Our Constitution

Our Constitution

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH

CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS

 

 

 

PREAMBLE

 

Reposing our faith wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, believing in the teaching and practices of New Testament Baptists, and in those great distinctive principles for which they have stood, and accepting as a general summary of doctrine and duties the covenant and articles of faith contained herein:

 

Rescinding all previous actions, we, therefore, bind ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, and adapt for our government a plan of worship and service, the following articles:

 

ARTICLE 1 – NAME AND PURPOSE

 

SECTION 1.01—NAME

 

The name of the organization, as incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois, shall be the Faith Baptist Church of the Greater Belleville Area, hereafter known as Faith Baptist Church.

 

SECTION 1.02—PURPOSE

 

(A)     This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, daycare centers, camps, nursing homes, and cemeteries, and any other ministries that the church may be led of God to establish.

 

(B)     The church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God.

 

(C)     The purpose and mission of this church shall be to labor by the help of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, and elsewhere. To this end, every member shall be urged to take the gospel of salvation to the lost, personally, and representatively. Converts shall be instructed as to their duty to confess Christ by baptism (immersion in water), and taught in matters of Christian conduct, Bible study, church attendance, personal soulwinning, tithes and offerings, faithfulness to Christ, and any other areas of instruction deemed necessary to their spiritual prosperity and growth. This shall be further facilitated through the holding of regular and special church services.

 

 

ARTICLE 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT

 

 

SECTION 2.01—STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

The following comprise the Scriptural beliefs of this church and its members. 

 

(A)     The Holy Scriptures.  We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed and, therefore, are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning, and all issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the pastor. We believe the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible to be God’s Preserved Word for the English-speaking people. It shall be the official and only translation used by the church.  The KJV Bible, the Word of God and it’s teaching and principles, are the final authority in all matters and supersedes and defines the final authority over this Constitution and By-laws. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)

 

(B)     Dispensationalism.  We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life, which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations—the law, the church, and the kingdom—are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture. (Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-25, 27; Rev. 20:2-6)

 

(C)     The Godhead.  We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons­—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, coequal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:10, 26; 1 John 5:7)

 

(D)     The Person and Work of Christ.

 

 1.        We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God that existed from before the foundations of this world and creation, became man, the only begotten of the              Father, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men.                  (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; 10:30; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8)

 

           2.        We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of                        all mankind; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts 2:18-36; Rom. 3:24-25; 1 Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; Hebrews 2:9;                        1 Peter 1:3-5)

           3.        We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of                                          Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate. (Acts 1:9-10; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2)

 

(E)    The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

 

            1.       We believe that the Holy Spirit is God who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration,

                      baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph.                              1:13-14)

 

            2.       We believe that He is the divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be                              filled with the Spirit. We believe we are sealed with the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. We believe we, as Christians, ought to live lives that do not allow the Holy                          Spirit to be quenched or grieved. (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27)

 

            3.       We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the

                      assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry. (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12)

 

            4.       We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing, were temporary. Speaking in tongues was never the common or                              necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit, and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in                        the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing. (1 Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22)

 

(F)    The Fall of Man.  We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God; but that in Adam’s sin, the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man is totally depraved and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23; 5:12; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19)

 

(G)    Salvation.  We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that all sins, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are forgivable. (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Matt. 12:31-32; 1 John 1:9)

 

(H)    The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers.

 

            1.       We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1; 38-39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1                        Pet. 1:4-5)

 

            2.       We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use                          of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15)

 

(I)    The Church

 

            1.       We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons. (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-                        23; 5:25-27)

 

            2.       We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Tim.                            3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)

 

            3.       We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control. All cooperating bodies, such as associations, conventions, boards, committees,                          etc., are and properly should be servants of the church. (Matthew 20:25-28; Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

 

            4.       We recognize water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the only Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church in this age. We believe scriptural baptism is immersion                        of believers, administered by a New Testament Church; and the Lord's Supper is a memorial ordinance, restricted to local church members of the administering church.                        (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

 

 (J)    Separation. We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances, piercings, and bodily markings. (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; Lev. 19:28; 1 Cor. 6:19-20)

(K)    The Second Advent of Christ. We believe in that blessed hope, the personal, imminent return of Christ Who will rapture His church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which was promised to the nation of Israel. (Ps. 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; I Thess. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6)

 

(L)    The Eternal State.

 

            1.       We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25-                          26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13)

 

            2.       We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when                        spirit, soul, and body reunite, to be glorified forever with the Lord. (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6)

 

            3.       We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited, they                        shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and                                torment. (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)

 

(M)    The Personality of Satan.  We believe that Satan is a fallen angel, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10)

 

(N)    Creation.  We believe, as Genesis states, that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11)

 

(O)    Civil Government.  We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)

 

(P)     Human Sexuality.

 

             1.       We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of                               homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God                                       disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor.                             5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)

 

             2.       We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)

 

(Q)      Family Relationships

 

            1.       We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in                          the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are                            eligible for ordination by the church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)

 

            2.       We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to                          submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are                                    responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural                          corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21;                        Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7)

 

(R)    Divorce and Remarriage.  We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until the death of one of the spouses. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon. (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6)

 

(S)    Abortion.  We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being, including body and soul. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

(T)    Love.  We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18)

 

(U)    Lawsuits Between Believers.  We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)

 

(V)    Missions.  We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)

 

(W)    Giving.  We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe (one tenth of gross pay) as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)

 

(X)      Church Offices.  We believe there are two ordained offices in a New Testament Church; Pastor and Deacon. We believe the men in these offices are the voted upon leadership that the Body of Christ has appointed to serve. The spouses of these individuals, while an important part in the service of the ministry, to not share the responsibilities or authority of their respective husbands. (1 Timothy 3:1-13)

 

SECTION 2.02—AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

 

SECTION 2.03—COVENANT

 

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

 

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

 

We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from worldly practices such as defined in, but not limited by, the church Covenant of Standards; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to abstain from the sale or use of tobacco in any form, narcotic drugs, or intoxicating drink as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

 

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, and to secure reconciliation without delay.

