What we believe:
In essential beliefs we have unity.
We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, …there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.
– Ephesians 4:4-6, NLT
In non-essential beliefs —we have liberty.
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give account of himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.
– Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22, LB
In all our beliefs —we show love.
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.
– 1 Corinthians 13:2, NLT
The Essentials We Believe:
About God
God is the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are distinct, yet fully God and are one God.
(Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:16; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. Being of one substance with the Father, Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to the earth to reign as King of kings and the Lord of lords.
(Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, being of one substance with the Father and the Son of God, is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is godly. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
(2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of the truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
About Man
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates man from God.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23)
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvements or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by faith.
(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
About Eternal Security
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in his salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.
(John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:2; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
About Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation.
To be eternally separated from God is to be banished to a place called Hell. Because those in Hell have rejected God’s offer of forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ, none of the goodness of God is present. Hell is therefore a place of eternal darkness, loneliness, torment and unquenchable thirst
To be eternally in union with God is to have eternal life in a place called Heaven. Heaven is described in the Bible as a place of light, beautiful, mysterious and full of life. There is no more death or crying or pain.
Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15)
GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH Bi-Laws
Constitution/Bi-Laws of Grace Fellowship Church
Flint, Texas (EST. 02/91)
(rev 02/98) – (Amendments -12/7/2008 – 6/14/2015)
IDENTIFICATION: We are a community of believers united in our common faith in Jesus Christ as defined by His teachings in the Holy Scriptures.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to be an effective part of the body of Christ and to build it up in truth, love and good works as our Lord directed in his teachings. To preach His Gospel to all creatures making disciples in accordance with his commission to us.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Grace Fellowship Church is a NON-Profit Association as defined by the State of Texas. The current serving Elder/Pastor / Trustee is Robert Burkett of Flint, Texas.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Titus 1:5-9…appoint elders in every town…
1) Grace fellowship has set forth from the beginning to be governed by a counsel of no less than two nor more than three men for the purpose of leadership.
2) An elder must meet at the time of his appointment and throughout his service all the qualifications set forth in the Holy Scriptures particularly in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3.
3) To be appointed and elder, a brother must first be a member in good standing as defined under “member” in this document. He must be mature in his faith and known as loving caretaker. His desire to be an elder must first be brought before the existing elder counsel for approval. Then his appointment must be ordained by the members of the Church body. Fasting and praying should precede any final decision. Laying on of hands will make his calling sure. He will also become a trustee of the association with its responsibilities.
4) An elder is not required to preach publicly but he must be able to encourage others in sound doctrine.
5) Decisions for Church direction shall follow our Lord’s teaching in Mathew 18:19 and shall include all manners of money stewardship, doctrine, appointment of deacons and teachers. Elders must agree on every important matter that will affect the Lord’s Church before it is brought before the members. If the elders cannot agree on the Lord’s will after a time of fasting and praying together, then the matter shall be brought before the members and after a time of seeking the decision made will be confirmed by a show of hands. The senior Deacon if one is in service at the time may also serve to help confirm a direction.
6) An Elder’s service can be terminated for only the following reasons:
a) Upon death.
b) Upon violation of the qualifications listed in the Holy Scriptures particularly Titus Chapter 1. The violations
must be provable by two reliable members and the Elder’s dismissal must be made before the church by the
remaining Elder(s). If only one Elder remains a replacement must be appointed immediately. The senior
Deacon if one is in service at the time shall serve as an acting Elder if necessary to honor this Constitution.
c) Upon his resignation or retirement.
7) An Elder may receive compensation for his service as agreed upon by the members in accordance with 1 Cor. Chapter 9:7-18. 1 Tim 5:17-18, Galatians 6:6. This may also be in the form of gifts.
8) An Elder or Elder counsel must not be found guilty of Lording over the Lord’s Church. These men are accountable to one another under God to serve the members, not to misuse them.
9) Deacons appointed by the Elders for service must meet the qualifications for a Deacon listed in 1 Tim 3: 8-13.
MEMBERSHIP: …and Acts 2:41-47- the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
A member of the Church is defined as:
1) One who has accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as explained in the Holy Bible.
2) One who is devoted to teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer, (Acts 2)
3) One who gives to those in need.
4) One who’s faith and changed life is evident among all people.
5) One who since their acceptance of the Gospel has been baptized.
6) Membership in the Church may be considered void only in the following manner:
a) Upon death of the member.
b) Upon verbal or written resignation.
c) Upon a habit of not attending the Church gatherings as set forth in Hebrews 10:25.
d) Upon withdrawal of fellowship by the Church as provided by the Scriptures in Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Cor. 5.
