STATEMENT OF FAITH
First Baptist Church, Moab, UT, believes that the Bible is the only source of authority for all matters of faith and practice. First Baptist Church Moab is an autonomous, Bible-believing, independent fellowship of Christ followers. As of September 25th, 2022, First Baptist Church Moab is no longer affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. First Baptist Church Moab is a member of the G3 Church Network, effective April 30th, 2023. At this time the church continues to accept the doctrinal statement of "The Baptist Faith & Message 2000" as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention, on June 14th, 2000, at the Southern Baptist Convention as our Statement of Faith documented below:
THE BAPTIST FAITH & MESSAGE
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
III. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
V. God's Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
VIII. The Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
IX. The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
XI. Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. Education
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
XIII. Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
XIV. Cooperation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. The Christian and the Social Order
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
XVI. Peace and War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
XVII. Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
XVIII. The Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH - MOAB, UTAH, Revision II, 9/13
PREAMBLE
We, the members of First Baptist Church of Moab, Utah, declare and establish this Constitution and By-Law in order to preserve and perpetuate the principles of our common Christian faith and to govern this body in an orderly and Biblical manner.
ARTICLE I – NAME
This body shall be known as First Baptist Church of Moab, Utah.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
Our Mission under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is:
Worship: To celebrate God’s grace and active presence in our lives
Fellowship: To demonstrate God’s love through loving, meaningful, harmonious relationships with one another in the body of Christ
Discipleship: To prepare believers to lead Christ-centered lives by helping them grow in their personal knowledge of and relationship to Jesus Christ and their understanding of His Word (the Bible)
Ministry: To exercise our spiritual gifts by becoming actively involved in our Church and in our Community and responding to needs as they arise
Missions: To lead people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ
The complete statement of our Mission is found in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
ARTICLE III – DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
This church believes that the Bible is the only source of authority for all matters of faith and practice. We also subscribe to the doctrinal statements found in “THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention.
ARTICLE IV – RELATIONSHIPS**
The First Baptist Church is an autonomous, Bible-believing, independent Baptist fellowship of Christ followers. The First Baptist Church is no longer associated or affiliated with any national, state or local denominational organization, effective Sunday, September 25th, 2022.
ARTICLE V – CHURCH ORDINANCES
We believe that there were two ordinances instituted by Christ, the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, to be observed until He comes again.
1) Baptism – We believe that Believer’s Baptism is the immersion (Greek: “fully wet”) of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that this is a symbolic act of obedience that identifies the believer with the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus; that it is to be performed by an ordained minister through the authority of the local church (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:38.41; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 18:7-8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3-4). As a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privilege of church membership and to partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
2) The Lord’s Supper – We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of the Lord’s death to be observed by the Church until He comes again; that the elements, unleavened bread and wine, are symbols of His broken body and His shed blood; and that our observance of it is a pictorial testimony of the believer’s fellowship of His sufferings and crucifixion and should be preceded by solemn self-examination. (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:14-20; I Corinthians 10:14-17; I Corinthians 11:17-34) The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least quarterly and at such other times as the church or the Pastor may designate.
ARTICLE VI – CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Holy Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the personal profession of our faith, having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we do solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant with each other, as one body in Christ.
We, therefore, agree, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Bible, the inspired Word of God, as our guide, to walk together in Christian love; to pray for this church; to promote spiritual growth in the fellowship; to be faithful in attendance; to observe the church ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper; to follow those God has placed in positions of spiritual leadership, as they follow Christ; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the financial support of the ministry of this local church and to the spread of the gospel to all nations.
We agree to encourage personal and family devotions; to educate our children according to our faith; to discover, develop, and exercise our spiritual gifts and talents to serve one another as well as those outside the church; to seek the salvation of the unbeliever; to maintain a godly private and public life by being just and honest in our dealings and reliable in our responsibilities; and to work untiringly for the advancement of the kingdom of our Savior by witnessing in both words and actions.
