CONSTITUTION OF
SPRING HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

PREAMBLE

For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with other Baptist churches, for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body, we do bond ourselves together as a body of baptized Christians joined together in the name of Jesus Christ to carry on His work. We adopt the following articles for our government, plan of worship, and service.

ARTICLE I.  NAME

The church shall be known as Spring Hill Baptist Church, located on State Route 641 in Albemarle County.  Mailing Address:  2620 Frays Mill Road, Ruckersville, Virginia 22968.

ARTICLE II.  MISSION

A community of believers, motivated by the love of Jesus Christ, committed to fulfill the Great Commission through worship, proclamation, ministry, discipleship, family, fellowship and missions.

ARTICLE III. CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body of Christ.

We agree, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort, and to sustain its worship, ordinances and doctrines.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.

We will not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we might prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the church’s mission.

We agree to watch over one another in love.

We agree to continue regularly in prayer and to engage in family and personal devotions.

We will be careful not to let our actions cause those who are weak in faith to fall into sin.
We will always give God the honor and glory for all of our blessings.

We strive to come together to that oneness in our faith, to use our spiritual gifts for works of service and in our faith and knowledge of the Son of God to become mature people attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

ARTICLE IV.  MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 Christian Beliefs

The membership of this church shall be composed of persons who have accepted and confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, have been immersed in accordance with the teachings and commandments of the New Testament, and do accept and subscribe to the doctrines and practices of this church.  The doctrines and practices of this church are found in the Spring Hill Baptist Articles of Faith.

Section 2 Candidacy

Any person may offer oneself as a candidate for membership in the church.  All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any worship service for membership in the following ways:

A. By profession of faith and believer’s baptism by immersion.
B. By transfer of membership from a sister church.
C. When no letter is obtainable, a statement of prior conversion experience and believer’s baptism by immersion is acceptable.

Section 3 Watch Care

A candidate may be presented for Watch Care upon statement of faith and membership in a sister church.

Section 4 Termination of Membership

The Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

• Death
• By granting of a letter of recommendation to a sister church.
• By written recognition that a person has terminated membership and has joined a church of another denomination.
• By written request by a member that their name be removed from the roll of membership.

ARTICLE V.  POLITY

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose its membership.  It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation that are common among Baptist churches.

ARTICLE VI.  AMENDMENTS AND INCONSISTENCIES

The procedure for amending the Constitution is set forth in Article VII of the Bylaws.  The Bylaws are the central governance documents of the Church, and in the event of any inconsistency between the Constitution, the Bylaws and any Church policies or procedures, the Bylaws shall control.