Pratt Bible Church is an independent fundamental church. We are a body of like-minded believers in Jesus Christ. We believe our church follows the pattern of new testament churches established throughout the known world then. While we are autonomous in our organization, we do associate with other independent churches through the IFCA International for resources and fellowship.

Pratt Bible Church is led by the elders of the church which includes the pastor. We believe that church membership and attendance is important for praise and worship unto God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Worship is also for edification, supplication and fellowship of the saints, evangelism through missions, outreach and bible teaching.

We believe salvation only comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion is an outward display of said faith. We remember Jesus’ sacrifice through communion service the first Sunday of each month.

CONSTITUTION

of the

PRATT BIBLE CHURCH, INC.

Pratt (Pratt County), Kansas

PREAMBLE

Whereas, the word of God demands that a Christian organization not only conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice (Psalms 119:105; Galatians 1:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:1-5), but also that all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

The purpose of this church is the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the world, the edifying of Christians through the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit, the promotion of godly worship, the defense of the faith once delivered unto the saints, and encouraging of fellowship with all Christians of like precious faith, who operate or function in harmony with God’s holy word, till Jesus Christ comes again (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; Mark 16:15; Ephesians 4:12-16; Psalms 95:6; Jude 3; 1 John 1:3).

Therefore, we the members of the Pratt Bible Church of Pratt, Kansas set forth by this present document, the Constitution and By-laws in accordance with which our affairs, spiritual and material, shall be conducted.

ARTICLE I

Name

The name of this church shall be Pratt Bible Church, as Incorporated; under the laws of the state of Kansas.

ARTICLE II

Doctrinal Statement

The congregation acknowledges and accepts as its doctrinal statement the following:

1. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

We believe the Holy scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writing, infallible and God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12, 13).

2. THE GODHEAD

We believe in the Triune God, eternally existing in three persons – – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – – co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

3. THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1, 2, 4; Luke 1:35).

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice and; our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24, 25; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5).

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, lntercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Hebrews 9:24, 7:25; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1, 2).

4. THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy_Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and; that He is the Divine Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling, and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Corinthians 3:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13, 14).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Divine Teacher who guides in all truth and; that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Holy Spirit, thus making a godly life possible (John 16:13; Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 5:18).

We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14, 15; James 5:14-16).

We believe the Bible identifies and describes the Spiritual Gifts given to individual believers by the Holy Spirit for building up of the Body of Christ (the Church). We believe that the modern charismatic movement is out of step with Biblical truth, therefore the Pratt Bible Church does not allow the practice of “sign” gifts in public worship or any church sanctioned meeting.

5. THE SIN NATURE OF MAN

We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, became alienated from God and; that all men are sinful and; that of themselves, utterly unable to remedy their lost condition (Genesis 1:26, 27; Romans 3:22, 23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12).

6. SALVATION

We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18, 19).

7. THE ETERNAL SECURITY AND ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS

We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38, 39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8;1 Peter 1:5).

We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 13:13, 14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

8. THE TWO NATURES OF THE BELIEVER

We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and; all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Romans 6:13; 8:12, 13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).

9. SEPARATION

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord and; that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Romans 12:1, 2; 14:13; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 7:11).

10. MISSIONS

We believe it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scriptures and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20).

11. THE CHURCH

We believe that the Church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present age (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2)

We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).

We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

We believe in water baptism by immersion only; that baptism is not necessary for salvation but that it is necessary for obedience, and that we might be identified with our Lord in His death, burial and resurrection (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41, 42; 8:37, 38; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Romans 6:3, 4; Colossians 2:12).

12. THE PERSONALITY OF SATAN

We believe Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6, 7; lsaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11; 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

13. THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST

We believe in that “Blessed Hope”, the personal, imminent, pretribulational and premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones at the Rapture, to be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ and His subsequent return to earth with His saints to establish His Millennial Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 19:11-16; 2O:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9; Revelation 3:10)

14. THE ETERNAL STATE

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men; the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 27; Revelation 20:5, 6, 12, 13).

We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; Revelation 28:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (Luke 16:19-26; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6, 7; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:11-15).

15. ORDINANCES

We recognize the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41, 42; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

16. THE BIBLE AND DISPENSATIONS

We believe that since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, the truths and examples of the Old Testament remain valid,‘and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.’ The Old Testament, while dealing specifically with the nation Israel, and ordaining covenants between it and God, yet lays the foundation for the ministry of Christ and the larger framework of grace that promises blessings to all who accept the gift of salvation (Hebrews 13:8; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:16, 17).

We believe that Jesus came not to destroy the Old Testaments law, but to fulfill it, and that His coming represents a new dispensational age, and New Testament teachings now guide His followers, the Church. All doctrine necessary for salvation and service are complete in the inspired writings of the New Testament, and all who trust Jesus Christ are joint heirs with him in God’s riches (Matthew 5:17; Leviticus 25; John 3:16).

ARTICLE III

Membership

Membership of this congregation shall be all persons who seek membership under the following conditions: who publicly confess Jesus Christ as Savior, and who subscribe to the doctrinal statements set forth in Article ll hereof; who lead a Christian life, and have an earnest desire to separate themselves from the things of the world; who attend services faithfully; who submit, for the sake of love and peace, to the regulations already made or still to be made by this body, provided they do not conflict with the Word of God and; who suffer brotherly admonishment when having erred or offended.

