Bylaws
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Bonnyville Baptist Church Bylaws
As Adopted January 13, 2011
Article 1 - Preamble
1.1 Name - The name of this congregation of Christians is ‘Bonnyville Baptist Church’ of Bonnyville, Alberta.
1.2 Affiliation - Bonnyville Baptist Church is affiliated with the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in
Canada.
1.3 Statement of Faith - The Church’s Statement of Faith is stated in Appendix A and is the basis of our
bylaws, policies and practices.
1.4 The Bylaws - The following articles set forth the Bylaws of Bonnyville Baptist Church.
Article 2 - Defining and Interpreting the Bylaws
2.1 Definitions - Meanings of words used in these Bylaws are as stated in Appendix B.
2.2 Interpretation - The following rules of interpretation must be applied in interpreting these Bylaws.
2.2.1 Words indicating the singular also include the plural, and vice-versa.
2.2.2 Headings are for convenience only. They do not affect the interpretation of these Bylaws.
2.2.3 These Bylaws must be interpreted broadly and generously.
Article 3 - Objects of the Church
3.1 The objects of this church are set forth in its Statement of Faith, namely,
3.1.1 For worship and observance of the divinely instituted ordinances;
3.1.2 For biblical instruction and encouragement of the congregation in the use of their talents and
spiritual gifts, and equipping them to effectively serve the Body of Christ and the community;
3.1.3 The presentation of a corporate testimony to the power of the Gospel in this community and such
services as the Gospel requires at home and abroad, recognizing and accepting Christ as the one
supreme Lord and Lawgiver and taking His word as its only and sufficient rule of faith and practice.
3.1.4 The Church is carried on without purpose of gain for its members and any profits or other
accretions to the organization are used in promoting its objects.
Article 4 - Membership
4.1 The purpose of membership in the Church is to allow those who are dedicated to the purpose of the
Church to influence its success through their voting on church matters at congregational meetings.
4.2 Classification of Members
There are two categories of members:
a) Resident Members
b) Non-Resident Members
4.3 Applications
All applicants for membership must
a) have been baptized by immersion;
b) attend a membership class;
c) give satisfactory evidence of regeneration and personal faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord to two
Elders or to a committee appointed by the Board for this purpose;
d) accept the Church’s doctrinal position and practices (i.e. Statement of Faith, Bylaws, purpose, goals
and policies/procedures for carrying on the Church’s affairs);
4.4 Admission of Members
4.4.1 Any individual may become a resident or non-resident Member of the Church by:
a) meeting the requirements in Article 4.3; and
b) recommendation by the Board to be accepted into membership at a general meeting of the
Church.
4.4.2 The Senior Pastor is an ex-officio Member of the Church.
4.5 Rights of Members
4.5.1 Any Member in good standing is entitled to:
a) receive notice of meetings of the Church;
b) attend any meeting of the Church;
c) speak at any meeting of the Church; and
d) exercise other rights and privileges given to Members in these bylaws.
4.5.2 Voting Members - The only members who can vote at meetings of the Church are resident
members in good standing sixteen years of age and over.
4.5.3 Number of Votes - A voting Member is entitled to one (a) vote per topic at a meeting of the Church.
4.5.4 Member in Good Standing - A Member is in good standing when they fulfill their responsibilities
as a member of the Church, that is:
a) to live with integrity and in such a way as to exemplify conduct consistent with Biblical
instruction and in accordance with the Statement of Faith;
b) to pray for the ministry, outreach, growth, and leaders of the Church, and to protect the unity
of the Church;
c) to provide resources (tithes, offerings, volunteering, use of spiritual gifts and talents) so that
the Church is able to achieve it’s objects; and
d) attend at least one worship service regularly unless circumstances do not allow.
4.6 Discipline of Members
4.6.1. Members failing to observe the basic principles of Christian faith and conduct as found in our
Statement of Faith, and to such degree as to bring reproach upon the name of the Church and it’s
ministry; or who habitually and willfully neglects church obligations, as listed under Article 4.5.4; will
be
a) contacted and counseled by any two Elders (or Elder and the Senior Pastor); or
b) interviewed by the Board or a committee appointed by the Board.
