ARTICLES OF FAITH - Canyon Lake Community Church

Statement of Faith and Bylaws
Canyon Lake Community Church, Inc.
DBA/ Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool
Canyon Lake, California
ARTICLE I – PURPOSE
1.1
The Statement of Faith and Bylaws of Canyon Lake Community Church and
Preschool, a member church in the Reformed Church in America, exist to serve and
protect the Mission and Vision, protect the Values and provide format, structure
and procedures in the governance of Canyon Lake Community Church and
Preschool.
1.1.1. Mission
Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool’s mission is to be a multigenerational, synergistic ministry; connecting with our communities and
welcoming them to relate to Jesus Christ and His family.
ARTICLE II - STATEMENT OF FAITH
2.1.
The Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool recognizes the Bible to be the
inspired Word of God, the believers' only guide for faith and practice. Although
each member, employee and volunteer shall have the undisturbed right to
interpret the Word of God under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit according to
the dictates of his conscience, the following doctrines outlined in the Statement of
Faith are essential, and no one shall hold office, or teach, be employed, or
volunteer who does not ascribe to them. (See Addendum A)
2.2.
Amendments or Changes to the Statement of Faith
The Statement of Faith may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members
present at any regular or special meeting provided a notice specifying time of
meeting and the substance of the proposed amendment is mailed
communicated to the members two (2) weeks prior to the date of said meeting.
2.3.
Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct
2.3.1. The statement of Faith and Doctrine does not exhaust the extent of our
beliefs. 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.
2.3.2. For purposes of Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool’s faith,
doctrine, practice, policy, governance and discipline, our Church Council is
Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool’s final interpretive
authority on the Bible’s meaning and application as set forth and
described in the Bylaws.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
3.1.
Membership in Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool shall be
composed of those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and consent to
the teachings of the Articles of the Christian Faith as set forth in Article II. who
voluntarily hold to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. Members
shall affirm the Bylaws and Statement of Faith as set forth in Article II, and who
offer evidence, by their confession and their conduct, that they are living in
accord with their affirmation, and are actively pursuing and continuing in a vital
fellowship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
3.2.
As Members, we are enjoined to assemble together for worship, fellowship,
counsel, and instruction in the Word of God, and the work of the church’s
ministry. Members are expected to uphold Canyon Lake Community Church and
Preschool in prayer, to attend its services, to contribute to its support, to work to
maintain its peace and harmony, and, as far as possible, in every way to promote
its temporal and spiritual welfare. (Ephesians 4:16)
3.3.
Membership in Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool is possible
through one (1) of three (3) ways:
3.3.1. Upon confession of faith before an Elder(s) representing the Board of
Elders. If the candidate has not been baptized, he shall by either
sprinkling or immersion, be so initiated into the fellowship of the church.
3.3.2. Upon receipt and acceptance by the Board of Elders of a letter of transfer
from another Christian church.
3.3.3. Upon re-affirmation of faith before an Elder(s) representing the Board of
Elders, by those who, though once a member of another church, are
unable to provide a letter of transfer.
3.4.
Those requesting membership, having followed one of the previously mentioned
processes, completed and signed the “Membership Covenant.”
3.5.
Candidates for membership, having appeared before the Board of Elders, shall
be received into the membership of the church at a public worship service unless
prevented from doing so because of a physical infirmity.
3.6.
Associate membership is available to persons desiring to leave their membership
in their home church. Associate membership entitles one to equal privileges and
rights with other members.
3.7.
Employee Membership/Christian Church Affiliation
Employees of Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool are required to be
actively pursuing and continuing participation in a vital Christian fellowship with
the Lord Jesus Christ by one of the following three (3) ways:
3.7.1. Membership, regular attendance and active participation in Canyon Lake
Community Church. A copy of the membership certificate shall be
retained in their employment file.
3.7.2. Membership, regular attendance and active participation in their home
church. A copy of the membership shall be provided and retained in their
employment file.
3.7.3. Affiliation with a Christian church maintaining regular attendance and
active participation. A written statement from ministerial leadership or
similar supporting documents stating attendance shall be provided. A
copy of this statement shall be retained in their employment file.
