MEETINGS
Section 1: Worship Meetings
Worship services shall be held each Lord’s Day, and may be held throughout the week as the church determines.
Section 2: Members’ Meetings
In every meeting together, members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There shall be a regular members’ meeting every three months, the time for which shall be announced at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
A Pastor shall preside as moderator at all members’ meetings of the church. In the event a Pastor cannot preside, the chairman of the Deacons will preside as moderator.
Provided all constitutional provisions for notification have been met, a quorum shall be understood to be met by those members present. All votes shall be tallied based on the number of votes cast by members present.
A budget shall be approved by the membership at a regular or special members’ meeting prior to the start of the fiscal year.
At any regular or special members’ meeting, officers may be elected and positions filled as needed, so long as all relevant constitutional requirements have been met.
Special members’ meetings may be called as required. The date, time, and purpose of any special meeting shall be announced at all public services of the church at least one week preceding the meeting.
CHURCH OFFICERS
Section 1: Summary
The Biblical offices in the church are pastors and deacons. To assist with record keeping, financial accountability, and legal matters, the church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk, treasurer, and trustee. All officers must be members of this church prior to assuming their responsibilities. Also, the church may elect or the Senior Pastor may appoint a committee to assist the officers for a specific purpose.
Section 2: Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor shall serve as overseer and spiritual leader of the church whose primary responsibility shall be the ministry of the Word and prayer. He serves as the primary preaching pastor in the church. He is the leader of pastoral ministries in the church.
The Senior Pastor may relinquish the office of Senior Pastor by giving notice of resignation to the church. The church may declare the office of Senior Pastor to be vacant by majority vote in a scheduled or called members’ meeting. In the event the church declares the office to be vacant, the church will provide a severance package equal to two months compensation and benefits to the Senior Pastor.
In the event of a “search” for a Senior Pastor, a “Pastor Search Committee” will be elected by the church. The committee will be tasked with securing an interim pastor or supplying the pulpit with preachers, the development of a plan to seek out and secure a Pastor, the vetting of pastoral candidates and the presentation of a candidate (or candidates) to the church for their consideration. The call of an interim pastor, the search plan and the call of a Pastor will each be approved by the church.
Section 3: Pastors
Pastors shall be called as the church determines the need for such offices upon request from the Senior Pastor. Notwithstanding particular assigned responsibilities, the Pastors will work with the Senior Pastor and other staff in all necessary areas of ministry for the glory of God and good of the church.
A Pastor may relinquish the position by giving notice of resignation to the church. The church may declare the office of a Pastor to be vacant by majority vote in a scheduled or called members’ meeting. In the event the church declares the office to be vacant, the church will provide a severance package equal to two months compensation and benefits to the Pastor.
In the event of a “search” for a Pastor, a committee will be elected by the church to work with the Senior Pastor and other Pastors in the development of a plan to seek out and secure a Pastor, the vetting of candidates and the presentation of a candidate (or candidates) to the church for their consideration. The call of a Pastor will be approved by the church.
Section 4: Deacons
I. Biblical Foundation
The office of deacon is a New Testament office established for the health, unity, and service of the local church. The pattern for this office is found in Acts 6:1-6, where spiritually qualified men were appointed to serve the practical needs of the congregation, and in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, where the qualifications for deacons are clearly outlined. The church also recognizes the reference to deacons in Philippians 1:1.
Deacons are servants of the church who operate under the authority of Christ, the Head of the Church, and in support of the pastors/elders. They do not constitute a governing board but serve to protect unity meet tangible needs, and advance the mission of the church.
II. Purpose and Responsibilities
The purpose of the deacons is to assist the pastors/elders in preserving the unity, care, and practical ministry of the congregation.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
1.Assisting in meeting physical and logistical needs within the church.
2.Supporting the administration of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
3.Caring for widows, the elderly, and members in crisis.
4.Overseeing benevolence and member care ministries as assigned.
5.Encouraging unity and addressing potential areas of conflict in a biblical manner.
6.Supporting the pastors in ministry initiatives as requested.
7.Serving as examples of Christlike humility and faithful service.
Specific ministry assignments shall be defined by policy and approved by the church as needed.
III. Qualifications
Candidates for the office of deacon must meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8-13), including:
·Dignified and worthy of respect
·Not double-tongued
·Not addicted to much wine
·Not greedy for dishonest gain
·Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience
·Tested and found blameless
·Faithful in marriage
·Managing their children and household well
·Demonstrating spiritual maturity and servant leadership
A deacon must be a male member in good standing of First Baptist Church for a minimum of 3 years and demonstrate faithful attendance, stewardship, doctrinal alignment, and covenant commitment.
