| Our Leadership & Constitution |
A. The Kirk is an independent, nondenominational church governed ultimately by the Lord Jesus Christ Who
is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18) to Whom the Father has given all authority in heaven and on
earth (Matthew 28:18). All legitimate power and authority exercised within the congregation has its source in
the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13), and all members of the congregation shall submit themselves to that
Word such that the life and activities of The Kirk shall conform to it (II Timothy 3:16-17).
B. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, The Kirk is governed by the elders of the church and the ministers of
the Word (ascension gift ministers) who serve with them. These congregational leaders will be raised up by
God to work together to find and represent His will for this local church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
the holy Scriptures, this constitution, and any policies, procedures, and by-laws which may be adopted in
addition to this constitution. As a result, the elders and ministers of the Word of The Kirk should never view
their governmental responsibilities within the church as merely reflecting the will of the people nor as an
opportunity to further their own personal agendas.
C. Elders.
1. The fundamental role of elders is to function as shepherds of the congregation who know, love, feed,
guard, and generally care for the flock (I Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-18; Acts 20:17, 28; II Timothy 4:2).
2. The qualifications of elders include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle
requirements prescribed in Scripture (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). No person shall be confirmed as an elder
of The Kirk without the affirmation of the existing elders and of the congregation.
3. Elders are to be humble, and they are to be accountable and submissive to the Lord, to one another,
and to the congregation (I Peter 5:5).
4. The congregation shall affirm the appointment of elders to serve for terms of no more than three
years. While there is no limit to the number of consecutive terms an individual elder may serve, each elder
desiring to continue in that ministry within the church shall, nevertheless, submit to the process of affirmation
or reaffirmation by the congregation at the end of each term.
5. An elder may be removed from serving in that role prior to the conclusion of his term for teaching
false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within
the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders and the
congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
D. Ascension gift ministers.
1. Ascension gift ministers - which may also be referred to as five-fold ministers, equipping ministers, or
ministers of the Word - are called by God to the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher,
or some combination thereof (Ephesians 4:7-11).
2. The fundamental role of ascension gift ministers is to train and equip the saints for the work of the
ministry and to help bring them into proper maturity in the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God
(Ephesians 4:11-16).
3. Because ascension gift ministers are given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of
training and maturing His people, it is crucial that the congregation and congregational leaders receive
regular input from these equipping ministers. The elders should give concerted effort to establishing
meaningful relationships with ascension gift ministers, as well as to receiving ministry from them on a
consistent basis, whether or not the congregation calls any such ministers to serve the fellowship in an
official capacity.
4. In the traditional church model of this era, it is common for a congregation to call a minister of the
Word to serve within that congregation in a position typically referred to as “pastor”. Any such ministers of
the Word so engaged at The Kirk shall also serve as elders of the congregation and shall be subject to the
same qualifications and requirements for humility, accountability, and submission as the other elders (see IV,
C, 2-3).
5. Equipping ministers officially engaged to function in that capacity within the congregation shall
continue in that function and role until such time as God chooses to release or move them or until they
disqualify themselves for such service. A general review of the ministry of each ascension gift minister so
engaged will be conducted no less than every year using a format adopted by the elders.
6. An equipping minister of The Kirk, whether or not officially engaged in that capacity, may be removed
from that ministry within the congregation for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for
engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as
determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation.
E. Deacons.
1. The fundamental role of deacons is to assist the elders in service to the congregation, especially in
areas related to the physical, material, or administrative needs of the church and its members, paying special
attention to widows, the poor, and the needy (Acts 6:1-4). In view of this assisting role, the deacons of The
Kirk are directly accountable to the elders of The Kirk.
2. The qualifications of deacons include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle
requirements prescribed in Scripture (I Timothy 3:8-15). No person shall be confirmed as a deacon of The
Kirk without the affirmation of the elders and the confirmation of the congregation.
3. Deacons are to be humble and accountable and submissive to the Lord, to the elders, to one
another, and to the congregation (I Peter 5:5).
4. Deacons shall continue in that function and role until such time as God chooses to release or move
them or until they disqualify themselves for such service or until the elders deem their ministry to be no
longer necessary. A general review of each deacon’s ministry as a deacon will be conducted periodically
using a format adopted by the elders.
5. A deacon may be removed from that ministry for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper
conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other
appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I
Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
6. While The Kirk may not function without elders in place, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to
require the existence within the church of the ministry of deacons. Rather, deacons shall be called and
released into diaconal ministry only as the elders determine such ministry to be necessary.
F. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, the elders shall have the authority to govern the church in all matters,
provided, however, that the congregation itself shall retain authority in the following matters:
1. calling ministers of the Word to serve within the congregation in an official capacity;
2. affirming the appointment of elders and deacons into those respective ministries;
3. adjusting, dissolving or otherwise amending the relationship of ministers of the Word officially
engaged by the congregation;
4. buying, mortgaging, or selling real property; and,
5. incurring debt in excess of $10,000, or one-time expenses in excess of $10,000, even if no
indebtedness is involved.
G. Meetings of the elders shall be open to all members of the congregation, provided, however, that the
elders may call special executive sessions which may exclude members of the congregation from attending.
H. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the congregation, the quorum necessary for the official conduct
of such business will be one-half of the total number of members on the official membership roster of the
church.
I. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the elders, the quorum necessary for the official conduct of such
business will be three-fourths of the total number of elders serving at that time.