4.6.2 If restoration is not possible the Member may be suspended from membership upon
recommendation by the Board, by a motion at a general meeting of the Church.
4.6.3. Suspended members may be reinstated by a motion at a general meeting of the Church upon
confession of their error, and on the giving of satisfactory evidence of repentance to the members
of the church.
4.7 Termination of Membership
4.7.1 Members who move away and any Member who ceases to attend services for six months will have
their membership terminated. Exception may be granted for special circumstances, serving
missionaries, or students who will be listed as non-resident members.
4.7.2 Other instances may require termination of membership such as those outlined in Article 4.6.1-2
under Discipline.
4.7.3 The termination of membership of a Member requesting voluntary disassociation from the church,
or for other reasons referred to in Article 4.7.1-2 will take effect upon the approval of the
membership at a general meeting of the Church.
4.8 Letters of Recommendation
Members leaving in good standing are eligible for letters of recommendation to other evangelical churches.
Letters will be forwarded to the church upon request, and not given to the Member being commended, and
their names will be withdrawn from the membership register.
4.9 Limitation on the Liability of Members
No member is, in his individual capacity, liable for any debt or liability of the Church.
4.10 Membership Register
A record of all members, including date coming into membership and date terminating membership with
the reason for terminating is maintained by the Church Clerk.
Article 5 - Meetings of the Church
5.1 Annual General Meeting
5.1.1 The annual general meeting is held as early as possible in June of each year, in Bonnyville, Alberta.
The Board sets the time, place and day of the meeting.
5.1.2 The meeting is announced not less than two Sundays in advance.
5.1.3 The Annual General Meeting deals with:
a) annual reports,
b) elections,
c) audits,
d) budgets, and
e) considering matters specified in the meeting agenda.
5.2 Other General and Special Meetings
5.2.1 Other General and Special Meetings are called by the Board. Any five (5) Members who are at
arms-length may call a general or special meeting of the Church, the purpose of which must be
clearly stated in submission to the Board.
5.2.2 Meetings of the Church may be held quarterly to facilitate communications between the Board and
Church and for ongoing church business. If there is no business requiring Church approval,
quarterly reports may be submitted to the Members in lieu of calling a general meeting.
5.2.3 The Board calls special meetings if/when deemed necessary.
5.2.4 Except where stated otherwise in Article 5.2.5, these are announced the Sunday of, or the Sunday
preceding, the meeting.
5.2.5 In the calling of special meetings for the purposes of dealing with property, the provisions set forth
in the Declaration of Incorporation and the Religious Societies’ Land Act are followed.
5.2.6 General Meetings deal with quarterly reports, elections, financial matters and any other matter
specified in the meeting agenda. Special meetings deal only with the matter for which the meeting
was called.
5.3 Proceedings at Meetings of the Church:
5.3.1 All meetings of the Church are open to adherents as well as members of the Church.
5.3.2 Quorum
5.3.2.1 A minimum of 20% of the voting members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
business at any meeting of the Church.
5.3.2.2 The moderator cancels a meeting if a quorum is not present within one-quarter hour after
the set time unless a motion is passed by at least 75% of those present to cancel sooner.
5.3.3 Presiding Officer
5.3.3.1 The Moderator or Vice-Moderator chairs every meeting of the Church.
5.3.3.2 If neither the Moderator or Vice-Moderator is present within one-quarter hour after the set
time for the meeting, the Church Clerk or other designate will call the meeting to order
and the members will choose one Member to chair the meeting.
5.3.4 Voting
5.3.4.1 Except for election of elders and the senior pastor, a show of hands may decide a vote
at a meeting. A ballot will be used for any matter if five (5) at arms-length voting members
request it.
5.3.4.2 Voting may not be done by proxy.
5.3.4.3 Voting for a senior pastor will proceed in accordance with Article 6.5.3.2..
5.3.4.4 Except where otherwise stated in these Bylaws (see Articles 5.2.5, 6.4.3.1 and 6.5.3.2),
60% of those members in attendance shall constitute a majority or indicate approval.
