Section I: Corporation

A. The members of this corporation shall consist of the Trustees in office at any given time.

Section II: Seal

A. The Corporation Seal shall have the name of the Corporation inscribed thereon, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Pennsylvania.”

Section III: Educational Purposes

A. Education. This institution is committed in Christian Education to the direct method of presentation of the divine truth from the Bible, an authoritative and exclusive revelation.

B. The local church. It is geared to local church ideology and individual cooperation in spiritual unity rather than geared to ecumenical cooperation in organizational unity.

C. Scholarship. It emphasizes scholarship of the highest order as a means to an end of “rightly dividing the Word of truth.”

D. Curriculum. In curriculum, it emphasizes the Biblicistic rather than the philosophic content.

E. Denominational. It is Baptistic and evangelistic rather than merely conservative and evangelical in approach.

F. Polity. It is separatistic from unbelief rather than inclusivistic.

G. Theology. In theology, it is dispensational rather than reformed and covenant.

H. Eschatology. It holds forth in eschatology that view in premillennialism which makes the pretribulation rapture the blessed hope of the church.

I. Hermeneutics (science of interpretation). This Seminary is committed to the grammatico-historical and theological method of interpretation, the fundamental principle of which is to gather from the Scriptures themselves the precise meaning which the writers intended to convey. This applies to the sacred books the same principles, the same grammatical processes and exercises of common sense and reason, which apply to other books.

J. Apologetics. In its systematic argumentative defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity, this Seminary follows the Biblical pattern of being both positive and negative.

Section IV: Doctrinal Position of the Seminary

A. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired by God, and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life. II Peter 1:21; II Timothy 3:16-17.

B. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1; John 10:30; Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4.

C. We believe in direct and instant creation. By this, we mean we believe creation was not a process. It was done in six literal days even as Genesis 1 and 2 says it was. Therefore, we reject all attempts to compromise this position such as the Gap Theory, the Accommodation Theory, the Long Day Theory, or any other theory that tries to accommodate evolution and unbelieving science with the Word of God. Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Hebrew 11:3; John 1:3.

D. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Colossians 2:9.

E. We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also the spiritual death which is separation from God, and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are now sinners by birth and by choice, positively inclined to evil, and therefore, under just condemnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse. Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12-21; Psalm 58:3; I Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:20; Genesis 1:26-27.

F. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. I Corinthians 15:1-4; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:24; Romans 5:9; I Peter 1:18-19.

G. We reject all man developed theologies for a Biblicist position. By Biblicist we mean we not only prove everything from the Word of God; we teach everything from the Word of God. Therefore, we reject Calvinism and Arminianism. We reject an “election” to heaven of those whose life is not changed or that the supposed non-elect have no hope or possibility of receiving eternal life. For further rejection of Calvinism see I Timothy 4:10; I John 2:2; John 3:16; Luke 13:3-6; I Timothy 2:3; Acts 7:51; etc. For the rejection of Arminianism we use John 10:27-30; John 5:24; Jude 24-25; Psalm 51:12; Romans 5:12-18; John 6:44.

H. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the body of our Lord, His bodily ascension into heaven and His bodily presence there for us as High Priest and Advocate. I Corinthians 15:1-4; 15:20-25; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 7:25.

I. We believe in the “blessed hope,” the personal bodily, pretribulation, premillennial, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 2; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:44.

J. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby the children of God and are eternally saved. John 3:3; Galatians 3:24-26; I John 5:13.

K. We believe that Satan is literal and personal, and the agent of the fall, the prince and power of this world, and that he shall be judged and eternally punished. Revelation 20:1-10; Ephesians 2:1-4.

L. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; both of the just and the unjust. We believe in a literal heaven and a literal hell; that the spirits of the unsaved at death descend immediately into hades where they are kept under punishment until the final day of judgment. Luke 16:19-31; II Peter 2:9. At which time their bodies shall be raised from the grave, they shall be judged according to their works, and cast into the place of final and everlasting punishment. Mark 9:43-48; I Thessalonians 4:16-18; Jude 13; Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8.

