THE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I
NAME

The name of this Church shall be Libertarian Heritage Puritan Congregationalist Church.

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE

The purpose of this Church is to promulgate the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through missionary outreach and public prayer and worship and to develop Christian fellowship through the preaching and teaching of God's Word and to "earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3)

ARTICLE III
CHURCH GOVERNMENT

This Church adopts that form of government known traditionally as Congregational, in that all difficult controversies must be presented to the jurisdiction of the Church membership, in an open forum, and settled by a vote, as set forth in this Constitution.

1. That "God alone is Lord of the conscience: and has left it free from the doctrine and commandments of men, which are in any thing contrary to His word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship:" Therefore they consider the rights of private Judgement, in all matters that respect religion, as universal and unalienable: they do not even wish to see any religious constitution aided by the civil power, further than may be necessary for protection and security, and at the same time, be equal and common to all others.

2. That our blessed Saviour, for the edification of the visible Church, which is his body, has created ministerial offices, to preach the gospel and administer the Sacraments, and, that it is incumbent upon the holders of these offices, and upon the whole Church, in whose name they act, to censure or cast out the erroneous and scandalous; observing in all cases, the rules contained in the Word of God.

3. That truth is in order to goodness; and the great touchstone of truth, it's tendency to promote holiness, according to our Saviour's rule, "by their fruits ye shall know them" Mat. 7:20. And that no opinion can be either more pernicious or more absurd, than that which brings truth and falsehood upon a level, and represents it as of no consequence what a man's opinions are. On the contrary, they are persuaded that there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty. Otherwise it would be of no consequence either to discover truth, or to embrace it.

4. That while under the conviction of the above principle, they think it necessary to make effectual provision, that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith; they also believe that there are truths and forms, with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these they think it the duty both of private Christians and societies, to exercise mutual forbearance towards each other.

5. That the character, qualifications, and authority of church officers, are laid down in the Holy Scriptures, as well as the proper method of their investiture and institution.

6. That all church power, whether exercised by the body in general, or in the way of representation by delegated authority, is only ministerial and declarative; that is to say, that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners; that no church judicatory ought to pretend to make laws, to bind the conscience in virtue of their own authority; and that all their decisions should be founded upon the revealed will of God.

ARTICLE IV
THE CHURCH

The universal Church consists of all those persons, in every nation, together with their children, who make profession of faith in Christ, and submit to his commands.

As this immense multitude cannot meet together in one place, to hold communion, or to worship God, it is reasonable, and warranted by Scripture example, that they should be divided into many particular churches.

A particular Church consists of a number of professing Christians, with their offspring, voluntarily associated together, for divine worship and godly living, agreeable to the Holy Scriptures; and submitting to a certain form of government.

ARTICLE V
THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

Our blessed Lord, at first, collected his Church out of different nations, and formed it into one body, by the mission of men endued with miraculous gifts which have long since ceased.

The ordinary and perpetual officers in the Church are Pastors; Elders; and Deacons.

PASTOR

The pastoral office is the first in the Church, both for dignity and usefulness. The person who fills this office, has, in Scripture, received various duties. He has the oversight of the flock of Christ, it is his duty to be grave and prudent, and an example to the flock. He is the messenger of God, he is sent to declare the will of God to sinners, and to beseech them to be reconciled to God through Christ. He dispenses the manifold grace of God, and the ordinances instituted by Christ, he is Steward of the mysteries of God. And, as he serves Christ in His Church, he is termed minister. The pastors term and salary shall be set by a contract with the congregation. It is important that the Pastor keep a fair register of marriages; of baptisms, and of the deaths.

ELDERS

Elders are properly the representatives of the people, for the purpose of exercising discipline, in conjunction with pastors or ministers.

A true elder or head of a household is raised up by the election of God and not an election of men. An elder must be sound in the faith and, for the purpose of recognition in this church, be fully in agreement with this constitution and confession of faith; being a member of this church, must be the husband of one wife, having raised children to adulthood who are now also sound in the faith, ruling his own household well, who cleave to him out of respect for his wisdom and soundness in the faith. (Tit. 1:5-6) Any schism or breaking away of such a man's household is automatic disqualification as an elder in this church (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God? I Tim. 3:5). Normally an elder serves for life.

