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Wales Baptist Bylaw Draft ONLY

PREAMBLE

 

            We declare and establish this Constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This Constitution is intended to preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches of the same faith.

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

           

            This Congregation shall be known as WALES BAPTIST CHURCH INC. (herein referred to as “Wales Baptist Church” or “Church”), located at 1860 Campbellsville Road, Pulaski, Tennessee 38478.

 

ARTICLE II

CHARACTER

 

Section 1: CHURCH POLICY

 

  1. The form of government of the Church shall be truly democratic with the final authority over all matters vested in the body of believers comprising its membership. All programs and committees shall be subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist Churches.

 

  1. The Church has adopted the following policy statements to clearly speak on specific issues facing American society and the church of North America. These statements are born out of the Church’s commitment to the Holy Bible as God’s Word and the Church’s interpretation of His Word. The Church welcomes all persons, regardless of their lifestyles, habits, or opinions, to attend worship services, ministry events, and other activities of the Church, if they are not disruptive to those activities. The Church believes that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the Church.
  2. Human Sexuality – Human sexuality is a gift from God. Sexual intimacy is intended by God to be expressed between one biological man and one biological woman in a committed marriage relationship. We believe that any other form of sexual activity (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and the use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God.
  3. Marriage – The Church recognizes marriage as the uniting of one biological male and one biological female in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in scripture. Weddings are a Christian celebration of a marriage and the Church will only permit wedding celebrations consistent with this view to be held on the Church campus.
  4. Gender Identity – God has wonderfully created each person as male or female. Both genders are equal in the eyes of God with unique attributes endowed by the Creator. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

 

Section 2: DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION

 

            This Church shall be a cooperative member of the Giles County Baptist Association, the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.

 

Section 3: DOCTRINE

 

  1. The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is, therefore, our one sufficient and authoritative rule of faith and practice. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and is the inerrant and infallible truth.
  2. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the sole authority for faith and practices of the Church. No member is required to accept any doctrine not contained in, or that is contrary to, Scriptural Authority. The Church shall sustain the principles of freedom of the individual conscience subject unto God, the separation of church and state, and the right of the individual to voice their opinion in the affairs of the Church.
  3. The statement of religious conviction contained in “The Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on June 14th, 2000, enunciates the principles of the Christian Faith most surely held by Baptists. The secretary shall obtain and preserve an official copy thereof in the permanent records of the church. Copies shall be made available to the members by the secretary upon request.

 

ARTICLE III

 

MISSION STATEMENT

FOR

WALES BAPTIST CHURCH

 

           THE MISSION OF WALES BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO BE A LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD, TO REACH PEOPLE FOR CHRIST, TO EQUIP THE SAINTS FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE, AND TO MINISTER TO THE NEEDS OF THE CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH FELLOWSHIP AND LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

COVENANT

 

WALES BAPTIST CHURCH COVENANT

 

The mission of Wales Baptist Church is to be a body of believers in Jesus Christ who live for the glory of God by: taking the grace that He gives each one in the body and use those gifts to nurture and edify faith, and extend that grace outside the body in evangelism and good deeds that produce more believers, all for the glory for God. (Eph 1:3-6, Eph 4:1-16, 2 Cor 5:17-21, 1 Cor 10:31)

Having been brought by God’s grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we now, depending upon the Holy Spirit, establish this covenant with one another.

In all we do, we will aim to glorify and enjoy the God of our salvation, from whom and through whom and to whom are all things: to Him be all glory forever! (1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36)

We will eagerly maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace by walking together in love and in the Spirit and by putting away all bitterness, anger, and injurious speech. (Eph. 4:3; Gal. 5:16, 25; Eph. 4:29, 31)

With humility and gentleness, patience, and love, we will be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us. (Eph. 4:1-2; Luke 17:3; Col. 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:11; 1 Pet. 1:22)

We will carry each other’s burdens, rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. (Gal. 6:2; Rom. 12:15)

We will train our children in the instruction of the Lord, seeking to walk in a way that adorns the gospel of Christ before our family, friends, and neighbors (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-6; Proverbs 6:20).

We will strive to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, as we wait for the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Gal. 5:22-24; Titus 2:12; 1 Pet. 1:14)

We will not neglect to gather together but will support and treasure the biblical preaching of the whole counsel of God, the faithful observance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the loving exercise of church discipline. (Heb. 10:25; 2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 11:26; Matt 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:13)

We will contribute cheerfully and generously to the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the advancement of the gospel both to our neighbors and the nations. (Matt. 28:19; Luke 12:33; 2 Cor. 9:7)

We will, if we move from this place, unite as soon as possible with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

 

In all these things, we rely on our God who has made a new and everlasting covenant with us, saying:

 

“They shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. . . . I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good . . . with all my heart and all my soul.” (Jer. 32:38-41)

 

In and because of Jesus we pray,

Amen.

