Our History

What began 150 years ago with Swedish immigrants as First Baptist, joining together years later with Eden Baptist, is an active local body of believers. Today, Stromsburg Baptist Church remains faithful to the Bible as the infallible Word of God. We are part of the Converge Heartland Conference, and believe in The Great Commission and in missions to the community of Stromsburg, the surrounding areas, and to the ends of the earth. We value global missions and have relationships with missionaries all over the globe. We are a growing congregation who welcome all to join us and be transformed by Our Lord. Sunday mornings, we gather together to be encouraged, edified, and ultimately to glorify God through gathering, prayer, singing songs of praise, and sound biblical preaching.

What We Believe

Statement Of Faith 

WE BELIEVE IN THE WORD OF GOD - We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

WE BELIEVE IN THE TRINITY - We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption.

WE BELIEVE IN GOD, OUR FATHER - We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.

WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT - We believe in the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.

WE BELIEVE IN REGENERATION - We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual, and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and sin by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent, forsake sin, and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life.

WE BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH - We believe in the universal Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local Church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship.

WE BELIEVE IN CHRISTIAN CONDUCT - We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.

WE BELIEVE IN THE ORDINANCES - We believe the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local Church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ to commemorate His death. These two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE IN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY - We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.

WE BELIEVE IN CHURCH COOPERATION - We believe local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the Church's will. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time.

WE BELIEVE IN THE LAST THINGS - We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.

Our Church Constitution

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STROMSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH OF STROMSBURG, NEBRASKA

ARTICLE 1. NAME AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1 - Name: The name of this organization is the Stromsburg Baptist Church.

Section 2 - Organization: The organization of the First Baptist Church of Stromsburg, Nebraska took place on July 12, 1873. The Eden Baptist Church was organized in Stromsburg on September 18, 1895. On October 6, 1933 these two merged to become the Stromsburg Baptist Church.

Section 3 - Affiliation: The governing body of Stromsburg Baptist Church (SBC) is vested in the Body of Believers who compose the membership of the church. SBC is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body but is affiliated with Converge and the Converge Heartland District.

Section 4 - Incorporation: The organization is incorporated in the County of Polk, State of Nebraska.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

Section 1 - Purpose: The purpose of this Church shall be the worship of God according to the teaching of His Word, the administration of the ordinances of the New Testament, the spiritual growth of its members, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ here and throughout the world.

Section 2 - Statement of Faith:

I. THE WORD OF GOD

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31-32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32

II.  THE TRINITY

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. Gen. 1:1, 26; John 1:1, 3; Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; Rom. 1:19-20; Eph. 4:5-6

III.  GOD THE FATHER

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21-22; Matt. 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Rom. 1:7;  1 Tim. 1:1-2; 2:5-6;  1 Pet. 1:3; Rev. 1:6

IV.  JESUS CHRIST

We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings.  We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. Matt. 1:18-25; 20:28; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28, 30-31; Acts 1:11; Rom. 5:6-8; 6:9-10; 9:5; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 7:25; 9:28; 1  Pet. 2:21-23

V. THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:9-14; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26

VI. REGENERATION

We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and sin by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. Gen. 1:26; 2:17; 3; Ps.51:7; Prov. 28:13; Ecc. 2:11; Jer. 17:9; John 1:13; 3:14, 16; 5:24, 30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Rom. 3:19; 5:19; 8:1; 9:22; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Thes. 1:9; James 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 19:3, 20; 20:10, 14,15; 21:18

VII. THE CHURCH

We believe in the universal Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. Acts 1:8; 2:42; Eph. 2:19-22; 5:19-21; Heb. 10:23-25

VIII. CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. John 14:15, 23-24; Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 4:2; 10:31; 2 Cor. 9:6-9; Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 12:1-2; 1 John 2:3-6

IX. THE ORDINANCES

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 11:23-26

 X. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

We believe that every human being has direct relations with God and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.  Rom. 14:7-9, 12; 1 Tim. 2:5

 XI. CHURCH COOPERATION

We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Acts 15:36, 41; 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:1; Gal. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4, 10, 11

XII. THE LAST THINGS

We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. Matt. 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 4:5; 15; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thes.4:15; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15

XIII. THE SANCTITY OF LIFE

We believe that because all human life is created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27; James 3:9), it is therefore of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death (Psalm 139). We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Gen. 9:6; Exo. 20:13; Matt. 22:36-40). Furthermore, every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31).

