Name  

This  body  shall  be  known  as  Fairview  Baptist  Church  in  accordance  with  its  certification  in  the Secretary  of State’s office.  

Polity & Governance  

Fairview  Baptist  Church  (henceforth  referred  to  as  Fairview  Church)  was  organized  in  1947  and incorporated  by Charter  under  the  Tennessee  Non-Profit  Corporation  Act  on  March  17,  1998.  It  is a  tax-exempt  entity  under Section  501(c)(3)  of  the  United  States  Internal  Revenue  Code.  When continuing  as  a  “Cooperating  Baptist Church”  with  the  Tennessee  Baptist  Convention  the  non-profit  status  is  documented  by  the  Group  Exemption Determination  letter  issued  to  the Tennessee  Baptist  Convention.  

No  part  of  the  net  earnings  of  the  corporation  shall  inure  to  the benefit  of,  or  be  distributable  to its  members, trustees,  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  Articles  of Incorporation  and  these  bylaws.  No  substantial  part  of  the  activities  of the corporation  shall  be the  carrying  on  of  propaganda,  or  otherwise  attempting  to  influence legislation,  and  the corporation  shall  not  participate  in,  or  intervene  in  (including  the  publishing or  distribution  of statements)  any political  campaign  on  behalf  of  or  in  opposition  to  any candidate  for  public office.  Notwithstanding  any  other provision  of  these  articles,  the  corporation shall  not  carry  on any  other  activities  not  permitted  to  be  carried  on (a)  by  a  corporation exempt  from  federal income  tax  under  section  501(c)(3)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  or the corresponding  section of any  future  federal  tax  code,  or  (b)  by  a  corporation,  contributions  to which  are deductible  under section  170(c)(2)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  or  the  corresponding section  of  any  future federal tax code.  

Upon  the  dissolution  of  the  corporation,  assets  shall  be distributed  for  one  or  more  exempt purposes  within  the meaning  of  section  501(c)(3)  of  the Internal  Revenue  Code,  or  the corresponding  section  of  any  future  federal tax  code,  or  shall  be distributed  to  the  federal government,  or  to  a  state  or  local  government,  for  a  public purpose. Any  such  assets  not  so disposed  of  shall  be  disposed  of  by  a  Court  of  Competent  Jurisdiction of the county  in  which  the principal  office  of  the  corporation  is  then  located,  exclusively  for  such purposes  or  to  such organization  or  organizations,  as  said  Court  shall  determine,  which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.  

The following statements represent our sincerely held religious beliefs:

Statement of Faith  

We  believe  the  Bible  is  God’s  written  word  to  us. It  was  written  by  human authors  under  the supernatural guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  (2  Peter 1:21).  It  is  the  supreme source of  truth  for Christian. beliefs  and  living.  It  is  the truth,  because  it  is  inspired  by  God  without  any  mixture  of  error.  As  such,  it  serves as the ultimate authority for faith and practice in the church.  

We  believe  that  God  is  the  Creator  and  Ruler  of  the  universe.  He  has  eternally  existed  in  three  persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.  

We  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God.  He  is  co-equal  with  the  Father.  Jesus  lived  a  sinless  human  life and  offered  Himself  as  the  perfect  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  all  people  by  dying  on  the  cross.  He  arose  from  the dead  after  three  days  to  demonstrate  His  power  over  sin  and  death.  He  ascended  to  Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

We  believe  that  all  people  are  sinners  both  by  birth  (original  sin)  and  by  action  (volitional  sin).  Sinful  actions represent  a  rejection  of  God’s  authority  by  engaging  in  what  is  deemed  as  wrong  in  Scripture.  Sin  separates  us from  God  (Colossians  1:21)  and  the  penalty  He  has  assigned  for  sin  is  death,  both  physical and spiritual (Romans 6:23).  

The  only  remedy  for  sin  is  the  substitutionary  death  of  Jesus  (Romans  5:8).  We  believe  that  forgiveness  of  sins and  salvation  is  God’s  free  gift  of  grace  to  those  who  receive  it  through  faith  in  Jesus  (Ephesians  2:8-9).  We can  never  make  up  for  our  sin  by  good  works.  Professing  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  alone  for  forgiveness  of  sins  is the  only  way  anyone  can  be  saved  from  sin’s  penalty.  Salvation  includes  both  pardon  from  sin  and  the promise of  eternal  life,  based  solely  on  the  imputation  of  Christ’s  righteousness. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.  

We  believe  that  Fairview  Church  is  to  be  a  congregation  of  regenerated  and  baptized  believers,  united  together around  a  common  commitment  to  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  Gospel.  Members  of  the  church  are  to demonstrate  evidence  of  regeneration  by  living  in  submission  to  the  authority  of  Christ  exercised  through  His Word.  Leaders  in  the  church  are  to  meet  the  qualifications  laid  out  in  Scripture  and are to serve according to the function given in Scripture.  

In  addition  to  the  above  statement  of  faith,  we  also  affirm  the  Baptist  Faith  and  Message  2000  of  the  Southern Baptist Convention.  

