What do we envision God desiring to do in and through us in these coming years leading up to 2020 as we walk in obedience to Him and prayerfully seek His face? What goals and objectives do we desire to emphasize that will lead naturally to growth? What priorities and direction do we prayerfully believe God has called us as a congregation to pursue?

At Calvary Bible Church, our vision is to equip God’s people to make a life-transforming impact upon secular people in the Greater Hanover area through the message of Jesus Christ. We envision a church…

…where the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection is the underlying theme; where grace is accepted and extended and the salvation of souls is the norm, not the exception; where love for people springs from love for God, joy permeates the air, and people are one in spirit; where service is considered a privilege and not a burden.

…where people find relevant help, experience authentic change and discover practical answers; where marriages are healed and parents’ hearts are turned toward their children; where wasted lives are reclaimed and new beginnings are launched.

…where God’s Word is exalted in authority, studied with expectation, taught with relevance, heard with anticipation, and obeyed with passion; where the preaching is encouraging, positive and practical; where the historic, fundamental teachings of the Christian faith as set forth in the Word of God are preserved, defended and proclaimed, and a biblical world-view as derived from its teaching is promoted.

…where prayer underlies and supports all we do and every endeavor we undertake; where both private and corporate prayer is practiced and promoted.

…where passionate commitment to obey all Christ commanded His disciples is our goal; where an intentional training program of discipleship is developed, implemented, and godly character is pursued and promoted by encouraging the renewal of the mind.

…where we are reproducing ourselves—both through expanded worship services as needed, as well as being sensitive to opportunities for church planting; where we partner with others for the furtherance of the Gospel.

…where we lovingly foster biblical community in such a way that every person has one or more people with whom they feel the freedom to go to for support, encouragement, sharing of struggles, accountability, and prayer; where we recognize that none of us has been perfected yet we are not content to remain as we are, but commit ourselves to the pursuit of unity in the advancement of our common cause.

…where people are free to attempt great feats for God; where taking risks for His Kingdom is an exalted virtue and people have nothing to prove and therefore nothing to lose; where creativity and innovation are honored, not feared; where all kinds of people serve God in diverse ways with mutual love, encouragement, esteem, and unity.

…where people’s hearts beat for God’s work around the world; where impact is made on lives across the street and short-term workers regularly go out to minister internationally and return with a world perspective; where members compelled by the love of Christ are committed to the passionate proclamation of the Gospel to all people because all apart from Christ are lost and face the horrors of eternal judgment.

…where the challenge of nurturing new ministries becomes reality and past traditions form the foundations for launching new innovations; where every believer is effectively trained and entrusted with the work of the ministry.

…where children and youth are nurtured in the faith and are provided opportunities to use their gifts in service for the Lord; where they are made strong in their ability to serve the Lord and stand for Him in the world.

…where God is worshiped joyfully and reverently; where the music is Christ-honoring and relevant; where worship is a significant event which motivates believers and transforms them into the triumphant army of God and communicates to our guests the greatness of our God, the joyfulness of the Christian life, and the emptiness of life without Jesus.

…where the issues of our culture are seriously addressed; where the community expects to find a viewpoint both practical and godly and must be taken seriously; where God’s people take stands in the community that are courageous and compassionate; where biblical separation and church discipline are exercised with a humble, gracious spirit and applied in such a way as to strengthen the body of Christ.

…where the physical, material, and emotional needs of both Christians and non-Christians are recognized and responded to in such a way as to bring them the touch of God’s love and compassion as well as the light of His redemption.

…where growth is not only welcomed, but anticipated as the norm; where the heartbeat of every person is for outreach and inclusion, not for comfortable complacency and seclusion; where the ethnically and culturally blended nature of the Body of Christ is reflected and actively fostered.

…where the development of leaders who reflect the selflessness of Christ is promoted as they provide leadership for those to whom they minister; where future leaders are regularly equipped, including effective pastoral leaders and elders.

…where all our ministry activities are designed intentionally to turn this vision into reality; where we regularly reassess our methodology and activities regarding our effectiveness for the glory of God; where we recognize that our worship services, daycare ministry, and outreach programs are all important, but the most powerful resource we have to impact the Greater Hanover area is our congregation, who as those seeking to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ can make an impact on their families, friends, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces.

