This body shall be known as Coronado Baptist Church of Tucson, Arizona.

This fellowship is a self-governing church led by the power of the Holy Spirit. This church is not affiliated with any denomination, but is open to fellowship with any other Baptist church or churches of like Faith. This church operates independent of any fellowship or ecclesiastical organization outside the local church.

Realizing that the Lord placed all authority within the hands of the local church, the authority for conducting of the activities of this church and its ministries is vested in the body of Scripturally- baptized believers who comprise the active membership (Article V, Section 3, Number 1) of this local assembly. Business transactions shall be likewise conducted upon the authority of the church membership and authority vested in the church leaders by the church body. The church shall be congregational (democratic) in government and independent of the control of any other ecclesiastical body.

This church shall have as its objectives: (1) To proclaim the Gospel message and urge its acceptance; (2) To win the lost throughout the world to Christ; (3) To administer the ordinances of the New Testament church; (4) To build up the saved in teaching of Scripture though regular services, Sunday School, special services, media, prayer times, Bible study, Christian School, day care program, Bible college, and any other Scriptural means; (5) To earnestly contend for and never depart from the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Anyone desiring to unite themselves with Coronado Baptist Church can, after any regularly scheduled meeting, present themselves for membership in accordance with the rules stated in article V, Section 1. The church will endorse the candidate’s request by a vote of acceptance, unless the pastor feels the need for a special meeting with the candidate before the congregation is asked to endorse the candidate with a vote of acceptance in accordance with Article V, Section 1, Number 5.

1. Baptism: Any person having professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and having made that profession public shall, upon baptism by immersion in water by the authority of this local church, be automatically received into the membership of Coronado Baptist Church, unless he/she desires otherwise.
2. Letter: Any person who has been Scripturally baptized by another church of like faith may be received by a letter of recommendation from their respective church.
3. Statement: Any person who is a member of another church of like faith, but for some reason cannot present a letter, may give a statement of his or her salvation experience and baptism. If the statement meets with the qualifications of this constitution, the Pastor will present them to be received into membership by the endorsement of a church vote.
4. Restoration: Previously excluded members of this church may be restored to membership upon confession of their sins and errors by giving evidence of their repentance. Their name shall be placed on the active list of members after this takes place and one month’s attendance to the services (minimum of one service per week).
5. Where it is deemed expedient, the candidates shall appear before the Pastor for advice and instruction before the name is presented for membership.

1. Membership in this church shall terminated as follows:

1. By granting a letter of dismissal to other churches of like faith.
2. By erasure:

1. Members who have joined a church not of like faith.
2. Members who request that their names be dropped from membership.
3. Members who are known to be deceased.

1. By expulsion for disorderly walk due to immoral and un-Christian conduct. If one would desire to again become a member, after repenting of the conduct, he may under Article V, Section 1, Number 4.

1. Dismissal by letter shall be subject to the following rules:

1. Requests must be made in writing to Coronado Baptist Church and the name of the church with which the member wishes to unite must be designated.
2. Applications shall be acted on, provided the member is in good standing. If any objections are raised, then the matter shall be referred to the Pastor, who shall present in writing a report of the standing of the applicant, stating the recommendation of the church in the matter.
3. All letters shall be sent by mail to the Pastor or Membership Secretary of the church designated in the application. Membership shall terminate upon the granting of a church letter.

1. Active members: All those who show their interest in the church by their regular attendance and their systematic contribution for the support of the church shall be considered the active members of Coronado Baptist Church. Those who, because of sickness or infirmities, are unable to attend shall still be classified as active members.
2. Inactive Members: All those who without reasonable excuse absent themselves from the regular services of the church or do not systematically contribute for the support of the church, for a period of three (3) months will be considered inactive members and shall forfeit all church voting rights for that individual. An inactive member can become active again by attending faithfully the services for the period of a month (minimum of one service per week) and systematically contributing to the support of the church.
3. Voting Members: All active members who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to take part in any church vote.