5.3.5 Failure to Give Notice of Meeting - No action taken at a general meeting of the Church is invalid due
to accidental omission to give any notice to any member or any member not receiving notice, or any
error in any notice that does not affect the meaning.
5.3.6 Conduct in Business - If there is a need for a decision concerning conduct in business, Robert’s
Rules of Order Revised (www.robertsrules.org) will be the procedure followed.
Article 6 - Church Governance & Structure
6.1 The Government of Bonnyville Baptist Church is Congregational, i.e. the membership, under God, has the
final authority for all church affairs.
6.2. The membership delegates responsibility to leaders for the fulfilment of its objects and any government
structure not referred to in these Bylaws may evolve as required for these purposes.
6.3 The membership, through participation in general meetings of the Church, is responsible for ensuring that
a trustworthy process (budget, bylaws, policies) and trustworthy people (election of elders and other officers,
approval of paid positions through the budget process) are in place to achieve the Church’s objects.
6.4 Church Board
6.4.1 The Elders constitute the Church Board. It is the governing body and corporate spiritual leader of
the church. It receives its authority to govern from the Church, within the limitations of:
a) civil laws under which the Church is registered and operates, and
b) the Church’s bylaws and derivative congregational policies.
6.4.2 Composition of the Board
a) the Church Board is comprised of between 4 and 6 members recognized by the church
as godly leaders, and
b) the Senior pastor as an ex-officio, non-voting member.
6.4.3 Election of Elders
6.4.3.1 Nominations for this office are recommended by the existing board and approved
(minimum 75%) at a general meeting of the Church for a maximum of a three year term.
6.4.3.2 Elders are eligible for reelection at the termination of any term.
6.4.4 Termination of Elders
6.4.4.1 The office of an Elder may be terminated by completion of their term or by resignation.
6.4.4.2 The office of an Elder may also be terminated upon recommendation of the other Elders,
or of five (5) at arms-length members, for failing to fulfill responsibilities or failing to meet
scriptural qualifications. Such dismissal requires a 26% affirmative vote at a meeting of
the Church, the recommendation for such action must be clearly announced.
6.4.5 Responsibilities of Church Board & Individual Elders
A) The Board ensures that it and other levels of church leadership fulfill the requirements of these
Bylaws and derivative policies, and that ministry policy is consistent with the Bylaws and
policies. While doing so the Elders must model their spiritual maturity and exemplify the New
Testament qualities of Deacons and Elders.
b) Specific duties of the Board are established by the Board in its Governance Manual, and
approved by motion at a meeting of the Church. These duties include:
• Serving as trustees of the church properties and assets for civil and legal purposes;
• Providing leadership in determining the church’s mission, target groups, priorities and
strategic plan;
• Searching for a Senior Pastor when required;
• Delegating management responsibility, including the responsibility to achieve the goals
of the strategic plan, to the Senior Pastor;
• Supporting the Senior Pastor and evaluating his ministry results;
• Delegating financial, property and practical administration management responsibility to
the Administration Team.
• Delegating responsibilities to it’s Standing and Special Committees.
• Regular review of the Church’s Bylaws and the Board’s Governance Manual.
c) Specific duties of individual Elders are established by the Board in its Governance Manual.
6.4.6 Meetings of the Board
6.4.6.1 At its first meeting of the year the Board elects, from among the Elders, a Chairman and
Secretary. Specific duties for these positions are established by the Board in its
Governance Manual.
6.4.6.2 The Board holds at least four (4) meetings each year.
6.4.6.3 A meeting of the Board may be held by conference call. Elders who participate in this call
are considered present for the meeting.
6.4.6.4 The Board Chairman calls the meetings.
6.4.6.5 A quorum consists of 75% of the Elders.
6.4.6.6 Each Elder has one (1) vote. A tie vote means the motion is defeated.
6.4.7 Board Committees - The Board may appoint committees to advise the Board. The duties of any
Standing Committee is established by the Board in its Governance Manual.
6.5 Senior Pastor
6.5.1 The Senior Pastor receives his authority from the Board and is accountable to it through quarterly
reports and annual evaluations. He is responsible for operating within the parameters set by the
Board and the Bylaws of the Church.
