We are a small Southern Baptist Church and member of the Holston Baptist Association.We are autonomous and the church body governs this church.We would love to have you come and worship with us.We love God and love to share the love of God.God's Holy Word, the Bible is our authority.We are a country church located in the city.Come and feel the love of God and God's people in our church.
Col. 3:23
And whatsoever ye do,do it heartily,as to the Lord,and not unto men;
24: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25: But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:and there is no respect of persons.
We need to do everything as to the Lord,but how much more should we try when it comes to Church. You need to support this church with your Prayers-Presence-Spiritual Gifts-Money.
I WANT L.W.B.C TO BE A CHURCH CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. I have had enough of churches that are only concerned about themselves. I want us to become a " WELLSPRING OF LIVING WATER ",
John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever shall drink of this water shall thirst again:
14: But whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him,shall never thirst;but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
OUR VISION: Living Water Baptist Church is a church that evangelizes the lost and educates new converts. We want to edify the body,while equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.We want to encourage one another in our journey of faith and experience the joy of our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
OUR MISSION: The mission of Living Water Baptist Church is based on Matthew 28: 18-20.We want to tell the unchurched about God's love and that Jesus died for them to have a relationship with Him.We want to teach Christians the truth using the Bible as our only authority.We want to build up our church with attendance while inviting unchurched people to join us for worship.We want to teach Christians how to use their spiritual gifts in the work of the ministry of God.We want to encourage one another by helping them in their time of need while lifting up their needs to God in intercessory prayer. Last but not the least we want every Christian to experience JOY of their salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
CORE VALUES
1.BIBLICAL INTEGRITY 2.FAITHFULNESS
3.AUTHENTICITY (be real) 4.CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
5.AFFECTION / LOVE / CARE 6.ACCOUNTABILITY
7.DISCIPLINE
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
MAIL YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
1806 KENTUCKY AVE.
BRISTOL, TN 37620
OR
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
4604 HIGHWAY 421
BRISTOL, TN 37620
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Constitution
3-10-2010
PREAMBLE
For the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties of each individual member of this church, and the freedom of action of this church with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this Constitution
NAME
This congregation shall be known as Living Water Baptist Church, of Bristol, Tennessee, and shall hereinafter be referred to as the church.
RELATIONSHIPS
This church is a congregation of baptized believers in Christ, united by covenant for the worship of Almighty God. It is to be a missionary Baptist church voluntarily cooperating with the Holston Baptist Association, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. The purpose of the church shall be for the witnessing and teaching of Christ for the winning of lost souls to Him using a church-approved Bible alone as the standard by which all matters of belief and conduct are to be tried.
PROPERTIES
All church properties must be the property of the Living Water Baptist Church membership and not individually owned. No part of net income inure to the benefit of any private individual or member. The property shall be irrevocable devoted to church work. In the event of dissolution under no circumstances will the assets of the church accrue to the personal benefit of a personal individual and any material and financial assets of the church shall be assigned to a religious organization which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Treasury as having a tax exempt status.
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
We believe and subscribe to the Baptist Faith and Message (1963 and 2001) statement adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. Copies of this document are available in the church office.
BY-LAWS AND POLICY
3-10-2010
We are governed by the Lord Jesus Christ who is head of this body, the church, as he shall reveal his leadership to us through the word of God. This church recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among other Southern Baptist churches, as long as the word of God is upheld.
ARTICLE ONE:
This church uses the KING JAMES VERSION of the Bible as the preferred version.
SECTION ONE: MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this church shall consist of such persons who confess Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord and who are accepted (1) after due examination by the church as to their conversion experience and Christian experience; (2) after having been counseled by the pastor and/or deacons; (3) after baptism by immersion as a convert; by letter from a Southern Baptist Church; by statement of faith; (4) by vote of the church.
ARTICLE ONE: DUTIES
Members are expected first of all to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly and faithfully the services of this church; to give regularly for its support and its causes and to share in its organized work, as stated in our church constitution.
ARTICLE TWO: RIGHTS
Such members as are in full and regular standing and do not hold letters of dismissal are considered active members, may act and vote in the transactions of the church.
ARTICLE THREE: QUORUM The number of active church members seated in a business meeting shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE FOUR: TERMINATION
ARTICLE TWO: DEACONS For the sake of continuity, an odd number, e.g.(3,5,7) will be selected.
