BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON

GENERAL MINISTRY REQUIREMENTS

SERVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST through His Church is a normal response of the
Christian life (I Thessalonians 1:9), and a wonderful privilege attended by many blessings and
rewards (John 12:26; Colossians 3:24; Matthew 25:21). Yet it is not to be taken lightly (Hebrews
12:28). Any ministry, whether considered lowly or prominent, is important to God (I Corinthians
12:22-23), and requires sacrifice (Romans 12:1), commitment (Luke 16:13), dedication (Romans
12:11), and above all dependence upon the power of God (Colossians 1:10-11).

Ministry also involves testimony. We serve best through example (II Thessalonians 3:9), and
everyone involved in a Church ministry is going to set an example before others – either good or
bad (Romans 14:21; I Corinthians 8:9). A godly example must first extend from the pastors (I
Peter 5:3; I Timothy 4:12), who are charged with the responsibility of leadership and of helping
God’s people grow and develop spiritually (Hebrews 13:7-17). However, it is the obligation of
all who labor alongside the pastors through any of the Church’s ministries to help create a godly
environment wherein lives can be developed for the glory of God.

Church Ministry workers are expected, with God’s help, to take seriously and dutifully the
covenant of membership which binds this Church together. Our Church Covenant addresses
several matters essential to faithful and profitable Christian living. Additional ministry
requirements are set forth below in order to clarify or spell out what is expected of anyone who
labors for the cause of Christ through this Church (Philippians 2:15).

No ministry of the Church is a right – it is a privilege. Stewardship has its scriptural requirements
(I Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:19). Therefore, it is expected that the following requirements be
supported by all who serve in any ministry of the Church:

AGREEMENT:
 All who serve in any ministry of the Church are required to be members of the Church in
good standing.

1
 Ministry workers must be in agreement with the doctrinal position of the Church as stated in
its Articles of Faith.

 Ministry workers roust be loyal to be pastors and the Church’s endeavors. This does not
mean that one must agree with everything a pastor or the Church does or decides. It does
mean, however, that the worker agrees to actively cooperate with the programs of the Church
and be loyal to its leadership in the implementing of such programs.

ATTITUDE:
 Unless providentially hindered, ministry workers are expected to attend any and all special
meetings of the church.

 Ministry workers are expected to attend all ministry meetings called for by a pastor or
ministry director.

 Ministry workers are expected to be faithful to their ministry. Service cannot be halfhearted.

 Ministry workers are expected to be enthusiastic in their service (Psalm 100:2).

 Ministry workers are expected to be friendly toward others.

 Ministry workers are expected to be “on time” in their ministrations (Ephesians 5:16).

 Ministry workers are expected to be loyal to and supportive of their fellow laborers. A
critical spirit, backbiting, gossip, or any refusal to work with someone, are serious matters
which hinder the work of the Lord. Conflicts should be resolved scripturally (Matthew 18:15)
and, if necessary, through those who can make changes or corrections.

 Ministry workers are expected to be consistent in their example. One’s ministry does not end
when a Church meeting is dismissed. In many cases people are more influenced and affected
by the worker’s “out-of-work” example.

ATTITUDE:
 Ministry workers are expected to practice good personal hygiene.

2
 Ministry workers are expected to maintain a godly disposition in their attire and grooming.
Since this is an area so easily influenced by worldly fashions (I Corinthians 7:33 b), the
following standards are set forth in order that there be no misunderstanding:

GENTELMEN:

Men should exhibit a “clean cut”, rather than a “sloppy” appearance. Hairstyles should be short
(I Corinthians 11:14) and facial hair neatly trimmed. Clothing should be masculine and modest,
free from making any unseemly “statements” (as is common with many t-shirts, etc.). Do not
wear any “unisex” apparel, such as earrings. button-up shirts with a neck tie are generally
required of those serving during any public meetings of the Church – for example: teachers,
ushers, safety workers, choir members, special musicians, etc.

LADIES:

Ladies are required to be modest in their apparel and appearance (I Timothy 2:9 and I Peter 3:3-
4). Clothing should be for a covering (Provers 30:22 a), and not be revealing or suggestive.
Clothing should never be “see-through”, “tight-fitting”, or “low-cut”. Do not wear trousers,
slacks, or shorts. Dresses and skirts must be long enough to well-cover the knees when standing
and sitting. Modest clothes should be worn when appropriate in times of physical activity. They
should be full and have the appearance of a skirt when standing. Your hair is given for a
covering (I Corinthians 11:15); do not let your hair style be worldly, manly, or exaggerated.

ACTIVITIES:
 Ministry workers should always strive to follow the admonition of I Thessalonians 5:22.

 Ministry workers must totally abstain from the use of alcohol, tobacco products, or illicit
drugs.

 Ministry workers should not frequent or support worldly or ungodly establishments.

 Ministry workers should refrain from viewing television programs and/or all forms of
electronic media that contain any profanity, nakedness, or other morally offensive,
unwholesome content.

3
 Ministry workers should exercise godly prudence with the kinds of music they listen to.
Sacred music should always be Christ-honoring; secular music should be wholesome. All
rock music, whether secular or so-called “Christian,” is to be avoided.

The spirit of these requirements is to help provide a distinctively Christian atmosphere

throughout the ministries of our Church. We all bear the responsibility of working together to
maintain personal and ministry standards of conduct which will glorify the Lord Jesus Christ
(Ephesians 3:21).

One’s acceptance as a believer in Christ rests only upon the merit of His finished work on
Calvary – never on the performance of duties or the keeping of requirements. Consenting to
follow these ministry requirements is not meant to be a means to finding acceptance in the
Church, but rather that we may lovingly serve our Saviour through His church. It must always
and only be Christ’s love that constrains us to serve Him (II Corinthians 5:14).

Please feel free to ask the pastors or deacons of the Church any question about doctrinal or
practical matters in order to receive help and information beneficial to your Christian growth and
service. It may be necessary for the pastors to clarify or interpret all or any of these requirements
in the event of any question by a ministry worker.

Finally, if at any time you find yourself unable to cooperate in these matters or fulfill your
ministry for whatever reason, it is always best that you voluntarily stand aside and let someone
else take your place. You need not fear alienation from the Church.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,
through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” – II Peters 1:3