XIII. SEX AND MARRIAGE

We believe God creates each person in His image distinctly, immutably, and biologically as male or female (Gen. 1:26-27). Therefore, one’s divinely determined biological sex should not be rejected. Furthermore, we believe marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union ordained by God (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:4-6). Sexual intimacy should occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). Any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual behavior, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).

ARTICLE III. CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and on the confession of our faith, having followed the Lord's example in the waters of baptism, thus demonstrating our identification in His death, burial, and resurrection; we do now in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and influence; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as the Lord has prospered, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to encourage one another in family and private devotions and the instruction of our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul; to abstain from all appearances of evil, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to abstain from backbiting, slander and excessive anger; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Lord.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Lord, to secure it without delay.

We also engage to reverence the house of worship, not to willfully forsake the assembling of ourselves together; and to prohibit everything that is worldly or that is not within the spirit of this covenant or that would not bring praise and glory to God.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

 ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

Members of this church shall be:

Clause 1. Believers in Jesus Christ who have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and given evidence of regeneration; 

Clause 2. Who have been baptized by immersion as believers in obedience to Christ; 

Clause 3. Who hold without mental reservation the doctrines of our church as expressed in the Statement of Faith; and 

Clause 4. Who promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant. 

Section 2

Clause 1. An Applicant shall be received as a Member of the church upon the recommendation of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of at least three-quarters of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting. 

Clause 2. No Member of this church shall retain membership in any other church. 

Section 3

Members shall be expected:

Clause 1. To participate actively in the life of the church by regularly attending its Lord’s Day meetings; 

Clause 2. To faithfully observing its ordinances, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; 

Clause 3. To submit to its discipline and instruction; and 

Clause 4. To attend, as frequently as possible, its Members’ Meetings. 

Non-Members shall not:

Clause 5. Lead, direct, nor in any way oversee a ministry of the church.

Clause 6. Hold a church office.

Section 4. 

Clause 1. The church shall recognize the termination of a person’s membership following his or her death, and may do so following his or her voluntary resignation or joining of another church. 

Clause 2. The church shall have authority to exercise discipline over its Members, which may involve excluding from its membership any member consistently neglectful of the duties enumerated in Article IV, Sections 1 and 3, or guilty of scandalous conduct by which the reputation of Christ or His church is dishonored.  Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 and those of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and 2 Corinthians 2:6-8. 

Clause 3. The church shall have authority to refuse a Member’s voluntary resignation or transfer of membership to another church, either for the purpose of proceeding with a process of church discipline, or for any other reason the church deems necessary or prudent. 

Clause 4. A Member shall be removed from membership as a matter of church discipline upon the recommendation of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of at least three-quarters of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting.

ARTICLE V. MEETINGS

Section 1 – The Regular Worship Meetings of the Church shall include, but not be limited to, a Sunday Worship Service.

Section 2 – Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Church shall be from January 1 to December 31.

Section 3 – Members’ Meetings of the Church:

a) The annual meeting of the Church shall be held during the month of January for the purpose of reviewing annual reports, affirming the church officers, approving, once in every year, a church budget, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting. 

b) The quarterly meetings will be held during the months of April, July, and October. 

c) Special meetings of the membership may be called at any time by the Elders or the Church- Chairman. Notice of special meetings, unless otherwise required by law or other provision in this constitution, shall be given by public announcement from the pulpit at any regular worship service one week prior to such meeting and said notice posted on a commonly used public posting bulletin board for that same week. Such notice shall include time, place, and purpose of the meeting. A quorum for the transaction of business at any special meeting shall be 33% of the active resident membership. 

d) The church, duly assembled in a Members’ Meeting, shall be responsible to: 

1. Affirm elders and deacons; 

2. Receive Applicants into church membership; 

3. Recognize termination of membership due to death, transfer of membership, or voluntary resignation; 

4. Exercise church discipline; 

5. Approve, once in every year, a church budget; 

6. Hear reports from the church officers, the Elders, the Deacons, the Deaconesses, and from various committees. 

7. Take any other action they deem necessary or desirable. 

Section 4 - Eligible Voters: Only active members of the Church shall be eligible to vote. Except where the legal requirement is affixed to the action of the Church, the minimum voting age shall be 16. 

