THE PARSONS CORNER MINISTRIES

PCIM CHRISTIAN ARTICLES

PCIM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MESSAGE BOARD

THE ALMOST FORGOTTEN CHURCH

Our meetings were held in the Lamontville community next to Lamontville lake until, by the grace of God, we were able to purchase our piece of property just north of Riceville Tennessee.

What we Believe:

• We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone and not by works.
  • Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
• The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture's inherent authority. We believe in the inspiration and preservation of the Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic scripts know as Received Text and Hebrew Old Testament.
  • 2nd Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
  • 1st Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
  • 2nd Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost
• Our church group is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation however.
  • Collosians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
  • 2nd Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
  • 2nd Corinthians 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
  • 2nd Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
• Our church body practices two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord's Supper, commemorating our Lord's death for our sins.
  • Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
  • 1st Corinthians 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
• Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. The historical Anabaptist brethren have always opposed religious persecution. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
  • Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
  • Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
  • 2nd Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
  • Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
• Membership within the River of Life Mission Church is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. When the church members are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  • Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
  • 1st Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
  • 2nd Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
  • Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Our Charter:

At 8:00 pm on June 7, 2006, a call to prayer meeting was conveined at the offices of the Parsons Corner Christian Ministries in Athens, Tennessee. After prayer, inspirational song, and a devotion from 2nd Corinthians given by brother Ray Helton, we, the below listed brothers and sisters came to order to establish a Baptist Mission Fellowship as a true New Testament Church comprising of a band of born again, baptized, believers in Christ Jesus for the sole purpose of furthering the cause of Christ given in the great commission. ie., Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Brother Anthony Mitchell, an ordained minister of the Gospel and second in this presbytery, took the role of moderator and inquired of the brothers and sisters of whom they would want to lead them in this cause as pastor. Upon further consideration and vote, decided unanimously upon Brother Timothy Davis Sr. to fill the role of undershepherd. Brother Davis then, accepting the position as pastor, took the role of moderator and posed the questions of church offices.

Also upon further consideration that other blood bought brothers and sisters in Christ would likely wish to join in the charter of this body, resolved to await the signing thereof until the following Sunday when we would come together at the appointed time for worship and fellowship.

We, the undersigned, are now hereby and resolved to be known as a Church Mission Fellowship as named in the title of this charter. This Christian Mission is a "Free Church", devoid of any governmental interference and owes it's being to none except the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. We pray that the Lord lead and direct us in all things and we praise His Holy Name for His tender mercies upon us, His children.

MISSION CHURCH BYLAWS

Article I - Membership

Section 1. Members - This church is comprised of brothers and sisters who profess a personal faith and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, have received baptism in a church according to the New Testament, and actively follow the Lord Jesus Christ as a disciple. (Hebrews 10:25)

Section 2. Voting Rights of Members - Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in business meeting conference, provided the member is present. A member may not vote if they have not attended services within 3 consecutive Sunday's unless in the case of dire illness. (Romans 12:9-10)

Section 3. Reception - A person shall be considered a member upon approval of the church membership. A person may be received for membership by any of the following ways:

1 . By profession of faith. A person publicly confessing personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidences of a regenerate heart and adopting the covenant and the articles of faith and practices held by the church, shall, upon baptism be admitted into the fellowship of the church.

2. By statement. Any person who has been baptized upon profession of faith in a church of the same faith and order but who, because of loss of records or similarly unavoidable circumstances, has no regular letter of dismissal, may be received into membership after giving satisfactory evidence of a regenerate heart, Christian conduct and scriptural faith. Any person presented for membership who has been baptized by immersion in a church of our same faith and order shall be received by statement.

3. By letter. Any person from another church of same faith and order may be received into membership upon receipt of letter of transfer from that respective church.

4. None shall be accepted only by baptism from a Protestant or Catholic church. Any person who professes a personal faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and actively follows the Lord Jesus Christ as a disiple, but has been baptized by any method other than immersion in another church must be scripturally immersed to become a member of this body.

Section 4. New Member Watch Care - New church members will be expected to participate for no less than six months in the church's watch care program as developed and implemented by the church. No church office will be occupied by any new member until the end of this watch care.

