ARTICLE I - Church Membership
Qualifications and Procedures

A - Members In Good Standing
We, therefore recognize all members to be in good standing with the Church:
1. Who loyally attend the regular services of the Church;
2. Who willingly and voluntarily support the financial obligations of the Church, as the Lord may prosper them through tithes and offerings;
3. Whose attitude and behavior evidence the most cordial spirit of willing cooperation toward the execution of the whole program of the Church as it may be set forth from time to time; 4. Whose conduct, both privately and publicly is worthy of their profession of faith and honoring to the name “Christian” which they bear.

B – Candidacy/Admission

Persons may be accepted into the fellowship of the Church upon public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion. If the preceding has been satisfied, persons may be accepted into the fellowship by one of the following: letter from a Church of like faith, statement of Christian experience, watch care, restoration, or rededication.

C - New Member Orientation

New members of this church are expected to participate in the church’s new member orientation according to the policies of this church.

D – Rights of Members

1) Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in a Holy Discernment/Business meeting, with the exception that members under age eighteen (18) years of age shall not be entitled to vote upon the calling or dismissal of the Pastor, major finances, matters of discipline, By-laws or amendment to the Constitution, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting according to the policies of this church.
2) Every member of the church is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective offices in the church according to the policies of this church.
3) Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church according to the policies of this church.

E – Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated according to the policies of this church in the following ways: (1) death of the member, (2) dismissal to another church, (3) exclusion by action of this church, or (4) erasure upon request. A letter of transfer will be granted at the request of the transferring member of the receiving church.

F – Conflict Resolution and Discipline

This church is committed to resolving in a biblical manner all conflict that may arise within the body. This commitment is based on God’s command that Christians should strive to live at peace with one another (see Matt. 5:9; John 17:20-23; Romans 12:18; Eph. 4:1-3) and that when disputes arise, Christians should resolve them according to the principles set forth in Scripture (see Prov. 19:11; Matt. 5-23-25; 18:15-20; Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. 6:1,2). We believe that these commands and principles are an obligation to every Christian and are essential to the unity, health, and witness of the church.

It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.

G – Duties of Members

A. It shall be the duty of members to exemplify the spirit of Jesus Christ by manifesting their love for God and for one another; to pray for the Pastor and his family, Church leaders, members and their families, and one another; to help one another; to support all phases of the Church ministries to the best of their ability with the prayers, tithes, time, and talents; to demonstrate reverence conducive to true worship; to be regular in attendance of the worship services of the Church, Fulfillment Hour (Sunday School) and scheduled training sessions, as well as the Holy Spirit Discernment Sessions, to exercise their rights and privileges by taking part in discussions, offering motions, and voting according to the mind of Christ.
B. It shall be the duty of members to keep the Church Clerk informed of their correct mailing address.

Article II - Church Officers and Staff

All officers and Church staff must be members of the Church and in good standing and should:

1. have good Christian and moral character,
2. support the Church through tithes and offerings.
3. be supportive of and participate in the ministries of the Church,
4. be available, capable and willing to perform their duties.

Servants, Servant’s Ministry and Duties

A – Pastor

The Pastor and Deacons are the chief servants (Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3).
The Pastor of this church will exhibit evidence of the characteristics outlined in the scriptures for a Christian leader. His gifts will include leadership, proclamation, and encouragement. (1 Timothy 6:11-12) He will be a man of vision, with strengths in motivating others to follow God’s leadership. He will be able to deliver the gospel message of redemption and growth with depth, understanding, and authority. He will be comfortable leading in a variety of worship styles. He will demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to others with an open and caring spirit.
The Pastor of this congregation shall be a man whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach and qualifications have been examined and approved by the church; one who has been properly ordained; one who accepts and adheres to the Baptist Doctrine of this congregation; and whose life and conduct are of good report.
The pastor shall be the spiritual and administrative leader of the Church and the under Shepard of the flock. The Pastor shall lead and be given authority to lead the Church according to the Scriptures (1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Timothy 6:11-12). The Pastor is the chief executive servant of the Church and all ministries/auxiliaries; and has the privilege of calling them together at any time. He shall have the privilege of executive decisions, making all matters not covered by policy, as deemed necessary for the successful and effective operation of the Church. These powers, duties and prerogatives are not to be exercised by the Pastor as a dictator but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wise counsel of Deacons, Ministry Leaders, and organizational officers.
1. Duties: Specifically, the Pastor’s duties are summarized as follows:
To preach the truth as he may derive it from the Word of God, as his sole authority, and as one who has to give an account of his ministry before God.
To preside and preserve order and decorum at all official meetings of the Church; to secure to 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 the influence which justly arises from the character of his office.