 

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

 

ARTICLE 3 – AFFILIATION

 

SECTION 3.01—AFFILIATION

 

We, the Faith Baptist Church, shall be known as an Independent, Fundamental, Bible-believing, Premillennial, Missions-focused, Baptist Church. This Church may cooperate in mission work and fellowship with any Baptist Church, organization, or group of Churches who are sound in the Scriptures.

 

 

ARTICLE 4 – MEMBERSHIP

 

 

SECTION 4.01—QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

 

Upon a simple majority vote of the members present at any church service or meeting, membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein; who enter into the church covenant contained herein; who agree to submit to the authority of the church and its leaders as set forth herein; and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:

 

(A)      By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;

 

(B)      By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice, or other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant has been              baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith;

 

(C)      By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or

 

(D)      By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon a simple majority vote of the congregation after confession is made publicly before the church membership of

           the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the pastor (or the board of deacons if the office of pastor is vacant).

 

SECTION 4.02—DUTIES OF A MEMBER

 

On becoming a member of this church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article 2, Section 2.03, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the pastor; to pray for him; to recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands, to support through a lifestyle walk affirming the beliefs and practices of the church.

 

SECTION 4.03—PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

           

(A)     Only members at least eighteen years of age who are physically present at a duly called meeting of the church shall be entitled to vote. (See ARTICLE 11 for special circumstances.)

 

(B)     This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as the undershepherd with the counsel of the board of deacons. Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures. The pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church. The board of deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the pastor as requested by him or as necessity demonstrates.

 

(C)      Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Although the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship services, the church property remains private property. The pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons) has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property if that person has demonstrated a possible threat to the church or its members. If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on church property, the person may, in the discretion of the pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons), be treated as a trespasser.

 

(D)      A member, upon five-business days prior written request made upon the church, may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church, the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings, and the minutes of the proceedings of board meetings.

 

1.       A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions to the church, the list of names and addresses of the church            members, or the accounting books and financial records of the church where personal information may be located.

 

2.       The church may impose a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and material, for copies of any documents provided to the member before releasing the copies to            the member.

 

SECTION 4.04—DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER

 

Prerequisite: The purpose of the Disciplinary process is to maintain unity of the body of Christ. The Church needs to maintain right relationships among the members. Right relationships will not allow Satan to gain a foothold in the Church. It also eliminates the quenching or grieving of the Holy Spirit in this local assembly of believers. Through humility and the action of esteeming one another better than oneself, restoration can be established and maintained for the Glory of the Lord. (Matthew 5 and 18)

 

(A)      All members of the church, including the Pastor and all leadership, shall hold themselves subject to the discipline of the church and shall conduct themselves in accordance with              the articles of this instrument and the covenant of faith of this church.

 

(B)       In the event an offense is believed to have been committed and that, for the sake of the church, the offender should be disciplined by the church, those who are in possession of             evidence concerning the alleged offense must present said evidence in writing to the Discipline committee for consideration. Any offense levied against a Pastor or Associate                   Pastor should be accompanied by at least two (2) corroborating witnesses. The exception to this would be in the case of an offense of an immoral nature which is addressed

           later in this discussion and contains special circumstances.

 

(C)      There shall be a Disciplinary Board consisting of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the                         Statement of Faith and violations of the church covenant. If the Pastor or a Deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he, as the accused, shall not sit as a member of the                   Disciplinary Board. The Pastor and Deacons shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.

 

(D)      Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual                   growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with             a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration. The intent should not be to prove right and wrong, but to gain restoration of fellowship and maintain unity of the Body of             the Church. (Matthew 18)

 

(E)      If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the pastor, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded            by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.

 

(F)      If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (D) and (E) have been taken, the Disciplinary Board, as the church representatives Biblically responsible for            putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the Disciplinary Board, the Board shall recommend to the members of the            church that they, after self-examination, make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member’s restoration.

 

(G)     Any member under the disciplinary process that is in a position of church leadership and has gone through the steps outlined in subsections (D), (E) and (F) will temporarily                   relinquish all privileges and duties for the time period of two (2) weeks while all matters are investigated by the Disciplinary Board. During this period, the accused shall remain             inactive in all responsibilities of visiting and communicating with the Church body. Sowing discord among the Church Body during the investigative process will not be tolerated.           Any such act will be presented to the Disciplinary Board immediately. The Board will determine if such acts have been committed against the Church – determined by a simple             majority vote from the board. The Pastor (unless he is the accused – then it would be the head of the Deacon Board) will present to the Church Body the egregious act of sowing           discord in the Church along with the original accusation. The Board will provide a recommended course of action and allow the Church Body to vote accordingly. This includes,           but is not limited to, the Pastor, the deacons, staff, or any ministry leader.

 

(H)     If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (D), (E), and (F) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed                 from the membership of the church upon a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action. The                     member subject to disciplinary action is not entitled to vote on his/her own discipline.

 

(I)       No matter may be heard by the Disciplinary Board or the church unless the steps outlined in subsections (D) and (E) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense. No              one shall have the right to accuse any member of the church at any public meeting of the church unless this person, or group of persons, has first presented the charge to the                Disciplinary Board.

