Article 1
NAME OF THE CHURCH
Bread of Life Slavic Church.
Furthermore, in this text, the Church.


Article 2
STATEMENT OF FAITH

Chapter 1.
God and the Holy Trinity
We believe that in the single God, there are three (hypostases) persons (Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 5:7): the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Father is God (1 Corinthians 8:6), and the Son is God (1 John 5:20; Titus 2:11-13; Romans 9:4-5), and the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16); and these three are one (1 John 5:7), inseparable (John 1:1; John 1:18; John 17:22-23; John 4:24) and equal among each other (Colossians 2:9-10, 15-17; Job 33:4); in this Holy Trinity there is no first, nor last, nor greater, nor lesser.
Chapter 2.
The birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit without the intervention of a natural father, and was born of the Virgin Mary.  He was the only one to have come to the world in this way.  Jesus Christ was not only born in a miraculous way, but He lived here on earth absolutely without sin.  He kept the Law to the last line and iota. He not only lived a holy life, but He died a victorious death on Calvary for the redemption of sinful humanity.  Jesus Christ not only died a substitutionary death, but rose again from the dead in the flesh and ascended into heaven in glory, to mediate for His children before the Father (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 14-18: Isaiah 53:9).
Chapter 3.
The Bible.
The Holy Scriptures, i.e. the Bible, is our only guide in the matter of salvation.  It warns us about accepting any other guides and human traditions (Mark 7:3-8; Matthew 15:3; Galatians 1:8).
We recognize the Holy scriptures exclusively in their canonical structure.  The canon is understood to be the books recognized by the Christian Church.  It consists of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. There are several apocryphal books which we do not recognize as inspired, nor do we take them for direction, as their origin is not known: they do not exist in the Hebrew, in which the books of the Old Testament are written; they can only be found in the Greek; and furthermore, in some cases, their content contradicts the content of other books of the Holy Bible.
Chapter 4.
Redemption of the human race.
To save man from eternal perdition, God the Father in His mercy provided salvation in Jesus Christ. By redemption, we understand the work performed by Christ on the cross of Calvary.
 In the death, God’s justice was fully satisfied (Isaiah 53:10), as Jesus Christ presented Himself as a sacrifice of atonement (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17).  By His death, Jesus reconciled man with God (Romans 5:10).  Hence follows the justification of the believer by redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24; 5:9). Christ came to release the chains of bondage, by giving His life for our redemption (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; Titus 2:14).  The result of this redemption is true freedom for God’s children (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1) from guilt, death and the power of the devil.
Redemption is extended to all people (1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2; 2 Corinthians 5:15) and reaches all times (Hebrews 9:12).  It is also written that Christ Jesus rose for our justification (Romans 4:25); Christ Jesus is the only savior of the world (Acts 4:12); Christ Jesus is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
Chapter 5.
How man receives salvation wrought by Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ provided salvation for all men, but man must accept it through repentance, faith, and rebirth. Repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 20:21; 26:20).  True repentance consists of sorrow regarding sin (Luke 10:13; Joel 2:12,13; Job 42:5,6), confession of sin (Hosea 14:1; 2:34; Luke 18:13,14) and abandoning sin (Matthew 12:41; Ezekiel 14:6; Isaiah 55:7). Faith accepts the work wrought by Christ (Acts 16:31) and gives assurance of forgiveness of sins (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 1:17) and of our full salvation (Ephesians 2:8,9). At the moment of true repentance and conversion, an inner change called rebirth occurs.  Thus, the gift of salvation is given by grace (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8,9), but its acceptance by man depends on his conscious and free will.  Children are not saved because they are sinless, but because they are not yet able to make conscious use of the will to refuse the salvation provided for all through the redeeming death of Christ (Matthew 18:3).
Chapter 6.
God’s Grace, Election of man for salvation, and Predestination.
We believe in the universality of God’s grace, for it is written: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11 NIV).  God’s grace is offered to all men without exception, because Christ offered up Himself as an atoning sacrifice for all men (1 John 2:2).
God did not predestine anyone to eternal condemnation, but in the power of His omniscience, He foresaw those who would refuse the grace offered them and would make themselves undeserving of eternal life (Acts 13:46). The teaching that man who has once experienced conversion is forever secure from perdition is not founded on the teaching of the Gospel.  The Word of God teaches us that we are to “work out our salvation with fear” (Philippians 2:12), so “that being clothed we shall not be found naked” (2 Corinthians 5:3).  The Lord Jesus said: “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).  We, certainly believe that the Lord is able to save a believer from death, as Christ Himself said that no-one can snatch a believer from the hand of the Father (John 10:28,29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Colossians 1:21-23), however, man himself, in the power of his free will can reject Christ and love this world, and even die forever.  (Luke 8:13; Galatians 5:4,7; Hebrews 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:10; etc.)
Chapter 7.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
It is said of Jesus: “he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11).  Baptism by the Spirit and by fire is a specific experience of the believer completely separate from regeneration (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 2:38; 10:45-47; 19:1-6).  This baptism is two-fold: by the Spirit and by fire.  Everyone who has received the baptism by the Holy Spirit knows this as it is accompanied by “signs following”.
The Lord baptizes His Church in the Holy Spirit to endow her with gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11: the gift of the word of wisdom, the gift of the word of knowledge, the gift of faith, the gift of healing, the gift of working miracles, the gift of prophecy, the gift of interpretation of tongues.  Without these gifts the Church is powerless in her testimony before the world.
The Lord baptizes by fire to purify us from every sin already here on earth (1 John 3:6,9), and so that we would attain perfect love (1 John 4:18), without which, possessing all spiritual gifts does not bring any profit (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Therefore, we believe in and preach full sanctification of our body, spirit, and soul (1 Thessalonians 5:23).