Section 5. Rights of Members - Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present. Every member of the church is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for the elective offices in the church if they have completed the watch care. Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church. The Lords supper shall not be closed to those who profess the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Section 6. Termination of Membership - Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: (1) death, (2) transfer by letter to another church of same faith and order, (3) acknowledgement when a member has joined a church of another faith and order and requested such action, (4) exclusion by disciplinary action of this church.

Article II - Church Staff and Officers

All church officers and staff must be members of the church. The officers of this church shall be as follows:

Section 1. Pastor (Bishop) 1st Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9

" It is the pastor's duty to spiritually feed the flock (congregation) on Sunday mornings and he alone is responsible for the matters concerning the pulpit. His duties also consist of the training of the evangelists and deacons, oversight of the licensing and ordinations of the evangelists and deacons, administering the ordinances of the church, assembly of all presbytery's, reception and counsel of prospective members, oversight of revivals and extra church functions.

" A pastor then, by reason of his post as moderator shall not cast a vote in business meeting unless a qualified officer of the church agrees to surrender his vote to become temporary moderator so the pastor can vote on an issue. Pastoral authority may be invoked in the instance of dealing with touching of fellowship or to keep peace in the congregation. 1st Timothy 5:17-20

Section 2. Evangelists of the Church, Ephesians 4:11

" The evangelists of the church holds also the title of elder if licensed as does the pastor and it is their responsibility to take a leadership role in the church under the authority and direction of the pastor. The senior ordained evangelist shall be considered the chairman of the evangelists or if there be two or more senior ordained ministers in the congregation, these brethren shall decide among themselves who shall be their chairman. 1st Timothy 5:17-20

" The evangelist chairman will be asked to oversee the preaching rotation but may assign it to one of the evangelist brethren at his and the pastors discretion. Preaching rotation will exclude Sunday Mornings and at least one Wednesday evening service solely for the pastor.

" From among these brethren, the church will choose who will be assigned as the missionary to local missions and missionary of foreign missions where they will take oversight thereof. Both offices will be in place for the recommending of missionaries to the church and to the oversight of these missionaries needs in the field as assigned by the church body.

" A youth minister is also be elected from among these brethren and cannot be assigned. It will be the duty of the church as a whole to elect this officer.

" A six month watch care shall be implemented to any evangelist who asks to be licensed and must be of good report to the church at the time of licensing. A one year watch care shall be implemented to those who are scripturally qualified to be ordained unless the event of a pastorate shall occur. At which time, upon recommendation from the sister church he is being called to, the watch care shall be waived upon vote of the church. No watch care shall take place in the church for the evangelist unless voted upon by the congregation.

Section 3. Lay Leaders & Deacons 1st Timothy 3:8-13

Church Trustees shall be chosen from these two groups

Deacons

" Once a scripturally qualified deacon candidate is found, he and his wife shall enter the watch care of the church for one year where he will be trained by the pastor and elders to fill the role of this office until ordanation.

" Any ordained deacon who has joined the congregation by letter from a sister church, if willing to serve, will be asked to enter a six month watch care accompanied by his wife before asked to serve.

" His duties shall consist of making sure that the widows and orphans are cared for in the church and to assist the pastor in the ministration of the ordinances. Further, his duty also shall be to voice the needs of the widows, elderly, infirmed and orphans and has forfeited his own personal right to vote for this cause unless no needs are present for the above mentioned.

Lay Leaders

" If a scripturally qualified deacon cannot be found, brethren of good report shall be assigned the task of Lay Leader by the congregation to fulfill the above mentioned duties.

Trustees

o This elected office will be assigned by the church and they are the caretakers and monetary keepers of the properties and holdings of the church. By nature of the office they will also be distributors of the benevolence funds acting on the recommendations of the church.

Section 4. Director of Music

" The director of music is the one who is to oversee and lead the congregation in all matters of spiritual song and music. It shall be his responsibility to arrange any and all special music events, choose the musicians, coordinate with the pastor during services and oversee all special singing. Psalms 30:4

" He is further authorized by the church to purchase the music books and sheet music up to a certain budgeted amount which shall be set by the congregation in business meeting.

