The By-Laws of Hillcrest Chapel

Approved – January 26, 1983; Revised – March 18, 2009

Article I – Corporate Purpose

Hillcrest Chapel is organized exclusively for religious purposes within the specifications of section 503(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article II – Membership

Membership at the Chapel is regarded as both informal and formal.

Informal Membership: Any person of like faith who believes in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, who purposes to live in obedience to the Bible, and who regularly attends the meetings of the church is received as a member by his or her attendance and commitment to the church.

Formal Membership: Any person of like faith can request to be placed on the membership list by completing the following requirements:

1. Attend services to affirm agreement with the character and direction of the church’s ministry and to be received into fellowship by the congregation,
2. Terminate membership in any other church,
3. Request the elders to place their name on the membership list, and
4. Affirm the following questions:
   • "Do you believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the Word of God, and its doctrine of salvation to be the perfect and only true doctrine of salvation?"
   • "Do you confess that because of your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, and that you trust for salvation not on yourself but in the Lord Jesus Christ alone?"
   • "Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord and do you promise, in reliance on the grace of God, to serve Him with all that is in you, to forsake the world, to mortify your sinful nature, and to lead a godly life?"
   • "Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?"

Article III – Discipline

It is the Holy Spirit’s ministry to discipline in love every true believer with the Word of God to produce holiness of life. All Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the believer may be adequate, equipped for every good work. While the church encourages hearing, believing and obeying the Word of God, specific instances of willful and persistent disobedience may occur. The church is responsible to discipline in love any member who engages in actions contrary to the Bible that cause real or potential spiritual harm to that member or the church. Discipline consists first in individual exhortations, then exhortations by two or three, and if necessary, bringing the matter before the church. In cases of persistent disobedience, the church shall separate the member from fellowship until the matter is resolved and fellowship is restored. Discipline protects the biblical integrity of the church and pursues and promotes the spiritual restoration of the individual.

Article IV – Authority

The authority for church leadership is delegated solely to the elders. All decisions or actions of the church shall be made by unanimous agreement of the elders. In the event of a disagreement, the elders will prayerfully work and study the Bible together until the issue is resolved. The elders are responsible to inform and lead the members of the church.

Article V – Selection of Officers

The addition of elders and deacons to assist in the ministry of the church is determined by the elders. It is the responsibility of the elders to select men who meet the biblical qualifications for service in the church. At the Chapel, this includes formal membership, agreement with the philosophy of ministry, and active participation and service. If the elders approve, the qualified candidate is to be presented to the members for their knowledge and consideration. With final approval of the elders, the received candidate is to be ordained by the elders in the presence of the church to the office to which he is appointed. In addition to the appointment of elders and deacons, the elders are responsible to approve and appoint any other officers needed to facilitate any official ministry in the church.

Article VI – Meetings

Regular Services: Hillcrest Chapel ministers the Word of God to believers who regularly meet to worship God and to fellowship with one another. The usual practice is to gather together on Sunday mornings and evenings for services of worship. These services include the reading of Scripture, the preaching of the Word, the ministry of prayer, and the singing of the hymns. Other meetings for Bible study and prayer may be provided during the week.

Business Meetings:> An annual business meeting is required by the State of Oregon. The meeting is to be announced publicly two weeks in advance. This meeting is necessary to review church ministries, church finances, and address pertinent issues affecting the church.

Special Meetings: A special meeting may be held as deemed necessary by the elders.

Article VII – Ordinances

The Lord's Supper: The Lord’s Supper is observed at least twice a month, once in a morning service and once in an evening service. All who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are invited to partake of the elements – the bread and the cup – in the service.

Baptism: Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. It is observed in obedience to the Bible. A believer who wishes to be baptized should communicate this desire to an elder. The elder or elders will meet to hear the believer’s testimony and to discuss the meaning of believer’s baptism by immersion. Upon the approval of the elders, a public service of baptism will be scheduled, announced and held as soon as possible.

Article VIII – Records

In addition to the written policies and procedures contained in the constitution, by-laws, and statement of faith of Hillcrest Chapel, the elders are responsible to establish and maintain the financial and ministry records of the church.