PREAMBLE
We, the members of the Calvary Bible Church of Hanover, Pa., do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

ARTICLE I. – The Name
The Name of the church shall be: “The Calvary Bible Church of Hanover, PA.”.

ARTICLE II. – The Purpose
The purpose of this church is the edification of believers, the salvation of souls, the world-wide proclamation of the gospel, the promotion of godly worship and the defense of the Christian faith.

ARTICLE III. – The Doctrinal Basis
1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the verbally inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original languages and the supreme and final authority in faith and life (II Peter 1:20, 21, II Timothy 3:16, 17).

2. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father. Son and Holy Spirit (Deut. 6:4, II Cor. 13:14).

3. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; lived among men; suffered, bled and died; was buried; raised from the dead; ascended to the right hand of the Father; intercedes for us, and is true God and true man (Luke 1:35; 2:6, 7, 52; Matt. 27:29, 30, 35, 50; Luke 23:50-56; Acts 2:33, 34; 1 John 2:1, John 2:1, John 10:30; 1 John 4:2, 3).

4. We believe in the divine personality of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3, 4; John 14:16, 17; 16:13).

5. We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God; that he sinned and thereby incurred both physical and spiritual death; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners in thought, word and deed (Gen. 1:26, 27; Rom. 3:22, 23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3).

6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as our representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood (I Cor. 15:3; I Peter 3:18; Rom. 3:24-26).

7. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, and thereby become children of God; that they are indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit and are secure in Him until the day of redemption (John 1:12; 3:5; Eph. 1:13).

8. We believe that the Church is composed of all believers; that we are baptized into one body, thus being members one of another (Eph. 1:22, 23; I Cor. 12:12, 13).

9. We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s supper to commemorate His death till He comes. We believe that water baptism is an ordained testimony, portraying our identification with Christ. We believe in and practice baptism by immersion (I Cor. 11:23-26; Matt. 28:19, 20; Rom. 6:3, 4).

10. We believe in “that blessed hope,” the personal and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the air for His saints (as to the time aspect we believe that it is pre-tribulational and pre-millennial). We believe in the personal and visible and glorious return of Christ to the earth with His saints. We believe in the establishment of Christ’s kingdom upon the earth (Titus 2:13; I Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6).

11. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost (John 5:28, 29; 14:1-3; Rev. 20:11-15).

12. We believe in the personality of Satan; that he is the god of this age, the adversary of Christ and His Church, and that his destiny is eternal punishment (Job 1:6, 7; II Cor. 4:4; I Peter 5:8; Rev. 20:10).

ARTICLE IV. – The Church Covenant
Having been born again into the body of Christ, by personal faith in the Lord Jesus as Savior, and having confessed our faith before men, we do now in the presence of God most joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as members of this local assembly.

We will, therefore, walk together in Christian love by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We will work for the advancement of this church by promoting spiritual growth, by supporting the ministry in attendance and prayer, and by contributing cheerfully and regularly.

We will maintain family and personal devotions, educate our children in the Word of His grace, and seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.

We will abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. We will put away from us all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. We will be kind and forgiving to one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.

We will watch over one another in brotherly love, remember each other in prayer, and aid each other in sickness and distress.

And should we leave this assembly, we will unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

ARTICLE V. – Membership

Sec. I. Any person who has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, gives assurance of his desire to live a consistent Christian life, willingly agrees to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws, avows his belief in the Doctrinal Basis, and consents to the Church Covenant, shall be eligible for membership.

Sec. II. Any person desiring to unite with this church shall make written application on a form provided by the church. This application shall contain an agreement by the applicant to be bound by the Constitution and By-Laws of this church and the applicant’s personal acceptance of the Doctrinal Basis and Church Covenant as set forth in ARTICLES III and IV.

Sec. III. Candidates for membership shall appear before members of the Elder Board for examination at a conveniently appointed time. It shall lie within the province of the Elder Board, by an unanimous vote, to receive such candidates into the membership of this church.

Sec. IV. Each new member thus received by the Elder Board shall be publicly welcomed at a regular Sunday service by the members of the church, and shall be given the right hand of fellowship by the church family.

Sec. V. Members may be removed from the membership roll by an unanimous vote of the Elder Board after they have been given an opportunity to appear before the Elder Board to show just cause why they should not be removed.