The names of those members received into fellowship shall be kept on permanent record by the secretary of the Official Board, or someone appointed by the Official Board for that purpose.

Any member, who by reason of residence, occupation or other circumstance, finds it temporarily impossible to attend services at the Pratt Bible Church, or to participate in its activities, may be placed on the inactive Membership Roll of the church, by action of the Board of Elders.

The Board of Elders shall interview and submit all applicants for membership to the church, first determining that the applicant subscribes to the doctrinal statements set forth in Article ll hereof, and otherwise agrees with and conforms to the intents of the Article III. (Personal testimony is required; letters will not suffice.)

Members may be dismissed from the fellowship of this assembly when guilty of any offense which affects the interests of this assembly, by a majority vote of the Elders then in office, but only after proper counseling.

It shall be the responsibility of every member of this congregation to contribute according as God leads him toward the maintenance of the church and its missionary program and, in general, to assist in bearing the expenses and sharing the duties and services of this congregation.

It is the expressed purpose of the Pratt Bible Church to be led by a godly Board of Elders with the input and involvement of the congregation. The responsibility of leadership will be on the Board of Elders alone to lead and oversee in a godly manner.

ARTICLE IV

Congregational Meetings

A congregational meeting shall be held annually for the purpose of reporting on activities of the church and to conduct such business as necessary. This meeting shall be held on or near the last Sunday of June.

Matters of business needing congregational approval are:

1) Changes in the church constitution.

2) Election to the elder board.

3) Calling and dismissal of a pastor.

4) Support of missionaries.

5) Any significant expenditure of monies.

The recommendation of the Board will be made to the congregation for their approval or rejection. Any matters not approved will be sent back to the Board for review.

Special meetings may be called by the pastor or Board when deemed necessary to expedite these areas of business. These meetings will be announced at a regular service of the church.

ARTICLE V

Elders and Deacons –

The governing responsibilities of the Pratt Bible Church shall be vested in the Board of Elders:

1) The Board of Elders will consist of no more than six members.

2) They will be men who exhibit the qualities of 1 Timothy

3 and Titus l, and who desire to serve.

3) Each member will serve a three-year term.

4) Two members will be chosen each year.

5) The Board of Elders will submit two names to the congregation for their consideration for the two vacancies.

6) The names will be printed in three successive bulletins before the meeting. Acceptance will be by majority vote.

7) Absentee votes will be allowed for illness or extenuating circumstances and must be given to the pastor before the vote.

The duties of the Elders will include but are not limited to the following:

1) Conduct business of the church.

2) Approval of teachers, etc., as needed.

3) Oversee the spiritual needs of the church.

The Board of Elders will choose a chairman each year as well as a secretary. The chairman will assist in leading the Board meetings and represent the Board to the congregation.

The secretary will take minutes of Board meetings and congregational meetings. He is also to keep an official record of members. As the need arises, the Board of Elders may appoint a Deacon Board to oversee the physical aspects of the church. They shall not be more than six members and be accountable to the Board of Elders.

Any elder or deacon may resign their office by submitting their resignation in writing to the pastor or Board chairman. Any member of either Board may be removed by majority vote of the Elders.

ARTICLE VI

Pastor

The Board of Elders will serve as pulpit committee. They will be responsible for receiving and reviewing resumes, conducting preliminary interviews, and submitting quality candidates to the church.

Each candidate will be handled separately before another is considered.

Majority vote of the Elders will determine whether he is submitted to the church for approval. Their approval must be a majority.

The pastor will have a vote on Elder and Deacon Boards. He will serve until his resignation or removal from office. A pastor may be removed from office by the same sequence with which he was approved.

ARTICLE VII

Missionaries

The Pratt Bible Church will be a missions minded church. Missionaries must be approved by the Board of Elders and then submitted to the church. They will be in doctrinal alignment and agreement with our stated doctrinal position.

ARTICLE VIII

Alteration of the Constitution

Alteration or repeal of any part of this Constitution shall require two consecutive meetings of the Board of Elders, called specifically for that purpose. A majority vote shall be required to effect such alteration or repeal.

ARTICLE IX

Finances

The finances of the church shall be provided by the Lord’s people who desire to share according to the way the Lord has prospered them. The church shall at no time engage in shows, bazaars, socials, or other schemes to raise money to carry on the Lord’s work.

ARTICLE X

Ordination

It shall be within the power of the Board of Elders of the Pratt Bible Church to call and conduct a council for ordination. The pastor is to have charge of the service, and may invite any other minister for this ordination, providing he is approved by the Elders then in office.

The Elders of this church, or others invited to take part in the ordination, may thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination as to their Christian experience. The Elders of the Pratt Bible Church shall have the power to deny any applicants’ ordinations who do not qualify.

ARTICLE XI

Dissolution Clause

No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall benefit or be distributed to its members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Constitution.

If the Corporation is dissolved, the Board of Elders shall first pay all outstanding debts of the Corporation. Any assets that remain shall be transferred to another non-profit organization with similar doctrinal positions and goal for carrying on the Lord’s work, as the Board of Elders shall determine.