1. It shall be the duty of each member to honor, esteem, and love their Pastor; to pray for him frequently, and to manifest a tender regard for his reputation (Psalm 105:15; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
2. All members should bring themselves to the realization that we are a part of the body of Jesus Christ and that in God’s sight we are brothers and sisters. It is therefore our duty to love each other as such, to love and pray for this church family and to strive to honor our Lord in all we do, say, or act, bearing in mind that we are epistles of Christ, known and read of men. (II Corinthians 3:2; I John 4:11, 12; Romans 12:9, 10; I Corinthians 12:12-27)
3. This church accepts the Scriptural method of "Tithes and Offerings" as its plan of finance. It is the responsibility of every member to conform to the teaching of the Word of God in this matter and give systematically to the support of the church that God’s work be not hindered, but prosper. Let us not only see our obligation under God to give, but realize the great blessings promised us by God in His Word. (I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:6,7; Matthew 3:8-10)
4. It shall be considered the duty of every member to do all that is in their power to win the lost of the Community through personal soul-winning and to bring their converts to church with them for baptism and discipleship. (Matthew 28:19-20)
5. Members shall strive to assist and follow the leading of any action, plan, or goal presented by the Pastor and Church Staff. (Hebrews 13:17)
6. Members should refrain from talking to anyone about the Pastor, staff and deacons, of Coronado Baptist Church in a disrespectful, distrustful, or degrading way. Each member should refrain from any criticism pointed directly at this church or any other Bible-believing church or preacher. (Romans 12:17-21; Hebrews 13:7; I Timothy 5:19)
7. It is the duty of each member, moving from the area, and not expecting to return, to unite with a church of like faith as soon as possible.

The Pastor (also called the bishop, overseer, elder, and pastor/teacher in Scripture) must fulfill the Scriptural qualifications for such duties and leadership responsibilities as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He must be willing, in the sight of God and men, to minister and conduct himself in the office of Pastor under God’s rules as stated in Acts 20:28; II Timothy 4:1,2; and I Peter 5:1-4

The tenure of the Pastor’s service in this local church is to be determined by the leadership of the Holy Spirit in his life (Acts 16:6-10). [Article XII, Section H, deals with the election and removal of pastor.]

The Pastor shall be ex-officio chairman over all committees and ex-officio head of all church organizations and his leadership shall be recognized in every phase of church life. (I Peters 5:1-4; Acts 20:28)

It is the duty of the pastor to preach regularly at the church or in his absence because of ministry elsewhere, conferences, or vacation to furnish supply of the pulpit; as stated in Section VI, (Acts 20:28)

The Pastor shall act as moderator at all meetings for the church unless such meetings are deemed necessary during the serious illness and absence of the Pastor. In the absence of the Pastor, he shall appoint a Moderator Protem. (Acts 5:13-20; I Timothy 3:5)

The Pastor shall annually take a paid vacation of three weeks in length, which shall include two Sundays. The pulpit supply shall be provided at the expense of the church, and shall be selected by the Pastor. In the event of the Pastor being absent from the regularly scheduled meetings of the church he shall secure a capable speaker to accept the responsibilities of ministering the Word in his absence. The Pastor shall attend Bible Conferences, Conventions and Clinics, as he feels necessary.

The Pastor shall be furnished a Housing Allowance with all-necessary utilities and upkeep being paid by the church. The church shall pay the Pastor a salary and such allowances and expenses as agreed upon by the church. The church shall re-evaluate the Pastor’s salary and allowances no less than once every year. The church shall pay the expenses of the Pastor in the conduct of his office. This shall include house, utilities, car expense, travel expense and conference expense.

The Pastor shall faithfully preach and teach the whole counsel of God and shall take oversight of the church in all its phases of work and endeavor as taught by Scripture. He shall have the prerogative to bring to his church pulpit such special speakers as he feels will enhance the ministry of the church and will encourage the saints. All guest speakers shall be approved by the Pastor and shall be of like faith as Coronado Baptist Church.

The Pastor shall take oversight of the entire teaching ministry of the church and shall appoint the various teachers and superintendents for an indefinite period of time. The Pastor shall select those to direct, and approve those who take part in, the musical program of the church. (I Peter 5:1-4)

There shall be no class parties, programs, auxiliary meetings, etc., conducted or planned without the prior consent of the Pastor, and confirmation via the church-planning calendar. (Acts 20:28)

The Pastor shall endeavor to lead the church to spiritual heights, to use the God-given abilities and wisdom as Pastor to direct the church in an effective and super-aggressive evangelistic ministry at home and around the world. The Pastor has a two-fold responsibility: (1) to the Lord (Mark 12:29, 30); (2) to the church (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7-17).