ARTICLE V. LEGAL AUTHORITY
A. As representatives of the church, the elders (or those persons specifically designated by the elders to act
in their stead) shall have legal authority, subject to proper approval, to take such actions and enter into such
lawful contracts and agreements as may be necessary for the smooth and ordinary operation of the church.
B. Three trustees, appointed by the elders and under the authority of the elders, shall serve the church as
legal representatives in whatever matters deemed necessary or appropriate by the elders and by the
relevant laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Trustees shall continue in that function and role at the
discretion of the elders and until such time as the elders choose to remove or replace them.
is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18) to Whom the Father has given all authority in heaven and on
earth (Matthew 28:18). All legitimate power and authority exercised within the congregation has its source in
the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13), and all members of the congregation shall submit themselves to that
Word such that the life and activities of The Kirk shall conform to it (II Timothy 3:16-17).
B. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, The Kirk is governed by the elders of the church and the ministers of
the Word (ascension gift ministers) who serve with them. These congregational leaders will be raised up by
God to work together to find and represent His will for this local church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
the holy Scriptures, this constitution, and any policies, procedures, and by-laws which may be adopted in
addition to this constitution. As a result, the elders and ministers of the Word of The Kirk should never view
their governmental responsibilities within the church as merely reflecting the will of the people nor as an
opportunity to further their own personal agendas.
C. Elders.
1. The fundamental role of elders is to function as shepherds of the congregation who know, love, feed,
guard, and generally care for the flock (I Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-18; Acts 20:17, 28; II Timothy 4:2).
2. The qualifications of elders include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle
requirements prescribed in Scripture (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). No person shall be confirmed as an elder
of The Kirk without the affirmation of the existing elders and of the congregation.
3. Elders are to be humble, and they are to be accountable and submissive to the Lord, to one another,
and to the congregation (I Peter 5:5).
4. The congregation shall affirm the appointment of elders to serve for terms of no more than three
years. While there is no limit to the number of consecutive terms an individual elder may serve, each elder
desiring to continue in that ministry within the church shall, nevertheless, submit to the process of affirmation
or reaffirmation by the congregation at the end of each term.
5. An elder may be removed from serving in that role prior to the conclusion of his term for teaching
false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within
the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders and the
congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
D. Ascension gift ministers.
1. Ascension gift ministers - which may also be referred to as five-fold ministers, equipping ministers, or
ministers of the Word - are called by God to the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher,
or some combination thereof (Ephesians 4:7-11).
2. The fundamental role of ascension gift ministers is to train and equip the saints for the work of the
ministry and to help bring them into proper maturity in the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God
(Ephesians 4:11-16).
3. Because ascension gift ministers are given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of
training and maturing His people, it is crucial that the congregation and congregational leaders receive
regular input from these equipping ministers. The elders should give concerted effort to establishing
meaningful relationships with ascension gift ministers, as well as to receiving ministry from them on a
consistent basis, whether or not the congregation calls any such ministers to serve the fellowship in an
official capacity.
4. In the traditional church model of this era, it is common for a congregation to call a minister of the
Word to serve within that congregation in a position typically referred to as “pastor”. Any such ministers of
the Word so engaged at The Kirk shall also serve as elders of the congregation and shall be subject to the
same qualifications and requirements for humility, accountability, and submission as the other elders (see IV,
C, 2-3).
5. Equipping ministers officially engaged to function in that capacity within the congregation shall
continue in that function and role until such time as God chooses to release or move them or until they
disqualify themselves for such service. A general review of the ministry of each ascension gift minister so
engaged will be conducted no less than every year using a format adopted by the elders.
6. An equipping minister of The Kirk, whether or not officially engaged in that capacity, may be removed
from that ministry within the congregation for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for
engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as
determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation.
E. Deacons.
1. The fundamental role of deacons is to assist the elders in service to the congregation, especially in
areas related to the physical, material, or administrative needs of the church and its members, paying special
attention to widows, the poor, and the needy (Acts 6:1-4). In view of this assisting role, the deacons of The
Kirk are directly accountable to the elders of The Kirk.
2. The qualifications of deacons include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle
requirements prescribed in Scripture (I Timothy 3:8-15). No person shall be confirmed as a deacon of The
Kirk without the affirmation of the elders and the confirmation of the congregation.
3. Deacons are to be humble and accountable and submissive to the Lord, to the elders, to one
another, and to the congregation (I Peter 5:5).
4. Deacons shall continue in that function and role until such time as God chooses to release or move
them or until they disqualify themselves for such service or until the elders deem their ministry to be no
longer necessary. A general review of each deacon’s ministry as a deacon will be conducted periodically
using a format adopted by the elders.
5. A deacon may be removed from that ministry for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper
conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other
appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I
Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
6. While The Kirk may not function without elders in place, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to
require the existence within the church of the ministry of deacons. Rather, deacons shall be called and
released into diaconal ministry only as the elders determine such ministry to be necessary.
F. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, the elders shall have the authority to govern the church in all matters,
provided, however, that the congregation itself shall retain authority in the following matters:
1. calling ministers of the Word to serve within the congregation in an official capacity;
2. affirming the appointment of elders and deacons into those respective ministries;
3. adjusting, dissolving or otherwise amending the relationship of ministers of the Word officially
engaged by the congregation;
4. buying, mortgaging, or selling real property; and,
5. incurring debt in excess of $10,000, or one-time expenses in excess of $10,000, even if no
indebtedness is involved.