 

By-Laws

 

ARTICLE I

 

PURPOSE

 

It is the purpose of these By-Laws to establish a clear doctrine, rules and procedures by which this congregation agrees to abide. Upon adoption of these By-Laws, any business conducted at variance with these By-Laws as interpreted by the Constitution and By-Law Committee shall be null and void. Such a determination should be made and presented to the Church no later than the conclusion of the next regular business meeting.

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

Section 1: COMPOSITION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

            Membership in this Church shall be granted to any and all persons who meet any one of the requirements listed below.

 

Each Member:

  1. Must have confessed Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, and have followed Him in Baptism by Immersion at the hands of this Church; or
  2. Must have previously met with the Elder(s) from Wales Baptist Church and have been taught by that Elder about membership and a recommendation to the church for membership.
  3. Such persons are received into our fellowship upon a statement satisfactory to the church or must have already received a believer’s baptism and met with the Elder(s).
  4. Must have given evidence of a true Christian experience and acceptance of Believer’s Baptism* at the hands of a church other than Baptist, provided their Baptism was the Believer’s Baptism*; or
  5. Must have given evidence of a true Christian experience in a church other than Baptist and have never received Believer’s Baptism* subsequently receives it at the hands of this Church.

 

 

*Two things are necessary for Believer’s Baptism – A proper mode and a proper meaning. The mode is immersion in water and ascension from water, a burial and a resurrection. The meaning is symbolic of death, burial and resurrection. If the mode is changed, the meaning is lost, or if the meaning is changed the mode loses its significance. Therefore, this church does not accept, as Believer’s Baptism, any similar act performed by a church which teaches a different meaning or uses a different mode.

 

 (Marriage to a member does not necessarily constitute membership of the partner.)

 

Section 2: PROCESS FOR MEMBERSHIP

 

  1. The Elders, or a Deacon, after counseling the candidate regarding their conversion experience, will present the candidate to the Church for membership. Upon acceptance by the Church and after Baptism, the candidate’s name shall be added to the church roll.
  2. If a candidate is being received from another church and has undergone believer’s baptism, the Elder(s) will communicate with the pastor of the former church regarding the candidate’s standing.
  3. If being received from another church and having never received Believer’s Baptism, the Elders, or a Deacon will present the candidate to the Church for membership. Upon acceptance by the Church and after receiving Believer’s Baptism at the hand of the Church, the candidate’s name shall be added to the church roll.
  4. If there is knowledge a candidate was a member in bad standing at another church, the Elders and Deacons shall investigate and make a recommendation to the Church within thirty (30) days if it is appropriate. Candidate’s name shall not be placed on the church roll until the matter is clarified.

 

 

 

Section 3: DISSENT DURING VOTE

 

Should there be any dissent regarding any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the Elders, and Deacons for investigation and a recommendation shall be made to the Church within thirty (30) days.

 

 

Section 4: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

Membership shall be terminated by any of the following methods:

 

  1. Death
  2. Transfer of a letter to another Baptist church of like faith, after a conversation between the elders of both churches about the transfer.
  3. Exclusion by action of this Church to those who are found guilty of unchristian conduct. This shall occur only after due process of dealing with such members, as provided in ARTICLE III, CHURCH DISCIPLINE of these By-Laws or by the Elders’ approval.
  4. By the Elder(s) and the Church’s approval of a written request by an individual to be dropped from the membership.

 

 

Section 5: OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

 

            Members are expected to attend faithfully the services of the Church, to give regularly for its support and its causes, to share in its organized work, and to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life.

 

 

Section 6: RIGHT OF MEMBERSHIP

 

            All members shall enjoy equal opportunity of participation in all business pertaining to the Church while accepting equal responsibility for support of biblical actions approved by the membership. Equality of rights and privileges shall be maintained at all times. No member shall be deprived of any rights of membership and full fellowship except for just and due cause and upon recommendation by the Deacon Council, and then only upon appropriate action by three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present and voting. Such action will be taken only after adequate opportunity has been given to the member to be heard. (See ARTICLE III: CHURCH DISCIPLINE of the By-laws)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7: ADJUSTMENTS

 

  1. Upon notification, the Secretary is authorized to change the name of a member to reflect their marital status, other legal name change, or change in family status.
  2. Upon notification, the Secretary is authorized to transfer the name of a deceased member to the deceased file.
  3. Upon notification to the Elders, the Secretary is authorized to transfer the name of a member to the inactive file if the member is inactive in attendance for a period of one year and after a reasonable number of attempts have been made to bring them back into the fellowship of the Church. The Final decision shall be made by the church body.
  4. Membership adjustments, when made, will be reported at the next regular business meeting by the Secretary.

