Please note: The Constitution requires a few updates which will take place in Fall and will be brought forth to the Congregation for review and approval in compliance with the Constitution.

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I.   Name

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The name of this Congregation shall be Douglas Mennonite Church.

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II.  Mission

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The mission of Douglas Mennonite Church is to:

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• worship God;

• invite people to faith in Jesus Christ and to join with us in following him;

• live as a Christian community which loves and cares for each other;

• equip each other for the work God has called us to; and to

• serve – in the name of Christ – our neighbours across the street and around the world.

 

In doing this, we bring glory to God.

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 III.  Affiliation

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Douglas Mennonite Church is an associate member of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren through its provincial entity of MBCM.

 

 IV.  The Confession of Faith

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 The MB Confession of Faith is our articulation of our theological and ethical convictions. Access the full version of our confession, explore our theology and locate additional theological resources by visiting the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches website. 

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1. 1. God
   We believe in the one true God, the source of all life, who rules over all things as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, overflowing in steadfast love. God the Father, the source of all life, sent the Son for the salvation of the world. Jesus Christ the Son proclaimed the reign of God, bringing good news to the poor, and triumphed over sin through his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit gives people new life, indwells and empowers believers, and assures them of eternal life.
    
   2. Revelation of God
   We believe that God has made himself known to all people – first in creation, and then through God’s covenant with Israel. God revealed Himself supremely in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament bears witness to Christ, and Christ is the One whom the New Testament proclaims. The entire Bible was inspired by God. It is the infallible Word of God and the authoritative guide for faith and practice. The Holy Spirit guides the community of faith in the interpretation of Scripture.
    
   3. Creation and Humanity
   We believe that God created the heavens and the earth, and they were very good. Humans, the crowning act of creation, were created in the image of God. As a result of sin, people are alienated from God and creation. In Christ, all things are being reconciled and created new. The first signs of this new creation are present in those who accept God’s forgiveness through Christ.
    
   4. Sin and Evil
   We believe that, ever since the first humans sinned, all people disobey God and choose to sin, falling short of the Glory of God. Human sinfulness results in physical and spiritual death. Sin is a power that enslaves humanity, and is at work in individuals, groups, and systems. On their own, humans are unable to overcome sin’s power.
    
   5. Salvation
   We believe that God is at work to deliver, heal, redeem, and restore. God reconciled the world to Himself by the atoning blood of Jesus. As people place their trust in Christ, they are saved by grace through faith. Through Christ’s obedient life, his death on the cross, and his glorious resurrection, he triumphed over Satan and the powers of sin and death, opening the way for all people to follow.
    
   6. Nature of the Church
   We believe that the church is the covenant community called by God through Jesus Christ to follow Christ in a life of discipleship and witness as empowered by the Holy Spirit. The church gathers regularly for worship, fellowship, and accountability. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives gifts to each member for the well-being of the whole body.
    
   7. Mission of the Church
   We believe that the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ is for all people. Christ commands the church to make disciples of all nations by calling people to repent, and by baptizing and teaching them to love God and neighbour by telling the good news and by doing acts of love and compassion.
    
   8. Christian Baptism
   We believe that baptism by water is a public act of obedience which testifies that God in Christ has forgiven a person from sin, freed them from the power of sin and death, given them the Holy Spirit, and united them with the body of Christ. Baptism is for those who repent and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, pledging to live as Jesus’ disciples in all of life. Through baptism, the local church incorporates followers of Jesus.
    
   9. Lord's Supper
   We believe that in the Lord’s Supper, the church identifies with the life of Christ given for the redemption of humanity and proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes. The supper expresses remembrance, celebration, praise, and the fellowship and unity of all believers.
    
   10. Discipleship
   We believe that Jesus calls people who have experienced the new birth to follow him in a life of service to God. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the acts and attitudes of sin and godlessness. Filled with love and gratitude, disciples delight to obey God in fellowship with other believers.
    
   11. Marriage, Singleness, and Family
   We believe that marriage and the family are instituted by God. The church blesses both marriage and singleness, and encourages families to grow in love. Marriage is a covenant relationship intended to unite a man and a woman for life. God designed marriage for companionship, sexual union, and the birth and nurture of children. Children are a gift from God.
    
   12. Society and State
   We believe that God instituted the state to promote the well-being of all people. The primary allegiance of all Christians is to Christ’s kingdom. Believers witness against injustice, exercise social responsibility, and obey all laws that do not conflict with the Word of God.
    
