NEW JOURNEY CHURCH
Constitution
MISSION STATEMENT
Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, He has
sent me to heal the brokenhearted, and to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set
at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of The Lord.”
VISION STATEMENT
Luke 11:2-4, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will
be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us this day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive
everyone that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.’” Luke 11:9-10, “And I say unto
you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that
asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened.” Luke 11:13, “If you then, being evil,
know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them
that ask Him?”
PURPOSE
New Journey Church is a biblically functioning Body of Believers that endeavors to glorify GOD in all that it does. New
Journey Church will be Biblical in its scope, Biblical in its methods, and Biblical in its actions. New Journey Church
believes in following the Bible and fulfilling the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20.
CORE VALUES
N-urturing the SAINTS of GOD through the WORD of GOD.
E-vangelizing our community, county, country and world.
W-orshipping in SPIRIT and TRUTH.
J-oyously proclaiming THE GOSPEL of THE GOOD NEWS of JESUS CHRIST.
O-ffering daily prayer and praise to GOD.
U-nconditionally surrendering to the WILL of CHRIST.
R-econciling people to GOD and to each other.
N-aming the name of JESUS to which one day every knee shall bow.
E-nergizing the SAINTS to do the WORK of GOD.
Y-ielding to THE HOLY SPIRIT to do the WILL of JESUS CHRIST.
C-reating an atmosphere of GOD’s presence.
H-olding on to the PROMISES of GOD.
U-nifying the BODY of CHRIST.
R-eaching out to “all” for the GLORY of JESUS CHRIST
C-harging the SAINTS to fulfill the GREAT COMMISSION.
H-eeding to the CALL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Statement of Beliefs
1. We believe in ONE GOD: FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT, Creator of all things.
2. We believe that the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the only begotten SON OF GOD, was conceived by THE HOLY SPIRIT,
born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, was buried, was resurrected, ascended into heaven, and is now
seated at the right hand of GOD THE FATHER and is true GOD and true Man.
3. We believe the holy scriptures of the BIBLE in its entirety to be the inspired WORD of GOD and the infallible rule
of faith and conduct.
4. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the eternal happiness of the saved and eternal punishment of the
lost. We believe in heaven, hell, and the existence of angels and demons.
5. We believe in a personal salvation that comes through faith in the LORD JESUS Christ, His finished work on the
cross, our repentance of sins, and the asking of forgiveness. We must receive JESUS CHRIST into our hearts and
understand that He is the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN.
6. We believe in sanctification through the WORD of GOD and THE HOLY SPIRIT. We also believe in personal
holiness and purity of heart and life.
7. We believe in divine healing through faith in the name of JESUS CHRIST and that healing is included in
Redemption.
8. We believe in Water Baptism and in the Baptism of THE HOLY SPIRIT, given to each Believer as a gift from GOD.
9. We believe in the Christian hope of the soon-coming, personal return of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
10. We believe NEW JOURNEY CHURCH to be a part of the Body of Christ on earth. We are members of THE
CHURCH which has been built by THE HOLY SPIRIT over more than two thousand years, beginning in the New
Testament, all for the glory of JESUS CHRIST. We express our unity with all Christians who love and serve JESUS
CHRIST as their LORD.
11. We believe it is important to uphold the Scriptural practices of the early Church. Therefore, we hold to the
practices of Water Baptism, taking of Communion, and in Washing of Feet. We believe that these serve as a
demonstration of our right living in CHRIST.
12. We believe in the Biblical definition of a monogamous marriage between one man and one woman as GOD
established in the Genesis 2 account of Creation, including the command to be fruitful through procreation and
thereby to replenish the earth.
13. We believe that NEW JOURNEY CHURCH is a living, active “WORK” in our community, and that our members
should be committed to give of their time, talents, tithes, offerings, prayers and love to fellow Christians.