Article 3
GOALS AND PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH
In accordance with the Word of God, the primary purpose of the Church is to spread the Gospel and prepare people for the Kingdom of God.
The means by which the Church seeks to attain the proposed goal are as follows:
            1.  The preaching of the Gospel of Christ.
            2.  The conducting of spiritual meetings and conferences.
            3. Christian training of church members, young people, and children.
            4.  Spiritual and financial support of evangelists who preach the pure Gospel.
            5.  Support of Gospel missionary activity in other locations.
            6.  Interdenominational fellowship with the exclusion of groups who have separated themselves from the Church.
            7.  Charity.
            8.  Prayer groups.


Article 4
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Chapter 1.
Church Members
All those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who keep His commandments and teachings, may be members of the Bread of Life Slavic Church, regardless of sex, race, nationality, or civil status.
Requirements:
            1. To be baptized in water.
2. To be baptized by the Holy Spirit with the sign of speaking in tongues, or with the intent to achieve this.
3. To be in agreement with the vision of the church.
The following people may not become members of the Church:
1.  Persons using alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, and other intoxicating substances, etc.
2.  Persons who, for purposes of amusement, frequent secular places of entertainment.
3.  Persons who participate in various secret, mystical, and political organizations or groups, or who practice spiritism, gambling, and anything that has to do with evil spirits or is contrary to Biblical teaching.
4.  Members, participants, or persons who cooperate with organizations or with representatives of such organizations that spread or condone godlessness and anti-Christianity.
5.  Persons who produce, own, or engage in the trade of firearms or of narcotic substances.
6.  Persons who deny the sign of speaking in tongues as a gift of the Holy Spirit, and also the other gifts of the Holy Spirit (prophecy, visions, revelations, interpretation, etc.)
Chapter 2.
Accepting new members of the Church and being released from Church membership.
People desiring to become members of the church shall be accepted on the basis of a written application. The senior pastor shall interview them before presenting them to the church. In all cases of doubt, the church may postpone accepting a new member until the reasons are clarified and remedied. People who have been members of other congregations shall be received upon the testimony of the minister of their former congregation. New believers who have received Christ as their personal Savior shall be received through water baptism by faith. Persons who have been reprimanded or excommunicated for any sin, and who desire to be restored to church membership, shall be received after repentance. Those who leave the church in peace to join another congregation shall be released by the church with oral or written testimony.
Chapter 3
Church discipline
Admonition and reprimand apply to church members who:
            1. Are guilty of disobedience to the leadership of the church.
            2. Lead an un-Christian lifestyle.
            3. Bringing all kinds of temptations and admonitions (accusations, rebukes, reproaches) into church life.
            4. Harming the spiritual welfare of the church and of souls seeking salvation (1 Thess. 4:6).
            5. Those guilty of disorderly conduct (2 Thess. 3:6-14).
            6. Those guilty of divulging church secrets.
            7. Perpetrators of deceit and untruthfulness.
Members of the Church who are guilty of intentionally committing the following sins will be excommunicated from the Church:
Adultery, immorality, murder (premeditated), theft, drunkenness, smoking, use of narcotics, abortions, witchcraft, homosexuality, acts of perversion with animals, blasphemy, idolatry, etc. (Romans 1:29-31; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21)
 

