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Constitution

Constitution and By-Laws
Lighthouse Christian Center
Mount Ayr, Iowa
July, 1998
Revised Sept. 2004 

Article I. NAME

1. The name of this Church shall be the Lighthouse Christian Center.

Article II. PURPOSE

1. The purpose of this Church shall be:

A. to worship God.
B. to advance the Kingdom of God.
C. to bring people to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
D. to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ.
E. to maintain and work for the unity of all believers.

Article III. TENETS OF FAITH

1. The Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. They are His revealed will.

2. The Triune Godhead is comprised of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who are self-existent and function as one.

3. Man’s salvation is through the shed blood of Jesus who laid down His life by dying on a cross for the sins of the world. This is the only remedy for fallen man and for restoration and peace with God.

4. The ordinance of baptism by immersion shall be observed by all who have repented of sin and accepted Jesus as Lord.

5. The Lord’s Supper, Communion, is Christ’s table. We participate in remembrance of Him.

6. As with the Church in the book of Acts, we seek to be filled with the Holy spirit who enable us to speak with other tongues and gives manifestations of supernatural power.

7. Total restoration is our heritage:
A. Spiritual. John 3:3; II Cor. 5:17-21; Rom. 10:9-10
B. Mental. II Tim. 1:7; Rom. 12:2; Isaiah 26:3
C. Physical. Isaiah 53:4; Matt. 8:17; I Peter 2:24
D. Financial. III John 1:2; Luke 6:38; II Cor. 9:6-10
E. Social. Prov. 3:4; Acts 2:46-47

8. Those who do not accept Jesus will suffer eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

9. Jesus is coming again to gather His saints and establish His millennial reign after which will be a new heaven and a new earth.

Article IV. MEMBERSHIP

1. Our membership will consist of born again believers who have been baptized by immersion after conversion. Candidates of age thirteen or older will, upon completion of membership classes, present their testimony to the Board of Deacons. Candidates may be received at any service by a majority of the Church after being recommended by the Board. Members cannot be members of any secret societies or lodges.

Article V. BOARD OF DEACONS

The Church Board of Deacons shall consist of the President, a Pastor, and three deacons to be elected on a rotating basis for terms of two years. Deacons are to be members of the Church with spiritual maturity elected by the congregation. They will assist and support the pastor in spiritual affairs of the Church. They shall have jurisdiction in matters of discipline.

A President shall be elected annually at the annual business meeting in January by the congregation. The Board shall meet at times set by the President. 

The powers of the Board of Deacons shall include:

A. the authority to administer the business of the Church in accordance with this constitution and by-laws.
B. the authority to serve as the trustees of this Church.
C. the authority to formulate policies concerning routine business of the Church.
D. exercising authority over all groups within the Church.
E. serving in the various ministries of the Church.
F. supporting the outreaches and ministries of the Church.

Board members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Board of Deacons shall constitute a quorum.

Article VI. OFFICERS

The President of the Board of Deacons shall:

A. call and preside over all regular and special meetings of the congregation and the Board of Deacons.

The treasurer shall:

A. dispurse all funds including regular bills and other funds approved by the Board.
B. provide a monthly statement to the Board and an annual statement to the congregation.

The secretary shall:

A. keep minutes of the meetings of the Board of Deacons and congregation.
B. keep membership and baptismal records.

Every officer shall surrender all documents and articles to his or her successor at the end of his or her term.  Each office will serve for a term of two years.

Article VII. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Annual business meeting shall be called by the Board of Deacons during the month of January. A notice of the meeting date shall be given at least two weeks prior to the meeting date. Special congregational meetings may be called by the pastor or the president and voting at a duly called meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Church business meetings will be held the first Sunday of every month immediately after the morning service.

Article VIII. AMENDING THE BY LAWS

Motions to amend the by-laws shall be presented to the Board of Deacons at least by their monthly meeting prior to the congregational meeting. Motions to amend the by-laws shall be presented to the congregation with the approval of the Board of Deacons. Two-thirds of those members present and voting shall be required at the congregational meeting to amend the by-laws.