Section 5 - Members Meetings shall proceed according to Roberts Rules of order and the Members present shall constitute a quorum to do business.  

Section 6 - Voting:  

a. Voting shall be by raise of hands or voice, unless a secret ballot is called for.

b. The affirmative vote of a majority of eligible voters casting votes shall constitute favorable action on all regular business and election activity unless otherwise specified by Constitution or By-Law.

c. Special business shall be governed by provisions of law or of this constitution.

d. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.

e. Members must be physically present in order to vote. For the purposes of this Constitution, “present” shall be defined as physically present. 

ARTICLE VI. GOVERNMENT

Section 1 – Congregation 

The biblical offices in the church shall be Elders and Deacons, but final earthly authority is vested in the assembled congregation. 

Section 2. Council of Elders 

Clause 1. Oversight of the ministry, resources, and facilities of the church shall be vested in a Council of Elders, which shall be comprised of not fewer than three men who satisfy the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.  

Clause 2. Elders shall be selected as follows: The Council of Elders shall at any regular Members’ Meeting present to the church a list of nominees to the office of Elder. For a period of at least three months, the church shall consider whether such nominees are qualified for the office. If any Member believes one or more of the nominees to be unqualified, that Member shall express such concern to the Elders, who may, on the basis of that advice, remove names from the list of nominees. No name shall be added to the list of nominees which was not included on the initial list. When a period of three months has elapsed, the Elders shall, at the next regular Members’ Meeting, present a final list of nominees to the church, who shall vote Yea or Nay on each of the nominees in turn. The Church Chairman or his delegates shall count the votes, and any nominee having the approval of at least three-quarters of the Members present and voting on his nomination shall be an Elder. The church shall in due haste publicly recognize and set apart for the ministry all men confirmed by this action.  

Clause 3. In accordance with 1 Timothy 2:12 and 3:2, women shall not serve as Elders.  

Clause 4. A majority of the Elders shall be laymen, that is, church members not in the regular pay of the church.  

Clause 5. With the exceptions of the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastors, as defined in Article VI Sections 3.4 and 4.4 of this Constitution, Elders shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially, in accordance with the process described in Article VI Section 2.2 of this Constitution, and having served two consecutive three-year terms, shall not be eligible for re-election for one year unless approved by the Council of Elders and affirmed by the members.  

Clause 6. No Elder shall hold the office of Deacon during his tenure as Elder.  

Clause 7. The Council of Elders shall choose their own Chairman and other Officers and shall direct their meetings as they are lead.

Clause 8. The Elders shall, in keeping with the principles set forth in the Scriptures, especially Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; James 5:14; and 1 Peter 5:1-4, undertake the responsibility of shepherding God’s flock by devoting themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. They shall have particular authority to:

a) Plan and oversee worship services; 

b) Oversee the ordinances, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; 

c) Examine and instruct prospective members; 

d) Oversee the process of church discipline; 

e) Examine and recommend candidates for all offices and positions; 

f) Oversee the work of the Deacons/Deaconesses and all other agents of the church; 

g) Hire, oversee, evaluate the performance of, and, when necessary, terminate paid church staff; and 

h) Take any other action which shall be necessary and proper for faithfully overseeing and shepherding the church.  

Clause 9. The Council of Elders shall be the church’s sole authoritative interpreters of scripture.  

Clause 10. An Elder shall be removed from office upon the vote of two-thirds of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 and those of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 5:17-21.   