As the Pastor deems necessary, Scripturally qualified candidates shall fill the office of Deacon. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the Pastor and Church. When there is one qualified for the office and there is a vacancy among the deacons, the name may be submitted to the church by the Pastor and Deacons for their approval. (Acts 6:3)

It shall be the duty of the Deacons to meet once each quarter, or as often as the Pastor should call a Deacons’ meeting. It shall be a duty of the Deacons to care for widows according to Acts 6: 1-4, to visit the sick, to prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper and to cooperate with and be an aid to the Pastor as he delegates to them responsibilities which would otherwise take away much of his time from prayer, study, personal soul-winning and preaching the Word of God. (Acts 6:3-4)

One must be a member of Coronado Baptist Church for at least one year before being considered for the office of Deacon.

The Trustees shall be composed of three (3) Deacons recommended annually by the Pastor and approved by a majority vote of Deacons. The Trustees shall provide signatures only in matters concerning legal transactions and church properties. All property of the church shall be held in the name of the Trustees. They shall have no power to buy, sell, lease, or transfer any church property without the specific vote of the church authorizing such action. They shall have authority to incur normal expenses for the maintenance and protection of the church property.

The church membership secretary shall keep a complete record of all the official acts of the church. He or she shall keep a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together with the record of baptism. He or she shall issue letters of dismissal by the church and preserve on files all communications and written official reports.

The financial secretary shall receive all monies from the ushers after they have passed the offering plates, counted the money, etc. He or she shall keep an accurate account of all such monies received and disburse them only by the approval of the Pastor in keeping with the church budget. He or she shall file a monthly report of the treasure, with copies going to the Pastor and Department heads of the church staff. A quarterly report will be made available for the church body. No designated funds shall be diverted from their purpose as outlined in the church budge.

This church shall always be a self-governing body and shall not be subject to any rules, regulations, pressure, etc. of any ecclesiastical body, group or organization. The Baptist position is absolute autonomy of the local church. The majority vote of the active members of this church as laid down in this constitution shall be the determining factor in all decisions to be made. All properties of this church are governed only by this church body.

This church accepts the scriptural method of "Tithes and Offerings" as its plan of finance. All members will be encouraged in their Biblical responsibilities to systematically give to the glory of God, and to underwrite the church budget by giving at least 10% of their income into the church budget. The church may use any other method of finance that the church shall determine as necessary by a majority of the members present and voting at any business meeting called for the purpose.

The election of deacons shall be held once a year at a meeting announced for this purpose two consecutive weeks prior to said meeting. Only active members of this church are eligible to vote. The meeting shall be held at the mid-week service. A deacon may be removed from office by a vote of ¾ (three-fourths) of the active Deacon Board and corresponding majority vote of the church.

Upon resignation of the Pastor, the Pulpit Committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out possible candidates for the office, and their recommendation shall constitute a nomination. The Pulpit Committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time. No election of a Pastor shall take place except at a meeting called for that purpose, of which one week’s public notice shall be given. A ¾ (three-fourths) vote by ballot of the members present and voting shall be necessary to elect a Pastor, and a ¾ (three-fourths) vote of the active members present for his removal.

The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite term, which shall terminate by his election to resign, or upon the church’s requesting his resignation. Upon either of these actions, a period of one month’s notice shall be deemed adequate.

The Pastor’s staff shall serve an indefinite term. The Pastor shall be given the prerogative to choose and dismiss his own staff.

The Pastor of the church shall act as moderator in all meetings for the transaction of business. It shall be the duty of the moderator to keep order, and state and explain propositions. He shall cause the meeting to be opened and closed with prayer.

INTRODUCTION: We believe the Bible. We believe it to be the literal Word of God from start to finish. We believe it to be inspired, infallible, inerrant, and authoritative in everything it says. We believe that the God who inspired it, is the God who has preserved it for each generation and will til the end of time.

This Statement of Faith is not exhaustive in content nor thorough in any subject, but does state forth the basics of Bible –believing Christianity. We want all to know that we believe the soul-saving live-changing, message of God’s Holy Word, and preach and teach it without apology. We believe the Holy Bible, as translated in the Authorized King James Version.