3.8.
Disassociation of Membership in Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool
can occur in one of five (5) ways:
3.8.1. Death of the member.
3.8.2. Transfer of membership to another church.
3.8.3. Written request by the member to be removed from the membership
rolls.
3.8.4. Inactivity of regular attendance in the program of the church for a period
of two (2) years.
3.8.5. Church Discipline.
Process of discipline. Should a member become an offense to the church
and its good name by reason of immoral or un-Christian conduct, or by
persistent breech of his covenant vows, the Board of Elders may censure
such a member or suspend or terminate his membership by a two-thirds
(2/3) vote at a duly called meeting - but only after due notice and
hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such a
member to amends in accordance with the words of Christ as found in
Matthew 18:15-17.
The three-fold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by
maintaining purity in the church (1 Corinthians 5:6), edifying believers by
deterring sin and promoting purity (1Timothy 5:20), and promoting the
spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return
to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1)
3.8.5.1.
The Lord Jesus Christ has entrusted the church with the
authority and responsibility to discipline members and
employees for flagrant sin or serious doctrinal error, with the
goal of restoring the offender. This discipline is entrusted to
the Church Council and/or their appointed designee(s), and is
to follow the biblical pattern as set forth in Matthew 18:15-20;
1 Corinthians 5: 2 Corinthians 2:7-8; Galatians 6:1; 2
Thessalonians 3:6; Titus 3:10-11; and 2 John 7-11. Any
member or employee of this church who practices or affirms a
doctrine or conduct that, in the judgment of the Church
Council and/or their appointed designee(s) is opposed to the
teaching of the Word of God or is disparaging to the testimony
of Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool or is divisive
to the body, shall be subject to church discipline.
3.8.5.2.
The Church Council may report to the congregation the names
of those who have lost membership by reason of church
discipline, and the reason for that discipline, as described in
Matthew 18:15-20. Employees, who are members subject to
disciplinary action, will have their reporting communicated in
compliance with the Federal and State employment laws and
rights to privacy.
3.8.5.3.
The members of Canyon Lake Community Church and
Preschool further knowingly and voluntarily agree that a
member cannot voluntarily withdraw or resign his or her
membership in the midst of the discipline process, and may
only voluntarily withdraw or resign his or her membership if
they are not the subject of a discipline proceeding at the time
or only after a disciplinary process, of which they are the
subject, has been concluded as determined by the Church
Council and/or their appointed designee(s).
3.9.
Mediation Statement
3.9.1. Members, employees and volunteers of Canyon Lake Community Church
and Preschool agree to submit to any legal dispute with the church for
mediation before a mutually agreed-upon Christian mediator. If none can
be agreed upon, one will be selected by the Church Council. Lawsuits
between believers or threats of lawsuits between believers are a matter
of grave concern for the church, are contrary to biblical and church
teaching, and Christian mediation is an effort to resolve disputes in a
biblical fashion. (1 Corinthians 6:1-7)
3.9.2. Mediation will be governed by the Rules of Procedure for Christian
Conciliation for the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC Rules), unless
modified as stipulated in writing by the parties. In particular, subject to
the more detailed provisions of the ICC Rules, mediator(s) will attempt to
assist Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool in reaching a
voluntary settlement of any dispute through mediation.
3.9.3. The confidentiality of the mediation process will be protected and these
matters will not be discussed with people who do not have a necessary
interest in them. If settlement can be agreed upon, the conciliators may,
at their discretion, issue an advisory opinion. Neither the opinion, nor
any communications exchanged in the mediation process, will be
admissible for any purpose in any subsequent legal proceedings.
ARTICLE IV – RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHURCH (CORPORATION)
4.1.
Election of the Church Council (Board of Directors)
4.1.1. The Church Council shall be elected at each annual meeting by members
of the church who have attained the age of sixteen (16) years.
4.1.2. The election shall be from a single slate nominated by the Church
Council.
4.2.
Calling of the Executive Leadership Team
4.2.1. The Church Council shall recommend to the membership the names of
the candidates it deems acceptable for the Executive Leadership Team.