IV. Nomination, Examination, and Selection
The selection of deacons shall be led by the pastors/elders and affirmed by the congregation.
1.Elder Identification and Recommendation
The pastors/elders shall prayerfully identify and evaluate men within the membership who meet the biblical qualifications for the office of deacon.
2. Examination and Testing
Identified candidates shall undergo a period of examination consistent with 1 Timothy 3:10, which may include:
- A clear testimony of conversion and baptism
- Agreement with the church's statement of faith
- Review of character, family life, and reputation
- Demonstrated history of faithful service
- Personal interview with the pastors/elders
3. Candidate Consent
No candidate shall be presented to the congregation without his expressed willingness to serve.
4. Congregational Notification and Feedback Period
The names of recommended candidates shall be presented to the congregation at least 4 weeks prior to a vote. During this period, members are encouraged to communicate any biblical concerns privately to the pastors/elders.
5. Congregational Affirmation
Final approval shall occur by vote at a duly called members' meeting. Election shall require a minimum
affirmative vote of 80% of members present and voting.
The pastors/elders shall lead the nomination and examination process; however, the final authority to affirm or decline a candidate rests with the congregation.
V. Ordination
Ordination is the formal and public recognition by the church of a man's Biblical qualification and calling to
the office of deacon. Ordination is a lifelong designation, recognizing the individual's character, doctrine,
and faithful service as consistent with the qualifications set forth in Scripture.
Ordination does not, in itself, constitute appointment to active service in a specific ministry assignment or
term. Rather, it affirms the church's recognition of God's work in setting apart the individual for the office of deacon.
Ordination shall occur through congregational affirmation and public prayer with the laying on of hands, following the biblical pattern demonstrated in Acts 6:6.
Men previously ordained in a church of like faith and order may be recognized by this church upon review and congregational affirmation.
VI. Installation and Term of Service
Installation is the appointment of an ordained and qualified deacon to active service in a defined ministry assignment for a term of three (3) years.
Following elder recommendation and congregational affirmation, a deacon shall be installed to serve for a three-year term. Installation recognizes a specific responsibility and season of active service within First Baptist Church and does not constitute a lifelong appointment to active duty.
At the completion of a three-year term, a deacon may be recommended by the pastors/elders for reinstallation upon review of his continued qualification, faithfulness, and willingness to serve.
Reinstallation shall require congregational affirmation.
Terms may be staggered to ensure continuity within the deacon body.
VII. Accountability and Removal
Deacons remain accountable to Christ, the Scriptures, the pastors/elders, and the congregation.
If a deacon becomes doctrinally unsound, morally disqualified, or neglectful in his duties:
1.The pastors/elders shall address concerns privately and biblically.
2.The deacon may voluntarily resign.
3.Removal from active service or from the office may occur by congregational vote at a duly called members' meeting.
If removal pertains to moral or doctrinal disqualification, the church shall pursue restoration in keeping with biblical principles of repentance and reconciliation.
VIII. Vacancies
If a vacancy occurs before the completion of a term, the pastors/elders may recommend a qualified candidate to fill the remainder of the term following the same examination and affirmation process.
Section 5: Administrative Positions
(1) Clerk and Assistant Clerk
The church shall annually elect a Clerk and Assistant Clerk who shall be responsible for maintaining the minutes of church business and the church membership roll in cooperation with the church business office. They shall provide a written report of the church’s members’ meeting minutes and membership activity at each regular members’ meeting.
(2) Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
The church shall annually elect a Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer who shall serve as the financial officers of the church. They shall be responsible for the oversight of the handling of all church funds, including receipts and disbursements. They shall also be responsible for the regular reporting of all church funds to the church.
(3) Trustees
The church shall elect, as needed, five to serve as Trustees, representing the church in any legal matters.
CHURCH POLITY
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who comprise it under the headship of Jesus Christ. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership. All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it enjoys mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches.
AMMENDMENTS
The Statement of Faith and Church Covenant may be amended by a three-quarters vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.
OPERATION AND DISSOLUTION
This church is organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in religious worship or promoting the spiritual development or well-being of individuals. It is to be operated in a way that does not result in accrual of distributable profits, realization of private gain resulting from payment of compensation in excess of a reasonable allowance for salary or other compensation for services rendered, or realization of any other form of private gain.
The church pledges its assets for use in performing the organization’s religious functions. It directs that on discontinuance of the church by dissolution or otherwise the assets are to be transferred by vote of the remaining membership to a charitable, educational, religious, or other similar organization that is qualified as a charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 1: Worship Meetings
Worship services shall be held each Lord’s Day, and may be held throughout the week as the church determines.
