ARTICLE I - Name

The name of this church is Grand Prairie Bible Church. It is located in Grand Prairie, Texas.

ARTICLE II - Purpose

To provide opportunity for corporate participation in instruction, fellowship,

worship, ordinances, prayer, and service. (Acts 2:42-45; Ephesians 4:11-16).

To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ at home and abroad. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

ARTICLE III - Doctrine

SCRIPTURE

We believe literally in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, that every word in the original manuscripts is inspired by God (Exodus 17:14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), without error (Matthew 5:17-18), and that the Scriptures in their completeness are of supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and life.

GODHEAD

We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) eternally existing (Psalms 90:2) in three equal persons (Matthew 28:19), Father (Ephesians 4:6), Son (Hebrews 1:8), and Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; Acts 5:3-4). (2 Corinthians 13:14)

JESUS CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God (John 1:1-4, 14-18; 14:8-12; Hebrews 1:8) who was conceived by the Holy Sprit and born of the Virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:16, 20-21; Luke 1:34-35). We believe that during His life on earth He was true man, while retaining His absolute deity (Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Timothy 2:5-6) that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man.

We believe in the literal, physical resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:19; I Corinthians 15:1-8). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was bodily exalted to the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:19-21; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:23-25), and where He provided our access to God (Ephesians 2:17-18).

SALVATION

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins (Matthew 20:18) according to the Scriptures (1Corinthians 15:3-4) as a substitutionary sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21) acceptable by God (1 John 2:2); and that all who receive Him "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8-9) are justified on the basis of His shed blood (1Peter 1:18-19). (Romans 3:23-26; 5:8-10).

We believe that all true believers, once saved, are forever secure in their salvation (John 10:27-30); and that the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit as a seal and pledge is one's guarantee of his inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 1 Peter 1:3-5). All believers will be finally presented faultless in His presence (Jude 24).

THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. He convicts the world of sin (John 16:8-11), regenerates those who receive Christ as Savior (Titus 3:5), baptizes them into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), indwells them permanently (1 Corinthians 6:19), seals them unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30), bestows spiritual gifts on each one (1 Corinthians 12:4-11ff; Romans 12:4-8), and fills and empowers those yielded to Him (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 1-8).

We believe that the gifts of tongues (languages), interpretation of tongues, healing, and miracles were for the purpose of authenticating to the Jews, as signs, the message of the gospel (Acts 1:1-17; 2:9-12, 43-44; 4:27-31; 5:12;8:14-18; 10:45; 1 Corinthians 1:22; 14:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).

ANGELS, FALLEN AND UNFALLEN

We believe angels are spiritual beings who were created as sinless personalities (Hebrews 1:13-14; Jude 6). They presently exist in both fallen and unfallen states, the former including Satan and his angels (Ezekiel 28:11-15; Isaiah 14:12-20; 2 Peter 2:4).

We believe that Satan, by choice the enemy of God and of the people of God, is the originator of sin (Isaiah 14:12-14), that he led our first parents into sin and now rules as the god of this world (Ephesians 2:2). We believe he was judged at the cross and that ultimately he will be cast into the lake of fire (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 20:10).

MAN AND SIN

We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27; :6), but in Adam's sin the human race fell (Genesis 3:1-24) and incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12-14). Man inherited a sinful nature causing all humans beings to be born with a sinful nature (Psalms 51:5; Romans 3:9-12, 23; 5:12-14; Ephesians 2:1-3).

SANCTIFICATION

We believe that sanctification, which is a setting apart unto God, is positional, progressive, and ultimate. Positionally it is already complete since the believer is in Christ; however, since he retains his sinful nature there is need for progressive sanctification in his daily experience whereby the Christian grows in grace by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately in the presence of the Lord with the absence of the sin nature, position and practice will be consistent. (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:16ff; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:13-16).

THE CHURCH AND ORDINANCES

We believe that the church in its invisible form is universal and is a spiritual organism, the true body and bride of Christ. All who are born again are members regardless of organizational affiliation (Ephesians 1:22-23; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 18, 27; Colossians 1:18). We believe the Lord instituted and ordained the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 28:19; 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

We believe in the personal, imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for the Church to be followed by the tribulation on earth which will culminate in the return of Christ to earth to set up His millennial kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10; Matthew 24:15031; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 20:1-6).

THE ETERNAL STATE

We believe believers at death immediately pass into the presence of Christ, and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at the coming of Christ for the Church. Unbelievers remain after death in conscious misery in Hades until the final judgment of the Great White Throne at the close of the millennium, where all are cast into the lake of fire. (Luke 16:19-26; 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15).

