The Constitution of Hillcrest Chapel

Approved – February 24, 1982; Revised – March 18, 2009

Article I – Name

This organization is known as Hillcrest Chapel.

Article II – Purpose

Hillcrest Chapel is a local church ministry of Christ to Christians. By the effectual working of God, Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This ministry is pursued by preaching and teaching the Word of God, corporate worship and prayer, and the fellowship and ministry of one to another. God is glorified when Christians abiding in Christ bear the spiritual fruit of personal godliness in life, humble ministry in the church and faithful proclamation of the gospel message in the world.

Article III – Statement of Faith

Hillcrest Chapel has a statement of faith which reflects the position of the elders and deacons on the major doctrines of the Bible. The statement of faith can be amended only if it is found to be at variance with Scripture. Changes can be made only by the unanimous approval of the elders after diligent and prayerful study of the Word of God.

Article IV – Membership

Membership at Hillcrest Chapel includes any person of like faith who believes in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, who purposes to live in obedience to the Word of God, and who attends the meetings of the church. Members enjoy the privileges afforded them as members of the body of Christ in a local church according to the Word of God. Members are responsible to attend church meetings regularly, to maintain the fellowship and unity of the Spirit, to contribute to the needs of the church, and to respond to the authority of the church.

Article V – Officers

Leadership at Hillcrest Chapel is according to the two biblical offices of elder and deacon. Those who serve as elders and deacons depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ who is the perfect example of a bishop, pastor, teacher, and servant. They pursue their duties according to biblical principles and not by personal sentiment. They show love and compassion to the souls under their care, always being ready to help them, and even, if necessary, to suffer for them. They serve with godly zeal to bring glory to God through all their words and actions.

1. Elders

   • Qualifications:
     In addition to meeting the requirements in the Bible (Ephesians 4, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1), elders are formal members of Hillcrest Chapel, in agreement with its constitution, statement of faith, and by-laws.
   • Responsibilities:
     Elders are otherwise known as bishops, pastors, and teachers because it is their duty to oversee, shepherd, and instruct the church according to the Bible. Elders have the primary responsibility of maintaining the spiritual well-being of the church.
   • Appointment:
     Elders exercise leadership in choosing additional elders, being careful to observe the biblical qualifications of elders. Elders serve as long as their desires and abilities are consistent with the duties of their office.
   • Authority:
     Elders have biblical authority over all areas of church ministry. They are accountable to God to lead the life and ministry of the church according to the Bible.
   • Organization:
     Elders are responsible to appoint one senior elder to function as "the pastor" of the church. The elders organize themselves as deemed necessary and appropriate for ministry and financial accountability. The elders are legal officers of the corporation according to state requirements and can appoint other qualified men to serve in that capacity.

2. Deacons:

   • Qualifications:
     In addition to meeting the requirements in the Bible (Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3), deacons are formal members of Hillcrest Chapel, in agreement with its constitution, statement of faith, and by-laws.
   • Responsibilities:
     Deacons are ministers with special concern for the physical needs of the church. Deacons administer the material and financial affairs of the church.
   • Appointment:
     Elders exercise leadership in choosing deacons, being careful to observe the qualifications of deacons. Deacons serve as long as their desires and abilities are consistent with the duties of their office.
   • Authority:
     Deacons are under the authority of the elders, and are responsible to keep the elders informed of their activities.
   • Organization:
     Deacons organize themselves to facilitate their ministry and function.

Article VI – Meetings

Regular meetings for the ministry of the Bible include services for worship, prayer, and the ordinances. An annual business meeting is required to review the business and financial affairs of the church. Special meetings may be convened at any time at the discretion of the elders.

Article VII – Property

The provisions for the distribution of assets on dissolution or final liquidation of church property are in keeping with state and federal requirements. It is the wish of the elders that disposal of such assets be to evangelical missions, schools, or churches whose doctrinal statement agrees with the statement of faith of Hillcrest Chapel.

Article VIII – Amendments and Revisions

The constitution may be revised or amended when the need for such a change is recognized by the elders.

1^st Amendment:

The institution of marriage was established by God as a covenant relationship between a man (born a male) and a woman (born a female) for life. The church is responsible to uphold the purity of God’s original design when performing wedding ceremonies and maintaining biblical order in the church.