6.5.2 Responsibilities - Specific duties of the Senior Pastor are established by the Board in its Governance
Manual, but include:
a) Designing and evaluating the programs required to achieve the goals of the strategic plan and
submitting quarterly reports to the Board;
b) Casting a clear and compelling vision for the congregation as a whole;
c) Giving consistent spiritual leadership to the Church, serving as primary preacher/teacher to
shepherd and disciple believers and reach unchurched people in his personal capacity and
through the Church’s ministries;
d) Selecting, hiring and dismissing ministry staff; delegating responsibility/authority to them and
holding each one accountable through annual evaluations;
e) Fulfilling pastoral functions - administering baptism, communion, marriages, hospital visitation,
counselling, personally or by delegating.
f) Serving as a significant member of the Elder Board to create vision and guide discussion on
strategic planning.
6.5.3 Selection & Termination
6.5.3.1 A Senior Pastor (paid or volunteer) may be selected by the Board and called by the
Members.
6.5.3.2 A Senior Pastor is called upon a 75% affirmative vote of the resident voting members.
All resident voting members are given the opportunity to vote. The specific procedures
for calling a Senior Pastor are established by the Board and approved by motion at a
meeting of the Church.
6.5.3.3 Termination of employment for reasons other than death, resignation, or retirement must
be approved by a minimum 26% affirmative vote of the members on recommendation of
the Board at a meeting of the Church, the purpose of which must be clearly announced.
It may be deemed necessary to reveal the reason for termination at such a meeting.
6.6 Administration Team
6.6.1 The Administration Team receives its authority from, and is accountable to, the Church Board.
6.6.2 Composition, Selection and Election of the Administration Team
6.6.2.1 Is comprised of between three to four church members selected by the Board for their
gifts in the area of administration and finance and elected at a meeting of the Church for
a maximum three year term. Any Administration Team member is eligible for re-election
at the end of any term.
6.6.2.2 The Senior Pastor and church administrator are ex-officio, non-voting members of this
team.
6.6.2 Responsibilities - Specific duties of the Administration Team is established by the Board in its
Governance Manual and include:
a) Maintaining financial and physical resources and practical administration in a way that
facilitates/supports the Church’s mission;
b) Ensuring business is conducted in accordance with government regulations and the Church’s
Bylaws;
c) Providing quarterly and annual financial reports to the Board for their review and presentation
at general meetings of the Church;
d) Reviewing and authorizing necessary/emergency expenditures above budget limits and special
projects up to the limits authorized by the Church in accordance with Article 7.2.3.
e) Ensuring that annual audit is conducted and annual charities return is filed;
f) Administering the benevolent fund in conjunction with the Senior Pastor.
6.7 Moderator and Church Clerk
6.7.1 A moderator is elected at a meeting of the Church and given authority by the Board to preside at
meetings of the Church.
6.7.2 A church clerk is likewise elected to:
a) record minutes of meetings of the Church, and
b) maintain an accurate record of all members, including date and manner of admission and
removal.
6.7.3 A vice-moderator is likewise elected to aid and assist the moderator and to preside at meetings
when the moderator is unable to do so.
6.7.4 In the event of one of these offices being vacated, the Board may appoint a replacement to
complete the remainder of the full term of the departing member.
6.8 Officers
6.8.1 The Officers of the Church are the elected members of the Church Board and Administration Team;
the Moderator, Vice-Moderator and Church Clerk.
6.8.2 All Officers are recommended by the Board for approval at a meeting of the Church.
6.8.3 All Officers must be members of the Church.
6.8.4 See Article 7.7 regarding payments and reimbursements to Officers.
Article 7 - Finance & Management
7.1 The Registered Office of the Church is located in Bonnyville, Alberta. Another place may be established
at the Annual General Meeting of the Church.
7.2 Finance & Audit
7.2.1 The officers who exercise the powers of the body corporate in any dealing with the property are
those persons so appointed by the Church.
7.2.2 All budgeted expenditures are handled without further approval from the Church.
7.2.3 Unbudgeted items up to the amount established and approved at a meeting of the Church may be
dealt with by the Board and Administration Team. Unbudgeted expenditures above this amount
must first be approved at a general meeting of the Church.