I. Election The Pastor and deacons will nominate prospective deacon candidates as the need of the church arises. The selection shall be made after proper screening according to 1st Timothy 3. Candidates will be voted on by secret ballot whereupon they will be on probation for six (6) months. They will then meet with the deacons in their regular business meetings. If the deacons feel led to proceed, then they shall present them to the church at a regular business meeting and shall be voted on by secret ballot by the membership and ordained if approved. There is no obligation to constitute as deacon a brother who comes from another church where he served as a deacon. If the church is willing to accept him, proper screening will be applied as stated above. No ordination will be necessary.
II Duties In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church.
III. Termination The continuance of a deacon as a member of that body shall be in accordance with the meaning of the words and the practice of the New Testament. Should a member become an offense to the office of a deacon by (1) reason of immoral or unchristian-like conduct, (2) persistent breach of his covenant vows, (3) non-support of his office as a deacon by non-attendance, non-cooperation, shunning fraternal relationships with the body of deacons; then the body of deacons in consultation with the pastor may recommend that the church terminate his membership as a deacon.
ARTICLE THREE: CLERK The church shall elect annually a church clerk. The clerk of the church shall keep suitable records of all the actions of the church. He/She shall:
ARTICLE FOUR: TREASURER The church shall elect a church treasurer as needed. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to:
ARTICLE FIVE: MUSIC DIRECTOR The music director shall be charged with the responsibility to provide worshipful music for all services and shall have general oversight and direction of the music. He/she is to direct the choir in practice and in public singing and is to cooperate with the pastor and other leaders in the selection of suitable music and appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed.
ARTICLE SIX: YOUTH DIRECTOR
The youth director shall be charged with the responsibility of the youth. He/she will teach, schedule, and chaperone all youth activities. He/she will report to the Pastor and deacons and will give an itinerary of all activities to the Pastor. He/she will at no time leave any youth un-chaperoned at church or on any activity. He/she is required to attend all church services as they are to lead by example.
ARTICLE SEVEN: COMMITTEES All committees will be elected annually. The church shall elect such committees as the church deems necessary. Committee members must be active members of the church. At no time shall the operation of any committee exceed what is set forth, without the approval and authorization of the church.
I.. Benevolence Committee This committee shall consist of two (2) deacons or the pastor and one (1) deacon and have general oversight to individuals or families in need. If the need of any individual or family goes beyond that which is authorized, up to $300.00; this committee may call upon the men of the church and recommend the church consider taking a love offering for additional assistance, if needed.
II. Committee of Trustees This committee shall consist of five (5) members in good standing, duly elected by the church and will hold in trust the property of the church. This committee shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property without the specific vote of the church authorizing such actions. Should any trustee member leave by letter, death or any other reason, his/her name will be removed from the list of trustees.
III. Nominating Committee This committee shall be elected by the church annually in the August business meeting. The responsibility of this committee is to formulate a list of candidates to fill Sunday School teaching positions, church offices such as building and grounds, flowers, etc. for the upcoming calendar year. Or these positions may be filled by nominations from the body of the church.
IV. Other Committees
All other committees elected by the church, i.e.; Building and Grounds; Finance; Cemetery; Baptism; Sound; and Fund Raising are to meet as needed, elect a chairman and conduct business as required by the church.
SECTION THREE : WORSHIP
Church services shall be held on the Lord’s Day. Sunday School; Morning worship services will be held except when approved by the church. A Wednesday evening prayer meeting will be held except when approved by the church. Regular business meeting will be held the second Wednesday of each month.
The Lord’s Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of January, April, July and October, or at such other times as the church may determine.
Occasional religious meetings may be requested by the pastor with the church’s approval. Such as Revivals, Singings, etc.
SECTION FOUR: BUSINESS
The pastor and chairman of deacons may agree to call from the pulpit a special business meeting. The particular object of the meeting will be clearly stated in the special called meeting. No other business is to be acted upon, other than that specified.
At the regular business meeting of the church, regular reports shall be presented and such other business transacted as may be in the call.
SECTION FIVE: USE OF FACILITIES
I. Members
Members and immediate family will be allowed to use the buildings without charge. They must schedule the event with the Church Activities Director and clean the Fellowship Hall after use. They can pay a $50.00 fee if they don’t want to clean up. A member must pay a $50.00 clean up fee for using the church. Members will receive scheduling priority over non-members.