To visit the members of the Church for the purpose of spiritual instruction, admonition and comfort; faithfully to warn and reprove those who backslide; to visit the sick, and to embrace every opportunity to speak to the unsaved.

To fulfill the injunction “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).

2. Compensation:
The Deacons’ Ministry and the Finance Ministry shall insure that the Pastor’s salary is commensurate with his duties and growth of the church. The salary shall be fixed at the time of his calling and may be changed by vote of the church at the annual business meeting. All other benefits shall also be voted on at the time of his calling or at an annual business meeting. The congregation shall defray his expenses for attendance at Baptist Conventions and specified meetings.
The Pastor shall receive two (2) weeks vacation each year. After his fifth (5) year of continuous service, he shall receive three (3) weeks vacation. After his tenth (10) year of continuous service, he shall receive four (4) weeks vacation. The vacation of the Pastor shall be with pay of his regular salary, and may be taken at his pleasure.
The Pastor shall inform the Deacons’ Ministry of the minister who will occupy the pulpit during his absence, whether during vacation, revivals or if he is to be away for one Sunday.
A Pastor’s Appreciation Day shall be held only upon the agreement of the Deacons’ Ministry and Church body after the Pastor has served for a period of two (2) years.

3. Call and Termination:

By a two-thirds (2/3) vote by secret ballot, members in good standing present and/or by absentee ballot at a specified meeting of the Church shall declare the pulpit vacant. The Pastor shall be given a severance package of at least one (1) month’s salary.

B – Interim Pastor’s Responsibilities

The Interim Pastor will be diligent in prayer and reflection. The Interim Pastor will be given the rights and general responsibilities of a pastor under call to this Church. Priorities for performing functions have been jointly established by Faith Baptist Church and the Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee after assessing availability of time, talent, and the needs of the Church. Specific priorities may include, but are not limited to:
1. preaching weekly in the Church and/or during specially scheduled sessions with a message of encouragement, forgiveness and hope,
2. assisting the Church and Leadership Ministries in assessing and applying their spiritual gifts,
3. supporting the efforts of the Ministries to work more efficiently and prayerfully,
4. regular planning and leadership of Sunday worship and special worship services, including funerals, weddings, baptisms and other pastoral duties as needed,
5. to be available to members in crisis,
6. help develop and support leadership for the youth ministry program,
7. assist Deacons’ Ministry in regular visitation of the sick, shut-in and others as needed,
8. regularly attend Church meetings and be available to other ministries and groups for support and consultation,
9. work collaboratively with other leaders to ensure clear and effective sharing of duties,
10. assist Leadership Ministries in development, planning, and discernment of God’s will,
11. assist Deacons’ Ministry Chairman in overseeing the development and ensure the accuracy of computerized membership records,
12. advise the Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee and Deacons as needed.

The Leadership Members will seek to faithfully administer the five-fold ministries (Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, Mission, and Worship) during the interim period, working with the Interim Pastor, in the care of members and in the administrative and other leadership tasks of the Church. The Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee will offer evaluation of the Interim Pastor at the conclusion of a three (3) months period.

The Church will support the work of the Interim Pastor through regular prayer, speaking the truth in love, and listening and caring for the Interim Pastor.

The Church will pay the Interim Pastor a monthly salary of $___________. The Church will pay business-related auto expenses and church-related travel expenses (not including church-to-home) of $ ___________ a month.

The Church will grant vacation with compensation for one (1) week after a period of six-months (6) service, and/or two (2) weeks after a period of one (1) year service, including Sundays. Absences for vacation purposes will be scheduled and approved in advance except in emergency situations. When scheduling vacation, the Interim Pastor will arrange for the services of a minister-on-call should another pastor on staff be unavailable.

The terms of this Agreement commence on the date of adoption by the Church and continue for six (6) months. At that time, if no Pastor-Elect has been chosen, the Church will have the option to continue with this Agreement. The Church or the Interim-Pastor may terminate this Agreement with thirty (30) days notice and in consultation with the Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee.