G. Meetings of the elders shall be open to all members of the congregation, provided, however, that the
elders may call special executive sessions which may exclude members of the congregation from attending.
H. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the congregation, the quorum necessary for the official conduct
of such business will be one-half of the total number of members on the official membership roster of the
church.
I. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the elders, the quorum necessary for the official conduct of such
business will be three-fourths of the total number of elders serving at that time.
ARTICLE V. LEGAL AUTHORITY
A. As representatives of the church, the elders (or those persons specifically designated by the elders to act
in their stead) shall have legal authority, subject to proper approval, to take such actions and enter into such
lawful contracts and agreements as may be necessary for the smooth and ordinary operation of the church.
B. Three trustees, appointed by the elders and under the authority of the elders, shall serve the church as
legal representatives in whatever matters deemed necessary or appropriate by the elders and by the
relevant laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Trustees shall continue in that function and role at the
discretion of the elders and until such time as the elders choose to remove or replace them.
Excerpts from The Constitution of The Kirk
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| The Kirk Eldership: Rev Al Stewart, Pastor Dr. Don Fowler, Teaching Elder Sandra Weigand. Elder Daryl Kinney, Elder Joann Dawson, Elder Bruce Weaver, Elder Rev. Nancy White, Wed. AM Bible Study Teacher |
The Kirk Constitution
ARTICLE I. NAME
This congregation shall be called THE KIRK COMMUNITY CHURCH, but this name may be shortened in common usage simply to The Kirk.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
A. The avowed purpose of The Kirk is “to know Jesus and proclaim Him as Lord.”
B. The Kirk has been called together by God as a body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to bring Him pleasure and to fulfill His purposes
for this local fellowship of believers, and to that end the members of The Kirk covenant with God and with one another. The members of
The Kirk are called:
1. to love, worship, serve, honor, and obey God in Spirit and in truth as instructed in the Holy Scriptures and as led by the Holy Spirit;
2. to love, serve, care for, and encourage others within our church fellowship, putting the interests of others above our own interests;
3. to grow as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, becoming increasingly like Him in character, nature, purpose, and glory; and,
4. to demonstrate the love and grace of God as found in the Person and the gospel of Jesus Christ and to share it with others.
C. We acknowledge that The Kirk is not merely a human organization but rather is a living organism with Jesus Christ as its Head. We
further acknowledge that, while the church’s purpose as indicated within this article of this constitution will never change, the church’s
priorities and the means of accomplishing those priorities may change from time to time as the church is led by the Holy Spirit.
ARTICLE III. CONFESSION OF FAITH
A. We believe that the Holy Scriptures – the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments – are the divinely-revealed, inspired,
authoritative, written Word of God and, as such, are the only rule and norm of doctrine and life within the Church (John 10:35; II Timothy 3:
15-17; II Peter 1:20-21).
B. We believe there is one true God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, Who is eternally self-existent, revealing Himself in the three
distinct Persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory and identical in nature, having the same divine attributes
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 8:5-6; II Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:3; I Peter 1:2).
C. We believe that salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit ordained by God the Father and purchased through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the
Son; that it is accomplished by grace alone through faith alone whenever anyone responds to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God,
confessing with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in his heart that God has raised Him from the dead; and that it grants the believer
the gift of eternal life in the everlasting Kingdom of God (I Corinthians 12:3; Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16).
D. We believe the New Testament teaches that the sacrament of water baptism is mandated for all believers - whether by believing parents
as an infant or as a believer upon a personal profession of faith - (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-13) and that the baptism in the
Holy Spirit and the various gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit are available by faith to all who receive Jesus by faith (Acts 1:5; Acts 1:
8; I Corinthians 12:7-10).
E. We believe that the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is an important element of Christian worship intended for all who have received
Jesus as Savior and Lord and that an appropriate communing requires a repentant heart toward God and a sincere desire to live in peace
and harmony with others in the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16; I Corinthians 11:27-30).
F. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that He governs His Church - through His written Word and Spirit-
given revelation – through the ascension gift ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher and the elders of local churches
(Psalm 127:1; Acts 15:28; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16).
G. We believe, with the rest of orthodox Christianity, that the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed provide accurate summaries of the
Christian faith.
ARTICLE IV. CHURCH GOVERNMENT
A. The Kirk is an independent, nondenominational church governed ultimately by the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Head of the Church
(Colossians 1:18) to Whom the Father has given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). All legitimate power and authority
exercised within the congregation has its source in the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13), and all members of the congregation shall submit
themselves to that Word such that the life and activities of The Kirk shall conform to it (II Timothy 3:16-17).
B. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, The Kirk is governed by the elders of the church and the ministers of the Word (ascension gift
ministers) who serve with them. These congregational leaders will be raised up by God to work together to find and represent His will for
this local church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the holy Scriptures, this constitution, and any policies, procedures, and by-laws
which may be adopted in addition to this constitution. As a result, the elders and ministers of the Word of The Kirk should never view their
governmental responsibilities within the church as merely reflecting the will of the people nor as an opportunity to further their own personal
agendas.
C. Elders.
1. The fundamental role of elders is to function as shepherds of the congregation who know, love, feed, guard, and generally care for
the flock (I Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-18; Acts 20:17, 28; II Timothy 4:2).