II. Non-Members
Nothing is to be removed from church property without approval from the pastor and deacons. Anyone using these facilities must remember this is the Lord’s facilities. No bad behavior will be tolerated. No alcohol; drugs; smoking; inappropriate music; dancing; profanity, or any other behavior deemed non Christian by the church. Only guide dogs will be allowed in the buildings.
SECTION SIX: AMENDMENTS
The Constitution and By-Laws for Living Water Baptist Church of Bristol, Tn., contained in this document may be amended by presenting the proposal in writing at any regular business meeting. The proposal shall be acted upon the following regular business meeting, and the vote for the proposal is two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes.
CHURCH STRUCTURE Jesus Christ
The Church
The Pastor
The Deacons
The Trustees
The Church Clerk
The Church Treasurer
AMMENDMENTS APPROVED BY LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
# 1
BUSINESS MEETING: 09/10/2014
Statement of Biblical Authority
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our [governing board][pastor][elders][Doctrinal Committee] is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
Membership
The membership of this Church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and affirm the tenets of the Living Water Baptist Church Constitution, and who offer evidence, by their confession and their conduct, that they are living in accord with their affirmations and this Constitution and Bylaws, and are actively pursuing and continuing in a vital fellowship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. The membership of the Church shall have final authority in all matters of church governance, as set forth and described in the Bylaws.
Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the church.
Col. 3:23
And whatsoever ye do,do it heartily,as to the Lord,and not unto men;
24: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25: But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:and there is no respect of persons.
We need to do everything as to the Lord,but how much more should we try when it comes to Church. You need to support this church with your Prayers-Presence-Spiritual Gifts-Money.
I WANT L.W.B.C TO BE A CHURCH CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. I have had enough of churches that are only concerned about themselves. I want us to become a " WELLSPRING OF LIVING WATER ",
John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever shall drink of this water shall thirst again:
14: But whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him,shall never thirst;but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
OUR VISION: Living Water Baptist Church is a church that evangelizes the lost and educates new converts. We want to edify the body,while equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.We want to encourage one another in our journey of faith and experience the joy of our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
OUR MISSION: The mission of Living Water Baptist Church is based on Matthew 28: 18-20.We want to tell the unchurched about God's love and that Jesus died for them to have a relationship with Him.We want to teach Christians the truth using the Bible as our only authority.We want to build up our church with attendance while inviting unchurched people to join us for worship.We want to teach Christians how to use their spiritual gifts in the work of the ministry of God.We want to encourage one another by helping them in their time of need while lifting up their needs to God in intercessory prayer. Last but not the least we want every Christian to experience JOY of their salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
CORE VALUES
1.BIBLICAL INTEGRITY 2.FAITHFULNESS
3.AUTHENTICITY (be real) 4.CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
5.AFFECTION / LOVE / CARE 6.ACCOUNTABILITY
7.DISCIPLINE
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
MAIL YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
1806 KENTUCKY AVE.
BRISTOL, TN 37620
OR
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
4604 HIGHWAY 421
BRISTOL, TN 37620
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Constitution
3-10-2010
PREAMBLE
For the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties of each individual member of this church, and the freedom of action of this church with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this Constitution
NAME
This congregation shall be known as Living Water Baptist Church, of Bristol, Tennessee, and shall hereinafter be referred to as the church.
RELATIONSHIPS
This church is a congregation of baptized believers in Christ, united by covenant for the worship of Almighty God. It is to be a missionary Baptist church voluntarily cooperating with the Holston Baptist Association, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. The purpose of the church shall be for the witnessing and teaching of Christ for the winning of lost souls to Him using a church-approved Bible alone as the standard by which all matters of belief and conduct are to be tried.
PROPERTIES
All church properties must be the property of the Living Water Baptist Church membership and not individually owned. No part of net income inure to the benefit of any private individual or member. The property shall be irrevocable devoted to church work. In the event of dissolution under no circumstances will the assets of the church accrue to the personal benefit of a personal individual and any material and financial assets of the church shall be assigned to a religious organization which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Treasury as having a tax exempt status.
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
We believe and subscribe to the Baptist Faith and Message (1963 and 2001) statement adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. Copies of this document are available in the church office.
