CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of LEXINGTON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of LEXINGTON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH Lexington Park, Maryland Revised October 22 nd,2014

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE CONSTITUTION... 1 PREAMBLE... 1 ARTICLE I. NAME... 1 ARTICLE II. PURPOSE, POLITY, AND INCORPORATION... 1 SECTION 1. PURPOSE... 1 SECTION 2. POLITY... 1 SECTION 3. INCORPORATION... 1 ARTICLE III. STATEMENT OF FAITH... 2 ARTICLE IV. CHURCH COVENANT... 2 ARTICLE V. CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS... 3 BY-LAWS... 4 ARTICLE I. AMENDMENTS... 4 SECTION 1. BY-LAWS... 4 SECTION 2. CHURCH OPERATIONS AND POLICY MANUAL... 4 ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP... 4 SECTION 1. GENERAL... 4 SECTION 2. MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS... 5 SECTION 3. CHURCH DISCIPLINE... 5 SECTION 4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP... 6 SECTION 5. INACTIVE MEMBERS... 6 SECTION 6. DUTIES OF MEMBERS... 7 SECTION 7. VOTING... 7 ARTICLE III. CHURCH LEADERSHIP... 7 SECTION 1. CHURCH OFFICERS... 8 SECTION 2. SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL SECTION 3. COMMITTEES A. NOMINATING COMMITTEE B. SPECIAL COMMITTEES SECTION 4. CHURCH COUNCIL ARTICLE IV. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS SECTION 1. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS SECTION 2. SENIOR PASTOR A. QUALIFICATIONS B. ELECTION C. DUTIES SECTION 3. MINISTERIAL STAFF A. DEFINITION B. QUALIFICATIONS i

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont d) SECTION PAGE C. ELECTION D. DUTIES SECTION 4. CHURCH OFFICERS AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP TEAM LEADERS A. QUALIFICATIONS B. ELECTION C. DUTIES SECTION 5. DEACONS A. QUALIFICATIONS B. ELECTION C. DUTIES ARTICLE V. CALLING, RECALLING AND RESIGNATION OF LEADERSHIP POSITIONS SECTION 1. CALLING SECTION 2. RESIGNATION SECTION 3. TERMINATION ARTICLE VI. SUPPORT STAFF A. DEFINITION B. SELECTION C. TERMINATION D. SUPERVISION ARTICLE VII. CHURCH MEETINGS SECTION 1. REGULAR WORSHIP SERVICES SECTION 2. REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS SECTION 3. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS SECTION 4. QUORUM SECTION 5. PARLIAMENTARY RULES SECTION 6. SUSPENSION OF RULES ARTICLE VIII. FINANCES SECTION 1. BUDGET SECTION 2. TREASURY SECTION 3. DISBURSEMENT SECTION 4. AUDITS APPENDIX A... A-1 i

4 CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE We, the members of Lexington Park Baptist Church, declare and establish this constitution to preserve and promote the principles of our faith and to govern this body of Christian believers in an orderly manner. This constitution is intended to guard the liberties of each individual member of this Church and the freedom of action of this Body in relation to other churches. ARTICLE I. NAME This Body shall be known as the Lexington Park Baptist Church, Lexington Park, St. Mary s County, Maryland. SECTION 1. PURPOSE ARTICLE II. PURPOSE, POLITY, AND INCORPORATION The purpose of this Church shall be to make disciples by proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; to lead in spiritual growth through worship, Christian education, witnessing, ministry; and to provide a warm fellowship for its members and those who worship with us. SECTION 2. POLITY The government of this Church is vested in the body of believers under Christ who compose the membership. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist Churches. The Church will cooperate with and support the Potomac Baptist Association, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, and the Southern Baptist Convention when determined practical by the church body. If at any time the majority of this Church shall depart from the principles herein stated and embodied in the covenant and statement of faith, the property of this Church shall belong to the minority, however small, who adhere to the principles thus set forth. SECTION 3. INCORPORATION The Lexington Park Baptist Church is incorporated in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. The handling of property shall be in accordance with such laws. ARTICLE III. STATEMENT OF FAITH The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for our statement of faith. We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed 1

5 to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The Church Ordinances are Baptism and The Lord s Supper. The Church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in ARTICLE IV. CHURCH COVENANT Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; And on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; We do now, in the presence of God, the angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We agree, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; To promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; To contribute cheerfully and regularly through our tithes, offerings, and talents to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel to all nations. We agree to maintain family and personal devotions; to educate our children according to scriptural principles; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; To avoid all tattling, backbiting, gossip, and excessive anger; To maintain our mind and body as the temple of the Holy Spirit; to use our influence to prevent the sale, distribution, and use of harmful substances and literature that would hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. We further agree to watch over one another in brotherly love; To promote the sanctity of human life; To remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy and courtesy in feeling and speech; To be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the guidance of our Savior to secure it without delay. 2

