Who We Are

The Scriptures. We believe the Bible was written by men divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit and is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.

God. We believe there is one true God who is all powerful and all knowing. He has revealed Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without any division of nature, essence, or being.

The Father. God the Father reigns with providential care over the universe. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. He is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ and fatherly in attitude toward all humanity.

The Son. Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He fulfilled the divine law by His perfect obedience and made the provision for the redemption from sin by His substitutionary death on the cross. He was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is the One Mediator being fully God and fully man. He will return to judge the world and consummate His redemptive mission.

The Holy Spirit. The Spirit is fully divine. He inspired holy men to write the Scriptures. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He calls individuals to Christ and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and gives spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church.

Mankind. We believe God created man in His image and made them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. Man was originally innocent of sin and was endowed by God with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought the curse of sin upon all creation; nevertheless, being created in the image of God, all persons are worthy of dignity, respect, and love.

Salvation. We believe salvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered freely to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His shed blood obtained eternal redemption for those who repent from sin and believe in Him. Salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Church. We believe the church is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by God’s Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Its two scriptural offices are pastor/elder and deacon. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor and deacon is limited to men as qualified by Scripture. The New Testament also speaks of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all the redeemed of all the ages and every nation.

Baptism. We believe baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing and announcing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. Baptism is a prerequisite for church membership and the Lord’s Supper.

Communion. We believe the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church memorialize the redemptive death of Christ and anticipate His second coming.

The Lord’s Day. We believe Sunday is a day to commemorate the resurrection of Christ from the dead by public worship and private spiritual devotion. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Last Things. We believe God will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

Evangelism and Missions. We believe it is the duty and privilege of every Christian and church to make disciples of all nations. Consequently, every Christian should seek opportunities to win unbelievers to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by godly conduct and support international missions.

Stewardship. We believe God is the source of all blessings both temporal and spiritual. We are to serve God with our time, talents, and treasures. Consequently, Christians should tithe from their income cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally to advance the kingdom of God on earth.

The Christian and the Social Order. We believe we are obligated to make the will of Christ supreme in our own homes, communities, and world. Christians should oppose racism, greed, selfishness, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. They should also seek to help the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. They should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life.

The Family. We believe God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a lifetime commitment. It reveals the union between Christ and His church, and it provides for the man and woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression, and the means for the procreation of humanity.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF

CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MECHANICSVILLE

Approved: July 14, 2024

ARTICLE I - Name

This body shall be known as the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mechanicsville Inc. and is presently located at 38582 Brett Way #Suite B, Mechanicsville, Maryland, in St. Mary's County and may also be referred to in this document as Cornerstone Baptist Church or abbreviated as CBC.

ARTICLE II- Mission Statement

Cornerstone Baptist Church exists to introduce people to faith in Jesus Christ and equip believers In Jesus to become mature and reproducing followers of Jesus Christ.

Our mission statement shall be: "To know Christ and to make Him known." This mission has four objectives: Exalt the Savior, Edify the Saints, Evangelize the Sinner, and Equip for Service.

1)  Exalt the Savior: Cornerstone Baptist Church exists to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. We accomplish this objective by meeting together regularly in corporate worship, which includes the congregational singing of uplifting and doctrinally sound music, the public reading of the Scriptures, prayer, communion, public baptism, and biblical preaching and teaching.

2)  Edify the Saints: Cornerstone Baptist Church exists to encourage other believers in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. We accomplish this through small Bible study groups, fellowships, men's and women's ministries, youth and children's ministries, family ministries, and biblical counseling.

3) Evangelize Sinners: Cornerstone Baptist Church exists to reach people with the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:20). We accomplish this goal by engaging people within our community with the message of the perfect life, the atoning death, and the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also accomplish this objective through our persistent prayers, financial support, and participation in global and local missions.

4) Equip for Service: Cornerstone Baptist Church exists to help believers become devoted and mature followers of Jesus. We accomplish this goal by mentoring new believers in the disciplines of the Christian faith, conducting small discipleship groups, helping members discover their spiritual gifts, and keeping members accountable in their personal relationship with Christ. We cannot be satisfied until every church member has become a mature follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE III - Statement of Faith

The Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mechanicsville agrees with the doctrinal statements of the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.