Clause 11. In the event that the Church has no Elders, the Church shall, at the next Regular Members’ Meeting, elect an Interim Chairman, who may nominate men to serve as elders or, at each subsequent regular Members’ Meeting, nominate one or more men to serve as Elders, pursuant to Article VI Section 2.2 of this Constitution, until an Elder is elected. The office of Interim Chairman shall dissolve immediately upon the election of an Elder.  

Section 3. Senior Pastor 

Clause 1. Primary responsibility for preaching and teaching the Scriptures in public meetings of the church may be vested in a Senior Pastor.  Only one Senior Pastor may be recognized at a time.  

Clause 2. The Senior Pastor shall be selected as follows: It shall be the duty of the Council of Elders to prayerfully consider qualified candidates to serve as the Senior Pastor. After careful consideration, the Elders shall, at a specially called Members’ Meeting, present to the church the name of one nominee to the position of Senior Pastor and arrange time for the candidate to visit and speak to the church. For a period of at least two weeks, the church shall consider the nominee’s gifts in preaching and teaching, and his commitment to minister personally to the members of this church. If any Member believes the nominee to be unqualified, that Member shall express such concern to the Elders. When a period of two weeks has elapsed, the Elders shall, at the next Members’ Meeting, present the nominee for Senior Pastor to the membership; who shall vote Yea or Nay on his selection as such. The Church Chairman or his delegates shall count the votes, and if the nominee receives the approval of at least three-quarters of the Members present and voting on the question, he shall be a Member of the church, an Elder, and the Senior Pastor, whom the church shall in due haste publicly recognize and set apart for the ministry to the church. 

Clause 3. The Senior Pastor shall meet all the qualifications and hold all the rights and responsibilities of a Member of the church. He shall satisfy all the qualifications and hold all the duties and responsibilities of an Elder.  In terms of formal authority, there shall be no distinction between an Elder and the Senior Pastor.  

Clause 4. The Senior Pastor shall not be subject to a reaffirmation vote, nor to any term limit.  

Clause 5. The Senior Pastor shall be removed from office and his employment terminated upon the vote of two-thirds of the Members present and voting on the question brought only by the Elders at any Members’ Meeting. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 and those of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 5:17-21.  

Section 4.  Associate or Assistant Pastors 

Clause 1. Other particular pastoral responsibilities intended to be of a long-term nature may be vested in one or more Associate Pastors. Other particular pastoral responsibilities expected to be of a short-term nature may be vested in one or more Assistant Pastors. 

Clause 2. An Associate Pastor or an Assistant Pastor shall be selected as follows: The Elders shall at any regular Members’ Meeting present to the church the name of one nominee to the position of Associate Pastor or Assistant Pastor. For a period of at least two weeks, the church shall consider the nominee’s gifts in the particular area of service to which he is being called, and his commitment to minister personally to the members of this church. If any Member believes the nominee to be unqualified, that Member shall express such concern to the Elders. When a period of two weeks has elapsed, the Elders shall, at the next Members’ Meeting, present the nominee for Associate Pastor or Assistant Pastor to the Membership; who shall vote Yea or Nay on his selection as such. The Church Chairman or his delegates shall count the votes, and if the nominee receives the approval of at least three-quarters of the Members present and voting on the question, he shall be a Member of the church and an Associate Pastor or Assistant Pastor, whom the church shall in due haste publicly recognize as such.  

Clause 3. An Associate Pastor or Assistant Pastor shall meet all the qualifications and hold all the rights and responsibilities of a Member of the church. If it is determined by the Elders that the Associate should be an elder and hold all the duties and responsibilities of an Elder, he shall be presented to the church in the same manner as other Elders Article VI Section 2.2. In terms of formal authority, there shall be no distinction between an Elder and an Associate Pastor who has been affirmed as an Elder. 

Clause 4. An Associate Pastor shall not be subject to a reaffirmation vote, nor to any term limit.

Clause 5. Due to the short-term nature of the position, an Assistant Pastor shall not be an Elder.