6 We moreover agree that when we move from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God s Word. ARTICLE V. CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS This constitution may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members, present and voting at any two consecutive business meetings, separated by a minimum of 28 days, provided the proposed amendment has been presented in writing at the business meeting prior to the initial vote. There shall be a minimum of 28 days between the business meeting in which this amendment is first presented and the initial vote. This proposed amendment must be sent to all active resident members by mail within ten days following its initial presentation. The intent and substance of the amendment must be announced, either verbally or in writing, at all worship services for two consecutive Sundays before the first business meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be voted on. The votes will be by secret ballot, and a quorum is defined as ten percent of the resident active membership. The ballots of the first vote will be held uncounted under lock and key with the Church Trustee Chairman holding the ballots and the Chairman of Deacons holding the key. These ballots will be counted at the same time as the ballots from the second vote with the results tallied separately. Both votes individually must pass by the 2/3 vote requirement for an amendment to be effected. 3

7 BY-LAWS ARTICLE I. AMENDMENTS SECTION 1. BY-LAWS A. The overall functioning of the Church shall be administered through By-Laws established by the congregational body of the Church and implemented by the leadership through the Church Operations and Policy Manual. The By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members, present and voting at any business meeting, provided the proposed amendment has been presented in writing at the previous business meeting and sent to all active resident members by mail within ten days following its presentation. There shall be a minimum of 28 days between the business meeting in which this amendment is first presented and the vote. The intent and substance of the amendment must be presented, either verbally or in writing, at all worship services the Sunday prior to the business meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be voted on. B. The vote will be by secret ballot and a quorum is as defined in Article VII Section 4 of the By-Laws. SECTION 2. CHURCH OPERATIONS AND POLICY MANUAL The functioning of the Church shall comply with the Constitution and By-Laws and shall be documented and administered through implementation of the Church Operations and Policy Manual. Changes to the Church Operations and Policy Manual must be sponsored by a member of the Church Council and will become policy when confirmed by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Church Council membership present and voting at a regularly scheduled Church Council meeting. SECTION 1. GENERAL ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP The desire of the Church is to fully reflect God s Kingdom, creating an environment where all feel welcome to worship God and realize a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Members shall consist of those who have made a public commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord, having been baptized by immersion, and having made a commitment to this Church. Members should attend regularly, be actively involved in worship and ministry, and be in agreement with the mission of Lexington Park Baptist Church. The mission of Lexington Park Baptist Church is to glorify God by being disciples who make disciples (John 15:8, Matthew 28: 16-20). Biblical disciples live out of four passions to: Love God; Proclaim Salvation through Christ; Build Disciples; and 4

8 Care for One Another. SECTION 2. MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS A. Membership application will be accomplished through one of the following: 1. By profession of faith and requesting baptism; 2. By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church of like faith and practice; 3. By statement of their Christian experience and believer s baptism, when previously a member of a Baptist church of like faith and practice but from which a letter of recommendation is not obtainable; or 4. From other Christian churches by giving testimony of their Christian experience and believer s baptism by immersion, or by giving testimony of their Christian experience and requesting baptism by immersion. B. All new member applicants or re-instated members are required to be counseled by the Senior Pastor or a member appointed by the Senior Pastor. New members are encouraged to participate in a New Member Orientation Class. C. After counseling, and with the recommendation of the counselor, membership may be approved by the Church Council. D. To remain in an active status, with all of the privileges of membership, members should attend regularly, be actively involved in worship and ministry, and be in agreement with the mission of Lexington Park Baptist Church. SECTION 3. CHURCH DISCIPLINE A. 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 by following the guidance of God s Word in Matthew 18: The attitude of the Church is guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment. B. When an individual(s) in the Church errs in doctrine or conduct, it may be necessary for the Deacons and the Senior Pastor to apply corrective discipline as instructed by God and His Word. If this action is not able to resolve the issue, then these men shall forward a recommendation to the Church Council for disposition. All such proceedings shall be entered into with a redemptive spirit of Christian love, kindness, and forgiveness. C. Membership of any person previously excluded may be reinstated in accordance with Section 2 of this Article. 5

