Article I:  Definitions
The following words and phrases, when used in this constitution, shall, for the purposes of this constitution, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this article, except where the context otherwise requires:

• "Member or membership" shall represent a person or persons who have satisfied Article IV Section 1&2 of this Constitution

• "Deacon" shall represent deacon or deaconess (male or female)

• "Quorum" means the minimal number of members required at a meeting to conduct business

• "Body" means the covenant members of Living Faith Fellowship

Article II:   Identity of Our Local Church
The name of this local independent body shall be called Living Faith Fellowship, in the city of Gainesville, in the county of Alachua, in the state of Florida.

Article III:  Doctrinal Beliefs
In order to support the stated vision and purpose of this church, we are in agreement that the following doctrinal beliefs form the foundation on which we stand. This is our expression of those fundamental truths which are taught in Scripture and which we voluntarily have allowed to rule our hearts and lives through Jesus Christ.

Section 1. Authority of Scripture
The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are inspired of God, and are the revelation of God to man. They are the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct, accepted by our church as the revealed will of God. Therefore, prayer and Bible study are crucial for the growth of believers in their relationship with Jesus Christ. (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:17-19 and 24:35, 1 Thessalonians 2:13,and 5:17, Timothy 2:15 and 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:21, Joshua 1:8, Matthew 26:41, Luke 18:1)

Section 2. God as expressed in the Scriptures
There is only one living and true God, infinite and eternal, Maker of heaven and earth, holy, loving, just, righteous. In the unity of the Godhead there are three separate Persons--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--equal in divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Genesis 1:1-2, Exodus 20:2-5, John 1:1-2, Corinthians 8:6, Revelations 4:11)

God the Father is one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. (Ephesians 4:6, John 17:3)

God the Son. The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:

• His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:31-35)
• His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26, 1 Peter 2:22)
• His substitutionary work on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
• His miracles (Acts 2:22, 10:38)
• His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:39, 1 Corinthians 15:4)
• His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9 and 11, 2:33, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3)
• His coming again (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost as foretold by Jesus. His purpose is to reprove mankind of sin, but also to act as man’s comforter and helper, and to empower believers to proclaim the Gospel. (Mark 16:15, John 14:16-26, John 16:7-15, Acts 1:8, 1 John 5:7)

Section 3. Man
We believe that man was created by God in the image of God, and by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all men are now sinners, and therefore in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ, whom God sent to be the propitiation for the sins of the world. (Genesis 3; Romans 1:18-32, 5:12-19)

Section 4. God’s Plan of Redemption
We believe that God has provided salvation from sin and eternal death, to righteousness and eternal life in the person of His Son Jesus Christ, whose redemptive work on the cross provided salvation to all who believe and receive Him as their Lord and Savior. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-14, 1 John 4:10-11, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:36)

The inward evidence of salvation is the witness of the Spirit to our spirit. (Romans 8:16)

The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24, Titus 2:12)

Section 5. Water Baptism and Communion
We believe that water baptism and communion, as ordinances of the church, give outward demonstration of the covenant we have with God through Christ and with one another. (1 Peter 3:20-21, Genesis 6:18, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17)

The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who believe on Christ as Savior and Lord and repent are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:31, Romans 6:4)

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements--bread and the fruit of the vine-- is the symbol expressing our sharing in the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, a memorial of His suffering and death. Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:26, 2 Peter 1:4)

Section 6. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism in the Holy Spirit was the normal experience in the early Christian church. It empowered believers to move in greater intensity in the supernatural power of God. All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, 8, Acts 2:4)

This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the new birth. (John 20:22, Acts 2:4, Acts 8:12-17)

Section 7. Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. The Scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." (Romans 12:1-2, Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 12:14)

By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command, "Be ye holy, for I am holy."(1 Peter 1:15-16)

Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by yielding every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 6:1-11, 6:13, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Peter 1:5)

Section 8. The Church and its Purpose
The Church consists of those called out from a life of sin to be the Body of Christ on earth. The Church is the Bride of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit and God’s building or temple. (Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:22, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16)

Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the universal body of Christ. (Hebrews 12:22-23)

The Church is to be the salt and light of the world, manifesting a sweet savor of the Lordship of Christ in every area of life. The Church is to fulfill God’s purposes in the earth in a given generation as it impacts the neighborhoods locally and the nations universally. (Matthew 5:13-16, 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:7-9)