 

ARTICLE III

 

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

 

Section 1: CONDUCT

 

            The members of this Church are expected to walk in the ways of Christ, support this Church and its programs, to live an exemplary life, and to adhere to the teachings and admonitions and Gospel as set forth in the Scriptures.

 

Section 2: PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE

 

            The Church has a right and a duty to execute discipline in order to prevent, restrain, and remove any blatantly sinful lifestyle that may interfere with the edifying of the body of Christ. It shall be the practice of this Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The Elders, and Deacons are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for correction rather than punishment.

 

Section 3: DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

 

            If an individual member, having been made aware of the demands of the church membership, habitually commits a breach of covenant or creates a public scandal, that person will be subject to correction.

            The Elders, and Deacons will consider the matter under the principles laid down in Matthew 18: 15-20. Through prayer, supplication, and counseling, they will endeavor to correct the breach of conduct and restore the offender to Christian conduct. If they fail in their efforts, the Deacons will bring the matter before the Church.

            If it becomes necessary for the Church to take action to exclude a member, three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present, (and participating in the vote) is required to pass the motion. If such a vote is cast, the Church may proceed to declare the person is no longer in the membership of the Church, and the secretary will remove the name from the membership roll. All proceedings shall be saturated by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.

            The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded upon request of that person, and by majority vote of the members present and voting, upon evidence of the excluded person’s repentance and reformation.

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

OFFICERS

 

Section 1: OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

 

            All officers must be church members and in good standing (Article II Section 5) with the Church. The officers specifically named in this section shall not necessarily constitute all of the church officers. The Church may provide for additional officers from time to time as it deems appropriate and provide for their tenure as to service, duties, functions, and responsibilities without amending these By-Laws.

 

 

Section 2: Elders    

 

  1. The Elder(s) is the approved leader of the Flock. His responsibilities are: as Preacher, to proclaim the Gospel of Christ; as Overseer, to superintend the work of the Church; as Elder(s), to be the Shepherd of the Flock (Body of Christ at Wales Baptist); as Minister, to serve the people for Jesus’ sake. The Elder(s) has the right to call a meeting of any committee, or special meeting of the Deacons at any time he shall deem necessary. The Elder(s) is an ex-officio member of all committees. The Elder(s) also has the right to call special business meetings as necessary provided proper notice is given.
  2. The Elder(s) may be called for an indefinite period. He shall have the right to resign the care of the Church by giving no less than two weeks’ or no more than four weeks’ notice of his intentions. The Church shall also have the right to dissolve the relationship by giving similar notice. The notice may be reduced by mutual agreement.
  3. The Elder(s) shall meet the qualifications as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. He has proven to be a one woman man. He shall be an ordained Southern Baptist minister of the Gospel, in full fellowship with all the denominational agencies with which the Church is cooperating. The only exception to this precept is in the event the Church should call, as Elder(s), one who has surrendered his life to the ministry and has not been ordained.
  4. Should the need arise, the Church may declare vacant the position of Elder(s) in the following manner. A special meeting will be declared for this purpose. One week’s notice must be given before this meeting. The meeting must be called upon the recommendation of a majority of the Deacons or by a written petition signed by no less than one-half (1/2) of those members present at the last regular church business meeting. The moderator of this meeting shall be a fellow Elder of the church or a deacon. The vote to terminate the relationship shall be by secret ballot. (Secret ballot vote shall not apply only if a motion and a second is made to let the vote be open. Then a vote on the motion and second must pass by majority of those present and voting.) A majority vote of those church members present and voting shall be necessary to terminate the relationship. If the vote is by secret ballot, the ballots shall be counted by no less than 4 members, chosen by the moderator, from the congregation of the business meeting. Should the vote deem termination, the termination shall be immediate. The Church shall compensate the Elder with no more than one-twelfth (1/12) of his annual compensation from the date of his termination.