Section 2: Members’ Meetings
In every meeting together, members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There shall be a regular members’ meeting every three months, the time for which shall be announced at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
A Pastor shall preside as moderator at all members’ meetings of the church. In the event a Pastor cannot preside, the chairman of the Deacons will preside as moderator.
Provided all constitutional provisions for notification have been met, a quorum shall be understood to be met by those members present. All votes shall be tallied based on the number of votes cast by members present.
A budget shall be approved by the membership at a regular or special members’ meeting prior to the start of the fiscal year.
At any regular or special members’ meeting, officers may be elected and positions filled as needed, so long as all relevant constitutional requirements have been met.
Special members’ meetings may be called as required. The date, time, and purpose of any special meeting shall be announced at all public services of the church at least one week preceding the meeting.
CHURCH OFFICERS
Section 1: Summary
The Biblical offices in the church are pastors and deacons. To assist with record keeping, financial accountability, and legal matters, the church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk, treasurer, and trustee. All officers must be members of this church prior to assuming their responsibilities. Also, the church may elect or the Senior Pastor may appoint a committee to assist the officers for a specific purpose.
Section 2: Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor shall serve as overseer and spiritual leader of the church whose primary responsibility shall be the ministry of the Word and prayer. He serves as the primary preaching pastor in the church. He is the leader of pastoral ministries in the church.
The Senior Pastor may relinquish the office of Senior Pastor by giving notice of resignation to the church. The church may declare the office of Senior Pastor to be vacant by majority vote in a scheduled or called members’ meeting. In the event the church declares the office to be vacant, the church will provide a severance package equal to two months compensation and benefits to the Senior Pastor.
In the event of a “search” for a Senior Pastor, a “Pastor Search Committee” will be elected by the church. The committee will be tasked with securing an interim pastor or supplying the pulpit with preachers, the development of a plan to seek out and secure a Pastor, the vetting of pastoral candidates and the presentation of a candidate (or candidates) to the church for their consideration. The call of an interim pastor, the search plan and the call of a Pastor will each be approved by the church.
Section 3: Pastors
Pastors shall be called as the church determines the need for such offices upon request from the Senior Pastor. Notwithstanding particular assigned responsibilities, the Pastors will work with the Senior Pastor and other staff in all necessary areas of ministry for the glory of God and good of the church.
A Pastor may relinquish the position by giving notice of resignation to the church. The church may declare the office of a Pastor to be vacant by majority vote in a scheduled or called members’ meeting. In the event the church declares the office to be vacant, the church will provide a severance package equal to two months compensation and benefits to the Pastor.
In the event of a “search” for a Pastor, a committee will be elected by the church to work with the Senior Pastor and other Pastors in the development of a plan to seek out and secure a Pastor, the vetting of candidates and the presentation of a candidate (or candidates) to the church for their consideration. The call of a Pastor will be approved by the church.
Section 4: Deacons
I. Biblical Foundation
The office of deacon is a New Testament office established for the health, unity, and service of the local church. The pattern for this office is found in Acts 6:1-6, where spiritually qualified men were appointed to serve the practical needs of the congregation, and in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, where the qualifications for deacons are clearly outlined. The church also recognizes the reference to deacons in Philippians 1:1.
Deacons are servants of the church who operate under the authority of Christ, the Head of the Church, and in support of the pastors/elders. They do not constitute a governing board but serve to protect unity meet tangible needs, and advance the mission of the church.
II. Purpose and Responsibilities
The purpose of the deacons is to assist the pastors/elders in preserving the unity, care, and practical ministry of the congregation.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
1.Assisting in meeting physical and logistical needs within the church.
2.Supporting the administration of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
3.Caring for widows, the elderly, and members in crisis.
4.Overseeing benevolence and member care ministries as assigned.
5.Encouraging unity and addressing potential areas of conflict in a biblical manner.
6.Supporting the pastors in ministry initiatives as requested.
7.Serving as examples of Christlike humility and faithful service.
Specific ministry assignments shall be defined by policy and approved by the church as needed.
III. Qualifications
Candidates for the office of deacon must meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8-13), including:
·Dignified and worthy of respect
·Not double-tongued
·Not addicted to much wine
·Not greedy for dishonest gain
·Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience
·Tested and found blameless
·Faithful in marriage
·Managing their children and household well
·Demonstrating spiritual maturity and servant leadership
A deacon must be a male member in good standing of First Baptist Church for a minimum of 3 years and demonstrate faithful attendance, stewardship, doctrinal alignment, and covenant commitment.
