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Church Polity Methods and Government
Church Polity
Methods and Government
Seventh Edition 1993
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. I Cor. 1:10.
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Phil. 2:2.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same things. Phil. 3:16.
We, the committee of Elders, Harley Flory, H. Edward Johnson and Dennis St. John, have the following to submit in answer to 1992 General Conference request for the Polity Booklet to be brought up to date with all material of queries, changes and revisions passed by General Conference.
After many hours of prayerful and extensive search of all past minutes and the previous 6 editions of the Polity Booklet we have compiled this revision in the hope that all may become more familiar with Our Church Polity.
In order to preserve the unity of the faith and the identity of the Church of the New Testament, the following statement is declared to embody the principles, practices and doctrines for which the Dunkard Brethren Church stands.
The New Testament is our Creed, and we heartily subscribe to all its holy teaching, and especially emphasize the following, for which we earnestly contend, as the "faith which was once delivered unto the saints".
Sec. 1. The Godhead is one, consisting of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 3:16, 17; II Cor. 13:14; Matt. 17:5; 28:19.)
Sec. 2. The Father is (with the Son) the Creator and the Preserver of all things, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. (Gen. 1:1; Mal. 2:10; Psa. 97:10; Acts 2:23; I Cor. 12:6; Eph. 3:9; Phil. 2:13; John 1:3; Col. 1:16.)
Sec. 3. The Son is the promised Messiah, Redeemer, and Saviour of the World. (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 9:6; Jn. 1:29; Rom. 3:24; Gal. 3:13; I Tim. 2:5, 6.)
Sec. 4. The Holy Spirit, through the word is the convincer of the world and the comforter, and sanctifier of the children of God. (Jn. 16:7-11; 14:16, 17, 26; II Thess. 2:13; I Peter 1:2, 22.)
Sec. 5. The Son and the Spirit are divine, one in essence, nature, attributes, and purpose with the Father. (Matt. 1:23; Jn. 1:1-3; 10:30; 17:21, 22; I Cor. 2:11; Phil. 2:6; Col. 2:9.)
Sec. 6. The Godhead is three in relation, office, work and name. (Matt. 3:16, 17; 28:19; Heb. 1:5; Rom. 8:26, 27; II Cor. 13:14.)
Sec. 1. Man's disposition and nature are shaped by the law of heredity, and his own volition in choosing the right or the wrong. (Prov. 23:7; II Tim. 1:5; II Tim. 3:1-8; Rom. 1:18-28; Gal. 5:19-21.)
Sec. 2. Man is morally free to choose, and to act, as his volition directs. (Josh. 24:15; Matt. 11:28, 29; Luke 10:42.)
Sec. 3. Man fell from his primal state of purity and innocency by voluntary sin, and by that act his soul was doomed to eternal perdition but for Divine intervention. (Gen. 3:6, 24; Rom. 5:12, 18; I Cor. 15:22; Mark 10:14.)
Sec. 1. The meritorious righteousness of Christ and his vicarious suffering and death are the only ground or source of redemption, and of forgiveness of sin. (I Cor. 1:30; Rom. 5:18; Acts 4:12; I Tim. 1:15.)
Sec. 2. The atonement is free, and unlimited, and unconditional to all the unaccountable part of humanity, and free and unlimited but conditional to all accountable persons. (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Luke 18:16; Mark 16:15, 16; I John 3:7.)
Sec. 3. By the atonement, mankind was redeemed from the "original" or "Adamic" sin and, is now accountable for individual sin only. (John 1:29; Gal. 3:13; 4:4, 5; Heb. 10:10; II Cor. 5:19.)
Sec. 1. Faith, abstractly, is the assent of the mind to the supernatural origin of the Bible, and to all the truth, as therein revealed; concretely, it is taking God at his word, and, manifested by humble obedience thereto, prompted by the Spirit of love. (Heb. 11:1, 6; Jude 1:3; Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:20, 22.)
Sec. 2. Repentance is a cessation from sin, with consciousness and sorrow that it is displeasing to God, and a turning from the love and practice of sin to the love of truth and practical righteousness. (Isa. 1:16, 17; Isa. 55:7; II Cor. 7:10; Acts 14:15; 17:30.)
Sec. 3. Confession is a voluntary renunciation of sin, and the avowal of truth and right, with faith in Christ, vitalized by works of loving obedience. (Matt. 3:6; Matt. 10:32; Phil. 2:11; James 5:16; Rom. 10:10.)
Sec. 4. Baptism in mode is immersion, in form it consists of trine immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matt. 28:19; Mark 1;5, 8; Matt. 3:6; Acts 8:38, 39.)
Sec. 5. Kneeling, or bowing is the scriptural posture in baptisms. (John 19:30; Rem. 6:4-5.)
Sec. 6. Baptism in purpose, along with faith, and repentance, and confession, is for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:37, 38; Tit. 3:5.)