7.2.4 The fiscal year of the Church ends on June 30 of each year.
7.2.5 The books, accounts and records of the church must be reviewed at least once a year by a duly
qualified accountant or by two members elected for that purpose. A complete and proper statement
of the standing of the books for the previous year submitted by those who conducted the review will
be reported at the Annual General Meeting of the Church. An audit will be conducted by a qualified
accountant on the direction of the Board.
7.3 Seal of the Church
7.3.1 The corporate seal is in the custody of the Administration Team and is stored in a secure location.
7.3.2 The Chairman of the Elders Board and the Chairman of the Administration Team are authorized to
use the seal as directed by the Church.
7.4 Cheques and Contracts of the Church
7.4.1 All cheques and contracts for goods and services must be signed by two members authorized as
signing officers by the Board.
7.4.2 Contracts for borrowing funds (e.g. mortgages and loans) must be signed by the two officers named
in Article 7.3.2.
7.5 Keeping and Inspection of Church Records
7.5.1 The original Minute Books of all meetings of the Members and of the Board are kept in a secure
location at the Registered Office of the Church.
7.5.2 All other records required to be kept by the Bylaws or any statute or laws are kept at the Registered
Office of the Church.
7.5.2 All financial records are open to inspection by members, by appointment, at the registered office of
the Church, during normal business hours.
7.5.3 Other records of the Church are likewise open for inspection, except for records that the Board
designates as confidential.
7.6 Borrowing Powers
7.6.1 The Church may borrow funds to meet its objects and operations. The Board recommends the
amounts by motion at a meeting of the Church.
7.7 Payments
7.7.1 No Members, Elder or Officer of the Church receives any payment for his services as a Member,
Elder or Officer.
7.7.2 A Member, Elder or Officer may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out
duties of the Church.
7.8 Protection and Indemnity of Officers
7.8.1 Each Officer as defined in Article 7.1:
• holds office with protection from and is indemnified by the Church against all costs or charges
that result from any act done in his/her role for the Church;
• is not liable for the acts of any other Officer or employee or for any loss or damage due to
bankruptcy, insolvency, or wrongful acts of any person, firm or corporation dealing with the
Church;
• is not liable for any loss due to an oversight or error in judgement, or by an act in his role for the
Church.
7.8.2 No Officer is protected or indemnified by the Church for any act that involves fraud, dishonesty or
bad faith.
Article 8 - Policy Statements for the Church
8.1. The Church may adopt policy statements as deemed necessary.
8.2 The Board recommends Policy Statements by motion at a meeting of the Church.
Article 9 - Distributing Assets and Dissolving the Church
9.1 If the Church is dissolved any funds or assets remaining after paying all debts are paid to a registered and
incorporated charitable organization of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada.
9.2 Members select this organization at a meeting of the Church.
9.3. In no event do any members receive any assets of the Church.
Article 10 - Amending the Bylaws
10.1 These Bylaws may be cancelled, altered or added to by a two-thirds affirmative vote at a meeting of the
Church; such proposals must be clearly stated in the announcement for the meeting.
10.2 The amended bylaws take effect after approval of the members and acceptance by the Corporate Registry
of Alberta.
1. Bible - We believe the Holy Bible to be:
1. that collection of sixty six books from Genesis to Revelation which, as originally written was objectively the very
Word of God (1Thess. 2:13);
2. that it was written by men supernaturally moved: that it is verbally and plenarily inspired (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-
21, 2 Sam. 23:1);
3. that it is truth without any admixture of error (John 17:17, Psalm119:160) and therefore is and shall be to the end
of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to men (Heb. 1:1,2, Psalm 119:89);
4. the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions
should be tried (John 12:48, Isa. 8:20).
2. God - We believe:
1. that there is one and only one, living, eternal and true God (Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10, 1 Tim 1:17), an infinite,
intelligent Spirit, the Creator and the Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth (Psalm 147:5, John 4:24, Heb 1:2, Rev.
19:6), inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, faith and love (Ex. 15:11, Heb. 1:3, Rev.
4:11);
2. that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19, Eph.
4:4-6), equal in every divine perfection, executing distinct and harmonious offices in the work of redemption (John
15:26, Eph. 1:13-14).
