|
Click here for a printer friendly version of our Constitution.
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and that this body may be governed in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member of this church and the freedoms of action of this body in its relation to other churches.
I. NAME
This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church (Incorporated) of Summit, located at Summit, Mississippi.
II. PURPOSE
To fully know God's love and will and to reveal Him to the world as we perform His work as the Body of Jesus Christ.
III. ARTICLES OF FAITH
Section 1. The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is the perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of erroneous teaching for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and is the written revelation of Jesus Christ, the Divine Son of God, who is the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
Section 2. The True God
We believe that there is one, the only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, expressing distinct but harmonious aspects of the Revelation of God.
Section 3. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression, fell from the holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice, and therefore, under the just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
Section 4. The Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all sufficient Savior.
Section 5. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life, not on principles of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God.
Section 6. The Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free by all the gospel; that is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith,; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Section 7. Grace in Regeneration
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again, that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is affected in a manner above comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit; in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life.
Section 8. Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God, whereby being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with sincere contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only holy and all sufficient Savior.
Section 9. God's Purpose and Grace
We believe that Election is God's means of providing salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son, in His sacrificial living and dying. It is bestowed due to no merit of our own, but in consideration of our accepting Him as the Lord of Life.
Section 10. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer, and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means -- especially, the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
Section 11. Preservation of the Saints
We believe that true believers are those who endure to the end; that their preserving attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguished them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Section 12. The Harmony of the Law and the Gospel
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin. To deliver them from sin and restore them to obedience through Christ is one great end of the gospel.
Section 13. A Gospel Church
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His deacons, who qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.
Section 14. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and the risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church by the sacred use of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, are to commemorate together the eternal love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Section 15. The Lord's Day
We believe that the First day of the week is the Lord's Day commemorating the resurrection of Christ, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes by refraining from secular labor, and by the devout observance of both private and public worship.
Section 16. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that civil authorities are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Price of the kings of the earth.
Section 17. The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; fair all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among man, both in and after death.
Section 18. The World to Come
We believe that the end of this world is approaching; that in the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place, that the wicked will be judged to endless punishment; and the righteous to endless joy, and that this judgement will fix forever the final state of man in heaven or hell, on principles or righteousness.
IV. RELATIONSHIPS
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the association and state convention affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
V. CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God 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 contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspect in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; 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 one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it 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.
BY LAWS
I. Membership
Section 1. General
This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine on an individual basis who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
Section 2. Candidacy
Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular worship service for membership in any of the following ways:
1. By profession of faith and for baptism according to the policies of this church.
2. By promise of letter from another Southern Baptist Church or a church of like faith and order.
3. By restoration upon statement of prior conversion experience and baptism in a Southern Baptist Church or church of like faith and order when no letter is obtainable.
Should there be any dissent as to the candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.
4. By restoration upon repentance and an evidence of reformation by a member dismissed through disciplinary action.
Section 3. Membership Orientation
After membership is approved by the church the New Members Committee shall make the new member aware of the contents of the Constitution and By-Laws, including the sections regarding stewardship in Article VIII, Church Finances, Section 3.
Section 4. Voting Rights of Members
Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present.
Section 5. Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
1. Death;
2. Dismissal to another Baptist Church, in which case the letter is granted with or without recommendations depending upon the previous faithfulness of the member while in this fellowship;
3. Affiliation with a church of another faith or denomination, with or without recommendation depending upon the previous faithfulness of the members while in this fellowship;
4. Exclusion by action of this church. Should a member become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of his covenant vows, the church may terminate his membership by a three-fourths vote, but only after due notice and hearing, and faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and amendment.
Section 6. Discipline
Should any unhappy differences arise among members, the aggrieved member, shall follow, in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in Matthew, Chapter eighteen, Verses fifteen through eighteen.
Should any case of gross breach of covenant, or of public scandal occur, the deacons shall endeavor to remove the offense; and if this effort fails, shall report the case to the church.
All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the church may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church by a three-fourths majority vote.
Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense may be restored by a three-fourths majority vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation.
II. CHURCH OFFICERS
All church officers must be members of the church. The officers of this church shall be as follows:
Section 1. PASTOR
A. Call. In case of a vacancy in the pastorate, the church will elect a Ministerial Staff Search Committee in accordance with Article VI. Section 1.