Article 5
MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH

Chapter1.
Ministers of the Church
The ministers of the Church consist of:
            Senior Pastor of the Church
            Assistant pastor of the Church
            Pastors of the Church.
            Deacons of the Church
            Deaconesses of the Church
Pastors, assistant pastors, and deacons who carry the above-listed ministries must be ordained for the ministry given to them after a one-year examination period.  Deaconesses are simply selected and blessed by the Church.
Chapter 2.
Election of Church ministers
All ministers shall be elected to the ministry by secret ballot of the Church Board and by vote of the church membership. Voting shall be conducted by an election committee of at least three persons. Candidates for elected office shall not serve on the election committee.
Senior Pastor
There shall be no more than two nominees on the ballot for the office of senior pastor. For this purpose, a preliminary election shall be held to determine the nominees for election. If one of the two is chosen, the greater number of votes of those present at the membership meeting shall have the power. On a nominal vote, no less than a 2/3 vote of those present at the membership meeting shall be required for election. The Senior Pastor and his/her designee shall be elected and confirmed for a term of one year for the first time, and thereafter for a term of five years. The position of Senior Pastor of the church shall be limited to the federal retirement age.
Assistant Pastor
The assistant senior pastor of the church shall be elected upon nomination by the senior pastor of the church, approved by the Church Board and by a majority vote at a membership meeting.
Deacons and Deaconesses
Deacons and Deaconesses shall be elected upon nomination by the pastor of the church, approved by the Church Board and by majority vote at a membership meeting.
By resolution of the Church Board, ministers may be released early from their ministry, and:
            1. Upon personal desire to leave the ministry.
            2. In case of any transgression requiring punishment.
            3. When there is evidence of gross violation of the teachings of Scripture or the Bylaws.
            4. Carelessness in the conduct of the ministry.


Article 6
OBLIGATIONS OF MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH

Chapter 1.
Ministry of the senior pastor and the pastors of the Church
The Church pastor’s ministry consists of:
            1. Preaching the Gospel
            2. Spiritual training of the members of the Church
            3. Administer water baptism
            4. Participation in sincere prayer meetings for baptism
            5. Praying for the sick and for children
            6. Serving Communion
            7. Performing weddings
            8. Performing funerals
            9. Leading general Church services
          10. Leading members’ meetings
          11. Leading meetings of the brethren and the Church Board
          12. Gain insight into the Church members’ problems
          13. Observing the spiritual life and conduct of the Church members
          14. Training the young people and children
          15. Accepting confession
          16. Appoint preachers in the Church
Chapter 2.
The ministry of the associate pastor of the Church
The Associate Pastor shall assist the Senior Pastor of the church in all things, and in his absence shall exercise the pastoral ministry and fulfill all of his duties. He shall be in agreement with the vision of the Senior Pastor of the church.
Chapter 3.
The ministry of the deacons of the Church
Deacons shall assist the pastor in all ministries and shall be in agreement with the vision of the Senior Pastor. Deacons shall care for the spiritual condition of the members of the church entrusted to them.
Chapter 4.
The ministry of the deaconesses of the Church
Deaconesses are responsible for the keeping and cleanliness of the supplies for the Lord's Supper. Take care of the preparation of unleavened bread and wine for the Lord's Supper. To mentor young sisters, married or single.


Article 7
ADDITIONAL MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH
New offices and ministries may be created as the church grows and as needed to organize the church and to assist the ministers. All officers and ministry leaders shall be elected and approved by the Church Board. Officers and ministry leaders may be re-elected as needed or at the discretion of the Church Board.