Membership Covenant
Because I have been born again and saved by the grace of GOD through faith in JESUS CHRIST, as a member of the Body
of Christ and NEW JOURNEY CHURCH, with GOD as my help,
I agree to do the following:
1. I agree to read the Bible, meditate upon the Word of GOD, and pray daily during a planned time. (2 Timothy
3:16)
2. I agree to pray with and for the members of my household daily, and provide Biblical instruction for those under
my care. (Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 5:8, Colossians 3:17-22)
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3. I agree to regularly attend the worship services at NEW JOURNEY CHURCH unless hindered by health or
circumstances beyond my control. (Hebrews 10:25)
4. I agree to abstain from gossip, backbiting, murmuring, and negative talk to, or about, others. (Ephesians 4:29, 1
John 3:14-16)
5. I agree to respond to personal conflict and disagreement according to the Bible. (Matthey 5:23-24, 18:15-17,
Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:31-32, and any other scriptures that govern human relationships)
6. I agree to regularly and consistently share my faith with others who are unchurched or unsaved, and invite them
to attend NEW JOURNEY CHURCH. (Matthew 28:19-20)
7. I agree to regularly participate in a Biblical course of study that is consistent with the doctrine that my church
teaches and preaches. (2 Timothy 2:15)
8. I agree to be involved in at least one ministry of NEW JOURNEY CHURCH in order to personally glorify GOD, edify
believers, and persuade sinners to be saved through the ministry of the church. (Acts 2:41-47)
9. I agree to give NEW JOURNEY CHURCH a tithe of my income and additional offerings as GOD prospers me.
(Malachi 3:8-11)
10. I agree to limit my use of, to the point of abstaining from, alcohol, according to scriptures, if it might cause my
brother or sister to sin. This also includes the abuse of drugs meant for medicinal purposes. (Proverbs 20:1,
23:30-33, Habakkuk 2:15, 1 Corinthians 8:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:22)
11. I agree to abstain from sexual acts such as fornication, adultery, lesbianism, homosexuality and any other act
that would defile me as a Christian. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Romans 1:24-32, Leviticus 18:22-24)
12. Foremost, I agree to love the LORD my GOD with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love others as I
love myself. (Mark 12:30-31)
New Journey Church Bylaws
PREAMBLE TO THE BYLAWS
New Journey Church (NJC) endeavors to be a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, as described, established and mandated by
the New Testament. These Bylaws are to provide general guidance to NJC on governance and operation, based upon
biblical references. However, the ultimate authority for NJC governance and operation is the Bible. For purposes of
church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Pastor and governing body/elder body is NJC’s final interpretive
authority on the Bible’s meaning and application
DEFINITIONS
THE PLURALITY OF LEADERSHIP (the state of being plural or numerous)
The New Testament clearly teaches that the church is to be led by a plurality of men and women. First, these men and
women are given both the responsibility and authority to skillfully and lovingly lead the flock. Next, they are to feed the
flock, offering accurate and insightful teaching of the Scripture.
Third, they are to care for the flock. This care is shown in the love, concern, prayers, ministry and adept management of
church resources. Finally, they are to protect the flock from harmful influences and beliefs.
These leaders are known by four titles, each of which reveals a separate aspect of their function. Three of the titles are
used in 1 Peter 5:1-3, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of
Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed (Shepherd) the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint but willingly; not for filthy lucre but of ready mind; neither as being lords
over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
They are first called “Elders”. An Elder (Greek, presbuteros) is a godly leader and wise decision maker, whose wisdom and
maturity are respected by God’s people. Next, there are leaders who give oversight. That is, they are “Overseers” (Greek
episcopos). An Overseer is a “big picture” person. Third, these leaders are called “shepherds”, which is also translated as
“Pastors” (Greek poimen). This title refers to the role of caring for and leading the flock. Finally, in Acts 6:3, “Wherefore
brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, whom we may appoint
over this business.” These people are called Deacons (Greek diakonos), which means “Servants”.
It is important to note that within the New Testament model of church organization, authority for leadership is not
granted to just one individual pastor, nor is it given as democratic rule by the congregation. Instead, the Scripture states
that authority for leadership is conducted by a plurality of leaders who are accountable to God. The Scriptures further
teach that when Elders are supported by the church, both the church body and individual Christians will flourish
(Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Peter 5:-5: Acts 20:28)
Elders do not form a separated “Clergy Class” of Christians. Instead, the Elders, some of whom fill church vocational
roles, others non-vocational roles, are Brothers with the people, always seeking God’s best for the members of the
church (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 2 Corinthians 8:19).
STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY
We believe the 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
behaviors or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated, and are not in accordance with Scripture nor
the doctrines of the church.
ARTICLE 1. IDENTIFICATION
Section 1. NAME
The name of this church is New Journey Church (hereinafter “NJC”).
Section 2. PRINCIPAL OFFICE
NJC’s principal office is located in Campbellsville, Kentucky.
ARTICLE 2. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP DEFINED
Church membership is a commitment to actively function as an appendage of this local body of Christ,
rather than merely affiliating with an organization (Romans 12:3-21; 1 Corinthians 12).
Section 2. REQUESTING CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Membership may be requested by an individual in public at a NJC meeting or in consultation with an
elder or those the elders designate.
Section 3. ACCEPTANCE
The deacon/elder body, or their designees will interview all persons making application for church
membership. Membership will be granted to anyone who offers a Biblical testimony of salvation, has
been baptized according to Scripture, and is in agreement with NJC’s Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
a. Participate in NJC membership class
b. Agree with the NJC membership covenant
c. Discover, cultivate and use personal spiritual gifts
d. Be trained in personal evangelism
e. Be involved in a NJC ministry
Section 5. PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERS
A. Every member is eligible for consideration as a candidate for offices of NJC, subject to scriptural
qualifications (Acts 6:1-7; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3).
B. Members of NJC have no property rights in the property of NJC, and upon termination of
membership, shall not be entitled to any interest in NJC’s assets.
Section 6. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS
A. Purpose: The purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining
1. Purity in the church (1 Corinthians 5:6)
2. Protection of believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20)
3. Promotion of the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to
biblical standards of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1)
B. Process: Members and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship at NJC who
err in biblical doctrine or conduct shall be subject to discipline according to Matthew 18:15-18. The
following steps will be taken before such discipline reaches its final conclusion.
1. Matt. 18:15 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
2. Matt. 18:16 “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth
of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”
3. Matt. 18: 17-18 “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to
hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you,
Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
4. The elders will appropriately investigate any allegation brought by one church member against
another according to Steps 1.-3., above. If necessary, the Deacon/Elder Body will act to protect
the church by removing the individual’s membership and notifying the church in accordance
with Step 3., above. However, even at this point, NJC will pray for the restoration of the
removed member.
C. Reinstatement: If such dismissed member heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance and
requests reinstatement, he or she shall be publicly restored to membership through the affirmation of
the Elder Body, notification of NJC and renewed adherence to the NJC membership covenant.
Section 7. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
NJC membership shall be terminated and the member’s name removed from the membership roll at the
death of the member, transfer of membership to another church, at the written request of a member, or
as a result of discipline (Article 2. Section 6), (1 Corinthians 5:12).
ARTICLE 3. MEETINGS
Section 1. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings of NJC membership shall be held at its principal place of worship in Campellsville,
Kentucky. The Elder Body may call a special meeting. Also, the Lead Pastor, one third of the
Deacon/Elder Body, or fifty (50) members of NJC can cause a special meeting to be called by the
Deacon/Elder Body within thirty (30) days of such request.
Section 2. NOTICE
Notice of the time of these meetings shall be published in writing and/or by electronic means, in a
church-wide publication, to allow each member an opportunity to reasonably know of the meeting. This
official notice must be published at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If the place of the meeting
is to be a location other than the principal worship location of NJC, such location must be provided in the
notice. The notice shall state the time and date of the meeting. Notice of the meeting shall state the
purpose of the meeting.
Section 3. PRESIDING OFFICIAL
The Deacon/Elder Body shall provide the moderation of all such meetings.
