Church Services Update and Stats

While we did work to promote the church in 2008, we did not begin public worship services until 2009.

Below is a brief summary of the services so far in 2009:

1. 1/4/09;  Sermon: John 1:1-3; Attendance: 2

2. 1/11/09; Sermon: John 1:4-9; Attendance: 2

3. 1/18/09; Sermon: John 1:10-13; Attendance: 2

4. 1/25/09; Sermon: John 1:14; Attendance: 4

5. 2/1/09; Sermon: John 1:15-34; Attendance 3

When there was 2 in attendance, it was of course Nola and I. On 1/25, we had 2 visitors, a man and his mother, who are very interested in the church. The man has some committments at the church they have been a part of and is seeking the Lord’s wisdom about how to make the transition. We are much closer than this church of like faith, but they are mostly an elderly congregation that is very small, and rely on him for some things. His mother came today 2/1.

I had been recording the sermons on VHS to dubb on DVD, but have had technical difficulties for the last 2 sermons with the VHS Camcorder cutting off repeatedly. For now, I’m going to see if I can borrow my son-in-law’s digital recorder on Sundays.

Thank you for your continued prayers and/or support…

Brother Bret

Update and New Church Website

Hi Everyone:

Last week we had our first visitors for the new church, Carl and his mother Vivian. They are excited that there is a church with our faith and practice closer to where they live.

There is a website for Biblical unity Church that is a work in progress. So far there is a main page, bylaws page, Pastor’s “Ten” Series page, and an articles page. Please check it out, it is at www.BUC-AL.com. Thank you…

Brother Bret

Article in the North Jefferson News

Published: January 14, 2009 10:20 am         

New church offers up Biblical message, unique worship style

By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News

Bret M. Lovitz is fully aware that there are plenty of churches in north Jefferson County. But the church that he is starting at his Fultondale home takes a different approach than most others in the area.

Lovitz is pastor of Biblical Unity Church. The basic idea behind it is the method of imparting the Bible to congregations.

Biblical Unity Church will utilize “the method of verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book preaching in the main worship service,” said Lovitz, where most other pastors preach topical messages.

Lovitz believes in the verse-by-verse method because he thinks it will help resolve the problem of “disunity” that he said exists in congregations today.

“I’m concerned about the disunity that exists in the body of Christ,” said Lovitz. “When we go through the Bible verse by verse of each book or letter, we won’t miss many truths that would be more difficult to cover through predominately topical preaching, and it helps us keep the word of God in context.”

Biblical Unity Church has been meeting only for a couple of weeks at Lovitz’ home on New Castle Road.

Following the worship service is a practicum, consisting of a question-and-answer session about the day’s message.

Then there is a meal provided by the church. There will also be Bible studies following the meal from one to four times a month, depending on the need.

“It’s almost like the early church did, just spending time together as a family,” said Lovitz. He describes the services as a “no frills” experience.

Lovitz is hoping that area Christians will feel led to fill some ministry needs in the church, such as worship director or worship team, deacons, helpers, nursery workers, teachers and a “biblically qualified pastor-elder of like mind and faith to help me servant-lead the church.”

Biblical Unity Church is an outgrowth of Lovitz’ past ministry experience. He has been ministering for about 21 years and has served as pastor in Florida and Idaho since 1997.

Lovitz and his wife Nola have been married for 30 years. They have three daughters who live in Texas, Florida and Alabama.

Biblical Unity Church meets at Lovitz’ home at 3045 New Castle Road in Fultondale at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.

To learn more, visit www.BUC-AL.com, email Lovitz at BUCPastor@aol.com or call him at 747-9590.

Happy New Year and Update

Hi Folks. I hope all the readers of this Blog has a safe, happy, and Christ-centered new year.

 

Yesterday, January 4th, we held our first public worship service in our home. I was hoping that up to 3 of mine and Nola’s co-workers would be with us, but they didn’t make it on this Sunday. Nola and I still “held church” as I began in the Gospel of John with verses 1 through 3. We recorded the service as well on an old VHS Camcorder we have and will be transferring it to DVD as well as future services Lord willing.

My extra and extreme overtime has come to an end and I will be able to spend more time promoting and advertizing the church. Although today I am watching our grandson Noah until I go to work .

At the end of 2008 we had a balance of $706.16 in the ministry account. The current balance is $680.50 as I did spend $25.66 on some items to make the room in the house used for worship more “fragrant” if you get my drift .

Thank you to those who are giving to this ministry. Whether or not you think it is much, it is very helpful. Much of the monies will be used very soon to help promote the church to see where the Lord leads.

Remember to call or e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns.

Your Brother and Fellow Servant for Christ,

Bret

Updated Bylaws and…

Hi Everybody:

Just a quick note that Biblical Unity Church’s bylaws have been modified. The changes are mainly in the areas of Church Officers and Government, and the two new sections of Elders Wives and Pastoral Counseling.

I have a magnetic sign on my truck, and a yard sign by the road in the front yard. I am also prayerfully considering advertising on the radio. Right now I’m working over 20 hours a week overtime, and that may be for the rest of the year. Please keep us in prayer.

Brother Bret

October 2008 Update and Flyer

Hi Folks:

I know I’ve “dropped the ball” in keeping this Blog up to date—please forgive me .

Well, things are still progressing very slowly. I have placed ads in 2 local newspapers, one Christian and one secular with no responses. Because of concerns for the economy as well as time issues (I have been working a lot of overtime at the dairy), I haven’t pursued trying to get Christian corporate sponsors for a radio ministry show. If the Lord blesses with the renting or sale of our house in Idaho, I could go ahead and finance it myself in the beginning and trust the Lord for sponsors and givers in the area.