Believers who work closely together in harmony in a geographic area to accomplish these purposes become the local church in that area. Thus, the church is a community of believers, as well as an army of war that the gates of Hell will not be able to withstand. (Matthew 16:16-18, 18:18-20, Psalm 133:1)

Section 9. The Ministry
A divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples of all the nations, and edifying the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13, Mark 16:15-20, Matthew 28:18-20)

Section 10. The Fruit and the Gifts of the Spirit
We believe that God’s primary objective is to make us like Jesus Christ, His Son. In order for this to happen, He desires our character to be changed continually so that we produce fruit that consistently testifies of His work of grace. The battle within is between the old and new natures. The solution to this battle is to die to the flesh and live unto God on a daily basis. (Galatians 5:12-25, Romans 6, John 15:1-5, Matthew 7:15-23)

We believe that God also equips believers with the power of the Spirit so that we can do the work of Jesus. The works involve gifts of the Spirit that are diverse in nature and which manifest the power and presence of the Lord. (John 14:12, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8)

Section 11. The Second Coming of Christ
The resurrection of those who have died in Christ, together with those who are alive and remain until the return of the Lord, is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church. (1Thessalonians 4:16-17, Romans 8:23, Titus 2:13-14, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

Section 12. The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which the dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Matthew 25:46, Mark 9:43-46, Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8)

Section 13. The New Heaven and the New Earth
According to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.(2 Peter 3:10-13, Revelation 21:1-2, 22-23)

Article IV:  Covenant Membership

Section 1. Standards of Membership
Membership in this church shall consist of internal agreement with the stated vision, calling and purpose of the church, as well as agreement with the fundamental doctrines stated above, and the external accountability to one another in our relationships that are necessary to carry out our stated goals. Membership shall be open to all who have received Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior, believed that God has placed them in Living Faith Fellowship and agreed to this Constitution.

Section 2. Reception of New Members
A prospective member expressing a desire to join in covenant membership with Living Faith Fellowship will be advised to complete the Foundations course of instruction in doctrine in order to establish doctrinal unity.

An elder will meet with all prospective members.

In order to ensure a mutual understanding, all prospective members will sign a statement of agreement with the mission and constitution of Living Faith Fellowship.

New members will be received at the next convenient public service and placed on the roster.

Section 3. Release from Membership
Members who wish to be released from church membership or who desire to be transferred to some other congregation should notify the Elders in writing.

Upon the members’ request, the Elders will pray and send them forth with blessing.

Section 4. Church Discipline
When a member of the body appears to be in sin, a concerned brother or sister may approach that member in a spirit of meekness and love, as the Lord leads, for the purpose of restoring the member. (Galatians 6:1)

If the erring member does not receive such counsel, it is the responsibility of the concerned brother or sister to take one or two other witnesses (not necessarily Elders or church leaders) whose counsel the member may welcome. Their purpose is to restore the erring member without further exposure. (Matthew 18:15-17 )

If the member refuses counsel or expresses no willingness to change, the matter should be brought before the Elders for further counsel and direction. (Hebrews 13:17)

The Elders, witnesses and other members concerned will offer ministry and deliverance to the erring member to encourage his repentance and restoration. However, if the member is resistant to counsel, the Elders may decide that the matter should be taken before the entire body to determine the member’s discipline, including the prospect of revoking church membership.

If the member’s repentance proves to be genuine, the church shall readily forgive and restore that person in that spirit of love which all believers in Christ expect from their brethren. When a member repents after expulsion from the church, a meeting of the body shall be called to observe the restoration of that member.

Section 5. Membership Roster
An active membership roster shall be maintained to determine the required quorum.

Article V:  Church Government
We feel that the best form of government must be based upon a philosophy that rests all power and sovereignty in Christ through His body. A decentralized structure will ease the flow of power from Christ to the individual and then to governmental leaders, and preserve the concept of "one, few and many." It is critical that the body’s prayerful consideration and earnest seeking of God’s will precede the nomination of leaders and the casting of votes.

Section 1. Qualifications for Leadership
Our standards for leadership shall be those outlined in the Scriptures, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.

Ministry leaders shall be encouraged to follow their particular gifts and to lead others of like interest in special service to the body.

Section 2. Selection and Appointment of Leaders
Deacons and Elders shall be elected officers of the church. (Acts 14:23)

Any member of the body may submit to the Elder Board nominees for any position of leadership.

The elder board will prayerfully select candidates from among the nominees.

Individuals nominated to office described in this article shall be confirmed by a 2/3 majority vote of the body.

