Church Constitution and By-Laws
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PREAMBLE ARTICLE I - DOCTRINAL STATEMENT ARTICLE II - THE PURPOSE ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP ARTICLE IV - CHURCH OFFICERS ARTICLE V - ELECTION OF OFFICERS ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS ARTICLE VII - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ARTICLE VIII - BUSINESS MEETINGS ARTICLE IX - SPECIAL SERVICES ARTICLE X - AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS ARTICLE XI - CHURCH FINANCES ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS ARTICLE XIII - ORDINATIONS ARTICLE XIV - DISSOLUTION CLAUSE WHEREAS:It is the purpose of this church to promote the interests of the Kingdom of God by evangelizing the unsaved and seeking the spiritual improvement of its members through the Gospel as set forth in the New Testament, and administering the ordinances therein; and desiring that all things be done decently and in order, and that we may readily help one another in our service in God's house; WE, THE MEMBERS of the North Eulalia Baptist Church, Coudersport, Pennsylvania, do ordain and establish the following rules to which we voluntarily submit ourselves. The church's government is vested in the body of believers who compse its membership. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body. TOP DOCTRINAL STATEMENT 1. THE BIBLE We believe the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments, to be the verbally, plenary, inspired word of God, as given in the original manuscripts and has been preserved as such; written by men of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit; that it is infallible and God breathed and our final and only rule of faith and practice. I Cor. 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:19-21. 2. THE TRIUNE GODHEAD We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. Gen. 1:1; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; 10:30; 2 Cor. 13:14. 3. GOD THE FATHER We believe that God is an eternal person, having no beginning and no ending, that He is Creator of all, and is infinite and infallible. Gen. 1:1; John 4:24; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11. 4. GOD THE SON We believe in the Deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His shed blood for atonement, His bodily resurrection and ascension and His personal return to establish His Kingdom on earth; that He is the only Savior of mankind; that He created all things; that He is God incarnate in human flesh, and that He is the one mediator between God and man. He pre-existed as God, and by Him all things consist. Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:35; Jn. 1:1,14; 3:16; 10:30; 11:25; 14:6; Acts 1:11; 4:12; Rom. 8:3; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14,17; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 19:11-16. 5. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son, and that He was active in creation. His relation to the unbelieving world is one of restraining. We believe that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that He is the agent in the new birth, in dwelling the believer at the time of salvation; that He baptizes all believers into the body of Christ at the time of salvation; that he seals all believers at the time of salvation; that He teaches; and that He fills the yielded believer enabling him to live a Godly life. Gen. 1:1-3; Mat. 28:19; Jn. 3:5,6; 14:16,17, 26; 16:8-11; Acts 5:3,4; I Cor. 3:16; 12:13; Eph. 1:13; 5:18; Heb. 9:14. 6. CREATION We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution, all this in six, 24 hour, days. Gen. 1 & 2; Ex. 20:11; Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16,17. 7. MAN We believe that man was created in the likeness and image of God, but through the sin of Adam fell from this sinless state, and is no longer born in the likeness and image of God, but is born with a totally depraved nature and is spiritually dead and is alienated from God and that for salvation, Holy Spirit regeneration is absolutely essential. Is. 53:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 3:19 & 23; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1-4. 8. SALVATION We believe all men are sinners by nature and deed and that God has provided justification by the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ on the cross by the shedding of His blood; that it is by grace apart from works or any human endeavor or will of man (John 1:13); and that God has chosen His elect before the foundation of the world, based upon His foreknowledge, omniscience, and eternal decree which He purposed in Himself completely, and sent His son to die for them (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11, 14, 15; Ephesians 5:25), thereby predestinating them (determining the ultimate destiny of all who have been regenerated to newness of life). Jn. 6:37; 17:2, 7, 9; Acts 10:41; 13:48; Rom. 8: 29-30; Eph. 1:4,13; 2 Thess. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2. NOTE: It is emphasized repeatedly in the Scripture that our responsibility is to preach the Gospel to every man, for in the world of man, God's elect mingle (wheat and tares), thus many will respond, but not all. We save no one, but become God's instruments whereby He accomplishes His eternal sovereign plan. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 10:45.). We believe that all who trust Christ as their personal Lord and Savior have eternal life. Acts 13:38, 39; Rom. 5:1-19; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8, 9; Heb. 9:22; I Jn. 1:7; Rom. 10:9,10; Rom. 9:16. We believe that by voluntary transgression man fell from that innocent and happy estate, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil, and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defence or excuse. Gen. 1:1-3, 24, 26, 27; 2:18; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:9-18; 5:12-19 1 Cor. 11:3, 8-12; Col. 3:18,19, I Tim 2:11-14; Titus 2:5; Peter 3:1-7. 9. THE DEVIL We believe that Satan is an angelic being with personality (Lucifer), once one of God's highest created beings; that through pride he fell; that he is the deceiver of mankind, and the "prince of the power of the air," the unholy god of this age; that he is the enemy of God and the accuser of the brethren; that he is destined to final defeat at the hands of Jesus Christ and that God shall cast him into the lake of fire forever. Job 1:6, 7; Isa. 14:12-15; Ez. 28:14-17; Matt. 25:41: 2 Cor. 4:4; 11:13-15; Eph. 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 12:9,10; 20:10. 10. HEAVEN AND HELL We believe that Heaven is a place prepared for all born again believers and that Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels and a place of eternal, conscious punishment of all unsaved. Matt. 25:41,46; Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 20:14, 15; 21:8. 11. ETERNAL SECURITY We believe in the eternal security of the believer; that once a person is born again, he cannot lose his new nature; and he is sealed until the day of redemption by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30) and that he will be an overcomer and not be cast out (John 6:37). NOTE: Once born again and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, adopted into God's family, one never becomes unborn or unadopted. Eternal security has nothing to do with sinless perfection, nor is it a license to sin. Jn. 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:28, 29; Phil.1:6; Col. 3:3; I Pet. 1:5; I Jn. 5:13; Jude 1. 12. THE ORDINANCES: BAPTISM AND COMMUNION We believe that baptism is a Scripiural ordinance requiring immersion of believers, only to be administered by a New Testament Church, and that baptism does not save, but that it is an act of obedience to the command of Christ and a testimony to the world of your faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matt. 3:15,16; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41; 8:38,39; Rom. 6:1-5. We believe that the Lord's Supper is a Scriptural ordinance of the church to be partaken of by obedient Christians of like faith, and that it is symbolic of Christ's body broken for our sins and his blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance but helps us remember His death till He comes again. I Corinthians 11:23-29 13. THE CHURCH We believe that a New Testament Church is an organized body of born-again believers, baptized by immersion, associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, practicing Scriptural ordinances and engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission. We believe that Christ is the only "Head of the Body, the Church" and that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation, on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, and the will of the local church is final. We believe in the autonomy of the local church. We believe its officers are pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined clearly in the Word of God. Matt. 18:15-18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41, 42, 47; 6:1-7; 13:1-4; 20:17-28; I Cor. 5:1-13; 11:2; Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:11; Col. 1:18; I Tim. 3:1-7. 14. THE RESURRECTION OF ALL We believe in the physical resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved unto the resurrection of life and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation. Dan. 12:1; Jn.5:28, 29; I Cor. 15; I Thess. 4:13-18. 15. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST We believe in the imminent, pre-tribulational, pre-millennial, return of Jesus Christ to rapture the Church. It will be personal, visible, glorious and we shall meet Him in the air, after which God will pour out His wrath upon the unbelieving world. He will then return to establish His glorious and literal Kingdom on the earth for a thousand years. Jn. 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 20. 16. SEPERATION A. Worldly We believe that every Christian should be experientially seperated from the world unto God; that believers are in the world but not of it; that the Christian is not to love the world or to be conformed to it; that he is a pilgrim and a stranger here and should walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. Jn.17:16; Rom.12:1,2; Col. 3:10; I Jn. 2:15-17. B. Ecclesiastical We believe in seperation from any who proclaim any other Gospel, creed, religion or philosophy, which is based on faulty Biblical exegesis or extra-Biblical revelation. This would include the World Council of Churches, National Council of Churches, Eccumenism, Romanism, Communism and the Charismatic movement, etc. NOTE: Seperation is not isolation, but non-participation with those who hold not to the truth if even partially. 