4.2.1.1.
The Executive Leadership Team shall consist of at least
three pastors, two of which are the primary teaching
pastors. The primary teaching pastors must be ordained by
the Reformed Church in America or be recognized by the
Classis of California, Reformed Church in America as a
Commissioned Pastor or in the process of attaining either
credential. Furthermore, the primary teaching pastors must
receive the approval of the Classis of California, Reformed
Church in America.
4.2.1.2.
All candidates for the Executive Leadership Team must
acknowledge their adherence to the Bylaws and the Articles
of Faith of Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool.
4.2.2. The Church Council shall extend a call to a candidate to become a
member of the Executive Leadership Team when there has been a twothirds (2/3) vote of the members in attendance at a properly called
congregational meeting.
4.3.
Approval of the Annual Budget
4.3.1. The Church Council shall recommend a yearly budget for approval at
the annual congregational meeting.
4.3.2. The Church Council shall not sell, transfer, lease, mortgage or otherwise
alienate or encumber any real property of the church without a twothirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a duly called
congregational meeting.
ARTICLE V – MEETING OF MEMBERS
5.1.
The annual meeting of the members of the church shall be held at such time
and on such day of each year as designated by the Church Council.
5.2.
Notice of the annual meeting shall be communicated mailed to all members at
least two (2) weeks prior to said meeting.
5.3.
Special meetings of the members may be called by a majority of the Church
Council. Notice of such meetings shall be communicated mailed to all members
at least two (2) weeks prior to said meeting.
5.4.
Any number of members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business provided said meeting is properly called.
5.5.
Absentee ballots, but not proxy votes, shall be permitted when signed, sealed,
and delivered at the time of said meeting.
5.6.
Meetings of the members shall be guided in their transaction of business
according to the Bible, followed, where not in conflict, by Robert’s Rules of
Order.
ARTICLE VI – GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH (CORPORATION)
6.1.
The name of the governing body of Canyon Lake Community Church and
Preschool is the Church Council. The church has established the Church Council
to develop and recommend a set of church governance principles, to oversee
the evaluation of the Executive Leadership Team and to monitor the direction
of the church in accordance with Scripture and the church goals and objectives.
6.2.
The Church Council shall consist of the Executive Leadership Team, the Board of
Elders and the Board of Deacons. The number of each shall be approved by the
membership.
6.2.1. Executive Leadership Team Responsibilities
6.2.1.1.
The members of the Executive Leadership Team shall
function as non-voting members of the Church Council.
6.2.1.2.
The Executive Leadership Team has the responsibility,
authority and accountability to serve as the primary leaders
of the church at every level: congregation, Church Council,
and staff. With respect to the Church Council, the Executive
Leadership Team will keep the Church Council informed on
all actions. If a question of process arises with regard to the
Bylaws or guiding principles of the church, the Executive
Leadership Team will defer to the judgment of the Church
Council. The Church Council’s sole official connection to the
operating organization of the church, its achievement, and
conduct shall be through the Executive Leadership Team.
6.2.1.3.
Only decisions of the Church Council acting as a whole are
binding on the Executive Leadership Team.
6.2.1.4.
The Executive Leadership Team is the Church Council’s only
link to the operational achievement and conduct, so that all
authority and accountability of staff, as far as the Church
Council is concerned, is considered the authority and
accountability of the Executive Leadership Team.
6.2.1.5.
The Executive Leadership Team will be required to write
measurable goals each year that correspond to each of the
Church Council’s mission principles. At least one of these
goals for each mission principle must project growth in the
number of people who benefit or participate.
6.2.2. Board of Elders
6.2.2.1.
The Elders shall be males chosen from those members who
have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years.
6.2.2.2.
The Elders shall serve a term of four (4) years, and can be
re-elected indefinitely so long as one (1) year off occurs
following every four (4) year of service. In case of vacancies,
the remaining members of the Church Council shall
nominate one (1) or more persons to fill the vacancy. The
nomination shall be voted on at a special meeting of the
members of the church.
6.2.3. Board of Deacons
6.2.3.1.
The Deacons shall be males chosen from those members
who have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years.