 

 

 

Section 3: DEACONS

 

  1. The Church shall elect Deacons with qualifications as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. He has proven to be a one woman man. He shall have been a member of this Church for at least three (3) years at the time of election. A previously ordained man, who has served in a sister Southern Baptist church as a Deacon, may after one year be considered for election as a Deacon in this Church. The Church may seek out men who are showing devotion to the Lord and love of the Church to be a YOKEFELLOW. The Yokefellow program is a learning, developing time, normally for a period of one to two years. Those selected for the Yokefellow program who continue to show promise and potential may, upon the recommendation of the Deacons, be elected by the Church as a Deacon. Nominations may come from the Church body to the Deacon body. The Deacon Council will have the task of interviewing potential candidates and making recommendations to the Church for approval or disapproval. Approval or disapproval of the Church shall be by majority vote of members present and voting.

 

  1. The Deacon Council will develop a set of guidelines for self-management. This will include but not be limited to the following: officers, term of office, duties, expectations as to church support. These guidelines will comply with the Bible, especially passages pertaining to Deacons.

 

  1. It shall be the duty of the Deacons to:
  2. Cooperate with the Elder(s) in furnishing spiritual leadership to the Church, especially in promoting soul winning and revival programs.
  3. Organize themselves so as to keep a constant vital contact with membership of the Church with the view towards holding and strengthening their loyalty to Christ and the Church.
  4. Inform themselves of the needs, both physical and spiritual, of the whole membership so they may lead the Church to serve its own people more effectively by ministering to those who are in need.
  5. Cooperate with and assist the Elder(s) in promoting all the various interests of the Church.
  6. Assist the Pastor and serve the Church in the administration of the Lord’s Supper.
  7. Perform all duties and assume all responsibilities as shown forth in the Scriptures or as may be referred to by the Church.
  8. Provide as or supply a speaker for any service that the Elder(s) cannot attend in an emergency or when the Church is without an Elder.
  9. Advise the Church as to the best course of action as the need arises.
  10. The Deacons will serve as part of the Nominating Committee.
  11. The Deacons shall elect a chairman and vice chairman and shall meet monthly unless it is agreed upon by the Deacon body that a particular monthly meeting is not necessary.
  12. Special deacon’s meetings may be called at the discretion of the chairman and or the Elder(s).
  13. A majority of the Deacons must be present to constitute a quorum.
  14. Minutes of the meeting shall be kept.
  15. Chairman shall make reports to the Church at regular business meetings as needed.
  16. The Deacon Body shall manage the Church’s Benevolence Fund.

 

 

Section 4: SECRETARY

 

            The duties of the Secretary will be to keep a record of the proceedings of the Church business meetings for review at the next business meeting. The review of the minutes of the last conference thus ensures accuracy of the Church’s records. The Secretary shall keep an updated membership roll of the Church in accordance with By-Law Article II: Section 1 of the Church By-Laws. The Secretary shall prepare the annual church report for the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The secretary shall also be responsible for keeping the calendars for the use of the church facilities. Other duties may be assigned as necessary by the Church.

 

 

Section 5: TRUSTEES

 

            This committee is made up of the elder(s), 2 deacons and the treasurer and will serve as the Church’s agents in regard to legal note signing. Trustees have no authority of their own as a group. They shall act solely at the direction and cooperation of the Church body.

 

 

ARTICLE V

 

PUBLIC WORSHIP, CHURCH MEETINGS, AND POLICY

 

 

Section 1: PUBLIC WORSHIP

 

            The Church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, and Wednesday evening for the worship of God. The services shall consist of prayer, praise, preaching, and spiritual instruction. At the Elder’(s) discretion, an agenda may be required.  Any service may be suspended from time to time as long as the majority of the congregation agrees. Suspension of any service should be made as far in advance as possible. In addition small groups are held throughout the week.

 

Section 2: BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

            The Church shall conduct a quarterly business meeting at which time all business, pending business and new business, shall be brought before the Church for consideration and disposition. Committees, departments, and ministries must submit in writing any motion to be voted on in a regular or special called business meeting. This motion must be read and handed to the secretary before the members’ vote.

            The Church may conduct a special business meeting during any worship service provided that notice has been given at two regular services. Only those subjects included in the notice shall be considered at the special business meeting.

 

            The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be followed in the conducting of all business sessions of the Church, including committees, groups, boards, and any other type of business meetings. Chairpersons of all committees are to be familiar with this process to see it is carried out properly.

 

 

           

            A quorum shall be reached when the attending members of the meeting are equal to or greater than fifty (50%) percent of the last scheduled business meeting. (note) a quorum is: a gathering of the minimal number of members of an organization to conduct business.

 

            Proxy Votes shall not be permissible during any Business Meeting of the Church.  (note) a proxy is: a person authorized to act for another, or the written authorization to act in the place of another.

