Article 1 – Church Government & Membership
Section 1
General
This
is a sovereign and democratic Southern Baptist church under the Lordship of
Jesus Christ. The membership has the exclusive right of self-government in all
phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church and reserves the
exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the
conditions of such membership.
Section 2
Candidacy
The
membership of this church shall consist of persons who confess Jesus Christ to
be their Savior and Lord. Any person may offer themselves as a candidate for
membership in this church. All such candidates shall be presented to the church
for membership at any regular church service in any of the following ways:
Profession
of faith and for
baptism.
Promise of
letter from
another church of like faith and practice.
By statement of prior conversion and baptism in a church
of like faith and practice.
Should
there be any dissent to a candidate, a two-thirds vote of those members present
shall be required to accept the candidate as a member.
Action
to accept a candidate for membership may be by motion or by asking for “All
those in favor.”
Section 3
New Member Orientation
New
members of this church are expected to participate in the church’s New Member
Orientation.
Section 4
Membership Class
For
the purpose of these bylaws, membership is divided into 3 categories as
follows:
An
Active member is one who has
attended or contributed to the church within the past year.
An
In-Active member is one who
has not attended or contributed to the church within the past year.
A Watch-Care member is one who is
prohibited by circumstances from attending services and therefore has no voting
privileges until authorized by the church.
Section 5
Rights of Members
Every
active member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all
questions submitted to the church in business meeting provided the member is
present or a provision has been made for absentee balloting. Every active
member is eligible for consideration as a candidate for elective office in the
church. Every member may participate in the ordinances of the church.
Section 6
Duties of Members
Members
are to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life including
prayer, faithfully attending the services of this church, giving regularly for
its support and sharing in its organized work. Offering envelopes shall be
provided for member use.
Section 7
Termination of Membership
Membership
may be terminated in the following ways:
Death of the member.
Transfer to another Baptist church. Any member in
good and regular standing who desires a letter of transfer to any other Baptist
church is entitled to receive it upon request.
Erasure upon membership in a church of another
denomination.
Member request for termination. If a member requests to be
released from their obligations to this church, such request may be granted.
Immoral, unchristian conduct or persistent
breach of covenant vows.
Should
some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability
to the general welfare of the church the Pastor and deacons will take every
reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accord with Matthew 18.
Termination of membership for immoral/unchristian conduct or persistent breach
of covenant vows will be by recommendation of the deacons. The termination
cannot take place at the same meeting when the recommendation for such action
is made. A two-thirds vote of the members present is required to declare the
person to no longer be a member. All such proceeding shall be pervaded by a
spirit of Christian kindness and tolerance. The church may restore to
membership any person upon request by that person and by a vote of the church
upon evidence of the person’s repentance and reformation.
Article 2 – Church Staff
Section 1
Ministerial Staff
Ministerial
Staff shall give evidence of a personal call of God before being called by
church action.
The Pastor is responsible to the
church for using his gifts/skills in proclamation and pastoral care in meeting
the needs of persons in the church and community and providing administrative
leadership.
Other
Ministerial Staff shall be called and employed upon the recommendation of the
Personnel Committee as the church determines the need for such offices.
The Music Minister is
responsible to the pastor for developing, planning, conducting, scheduling, and
evaluating the music ministry of the church. The Music Minister shall perform other
duties as assigned by the Pastor.
The Youth/Education Minister is
responsible to the pastor for developing, planning, conducting, scheduling, and
evaluating church education and youth programs. If the church determines the
need for separate positions of Youth Minister and Education Minister, at the
recommendation of the Personnel Committee and approval of the church, this
position may be separated. The Youth/Education Minister shall perform other
duties as assigned by the Pastor.
The Media Minister is
responsible to the pastor for overseeing the development, coordination and
evaluation of the Media Ministry of the church. The Director of Media shall
perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor.
Section 2
Ministerial Support Staff
The
Ministerial Office Staff shall be employed as the Personnel Committee determines
the need for such positions subject to church approval at the next business
meeting. The Ministerial Office Staff work directly with the Pastor and
Ministerial Staff.
