Constitution and Bylaws of Baptist Church - Research Paper Example

THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH Blue Lake, California SEPTEMBER 27, CONSTITUTION Preamble We, the members of the Southern Baptist Church, of Blue Lake, California declare and establish this constitution so that this body may be autonomous and self governed in an honest and orderly manner an to preserve and maintain the principles of our faith. The constitution will honor the rights and freedom of its members, and we so adopt the following articles as the rules by which we shall conduct ourselves, by the grace of god. Article 1-Name Section 1: The name of this organization shall be The Southern Baptist Church, located at 27 Blueberry Avenue, Blue Lake, California., hereafter referred to as the church. Article 11- Purpose Section 1: The purpose of this church shall be to promote the worship of God through the Holy Bible and to glorify God through his son, our savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. Section 11: The purpose of this church is to encourage its members to embody themselves in the Christian Service of God. Section 111: Agreeing to the following commitment: [a] That we will always assemble ourselves for communion and all other nominated church meetings. We shall exist to provide regular opportunity for public worship. [b] As God has prospered us, we will happily contribute to the relief of the poor, needy and less fortunate members of our society and to the spreading of Gods word among them. [c] That we will be faithful to the instruction of our children to the word of God and to their goodwill to all man. Section V1: In order to fully carry out these objectives, the church will have full power and authority over all financial aspects of its being. It will bear full control over all purchases and leases and to hold all mortgages with the right to dispose of property and assets as it sees fit. Article 111-Affiliations Section 1: This church is affiliated with American Baptist Churches and The Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America. Article 1V- Membership Section 1: [a] All new members will be admitted by formal vote of the church following recommendations by the board of Deacons and Elders. [b] The majority of membership of this church shall consist of residents of Blue Lake, California [c] This church and its members shall not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation or veteran status. Section 11: Any person desiring to become a member of this church may be received after meeting the following requirements. [a] Having professed their faith in The Lord Jesus Christ [b] Having been baptized by immersion [c] Having agreed to the aims and ideals of this church in article 11 [d] Having obtained a copy of this constitution and by-laws and agreeing to the abidance of same. [e] Having attended this church on a regular basis for the past 2 months. [f] Having no membership any anti-Christian Organization [g] Having been interviewed by the board of Elders and Deacons and recommended by them to the church for membership. Section 111: Any person wanting to transfer to this church with a letter of recommendation from another church shall: [a] Present to the board of Elders and Deacons such letter showing that he had fulfilled his obligations to the ideals of that church. [b] Have displayed to the board of Elders and Deacons testament to his faith. [c] Accept the aims and ideals of this church in article 11 [d] Have obtained a copy of this constitution and its by laws and agree to abide by them. [e] Have attended this church for the past 2 months. Section 1V: Any application for membership to this church outside of any of the circumstances listed in sections 1, 11 and 111 shall be considered by the church and any decision made by the church will be final. Section V: A letter for any member to transfer to another Baptist Church may be issued provided that member has remained faithful to the constitution of this church and such application has been passed by the members of this church. Section V1: Persons joining the church in any of the ways listed in sections 1 to V shall take place as follows. [a] By fulfilling the requirements listed in section 11a to 11g, [b] His acceptance shall be voted upon at a regular meeting of the church as listed in article 1V, section 1a. [c] A reception for new members shall be held on a Sunday appointed by the board of Elders and Deacons for their admission to the church and recognition of all of their rights, privileges and responsibilities to the church. Section V11: The church membership list shall be reviewed before each Annual General Meeting to determine those members who have become inactive by the Board of Elders and Deacons. Any members who are regularly attending another church or who have not supported the church in the preceding twelve months may be placed on an inactive list and notified of this action, by the Pastor, at their last known address. Inactive members shall not be eligible to vote in church matters or receive a letter of transfer. Section V111: A membership may be terminated under the following circumstances. [a] If they have abided by the rules in Article 1V, sections 2a to 2g and requested a letter of transfer. Such letter will be sent by the Clerk of the Church to the Church to which the members has applied. [b] Any member may, for whatever reason, apply to the board of Elders and Deacons to have their name taken from the list of members, without prejudice, and this request will be reviewed by the board of Elders and Deacons. [c] After a review by the board of Elders and Deacons and a vote of the church, a membership may be terminated for behavior regarded as not being in the best interest of the church or against the rules and regulations set out in this constitution. Section 1X: The procedure for any member with a complaint against another members activity or behavior is as follows. [a] A letter of complaint to be submitted to the board of Deacons and Pastors describing in full the reasons for the letter along with any relevant evidence. [b] The complaint will be discussed by the board of Elders and Deacons at a regular meeting or a