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3: SOCIAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

 

            No social or other type of gathering may ever be held or conducted during the time of a regular service where the gathering is for all the members unless the Church body has approved in a regular or special business meeting for that purpose. All socials, marriages, or other types of meetings requiring the use of the church building or church grounds shall be placed on the church calendar and maintained by the Secretary.

                       

                                                                                                                     

Section 4: CHURCH POLICIES

           

  1. Church policies can only be established by the membership of the Church during a regular or special business session held in accordance with these By-Laws. Policies other than those contained in these By-Laws may be developed by the Church membership during business sessions.
  2. All matters of church policy during business sessions will be extracted from the minutes of the session and placed in a church file that is labeled “CHURCH POLICY” by the church secretary. Policies will be maintained in the church office.
  3. The church policy file shall be a permanent file. Policy items may only be removed after a study is made by the appropriate committee and their recommendation(s) voted on at any regular or special called business meeting.
  4. Church policies of a temporary nature (ex: the church votes to engage in a building program) will remain in the file only until the policy section is completed (ex: the building project is complete). The policy item may then be removed from the regular file.

  

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

ORDINANCES

 

Section 1: BAPTISM

 

            A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ shall be received for Baptism.

 

  1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
  2. Baptism shall be administered by an Elder or any other man the Church shall authorize.
  3. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during a worship service.
  4. Provisions and exceptions shall be made for handicapped or severe medical conditions.

 

 

Section 2: LORD’S SUPPER

 

            The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby all Christians, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate his Second Coming.

 

  1. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed monthly, preferably on the fourth Sunday of each month, or otherwise scheduled.
  2. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed during the morning worship service.
  3. The Lord’s Supper may be observed on special occasions as deemed by the Elder(s).
  4. Special provisions may be made for homebound members who wish to participate in the Lord’s Supper.
  5. The Elder(s) and Deacons shall be responsible to administer the Lord’s Supper unless agreed upon by the Deacons and Elder(s) for other men to participate.

 

 

ARTICLE VII

 

CHURCH STAFF

 

  1. The Church Staff (Elders) shall consist of those whom the Lord has called to Christian Leadership and who have been called by the Church to a position having to do with that leadership calling. Duties and responsibility descriptions of these positions shall be written by the Deacons and Elders and must be approved by the Church and placed in the permanent files of the Church.

 

  1. The Church Staff shall be assisted by other salaried employees including the custodian and other positions deemed necessary and approved by the Church. These positions are to be selected by the Deacons and approved by the Church. These positions shall be under the supervision of the Elders in coordination with the Deacon body. Job descriptions for these positions shall be the responsibility of the Deacon body and shall be voted on by the Church and placed in the permanent church files.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

CHURCH ORGANIZATION WORKERS

 

 

Section 1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS and PRINCIPLES

 

            All church organization workers (Officers, Teachers, Leaders, etc.) shall be church members, spiritually minded, faithful to the Church and the cause of Christ, worthy of leading others in the ways of our Lord, and Scripturally qualified. They faithfully try to attend all services of the Church and participate therein. Officers shall be chosen on the basis of aptitude, ability, experience, and knowledge. Officers and teachers shall have knowledge of and be familiar with the scriptures with a good understanding thereof. They shall commit themselves to a continual study of the Word of God and be familiar with the Plan of Salvation and with church doctrines.

 

Section 2: RESPONSIBILITIES

 

            Leaders and teachers are expected to be faithful. In the event of absence, it is the duty and responsibility of each to advise the appropriate and responsible person to provide a substitute. The substitute or appropriate person shall be advised as much in advance as possible of an anticipated absence. Repeated or continuous absences shall be reported to the Leader of that particular ministry. The ministry leader shall attempt to rectify the absentee problem. If the leader’s attempt is not successful, the Elder(s), Deacons, and Nominating Committee shall elect to have the officer, teacher, or leader replaced.

 

 

 

 

Section 3: TRAINING

 

            All officers, leaders, and teachers shall avail themselves of study courses and training programs introduced by the Church. They shall keep themselves familiar with general church programs and commit themselves to the support and endorsement thereof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX

 

COMMITTEES AND ELDERS

 

Section 1: GENERAL GUIDELINES

           

            Members of the various committees shall be a church member, faithful to the cause of Christ and His church, and otherwise of a good standing. All committee members, unless or except otherwise specified, shall be elected annually. Due regard shall be given to the spreading of committee responsibility among members.

 

            Roles and responsibilities for all committees and officers not listed within this Constitution and By-Laws shall be added as needed by motion by the nominating committee and approved by the church during a business meeting.