Section 4. VOTING
The Deacon/Elder Body will at various times present issues calling for a decision of the NJC body. These
decisions shall be voted upon by the “Qualified Church Members”. A Qualified Church Member is any
person at least 18 years of age who has been received into church membership, is living in accordance
with the MEMEBERSHIP COVENANT (pg. 2, Constitution), and is not under the process of church
discipline (ARTICLE 2. Section 6). An exception to the age requirement would be that a person could be
under the age of 18 and vote, if outside the home and authority of their parents, either married and/or
starting their own home.
Each Qualified Member shall be entitled to cast one vote. The method of seeking affirmation shall be
determined by the Elder Body.
Section 5. QUORUM
A quorum for decision-making at a NJC meeting shall consist of the number of Qualified Church
Members equal to 50 percent (50%) of the people in NJC’s worship services on the day/night just prior to
the meeting.
ARTICLE 4. ELDERS
Section 1. GENERAL SCOPE
NJC seeks to be a New Testament church committed to the teachings of the Bible. No other
authority or tradition is to guide the means, faith, or structure of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Church.
The administrative and pastoral structure for a New Testament church is to utilize a plurality of
leadership. NJC will follow this scriptural example. To achieve this New Testament model, NJC
requires qualified men and sometimes women to serve as an Elder Body. These people must
meet the specific moral and spiritual qualifications before they serve (1 Timothy 3:1-7). They
must be publicly installed into office (1 Timothy 5:22, Acts 14:23). They must be motivated and
empowered by the Holy Spirit to do their work (Acts 20:28). After review, examination and
appointment, as noted in Section 4. hereof, persons affirmed by NJC to serve as elders shall
constitute the “Elder Body”. To effectively perform their duties, the Elder Body needs the
prayers, support (1 Timothy 5:17-18) and assent (Hebrews 13:17) of the members of NJC. NJC is
called upon to honor their Elder Body and to protect them against false accusations (1 Timothy
5:19). Finally, if an elder falls into sin, and continues in sin, he must be publicly rebuked (1
Timothy 5:20).
Section 2. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Elder Body shall:
a. Feed the flock (1 Timothy 3:2, 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 1:9)
b. Provide leadership to the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:15)
1. In practical matters (Acts 6:1-6, 11:29-30)
2. In matters of doctrine (Acts 15; 16:4), and
3. In matters of discipline and character (Hebrews 13:17)
c. Lovingly care for the flock (James 5:14-15; Acts 20:35; Hebrews 13:17)
d. Protect the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3; Acts 20:28)
Section 3. QUALIFICATIONS
Each elder must have the “calling” from God to this office. The qualifications of an elder are described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7
and Titus 1:6-9. He must be:
A. Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7)
B. Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
C. Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
D. Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
E. Of good behavior, orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)
F. Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
G. Apt to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teachings (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
H. Not given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
I. Not violent, not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
J. Patient, moderate, forebearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)
K. Not a brawler, not contentious, not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
L. Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
M. Manages his own house well; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4;
Titus 1:7)
N. Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)
O. Has a good report or reputation with people outside the church (1 Timothy 3:7)
P. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
Q. Lover of what is good (Titus 1:8)
R. Just, fair (Titus 1:8)
S. Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
T. Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Section 4. SELECTION
A. The Elder Body shall seek the Lord’s leadership regarding the number of elders needed to minister at NJC. While
the Bible does not give instruction as to the number of elders a church should have, it is recognized that there
must be a plurality. A determination of the need for additional elders should be based upon the work of God in
the NJC family and the availability of those with a God-given desire to serve as an elder.
B. Persons who aspire to be Elders, due to the calling of God, should express that desire to the Elder Body.
C. A potential Elder will be examined by the Elder Body in order to discover their calling and qualifications. If the
Elder Body and the person, in search of God’s will for their life in this matter, are of like mind as to their calling,
the Elder Body shall present their name to the NJC body to be affirmed as an Elder.