Chapter 1.
Church secretary
The church secretary shall keep membership records, correspondence, church documents, letters, and records, keep minutes of all membership meetings, prepare the annual report, etc. All records shall be retained by the secretary and turned over to his successor at the end of his term of office.  In the absence of the secretary, the duties of the secretary shall be performed temporarily by an assistant or assistant secretary. The church secretary must be a member of the Church Board.
Chapter 2.
Church treasurer
The church treasurer shall receive and keep records of the church's voluntary donations, issue receipts, deposit and withdraw money from the bank, make all disbursements, and keep records of them. The treasurer shall submit the records of donations, receipts, and payments to the church bookkeeper. In the absence of the treasurer, the deputy or assistant treasurer shall perform the duties of the treasurer.
Chapter 3.
Church bookkeeper
The church bookkeeper shall keep financial and material records of the church. The bookkeeper shall prepare quarterly and annual financial reports and submit them to the Finance Committee.
Chapter 4.
Financial Committee
The Finance Committee shall consist of at least three persons competent in business and finance and shall be approved by the Church Board. The Finance Committee shall oversee the finances of the church, prepare an annual budget, and decide on purchases and disbursements from $500 to $1,000 by majority vote of the committee.
Chapter 5.
The Church Board
The Church Board shall consist of pastors, deacons, and candidates for the diaconate, who shall be elected at the suggestion of the senior pastor of the church and approved by secret ballot at a membership meeting. Candidates for the Church Board shall be exemplary members of the church, judicious, experienced in the teaching of the Word of God, and not new converts. The Church Board shall act as the governing body of the church in all matters pertaining to spiritual and material life and the administration of the ordinances.
The Church Board shall review applications for church membership and administer discipline among church members. In case of the absence of ministers, it shall select an interim minister.
The Church Board shall consider all questions and proposals that arise in the church. In cases of disagreement, the Church Board shall vote by secret or open ballot. The issue shall be decided by a majority vote of the Church Board. The Senior Pastor of the church shall have the right to veto decisions of the Church Board by a small majority. However, such veto may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of those present at the membership meeting.
The Church Board shall handle any church disorder, conflicts between church members, or family problems, and shall oversee the accounting of the church treasury, bookkeeping, and financial matters over $1,000. Members may be removed from the Church Board for unworthy behavior, frequent absences, or personal desire.  This matter shall be decided by the Church Board by secret ballot. A minimum 2/3 vote of all Church Board members is required for a decision.
Chapter 6.
Leadership Council
The Leadership Council consists of ministry leaders, officers, and members of the Church Board. The leadership meetings shall discuss the church calendar of events, and other matters of organization and welfare for the church. Spiritual matters are not addressed in leadership meetings.
Chapter 7.
The Leader of Youth Services
The youth minister and assistant youth minister shall be proposed by the senior pastor of the church and approved by a vote of the Church Board. These leaders shall also be exemplary in ministry and conduct, knowledgeable in the Word of God, have organizational skills, and have an approach to youth. Youth ministry leaders are responsible for organizing any youth meetings (prayer meetings, study of the Word of God, outings, visits to the sick, etc.). Youth leaders have the right to rebuke and admonish youth in cases of unworthy behavior.
Chapter 8.
Sunday School Leader
 The Sunday School leader and assistant shall be elected and approved by the Church Board. They shall also be exemplary members of the church, and shall bring up their children in an honorable manner. The Sunday school leader and his assistants shall have the right to reprove and admonish the children, and to point out to the parents in cases of unworthy behavior of their children.
Chapter 9.
Persons responsible for order at general meetings.
These persons shall be elected at the suggestion of the ministry leader and approved by the Church Board. It shall be their duty to keep order in the entire church. They shall have the right to reprimand adults and children who are disorderly, whether or not they are members of the church. In cases of disobedience, the orderly has the right to bring the matter to the Church Board. In cases of gross disorderly conduct or disorderly behavior in the services, regardless of by whom it is committed, and if the officers of order are unable to stop it, the church has the right to enlist the help of governmental policing authorities (Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:13-15).
Chapter 10.
Collectors of offerings
The collectors shall be elected and approved by the Church Board. These persons shall be of special integrity, respected in the church, and exemplary Christians. It shall be their duty to collect the offering during the meetings and to deliver the money to the treasurer of the church.
Chapter 11.
The Choir Director
The choir director and assistant shall be approved by the Church Board. The choir director and assistant choir director shall be responsible for the conduct of choir performances and for the singing of the choir at gatherings. They shall be tactful, courteous, and fair in their treatment of the choristers. The choristers, in turn, are obliged to fulfill all the requirements of the director and to take seats in the choir as the director sees fit.
Chapter 12.
The Leader of the construction committee
During the construction or renovation of the Building of the House of Prayer, a Construction Committee shall be elected. The Construction Committee shall prepare a plan and cost estimate for the construction of the building or renovation of the building. All decisions of the Construction Committee must be approved by the Department Leader and the Church Board. The leader of the Construction Committee is authorized to sign documents related to the construction or renovation of the House of Prayer.


Article 8
CONCERNING REMUNERATION FOR CHURCH WORK.
The Church does not provide for paid ministers, but if the need arises, the Church Board may consider and approve such a proposal. All work in the church involving physical labor or personal material expenses may be paid by arrangement.
 
 
Article 9
ORDER OF COMMUNION SERVICES
The Lord's Supper is served once a month in the church. The washing of feet is optional for the members of the church each time before the Lord's Supper.
The bread, which, after prayer, is the body of Christ, must be unleavened and baked on the eve of the Supper by the ministers of the church. The wine, which, after prayer, is the blood of Jesus Christ, shall be red-colored grape wine.
Church members shall participate in the Lord's Supper. In case of non-participation more than three times, such members shall be reviewed by the Church Board. Children who have not received water baptism and those who are under church discipline may not participate in the Lord's Supper.