Sec. 7. The "new birth" is a change wrought in the soul of man by which the volition, the affections and the desires of the heart are changed from a love of things worldly and fleshly, to a love of things spiritual, and heavenly, and is effected by the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the word of God. (I Pet. 1:23; I Cor. 4:15; John 3:5; II Cor. 5:17; Rem. 6:4; Phil. 3:1-2.)
Sec. 1. Feet-washing is a New Testament rite to be observed among God's people until the return of the Master who instituted it and gave his own example of it. (John 13:1-17; I Tim. 5:10; Matt. 28:20.)
Sec. 2. The Lord's Supper as instituted by Christ in the night of his betrayal is a full meal to be kept among his people along with Feet-washing and the Communion until his return. (John 13:30; Luke 22:20; John 13:2-4; I Cor. 11:23-25.)
Sec. 3. The Communion as instituted by Christ consists in partaking of the bread and the cup in a worthy manner, at the close of the day, in connection with, but following Feet-washing and the Lord's Supper. (Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22-24; I Cor. 10:16; 11:21-26.)
Sec. 4. The holy kiss is a divine rite to be kept and perpetuated in the Church. And is observed when we meet for worship, at love feasts in connection with Feet-washing, between the Supper and the Communion, and on other occasions. (Rom. 16:16; I Cor. 16:20; II Cor. 13:12; I Thess. 5:26, 27; I Peter 5:14.)
Sec. 5. Veiling or covering their heads by Christian women in times of prayer or prophesying is of Divine appointment. A plain white cap covering the head meets the scriptural requirement. (I Cor. 11:1-16). It is not consistent nor in harmony with the teachings of our forefathers for sisters to wear prayer coverings without strings. The modern round cap is not considered as meeting the scriptural requirement for a covering.
Sec. 6. We believe the anointing of the sick to be an appointment of the Lord, and that it was intended to be perpetuated in His Church, and should be attended to, at the request of the sick, by the elders of the Church. "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14.)
The Scriptural specification is for the anointing to be performed by two Elders. In practice, the Church has permitted a minister, or even a deacon in extreme cases, to assist an elder when a second elder is not available. (James 5:14; Matt. 10:8.)
Sec. 1. The First Day of the week is the Christian Sabbath to be kept as a day of rest and worship. (Matt. 28:1; Acts 20:7; John 20:1; Mark 16:2.)
Sec. 2. Sanctification, righteousness, holiness and perfection are cardinal doctrines and graces of the New Testament, and are attained and experienced by Christians to the extent and degree that they in loving obedience manifest the fruits thereof. (John 17:17; Heb. 10:10; I John 3:7; Acts 10:35; I Thess. 4:7; 5:23.)
Sec. 3. We believe temperance to be a moderate use of the things that are essential and useful, and total abstinence from such things as are harmful or lead to evil. (I Thess. 5:22.) The Brethren Church has ever been a standing monument against the manufacture, sale and use of intoxicating liquors of all kinds as a beverage, admitting their use only when necessary for medical and mechanical purposes.
Sec. 4. We believe that civil government is ordained of God for the care and protection of the good and for the punishment of those who do evil (Rom. 13:1-7) and that kings and rulers should be prayed for (I Tim. 2:2) honored and obeyed (Heb. 13:17) 50 far as their laws do not conflict with the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29) who is Lord of lords and King of kings, and whose laws are to be obeyed by the inhabitants of both heaven and earth. (Rev. 19:16.)
Sec. 1. Affiliation with the civil government in accepting of the duties of which any Gospel principle is violated, or one's Christian character is endangered, is incompatible with Christianity. (I Pet. 3:9; I Thess. 5:22; Rom. 12:17-21.) All members of the Dunkard Brethren Church are admonished to give heed to the example of humility and simplicity of life which Jesus left us in every feature of our lives every day. We advise all our members not to take part in politics or political matters. The Dunkard Brethren Church has not taken a stand against Social Security, but leaves the matter to the individual as to his participation in Social Security.
Sec. 2. We believe that the principle of nonresistance is clearly taught in the Scriptures, and therefore has been accepted as a doctrine of the Church. In support of our position we give the following: Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6); his kingdom is not of the world and his servants do not fight (John 18:36); the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (II Cor. 10:4); but we are to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44), overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:2), and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute us (Matt. 5:44). Learning the art of war and participating in carnal warfare or service in any branch of military establishment, at any time, is forbidden by the Scripture; and the boy and girl scout movements and any other movement requiring a uniform, or having any military features, fall under the same condemnation. (Eph. 6:10-18; II Cor. 10:4-5; Gal. 5:19-22; Matt. 26:52.) Members of the Dunkard Brethren Church who enter any branch of the military service or work in war plants shall not be held in fellowship, and if they are obstinate they cannot be held as members.