The ministry account has $474.00 in it that does not include October’s increase after debits verses credits of about $70.00.

I have just ordered 50 postcards for Biblical Unity Church for only the cost of shipping to see what happens with that. I also ordered a yard sign for the church for $32 and plan on ordering 2 magnetic signs for mine and Nola’s vehicles.

I created a Flyer for the church (see it below) if I can find a way to get it distributed. Lord willing I will have more time to do some distributing myself when the overtime settles down at the dairy (working 65-70 hours this coming week though). I also modified the gospel trifold brochure (once a bifold tract) that includes information for the potential church instead of my old church in Idaho.

Thank you for your interest and prayers…

Brother Bret

 

 

 

 

 

BIBLICAL UNITY CHURCH INVITES YOU TO BE A PART OF THIS NEW GOD HONORING CHURCH START

 

When?

 

Where 

 

9:30am Sundays when we begin The pastor’s home at 3045 New Castle Rd when we

 

Other Distinctives About Biblical Unity Church

FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICES (NURSERY AVAILABLE FOR BABIES & TODDLERS) WITH THE OPTION OF HAVING A CHILDREN’S CHURCH SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THE FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE, WHEN THERE ARE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF WORKERS FOR THAT MINISTRY

NO ALTAR CALLS WHILE STILL ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO TRUST IN THE PERSON & WORK OF CHRIST WITH A REPENTANT FAITH

BIBLICALLY ACCURATE GOD GLORIFYING CONTEMPORARY AND TRADITIONAL SONGS & HYMNS. WILL UTILIZE LIVE MUSICIANS TO PLAY INSTRUMENTS FOR ACCOMPANIMENT WHEN THERE ARE QUALIFIED GIFTED MUSICIANS AVAILABLE

NO OFFERING REQUESTS BY PASSING “THE PLATE” BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE WORSHIP SERVICE. CHURCH FAMILY MAY GIVE TITHES & OFFERINGS BY PUTTING IT IN A BOX PROVIDED AT THE PLACE OF WORSHIP

MONTHLY “OPEN” COMMUNION AT THE END OF THE MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE

A “PRACTICUM” (QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT THE SERMON) FOLLOWING REFRESHMENTS AFTER THE SERVICE

A TIME OF SHARING & PRAYER IN EACH WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICE

REGULAR FELLOWSHIP MEALS (FREE) AFTER THE WORSHIP SERVICE AND PRACTICUM FOLLOWED BY A BIBLE STUDY

NO SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES

 

 

Biblical Unity Church will be non denominational welcoming anyone who desires biblical unity and to earnestly hear from God through His word. We’ll be a church that loves the Lord, His Word, His people, and all people…

A church where everybody is somebody, and JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND ONLY SAVIOR. Please check us out!

 

 

To find out more information about Biblical Unity Church and why this is the church you should go to in Jefferson County

contact Pastor Bret at 747-9590

or BUCPastor@aol.com and visit our web log at http://biblicallycorrect.wordpress.com .

or BUCPastor@aol.com and visit our web log at http://biblicallycorrect.wordpress.com .

 

 

 

our official worship services. start meeting. Contact us first before coming please.

 

 

Why Biblical Unity Church?

 

1. Because we’ll be a friendly, loving Church that enjoys fellowshipping with one another.

2. Because we’ll be a church that lifts up the Person & Work of the Lord Jesus Christ including believing that He didn’t fail but accomplished what He came to earth to do when the angel of the Lord said to Joseph: “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

3. Because we’ll be a bible centered Church that believes in the authority of God’s Word, and that it’s sufficient to save His people, sustain them during trials, and keep them through faith ’til the end.

4. Because we’ll endeavor to be a God-glorifying Church that worships the Lord in Spirit & truth through the songs sung, prayers prayed, and whole counsel of God’s word proclaimed which will be central and primary in the worship service.

5. Because we will not compromise biblical evangelizing and the gospel by proclaiming the holiness of God, sinfulness of man, and that only Jesus Christ saves and forgives those who are born again and have repentant faith in Him and His sacrificial death and resurrection.

6. Because we desire to have a local church and worship service as God has determined in His word without utilizing worldly and business tactics, gimmicks, events, methods, and ideas.

7. Because we believe that unnecessary separation dishonors God and we should try to achieve as much “biblical” unity as possible on this side of glory, believing much more can be accomplished through the method of verse by verse preaching & teaching and comparing scripture with scripture in the morning worship service.

BUC and BCM Bylaws

The following is the bylaws I have at this point (already considering a few changes) for BUC (Biblical Unity Church) and BCM (Biblically Correct Ministries).

Constitution and Bylaws of Biblically Correct Ministries & Biblical Unity Church

 

 

Preamble

 

 

 

The name of this church shall be known as Biblical Unity Church of Jefferson County Alabama. The church is not affiliated with other churches with the word “Unity” in their titles and/or that belongs to the Unitarian and/or Universalist organizations or movements. The mission of this church shall be as follows:

 

1. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth through traditional and contemporary hymns, psalms and spiritual songs without performing or entertaining, and that are biblically accurate, God glorifying and Christ honoring; prayers of praise and supplication of God’s people; the preaching and teaching of the word of God and it being primary and central in the worship service; the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and Water Baptism for believers; tithes and offerings. To be a local church that models the word of God as much as possible by the grace of God by doing that which the word of God prescribes rather than thinking we can just do anything because God’s word is silent about a particular practice, and whose central and interwoven theme is to do that which God’s people were created and redeemed to do— worship and enjoy Him for ever.