C – Deacons and Deacon’s Ministry

1. Composition

Deacons shall be co-laborers with the pastor in leading the church in proclamation of God’s Word to believers and to unbelievers, in providing pastoral care to church members and other persons in the community, in developing the church’s missionary outreach to the world, and in building and maintaining harmonious fellowship in the church.

There shall be one deacon elected for assigned service for every twelve (12) to fifteen (15) church families or at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons’ Ministry.

2. Qualifications

1. The qualifications of the Deacon are in accordance with the Scriptures as outlined in I Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-6.

2. Church membership for at least one year

3. Must be 21 years old

4. Ordained by the church or Baptist church of like faith.

5. Willingness to serve

3. Nomination, Selection and Removal

The selection of Deacon’s in accordance with Acts 6 will be done, as the need arises, in the following manner:

1. The Pastor and the members of the Deacon’s Ministry will seek out and look for men who meet the qualifications of the Deacon according to the Scriptures.

2. Those persons meeting the qualifications will be visited by at least two members of the Deacon’s Ministry, after a screening process conducted by the Pastor and Chairperson of the Ministry. The purpose of the visit is to determine the perspective Deacon’s interest, as well as to obtain additional information.

3. The prospective Deacon will be interviewed by the Pastor and Deacon’s Ministry jointly and/or separately. Additionally, the Pastor will interview the prospective Deacon and his wife.

4. The Pastor and Deacon’s Ministry will agree or disagree that the prospective Deacon meets the desired qualifications. If there is a disagreement at this point or at any time, the process on that particular prospective Deacon is discontinued. Upon agreement between Pastor and the Deacon’s Ministry, the prospective Deacon is introduced to the congregation.

5. The prospective Deacon will begin a training process initiated and conducted by the Pastor and Deacon’s Ministry. Previously ordained Deacons are required to complete the screening session.

6. The prospective Deacon will be presented to the congregation after a period of time determined by the Pastor and Deacon’s Ministry.

7. Removing Deacons from active office is basically the same in spirit and process as the selection procedures. Recommendation for removal of a Deacon from active office must be made by the Pastor and Deacon’s Ministry. A Deacon may remove himself from active office at any time without any of the necessary procedures.

8. There will be no specified number of Deacons.

4. Ordination

Finally, after the candidates for Deacon’s Ministry has satisfied all of the above, the Pastor will call together an Ordination Council for the purpose of finalizing the ordination. The culmination of this process will be an Ordination Worship Celebration.

5. Officers

The active Deacon’s Ministry will be composed of a chairman, one or more co-chairmen, a secretary, a parliamentarian, and other sub-ministries and responsibilities as determined by the chairman. The Deacon’s Ministry will meet at least once a month unless otherwise notified by the chairman. Special meetings of the Deacon’s Ministry may be called at any time by the Pastor and/or Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry.

6. Responsibilities of the Deacon

In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. Their task is to serve with the pastor and staff in performing the pastoral ministries tasks of (1) leading the church in the achievement of its mission, (2) proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and (3) caring for the church’s members and other persons in the community.

Some of the specific duties of the Deacon’s Ministry shall be:

Direct the nomination and selection process of Church Leaders not otherwise selected or recommended by the Church.

The administration of the Church’s only two ordinances, the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.

Details of the primary duties and specific duties of the Deacon and Deacon’s Ministry, as well as Pastor expectations and ordination requirements of the Deacons, will be at the discretion of the Pastor and can be found in the Church’s Administration Manual.

7. Meetings

The deacons shall hold regular meetings.



D - Trustee

The Trustee's Ministry of Faith Baptist Church is a service ministry. It shall serve Faith's congregation by assisting in the maintenance, upkeep, cleaning and general security of all Church properties and facilities.

The Trustees shall serve as legal officers of the Church. The Trustees shall provide representation concerning contract bidding and budgetary matters dealing with property and equipment. Upon a specific vote of the Church, authorizing each action, they shall have the power to carry out Church approved matters.

The Trustees shall consist of any number of persons, selected through the Church's nomination processes, who are willing to accept the responsibilities of being involved in this service ministry. The Trustee Ministry shall have a Chairperson and an Assistant Chairperson and other officers as needed.

Specific responsibilities of the Trustee's Ministry shall include, but shall be not be limited to:

1. Insure that facilities are opened and closed for all services and meetings in a timely manner.

2. Conduct an annual inventory of all property and equipment.

3. Work closely with the Christian Education Ministry to ensure that members possessing the gifts of helps and/or service are encouraged to consider serving in the Trustee Ministry.