ARTICLE IV - Membership

Section 1. Meaning

Every believer who has been regenerated by saving faith in Christ is spiritually a member of the Body of Christ Universal. In the human realm of the local church activity it is necessary to have a list or record of people committed to the church and its responsibilities so as to maintain efficiency and order. The reasons for having a membership list are as follows:

To determine who is committed to the ministry of the said local church.
To distinguish between active, adherent, and inactive.
To provide a resource from which to draw the leadership and gifted men and women to minister.
To determine an eligible membership who upon meeting the qualifications listed below and being 18 years or older, have the right to vote and a voice on all defined issues of the church.

Note: Membership or uniting with a church is not to be compared to salvation.

Section 2. Qualifications

Persons desiring to unite with this church must do so by a confession or reaffirmation of a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, agree to be governed by this constitution, must not be under the discipline of another church (see Article IV, Section 3), and be willing to submit themselves to examination by the Body of Elders through whom they will be approved. Every applicant for membership must have received or be willing to receive the ordinance of water baptism after salvation, fully understanding that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Those who have been baptized prior to their uniting with this church, and are satisfied with that baptism, shall not be required to be re-baptized. Although we prefer immersion, the mode of baptism shall be left to each believer to decide, according to his understanding of God's Word. However, no one shall be required to administer baptism in a form contrary to his own conviction.

Children shall be examined on the same basis as adults.

Section 3. Discipline

God's Word enjoins upon the church the duty of exercising discipline over any member who manifests behavior detrimental to the work and testimony of the church. Cause for discipline includes moral evil in conduct or doctrinal error that causes divisions (Romans 15:17-18). In case of the above, the Elders will follow the due process of discipline from Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3; Galatians 6:1).

The privileges of membership can also be terminated due to unexcused inactivity and absence after a 6 months period.

No termination shall be carried out without prior written notification to said member.

ARTICLE V - Government

Section 1. Spiritual Leadership

This church acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ as its Head; the Holy Scriptures as the infallible guide in the matter of faith, church order, and discipline; the Holy Spirit as its teacher; and is neither accountable to, nor under the jurisdiction or supervision of, any other ecclesiastical body.

Section 2. Congregational Authority

Under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ the government of this church is invested in the body of believers who compose its regular voting membership.

Section 3. Executive Authority

Executive authority in spiritual and material matters is invested by the congregation in the Body of Elders, which consists of active, qualified Elders who perform their duties according to spiritual gifts and Biblical direction.

The Body of Elders has the responsibility for the entire work of the church and the authority to carry out their function in any manner consistent with the Scripture.

ARTICLE VI - Church officers and Staff

Church Officers

Section 1. Body of Elders

Organization and Selection

This body shall consist of a number of qualified men who are recognized and selected by the existing Body of Elders and approved by the congregation. The number is determined by who is qualified, but at a minimum consists of four laymen and the Senior Pastor.

Term of Office

Each elder, other than the Senior Pastor, shall serve a 6-year term and then rotate off the Body of Elders. The Senior Pastor will serve as an elder during the entire time he is employed as Senior Pastor and meets the qualifications of an elder.
An elder's term will end on December 31^st after completing their 6^th year in office.
Prior elders may be considered again for the Body of Elders through the normal elder selection process. They can be reinstated only after at least a 1-year absence.

Qualifications

Those outlined in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
He must acknowledge and be in agreement with the doctrinal statement as outlined in this constitution.
He must have been an active member of the church for at least 6 months prior to office.

Responsibilities of the Elders

To recognize gifted men in the church (1Timothy 4:14).
To oversee and shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17).
To rule (1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:17).
To guard sound doctrine (Titus 1:9-13; 2:15).
To be apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2; 5:17).
To determine need for funds (Acts 11:30).
To pray (James 5:14)
To be responsible for discipline of church membership according to Scripture (1 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 14-15).
To examine prospective church members.
To assume duties of the pulpit committee in the lengthy absence of the pastor or when the pastor has resigned or been dismissed.
To approve any ministry outside the church that is considered an arm of the church (such as home Bible classes, etc.).
To serve in the selection and approval of men for Office of Elder.

Removal of Elders

An Elder must continue to meet the qualifications set forth in Section 1-C. Upon failure to do so, the remaining elders will seek to restore him to a qualified position. Failing to do so, they will ask for his resignation or remove him from office by majority vote (1 Timothy 5:19-20).