 

2. Practice, promote and encourage the method of verse by verse preaching and teaching of the word of God in the main worship service (usually Sunday morning), and in and out of this local church so as to help keep God’s word in context and not deliberately or inadvertently skip various truths, with the goal of being a means to bring about reformation, restoration, reconciliation, and biblical unity in the body of Christ.

 

3. Proclaim the biblical gospel of the perfect sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ to save repentant believers, and to not add to or take away from that by God’s grace. Not just in the church, but also in the cities, towns and communities in our area, and through those who are called in and out of our local church by supporting those who go to the uttermost parts of our country and world.

 

4. Equip the saints and make disciples so that they will grow in the Lord and be more conformed to the image of Christ, teach them so that they may teach others also, and use the spiritual gifts and talents in the service of the Lord through this local church.

 

5. Biblically Correct Ministries, with the founding Pastor-Elder Bret Lovitz of Biblical Unity Church as the director, shall be a ministry of this local church that will include but not necessarily be limited to the following purpose of this Ministry:

 

a) Praying, planning, preparation, and start of a new church called Biblical Unity Church of Jefferson County, Alabama.

 

b) Praying, planning, preparation, and start of a regular radio ministry called Biblically Correct Radio.

 

c) Preaching at various churches in the state and abroad for pulpit supply, conferences, revivals and camp meetings.

 

d)  Praying, planning, preparation and start of Christian mediation and reconciliation for Christian Churches, Businesses and Individuals.

 

e) Seek and request financial support for the church start and these ministries.

 

f) Writing of Christian and Gospel tracts, brochures, and articles.

 

 

 

 

Statement of Faith and Positions

 

As a result of years of verse by verse expository preaching and comparing scripture with scripture, the following is a statement of faith and positions for Biblical Unity Church and Biblically Correct Ministries. It is not required for membership to agree with 100% of this statement of faith and positions, except those noted under the section for church membership. However it should be understood that such member is not to  undermine the responsibility of the elders’ leadership by teaching against those differences when they come up on a particular Sunday morning or weekly bible study, but may ask questions in private or during organized times such as the Sunday Practicum after the worship service or various bible studies.

 

THE BIBLE – BIBLIOLOGY

We believe the Bible, which is made up of 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books to be the infallible, inerrant word of God in the original writings. We believe that the Bible is God’s sufficient means to save those the Holy Spirit regenerates and makes alive, and for them to continue to believe, grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and be conformed to His image, to contently endure the trials of life, and live a life characterized by holiness and righteousness. We believe that the best bible versions are the more literal word-for-word translations and therefore strongly recommend the New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New King James Version, and King James Version.

 

NATURE OF GOD – THEOLOGY

We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that these three are one God; co-eternal in being, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections, and as Creator and Redeemer are worthy of the same worship and obedience. We believe that this One Triune God is all-powerful and sovereign in all things including salvation, all-knowing and wise, everywhere present at the same time [but not in everything], holy, good, just, wrathful, loving, gracious, merciful, and truthful.

NATURE OF MAN – ANTHROPOLOGY

We believe that man was created in the image of God to worship, enjoy, and serve Him; that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which includes separation from God. We believe that being spiritually dead means that all human beings are born with a sinful nature and therefore are also sinners by choice whose being is total unwilling and unable to trust in the Person and finished work of Christ in their own strength and apart from saving grace.

PERSON AND WORK OF JESUS CHRIST – CHRISTOLOGY

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became incarnate to reveal God to men and to reconcile men to God. We believe that Christ is truly and fully God, and truly and fully man; that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and that He lived a perfect sinless life on earth. We believe that His sacrifice was substitutionary, satisfactory, sufficient, and that anything that is added to this as a requirement for salvation, whether water baptism, good works/deeds, righteous living, or anything else, is to believe another gospel that is really no gospel at all.  We believe Christ rose from the dead bodily, ascended to heaven; that He is now our High Priest and Intercessor; and that He is coming again to receive all those He paid the penalty of sins and satisfied the justice and wrath of the Father for, to Himself.

SALVATION – SOTERIOLOGY

Just as man was created in the image of God with a mind emotions and will yet marred by sin as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, all 3 aspects of the person’s being must be changed for them to have saving faith. A change of just the mind and emotions only, does not bring about a living saving faith but rather a dead, demonic non saving faith. When the will is changed by God along with the mind and emotions such person will be saved and justified.  We believe that salvation is by God’s free and sovereign grace alone through faith alone in the Person and work of Christ alone, and that as the Scriptures say Christ will not lose any that the father gave Him, neither shall any of them perish.

PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – PNEUMATOLOGY

We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit regenerates (makes alive) people convicting them that they have sinned against the Holy God by disobeying Him and not keeping His laws and commandments, that they are undeserving of being with the Lord in Heaven, and see their need for Christ and His perfect life, perfect sacrifice and glorious resurrection to be saved from their sins and do that which they were created and redeemed to do, worship and enjoy God forever.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is our ultimate Teacher and Guide, and abiding Comforter and Helper.  We believe He strengthens the Christian’s faith and devotion to Christ and conforms them to His image; calling us to holy living, putting away sinful desires, and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit.

We believe that all Christians have at least one gift of the Holy Spirit and are to use that gift in the local church to bring glory to God and be a means to build up His people. We believe that there were apostolic sign gifts that have not been in operation as with the first century church since the word of God was completed. We believe that the gift of tongues described in the bible were human languages unknown to the speakers yet known to the hearers of that land or nation. We do not rule out that God may be pleased to bestow this gift for the proclamation of the gospel to those who never heard, but since we do not believe that there should be confusion or conflict in the local church and during the preaching of the word of God, such tongues should not be spoken in the local church worship service. We believe that God heals people directly by His Spirit and through the means He has blessed with medically according to His will and good pleasure that may include the answering of prayer, but we do not believe that any person has the gift of healing as did the apostles and first century Christians.