B. Duties. The Pastor is responsible for leading the church in functioning as a New Testament church, and for fulfilling his calling as a minister of the Gospel. These obligations specifically include the following:
(1) To give himself to prayer and to fulfill this injunction: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Work of Truth."
(2) To give himself to the ministry of the Word, to preach the message of truth as he may derive it from the Word of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit;
(3) To lead the congregation and all organizations of the church to fulfill the fourfold purpose of the church, i.e., worship, proclamation, education, pastoral ministries;
(4) To visit the members of the church for the purpose of spiritual counsel, admonition and comfort; to warn and reprove the unfaithful; to visit the sick; to embrace every opportunity to speak to the unsaved;
(5) To preserve order and decorum at all meetings of the church; to secure every member without partiality the exercise of his privileges, to give his views of the law of Christ as bearing on such cases of discipline as may occur; faithfully to use that influence which justly arises from the character of his office;
6) To Serve as ex-officio member of all church committees.
Section 2 Church Staff
Job descriptions shall be written by the personnel committee and approved by the church for all paid positions except that of the Pastor.
Section 3. Deacons
A. Qualifications
1. Biblical
The basic biblical requirements for a deacon are found in the Bible in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
2. Church
a. Shall be at least twenty-five years of age
b. Shall have been a Christian for at least five years.
c. Shall have been a member of
this church for at least two
years.
d. Should attend all regular and called meetings of the deacon body.
e. Should be a faithful and regular supporter of the entire church program and be regular in attendance.
f. Should be a supporter of the mission program of the church and denomination.
g. Should believe in and practice biblical stewardship.
h. Should be a man of progressive vision regarding church affairs, eager to consider a worthy proposal for an improved, enlarged, and efficient church program.
i. Should be a man who conducts himself so as not to cause embarrassment to the church and to the cause of Christ. His social and moral standards should be above question.
j. Should be a man who seeks to promote and preserve the peace and unity of the church.
B. Number, Election, and Term of Service
1. There shall be three classifications of deacons. One will be "Deacons in Service" or "Active Deacons" consisting of all deacons on active status. The second will be "Deacon Emeritus." This will consist of those men who because of age or physical limitation are unable to carry out the full responsibilities of an active deacon. Only upon his request will his name be added to this group. The third group will be termed "Deacon Fellowship". It will consist of 1) deacons on active status, 2) deacons elected by this church who are not on active status, and 3) any member who has been ordained by a sister Southern Baptist Church. All deacons shall be able to attend regular deacons' meetings but only active deacons will have a vote.
2. There shall be at least twenty-one (21) deacons on active status. These shall be divided into three equal groups of at least seven (7) in order to facilitate the rotation system.
3. There shall be a Screening Committee of five (5) people consisting of the pastor, chairman of deacons, and three other deacons appointed by the pastor and deacon chairman. This committee is subject to approval by the deacon body. If the church has no pastor, the vice chairman of deacons will serve.
Two weeks prior to the April business meeting a notice of the deacon election and a list of all eligible men will be mailed to members' homes. This list will be provided to members during the April business meeting and each member will be allowed to nominate up to the number of vacancies that are to be filled.
The Screening Committee will place on a ballot twenty five names receiving the highest number of votes and meeting the qualifications. The church will elect deacons from this ballot at its May business meeting by secret ballot vote.
The Screening Committee will examine each candidate to assure that they meet all qualifications starting with those with the highest number of votes until all vacancies are filled. The results of the deacon election will be announced at the June church business meeting.
4. Those elected will serve for three years beginning July 1 each year. At the end of three years they will rotate off active status for at least one year but will remain part of the deacon fellowship. Persons elected to fulfill unexpired terms will be eligible for election to full terms.
C. Responsibilities
The deacon will serve with the pastor and staff in performing these pastoral ministry tasks; proclaim the gospel to believers and non-believers, care for church members and others in the community and lead the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education ministry and application. They will also assist in the administration of the ordinances of the church. They will nominate a committee on committees during the February deacon's meeting to be approved by the church in the regular February business session.
D. Deacon Body Organization
The deacon officers shall be the chairman, vice-chairman, and the secretary-treasurer. They shall be elected by secret ballot by the active deacons who will serve during their term of office. The officers will be elected at the July deacon's meeting. The deacon body will meet monthly and report to the church.
