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Melba BIBLE Church
(By-Laws)

PURPOSE:
This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, day care centers, camps, and any other ministries that the Church may be led of God to establish.

The Church shall also have the authority to ordain and license those who it may deem worthy to preach the Gospel. It shall evangelize the unsaved by proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; engage in any other ministry that the Church may decide, from time to time, is in obedience to the will of God. The Church shall maintain regular services for edification of the saints, evangelization of the lost, instruction in righteousness, and worship of God.

MISSION STATEMENT:
Melba Bible Church (MBC) is a group of born-again believers intent on abiding in Jesus Christ and being His body in the Melba Community. MBC Members and affiliated born-again believers are the local church body, the present-day manifestation of Christ’s body in this world. It is impossible to completely or succinctly define “Body of Christ”, thus the necessity for the following referenced scriptures (Rom. 12:4-5; I Cor. 12-15; Eph. 4:1-6, 25; Col. 3:12-14, 4:2-3).

For general understanding, “Being the Body of Christ” is broadly defined as follows:

- Preaching, teaching, activity, evangelism, and service will adhere to the Word of God; 
- Born Again Believers (despite individual differences) are united in Christ through faith & love under the headship of Jesus Christ;
- Healthy engagement of all members through Men’s & Women’s Ministry, Leadership, Administration, Sunday School, and/or Church Service; 
- Equip saints for Life, including Evangelism and Community Service.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:
We believe God calls “Believers” to routinely engage with other Believers within the local Body of Christ, also called the Church (1 Cor 12:12-27, Gal. 1:2, Col. 3:12-17). Every Believer’s relationship with Jesus Christ is sacred, and consequently their relationship within the Body of Christ (local church) should be purposefully nurtured & exercised as
instructed by scripture and led by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture instructs church leaders to lead the church in such a way that the sanctity and working of Christ’s Body is enhanced. Consequently, membership of Melba BIBLE Church is prayerfully and carefully evaluated as follows:

- New Believers will be immediately accepted into and nurtured by the body of believers. However, membership will be delayed until the completion of “First Steps” and “Next Steps” (see below). 
- Transfers: Membership will require a recommendation of their previous church or a recommendation from a member of Melba BIBLE Church, AND completion of Next Steps. Otherwise, membership of transfers will require completion of 6 months active participation and Next Steps.
- First Steps is an educational training specifically designed for new Believers. (See Addendum A: First Steps curriculum for full details). 
- Next Steps is tailored to ensure prospective members understand and embrace Melba BIBLE Church’s Statement of Faith, Positional Statements & Ordinances, By-Laws, and Church identity. (See Addendum B: Next Steps curriculum for full details). 
- All members will complete an annual self-affirmation process to affirm their commitment to the Lord, assure unity with fellow believers, and ensure the utmost sanctity of the body. Non-member attendees will be encouraged to join and embrace the same. (See Addendum C: Annual affirmation assessment for full details). 
- Elders and/or Pastor (2 church leaders) are always available to conduct visitations for members and others desiring the opportunity to share concerns and connection points with leadership. 
- All members will complete a spiritual gift assessment. Knowledge of these gifts will assist members in their active ministry engagement within the Church Body. Optionally, members may disclose natural & professional talents to church leadership for additional engagement and service opportunities.