Article 10
OTHER FORMS OF SERVICES

Chapter 1.
Members Meetings
There shall be regular and nonrecurring membership meetings. Only church members shall be present at such meetings. All matters considered at membership meetings shall be a secret of the church and shall not be discussed with any governmental or social organizations not related to the church or with persons who are not members of the church.
Chapter 2
Weddings
Marriages shall be performed in the church only over its members. In other cases, the Church Board shall decide. The following persons shall not be permitted to be married:
            1. If before the marriage, the bride and groom have not preserved themselves in chastity, and have known each other as husband and wife.
            2. With unbelievers or persons of other unrelated denominations.
            3. If any person desiring to marry has been previously married or unmarried and has divorced for reasons other than adultery. Remarriages between church members may only take place because of the death of one of the spouses. In other cases, the Church Board shall decide these matters.
            4. Same-sex marriages shall not be permitted.
Chapter 3
Prayer for Newborns
Prayer over infants and children is done at the request of the parents. It includes: instruction to the parents, prayer by the church and ministers over the child with the laying on of hands (Mt.19:13-14; Mk.10:14-16).
Chapter 4.
Water Baptism
Water baptism is administered by the command of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Those who desire water baptism must declare their intention before the church. Water baptism is generally reserved for persons at least 16 years of age who have believed in Christ, experienced the new birth, and have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, or who have attained the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the sign of other tongues. All who wish to enter into a covenant with the Lord must be interviewed (Mark 1:4,5), study the church constitution, and be prepared for baptism. Everyone who becomes a member of the church promises to be in obedience to the church and its ministers. In all cases of doubt, the church may postpone water baptism until the cause of doubt is removed. Water baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, or in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, is administered by full immersion of the body in water.


Article 11
SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH
The church recognizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, visions, tongues, interpretations, and healings. All of these gifts of the Holy Spirit are administered in the church under the supervision of the ministers. Church members who have such gifts of the Holy Spirit are required to obey the ministers. The ministers of the church are to examine such gifts to see if they are from God and to prevent revelation that is not in accordance with the Word of God (1 John 4:6).


Article 12
CHURCH MEMBERS’ PERSONAL HYGIENE AND OUTER APPEARANCE
Members of the church are required to observe personal hygiene, to be neat and tidy, to see to the cleanliness of their children, and to dress as befits the saints. (1 Timothy 2-9, 1 Peter 3-3, 1 Corinthians 11-1:16). Church members shall not wear clothing of an indecent appearance in the church services. All church ministers shall conform to the requirements for church ministers..


Article 13
MILITARY SERVICE
Voluntary service in the military is allowed by personal choice. We believe that anyone who takes an oath or learns to take the life of another person is sinning against God, so it is against God's will to use a weapon to kill another person. In times of war, a Christian may perform alternative service for the good of the country. (Ex. 20:13; Is. 2:4; Matt. 5:34-36, 44, 26:52)


Article 14
PARENTING
Parents are responsible for raising their children in the teaching and admonition of the Lord, and to teach respect for the ministers and material possessions of the church.


Article 15
CHURCH GUESTS
Church guests may participate in the church service in sermons, singing, the Lord's Supper, etc., with the consent of the ministers of the church. Church guests may not attend church membership meetings.
 

Article 16
CHURCH FINANCES
The budget of the church is formed from tithes and voluntary donations. All donations shall become the property of the church and shall not be returned. The church is authorized to have bank accounts and to buy or sell church property.


Article 17
CHURCH REAL ESTATE
Title to real property owned by the church shall be registered in the official corporate name of the church. The purchase, acquisition, sale, or transfer of church-owned real property shall be by resolution of the Church Board and by majority vote of the membership.


Article 18
CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
These by-laws may be amended and supplemented as needed. The Senior Pastor of the church may propose changes or additions to these by-laws:
            1. On his own initiative
            2. At the suggestion of the Church Board and the church members.
    Amendments and additions shall be considered adopted with the support of a majority of those present at a membership meeting by open or secret ballot. Actions and decisions made by the church leadership, the Church Board, and the membership meeting shall not be subject to appeal to any outside agency.
The by-laws were accepted as presented herein, by the general members’ meeting. March 17, 2006. Revised January 9, 2009; February 17, 2013; January 22, 2023 and January 21, 2024.