Ethical Statements:  

Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life  

We  believe  that  all  human  life  is  sacred  and  created  by  God  in  His  image.  All  human  life  is  worthy  of  dignity and  value,  including  pre-born  babies  (Psalm  139),  the  aged,  the  physically  or  mentally  challenged,  and  every other  stage  or  condition  from  conception  through  natural  death.  We  are  therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.  

Statement on Marriage and Sexuality

 We  believe,  based  on  the  Bible,  that  the  term  “marriage”  refers  to  the  uniting  of  one  man  and  one  woman  in  a  single,  exclusive  union  (Genesis  2:18-25).  We  believe  that  God  intends  sexual  intimacy  to  occur  only  between  a  man  and  a  woman  who  have  been  united  in  marriage;  and  that  sexual  intimacy  outside  of  a  marriage  between  a  man  and  a  woman  is  sinful  and  prohibited  by  the  Lord  (1  Corinthians  6:9-10; 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4).  

We  believe  God  has  wonderfully  created  each  person  as  male  or  female.  These  two  distinct,  complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27).  

Because  of  these  beliefs,  Fairview  Church  regards  any  and  all  forms  of  sexual  immorality,  including  premarital sex,  adultery,  homosexual  behavior,  sexual  harassment  or  assault,  use  of  pornography,  and  any  other  sexual expression  that  is  contrary  to  the  teachings  of  Scripture  as  sinful.  In  addition,  Fairview  Church  holds  actions taken  to  surgically  alter  one’s  biological  sex,  including  chemical  and  hormonal  alterations,  to  a  different biological  sex  as  sinful,  because  the  body  is  God’s  creation  and  He  determines  biology and sexual identity (Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  

Because  Fairview  Church  is  under  the  authority  of  Scripture,  anyone  employed  by  the  church  in  any  way  or united  to  the  church  in  membership  must  agree  with  and  abide  by  this  Statement  on  Marriage  and Sexuality.  

Because  God  has  ordained  marriage  and  defined  it  as  the  covenant  relationship  between  a  man  and  a woman, Fairview  Church  will  only  recognize  marriages  between  a  biological  man  and  a  biological  woman. Further,  the pastors  and  staff  of  Fairview  Church  will  only  officiate  weddings  between  one  man  and  one woman.  In addition, the  building  and  property  of  the  church  will  only  host  weddings  between  one man and one woman.  

While  sinful  sexual  behavior  is  offensive  to  God,  He  graciously  offers  redemption  and  restoration  to  all  who confess  and  repent  of  their  sin,  seeking  His  mercy  and  forgiveness  through  Jesus  Christ  (Rom  10:9-10;  1 Corinthians  6:9-11).  We  believe  every  person  must  be  shown  love,  kindness,  respect,  and  dignity  (Mark  12:28-31; Luke  6:31).  Hateful  and  harassing  behavior  or  attitudes  directed  toward  any  individual are wrong and will not be tolerated at Fairview Church. 

ARTICLE 1 - MEMBERSHIP

1.01. General

The  governance  of  Fairview  Church  is  held  by  her  members  under  the  ultimate  authority  of  Christ.  Jesus  Christ is  the  head  of  the  church  and  the  supreme  authority  over  the  church  body.  The  church  is  not  subject  to  the control  or  authority  of  any  other  ecclesiastical  body.  The  membership  retains  the  exclusive  right  of  self-governance  in  all  aspects  of  church  ministry  and  the  right  to  determine  who  shall  be members and the condition of such membership. 

1.02. Admission

Members  may  be  received  at  any  regular  service  of  the  Church  by  simple  majority  of  those  members  present and voting.

1.03 Candidacy

To  qualify  for  membership  in  this  church,  a  person  must  be  a  believer  in  Jesus  Christ  who  gives  evidence  of regeneration  and  has  been  baptized  in  obedience  to  Christ  following  his  or  her  salvation.  In  addition, they must complete the New Member’s Class.  Any  person  may  offer  himself  as  a  candidate  for  membership  in  this  Church in  any  of  the  following  ways: 

1.  
2. a.     Profession  of  Faith  &  Baptism  :  By  a  public  profession  of  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  by  baptism by immersion in water.  
3. b.     Transfer  : By a promise of letter of recommendation  from another church of like faith.  
4. c.     Statement  of  Faith  :  By  statement  of  prior  conversion  experience  and  baptism  by  immersion  in a church of like faith.  
5. d.     Restoration  :  By  restoration  following  his  or  her  confession  of  error  and  giving  evidence  of  repentance if he or she had been excluded by action of church discipline.

Should  there  be  any  question  regarding  the  membership  of  a  candidate  prior  to  his  or  her  acceptance  by the Church, Pastors will be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. 

1.04. New Member Orientation

New  members  of  the  Church  shall  be  expected  to  participate  in  the  Church’s  class  for  training  in  responsible  church  membership.  This  class  shall  be  conducted  at  intervals  as  needed  and  shall  be  open  to  all  church members.  During  this  orientation,  members  will  be  required  to  agree  to  a  church  covenant.  A sample of the church covenant is located in Article 8. 