Section 3 Other Support Staff
The
Support Staff shall be employed as the Personnel Committee determines the need
for such positions. Support Staff includes all employees other than the
Ministerial Staff and Ministerial Support Staff. The Personnel Committee will
report to the church any action taken concerning the hiring or termination of Support
Staff.
Section 4
Resignation
At
the time of resignation at least two weeks’ notice shall be given to the
church.
Section 5
Termination
Pastor
The
church may declare the office of Pastor to be vacant. Such action shall take
place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least one week’s public
notice has been given. The meeting may be called upon the recommendation of a
majority of the deacons or by written petition signed by not less than one
fourth of the resident church members. The moderator for this meeting shall be
designated by the members present by majority vote and shall be someone other
than the Pastor. The vote to declare the office vacant shall be by secret
ballot with an affirmative vote of two thirds of the members present being
necessary to declare the office of Pastor vacant. The termination shall be
immediate.
Other Ministerial Staff
The
church may vote to vacate a Ministerial or Ministerial Support Staff position
upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee at a meeting called for that
purpose of which at least one week’s public notice has been given. The vote to
declare the staff position vacant shall be by secret ballot with an affirmative
vote of two thirds of the members present required to declare the position vacant.
The termination shall be immediate.
Support Staff
A
Support Staff position may be terminated after due evaluation by the Personnel
Committee. The termination shall be immediate.
Termination
Compensation
Except
in instances of gross misconduct, the church will compensate with not less than
one twelfth of the total annual compensation, and compensation shall be
rendered in not more than thirty days.
Article 3 – Officers
Section 1
General
All
church officers and program officers shall be members of First Baptist Church.
Officers, excluding Moderator and Deacons, shall be nominated by the Nominating
Committee.
Section 2
Deacons
Deacons
are to be servants of the church. Their task is to serve with the Pastor and
Staff in performing the pastoral ministry tasks of:
(1) Leading the church in the achievement of
its mission.
(2) Proclaiming the gospel to believers and
unbelievers.
(3) Caring for the church’s members and other
persons in the community.
(4) Assisting the Pastor in administering the
ordinances.
In
counsel with the Pastor, deacons are to have oversight of the discipline of the
church.
Deacons
shall be ordained to the office. Ordination in another church of like faith and
practice shall suffice for this church although there is no obligation to
choose such a person as a deacon in
Deacon
qualifications include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Born again believer in Jesus Christ;
(2) Does not drink, buy, sell or give away
alcoholic beverages;
(3) Model of faithful devotion to one spouse,
if married;
(4) One who is worthy of respect, sincere and
honest;
(5) Faithful to the church by tithing;
(6) Both deacon and spouse shall be Southern
Baptist and members of this church who participate in and support its work;
(7) Should demonstrate spiritual
qualifications prior to selection; and
(8) Be at least 21 years of age.
The
deacons shall meet prior to the regular monthly business meeting of the church.
Section 3
Moderator
The
Moderator of the church shall be the presiding officer in all church business
meetings. The Pastor is designated as the Moderator. In the Pastor’s absence he
may appoint a moderator or the Chairman of Deacons shall act as moderator
Section 4
Church Clerk
The
Church Clerk shall be responsible for keeping a suitable record of all official
actions of the church including keeping a register of members with dates of
admission, transfers, or death along with a record of baptisms. The clerk shall
issue letters of transfer voted on by the church, preserve on file all
communications and written official reports and give required notice of all
business meetings where notice is necessary. The Church Clerk shall also be
responsible for preparing the annual letter of the church to the association.
The
church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary
who will assist the elected Church Clerk. All church records are church
property and shall be kept in the church office.
Section 5
Treasurer
The
Treasurer shall be responsible to oversee the Financial Secretary in the
administration of receiving, banking, accounting and disbursing all church
monies in a way that will provide adequate controls and safeguards. The
Treasurer’s report and records shall be audited at least once every three years
by the Finance committee and/or public accountant
Section 6
Trustees
The
church shall elect three Trustees to serve as legal officers for the church.
Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each action, they shall have the
power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any church property. When the
signatures of trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents involving
the sale, mortgage, purchase or rental of property or other legal documents
related to church approved matters. Trustees should have knowledge and
experience related to legal matters, property and insurance. Trustees shall be
elected for a 3 year term with one-third rotating off each year. Trustees are
eligible for re-election after one year’s absence.
Section 7
Program Officers
The
church Program Officers shall include but not be limited to the following:
Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training
Director, WMU Director, Brotherhood Director.
Article 4 – Committees
Section 1
General
All
church committee members shall be members of
All
committees shall follow a plan of rotation with 1/3 of the members rotating off
the committee each year. Members shall not be eligible for re-election on the
same committee until one year’s absence off the committee. Members shall be
limited when practical to serving on only one committee at a time except where
there is a related responsibility.
There
are two types of committees – Standing and Special.
A
Standing committee is one that works throughout the year having an ongoing list
of duties that require regular performance and reports. It meets at regular
intervals and carries out responsibilities that have continuity.
A
Special or Ad Hoc committee is one that has specific duties that shall terminate
at a specific time. The Pastor is authorized to appoint members to a Special
committee except when the church specifically votes to elect the committee.
The
following guidelines shall govern all church committees:
All
committees must meet as often as needed or specified within these bylaws and
report to the church any recommendations made. Failure of attendance by any
member to three consecutive meetings without justifiable reason will be grounds
for removal from the committee. All committees are authorized to select
sub-committees for specific work of a temporary nature. The committee shall be
responsible for all actions of the sub-committee. Unless otherwise specified
within these bylaws, each committee shall elect their own chairperson. The
Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
Additional
Standing committees may be added by the amendment procedure prescribed within
these bylaws.
Section 2
Committees
Building and
Grounds
The
Building and Grounds Committee shall determine space needs for church programs
and provide, allocate and maintain facilities, including the parsonage,
equipment, and furnishings as needed. This committee shall also determine and
recommend the need for acquiring additional space and equipment for programs.
Members should be knowledgeable concerning program needs and the maintenance of
facilities and equipment.
The
committee shall be composed of five members.
Nominating
The
Nominating Committee shall be responsible to the church for staffing all church
elected offices and committees and for discovering and maintaining an inventory
of prospective workers. The Chairman shall consult with the Pastor and Staff on
all nominees prior to presenting names to the church for election. Members
should be knowledgeable concerning all programs of the church and their
leadership needs and be acquainted with and have the respect of the church
membership.
Program
Directors shall bring a list to the committee and the committee shall present
the names to the church for election.
The
committee shall be composed of five members.
Personnel
The
Personnel Committee shall be aware of the need for any change to the church
staff. This committee is solely an advisory body and shall always be subject to
the will of the church as exercised by that body in a business meeting.
The
committee shall provide job application forms to any prospective employee other
than the Pastor. The committee shall furnish any forms needed directly to the
Pastor Search Committee. The prospective employee shall be provided a job
description, size and budget of the church and names of local ministers and
leaders.
The
committee shall review all job descriptions, policies and employee performance
annually during September of each year. If any employee wishes to discuss a
change in their job description prior to the annual review, the employee should
contact a committee member at least three days in advance of the proposed
meeting. The committee is open to meeting with any employee at any time.
The
committee shall consist of three men and two women.
Pre-School
The
Pre-School Committee shall establish, recommend and publicize pre-school
policies and procedures for use in the pre-school departments. It shall work in
cooperation with the Staff to enact and enforce written policies concerning the
pre-school work and meeting areas of the church. The Sunday School Pre-School
Division Director shall serve on the committee. This committee shall be
composed of three members.
Reception
and Hospitality
The
committee shall represent the church as hosts and shall be responsible for
receptions or other functions as deemed necessary. The committee shall consist
of seven members.
Finance
This
committee is responsible to the church for administrating the total financial
program of the church including budget planning and budget administration. The
committee is also responsible for the development of Christian Stewards through
stewardship education in all areas of the church program. The committee shall
meet monthly prior to the regularly scheduled business meeting.