ARTICLE IV - Affiliation

The government of Cornerstone Baptist Church is vested in its membership and is not subject to the oversight of any other ecclesiastical body but may work in cooperation with other Baptist churches, local Baptist associations, and state conventions affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

ARTICLE V - Covenant

Having been led by God's Holy Spirit to receive and publicly profess faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do solemnly and joyfully enter this church covenant to preserve, promote, participate and protect the mmistry, unity and reputation of this fellowship:

As members of Cornerstone Baptist Church, we will preserve the unity of our church by acting lovingly toward one another, speaking graciously about others, and demonstrating respect for others. We will promote the ministry of our church by praying for others, Inviting others to attend, welcoming others who visit, and sharing the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ with others. We will participate in our church through faithful attendance, sacrificial giving, and cheerful service. Finally, we will protect the reputation of our church by humbly living a holy life, lovingly confronting and correcting sinful behavior, and respectfully supporting the leadership of our church.

As a result of entering this covenant relationship, we seek to live to the glory of God who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We moreover promise that if we were to relocate out of Southern Maryland then we will seek to unite with a similar church.

ARTICLE VI - Membership

The initial members of this church shall be those who have made a public profession of faith in Christ, been baptized by immersion and completed an application for membership no later than the date of September 8, 2024, and are thereafter approved for membership by the pastor, and deacons. All such persons uniting with the church by the before mentioned date shall be considered charter members of Cornerstone Baptist Church

Section 1: Qualifications

The membership of Cornerstone Baptist Church shall consist of persons who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and have publicly professed their spiritual relationship with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection through believer's baptism by total immersion in water. Those who have made such a profession and confirmed it to the satisfaction of the pastor and/or church leadership and completed the new members class, and willingly accept the provisions of this Constitution and church Covenant shall be recommended for membership to the church by the pastor.

A person wishing to be considered as a candidate for church membership must complete the new members class, agree with the doctrinal statement of the church, and meet with the pastor or another church leader to determine that he or she meets one of the following criteria:

a)    Baptism: A person may be considered for membership into the church upon a public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus as Savior and baptism by immersion.

b) By Letter: A person may be considered for membership into the church who was a member of another church of similar faith and practice upon reception of a letter of recommendation from that church.

c)   By Statement: A person may be considered for membership into the church who was a member of a church of like faith and practice but due to unusual circumstances is unable to receive a letter of recommendation. Such a determination for membership will be made by the pastor upon a satisfactory explanation and statement of an experience of grace and baptism by immersion.

d) From Other Denominations

i)   Any persons from another church or denomination that subscribes to doctrines, practices, and/or a covenant that conflicts with the doctrices, practices, and covenant of this church shall only be considered for membership after affirming the doctrines and covenant statement of this church and rebaptism by total Immersion.

ii)  Any persons from another church of similar doctrine and practice but has not been baptized by total immersed in water after conversion may be considered for membership in this church upon their baptism by immersion.

Section 2: Duties and Rights

Members are expected to actively participate in church worship and other service opportunities such as Sunday school, small groups, missions, and service opportunities. Members should contribute their time, talents, and treasures as the Lord has equipped and blessed them. Members having an active standing and at least 18 years of age may hold office and serve on committees except for the office of deacon or trustee In which a person must be 25 years of age. Members at least 16 years of age may vote on proposals during church business meetings. These proposals include the election of pastors and deacons, approving the annual budget, election of officers and committees, and any issue requiring membership approval.

Section 3: Dismissal of Membership

The church will remove the membership status of a person following his or her death, a written request for a letter of transfer to another church with similar faith and practice, a written request to be removed from church membership by the member, church discipline, and/or neglect of attendance for a significant period.

l) By Letter. Letters of transfer may be granted to a church of like faith and practice upon request. When letters are granted, membership in this church will terminate. Letters of transfer shall be reported at the next regularly scheduled business meeting.

2) By Request. A member of this church joins a church of different faith and order and requests his or her membership be terminated.