D. The process of affirmations shall be as follows:
a. The NJC body shall have at least thirty (30) days from the time the name is presented to pray about the
selection. If, during this time, matters should arise that would prohibit the person presented from
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serving as an Elder, the person discovering the matter should follow steps of Matthew 18 (Article 2,
Section 6. B).
b. If matters of such significance arise that disqualify an individual from serving as Elder, the Elder Body
shall remove that person’s name from consideration and follow the steps of Matthew 18 (Article 2,
Section 6. B).
c. If no one can give just cause why the individual presented for affirmation should not serve as an Elder, an
affirmation service will be held immediately following the period of consideration, at which time the NJC
body shall set aside the individual as an Elder.
E. The appointment of a person to serve as an Elder is a solemn and serious matter (1 Timothy 5:21-22). Therefore,
the Elder Body shall earnestly, without haste, bias, or partiality, seek God’s will with regard to the potential
elder’s appointment to the Elder Body.
Section 5. TERM OF OFFICE
An Elder, called by God, shall serve until such time as God calls them to other service and away from the office of
Elder. Additionally, the improper actions of an Elder can cause him to be removed from office (Article 4, Section
Section 6. NUMBERS OF ELDERS
As God calls people to serve in this office of Elder, they shall be considered, examined and utilized in service. The
number of Elders is not determined; it is a matter of the revealed will of God.
Section 7. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Elder Body shall have the authority and responsibility to oversee the spiritual and administrative activities of
NJC. This authority is able to be delegated by the Elder Body. In summary, the Elder Body is to shepherd the
“flock” of God (1 Peter 5:1-5). It is recognized by NJC and the Elder Body that there is One Lord and Master in
God’s Church: The Lord Jesus Christ. All others are His servants (Philippians 2:5-11).
Section 8. TRAINING AND EDUCATION
There are no specific requirements for formal training or education to be an Elder. Becoming an Elder is a matter
of God’s preparation of the person and His call to the individual’s place of service.
Section 9. DISCIPLINE AND REMOVAL
Any Elder may be removed from office if he becomes incapacitated, spiritually unqualified, or his inability to
serve is established in the minds of the remainder of the Elder Body. NJC has the right to rebuke an Elder due to
a continuing sin in their life, based upon the procedure established in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 (in addition, see Section
6, Discipline of Members).
Section 10. MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATION
The Elder Body shall establish written policies and procedures for the conducting of their activities. All meetings
shall have written or otherwise recorded minutes of the matters considered. These minutes shall become part
of the permanent records of the Elder Body.
Section 11. TRUSTEES
The Elder Body shall function as the trustees of NJC. They manage NJC property, both real and personal, as
fiduciaries. They shall represent NJC in all of its legal matters. Other NJC members may be appointed by the
Elder Body to be Trustees as necessary.
ARTICLE 5. DEACONS
Section 1. GENERAL SCOPE
Deacons are the servant-ministers of the church. Their purpose is to relieve the elders of the multitude of
practical duties of caring for the flock. Deacons are to give their primary attention to caring for the
congregation’s physical welfare. Deacons have the honor of modeling for the local church and the lost world,
God’s compassion, kindness, mercy and love. As the church compassionately cares for people’s needs, the world
sees a visible display of Christ’s love which will draw some people to the Savior. Deacons are to be an example of
commitment, unity and harmony in their service.
Section 2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Deacons are to effectively and carefully administer the church’s charitable activities. They are the collectors
of funds, the distributors of relief, and agents of mercy. They help the poor, the jobless, the sick, the widowed,
the elderly, the homeless, the shut-in and the disabled. They comfort, protect, and encourage people and help
to meet their needs. Although they do meet spiritual needs of those whom they serve, their primary service is
related to physical needs. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
a. Service to the physical needs of the membership exhibiting the love and compassion of Christ. Specific
attention is to be given to widows and widowers, the needy and the aged. Collection and administration
of the benevolent fund is included.
b. Other such duties and responsibilities as determined by the Elder Body.
Section 3. QUALIFICATIONS
Deacons must be members in good standing of NJC and possess the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:8-10;
12-13. These qualifications are listed below.
