CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ECLECTIC, ALABAMA

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1 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ECLECTIC, ALABAMA 11/02/2010 1

2 Table of Contents Pages Constitution 3-10 Preamble 4 Article I Name and Certificate of Incorporation 5 Article II Purpose Statement 6 Article III Objectives 7 Article IV Statement of Faith 8 Article V Church Covenant 9 Article VI Character 10 Bylaws Definitions 12 Article 1 Names and Privileges 13 Article 2 Membership Article 3 Duties of Members 16 Article 4 Membership Roll 17 Article 5 Church Discipline 18 Article 6 Church Staff Article 7 Church Council Deacons Article 8 Organizations and Meetings Article 9 Committees/Teams

3 First Baptist Church of Eclectic Constitution 3

4 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS FOR THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ECLECTIC ECLECTIC, ALABAMA CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE The First New Testament Church was composed of a local and visible congregation of baptized believers, all given to the testimony that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." It was organized by our Lord himself. He called it His Church (Matthew 16:13, 19). He laid special emphasis upon the importance of its fellowship, directing it to exercise discipline when necessary in order to maintain the personal integrity of its members and the right relations between them (Matthew 18:15, 17). He gave to it the largest task ever assigned to mankind, that of preaching His gospel in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earthbaptizing believers and teaching, training, and enlisting them in all phases of His Kingdom program (Matthew 28:16, 20 and Acts 1:8). He promised it the leadership of the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures (John 16:13,14) and to imbue it with power to carry out its task (Acts 1:8). Its membership was about 120 (Acts 1:15) and it began its active ministry on the day of Pentecost with a great revival meeting in which about 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:1, 41) and daily, as people were saved, they were baptized and added to the church (Acts 2:47). It was an egalitarian body, not controlled by a hierarchy or any other group, but where all of the members had a voice in the direction of its affairs (Acts 1:16, 26) (Acts 6:1, 6) and (Acts 10:44, 48). All of the other New Testament churches followed the same general procedure as the first church in Jerusalem. All New Testament churches today follow the same pattern in doctrine and practices. Therefore, for the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith and to the end that this body of believers be governed in an orderly manner, for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body of believers in its relation to other churches of the same faith, for the purpose of insuring that all things may be done decently and orderly, and for the purpose of helping each other in our Christian walk, serve as members of the First Baptist Church of Eclectic, hoping that we have given ourselves to God in spirit and in truth, and to each other according to the principles of true Christian union as set forth in our church covenant and in the articles of faith, which now become parts of the preamble, with the fixed determination to recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to follow the teachings of the New Testament in all matters of faith and practice, we do hereby declare, establish and adopt this constitution and by-laws to govern this church as we go about the Lord's work. 4

5 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I NAME AND CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Eclectic, located on 203 Claud Road in the town of Eclectic, Elmore County, Alabama. The church was incorporated as a religious society according to the laws of the State of Alabama, with corporate name being the First Baptist Church of Eclectic, Alabama, all as evidenced by a Certificate of Incorporation Dated February 12, 1965, and recorded Incorporate Record Book 5, at page 407 Probate Office of Elmore County, Alabama. Amended Corporation Card 404 March 28, The First Baptist Church of Eclectic. Filed in Elmore County Court House March 30, 1978, 2:00p.m. Amended

6 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE II OBJECTIVES To be a dynamic spiritual organization empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in the church community and throughout the world. To be a worshipping fellowship experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and responding in obedience to His leadership. To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers. To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man. To be a church that ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and world in total commitment of personality and possessions to the Lordship of Christ. To believe the Bible shall be the sole and sufficient authority in all matters of faith and practice of the First Baptist Church of Eclectic. To use the Bible for its intended purpose for our spiritual improvement, to warn the careless sinner, point out the way of salvation to the awakened inquirer, build up the weak believer, comfort the afflicted and tempted Christian, and especially to strengthen the martyr of Christ, under the cruel persecution and sufferings inflicted by Satan and his followers. 6

7 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE III PURPOSE STATEMENT First Baptist Church of Eclectic exists to experience, celebrate, and share God s grace. We will affirm through Christ-centered Worship, Biblical Instruction, Prayer, World Evangelization, Nurturing Fellowship, and Acts of Caring. We, First Baptist Church of Eclectic, will affirm our purpose through all ministries, present and future, which Christ apportions. 7

