Constitution
Matthew 28:18-20 - ". . . All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Romans 1:16 - "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes . . ."
Hebrews 10:23-25 - "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Purpose
Provide a means to meet and grow in Christ. Romans 1:15-17, Ephesians 4:12-13
Beliefs
1. Doctrine of Salvation
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for our sins, and rose from the grave. All those who personally accept Jesus Christ are therefore saved, and are a new creation.
John 3:16; II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20
2. The Bible
The Bible, all sixty six books of the Old and New Testaments, are our authority in faith and life. It is an inspired record of God’s words, dealings, and revelations to mankind. It is infallible in every detail that it teaches.
II Timothy 3:16
3. The Trinity
We believe in one God expressed through 3 ways: The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.
John 1:1-2, 14
4. Creation
God created all that exists from nothing.
Colossians 1:15-20
5. Humankind
All humanity is created in the image of God, but humankind willfully sinned and consequently God separated Himself from sin. We are all sinners who need to be saved by Grace (Jesus’ sacrifice of death for us) through Faith (our unconditional belief in Jesus as Savior & Lord).
Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:8-10
Jesus Christ
1. Jesus is the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit to Mary, a virgin.
Matthew 1:18
2. Jesus Christ came into the world to surrender to God’s Will to save sinners through His death on the Cross. Belief in who He is and His death on the Cross is the only means of salvation.
John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10
3. Jesus Christ physically rose from the grave and later ascended to Heaven where He is our intercessor to God.
Hebrews 4:14; Romans 8:34
Salvation
Anyone who trusts (accepts; receives) Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, is therefore saved. This person is immediately and permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and is once again a Child of God. Salvation is a gift. It is not based on any human effort or merit, it is a gift of Grace. Therefore, since no human can earn or merit salvation, neither can they maintain that same gift of salvation. The same Grace that granted salvation, maintains salvation. Just as humanity is free to sin, they are free to choose salvation, or free to choose to remain lost, each having separate and eternal consequences.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Sanctification
Each believer is still dealing with a sinful nature, thus will continue to sin. But we are in process of becoming more Christ-like.
Romans 6-8
The Local Church Leadership
We believe that Jesus is to be the leader (the Groom) of all churches (the Bride), including ours. The Local church is to be nurtured and governed by a Pastor and ministered by a group of Elders who follow the leadership of the Pastor who is led by Christ.
I Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5
Ordinances
There is only two commissioned ordinances from Christ for the local church: Baptism (emersion) and the Lord’s Supper (communion). Neither is regenerative, only done in remembrance of that which has already taken place within one’s life.
Christian Living
Those who have accepted Christ are therefore called to live in accordance to His teachings. Yet while we are all in the process of becoming more Christ-like, so this is done to the best of our abilities. "Each person works out their own salvation with fear and trembling." We encourage Christian fellowship with other believers, yet we also encourage active initiation and cultivation of friendships with non-believers so they too may share in the Grace we have found.
Angels, Demons, and Satan
We believe that Angels are real, created by God, and who minister to believers. We do not worship angels.
There are also fallen Angels, referred to as demons, who work against God’s plan and His followers.
Chief among fallen angels is Satan, also referred as "Lucifer," who attempts to defeat or thwart God’s purpose. Christians can overcome Satan only through salvation & close fellowship with Christ.
Job 1:6-12; John 8:44; 10:10; Hebrews 1:14
Resurrection and Judgement
We believe that all people are physically raised from death. Believers will be recognized by Christ, and non-believers will not. Believers will be rewarded eternally, while non-believers will be separated from Him eternally.
Acts 4:12
Church Ministry (Programs)
Our first and primary goal is that all people meet Christ Jesus personally. Second is that people grow in Him. All believers grow with one another, and on a personal basis. Our activities are intended to encourage involvement with one another as a church body, and to encourage individual growth. Yet, we hold to not exclude ourselves from non-believers.