THE CHURCH – ECCLESIOLOGY

We believe that the true Church is universal and composed of all who are born again and trusting in the Person and Work of Christ alone with a repentant faith, and that the Holy Spirit baptizes all believers into one body that will be part of a local church or assembly, endowing Churches with the gifts needed for its work. 

We believe that the only officers in the local church are Elders and Deacons. We believe that the local church should be governed by a plurality of elders with one of the elders being the primary preacher and teacher. We believe that the bible teaches that Elders are the Overseers and Pastors of the church that should meet the qualifications of 1Tim.3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. We believe that the Elders main purpose in the local church is to study, preach and teach the word of God; pray; oversee and shepherd the flock; and visit and pray for the sick. We believe that Deacons must also be qualified according to 1Tim.3:8-15 and that their purpose is to take care of the physical needs in the local church so that the Elders can do what they are called to do according to the bible as described above. We believe that Deacons are not to function as Elders, and that while they have limited oversight of their responsibilities just described, they are to submit to the oversight of the Elders.

We believe that there are only two ordinances (some prefer to call them sacraments) in the local church- The Lord’s Supper and Water Baptism. We do not believe that either of these ordinances save, help save, or keep saved any professing Christian. We do believe that these two ordinances are very important and would be concerned about the spiritual condition of those who refuse to partake as outlined in God’s word. We believe that Water Baptism should be by immersion for those who have put their trust in the Person and Work of Christ alone with a repentant faith in identifying with Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection as well as their being dead to sin and their old life and having been made alive in Christ. We believe that the Lord’s Supper should be celebrated as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice until he comes again “as often as you will” by those who have been born again and saved and not living in an unconfessed, unrepentant sinful lifestyle. We do not believe that the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine becomes the body and blood of Christ in substance or is in any way a re-sacrificing of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that these two ordinances are a “means of grace” in as much that they are a means of our sanctification to draw us closer to the Lord and love and appreciate Him all the more for who He is and all He has done for us.

We believe that one of the purposes of the local church is to stir one another unto love and good works, encourage and comfort one another, and be accountable to one another. Therefore we also believe in the sadly almost non existent biblical practice of church discipline when a local church member and regular attender are living in sin. We believe that the goal of church discipline is repentance and restoration at all levels, and should be done in humility and love by those who approach someone living in sin. We believe that such sins that fall into this category but by no means is intended as an exhaustive list are: Sex outside the bonds of marriage between one man and one woman; pornography through any means; under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or abuse of legal drugs; divorce not due to the sexual immorality of one of the spouses and/or an unbelieving spouse leaving the believing spouse; gossip and sowing discord among believers; dating/courting, engagement to, or marrying an unbeliever; stealing and embezzlement; cursing, cussing and filthy speech; forsaking the assembling together in the local church; not tithing or giving proportionately as the Lord has blessed you; not seeking forgiveness from those you have sinned against or forgiving those who have sinned against you and repented and asked your forgiveness.

THE END TIMES – ESCHATOLOGY

We believe in that blessed hope and personal return of Christ for His church. We believe at death that those redeemed by Christ enter into His presence and that they will after the resurrection of the body at His coming be forever with Him in His glory. We believe after death unbelievers will be resurrected and face final judgment, when they shall be punished with everlasting punishment and separation from the presence of the Lord in the Lake of Fire. Biblical Unity Church takes no official position regarding the timing of the Rapture of the Church, nature of the Millennial Period, and the time of Christ’s Second Coming in relation to the Millennial Period.

Satan, Demons and Angels- Demonology and Angelology

We believe that Satan and Demons are fallen angels created by God before God created Adam and Eve. We believe they are evil, hate the Godhead, and will do everything they think they can do to frustrate the work of God and the Christian’s walk. We believe that Satan is the most powerful of the fallen angels and is more powerful than man, but is not equal to or more powerful than the Godhead. Satan can only do that which God allows him to do. We also believe that Satan is often given too much credit. While he will try to take advantage of those who have not been regenerated, it is because of man’s sinful nature and actions that they deserve Hell and won’t trust Christ as Lord and Savior. Likewise the regenerate man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed and therefore should not blame Satan. We believe that there are good and elect angels who were created by God before He created man. Angels are God’s ministering agents to watch over His people and are not to be worshipped. We further believe that angels are depicted as males in God’s word, and that when people die they do not become an angel.

 

The Lord’s Day vs. The Sabbath

We acknowledge that there are differences of opinion within the body of Christ of whether Sunday should be kept as the Sabbath. We do not take a firm position on whether Sunday is the Sabbath and lean towards the Sabbath being fulfilled in Christ. If members or prospective members of this church have convictions to honor Sunday as the Sabbath, they have the freedom to do so. We do believe that it is wise for Christians to have one day in seven to rest from their labors, and worship the Lord. The majority of the universal church down through the years has chosen Sunday to be the Lord’s Day since this is the day Jesus rose from the dead, and appeared to His disciples twice. However we further believe that there is nothing in the word of God to support anyone saying it is sin to not keep Sunday as the Sabbath. Therefore we encourage members and regular attenders to not judge one another on this issue as we honor the Lord’s Day according to the dictates of our conscience for the glory of God, remembering that we are not to forsake the assembling together, and that God’s people should be at their local church faithfully to encourage and stir one another unto love and good works, and use their spiritual gift[s].