8 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE IV STATEMENT OF FAITH The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the current doctrinal statement of the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord's Supper. 8

9 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE V CHURCH COVENANT Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, 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, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines, to contribute cheerfully and regularly to support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations. We formally purpose to support and uphold the ideal of the Christian home, affirming that Christian marriage involves a man and a woman, both believers, living according to Biblical principles, committed to each other for life, seeking to rear Godly children. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions, to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealing; faithful in our engagements; and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to abstain from and to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs, including nicotine; and to abstain from the sale and use of pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay. We moreover engage that when we remove 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. 9

10 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE VI CHARACTER SECTION 1 -- POLITY The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. 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 Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Elmore Baptist Association, the Alabama State Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. SECTION 2 -- DOCTRINE The church receives the scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of our Southern Baptist churches. 10

11 BYLAWS of First Baptist Church of Eclectic 11

12 Definitions Pastor The person called to lead pastoral ministries in the church. As such he works with the church council, deacons, and church staff to: 1) lead the church in the achievement of its mission; 2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers; and 3) care for the church member s and other persons in the community. Pastoral Staff Other than the Pastor, the Pastoral Staff shall be responsible for spiritual ministries of the church. Typically, these are the staff members who will have the word minister (pastor) in their title. This classification includes Minister of Music, Minister of Youth, and other ministers the church chooses to include. Support Staff This includes clerical, custodial and other staff the church chooses to include. 12

13 BY-LAWS ARTICLE 1 NAME AND PRIVILEGES SECTION 1 This church shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Eclectic. SECTION 2 On all matters that come before the church for action, each active member present is entitled to vote. SECTION 3 One percent of the roll of the active membership shall constitute a quorum, except for the election of officer, three percent; and for call or dismissal of a Pastor, 10% shall be necessary. 13

14 BY-LAWS ARTICLE 2 MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 -- General This is a sovereign and democratic church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and conditions of such membership. All actions regarding membership shall be by vote of the church. Membership in this church shall consist of such persons as confess Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord, and in obedience, follow Him in New Testament baptism (immersion). SECTION 2 -- Candidacy and Qualifications Any person may offer himself for a candidate for membership in this church. Candidates for membership shall be presented to the church at any regular worship service for membership in any of the following ways: (A) by public confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and following baptism (immersion) according to the policies of this church. (B) By promise of a letter from another Baptist church of like faith and order. Persons received upon the promise of a letter will be considered as under the watch care of the church until their letter is received. (C) By restoration upon a state of prior conversion experience and baptism (immersion) in a Baptist church when no letter is obtainable or when the record of his membership is not available. (D) By testimony of believer s baptism having been immersed a believer, by a Christian evangelical church. (E) By restoration, following withdrawal of fellowship (inactive member), upon suitable evidence of genuine repentance. A 2/3 majority vote of those members present and voting shall be required to elect any candidate to membership. New Member Orientation: New members of this church are expected to participate in the church s new orientation according to the policies of this church. 14

15 SECTION 3 -- Termination of Membership Membership shall be terminated only in the following ways: A) By death of the member. (B) (C) By dismissing to another Baptist church of like faith and order. Letter of dismission may be granted and shall be mailed to the church which the member desires to unite. Letters to other Baptist churches may be granted at any business meeting. By exclusion by action of this church (see Church Discipline) should a member become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of his covenant vows, the church may terminate his membership at any business meeting by a 2/3 majority vote of active members present (and voting) after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and amendment. D) By request of the member. If a member requests to be released from his covenant obligations to this church for reasons which the church may finally deem satisfactory, after it shall have patiently and kindly endeavored to secure his continuance in its fellowship, such request may be granted and his membership terminated. If this member requests his letter, it may be granted directly to him. E) By erasure upon becoming affiliated with a church of another faith or denomination to which no letter can be granted. It shall be the policy of the church not to grant letters of dismissal to churches of another faith or order. 15

