 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Article III Membership - page 5 |
Section I - Qualifications of Membership
Any blood-bought, born-again child of G-d of any age who wishes to regularly participate in the
activities and responsibilities of this congregation may become a member of this fellowship and a
participant in the responsibilities and privileges of such membership by:
a. Providing a public confession of faith in Yeshua HaMashiach as L-rd and Savior as a new
Believer, or by providing a public testimony of a previous salvation experience and evidence of a
present sanctified lifestyle; and
b. Being immersed in water in the Name of Abba, HaBen, and Ruach haKodesh, or by providing
evidence or testimony of such immersion subsequent to a salvation experience; and
c. Having the content and intent of thus constitution and the congregation's doctrinal position clearly
explained by an Elder of this congregation; and
d. Agreeing to participate in, and be bound by, the responsibilities of membership as described
herein.
Section 2 - Responsibilities of Membership
Members of this congregation mutually agree to fulfill our purpose, responsibilities, and activities as
defined herein, and be bound by the definitions and requirements of this constitution. Any member
who performs any ministry within the congregation that involves teachings or leadership agrees to do
so only within the established boundaries of the congregation's stated doctrinal position. Upon
becoming a member of the congregation, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the
Elders; to pray for them, and to recognize their authority in all affairs of the congregation; to exhibit a
brotherly love for all members of the congregation; to support the congregation through regular prayer
and financial offerings; and, in accordance with Biblical commands, to support through their lifestyle
an affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the congregation.
Further, we believe that every Believer, at the moment of salvation and regeneration, is endowed by
Ruach HaKodesh with one or more spiritual fits. Every member is expected to actively minister to this
fellowship in the area of their gifting(s). The Elders will provide guidance and instruction necessary
and the opportunity for ministry. However, only members may serve in any ministry that involves
leadership or teaching.
Section 3 - Termination of Membership
Any member may voluntarily terminate his/her membership at any time by simply ceasing regular
participation in the activities of this congregation or by obtaining membership in some other
congregation. Members who thus terminate their membership are requested to notify the Elders of
their decision to do so.
Section 4 - Discipline/Reconciliation
Discipline within the Body of Mashiach is a very serious matter and one not to be taken lightly or
entered into without extensive and agonizing prayer. However, inasmuch as the Migra is required by
her L-rd to remain an example of purity and integrity before the world, He has commanded that there
be no sin found within His Bridge. Disciplinary action is to be undertaken only as a last resort, and
must only and always be conducted with the goal of restoring an erring member to full fellowship. The
procedure to be followed shall be in accordance with the L-rd's teachings as found in Matthew
18:15-17.
Every effort shall be made at every point in the disciplinary procedure to effect total restoration. If at
any point either during or following the procedure, the offending party confesses and repents of their
wrongdoing and makes an appropriate attempt at restitution with the offended party or parties, the
matter shall be immediately considered closed and the offending party immediately restored to full
fellowship.
In the event that it becomes necessary for any person to be expelled from membership, the Elders
shall see that every reasonable effort is made toward total restitution and reconciliation.
Any blood-bought, born-again child of G-d of any age who wishes to regularly participate in the
activities and responsibilities of this congregation may become a member of this fellowship and a
participant in the responsibilities and privileges of such membership by:
a. Providing a public confession of faith in Yeshua HaMashiach as L-rd and Savior as a new
Believer, or by providing a public testimony of a previous salvation experience and evidence of a
present sanctified lifestyle; and
b. Being immersed in water in the Name of Abba, HaBen, and Ruach haKodesh, or by providing
evidence or testimony of such immersion subsequent to a salvation experience; and
c. Having the content and intent of thus constitution and the congregation's doctrinal position clearly
explained by an Elder of this congregation; and
d. Agreeing to participate in, and be bound by, the responsibilities of membership as described
herein.
Section 2 - Responsibilities of Membership
Members of this congregation mutually agree to fulfill our purpose, responsibilities, and activities as
defined herein, and be bound by the definitions and requirements of this constitution. Any member
who performs any ministry within the congregation that involves teachings or leadership agrees to do
so only within the established boundaries of the congregation's stated doctrinal position. Upon
becoming a member of the congregation, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the
Elders; to pray for them, and to recognize their authority in all affairs of the congregation; to exhibit a
brotherly love for all members of the congregation; to support the congregation through regular prayer
and financial offerings; and, in accordance with Biblical commands, to support through their lifestyle
an affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the congregation.
Further, we believe that every Believer, at the moment of salvation and regeneration, is endowed by
Ruach HaKodesh with one or more spiritual fits. Every member is expected to actively minister to this
fellowship in the area of their gifting(s). The Elders will provide guidance and instruction necessary
and the opportunity for ministry. However, only members may serve in any ministry that involves
leadership or teaching.
Section 3 - Termination of Membership
Any member may voluntarily terminate his/her membership at any time by simply ceasing regular
participation in the activities of this congregation or by obtaining membership in some other
congregation. Members who thus terminate their membership are requested to notify the Elders of
their decision to do so.
Section 4 - Discipline/Reconciliation
Discipline within the Body of Mashiach is a very serious matter and one not to be taken lightly or
entered into without extensive and agonizing prayer. However, inasmuch as the Migra is required by
her L-rd to remain an example of purity and integrity before the world, He has commanded that there
be no sin found within His Bridge. Disciplinary action is to be undertaken only as a last resort, and
must only and always be conducted with the goal of restoring an erring member to full fellowship. The
procedure to be followed shall be in accordance with the L-rd's teachings as found in Matthew
18:15-17.
Every effort shall be made at every point in the disciplinary procedure to effect total restoration. If at
any point either during or following the procedure, the offending party confesses and repents of their
wrongdoing and makes an appropriate attempt at restitution with the offended party or parties, the
matter shall be immediately considered closed and the offending party immediately restored to full
fellowship.
In the event that it becomes necessary for any person to be expelled from membership, the Elders
shall see that every reasonable effort is made toward total restitution and reconciliation.
| Article IV Officers |
The Elders of this congregation shall serve such offices and perform such official responsibilities as
may be required by law, including but not limited to, the offices of President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, and Director. Elders may serve concurrently in more then one ofice
when permitted by law. When the number of Elders is not sufficient to fill all required offices, the
Elders shall appoint additional officers as may be required by law. Any officer so appointed shall
meet the minimum requirements as required for a Deacon (I Tim. 3:8-13). Selection of all officers
shall be by unanimous consent of all Elders, and the term of office shall be for one calendar year. The
Elder selected to fill the office of President shall be the presiding elder (Senior Pastor/Rabbi) for that
calendar year.
may be required by law, including but not limited to, the offices of President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, and Director. Elders may serve concurrently in more then one ofice
when permitted by law. When the number of Elders is not sufficient to fill all required offices, the
Elders shall appoint additional officers as may be required by law. Any officer so appointed shall
meet the minimum requirements as required for a Deacon (I Tim. 3:8-13). Selection of all officers
shall be by unanimous consent of all Elders, and the term of office shall be for one calendar year. The
Elder selected to fill the office of President shall be the presiding elder (Senior Pastor/Rabbi) for that
calendar year.
| Article V Amendments |
This constitution may be revised or amended only by the unanimous decision of all Elders currently
serving the congregation.
serving the congregation.
Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc.
Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007
Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007