John 3:16
Worship
Honoring God and expressing thanks for the relationship we have with Him in an organized way that includes gathering, praying, singing, and biblical teaching through the study of God’s Word.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Gifts
God gives each believer a gift or gifts for 2 purposes: ministry and worship. The greatest gift is Salvation (God's Love), thereafter gift(s) are shown in an orderly way for the edification of the Church, and not the building up of self.
Romans 6:1-8; I Corinthians 12-14
Biblical Instruction
Systematic exposition of scriptures to aid in a deeper relationship with Christ.
II Timothy 3:16
Personal Nurturing
Biblical training to develop our skills to minister to others.
I Corinthians 14:12; 12:31
Fellowship and Caring
Building relationships with one another to comfort and encourage spiritual, emotional, and physical growth.
Romans 1:12
Outreach
Training all believers that they can see a need of someone around them. Our ministry is not confined to any four walls or church building.
Church Government
Jesus Christ is the head of the S.W. Cowboy Church. The only biblically authorized offices within the church are 1) head or chief leader/elder (shepherd/pastor), 2) elder, and 3) deacon.
Simply stated,
The Chief Leader (senior pastor/pastor) is our guide of biblical exegesis. He has the vision of the church and directs the church toward that vision.
Elders (servant) are the chief leader’s friends and aids in leading others to intimate relation with Christ. The elders are only set for the purpose of advising the pastor in his decision-making.
Deacons (helper) are those who render help; all of which maintain accountability among one another and are only set for the purpose of service orientation, not decision-making.
Church policies will be established and settled among the chief leader and his elders.
The role of Elder is to support the Chief Leader in helping guide the life of our church body in a shared service ministry. To guard the truth of our teaching and to provide encouragement to individuals in the body. The elders will be chosen by the Chief Leader.
What is the purpose of Elders?
1. Helping the pastor with counsel when he requests the wisdom of the elders, before action are taken.
2. Effective protection of the pastor who maintains the character and vision of the church.
3. Personal and moral accountability of each Elder & Deacon.
4. Modeling leadership through varied personalities and spiritual gifts.
5. Avoiding congregational conflicts occurring when too many personal opinions are involved.
The Foremost Goals of the Chief Leader (Pastor) and Elders:
1. To maintain our purpose of people meeting and growing in Christ Jesus.
2. To never be a source or means of dissension in the church.
Structure of Elders
The Senior Pastor is the chairman of the Elders.
The Pastor and Elders are the leaders of the church body. They will make decisions for the growth in Christ of those in the church. The Pastor, along with the Elders, will determine the filling of vacancies. Elders, along with the Pastor, will determine replacement of a new Pastor, if circumstances allow.
Meetings of the Elders and Pastor will be called according to the needs of the church through the Pastor. Any secret meetings held without the Pastor allows dissension in the church body.
Any Elder or member/attender responsible for dissension will be reprimanded and dismissed if the problem continues.
Any paid position of the church does not constitute being an Elder. Annual affirmations of service will be required of the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons.
Structure of Deacons
When the need for a Deacon arises, the Pastor and Elders will appoint these persons to meet the church needs. The requirements are biblically stated and will be followed. Annual affirmation of service will apply to this office also.
Pastor (Chief Leader/Senior Pastor )
The Pastor is responsible for leading the church, along with the Elders, to function in accordance with the New Testament. The pastor will demonstrate to the best of his ability, leadership following the life of Christ.
A new Pastor will be chosen by the Elders of the Church, involving the pulse of the congregation, yet the ultimate decision lies with the Elders for the appointment of a new Pastor.
A Pastor may relinquish his office by submitting a letter of resignation to the Elders and providing a one month notice. The Pastor’s input is desired and expected to determine his replacement.
The Pastor, with the consultation and affirmation of the Elders, will appoint any other staff needs.
Membership
We are all members of one body of Christ Jesus. All who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, may give their love, loyalty, and commitment to Jesus Christ and our Church. If needed at a later time, memberships are initially taken or transferred. This requires a personal acceptance of Jesus Christ followed by Baptism (the picture of salvation through emersion). Since Baptism does not bring salvation, infant baptism has not included a mature decision to trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. These requirements can be met through our Church or transferred from another congregation of like faith and order.