16 BY-LAWS ARTICLE 3 DUTIES OF MEMBERS SECTION 1 It shall be the duty of members to honor, esteem and love their pastor and pray for him frequently, and to manifest to tender regard for his reputation. SECTION 2 It shall be the duty of members to attend regular meetings of the church, to cultivate holiness and family devotions, to sustain public worship of Almighty God, to give systematically through the church budget to all causes supported by the church, to watch over and counsel one another in the spirit of brotherly love, to strive for the growth of the whole body in Christian knowledge and holiness, and to govern their actions, conversations and hearts by the receipts of God's Word. SECTION 3 It shall be the duty of members moving from this church to notify the clerk, giving their new address, and as soon as possible, apply for membership in a Baptist Church of like faith in the place in which they move. 16

17 BY-LAWS ARTICLE 4 Church Roll SECTION 1-Membership Roll The church clerk shall maintain a roll of the members of this church. Members shall be listed and delineated thereon as follows: (A) Active members shall be those persons who are in full and regular membership of this church according to the provisions of these by-laws. (B) Inactive members shall be those persons who have ceased all communications with the church and all service in the church for a period of one year. Before a person's name is placed on the inactive member's list, a diligent personal effort shall be made by the membership to bring such persons to renew their contact and communication with the church. SECTION 2- Eligibility To be eligible for active membership, a member must attend or contribute at least once a year unless providentially prevented. All absent members who do not report in one year by correspondence, contribution or other contact will be relegated to the inactive roll. The inactive member is ineligible to vote, hold office or participate in the conducting of church affairs. SECTION 3- Restorative Membership Restoration - Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense may be restored by vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation. 17

18 BY-LAWS ARTICLE 5 CHURCH DISCIPLINE SECTION 1 Should any unhappy differences arise between members, the aggrieved member shall follow, in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. SECTION 2 Should any case of gross breach of covenant, or public scandal occur, the active deacons shall endeavor to remove the offense; and if such effort fails, shall report the case to the church. SECTION 3 If the church votes to entertain a complaint, which must be made in writing, it shall appoint a reasonable time and place of hearing and notify the person in question thereof, furnishing him (her) with a copy of the charges. SECTION 4 At such hearing, the accused member may call to his (her) aid any member of the church as counsel. If he (she) shall not present himself (herself) at the time appointed, or give satisfactory reasons for his (her) neglect to do so, the church may proceed in his (her) absence. SECTION 5 All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the church may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of thechurch. SECTION 6 In case of grave difficulty, the church will be ready, if requested, to ask the advice of an acceptable council from neighboring churches. 18

19 BY-LAWS Article 6 CHURCH STAFF Section 1 Purpose and Responsibility The church staff is responsible for leading First Baptist Church of Eclectic to function as a New Testament church. The pastor shall lead the congregation, the ministry organizations, and the church staff to perform their responsibilities. Section 2 Composition The church staff shall consist of the pastor and other staff as designated by church policy. (1) The pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in the church. He will work with the deacons and church staff to: (a) lead the church in achievement of its mission, (b) proclaim the gospel to believers and nonbelievers, and (c) care for the church members and other persons in the community. (2) The pastoral staff shall be called and employed as the church determines the need for such offices. (3) Support staff shall be employed as the church determines the need for their services. The pastor s job description shall be provided by the deacons. Both the pastoral staff and support staff s job description shall be provided jointly by the pastor and the personnel committee. 19

20 Section 3 Call and Termination of the Pastor A pastor shall be an ordained minister, or approved standing in the Southern Baptist Denomination. In his personal life and private life, he shall be, in all sobriety and Godliness, an example to the flock. His call shall be for an indefinite period of time at the will of the church. The election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week s public notice has been given. A pastor search committee shall be elected by the church to seek out a suitable candidate. A recommendation of the pastor search committee shall constitute a nomination to said office. Any member has the privilege of making recommendations to the pastor search committee. Only one candidate at a time shall be presented for consideration to the church. Election shall be ballot, an affirmative vote of two-thirds vote of those present and voting being necessary for a call. If a pastor has received God s call to end his ministry with First Baptist Church of Eclectic and is to resign, then thirty days notice is to be given. A pastor can be terminated by the acceptance of his immediate resignation by the church or by the two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such action; in either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given of termination of the relationship, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by both the pastor and the church. Termination shall be immediate and any compensation shall be rendered in three equal installments of thirty day intervals. The pastor of First Baptist Church of Eclectic shall preach the Word, reproving, exhorting with long suffering and doctrine. The pulpit of the church shall be under his personal supervision and control during the tenure of his office. It shall be his privilege to select the evangelists who shall assist in special revival services and other ministers who shall preach on other stated occasions. He, or his appointee, will administer the ordinance of baptism to candidates who have been approved by the church (or requested to do so by other Southern Baptist churches). He shall have charge of the celebration of the ordinance of the Lord s Supper. The pastor shall preside as moderator at all the business meetings of the church. In the absence of the pastor, he will appoint his substitute. In the vacancy of the Pastor, the chairman of deacons shall serve as moderator. 20