9 SECTION 4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP A. Membership shall be removed by the Church Council under the following circumstances: 1. By death; 2. By erasure of those who unite with churches of other denominations to which letters of recommendation are not granted; 3. By granting of letters of recommendation to other Baptist churches of like faith and practice, when requested by that church. Letters of recommendation will not be given to individuals; 4. By personal request of the member; 5. By Church discipline; (Section 3 of this Article); 6. By erasure from membership of those who are on the inactive list and have been contacted by the Senior Pastor or his representative, after all efforts have been made to have the member reconnect to the Church. B. Membership records for individuals who have been removed from the membership rolls shall be maintained until such time as a letter of transfer or notification of death is received, but that person will not be carried as a member impacting official records and quorum requirements. SECTION 5. INACTIVE MEMBERS A. Resident members failing to participate in and attend Church services and activities, who are not providentially hindered from attending, are considered inactive for purposes of the Church outreach program. The Senior Pastor and deacons shall review the Church membership rolls at least annually in an effort to identify inactive resident members and to take positive action in order to restore such members to active fellowship. Once on the inactive roll, continuing efforts should be made to have the members reconnect or move their membership. B. Members who move from the immediate area shall be considered non-resident inactive members. Every reasonable effort shall be made to encourage non-resident members to join churches where they live. Non-resident members shall remain on the Church rolls until a letter of recommendation is requested or until it is confirmed that they are members of another church. C. Persons so carried on the inactive roll shall not be permitted to vote in Church business meetings. 6

10 D. If a member is in the inactive status for a least two consecutive years, the Church Council may remove/terminate the person s membership. E. All members under consideration for termination of membership will be given notice, if possible, to respond to the Church Council before a final determination. SECTION 6. DUTIES OF MEMBERS Members will work together to build up the body of Christ, striving for unity and maturity in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16). The member exists for the Lord and for those who do not yet know Christ died for them. By faith we are willing to fulfill our mission on earth, to the eternal glory of God the Father (Ephesians 3:20-21). The specific objective of our members is to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the local area and throughout the world. SECTION 7. VOTING A. All individuals shall have an equal right to express their views without regard to length of membership, age, or other factors, but only active resident members as defined in Section 2D of this Article will be allowed to vote. All votes taken during regular and special business meetings will require that members be 16 years of age or older. The single exception to this is that, in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, the Board of Trustees shall be elected by the members of the Church who are of legal voting age in the state. B. A simple majority of resident active members present and voting, in accordance with the establishment of Quorum as stated in Article VII Section 4 of the By-Laws, shall decide all matters except those where otherwise stated in these By-Laws. ARTICLE III. CHURCH LEADERSHIP The Church leadership will use a two element structure (Figure 1), led by the senior pastor, that will consist of the Church officers overseeing all business and policy aspects of the Church, and the Spiritual Leadership Council overseeing the ministries of the Church. These two leadership bodies will be assisted by small teams which will address specific concerns and functions of the particular team. The two bodies collectively will comprise the Church Council, which administers the day-to-day activities authorized by the approved budget. Specific duties and responsibilities are set forth below. Elected members of these bodies may only hold one office at any given time. SECTION 1. CHURCH OFFICERS 7

11 A. The officers of the Church shall function as the Board of Trustees and as the personnel committee. The officers shall be the Trustee Chairman (President), Trustee Vice Chairman (Vice President), Secretary, Treasurer, and Facilities Coordinator. These officers shall act in the capacity of the Board of Directors of the corporation and shall be insured by the Church. These officers are required by the incorporation laws of the state of Maryland, with the President (Trustee Chairman), Secretary, and Treasurer being specifically named as the legal authority for the Church. The Vice- President (Trustee Vice Chairman) and Facilities Coordinator are required as members only and hold no legal position. The officers are the authorized authority to sign routine contracts for authorized and budgeted expenditures or services. The Trustee Chairman will be the primary signature authority for routine contracts, but all of the officers are authorized by law and may be specifically directed by the Church or the Trustee Chairman. Figure 1. Leadership Structure of LPBC B. The Church Officers shall meet with the Spiritual Leadership Council, forming the Church Council, at least quarterly to review plans and policies. C. Each Church Officer shall develop inputs for submission to the Church Council for a Church Operations and Policy Manual that addresses the operational procedures of their particular position. The Church Officers will meet at least one time per year to evaluate the overall operation of the Church business practices. D. Descriptions of Officer Responsibilities 1. Trustee Chairman The Trustee Chairman shall be the ranking member of the Church Officers. The Trustee Chairman shall act as or appoint a moderator of Business Meetings. 8