Chairman

By a majority vote of the Body of Elders, one elder other than the Senior Pastor, who has served at least one year on the Body of Elders, will be designated as Chairman and will continue as Chairman for the duration of his term. The Chairman will preside over elder and congregational meetings.

Section 2. Body of Deacons

Organization and Selection

This body shall consist of a number of men whose names are submitted from the congregation. Then, according to need, the Body of Elders approves those that are qualified.

Qualifications

Those outlined in the Scriptures (Acts 6:3, 5; 2 Timothy 3:8-13).
He must acknowledge and be in agreement with the doctrinal statement as outlined in this constitution.
He must have been an active member of the church for at least 6 months prior to office.

Responsibilities of the Deacons

1. To serve as top aides to the Elders

To carry out whatever aspects of the ministry the Elders cannot do effectively because of their commitment to their more important responsibilities, and which the Elders feel free to delegate to them. (Acts 6:1-6; Philippians 1:1).

Removal of Deacons

A Deacon must continue to meet the qualifications set forth in Section 2-B. Upon failure to do so, the Elders will seek to restore him to a qualified position. Failing to do so, they will ask for his resignation or remove him from office by majority vote.

Section 3. Annual Performance Review of Church Officers

In an ongoing effort to insure Elder and Deacon accountability and exemplary performance, Church Officer Performance Review Forms will be made available to the congregation on or about January 1^st of each year. These forms will give the congregation an opportunity to provide feedback on any Elder or Deacon. The feedback will be reviewed by the Chairman and Senior Pastor, and dealt with at their discretion.

CHURCH STAFF

Section 1. Senior Pastor

A. Call or Dismissal

Upon resignation or dismissal of the Senior Pastor a pulpit committee shall be formed by the Body of Elders to seek a suitable pastor/teacher to be presented to the congregation for its consideration. The call or dismissal of the Senior Pastor shall come from the congregation at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such a meeting and its purpose being given from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays. A minimum of ½ of the eligible voting members of the church shall be required to hold this meeting. A ¾ vote by written secret ballot of those present and eligible is necessary to call the Senior Pastor. A ½ vote by written secret ballot of those present and eligible is necessary to dismiss the Senior Pastor.

The Senior Pastor shall continue his functions as long as both members and the Senior Pastor are agreed to continue the relationship.

Qualifications

The Senior Pastor must acknowledge and be in agreement with the doctrinal statement as outlined in this constitution.
He must meet the qualifications of Elder as found in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:5-9).
The Senior Pastor must have sufficient academic theological training, or the equivalent spiritual knowledge and maturity meeting with the approval of the Body of Elders.

Section 2. Associate Pastors

A. Call or Dismissal

The Body of Elders may seek suitable Associate Pastors to be presented to the congregation for its consideration. The call or dismissal of an Associate Pastor shall come from the congregation at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such a meeting and its purpose being given from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays. A minimum of ½ of the eligible voting members of the church shall be required to hold this meeting. A ¾ vote by written secret ballot of those present and eligible is necessary to call an Associate Pastor. A ½ vote by written secret ballot of those present and eligible is necessary to dismiss an Associate Pastor.

An Associate Pastor shall continue his functions as long as both members and the Associate Pastor are agreed to continue the relationship.

Qualifications

An Associate Pastor must acknowledge and be in agreement with the doctrinal statement as outlined in this constitution.
He must meet the qualifications of Elder as found in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:5-9).
An Associate Pastor must have sufficient academic theological training, or the equivalent spiritual knowledge and maturity meeting with the approval of the Body of Elders.

Section 3. Other Staff

Other needed staff must be in agreement with the doctrinal statement and approved by the Body of Elders.

ARTICLE VII - Church Meeting

Section 1. Annual Meeting

The fiscal year of the church shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December. The annual meeting will be held the last Sunday in January.

Section 2. Called Meeting

All congregational meetings to conduct church business shall be duly called by the Elders. The announcement of said meeting shall be made from the pulpit two consecutive Sundays preceding the meeting. The Elders must have previously approved all items on the agenda.

Section 3. Quorum

One-fourth of the voting members, as of January 1, must be present.

Section 4. Approval

Approval of any issue requires a quorum and shall be by majority of present eligible voters, unless specified otherwise in this constitution.

Section 5. Chairman

The chairman of the Elders shall serve as the chairman of the congregational meetings.

Section 6. Tie Vote

In case of a tie vote, the chairman of the congregation meeting shall cast the deciding vote.

ARTICLE VIII - Amendment

This constitution may be amended by a vote of ¾ of the voting members present at a duly called business meeting, called for the purpose of amending this constitution, provided the proposed amendment has been approved by the Elders.