21 Section 4 Pastoral Staff The pastoral staff shall be called and employed as church determines the need for such offices. The process of hiring a pastoral staff member shall be by a selected committee for that purpose only. This committee selection is described in the personnel policy. A job description shall be written when the need for a pastoral staff member is determined. The Pastoral Staff member shall be employed by church action. A pastoral staff member shall be responsible for spiritual ministries of the church. These members will typically have pastor, or minister, in their title. This classification includes minister of youth, minister of children, minister of music, and others the church chooses to include. The personnel committee is responsible for analyzing the needs of all pastoral staff, except for the Pastor. The personnel committee shall make recommendations to the church in its determination of the church s needs. When making recommendations, the personnel committee must notify the church at least two weeks prior to a regular business meeting, or two weeks prior to a special-called business meeting for that purpose. This recommendation will be voted on by church action. The pastoral staff is under supervision of the pastor. Each associate pastor s job description will be compiled by both the pastor and the personnel committee. In the absence of the pastor, in accordance to the staff organizational chart, the associate pastor shall be the supervisor of the church s administration. Each pastoral staff shall maintain his/her ministry as outlined in the job description. Each pastoral staff shall work with all committees and/or volunteers to help maintain the ministry to achieve the church s purpose of evangelism, If a pastoral staff member chooses to resign, then at least two weeks notice shall be given to the church. The church may vote to vacate/terminate such positions upon recommendation of the pastor, deacons, and personnel committee, such termination may be immediate and any compensation being the same for the pastor; three equal installments of thirty day intervals. 21

22 Section 5 Support Staff The pastor and personnel committee will jointly employ all support staff. These positions are clerical, custodial, and others the church chooses to include. Support staff may also be divided into full time, regular part-time and temporary part time. Job description for each position will be clarified by both the pastor and personnel committee. The church shall be notified when any changes in staff employment has occurred. The employment, resignation and termination will be outlined in the employee s personnel handbook as well as the employee s benefits. 22

23 BYLAWS ARTICLE 7 Church Council The Church Council shall consist of church officers (as defined in church officers section). They shall serve the church by leading in planning, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating the ministries of the church and its organizations. The primary function of the council shall be to recommend to the church suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to ministry priorities; and to evaluate achievement in terms of church objectives and goals. All matters agreed upon by the council which call for church action not already approved shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval. Section 1 Church Officers The officers of this church shall be the pastor, all pastoral staff, Sunday School director, Discipleship Training director, Men s Ministry director, WMU director, chairman of deacons, and trustees. The church may create such other officers as it may deem desirable in regular course by vote at any business meeting after due notice. All who serve as officers of the church shall first be members of this church. Section 2 Trustees Trustees are members of this church. There shall be three trustees of this church who shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws. The trustees shall be recommended by the deacons and approved by church action. The trustees will hold in trust the property of the church. The trustees shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without specific vote of the church authorizing each action; neither shall the trustees have any control over the use of the property of the church except by church vote. The trustees shall affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents, where the signatures of the trustees are required. Trustees will serve as church officers. 23

24 Section 4 Church Clerk The church shall elect annually a clerk as its clerical officer. The clerk shall attend all church business meetings. The clerk shall keep an accurate and complete record of all church business meetings, proceedings, etc. which record shall be approved by the church and regularly transcribed into a book preserved for the purpose. All church records are church property. The clerk shall preserve all church documents in a place designated by the church. The clerk shall be responsible for the keeping of a register of names of members, with dates of admission, dismission, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptism. The clerk shall issue letters of dismission voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give required notice of all meetings where notice is necessary, as indicated in these bylaws. The clerk shall be responsible for preparing annual profile of the church to the association. The church may delegate some or all of the clerical responsibilities to a secretary who will assist the elected clerk. 24