12 The Trustee Chairman may execute any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments authorized by the Church Body to be executed. However, the Trustee Chairman may not execute instruments on behalf of the Church if this power is expressly delegated to another officer or agent of the Church by the Church, these By-Laws, or statute of the state of Maryland. 2. Trustee Vice Chairman The Trustee Vice Chairman shall act in the capacity of the Trustee Chairman when the Trustee Chairman is absent or unable to act. The Trustee Vice Chairman shall perform duties of the Trustee Chairman as assigned above. The Trustee Vice Chairman shall be the Personnel coordinator. The Personnel coordinator of the Church shall be responsible for developing and coordinating all of the traditional Human Resource policies and processes concerning the Church employees. These policies shall be executed by the church officers. 3. Secretary The Secretary shall be responsible for the development and implementation of all administrative processes and procedures considered necessary to conduct the business of the Church. The Secretary shall be responsible for developing all administrative processes and policies that guide the daily operational administrative requirements of the Church. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all business meetings conducted by the Church, Church officers, and the Church Council. A report of all meetings will be made available to the Church body. The Secretary shall keep a register of all Church members with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, and a record of baptism, and shall report to the Moderator the number of members required for a quorum. The Secretary shall maintain the current approved copy of the Church Constitution, By-Laws, and the Church Operations and Policy Manual. The Secretary shall issue letters of recommendation after approval by the Church Council and such other correspondence as the Council may direct. 4. Treasurer The Treasurer shall be responsible for the development and implementation of all financial processes and procedures considered necessary to conduct the business of the Church. The Treasurer shall be the developing authority for all fiduciary processes and policies guiding the daily operational requirements of the Church. The Treasurer will make periodic checks to ensure compliance with established policy. The Treasurer shall have overall responsibility for all fiduciary matters concerning the Church. The Treasurer shall ensure that the Church financial accounting has a full audit by an independent agency on at least a triannual basis. The independent auditor will submit recommendations to the Church Council for any corrective actions necessary as a result of the audit. The Treasurer shall be responsible for developing the annual budget and submitting it to the 9

13 Church Council for review prior to submission to the Church for approval. The Treasurer shall oversee and administer the stewardship giving of the Church and be an encourager to Church members to seek God s will in their personal giving. See Article VIII for further details. 5. Facilities Coordinator The Facilities Coordinator shall oversee maintenance and upkeep of the entire facility which will include all building structures and the associated grounds. The Facilities Coordinator shall also oversee the internal and external communication equipment supporting Church operations. This will include the use and maintenance of all sound and video equipment, computer resources and other office equipment, the phone system, the security system, the Church Media Center, and preservation of historical documents. This will include administering any contracts required to support the facility or grounds such as lawn mowing, snow removal, or general custodial care. The Facilities Coordinator will procure and maintain all necessary facility equipment that requires installation or connection to a facility service such as water, gas, and plumbing or hard wired electrical. General decorating design and implementation within the facility will be coordinated by this person. SECTION 2. SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL A. The Spiritual Leadership Council shall operate within the following guidelines: 1. The Senior Pastor will be the Chairman of this Council. 2. Members of this Council shall serve as a part of the Church Council. Substitutes may be made on a one-for-one basis when a member must be absent. No more than five persons representing the Spiritual Leadership Council may attend the Church Council meetings as voting members. 3. This Council shall develop inputs for submission to the Church Council for a Church Operations and Policy Manual that addresses the operational procedures of each team component. 4. This Council shall submit all annual budget requirements of the Spiritual Leadership Teams to the Church Treasurer for inclusion in the Annual Budget that will be submitted to the Church. 5. This Council will nominate Ministry leaders below the Team Leader level and submit them to the Church Council for approval. 6. All recommendations or requests made in regard to items 3 through 5 above will require a majority vote of the Council members before action is taken. 10

14 B. The Spiritual Leadership Council will be comprised of the Team Leaders from the five Spiritual Leadership Teams. 1. Worship Team a. The Senior Pastor will be the Worship Team Leader. A representative to the Church Council will be appointed by the Senior Pastor. b. Functional areas of responsibility are Church worship services and prayer meetings of the Church body. This will include, when necessary, providing appropriate music, ushers, and other arrangements for baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc. c. Specific duties and procedures for the Team and each Section will be set forth in the Church Operations and Policy Manual as approved by the Church Council. 2. Education Team a. The Education Team Leader will be nominated by the Deacons and will be a member of the Church Council. b. The Education Team will coordinate and administer the education activities of the Church. The major components of this effort are the Sunday School Program, Vacation Bible School, the Discipleship Training Program (which includes the AWANA Program), and the Weekday School. 3. Youth Team a. The Youth Team Leader will be nominated by the Deacons and will be a member of the Church Council. b. The Youth Team will coordinate and administer all activities that involve the youth of the Church. This will include mission and recreational trips and other special activities designed for the youth. 4. Evangelism Team a. The Evangelism Team Leader will be nominated by the Deacons and will be a member of Church Council. b. The Evangelism Team will coordinate and administer outreach activities which include the men s and women s mission organizations, as well as recreational and other hospitality activities including family meals and potluck events. 11