 

            At no time shall any committee resume the responsibilities delegated to another committee. All committees are directly responsible to the Church and only the Church. Only the Church can instruct the course of a committee not otherwise provided for in the By-Laws.

 

The Elder(s) is an ex-officio member of all committees and may call a special meeting of a committee as deemed necessary.

 

            All standing committees shall set times of regular meetings and shall conduct regular or special meetings as required for proper function.

 

            Each committee shall organize itself for proper functioning and the carrying out of its duties and responsibilities and shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary if needed. Each committee shall keep minutes of all proceedings deemed necessary by the Church, and the latter shall be open for inspection except in cases wherein such is specifically abrogated or prohibited in the best interest of the Church.

 

            The chairperson or co-chairperson of each committee shall be responsible to notify each member of all meetings as well as the Elders as deemed necessary. Only in emergencies and time not permitting to call a meeting, the chairperson may act on behalf of the committee at his/her discretion. The chairperson shall notify the entire committee of such action as soon as possible.

 

            Any major action considered by a committee that would cost more than that committee is permitted to spend should come to the Budget and Finance Committee and the Deacon body for discussion before being presented to the Church for approval. Should a member from the floor present a motion that pertains to a committee responsibility, the motion should be referred to the committee for consideration and, if desirable, the committee chairperson shall bring the motion to the Church for action.

 

            Church committee members shall be selected by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church unless otherwise provided in these By-Laws. 

 

Generally committees shall consist of an odd number of members and where possible at least 7 members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2: ELDERS CHANGE OF RELATIONSHIP

 

            It shall be the privilege of either the Church or the Elder(s) to dissolve relations by giving one (1) months’ notice or less where both parties agree. The dismissal of the Elder(s) shall be by three-fourths (3/4) majority vote by secret ballot at an announced meeting of the Church for that purpose. Previous notice shall be given at two preceding Sunday morning services. Such a meeting may be called upon the request of the Deacons (a two-thirds vote of the Deacons is required), or upon the request of ten percent (10%) or more of the active members.

 

Section 3: ELDER SEARCH COMMITTEE

 

            Upon the resignation, removal, incapacity, or death of the Elder(s), an Elder Search Committee shall be formed as follows:

 

  • One (1) member of the Deacons, appointed by the Deacons
  • Chairman of the Deacons
  • Two (2) members from the Ministry Team (teachers) shall be appointed by the Deacons
  • Three (3) additional members-at-large shall be nominated by the congregation

 

All the above nominations shall be approved by the Church. The Elder Search Committee shall be convened by the Moderator and/or Deacon, who shall be a member thereof, and it shall elect its own chair and secretary. It shall be the duty of this team, after seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to proceed to procure a prospective Elder(s) who they shall present to the Church for election. Once appointed, this team will serve continuously until an Elder is called, or the team is dissolved. An elected Deacon shall be responsible for filling the vacant pulpit each Sunday. In case of being elected, he shall not be considered as Elder.

 

*The Elder Search Committee must be in 100% agreement with the prospective Elder(s) who is to be presented to the Church for vote.

 

 

Section 4: ELECTION OF AN ELDER

 

            The Elder shall be elected by secret ballot at a special business meeting of the Church called for that purpose. Previous notice shall be given at two previous Sunday morning services. A vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members present and voting shall be required to elect. For the purpose of calling a Pastor, a quorum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active membership shall be required.

 

 

 

 

 

 Section 5: ELDER COMPENSATION

 

            Prior to any arrangements and business matters with the prospective Elder(s),
 The Elder Search Committee shall meet with the Finance Committee and Deacon body for coordination of proposed arrangement to ensure the best interest of the Church body. The Finance Committee and Deacon body shall stipulate the compensation package, number of revival meetings to be held at other churches, and arrangement of pulpit supply and will present this package to the Church for approval in writing.

 

 

Section 6: NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

  1. This committee shall consist of the Deacon body, Elder(s), Sunday School Director, Three Members at Large and Awana Director.
  2. This committee shall interview, enlist, coordinate, and propose to the Church for election of the nominees to fill the various teaching and officer positions of the Church.
  3. Two weeks prior to the election, the committee shall make available to the congregation a list of the prospective officers, teachers, and committee members for the following year. After reviewing the list, if a member feels there is someone on that list that should not serve, this member must meet with the Nominating Committee to voice their concern.

 

Section 7: BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

                  This committee shall consist of three deacons, the treasurer, and three members nominated by the Nominating Committee and approved by the church. The nominating committee will seek out financially competent people with relevant experience.