 

(J)      If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, all contact with him from that point forward (except by family members) must be for the sake of                  restoration.

 

(K)     There shall be an automatic removal of membership when there is a proven offense of a physically immoral nature as defined by our Statement of Faith under the heading of                  Human Sexuality.

 

(L)       If a member under discipline shall voluntarily make confession to the Church and shall manifest evidence of true repentance, no further proceedings shall be entertained. One               who has been excluded from membership may be reinstated to full fellowship, upon making a voluntary confession and showing true repentance, and by expressing his (or her)               desire to reunite with the church fellowship. Although forgiven and restored to membership, certain offenses may bar the member from continuing certain ministries.

 

(M)     The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-15; 1 Tim. 5:19-              20; and Titus 3:10-11. 

 

SECTION 4.05—TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

 

Members not under the disciplinary process of Section 4.04 may request that letters of transfer be sent to another Baptist Church.

 

SECTION 4.06—TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

(A)     The membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated without notice if the member in question has willfully and intentionally not attended a regular                   worship service of the church in the preceding six months. Special circumstances will be considered for situations relating to military deployment, inability to attend physically,

         or other related situations. Upon good cause being shown to the Pastor, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of

         the pastor.

 

(B)      No member of this church may hold membership in another church. If any member unites in membership with another church, that person is automatically terminated without              notice from membership in this church.

 

(C)      The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the deacons or pastor become aware of a member’s open and unrepentant

           involvement in any physical sexual misconduct described in the Statement of Faith, article 2.01 and subsection (P) Human Sexuality, located in the church constitution.

 

(D)      The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member openly and unashamedly disagrees with any provision found in the                     Statement of Faith.

 

(E)      The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member in a spirit of dissension actively engages in secretive discussions and/or              intentionally organized, secretive meetings in a concerted effort to overthrow the pastor or present church leadership.

 

(F)      The membership of an individual will automatically terminate upon his or her death.

 

(G)     No provision contained in this section shall be subject to or governed by the procedures regarding discipline of members set forth in Section 4.04.

 

(H)     A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the pastor.

 


ARTICLE 5 – OFFICERS

 

 

SECTION 5.01—CHURCH OFFICERS

 

The church officers are Pastor (see Article 6, Section 6.01), deacon (see Article 6, Section 6.02), trustee, minister of records/church clerk (see Article 6, Section 6.03), minister of finance/treasurer (see Article 6, Section 6.04). One person may hold two or more offices, except that of Pastor. The Pastor, from time to time as he deems appropriate, may appoint other church officers, subject to a simple majority confirmation vote by present, voting church members at any regular or special church administrative meeting. The Pastor may appoint the Sunday school superintendent and the head usher as he deems appropriate.

 

SECTION 5.02—DESIGNATION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS

 

As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the pastor shall serve as president of the corporation; the minister of records/church clerk shall serve as secretary of the corporation; the minister of finances shall serve as treasurer of the corporation; and the chairman of the board of deacons shall serve as vice president of the corporation.

 

SECTION 5.03—ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

 

(A)      The church shall not install or retain an officer who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith. All church officers, upon request of the pastor, shall            affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith (as set forth in Article 2).

 

(B)      All church officers must be approved initially by the Pastor and verified for qualification. Existing Deacons and Trustees will remain on the ballot from year to year unless (1)                They resign their position; (2) Disqualify themself from their position due to the lack of adherence to the Covenant of Standards, rejection of the Statement of Faith, or an                    immoral act; (3) Pastor and the board of Deacons agree with a simple majority vote that an individual not be included on the upcoming ballot. Other offices are approved from              year-to-year based on the Pastor’s approval.

 

(C)      Only church members are eligible for election or appointment to any church office or position. Deacon and Trustee nominees can be requested to have their name placed on the            ballot based on a recommendation from the Pastor, other Deacons, or church members. All nominees will need to be verified for qualifications as defined by the Statement of                Faith and the Covenant of Standards for Leadership. All eligible nominees need to be approved with a simple majority vote from the Deacon Board to be included on the ballot.

 

(D)      All candidates for Deacon and Trustee must have been members in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year to be considered for that position.

 

(E)     With the exception of the Pastor and ministerial staff (which are dealt with in Section 5.06), all other persons eligible to hold a church office or Ministry position will have been             members in good standing for no less than six (6) months prior to elections.

 

SECTION 5.04—TERMS OF OFFICE

 

(A)      The relationship between the pastor and the church shall be permanent unless dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of a month’s notice, or less by mutual consent.            The severance of the relationship between the pastor and the church may be considered at any regular or special church administration meeting by following the procedures                  outlined in Section 4.04, provided notice of the meeting shall have been given from the pulpit to the church two Sundays prior to the meeting. A two-thirds majority of the                  eligible members present and voting shall be required to sever the relationship between the pastor and the church. Disciplinary removal of the pastor from office automatically                and immediately terminates his membership. A restoration to membership after disciplinary removal will be subject to the requirements of Article 4, Section 4.01(D) and/or                  Section 4.04(K).

 

(B)      The term of service for all offices and positions in the church, except the pastor, shall be one year, at the expiration of which they may be re-elected or re-appointed.

 

(C)      A vacancy occurring in any office or board, except in the case of the pastor, may be filled at any regular church administration meeting. This requires an announcement for two              (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the vote.

 

(D)      All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until their successors are duly elected or appointed unless removed or resigning for specific cause.

 

(E)      Members of the board of Deacons may be removed from office for unbiblical conduct, as determined by the other board members, upon a simple majority vote of the remaining            members of the board of deacons. Removals for such cause will be effective immediately.