 Marriage and Divorce

We believe that marriage is to be between one man and one woman, and that any marriage that is not between one man and one woman regardless of whether it is legal in the state or not is sin. We believe that God hates divorce so that marriage should be until ‘death do they part.’ We believe that God does permit divorce and remarriage if one of the spouses commits adultery, or if it one of the spouses is not a Christian and they insist on getting a divorce. We believe that marriage is to be between two Christians that not only profess to be a Christian but has evidence of being a Christian as well, or between two non Christians. Elders of this church will not perform wedding ceremonies for: two men; two women; one believer and one unbeliever; those living in sin and will not repent; if there was a divorce and it was not one of the exceptions listed in this section.

Abortion

We believe that abortion is murder and sin regardless of how long the woman has been pregnant. We believe Christians should participate in the legislative and political process when it comes to this and other issues, and should encourage women they know are planning to have an abortion to have the baby and either keep the baby or put him/her up for adoption.

Politics

Since God has ordained all things including the type of government the USA has, we believe that Christians should be involved in the political process by being registered to vote, voting, and voting for the person that best lines up with biblical principles regardless of their Political Party affiliation. We do not believe that the pulpit during church worship services should be used as ‘political pep rallies’ or to specifically endorse candidates, but that the issues based on God’s word should be proclaimed when they come up in verse by verse preaching or occasionally if a particular issue needs to be dealt with. While we do believe that God’s people should be involved in the political process and should support and vote for laws that line up with God’s word, we do not believe that this is what changes hearts and lives. We believe that it is the Holy Spirit through God’s word alone that changes hearts and lives so that they will then want to obey God, and therefore expect Christians to make sharing the gospel their priority.

Sexual Sin, Dating, and Courting 

We believe that sex outside the bonds of marriage between one man and one woman is sin. We believe that the only purpose for going out with someone of the opposite sex is to see if it is God’s will for you to be married to that person. So if a person is too young or has no intentions of getting married at a particular time in their life, we believe there is no godly purpose for dating. Therefore we believe that dating is not a biblical concept and prefer to use the term ‘courting’ if you believe God would have you to be married and to see if that person is the one He would have you spend the rest of your life with in marriage. This is not about being legalistic, but about glorifying God in all of our relationships.

 

The Role of Women in the Home and Church 

We believe it is the wife’s God-given privilege and responsibility to submit to her husband as the spiritual leader in their home and life. When she does this, she is doing it unto the Lord. We do not consider this to be a cultural mandate any more than the responsibility for husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church is a cultural mandate. We further believe that the examples given in God’s word of the order of the Godhead, the order of creation, the relationship between Christ and His church, and the scripture saying that Eve was deceived and not Adam, means that this was not a something just for the culture in the first century Church. We believe these same biblical principles apply to the woman’s role in the church so that women are not to be Elders or be in any ministry position where they teach or have authority over men in the church. While we recognize that there may be disagreement in the body of Christ on when a “boy becomes a man,” we will use when a young man graduates from High School as a guideline for when a woman should not have authority over him in the local church unless that young man is her son.

 

Sheep Herding or Sheep Stealing?

We believe that many if not most organized local churches have fallen into the following one or more errors: Don’t deal with the sinfulness of man either at all or just mention it as part of quick statement or prayer; don’t proclaim the need for repentance in response to the gospel; watered down or compromised the gospel; man-centered worship rather than God-centered worship; emotions being the driving force instead of it emanating from biblical truth; performing and entertaining; seeker sensitive philosophies; emerging church philosophies; name it and claim it prayers also known as the word of faith movement; unutterable, unintelligible non human language tongues whether or not done in turn and orderly with an alleged interpreter; easy-believism; lack of local church accountability and discipline; homosexuals in leadership, membership or regularly attending; women as pastors, elders, or teaching and having authority over men in the local church; believing that born again repentant believers can forfeit their salvation; and more. Therefore, when a Christian realizes these errors in their local church and there is no repentance by the church when confronted about them according to the word of God, we do not consider them to be under a biblical shepherd but rather a hireling and therefore do not consider it “sheep stealing” when they leave such a church for this church.

However, we also do not believe in receiving a member of a Christian Church lightly. Unless Biblical Unity Church does not deal with sin in the church including the elders, deacons and phoebe’s daughters, or begins preaching and teaching heresy, we believe and hope our church will be the last church for our members. We do not believe in “church hopping” but we also realize that God’s people may be “called” for a particular ministry of another church, or move to a different area. Therefore care will be used by the Elders of Biblical unity Church of Jefferson County Alabama by communicating with the prospective members first on why they are leaving their church for this one. In addition to the “Essentials of the Faith” the concerns mentioned above, although not meant as an exhaustive list, will be the primary reasons for receiving people who are already Christians and members of a local church if such people have tried to have the sins and errors corrected when 1^st Timothy 5:19 applies.

Elders’ Wives

The wives of Elders are very important in the local church and body of Christ. However there are also extremes in many churches on what the role of an Elder’s wife is, sometimes being considered a “co-pastor” or the “first lady of the church. At Biblical Unity Church the wives of Elders will be held to the same standard as any other born again Christian woman and wife.” While they should strive by the grace of God to be an example to other Christian women, so should every Christian woman in the church. This also applies to ministries in the local church. The Elder’s wife should not be expected to serve the Lord in a ministry that she is not gifted and convicted to do by the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

 

Church Membership

 

 

In today’s culture there are many professing Christians that struggle with the idea of church membership. Indeed there is nothing directly mentioned in God’s word of about the technical aspects of church membership. However, due to rampant individualism and problems with commitment in the universal church and society, we believe that local church membership is important and wise today. Therefore we will encourage all Christians that have prayerfully considered our church and have been attending for a length of time that the Elder[s] believe has been long enough to make a decision, to become members of Biblical Unity Church. The Elder[s] shall determine who will be members of this church based on the criteria below.