3) By Church Discipline.

a)  If a member becomes entangled in ongoing unrepentant sin, the church should follow Jesus' example in Matthew 18. The initial step is for a church leader or mature member to approach the member privately regarding the issue. If there is no change, one or more of the deacons should become involved. If still the individual persists in bad behavior, the congregation is consulted, and the church leaders have the responsibility to remove the member from membership, while exhorting the church to work to bring the person back into fellowship.

b)  If a member should cause divisions in the fellowship of the church or habitually demonstrate behavior and attitudes inconsistent with the fruits of the Spirit and the attitude of Christ, then the Pastor and/or Deacons will take every reasonable measure to address and correct such a person. If it becomes necessary for the church to exclude such a member, a recommendation will be brought before the church to remove the person from church membership.

4) By Neglectful Attendance. A member who has not attended worship services or has not participated in any church-sponsored activities or functions for over six months shall be contacted by the pastor and/or deacons regarding the person's neglect in church attendance. If the church leaders cannot locate the person or a suitable explanation is not given for the person's absence, the church members shall be advised to pursue and encourage this member back to the church. If after six more months, the person continues to be neglectful in church participation then the person shall be removed from membership.

ARTICLE VIl: OFFICERS

Section 1. Pastor

The initial pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church shall be Dr. Johnny Derrick Yelton, PhD , upon the death, resignation or retirement of Pastor Yelton, the deacons shall appoint a special committee of no less than four persons to serve as a pastor search team. This team shall work with the members of the church to search, interview, and recommend a new pastor to fill the pulpit of the church. A special business meeting shall be called to approve such a recommendation. A vote on a new pastor must be preceded by a notification by mail of all active members two weeks in advance. An approval of three-fourths of the members attending this meeting is necessary to call a new pastor.

1) Qualifications.

The pastor shall be a man of sincere faith with a sense of God's divine calling to Christian ministry. He should be someone whose character is above reproach In keeping with the principles in the Scriptures, especially 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; James 5:14; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. He shall be ordained, and doctrinally sound according to the Articles of Faith in this Constitution.

2) Responsibilities.

  The pastor shall oversee the welfare of the church, its worship services, programs, and ministries. He shall occupy the pulpit and conduct funerals and weddings unless other    provisions are made. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and deacons' meetings. He shall be a member of the trustees. Moreover, He shall actively visit the       membership, especially the sick, bereaved, and troubled. He shall set a worthy example of Christian living and service for others to follow.

3) Term of Service.

The pastor's term of service shall be for an unlimited period. The pulpit shall be declared vacant at the time of the resignation, retirement, or death of the pastor. The pulpit may also be declared vacant following a unanimous recommendation from the deacons followed by a three-fourths vote of the church membership present during a special business meeting to be held during a Sunday morning worship service for the expressed purpose of declaring the pulpit vacant. A vote on such a declaration must be preceded by a notification by mail of all active members two weeks in advance. Notification must state that the purpose of the meeting is to declare the pulpit vacant.

Section 2. Deacons

The initial deacons of the church shall be recommended by the pastor to the trustees of the church, and then approved by a unanimous vote of the trustees.

l) Qualifications.

A deacon shall be a man who meets the biblical qualifications as set out in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13. He shall be an active member of the church for one year, and at least 25 years of age. He must agree with the doctrinal beliefs of the church and demonstrate the character of a man who loves the Lord Jesus and His church. He must also be someone who supports the ministry of the church with his time, and talents as well as with his tithes and offerings.

2) Duties

Deacons are to be zealous to guard the unity of the church. They shall support and assist the pastor in ministry. They shall serve as a council to the pastor to advise and conference with the pastor in all matters about the church's welfare, work, and unity. They are to schedule regular meetings with the pastor. They are to keep any matter discussed in a deacons' meetings confidential. They are to assist the pastor in conducting the ordinances of the church by overseeing the preparations and clean-up for the Lord's Supper and baptisms.

The deacons are to establish and maintain personal oversight of all church members. They are to seek to know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of each member and be guided always by the principles outlined in Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; and I Thessalonians 5:12-14. They are responsible for maintaining a family ministry plan and reporting on the needs and concerns of their assigned families to the pastor and other deacon. There shall be a designated deacon for each church family.

The deacons shall shepherd and encourage deacons-in-training and conduct a planned program to prepare deacon candidates for the deacon ministry.

Finally, the deacons' wives are encouraged to assist their husbands when called upon to do so in the execution of any duties of the office.

