The Table

Our Constitution is a simple document that describes how The Table is governed. To download a copy in MS Word click here.

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE:

SECTION A: NAME
According to the articles of Incorporation the name of the church shall be:

The Table: A Christian Community of Portland, Oregon.

SECTION B: PURPOSE

The Table: A Christian Community exists to bring the whole gospel to the whole person as they carry it to the whole world.

ARTICLE II: AFFILIATION

This church shall maintain an affiliation with the Central Pacific Association and the North American Baptist Conference.

ARTICLE III: LEADERSHIP

SECTION A: ELDER SELECTION
The Bible describes the early church with leadership vested in qualified men called elders, overseers, or pastors (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 3:1- 7, 5:17; I Peter 5:1-4). The Elders shall be responsible for the oversight of the ministry of the church with accountability to God, one another, ministry leaders, and church members. Elders shall be selected and affirmed according to the qualifications in Titus 1:5 - 9 and I Timothy 3:1-7 and by the following process:

1. From personal observations or recommendations from others, the elders identify a man to be considered as an elder.
2. The man is asked whether or not he is willing to be considered as an elder. If yes, then the process continues.
3. The Elders request and receive a written testimony, list of references, and a doctrinal statement from the candidate. The Elders review and discuss. If in agreement, the process continues.
4. The Elders conduct personal interviews with candidate and his wife, separately.
5. The Elders vote to bring the candidate to the church body. If unanimous, the process continues.
6. The Elders announce candidate and distribute printed biographical information and personal testimony.
7. The candidate shares his personal testimony at a Sunday worship service.
8. The Elders ask the body to prayerfully consider the candidate and the Elders solicit the body for written affirmations or concerns during a 30-day consultation period.
9. At the end of the 30- day period, the elders will review responses and announce a summary of the comments they received. If the Elders' decision remains unanimous following the affirmation process, they will proceed with the candidate and announce the date of ordination. If not, the Elders will announce the reasons for halting the process.
10. Ordain the candidate with corporate prayer, the laying on of hands, and with much celebrating and rejoicing!

SECTION B: ELDER OPERATION

1. The Elders shall remain in office until they resign, face removal by a unanimous vote of the Elders, or face removal for moral/discipline reasons. Elders may choose to step aside from their responsibilities for a season due to personal reasons without stepping out of their role. This season would be approved and determined by a unanimous vote of the Elders. Moral/Discipline reasons will follow the instructions in I Timothy 5:17.

2. The Elders are responsible for:
The preaching and teaching ministries of the church (Acts 6:1-2; I Tim. 5:17)
The ministry of prayer (Acts 6:1- 2; James 5:17)
Overseeing the affairs and ministry of the church, including the annual budget and the selection and oversight of staff (I Tim. 5:17)
Training/mentoring Elders (II Timothy 2:2)
Equipping people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11 - 16)
Shepherding the body (I Peter 5:1 - 4)
Conflict Resolution and Church Discipline (Matthew 18:15-18)

3. The Elders shall conduct an annual meeting in February and regular meetings as needed. Notice of meetings will be provided in writing to each Elder, not less than 7 days nor more than 50 days from such meeting date as provided.

SECTION C: MINISTRY STAFF

The Bible affirms that while every member is gifted and called to serve, some are called and gifted to be responsible to carry out the work of the ministry. These people were often referred to biblically as Deacons/deaconesses (Acts 6:2-3; Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:8 -13). Therefore, Ministry Staff in various areas will be selected and affirmed by the Elders according to the qualifications found in Acts 6:2-3 and I Timothy 3:8 - 13.

ARTICLE IV: COVENANT-MEMBERSHIP

A covenant is a promise that defines the nature, scope, and context of a relationship or community. Membership at The Table involves entering into a covenant with the leaders and other members of The Table. This is done in order to bring definition to the community, create a challenge to commitment to and within the community, and to bring clarity to the nature of the commitment.

The Leadership Covenant

We covenant, as leaders of The Table, to pray constantly and consistently for you. We promise to love and shepherd you with the grace God gives, teaching and feeding you from the Scriptures that you may grow into the image of Christ. We covenant to help you discover your unique God-given gifting and find a ministry that is a good fit for you. We pledge to responsibly and sensitively hold you accountable and if necessary exercise church discipline in a biblical and loving manner. We covenant to listen to you and what God is saying to you and through you, thus keeping a pulse on what God's dreams may be for The Table. We believe that each member brings with them a key piece to The Table's vision and body. In all of this, we seek to model and lead in a Christ-like way.

The Core Group Covenant

By God's grace, I covenant to be a member of The Table. I will strive by God's grace to incarnate and faithfully live out the Core Values of Authentic Community, Worship and Beauty, Truth and Meaning, and Missional Journey. I will, if possible, commit myself to being a part of a LifeGroup. I will love, respect, and pray for the other members of Table. I will not gossip, slander, or be divisive towards the body or leadership of The Table. I will discover what my divine design is and prayerfully seek a place to serve at The Table. I will joyfully and generously give financially to the support of The Table. I will submit myself to the leadership and shepherding of the leaders at The Table. I understand that this covenant is a tool to bring definition, commitment, and clarity to my relationship with The Table. I will be responsible to notify the leadership if at anytime I can no longer commit to this covenant, or if I have any questions or comments.