M. We believe that immersion is the only form of baptism revealed and commanded in the Scriptures, that it has NO saving power, but is only for those who are already saved; and that the new birth, which comes through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the Scriptural prerequisite to baptism; therefore, only those who are old enough to believe for themselves should be baptized. Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5.

N. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of the death of Christ and that only those who have been saved through faith in His atoning blood and are walking in obedient fellowship with Him ought to partake of it. We do not believe in closed communion. I Corinthians 11:23-32.

O. We believe that the Bible teaches that the following offices of the church should be held by men only: Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Deacon, and Moderator. I Timothy 2:12; Acts 15.

P. We believe that a New Testament church is a body of baptized believers, assembled for worship, service, and the spread of the Gospel in all the world. Acts 2; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20.

Q. We believe that all the saved are called into a life of separation. This separation is in at least three areas: moral, personal, and ecclesiastical.

   1. Moral: The Ten Commandments are God’s perfect standard for a perfect man. We are commanded to perfect holiness (II Corinthians 7:1) in the fear of God. The believer is to never suffer as an evil doer (I Peter 4:150, but is commanded to be clean in body and mind (II Corinthians 10:5).

   2. Personal: Romans 14 explains that there are going to be areas where the believers are going to disagree in matters which they call sin. The weaker will do things that the stronger will not. In matters of eating, holy days, etc., every man should be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:5.

   3. Ecclesiastical: While recognizing the unity of all true believers, it is also evident that unbelief and error in many organized fellowships has developed to the point where recognized and indisputable apostasy exists. We, therefore, disavow the position of the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the National Association of Evangelicals, and any other association or fellowship that would be in sympathy with them. We stand in opposition to the Ecumenical Movement, Neo-Orthodoxy, New Evangelicalism, and cooperative evangelistic programs between churches and people not of like precious faith. II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11-12; Luke 12:51.

R. We believe that the healing and tongues movement of today is unscriptural and contrary to sound doctrine and those who believe and practice these are in error. This includes the so-called Neo-Pentecostal Movement that has now spread among Roman Catholics, etc. We believe when the Bible says, “tongues shall cease” (I Corinthians 13:11), they have. We do not believe that tongues are a sign to the believer but to the unbeliever (I Corinthians 14). We believe that the practice of so-called unknown tongues causes confusion, and God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14). We believe that in the church of Jesus Christ things should be done decently and in order, and the practice of so-called tongues brings disorder. Yea, people would think we were barbarians (I Corinthians 14).

Section V: Organization of the Board of Trustees

There shall be no personal liability upon the part of any member of the Corporation or any trustee of the Corporation for any obligation whatsoever of the Corporation, the Corporation itself being solely responsible for and liable for the Corporation.

A. The affairs of this Corporation shall be managed and controlled by a Board of Trustees consisting of no less than sixteen (16) and no more than thirty-two (32) members. The Trustees who compose a Board of Trustees of this Corporation shall be the sole members of the Corporation.

B. The governing board of the Corporation shall be the Board of Trustees. The time and mode of election of the elective trustees shall be as follows:

   1. The Board of Trustees shall include:  the Pastor, an assistant pastor, and the chairman of the Board of Deacons of Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale, Pennsylvania; not more than eight (8) other members of the Board of Deacons of Calvary Baptist Church;  not more than eight (8) from the membership of the Calvary Baptist Church; the remainder of the Board of Trustees shall be elected from other churches. The Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church shall be the perpetual Chancellor of the Seminary. His primary function is to serve as the direct liaison between the Church and the Seminary insuring philosophical harmony between the Church and the Seminary. He is a perpetual member of the Board of Trustees and ex-officio member of all committees. A former president of the Seminary may be named by the Board of Trustees as President Emeritus, who shall then be a voting trustee ex-officio.

   2. Trustees other than the chancellor, president emeritus, assistant pastor, and deacon chairman shall be elected for a term of three years.