 

Requirements for membership of Biblical Unity Church:

 

1. Wholeheartedly believe the essentials of the biblical, historical Christian Faith which is included in the Statement of Faith in this Constitution and Bylaws and which we deem to be: One God yet three Persons known as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Who Created the universe, earth, and human beings in His image; Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, Lord and only Savior for mankind, was born of the virgin Mary and the holy Spirit, lived a perfect sinless life, and then suffered, bled, and died, as the final ultimate perfect sufficient sacrifice for sinners; His bodily resurrection, ascension, intercession, and glorious second coming; a literal Satan, Demons, and Lake of Fire; the bodily resurrection of all created people- those who have been regenerated, saved, and have repentant faith unto eternal life with Christ in Heaven, and those who do not have repentant faith, separated from God and Christ for eternity in the Lake of Fire; that salvation from the penalty, power, and one day presence from sin is only through trust in Christ’s perfect sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection, with a repentant faith alone, but that such repentant faith is not alone producing a life that is characterized by obedience, fruit of the Spirit, good works, hatred of sin, a desire to serve the Lord with the gifts of the Spirit He has given you, being faithful to a majority of the services and ministries this church has to offer, and a desire to read and study the word of God in and out of the local church services; that the bible only is the inerrant, sufficient word of God from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21 in the original manuscripts.

 

2. Personally believe that you are a sinner in light of God’s holiness who is undeserving to be saved and in Heaven with the Lord because you have not kept God’s laws and commandments, but that Jesus Christ as God the Son lived a perfect sinless life, suffered, bled, died, and rose again bodily, to pay the penalty of your sins and satisfy the wrath of the Father on your behalf therefore being declared righteous by God on Christ’s behalf to do what you were created and redeemed by Christ to do- worship and enjoy God forever!

 

3. The general rule shall be that only Christians that have been water baptized by immersion as a believer may become members of this Church. Those Christians that came from a church background that baptizes infants and are struggling with believing why this church does not believe in the baptizing of  infants, will be considered as a member without being water baptized again as a believer on a case by case basis provided that they realize that believer’s-only water baptism position will be taught when the relevant texts come up in one of the preaching or teaching services; they agree not to undermine the elders of the church by speaking and teaching against the believers-only water baptism position, and they will prayerfully consider and study the believer’s only water baptism position while they are a member of this church and be water baptized as a believer if they come to agree with this position.

 

4. Potential members that have already been regenerated, saved, and water baptized, and coming from a church of like faith and doctrine due to distance and/or relocation, are to provide a letter of reference from their previous church showing that they have been a faithful member of their church, not under church discipline and/or in any unrepentant sinful lifestyle, and did not leave for unbiblical reasons. If they did not come from a church of like faith and doctrine such as a post-modern church, seeker sensitive movement church, emerging church, Pentecostal church, Charismatic church, a church that believes that a born again Christian can lose/forfeit their salvation, a church that allows women to be a pastor, elder, and teacher of men, or any church that has been shown to compromise the gospel, entertain, or “tickle the ear” with their preaching, liberal churches that do not hold to the essentials of the biblical historical Christian Faith, they only have to provide a letter of reference (if their former church will give them one) showing that they have been a faithful member, and are not in an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. If they cannot get a letter of reference showing that, then they will talk with the Elder[s] and the Elder[s] will consider them based on numbers 1 & 2 in this section.

 

5. To remain a member of this church, the member has to generally attend a majority of the total weekly services including the Sunday morning AM Worship Service and faithfully attend each week unless providentially hindered or out of town on vacation provided that the vacations do not involve more than four Sundays per year; and not be under church discipline per the Church Discipline section of these Bylaws. There will be no records kept, and the Elder[s] will determine the continual membership of a member.

 

 

Church Officers and Government

 

 

This church shall be governed by the elders of the church. The church officers shall be elders and deacons.  Because of the way Deacons in many Churches function, we believe that it is important that we describe each office and point out the distinctions between the two.

 

1. Biblical Unity Church shall do everything possible by the grace of God to have at least two Elders in the church. When there are not two Elders in the Church, Biblical Unity Church shall use a church of like faith to help oversee this church. The Elders are the overseers of the Church. One of the Elders shall be designated as the Senior Pastor and will be the founding pastor of this church while he remains at this church. The Senior Pastor-Elder shall be the primary preacher and teacher in the church, and shall preach in most of the morning worship services and a majority of the total preaching and teaching ministries. The Senior Pastor-Elder shall be the first officer that is to be supported financially from the church. While the Elder[s] shall make all of the decisions in the church, they shall also seek the wisdom of the members of this church before making large financial decisions and appointing Deacons and more Elders. Since the founding pastor is the Senior Pastor-Elder of this Church, and since he has certain convictions and goals for the direction of this church, his fellow Elders shall endeavor to be in agreement with him when ever possible unless it would be a violation of the word of God and various principles mentioned in these bylaws. Otherwise, the Elders shall strive to have unanimous agreement in the decision making process of this church. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, then there must be a majority agreement among the Elders to carry out the various decisions. Since the word of God says that elders shall be able to teach, teaching ministries in the church shall be filled by the Elders before filling it with someone that is not an elder but has the gift of teaching. All Elders shall be qualified according to 1Tim.3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 and shall be men. The church shall endeavor at all times to do everything possible to pay the Senior Pastor a sufficient salary to provide for his family so that he doesn’t have to work outside of the church at all or at least full time.