special meeting convened for the purpose of discussing such complaint complaint. [c] Recommendations will be made to the church members at a regular meeting or a specially convened meeting and a vote be taken on the course of action to be taken. Article V-Officers Section 1: Every Officer must be and active member of the church and must be of christian morals and ethics. They must display an example of Christian living and be of good standing in the church. The officers of the church are as follows. Pastor:[a1] It is the duty of the pastor to conduct all public Public Services of Worship. To perform Baptisms and Communion and all other ministry functions. He will be the leader of his congregation and visit the sick and aged. He will sit on all boards and committees of the church and have full access to all church records upon request. The Pastor will head the Pastors council. [a2] Nominations for Pastor will be received from the Church Committee and elected by a written secret ballot by the members of the church. [a3] The church will be notified when voting on a candidate for Pastor will take place and his election shall require a total of 75 percent (ｾ) of the number of ballets received. [a4] The pastors position may be terminate after due notice of 30 days and following a notice of no confidence signed by not less than 20% of the total church membership is presented to the board. A special meeting will be called for discussions and a vote to determine an outcome. A vote of 75%(3/4) of ballet received must be required for the removal of the pastor. [a5] The Pastor may terminate his own position by presenting a letter of resignation with thirty days notice to the board of Elders and Deacons. [a6] The Pastor may avail himself of one months leave per year on full pay. Assistant Pastor: [b1] The Assistant Pastor shall be nominated by the Pastor and will be voted into office by the church members. [b2] The Assistant Pastor will assist the pastor in all aspects of the Pastors duties as designated by the Pastor. [b3] The Assistant Pastor shall serve on the Pastors Council. Elders:[c1] There shall be four elders who shall make up the elder board and shall be nominated and voted into office by the members of the church. They will, with the Pastor and Deacons make up the ruling body of the church. They are to be the trustees of church property and superintend the spiritual affairs of the church. [c2] Should a vacancy occur on the board of elders it shall be filled by a vote of members at the next regular meeting on the recommendation of the Pastor and board of Elders and Deacons. [c3] The Elders shall be involved in the visiting of the sick, elderly and underprivileged. [c4] The Elders shall serve on the Pastors Council Deacons:[d1] There shall be three Deacons who are to be nominated and voted into office by the members of the church. They will not form their own board but will serve on the Elders Board and with the Pastor and Elders, will make up the ruling body of the church. [d2] The Deacon will be responsible for forwarding all verbal and written reports to the Elders Board. [d3] The Deacons shall be involved in the visiting of the sick, elderly and underprivileged. [d4] The Deacon shall serve on the Pastors Council Deaconess[e1] The Deaconess shall be nominated and voted into office by the church members and shall be responsible for looking after the concerns of female members. She shall assist female candidates in baptism and assist the Pastor in his visitations. [e2] It shall be the Deaconesss responsibility to maintain the interior appearance of the church. [e3] The deaconess shall serve on the Pastors Council Secretary: [f1] The secretary shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be nominated and voted into office by the members of the church [f2] The secretary shall be responsible for the preparation of all board meetings and the keeping of minutes for those meetings. Be responsible for all incoming and outgoing mail and correspondence. Be responsible for keeping and updating of church membership records. Keeping inventory of all church property and the preparation of all church reports, bulletins and manuals. [f3] The secretary at his own discretion may delegate some of his responsibilities to the Church Clerk. Treasurer: [g1] The treasurer shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be nominated and elected by the church members. [g2] The treasurer shall handle in a proper and legal manner all moneys received the the church and deposited into a church bank account. He shall, on proper authority, pay by cheque any accounts and financial obligations of the church. He shall keep itemised accounts receipts and payments, presenting an up to date treasurers report at each monthly board meeting. [g3] The treasures books shall be audited at least once a year by an appointed outside auditor. [g4] All books, records and accounting kept buy the treasurer remains the property of the church. [g5] The treasurer shall regularly present the church clerk church accounts for preservation. Church Clerk: [h1] The Church Clerk shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be nominated and elected by church members. [h2] The Church Clerk shall keep a suitable book of records of all church actions. He is responsible for keeping records of all members names, admission dates, deaths and dismissals as well as records of all baptisms. He shall keep minutes of all church assemblies and produce them on request. He shall preserve on record copies of all correspondence and reports and deliver legal notices of all church meetings. Moderator: [j1] The moderator shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be nominated and elected by church members. [j2] The moderators responsibility shall be to chair all church council and board meetings and to ensure the smooth and efficient running of those gatherings. [j3] The moderator will be a member of the Pastors council. Childrens Church Coordinator: [k1] The Childrens Church Coordinator shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be nominated and elected by church members. [k2] The Childrens Church Coordinator shall be responsible for all childrens church activities. To