 

SECTION 5.05—ELECTION OF OFFICERS

 

The annual election of officers by the church membership shall occur during the month of June at the annual church administration meeting.

 

SECTION 5.06—PASTORAL OVERSIGHT OF OFFICERS AND STAFF

 

(A)      Subject to appropriate budgetary allowance and on the condition that they shall become a member of the church upon assuming their duties, the pastor may hire associates and              assistants to assist the pastor in carrying out his God-given responsibilities. The Pastor will communicate with the Board of Trustees for oversight regarding positions to be filled.

 

(B)      All church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the pastor who has the sole authority to dismiss the same for just cause. No employee or volunteer              shall be hired, appointed, or retained who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith or the Covenant of Standards for Leadership.



ARTICLE 6 – DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS

 

 

SECTION 6.01—THE PASTOR

 

(A)      The pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall administer the ordinances of            the church, act as moderator at all church meetings for the transaction of church matters, supervise the teaching ministries of the church, and tenderly watch over the spiritual              interests of the membership. He shall be the example of a Christ-like humble spirit of service to the Church Body. He shall lead by example and understand that he serves at the            will and pleasure of the Lord and the Church Body.

 

(B)      The pastor shall appoint the members of the various committees at the annual church administration meeting. He shall serve as the president of the corporation. He shall

          publicly inform all newly elected officers of the particular function and the responsibilities of their respective offices. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new                    members on behalf of the church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position. The pastor shall be free to choose the means and methods by which he            exercises the ministry that God has given him (as long as those methods fall within the confines of Scripture and the Church Constitution).

 

(C)      All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereof, including time and place and the use of the property belonging to the church for purposes                other than the stated appointments, shall be under the control of the pastor.

 

(D)      The pastor shall be responsible to fill the pulpit for each regularly scheduled church service as well as any special services. In the event of his absence, he (or the chairman of the            deacon board where the pastor is ill and unable to perform his duties) shall be responsible to invite speakers from within the membership or outside the church to preach in a                manner consistent with the beliefs articulated in the Statement of Faith.

 

(E)      The pastor shall be responsible, in coordination with the deacons, to establish mandatory safety and security procedures for all ministries and programs involving minors.

 

(F)      When a former pastor remains in the church after retirement, he may be honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus by a simple majority vote of the church.

 

SECTION 6.02—THE BOARD OF DEACONS

 

(A)      The board of deacons shall assist the pastor, in such manner as he shall request, in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, in conducting the religious services, and in                  performing all other work of the church. They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances of the church. They shall, if requested by the pastor, consider                          applications for church membership. They shall, in cooperation with the pastor, disburse the benevolence fund. They shall assist the pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic            efforts of the church. The board of deacons shall assist the pastor in caring for the administrative needs of the church’s various ministries as requested by the pastor. They shall              provide the pulpit supply and choose a moderator for church meetings if the pastor is unavailable or the office of pastor is vacant. Upon the death, resignation, or dismissal of

          the pastor, the board of deacons may appoint a pulpit committee.

 

(B)      Immediately following the annual church administration meeting, the board of deacons shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman who shall be vice president            of the corporation.

 

(C)      The minimum number of deacons to maintain and fulfill the duties of the board of deacons is five (5). Should the number decrease below this amount due to any reason, a

          search for qualified men to hold this position should be initiated. Once qualified candidates are found, an announcement is required at least two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to            a church vote for these positions.

 

(D)      The board of deacons, in addition to the Trustees, shall constitute the Board of trustees of the corporation. The Board of trustees shall exercise only the following specific

           powers, upon authorization by a simple majority vote of the members present at a duly called church administration meeting:

 

1.        To purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the church, and to take real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on

           behalf of the church;

 

2.        To sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real and personal property of the              church, to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose and the use of the church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered for the indebtedness, in the                name of the church, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages, or pledges; and

 

3.        To exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the church corporation.

 

SECTION 6.03—THE TRUSTEES

 

(A)      The Trustees shall hold in trust all property of the church. The Board of trustees, along with the Pastor, shall handle all legal business matters;

 

(B)       The Board of trustees, Pastor, Pastoral staff and treasurer shall act as finance committee for the Church;

 

(C)        A quorum for the transaction of business at a monthly business meeting shall be a simple

            majority of the Board of trustees.

 

SECTION 6.04—THE MINISTER OF RECORDS (CHURCH CLERK)

 

The minister of records shall:

 

(A)      Certify and keep at the office of the church, the original bylaws or a copy, including all amendments or alterations to the bylaws;

 

(B)      Keep at the place where the bylaws or a copy are kept a record of the proceedings of meetings of the Board of trustees, with the time and place of holding, the notice of meeting            given, the names of these present at the meetings;

 

(C)      Sign, certify, or attest documents as may be required by law;

 

(D)      See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. (In case of the absence or disability of the secretary, or his or her refusal or neglect to act,               notice may be given and served by the pastor or by the chairman of the board of deacons.);

 

(E)      Shall keep records of Church proceedings, of the membership roll, of all baptisms, of certificates of ordinations, licenses and commissions as directed by the Church, and

          preserve all documents, papers, and letters coming into his hands during his term of office;

 

(F)      See that the reports, statements, certificates, and all other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed;

 

(G)     Exhibit at all reasonable times to proper persons on terms provided by law the bylaws and minutes of proceedings of the board of deacons or the minutes of the meetings of the           church members;

 

(H)      Keep an account of any special events in the life of the church which are of historical interest and give a report at the annual church administration meeting of the status of the               church membership roll in the past year;

 

(I)       Keep all records at the office of the church and deliver them to any successor upon leaving office;

 

(J)       Serve as the secretary of the corporation.

