As of April 13, 2025—having carefully examined the Scriptures regarding the nature and purpose of the church and the principles whereby it is to be governed—we set forth the following articles to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

The name of this church shall be “New Covenant Church of Surfside Beach”.

Our mission is for our lives, ministry, actions, and decisions to all be by the Word of God unto the glory of God (Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 10:31; Eph. 3:21; Rev. 1:6). We believe that Scripture is sufficient to lead us to the fulfillment of our vision.

Our vision is to be a church that makes disciples who make disciples in obedience to Christ. Christ is our hope, rest, assurance, joy, salvation, and Lord. He commands us to spread the news of His kingdom. Through resting in Christ, relationships, structured training, and accountability we seek to obey this command.

Scriptural Fidelity — Scripture is our rule. If we cannot base it upon Scripture then we do not do it. We strive to do all that Scripture teaches and nothing that it does not. This applies to all areas of church and life (Ps. 33:4; 119:75; Mk. 7:8; 2 Tm. 3:16–17).

Passionate Worship — We exist for worship, bringing glory to God in all aspects of our lives (Ps. 148:13; Isa. 42:8; 48:11; Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Eph. 3:20–21; 1 Pet. 2:5; Jude 24–25).

Intentional Discipleship — We exist to make disciples who obediently reproduce themselves for the kingdom of Christ (Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 4:11; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Tm. 2:2; Titus 2:1–15; 1 Jn. 2:4–6).

Visible Compassion — We exist for service, showing the love of Christ in visible ways to the world around us (Isa. 1:17; Mic. 6:8; Matt. 22:39; 25:31–40; Rom. 5:6–8; Gal. 5:14; Js. 1:27; 2:14–17).

New Covenant Church subscribes to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BFM2000) as we believe it confesses an adequate summary of the Bible's teaching. The BFM2000 is not to be taken as an authoritative rule whereby we are bound. Rather it is an assistant to the edification of the faith once for all given to the saints (Jude 3). We operate in accordance with this confession of faith, and all officers must agree to operate in doctrinal alignment with it (1 Tm. 6:3; 2 Tm. 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1-2). All covenant partners are expected to sweetly submit to the doctrinal teachings in this confession even in instances of minor disagreement (Heb. 13:7).

The church will gather for worship every Sunday unless providentially hindered from doing so (Acts 2:1, 42, 20:7; Heb. 10:24-25). The planning, execution, and content of the worship service is the responsibility of the elders. The elders may delegate components of the worship service to qualified covenant partners as they deem necessary and in accordance with their duties. All other worship gatherings and events are at the discretion of the elders.

The office of elder/pastor/overseer will provide shepherding, leadership, guidance, and wisdom for the church. They will oversee meeting the doctrinal, spiritual, teaching/preaching, and ministry needs of the church, and they shall foster our mission and vision by God’s grace and for His glory (2 Tm. 4:1–5). They shall operate according to Scripture as under-shepherds to the Chief-shepherd, who is Christ the Lord (Acts 20:28–35). They are to meet the qualifications described in Scripture (1 Tm. 3:1-7; 5:17-22; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-11).

If a qualified man believes he has a God-given desire for the office of elder, he may consult with the elders and submit himself to a training/vetting process created and put forward by the elders. Upon completion of this process and an interview with the existing elders, the elders may decide to present the candidate to the covenant partners in a called meeting to be chosen and set apart. Reasonable notice of this meeting should be given to all covenant partners possible. Upon at least a 3/4 majority vote of the covenant partners present in favor of setting the candidate apart for eldership, and upon much prayer and fasting by the elders, the elders may then appoint the candidate to the office by the laying on of hands (Acts 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23; 1 Tm. 4:14; 5:22). This would include any paid staff elders/pastors/overseers.

An elder may serve for as long as he is called and qualified. Any charges brought against an elder must be done in accordance with the Scriptures (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Tm. 5:19-21). If an elder is found to be disqualified according to this process and all necessary steps have been taken under the oversight of the other elders, then the elders may present the disqualified man in front of the congregation as removed from his office (1 Tm. 5:20). This elder must be given the chance to appear in person unless deemed unsafe by the other elders. If church discipline is needed, then this may fall under the process of church discipline listed in this constitution.

The elders are expected to meet at least monthly in order to see to the oversight and shepherding of the church. They should strive for unity and unanimity in all decisions after much prayer, Scripture study, counsel, and humility in submitting to one another. Should the elders be unable to arrive at unanimity after humble consideration, the decision in question shall be decided by at least a 2/3 majority vote of the elders. Upon such a decision, dissenting elders shall agree to humbly submit to the majority of elders and to support the decision as one unified body despite personal disagreement. Unless a disagreement should lead to a matter of dismissal from office or church discipline, any disagreements among the elders are to remain confidential and only discussed among the elders so as to avoid gossip and dissension among the church. In all things, charity and unity are the goal for the glory of the one Lord to Whom we are all united by grace (Eph. 4:1–6; Col. 3:12–15). If a 2/3 majority vote cannot be reached by the elders, then the matter shall be tabled for possible discussion in the future after further study, prayer, and counsel.

The elders will serve as the legal trustees/officers of New Covenant Church unless otherwise delegated to a qualified individual or body.