2. The qualifications of elders include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle requirements prescribed in
Scripture (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). No person shall be confirmed as an elder of The Kirk without the affirmation of the existing elders
and of the congregation.
3. Elders are to be humble, and they are to be accountable and submissive to the Lord, to one another, and to the congregation (I
Peter 5:5).
4. The congregation shall affirm the appointment of elders to serve for terms of no more than three years. While there is no limit to the
number of consecutive terms an individual elder may serve, each elder desiring to continue in that ministry within the church shall,
nevertheless, submit to the process of affirmation or reaffirmation by the congregation at the end of each term.
5. An elder may be removed from serving in that role prior to the conclusion of his term for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or
improper conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as
determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
D. Ascension gift ministers.
1. Ascension gift ministers - which may also be referred to as five-fold ministers, equipping ministers, or ministers of the Word - are
called by God to the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, or some combination thereof (Ephesians 4:7-11).
2. The fundamental role of ascension gift ministers is to train and equip the saints for the work of the ministry and to help bring them
into proper maturity in the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 4:11-16).
3. Because ascension gift ministers are given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of training and maturing His
people, it is crucial that the congregation and congregational leaders receive regular input from these equipping ministers. The elders
should give concerted effort to establishing meaningful relationships with ascension gift ministers, as well as to receiving ministry from them
on a consistent basis, whether or not the congregation calls any such ministers to serve the fellowship in an official capacity.
4. In the traditional church model of this era, it is common for a congregation to call a minister of the Word to serve within that
congregation in a position typically referred to as “pastor”. Any such ministers of the Word so engaged at The Kirk shall also serve as
elders of the congregation and shall be subject to the same qualifications and requirements for humility, accountability, and submission as
the other elders (see IV, C, 2-3).
5. Equipping ministers officially engaged to function in that capacity within the congregation shall continue in that function and role until
such time as God chooses to release or move them or until they disqualify themselves for such service. A general review of the ministry of
each ascension gift minister so engaged will be conducted no less than every year using a format adopted by the elders.
6. An equipping minister of The Kirk, whether or not officially engaged in that capacity, may be removed from that ministry within the
congregation for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the
congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation.
E. Deacons.
1. The fundamental role of deacons is to assist the elders in service to the congregation, especially in areas related to the physical,
material, or administrative needs of the church and its members, paying special attention to widows, the poor, and the needy (Acts 6:1-4).
In view of this assisting role, the deacons of The Kirk are directly accountable to the elders of The Kirk.
2. The qualifications of deacons include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle requirements prescribed in
Scripture (I Timothy 3:8-15). No person shall be confirmed as a deacon of The Kirk without the affirmation of the elders and the
confirmation of the congregation.
3. Deacons are to be humble and accountable and submissive to the Lord, to the elders, to one another, and to the congregation (I
Peter 5:5).
4. Deacons shall continue in that function and role until such time as God chooses to release or move them or until they disqualify
themselves for such service or until the elders deem their ministry to be no longer necessary. A general review of each deacon’s ministry
as a deacon will be conducted periodically using a format adopted by the elders.
5. A deacon may be removed from that ministry for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for engendering
unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders
and the congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
6. While The Kirk may not function without elders in place, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to require the existence within the
church of the ministry of deacons. Rather, deacons shall be called and released into diaconal ministry only as the elders determine such
ministry to be necessary.
F. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, the elders shall have the authority to govern the church in all matters, provided, however, that the
congregation itself shall retain authority in the following matters:
1. calling ministers of the Word to serve within the congregation in an official capacity;
2. affirming the appointment of elders and deacons into those respective ministries;
3. adjusting, dissolving or otherwise amending the relationship of ministers of the Word officially engaged by the congregation;
4. buying, mortgaging, or selling real property; and,
5. incurring debt in excess of $10,000, or one-time expenses in excess of $10,000, even if no indebtedness is involved.
G. Meetings of the elders shall be open to all members of the congregation, provided, however, that the elders may call special executive
sessions which may exclude members of the congregation from attending.
H. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the congregation, the quorum necessary for the official conduct of such business will be one-
half of the total number of members on the official membership roster of the church.
I. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the elders, the quorum necessary for the official conduct of such business will be three-fourths
of the total number of elders serving at that time.
ARTICLE V. LEGAL AUTHORITY
A. As representatives of the church, the elders (or those persons specifically designated by the elders to act in their stead) shall have legal
authority, subject to proper approval, to take such actions and enter into such lawful contracts and agreements as may be necessary for
the smooth and ordinary operation of the church.
B. Three trustees, appointed by the elders and under the authority of the elders, shall serve the church as legal representatives in
whatever matters deemed necessary or appropriate by the elders and by the relevant laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Trustees shall
continue in that function and role at the discretion of the elders and until such time as the elders choose to remove or replace them.
ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP
A. The very essence and nature of church is relational, given that a church is a group of people who have established a relationship with
God through the Lord Jesus Christ and, thereby, have entered into relationship with one another as brothers and sisters in the family of
God. Because of the reality, importance, and function of these relationships, The Kirk has established guidelines for formal membership
within the church fellowship.