 

SECTION 6.05—THE MINISTER OF FINANCE (TREASURER)

 

The minister of finance shall:

 

(A)   Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds of the corporation, and deposit all funds in the name of the church in banks, trust companies, or other depositories as         shall be selected by the pastor or the board of deacons;

 

(B)   Receive, and give receipt for all contributions, gifts, and donations to the church;

 

(C)   Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the church as may be directed by the pastor, the board of deacons, or the budget adopted by the members of the church at the               annual church administration meeting, taking proper vouchers for the disbursements;

 

(D)   Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the church’s properties and business transactions including account of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, and capital;

 

(E)   Write, sign, record, and mail checks in payment of church bills and routine expenses approved by the pastor and/or board of deacons as well as disburse funds and salaries as                 directed by the church. Make all expenditures of the church (except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements) by check or verifiable bank transaction;

 

(F)   When and as requested, render to the pastor and the board of deacons accounts of all his transactions as minister of finance and of the financial condition of the church;

 

(G)  Present a written report of itemized disbursements at the regular monthly Deacon/Trustee administration meetings and make a general report for the year at the annual church               administration meeting;

 

(H)  At least two directors of this corporation shall be authorized to sign church checks in the treasurer’s absence. No persons shall be permitted to sign checks written to themselves;

 

(I)    Keep all church financial records at the office of the church and deliver them to any successor upon leaving office;

 

(J)    Serve as treasurer of the corporation and be a member in good standing.

 

SECTION 6.06—ASSOCIATE PASTORS

 

Under the direction and guidance of the pastor, the associate pastor(s) of the church shall assist the pastor in carrying out the ministries of the church.

 

SECTION 6.07—DUTIES OF ALL OFFICERS

 

(A)      All officers shall prepare a written report of their work as requested and shall surrender any records in their possession to the minister of records at the close of their term of                office to be filed as a permanent record of the work of the church.  All records are the property of the church and must be kept in the church office.

 

(B)      Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the bylaws for a period of three months may be removed from his office at the discretion of the pastor, and another may be                appointed by the pastor to serve the un-expired term.

 

SECTION 6.08—SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

 

The minister of Sunday school shall supervise the Sunday school. In consultation with the Pastor, he shall recommend the appointment of teachers for the Sunday school. He shall preside at the teachers’ meetings, and report on the condition of the Sunday school at the annual Church administration meeting.

 

SECTION 6.09—HEAD USHER

 

The minister of hospitality (Head Usher), in cooperation with the Pastor, shall appoint a sufficient number of assistants to care for the work of ushering and extending the official hospitality of the Church to its members and visitors.

 

SECTION 6.10—INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

 

A public installation service in which all newly elected officers of the church are to be dedicated to their respective offices and the ordination of newly elected deacons shall be held at a public church service following their election at the annual church administration meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE 7 – CALLING A PASTOR

 

Upon the resignation, death or dismissal of the Pastor, the church shall seek a candidate who subscribes to the Statement of Faith, the Covenant and bylaw provisions of this church, and

whose life aligns with the qualifications of a pastor as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The church shall abide by the following guidelines for calling a pastor:

 

SECTION 7.01—DUTIES OF THE PULPIT COMMITTEE

 

(A)      The committee shall be authorized by the Church to investigate and consider all names of candidates received by them, and to invite such candidates, who in their judgment are            qualified to meet the needs of the Church. The pulpit committee shall interview potential candidates and will only consider men who completely subscribe to the Statement of                Faith and Covenant contained in the church constitution; The committee must unanimously approve each candidate before presentation. The Church must vote on each                        candidate invited to visit the Church, in view of a call, before another candidate is invited to fill the pulpit.

 

(B)      The pulpit committee shall report to the congregation on a weekly basis.

 

SECTION 7.02---CALLING A PASTOR

 

(A)      The deacons shall select a pulpit committee to consist of all deacons and may select up to five other members elected by a simple majority of the deacons. The pulpit committee            shall interview potential candidates and will only consider men who completely subscribe to the Statement of Faith and Covenant contained in the church constitution;

 

(B)      Prior to being announced to the congregation as a formal candidate, any man being considered for pastoral candidate must preach at least one Sunday service. Thereafter, upon a            simple majority vote of the deacons, the pulpit committee may formally announce the candidate to the church, after which the candidate must preach at least two regularly                    scheduled services and be available for a church-wide question/answer time prior to being voted upon by the congregation;

 

(C)      Notice from the pulpit must be given two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to a formal candidate’s preaching service and two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the church                          congregational vote;

 

(D)      The candidate must be elected as Pastor by a three-fourths majority vote of qualified, present voting members. The pulpit committee will only present for consideration to the               church one candidate at a time, and an up or down vote must be cast prior to consideration of other potential candidates.

 

 SECTION 7.03---INTERIM PASTOR

 

(A)      In the absence of a pastor, an interim pastor may be recommended by the deacon board and will be called by a three-fourths majority vote of the church. He is to serve in the                period of time between the leaving of the previous pastor and the coming of the next permanent pastor.

 

(B)      Prior to being announced to the congregation as a candidate for interim pastor, any man considered must preach at least one Sunday service. Notice from the pulpit must be                  given two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the church congregational vote. Candidates for interim pastor must subscribe to the Statement of Faith, Covenant, and bylaws of the              church.

 

(C)      The qualifications, duties and responsibilities of the interim pastor will be the same as those of the pastor.

 

(D)      An interim pastor’s term of service may be terminated by his resignation or by a two-thirds majority vote of the church as recommended by the deacon board.

 

(E)      The interim pastor may not be considered as a pastoral candidate.

 

(F)      The deacon board is charged with the responsibility of engaging guest speakers when the church is without a pastor or interim pastor.