IV. Nomination, Examination, and Selection
The selection of deacons shall be led by the pastors/elders and affirmed by the congregation.
1.Elder Identification and Recommendation
The pastors/elders shall prayerfully identify and evaluate men within the membership who meet the biblical qualifications for the office of deacon.
2. Examination and Testing
Identified candidates shall undergo a period of examination consistent with 1 Timothy 3:10, which may include:
- A clear testimony of conversion and baptism
- Agreement with the church's statement of faith
- Review of character, family life, and reputation
- Demonstrated history of faithful service
- Personal interview with the pastors/elders
3. Candidate Consent
No candidate shall be presented to the congregation without his expressed willingness to serve.
4. Congregational Notification and Feedback Period
The names of recommended candidates shall be presented to the congregation at least 4 weeks prior to a vote. During this period, members are encouraged to communicate any biblical concerns privately to the pastors/elders.
5. Congregational Affirmation
Final approval shall occur by vote at a duly called members' meeting. Election shall require a minimum
affirmative vote of 80% of members present and voting.
The pastors/elders shall lead the nomination and examination process; however, the final authority to affirm or decline a candidate rests with the congregation.
V. Ordination
Ordination is the formal and public recognition by the church of a man's Biblical qualification and calling to
the office of deacon. Ordination is a lifelong designation, recognizing the individual's character, doctrine,
and faithful service as consistent with the qualifications set forth in Scripture.
Ordination does not, in itself, constitute appointment to active service in a specific ministry assignment or
term. Rather, it affirms the church's recognition of God's work in setting apart the individual for the office of deacon.
Ordination shall occur through congregational affirmation and public prayer with the laying on of hands, following the biblical pattern demonstrated in Acts 6:6.
Men previously ordained in a church of like faith and order may be recognized by this church upon review and congregational affirmation.
VI. Installation and Term of Service
Installation is the appointment of an ordained and qualified deacon to active service in a defined ministry assignment for a term of three (3) years.
Following elder recommendation and congregational affirmation, a deacon shall be installed to serve for a three-year term. Installation recognizes a specific responsibility and season of active service within First Baptist Church and does not constitute a lifelong appointment to active duty.
At the completion of a three-year term, a deacon may be recommended by the pastors/elders for reinstallation upon review of his continued qualification, faithfulness, and willingness to serve.
Reinstallation shall require congregational affirmation.
Terms may be staggered to ensure continuity within the deacon body.
VII. Accountability and Removal
Deacons remain accountable to Christ, the Scriptures, the pastors/elders, and the congregation.
If a deacon becomes doctrinally unsound, morally disqualified, or neglectful in his duties:
1.The pastors/elders shall address concerns privately and biblically.
2.The deacon may voluntarily resign.
3.Removal from active service or from the office may occur by congregational vote at a duly called members' meeting.
If removal pertains to moral or doctrinal disqualification, the church shall pursue restoration in keeping with biblical principles of repentance and reconciliation.
VIII. Vacancies
If a vacancy occurs before the completion of a term, the pastors/elders may recommend a qualified candidate to fill the remainder of the term following the same examination and affirmation process.
Section 5: Administrative Positions
(1) Clerk and Assistant Clerk
The church shall annually elect a Clerk and Assistant Clerk who shall be responsible for maintaining the minutes of church business and the church membership roll in cooperation with the church business office. They shall provide a written report of the church’s members’ meeting minutes and membership activity at each regular members’ meeting.
(2) Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
The church shall annually elect a Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer who shall serve as the financial officers of the church. They shall be responsible for the oversight of the handling of all church funds, including receipts and disbursements. They shall also be responsible for the regular reporting of all church funds to the church.
(3) Trustees
The church shall elect, as needed, five to serve as Trustees, representing the church in any legal matters.
CHURCH POLITY
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who comprise it under the headship of Jesus Christ. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership. All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it enjoys mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches.
AMMENDMENTS
The Statement of Faith and Church Covenant may be amended by a three-quarters vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.
OPERATION AND DISSOLUTION
This church is organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in religious worship or promoting the spiritual development or well-being of individuals. It is to be operated in a way that does not result in accrual of distributable profits, realization of private gain resulting from payment of compensation in excess of a reasonable allowance for salary or other compensation for services rendered, or realization of any other form of private gain.
The church pledges its assets for use in performing the organization’s religious functions. It directs that on discontinuance of the church by dissolution or otherwise the assets are to be transferred by vote of the remaining membership to a charitable, educational, religious, or other similar organization that is qualified as a charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Code.