the constitution

Note: In the past, church governing documents have been highly detailed, wordy documents. The model being presented urges clear, concise statements. This is especially critical for the constitution which should require a great majority for change.

Name, address and date of establishment as a church
Scriptural purpose statement
Statement of Faith
Enduring affiliations
Church polity: clearly establishing authority and process for decisions
Any positions that the church wishes to protect for the future: abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, etc.
Reasons for the exercise of church discipline
Process for revising the constitution
What will happen to the resources of the church should the church dissolve