15 c. Official communication to the outside media will be referred to the Senior Pastor or the Trustee Chairman. The Evangelism Team will coordinate all external communication involving advertisements and Church web page. 5. Deacon Team SECTION 3. COMMITTEES a. Chairman of the Deacons shall be the Team Leader and will be a member of the Church Council. b. The Deacon Team shall be an extension of the pastoral ministry. Primary areas of responsibility are family ministry, benevolence, preparing and serving the Lord s Supper, and Church discipline. c. Specific duties and procedures will be set forth in the Church Operations and Policy Manual as approved by the Church Council. d. Deacons will be jointly nominated by the Deacons and the Senior Pastor and submitted to the Church for approval. e. In the absence of a Senior Pastor, his responsibilities shall be accomplished by the Deacons. f. Three years is the period of service for a Deacon, at which time the Deacon is eligible for a one-year period of inactive service. If ministry needs indicate additional service is needed, the following process applies: A Deacon, willing to continue serving, nominated by the Deacons, and elected during a special or regular business meeting, may serve an additional term and may be re-elected in succeeding years. A. Nominating Committee 1. The Deacons will nominate individuals to fill all non-paid positions of the Church Officers and the Spiritual Leadership Team. The nominees for these positions will be presented to the Church for approval. 2. The Church Council will fill the director positions such as: Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, AWANA Director, etc. These directors will act as a Nominating Committee to coordinate Church member placement into all other ministry related positions (such as teachers, etc.). 3. Church Council members will coordinate with this Nominating Committee to facilitate Church membership use to fill other positions (such as budget, finance, grounds, etc.). 12

16 B. Special Committees Special Committees may be required from time to time to accomplish tasks more extensive than the daily operations of a team. When the need for a special committee is determined, it will be established and function as defined below: 1. Will be established by the Church Council with a written charter detailing the purpose and requirements of the committee. 2. Will be disestablished by the Church Council upon completion of the assigned task. SECTION 4. CHURCH COUNCIL A. The Church Council shall be comprised of the Senior Pastor and the following Church officers: Trustee Chairman, Trustee Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Facilities Coordinator, and the following Spiritual Team Leaders: Worship Team Leader, Evangelism Team Leader, Education Team Leader, Deacon Chairman and Youth Team Leader. This Council will be chaired by the Senior Pastor. In the event of his absence, the Trustee Chairman will act in his stead. The chair shall have a vote in all matters before the council and may participate in all discussion. B. The first part of all Council meetings shall be open to all Church members for presentation of information. Church members shall be allowed to attend all Church council meetings with the exception of closed meetings, such as for the purpose of discussion of pending discipline issues, but may not vote. Minutes of all meetings will be taken and made available. Church members attending will not be permitted to participate in the discussion during the second part of the Church Council meetings. All Church Council votes will require a quorum of three Church Officers and four Spiritual Team Leaders. A 2/3 vote of members present and voting is required in all situations. C. This council will be responsible for the following: 1. Establishing and disestablishing programs and ministries that will be supported by the Church. 2. Authorizing the distribution and expenditure of all Priority Three funds in advance of expenditure. 3. Developing and maintaining a Church Operations and Policy Manual for all identified programs and ministries that addresses the operational procedures in sufficient detail to perform the required functions for each program or ministry. 4. Considering for acceptance all applications for membership to the Church body by confirming completion of the membership requirements set forth in Article II 13