Committee
members should be loyal church stewards, acquainted with the total church
program, and knowledgeable of financial matters related to the church program.
This committee shall be composed of seven
members including the Church Treasurer, and one member representing the
Personnel Committee, selected by the Personnel Committee.
Article 5 – Program Organizations
Section 1
General
The
church shall maintain programs of Bible teaching, church member training,
leader training, new member orientation, mission education, small groups and
music education training and performance.
All
organizations related to the church programs shall be under church control. All
officers will be elected by the church and report regularly to the church. All
program activities are subject to church coordination and approval.
All
Directors and those engaged in teaching the Bible shall be members of
The
church shall provide the human, physical and financial resources for the
appropriate advancement of these programs.
Section 2
Sunday School
The
Sunday School shall be the basic organization for the Bible teaching program.
Sunday School’s task shall be to teach Biblical revelation, reach persons for
Christ, enlarge church membership, perform the function of the church within
Sunday School, provide and interpret information about the work of the church
and denomination.
The
Sunday School will be organized by departments and/or classes as appropriate
for all ages and shall be conducted under the direction of a Sunday School
Director elected by the church.
Section 3
Discipleship Training
The
Discipleship Training organization shall serve as the training unit of the
church. Its tasks shall be to train church members to perform the functions of
the church; train church leaders; orient new church members; teach Christian
theology; Christian ethics, Christian history and church government.
Discipleship Training shall be under the direction of a Discipleship Training
Director elected by the church.
Section 4 Missions
The
WMU shall be the mission education,
action and support organization of the church for women and girls. The Brotherhood shall be the church’s
organization for mission education, action and support for men and boys. Both
organizations shall teach missions, engage in mission action, support world
missions through prayer and offerings and shall have such officers and
organization as the programs require.
Section 5
Church Music
The
Church Music organization shall be
the music education, training and performance organization of the church. It
shall teach music, train persons to lead, sing and play music in the church and
community. The Church Music program, under the direction of the Minister of
Music, shall have such officers and organization as the program requires.
Article 6 – Church Council
Section 1
Authorization
The
formation and use of a planning and coordination team called the Church Council
is authorized.
Section 2
General
The
Church Council is a planning, coordinating and evaluating organization through
which all church organizations including committees may coordinate their
activities into one program of work. It is not an authoritative or
administrative group.
The
council will meet monthly or quarterly as may be desired or on call of the
Pastor or council chairperson at any time deemed necessary. All matters agreed
upon by the council not already approved by the church shall be referred to the
church for approval.
Section 3
Composition
The
Church Council shall be composed of Directors of all church program
organizations, Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School & Discipleship Training
Directors, WMU & Brotherhood Directors, Pastor and Ministerial Staff.
Church officers and committee chairperson’s attendance will be required only
when their areas of work are to be discussed. The Pastor shall serve as chairman.
Article 7 – Ordinances
Section 1
Baptism
This
church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as
Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service,
and who indicates a commitment to follow Him as Lord. Scriptural baptism is by
immersion in water under the authority of a church of like faith and practice.
The Pastor or whomever the church shall authorize shall administer baptism.
Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service
of the church.
Section 2
The Lord’s Supper
The
church shall observe the Lord’s Supper quarterly unless otherwise scheduled by
the church. Participation in the Lord’s Supper shall be limited to those who
have been born again, scripturally baptized and of like faith and practice. The
Pastor and deacons, or whomever the church shall authorize, shall administer
the Lord’s Supper.
Article 8 – Meetings
Section 1
Worship Services
The
church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday
evening unless otherwise scheduled.
Section 2
Special Services
Revival
services and any other special church meetings shall be placed on the church
calendar.
Section 3
Business Meetings
The
church shall hold regular business meetings monthly on the second Wednesday
evening.
The
church may conduct special business meetings. A one week notice must be given
for the specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such
notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, date, time and place
of the meeting and must be given in such a manner that resident members have
opportunity to know of the meeting.
Section 4
Quorum
A
quorum consists of 5% of the active membership as determined by the records of
the church on the first day of each year.