Sec. 3. Participation in games, plays, performances, and unions that are manifestly evil or sinful, is contrary to the Gospel and to a pure heart. (I Thess. 5:22; John 3:19; John 17:15; I Pet. 4:3-5.) Our members are not permitted to own or have television in their homes. In homes where one is a member and the other is not, the member will not be held responsible for having the television, provided he or she faithfiilly tell the church they have no part in it. Members do not buy or sell state lottery tickets, or take part in any form of gambling. Attendance at theaters and dancing should not be participated in by members. Be it known to all men that the Dunkard Brethren Church is conscientiously opposed to co-educational physical education by Junior High and High School students. (I Peter 2:11.)
Sec. 4. Affiliation with secret societies or lodges is in violation of the Scriptures. We, the Dunkard Brethren Church, shall not take part in the Ecumenical Movement, the National Council of Churches or any similar organization. (John 3:19-21; 18:20; II Cor. 6:14-18; Matt. 10:26; Mark 4:22.)
Sec. 5; Conforming to the rules and hurtful fashions of the world, such as wearing of hats by Christian women and neckties, gold, rings, bracelets and such like by either sex in the adornment of the body is contrary to the scriptures, and is a token of a proud heart. (Rom. 12:2; I Peter 1:14; I Pet. 3:3-5; I John 2:15-17; Luke 16:15.)
Sec. 6. The use of narcotics, including tobacco, (except as directed by a physician), or of spirituous liquors as a beverage, is opposed by the Scriptures. (Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:21; I Cor. 3:17; Jas. 1:21; II Cor. 7:1; I Pet. 2:11; I John 2:16), and using, raising, manufacturing, buying, or selling of them by Christians is very inconsistent, and members of the Dunkard Brethren Church who do so should be labored with in love and forbearance, but if and when those labored with manifest an unwilling or arbitrary spirit they subject themselves to the discipline of the church, even to expulsion in extreme cases. So we must earnestly plead that members who are guilty, accept the advice and counsel of the church and abstain from all these.
Since officials are to be examples of the believers (I Tim. 4:12), indulgence in any of these disqualifies for any official in Church or Sunday School work, or as delegate to District and General Conference.
Sec. 7. The use of instruments of music in the house of God, and in worship, is in violation of Scripture and out of harmony with the Scripture on the subject of praise and worship. (Eph. 5:19; I Cor. 14:15; Col. 3:16.)
Sec. 8. 1. Brother is forbidden to go to law with brother. (I Cor. 6:1-5.)
3. Effort should be made to adjust matters (of collections of what is due) without going to law. If reasonable efforts made to compromise and adjust matters fail, the Church is at liberty to grant permission to use the law, but causing distress to those who owe, especially if dependents (women and children) are involved, the law should be avoided.
4. The creditor should not impose greater hardship on the debtor than he himself is under in the circumstances.
Sec. 9. For Brethren to enter the legal profession and conduct a regular law business, is out of harmony with the Scriptures, and contrary to what has been the mind of the Church since its organization. (I Cor. 6:6-7; Luke 11:46, 52.)
Sec. 10. Taking or subscribing to the civil oath in any form is forbidden in the Scriptures. (James 5:12; Matt. 5:34-37.)
Sec. 11. We, as the Dunkard Brethren Church, Inc., seek exemption from the 1983 Social Security Amendments affecting churches, inasmuch as these regulations of involuntary application and enforcemente of Social Security are contrary to a sincerely held Biblical conviction that the government should not tax God or His Church. (Matt. 22:17-21; Eph. 1:21-22; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18.)
Sec. 12. Historically, the Brethren have opposed the practice of abortion, which is murder. (Matt. 19:18; I Pet. 4:15; I John 3:15; Exodus 20:13.) We believe that human life, from conception, is a sacred creation of God. (Jer. 1:5.) Therefore, we believe that non-spontaneous abortion violates the sanctity of human life and the commandments of God. (Luke 1:15; Isa. 49:1.)
I. We examined prayerfully the scriptural grounds of Christian attire, and found that Jesus and the apostles taught honesty and simplicity of life and modesty in dress and manners.
The scriptures bearing on the subject of dress and adornment are of several classes:
Second: The direct teachings, such as I Tim. 2:9, 10; I Pet. 3:3-5.
Third: Teachings on nonconformity to the world in general, and that applies to dress on general principles, such as Rom. 12:1, 2; I Cor. 10:31; I Pet. 1:14, 15; I John 2:15-17.
II. Investigation shows that the early church fathers and our own church fathers taught strongly and uniformly against pride and superfluity in dress, and constantly in favor of gospel plainness.
III. The Minutes of Conference show that the Church has, throughout her entire history, stood firmly against the fashions of the age, and extravagance in all manner of living, and on the other hand has taught faithfully the principles of simplicity of life and personal appearance. And, furthermore, the Conference has, from time to time, adapted means and methods with the view of maintaining Gospel simplicity in dress in the church body.
Now, since the Gospel teaches plain and modest dress and since this is taught in the form of an obligation, without rules and methods of application further than to exclude plaiting of hair, the wearing of gold, pearls and costly raiment, and believing that a form that agrees with the spirit of the teachings is helpful in maintaining the principles of plainness and simplicity in dress and adornment in the general church body, "it seemed good to us" to submit the following restatement:
2. That the brethren wear their hair and beard in a plain and sanitary manner. That the mustache alone is forbidden. Parting the hair in the middle or combing it straight back is recommended for both brethren and sisters.