17 Section 2. Upon acceptance, the council will acknowledge this in writing to the member and will initiate public introduction of the new member to the body. 5. Initiating and approving removal of members as stipulated in Article II Section 4A of these By-Laws. 6. Submitting the annual budget to the Church for approval. Church staff salaries and benefits line items of the annual budget shall be established and submitted to the Church by the Church Officers. 7. Developing and maintaining Short Term and Long Term Strategic Planning documents that ensure the programs and ministry activities are fully supported by the allocation of all necessary resources. 8. Establishing special committees when determined necessary. 9. Approving all unfunded requirements and expenditures over and above the approved budget up to a limit of 10% of the annual budget per budget year. Requirements exceeding this amount will require approval by the Church. 10. Redistributing funds when needed, but not to exceed the approved budget. ARTICLE IV. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS SECTION 1. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. The positions of leadership within the Church shall consist of the Senior Pastor, Ministers, Church Officers, Spiritual Leadership Team leads, and the Deacons. The qualifications for each of these are defined below. SECTION 2. SENIOR PASTOR A. Qualifications: The Senior Pastor shall be a God-called, Spirit-filled Christian man. The Senior Pastor shall be ordained and in good standing in the association and state convention in which he resides and the Southern Baptist Convention. It is strongly desirable that the Senior Pastor also be a graduate of a Southern Baptist seminary with a degree, certificate, diploma, or equivalent. The Senior Pastor shall be sound doctrinally, according to our Statement of Faith as set forth in Article III of the Constitution. B. Election: A Pastor shall be called by the Church to serve for an indefinite period. C. Duties: Consistent with the nature of his calling, the Senior Pastor shall serve as spiritual under-shepherd of the Church. The Senior Pastor shall have general oversight of the Church; preach and teach the Word of God; lead the Church in evangelistic outreach; plan, coordinate and/or conduct worship and other services; administer the Church ordinances; serve the Church and community according to the example of and in the spirit of Christ; and perform 14

18 other duties that usually pertain to the office of Senior Pastor. His leadership is to be recognized in all of the Church s organizations. The Senior Pastor shall supervise the Church staff and consult with the Church Officers to resolve issues of dispute which he cannot individually resolve; inform the Church Officers of any significant personnel issues; approve all absences and vacations of Church employees; supervise all Church employees subject to terms of employment determined by the Church; dispense funds from the office account (Article VIII, Section 3D); call special meetings of the deacons, any committee, or organization as needed; and, in cooperation with the deacons, provide for pulpit supply. SECTION 3. MINISTERIAL STAFF A. Definition: Ministerial staff includes individuals who fill special ministry needs, such as youth, music, or other needs that may be determined necessary. B. Qualifications: Ministerial staff shall be God-called, Spirit-filled Christians as defined in 1 Timothy Chapter 3. Ministerial staff must demonstrate capability in the ministry to which they are being called. The Ministerial staff shall be doctrinally sound, according to our Statement of Faith as set forth in Article III of the Constitution. C. Election: Full time Ministerial staff shall be called by the Church to serve for an indefinite period. Temporary ministerial staff may be appointed by the Senior Pastor with approval by the Church Council. D. Duties: The duties of each individual Ministerial staff position shall be specified in a job description to be developed by the Church Council. SECTION 4. CHURCH OFFICERS AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP TEAM LEADERS A. Qualifications: 1. Officers and Team Leaders shall be God-called, Spirit-filled Christians committed to personal development and maturity as Christian believers, including regular practice of the spiritual disciplines. 2. Demonstrate spiritual gifts relevant to the position to which they are being nominated to include organizational, administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills. 3. Demonstrate a desire to grow as a servant leader utilizing their individual gifts, abilities, time and energy. B. Election: 1. All Officers and Team Leaders except the Senior Pastor and other full time Ministerial Staff, as defined in Sections 2 and 3 of this Article, shall be elected 15

19 from the active membership of the Church for a term of one year subject to reelection. 2. Election of all officers and team leaders shall be by a majority vote at a special or regular business meeting. Names shall be presented by the Deacons. Church members may recommend individuals to the Deacons, which will consider them in the same manner as any other candidate. 3. The terms of all elected Church Officers (Trustee Chairman, Trustee Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Facilities) and Team Leaders shall be one year beginning on January 1 and ending on December An Officer or Team Leader may be re-elected to the same office. 5. All Officers and Team Leaders shall demonstrate a commitment to the Church and its ministries as follows: a. Must be an active resident member for a minimum of one year. b. Must be a regular attendee of Church functions. C. Duties: The duties of each individual Officer and Team Leader position shall be specified in a job description to be maintained by the Trustee Vice Chairman. Any changes to that job description will be approved by the Church Council. SECTION 5. DEACONS A. Qualifications: The Deacons shall faithfully discharge their responsibilities as servants of the Church and shall meet the qualifications as set forth in Acts 6: 1-7 and I Timothy 3: The Deacons shall consist of men of the Church in good and regular standing. B. Election: See Article III, Section 2.B.5. C. Duties: See Article III, Section 2.B.5 ARTICLE V. CALLING, RESIGNATION, AND TERMINATION OF LEADERSHIP POSITIONS SECTION 1. CALLING. A. Senior Pastor and Ministerial Staff will be called by the Church by way of a (Special) Selection Committee which shall consist of a minimum of seven members of the Church. 16