 

SECTION 7.04—CHURCH VOTE

 

A pastor will be called by the Church at a duly called meeting by a vote of at least three-fourths majority.

 


ARTICLE 8 – STAFF

 

 

SECTION 8.01—EMPLOYMENT STATUS

 

All staff will be hired and discharged by the Pastor.

 

SECTION 8.02—PASTORAL VACANCY

 

In the case of a vacancy occurring in the pulpit, all staff will be subordinate to the pulpit committee. Until a pulpit committee is formed, they will be subordinate to the deacon board.

 

SECTION 8.03—STAFF REQUIREMENTS

 

All staff members will meet the covenant of standards for the officers of the Church. They also must adhere to the statement of faith.

 

 

ARTICLE 9 – CHURCH STANDARDS

 

 

SECTION 9.01—COVENANT OF STANDARDS FOR LEADERSHIP

 

All officers, trustees, deacons, staff, Christian school teachers and Sunday school & Jr. Church teachers and heads of any ministry: anyone that is in a leadership position will meet the following Covenant of Standards of the church:

 

(A)     Must be born again and know it.  (John 3:1-12)

 

(B)     Must be a member in good standing. (See SECTION 11.02 (B))

 

(C)      I will abstain from the following worldly practices. (I Thess. 5:22)

 

(1)       The use of alcoholic beverage in any form.

(2)      The use of tobacco in any form.

(3)      The illicit use of any drugs.

(4)      I will not attend dances.

(5)      Entertainment; I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.

(6)      I will refrain from gambling.

(7)      I will abstain from the use of foul or unclean language.

 

(D)     Personal appearance. (I Cor. 11:1-16)

 

(1)       As a man I will wear my hair above my ears and off my collar. I will not wear apparel that resembles women's attire, such as clothing, jewelry, etc.

(2)       As a lady, while serving in my respective position(s) at church: I will not wear slacks, shorts, or culottes; nor will I wear my skirts or dresses above the knee, nor any                   revealing articles of clothing

(3)       I will dress modestly at all times. As a lady, I will not publicly wear short shorts, mini-skirts, low-cut dresses, or any revealing articles of clothing at or away from

           church. (I Tim 2:9-10 & Deut. 22:5)

(4)       Body piercing – Men: I will not participate in any form of body piercing at or away from the church. (e.g. earrings, nose rings, etc.) Women: I will not participate in any                         form of body piercing other than the normal wearing of earrings. I will be subject to this at and away from the church.

(5)       Tattoos – I will not have new tattoos placed upon my body.

 

(E)     I will be present for all regular church services unless providentially hindered.

 

(F)      As a Teacher, I will faithfully contact my class members and take a personal interest in their spiritual well-being.

 

(G)     I will faithfully attend regularly scheduled visitation programs for the Church unless providentially hindered. (Matthew 28:18-20)

 

(H)     I will be loyal to my Lord and Saviour above all else through the guidance and direction of His Holy Word. Subordinate to that, I will be loyal to the Church, His Bride, in the               service of my responsibilities in all ministries or leadership of which I am a part. I will be loyal to the Pastor in the performance of his duties and direction as the undershepherd           of this church.  (Hebrews 13:7,17, 24)

 

(I)       I will diligently study my Bible on a daily basis. (Psalm 119:130; II Timothy 3:16).

 

(J)       I will fervently pray on a daily basis for guidance in performing my responsibilities. (I Thess. 5:17; I Timothy 2:8)

 

(K)      I will avoid tattling, gossip, and critical talk, which would hinder the work of Christ.

 

(L)      I will tithe my income as instructed in Malachi 3, and II Corinthians 8.

 

(M)     If I cannot keep the articles of this covenant, I will voluntarily resign rather than bring reproach to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

SECTION 9.02—STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND ATTENDANCE

 

(A)      We welcome non-church members to come and attend our church meetings. However, we require them to subject themselves to the order of services, our attendance standards,              the standard operating procedures of our church and individual ministries, and the decisions of our Pastor, deacons, staff, and authorized worker concerning appropriate dress                and behavior at our church meetings and activities.

 

(B)      We require that visitors come in clothing that is appropriate for church. Clothing which reveals the body of an individual in an inappropriate manner is not permitted. (e.g.                    extremely short mini-skirts, swim suits, see-through blouses, etc.) Shirts and shoes are required.

 

(C)      The Pastor, the deacons, the staff, the trustees, and all authorized workers may deem what is or is not appropriate dress for church services or activities.

 

(D)      Individuals that are deliberately wearing clothing that was obviously made for members of the opposite sex will be asked to leave.

 

(E)      Ministry functions and services are private meetings held on private property according to the policies and procedures followed by the ministry and should not be considered                open to the general public under all circumstances. The ministry leadership reserves the right to remove any participant for any reason at the leadership’s sole discretion.

 

A member/participant/student may be dismissed/removed from any ministry function or asked not to return if he/she is out of harmony with the Statement of Faith, the spirit, or the policies of the ministry whether on or off property as determined in the sole discretion of the ministry leadership. Readmission considerations following dismissal/removal will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 10 – MEETINGS

           

 

SECTION 10.01—MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP

 

Unless otherwise determined by the pastor, the church shall meet each Sunday for public worship both morning and evening and at least once during the week for Bible study and prayer. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed as determined by the sole discretion of the Pastor.

 

SECTION 10.02—MEETINGS FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

 

(A)      The annual church administration meeting shall be held on the last Wednesday in June (unless otherwise prohibited), at which time the regular church administration shall be                considered. A quorum shall consist of the members present. 

 

(B)      All church administration meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer for divine guidance and blessing.