3. That the sisters attire themselves in plainly made garments, free from ornaments and unnecessary appendages. That plain bonnets and hoods be the headdress, and the hair be worn in a becoming Christian manner.
4. That the veil be worn in time of prayer and prophesying (I Cor. 11:1-16.) The plain white cap is regarded as meeting the requirements of scriptural teaching on the subject.
5. That gold for ornament and jewelry of all kinds shall not be worn.
6. That no brother be installed into office as minister or deacon who will not pledge himself to observe and teach the order of dress.
7. That no brother or sister serve as delegate to District Meeting nor be appointed on committees to enforce discipline, who does not observe the order of dress.
8. That it be the duty of the official body of the church to teach faithfully and intelligently the simple Christian life in dress; and bishops, who are the shepherds of the churches, are required to teach and to see that the simple life in general is taught and observed in their respective charges.
9. That all are urged and implored, in the bond of brotherly love and Christian fellowship, to teach and exemplify the order of the church in dress as a suitable expression of "the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
The above decision is interpreted to forbid bobbing the hair and wearing the modern short and sleeveless dresses. In order to provide adequate modesty, the length of the sisters' dresses is to be at least mid calf or longer.
Sec. 1. The Church is of Divine origin; a theocratic democracy, and is necessary to the evangelizing and Christianizing, and saving of the world. (Acts 20:28; Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:11-13; Acts 2:41, 47.)
Sec. 2. The supremacy of the church over the individual, in question of right or privilege and propriety is of Divine right. (Matt. 16:19; 18:17, 18; Jn. 20:23; II Thess. 3:6.)
Sec. 3. The duty of the church to properly support the ministry is recognized, but a salaried ministry is without warrant from the scriptures and contrary to the custom of the church for over 200 years. (I Cor. 9:7-14; John 10:12, 13.)
Sec. 4. Christian women may function and should be encouraged to be helpful in many ways, but a female official in the church or a female ministry in the sense of preaching, is without Scriptural authority. (Luke 8:3; Acts 21:9; I Cor. 14:31; Rom. 16:1-3; I Tim. 2:11-12.)
Sec. 1. The Old and the New Testaments contain the only revelation of God's will to man, both being alike given either by verbal or by plenary inspiration. (John 5:39; 12:49; 14:24; II Tim. 3:16-17; Gal. 1:11-12.)
Sec. 2. In the New Testament are to be found the principles of the Christian church and the plan of salvation through the Gospel of Christ. (Mark 1:1, 15; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:37-38; Rom. 1:16; I Cor. 15:1, 2.) Sec. 3. Election is of the sovereign mercy of God in enabling us to believe the Word of God, through the Holy Spirit, so that we can choose a life of righteousness and service. (John 6:44; John 15:16; I Peter 1:1, 2; Col. 3:12; I Thess. 1:4-6; II Peter 1:10.)
Sec. 4. This life is the only period of probation, and those who reject the overtures of mercy in time, will be forever lost in eternity. (Matt. 11:29; John 5:29, 40; Matt. 23:37.)
Sec. 5. The future state of the righteous will be eternal felicity in heaven, while that of the wicked will be eternal retribution in the hell of fire. (Rev. 22:3-5; Matt. 25:46; II Thess. 1:9, II Cor. 5:1; John 14:2, 3.)
Sec. 6. The millennium will be 1000 years of peaceful reign of Christ at the end of this age. (I Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 20:4-6.)
Sec. 7. The judgment will be a fixed set time when God will judge the world in righteousness. (John 5:22; 12:48; Rom. 2:16; II Tim. 4:1; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 14:7.)
Sec. 8. The dead will be judged out of the things written in God's books and rewarded according to their works. (Matt. 16:27; Rev. 20:12, 13; II Cor. 5:10.)
Sec. 9. At the final judgment the righteous and the wicked will be assigned to their proper abode each of which will be co-eternal with the other. (Dan. 12:2; Gal. 6:8; John 5:28, 29; Matt. 25:84, 41, 46.)
Sec. 1. The marriage relation is of Divine appointment, being instituted by God and recognized by Christ and his apostles. The power and wisdom of our Heavenly Father was not more strikingly displayed in the framing of the material universe, than in his plan of placing the inhabitants of the earth in families. The constitution of the sexes, and their mutual dependence upon each other, were, as our Saviour clearly showed, designed and appointed from the beginning. Hence the sacredness of the marriage relation. Established in Eden, it has been perpetuated in successive dis-pensations, by which God has sought to promote the welfare of the human race. In all history, examples, both positive and negative, have been accumulating to prove that the highest interests of humanity center in the family. It is an institution of most sacred importance, and therefore should be entered into understandingly, having in view all the sacred obligations belonging to it.