3. Jesus Christ - We believe:
1. that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God (John 1:18);
2. that He is truly and eternally God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1, 10:30, 2Cor. 13:14),
3. that for our redemption He took upon Himself the nature of unfallen man (Rom 8:3);
4. that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a unique and miraculous manner, and was born of Mary, a virgin (Matt
1:18-25, Luke 1:35);
5. that in the one Person of Christ there are two natures, the Divine and the human, each distinct and indissolubly
united (Phil. 2:6-8);
6. that being tempted in the flesh He lived a sinless life (Heb 4:15);
7. that He was crucified under Pontius Pilate (John 19:13-16);
8. that on the third day He arose bodily from the tomb and manifested Himself for forty days to His disciples (Matt
28:6, John 20:27, Acts 1:3);
9. that in His glorified body He ascended to the Father (Acts 1:8-9, Phil. 3:20-21);
10. that as High Priest He ever lives to make intercession for His own (Heb 7:25);
11. that according to His promise He will come again in person, visibly, with power and great glory (Acts 1:11, Heb.
9:28, Rev. 1:7, Titus 2:13,14, Matt 24:30, 1Thess 4:13-18).
4. The Holy Spirit - We believe:
1. that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature (Acts
5:3-4, Eph. 4:4-6);
2. that He was active in creation (Gen. 1:1-3);
3. that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgement (John 16:8-11);
4. that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and in testimony (Acts 5:32);
5. that He is the agent of regeneration (Titus 3:5, John 3:3-6);
6. that He dwells in every believer from the moment of his conversion (Rom. 8:9, 1Cor. 3:16);
7. that every believer is baptized in the Spirit by Christ (1Cor. 12:13, Matt 3:11);
8. that He fills the believer as control is yielded to Christ (Eph. 5:18);
9. that the evidence of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life (Rom. 8:1-8;
Gal 5:22-23).
5. The Devil or Satan - We believe:
1. that Satan is a person (Matt 4:3, James. 4:7);
2. that he is the malignant prince of power of the air, and the unholy god of this world (Eph. 2:2, 2 Cor. 4:4);
3. that he is man’s greatest tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints (Gen. 3:1-15, Zech
3:1-2; 1Peter 5:8, Rev. 12:1-9);
4. that he is the author of all false religions, the inspirer of all apostasy and the chief of all the powers of darkness (2 Cor. 11:13-15, 1John 3:8, Eph. 6:12);
5. that he with his principalities is overcome by our appropriation of Christ’s victory on Calvary (1John 3:8, Col. 2:15,
Luke 10:17-19);
6. that he along with his hosts is destined to final defeat at the hands of God’s Son, and to suffer eternal punishment
in a place prepared for him and his angels (Matt 25:41, Rev. 19:11-16, 20: Rev. 20:10).
6. Creation and Man - We believe:
1. that all of creation is by divine decree by the benevolent and all-knowing God of the Bible who made the earth and
universe as the expression of His creativity and intelligence and for His glory. (Genesis 1:1);
2. that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness (Gen. 1:27);
3.. that man serves as God’s visible representative in the exercise of responsible dominion over the created world.
7. The Fall of Man - We believe:
1. that man was created in innocence under the law of his Creator, but by voluntary transgression fell from his
sinless and happy state (Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Rom 5:12, 19), in consequence of which all men are now sinful, and all
are sinners not only by constraint but of choice (Rom. 3:10-23; Eph. 2:1-3, Isa. 53:6) and therefore under just
condemnation without defence or excuse (Rom. 1:20, 28, 32; Gal. 3:22);
2. that man in his fallen state is in a condition of total depravity which means that all of his being is tainted by sin
making him utterly incapable of receiving the things of the Spirit of God apart from the quickening grace of the
Holy Spirit (Rom 3:10, 8:7; 1Cor. 2:14: John 6:44).
8. The Atonement for Sin - We believe:
1. that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 13:38-29; 15:11; Rom. 3:24);
2. that it is through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father (John 3:16, 1Tim.