Membership Commitment: Church membership entails two commitments – 1) The
member to the church; 2) Church to the member.
Member commitment to the church:
- Is a professing “Born Again Believer”,
- Believes and embraces the Statement of Faith,
- Adheres to Positional Statements and Ordinances,
- Demonstrates active engagement and support of the body,
- Is committed to the church (time, talent, & treasure).
Church commitment to the member:
- The church commits its resources (time, talent, treasure, and spiritual nurturing
& equipping) to every member,
- Biblically sound, spirit led teaching of the Bible, equipping of the saints, and
service to others.
Church membership is approved and continuously assessed by the Elder/Deacon Board.
Membership is indefinite without monetary fee until death, transfer, or removal from
Melba Bible Church membership by the Elder/Deacon Board. Membership removal is
not taken lightly, and every effort for reconciliation will be afforded. Reasons for
removal include but are not limited to a member’s commitment to the church
“Statement of Faith” and “Positional Statements & Ordinances”. Other reasons may
include contentious and divisive behavior, sexual immorality, or lack of active
engagement within the body. (Rom. 16:17-18, 1 Cor. 5:1-13, Titus 3:10).
Managing Member conflict: When conflict arises amongst believers, members are
committed to follow the example described in Matthew 18:15-19.
Non-Member affiliation with the church is acceptable. However, we believe scripture
firmly supports engagement, commitment, and unity as believers. Church membership
allows for a believer’s deeper involvement within leadership & ministries, and it
solidifies the commitment of the member to the church and the church to the member.
Therefore, while church membership is not required to participate in church activities, it
is encouraged.
CHURCH GOVERNANCE:
Church governance is required for unified & coordinated functioning of the church body
(Eph. 4:15-16). We often misunderstand the purpose of governing structure, policy,
procedure, & doctrine. We errantly look to and rely upon governance to give life &
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heart. Rather, governance gives shape, mobility, and functionality to the body. Just as
with a human body, the church body must have neurological connections, muscle,
ligaments, and skeletal structure to move & function (governance), but the heart gives
life! A healthy heart pumping healthy blood is required. All members must be
constantly in connection with Jesus Christ to assure a pure heart (thoughts & motives
that stimulate action) within the church body. Poor governance will hinder effective
action, but heart disease will contaminate and/or kill the body.
Melba BIBLE Church leadership: Jesus Christ is head of the church body (Col.
1:18). Under the headship of Christ, Elders & Deacons assume the responsibility of
leading (not ruling) the body in Truth & Grace. Elders & Deacons must be committed to
the headship of Jesus Christ in the local church, they must have a heart for Believers in
the local body, and they must have a burden for unbelievers. Elders & Deacons will lead
and serve in a manner consistent with scripture, including but not limited to prayer &
fasting, to assure proper spiritual connectedness of Melba BIBLE Church with Jesus
Christ.
Elder/Deacon Board: Under the headship of Jesus Christ, all Elders and all Deacons of
Melba BIBLE Church (church) are joined and comprise the Elder/Deacon Board (board)
of the church. The board is responsible for all aspects of the church. The board will be
comprised of 3 to 7 men who are members of Melba BIBLE Church, and they must meet
leadership qualifications noted in the Bible (most specifically those identified in 1
Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:7-8). The board will routinely meet (Elders & Deacons) in
devotion to Christ Jesus, brotherly love, and unity of the board & church. The board is
responsible for all aspects of the church, yet Elders & Deacons will have primary
responsibilities associated with their respective position (see below).
Board leadership: The board will unanimously select from amongst the board a person
to serve as Chairman. To assure unity for all aspects of the body’s leadership, the
Chairman and Pastor will be separate individuals. The board will unanimously select
from amongst the board a secretary and a treasurer (who may also serve as secretary).
At board discretion, a bookkeeper and/or accountant may be engaged (as employee or
contractually) to assist with bookkeeping duties.
Board Meetings: The Pastor or Chairman may call a board meeting. Regular scheduled
board meetings will be held the third Monday of each month. The day prior to the
meeting, the person calling the meeting will provide the agenda to all board members.
The agenda should be agreed upon by the Pastor and Chairman, however if there is
disagreement, the meeting will still take place, and the matter or concern is disclosed to
the full board for resolution.
Board Accountability: The board is accountable to God, their respective families, each
other, and the church body (1 Tim. 5:17-20). Their position of leadership requires and
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deserves the utmost in Righteousness and Holiness (Eph. 4:24). Accountability within
and amongst Christian brothers on the board will be filled with Grace & Mercy, yet
always bound to Truth and Purity. An Elder or Deacon stifled by a sin, burden, or some
other cause creating distance between them and God’s Will, shall be basked in prayer &
care by other board members until resolution. Meanwhile, that Deacon/Elder will
remain on the board, yet without input or vote, and the status of such will remain
strictly confidential amongst the Board. In addition to self-governed accountability
within the board, all board members will fully embrace the church’s process of
affirmation. (See Addendum C below).