We agree to walk in Christian harmony, submitting to one another in love, giving and receiving assistance with humility and affection; to pray for one another, to encourage one another; to comfort and care for one another in sickness, distress, and sorrow; to be slow to take offense but always eager for reconciliation, seeking it without delay; to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, gossiping, and slander; to confess our sins to one another; to speak the truth in love to one another.
We further agree that when we move from this area, we will, as soon as possible, until with some other church we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. (I Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4-6; Philippians 1-2)
ARTICLE VII – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Members – This church is comprised of persons who profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and have been baptized by believer’s baptism (immersion) according to the New Testament.
Section 2 – Membership – A person shall be considered for membership in this church upon approval of the church in one of the following ways:
1. By Profession of Faith - A person who accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, gives personal testimony to that conversion experience, participates in believer’s baptism, and affirms the purpose statement and covenant of this church shall be considered for membership in this church.
2. By Statement – A person who has participated in believer’s baptism in a New Testament church but who has no transferable church membership upon giving a public statement affirming their faith and upon affirming the purpose statement and the covenant of this church may be considered for membership in this church.
3. By Letter - Any person from another church of like faith and order may be received as a member upon receipt of a letter of transfer in “good standing” from that church and upon affirmation of the purpose statement and the covenant of this church.
4. By Restoration – A person who has withdrawn fellowship or whose membership has been terminated, after having given evidence of repentance may submit a petition in writing requesting restoration of membership. Upon church approval, such a person may be restored to fellowship.
Section 3 – New Member Orientation – New church members will be encouraged to participate in the church’s new members orientation class, as developed and implemented by the Pastor or the church staff.
Section 4 – Rights of Members – Each member of the church is entitled to one vote on all matters requiring a congregational vote, provided the member is present. Proxy voting is prohibited.
Section 5 – Responsibilities of Members – Each member of the church is expected to be faithful in attendance, in discipleship, and in service. Recognizing that Christians are to be “ministers of reconciliation,” each member is expected to be active in the work of the church and in the world. Any member who habitually absents himself from the regularly scheduled services of the church for six months, without satisfactory reason, may be placed on an Inactive List. Efforts will be made to communicate with the member before placing such a person’s name on this list.
Section 6 – Discipline of Members – This church will make every effort to adhere to the principles of the church discipline as set forth in Matthew 18:15-17. The guiding motivation behind church discipline is love. This may include anyone who insists on holding false or heretical doctrines contrary to the position of the church as set forth in the “Baptist Faith and Message.” It may also include one whose disorderly walk brings reproach upon the church or one who continually creates dissention or division within the body. Only after all reasonable means of reconciliation have been exhausted will church discipline and exclusion by the church in a church meeting take place. (I Corinthians 5:1-13; Galatians 1:8-9; II Thessalonians 3:6-14)
Section 7 – Termination of Membership – Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: 1) death; 2) transfer of letter to another church of like faith and practice; 3) acknowledgement of affiliation with or joining another church of like faith and practice; 4) member’s request that membership be stricken from the records; or 5) exclusion by disciplinary action of this church.
ARRICILE VII – CHURCH MEEETINGS
Section 1 – Worship Services – The church shall meet together regularly each Sunday morning and evening for the purpose of Bible Study, praise, and worship. In addition, the church will meet on Wednesday evenings for Bible Study/worship/prayer. These meetings shall be open to the entire membership of this church and to all people. There may be some situations or circumstances when these services and their times may be altered.
Section 2 – Special Services – Other services which are deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the mission of this church shall be announced from the pulpit or placed on the church calendar and publicized in advance.
Section 3 – Business Meetings – The church shall hold a business meeting on the first month of every quarter. The business meeting shall be held during the week after the first Sunday of that month, and may be held on any evening of that week. These meetings may be adjourned to meet at any designated time.
1) Moderator – The Pastor shall serve as Moderator of all meetings. In the absence of the Pastor, the chairman of the deacons shall act as moderator. In the rare occasion that both the pastor and deacon chairman are absent, the church clerk shall call the meeting to order and an “acting” moderator shall be elected.