The elders may appoint qualified teams, group leaders, Bible teachers, etc. as deemed necessary to help fulfill the mission, vision, and values of the church (2 Cor. 8:19).

Deacons will serve the physical needs of the church. They will serve families and others who have physical needs as well as help administer benevolence and care in accordance with the example of Scripture (Acts 6:1–6). Any man desiring to serve as a deacon must meet the qualifications provided in Scripture (1 Tm. 3:8–13). Deacons serve under the authority and oversight of the elders.

If the elders determine that there is a need for any number of deacons to be appointed, the covenant partners may present men for nomination (Acts 6:1–6). If these men are found to be qualified upon examination by the elders and approved by a 3/4 majority vote of covenant partners present during a called meeting, then the candidates may be ordained to the office of deacon by the laying on of hands from the elders (Acts 6:6; 1 Tm. 3:10; 5:22). Reasonable notice of this meeting should be given to all covenant partners possible.

A deacon may serve for as long as he is called and qualified. Any charges brought against a deacon must be done in accordance with the Scriptures (Matt. 18:15–20). If a deacon is found to be disqualified according to this process, and all necessary steps have been taken under the oversight of the elders, then the elders may remove the disqualified man from his office. If church discipline is necessary, then this may fall under the process of church discipline listed in this constitution.

Covenant partners are expected to help keep the church accountable to Scripture and moving in a healthy direction by following the commitments prescribed in the covenant agreement. The congregation provides accountability according to the Scriptures (Lev. 19:17; Matt. 18:15–20; Lk. 17:3; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 5:11). This would even include removal of a member if a sin issue cannot be resolved accordingly (1 Cor. 5:4–5, 13). After all of the steps described in Matthew 18:15-20 have been taken under the oversight of the elders, an unrepentant covenant partner may be removed from partnership upon recommendation by the elders and a 3/4 majority vote by covenant partners present at a called meeting. Reasonable notice of this meeting should be given to all covenant partners possible. The unrepentant covenant partner on trial will not be allowed to vote.

The congregation will also serve to present men for deacons to be examined, affirmed, and ordained by the elders according to Acts 6:1–6 and all other guidelines listed in this constitution.

We formally receive covenant partners into the church after an initial meeting and signing of our covenant agreement (Rom. 12:5; Eph. 4:25; 5:30; 1 Cor. 12:27). To be considered for covenant partnership in this church, a person must be a disciple of Jesus Christ and give biblical evidence of regeneration. Such a disciple must be baptized in obedience to Christ following his or her conversion, and commit wholeheartedly to follow Jesus Christ as Lord in accordance with Scripture (Mk. 16:16; Lk. 9:23; Jn. 10:27; 12:26; Acts 2:37–41; 8:12; 22:16). Each prospective covenant partner must agree to sweetly submit to the teaching of Scripture as expressed in the BFM2000 and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the church covenant.

The elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith, character of life and other such evidence, as they deem appropriate.

We believe that marriage was ordained by God in His good design for creation (Gen. 2:23–24; Matt. 19:4–5; Mk. 10:6–7; Eph. 5:31). It is a gift to be enjoyed only between one biological male and one biological female (Gen. 1:27; 5:2). Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between one man, one woman, and Himself, New Covenant Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman (1 Tm. 3:15). Further, the pastors and staff of New Covenant Church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of New Covenant Church shall not host any weddings or marriage celebrations except those that are between one man and one woman. Christians who are married to each other are to relate to each other not only as husband and wife but also as brother and sister in Christ (1 Pet. 3:7).

The goal of the budget is to honor the Lord and steward the resources He has provided while seeking to faithfully fulfill the mission, vision, and values of New Covenant Church (1 Chron. 29:14; Ps. 24:1; 2 Cor. 8:1–15). During each fiscal year, the elders will inform the covenant partners of the major elements of the approved budget and any major changes. The fiscal year of New Covenant Church will run from January 1st – December 31st (or as determined by the elders).

The responsibility for setting and approving the budget will reside with the elders. However, the elders are encouraged to consult with the deacons and any covenant partners necessary in order to gather information for forming the budget. The role of the deacons and appointed covenant partners involved in the budget will be advisory. The budget is to always be available upon request from covenant partners in good standing.

The elders should appoint a financial secretary/administrator to help in the management and tracking of funds. The elders should not have access to specific covenant partners’ or attenders’ giving records unless absolutely necessary for legal or disciplinary matters.

The hiring or dismissing of staff is the responsibility of the elders. This may be delegated to various qualified teams or bodies at their discretion. The elders are responsible for overseeing the writing and keeping of job descriptions, but they may delegate this duty to qualified persons as well. However, the hiring or dismissing of a staff member who would also serve as an elder must not be delegated, and that individual should be subject to all elder processes prescribed in this constitution.

The constitution may be amended or changed by the elders. This is to be done by distributing a proposed amendment to all available elders at a scheduled meeting prior to making a decision. The elders should then meet to discuss and deliberate the amendment at a following meeting and come to a decision according to the guidelines for elder meetings prescribed in this constitution. The elders must inform the deacons and as many covenant partners as reasonably possible of any amendments at least one week prior to these amendments taking effect.