 

(C)      The moderator shall determine the rules of procedure according to his sense of fairness and common sense, giving all members a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a

           matter. The moderator is the final authority on questions of procedure, and his decision is final and controlling. The following order shall be a basic template of what is

           observed at the regular church administration meetings:

 

1. Opening pray

2. Reading of minutes

3. Reception of members

          4. Dismissal of members

5. Report of officers (as requested)

6. Reports of standing committees (as requested)

7. Reports of special committees (as requested)

8. Unfinished matters

9. Election of officers

10. New matters

11. Adjournment

12. Benediction

 

(D)     For any meeting under this article, the moderator, in his sole discretion, shall have full and unilateral authority to require nonmembers to leave the meeting room and to order                the immediate removal of any member or other person present who is deemed by the moderator to be disruptive to the proceedings by act or presence. The moderator shall

          have full authority to order the removal of all children (ages to be determined by the moderator) if the moderator determines, in his sole discretion, that circumstances so                      warrant. If the moderator determines that compliance with his order of removal is unsatisfactory, the moderator may, in his sole discretion, revoke the disruptive person’s right

          to remain on the premises in accordance with Section 4.03(C) and treat the person as a trespasser. 

 

 SECTION 10.03—SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

(A)      The pastor (or deacons if the office of pastor is vacant or the pastor is the subject of possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of such a meeting                 and the purpose for which it is called to the church from the pulpit at least one Sunday and not less than one week prior to said meeting. A meeting for the calling of a pastor

           or the severance of the relationship between the church and pastor shall be called in accordance with the provision of Section 5.04(A).

 

(B)         Bible conferences, missionary conferences, and revivals may be held as the pastor deems beneficial.

 

SECTION 10.04—FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year of the church shall begin July 1st and end June 30th.

 

 

ARTICLE 11 – VOTING

 

 

SECTION 11.01—METHOD

 

All elections shall be by voice vote unless otherwise authorized by the Church.

 

 

SECTION 11.02—QUALIFICATIONS

 

(A)     All scripturally baptized members of the Church who are 18 years of age or older and in good standing shall be entitled to vote on regular routine matters.

 

(B)     A member faithful to church that adheres to the Church Covenant of Standards and Statement of Faith constitutes a member in good standing. Those who willfully absence                   themselves from faithfully attending church for six (6) months shall automatically be considered inactive and shall be temporally suspended from voting at the discretion of the               Deacons and the Pastor. Inactive members are not aware of the day-to-day operations of the church and therefore cannot intelligently cast a vote.

 

(C)     For major issues being voted upon, eligible voting members providentially hindered from attending the meeting may (upon specific request) vote, providing the absentee ballot is             in at the time of the meeting. The absentee vote must be validated by the pastor and deacons present.

 

 

SECTION 11.03

 

A majority affirmative vote of all eligible voting members who are present and who are at least eighteen years of age is required for the purchase of property or in the case of a serious Church problem.

 

 

ARTICLE 12 – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

 

SECTION 12.01—PURPOSE


The church believes that it is to provide the members’ children with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings. The church believes that the home and church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates.

 

SECTION 12.02—CHURCH PARTICIPATION


All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the church shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the church; however, the pastor may permit nonchurch members to participate in church educational programs or courses of instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the church.

 

SECTION 12.03—STAFF MEMBERSHIP


All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of this church.  This provision shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis.

 

SECTION 12.04—STATEMENT OF FAITH ACCORD


All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord with the Statement of Faith of the church. The church shall not hire, appoint, or retain any employee or volunteer for its educational programs who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

 

SECTION 12.05—UNITY


All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and inseparable ministry of the church.

 

SECTION 12.06—TEACHING


All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the teaching of the inerrant Word of God. Any assertion or belief which conflicts with or questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be disclaimed as false. It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.

 

SECTION 12.07—CHRISTIAN WALK


All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue or adopt a lifestyle consistent with the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.

 

 

ARTICLE 13 – ORDINATION

 

 

SECTION 13.01—ORDINATION QUALIFICATIONS

 

Any male member of this church or its mission churches, who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel upon approval of the Pastor.

 

SECTION 13.02—ORDINATION PROCEDURE

 

(A)      Upon a conference with the pastor and after the pastor has approved the candidate for ordination, the pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the              candidate. The ordination council shall consist of the Pastor and deacons and any other ordained ministers of like faith invited to participate in the examination of the candidate.

 

(B)      If the candidate is found worthy of ordination by the council, the ordination council may ordain the candidate on behalf of the church.

 

(C)      The Pastor and the chairman of the deacons shall arrange for the ordination service.

 

ARTICLE 14 – INDEMNIFICATION

 

 

SECTION 14.01—ACTIONS SUBJECT TO INDEMNIFICATION

 

The church may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including all appeals (other than an action by or in the right of the church) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding; and if that person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

SECTION 14.02—EXPENSES SUBJECT TO INDEMNIFICATION

 

To the extent that a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter in that action, suit, or proceeding, he or she may be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding.

 

SECTION 14.03—LIMITATIONS OF INDEMNIFICATION

 

Any indemnification made under this Article, may be made by the church only as authorized in the specific case on a determination that indemnification of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of this Article. The determination shall be made (a) by a simple majority vote of a quorum consisting of the pastor and deacons who were not and are not parties to or threatened with the action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if the described quorum is not obtainable or if a simple majority vote of a quorum of disinterested deacons so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by a simple majority vote of the members of the church.

 

SECTION 14.04—TIMING OF INDEMNIFICATION

 

Expenses of each person seeking indemnification under this Article, may be paid by the church as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, as authorized by the board of deacons in the specific case, on receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not qualified to be indemnified by the church.