1.05. Voting Rights

Every  member  of  the  Church  in  good  standing  is  entitled  to  vote  at  all  elections  and  on  all  questions submitted to  the  Church  in  conference,  provided  the  member  is  present  and  accounted  for.  Membership privileges  and responsibilities  begin  upon  completion  of  the  requirements  for  church  membership. 

1.06. Membership Requirements

Membership  carries  certain  responsibilities.  A  member  is  responsible  for  participating  in  and  contributing  to  the ministry  and  life  of  the  church.  This  responsibility  includes  regular  giving  of  tithes  and  offerings  (2  Corinthians 8:1-9.  Matthew  23:23),  time  and  talents  for  serving  in  ministries  (1  Peter  4:10-11),  and  participation  in  church gatherings  (Hebrews  10:25).  Members  are  responsible  for  representing  Christ  and  the  church  by  refraining  from sinful  behavior  (Romans  1:28-  32,  Galatians  5:19-21).  Members  are  responsible  for  following  biblical  procedures for  church  discipline  where  sin  is  evident  in  the  life  of  another  member,  as  well  as  receiving  and  submitting  to loving  steps  of  church  discipline  from  other  members  and  leaders  (Matthew  18).  Members  are  responsible  for following  appointed church leadership (Hebrews 13:17) and for protecting unity in the church (Ephesians 4:3). 

1.07 Church Discipline

Members of the church are expected to live according to the biblical standards of holiness, as well as  adhere to the church covenant and church doctrine.  When a member knowingly and consistently fails  to live by biblical standards, disciplinary steps will be taken according to the instructions of Jesus in  Matthew 18.  Discipline in the Christian context exists for the purposes of repentance and restoration  rather than punishment in accordance with Galatians 6:1. It is a regular part of Christian life and should  begin with private admonition by a Christian brother or sister with goal of repentance and  reconciliation. If individual does not listen, then the individual is confronted by two or three Christian brothers or sisters with goal of establishing the facts and seeking repentance and reconciliation. If the  individual does not listen, then the situation should be taken to the Pastors of the church. After their  involvement, if the individual is not repentant, the members of the church will be informed of the  individual in order to seek after the individual to bring repentance and reconciliation. If the individual  still does not listen, then they will no longer be able to participate in the privileges of church  membership and Christian community. The church may restore membership to any person previously  removed who exhibits genuine repentance.  

Conduct deemed impermissible and worthy of discipline includes but is not limited to: sexual  immorality (as described in the Statement on Marriage and Sexuality), chemical dependency, gossip  and slander, harassment, sexual or physical abuse or assault, and other behavior that is in clear  opposition to Biblical standards.

1.08. Termination

Membership shall be terminated by the following:

1.  a.     Death.  
2. b.     Transfer  shall be accomplished by any of the following  means:  
   1. i.     By  request  of  another  Baptist  Church  of  like  faith,  a  letter  of  reference  shall  be  provided  by  the  Pastors of  this  Church  directly  to  the  Pastors  of  the  receiving  Church.  Upon confirmation, membership shall be transferred.  
   2. ii.     By  request  of  another  Christian  denomination,  a  letter  of  reference  shall  be  provided  by  the  Pastors  of this  Church  directly  to  the  Pastors  of  the  receiving  Church.  Upon  confirmation, membership shall be transferred.  
3. c.     Exclusion  shall be accomplished by any of the following  means:  
   1. i.     For  church  members:  as  a  culmination  of  regular  church  discipline  following  the  principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-20.  
   2. ii.     Should  a  situation  occur  where  the  pastors  bring  a  member  before  the  church  for  exclusion,  a  two-thirds  (2/3)  affirmative  vote  by  the  church  membership  is  required  at  a  business  meeting.  Upon  an affirmative  vote,  the  church  will  declare  the  person  is no longer part of the membership.  
   3. iii.     As  a  culmination  of  regular  church  discipline  as  outlined  previously,  but  with  the  addition  that  no accusations  shall  be  heard  against  a  pastor  unless  first  verified  by  at  least  two  or  three  witnesses  as outlined  in  1  Timothy  5:19-20.  Should  the  church  need  to  terminate  the  lead  pastor,  such  action  will  take place  at  a  special  called  for  business  meeting  with  at  least  two  (2)  weeks’  notice  to  church  members.  In order  for  the  church  to  terminate  the  lead  pastor,  a  three-fourths  (3/4)  affirmative  vote  by  a  quorum  of at  least  one-third  (1/3)  of  average  weekly  Sunday  morning  worship  attendance.  Should  the  church  need to  terminate  an  associate  pastor,  the  lead  pastor must work in concert with the personnel team for termination.  
   4. iv.     Exclusion  by  action  of  this  Church  following  a  recommendation  by  the  Pastors  should  any  member  or Pastor,  for  any  reason,  become  a  public  offense  to  the  Church  as  was  the case in 1 Corinthians 5.  
   5. v.     When  a  church  member  intends  to  leave  this  Church  to  attend  another  organization  deemed  to  hold beliefs  contrary  to  the  Christian  faith,  the  member  shall  be  contacted  for  counseling  by  the  Pastors.  If restoration  cannot  be  made  and  the  member  persists  in  transferring  to  this  organization,  membership shall  be  terminated.