DEACONS

The Scriptures clearly point out deacons as distinct officers in the Church. To them may be properly committed the management of the temporal affairs of the church.

Deacons will be appointed by the congregation for a term of one year. The qualifications will be those given in I Tim. 3:8-13 and Tit. 1:7-9.

The following deacons offices shall always be filled:
CHAIRMAN: The sole responsibility of the holder of this office is to moderate at the congressional meetings, and to conduct them in an orderly, democratic, business like, and just manner.
PRESIDENT OF THE CONGREGATION: Shall represent the congregation in all business matters.
SECRETARY: Will record an accurate and complete record of the meetings.
TREASURER: Will be responsible for all liquid assets.
TRUSTEES: Trustees will be appointed as required for the holding of real property. The sale of any church property shall require the signature of four trustees.

ARTICLE VI
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

1. The Church shall hold at least one congressional meeting every year in January.

2. At the annual congressional meeting the deacons shall be elected. The congregation shall elect deacons to oversee any matters deemed appropriate by the congregation, but the congregation shall always elect a Chairman, a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

3. The Chairman shall always be the moderator of the meeting.

4. The pastor has power to convene a congregational meeting when he may judge it requisite; and he shall always convene a meeting when requested to do so by any two of the elders. All congregational meetings shall be announced in church bulletins and bulletin boards for at least four weeks in advance.

5. The Congregation shall examine the records of the proceedings of the deacons; establish and control a Sunday School; and generally promote the welfare of the Church.

6. The Congregation may delegate to the Board of Deacons responsibility for maintenance of church property and other temporal matters as the Congregation may determine.

7. The Congregation may appoint women of the church for appropriate duties and responsibilities.

8. The Board of Elders is charged with maintaining the spiritual welfare of the congregation; for which purpose, they have power to inquire into the knowledge and Christian conduct of the members of the church; to call before the congregation offenders and witnesses, being members of this congregation, and to introduce other witnesses, where it may be necessary to bring the process to issue, and when they can be procured to attend.

9. The congregation shall have ultimate authority over the uses to which the church buildings may be put, but may temporarily delegate the determination of such uses to the Board of Deacons, subject to the superior authority and direction of the Congregation.

10. The Secretary shall keep a fair record of the proceedings of every meeting.

ARTICLE VII
THE ORDAINING OF ELDERS AND DEACONS

In all cases the persons elected must be members in full communion in the church in which they are to exercise their office.

After sermon, the minister shall state, in a concise manner, the warrant and nature of the office of elder or deacon, together with the character proper to be sustained, and the duties to be fulfilled by the officer elect; having done this, he shall propose to the candidate, in the presence of the congregation, the following questions:

1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?

2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of faith of this Church, as faithful to the doctrine taught in the Holly Scriptures?

3. Will you abide by, uphold and defend the Constitution of this Church?

4. Do you accept the office of elder (or deacon, as the case may be) in this congregation, and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof?

5. Do you promise to study the peace, unity, and purity of the Church?

The elder, or deacon elect, having answered these questions in the affirmative, the minister shall address to the members of the church the following question:

Do you, the members of this church, acknowledge and receive this brother as an elder (or a deacon), and do you promise to yield him all that honor, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord, to which his office, according to the Word of God, and the constitution of this Church, entitles him?

The members of the church having answered this question in the affirmative, by holding up their right hands, the minister shall proceed to set apart the candidate, by prayer, to the office of elder (or deacon, as the case may be), and shall give to him, and to the congregation, an exhortation suited to the occasion.

Where there is an existing Board of Elders, it is proper that the members of that body, at the close of the service, and in the face of the congregation, take the newly ordained elder by the hand, saying in words to this purpose,-"We give you the right hand of fellowship, to take part of this office with us."