4. Review and approve (or disapprove) requests for the lease or use of any of the facilities or properties for non-church related organizations and activities. For Church related organizations and activities such as weddings, funerals, musicals, etc., approval is required from the Pastor, or in his absence, the Executive Administrator.

5. Review and approve (or disapprove) requests for lease or loan of Church furnishings and or equipment.

6. Provide other service support to the congregation and its ministries as needed and/or requested.

E - Moderator

The Moderator shall be the Presiding Officer of the Church. In the absence of the Moderator, the Chairperson of the Deacon's Ministry shall preside or in his absence, the Vice-Chairperson of the Deacon's Ministry, or in the absence of both, the Clerk shall preside.

It shall be the duty of the Moderator, assisted by the Parliamentarian, to keep order, state and explain applicable parliamentary procedure (Roberts Rules of Order), announce the results of any votes/secret ballots taken.

F - Clerk

The Clerk shall be selected by the Church through the regular nominating process to serve. The Clerk shall be responsible for supervising the keeping of a suitable record of all official actions of the Church, except as otherwise herein provided. The Clerk shall be responsible for the keeping of a register of names of members, with dates and manner of admission, dismissal, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptisms. The Clerk shall prepare and issue all certificates (Baptisms, Membership, Ordinations, etc.)

The Clerk shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the Church, preserve on file all communications and official written reports, and give required notice of all meetings where notice is necessary, as indicated in these By-Laws. The Clerk shall be responsible for preparing the annual profile of the Church. The Clerk shall keep a complete record of the transactions of all Church business meetings to be read for approval. The Clerk will be responsible for keeping an updated file on the minutes of the Church, including corrections made during business meetings and amendments to the By-Laws. The Clerk shall deliver immediately to his or her successor all books and records for which the Clerk is responsible. The Church may delegate some or all of the clerical responsibilities to a secretary who will assist the elected clerk. All Church records are Church property and shall be kept in the Church office.

The Clerk shall also serve as the Secretary of the Corporate Ministry for Legal Business. In this capacity, the Clerk shall attest such deeds, mortgages or other conveyances authorized by the Church in business meetings.

G. Parliamentarian

The Church shall elect three Parliamentarians. In the absence of the Parliamentarians, the Chairperson of the Deacon's Ministry shall serve; or in the absence of all, the Moderator shall call the Church to order and preside for the election of an acting Parliamentarian. Roberts Rules of Order shall be the guidelines for parliamentarian questions.

H. Church Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

1. The Treasurer shall be elected by the Church as its Financial Officer and shall be bonded. 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 of the preceding month(s). The Treasurer's report and records shall be audited internally and by an outside public accountant on an annual basis.

2. 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 in confidence and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the Church.

3. Checks and vouchers shall consist of at least two authorized signatures. The Treasurer shall be one of the authorized signatures on checks and vouchers. The second signature on the check or voucher shall be that of a designee authorized by the Church. The Treasurer shall not pay out any money except that which is authorized by the Church budget. In emergency situations, the Chairperson of the Deacon's Ministry and the Chairperson of the Trustee's Ministry shall be authorized to execute checks and vouchers.

The Assistant Treasurer shall be selected in the same manner as the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall function as directed by the Treasurer, and shall assume the duties of the Treasurer in the Treasurer's absence. Their terms shall be staggered.

I - Executive Administrator

The Executive Administrator shall serve as administrator of various ministries and general affairs of the church, reporting directly to the pastor.

The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Administrator shall be as follows:

1. The administrator of the day-to-day business management of the church.

2. Shall serve as the Ministry Leader of the Finance Ministry.

3. Supervise the work of the non-ministerial and professional staff.

4. To work with the Finance Ministry and Deacons’ Ministry in establishing a salary schedule for the Pastor.

5. In concurrence with the Pastor, Deacons’ Ministry, and Finance Ministry, determines the hiring, salary schedules, and retention and/or dismissal of non-ministerial paid staff.

6. Select an audit firm to conduct an annual financial audit and prepare audited financial statements.

7. Overseer of church legal matters and documents.

8. Effectively communicate with the Church membership on all business matters of the church.



The Executive Administrator shall be nominated by the Pastor and be a member in good standing of the church body.