   3. Prior to the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the chairman of the Board of Deacons of Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale shall designate trustees from the Board of Deacons of the Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale to succeed trustees from that Board whose terms expire. Their term of office shall begin immediately upon designation.

   4. Prior to the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale shall elect trustees from the Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale to succeed trustees whose terms expire. Their term of office shall begin immediately upon election.

   5. At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the nominating committee shall nominate names from supporting churches or individuals for election by the Board, to begin serving as trustees at the next meeting following the annual meeting.

   6. Vacancies may be filled at any time to complete an unexpired term, to be chosen by and from the Board of Deacons of the Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale, PA, by and from the Calvary Baptist Church of Lansdale, or by the Board of Trustees from the list of supporting churches and individuals.

C. A trustee shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified, unless he dies, resigns, or his position is, by vote of the Board, declared vacant.

D. No person shall be eligible to hold the office of trustee of this Seminary unless he shall be a member of a fundamental Baptist church subscribing to the same doctrinal position as the Seminary. Each trustee shall subscribe to the Confession of Faith and Statement of Purpose of said Seminary set forth in Section IV of the By-Laws.

E. The trustees shall have authority to appoint a President and Dean. They shall approve the appointment of other officers and teachers following recommendations from the faculty to the Dean, and from the Dean to the President. The trustees shall fix the rate of tuition.

   1. The complete management and control of this Corporation shall be as hereinabove provided vested in the Board of Trustees to be elected in the manner and at the times hereinabove authorized.

   2. The Board of Trustees shall have authority to appoint such boards or committees or individuals as in its sole discretion may be reasonably necessary or proper in carrying on the work of the Seminary and accomplishing the objectives and purposes of this Corporation and to fill a vacancy in the Board of Trustees at any regularly called meeting.

F. The Officers

   1. The Officers of the Corporation shall consist of Chairman, Assistant Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary chosen from the members of the Board of Trustees. They shall be elected by the trustees annually. Where there is a vacancy in any office, the Board of Trustees may fill that office at a regular or specially called business meeting.

   2. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall not be able to succeed himself as chairman more than two (2) times, for a maximum of three (3) consecutive years. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board, execute all documents to be signed on behalf of this Corporation and perform such other duties as are generally performed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

   3. The Assistant Chairman shall conduct all business in the absence of the Chairman, and shall be authorized to execute documents in the absence of the Chairman.

   4. The Secretary shall keep regular record of the proceedings at all meetings of the Board of Trustees in a suitable book or suitable books for preservation; and shall notify the members of all regular and special meetings; shall have charge of the records, books, maps, letters, and papers belonging to the Corporation, and perform the duties which are customary to the office of Secretary. He shall be able to succeed himself without limit.

   5. The Treasurer shall serve on the Finance Committee and shall effect transactions directed by the Board concerning endowment and invested funds of the Corporation.

G. Disciplining or Expulsion from the Board

   1. Any member who violates the following principles can be voted off the Trustee Board by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of those present and voting at any regular or specially called meeting of the Board.

      a) Proven heresy in doctrine

      b) Proven immorality

      c) Failure to attend three consecutive meetings without notice to the Chairman

      d) Not in harmony with the policies and practice of the Seminary

H. Committees

   1. Finance Committee:  The Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. There shall be a minimum of two (2) members on this committee. This committee shall consider policies to be observed in the fiscal operation of the Seminary. It shall review the annual budget prior to consideration by the Board of Trustees.

   2. Promotion and Development Committee: The Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. There shall be a minimum of two (2) members on this committee. This committee shall consider policies relative to promotion, advertising, and printing. A faculty member shall be appointed on a yearly basis by the President of the Seminary to serve on this Committee.

   3. Academic Committee: The Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. There shall be a minimum of two (2) members on this committee. This committee shall consider operational policies of the Seminary in areas of faculty, curriculum, and student life. A faculty member shall be appointed on a yearly basis by the President of the Seminary to serve on this committee.