The office of elder is perpetual, and cannot be laid aside at pleasure. No person can be divested of that office but by deposition. Yet an elder may become, by age or infirmity, incapable of performing the duties of his office; or he may, though chargeable with neither heresy nor immorality, become unacceptable, in his official character, to a majority of the congregation to which he belongs. In either of these cases, he may, as often happens with respect to a minister, cease to be acting elder.

ARTICLE VIII
COVENANT OF MEMBERSHIP

I therefore promise, in dependence upon God, who helps our infirmities, to attend as diligently as possible upon the public worship of God in this Church, to be faithful in private devotion, and to strive to avoid the follies and vices of the world, and to honor the Lord Jesus Christ by a walk and conversation becoming the Gospel.

I do believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

I do sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of faith of this Church, as faithful to the doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures.

I will abide by the Constitution of this Church.

I do promise to assist in the work of the Church and to contribute to its financial support according as the Lord has given to me.

And to preserve the good name of this Church so that no reproach shall be brought upon the name of the Lord, I shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, to love my brethren in the Lord, to act toward them with Kindness and Justice, and to judge with candor and admonish with love.

ARTICLE IX
A PURITAN SEPARATIST TRADITION

Puritans believe that religious services need to be purified from the empty ritualism so characteristic of European old world religion. The word "puritanical" (coined by detractors) was never used by puritans, and is misleading in that it implies that Puritans believe themselves to be less sinful than other people. Puritans have never subscribed to such a belief. Puritans believe that religious services should consist of the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.

This Church shall be independent and free from any denominational affiliation, but may associate itself with other Christian churches for purposes of fellowship, study, teaching, consultation and cooperation in educational, missionary and other Christian endeavors of mutual interest, concern and good works, provided this Church shall not thereby relinquish control over matters of doctrine, theology, church finances, church property or church government.

ARTICLE X
THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM

When unbaptized persons are to be admitted into the Church, they shall, in ordinary cases, after giving satisfaction with respect to their knowledge and piety, make a public profession of their faith in the presence of the congregation; and thereupon be baptized.

Before baptism, let the minister use some words of instruction respecting the institution, nature, use and ends of this ordinance, showing:

"That it is instituted by Christ; that our Lord commanded His disciples to baptize believers of every nation; that it is a sacrament wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, does signify and seal our engrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of grace, and our engagement to be the Lordıs; that it is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible Church till they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to Him; that it becomes a sign of salvation, not from any virtue in it, or in him that does administer it, but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive it."

The minister shall then propose to the person to be baptized the following or similar questions, to wit:

"Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and the only Savior from sin?"

"Is it your desire to be baptized in this faith?"

Then the minister shall baptize the candidate using these words:

"I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,"

The administration of the sacrament shall be concluded with prayer.

ARTICLE XI
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; but how often, may be determined by the Congregation.

It is proper that public notice should be given to the congregation, at least one week before the administration of this ordinance.

When the sermon is ended, the minister shall conduct the communion service using the scripture reading found in I Cor. 11:23-29.

Let a psalm or hymn be sung, and the congregation dismissed with the following or some other gospel benediction:

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

ARTICLE XII
THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGE

Christians ought to marry in the Lord: therefore it is fit that their marriage be solemnized by a minister; that special instruction may be given them, and suitable prayers made, when they enter into this relation.

Marriage is to be between one man and one woman only:

The parties ought to be of such years of discretion as to be capable of making their own choice: and if they are under age, or live with their parents, the consent of the parents or others, under whose care they are, ought to be previously obtained, and well certified to the minister, before he proceeds to solemnize the marriage.

Parents ought neither to compel their children to marry contrary to their inclinations, nor deny their consent without just and important reasons.

Marriage is of a public nature. The welfare of civil society, the happiness of families, and the credit of religion, are deeply interested in it. Therefore the purpose of marriage ought to be sufficiently published a proper time previously to the solemnization of it. It is enjoined on all ministers to be careful that, in the matter, they neither transgress the laws of God, nor the laws of the community: and that they may not destroy the peace and comfort of families, they must be properly certified with respect to the parties applying to them, that no just objections lie against their marriage.