Conflicts of Interest: All board members must avoid conflicts of interest which impact
or impair their ability to faithfully lead the body. However, a situation may arise
wherein the personal interest/position of a board member could impact their
decision/vote on a specific matter. In such a case, the impacted board member must
abstain from voting.
Board Unanimity: It is believed the local church represents the body of Jesus Christ.
Consequently, with Jesus Christ as our spiritual head, God’s Will should be unanimously
clear and distinct amongst all board members prior to formalizing decisions affecting
the body. Therefore, all board decisions will be committed to prayer and require
unanimous consent of all board members to assure spiritual unity. If a board member is
unable or unwilling to faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of their position, then
unanimous agreement of the remaining board members will constitute binding
decisions.
Board meeting minutes: Minutes will be kept and noted in writing for all board
meetings. Meeting minutes will be ratified by board vote at the following regularly
scheduled board meeting and signed by the Board Secretary for authenticity. Retainage
and preservation of the minutes will be maintained by the Board Secretary.
Board member voluntary service: Board members voluntarily serve on the board and
faithfully fulfill the responsibilities and duties of their respective position without
compensation. While the Pastor voluntarily serves as an elder, additional
responsibilities associated with “proclaiming God’s word and shepherding the flock”
justify his employment as a pastor and are worthy of compensation at an amount
considered appropriate by the board apart from pastor input or vote.
Board member selection:
Initial selection: Grace Bible Church of Nampa, Idaho (Grace), is the sending (planting)
church supporting in all aspects the start-up of Melba BIBLE Church. In that respect,
Grace has ordained Von Wellington as Pastor of Melba Bible Church. Grace
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furthermore ratifies Justin Reece and Tracy Silver as Elders, and Scott Pinkston and
Brent Wecker as Deacons.
Ongoing selection: The Melba BIBLE Church board will be responsible for ongoing
management of the board. This responsibility includes selection of new board members
(Elder and Deacon), which will be completed in respect to the individual’s qualifications,
calling, and needs of the church. Input from other church leaders, the Admin Team, and
all church members coupled with significant prayer is required prior to making the
selection(s). All members are encouraged to provide input to board leadership during
the selection process.
All board members will be required to pass a background check (church provided). In
some cases, the board member may be required to provide references from a previous
church body or place of employment.
Board member tenure: We believe God calls and equips Elders and Deacons to
indefinitely serve Him in service to and leadership of the local body. Nonetheless, board
members voluntarily serve and are therefore able to resign at any time. If a board
member is considering resignation, our desire is that the board be notified in advance,
so that the individual’s decision may be prayerfully considered by all board members
prior to the resignation.
Board member removal: Board member removal may happen due to death, resignation,
or forced removal. Involuntary removal of any board member (including the Pastor)
from the board may happen at any time with the full consensus of the remaining board
members. However, such an action is to be very carefully and prayerfully considered
before enacting. Most often the passage of time allows for additional prayer, outside
input, and “cooler heads to prevail”. Consequently, a more prudent and appropriate
decision is made when such a decision is not hastily made. Board members are called to
lead and govern in Grace and Truth, and that position must be firmly maintained
relative to involuntary removal of a board member.
Corporate Governance: As a non-profit corporation within the state of Idaho, corporate
governance is required by state statute. All Elder/Deacon board members are also
corporate board members for the sake of the corporation. Chairman of the board will
simultaneously serve as President of the corporation. Secretary/Treasurer of the board
will simultaneously serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation.
Corporate Authority: The corporate President and Secretary (jointly) are authorized to
sign any board approved legally binding document or contract on behalf of the
corporation.
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Pastor qualifications are the same as Elders,
Corporate Amendments: Any change to Melba BIBLE Church founding documents
(Statement of Faith, Positional Statements & Ordinances, By-laws and Addendums) may
be completed by the board after considerable prayer, input from the Admin Team and
other church members, and 100% consensus of the Board.
Melba BIBLE Church Pastor: The Pastor is an Elder and meets qualifications of an
Elder, however he is called to and has an enhanced burden for “proclaiming God’s Word
and shepherding the flock”. Due to the high visibility and critical position of the Pastor,
his role is distinct from that of other Elders. The Pastor’s enhanced and additional
responsibility may require (but does not necessarily mandate) employment and
compensation as determined by the board.
Pastoral Leadership and Qualifications: plus the following:
o Accountable before God for Biblical authenticity,
o Willing to take a firm stance to spiritually protect (as Shepherd) MBC
as God’s church,
o Personality Traits that line up with Shepherding a body of believers,
o Leadership Traits,
o Relationship with The Truth,
o Knowledge of The Word of God,
o Strong ability to verbally proclaim God’s Word,
o Passion fo