A. A man of dignity (1 Timothy 3:8)
B. Not double-tongued (1 Timothy 3:8)
C. Not addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8)
D. Not fond of sordid gain (1 Timothy 3:8)
E. Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)
F. Tested (1 Timothy 3:10)
G. Beyond reproach (1 Timothy 3:10)
H. Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12)
I. Good managers of their children and their own households (1 Timothy 3:12)
Section 4. SELECTION
Nominations will be made by the membership, annually, from those members in good standing, who are
perceived to meet the qualifications of Deacon and have proved themselves to have a heart to serve others.
These nominees will be reviewed by the current Deacons or selected group of Deacons. They will recommend to
the Elder Body those whom they have examined and find to be qualified and who confirm that they sense the
Lord’s calling to serve as a Deacon. If the Elder Body deems the candidate qualified, they shall present the name
of the candidate to the NJC body for affirmation.
The process of affirmations shall be as follows:
a. The NJC body shall have at least thirty (30) days from the time the name is presented to pray about the
selection. If, during that time, matters should arise that would prohibit the person presented from
serving as a Deacon, the person discovering the matter should follow the steps of Matthew 18 (Article 2,
Section 6.B).
b. If matters of such significance arise that disqualify an individual from serving as a deacon, the Elder Body
shall remove that person’s name from consideration and follow the steps of Matthew 18 (Article 2,
Section 6.B).
c. If no one can give just cause why the individual presented for affirmation should not serve as a Deacon,
an affirmation service will be held immediately following the period of consideration, at which time the
NJC body shall set aside the individual as a Deacon.
Section 5. ORDINATION
Deacon candidates who have been affirmed, but have not been previously ordained, shall be ordained (set apart
for service) by the NJC body. Affirmed Deacon candidates will not serve as active Deacons until they have been
ordained.
Section 6. TERM OF OFFICE
The initial term of office of Deacon shall be one year. Consecutive terms are acceptable and encouraged for
those who are serving well as Deacons. At the completion of their one-year term of service, with the
recommendation of the Deacons and the Deacon’s affirmation that God’s leading is for them to continue serving
as an active Deacon, the Deacon’s name will be presented to the Elder Body for concurrence. Deacons
recommended and approved for continuance of active service will not require reaffirmation by the NJC
membership. Following a lapse in service by a Deacon, the procedures stated in Article 5, Section 4 will be
followed for return to active service.
Section 7. NUMBER OF DEACONS
The number of active Deacons will be as determined by the Deacons, in concurrence with the Elder Body.
Section 8. TRAINING AND EDUCATION
No special education or training is required to serve as a Deacon. The Deacon must have a heart to serve others
and be committed to work together with the other deacons in fulfilling the Deacon ministry.
Section 9. DISCIPLINE AND REMOVAL
A Deacon may be removed from active service for failure to meet the qualifications stated in Article 5, Section 3,
or for reasons as stated in Article 4, Section 9. DISCIPLINE AND REMOVAL. Removal of a Deacon from active
service other than by completion of a term of service or resignation shall be by an action of the Elder Body at the
recommendation of the other Deacons.
Section 10. MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATION
Deacons shall meet regularly for prayer, Bible study and discussion of the fulfillment of the duties and
responsibilities of Deacons. Frequency of meetings shall be monthly or as needed. The Deacon Officers shall
prepare written policies and procedures as needed for submission to the Elder Body for concurrence.
ARTICLE 6. LEAD PASTOR
Section 1. SELECTION
In the event that NJC is without its Lead Pastor, the Deacon/Elder Body will act as a search group to seek the
Lord’s will regarding the Lead Pastor. When the current acting Deacon or Elder Body are in 90% majority
agreement in recognition of God’s leadership toward a candidate, they will seek the affirmation of the members
of NJC in a special meeting (ARTICLE 3, Section 1 and 6). A closed ballot vote of 90% of all Qualified Church
Members voting is required to call a Lead Pastor (Ephesians 4:11).
Section 2. TERM OF OFFICE
He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time, subject to the following reservation: If the Elder Body is in
unanimous agreement (excluding the Lead Pastor) with the decision to remove the Lead Pastor from his position,
they have the authority to dismiss the Lead Pastor, through the affirmation of a majority vote of NJC, in a special
meeting (ARTICLE 3, Section 1 and 6). Severance compensation shall be determined by the Elder Body. The
Lead Pastor shall give notice of his resignation to NJC, after having informed the Elder Body.