   13. Love and Nonresistance
   We believe that God in Christ reconciles people to himself and to one another, making peace through the cross. We seek to be agents of reconciliation, to practise love of enemies, and to demonstrate Christ’s love by alleviating suffering, reducing strife, and promoting justice. We believe violence is contrary to the gospel of love and peace. In times of war, we believe we are called to give alternative service.
    
   14. The Sanctity of Human Life
   We believe that all human life belongs to God. The Creator and giver of life values human life highly. Abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide are an affront to God’s sovereignty. The unborn, disabled, poor, aging, and dying are particularly vulnerable. In all decisions regarding life and death, we offer hope and healing, support and counsel.
    
   15. Stewardship
   We believe that the universe and everything in it belong to God the Creator, who has entrusted people with managing the earth’s resources. All God’s gifts, including money, time, abilities, and influence, are to be received with thanksgiving, used responsibly, and shared generously.
    
   16. The Lord's Day, Work, and Rest
   We believe that God’s act of creation is the model for human work and rest. In work, we use our abilities to glorify God and to serve others. Rest is an act of thankfulness for God’s provision, and of trust in God who sustains us. Believers gather on the Lord’s day to commemorate the resurrection through worship, instruction, fellowship, and service.
    
   17. Christianity and Other Faiths
   We believe that the saving grace of God in Jesus is the only means of reconciling people with God. God has not left anyone without a witness to the Creator’s goodness and power. Christians treat people of other faiths with respect, but lovingly and urgently proclaim Christ as the only way of salvation.
   
   18. Christ's Final Triumph
   We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will return triumphantly at the end of this age to destroy all evil powers, condemn all who have rejected Christ to eternal punishment, and unite God’s children with Christ to reign with God in glory forever.
    

V.  Membership

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A. Baptism

 Our Confession of Faith states that "the church is the covenant community called by God through Jesus Christ to follow Christ in a life of discipleship and witness as empowered by the Holy Spirit."The New Testament envisions that all Christians will naturally be part of a local congregation. Everyone who is baptized at Douglas Mennonite Church will automatically become a member of the congregation.

 

Those who have been baptized as adults in another congregation and desire to become members in this congregation may do so in the following manner:

• Those with a membership in another congregation may transfer with a letter from their former congregation and a recommendation from at least one member of Douglas Mennonite Church.

• Those who are no longer a member of any congregation may join upon confession of their faith and a recommendation from at least one member of Douglas Mennonite Church.

 

Those who have been baptized as children in other denominations will be given a choice as to whether or not they wish to be baptized as adults. A determining factor should be whether or not their baptism as a child was a significant beginning to their journey of faith. Those who choose not to be rebaptized will join upon confession of their faith and a recommendation from at least one member of Douglas Mennonite Church.

 

Every baptism, confession of faith and membership transfer will be preceded by a period of instruction about the faith and practices of this congregation. Notice of a person’s desire to become a member will be given to the congregation in advance.

 

1. Congregational Discipline

Congregational discipline shall be redemptive in purpose, recognizing that when one member suffers, the whole body suffers. Thus discipline shall be directed towards restoring individuals and the community. Christ’s teaching on confrontation and admonition (Matthew 18:15-35) provides the form and intention of our congregations discipline.

 

2. Termination of Membership

 Membership in this Congregation may be terminated upon:

1. Death.

2. Transfer of membership to another congregation.

3. Withdrawal of membership, in writing.

4. Dismissal. If congregational discipline has been ineffective, the Ministerial and Council will be advised as to the situation and the steps which have been taken. A person may then be removed from membership by a two-thirds vote of the Ministerial and Council. Any such dismissal shall be reported to the congregation.

5. Inactivity. If a person has not participated in the life of the congregation for an extended period of time and has shown no commitment to do so in the future, the Ministerial and Council will be advised as to the situation and attempts to restore the member to active participation. A person may then be removed from membership by a two-thirds vote of the Ministerial and Council. Any such removal shall be reported to the Congregation.

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VI.  Privileges of Members

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1. Every member has a right to obtain spiritual guidance and pastoral care.

2. Every member has the right to participate and to vote at congregational meetings.

3. Every member who has been gifted by God and who meets the biblical standards for church office is eligible to be elected to office.

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VII.  Duties of the Members

 

1. The congregation expects its members to practice previously outlined Christian principles in their daily lives. It also expects that members will support the mission of the congregation through their participation, selfless giving, service and prayers.