3) Election and Term

Other than the initial deacons of the church, a deacon shall be a church member for at least one year. He shall be a man of godly character and shall have a good reputation both in the church and community. All non-ordained candidates shall first serve as a deacon in training [DIT] for one year. Ordination shall be conducted only after the candidate has been:

      Examined by the pastor and deacon body to certify that the candidate meets the qualifications of office.

      Nominated by the deacons of the church, recommended by the pastor, and approved by a vote of the church members

Previously ordained deacons shall be nominated by the active deacon body and approved by a vote of the congregation. Deacons shall be elected for a three-year term of office. A deacon, after being inactive for a minimum of one year, shall again be eligible for nomination by the deacon body.

Section 3. Trustees

The initial trustees of Cornerstone Baptist Church shall consist of those individuals as set forth In the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation Articles of Incorporation Religious Corporation. Two of the initial trustees shall serve a one-year term and three trustees shall serve a full two year term.

l) Number.

The church shall not have less than five trustees including the pastor. Other than the initial trustees, the trustees shall be nominated by the deacons and approved by the church membership at the annual business meeting in September.

2) Qualifications.

A trustee must be a church member in good standing for no less than one year, and 25 years old. Other than the pastor, the term of office for a trustee shall be two years with approximately half of the trustees ending their term each year. The trustees shall elect a chairman. A trustee may serve consecutive terms.

3) Duties.

The trustees shall hold in trust all property of the church. They shall represent the church in all matters of legal responsibility regarding purchasing, improving, and disposing of church property. It shall be their responsibility to see that all property of the church is kept clean and in good repair and shall make recommendations to the church for the employment of such people as may be needed for repairs, cleaning, and maintenance. They shall not buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any properties without a specific vote of the church. They shall execute all legal papers relating to the church as the church may direct.

Section 4 Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

With the approval of a majority of the congregation, the pastor shall appoint a treasurer and assistant treasurer who will be charged with receipt, deposit, and disbursement of all church monies. Disbursement of church monies shall be within fiscal constraints as outlined within the budget approved by the congregation. The treasurer and assistant treasurer shall provide a financial report to the church once a quarter. The treasurer and assistant treasurer shall recruit tellers to count monies received by the church and prepare such funds for deposit. The treasurer and assistant treasurer will make the deposit or assign an active deacon of the church to make the deposit.

Section 5. Financial Secretary

The financial secretary shall see that an accurate account is kept of the financial gifts of each contributor received through the regular or special offerings. This person shall be responsible for preparing an annual financial statement for each contributing member. This person shall see that each contributor receives a package of church envelopes near the close of each calendar year to be used in the ensuing year and shall see that new members receive offering envelopes. The information contained in the records of the financial secretary is to be kept confidential.

Section 6. Clerk/Corporate Secretary

The clerk shall perform all duties as a secretary of a Corporation under Maryland law. The clerk shall keep accurate minutes of all actions taken by the church. The clerk shall keep a register of all church members with dates of their admission, dismissal, death, and baptism. The clerk shall issue letters of transfer and other correspondence as the church may direct.

Section 7. Corporate Officers and Purpose

Cornerstone Baptist Church shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland. The Officers of the Corporation shall be the senior Pastor as President of the Corporation, the Church Treasurer as Vice President, the Clerk as secretary and the trustees as members of the board. The Officers of the Corporation have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any such property without specific authorization of the appropriate church governing body. Any titles to properties of the Church shall be in the name of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mechanicsville Th4C•, titles shall not be in the names of Individual officers of the Church. The officers of the Corporation shall represent the Church in legal matters relating to the Church. The establishment and selection of the Officers of the Corporation, and assignment of their duties, shall comply with pertinent laws of the State of Maryland.

This Corporation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of a non-profit religious organizations as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which governs non-profit corporations. The purpose of this organization shall be to provide a place for weekly worship services in the Mechanicsville community, to promote Christian conduct and service, provide a place for weekly Bible study, Christian education, youth ministry, children's ministry, and adult ministry. To support mission projects both domestically and globally. To assist those struggling with spiritual, physical, mental and financial needs in Southern Maryland. To encourage outreach to the neglected, marginalized and discouraged. To provide counseling and assistance to those struggling with addictive and destructive habits. To share the loving message of Christ to those living in Southern Maryland.

