ETS Constitution

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this association shall be the "Evangelical Theological Society."

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of the Society shall be to foster conservative biblical scholarship by providing a medium for the oral exchange and written expression of thought and research in the general field of the theological disciplines as centered in the Scriptures.

ARTICLE III: DOCTRINAL BASIS

The Bible alone, and the Bible in its entirety, is the Word of God written and is therefore inerrant in the autographs.

God is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each an uncreated person, one in essence, equal in power and glory.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Membership in the Society shall be on an individual rather than an institutional basis.

Section 2.

Every member must subscribe in writing annually to the Doctrinal Basis.

Section 3.

The Th.M. degree or its theological equivalent shall ordinarily be required for membership in the Society. In exceptional instances anyone who lacks the Th.M. degree or its theological equivalent may be eligible for membership, provided that he has made significant contributions in the realm of theology.*

Section 4.

A member whose writings or teachings have been challenged at an annual business meeting as incompatible with the Doctrinal Basis of the Society, upon majority vote, shall have his case referred to the executive committee, before whom he and his accusers shall be given full opportunity to discuss his views and the accusations. The executive committee shall then refer his case to the Society for action at the annual business meeting the following year. A two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting shall be necessary for dismissal from membership.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

Section 1.

The officers shall consist of a president, a president-elect, a vice-president, and a secretary, all of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting.

Section 2.

These four officers, together with four members at large, one to be elected at each annual meeting, shall constitute the executive committee.

Section 3.

The executive committee shall employ an executive director who shall serve as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the Society and who shall report to the executive committee.

Section 4.

The executive committee shall appoint an editor of the journal who shall report to the executive committee.

Section 5.

Standing Committees: (a) Membership. The committee shall be composed of the secretary, who shall serve as chairperson, together with six members, two to be elected at each annual meeting. (b) Editorial. The committee shall be composed of the editor, who shall serve as chairperson, together with four members, one to be elected at each annual meeting. (c) Program Units. The committee shall be appointed by the executive committee.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

Section 1.

The Society shall hold national meetings each year at a time and place determined by the executive committee.

Section 2.

The president-elect will arrange for plenary speakers and any special sessions.

Section 3.

The program units committee will oversee all other presentations.

Section 4.

Other meetings, including those of a regional nature, may also be held as desired, with the concurrence of the executive committee.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

Proposed amendments to this constitution must be submitted in writing to the secretary, considered by the executive committee and read at the next annual meeting. A two-thirds vote at the succeeding annual meeting shall be necessary for adoption.

Section 2.

Amendments to Articles II and III and Section 2 of Article VII, however, shall require a four-fifths vote.

*Such as writing, or administration or teaching in evangelical educational institutions. For joining the Society as an associate or student associate, see By-Laws 3 and 4.