Section 4 Moderator
The Moderator shall be elected annually. The Nominating Committee will recommend a person to the church for election to this responsibility. In the absence of the moderator, the chairman of the deacons shall preside, in the absence of the chairman of deacons, the vice-chairman of the deacons shall preside: or in the absence of all three, the church clerk or the pastor shall call the church to order and an acting moderator shall be elected.
Section 5 Clerk
The church elected clerk shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The clerk is responsible for keeping a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismission, or death, together with a record of baptism. The clerk shall issue letters of dismission noted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice to all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these By-Laws. The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office when an office is maintained.
Section 6 Treasurer
The church shall elect annually the chairperson of the Stewardship Committee, who shall be the Church Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money, or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to render to the church at each regular business meeting an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding month.
Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to the church clerk, who shall keep and preserve the account as part of the permanent records of all the church.
The church may delegate the clerical responsibilities to the church financial secretary, who shall be a resource person to the treasurer and stewardship committee.
Section 7 Corporation Officers
As a legal corporation, First Baptist Church of Summit shall also have the following officers: A President who will also be the Chairman of Deacons; a Vice-President who will also be the Vice-Chairman of Deacons; and a Secretary who will also be the Church Clerk. These officers will be the ones whose signatures will be affixed to any legal transactions by the church as a corporation after approval by the church in an approved business session.
III. CHURCH MEETINGS
Section 1 Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning and evening for preaching, instruction evangelism, and for the Worship of Almighty God, and on Wednesday Evening for Bible Study and Prayer unless one of these services needs to be dismissed. The approval of the Church Council is necessary in such matters of dismissing a service.
Section 2 Regular Business Sessions
Regular business sessions shall be held on the third Sunday night of each month. Should there be any unusual business or matter of unusual interest to be brought before such regularly monthly session, notice shall be given the membership by mail one week prior to the session.
Section 3 Special Called Business Sessions
A special called business session may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. A one week notice must be given for the special business meeting. The notice shall include the subject, date, time, and place; and it must be given in such a manner that all resident members have an opportunity to know of the meeting. When extreme urgency renders such notice impractical, the one week notice may be waived; however, any decision or decisions made in an emergency situation must later be approved for a second time or ratified in a regular business meeting or a special called business meeting giving the one week's notice.
Section 4 Quorum
A quorum consists of those who attend the business session, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.
Section 5 Parliamentary Procedure
Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church.
Section 6 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the church shall begin January 1 and end on December 31.
Section 7 Revivals and Special Meetings
In accordance with the purposes of the church, there shall be such revivals and special meetings as considered necessary, planned by the leadership of the church, i.e., the pastor, church council, or any of the heads of program organizations with the approval of the church.
IV. PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1 General
All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church. It is understood that the pastor is an ex-officio officer of all the organizations named, and his leadership is to be recognized in them.
Section 2 Sunday School and Discipleship Training
The Sunday School shall be divided appropriately into divisions, departments and classes and conducted under the direction of the Sunday School Director.
The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach biblical revelation; lead in reaching all prospects for the church; lead all members to worship, witness, learn and minister daily; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
The tasks shall be to teach systematic theology, Christian history, Christian ethics, and church policy and organization; give orientation to new church members; train all church members to worship, learn and minister daily, train leaders for the church and denomination: discover, recruit, and train potential leaders and provide for specialized training.
Section 3 Baptist Men's Organization
There shall be a Baptist Men's Organization, including their youth organization called Royal Ambassadors, with such officers as necessary. The tasks are to teach missions; lead all men, young men, and boys to participate in missions activities; provide organization and leadership for special projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
Section 4 Women on Mission
There shall be a Women on Mission group with such officers and such forms of organization as needed, such as Acteens, Girls in Action, and Mission Friends. The tasks of the organization shall be to teach missions, lead persons to participate in missions; provide organization and leadership for special mission projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
Section 5 Church Music Program
There shall be a Church Music Program under the direction of the Minister of Music. Such officers and/or organizations shall be included as needed. The music tasks shall be to teach music and hymnody; provide music and musicians for the congregational services and the organizations of the church; lead persons to participate in hymn singing; train persons to lead, sing, and play music; provide organization and leadership for special projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
V. Standing Committees
The Standing Committees of the First Baptist Church shall be responsible for various areas of the church life and shall assume their duties on September 1 (except as noted) for a term of one year (except as noted). Chairman of the committees shall be named as a part of nominations or appointments. Any committee may bring to the church recommendations concerning its area of service. Since the pastor is a member of the Church Council and an ex-officio member of every other committee, he shall be informed as to the nature of all recommendations before they are presented to the church. All committee members, all church officers, and all officers in organizations related to First Baptist Church shall be members in full standing of the First Baptist Church of Summit, Mississippi.
