"We, the members of the THE SOVEREIGN GRACE BIBLE CHURCH OF CEBU, INC., a non-profit organization, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves."

CONTENTS:  1  Institution  2  Membership  3  Leadership  4  Commission  5  Order  6  Congregational Meetings  7  Affiliation

Paragraph E. Our Polity Commitment (Church Constitution).

1. The Necessity of Having a Written Polity Commitment.
     We as a church strongly hold to the position that the bible alone is the only rule for faith and practice to which nothing is to be added or subtracted. However, since what the bible teaches about church polity is not given in one place but is scathered all throughout the bible, it is therefore necessary to have a written document that summarizes the biblical teaching. Furthermore, in certain matters of church's practice, the bible only gives general directives and principles without giving minute details concerning its implemention; therefore, it is essential to have a written document that outlines the implemention of those general directives and principles in our specific situation in order to avoid confusion and chaos in the church.

2. The Identity of Our Polity Commitment.
     Our ecclesiastical commitment to a common polity is defined comprehensively in its entirely in this Constitution. We have no secret, unwritten commitment in addition to this Constitution.

3. The Authority of Our Polity Commitment.
     The Bible alone is absolutely binding upon our consciences, as our final and ultimate authority in all ecclesiastical matters. However, since this Constitution is an attempt to apply biblical principles, we are committed and bound to follow this Constitution conscientiously. We are never at liberty to violate it at whim, or to ignore its provisions and requirements, lest we be brought to confusion and chaos, for God is not the author of confusion but of peace. Therefore also, any actions taken in violation of its statements, provisions and requirements are not valid acts of this church.

4. The Interpretation of Our Polity Commitment
     From time to time questions may arise as to whether an action, contemplated or taken, is in accord with this Constitution, or in violation of it. In such cases the elders shall attempt to resolve the matter privately to the satisfaction of all concerned. If they are unable to do so the question shall be resolved by congregational suffrage as a matter of corporate church business, at a specially called congregational meeting for that purpose.

5. The Revision and Amendment of Our Polity Commitment.
     Since this Constitution is the product of fallible men living in a changing world, we may desire from time to time, to revise or amend it. This process should be undertaken cautiously, and prayerfully, never precipitously or presumptuously. Therefore, any proposed revision or amendment must be distributed to the congregation in written form at least one month prior to its public consideration and adoption. And, since this process of revision concerns the entire church, this Constitution may only be amended by a three-fourths majority of the members present and voting at a duly convened business meeting of the congregation. Any future amendments of this Constitution shall be listed at the conclusion of this Constitution, and consequently published along with it as part of our polity commitment.

Paragraph F. Our Civil Commitment (Legal Incorporation)

1. In order to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's", this church will be incorporated under the laws of the Philippines as "Sovereign Grace Bible Church of Cebu, Inc.". While the Scriptures do not recognize trustees as a biblical church office, our Certificate of Incorporation requires that trustees be elected by the church to represent the church in all its relations with the civil government.

2. The corporation shall have a board of trustees consisting of five members, each of whom shall be elected by the members of the corporation (the church) at each annual congregational meeting. Each member so elected shall serve until his successor shall be elected and qualified. A trustee may be elected to succeed himself. Trustees may be elected from the church officers and from the congregation at large.

3. The trustees shall perform such legal and business transactions as are specifically designated to them by the laws of the Philippines, the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws of the corporation, and the necessities of church life. Any action taken or decision made by the Board of Trustees, however, shall not be considered valid and binding to the corporation without the written consent of the elder/s of the Sovereign Grace Bible Church.

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