B. According to the Scriptures, only regenerated Christians comprise the true Church of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:15-18; John 3:36;
Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23; Romans 2:28-29). As a result, the local congregation and its leadership have a solemn responsibility to receive
into membership only those individuals who have been born again by the Holy Spirit, are surrendered to Jesus as Lord, and are called by
God to join this local expression of the Body of Christ.
C. Requirements for church membership in The Kirk.
1. Any person is eligible to pursue membership in the Kirk who:
a. professes to have been born again, having confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, having believed that God raised him from
the dead, and having indicated a commitment to walk in that light and reality (Romans 10:9-10; John 3:3-7, 14-21);
b. subscribes to the Confession of Faith in Article III of this Constitution;
c. has been water baptized either by believing parents as an infant or as a believer upon a personal profession of faith (Matthew 28:19;
Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-39);
d. has expressed a clear, informed desire to join this fellowship as an active, participating member; and,
e. is willing to submit to the authority and discipline of the church (Hebrews 13:17; I Corinthians 16:15-16; Ephesians 5:21).
2. Persons desiring to commit to this church as members should express that desire to an elder or equipping minister of the church.
After attending and completing a pre-membership class, the prospective member will meet with the elders of the congregation for
confirmation.
3. Formal commitment to the church and presentation of new members will occur in an appropriate Sunday morning church service.
D. Responsibilities and privileges of church membership.
1. Members of The Kirk are expected to:
a. spend time in personal and corporate worship, prayer, and Bible study, growing as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and regularly
participating in the worship, discipleship, fellowship, service, and outreach ministries of the church;
b. grow in the understanding and use of their various, God-given gifts, talents, and abilities;
c. support financially the ministry of this local church and the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the regular giving of tithes
and offerings;
d. live lives consistent with the example of Jesus Christ and the teachings of Scripture; and,
e. maintain meaningful contact and open communication with the elders and other leaders of the congregation, upholding them in
prayer and joining with them in the work of the ministry, working at all times to maintain peace and harmony within the fellowship of the
believers under the authority and discipline of the established authorities of the church.
2. Members in good standing of The Kirk may expect to:
a. participate fully in the power and vibrancy of church life, including but not limited to enthusiastic corporate worship, genuine
fellowship, regular exhortation and instruction from the Word of God, corporate ministry and mission, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper,
and the presentation of children for baptism;
b. receive reasonable, meaningful pastoral oversight and care from members of the fellowship at large, as well as from the church
elders or their representatives;
c. be prayed for regularly by name by the elders and other leaders of the congregation; and,
d. participate meaningfully in the operation and governance of the local church by praying for the church leadership, offering insights
and suggestions, serving on ministry teams, attending meetings of the elders, taking part in congregational meetings, and participating in
congregational votes.
E. Resolution of membership issues.
1. In keeping with the biblical mandate to live together in peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14), issues that arise which could threaten
the unity of the fellowship or a person’s membership status within the church will be handled with love and with the goal of reconciliation and
restoration within the church fellowship. Nevertheless, the congregation of The Kirk reserves the right to exercise appropriate, biblical,
church discipline including but not limited to revoking or suspending any or all of the privileges enumerated in VI, D, 2, of this constitution,
as well as revoking or suspending church membership in its entirety.
2. Issues that could result in some form of church discipline or threaten a person’s membership status include, but are not limited to:
a. unrepentant, on-going teachings or beliefs out of line with the revealed Word of God as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and
understood by the elders, or that are otherwise substantially inconsistent with the central tenets of the Christian faith as adopted and set
forth in the constitution, by-laws, and adopted polices of The Kirk;
b. unrepentant, on-going conduct out of line with the revealed Word of God as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and understood by the
elders, or that is otherwise substantially inconsistent with the central tenets of the Christian faith as adopted and set forth in the constitution,
by-laws, and adopted policies of The Kirk; and,
c. unrepentant, on-going failure to fulfill the membership requirement of “a clear, informed desire to join this fellowship as an active,
participating member”, provided, however, that this section shall not be used to impact unfairly the membership rights and status of
housebound, shut-in, mobility-restricted, or otherwise partially or fully incapacitated members.
3. In keeping with VI, D, 1, e, of this constitution, members desiring to be released from their membership covenant with The Kirk should
meet with the elders to discuss that desire and the reasons for it.
4. Church membership and all or some of the privileges thereof may be revoked for disciplinary reasons in appropriate cases. Any
such revocation of membership or membership privileges, as well as any subsequent restoration, will be exercised in accordance with
Scripture (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:1-13; II Corinthians 2:5-11; Galatians 6:1-2). In cases where appropriate church discipline
comes short of excommunication, such discipline may be administered by the elders on behalf of the congregation.
ARTICLE VII. CERTIFICATION AND ORDINATION FOR MINISTRY
The congregation of The Kirk shall have the right to certify, ordain, or otherwise credential persons for Christian ministry. The conditions
under which such credentials may be offered or revoked shall be determined by the elders and the congregation of The Kirk, provided,
however, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the issuance of any form of ministry credentials to any individual at
any time and that the congregation retains the right to revoke such credentials.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENT
This Constitution of The Kirk may be amended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the elders, including any equipping ministers of The
Kirk officially engaged in that capacity, after deliberate study and after consultation with the congregation or its relevant committees;
provided, however, that any amendment affecting the authority reserved for the congregation in Article IV, Section F, of this constitution
shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the congregation in order to be adopted.
ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION
Insomuch as it is in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the event of the termination, dissolution, or other end of
The Kirk Community Church in any manner or for any reason whatsoever, all of the church’s remaining assets - if any, after the payment,
discharge, or satisfaction of all of its liabilities and obligations – shall be distributed to (and only to) such one or more organizations selected
by the elders to be used for Christian purposes consistent with those for which this church was formed, which organization or organizations
shall qualify either as a bona fide Christian church or congregation or as a bona fide charitable organization under Section 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) of
the Code of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America, further provided, however, that any references to any provision
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be deemed to mean such provision as is now or hereafter existing, supplemented, or
superseded, as the case may be.
ARTICLE I. NAME
This congregation shall be called THE KIRK COMMUNITY CHURCH, but this name may be shortened in common usage simply to The Kirk.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
A. The avowed purpose of The Kirk is “to know Jesus and proclaim Him as Lord.”
B. The Kirk has been called together by God as a body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to bring Him pleasure and to fulfill His purposes
for this local fellowship of believers, and to that end the members of The Kirk covenant with God and with one another. The members of
The Kirk are called:
1. to love, worship, serve, honor, and obey God in Spirit and in truth as instructed in the Holy Scriptures and as led by the Holy Spirit;
2. to love, serve, care for, and encourage others within our church fellowship, putting the interests of others above our own interests;
3. to grow as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, becoming increasingly like Him in character, nature, purpose, and glory; and,
4. to demonstrate the love and grace of God as found in the Person and the gospel of Jesus Christ and to share it with others.
C. We acknowledge that The Kirk is not merely a human organization but rather is a living organism with Jesus Christ as its Head. We
further acknowledge that, while the church’s purpose as indicated within this article of this constitution will never change, the church’s
priorities and the means of accomplishing those priorities may change from time to time as the church is led by the Holy Spirit.
ARTICLE III. CONFESSION OF FAITH
A. We believe that the Holy Scriptures – the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments – are the divinely-revealed, inspired,
authoritative, written Word of God and, as such, are the only rule and norm of doctrine and life within the Church (John 10:35; II Timothy 3:
15-17; II Peter 1:20-21).
B. We believe there is one true God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, Who is eternally self-existent, revealing Himself in the three
distinct Persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory and identical in nature, having the same divine attributes
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 8:5-6; II Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:3; I Peter 1:2).
C. We believe that salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit ordained by God the Father and purchased through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the
Son; that it is accomplished by grace alone through faith alone whenever anyone responds to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God,
confessing with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in his heart that God has raised Him from the dead; and that it grants the believer
the gift of eternal life in the everlasting Kingdom of God (I Corinthians 12:3; Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16).
D. We believe the New Testament teaches that the sacrament of water baptism is mandated for all believers - whether by believing parents
as an infant or as a believer upon a personal profession of faith - (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-13) and that the baptism in the
Holy Spirit and the various gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit are available by faith to all who receive Jesus by faith (Acts 1:5; Acts 1:
8; I Corinthians 12:7-10).
E. We believe that the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is an important element of Christian worship intended for all who have received
Jesus as Savior and Lord and that an appropriate communing requires a repentant heart toward God and a sincere desire to live in peace
and harmony with others in the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16; I Corinthians 11:27-30).
F. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that He governs His Church - through His written Word and Spirit-
given revelation – through the ascension gift ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher and the elders of local churches
(Psalm 127:1; Acts 15:28; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16).
G. We believe, with the rest of orthodox Christianity, that the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed provide accurate summaries of the
Christian faith.
ARTICLE IV. CHURCH GOVERNMENT
A. The Kirk is an independent, nondenominational church governed ultimately by the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Head of the Church
(Colossians 1:18) to Whom the Father has given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). All legitimate power and authority
exercised within the congregation has its source in the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13), and all members of the congregation shall submit
themselves to that Word such that the life and activities of The Kirk shall conform to it (II Timothy 3:16-17).
B. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, The Kirk is governed by the elders of the church and the ministers of the Word (ascension gift
ministers) who serve with them. These congregational leaders will be raised up by God to work together to find and represent His will for
this local church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the holy Scriptures, this constitution, and any policies, procedures, and by-laws
which may be adopted in addition to this constitution. As a result, the elders and ministers of the Word of The Kirk should never view their
governmental responsibilities within the church as merely reflecting the will of the people nor as an opportunity to further their own personal
agendas.
C. Elders.
1. The fundamental role of elders is to function as shepherds of the congregation who know, love, feed, guard, and generally care for
the flock (I Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-18; Acts 20:17, 28; II Timothy 4:2).
2. The qualifications of elders include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle requirements prescribed in
Scripture (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). No person shall be confirmed as an elder of The Kirk without the affirmation of the existing elders
and of the congregation.
3. Elders are to be humble, and they are to be accountable and submissive to the Lord, to one another, and to the congregation (I
Peter 5:5).
4. The congregation shall affirm the appointment of elders to serve for terms of no more than three years. While there is no limit to the
number of consecutive terms an individual elder may serve, each elder desiring to continue in that ministry within the church shall,
nevertheless, submit to the process of affirmation or reaffirmation by the congregation at the end of each term.
5. An elder may be removed from serving in that role prior to the conclusion of his term for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or
improper conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as
determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
D. Ascension gift ministers.
1. Ascension gift ministers - which may also be referred to as five-fold ministers, equipping ministers, or ministers of the Word - are
called by God to the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, or some combination thereof (Ephesians 4:7-11).