Sec. VI. Discipline and Restoration of Church Members
It is the conviction of Calvary Bible Church that God has called His church to be moving to perfect holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1). It is a holy church that will glorify God, honor His Word, experience His blessing, know the reality of His grace, and bear credible witness before a lost world. Because this is true, God has elevated a loving and Christ-centered means of accountability within the church family. When a Christian becomes isolated from God and independent of other believers, he is in danger of forfeiting God’s plan for mutual support and accountability. Our culture calls for autonomy, but God calls for loving and grace-centered accountability. The people of God are not called to live independently of God and of others.

This being the case, we are resolved to honor and obey God’s plan for providing an accountability that honors the standard of holiness in the church (I Corinthians 5:6). The process of church discipline and restoration seeks to win a fallen brother or sister back to the place of God’s blessing (James 5:19-20) and deter what could be the impending judgment of God (I John 5:16-17, I Corinthians 11:27-32). The goal is always to restore the erring believer to the will of God, so they may experience God’s best for their life (Galatians 6:1-3). The process of church discipline will always involve at least 3 elements: confrontation of the brother or sister in sin, the confession and repentance of the sin, and ultimate restoration to the place of fellowship within the church.

The most extensive statement of God’s means for restoring one who has fallen into sin or doctrinal error is found in Matthew 18:15-18. It shall be the responsibility of any member of Calvary Bible Church who has knowledge of another member’s sin or doctrinal heresy to first, in love, confront such error in the spirit of grace and humility. He is to go privately to seek the winning of his erring brother or sister. If there is a lack of repentance in this private confrontation, he is to seek one or two believers to accompany him a second time to confront the brother or sister who has fallen, again seeking repentance and restoration. If such confrontation by two or three witnesses still does not win the fallen back to repentance, the matter must be taken to the Elders of the church, who will then appeal to the entire Church to pray and call the fallen believer back to the place of God’s blessing for their life. Finally, if after a period of prayer and pursuit by the Church there is still no evidence of repentance, the fallen believer will be removed from membership and the church family informed of such action. This course of loving pursuit and confrontation is understood to be consistent with the Word of God, the final authority for all conduct at Calvary Bible Church.

It is understood that this process will continue to conclusion whether the erring member leaves the church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership to avoid the discipline process.

Sec. VII – Settlement of Disputes
In any dispute arising between church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any matters of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the church. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself.

Section VIII – Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
According to the Christian Scriptures, marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race. We believe that sexual intimacy is a wonderful gift of God that is only to be expressed between one man and one woman (as genetically defined), within the love and bonds of marriage (Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:21-33, 1Corinthians 7:3-5; Hebrews 13:4).

We believe that any form of sexual intimacy outside of marriage is both immoral and a perversion of God’s gift (Leviticus 18:1-30; Proverbs 6:32; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). Furthermore, we believe that any form of sexual immorality such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, cohabitation (regardless of the age of the individuals involved), any attempt to change one’s gender in disagreement with one’s genetically defined gender, is sinful and offensive to God (Leviticus 18-20; Romans 1).

We believe that in order to preserve the function, unity, and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly whether at church, home, or in the community.

In light of our biblical commitments, the pastors of Calvary Bible Church Inc. of Hanover, PA will perform no same gender weddings or any other anti-biblical weddings or ceremonies at the church or at any other location. Furthermore, no member or non-member parties will be allowed to use any facilities of the church for same gender and/or sexually immoral weddings, wedding receptions, or other functions.

We do believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Romans 8). And we believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior, attitudes, or speech directed towards any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Calvary Bible Church Inc. (1 Peter 2: 13-25; l Thessalonians 4:11-12).

ARTICLE VI. – Government

Sec. I. The government of this church is vested in its membership and is facilitated through the Elder Board.

Sec. II. The Elder Board shall supervise the business transactions and general operations of the church, its ministries and branch works.

Sec. III. Specifically stated, the powers of the Elder Board shall include:

A. Management and control of all property belonging to the church. The Elder Board shall not, however, encumber with loan, transfer, sell or purchase any real estate except by express authorization conveyed through a majority vote of the church members present at a constitutionally called congregational meeting.

B. Power to appoint all individuals and committees necessary for the transaction of business.

C. Authority to call special congregational meetings.

D. Consideration of suggestions, recommendations and grievances upon the part of any member of or organization affiliated with the church.