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Jn. 4:1; 2 Jn.10,11. 17. CHURCH AND STATE We believe in the separation of Church and State. We believe that civil government is of divine appointment and that governors of states and nations should be obeyed when the laws they seek to enforce are not in conflict with the Word of God. Matt. 22:21; Acts 4:19, 20; Rom. 13:1-7; I Pet. 2:13-15. 18. CHARlSMATIC MOVEMENT We believe that the "sign gifts" referred to in I Corinthians 12, such as the gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, tongues, the interpretation of tongues as well as the casting out of demons, were temporary for the Apostolic days and have since ceased. We therefore do not support and will not tolerate the practice or propagation of the Charismatic Movement. I Cor. 12; 13:8-10; 14:22; 2 Cor.12:12; Eph. 2:20; Heb. 2:4. TOP THE PURPOSE Our purpose is to bring glory to God and to advance the work of the Lord Jesus Christ by: 1. Conducting an independent, autonomous Baptist church in accordance with the Word of God, and the Declaration of Faith, Church Covenant and Constitution set forth and adopted by this church; 2. Promoting the worship of God and the edification of His children by maintaining regular services for worship, prayer, and teaching the whole counsel of God, and by administering the New Testament ordinances of Baptism by immersion and the Lord's Table; 3. Providing a center of training for the whole family in Bible knowledge, doctrine, and principles of Christian conduct; 4. Seeking to win the lost to Christ through personal witnessing, the preaching of the Gospel, and by carrying on and supporting a vigorous program of missions at home and abroad that are of like faith and practice; 5. Defending the faith which was once delivered unto the saints; 6. Maintaining a good testimony for Christ in our community by giving example of Godliness, good works, and Biblical discipline. Our purpose is further expressed in the following Church Covenant: Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 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 be faithful in attendance and observance of the ordinances and doctrines, submitting to discipline when necessary; 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 shall encourage family devotions and maintain personal devotions; religiously educate our children in the Word of God; seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; walk uprightly in the world; be just in our dealings; be faithful in our engagements; avoid anger while encouraging direct communications with each other; abstain from the sale and use of any substance which will be ingested into the bloodstream without medical necessity, such as alcohol, nicotine, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and narcotics, which would hamper the judgement or equilibrium, bring addiction, hurt the weaker brother, or defile the body (the temple of the Holy Spirit); and avoid gambling in any form (i.e. wagers on games of chance). We should exhibit a loving concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ; remember each other in prayer; aid each other in sickness and distress; cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation. If we should leave this locality, it is our desire to unite as soon as possible with another Baptist church of like faith and practice, where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God's Word. TOP MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY The membership of this church shall consist of baptized (by immersion) believers in the Lord Jesus, who are in substantial agreement with its views and practices and who have signed the Church Covenant. Persons may be received into such membership by baptism, letter, or experience. By Baptism--upon satisfactory evidence of Christ as personal Savior. By Letter--of dismissal and recommendations of recent date from some Baptist Church of like precious faith. By a Statement--of Christian experience and satisfactory explanation of failure to have a church letter of recent date. By Statement--of Christian experience providing the person has been previously immersed. By Restoration SECTION 2. APPLICATlON Persons wishing to unite with the church shall present themselves to the Board of Deacons and the Pastor at a meeting time agreed upon for this purpose. SECTION 3. ADMISSION The chairman of the Board of Deacons shall recommend them to the church at the mid-week service. A majority vote of those voting members present is required for admission and the right hand of fellowship shall be extended at a Sunday service. Members may be received or dismissed at any business meeting of the church. SECTION 4. DISMISSAL A letter of recommendation and dismissal good for six months may be granted by vote of the church to any member in good standing; the letter to specify the