2:5-6) freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honoured the divine law by His personal obedience, and
by His death made a full and expiatory atonement for our sins (2Cor. 5:21, Gal. 3:13; Heb. 2:14, Rom. 3:25);
3. that His atonement consisted in the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, bearing the penalty of
God’s Holy Law, shedding His precious blood (John 10:17-18; Gal. 3:10-13; 1Peter 1:18-19, 2:24) the Just dying
for the unjust, Christ the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree (1Peter 3:18, Isa. 53:5-7);
4. that having risen bodily from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and is in every way qualified to be a
suitable, compassionate and all sufficient Saviour (Heb. 10:12-22; 1John 2:2; Heb. 7:25-26).
9. Election - We believe:
1. that election is the eternal act of God’s sovereign grace by which He chooses, calls, justifies, and glorifies sinners
(Rom. 8:28-30, 9:16, 11:5);
2. that it is effectuated by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word in drawing sinners to Christ so that their wills are freely
brought into compliance with God’s elective purpose (John 6:37, 44; Acts 13:48; 1Peter 1:2);
3. that it excludes all human boasting (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-27);
4. that it is demonstrated in believers by their personal faith in Christ, their love to God and their desire for holiness
(Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12, 1Thess. 1:3-7);
5. that it is the ground of the believer’s assurance and promotes humility and service (2Peter 1:5-11; Rom. 8:33,
11:27-36).
10. The New Creation - We believe:
1. that in order to be saved a sinner must be born again through personal faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 5, 7; John
1:12);
2. that the new birth is a new creation; that it is instantaneous and not a process (2Cor. 4:6, 5:17; John 5:24),
3. that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives
eternal life as the gift of God (Eph. 2:1; 2Peter 1:4; Rom. 6:23);
4. that such is kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation and shall never perish (1Peter 1:5; John
10:28-30);
5. that the new birth is brought about in a miraculous manner above man’s comprehension wholly and solely by the
grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth (John 1:12-13, 3:7-8; 1 Peter
1:23);
6. that its proper evidence appears in the fruits of repentance, faith and newness of life (2Cor. 7:1; Eph. 2:10; Titus
2:11-12; Eph. 4:22-24).
11. Justification - We believe:
1. that justification is the great blessing by which God accepts, accounts and declares man righteous (Rom. 3:24,
28; Eph.1:6);
2. that it includes pardon from guilt and condemnation of all his sin, the gift of eternal life on the principles of divine righteousness (Rom. 1:17, 5:1; Acts 13:38-39);
3. that it is bestowed by grace through faith solely upon the grounds of Christ’s perfect life, and expiatory death
whereby the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believing sinner (Phil. 3:9; Rom. 4:4-5; 2Cor. 5:21).
12. Sanctification - We believe:
1. that sanctification is primarily the believers position in Christ by the grace of the New Testament sealed to the
believer by the blood of the everlasting covenant whereby he is set apart unto God as the recipient of all heavenly perfections (1Cor. 1:30; Heb. 9:14-15; 10:10, 14);
2. that it is also a process by which the believer sets himself apart from sin to God in the gradual attaining of moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in his heart and in obedience to the Word of God (John 17:17-19; 1 Tim. 2:21-22; Heb. 13:12-13; 2Cor. 3:18, 1Thess. 4:3-4);
3. that it will culminate in the glorious and eternal state of entire sanctification at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:26; 1Thess. 5:23-24; Phil. 3:20-21; 1John 3:1-3).
13. The Local Church - We believe:
1. that the church is a congregation of baptized believers organized according to the New Testament pattern,
associated by a covenant of faith, and fellowship of the Gospel, and observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws and exercising the rights, and privileges invested in it by His Word (Acts 2:41-42; 13:1-2; 1Cor. 11:2, 23-26; Eph. 4:11-16);
2. that its leaders are pastors (or elders or bishops) and deacons/deaconesses, whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Phil. 1:1);
3. that the true mission of the church is found in our Lord’s commission, namely to evangelize, to baptize, and to
teach believers to observe all that the Lord commanded, and to equip the congregation in the use of its God given gifts in order to build up the Body of Christ, (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1Cor. 12:7; 2Tim. 3:16-17);
4. that the church has the absolute right of self-government free from any outside interference, and that the one and only superintendent is Christ, acting through the Holy Spirit in harmony with the Word of God (Matt. 18:15-17; Acts 15:22, 25, 28; Rev. 1:12-20);
5. that in all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline or benevolence, the will of the church is final (Matt 18:15-17; Acts 5:1-11; 2Cor. 8:1-7);
6. that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in the furtherance of the Gospel and in
contending for the faith, and that each church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its
cooperation (Acts 15:22-31; 2Cor. 8:23-24).