Clause 6. An Associate Pastor or Assistant Pastor shall be removed from office and his employment terminated upon the vote of two-thirds of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 and those of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 5:17-21.  

Section 5. Deacons and Deaconesses 

Clause 1. Particular service to the church shall be provided by Deacons/Deaconesses, the number of which shall vary as the church has need, and who shall satisfy the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  

Clause 2. The Deacons/Deaconesses shall not meet together regularly as a body. Each diaconate position shall serve a particular need of the church, and shall be created or dissolved upon the recommendation of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of a majority of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting.  

Clause 3. Deacons/Deaconesses shall be selected as follows: The Council of Elders shall, at any regular Members’ Meeting, present to the members a list of nominees to the office of Deacon/Deaconess. For a period of at least one month, the members shall then consider whether such nominees are qualified for the office. If any Member believes one or more of the nominees to be unqualified, that Member shall express such concern to the Elders, who may, on the basis of that advice remove names from the list of nominees. No name shall be added to the list of nominees which was not included on the initial list. When a period of one month has elapsed, the Elders shall, at the next regular Members’ Meeting, present a final list of nominees to the church, who shall vote Yea or Nay on each of the nominees in turn. The Church Chairman or his delegates shall count the votes, and any nominee having the approval of two-thirds of the Members present and voting on his nomination shall be a Deacon/Deaconess, whom the church shall in due haste publicly recognize and set apart as such.  

Clause 4. No Deacon/Deaconess shall hold the office of Elder during his or her term, nor more than one Diaconate.  

Clause 5. Deacons/Deaconesses shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially, in accordance with the process described in Article IV Section 5.3 of this Constitution.  

Clause 6. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6, Deacons/Deaconesses shall not exercise a ministry of spiritual authority, but shall support the Elders’ ministry of the Word, work to maintain the unity of the church, and care for the physical needs of the church.  

Clause 8. The church may recognize Deacons/Deaconesses to take responsibility for:

a) Seeing that the sick, the sorrowing, the aged, and the infirm receive spiritual and physical comfort; 

b) Leading the hospitality ministries of the church; 

c) Attending to the normal care and maintenance of church properties; 

d) Receiving, holding, and disbursing a fund for benevolence, and for reporting from time to time on the use of such funds to both the Elders and the church; 

e) Attending to the accommodations for public worship; 

f) Assisting in distributing the elements during the Lord’s Supper; and 

g) Serving in other specific capacities as the church has need.  

Clause 9. No person or group shall solicit money on behalf of the church or any of its ministries without the approval of the Elders. 

Clause 10. A Deacon/Deaconess may be removed from office by a decision of the Elders, or upon the recommendation of the Elders.  

Clause 11. In the event a diaconate position becomes vacant, the Elders may appoint a person to fill that position and assume its responsibilities, until such time as some person can be duly recognized by the church as a Deacon/Deaconess, but not longer than two consecutive Members’ Meetings.

ARTICLE VII. ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. Church Chairman 

The Council of Elders will select an Elder to serve as the Church Chairman, who will be presented to the church at the annual Members Meeting for affirmation. The Church Chairman will moderate all Members meetings and oversee the business of the church as directed in the By-Laws. In compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of Nebraska, the Council of Elders shall serve as the Board of Directors of the Corporation, and the Church Chairman shall serve as the president of the corporation.

Section 2. Church Clerk 

Clause 1. The Council of Elders shall select a Church Clerk, who shall be presented to the church at the annual Members Meeting for affirmation. The Church Clerk shall record the minutes of all regular and special Members’ meetings of the church, keep an accurate roll of the membership, and give reports as requested by the Council of Elders. In compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of Nebraska, the Clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation. 

Clause 2. No Person shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms as Church Clerk unless approved by a majority vote of the members. 

Clause 3. The Church Clerk shall be removed from office only upon the recommendation of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of a majority of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting.  

Section 3. Church Treasurer 

Clause 1. The council of Elders shall select a Church Treasurer, who shall be presented to the church at the annual Members meeting for affirmation.

Clause 2. The Church Treasurer shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as designated by the Council of Elders. The Church Treasurer shall also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent of the church.