PROPERTIES AND FINANCES
We believe “…God will supply all of our needs…” and therefore, in the matter of property and finances, Grace Fellowship will walk by faith and build as we are supplied the resources.
In the event Grace Fellowship decides to stop meeting together as agreed in this constitution, all property and other assets shall be directed by the Elders to be donated to a non-profit group which ministers to the widows and orphans of our area. No Elder (Trustee) shall retain any asset formerly owned by Grace Fellowship.
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS (Revised 12/7/2008)
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:
Acts 2:41-47…and the Lord added to their numbers daily those who were being saved.
A member of the Church is defined as:
- One who has accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as explained in the Holy Bible.
- One is devoted to teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer.
- One who gives to those in need.
- One who’s faith and changed life has given them respect among all people.
5) One who since their acceptance of the gospel has been baptized.
Termination of membership:
Membership in the Church may be considered void only in the following manner:
1) Upon the death of the member.
2) Upon a verbal or written statement announcing resignation.
3) Upon a habit of not attending the Church gatherings as set forth by Hebrews 10:25
4) Upon withdrawal of fellowship by the Church from a member as provided by the
Holy Scriptures and more particularly in Matthew 18:15-17 and in 1 Cor. 5.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Titus 1:5-9 …appoint elders in every town…
Leadership in the Church shall be defined as:
1) Grace Fellowship has set forth in the previous bylaws a counsel of no less than
two nor more than three men for the purpose of leadership.
2) An elder/Pastor must meet at the time of his appointment all of the qualifications set forth in the Holy Scriptures, particularly in Titus 1: -9
3) To be appointed a senior elder/pastor, a brother must be in good standing with his church and must be mature in his faith and known as a loving caretaker. He must have the desire to be an elder and be an ordained minister. His approval must have a one hundred percent (100%) approval by the deacon board. He must serve as an interim pastor/elder for at least three months before being voted on by the church membership at which time the church may vote him in with a seventy-five percent (75%) approval rating. Fasting and prayer must precede any final decision. Laying on of hands will make his calling sure. He will become a trustee of the association with its responsibilities.
4) An elder is not required to preach publicly but he must encourage others with sound doctrine.
5) Decisions for the Church’s spiritual direction shall be made by the elder/pastor in accordance with the Lord’s teaching in Matthew 18:19. All matters of money stewardship, doctrine, appointment of deacons, teacher, and any legal matters, shall be made by both the pastor and deacon board. If both the pastor and deacon board cannot agree on the Lord’s will, after a time of fasting and praying together, the matter shall be brought before the church membership, and a decision shall be made with a majority vote of seventy-five percent (75%).
An Elder’s service can be terminated for only the following reasons:
1) Upon death.
2) Upon any of the reasons given in the description of voiding membership as defined in this document.
3) Upon any violation of the qualifications listed in the Holy Scriptures particularly Titus Chapter 1. The violations must be provable by two reliable members and the Elder’s dismissal must be publicly announced.
4) Upon his resignation or retirement.
5) An Elder may receive compensation for his service as agreed upon by the members in accordance with 1 Cor. 9:7-18.
The Following Statement was added to GFC By-Laws on June 14, 2015
Grace Fellowship Church Statement on Marriage
Grace Fellowship welcomes the privilege that our civil government gives us to solemnize marriages as part of our Christian ministry. Our convictions about the nature of marriage are governed by the same biblical authority that informs all our teaching and ministry. Therefore, we will in good conscience only perform weddings (or allow in the church a wedding) consistent with our view of marriage expressed in the following statement.
That statement can be summarized as follows:
We believe….
That God’s intention for marriage is established throughout the Old and New Testaments. They provide guidance for perfecting marriage and affirm its spiritual significance. The commands of God are clear. Sexual activity profoundly affects people emotionally and spiritually. Sexual intercourse outside of marriage, promiscuity, common law relationships, adultery, homosexual acts, exploitation, incest and sexual perversion contradict God’s purpose for human sexuality.
We believe….
That the Bible teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman only, and to recognize other unions as legitimate marriages would be contrary to our understanding of Scripture. We also believe a Christian marriage is between two born again believers, male and female.
Therefore, be it resolved that:
As a matter of belief, doctrine and religious practice, Grace Fellowship Church of Flint, Texas reserves the term “marriage” for the covenant relationship between one man and woman to the exclusion of all others.
Adopted/Accepted by Elders and Deacons 06-14-15