Section 5. Sunday School Director

" This brother shall have oversight of the church's Sunday School program. His duties include choice of teachers and assignments of those teachers.

" If teaching materials are to be used in the Sunday School, they must be backed by the scriptures in the authorized King James Bible and screened for sound doctrine by the congregation. 2nd Timothy 3:15

Section 6. Secretary

" Keeper of the minutes of the church and the daily clerical correspondence necessary for the church body to function with the greatest amount of communication.

Section 7. Treasurer

" The treasurer is the keeper of the monetary storehouse. He or she is to be dispurser of funds and is answerable to the church body for accountability of funds. By nature of this office the treasurer will write checks and keep balanced books for the reporting to the congregation at business meetings.

Article III - Church Offices

When a vacancy occurs in the position of pastor or any other office, nominations shall be heard from the congregation for candidates. The oversite of these recommendations will be handled by either an evangelist of the church, lay leader, or deacon. In the event a pastoral candidate is, at the time of his candidacy, filling another pulpit, the church shall send emissaries to hear his preaching and report back to the church in order for him to continue as a candidate. It will be essential for him however to come to the church to be examined by the congregation before he is voted on.

Article IV - Church Meetings

1st Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Section 1. Worship Services - The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for preaching, instruction, evangelism and for the worship of almighty God. These meetings will be open to everyone and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor. Exceptions can be made by recommendation of the pastor, evangelists of the church, lay leaders or deacons.

Section 2. Special Services - All church meetings which are essential to the promotion of the objectives of the church shall be placed on the church calendar, published in the church newsletter at least once prior to the meeting being held and announced at all services on the Sunday prior to the special service being held.

Section 3. Regular Business Meetings - Regular business meetings shall be held quarterly (every three months) on the second Wednesday night of the month. No matters may come before the body unless it has been discussed prior to the meeting by the entire congregation available, or in the case of section 4 below.

Section 4. Special Business Meetings - A specially called business meeting may be held to consider matters of a significant or surprise nature.

Section 5. Quorum - A quorum consists of those who attend the business meeting, provided it is a regular meeting or one that has been properly called.

Section 6. Parliamentary Rules - The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall be the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church in areas not addressed by this Constitution and Bylaws. The Moderator, who will be the pastor, shall appoint a member in good standing, whose responsibility it will be to assure compliance with Robert's Rules of Order, the constitution, and the bylaws when it is in the best interest of the fellowship. Only in the case of a tied vote, the pastor may make his vote known or have the option to table the matter until it can be discussed further by the congregation.

Article V - Ordinances

Section 1. Baptism - Also known as the "Believers Baptism". Baptism is a symbolic act of obedience. A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.

(1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

(2) Baptism may be administered by the pastor or whomever he shall authorize.

(3) Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service.

(4) Baptism shall be as soon as possible after the public confession of faith.

Section 2. 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 fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming. (1) The Lord's Supper shall be observed at the pastors descretion. (2) The pastor, evangelists, lay leaders, and deacons shall be responsible for serving of the Lord's Supper. Assignments for this duty are to be made by the pastor.

Article VI - Program Organizations

All program organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church.

Section 1. Sunday School

Section 2. Formal Bible Studies

Section 3. Local Mission Activities

Section 5. Foreign Mission Activities

Article VII - Missions & Ministries

The church shall evaluate, plan, organize, and implement such missions & ministries, as the church deems necessary as they are recommended by the missionaries of the church.

Article VIII - Committees

No committees shall be assigned in the church as it is the responsibility of the entire congregation to bring agreeable recommendations to the church body in business meeting after discussing it among the congregation.

Article IX - The Scriptures

We believe wholly that God is able to preserve the scriptures and we also believe wholly that in the English language, God has preserved His Word in the Authorized King James Version Bible. The other newer versions, being translated out of unagreeable and apostate texts are completely rejected by us. Therefore we resolve to have none other than the KJV as our guide in all matters as an English speaking church people. Psalms 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. & 2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

So let it be resolved that these bylaws can only be amended and changed by majority vote in favor of.