Sec. 2. Weddings shall be conducted in such a manner that the principles of simplicity, humility, and sobriety are not violated, keeping in mind that a wedding is a spiritual event, not merely social in nature.
Sec. 3. If a man and woman have been lawfully, legally and scripturally married and then separated and divorced can be held in full fellowship if they become reconciled and remarried. This is conditional on the basis that neither party had been involved in any other marriage with any other person, and, upon repentance and renewing of their vows to the church.
Sec. 4. Divorce on the part of Christians, except for the cause of fornication, is forbidden in the scriptures. (Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11; I Cor. 7:11.)
If a man or woman be married a second time while the first companion lives, or he or she marry a divorced person they shall not be received, or held, in church fellowship, unless they will live separate and not in marriage relation.
Because of the sacredness of serving as an official in the church, (see I Tim. 3:1-16; Titus 1:6-7) no brother who has been divorced or who remarries a divorced woman shall be placed in official position as a deacon, minister or elder.
The Church is composed of persons who covenant to be loyal to the principles of the Gospel, as understood by the church.
By conviction of sin, conversion and confession of our sins, by faith in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed to us by the Holy Scriptures, and baptism by trine immersion, we enter into covenant relation with one another, as one body in Christ Jesus. Thus, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we mutually agree to walk together in Christian love, to strive together for the advancement of the church in knowledge, holiness and prosperity; to promote spirituality; humility and peace; to sustain its worship, ordinances and doctrines, and cheerfully to contribute of the means that God gives us, for the building of churches, for supporting the ministry when needed, for missionary work, for supporting the poor, and every other good work that tends to the enlargement of Christ's kingdom on earth and the good of its subjects.
We also engage to live truthful and exemplary lives before the world; to have private devotions in our family; to religiously instruct and educate our children; to labor for the physical and spiritual good of our neighbors and those with whom we associate; to be honest and upright in all of our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment; to watch over each other in brotherly love, pray for each other and aid each other in sickness and distress, ever remembering that best of all rules "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
Sec. 1. We believe that the home and the Church are the two most vital institutions established by God for the educating of our children. Recognizing the great importance of a Christian environment under which to religiously instruct and educate our children, we, therefore, approve, recommend, and encourage all congregations, where feasible, to establish schools in the local congregations. (Deut. 6:6-9; Matt. 28:19-20; Col. 2:8; Prov. 19:27; Prov. 22:6.)
Sec. 2.
1. An applicant for membership from another denomination who has knowingly been disowned, or left that denomination, because of offense caused by him, be required to right the wrong committed in that denomination, before being taken into membership in the Dunkard Brethren Church.
2. Members may be accepted into the Dunkard Brethren Church from religious groups of similar faith and practice, who have been baptized by trine immersion for the remission of sins, after being fully instructed as all applicants for membership, and are to be asked to make the usual answer of acceptance, approved by the Church Council.
3. Good, loyal, faithful and true officials, after accepting the instructions and requirements applying to all applicants for membership in the Dunkark Brethren Church, may be accepted in their respective office as follows:
B - Elders may be accepted as ministers only.
C - Their placement in office is to be approved by an affirmative vote of the Congregation.
D - The method of placement into office in such cases is the regular installation service as given in the church manual.
E - In all Councils involving officials, the Discipline Committee of the District shall be in charge, with the cooperation of the presiding elder, so as to avoid accusations of congregationalism.
Sec. 3.
1. Former members of the Dunkard Brethren Church are to be treated in the usual way provided to receive former members back into fellowship. They are to be asked to acknowledge their transgression, ask forgiveness of the Church, and promise to live faithfully thereafter, followed by favorable action of the church council.
2. If such seek to return to membership in a congregation other than where they lost their membership, the consent of the other congregation should be obtained, but this does not require their return to the former place of membership for that purpose.
3. Former brethren who were officials, returning to membership in the Dunkard Brethren Church, would be governed by the decision of General Conference, 1944, page 18, No.12, which follows:
4. If a deacon vacates his membership in the church, or is relieved of, or deposed from, membership, and affiliates, identifies himself with, or joins another denomination or separate group, and then returns to membership in the Dunkard Brethren Church, he shall not be reinstated into office under one year after reestablishing his membership in the church, and then only by a two-thirds vote of the congregation.
5. If the case be that of a minister, he shall not be reinstated into office until after eighteen months after re-establishing his membership in the church, and then only by a two-thirds vote of the congregation.
6. If the case be that of an elder, he shall not be reinstated to office under two years after reestablishing his membership in the church, with the approval of the elders of the District and a two-thirds vote of the congregation.
7. In the case of officials who lost office or both office and membership but who did not affiliate nor fellow-ship elsewhere, they may be reinstated according to conditions specified by the church council when they lost office. If no condition was named, the foregoing might be followed as a suggestive guide, due consideration being given to the circumstances and conditions appertaining in each case.