25 SECTION 4 DEACONS Deacons Qualifications: Deacons shall be chosen from the men of the church who, in the judgment of the members, best meet the following qualifications: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) Must be a born again believer who meets the spiritual requirements as set forth in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Must have been a professing Christian for at least 3 years and a member of this church for at least 1 year. Must be at least 25 years of age. Must not be presently serving as a deacon and must have been off the active deacon list at least 1 year. Must be faithful in attendance at the regular services of the church. Must have the support of his family in performing the duties of deacon. Must have a deep commitment to support the various ministries as adopted by the majority of the church. Must be a tither. Must set an example of leadership in abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverage and tobacco. 25

26 NUMBER AND TERM OF ACTIVE DEACONS: The number of deacons shall be in accordance with the needs of the church. The deacons shall serve on a rotating basis. Each year the term of office, 1/3 (or nearest fraction thereof) of the deacons shall expire and an election shall be held to fill the vacancies. The church secretary will keep a record as to the length of the terms of each member serving on the committee and will notify the church each year which members are to be replaced and also which members are eligible to be elected to the committee. After serving a term of three years, no deacon shall be eligible for reelection until the lapse of one year. A deacon who is elected to fill an unexpired term of one year or less shall be eligible for reelection to a full three-year term. In case of death or removal for incapacity to serve, unless the church deems it necessary, the vacancy shall not be filled until the next annual election. The church is under no obligation to constitute as an active deacon a member who comes from another church in which he was a deacon. The church will ordain men elected, who have not previously been ordained. 26

27 DUTIES OF DEACONS In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. As such, they should fulfill the following duties: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) (K) (L) They shall zealously guard the unity of the spirit within the church and the bonds of peace. As a council, they shall advise and confer with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the work and welfare of the church. With the pastor, they shall lead the church in formulating and carrying out plans for evangelization of the lost, nurture and growth of Christians, and extension and advancement of the Kingdom of God. In council with the pastor, they shall have oversight of church discipline according to New Testament teachings and the direction of the Holy Spirit. They shall have supervision of the business and regular affairs of the church. Through the deacon family ministry plan, the deacons shall perform a ministry to the families within the membership. They shall assist the pastor in the observance of the Lord's Supper and baptism. In the absence or inability of the pastor, subject to advice and council with him, the chairman of the deacons will serve as a pulpit supply committee. In any period when the church is without a pastor, unless the church should otherwise provide, the chairman of deacons shall arrange for temporary ministry. They shall participate actively in visitation, soul-winning, hospital calls, and the spiritual ministry of the church. The deacons shall be ever mindful that they are a serving unit of the church and shall assume no authority other than that delegated to them by the church. Deacons shall live a consecrated Christian life, bringing no reproach by their conduct upon the cause of Christ. 27

28 BYLAWS ARTICLE 8 ORGANIZATIONS AND MEETINGS SECTION 1 For worship and work, the church shall provide for meetings and organizations as follows: (A) (B) (C) (D) For worship, preaching, instruction and evangelism, regular meetings for the entire body and for all people each Lord's Day morning and evening and each Wednesday evening; these meetings to be under direction of the pastor or by someone delegated by him. The church shall conduct at least one evangelistic meeting each year at a time which shall be determined by the pastor or in his absence, by the church. A Sunday School is to be conducted each Lord's Day morning for all people; to be under the direction of a Sunday School Director who shall be a regular officer of the church. This organization shall be in general accordance with the Southern Baptist practices with such changes as the church may deem desirable. The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the biblical revelation; lead in reaching all prospects for the church; lead all church members to worship, witness, and minister daily; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination. The Sunday School shall be divided into departments and classes for all ages. Discipleship Training shall be conducted with meetings on each Lord's Day and supervised by a Discipleship Training Director who shall be a regular officer of the church. This organization shall be in general accordance with the Southern Baptist practices with such changes as the church may deem desirable. Discipleship Training shall serve as the training organization of the church and may set up such sessions as is deemed necessary to fulfill its tasks. The tasks of the Discipleship Training Director are to orient new church members, to train church leaders, to teach systematic Christian theology, Christian ethics, Christian history, and church policy and organization and to provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination. The women and girls of the church shall be organized in a Women's Missionary Union (WMU) and shall be supervised by a WMU Director who shall be a regular officer of the church. The tasks of the Women's Missionary Union shall be to teach missions; lead persons to participate in missions; provide organization and leadership for special mission projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination. 28