 

2. Deacons and Phoebe’s Daughters shall be qualified according to 1Tim.3:8-15. The Deacons’ responsibilities include ministering to and meeting the needs of the members of the church and those outside the church that we know about; and maintenance and repairs of any church property. Deacons are not Elders and therefore do not govern the church in any way. They are subject to the oversight of the elders of the church and are to minister so that the elders can give themselves over to the word of God, prayer, visiting and praying for the sick, and the oversight and shepherding of the church. While qualified women may also ‘function’ as a Deacon, only men may use this title. Women who function as Deacons shall be called Phoebe’s Daughters. They shall have the same general responsibilities as Deacons with the exception that they will focus their ministry on women, children, and assisting the Deacons with maintenance and upkeep of any property the church may have.

 

Church Financial Support

 

 

We recognize that there is much disagreement in the body of Christ regarding literal tithing to the local church. Biblical Unity Church believes that tithing is a general principle seen throughout God’s word and seen before the law, during the law, and condoned by Jesus in two of the gospels.  Therefore tithing will be the recommended method of financing the responsibilities involved with this church ministry. Tithing by members of this church is between each person/family and the Lord, and will not be monitored by proof of income. We ask that what ever the financial giving is, that it be consistent based on available employment and level of income. Members of this church are to make their giving to the Lord the priority over material possessions that are not needs, as well as recreation, entertainment, and vacations. The method of obtaining this support shall be by having a container located in the building where the church meets for God’s people to place their giving in before or after the service.

 

Pastoral Counseling

 

We realize that there are many problems, trials, and issues facing Christians in our society today. However, as a church that holds to the sufficiency of God’s word, God’s people and biblical prayer, we also believe that the word of God heard, read, and studied, the fellowship of God’s people through the local church, and consistent prayer, is a sufficient means to sustain God’s people when they go through the various trials. This doesn’t mean that Elders won’t advise and counsel Christians when necessary, but it does mean that there should not be a need for secular and Christian Psychologists and Psychiatrists if God’s people are using God’s ordained means in their life.

                                                           

Church Dissolution

 

Should the Elder[s] determine that it may be necessary to dissolve Biblical Unity Church they shall make such recommendation to the members of this church. The general consensus of the members shall be considered by the Elder[s] before the Elder[s] make the final decision. If the Elder[s] decision is to dissolve the church, they will donate any property the church may own and any funds that remain after all debts and obligations have been paid, to a church or ministry of like faith and practice.

 

Church Meetings and Worship Services

 

There shall be an annual business meeting of the Church by the end of January of each year for the Elder[s] to give a financial report of the church, and present any business that exists at that time as outlined in these bylaws. The Elder[s] may call special business meetings to present issues of importance to the members. There shall be a minimum of two weeks notice from the pulpit during Sunday worship and announcing it in the weekly bulletin if available.

 

Biblical Unity Church shall meet a minimum of once a week, and the day of worship shall be Sunday. The following shall be an example of a typical worship service, but the Elder[s] have the right to add to or modify this Order of Service. Times are approximate.

 

1. 9:30am: Welcome; Call to Worship with Scripture;

2. Announcements.

3. Worship in Song (1 Song).

4. Sharing and Prayer.

5. Worship in Song (4-6 Songs).

6. Worship through the Preaching and Receiving of God’s Word.

7. Worship through the Lord’s Supper (1 Sunday per Month)

8. Closing Song of Worship.

9. 11:00: (11:15 when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper) 15 Minute Break with Refreshments.

10. Practicum (Question and Answer Session about that day’s message).

11. Final Prayer and Scriptural Benediction.

12. 12:00pm: Fellowship Meal and Bible Study after the Worship Service and Practicum.

 

Biblical Unity Church prefers having family integrated worship services and believes that the benefits of having children in the main worship service far outweighs them being separated into their own worship service. However we also realize that not all Christian parents will understand that at first or agree. Therefore we do not think that this is something worth being dogmatic about, and will offer a “Children’s Church Service” for children ages 4 through 10 when there are a sufficient amount of children that age, if the meeting place is conducive for it, and there are called and gifted Christians to minister for it, as determined by the Elder[s].

 

There will be a Nursery provided for infants and toddlers through age 3, if there are enough Christians to work in the nursery and the meeting place is conducive for it, as determined by the Elder[s].

 

If/as the church grows numerically, with various age groups, and Christians called and gifted for the various ministries, Biblical Unity Church will endeavor to have to following ministries throughout the week as well.

 

1. Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship.

2. Men’s Bible Study and Fellowship.

3. Youth Group Bible Study and Fellowship.

4. Couples Bible Study and Fellowship.

5. Singles Bible Study and Fellowship.

6. Senior Saints Bible Study and Fellowship.

BCM’s Policy on Giving

While I have mentioned the following when making requests for financial support for BCM (Biblically Correct Ministries), I would like to post this so it will be available publicly for the future.

As a local church pastor, president of BCM, and based on personal convictions that I hope are based on biblical principles, I think it would be hypocritical of me to request financial support from others with asking that they do not take away from their regular tithes and giving at their local church. So here is BCM’s policy that I hope contributors will use when prayerfully considering giving to BCM.

1. If you believe in ”tithing (10%)” please do not give to BCM unless and until you are tithing off of your household income to your local church.

2. Even if you do not believe in “tithing” please do not reduce your committed giving to your local church to give to BCM.

3. If your local church is having financial difficulties or special projects, please do your extra giving there and not BCM.

4. If you do not have extra money due to your current bills such as housing, utilities, groceries, local church, and other financial “committments”, we understand and do not expect you to give to BCM.

5. We also realize that BCM is one of many ministries out there. There are also numerous charities as well. But if you have been blessed finacially so that you have plenty of money over and above your financial obligations such as those listed above, and believe in the ministry and convictions God has given me, I do hope that you will consider giving to BCM.