14 Baptism and the Lord’s Supper - We believe that Jesus Christ has given two ordinances to the local church:
1. water baptism by immersion whereby the believer obeys Christ’s command and sets forth his identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:41, Rom. 6:3-5); and
2. the Lord’s Supper which is the memorial wherein the believer, after solemn self-examination, partakes of the two elements, bread and fruit of the vine, which symbolize the Lord’s body and shed blood, proclaiming His death until He comes (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
15 Marriage and Sexuality - We believe:
1. that God’s plan for marriage was that marriage involve a man and a woman. Jesus clearly states that God’s view of marriage is the holy union of a man and woman;
2. that marriage is to be a monogamous, heterosexual covenant entered into by a man and woman with God. No
other relationship can be deemed a marriage in God’s sight and this Church will not recognize, participate in, or
support any other concept of marriage (Lev. 18:22-26, 15-56, Rom 1:24-29, 1 Cor 5:9-13, 15-20);
3. that God intends for his people to maintain sexual purity.
16 Civil Government - We believe:
1. that the civil government is divinely appointed for the interests and good order of society (Rom. 13:1-7);
2. that the individual should fulfill faithfully his responsibilities as a good citizen (Tit. 3:1);
3. that magistrates should be conscientiously honoured and obeyed except in things opposed to the revealed will
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience (Acts 5:29; 1Tim. 2:1-2; 1Peter 2:13-14, 17;
James 4:12);
4. that the church should remain distinct and separate from the state, and that there should be no intrusion of the
one into the affairs of the other (Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29).
17 The Righteous and the Wicked - We believe:
1. that there is an essential difference in the nature, belief and practice of the righteous and the wicked (Mal. 3:18; Rom. 6:6, 8, 18; 1Peter 4:18);
2. that those who through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and set apart by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in God’s esteem, and those who continue in impenitence and unbelief are wicked in His sight and under the curse (John 3:18, 36; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 1:17, John 2:29);
3. that this distinction holds even after death; that the righteous depart to be with Christ, and are in a state of
conscious blessedness awaiting the resurrection of the just and the receiving of their glorified bodies (2 Cor. 5:8;
Phil 1:21, 23; 1Cor. 15:35-44; 51-52);
4. that the wicked depart to Hades where they are in conscious torment until the final resurrection and judgement (Luke 16:19-31); at which time the righteous enter into everlasting felicity in heaven and the wicked into everlasting conscious suffering in hell (Matt 25:46; 2Thess. 1:8-9; Rev. 20:15, 22:3-5).
18 The Lord’s Day - We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day commemorating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that is the day we keep for worship and spiritual exercise (John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2).
Appendix B
DEFINITIONS
Act means the Religious Societies’ Land Act
Annual General Meeting means the annual general meeting described in Article 5.1.1
Board means the Board of this Church.
Bylaws mean the Bylaws of this Church as amended.
Church means the Bonnyville Baptist Church.
Church Administrator means the individual appointed to handle the day-to-day financial and facility matters
under the supervision of the Administration Team.
Elder means any person elected to serve the church as a spiritual leader and member of the Church Board.
Meeting means any General Meeting, including the Annual, or Special Meeting.
Member means a Member of the Church.
Members Register means the register maintained by the Church Clerk containing the names of the Members
of the Church
Non-Resident Member means any Member whose primary residence is not local.
Officer means any Officer listed in Article 6.8 and elected by the Church.
Ordinances mean Baptism and Communion
Registered Office means the registered office for the Church.
Resident Member means any Member who lives within the local area and is available to attend business
meetings of the Church.
Voting Member means a Member entitled to vote at the meetings of the Church.