E. Authority to determine church membership in accordance with Article V of this constitution.

F. Authority to appoint the General Superintendent and all departmental superintendents of the Sunday School.

G. Approval of regular musicians including the pianist and organist.

H. Responsibility to supply the pulpit with men whose Christian character and teaching are in accordance with the Doctrinal Basis of this church whenever the church is without the Senior Pastor.

I. Such other duties which properly belong to the governing body of this church, but shall at all times be subject to the majority vote of the congregation unless otherwise stated herein.

ARTICLE VII. – The Elder Board

Sec. I. The Elder Board shall consist of six elders and the Senior Pastor. The elders shall be nominated from the membership and approved by those members present at the annual congregational meeting in accordance with the By-Laws of this church. One-third of the Board shall be selected annually for a three year term, except that initially two shall be selected for three years, two for two years and two for one year. The Senior Pastor shall be a permanent voting member of the Board.

Sec. II. Vacancies in the Elder Board caused by reasons other than the expiration of a regular term of office shall be filled from the membership by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board at the next regular Board meeting or at a special Board meeting called for that purpose. The member thus chosen shall serve until the next annual congregational meeting. At the annual congregational meeting the unexpired portion of the term shall be filled from the membership according to Article VII, Sec. I.

Sec. III. No member of the Elder Board shall be eligible for re-election or appointment to the Board until a period of one (1) year has elapsed from the termination of his last period of service.

Sec. IV. The officers of the Board shall be: President, Vice-president, Secretary. The officers of the Board shall be the officers of the congregation.

Sec. V. The Senior Pastor may not be an officer of the Board.

ARTICLE VIII. – The Pastors

Sec. I. Pastoral candidates must be recommended by the Elder Board. Such candidates shall be called to serve by a two-thirds vote of the congregation.

Sec. II. The services of a pastor shall be terminated by the Elder Board, if his personal belief, preaching, or teaching shall not be in full accord with the Doctrinal Basis of the church, or if his life and practice shall not be in harmony with the Word. Termination shall only occur after a fair and impartial hearing has been conducted by the Elder Board.

Sec. III. If a pastor shall make application to be released from the pastorate, the relationship shall be terminated in sixty days from the date of his notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time if mutually agreeable.

Sec. IV. The Senior Pastor shall have the general oversight of the spiritual ministry of the church. Specifically stated, his duties shall include:

A. Supervision of all regular and special worship services of the church.
B. Administration of the ordinances.
C.Serving as a member ex-officio of all committees connected with the church or any of its ministries.
D.Such other duties as may from time to time be required by the Elder Board.

ARTICLE IX. – Ordination

Sec. I. When, in the judgement of the Elder Board, a man in this membership is called to the Christian ministry, it shall be within the power of the Elder Board to call and conduct a council for ordination. The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination regarding their call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal belief and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service.

Sec. II. It shall be within the province of the Elder Board to discipline any pastor on staff and revoke his ordination credentials when his personal belief, preaching, or teaching shall not be in full accord with the Doctrinal Basis of the church, or if his life and practice shall not be in harmony with the Word. Revocation shall only occur after a fair and impartial hearing has been conducted by the Elder Board.

ARTICLE X. – Finances
The work of this church is entirely dependent upon the prayers, personal services and voluntary gifts of the Lord’s people. Before the annual congregational meeting, the Elder Board shall obtain an estimate of the needs of the several divisions of the work and prepare a detailed budget of the proposed expenditures for the coming year. When this budget is approved by a vote of the congregation, it shall be considered the basis for current liabilities. Changes in its provisions may not be made without the consent of the congregation.

ARTICLE XI. – Amendments
Except for ARTICLE III, this Constitution may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the congregation present at a constitutionally called congregational meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been announced in two consecutive Sunday bulletins prior to the meeting. ARTICLE III may never be amended.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I. – Meetings

Sec. I. An annual congregational meeting shall be held on a date set by the Elder Board. The meeting shall be held for the reception of reports, consideration and approval of budgets, selection of board members, and any other business that should be conducted at such a meeting.

Sec. II. Special congregational meetings shall be called by the President of the Elder Board. These meetings can be requested by a majority vote of the board or upon written request of twenty percent (20%) of the membership.