Melba BIBLE Church
POSITIONAL STATEMENTS & ORDINANCES
(Practices and Beliefs)

Melba Bible Church members, leaders, teachers, and employees will hold fast to and abide by the practices, beliefs, and applications of God’s Word as noted below:

Code of Conduct

Attendees & visitors of all ages are expected to treat each other and our host facility/staff (Melba Senior Center) with courtesy and respect. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaning up after themselves, not talking loudly in areas where church is in session, refrain from using foul language, inappropriate clothing and honoring the rules leadership has placed for MBC services. All attendees and visitors are expected to refrain from exhibiting any behavior contradictory to the MBC Statement of Faith & Positional Statements and Ordinances (Gal 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 14:40, Matthew 7:12, 1 Timothy 2:9, Deuteronomy 22:5, Philippians 2:4-5).

It is the desire of the elders & pastoral staff to understand the heart of the individual that deviates from our Statement of Faith & Positional Statements and Ordinance’s and will be addressed on an individual basis. The board retains the authority to assess further attendance of the individual.

1) Members of Melba Bible Church embrace and support all aspects of the Melba BIBLE Church: Statement of Faith.

2) We believe humanity was created by the direct act of God and was made in the image and likeness of God, but through transgression fell and became depraved in nature and sinful in conduct. In one’s natural state, humanity is sinful apart from saving grace, and consequently is in need of salvation. (Gen. 6:5; Ps. 14:2,3; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 3:9-23)

3) We believe Sanctification is the purifying of the believer’s heart by faith and the enduement of power by the Holy Spirit, whereby he is enabled to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and his neighbor as himself (Lev. 11:44, 45; Luke 1:73-75; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; Heb. 10:14-15, Heb. 13:12). The Holy Spirit works in a believer through the process of sanctification, and indirectly by a “Christ-like life”, and not by any special manifestations or gifts, such as speaking in unknown tongues.

4) We believe the New Testament teaches that there is one true Church, which is made up of those who have been born again through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4).

5) We believe the New Testament also teaches that there is a “Local Church”, frequently referenced to as the “Body of Christ”. Christ is head of the church, believers make up the body, and qualified men who willingly submit themselves to God’s divine order, are called to lead the local body under Christ’s divine inspiration (Col. 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5). Melba BIBLE Church will reference these men as Elders and Deacons. Elders and Deacons will be unified in spirit. Elders will primarily focus on the Spiritual needs and overall well-being of the church body, while Deacons will focus on the functioning of the body. The Pastor is an Elder, who has an enhanced burden to proclaim God’s Word and Shepherd the Sheep (Respective duties are more fully discussed in the Melba BIBLE Church By-Laws.

6) We believe in the autonomy of the local church, under direction and headship of Christ Jesus, free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7; 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

7) We believe the second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is imminent and visible. The children of God are admonished to look for the personal coming of Christ with confident hope, and with the assurance that at His appearing they will become the joyful partakers of His glory in the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world (Dan. 7:13,14; Matt. 24:30,31; Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; Rev. 22:20).

8) We believe the Scriptures affirm the resurrection of the body, the judgement of all mankind, the everlasting punishment of the wicked, and the eternal blessedness of the righteous (Ps. 9:17; Matt. 24:46; John 5:28,29; 14:1-3; Rom. 14:10; I Cor. 15:52-55; II Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12,13; 21:8).

9) We believe the Bible teaches divine healing and we encourage prayer of faith for the healing of the sick (James 5:14-16; Luke 9:2; 10:9; and Acts 4:10,14).

10) We believe water baptism is an outward testimony of the saving work of grace wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit and is the privilege and responsibility of all believers (1 Peter 3:21; Rom. 6:3-4), as demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 3:13-16, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22).

11) We believe the Lord’s Supper represents the New Covenant and our redemption through Christ’s death and is a means through which God gives grace to the heart when received in faith. This ordinance should be reverently and frequently observed by Believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Matt. 26:26-29; I Cor. 11:23-29).

12) We believe all who are saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon the Lord Jesus Christ. If one is truly “Born Again”, God commands that there be separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; II Cor. 6:14-7:1; II Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11).

13) We believe the Genesis account of creation and reject “evolution” and/or “big bang” as unscriptural theories of origin (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11).

14) We believe God has ordained three basic institutions of authority: (1) the home; (2) the Church; and (3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Pet. 2:13-14).

15) We believe God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

16) We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (I Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

17) We believe any form of sexual immorality (including homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 6:9-10; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).

18) We believe God’s plan is that the marriage relationship be permanent, and that the Bible permits divorce and remarriage only on the basis of immorality (Mal.2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3). It is not in keeping with God’s Word for a saved person to marry an unsaved person (II Cor. 6:14-18).

19) We believe every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Melba Bible Church.

20) We believe all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. The unborn child is a living human being and abortion constitutes the unjustified taking of human life. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies, due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable (Ps 139, Isa. 44:24; 49:1,5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).