6.2.3.2.
The Deacons shall serve a term of four (4) years, and can be
re-elected indefinitely so long as one (1) year off occurs
following every four (4) year of service. In case of
vacancies, the remaining members of the Church Council
shall nominate one (1) or more persons to fill the vacancy.
The nomination shall be voted on at a special meeting of
the members of the church.
6.3.
The Church Council combines the ministerial functions and governmental
powers of the office of the Minster of the Word, the Elders, and the Deacons in
the service and supervision of the local church. The whole body acts as the
Trustee and representative of the congregation.
6.4.
Role of the Church Council.
As part of all we say regarding responsibilities it is recognized that prayer and
outreach are inherent in all areas of consideration. The Church Council commits
itself and its members to the following code of conduct:
6.4.1. Members of the Church Council must represent un-conflicted loyalty to
the interest of Christ regarding those whom He has called His Church to
serve (Matthew 28: 18-20). This loyalty supersedes any personal or
group interest among or outside consumers of the church’s services.
6.4.2. Members of the Church Council must honor the principles and
decisions of the group acting as a whole.
6.5.
Responsibilities of the Church Council
6.5.1. The Church Council is responsible for monitoring the performance of
the Executive Leadership Team.
6.5.2. Meetings
6.5.2.1.
The Church Council shall meet at least once a month.
Provisions can be made for additional meetings if deemed
necessary. The Church Council shall meet a minimum of
once per quarter.
6.5.2.2.
The Church Council shall begin and end each meeting with
prayer.
6.5.2.3.
The Church Council shall be guided in its transaction of
business according to the Bible, followed, where not in
conflict, by Robert’s Rules of Order.
6.5.2.4.
Elders and deacons have an equal vote in decisions brought
before the Church Council.
6.5.2.5.
The Church Council may meet without a member of the
Executive Leadership Team being present when, in the
judgment of a majority of the remaining members,
circumstances make the presence of the Executive
Leadership Team or a member of the Executive Leadership
Team inadvisable.
6.5.3. Assistance from others
6.5.3.1.
The Church Council may engage advisors; compensate
consultants and others as needed to accomplish its Mission.
All advisors engaged by the Church Council will report
directly to the Church Council. In addition the Church
Council shall have sole authority to approve the
consultant’s fees and other retention terms.
6.5.4. Access to Personnel and Records
6.5.4.1.
6.6.
The Church Council shall have reasonable accommodations
to the church personnel records, providing the necessary
four (4) steps are carried out safeguarding the employee’s
rights to privacy.
6.5.4.1.1.
Church Council must sign Confidentiality
Agreements and provide them to the President
of the Corporation.
6.5.4.1.2.
Provide advance notice of what employees can
and cannot expect to remain private in
employee personnel records.
6.5.4.1.3.
Obtain written consent to access private
information in advance.
6.5.4.1.4.
Have a written, legitimate business purpose to
search personnel files.
6.5.4.1.5.
The Church Council will seek the advice of legal
counsel in any situation where employee rights
to privacy may become an issue.
The Greater Council Serving Elders/Deacons
6.6.1. Elders and Deacons who remain in good standing in the church,
meeting the requirements of their office, but who are not currently
serving on the Church Council are known as Serving Elders and Deacons
“The Greater Council”. Areas of responsibilities will be to serve as staff
to the Executive Leadership Team as needed and/or assigned.
ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH (CORPORATION)
7.1.
The Church Council will designate a member of the Executive Leadership Team
to function as the President of the corporation of Canyon Lake Community
Church and Preschool.
7.2.
The Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the corporation of Canyon Lake
Community Church and Preschool (also known as the Executive Officers of the
Church Council) shall be members of the Church Council and elected by the
Church Council at the first meeting of the fiscal year. These officers shall serve
for a period of one (1) year and are eligible for re-election for as long as they are
members of the Church Council.
7.2.1. The office of Vice-President shall be elected from among the Elders
currently serving on the Church Council.
7.2.2. The office of Secretary shall be elected from among the Elders currently
serving on the Church Council.
7.2.3. The office of Treasurer shall be elected from among the Deacons
currently serving on the Church Council.