name of the Baptist church to which it is issued. Members may be granted a certificate of standing for the purpose of associating themselves with any evangelical church other than Baptist. Such letters and certificates shall be mailed by the clerk of the church to the pastor or the clerk of the church to which such members are dismissed. SECTION 5. DUTIES Members shall strive to keep their covenant obligations. They should honor and esteem their pastor, pray for him daily, and assist him in carrying out the program of the church. They are expected to attend the church's meetings, to work for its' upbuilding, to guard its good name in the community, to contribute regularly and according to his ability for the expenses of the church. They will furthermore endeavor to preserve the unity of the church and it at any time they find themselves opposed to the fundamental doctrines of this church, described herein, they will not seek to disrupt its fellowship but will quietly withdraw from its membership. SECTION 6. DISCIPLINE A. INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP A member who attends worship service very irregularly, less than once a month, who fails to give regular financial support when able, and who refuses to assume any responsibility for the good of the church, will have his name erased from the roll of the church after review by the Board of Deacons. Before a member's name is removed from the membership, the pastor and deacons shall visit the member who has been inactive for the purpose of trying to restore them to active interest in the church. Such dismissals will be made by the vote of the church. Inactive members can hold no office in the church nor vote on any matter pertaining to the church. B. DOCTRINAL HERESY Doctrinal heresy shall be under the discipline of the Board of Deacons with the right of appeal to the church. C. MISCONDUCT Members who have been guilty of gross immorality or of misconduct unworthy of a follower of Christ, after reasonable efforts to win them back to faithfulness, may be excluded from membership upon recommendation of the Pastor and deacons and vote of the church. In all matters of this kind a careful application of New Testament principles should be observed. D. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE Although God's perfect standard is one man for one woman (monogamy), it has become evident that throughout time, O.T. as well as N .T., sin has disrupted this perfect bond of unity. All problems in a Christian marriage, however major or slight, must be resolved. If, however, one partner or the other proceeds sinfully in abandoning, fornicating, abusing, etc., divorce may be permitted, Matt. 19:19; I Cor. 7:9,15. In such instances remarriage is permissible, but only in the Lord (with another Christian). I Cor. 7:27,28. A remarried, saved person is not living in a constant state of adultery. I Jn. 3:5,9, 18. Regarding service to the Lord's work and I Tim. 3: "The husband of one wife" in Tim. 3: refers to a polygamous situation. Therefore, if after a proper examination of a persons spiritual life, the church finds one to be qualified for any office or teaching position, they may serve in such a capacity. They are saved and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Since this topic is comprehensive and requires a great degree of study, the following books should be consulted: DIVORCE - John Murray DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE - Guy Duty, Bethany Fellowship, 1967 DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE - Woodrow DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE - Jay Adams DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE - Boettner SECTION 7. OUT OF TOWN MEMBERSHIP Out of town members shall be listed as active or inactive by the same formula. They should be willing to accept some financial responsibility, and to reply to letters which are sent to them from the church from time to time. TOP CHURCH OFFICERS The elected church officers of the church, who must be active members of the church, shall consist of Deacons, Clerk, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Sunday School Superintendent. TOP ELECTION OF OFFICERS SECTION 1. TIME OF ELECTIONS Except as otherwise provided for, all officers shall be elected at the annual election of the church, which shall be held on the first Wednesday after the first Sunday in December, for a period of one year. SECTION 2. NOMlNATIONS The nominating committee shall be composed of the Pastor, deacons and two others appointed by the Deacon Board. The committee shall thoroughly investigate the qualifications of nominees. They shall prepare a list of nominees which shall be announced in the Sunday services of at least three weeks before elections. Additional names for nominations may be suggested to the nominating committee with at least two signatures no less than two weeks before elections. There will be no nominations from the floor at the election except those presented by the nominating committee of previous nominees unelected. SECTION 3. VACANCIES Any vacancy in any office or committee may be filled for the unexpired term at any regular business meeting of the church. Any officer who