Section 5
Notice / Public Notice
Notice
and/or Public Notice may be given from the pulpt, in the weekly bulletin, mass
mailing or on the church website.
Section 6
Parliamentary Rules
Robert’s
Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure
for all business meetings of the church.
Article 9 – Finances
Section 1
Budget
The
Finance Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an
inclusive budget indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all
expenses. This proposed budget shall be printed and made available to the active
members a minimum of two weeks prior to the scheduled business meeting at which
it is to be discussed. Copies of the proposed budget shall be available in the
church office. The proposed budget shall be discussed and amended as needed and
by majority vote be recommended for adoption by the church without discussion
at a special business meeting the following Sunday morning. Should the proposed
budget fail to be adopted it will be referred back to the committee.
Section 2
Accounting
All
funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the
Church Treasurer and/or Financial Secretary and be properly recorded on the
books of the church. Those who have responsibility that involves actual
handling of funds shall be bonded with the church paying the bond. The
Treasurer along with the Financial Secretary shall be the primary signers of
all checks issued by the church. Additional co-signers are authorized by the
church. A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of
all funds shall be the responsibility of the Finance Committee.
Section 3
Fiscal Year
The
church fiscal year shall run concurrently with the calendar year.
Section 4
Remuneration for Service
Supply
preachers, both church members and non church members, may be paid an amount as
authorized in the Policy Manual for each service preached. A mileage rate as
authorized by the IRS may be paid. Lodging may be paid for those requiring
overnight accommodations.
All
revival remuneration shall be by love offering unless otherwise decided by the
Pastor, Treasurer and/or the Finance Committee.
Interim
Pastor remuneration shall be set by church action.
Mileage
and other expenses incurred during the performance of the Pastor Search
Committee and Personnel Committee duties are authorized.
Section 5
Budgeted Expenditures
Expenditures
for budgeted items/categories are authorized provided funds are available.
Repairs and/or maintenance to the church facilities are authorized from the
Building Fund with the approval of the Pastor, Building & Grounds
Chairperson and Church Treasurer.
Section 6
Non Budget Expenditures
Requests
for expenditures outside of the normal budget shall be referred to the Finance
Committee for review before presentation to the church.
Section 7
Designated Offerings
Designated
offerings should be used for the purpose for which they were given. Any
designated funds that remain after the purpose for which they were given, may
be expended at the discretion of the Finance Committee.
Should
the church vote to use a designated account for another purpose, the designated
account shall be paid back in a timely manner and a report made at each
business meeting as to the status of the re-payment.
Section 8
Emergency Provision
The
pastor, chairperson of the Building and Grounds committee, or trustee may
approve immediate emergency repairs or maintenance to insure the safety of the
building and/or occupants. All such expenditures shall be reported to the
church at the next business meeting following the expenditure.
Section 9
Special Offerings
Special
offerings other than mission offerings are discouraged during the months of
April, September and December.
Section 10
Contribution Records
Individual
member contribution records are private and only the Financial Secretary and
Church Treasurer shall have access to those records.
Section 11
Fundraising
Fundraising
activities may be allowed only after authorization by the church.
Section 12
Emergency Payroll Fund
An
emergency payroll fund equal to one week’s payroll is authorized for use in
meeting payroll obligations when weekly receipts fall short.
Section 13
Budget Amendments
The
Finance Committee shall be responsible for making any budget amendment
recommendations to the church.
Article 10 – Policy Manual
Section 1
Authorization
A
Policy Manual containing day to day policies and procedures not covered in
these bylaws is authorized.
Section 2
General
Any
policy or procedure within the Policy Manual that is in conflict with the
bylaws is revoked.
Polices
contained within the Policy Manual may cover but are not limited to the
following: Additional job descriptions, Additional Committees, Wedding
policies, Use of Media equipment, Use of church vehicles, Parking Lots, and Use
of church facilities.
Section 3
Availability
A
copy of the Policy Manual shall be kept in the church office and will be
available for reading by any church member.
Section 4
Policy Manual Amendments
Amendments
and/or additions/corrections to the Policy Manual shall be by church action at
any business meeting.