7.3.
Responsibilities of the Officers
7.3.1. The President
7.3.1.1.
Preside at all meetings of the Church Council and the church.
7.3.1.2.
Sign, when directed to do so by the Church Council, all
contracts and other legal instruments on behalf of the
corporation.
7.3.2. The Vice-President
7.3.2.1.
In the absence of the President, perform the duties of that
office the President.
7.3.3. The Secretary
7.3.3.1.
Keep records of the proceedings of the Church Council and
church meetings.
7.3.4. The Treasurer
7.3.4.1.
Report to each monthly meeting of the Church Council a
financial statement. The Treasurer will be responsible for
providing pertinent financial information at any regularly
scheduled Church Council meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – PROPERTY RIGHTS
8.1.
Members, employees and volunteers of the church Canyon Lake Community
Church and Preschool have no property rights in the assets of the church and
upon termination of their membership, employment or service; they shall be
entitled to no interest in the assets and property of the church.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
9.1.
The Statement of Faith and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote
of members, at any regular or special meeting provided a notice specifying time
of meeting and the substance of the proposed amendment is mailed
communicated to the members two (2) weeks prior to the date of said meeting.
ADDENDUMS
(Table of Contents)
A. Statement of Faith
B. CLCC Membership Covenant
Statement of Faith
We believe in one God, Who is our Heavenly Father, Who made all things and rules over all in
wisdom, righteousness, and love. (Exodus 3:14; John 5:26; Genesis 1:1; Romans 1:18-19)
We believe that this one living and true God is a Trinity of persons: the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John
14:16)
We believe that man was originally created in the image of God. As he came forth from the hand
of the Creator, he was truly righteous and holy. By a free act, man rebelled against God's rule, and
by this rebellion, separated himself from God, who is the source of all life. (Genesis 1:26; 9:6;
Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-19; I Timothy 2:14)
We believe that sin is rebellion against God. Whenever we break God's holy laws, we sin against
Him. Since sin cuts one off from fellowship with God, who alone is the source of life, it can finally
lead only to eternal death. (Romans 3:9, 10, 23; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 5:12, 16, 19; 3:19; I John 3:810; Romans 7)
We believe that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
We believe that the Eternal Son of God became man for our salvation, and that He is forever the
Son of God and Son of Man, in one Divine Person. (Romans 5:6-10; I Peter 3:18; I Timothy 1:15;
Romans 6:23)
We believe our Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, that He lived a perfect and holy life,
and that He died on the cross to bear the sin and guilt of His people. (Matthew 1:18; 2:11; Luke
2:40, 52; Hebrews 2:14; I John 3:5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 5:10)
We believe this same Lord Jesus Christ arose from the dead and is now reigning at God's throne in
heaven. (I Corinthians 15; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1)
We believe that by faith we have applied to our hearts all the benefits which Christ merited for us
on Cavalry's cross. (John 1:12; Romans 5:1; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 26:18; I Peter 1:5)
We believe that by a living faith in the Savior, our sins are forgiven us by God and the perfect
righteousness of Christ Jesus is declared to be ours. (Romans 3:22-25; Galatians 2:16; Philippians
3:9; Hebrews 12:2)
We believe everything we receive, including our faith and salvation is due only to the grace of God.
By grace, we mean God's unmerited favor toward us. God blesses us because of what He is, rather
than what we are. This marvelous truth forever cuts off all grounds for human pride and vain
glory. (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:5-6; I Corinthians 2:9-12; Titus 3:5)
We believe we are saved from sin and condemnation by God's grace, through faith alone. Faith,
however, is never without good works. As Christians, we are called upon to pattern our lives after
the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. These good works can never become a source of pride, as
though God has saved us because we are better than other men, for these very works also are the
result of God's grace in our lives. (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26; Galatians 2:16)
We believe the Church is the special possession of the Son of God, who, in every age and in every
place calls people into its fellowship by His Word and Spirit. (Matthew 16:16-18; Acts 1 - 2:47; I
Corinthians 1:2)
We believe all those who, by true faith are united to the Savior, are part of His body, the Church.