Please send bank drafts (such as through your bank’s bill pay), personal checks, or money orders to 3221 Teresa Drive; Birmingham, AL. 35217 made out and addressed to Biblically Correct Ministries. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me at RadioBC@aol.com.

Thank you.

Brother Bret Lovitz

 

Ten Ways To Help Us Achieve Greater Biblical Unity

Ten Ways To Help Us Achieve Greater Biblical Unity

 

 

 

1. Pray for it regularly.

 

2. Pray about and study the word of God without any preconceived beliefs and ideas. Don’t try to get it to mean what you already believe personally, let it mean what it says!

 

3. Use a bible that is more of a “word for word” translation such as the King James Version, New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, or English Standard Version.

 

4. Remember…Observation; Interpretation; Application. Study the word of God by books/letters, chapters and verse by verse. Be sure to try and keep the context and not break up the thought pattern of the Inspired writer.

 

5. Remember what Dr. John MacArthur calls “The Analogy of Faith”- comparing Scripture with Scripture in your studying. Compare Scripture that “appears” to contradict others but could have more than one interpretation (even though only one is correct) with Scripture that is “cut and dry” with only one interpretation. No single verse or passage of Scripture stands alone unless it is alone because the topic is not dealt with any where else in God’s word.

 

6. If they are not already, encourage your church to proclaim the word of God verse by verse in the main worship service. If they will not, and you have a God-given conviction about it, start attending a church that does proclaim the word of God verse by verse. Such preaching helps the preacher keep the word of God in context and not miss various truths, to be a greater means to reduce differences and divisions in the body of Christ. We say “during the main worship service” because so many more professing Christians go to that service than Sunday School, Sunday night services, and mid-week night services.

 

7. Be careful about saying something doesn’t apply because of the difference in cultures of bible times and now. While that is sometimes true in God’s word, it is not always the case. Especially if “non cultural” illustrations or examples are given by God in His word Himself.

 

8. Remember some presuppositions such as: God is perfect, holy, righteous, truthful, and without sin. He does not make any mistakes or errors; therefore there are no contradictions in His written revelation preserved for His people. Further therefore, the bible is the word of God from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21 and without any error in the original manuscripts. Remember that even among the over 5000 Greek and 7000 Latin manuscript copies that mankind has in their possession; there is an amazingly high degree of accuracy so that no major doctrine or anything salvific is affected. 

 

9. Have a God-given desire for biblical unity in the body of Christ. I say “biblical” unity because we are not talking about unity at the expense of standing for the truth of God’s word and the glorious gospel of Christ. We know it will not be perfect on this side of glory. Because of pride and sin there will always be some division. Because of that, geography, and population, there will always be a need in this life for many, many local churches. But the many denominations, belief systems, myriad of local churches, and division and disunity in the body of Christ can be minimized by the grace of God and using the means He has given us more properly.

 

10. Remember the motto (that did not originate with me): “In essentials unity; in non essentials liberty; in all things charity.” There are certain salvific and important doctrines that we may have to separate over on a local church and fellowship basis. But there are others such as Eschatology (study of last things) that we can agree to disagree over and still fellowship, serve, and worship the Lord in the same local church. Let’s remember that even in our disagreeing, we need to respect and love one another as fellow creations of God and brothers and sisters in Christ as it applies. Let’s speak the truth in love (Eph.4:15), one without the other just ain’t biblical J.

 

Did I mention praying regularly? Do I have to mess this paper up and count it as number eleven? J But may we also act on those prayers according to the word of God, by the grace of God, for the glory of God, through and because of His Son- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

 

Pastor Bret Lovitz

Biblically Correct Ministries

Potential “Biblical Unity Church”

June 2008 Ministry Update

Hi everyone. Wow, has 2 months gone by already? Well, things are still slow, but all hopefully in the Lord’s timing. From the human perspective, some of it is me, but some of it is also other parties as well. Here is where I’m at in the planning and prep stage:

1. For some reason known only to God and those involved at WGIB, WGIB has not returned my calls after numerous attempts. So I’m taking that as a “we’re not interested in having you minister on our radio or TV station.” They do still have all of the DVDs of the Biblically Correct shows we did in Idaho that I need to get back from them.

2. The Elders of Foothills Fellowship Bible Church in Heber Springs AR are supposed to be looking at the proposed Bylaws I have for the new church and whether they will help support me financially. I have not heard back from Pastor McCarty as of the time and date of this writing. Pator McCarty did say they will oversee me as a church and I have already sent them one financial report.

3. There is still a couple of slots open on WXJC during their “powered down” period for $155 per show (5-6pm on Saturday and Sunday). I’m working on trying to get some committments for financial support from individuals and business sponsorships for the show. I have already begun sending out letters to some friends in the Lord and have a tentative time next week to talk to a Christian Business owner that attends the same church I attend currently. I also plan on trying to get in touch with the franchise owner of a couple of Chick Filet’s, as well as the owner of 4 Hamburger Heavens. There is also an independent automobile dealership that I have been talking to (the reason is a secret for now) that may be Christian that I plan on talking to about as well.

I will try to remember to post what I have for bylaws so far, and the financial report.

If you have convictions about the primary reasons for the type of ministry and potential church start, please prayerfully consider helping me out finacially if you are able. If you need or would like more information first, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me. While there are no perfect Christians or pastors, and I certainly do not claim to be the best verse by verse preacher/teacher, I do believe we can minimize our differences and achieve greater BIBLICAL unity through the method of verse by verse preaching on Sunday mornings. Please pray with me to this end.

Brother Bret