2) Quorum – A quorum shall consist of 5% of the resident membership in most business matters. Exceptions: a) 10% of the resident membership shall be required for the election of church officers and other paid church staff; b) 25% of the resident membership shall be required for the calling of a Pastor.
3) Polity and Parliamentary Procedure – The government of this church resides in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other body. This church will seek to conduct its business under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and according to the spirit of the New Testament. Parliamentary procedure during business meetings will be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Revised.
Section 4 – Special Business Meetings – A special business meeting may be called to consider any matter requiring immediate action. Notice of the subject, date, time, and location of the meeting must be given to all active members of the church at least one week in advance of the meeting. Only in rare, extreme circumstances shall a meeting be called without proper notice given. No other business may be conducted other than that of the stated purpose at this meeting. Those authorized to call a special business meeting are as follows: 1) the pastor; 2) the trustees; 3) the deacons; or 4) the Church Council.
ARTICILE IX – ORGANIZATION FOR MINISRY
Section 1- Programs and Ministries
A. Programs – A program is a ministry designed to accomplish one or more of the purpose of this church, funded by the church and controlled by the church. Its director is a church member, and its workers, any curriculum, and plan of action are to be approved by the church.
B. Ministries – A ministry is an attempt to accomplish one or more purpose of this church or may be a new endeavor seeking to meet a pressing or newly discovered need. A ministry does not need to be approved by the church in order to begin. Any member or group in this church may start a ministry as God so leads that member or group. However, if church assets or funds are necessary for the starting or continuation of the ministry, then church approval is required. Should it be desired that a ministry become a church program, and then a proposal to that effect should be made by the Church Council.
C. Evaluation of Programs and Ministries – The Church Council shall annually evaluate all church programs and ministries and make recommendations to the church concerning their contribution and viability to the ongoing work of the church as it seeks to accomplish its purposes.
Section 2 – Personnel – All persons elected to ministry positions must be members of this church.
A. Pastor – The Pastor must be an ordained Southern Baptist Minister.
1) The qualifications and responsibilities for the position of Pastor of this church shall be according to the teachings of I Timothy 3:1-7, II Timothy, and Ephesians 4:11-16.
2) The Pastor shall be selected and called by the church body when a vacancy occurs. He shall serve indefinitely at the will of the church. A Pastor Search Committee shall be selected by vote of the church to seek out a suitable Pastor. The committee shall bring to the church only one pastoral candidate at a time for consideration. All active members shall be contacted in writing at least one week prior to this vote. Voting shall be by secret ballot. Election shall be by a three-fourths affirmative vote, with at least 25% of the active membership in attendance.
3) Should the Pastor resign, he must give at least one month’s written notice to the church.
4) The church may dismiss a pastor by a three-fourths vote of the members at a special meeting called for that purpose, with prior written notice given to all active members and 25% of those members in attendance. Upon immediate dismissal, one month’s severance pay will be granted to the Pastor.
5) The Pastor’s salary and benefits shall be proposed by the Budget and Finance Committee, approved by the church, and agreed upon by the prospective candidate prior to his call. An annual review of the Pastor’s salary will occur.
6) Unless otherwise stated in these by-laws, the Pastor shall serve as the President of this Corporation for legal purposes.
7) Duties and Responsibilities of the Pastor are explained more fully in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
B. Associate/Youth Pastor – The Associate/Youth Pastor must be an ordained Southern Baptist Minister. The position can be paid or unpaid, and filled by one or two men, but if the need arises each position can be filled separately.
1) The qualifications and responsibilities for the position of Associate/Youth Pastor of this church shall be according to the teachings of I Timothy 3:1-7, and Ephesians 4:11-16.
