PREAMBLE
We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.
I. NAME AND LOCATION
This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Cabot, located at 204 North Third Street, Cabot, AR 72023, hereafter referred to as "church".
II. MISSION
We are community of believers committed to loving God completely and loving all people unconditionally. (Matthew 22:36-40)
III. PURPOSES
- Worship - "To participate in public worship services together and to maintain personal daily devotions." (John 4:24)
- Discipleship - 'To help members develop toward full Christian maturity, train them for effective ministry and to promote personal spiritual growth and discipleship through Bible teaching." (Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 18:20; Timothy 2:2)
- Evangelism/Missions - "To share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our community and throughout the world." (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 3:9)
- Fellowship - "To encourage, support and pray for each other as members of the family of God. To share our lives together." (John 1:7; Acts 44-47; Hebrews l0:23-25; Romans 15:5-7; John 13:34-35)
- Ministry/Service - "To serve unselfishly, in Jesus' name meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our Church, community and in the world." (1 Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 5:13)
This Church seeks to benefit the people in the Cabot area by providing opportunities for spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development." (Luke 2:52)
IV. STATEMENT OF FAITH
We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God, and as the only basis for our belief and practices. This church accepts the most current "Baptist Faith and Message” as a general statement of our faith.
V. AFFILIATION
The Government of this Church is vested in its members. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes the benefit of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist Churches. This Church shall have affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and the Caroline Baptist Association, and will support and promote denominational causes when appropriate.