(Acts 2:38-41; Matthew 16:16-18)
We believe it is the duty of every Christian to unite himself to a worshipping congregation where
the true Christian faith, as presented to us by the witness of the Holy Scripture, is proclaimed.
(Colossians 4:16; Philippians 4:15; I Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 10:23-25)
We believe there are but two sacraments instituted by Christ for the edification or strengthening
of the faith of His followers. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are signs and seals
of God's activity and grace. In Baptism, we receive the mark which sets us apart as belonging to
the family of God. The water of Baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins by the blood of
Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 11:20-34)
The sacrament of Holy Communion presents to us in visible and symbolic form the same Savior,
who is proclaimed in Holy Scripture. Thus, when by faith we partake of the bread and the fruit of
the vine, we reaffirm our faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; I
Corinthians 11:23-26)
We believe the same Lord Jesus Christ, who ascended into Heaven, shall one day return as the
judge of the living and the dead. (II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:11-15)
We believe that at the return of Christ, the dead shall arise, and all men receive their just judgment
of God. (I Corinthians 15:51-52; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:11-15)
We believe that those who have confessed Christ before men, Christ will own and confess before
God and the holy angels and receive them into the eternal joys of heaven. (Matthew 5:1-11;
25:46; John 10:28; 14:1-3; Colossians 3:4; I Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 7:15-17; 21:3-4, 22-27;
22:1-5)
We believe these doctrines are confessed in The Apostles' Creed, which reads as follows:
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and Earth;
and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified dead and buried;
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven
and sitteth on the right hand of God,
The Father Almighty;
From thence, He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy universal Church;
the communion of Saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting. Amen.
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of
inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or
mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural
death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)
We believe that God creates each person as male and female. These two distinct,
complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Genesis 1:26-27)
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one
woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 2:18-25).
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who
are married to each other and that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be
engaged in outside of this marriage covenant. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4)
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual
behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, or pornography) or attempt to change one’s sex,
or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God. (Matthew 15:18-20; 1
Corinthians 6:9-10)
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin,
seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1
Corinthians 6:9-11)
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 Canyon Lake Community
Church and Preschool. (Mark 12:29-31; Luke 6:31)
We believe that no member has more value than any other and that every member of the
church is called to fulfill his or her distinct, biblical role. We believe that the offices of Pastor,
Elder and Deacon are to be held solely by men who meet the qualifications established
in 1 Timothy. (1 Timothy 1:1-13, 1 Corinthians 11:2-3, Ephesians 5:22-33)
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Canyon Lake Community
Church and Preschool as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model for our
communities at large, it is imperative that all persons elected to the Church Council, become
members, are employed or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by these statements.
(Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool
Membership Covenant
The following covenant is to be signed by all members of the Canyon Lake Community Church
and Preschool.
Thankful for God’s abundant goodness, and for His great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ
our Lord, I hereby covenant to seek to know to do His Will and to promote, as far as I can, the
interest of Christ’s Kingdom.
Having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior, I seek fellowship with all who
devoutly love the Lord Jesus Christ and adopt His standard of teaching and conduct as set forth
in the Holy Scriptures.
Realizing that the ministry of the Canyon Lake Community Church and Preschool depends upon
consecration of its individual members, I covenant to uphold it by my prayers, to attend its
services, to contribute to its support financially, to work to maintain its peace and harmony,
and as far as possible, in every way to promote its temporal and spiritual welfare.
Address:
City& Zip Code:
Email address:
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Primary Phone # (___) ___ - ____
Secondary Phone # (___) ___ - ____
Acknowledgement and Receipt of Statement of Faith and Bylaws
By my signature, I agree to support the Mission, Vision and Values of Canyon Lake Community
Church and Preschool, and acknowledge having received, read and now agree to be governed
by the Statement of Faith and Bylaws as outlined in Articles I through Articles IX.
______________________________
Signature & Date
__________________________
Title & Position
For Office Use Only:
__________________________________________________________________________
Membership by Confession of Faith:
Membership by Reaffirmation of Faith:
Membership by Letter of Transfer:
Name of Church: _____________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
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