21) We believe God has given the Church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to take the Gospel to all people everywhere (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Cor. 5:20).

22) We believe Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company so long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32).

23) We believe every Christian, as a steward of that portion of material wealth entrusted to him by God, is obligated to support their local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings (time, talent, & treasure) for the support of the Church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a person relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17).

24) We believe in order to preserve the function and integrity of Melba BIBLE Church as the local “Body of Christ”, and to provide a biblical role model to the Melba BIBLE Church members, non-members, visitors, and the community. It is imperative that all Church leaders, teachers, volunteers, and employees of Melba BIBLE Church agree with and abide by the Church Covenants and this Positional Statement (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; I Thess. 5:22).

25) We believe the local Church has responsibility to every member AND every member has responsibility to the local Church (I Cor. 12; Col. 3: 12-17; 4:2-3; II Thess. 5:11-22)

26) Accountability, admonishment, confession, and forgiveness amongst believers is taught and practiced throughout the New Testament, and Melba BIBLE Church will practice this discipline in love and for the edification of the body of Christ. (Col. 1:28; 3: 13-14, 16; I Thess. 5:12-15; II Thess. 3:6-15)

27) The Church Covenants and this Positional Statement do not exhaust the extent of our beliefs.

28) The Bible, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Melba BIBLE Church’s faith, doctrine, membership, practice, policy, and discipline, Melba BIBLE Church Elders (in consultation with Church Deacons) is Melba BIBLE Church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

29) We believe church discipline is biblical and exemplified for the purpose of protecting and strengthening the church, restoring the sinner to a right walk with God, and renewing fellowship among the church members (2 Cor 2:6-10, Titus 2:15, 2 Thes 3:14-15, Rev 2:2, 2 Cor 10:8). Discipline is exercised only out of love, toward a member for outward, unrepentant sin (Cor 5:13). Matt 18:15-20 outlines the process, always starting private first, and the goal being reconciliation and forgiveness with God & believers. (2 Cor 2:7-9, Psalm 103:8, 2 Cor 13:5).
(Ratified 2/20/23, Updated 01/15/24)

Melba BIBLE Church
(Statement of Faith)

Members of Melba BIBLE Church are united in their belief of the following:

GOD: We believe in one God (Deut. 6:4) who is Holy (Rev. 4:8), Love (1 John 4:8), infinitely Perfect (Matt. 5:48), Creator of all things (Gen. 1:1), never changing (Mal. 3:6). God has limitless knowledge (Ps. 139:4) and sovereign power (Ps. 103:19); and God is an eternal loving unity of three equally divine Spiritual Beings: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19, 1 Cor. 13:14).

JESUS CHRIST: We believe Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God (Luke 1:35), fully God and fully man, two natures in one person (Col. 2:9). Jesus – Israel’s promised Messiah – was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matt. 1:20-25). He lived a sinless life (Heb. 4:15), was crucified John 10:15, Rom. 5:8), arose bodily from the dead (Rom. 1:4, 1 Cor. 15:20), ascended into heaven (Luke 14:51), and sits at the right hand of God (1 Peter 3:22) as High Priest and Advocate of all Believers Heb. 4:15-16, 1 John 2:1-2).

HOLY SPIRIT: We believe the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:14), regenerates sinners (Rom. 8:11), intercedes for believers (Rom. 8:26-27), and by Him believers are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God (Rom. 8:15-17, Gal. 4:4-7). He also indwells (2 Cor. 1:22), illuminates, guides (John 16:7), comforts, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living, service, and communion with God (Gal. 5:16, 5:22-26, 2 Thess. 2:13). The Holy Spirit also convicts humanity in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8).

BIBLE (Holy Scripture): We believe Holy Scripture, as originally recorded and providentially preserved, is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The 66 books of the Bible constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all parts) written revelation of God to humanity (John 17:17). When a person is empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Word of God comes alive through words of the Bible, and God impacts a person’s soul (Heb.4:12). Holy scripture is not to be confused with the WORD, which became flesh in Jesus Christ and shown the Glory of God to humanity (John 1:1; John 1:14).
The Bible, as spiritually and verbally inspired by God, (1) is without error in the original writings (Matt. 5:18), (2) is complete and not needing of additional writings (Rev. 22:18), (3) is used by God to reveal Himself and His will for redemption in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:23), (4) is the written authority in this world by which human knowledge, belief and endeavor should be judged (Heb. 4:12). Therefore, the Bible is to be believed in all that God teaches, obeyed in all that God requires, and trusted in all that God promises (Ps. 19:7-11). The eternal and perfect truth of God, as He reveals in Holy Scripture, stands in judgement and guidance of humanity; never does humanity stand in judgement of Holy Scripture (Rom. 15:4, 1 Tim. 6:3-5).