8. Fidelity and steadfastness are necessary to the prosperity and upbuilding of the church, and to satisfactory and successful work therein; loss of membership of an official means loss of office. The Dunkard Brethren Church is opposed to any homosexual practices and in order for such a person to be a member of the Dunkard Brethren Church, they must be regenerated, forsaking these practices, in accord with the Scriptures. (I Cor. 6:9-10; Rom. 1:22-28; Gen. 19:1-14.)
1. The position of the church on non-resistance, nonsecrecy, nonlawing, nonswearing, nondivorcement, nonconformity to the world in dress, non-attendance at questionable places of amusement, is laid before all applicants for membership by the elder in charge or by a minister authorized by him to do so, followed by, "are you willing to conform to the teaching of the scripture as understood by the church?" Answer: "I am." Then Matt. 18:10-22 is read, followed by, "Are you willing to be governed by this scripture in the adjustment of difficulties that may arise?" Answer, "I am."
Baptism is administered in water, and this entered into sincerely, and in the answer of a good conscience toward God, is succeeded by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Being born of water and of the Spirit is the entrance into the Kingdom of God here on earth.
The applicants, or persons, applying for baptism, after answering that they are willing to conform to the scriptures as understood by the church, that they, after hearing the reading of Matt. 18:10-22, are willing to be governed by that scripture in the adjustment of personal difficulties that may arise, are taken into water of proper depth so that when they kneel down the water will immerse the body when bowed forward in the name of each of the Holy Trinity.
When properly settled upon the knees, the applicant is asked the three following questions, which are answered "Yes".
1. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he brought from Heaven a saving Gospel?
2. Do you willingly renounce the Devil with all the sinful pleasures and practices of this world?
3. Do you covenant with God through Christ to be faithful unto death?
Then the Elder or Minister administering the baptism says: On this confession of faith which you have made before God and these witnesses, I baptize you for the remission of sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, timing the three immersions of the body under the water to the words as spoken.
While the applicant retains the kneeling posture, the administrator lays his hands on the head of the one baptized and prays for the forgiveness of his or her sins, the bestowal of the Holy Spirit and His comforting influence and guidance, and that his or her name be written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
On coming up out of the water the one baptized is received by hand and kiss into church fellowship.
For the church visit there is no direct Scriptural authority, but it has always been a practice in the church as a means to an end. The end desired is that all the members may be in unity and peace, so that they may participate in the Communion services in a worthy manner. (I Cor. 11:27.)
The visit is made by the deacons of the church, it being part of their official duty. Ministers have the liberty to make, or assist in making, the visit if they think it best that they should do so, especially in cases where deacons have had no experience in this kind of church work. In cases of necessity, lay-members may also be called upon to assist in the visit.
The design of the visit is to determine the spiritual condition of the members, and if there is any trouble existing in the minds of any in regard to their faith, or any trouble between member and member, it is the duty of those making the visit to inquire into the nature of such troubles, and, as far as possible, assist in having them satisfactorily adjusted and removed. If this cannot be done, they must be reported to the church.
The visit is made prior to the Communion meetings, and it is thought best that two should go to g ether and go from house to house. The importance of this visit cannot be overestimated, and therefore it should be made with great care, taking time enough at each house, when practicable, to have a season of worship with the family.
As a guide to the character of the visit, the following form of questions has been submitted:
1. Are you still in the faith of the Gospel, as you declared when you were baptized.
2. Are you, as far as you know, in peace and union with the church?
3. Will you still labor with the Brethren for an increase in holiness, both in your self and others?
4. Liberty should be given to members to bring anything they may desire to, and which they may think the good of the church requires, before the visiting brethren.
After all the members have been visited, the deacons, or those who make the visit, report what they have found, or the condition of the members, at a churchmeeting appointed for the purpose and to make the necessary arrangements for Communion services.
1. Members moving from one congregation to another are given letters of recommendation when no legal objections are raised. Such letters not presented to the church where the holder resides at their earliest convenience or upon misconduct deemed sufficient are void.
2. When members move out of a congregation, their letter of membership shall be considered by the congregation, in proper order, within six months.
B. When granted, it is the Clerk's duty to see that the member receives the letter.
3. Letters are granted only to members who are in accord with the decisions of General Conference and in good standing in the Congregation.
4. Church letters shall be presented to the Presiding Elder of a congregation, prior to the convening of Council (Regular or Called).
5. One's membership is in the congregation where he or she resides, but by mutual consent of the churches involved, members living near district lines, may, for convenience, hold membership in the adjoining church.
6. Official Pledge: Officials moving into a congregation shall, before being located in their official standing, promise in the presence of the congregation and the Elder in charge, to support and defend the principles of the Gospel on all points, as held and practiced by our Brotherhood. Then, by vote of the congregation, they shall be accepted as represented by their letter.
1. Church trials are conducted with fairness and equality.
2. Matthew 18 applies to all matters strictly personal. Trespasses of a general nature are handled on general principles.