2. The fundamental role of ascension gift ministers is to train and equip the saints for the work of the ministry and to help bring them
into proper maturity in the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 4:11-16).
3. Because ascension gift ministers are given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of training and maturing His
people, it is crucial that the congregation and congregational leaders receive regular input from these equipping ministers. The elders
should give concerted effort to establishing meaningful relationships with ascension gift ministers, as well as to receiving ministry from them
on a consistent basis, whether or not the congregation calls any such ministers to serve the fellowship in an official capacity.
4. In the traditional church model of this era, it is common for a congregation to call a minister of the Word to serve within that
congregation in a position typically referred to as “pastor”. Any such ministers of the Word so engaged at The Kirk shall also serve as
elders of the congregation and shall be subject to the same qualifications and requirements for humility, accountability, and submission as
the other elders (see IV, C, 2-3).
5. Equipping ministers officially engaged to function in that capacity within the congregation shall continue in that function and role until
such time as God chooses to release or move them or until they disqualify themselves for such service. A general review of the ministry of
each ascension gift minister so engaged will be conducted no less than every year using a format adopted by the elders.
6. An equipping minister of The Kirk, whether or not officially engaged in that capacity, may be removed from that ministry within the
congregation for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for engendering unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the
congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders and the congregation.
E. Deacons.
1. The fundamental role of deacons is to assist the elders in service to the congregation, especially in areas related to the physical,
material, or administrative needs of the church and its members, paying special attention to widows, the poor, and the needy (Acts 6:1-4).
In view of this assisting role, the deacons of The Kirk are directly accountable to the elders of The Kirk.
2. The qualifications of deacons include a call and anointing from the Lord, as well as certain lifestyle requirements prescribed in
Scripture (I Timothy 3:8-15). No person shall be confirmed as a deacon of The Kirk without the affirmation of the elders and the
confirmation of the congregation.
3. Deacons are to be humble and accountable and submissive to the Lord, to the elders, to one another, and to the congregation (I
Peter 5:5).
4. Deacons shall continue in that function and role until such time as God chooses to release or move them or until they disqualify
themselves for such service or until the elders deem their ministry to be no longer necessary. A general review of each deacon’s ministry
as a deacon will be conducted periodically using a format adopted by the elders.
5. A deacon may be removed from that ministry for teaching false doctrine, for immoral or improper conduct, for engendering
unnecessary or inappropriate strife within the congregation, or for other appropriate reasons as determined and confirmed by the elders
and the congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:19-20; Titus 3:9-11).
6. While The Kirk may not function without elders in place, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to require the existence within the
church of the ministry of deacons. Rather, deacons shall be called and released into diaconal ministry only as the elders determine such
ministry to be necessary.
F. Under the headship of Jesus Christ, the elders shall have the authority to govern the church in all matters, provided, however, that the
congregation itself shall retain authority in the following matters:
1. calling ministers of the Word to serve within the congregation in an official capacity;
2. affirming the appointment of elders and deacons into those respective ministries;
3. adjusting, dissolving or otherwise amending the relationship of ministers of the Word officially engaged by the congregation;
4. buying, mortgaging, or selling real property; and,
5. incurring debt in excess of $10,000, or one-time expenses in excess of $10,000, even if no indebtedness is involved.
G. Meetings of the elders shall be open to all members of the congregation, provided, however, that the elders may call special executive
sessions which may exclude members of the congregation from attending.
H. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the congregation, the quorum necessary for the official conduct of such business will be one-
half of the total number of members on the official membership roster of the church.
I. For any matter requiring a formal vote of the elders, the quorum necessary for the official conduct of such business will be three-fourths
of the total number of elders serving at that time.
ARTICLE V. LEGAL AUTHORITY
A. As representatives of the church, the elders (or those persons specifically designated by the elders to act in their stead) shall have legal
authority, subject to proper approval, to take such actions and enter into such lawful contracts and agreements as may be necessary for
the smooth and ordinary operation of the church.
B. Three trustees, appointed by the elders and under the authority of the elders, shall serve the church as legal representatives in
whatever matters deemed necessary or appropriate by the elders and by the relevant laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Trustees shall
continue in that function and role at the discretion of the elders and until such time as the elders choose to remove or replace them.
ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP
A. The very essence and nature of church is relational, given that a church is a group of people who have established a relationship with
God through the Lord Jesus Christ and, thereby, have entered into relationship with one another as brothers and sisters in the family of
God. Because of the reality, importance, and function of these relationships, The Kirk has established guidelines for formal membership
within the church fellowship.
B. According to the Scriptures, only regenerated Christians comprise the true Church of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:15-18; John 3:36;
Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23; Romans 2:28-29). As a result, the local congregation and its leadership have a solemn responsibility to receive
into membership only those individuals who have been born again by the Holy Spirit, are surrendered to Jesus as Lord, and are called by
God to join this local expression of the Body of Christ.
C. Requirements for church membership in The Kirk.
1. Any person is eligible to pursue membership in the Kirk who:
a. professes to have been born again, having confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, having believed that God raised him from
the dead, and having indicated a commitment to walk in that light and reality (Romans 10:9-10; John 3:3-7, 14-21);
b. subscribes to the Confession of Faith in Article III of this Constitution;
c. has been water baptized either by believing parents as an infant or as a believer upon a personal profession of faith (Matthew 28:19;
Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-39);
d. has expressed a clear, informed desire to join this fellowship as an active, participating member; and,
e. is willing to submit to the authority and discipline of the church (Hebrews 13:17; I Corinthians 16:15-16; Ephesians 5:21).