2) The Associate/Youth Pastor shall be selected and called by the church body when a vacancy occurs. He shall serve indefinitely at the will of the church. A Pastor Search Committee shall be selected by vote of the church to seek out a suitable Associate/Youth Pastor. The committee shall bring to the church only one pastoral candidate at a time for consideration. All active members shall be contacted in writing at least one week prior to this vote. Voting shall be by secret ballot. Election shall be by a three-fourths affirmative vote, with at least 25% of the active membership in attendance.
3) Should the Associate/Youth Pastor resign, he must give at least one month’s written notice to the church.
4) The church may dismiss a Associate/Youth Pastor by a three-fourths vote of the members at a special meeting called for that purpose, with prior written notice given to all active members and 25% of those members in attendance. Upon immediate dismissal, two weeks severance pay (if it is a paid position) will be granted to the Associate/Youth Pastor.
5) The Associate/Youth Pastor’s salary and benefits shall be proposed by the Budget and Finance Committee, approved by the church, and agreed upon by the prospective candidate prior to his call. An annual review of the Associate/Youth Pastor’s salary will occur.
C. Trustees – The Trustees of this church shall consist of a minimum of three members, elected by the church, to serve a four-year term. In the event a trustee becomes unable to fulfill his term, a replacement trustee shall be elected by the church. This board shall be designed as the legal agent of the church, exercising all powers that may be executed of performed by the corporation under the laws of the State of Utah, the Certificate of Incorporation, and the Constitution and By-Laws. The trustees shall hold in trust the property of this church. Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each action, they shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer church property. It shall be the function of all trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents where the signatures of Trustees are required.
D. Deacons – There shall be five deacons for every one hundred active members (provided there are scripturally qualified men to serve). A Deacon shall be a male member of this church, who faithfully and actively supports its ministry. He must possess the scriptural qualifications set forth in Acts 6:1-7 and in I Timothy 3:8-13. He shall have been ordained by this church or by another Baptist church of like faith and practice. A list of scripturally qualified men willing to serve shall be prepared by the Pastor and active deacons and presented to the church body. Deacons shall be elected in a regular or called business meeting by secret ballot vote. The duties and responsibilities of the deacons are explained more fully in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
E. Church Clerk – The Church Clerk, elected by the church annually, shall attend and keep accurate records of all church business meetings and preserve all church documents. The clerk is responsible for keeping a register of the names of church members, with accurate dates of admission, dismissal, and death, together with a record of baptism. The clerk shall make changes in names, mailing addresses, and all other pertinent information. The church clerk shall prepare the annual Associational Letter; issue letters of dismissal voted on by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office when an office is maintained.
F. Church Treasurer – The Church Treasurer, elected annually by the church, shall maintain an accurate, itemized record of all receipts and expenses, make necessary disbursements promptly, and submit a monthly report of all financial transactions. All books, records, and accounts kept by the Treasurer shall be considered the property of the Church. Non-budgeted items exceeding $500 must be approved by the Budget and Finance Committee. The Pastor, deacons, and trustees may approve for emergency or serious need an expenditure or item up to but not exceeding $5,000*. The Church Treasurer may act as a corporate officer for legal purposes.
G. Sunday School Director – The Sunday School Director shall be elected annually and is responsible for the general supervision and coordination of the Sunday school education program of the church. It is the responsibility of the Sunday school Director to ensure that all teachers and leaders are made aware of and encouraged to attend training opportunities. The Director shall compile requests for literature, resources, and aids that may assist the workers in their endeavors and to make these available when possible. It is also the responsibility of the Director to call regular meetings with all Sunday school workers, to assist in filling vacancies that may occur during the year, and to submit names for specific teacher/worker positions to the Personnel Committee for nominations each year.
H. Sunday School Secretary – The Sunday School Secretary, elected annually, will guide record-keeping procedures for the Sunday school program, maintain a master enrollment file on all phases of the program, and assist class secretaries in maintaining department records.
I. Church Music Director – The Church Music Director shall be elected annually and shall be responsible for the oversight of the total music program of the church; therefore, this person shall be spiritually gifted/talented in the area of music and shall have experience and training in music. This person’s primary responsibility shall be the coordination of music for the Sunday morning worship services and any special programs of the church.
