Contact Us
- Phone: (614) 844-4477
- Email:
- Mailing Address: 6200 Linworth Road, Worthington, OH 43085
ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this church is Linworth Baptist Church.
ARTICLE II - Authority
The local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by the covenant of faith and the fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by New Testament doctrine; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by the Word; that its officers are Pastor and Deacons; and that the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity.
The local church has the biblical right of self-government under the authority of Christ and should be free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations. In matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the local church shall make its own decisions subject solely to God's Word (Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 20:17-28; 1 Timothy 3:1-15; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23-24).
ARTICLE III - Fellowship
It is scriptural for churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel, but each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The church’s fellowship shall be based on and in harmony with the principles taught in the Word of God.
ARTICLE IV - Membership
Section 1 - Types of Membership
Section 2 - Reception into Membership
Section 3 - Removal of Members
ARTICLE V – Officers
Section 1 – Senior Pastor
Section 2 - Pastoral Staff
Additional members to the pastoral staff will be called and dismissed in the same manner as the Senior Pastor. They will exemplify godly character, be in harmony with the doctrine and philosophy of the church, and give evidence of spiritual gifts appropriate for their specific areas of ministry. They will work with the Senior Pastor and under his direction.
Section 3 - Deacons
Section 4 - Appointments and Committees
The Deacons shall annually select from their own number a Vice-Chairman/Vice Moderator to serve in the absence of the Senior Pastor, and a Secretary and Assistant Secretary to keep records for the Board of Deacons. They shall also annually appoint individuals and committees necessary for carrying on the various ministries of the Church. They shall be responsible for maintaining a current job description for each of these positions and committees specifying the duties and authority of each.
All appointments, committee chairs, ministry leaders, head teachers in Christian Education ministries, and the officers of any auxiliary organization shall be members of the church in good standing.
ARTICLE VI - Church Meetings
Section 1 - Regular Meetings
The church will meet for public worship of Almighty God on the first day of the week. In addition, there will be times set aside for prayer and Bible Study during the week. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper will be observed by the church on the first Sunday of each month, except on special occasions when it may be changed by the Senior Pastor. Baptismal services will be arranged whenever there are candidates.
Section 2 - Business Meetings
The Annual Business Meeting of the Church will be held in the first quarter of the fiscal year at a date to be determined by the Board of Deacons. Special meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor or, in his absence, by the Board of Deacons. Such meetings will require a previous announcement at the regular Sunday services preceding said business meeting.
ARTICLE VII - Financial Policy
The operating expense money shall be raised in public services by receiving the offerings of God's people. Special solicitation of funds will be sanctioned by and under the direction of the Senior Pastor and Deacons.
ARTICLE VIII - Amendments
This Constitution may be amended at any annual or specially called business meeting of the church by a majority vote of the members present, providing amendments have been posted or presented at the regular Sunday services for two Sundays preceding said Business Meeting.
Revised January 31, 2016