Section 1 Church Council
a. Personnel: To consist of all paid ministers (i.e., Pastor, Minister of Music and Education, Minister of Youth and Activities) Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, Brotherhood Director, W.M.U. Director, Chairman of Deacons and Treasurer, with the Pastor serving as Chairman.
b. Duties: To coordinate the work of the various organizations, preparing a calendar of activities for the work of the church for distribution to the membership; to project goals and means of achieving the purposes of the church, i.e., to have effective worship; to win the lost, to teach the disciples, and to minister to the needy; and to evaluate the results of the church program.
Section 2 Committee on Committees
a. Personnel: To consist of two active deacons and one wife of an active deacon and two members to be selected by the active deacons during their February session and to be approved by the church in the month of February. There shall be no husband and wife combination or ministers' wives on the committee on committees. (Active deacons shall mean deacons in active service at the time of election to this committee.)
b. Duties: To nominate the members of all committees, except the committee on committees; to be responsible for the action of each committee and if any duly appointed committee or committee member fails to function properly, to replace any person or persons so that the committee may function properly and in accordance with its duties. The duties of this committee will begin upon election by the church and will continue until a new committee is elected.
Section 3 Nominating Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members nominated by the committee on committees in the month of April and presented to the church no later than the church business session in the month of April.
b. Duties: To nominate all general church officers; to nominate leaders for the church organizations and to present them to the August business session. Organizational heads will then become a part of the Nominating Committee. The duties of this committee will begin upon election by the church and will continue until a new committee is elected.
Section 4 Constitution and By-Laws Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of three members.
b. Duties: To keep the Constitution and By-Laws under study; and to recommend changes as needed, to meet annually.
Section 5 Stewardship Committee
a. Personnel: The Stewardship Committee shall meet each month, usually on the first Sunday night, to review the finances of the church. The Committee shall consist of two active deacons and three other individuals from the church membership at large.
b: Duties: To promote stewardship through suggestion of goals and methods by the Church Council; to evaluate budget requests and present a church budget for the calendar year to the deacons and to the church for revision recommendations by the month of November and to the church for adoption at the December business session; to audit the church financial records at least annually; to review recommendations for adjustments to the budget and recommendations for expenditures not specifically authorized in the budget . (Any committee or individuals requesting alteration of the budget or further expenditures should refer them to the Stewardship Committee at least one week prior to the business session so this committee may report on how adoption would affect the church finances.)
Section 6 Properties Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of at least five members including a majority of men but at least one woman.
b. Duties: To guarantee the maintenance of all church properties for ready use; to make recommendations concerning modification and use of properties.
Section 7 Benevolence Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of at least one deacon, one WOM Officer concerned with mission action, and one other individual chosen from the membership of the church.
b. Duties: To perform acts of benevolence to persons in need in the name of Christ and His Church. These needs may be physical, social, or mental. Any gift over $250.00 must be
approved by the church.
Section 8 Usher Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of at least twelve men of the church, and as many more as deemed essential in accord with the growth of the church and activities demanded.
b. Duties: To greet members and visitors to the Church services; to distribute bulletins and other special materials; to assist in parking of automobiles as needed; to provide needed seating; to maintain proper temperature in the church; to receive the tithes and offerings during worship services; to perform other services as required in maintaining an atmosphere conductive to worship.
Section 9 Preschool Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of the Preschool Sunday School Division Director, one deacon, and at least three others members related in some way to the Preschool Ministry of the church.
b. Duties: To see that Preschool facilities are open, properly equipped, and adequately staffed for all worship services and special functions approved by the church; to sponsor the spiritual and social growth of Preschool children and when possible that of the parents; to make necessary recommendations to the church regarding the Preschool children.