discontinues their office must give one month's notice in writing of such resignation. If at all possible all differences should be arbitrated and resignations avoided. SECTION 4. QUALIFICATION AND ELIGIBILITY No member can be elected to any office until he has been a member of this church for six months. This time should prove sufficient for the church to watch his testimony and know his qualifications. No person may be elected to or hold an office who tolerates sin in his or her life that the unsaved could use to bring an accusation against our church and thus against the name of the Lord. All elected officers of the Church must subscribe to and believe in the Constitution and By Laws and Covenant of this church which is to be reaffirmed annually in writing and verbally at the installation of officers. All officers must comply with I Tim. 3:1-4; and Titus 1:6-9. A member elected to any office may, by re-election, succeed himself or herself. All officers must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. SECTION 5. ELECTIONS Voting shall be done by secret ballot and those candidates receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected. A member must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to vote. TOP DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS SECTION 1 THE PASTOR The pastor must be in complete accord with the doctrinal statement of this church and upon acceptance of an extended call shall sign the aforesaid Constitution and By Laws and Covenant. The pastor shall not officiate in any marriage of unequally yoked persons. Weddings are only for church members (At least one party in good standing). Pre-marital counselling sessions are required before any marriage will be performed. He shall be called for an indefinite period by the church membership upon the recommendation of the pulpit committee. His election shall be by secret ballot at a regular or special meeting of the church, providing notice of intention to vote on the calling of a pastor at such a meeting has been given at all chuch meetings two weeks preceding. Three-fourth (3/4) of all votes cast by members present shall be necessary for an election. The pastor must be in agreement with the Constitution, By Laws and Covenant of the North Eulalia Baptist Church before he can be considered as a candidate for the church. The pastoral office is considered permanent and shall continue without limitations of time. However, it may be discontinued by one month's notice, or such time as may be agreed upon by the pastor and the church, by resignation or by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the church at a meeting called for this purpose, providing that notice of such election has been given at all meetings of the church two weeks prior to such an election. If at all possible all differences between the pastor and the church should be arbitrated and elections avoided. The pastor's special duties are, according to the Scriptures, the giving ot himself to prayer, the ministry of the Word, the administration of the ordinances, the pastoral oversight of the flock, and the general guidance ot the spiritual welfare of the church. The pastor shall receive annually no less than two (2) full weeks of paid vacation. The pastor is expected to call upon the members of the church, the sick, the neglected, prospective members, and new converts. He shall make a report to the church at the regular quarterly business meeting. He is expected to bring his and his family's membership into the local church, as soon as possible after he takes up his pastoral duties. In the absence of the pastor for conferences, vacation, or sickness, the guest speakers shall be paid by the church with no loss to the pastor's salary. Any time other than those, such as an extended vacation, the guest speaker shall be paid by the pastor. SECTION 2 THE DEACONS There shall be a board of deacons consisting of two members or more (when qualified men are available). Each must meet the requirements of I Timothy 3:8-13; and no man shall be elected to the deacon board who uses tobacco, intoxicating drink, profane language, attends dances or theaters, gambles, or who is a member of a secret lodge. Using the group plan a new deacon shall be elected for each additional thirty members when the membership shall have reached sixty. When a deacon is sick or absent due to reasons beyond his control, for a period of thirty days, another shall be appointed to serve in his place until it is possible for him to resume his duties. This appointment is to be made by the pastor and the chairman of the Board of Deacons. The term of office shall be so arranged so that one or more may be elected each year for a term of three years or less. The chairman of the Board or two deacons may call a special business meeting of the church when the need arises. The Board shall have the general oversight of the spiritual life of the church, aid the pastor in the performance of his duties, control the spiritual and moral use of the church property, provide Christian instruction and minister to the church membership and recommend them to the church fellowship, and have full charge of the fellowship fund, and to assist in the administration