BY-LAWS AND POLICY
3-10-2010
We are governed by the Lord Jesus Christ who is head of this body, the church, as he shall reveal his leadership to us through the word of God. This church recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among other Southern Baptist churches, as long as the word of God is upheld.
ARTICLE ONE:
This church uses the KING JAMES VERSION of the Bible as the preferred version.
SECTION ONE: MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this church shall consist of such persons who confess Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord and who are accepted (1) after due examination by the church as to their conversion experience and Christian experience; (2) after having been counseled by the pastor and/or deacons; (3) after baptism by immersion as a convert; by letter from a Southern Baptist Church; by statement of faith; (4) by vote of the church.
ARTICLE ONE: DUTIES
Members are expected first of all to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly and faithfully the services of this church; to give regularly for its support and its causes and to share in its organized work, as stated in our church constitution.
ARTICLE TWO: RIGHTS
Such members as are in full and regular standing and do not hold letters of dismissal are considered active members, may act and vote in the transactions of the church.
ARTICLE THREE: QUORUM The number of active church members seated in a business meeting shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE FOUR: TERMINATION
- Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of dismissal or recommendation to another Southern Baptist Church is entitled to receive it upon his/her request.
- Should a member become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian-like conduct, the church may terminate his/her membership. But only after due notice and hearing and other faithful efforts have been made to bring this member to repentance and amendment and being guided by Matthew 18:15-17; 1st Corinthians 5:9-13; 1st Thessalonians 5:12-15 and 1st Timothy 5:19-21.
- The membership of a person shall not be terminated except by letter, death or dismissal to another church of a different faith, at a meeting when the recommendation of such action is made.
ARTICLE TWO: DEACONS For the sake of continuity, an odd number, e.g.(3,5,7) will be selected.
I. Election The Pastor and deacons will nominate prospective deacon candidates as the need of the church arises. The selection shall be made after proper screening according to 1st Timothy 3. Candidates will be voted on by secret ballot whereupon they will be on probation for six (6) months. They will then meet with the deacons in their regular business meetings. If the deacons feel led to proceed, then they shall present them to the church at a regular business meeting and shall be voted on by secret ballot by the membership and ordained if approved. There is no obligation to constitute as deacon a brother who comes from another church where he served as a deacon. If the church is willing to accept him, proper screening will be applied as stated above. No ordination will be necessary.
II Duties In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church.
- They are to be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit with the church in the bonds of peace.
- They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. With the pastor they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the kingdom of God.
- By proper organization and meeting among themselves, they are to establish and maintain
- Deacons and the pastor are to handle disciplinary actions of the church.
III. Termination The continuance of a deacon as a member of that body shall be in accordance with the meaning of the words and the practice of the New Testament. Should a member become an offense to the office of a deacon by (1) reason of immoral or unchristian-like conduct, (2) persistent breach of his covenant vows, (3) non-support of his office as a deacon by non-attendance, non-cooperation, shunning fraternal relationships with the body of deacons; then the body of deacons in consultation with the pastor may recommend that the church terminate his membership as a deacon.
ARTICLE THREE: CLERK The church shall elect annually a church clerk. The clerk of the church shall keep suitable records of all the actions of the church. He/She shall:
- Keep a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal or death, together with a list of baptisms.
- Issue letters of dismissal voted on by the church.
- Preserve on file all communications and written official reports.
ARTICLE FOUR: TREASURER The church shall elect a church treasurer as needed. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to:
- Receive, preserve and pay out all money or things of value paid or given to the church.
- Keep, at all times, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.
- Payment of bills for local work and expenses shall be made promptly by check.
- Keep a record of all transactions. This report shall be copied and distributed to the church every quarter in its regular monthly business meeting.
ARTICLE FIVE: MUSIC DIRECTOR The music director shall be charged with the responsibility to provide worshipful music for all services and shall have general oversight and direction of the music. He/she is to direct the choir in practice and in public singing and is to cooperate with the pastor and other leaders in the selection of suitable music and appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed.
ARTICLE SIX: YOUTH DIRECTOR
The youth director shall be charged with the responsibility of the youth. He/she will teach, schedule, and chaperone all youth activities. He/she will report to the Pastor and deacons and will give an itinerary of all activities to the Pastor. He/she will at no time leave any youth un-chaperoned at church or on any activity. He/she is required to attend all church services as they are to lead by example.