2. Persons desiring to commit to this church as members should express that desire to an elder or equipping minister of the church.
After attending and completing a pre-membership class, the prospective member will meet with the elders of the congregation for
confirmation.
3. Formal commitment to the church and presentation of new members will occur in an appropriate Sunday morning church service.
D. Responsibilities and privileges of church membership.
1. Members of The Kirk are expected to:
a. spend time in personal and corporate worship, prayer, and Bible study, growing as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and regularly
participating in the worship, discipleship, fellowship, service, and outreach ministries of the church;
b. grow in the understanding and use of their various, God-given gifts, talents, and abilities;
c. support financially the ministry of this local church and the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the regular giving of tithes
and offerings;
d. live lives consistent with the example of Jesus Christ and the teachings of Scripture; and,
e. maintain meaningful contact and open communication with the elders and other leaders of the congregation, upholding them in
prayer and joining with them in the work of the ministry, working at all times to maintain peace and harmony within the fellowship of the
believers under the authority and discipline of the established authorities of the church.
2. Members in good standing of The Kirk may expect to:
a. participate fully in the power and vibrancy of church life, including but not limited to enthusiastic corporate worship, genuine
fellowship, regular exhortation and instruction from the Word of God, corporate ministry and mission, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper,
and the presentation of children for baptism;
b. receive reasonable, meaningful pastoral oversight and care from members of the fellowship at large, as well as from the church
elders or their representatives;
c. be prayed for regularly by name by the elders and other leaders of the congregation; and,
d. participate meaningfully in the operation and governance of the local church by praying for the church leadership, offering insights
and suggestions, serving on ministry teams, attending meetings of the elders, taking part in congregational meetings, and participating in
congregational votes.
E. Resolution of membership issues.
1. In keeping with the biblical mandate to live together in peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14), issues that arise which could threaten
the unity of the fellowship or a person’s membership status within the church will be handled with love and with the goal of reconciliation and
restoration within the church fellowship. Nevertheless, the congregation of The Kirk reserves the right to exercise appropriate, biblical,
church discipline including but not limited to revoking or suspending any or all of the privileges enumerated in VI, D, 2, of this constitution,
as well as revoking or suspending church membership in its entirety.
2. Issues that could result in some form of church discipline or threaten a person’s membership status include, but are not limited to:
a. unrepentant, on-going teachings or beliefs out of line with the revealed Word of God as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and
understood by the elders, or that are otherwise substantially inconsistent with the central tenets of the Christian faith as adopted and set
forth in the constitution, by-laws, and adopted polices of The Kirk;
b. unrepentant, on-going conduct out of line with the revealed Word of God as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and understood by the
elders, or that is otherwise substantially inconsistent with the central tenets of the Christian faith as adopted and set forth in the constitution,
by-laws, and adopted policies of The Kirk; and,
c. unrepentant, on-going failure to fulfill the membership requirement of “a clear, informed desire to join this fellowship as an active,
participating member”, provided, however, that this section shall not be used to impact unfairly the membership rights and status of
housebound, shut-in, mobility-restricted, or otherwise partially or fully incapacitated members.
3. In keeping with VI, D, 1, e, of this constitution, members desiring to be released from their membership covenant with The Kirk should
meet with the elders to discuss that desire and the reasons for it.
4. Church membership and all or some of the privileges thereof may be revoked for disciplinary reasons in appropriate cases. Any
such revocation of membership or membership privileges, as well as any subsequent restoration, will be exercised in accordance with
Scripture (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:1-13; II Corinthians 2:5-11; Galatians 6:1-2). In cases where appropriate church discipline
comes short of excommunication, such discipline may be administered by the elders on behalf of the congregation.
ARTICLE VII. CERTIFICATION AND ORDINATION FOR MINISTRY
The congregation of The Kirk shall have the right to certify, ordain, or otherwise credential persons for Christian ministry. The conditions
under which such credentials may be offered or revoked shall be determined by the elders and the congregation of The Kirk, provided,
however, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the issuance of any form of ministry credentials to any individual at
any time and that the congregation retains the right to revoke such credentials.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENT
This Constitution of The Kirk may be amended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the elders, including any equipping ministers of The
Kirk officially engaged in that capacity, after deliberate study and after consultation with the congregation or its relevant committees;
provided, however, that any amendment affecting the authority reserved for the congregation in Article IV, Section F, of this constitution
shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the congregation in order to be adopted.
ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION
Insomuch as it is in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the event of the termination, dissolution, or other end of
The Kirk Community Church in any manner or for any reason whatsoever, all of the church’s remaining assets - if any, after the payment,
discharge, or satisfaction of all of its liabilities and obligations – shall be distributed to (and only to) such one or more organizations selected
by the elders to be used for Christian purposes consistent with those for which this church was formed, which organization or organizations
shall qualify either as a bona fide Christian church or congregation or as a bona fide charitable organization under Section 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) of
the Code of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America, further provided, however, that any references to any provision
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be deemed to mean such provision as is now or hereafter existing, supplemented, or
superseded, as the case may be.