He shall be at liberty to resign his position upon providing thirty (30) days notice of his intentions; and the Pastor and/or the church shall have the right to dispense with his services upon giving the same notice. A shorter time shall be acceptable if mutually agreed upon.

J - Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall be bonded. The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for, but not limited to:

1. with the assistance of at least two other members, count and record all church offerings,

2. be responsible for (or approved designee) depositing Church funds in the Church bank account within 24 hours.

3. keep a record of all current missionary and designated funds paid by the individual members through Church envelopes,

4. maintain accurate records of each expense and disbursement,

5. maintain accurate records or all Church funds,

6. meet with the Finance Ministry each Sunday to record all income,

7. prepare payroll at least three days prior to payday,

8. disburse by check all expenses as authorized by vouchers,

9. reconcile bank statement with checkbook monthly.

10. keep a confidential and accurate account of all contributions and issue an annual record of contributions to each contributor.

11. prepare and submit quarterly reports for each church meeting.

K - Superintendent of Sunday School

1. Shall be responsible for all activities of the Sunday School.

2. Shall have authority to appoint or remove teachers.

3. Shall preside at the meetings of Sunday School staff.

4. Shall submit a report of the work of the Sunday School at the annual business meeting of the Church.

L - Administrative Assistant/Secretary

The Administrative Assistant/Secretary shall be selected by the church through the regular nominating process to serve. The Administrative Assistant/Secretary shall have the responsibilities for the following duties:

1. Serve as Administrative Assistant/Secretary to the pastor.

2. Prepare and produce all church worship programs and other programs.

3. Attend all church business meetings, record and keep accurate minutes.

4. Attend all Executive Meetings.

5. Attend other meetings of importance to the church.

6. Record accurate minutes of all business transactions.

The Administrative Assistant/Secretary shall serve in the capacity of Clerk in the absence of the clerk or when there is no clerk on staff.

Article III - Church Staff

A - Purpose and Responsibility

The Church staff is responsible for leading the Church functions as a New Testament Church. The Pastor is responsible for leading the congregation, the ministries and the church staff to perform their tasks.

B - Composition

The Church staff shall consist of the Pastor and other staff as designated by the Church.

1. The Pastor is the leader of Pastorial ministries in the Church. As such, he works with the Deacons, Trustees and Church staff to:

(1) lead the church in the achievement of its mission,

(2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and

(3) care for the Church's members and other persons in the community.

The Church shall provide a job description to aid in the understanding of these tasks.

2. The Pastorial staff shall be called as the Church determines the need for such offices. A job description shall be written when the need for a staff member is determined.

Upon approval of the Church, additional staff members or ministries shall be called as needed.

C - Call and Termination of a Pastor

Whenever a vacancy occurs, a Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee shall be appointed by the Church, chaired by the chairman of the Deacons’ Ministry, to seek out a suitable Pastor, and their recommendations will constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the Church only one (1) candidate at a time.

A Pastor shall be chosen and called by a quorum of two-thirds (2/3) vote by secret ballot of members in good standing that are present and/or by absentee ballot at a specified business meeting. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, at least fourteen (14) days of public announcement/notice shall be given in each worship service on that specified Sunday.

The Pastor shall continue in service so long as both Pastor and congregation agree to the relationship. He shall be at liberty to resign the care of the Church by giving thirty (30) days notice of his intentions; and the Church shall have the right to dispense with his services in giving the same notice. A shorter time will be acceptable if mutually agreed upon by the Pastor and the Deacons’ Ministry. Before the Pastor may be relieved involuntarily from his duties, a special meeting shall be called in accordance with Article IX, Section B-Special Conference.

In addition, the Clerk or Church Secretary must forward, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting, written notification to each member, stating time, place and issues to be addressed. A two-thirds (2/3) vote by secret ballot of those members in good standing who are present and/or by absentee ballot shall be required for dismissal.

D – Call and Termination of Pastoral Staff

The pastoral staff and ministerial staff shall be called or employed as the church determines the need for such office. A job description shall be written when the need for a pastoral staff or ministerial staff member is determined. All pastoral staff and ministerial staff members shall be recommended to the church and called by church action.