Responsibilities include:

  1. Maintaining accurate and complete financial records.
  2. Preparing and presenting accurate, timely and meaningful financial statements.
  3. Budgeting and anticipating financial problems.
  4. Safeguarding the church’s assets.
  5. Complying with Federal, State and other reporting requirements.

 

 

Section 8: BAPTISMAL COMMITTEE

 

  1. This committee shall be selected by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Church.
  2. This committee shall be notified one week prior to a baptism (if possible) so all needed equipment is ready for the baptismal service.
  3. This committee shall be responsible for helping candidates in and out of the baptismal pool as necessary and provide help as needed in the dressing area.

 

Section 9: LONG TERM PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

            This committee shall serve as the visionary and planning committee for the Church. Planning needs shall include every area and ministry of the Church. This Committee shall consist of the deacon body and the Elder(s). Responsibilities shall include being a leader in setting church goals, planning strategies to obtain these goals, looking for the needs of the Church, leading in future directions for the Church.  This committee shall meet twice annually or more if needed.

 

 

 

 Section 10: BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

 

  1. This committee shall consist of no less than five (5) members. This committee shall perform the regular duties of inspections of all church property for mechanical and structural faults, to oversee repairs, and to make recommendations to the Church concerning major repairs or improvements, to keep the facilities conducive to worship and learning, as well as the beautification of the property.
  2. This committee shall be responsible for scheduling work days for the Church and its properties as deemed necessary.
  3. This committee shall elect a chairperson within itself and make periodic reports to the Church during regularly scheduled business meetings.
  4. This committee has the authority to make repairs, etc., up to the amount agreed upon by the Budget and Finance Committee. Monies above this amount must be approved by the Budget and Finance Committee. Extreme emergencies must be handled through the Deacon and Finance Committees.
  5. A special business meeting will be conducted as soon as possible to inform the congregation as to what measures were taken and why.

 

 

Section 11: HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

 

The purpose of this committee is to keep the social activities of the Church in proper order and to see that each activity is well planned so that the entire Church is well informed.

The responsibilities of this committee are as follows:

  1. To inform the secretary of supplies needed for all Church wide socials and activities.
  2. Keep an inventory of all kitchen supplies and equipment and see that they are stored properly.
  3. Plan, set up, and make serving arrangements at Church wide socials as necessary.
  4. Arrange for meals for Church members and other related parties as determined by the elders and deacon.

 

 

 

Section 12: MONEY COUNTING COMMITTEE

           

  1. This committee shall consist of no less than two (2) members.
  2. The treasurer and at least one other church member are the responsible parties for counting the money and in the absence of the treasurer a member of the security team with the secretary will take the responsibility of counting and securing the funds.
  3. Other designated responsible persons may, at times necessary, receive monies for the Church, as in special offerings (ex: a special building project).

 

 

Section 13: CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

 

            This committee shall consist of no less than six (6) members selected by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. This committee shall be responsible for recommending and interpreting the Constitution and By-Laws, along with the Deacon body, for the Church.  This committee shall review the By-Laws and Church Constitution annually.

 

Section 14: SECURITY COMMITTEE

 

It shall consist of the leader of the security team and the elders.

The elders shall be responsible for selecting the leader of the security team. This team will be responsible for coordinating background checks for any church role/ministry that personally deals with children or elderly, or others as deemed appropriate.

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Access control management
  • Surveillance and monitoring
  • Emergency response coordination
  • Crowd management and evacuation
  • Training and education program

 

 

 

Section 15: SPECIAL CEREMONY COMMITTEE

           

            This shall include but not be limited to Funerals, Memorials, Marriages, and Ordinations.

 

The purpose of this ministry is to coordinate the event in order to meet the needs of the church. The leader of this ministry is not expected to do the whole of the work.  The leader will coordinate with the other committees/teams needed to carry out such ceremonies.

 

 

 

Examples include:

  • Notices to the church and the community
  • Decorations, in coordination with the Decoration Committee
  • Flower arrangements
  • Entry point props, such as a registry
  • Coordinating meals with the Hospitality Committee
  • Coordinating the involvement of the Worship Team, when needed
  • Coordinating the involvement of the Audio/Video Media Team, when needed
  • Working with the Custodial team for pre-cleaning, post-cleaning, or both
  • Coordinate use of facilities with secretary

 

This ministry will provide opportunities for Christian services to others, as well as encourage

Christian Fellowship. 