Sec. III. Printed notice of all congregational meetings shall appear in two consecutive Sunday bulletins prior to the meeting. Notice of special meetings shall state the purpose for which the meeting is called.

Sec. IV. Members must be eighteen (18) years of age or over to vote in any of the regular or special congregational meetings.

Sec. V. One-third (1/3) of the membership shall constitute a quorum.

Sec. VI. All matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present unless otherwise specified by the Constitution and By-Laws.

Sec. VII. Absentee and Proxy ballots are not permitted.

Sec. VIII. The Elder Board shall appoint the chairman for all congregational meetings.

ARTICLE II. – The Elder Board

Sec. I. The Elder Board shall determine the time of its meetings.

Sec. II. At the first meeting of the Elder Board following the annual congregational meeting the board shall elect its officers.
A. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Elder Board. He shall appoint all committees and individuals authorized by the Elder Board to assist in the transaction of business. A member of the Board shall be chairman of each committee appointed by the President, and the President shall be a member ex-officio of all such committees. He shall perform those duties and exercise those powers which may be delegated to him by the Elder Board.
B. The Vice-president shall perform the duties of the President in the event of the absence or incapacity of the President.
C. The Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted at the congregational and Elder Board meetings, be responsible for an accurate record of church membership, carry on all necessary correspondence of the Elder Board and the congregation, and secure the signatures of all persons required to sign any official document.
D. The treasurer may be a member of the Elder Board or a person appointed by the Elder Board. The treasurer shall supervise and approve all receipts and disbursements of funds in accordance with explicit directions of the Elder Board.

Sec. III. The Elder Board may also select other officers as it may deem necessary or proper.

Sec. IV. Five members of the Elder Board shall constitute a quorum. All matters submitted to the Elder Board shall be determined by a majority vote of those board members present at the meeting when the matter is submitted, unless otherwise specified by the Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE III. – Selection of Members of the Elder Board

Sec. I. Nominations of prospective Board members will be accepted from the congregation and will be prayerfully considered for the office of elder in accordance with the following procedure:

Procedures for Nominees:
A. Any nominee must be an official member of Calvary Bible Church, baptized since saved, and faithful in attendance.
B. Any nominee must meet the biblical qualifications for elder. The Elder Board will make a list of the qualifications available.
C. Each nominee will be limited to one nomination.

Procedure for Nomination:
A. Nominations will be submitted in writing to the Elder board during the month of December, and no later than December 31.
B. Nominations can only be made by official members of Calvary Bible Church.
C. Nomination slips will be signed by the nominator and the nominee. In doing so you say: a.) I am willing to serve; b.) I believe I meet the qualifications to serve, should God choose me.
D. Those who nominate will be limited to one nomination.

Sec. II. Following the submittal of nominees, the Elder Board will seek God’s leading and present three nominees to the congregation, in keeping with present constitutional process. From these three nominees two will be approved by majority vote to fill annual vacancies from the Board. The third will remain an inactive alternate for the following year in the event that an elder cannot complete his term.

Sec. III. Notice of all nominations shall be printed in two consecutive Sunday bulletins with the notice of the annual congregational meeting.

Sec IV. In the event that one or more of the men presented by the Board does not receive the approval of the members present, the Board will present the necessary number of nominees for the approval of the membership at a special congregational meeting to be held within thirty days. Notice of the nominations shall be printed in two consecutive Sunday bulletins prior to the special congregational meeting.

ARTICLE IV. – Application for Membership
Sec. I. It is my desire to be received into membership of the Calvary Bible Church of Hanover, PA. I have read carefully the Constitution and By-Laws of this church and I agree to abide by them. In assuming this membership I agree to be loyal to the interests of this church, to be subject to its discipline, and to contribute to its support as the Lord shall prosper me.

If at any time I find myself out of harmony with the Constitution or By-Laws of this church, or if my conduct or belief is called in question, or if I have any grievance against this church, I agree to submit the differences or charges to the Elder Board, and I agree to abide by the decision of the Elder Board or to authorize the Elder Board to remove my name from the roll of the church membership.

In case I fail to communicate with the church for a period of six months, or make no reply to its communications addressed to me, I authorize the Elder Board to remove my name from the membership roll.

ARTICLE V. – Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation, provided that notice of the proposed amendments has been printed in two consecutive Sunday bulletins prior to a congregational meeting.