At the time of resignation at least fourteen (14) days notice shall be given to the church. The church may vote to vacate such positions upon recommendation from pastor, administrative staff, such termination being immediate and the compensation conditions being the same as for the pastor, except that the amount shall relate to the individual’s compensation. The staff member and church may, by mutual agreement, waive the requirement for notice. Such agreement shall be in writing and be signed by the staff member, the pastor, the chairman of deacons and the executive administrator.

E. Support Staff

Non-Ministerial Staff members hall be employed as the church determines the need for their services. The pastor and Executive Administrator shall have the authority to employ and to terminate services of non-ministerial staff members. Such employment and termination of services shall be with the recommendation of the supervision staff member and administrative staff as appropriate. (ie: clerical, custodial, food service and others)

Historian

The Church Historian shall record, analyze, correlate and give a brief explanation of all recorded events that deal systematically with the past. The Historian shall keep a systematic chronological account, some with a short explanation, of what has happened in the life and development of the Church, Church Body, buildings and grounds and schools. The Historian is to preserve and use the historical records of the church to help members understand and appreciate their heritage and mission.

Article IV - Church Leadership Team

The Church Leadership Team shall serve the church by leading in planning, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating the ministries of the church. The primary functions of the church leadership team shall be to recommend to the church suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate ministry plans recommended by church officers, ministry leaders, and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to ministry priorities; and to evaluate achievement in terms of church objectives and goals.

Regular members of the Church Leadership Team shall be the pastor, other church staff members, directors of church ministry, church ministry services, chairman of deacons, church officers, and chairpersons of church administrative committees.

All matters agreed upon by the Leadership Team which call for action not already approved shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

Article V - Church Ministries

The ministries of the Church can be identified in the organizational floor chart. Leadership positions in the Church ministries will be selected according to the Church By-Laws. i.e. Deacon Ministry, Women Ministry, Marriage Enrichment Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Single’s Ministry, etc.

A – Administrative Committee

The administrative committees of this church shall include a personnel committee, a church property and space committee, and such other administrative committees as the church shall authorize. Additional administrative committees may be added by the amendment procedure prescribed within these by-laws.

1. The church personnel committee assists the church in matters related to employed personnel administration, including those called by church action. Their work includes such areas as determining staff needs, employment, salaries, benefits, other compensation, policies, job descriptions, and personnel services.

2. The church property and space committee assists the church in matters related to property administration. Its work includes such areas as maintaining all church properties for ready use, recommending policies regarding use of properties, consulting with the personnel committee and the church staff regarding the needs for, and the employment of maintenance personnel, and regarding the assignment of supervisory responsibility to appropriate personnel.

B – Special Committee

The special committees of this church shall include such other committees as the church shall authorize. Additional special committees may be added by the amendment to church policy or by appointment of the pastor or moderator. Members of special committees shall on a non-rotation basis function until the task assigned is completed.

B – Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee

1. Upon the resignation, removal, incapacity, or death of the Pastor, a Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee shall be formed as follows:

a. two members from the Leadership Ministry, nominated by the Leadership Ministry

b. four members from among the Ministries of the Church.

c. two members-at-large shall be nominated by the Moderator.

d. the Chair of the Deacons’ Ministry.

All of the above nominations shall be approved by the Church.

2. The Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee shall be convened by the Moderator, who shall be a member thereof. The Committee shall be chaired by the Chairman of the Deacons’ Ministry, and it shall elect its own secretary.

3. It shall be the duty of this ministry, after seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to proceed to procure a prospective pastor whom they shall present to the Church for election. Once appointed, this ministry will serve continuously until a pastor is called or the ministry is dissolved.

The Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee shall be responsible for filling the vacant pulpit each Sunday. It shall immediately recommend to the Church the engaging of an interim Pastor. The Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee will offer an evaluation of the Interim Pastor at the conclusion of a three (3) months period.

4. The Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee shall look for these five (5) attributes in a pastor in addition to other qualifying attributes:

a. Good character

b. Preaching and teaching ability

c. Love for people

d. Administrative skills

e. Vision

Whenever a vacancy occurs, a Pastor Search/Pulpit Committee shall be appointed by the Church, chaired by the chairman of the Deacons’ Ministry, to seek out a suitable Pastor, and their recommendations will constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the Church only one (1) candidate at a time.

A pastor shall be chosen and called by a quorum of two-thirds (2/3) vote by secret ballot of members in good standing that are present and/or by absentee ballot at a specified business meeting. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, at least fourteen (14) days’ public announcement/notice shall be given in each worship service on that specified Sunday.