SIN & HUMANITY: We believe that God created Adam & Eve in His image (Gen. 1:26), but they sinned by disobeying God’s command to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). As a result of their disobedience, sin nature entered humanity (Rom. 5:12). Consequently, every human being is born with a sinful nature (Ps. 51:5) and sins against God (Rom. 3:1-19), causing us to be spiritually dead and alienated from God (Is. 59:2). Because every person is spiritually dead in their sin (Rom. 5:12), we are incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through our own efforts (Acts 4:12). Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled, and renewed (2 Cor. 5:18).

SALVATION: We believe that Jesus Christ, as Humanity’s representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins (Rom. 8:1-3). His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only means of salvation and eternal fellowship with God. If a person has faith (Eph. 2:8-9) in Jesus Christ, then that person is spiritually Born Again (John 3:16). They are saved from Hell and eternal wrath of God, and immediately enter into a living eternal relationship with God in Jesus Christ. No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are Born Again through Jesus Christ.

JUSTIFICATION and SANCTIFICATION: Every believer, as a child of God (John 1:12) is sanctified (set apart) unto God (1Cor. 1:30, 6:11, Heb. 2:11) and is declared righteous by justification through the transfer of sin’s guilt and debt onto Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 2:24) and imputation of Christ’s righteousness to the Believer (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21). From the perspective of God, the spiritual position of a saved person is the same as Christ’s position (John 17:19; Eph. 4:24). We believe however that a person retains the sin nature (exhibited in varying degrees) in their fleshly body, which cannot be fully eradicated in this life (Rom. 6:1-22; Rom. 7:21-24). Therefore, the standing of a Christian’s soul in Christ is perfect (1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 10:14). Yet, there is a progressive sanctification wherein the Christian is to “grow in grace”, “grow in faith”, and to “be changed” by the power of the Spirit (Phil. 1:6, 3:12).

BAPTISM AND COMMUNION: The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances for Believers in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Baptism (Matt. 28:19-20) and Communion (Matt. 26:26-28) are visibly and tangibly expressed in the Gospel (Acts 2:38-42, 1 Cor. 11:23-26). Though they are not the means of salvation (Mark 16:16), when celebrated and embraced by the Church in genuine faith, God confirms and nourishes the Believer through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

ABIDING IN CHRIST: Jesus walked in this fallen world, giving us a perfect example of glorifying God (John 17:4), communion with God, and personified of Grace & Truth (John 1:14). Every Born Again (Believer) is called to “Abide in Christ” (John 15:5), which causes our relationship with God and people to be Christ-like. When a Believer abides in Christ, Christ’s attributes are exhibited through the believer, and fruit of the spirit is produced, and God is glorified (John 15:7-8). When a Believer abides in Christ, God is glorified. When abiding Believers unify as the Body of Christ (Church), God is glorified (John 17:20-23, Col. 3:12-17).

THE CHURCH: We believe that Believers across the world are spiritually united as the one true Church and Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:27, Rev. 19:7). We believe the local church is a “Living Body” comprised of numerous united Believers, unified under the headship of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), and every Believer is called to fulfill a significant responsibility within that body (1Cor. 12-14),
Melba BIBLE Church is a unified group of local Believers, united first and foremost by our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are committed and dedicated to Christ’s Lordship and “Living Body”. We trust that Christ will keep the local body alive and healthy when Believers abide in Him, while embracing and engaging every uniquely gifted and created Believer.

MEMBER COMMITMENT: Melba BIBLE Church is a unified group of local Believers (Eph. 5:22), united first and foremost by our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). We are committed and dedicated to glorifying God (Ps. 96:1-9, Is. 43:7) under Christ’s Lordship (Matt. 16:18). We trust that Christ will keep the local body alive and healthy when Believers abide in Him (Acts 2:42, 20:28), while embracing and engaging every uniquely gifted and created Believer (1Cor. 12:1-14:40, Eph. 4:1-16, Col. 3:1-17, 4:2, 4:5-6).
To affirm and sustain a healthy local “Body of Christ”, every member of Melba BIBLE Church will pledge their commitment to the covenants of this document.

(Ratified 2/20/23)