ARTICLE Vlll: Church Committees/Teams

Section 1. Financial Committee

1) Members

The finance committee shall consist of the active deacons, the treasurer, the assistant treasurer, and the financial secretary The chairman of deacons shall serve as chairperson of this committee.

2) Duties.

This committee shall oversee the annual church budget. Members of the committee shall meet twice a year and discuss the church's finances. The committee will receive a report from the church treasurer during these meetings. The finance committee will consult with the pastor and leaders of the various church organizations to prepare an annual budget which shall be submitted to the church two weeks before the annual business meeting in September.

Section 2. Nomination Committee

Three church members chosen by the pastor shall serve on this committee with the pastor serving as chairman. The nominating committee shall nominate all officers and committee members. It shall prepare a report for congregational approval at the annual business meeting in September.

Section 3. Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee shall consist of the chairman of the trustees, the chairman of the deacons, and the church treasurer. The nominating committee may recommend additional members for approval by the congregation. This committee shall assist the pastor, staff, and church in personnel administration and management. The Personnel Committee will formulate a personnel manual when needed. The committee shall provide annual evaluations of all paid personnel and make salary recommendations to the financial committee for approval by the congregation.

Section 4. Church Greeters

Greeters are responsible for welcoming visitors and members for church services. They should be familiar with the church facilities and have a cheerful countenance. A chairman of the Greeters should be nominated annually and be responsible for ensuring someone is located at every door leading into the building and worship center.

ARTICLE XI: Meetings

Section 1. Worship Services

  The members of Cornerstone Baptist Church shall meet weekly on the Lord's Days for public worship. The Lord's Supper shall be observed monthly, and baptisms shall be      conducted as needed during worship services. Other special services shall be scheduled and/or approved by the pastor.

Bible study groups, men's and women's groups, new members classes, discipleship classes, and other meetings may be scheduled during the week in homes or at the church facilities; however, other meetings should not conflict with the weekly church worship service and approved by the pastor.

Section 2. Business Meetings

1) Annual Business Meetings

The annual business meeting shall be held on the final Sunday in the month of September. All annual reports for the previous church year ending in August shall be presented to the congregation. The nominating committee report, the church budget, and election of new deacons shall be presented for approval by the congregation during this meeting.

2) Regular Business Meetings

During the calendar year, the church may schedule regular business meetings to be convened after the Sunday morning worship service for the last Sunday of the final month of the annual quarter.

3) Special Business Meetings

A special business meeting may be held after the Sunday morning worship service if it has met with the approval of the pastor and the deacons. The purpose of the meeting is to be announced to the church one week before the meeting. Only the item or items announced may be voted upon during this meeting.

4) Moderator, Quorum and Procedure

The Pastor shall serve as moderator in all business meetings. The Chairman of the Deacons shall serve as vice moderator. Twenty-five percent ofthe active church members shall constitute a quorum for all business meetings. Business meetings should be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order procedures.

ARTICLE IX: Financial Procedures

The Church Treasurer and Finance Committee will ensure that appropriate written guidelines are in place and followed by ushers, counters, and others involved with handling money on behalf of the Church. Disbursements of Church monies shall be within the fiscal constraints outlined within the budget. The Finance Committee may amend the budget so long as all actions are reported and approved by the membership at a scheduled business meeting. Annually, the Finance Committee shall designate two people to conduct an audit or review of the Treasurer's records and Church financial procedures. A report shall be provided to the Church during a regularly scheduled busmess meeting.

ARTICLE X: Disposition of Church Property

If the time should ever come that Cornerstone Baptist Church discontinues active service as a Church, all property of the organization shall be liquidated, and the proceeds shall be distributed proportionately between the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Disaster Relief Ministry of the BCMD, and the Operation Christmas Child Project of Samaritan's Purse.

ARTICLE XI: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended at any regular or called business meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that the necessary number of members is present for a quorum and provided further that announcement of such proposed amendment(s) shall have been made during at least two consecutive Sunday morning worship services, and in writing by mail, email or other suitable means.

These by-laws are approved and signed by the trustees of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mechanicsville INC on this the 14th day of the month of July in the year of our Lord, 2024.