The term of office shall begin at the annual business meeting of the church and shall be two years for deacons and four years for elders.

Section 3. Appointments
The elders may appoint home group leaders, ministry leaders, staff workers, etc.

Section 4. Deacon Board
An individual who is in a service ministry of helps may be elected a deacon.

A chairman (who shall be nominated and confirmed by the Deacon Board) shall be elected to coordinate and represent the board to the Elders and the body.

The general duties shall be:

• To serve the body in a ministry of helps

• To administer the finances of the church (budgets, salaries, etc.)

• To oversee the maintenance and physical needs of the church building and property

• To oversee the ministry of ordinances (water baptism, communion)

• To oversee special occasions (weddings, funerals, etc.)

• To oversee the care of widows and orphans

Section 5. Elder Board
The elders are men whose gifts and calling are such that it can represent the entire church and coordinate the body to move in a consistent and united manner.

As the governing body of the church, the Elder Board receives its authority from God, empowered through the consent of the people to oversee the general affairs, operations, and ministries of the church.

The general duties of the Elder Board shall be:

• To oversee all church finances

• To oversee the various boards including the Deacon and school boards

• To oversee all counseling, visitation, Bible teaching and fellowship in the church

• To oversee the outreach of the church into the community and nation

• To oversee all equipping and training of the covenant members, as well as directing the ministry tracks, so that they flow together as one unit under one philosophy and methodology

• To inspire and lead the church into proper interchurch relationships (for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God) without compromising our church doctrines or standards

Elder Board Chairman. A chairman shall be nominated by the Elder Board and confirmed by the body and shall oversee the duties of the Elder and Deacon/Deaconess Board.

Pastor. A man whose gifts and calling are to serve in a pastoral capacity. He is to be nominated by the Elders and confirmed by the body. His general duties shall be:

• To direct and lead the covenant members at large

• To oversee the feeding of the flock on a regular basis, giving direction and vision that will guide and mature the church

• To remain in contact and fellowship with other ministries within the Body of Christ at large that can help bring balance and vision to the local church

Section 6. Submission and Covering of the Local Church
This church recognizes the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers as spoken of in Ephesians 4:11-13.

This church will remain independent from any one ministry, but desires fellowship and covering from various ministries God has established that may form individual relationships with this church.

Having found a relationship with a ministry for a period of one year, the membership may formally recognize this ministry for the purpose of guidance with a 2/3 majority decision. This will not remove the local sovereignty of this church in decision making, but provide a recognized avenue for counsel and covering should it be necessary.

Section 7. Removal from office
Before any officer in the church is considered for removal, the entire church discipline process must be followed regarding any question as to the membership standard.

If the issue of removal is incompetence and is not related to the membership standard, then the following process shall be followed:

• A member who will bring attention in a positive manner to that which has been neglected shall confront the individual in a loving manner.

• If there seems to be no change, then it is the responsibility of the member to lovingly present the situation to his or her immediate covering.

• If there seems to be no explanation or change, then the member must bring the problem to the attention of the Elder Board.

• A unanimous decision of the Elder Board shall be required to remove the individual from office.

• If the Elder board is unable to reach a unanimous decision, the matter shall be presented to the membership.

• A 2/3 decision by the membership shall be final.

Section 8. Replacement of Officers
A replacement for the individual who was removed will take place by a vote of the other members of the board involved, with a 2/3 majority decision being conclusive. It is understood that the individual will only serve until such time as a proper election can take place.

If it is the Senior Elder who is removed, then the Elders shall immediately elect a temporary Senior Elder from among the Elders who shall serve until such time as a permanent Senior Elder is confirmed. The Elders shall serve as the nominating committee with 2/3 of the body constituting a final decision.

Section 9. Resignation
Individuals resigning from office should notify the Elder Board in writing.

Upon resignation of any individual from any office, the procedure outlined above in section 9 shall be followed in order to replace such an individual.

Article VI:  Church Meetings
We believe that in order to fulfill our calling and purpose as a church, we must meet and work together in an orderly fashion in order to minister to one another, form relationships, enter into fellowship, and hear God’s Word preached and taught so that we might be equipped to do the work of the ministry. We would also meet together so that those designated to lead can plan, evaluate, and direct our actions, so that we would work as one unit.

Section 1. Worship Services
Our regular church gatherings should emphasize the proclamation and declaration of God’s Word to the whole body for the purpose of uniting and directing us in fulfilling our vision and calling. (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Our church gatherings as a body should also allow on a limited basis for the testimonies of the body, ministry to one another, praise and worship, and learning to move together in the power of God.