Clause 3. The Church Treasurer shall render to the Council of Elders at least once in every month, or whenever they may require it, an account of all financial transactions and of the financial condition of the church. The Church Treasurer shall also be responsible for presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues, and expenses of the church at regular Members’ Meetings.  

Clause 4. The Church Treasurer, with the oversight of the Council of Elders, shall present to the church at the annual Members’ Meeting of every fiscal year an annual budget, which shall be considered and voted upon by the church at the final regular Members’ Meeting of every fiscal year. The budget shall be adopted upon the motion of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of a majority of the Members present and voting on the question.  

Clause 5. In the event of a failure by the Church to approve a new Budget by the beginning of the new Fiscal Year, church Staff shall continue to be compensated as specified by the most recent adopted Budget, with its amendments, but no other spending shall be authorized until such time as a new Budget is adopted at any Members’ Meeting. In such an event, the Elders may call Special Members’ Meetings, their sole order of business being the consideration of a Budget, with one day’s notice by correspondence to the Members of the Church.  

Clause 6. Once adopted, the total amount budgeted shall not be overspent. The Council of Elders shall have responsibility to oversee and faithfully disburse the budget. Amendments to the budget shall be adopted upon the motion of the Council of Elders and the subsequent agreement of a majority of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting. 

Clause 7. No Person shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms as Church Treasurer unless approved by a majority vote of the members.  

Clause 8. No paid staff member of the church shall be eligible for the office of Church Treasurer. 

Clause 9. The Church Treasurer shall be removed from office only upon the recommendation of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of a majority of the Members present and voting on the question at any Members’ Meeting. 

Section 4. Church Financial Secretary

Clause 1. The Council of Elders shall select a Church Financial Secretary who shall be presented to the church at the annual Members meeting for affirmation.

Clause 2. The Financial Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all monies received and shall deposit the funds in a bank or banks approved by the Council of Elders. After each deposit the Church Treasurer and Church Chairman shall be informed of the same including any designated contributions. The Financial Secretary shall keep a record of the names and offerings of individual givers and provide an annual statement of such gifts to each giver and retain a copy of such gifts for seven years. The Financial Secretary shall submit to the Members at each quarterly and annual meetings, a detailed account of all monies received during the previous period.

Clause 3. The financial policy of this Church and of all auxiliary organizations, is predicated upon personal, voluntary giving as an act of worship. All budgetary promotions and additional appeals shall yield to the Free-will principle. All designated gifts shall be honored or returned to the donor.

ARTICLE VIII. CHURCH PROPERTY

Section 1. Possession: This Church shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and to hold such real, personal, or intangible property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Nebraska. All such property shall be held the name of the Church.

Section 2. Division: In the event of a division of this Church, from which may God in His mercy save us, the Church property shall belong to those members who abide by this constitution. In the event of question, the matter shall be presented to the Board of Overseers of the Converge Heartland District for a decision.

Section 3. Dissolution: Should conditions arise so the Church work cannot continue, the Church property shall be transferred to the denominations with which the Church is then affiliated.

ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. 

With the exception of Article II, Section 2, Items I through XI, which we consider irrevocable, the Statement of Faith or Church Covenant shall be amended upon the unanimous recommendation of the Elders and the subsequent agreement of three-quarters of the Members voting on the question at any regular Members’ Meeting, provided the Amendment shall have been offered in writing at any previous regular Members’ Meeting, and shall have been announced at every public meeting of the church for two weeks immediately prior to final consideration. 

Section 2. 

This Constitution shall be amended by a vote of three-quarters of the Members voting on the question at any regular Members’ Meeting, provided the Amendment shall have been offered in writing at any previous regular Members’ Meeting, and shall have been announced at every public meeting of the church for two weeks immediately prior to final consideration. 

ARTICLE X. RATIFICATION

This Constitution shall be ratified upon the approval of two-thirds of the Members present and voting on the question at the 2024 Annual Members meeting of the church and shall take effect upon the recognition of at least three Elders.