Section 10 Church History Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of Church Clerk and four other members.
b. Duties: To collect and safe-guard all the records that can be found; assure the making and keeping of adequate records of current progress, and help the members appreciate their church through an understanding of its past. Materials such as, and including, the following should be preserved in an organized fashion; (1) legal papers and records, (2) minutes, (3) membership records, (4) financial records, (5) reports and records of organizations, (6) church publications, (7) Associational and Convention records and annuals and (8) pictures and miscellaneous materials of the history of the church in its various phases of development.
Section 11 Library Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To order, mark, and catalogue books, magazines, and other literature as directed by the church; to maintain the church library in orderly and usable condition; and to care for any visual or audio-aids the church may possess.
Section 12 Flower Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of three members.
b. Duties: To be responsible for securing, arranging, and disposing (either by other members, a florist, or themselves) of floral arrangements for church services, to provide flowers for the bereaved in the event of a member's decease; and to care for special floral arrangements at the direction of the Church.
Section 13 Hostess Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To prepare facilities, make necessary arrangements, secure adequate provisions, and offer constructive suggestions for any organizational or church-wide function when called upon for such assistance. This committee shall be responsible for directing the social functions of the church and recommend policies for the use of church facilities for social functions. The chairman will serve as an ex-officio member of the Kitchen Committee.
Section 14 Recreation Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To discover the recreational interests and capabilities of the membership; to coordinate the total recreational program of the church; to assist organizational leaders with specific recreational projects; to plan, promote, and direct those recreational activities not directly sponsored by a specific organization to guarantee that all recreational activities are consistent with Christian principles that they contribute to the ultimate objectives of the church; and to recommend necessary equipment in accord with the development of the church.
Section 15 Music Committee
Personnel: To consist of six members.
Duties: To plan, coordinate and evaluate the Music Program of the church. The Minister of Music will be an ex-officio member of the committee.
Section 16 Youth Committee
Personnel: To consist of five adult members.
Duties: To plan, coordinate and evaluate the Youth Programs of the church. The Minister of Youth will be an ex-officio member of this committee.
Section 17 Kitchen Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of three members.
b. Duties: The Kitchen Committee is responsible for formulating policies of the kitchen and communicating these policies to the church members.
Section 18 Personnel Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To assist the church in matters related to employed personnel. Its work includes such areas as seeking and nominating personnel for the church, other than the ministerial staff; job descriptions, salaries, benefits, staff needs, and personnel services.
Section 19 Counting Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of six members.
b. Duties: To be responsible for the timely counting and depositing all monies collected by the church and furnishing records of those deposits to the church secretary. Their duties must be fulfilled with a minimum of three members present.
Section 20 Evangelism Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To (1) plan evangelism events that will involve the church in evangelism activities within the church community; (2) maintain a file of evangelism prospects; (3) recommend methods of utilizing the church's resources and facilities in effective evangelism programs; (4) emphasize and publicize the church's evangelism efforts and report on committee activities at least twice each year.
Section 21 Children's Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To plan, coordinate and evaluate and publicize the children's program of the church. The committee will report on committee activities at least twice each year.
Section 22 New Member Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members including at least one active deacon.
b. Duties: To insure that all new members are securely enjoined into the fellowship by (1) developing and insuring timely delivery of new member information packets; (2) introducing and honoring all new members at church-wide fellowship or reception within three months of their joining; (3) assisting new members in finding positions of service and support through the programs and organizations of the church.
Section 23 Security Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members including at least one member of the properties committee.
b. Duties: To insure that the church properties and facilities are secure by (1) analyzing and testing all security systems including locks, lights, alarms, signs, etc.; (2) arrange for building closure and shut down after usage.
Section 24 Audio-Visual Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To be responsible for the maintenance of the audio-visual equipment and arrange for the operation of that equipment and lighting during regular and special worship services and other church-wide programs.
Section 25 Transportation Committee
a. Personnel: To consist of five members.
b. Duties: To insure that all church owned vehicles are maintained economically and are ready for use. Set standards for usage, practice, operations, policies and recommend budget to cover church transportation.
Section 26 Insurance Committee
Personnel: To consist of 5 adult members.
Duties: (1) To ensure that all church buildings, vehicles, properties and contents are adequately insured against loss and liability claims. (2) To meet annually with insurance agents to tour the church facilities to ensure all facilities are properly insured and equipped with proper safety equipment, signs, etc. (i.e. fire extinguishers, exit signs, etc.) (3) To receive annual bids on costs to ensure adequate rates, and gain church approval of selected bid. (4) To make and maintain a comprehensive inventory (written and video) of all contents for appraisal purposes in case of loss due to fire, water, theft, etc.