Section 2. Home Fellowship Meetings
The church will meet in small groups for the purpose of counseling new converts and discipling believers on a personal basis. Our relationships are to establish the Lordship of Christ and to make an impact upon our individual lives, families, entire church, and the community.

Each home group should seek opportunities for outreach according to the unique gifting of its members.

Section 3. Church Training Meetings
We will conduct a series of foundational meetings for all new believers and prospective members.

We will meet formally at times to equip members of the body to do the work of the ministry.

Section 4. Church Business Meetings
The fiscal year shall begin in September of each year and end in August of the following year. The Annual business meeting will be held in September.

The Elders on an as-needed basis will call general church business meetings.

The elders shall designate the time and place with notification at least two weeks prior to the meeting itself and an agenda shall be presented to the membership.

Preceding the meeting, the elders shall meet to discuss new and old business. The annual meeting shall consist of reports from the various departments, affirmation of any offices up for re-election, and the conducting of any other old or new business that would be placed upon the agenda.

Any church member may present to the Elder Board items to be placed on the agenda prior to any business meeting.

Members must be present to vote on issues addressed at any business meeting. If the member is unable to attend a business meeting, he or she may vote by proxy. Only one proxy vote will be allowed per member per fiscal year.

Any church member with the approval of the elders can call a special business meeting.

No official business of the church can be transacted unless 51% of the membership are present.

Article VII:  Church Ministries
All ministries (i.e., academic school, Sunday school, youth ministries, etc.) developed by Living Faith Fellowship and bearing the name of Living Faith Fellowship shall operate under the same philosophy and principles as the church and will function under the oversight of the Elder Board. All boards, committees, councils, etc. will make regular reports to the Elder Board or have Elder representation.

Article VIII:  Finances

Section 1. Tithes and Offerings
The voluntary contributions of the tithes and offerings of the members and friends of the church shall provide all funds for the administration and maintenance of the church. It is understood that no goods or services, other than intangible religious benefits, are received in exchange for these gifts.

Offerings shall be accepted by the church in ways agreed upon by the Elders and shall be administered by the Deacon Board. (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; I Corinthians 16:1,2; II Corinthians 9:6-8).

The church shall follow the scriptural guideline of giving a tithe of the tithe. (Numbers 18:26)

Section 2. Salaried Positions
All full-time salaried positions created within the church and financed by the tithes and offerings of the congregation, shall be approved by the Elders and confirmed by a 2/3 majority of the members present at a business meeting.

Section 3. Financial Guidelines
Annual Budget. A church budget shall be developed yearly. A budget committee shall be formed and shall consist of the leaders of the various ministries, and a representative from the Elder Board and Deacon/Deaconess Board. The membership will be notified of budgetary meetings and will have the opportunity to submit written input to the budget. All budgets must be submitted to the Elder Board for final approval.

Quarterly Reports. Quarterly financial reports shall be made available to all members of Living Faith Fellowship.

Spending Guidelines. Large purchases (i.e., property, vehicles, renovations, etc.) or long term monetary commitments (i.e., outside ministries, churches, etc.) shall not be made without a 51% majority approval of the membership.

Audits. An audit committee shall be formed or an outside auditor engaged to review the finances of the church at least annually. The committee shall consist of members of the body at large.

Section 4. Real Estate and Property
All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of the church by the Elder Board.

No real or chattel property of the church shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated without having been authorized by at least a 2/3 confirming vote of the membership.

The Senior Elder and one of the Deacons shall certify in such conveyance, lease, or mortgage that the same has been duly authorized by a confirming vote of the membership. Such certificates shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof.

Article IX:  Amendments

Section 1. Amending the Constitution
A 2/3 majority vote of the Elders and a subsequent 2/3 majority confirmation of the membership may amend this constitution

Due notice of such proposed amendments shall have been posted or advertised at all services on at least two consecutive Sundays immediately prior to the time of such a meeting.

Section 2. Origin of Amendments
Any individual can suggest an amendment to the constitution by conveying such in writing to the Elder Board more than two weeks prior to a business meeting.

Section 3. Special Consideration Regarding This Constitution
Until such time when a Deacon/Deaconess Board can be established, the Elder Board will perform the duties of the Deacon/Deaconess Board described in this constitution.

Once a Deacon Board is established, this section of this article will be considered null and void.