of the Lord's Supper. They shall serve as a standing committee in church discipline. They, with the treasurer, shall count and record all church offerings at the close of each service. The deacons shall audit the treasurer's books at the end of the fiscal year and shall give quarterly reports at the chuch quarterly business meetings. They shall not sell or encumber the real estate of the church except upon a 3/4 vote of the active members of the church present at the business meeting for this purpose. The chairman of the Board shall represent the church in all legal matters as directed by the Board of Deacons on behalf of the church. In legal matters which involve financial transactions the chairman of the Board of Deacons shall work jointly with the church treasurer. SECTION 3. THE CLERK The church clerk shall keep a correct and permanent record of all meetings of the church where business is transacted; sign all letters of dismissal; take charge of the church records; keep records of all baptisms; and maintain a register of church members in which shall be noted such changes as may occur. The clerk shall enter upon the records such items and current events that are likely to be of historical value. The clerk shall secure, annually, the signatures of all church officers and Sunday School teachers to the Church Covenant. The clerk shall be elected annually and no one shall be disqualified for having previously held the office. SECTION 4. FINANCIAL SECRETARY The financial secretary shall keep a complete and detailed record of all contributions in the church, such as individual offerings, current expenses, loose offerings or special offerings, such as are given in envelopes. He or she shall make a report at least annually. SECTION 5. THE TREASURER The church treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds belonging to the church except the fellowship fund. He or she shall pay all bills and other disbursements by check and shall submit a monthly report to the Board of Deacons (when requested) plus a quarterly and annual report to the church. SECTION 6. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERITENDENT The Sunday School superintendent shall be responsible for the leadership and organization of the Sunday School, subject to the approval of the Sunday School committee. He (and not she, I Timothy 2:11,12) shall be elected for one year and hold office until his successor is elected. The Sunday School superintendent shall have charge of the opening exercises and shall appoint leadership over the lower departments of the Sunday School, subject to the approval of the Board of Deacons and Pastor, and shall count and record the Sunday School attendance. TOP BOARDS AND COMMITTEES SECTION 1 THE OFFICIAL BOARD The official board is made up of the pastor, deacons, clerk, treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, and missionary chairman. The purpose of the official board will be to advise in the operation and expenses of the various parts of the church when called upon to do so by the deacon board. They shall comprise the Budget Committee. SECTION 2. THE DEACON BOARD The deacon board composed of the pastor and deacons shall be the general planning body of the church. It shall hold monthly meetings for the purpose of considering the welfare of the church and for discussing any business which shall come before them. The Board of Deacons and the pastor shall appoint a chairman annually to such committees as are needed to effectively carry out the purpose of the church. The chairman of each committee will appoint members to the committee subject to the approval of the Board of Deacons. SECTION 3. THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE The missionary committee shall be composed of one chairman, the pastor and as many other members as are needed. The committee shall be responsible for the co-ordination of the missionary program in keeping with the basic doctrines and practices of this church. They shall present to the Board, annually, a missionary budget and recommendations for distribution of the church missionary funds. They shall organize and supervise an annual Missions Conference. SECTION 4. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE The committee shall consist of all the officers and teachers of the Sunday School. They shall meet at least once each quarter to discuss current problems and coming prospects. They shall include in the program of the Sunday School an annual Daily Vacation Bible School. All teachers of the Sunday School, VBS, and Youth Groups are expected by God's grace to live a consistant Christian life, (as set forth in Colossians 3:1-17 and 2 Corinthians 6:17). They are to refrain from worldly amusements that are detrimental to the cause of Christ, gambling in any form, and the use of intoxicating liquors and tobacco in any form, and will be asked to sign the Church Covenant annually. All co-educational adult groups must be taught by a man, in accordance with I Tim. 2:11,12. SECTION 5. THE MUSIC COMMITTEE The music committee shall seek to promote the worship of God in and through music. The committee shall prepare a monthly schedule for special music. They shall see that there is a