1. THE BIBLE. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God and are The only infallible, inerrant rule of faith (what we believe) and practice (how we live). We believe it to be authoritative in every matter it addresses. It is the eternal message of God to man (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:89; II Timothy 3:16,17; Isaiah 8:20; I Thessalonians 5:21)

 

2. GOD. There is one living and true God, revealed in nature as the Creator, Preserver, and Righteous

Governor of the universe, and in Scripture we see that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit make up the Godhead, yet as one God infinitely wise and good, who alone Is worthy of our supreme love and worship. (Deuteronomy 6:4; I John 5:17; John 4:24; Psalm 83:18; Exodus 15:11; Mark 12:30; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Ephesians 2:18)

3. JESUS CHRIST. Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh; in His divine nature truly God; in His human nature truly man; 100% both. The mediator between God and man, once crucified, He is now risen and glorified and is our ever; present Savior and Lord. He is the virgin-born, sinless, eternally begotten Son of God (John 1:1-4, 14; Philippians 2:5-11; John 3:16)
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Scriptures assign to the Holy Spirit all the attributes of God. He is personal and indwells every believer. He is the Reprover, Comforter, Guide, Sanctifier, and the Seal of our Redemption. (John 16: 7-14; John 14:16; 17, 26; Matthew 3:16, 17; Ephesians 1:13, 14)
5. THE SINFULNESS OF MAN. Man was created innocent, but by disobedience fell into a state of sin and condemnation. His posterity, as a result of the fall, inherits a fallen nature of such tendencies that all who come to the age of accountability sin and become guilty before God. (Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 3:10-23; Romans 5:12)
6. TERMS OF SALVATION. The conditions of Salvation are found in two inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God, those graces being repentance and faith. Repentance being the sorrow for sin and its renunciation, and Faith being the unreserved, committal of one’s self to Christ as Savior. Salvation is provided by the grace of God and appropriated by faith, without any works performed by man. (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16, 36; Luke 13:5; Acts 16:31)
7. FREEDOM OF WILL. The human will is free and self controlled, having power to yield to the influence of the truth and the Spirit and live, or to resist them and perish. (Revelation 22:17, Roman 10:3, Romans 6:16)
8. PERSERVARANCE. All believers in Christ are saved by grace through faith and kept by the power of God through faith. Salvation results when a man exercises faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. In doing so, The finished works of Christ settle his account in heaven, Perseverance is the sustaining grace of God that assures the true believers’ continued act of faith in Christ as his Lord and Savior. (Ephesians 2:8. I Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 10:38,39; Jude 24; Philippians 1:6)
9. RESURRECTION, JUDGEMENT, AND FINAL RETRIBUTION. The Scriptures teach us the resurrection of all men. The saved go to heaven as soon as they die, but do not receive their resurrection bodies until all Christians do at the return of Jesus Christ for His church at the rapture. They will then stand before the judgement Seat of Christ to receive the rewards that Christ has promised for those who labor with Him. After ruling and reigning with Christ for 1,000 years, they will then enjoy an eternity with Christ in the literal new heaven and new earth. Those who die without Christ will go straight to hell to wait the final White Throne Judgement where they will be sentenced to spend eternity in the literal Lake of Fire and Brimstone. (John 14:1-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 5:10; I Corinthians 15:51-57; I Corinthians 3:11-15; II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:41,46; Revelation 20:11-15)
10. HEAVEN. The Scriptures declare that Heaven is a definite place reserved for the saved. It is indescribably beautiful and the eternal reward that God has for all who have been born again (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10,11; Revelation 21:1,2).

 

 

11. HELL. The Scriptures tell us that Hell is a terrible eternal reality for all who die in their sin. As Heaven is indescribable beauty, Hell is indescribable horror. The Bible states the fire and torment of Hell to be an inescapable eternal reality. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 19:20 & 20:10; Luke 16:23,28; Luke 13:27,28)
12. GOSPEL ORDINANCES. Baptism is the immersion of believers in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; also expressing to the world the Christians death to sin and being raised into newness of life. It is an outward symbol of what takes place on the inside as one trusts Christ as his Savior, Baptism takes place only after conversion. (Roman 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 2:12; Titus 3:5)
13. CHURCH COVENANT. Having given ourselves to God, by faith in Christ, and having adopted the Word of God as our rule of faith and practice, we do now most solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant one with another as one body in Christ.

We further covenant to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to