The Pastor shall continue in service so long as both Pastor and congregation agree to the relationship. He shall be at liberty to resign the care of the Church by giving thirty (30) days notice of his intentions; and the Church shall have the right to dispense with his services in giving the same notice. A shorter time would be acceptable if mutually agreed upon by the Pastor and the Deacon’s Ministry. Before the Pastor may be relieved involuntarily from his duties, a special meeting shall be called in accordance with Article IV, Section 5.

In addition, the Clerk or Church Secretary must forward, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting, written notification to each member, stating time, place and issues to be addressed. A two-thirds (2/3) vote by secret ballot of those members in good standing who are present and/or by absentee ballot shall be required for dismissal.

Article VI - Christian Education

Christian Education Purpose Statement:

1. To provide a biblically sound and balanced curriculum that provides knowledge, perspective, convictions, skills and character in order to bring people to Jesus with gratitude in His family.

2. To develop them to be Christ like in their character through growth.

3. To equip them by grace in the community of Faith through life-giving to the world so God can be glorified.

Strategy:

1. Develop ministries that equip members rather than ministries that coordinate events.

a. Learn how to love God, study His word and obey His command.

b. Understand our identities in Christ.

c. Know how the Holy Spirit works within us.

d. Commit to individual and group bible study.

e. Find an area of ministry according to our giftedness and serve in that area.

f. Find God's people (seek the lost and lead them to the Lord)

g. Assimilate them into a local body of believers.

h. Disciple new believers/Church members to do all of the above (a-h).

Goals and Objectives:

Goals

1. To promote and insure quality programming by means of involving laity.

2. To provide anointed teaching of God's word and ministries rooted and grounded in kingdom principles.

Objectives

1. Implement programs harmoniously with the vision of Faith Baptist Church for development of the Church educational growth.

2. Keep in contact with the Director of Christian Education and the Pastor in staying on target with the vision of the Church.

3. Have members attend workshops and seminars that are structured for spiritual growth and development.

1. Mandate of the Ministry

a. Definition - This ministry centers the development of leaders and involvement of the laity in the total Church program.

b. Why the ministry is necessary: To fulfill the biblical mandate to involve every member of the body of Christ in the purpose and mission of the Church.

2. Mission of the Ministry

To ensure quality programming through active lay involvement.

3. Manning the Ministry

1. Selection of qualified staff.

2. Designing particular and specific lay functions.

3. Development, distribution and adherence to organizational structure.

4. Moving the Ministry

1. Equipping the leaders/lay members.

2. Development of organizational goals relevant to the needs of the Church.

3. Implement programs harmoniously with evangelism and discipleship.

5. Model for the Ministry

Vision of the Church

6. Methods of Assessing the Ministry

1. Survey/needs assessment of each organization.

2. Continual evaluations.

Article VII - Church Ordinances

The Lord’s Supper and Baptism shall be observed at least once a month or as the Pastor deems necessary.

A - 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 Christ as Lord.

1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

2. The pastor, or whomever the Deacon’s Ministry shall authorize, shall administer baptism. The deacons shall assist in the preparation for, and the observance of baptism.

3. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the church. Baptism may be administered as an act of worship in the home, hospital, or nursing home when health prevents the candidate from attending a regular worship service.

4. A person who professes faith in Christ and is not baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor, staff or deacons. If negative interest is ascertained on the part of the candidate, he shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.

A. The Lord’s Supper

The church shall observe the Lord’s Supper regularly as specified by church policy. The pastor and deacons shall administer the Lord’s Supper, the deacons being responsible for the physical preparations.

Article VIII - Church Meetings

A – Worship

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday and Wednesday and/or any other designated day for the worship or Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The pastor or a person of his designation shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend.

B - Special Services

Revival services and any other church meetings essential to the advancement of the church’s objectives shall be placed on the church calendar by the church secretary with the Pastor’s approval.

C – Ministries and Meetings

Under the general direction of the Pastor, leaders of the various Church ministries shall hold regularly scheduled meetings.

A – Public Worship

The regular worship services of the church for public worship shall be each Sunday. The worship times shall be established by the Pastor and regularly published in the bulletin.

Article IX - Holy Discernment Meeting (Business Meeting)

A - Regular Church conference (Business Meeting)

The church shall hold regular church conference (business meeting) as designated by church by-laws.