Section 3. DUTIES
In addition to his shepherding role as an Elder, the Lead Pastor’s primary responsibility is the ministry of the
Word and prayer, in order to provide strategic leadership and vision to the body. He is called to help believers
mature in their faith, through insightful and accurate presentation of Biblical truths, and equip them to be the
true “ministers” of the body. Because of these primary roles, the ministry of the Word and his leadership, the
Lead Pastor will need to prioritize his time, focusing upon these duties first (Ephesians 4:11-12).
As shepherds of the flock, the Elders are responsible to appoint other Leaders, with complimentary spiritual gifts, to
undertake areas and aspects of the ministry that cannot be filled by the Lead Pastor.
ARTICLE 7. STAFF
The Deacon/Elder Body, or their appointees, will select, supervise and evaluate all staff members in accordance with NJC
policies
ARTICLE 8. INVESTMENT AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS
Section 1. RECEIPT OF MONEY
NJC shall receive all monies or other properties transferred to it for the purposes that are consistent with God’s
Word. The Elder Body shall determine whether to accept such money or property.
Section 2. MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS
The Deacon/Elder Body shall manage and distribute any funds or property only for the benefit of NJC consistent
with the expressed purposes of NJC.
Section 3. REVIEW OF FINANCIAL MATTERS
The Deacon/Elder Body shall require that an annual review of NJC’s financial records be conducted by an
independent firm.
ARTICLE 9. COMPENSATION
Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from NJC shall not be in a position to determine the nature or
amount of such compensation or remuneration.
ARTICLE 10. RECORDS AND REPORTS
Section 1. RECORDS
NJC shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such
books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of business in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The
adequacy and accuracy of the books and records shall be overseen by the Deacon/Elder Body. The location of
the principal place of business of NJC may be changed from time to time as determined by the Deacon/Elder
body.
Section 2. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
Every member shall have the absolute right, at any reasonable time, to inspect all books, records, documents of
every kind (with exception of personnel and contribution records) and the physical properties of NJC. The
Deacon/Elder Body, if necessary to maintain good order, may restrict and limit the number of inspections or
establish an orderly manner for such to be conducted. But in no event shall a reasonable inspection of the books
and records be denied to a member.
ARTICLE 11. INDEMNIFICATION OF ELDERS/DEACONS
The Elders/Deacons acting together in the Elder/Deacon Body shall be indemnified and held harmless for actions
consistent with the purpose and vision of NJC. NJC shall be primarily responsible for liability arising from such
actions or inaction of the Elder/Deacon Body. Reasonable expenses to litigate or otherwise resolve issues arising
from the Elder/Deacon Body’s performance of its duties and responsibilities shall be paid by NJC. At the election
of additional Elders/Deacons, the same indemnification shall extend to all individuals performing within the
scope of their duties and responsibilities for the benefit of NJC.
ARTICLE 12. DISSOLUTION AND AMENDMENTS
Section 1. DISSOLUTION
If there is a dissolution of NJC, the Deacon/Elder Body shall cause the assets herein to be distributed to another
church(es) designated by the Deacon/Elder Body.
Section 2. AMENDMENT PROCESS
These Bylaws may be amended and new Bylaws may be made at any time by the Deacon/Elder Body, with
affirmation of such change, as reflected by a 90% majority vote of the Qualfied Church Members voting.
Section 3. RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
Whenever an amendment or new Bylaw is adopted, it shall be copied into the books and records of NJC, with the
original Bylaws. If any Bylaw is repealed or amended, the fact of repeal or amendment, with the date of the
meeting at which the repeal or amendment was confirmed by NJC, shall be stated in NJC’s books and records
with the Bylaws and the repealed or amended provision, clearly marked as repealed or amended, in the original
Bylaws.
Date of Adoption of this Constitution and Bylaws by New Journey Church Pastors and Deacons: August 7, 2014