Article 11 – Elections
Section 1
General Elections
Unless
otherwise indicated in these bylaws or determined by church action at a regular
business meeting, all church elections shall be by the show of hands or voice
vote.
Section 2
Personnel Committee
The
Nominating Committee shall submit to the church a list of names equal to three
times the number of vacancies to be filled on the Personnel Committee at the
regular business meeting in September. The congregation may then add names to
the list. The list of names will be presented to the church on the last Sunday
night in September following the evening service. Voting will be by secret
ballot and election shall be by majority vote. Immediate family members cannot
serve together on the Personnel Committee during the same year. No one may be
elected to the Personnel Committee if they have a member of their immediate
family on the church staff.
Section 3 Pastor
Search Committee
Election
will be held on a Sunday morning by secret ballot for the Pastor Search
Committee. Ballots will be distributed with room for five names. The five
receiving the most votes will be elected to the committee. If any of the five
decline to serve then the next highest person shall be elected. Of the five
elected, the one receiving the most votes shall be chairperson. The alternate
committee member will be the one receiving the next highest number of votes,
after the five have been elected.
Section 4
Calling a Pastor
Voting
to call a pastor shall be by secret ballot with a three-fourths majority
necessary for election. The election shall take place at a Sunday service
determined by church action. The Pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the
relationship is terminated at his or the church's request.
Section 5
Ministerial Staff
Voting
to call ministerial staff shall be by secret ballot with a majority of votes
necessary for election. The election shall take place at a Sunday service
determined by church action. The Ministerial Staff member, thus elected shall
serve until the relationship is terminated at his or the church’s request.
Article 12 – Employment Policies
Section 1
Holidays
Church
Holidays shall be; (1) New Year's Day, (2) Memorial Day, (3) July 4th, (4)
Labor Day, (5) Thanksgiving Day, (6)
Christmas Eve, and (7) Christmas Day.
When any of these days fall on a weekend the Friday before or the Monday
afterwards may be taken.
Section 2
Vacation
One
year of employment must be completed before vacation benefits begin. Vacations
must be taken within one calendar year. Staff members and employees are not
eligible to receive pay instead of vacation time except upon termination.
Vacation time should be taken to minimize impact upon the work place.
Staff
members and employees shall earn paid vacation time according to the policy
manual.
Section 3
Sick Leave
Sick
leave is defined as absence from work with pay resulting from an illness or
disabling injury. Sick leave is not intended or to be construed as “vacation
time.”
Sick
leave may be used for personal illness or incapacity, or for occasions which
require the employee to be the primary caregiver for a member of the immediate
family who is ill or incapacitated. Care of non-family members is considered
leave without pay. Time spent away from work caring for healthy children is
considered leave without pay. Elective physician and dental appointments should
be made to minimize impact upon the work place.
Staff
members and employees shall not be paid for unused sick leave.
Section 4
Health Reimbursement Accounts
The
church established a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) effective January
1, 2005 for the benefit of all employees (working at least 16 hours or more per
week) and their dependents (spouse & minor children) under Section
105(b),(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Health
reimbursement accounts shall be maintained for each employee from which covered
expenses (as defined by Section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code and Revenue
Ruling 2003-102) for the employee or their dependents shall be reimbursed.
Church-funded reimbursements to an employee and/or their dependents shall not
exceed $1,000 plus any unused reimbursements (from previous years) during the
calendar year.
The
plan shall be administered in a nondiscriminatory manner (as defined by Section
150(h) of the Internal Revenue Code) and shall remain in effect until modified
or terminated by a later resolution.
The
plan shall cover employees only. Former employees are not eligible for
reimbursement for their unused reimbursement amount remaining at retirement or
other termination of employment. Employees may not take “lump-sum” payments of
their unused reimbursement amounts. Payment of funds shall be for substantiated
medical expenses only.
Section 5
Preschool Workers
Preschool
1 workers, excluding "extended session" workers, shall be paid for
working during Sunday School and the Sunday morning worship service.
Section 6
Immediate Family