Section 27 Long Range Planning Committee
Personnel: The committee shall consist of nine members serving staggered nine year terms. The pastor and the chairperson of the Building and Grounds Committee shall serve as ex-officio members of the committee.
Duties: The long Range Planning Committee shall be responsible to the church for formulating and maintaining a ten (10) year plan that meets the needs of First Baptist Church, Summit. This plan shall include facilities, parking, land, staffing and technology. The plan shall be a continuing work in progress. When plans are formulated by the committee, they shall be presented to the church for approval. If approved by the church, the plans shall then be presented to the appropriate committee of the church for implementation.
VI. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Section 1 Ministerial Staff Search Committee
a. Personnel:
When a vacancy occurs in a ministerial staff position, the Committee on Committees will nominate twenty persons as prospective members of a Ministerial Staff Search Committee. In a business session, the church will receive any additional nominees provided such nominees receive a majority vote. The list of nominees will constitute a ballot for selecting six people to serve on this committee. The sixth person will serve as an alternate. This vote for membership to this committee will be by secret ballot. A separate committee shall be elected for each ministerial staff vacancy.
b. Duties:
They will seek out a suitable minister; fulfilling the qualifications in I Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time.
They will seek the leading of the Holy Spirit; to know the purposes, the needs, and the proposed work of the church; and to keep the church informed of its progress at regular intervals.
c. Procedure:
(1) Gain church agreement in business session as to working relationship discussed in paragraph (3) below.
(2) In consultation with the prospective minister, talk with him privately and also utilize other sources to gain satisfaction as to his/her genuine Christianity, adherence to the great doctrines of the Bible, financial integrity, home life relations, ministerial discretion, cooperative denominational loyalty, common sense, education and training to fulfill the duties of ministry.
(3) After all this, if the committee is agreed, make the proposal of the church to him/her. This proposal is to be made in clear terms, explaining the total picture of his/her working relationship, including salary and benefits.
(4) After the prospective minister's visit, the church will vote with 90% of the members present voting "yes" to constitute a call.
(5) Contact the prospective minister after the result of the vote is known.
(6) All notes of interviews, especially a detailed account of the working relationship and records of vote and call should be kept in writing for permanent record in the church file.
Section 2 Other Special Committees shall be elected by the church through proper channels to perform designated tasks, their term of office to be ended when the task is completed.
VII. 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 as Lord, shall be received for baptism.
1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
2. Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the church shall authorize. The deacons shall assist in the preparation for and observance of baptism.
3. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service.
4. A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor and/or staff and deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.
Section 2 The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate his second coming.
1. The Lord's Supper shall be observed on a schedule directed by the pastor.
2. The Lord's Supper shall be observed in the morning or evening worship services, rotating between the two.
3. The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.
4. The deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparation of the Lord's Supper.
VIII. Church Finances
Section 1 Budget
The Stewardship Committee, in accordance with the requirements of the committee laid down in these By-Laws, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and worldwide expenses.
Section 2 Distribution and Records of Funds
All funds for any and all purposes shall pass through the hand of the church treasurer and be properly recorded on the books of the church.
Section 3 Source of Funds
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular support proportionate gifts. At least annually, plans shall be put into operation for securing a worthy subscription from each member of the church. We believe in the teaching of the Word of God in I Corinthians 16:2 and Malachi 3:10.
IX. Amendments
Changes in this Constitution and By-Laws may be made at any regular business session of this church, provided such amendments shall have been presented in writing to the membership of the church at any regular or duly called business session or through the mail at least 30 days prior to the date of voting on said amendment. Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be by two-thirds vote of members present at this business session.
X. Miscellaneous
Section 1 Licensing
Upon recommendation by any member of the church 21 years of age or older, this church shall consider for licensing anyone within its membership who has given satisfactory evidence that he has the qualifications for a minister, and who has made a solemn commitment to the Lord before the church that such is his intended purpose in life.
Section 2 Church Seal
The Church Seal (affixed to the original copy of this Constitution and By-Laws) shall appear on all documents where it is considered essential by the church body or by legal requirements.
Section 3 This Constitution and By-Laws, upon adoption by the church, shall become effective, and all other existing Constitution, Bylaws, actions, and customs in conflict herewith shall stand repealed and void.
March 2005
|