ARTICLE SEVEN: COMMITTEES All committees will be elected annually. The church shall elect such committees as the church deems necessary. Committee members must be active members of the church. At no time shall the operation of any committee exceed what is set forth, without the approval and authorization of the church.
I.. Benevolence Committee This committee shall consist of two (2) deacons or the pastor and one (1) deacon and have general oversight to individuals or families in need. If the need of any individual or family goes beyond that which is authorized, up to $300.00; this committee may call upon the men of the church and recommend the church consider taking a love offering for additional assistance, if needed.
II. Committee of Trustees This committee shall consist of five (5) members in good standing, duly elected by the church and will hold in trust the property of the church. This committee shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property without the specific vote of the church authorizing such actions. Should any trustee member leave by letter, death or any other reason, his/her name will be removed from the list of trustees.
III. Nominating Committee This committee shall be elected by the church annually in the August business meeting. The responsibility of this committee is to formulate a list of candidates to fill Sunday School teaching positions, church offices such as building and grounds, flowers, etc. for the upcoming calendar year. Or these positions may be filled by nominations from the body of the church.
IV. Other Committees
All other committees elected by the church, i.e.; Building and Grounds; Finance; Cemetery; Baptism; Sound; and Fund Raising are to meet as needed, elect a chairman and conduct business as required by the church.
SECTION THREE : WORSHIP
Church services shall be held on the Lord’s Day. Sunday School; Morning worship services will be held except when approved by the church. A Wednesday evening prayer meeting will be held except when approved by the church. Regular business meeting will be held the second Wednesday of each month.
The Lord’s Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of January, April, July and October, or at such other times as the church may determine.
Occasional religious meetings may be requested by the pastor with the church’s approval. Such as Revivals, Singings, etc.
SECTION FOUR: BUSINESS
The pastor and chairman of deacons may agree to call from the pulpit a special business meeting. The particular object of the meeting will be clearly stated in the special called meeting. No other business is to be acted upon, other than that specified.
At the regular business meeting of the church, regular reports shall be presented and such other business transacted as may be in the call.
SECTION FIVE: USE OF FACILITIES
I. Members
Members and immediate family will be allowed to use the buildings without charge. They must schedule the event with the Church Activities Director and clean the Fellowship Hall after use. They can pay a $50.00 fee if they don’t want to clean up. A member must pay a $50.00 clean up fee for using the church. Members will receive scheduling priority over non-members.
II. Non-Members
- Fellowship Hall: Non-members may use the fellowship hall if available. They must schedule the event with the Church Activities Director. A fee of $100.00 will be charged in advance. If they don’t want to clean up, they can pay a $50.00 clean up fee in addition to the rental fee. A deposit of $100.00 will be required in addition to the rental fee. Non-members will receive the deposit back after the facility has been inspected and approved by the church.
- Church Building: Non-members may use the church if available. They must schedule the event with the Church Activities Director. A fee of $250.00 will be charged in advance. A deposit of $250.00 will be required in addition to the rental fee. Non-members will receive the deposit back after the facility has been inspected and approved by the church.
Nothing is to be removed from church property without approval from the pastor and deacons. Anyone using these facilities must remember this is the Lord’s facilities. No bad behavior will be tolerated. No alcohol; drugs; smoking; inappropriate music; dancing; profanity, or any other behavior deemed non Christian by the church. Only guide dogs will be allowed in the buildings.
SECTION SIX: AMENDMENTS
The Constitution and By-Laws for Living Water Baptist Church of Bristol, Tn., contained in this document may be amended by presenting the proposal in writing at any regular business meeting. The proposal shall be acted upon the following regular business meeting, and the vote for the proposal is two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes.
CHURCH STRUCTURE Jesus Christ
The Church
The Pastor
The Deacons
The Trustees
The Church Clerk
The Church Treasurer
AMMENDMENTS APPROVED BY LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
# 1
BUSINESS MEETING: 09/10/2014
Statement of Biblical Authority
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our [governing board][pastor][elders][Doctrinal Committee] is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
Membership
The membership of this Church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and affirm the tenets of the Living Water Baptist Church Constitution, and who offer evidence, by their confession and their conduct, that they are living in accord with their affirmations and this Constitution and Bylaws, and are actively pursuing and continuing in a vital fellowship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. The membership of the Church shall have final authority in all matters of church governance, as set forth and described in the Bylaws.
Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the church.