pianist, organist and song leader for Sunday services (A.M. and P.M.), prayer meetng and special services as requested by the Board of Deacons. They shall prepare and submit to the Board annually a budget for all phases of the music for the church. The Choir Director, pianist, organist, all singers and music used and any outside talent used must be approved by the pastor and deacons. SECTION 6. THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE The committee shall be formed at least three months before the annual meeting and shall consist of the Pastor, deacons and two others appointed by the Deacon Board. It's duties are defined in Article V, Section 2. SECTION 7. THE PULPIT COMMITTEE When the church is pastor-less the deacons and clerk automatically become the pulpit committee; otherwise no pulpit committee exists. The chairman of the Board of Deacons is to be the moderator and the clerk to do all necessary correspondence. SECTION 8. THE USHER COMMITTEE They shall elect their own head-usher and he shall consult with the pastor as problems arise. They are to assist attendants in the worship services to their seats, see to it that they have a hymn book, chorus book, and bulletin. As the need arises they are to ventilate the church to aid in the comfort of those who attend. They are to over-see the reception of offerings at all public worship services. SECTION 9. THE BUDGET COMMITTEE The Budget Committee is comprised of the Official Board. SECTION 10. OTHER COMMITTEES Any other committees that the Deacon Board deems necessary to effectively carry out the purpose of the church. TOP BUSINESS MEETINGS SECTION 1 THE FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the church shall begin January 1st, and close December 31st of the same year. SECTION 2 THE ANNUAL ELECTION AND ADOPTION OF BUDGET The annual election of officers shall be held the first Thursday in December, or on any appointed day decided by the Pastor and Deacons. At this meeting, the budget for the following year shall be adopted. SECTION 3. THE ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the church shall be held in January at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons. At this meeting all reports are to be made in writing from the following: Pastor, Deacons, Clerk, Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, and all Committee Chairmen. SECTION 4 QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING The regular quarterly business meetings shall be held on the first week of April, July, and October, or at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons. SECTION 5 SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS Special business meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor and Deacons. SECTION 6 QUORUM Twenty-five per cent (25%) of the church membership of voting age shall comprise a quorum. TOP SPECIAL SERVICES SECTION 1 MEETINGS Special meetings for the purpose of evangelism, revival, missions and spiritual growth may be called at any time by the pastor and the official board. SECTION 2 THE LORD'S SUPPER The Lord's Supper shall be commemorated the first Sunday of each quarter or whenever decided by the Board of Deacons. TOP AUXILIARY ORGANlZATIONS SECTION 1 FORMATION No organization shall be formed or considered a part of the church activities before its sponsors have submitted their plans to the Board of Deacons for approval. SECTION 2 OFFICERS Officers of all organizations including organized classes, Sunday School teachers, young people's officers, ladies group officers and sponsors of children's activities shall be members in good standing. TOP CHURCH FINANCES SECTION 1 OFFERINGS All church finances shall be raised by free will offerings. SECTION 2 NO SALES There shall be no sales of any kind by the church or any of it's committees or auxiliary organizations. TOP AMENDMENTS These Constitution and By Laws may be amended at any business meeting of the church on the recommendation of the Deacon Board, provided two weeks notice of such proposal shall be given at two public meetings of the church. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of those voting members present shall be necessary to carry an amendment. TOP ORDINATIONS In order to qualify for the ordination examination, the applicant must have served a minimum of one year as a Pastor, assistant Pastor, interim Pastor, or in definite Christian work in such manner as to convey reasonable evidence of God's call to the ministry. The only possible exception being a missionary going to the field. When in the judgment of the Church Board, the applicant (member of this church) is called to the Christian ministry, it shall be within their power to call and conduct a council for ordination, provided such authority is granted by vote of the Church. The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine the applicant for ordination, as to his call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service. TOP DISSOLUTION CLAUSE In the event the North Eulalia Baptist Church should dissolve and cease to be a church, all assets shall be given to Shepherds, Inc. (The Regular Baptict Agency for the Mentally Retarded), 1805 Fifteenth Avenue, Union Grove, WI. 53182. TOP |