3. Trespasses may be tried where the offender resides.
4. After all reasonable effort has been made to correct the wrong, withdrawal of membership is a last resort.
5. Restoration may be effected where the petitioner resides or where the rehearing is had. In case a member is disfellowshiped or an official is deposed, and moves into another congregation, the Church where the member was disfellowshiped or deposed must give her consent before the member is restored to full membership or official position. The rehearing may be had where the party resides by mutual agreement.
6. All actions of the church are to be respected by the membership.
1. Examination service, whether held in immediate connection with the ordinances or separated from them by an intermission, consisting of singing; suitable scripture; prayer, kneeling; reading I Corinthians, 11th Chapter, in whole or in part; examination sermon, examination prayer, kneeling, privilege and invitation to both brethren and sisters to offer short prayers audibly, and closing with the Lord's prayer; singing.
2. Love feast service proper: Opening devotional consisting of singing; appropriate scripture; prayer, kneeling.
3. Feet-washing: Reading John 13, whole or in part; washing and wiping of feet, followed by the salutation of the holy kiss.
4. Lord's Supper: Table uncovered; asking of a blessing by a brother, standing, while the members remain seated and bow their heads; eating of the Supper in reverence and silence; returning of thanks by a brother, standing, while the members remain seated and bow their heads; covering of tables.
5. Communion of the bread and cup: reading of John 19 while the officiating Elder or minister prepares the bread by separating the strips; the salutation; asking a blessing on the bread by the officiating minister, standing and holding a piece thereof, while the members remain seated and bow their heads; the breaking of the bread by each member to the next, brethren to brethren and sisters to sisters, the officiating brother starting the breaking among the brethren, and a sister, to whom is handed the bread by the officiating brother starting it among the sisters. The members in breaking the bread to one another, use the words: This bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ; asking a blessing on the cup by the officiating minister, standing and holding the cup, while the members remain seated and bow their heads; passing the cup in the same manner as the bread, each to the next, using the words: This cup of the New Testament is the communion of the blood of Christ.
6. Closing devotions: Singing; general prayer by one of the elders or ministers present, all kneeling, members and others; closing hymn.
7. General: The officiating brother makes appropriate remarks and gives such suggestions and directions as may be necessary from time to time during the progress of the services, and he as well as other ministering brethren speak on the services as circumstances allow during the services; during the passing of the cup singing is thought appropriate. The clearing of the tables may be done at such time as suits the convenience of the local congregation.
Equipment - In order that we may think and do the same thing over the brotherhood, the equipment for the love feast purposes should be uniform.
1. Table covers should be wide enough to cover supper.
2. Towels should be of sufficient length so that they may gird the users; towels with strings or ties should not be used.
3. The vessel used in feetwashing should be of material so as to answer the description of basin as nearly as possible.
4. Table equipment: The soup should be eaten from a common and not from individual plates or dishes, so as to correspond to the time-honored practice of the church as well as the scripture which shows the dipping into, or eating from a common, not individual dish.
1. Loyalty to the faith and order of the church is essential to her welfare and success. Therefore, only brethren and sisters who believe and observe the doctrines and practices of the church are placed on programs at District and Goneral Conferences.
2. Members composing General and District Conferences must be true representatives of the church in appearance and in full sympathy with its Doctrines and Practice.
3. These members are supplied with credentials, by the church sending them, showing the date and Conference for which that Credential blank is to be used.
1. This government is maintained through General, District, and Local Church Conferences.
1. All elders present constitute the Standing Committee, and these with all Ministers and Deacons present are the voting body of Conference.
2. General Conference adopts rules to govern in its deliberations and in the conduct of its business.
3. General Conference exercises original jurisdiction in matters that may originate in its body, and appellate jurisdiction, in matters of a general nature that may be sent up to it from the local churches through District Conference.
4. Decisions made by General Conference shall be fully respected by the churches, until they shall be made void by the same authority.
1. One elder may hold a District Meeting when it has been legally called and announced.
2. Either brethren or sisters may serve as delegates to District Meetings.
3. District conferences are composed of delegates, three from a church, from a number of churches, most conveniently located to work together and convenes annually.
4. District Conferences are governed by such rules as may be deemed most suitable to their needs.
5. District Conference has original jurisdiction in matters that may originate in its body, and appellate jurisdiction in matters sent up from the local churches.
6. Decisions of District Conference shall be respected by the churches composing it, but appeals may be made from such decisions direct to General Conference by any church or party affected. Queries may not be appealed to General Conference.
7. Matters affecting the local churches, the district or the general Brotherhood are proper subjects for the District Conference to handle and its decision is final, except in matters affecting the general Brotherhood, or in which an appeal is made.
8. Churches shall arrange for the expense of delegates to District Conference; such delegates must be in harmony with the Doctrine and Practice of the church and manifest the same in their general appearance.
1. A majority of officials in official council favoring an item of business makes it business for the church council.
2. On all important matters each member 12 years of age and over should vote, "Silence for consent", not sufficient.
3. A minority when acting in harmony with decisions of General Conference cannot be overruled.
4. Local Church Councils are composed of the members present at such church councils, which convene quarterly, or on special occasions.