29 (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) The men and boys of the church shall be organized in a Men s Ministry and shall be supervised by a Men s Ministry Director who shall be a regular officer of the church. The tasks are to teach missions; lead all men and boys to participate in mission activities; provide organization and leadership for special projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination. The regular morning and evening periods for worship each Lord's Day above provided for shall not be dispensed with. The aforementioned periods will not be used by any person or organization for any other purpose than the regular and customary service for worship, unless approved by the Pastor. The Sunday School and Discipleship Training provided for above shall not be dispensed with. The aforementioned periods will not be used by any person or organization for any other purpose unless permission has first been obtained from the Sunday School or Discipleship Training Director prior thereto. The Pastor in conjunction with the respective director shall reserve the privilege to cancel/reschedule Sunday School and/or Discipleship Training. The Lord's Supper shall be duly celebrated at the discretion of the Pastor at least once in a quarter. The Sunday evening following the second Lord's Day in each quarter shall be the regular time for business meetings of the church. Should there be any unusual business or matter of unusual interest to be brought before such regular quarterly meeting, notice shall be given the membership in worship service prior to such meeting. No notice needs to be given for transaction of regular business at the due and regular time. By majority vote of those present and voting, any regular business meeting may be recessed to a specific date. A special called meeting of the church for any specific purpose may be held on any Sunday and/or Wednesday evening if ordered by a majority present at one of the regular services held on the Sunday previous. Called meetings may also be held at any other regular meeting of the church by unanimous consent of the members present. Special business meetings may also be called by the pastor or chairman of deacons when needed; notice of such meetings must be given at least one Sunday worship service, prior to date of meeting. No matter may be attended to at a called special business meeting except that for which it was called and previously announced. Advanced notice of all special called meetings shall be given as provided herein unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical. The pastor may, when requested by the deacons, trustees, or a standing committee, call from the pulpit special business meetings, the particular object of the meeting being clearly stated in the notice. 29

30 (K) (L) (M) Emergency business meetings may be called by the pastor or chairman of deacons, at any regular stated meeting of the church, for transaction of emergency matters. Matters of emergency shall be determined by a majority vote of membership constituting a quorum. All questions shall be settled by a majority of those present and voting, except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws. All questions of procedure not provided for in these Bylaws shall be determined according to Robert's Rules of Order. 30

31 BYLAWS ARTICLE 9 COMMITTEES SECTION 1 -- GENERAL The work of the church shall be organized and supervised by church elected committees. Church committee members shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee (with exception of Nominating Committee) and elected by the church unless otherwise indicated in description of committees below. All committee members shall be members of First Baptist Church of Eclectic. The church shall have administrative committees. These committees shall be recognized as Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, Facility Management Committee, and Bylaws Committee. Each administrative committee shall elect their own officers. With regard to administrative committees on a three year rotation, the chairperson shall be elected in the third year rotation, the vice chairperson in second year rotation, a first officer in first year rotation. First officer position could fill the duties of secretary if desired. All administrative committees shall have a secretary, who may be elected in any year rotation, to keep minutes of respective committee meetings. Temporary committees may be formed for selective purposes and dissolved when objective is met (Pastor Search Committee, New Building Committee, etc---see policies and procedures for selection process, committee descriptions and duties). ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE The Budget and Finance Committee is responsible for working with the Pastor, Financial Secretary, church staff, and department/ministry leaders to annually develop a proposed financial budget within the limits of the church s financial potential. The committee shall present the budget to the church for approval and oversee the implementation of the budget once approved. The committee shall work with the Financial Secretary in the preparation and presentation to the church required reports regarding the financial affairs of First Baptist Eclectic. The committee shall consider all requests for budget revisions and extra financial expenditures outside the approved budget and make recommendations to the church as necessary. The committee is responsible for working with church leadership in developing and overseeing the financial policies approved by the church. The Budget and Finance Committee shall consist of six members elected to three year terms with two rotating off each year. The members shall be selected by the Nominating Committee. After serving a term of three years, the exiting committee member may not be eligible to serve for a lapse of one year. The committee chairman shall be elected by the finance committee. Also, committee membership shall elect their Vice-Chairman and secretary each year prior to new church year. Department heads shall not serve on this committee. 31