Marriage must always be performed before a competent number of witnesses; and the minister is to give a certificate of the marriage when required.

When the parties present themselves for marriage, the minister is to inquire, if there is any person present who knows any lawful reason why these persons may not be joined together in the marriage relation, that they will now make it known, or ever after hold their peace.

No objections being made, he is then severally to address himself to the parties to be married, in the following or like words:

"You, the man, declare in the presence of God, that you do not know any reason, by precontract or other wise, why you may not lawfully marry this woman."

Upon his declaring he does not, the minister shall address himself to the bride, in the same or similar terms.

"You, the woman, declare in the presence of God, that you do not know any reason, by precontract or other wise why you may not lawfully marry this man."

Upon her declaring she does not, he is to begin with prayer for the presence and blessing of God.

The minister shall then proceed to give them some instruction from the scriptures, respecting the institution and duties of this state, showing-

"That God has instituted marriage for the comfort and happiness of mankind, in declaring a man shall forsake his father and mother, and cleave unto his wife; and that marriage is honorable in all; that he has appointed various duties, which are incumbent upon those who enter into this relation; such as a high esteem and mutual love for one another; bearing with each other's infirmities and weaknesses, to which human nature is subject in its present lapsed state; to encourage each other under the various ills of life; to comfort one another in sickness; in honesty and industry to provide for each other's temporal support; to pray for and encourage one another in the things which pertain to God, and to their immortal souls; and to live together as the heirs of the grace of life."

Then the minister shall cause the bridegroom and bride to join hands, and shall pronounce the marriage covenant, first to the man, in these words:

"You take this women, whom you hold by the hand, to be your lawful and married wife; and you promise, and covenant, in the presence of God and these witnesses, that you will be unto her a loving and faithful husband, until you shall be separated by death."

The bride groom shall express his consent, by saying, "Yes, I do."

Then the minister shall address himself to the woman, in these words:

"You take this man, whom you hold by the hand, to be your lawful and married husband; and you promise, and covenant in the presence of God and these witnesses, that you will be unto him a loving, faithful, and obedient wife, until you shall be separated by death."

The bride shall express her consent, by saying, "Yes, I do."

Then the minister is to say:

"I pronounce you husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God; whom therefore God hath joined together let no man put asunder."

After this, the minister may exhort them in a few words, to the mutual discharge of their duty.

Then let him conclude with prayer suitable to the occasion.

Let the minister keep a proper register for the names of all persons whom he marries, and of the time of their marriage, for the perusal of all whom it may concern.

ARTICLE XIII
THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD

When any person departs this life, let the corpse be taken care of in a decent manner.

When the season for the funeral comes, let the dead body be decently attended to the sepulcher, and intombed; or to the grave, and interred. During such solemn occasions, let all who attend conduct themselves with becoming gravity: and apply themselves to serious meditation or discourse: and the minister, if present, may exhort them to consider the frailty of life, and the importance of being prepared for death and eternity.

ARTICLE XIV
THE DIRECTORY FOR SECRET AND FAMILY WORSHIP

1. Besides the public worship in congregations, it is the indispensable duty of each person, alone, in secret; and of every family, by itself, in private, to pray to, and worship God.

2. Secret worship is most plainly enjoined by our Lord. In this duty every one, apart by himself, is to spend some time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, holy meditation, and serious self-examination. The many advantages arising from a conscientious discharge of these duties, are best known to those who are found in the faithful discharge of them.

3. Family worship, which ought to be performed by every family, ordinarily morning and evening, consists in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and singing praises.

4. The head of the family, who is to lead in this service, ought to be careful that all the members of his household duly attend; and that none withdraw themselves unnecessarily from any part of family worship; and that all refrain from their common business while the Scriptures are read, and gravely attend to the same, no less than when prayer or praise is offered up.

5. Let the heads of families be careful to instruct their children and servants in the principles of The Faith. Every proper opportunity ought to be embraced for such instruction. All interfering priorities are to be rejected, if they interfere with the above important and necessary duty.