J. Church Council – The Church Council shall be comprised of the Pastor and all other paid ministerial staff, the chairman of the deacons, the directors of all program and ministry organizations, and the chairpersons of all standing church committees. The Pastor shall serve as chairperson for the Church Council. The Church Council serves as the coordinating body for Planning, Programs, and Promotion of all church ministries. The primary function of the Council shall be to recommend to the congregation suggested objectives and Church goals; to review and coordinate program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the congregation the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program effectiveness in terms of Church goals and objectives. All matters agreed upon by the Council, calling for action not already authorized, shall be referred to the Church for approval or disapproval. The Council shall have no implied authority and shall meet at least quarterly during the church year.
K. Church Committees – Standing and Special Committee will be elected by the church for the purpose of sharing responsibilities if the ministry of the church. The Personnel Committee will be responsible for making nominations for all positions in the church, except for that of the Pastor and other paid staff members. The Pastor may serve as an ex-officio member on any standing committee.
1) Standing Committees – The following five committees shall be elected by the church each year.
a. Budget and Finance Committee – This committee will consist of the Church Treasurer, a representative from the deacon body, and three members of the congregation at large. Its responsibilities include: preparing an annual budget to be adopted by the church, prompting stewardship, monitoring the use of allocated monetary resources, and making recommendations to the church in regard to adjustments that may need to be made during the year as needs arise. The church fiscal year shall be from January through December.
b. Personnel Committee – This committee is responsible for overseeing and filing all positions in the church, with the exception of the Pastor and other paid members of the church staff. Spiritual gifts of the members will be the prime consideration in the nomination process in order to math gifts with ministry tasks. This committee will consist of the Sunday School Director and four other members of the congregation.
c. Building and Grounds Committee – This committee shall be responsible for the maintenance of the church buildings and grounds. It shall consist of a chairman and at least four other members of the congregation.
d. Baptism and the Lord’s Super Committee – This committee is responsible for assisting candidates for baptism and preparation of the elements used in observations of the Lord’s Supper. It should consist of two or more members or couples from the congregation.
e. Missions Committee – This committee is responsible for Missions Education and special missions emphases in the Church. It shall consist of any mission program directors and three other members from the congregation.
2) Special Committees - Special committees shall be organized by the church as needed and shall serve until such as the particular need is met.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
Changes in this Constitution and By-Laws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided each amendment has been presented in writing at any regular or dully called business meeting and that a written copy of each amendment has been made available to all active members at least thirty days prior to being voted on.
ARTICLE XI – ADOPTION
This Constitution and By-Laws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two-thirds of the members present and voting at the business meeting at which the vote is taken shall vote in favor for same.
AMENDMENT I – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Section 1 – Policies – This church shall write policy documents that deal with personnel matters, financial matters, and property matters, as the need arises for these polices. When policies are written and approved by the church, they immediately become a part of the operating policy of the church. The By- Laws of the church should be changed to reflect and new policy impact on any given area in the By-Laws. A simple reference system may be used and the policies must be kept on file in the church office and accessible to all church members on proper notice.
Section 2 – Procedures – Procedures for this church may be written documents or generally understood operating procedures. Should they be written, they shall be kept on file in the church office and accessible to all church members on proper notice. However, since they may be construed to be generally understood operating procedures, should a question or dispute arise concerning a policy that cannot be resolved, the Church Council will be responsible for clarifying the procedure and preparing a written copy which will be read to the church in business meeting, and unless the church objects, it will be filed as a written procedures document.
*Article 9, Section 2, Letter F - Treasurer amended Sunday, May 1st, 2022.
**Article 4, Relationships - affiliation changed, separated from SBC Sunday, September 25th, 2022.
***Voted Sunday, April 30th, 2023 to join G3 Church Network as well as support financially on a monthly basis G3 Ministries, HeartCry Missionary Society, ShowMe Christian Youth Home, and Four Corners Home for Children.