20 B. The Selection Committee for ministerial staff shall be nominated by the Deacons. Other nominations may be considered from the congregation by the Deacons. C. The Church Council shall develop a job description prior to direct contact with prospective candidates. D. The ministerial staff Selection Committee shall seek out and nominate a person who best qualifies for the requirements of the approved job description. This committee shall bring only one name at a time before the Church, and no nomination shall be made to the Church except through the Selection Committee. Full discussion of a candidate and considerations involved in his call shall occur at a business meeting to be held prior to and separate from the formal vote. These meetings shall be announced to resident members by mail at least one week prior to the meeting for discussion and at all intervening worship services. This announcement shall also include the date of the formal vote. E. The vote on whether to extend a call shall take place at a regular Sunday morning service. A call shall require three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of those resident members present and voting. Quorum requirements are as listed in Article VII, Section 4. Voting shall be by secret ballot. SECTION 2. RESIGNATION. A Senior Pastor, Ministerial Staff, Church Officer, or Spiritual Leader may resign at any time, although the church desires that 30 days notice be given for a resignation. SECTION 3. TERMINATION. A. Termination Process for a called staff member. 1. Prior to termination, an extensive effort should be given to counseling and reconciliation unless the reason for termination is for moral failure. Meetings shall progress as described in Matthew 18:16-17 in an attempt to resolve problems at the lowest level. 2. For termination of Ministerial Staff, the Senior Pastor shall meet with the Deacons to explain issues and seek guidance. The Deacons should meet with the Ministerial Staff and explain the issues and seek an understanding from their point of view. The Deacons should then hold a joint meeting of the Senior Pastor and the Ministerial Staff to address the issues and ensure that all parties have a full understanding of the situation. 3. For termination of the Senior Pastor, the Deacons shall meet with him to address the issues and ensure that all parties have a full understanding of the situation. 4. The Deacons should attempt to work through any possibilities of miscommunication or lack of communication by meeting individually with all parties 17

21 involved and then holding a joint meeting. Should the Deacons require additional assistance in these procedures, the Church Officers may be invited to participate in discussions. Use of available resources at the Potomac Baptist Association and the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware is encouraged. 5. If the Deacons are not able to restore an amenable relationship with the staff member, then they need to prayerfully seek wisdom in whether there should be a separation of the staff member. If that is the conclusion, then the Deacons should meet with the Church Officers to inform them of the situation. Should the Deacons and the Church Officers decide on termination of the staff member, a minimum of two weeks shall pass prior to a formal vote at which no less than three-quarters of those in attendance is required for termination. The staff member will be advised of their decision. 6. The Deacons and Church Officers will agree on a severance package. Severance pay, if any, shall not exceed the equivalent of 6 months (salary, housing, and health insurance) from the date of dismissal and will be determined and granted by the Church Officers and Deacons. The Deacons and Church Officers should then invite the staff member to discuss severance and a departure date. Upon establishing the severance package and departure date, the church body shall be notified. B. The Deacons by majority vote may temporarily relieve the Senior Pastor or Minister of all responsibilities and authority if moral failure is identified following accusations made in accordance with I Timothy 5:19. If after investigation the accusations are confirmed, the Deacons will make a determination of restoration or separation and the steps involved. The procedures of paragraphs A.5-6 will be followed for separation. In all of the above situations the Senior Pastor or Minister and the Church shall, in any case, seek to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. ARTICLE VI. SUPPORT STAFF A. Definition. Support staff is defined as any employee of the Church (administrative, secretarial, custodial, business, etc.). They are not part of the Leadership Team as defined in Article IV, but work in support of that team. B. Selection. 1. The need for any new support staff position or the replacement of existing position will be determined by the Church Council. 2. A job description approved by the Church Council will be developed prior to hiring. 18