32 PERSONNEL COMMITTEE The Personnel Committee assists the church in matters related to employed personnel administration, including those called by church action with the exception of the Pastor as where the Deacons relate to the Pastor s personnel needs. Their work includes such areas as determining staff needs, employment, salaries, benefits, other compensation, personnel policies, job descriptions and personnel services. The Personnel Committee shall consist of six members elected to a three year term with two rotating off each year. The members shall be selected by the Nominating Committee. After the three year term, there shall be a one year lapse before committee member is eligible to serve on the committee. The chairman shall be elected by the committee each year to serve as such for one year. Committee membership shall elect their vice-chairman and secretary each year prior to new church year. New committee membership shall begin at new church year. NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Nominating Committee coordinates the staffing of all church leadership positions filled by volunteers, unless otherwise specified herein. Persons considered for any such positions shall be approved by this committee before they are approached for recruitment. The committee shall present to the church for election for all that accept the invitation to serve. The Nominating Committee shall consist of six members. These members shall serve a three year term with two rotating off each year. After serving a term of three years, the exiting committee member may not be eligible to serve for a lapse of one year. New members for this committee shall be nominated by the Deacon Body. Chairman of Deacons will present nominations at a business meeting to appoint new committee members with church approval. Committee membership begins at time of appointment. The committee shall elect chairperson prior to new church year. The committee shall elect vice chairperson and secretary after new church year begins. This committee shall bring nominations for Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, Women s Missionary Union Director, and Men s Ministry Director when a vacancy occurs before the church. Nominations may be heard from the floor. After their election, these four shall be ex officio members of the Nominating Committee. Each director will be consulted in concerning areas within the respective ministry. FACILITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Facility Management Committee assists the church in matters related to property administration. Its work includes such areas as monitoring the Building & Grounds budget, assessing the continual needs of the church building and church grounds, planning short and long range goals of property administration, consulting with Personnel Committee and church staff regarding the needs for, and the employment of maintenance personnel. 32

33 The Facility Management Committee shall consist of six members. These members shall serve a three year term with two rotating off each year. The members shall be selected by the Nominating Committee. After serving a term of three years, the exiting committee member may not be eligible to serve for a lapse of one year. Committee membership begins at new church year. This committee shall work with the Building & Grounds Team. BYLAWS COMMITTEE The Bylaws Committee assists the church in matters related to the church s bylaws. This committee will oversee compliance with the bylaws. When recommendations, or updates, are needed to the bylaws, then the committee will present to the church for approval. The Bylaws Committee shall consist of six members elected to a six year term with two rotating off every two years. If so desired, and vacancy has not been filled then committee member may begin a new six year term. The chairman shall be elected by the committee prior to new church year. Committee membership shall elect their vicechairman and secretary each year prior to new church year. DEACON COMMITTEES BAPTISM COMMITTEE This is a Deacon Committee. The Baptism Committee shall consist of deacons and their wives. The members shall serve for one year. BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE The Benevolence Committee shall consist of three (3) members, composed of the deacon vice-chairman, the WMU Director and the Men s Ministry Director. LORD'S SUPPER COMMITTEE This is a Deacon Committee membership and term of office shall be as established by the Body of Deacons. 33

34 MINISTRY COMMITTEES The respective committees are to be prepared and staffed by the proper minister as needed. The number of volunteers per committee is to be decided by said minister and chosen by that same minister as well. (Youth, Children s, Music, etc.) 34

35 BYLAWS Article 10 TEAMS MINISTRY TEAMS There shall be teams to aid in the work of this church s objective of serving the Lord, Jesus Christ. Teams can be created due to needs as the church deems. These teams shall work with the corresponding committee to reach its objective for service (Building & Grounds, Counting, Social, Library, etc.). Each team member must be member of First Baptist Church of Eclectic. All who serve on Ministry Teams shall be recommended by Nominating Committee and elected by the church unless otherwise specified within these bylaws. Each team shall elect a team leader to serve for one year. Team membership is open-ended. 35