Individuals may apply for membership by completing a membership class, agreeing to the membership covenant, submitting a profession of faith and an interview with the Elders.

ARTICLE V: MINISTRY ITEMS:

SECTION A: BUDGET
1. The Elders will hold one or more public forums with the Ministry Staff for input and discussion on the upcoming annual budget, prior to budget formation.
2. A proposed budget with ministry rationale will be given to the Ministry Staff prior to the 30-day consultation period for the body.
3. At least 30 days prior to the budget start date a written copy of the budget will be made available to the body.
4. During the 30-day consultation period, the Elders will hold one or more public forums to give ministry rationale, answer questions, and receive input.
5. The Elders will then complete and publish the budget.

SECTION B: MEETINGS
1. The Elders will schedule at least one ministry strategy session per year with the Ministry Staff for the purpose of prayer and gaining input for ministry direction.
2. The Elders will hold at least one public forum per year with the congregation for: celebrating the work God is doing, communicating ministry vision, and receiving input and answering questions.

ARTICLE VI: SALE OR PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY

1. The Elders will communicate with the members regarding a decision to sell or purchase Real Estate. The Elders will hold one or more public forums for the members to give input and ask questions. After these forums, the Elders will review the decision. If affirmative and unanimous, they will proceed with the process.

ARTICLE VII: HIRING/FIRING OF LEAD PASTOR

1. The Elders will communicate with the members regarding a decision to hire or fire a Lead Pastor. The Elders will hold one or more public forums for the members to give input and ask questions. After these forums, the Elders will review the decision. If affirmative and unanimous, they will proceed with the process.

ARTICLE VIII: CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

1. The Elders will communicate with the members regarding specific changes and reasons at least 60 days before making changes. During the first 30 days of this consultation period they will hold one or more public forums for the members to give input and ask questions. After this forum the Elders will review their decision. If the Elders' decision remains affirmative and unanimous they will proceed with the process.

2. After the 60-day consultation period the Elders will review the responses and announce a summary of the comments received.
a. If half of the membership responds in writing with concern over this decision, the Elders will halt the changes until further review and a new 60-day process.
b. If not, and the Elders' decision remains affirmative and unanimous, then the Elders will proceed with changes and announce the date the changes become effective.

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of this corporation, all assets and properties shall become the undisputed property of the North American Baptist Conference and the Conservative Baptist Northwest.

ARTICLE X: DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

The Scriptures ~ we believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, infallible and God-breathed (II Tim 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:20,21; Matt 5:18; John 16:12,13).

The Godhead ~ we believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; II Cor. 13:14).

The Person and work of Christ ~ we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24; I Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of representative, intercessor, and advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Hebrews 7:25, Heb 9:24; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1-2).

The Person and work of the Holy Spirit ~ we believe that the Holy Spirit is a member of the godhead and a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling them and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; II Cor 3:6; I Cor 12:12-14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18).

Humanity~ we believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man has a radical pervasiveness to sin, and of himself is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26, 27; Rom 3:22, 23, 5:12; Eph 2:1-3, 12). We also believe that humanity is created in the image of God (imago dei) and in that has intrinsic value. This is seen in the reality of Jesus Christ?s incarnation, becoming a man, and his willingness to die for humanity.

Salvation ~ we believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19).

Perseverance and Assurance of Believers ~ we believe that all the redeemed are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38, 39; I Cor 1:4-8; I Peter 1:5). We believe it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 13:13, 14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15). We believe that the saved person will be in a process of being conformed to the image of Christ and will bear fruit in their life before they die.

The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts ~ we believe that God is sovereign in the bestowing of spiritual gifts. It is, however, the believer's responsibility to attempt to develop their sovereignly given spiritual gift(s). The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and is the placing of the believer into the Body of Christ. We also believe that particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential (proving the presence of the Holy Spirit), nor an indication of a deep spiritual experience (I Cor. 12:7, 11, 13 & Eph. 4:7-8). We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7 & I John 5: 14, 15). We believe it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God given to him (Romans 12:1-8; I Cor. 13; I Peter 4:10-11).

The Church ~ we believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present age (Eph 1:22,23; 5:25-27; I Cor 12:12-14; II Cor 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament scriptures (Acts 14:27, 18:22, 20:17, I Timothy 3:1-3 & Titus 1:5-11). We believe in the autonomy of the local churches, that they are to be free of any external authority and control (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; Romans 16:1,4; I Cor 3:9, 16, I Cor 5: 4-7, 13; I Peter 5:1-4). We recognize believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41, 42; Acts 18:8; I Cor 11:23-26).

The Return of Christ ~ we believe in the 'blessed hope', the personal, imminent, coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones. (I Thes. 4:13-18; Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16, 20:1-6; I Thes. 1:10, 5:9; Rev. 3:10).