22 3. Interviews may be conducted by the Senior Pastor and/or the Trustee Vice Chairman. Hiring decisions will be made by the Pastor and the Trustee Vice Chairman. C. Termination. Support staff employment may be terminated by the request of the individual, or by consensus of the Senior Pastor and the Trustee Vice Chairman. D. Supervision. 1. The Senior Pastor shall be the daily supervisor of all support staff personnel to ensure compliance with established policies. 2. The Senior Pastor shall conduct formal counseling when necessary to correct a failure to comply with established policies. 3. If disciplinary action is required, then the matter will be referred to the Trustee Vice Chairman. ARTICLE VII. CHURCH MEETINGS SECTION 1. REGULAR WORSHIP SERVICES The Church shall meet regularly for preaching, Bible study, instruction in discipleship, evangelism, prayer, and worship at times as specified by the Church Council. Cancellation of these services will be by the Senior Pastor, in consultation with the Chairman of the Deacons. In the absence of the Senior Pastor, the Chairman of Deacons will assume this responsibility in consultation with the Trustee Chairman. These services will be canceled only in case of extreme weather conditions, emergency circumstances, or at times agreed upon by the Church Council. SECTION 2. REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS A. An annual business meeting will be held in October to establish the budget and elect officers to take effect in January of the following year. The Church Council can also bring forth other business for vote by the church. B. The date and time shall be established by the Church Council at least one month prior to the meeting. If for some reason the regular business meeting must be canceled, it shall be rescheduled following the procedures for a special business meeting (Section 3 of this Article). SECTION 3. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS A. The Trustee Chairman or Senior Pastor shall announce the time and place for a special business meeting, at least one week in advance of the meeting, when the Church Officers or the Spiritual Leadership Council see a need. 19

23 B. The object of the meeting must be stated from the pulpit at all Sunday morning Worship Services and in other distribution methods available and appropriate for the time frame chosen in advance of the special business meeting. Only the stated object of this special business meeting and related items of business may be discussed and acted upon at a special business meeting. SECTION 4. QUORUM A. The quorum consists of five percent of the resident active membership. However, ten percent of the resident active membership shall constitute a quorum for changes to the By-Laws. For the call or dismissal of a Pastor or Minister, fifteen percent of the resident active membership shall constitute a quorum. B. Reports may be received and discussion may take place when a quorum is not present, but motions may not be presented and Church action may not be taken. SECTION 5. PARLIAMENTARY RULES A. Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner. (1 Corinthians 14:33) B. The current edition of Robert s Rules of Order shall govern the parliamentary procedure of the business meeting, except where otherwise stated in the Constitution and By- Laws. The moderator will not permit debate to be limited until, by the moderator s judgment, both sides have had the opportunity to present their views. Motions from the floor, except for a motion to dismiss, when seconded will automatically be referred to the appropriate leadership team for evaluation and presentation of a future business meeting for a Church vote if deemed necessary by the reviewing leadership team (appendix A). SECTION 6. SUSPENSION OF RULES The Constitution and the rules contained in these By-Laws shall not be suspended. SECTION 1. BUDGET ARTICLE VIII. FINANCES The Church shall operate on what is commonly called the unified budget. This budget will account for all funds received and expended in support of the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of Lexington Park Baptist Church. The accounting process will ensure that each account is associated and accountable to the appropriate team or teams. SECTION 2. TREASURY There shall be one treasury for all general and most special offerings which will be directly administered by the Church Treasurer. Special treasuries and other treasuries may be created by the Church to meet specific needs, such as a building fund treasury or a mission treasury. These special treasuries shall not become a permanent part of the financial system. 20

24 SECTION 3. DISBURSEMENT A. No funds shall be disbursed unless authorized by the budget or the Church Council. The Senior Pastor or Church staff shall not be authorized to sign checks or savings account withdrawal forms. Checks and savings account withdrawal forms will only be signed by authorized individuals established by the Church Council. Savings account withdrawal forms shall be signed by any two of these authorized individuals. B. The Church shall maintain a petty cash account to provide for budgeted expenses which are required to be paid without advance notice such as postage fees. The Pastor and others under his supervision shall dispense these funds. All cash transactions shall be documented by receipts which shall be provided to the auditing committee upon request. SECTION 4. AUDITS All accounts of the church shall be audited at a minimum of every three years as determined by the Church council. Limited, unannounced reviews may take place as directed by the Church council. All individuals involved in any way with the financial actions of the church shall be bonded by the Church to insure against improper handling of funds. 21

25 APPENDIX A M O T I O N P R O C E S S D E A C O N S F O R D I S C I P L I N E O N L Y C H U R C H C O U N C I L C H U R C H B O D Y A C T I O N O N M O T I O N C O M P L E T E D S P I R I T U A L L E A D E R S H I P T E A M O R C H U R C H O F F I C E R S M o t i o n s f r o m t h e f l o o r a r e t a b l e d a n d r e f e r r e d t o t h e a p p r o p r i a t e t e a m f o r r e v i e w A-1