2. In order to meet the budget that is approved at the Annual Membership Meeting, members are expected to make contributions based on their ability to give, as indicated in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

3. Members shall report births, marriages, deaths and changes of address to the church statistician.

 

VIII.  Administration

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1. Congregational Meetings

 

The congregation is the highest decision making body of Douglas Mennonite Church.

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Congregational Meetings may be called by the Church Council Chairperson, Church Council, or the Ministerial, by way of a public announcement, on a Sunday, at least two days prior to the meeting. Decisions are made by simple majority vote of all members present, unless otherwise stated in this Constitution. The annual meeting will be held within six weeks of the fiscal year end. A quorum for Congregational Meetings is established when 10 percent of the current membership is present. At the annual meeting a budget is presented for discussion and adoption. Additional congregational meetings are called at the discretion of the Church Council or the Council Chairperson. At these meetings reports and recommendations from congregational committees are received and elections held.

 

2. Church Council

 

The Church Council shall consist of:

1. Leading Minister – The leading minister provides spiritual guidance to Church Council proceedings. The leading minister is a fully participating member of the Church Council proceedings but does not vote.

2. Chairperson – the administrative leader of the congregation, responsible for planning and presiding at the business meetings of the congregation and Council, and a signing officer for the congregation. Subject to ratification at the next Council meeting, the Chairperson acts in place of Council between its meetings on matters requiring decision or action prior to the next meeting of Council.

3. Vice Chairperson – acting as chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson and is the successor to the chairperson.

4. Past Chair – the chairperson who immediately preceded the current chairperson.

5. Secretary – responsible for recording the minutes of the meetings of the congregation and the Council and conducting the correspondence as directed.

6. Treasurer – responsible for administering the finances of the congregation, keeping appropriate books and records, the preparation of the budget for consideration by Council prior to the annual meeting, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to government, and a signing officer for the congregation.

7. Member at Large – a minimum of one member at large to represent the views of the congregation at Council meetings.

8. Any additional members duly recommended and approved by the congregation to support the current priorities of the congregation.

  

There will be not fewer than five and not more than fifteen Church Council members. A quorum for Council is established when half of the Council members are present. At all meetings of Council each motion shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast on the question. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairperson of the meeting shall not be entitled to a second or casting vote. Tied votes are deemed to be defeated.

 

In the event of a vacant position on council, a quorum for a church council meeting may fill the vacancy on an interim basis until a vote is conducted at the next Congregational Meeting. In the absence of a quorum the Chairperson shall forthwith call a special Congregational Meeting to fill such vacancy.

 

A Church Council member who is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with the Church shall disclose the nature and extent of such interest prior to discussion at Church Council meetings. The Council member who may be in conflict of interest will leave the meeting to allow discussion and voting before returning.

 

3. Committees

 

Council is responsible to establish any and all committees required to support the current activities of the congregation. Committee chairpersons are elected by the congregation. The leading minister and the chairperson of Council are ex officio members of all committees.

 

4. Elections, Terms, Limitations of Council and Committee Chairs

 

Unless otherwise noted, Council members and committee chairpersons are elected by the congregation for a minimum of three years and a maximum of two terms.

 

5. The Audit Committee

 

This Committee consists of three church members elected by the Church for three years. At least once a year they shall examine the financial records and report their findings to the Council and to the annual meeting. The Audit Committee shall provide a copy of the annual financial statements to all church members at least 10 days prior to the annual meeting.

 

6. The Statistician

 

The Statistician shall be elected by the congregation for an indefinite period and report to Council and the congregation. The Statistician shall

1. Maintain the membership records

2. Prepare and present a statistical report at the Annual Meeting.

3. Be responsible for the annual preparation and printing of the Membership Directory.

4. Gather all important information of Church activities which are of historical value, and ensure the safekeeping thereof.

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IX. Spiritual Leadership

The role of ministers at Douglas Mennonite Church is described in “A Mennonite Polity for Ministerial Leadership” as published by Mennonite Church Canada. All ministers at Douglas Mennonite Church are elected by a congregational vote as defined by such policy. Ministers of the congregation meet regularly as a ministerial to set direction for the congregation, deal with congregational issues and to plan worship.

 

X. Amendments or Changes to the Statutes

Only the congregation can make amendments or changes to these statutes. Motions regarding such changes must be made in writing to the Council, and in order to pass, require a three-fourth (75%) majority vote of the members present at any Congregational Meeting.

 

In Effect: November 19, 1982. Amended: March 1, 2026