A. Christ
1. As members of His body, the church is ultimately under the Lordship of Christ who is it's head. His will, as revealed in Scripture, is the final authority for what we believe and what we do as a congregation. Therefore, this church shall not be subject to any outside ecclesiastical authority only that which Christ has ordained within (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 28:18-20).
B. Elders
1. The Scriptures reveal the two required church offices of deacon and elder. The responsibilities of the elders include ruling and leading as under-shepherds of Christ. This inherent rule is to be exercised primarily in regard to spiritual matters with humility not by oppression but by example (1Timothy 3:1-13; Philippians1:1; Acts 14:25; 1Peter 5:1-4;Titus 1:5;1Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7,17).
C. Membership
1. The membership of the church carries the authority to act as a final court, under God, in such matters as the admission of members, discipline and exclusion of members, approval of church officers, approval and amending of this constitution, approval of significant financial decisions, and approval of such matters as may be submitted to a vote. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend members' meetings and vote (Matthew 18:17; Acts 6:3-5; 1Corinthians 5:4-5; 2 Corinthians 2:6).