support them and encourage them in the ways of the church. The Childrens Coordinator is also responsible for the running of childrens bible classes. Publicity Officer: [m1] The Publicity Officer shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be nominated and elected by church members. [m2] The publicity officers responsibility shall be to publicize church activities and to publish a monthly church newsletter. To keep the members of the church up to date with all aspects of church activities. Section11: [O1] The Pastors Council shall consist of the following: The Pastor, The Pastors Assistant, four Elders, three Deacons, Deaconess and Moderator. [O2] The Board will consist of the following: The Pastor, The Pastors Assistant, four Elders, three Deacons, Deaconess, Moderator, Secretary, Treasurer, Church Clerk and Publicity Officer. Section 111: A special meeting shall be called to elect a replacement for any position which becomes vacant for any reason between regular meetings. Article V1-Meetings Section 1: This church shall hold at least 11 board meetings per year for the disposition of all church business. The secretary, treasurer and publicity office will present their own reports for the period from the previous regular meeting and the secretary shall read the minutes of the previous regular meeting. [a] An Annual General Meeting Shall be called once a year on the second Sunday of July for the purpose of election of officers and the finalizing of the previous years business and the reading of the minutes from the previous years Annual General meeting. [b] All meetings shall be notified in writing by the Church Clerk and also announced from the pulpit. [c] Special meetings may be called as required and not less than 2 weeks notice shall be given of such meeting. [d] Meetings of the Pastors Council shall be called as required for the purpose of discussing spiritual and pertinent church interests outside those business interested covered at the general board meetings and for receiving reports from the Board of Elders and Deacons. [e] A quorum for any general board meeting to enable it to legally transact business shall be be represented by half the number of board members plus one (1). [f] A quorum for any general meeting shall be 20% of church membership [g] No meeting may proceed without reaching a quorum at either a board meeting or general meeting. Article V11-Amendments Section 1: [a] This Constitution may only be amended at an Annual General Meeting or a specially convened meeting specifically for the purpose for the amendment of this constitution. [b] This constitution shall be amended by a vote of 75%(3/4) majority of the church membership , over the age of 18 years. Section 11: A copy of proposed amendments shall be made available to all members and displayed on the church notice board not less than 2 weeks before the designated date of the general meeting. Section 111 [a] Any member wishing to apply for amendments to this constitution or its by-laws, or wish to present a motion to a general meeting, must do so in writing to the secretary and it must be received within 2 weeks of the proposed meeting. [b] Any proposed notice of motion must be displayed in writing on the church notice board not less than 2 weeks before proposed general meeting. Article V111-Church Property Section 1: All Real estate and property shall be held in the name of The Southern Baptist Church, Blue Lake, California. Section 11: In the event that this church should terminate for any reason all assets shall be gifted to such religious organizations as voted upon by the members of this church. BY-LAWS OF SOUTHERN BAPIST CHURCH Blue Lake, California Article 1-Membership Section 1: Any person wishing to become a member of this church shall so by application with a nominator and seconder from the church membership signing their application form. They shall duly be accepted as in Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution. Section 11: There shall be no membership fees for membership to this church. Section 111: All members,as Christians, shall be identified to this church. As part of the Family of God they shall maintain the same responsibilities to their fellow members as they would their own physical family Section IV A member shall have his membership terminated on the advice of the Board of Elders and Deacons at general board meeting or specially convened board meeting for reasons as stated in Article IV, Sections VIIIa-VIIIc. Article 11: Selection of Officers Section 1: The selection of all officers shall be in writing , being nominated and seconded by an active member of the church or its committee. They shall be duly elected by members of the church at an Annual General meeting or a specially convened meeting for this purpose. Article 111-Pastors Council Section 1: Any member of the Pastors Council who for whatever reason relinquishes his position shall not be permitted to hold that post again in the future. Article IV-Rules Of Order Section1: This organization shall be governed specifically as described in the Constitution of this church. Article V-Amendments Section1: [a] These by-law may be amended at any time by the committee at any general meeting or specially convened meeting for this purpose. [b] Any member wishing to have amendments, or additions made to these by-laws shall do so in writing to the board of directors and they shall make a decision at their next general board meeting or a meeting specially convened for that purpose. [c] Any changes made to the by-laws shall been displayed on the church notice board for all members perusal. Article VI-Validation Section1: The adoption of this constitution and by-laws shall supercede all previously adopted rules. Section 11: A copy of this constitution and its by-laws shall be kept by the church clerk and copies be issued to members upon request. Research “Sample Constitution and By-Laws PDF File. accessed September 30, 2011 http://w.w.w.ohio.edu/campuslife/forms/upload/Sample-Cons-and-Bylaws-051308.pdf South Lewiston Baptiste Church. 鼎onstitution/By-Laws Last modified June 30, 2010. accessed September 30,2011. http://southlewistonbaptistchurch.com/By-laws Read More