 

 

 

 

Section 16 : Missions Committee

 

The Missions Committee shall be responsible for educating the church about missions we are currently partnered with and evaluating prospective missions to support that help fulfill the Great Commission.  This Committee shall be composed of members who have a heart for missions and are selected by the nominating committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ARTICLE X

 

MINISTRIES

 

Section 1: LADIES MINISTRY

 The purpose of the Ladies Ministry of the Church shall be, but not limited to, as follows:

  1. To share Christ with the lost, focusing especially on women.
  2. To equip (grow) our sister saints in God.
  3. To provide encouragement to women.
  4. To provide Christian fellowship for women.
  5. To promote home and foreign missions.
  6. To promote and set goals for special mission offerings such as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, etc.
  7. To provide opportunities for spiritual growth, encouragement, service, missions, and outreach through Bible Studies, retreats, luncheons, suppers, showers, etc.
  8. To meet regularly for planning and assessment.
  9. To support, through prayer and dedication, the mission statement as adopted by this Church.

 

 

Section 2: MEN’S MINISTRY

 The purpose of the Men’s Ministry of the Church shall be, but not limited to, as follows:

  1. To share Christ with the lost, focusing especially on men.
  2. To equip (grow) our brother saints in God.
  3. To provide encouragement to men.
  4. To provide Christian fellowship for men.
  5. To promote home and foreign missions.
  6. To provide opportunities for spiritual growth, encouragement, service, missions, and outreach through Bible Studies, retreats, suppers, etc.
  7. To meet regularly for planning and assessment.
  8. To support, through prayer and dedication, the mission statement as adopted by this Church.

 

 

 

 Section 3: SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY

 The purpose of the ministry is:

  1. To provide opportunities for spiritual enrichment and various activities.
  2. To provide opportunities for Christian service involvement by encouraging each member to be a productive and contributing member of society.
  3. To provide opportunities for Christian Fellowship.
  4. To provide opportunities for further education on and about senior adult issues.

 

 

 

 

Section 4: YOUTH MINISTRY/ YOUTH LEADERS

 

            The Youth Leader shall be responsible to first and foremost preach the gospel and teach in a way to nurture their faith in Christ. To plan, promote, and conduct activities that will help spiritually develop the youth of the Church. Activities shall include, but not be limited to, retreats, social events, and Bible study. Youth leaders shall model Christian attributes in the areas of dress, personal morals, and Christian commitment to Christ and His Church.

 

 

Section 5: NURSERY

 

            The nursery workers shall consist of no less than three (3) members. The Sunday School director or his designee is in charge of securing workers on an as-needed basis.

 

Section 6: MUSIC MINISTRY

 

            The music minister shall be responsible for the music for all regular worship services and other church-related ministries and events, including Vacation Bible School. Shall work in conjunction with the sound technicians as needed as well as with the Church musicians.

 

 

Section 7: SOUND TECHNICIANS

 

            The sound technicians shall be responsible for the sound equipment in conjunction with the music minister. The technicians are responsible for ensuring that all services and church related ministries are covered.  Only trained church member personnel shall operate the sound system.

 

 

Section 8: CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY

 

            Primary focus shall be Bible study.  The children’s leaders shall plan and conduct special activities relating to the children. They shall work closely with the Sunday School children’s classes and the parents of children to develop a comprehensive program of ministry activities for the children of the church. Activities should include, but are not limited to, social and recreational activities that include outreach and spiritual growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI

 

FISCAL YEAR

 

  1. The fiscal year for this church shall begin on the first (1st) day of September and end the thirty-first (31st) day of August each and every year.
  2. All committee members, teachers, and officers shall serve from the first (1st) day of September following their appointment or election until the thirty-first (31st) day of August of the year their term or tenure ends. Exceptions to this general rule may be made for unforeseen situations through a motion from the Nominating committee and Deacon body at a regular business meeting.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

USE OF CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

 

A copy of the Constitution and By-Laws shall be placed among the official church records..  All chairpersons and presiding officers of groups, boards, committees, units, and auxiliaries shall be familiar with the Constitution and By-Laws and adhere to them in all proceedings.

            A copy of the Constitution and By-Laws shall be maintained in the church office at all times and made available to any church member for reference.

            A copy shall be made available to each new church member or family initially, and, when revised, a copy shall be made available to each church member or family.

            A copy shall be available at all church business meetings.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

AMENDMENTS

 

            The church constitution may be amended or revised at any regular business meeting upon the condition that the proposed amendment or revision has been submitted to each member in writing at a previous meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active members that are present and voting shall be necessary to affect a constitution amendment or revision.

 

DATE APPROVED BY THE CHURCH         __________________________

CHURCH SECRETARY ______________________________                  DATE ________________