SECTION 14.05—EXTENT OF INDEMNIFICATION

 

The indemnification provided by this Article shall be deemed to be discretionary unless otherwise required as a matter of law or under any agreement or provided by insurance purchased by the church, both as to action of each person seeking indemnification under this Article in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding that office, and may continue as to a person who has ceased to be a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent and may inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of that person.

 

SECTION 14.06—INSURANCE

 

The church may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in that capacity, or arising out of his status in that capacity, whether or not the church would have the power to indemnify him against liability under the provisions of this Article.

 

ARTICLE 15 – COMMITTEES

 

 

SECTION 15.01—STANDING COMMITTEES

 

The pastor (or the board of deacons if the office of pastor is vacant or otherwise exempted) shall appoint standing committees and designate a chairperson for each standing committee and, except when otherwise specifically provided in these bylaws, shall determine the membership of each standing committee. In addition to the Disciplinary Board, the pastor may appoint other standing committees as he deems appropriate.

 

SECTION 15.02—SPECIAL COMMITTEES

 

The board of deacons, in its discretion, may create special committees to provide the board with advice and information regarding matters submitted to the committee by the board for consideration. The committee shall have no authority to act on behalf of the corporation. The members of the committee shall be chosen by a simple majority vote of the board of deacons and shall serve solely at the pleasure of the board of deacons. The special committee shall be subject to the control and direction of the board of deacons at all times.

  


ARTICLE 16 – DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS

 

 

From time to time the church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their contributions, but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the pastor and the board of deacons. No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Section 1.02.

 


ARTICLE 17 – BINDING ARBITRATION

 

 

SECTION 17.01—SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION

 

Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all members of this church agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved, and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil disagreement before a court of law, except that judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

SECTION 17.02—NOTICE OF ARBITRATION

 

In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to these bylaws or any other church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreement as befits Christians. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If they do not reach such solution within a period of sixty (60) days, then upon notice by either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration as described in section 17.01, above, and such Procedures for Arbitration as are adopted pursuant to Section 17.04, below.

 

SECTION 17.03—LIMITATIONS ON ARBITRATION DECISIONS

 

(A)      Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined under Section                3.04, were followed.

 

(B)      Should any dispute involve the removal from office of the pastor or any church officer, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures set forth in Section            3.04 were followed.

 

SECTION 17.04—ARBITRATION PROCEDURES

 

The Procedures for Arbitration shall be as adopted by the pastor and the board of deacons.

 

 

ARTICLE 18 – AMENDMENTS

 

These bylaws may be revised or amended by a simple majority vote of the members present and voting at any regular church administration meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken.

 

 

ARTICLE 19 – UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES

 

Any expenditures in excess of $200 and not authorized in the regular annual budget must be authorized by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons or the Board of Deacons alone if the office of Pastor is vacant.

 

 

ARTICLE 20 – CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

SECTION 20.01—PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this conflict of interest policy is to protect the church’s interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or other leader of the church or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state or federal laws governing conflicts of interest allocable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

 

SECTION 20.02—DEFINITIONS

 

(A)      Interested Person: Any director or church leader who has a direct or indirect financial interest

 

(B)      Financial interest: A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:

 

(1)   An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the church has a transaction or arrangement,

 

(2)   A compensation arrangement with the church or with any individual or entity with which the church has a transaction or arrangement, or

 

(3)   A potential ownership or involvement interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the church is negotiating a transaction or                   arrangement.

 

(4)   A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. A person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the Board of Trustees decides that a           conflict of interest exists.

 

(C)      Compensation: Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.

 

(D)      Board: The term “board” refers to the Board of Trustees of the church.

 

 SECTION 20.03—PROCEDURES

 

(A)      In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all            material facts to the directors considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.

 

(B)      After disclosure of the financial interest and all material acts, including any presentations by and discussion with the interested person, he shall leave the board meeting while the            determination of a conflict of interest involving the transaction or arrangement is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board members shall decide if a conflict of interest              exists by a majority vote.

 

(1)   The chairman of the board shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or  committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction of arrangement.

 

(2)   After exercising due diligence, the board or committee shall determine whether the church can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or                       arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.

 

(3)   If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under

                 circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the board shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in                     the best interest of the church, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination, it shall make its decision as to

                 whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.

 

(4)   If the board has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief

       and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.

 

(5)   If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the board determines the member has failed to disclose an         actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

 

SECTION 20.04—RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS

 

(A)      The minutes of the board shall contain the names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible                  conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the board’s decision as to whether a conflict            of interest in fact existed.

 

(B)      The minutes of the board also shall contain the names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the              discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.


SECTION 20.05—COMPENSATION

 

A voting member of the board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the church for services rendered may not vote on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.

 

 

ARTICLE 21 – OTHER PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 21.01—DISSOLUTION CLAUSE

 

Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Trustees shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all of the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Board of Trustees shall determine. Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Circuit Court of the County in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

 

SECTION 21.02—NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

 

The Corporation shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy as to members and, therefore, shall not discriminate against any member or prospective member on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

 

SECTION 21.03—PROHIBITION AGAINST SHARING IN CORPORATE EARNINGS

 

No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in our constitution and by-laws.

 

SECTION 21.04—EXEMPT ACTIVITIES

 

No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Not withstanding any other provision of these articles, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a Corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).



ADOPTION

 

These bylaws were adopted by a unanimous vote of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the church in which a quorum was present.

 

These bylaws supersede any other bylaws of Faith Baptist Church.

 

 

 

February 12, 2023                                                   

Date Adopted                                                                        

 

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