B - Special Church Conference (Called Business Meeting)

The church may conduct called church conferences (called business meetings) to consider matters of special nature and significance. Notice must be given in accordance with church policy for the specially called church conference (business meeting) unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical in which case a meeting may be called by (1) agreement of a majority of the active deacons; (2) the chairman of the deacons, the pastor and the chairman of the applicable committee.

A special Holy Spirit Discernment Session of the Church may be called at any time by the Pastor and/or fifty-one (51%) of the Deacons’ Ministry. Such special Holy Spirit Discernment Session shall be called only to transact specific business, and then only after an announcement is placed in the Sunday bulletin and/or is announced from the pulpit in Sunday service, giving at least fourteen (14) days notice.

The notice shall include the subject, the date, and time and place; and it must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting.

C – Quorum

For the transaction of business of the Church, such as calling or dismissal of a Pastor, major finances, matters of discipline, by-laws, amendment to the Constitution and other major issues, the following is provided:

The quorum consists of those members who attend the church conference (business meeting) provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called or as specified in the by-laws.

Unless otherwise stated in the By-laws, the total number of active members in good standing, in attendance, shall constitute a quorum for any business (discerning the mind of Christ) that may come before the Church for consideration. For any official business, at least two-thirds (2/3) percent of active members present, in good-standing, and/or by absentee ballot, shall constitute a quorum.

D - Parliamentary Rules

Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, Current Edition is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all church conferences (business meetings) of the church.

E - Moderator and Succession

See section on Moderator (Article II, Church Officers, Section “E”.

F – Voting

1. Entitlement to Vote

Any active member in good-standing shall be entitled to vote on all issues coming before the Church, with the exception that members under eighteen (18) years of age shall not be entitled to vote upon the calling or dismissal of the Pastor, major finances, matters of discipline, By-laws or amendment to the Constitution.

2. Secret Ballot

All action taken at any Holy Spirit Discernment Meeting and/or designated Business Meeting shall require an affirmative vote by secret ballot of at least two-thirds (2/3) percent of active members present, in good standing, and/or by absentee ballot.

Article X - Church Finances

A -. Budget

The Finance Ministry, in consultation with the Pastor and the Executive Administrator, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and other expenses.

It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligations to support the church and its causes with tithes and offerings. Annually, there shall be opportunity provided to secure worthy commitments of financial support from the church members.

B - Accounting Procedures

All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer, or financial secretary, and be properly accorded on the books of the church. Those who have responsibility that involves actual handling of funds shall be bonded.

C - Fiscal Year

The church fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

Article XI - Elections and Rotations

The church shall hold elections at such time and in such manner as designated by church by-laws. All officers shall be elected or appointed in accordance with church by-laws. Vacancies shall be filled as provided by church by-laws.

Article XII - Church Policies and Procedures Manual

The church shall develop and maintain a Church Policies and Procedures Manual to include church policies and procedures and organization charts depicting lines of responsibility in the administration of the church. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available for use there by any member of the church. The church secretary shall maintain the manual. The Executive Administrator and a Special Committee shall review the manual at least annually, with authority to recommend changes for the church to consider. Any church member or church organization may recommend such changes to the Church.

Revision may be by one of the following methods:

Policies or procedures may be added, revised, or deleted by: (1) recommendation of the church officer or organization to whose area of assignment the procedures relate, (2) approval by the church leadership team or (3) approval of the church, if the pastor or church leadership team deems it necessary or advisable.

Any church member or church organization may initiate suggested changes in the manual by presenting a motion in any regularly scheduled church conference (business meeting). Policies or procedures may then be added, revised, or deleted by a majority vote of the church at a business meeting.

Article XIII - Amendments

These by-laws are written with the full realization and acceptance that change is inevitable. Therefore, these by-laws may be reviewed for changes as the need arises. An official review can be initiated by the Deacon’s Ministry or at the request of the congregation. To request a change, a written proposal must be presented to the Deacon’s Ministry for review, and if accepted, presented in writing to the congregation fourteen (14) days prior for consideration. Final appeal for a change to the by-laws can be made to the congregation in the Holy Discernment meeting.

Changes in the by-laws may be made at any regular church business meeting provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each member present at the earlier meeting and to each member requesting one at the church office. Amendments to the by-laws shall be by two thirds (2/3) of votes cast of church members present and voting at regular church conferences (business meetings).