matt. 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8, 16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 3:1-11; 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Tim. 4:5; Heb. 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Rev. 22:17.

XII. EDUCATION
The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people. In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deut. 4:1, 5, 9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Neh. 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Prov. 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7, 11; 15:14; Eccl. 7:19; Matt. 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Eph. 4:11-16; Phil. 4:8; Col. 2:3, 8-9; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14-17; Heb. 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

XIII. STEWARDSHIP
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Gen. 14:20; Lev. 27:30-32; Deut. 8:18; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 6:1-4, 19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21, 42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Rom. 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9; 12:15; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

XIV. CO-OPERATION
Christ’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should co-operate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary co-operation for common ends by various groups of Christ’s people. Co-operation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when su
ch co-operation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.
Ex. 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judg. 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Neh. 4; 8:1-5; Matt. 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1-ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Cor. 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 1:6-10; Eph. 4:1-16; Phil. 1:15-18.

XV. THE CHRISTIAN AND THE SOCIAL ORDER
Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Ex. 20:3-17; Lev. 6:2-5; Deut. 10:12; 27:17; Psalms 101:5; Mic. 6:8; Zech. 8:16; Matt. 5:13-16, 43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Rom. 12-14; 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.

XVI. PEACE AND WAR
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.
Isa. 2:4; Matt. 5:9, 38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36, 38; Rom. 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Heb. 12:14; James 4:1-2.

XVII. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Matt. 6:6-7, 24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Rom. 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Gal. 5:1, 13; Phil. 3:20; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

HERSCHELH. HOBBS, Chairman Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (President SBC) HOWARD M. REAVES, Mobile, Alabama ED. J. PACKWOOD, Phoenix, Arizona C. Z. HOLLAND, Jonesboro, Arkansas W. B. TIMBERLINE, Pomona, California C. V. KOONS, Washington, District of Columbia MALCOLM B. KNIGHT, Jacksonville, Florida DICKH. HALL, JR., Decatur, Georgia, Secretary CHARLES R. WALKER, Marion, Illinois WALTER R. DAVIS, Hammond, Indiana GARTH PYBAS, Topeka, Kansas V. C. KRUSCHWITZ, Elizabethtown, Kentucky LUTHER B. HALL, Farmerville, Louisiana, ROBERT WOODWARD, Frederick, Maryland DOUGLAS HUDGINS, Jackson, Mississippi, PAUL WEBER, JR., Springfield, Missouri R. A. LONG, Roswell, New Mexico NANE STARNES, Asheville, North Carolina C. HOGEHOCKENSMITH, Columbus, Ohio HUGH R. BUMPAS, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma DAVID G. ANDERSON, North Charleston, SC E. WARREN RUST, Cleveland, Tennessee JAMES H. LANDES, Wichita Falls, Texas R. P. DOWNEY, Salem, Virginia