5. Each church has a presiding elder who presides at its councils, or appoints some other qualified elder or minister to do so.
6. Matters affecting the local church, the district or the general Brotherhood are proper subjects for the church council to handle, and its decisions are final on purely local matters.
1. All questions, with their answers, for discussion, shall be read by the Reading Clerk, after which the Moderator shall declare the same the business of the meeting.
2. No one shall speak more than twice on the same question. The first speech shall be limited to fifteen minutes and the second to five minutes.
3. The reading of any question may be called for the second time, but not oftener if there be objection made.
4. No one shall speak without first addressing the Moderator and being recognized by him.
5. The Moderator shall require every brother, when speaking, to confine his remarks to the subject before the Meeting.
6. Any brother, using personalities or derogatory statements in his speech, shall be called to order by the moderator; he shall not be given the floor to speak during that conference until he has withdrawn the objectionable statements.
7. The Moderator shall decide who has the right to the floor, and when his time expires.
8. The Moderator shall decide when the discussion on each subject shall close, and when the question shall be put on the final passage. But if objection be made to his ruling, an appeal must immediately be made by motion, seconded by three members, then the conference decides the matter. All members present shall have the right to participate in the discussion of all questions before the meeting.
9. Motions or amendments to the answers in papers that are presented to General Conference shall not be entertained by the Moderator until the one presenting the paper has opportunity to explain it, and its merits are discussed by the Meeting; then, if there is not a union of sentiment in the Meeting, the Moderator may entertain amendments to the answer.
10. All doctrinal queries or petitions with their answers, be voted on by ballot. All other business optional, by ballot or otherwise.
11. Doctrinal queries shall require a two-thirds majority to pass; all other queries and motions shall require a simple majority only.
1. In all elections for church officials, members 12 years of age or over are entitled to vote.
2. The Eldership or Bishopric is the highest office in the Church. Elders are advanced from the ministry to the Eldership in the congregation where they reside and hold their membership. The authority to ordain elders shall be and is vested in the elders of the District; the request may originate in the official body of the congregation, the presiding elder of the congregation, or in the District Elders' Meeting. All elders except for age and experience are of equal rank officially, being ordained by the laying on of hands of the Presbytery, a committee of two elders being appointed by the district elders for that purpose.
3. Elders elected as presiding elders have oversight of local churches. All elders present at General Conference, and who constitute Standing Committee, have the oversight of the Brotherhood at large. They with the Ministers and Deacons present compose General Conference; they preside in District Conferences and in local church councils, ordain other elders, anoint the sick, solemnize marriages, officiate at Communions, preach the Gospel, baptize and see that the principles and usages of the church are respected and carried out in the lives of the membership, they themselves being examples to the flock in obedience and holiness of life.
4. At their ordination which is based on the approval of the membership as expressed by private vote, they covenant and promise to teach, respect and enforce the Doctrine and Practice of the church, and all these methods by which the church seeks to promote the cause of Christ, and maintain the principles of the Gospel.
5. Ministers and Deacons are elected by the members of the congregation where they hold their membership. Election shall be by ballot with each member appearing before the Election Committee and casting his (her) vote. Upon their promise to respect and enforce the Doctrines and Practices of the Church, and all the methods by which the Church seeks to fulfill its mission in the world, they are installed in office by the laying on of hands and prayer, by the presiding Elder of the congregation and an elder or minister appointed by the District elders. No elder or minister of the local congregation in which an election is held shall be allowed to serve on the election Committee, so as to avoid influencing in any way the members coming before it.
6. Ministers preach the word, baptize, assist elders in anointing, solemnize marriages, officiate at Communions, in all things being an example to the believers in humility and holiness of life. They may also, in case of necessity, hold church councils.
7. Deacons are chosen to serve the Church in the capacity of stewards, attending to the temporal and financial activities of the church. They serve at Communions, visit the sick, care for the poor, assist in the ministry, investigate troubles, pay the Church Visit and may in extreme cases administer baptism and assist in anointing.
1. General or District Conferences may grant request for committees when they feel every reasonable effort to settle difficulties has failed.
2. Committees report their work to the body appointing them. In cases of appeal the work of the committees becomes final when ratified by the body appointing them.
3. Committees shall say who shall pay their expenses; except in case of appeal, the expenses shall be borne by the party losing the case. Committees may, in cases of appeal, require the appellant to deposit sufficient funds with the proper treasurer to cover the estimated expenses.
1. Services are conducted in a reverential manner, consisting of congregational singing only, prayer, preaching, singing, and prayer while kneeling. The Lord's prayer being used in opening and closing.
2. Special programs such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., are not approved or permitted by the church.
3. Officials or members of other denominations of similar faith and practice may be called upon to assist, except in preaching and communion, at our services under the direction of the local official body. This does not debar others from taking part in funeral services when requested by the friends.
The Church sees no objection to a simple organization for business purposes, but admonishes that all worldly methods of raising money be avoided.
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