   4. Nominating Committee: The Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. There shall be a minimum of two (2) members on this committee. The committee shall seek out men for membership on the Board of Trustees who will actively serve in oversight of the total program of this Seminary and who will be in comfortable agreement with the doctrinal statement of the Seminary.

   5. The Executive Committee: The Executive Committee of the Seminary shall consist of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Assistant Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, two other trustees appointed by the chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor; and the President and the Dean of the Seminary as ex-officio members. The Executive Committee can be called into meeting for special matters requiring the attention of the Board of Trustees by any member of the Committee on one (1) day’s notice. A quorum shall be three members of the Executive Committee present and voting. All actions of the Executive Committee shall be mailed to each Board member no later than seven (7) days after the meeting. All actions of the Executive Committee shall be reviewed by the Board at their next meeting.

   6. Library Committee: The Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. There shall be a minimum of two (2) members on this committee. This committee, with the faculty member appointed by the President, shall consider policies of operation and improvement of the library.

   7. Other Committees: From time to time the Chairman of the Board of Trustees may appoint any other committee or committees for any purpose or purposes, which committee shall have powers as shall be specified in the resolution of appointment.

Section VI: Meetings

A. The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of this Corporation shall be held on a day set by the Chairman of the Board between September 1 and October 20 of each year.

B. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman of the Board, or upon request of any three (3) members of the Board of Trustees, the place of meeting to be at the Seminary unless otherwise designated. Notice of all such meetings, containing a brief statement of the purpose for which the meeting is called shall be mailed to each member not less than ten (10) days prior thereto, and the power of the meetings to acts shall be limited to matters set forth in such notice. Such notice shall be directed to each member at the address in the possession of the Secretary.

C. Regular meetings shall be held as scheduled by the Board of Trustees at least quarterly each year at dates and locations set by the Trustees at the annual meeting each year.

D. In the transaction of all business, whether at the annual meeting, any regular meeting or any special meeting, a majority of those present shall be a sufficient number to authorize the transaction of any such business. At all meetings, whether regular or special, a quorum of the then qualified and acting members of the Board of Trustees shall be necessary for the transaction of business. One more than one-third (1/3) of the total number of Board members will constitute a quorum.

E. All meetings, both regular and special, shall be opened with reading from God’s Holy Word and prayer, and closed with prayer.

Section VII: School Staff Officers

A. The President: The President of the Calvary Baptist Seminary shall be its chief executive officer and as such shall have general oversight of the Seminary. Serving within the guidelines, directives, and instructions issued by the Board, the President is responsible for all phases of the Seminary’s operation, for its general conduct and progress, and for the care of all spiritual, educational, and faculty interests, and for the Seminary’s business operations. He shall function as the institution’s official representative, maintain its link with all the churches of its constituencies, direct the fund raising activities, and serve as personal relations officer of the institution. He shall be elected to this office by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Trustees, present and voting. He is a perpetual member of the Board of Trustees and ex-officio member of all committees. He shall be a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

B. The Dean: The Dean shall be the chief administrative officer and as such shall be responsible for the daily administration of the Seminary. He shall be in full charge of the academic program of the Seminary, preparing its official catalog. He shall schedule the curriculum and assign all faculty responsibilities. He shall attend all regular and special meetings of the Board and shall report regularly to the Board.

C. The Registrar: The Registrar, serving directly under the Dean, shall be responsible for proper records of academic accomplishments, attendance at classes, records of grades and transcripts. He shall prepare statistical reports for the Board of Trustees and for promotional uses.

D. The Business Manager: The Business Manager, serving directly under the Dean, shall be responsible for financial activities of the Seminary, maintaining records of all transactions and regularly submitting reports as requested by administration or Board of Trustees.

Section VIII: Amendment   

A. These By-Laws may be amended or altered in any regular or special meeting by the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Trustees, providing that such amendment or alteration shall have been presented at the previous regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, written notice thereof shall have been given to each member of the Board at least two (2) weeks prior to such meeting when the amendment shall be acted upon, setting forth the substance of the amendment or alteration proposed.