"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

SECTION 5.    THE DISCIPLINE OF CHURCH OFFICERS

       Paragraph A.  The Warrant for Discipline of Officers.

1. While elders are overseers of the flock, they are themselves members of the flock. Therefore, each elder as an individual is under the oversight of his fellow elders and is subject to the same discipline as are all the members of the church.

2. Church Officers are subject not only to the same rules of discipline as the other members, but in addition are subject to public reprimand by the elders (Gal. 2:14; 1Tim. 5:20) and/or removal from office, if they no longer are qualified for their office (1Tim. 3:1) or capable of fulfilling its functions, or if their behavior is disorderly or scandalous, thereby bringing reproach to Christ and the church and setting a bad example before the brethren.

1. The process of discipline may be initiated either by the elders or by the individual members of the congregation. Any member who is offended at the behavior of any church officer should first approach that officer privately and express his concerns. If the concerns are not resolved, the member should inform the elders of the situation and wait upon them in their determination of the matter (Mt. 18:15 g.p.).

2. Since this is such a delicate and serious matter, the elders shall proceed with due caution and earnest prayer (1Tim. 5:19). If the elders judge discipline to be necessary, they shall inform the congregation of the basis for the proposed discipline. If he so desires, the officer accused shall have opportunity to speak in his own defense. The removal of an officer shall require congregational approval at a duly convened congregational meeting. In order to retain his office in such circumstances the officer must receive a vote of confidence by no less than a three-fourths majority of the members present and voting.

1. By voluntary resignation
   
   An officer may resign his office without prejudice if for good and valid reasons he finds he is no longer able to discharge the duties of it.

2. By failure to receive confirmation
   
   An officer is removed from office when he fails to be confirmed pursuant to Paragraph D of Section 4 of this article.

3. By failure through non-culpable incompetence
   
   In cases where the elders determine that an officer is no longer competent to fulfill all the duties of the office by reason of infirmities not in and of themselves culpable (2Sam.21:15-17 g.p.), they shall in the absence of his resignation recommend to the congregation that he be removed from office. In order to retain his office in such circumstances the officer must receive a vote of confidence by no less than a three-fourths majority of the members present and voting.

4. By removal through disciplinary action of the church
   
   An officer may be removed from office by congregational vote pursuant to Section 5 of this article.

1. When a man leaves office he no longer retains the authority of that office and may no longer continue in its functions, privileges and titles with respect to this church, other churches, and the society at large.

2. It is expected that all former officers will respect the sanctity of the trust previously given to them and that they will maintain the confidentiality of all ecclesiastical matters (Prov. 11:13).

3. A man having previously held office and relinquished it may be reconsidered for office only in the manner prescribed in Section 4 of this Article.

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