Constitution and Bylaws of McGregor Baptist Church Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, Florida 33966

Transcription

1 Constitution and Bylaws of McGregor Baptist Church 3750 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, Florida Approved and adopted May 21, 1969 Amended May 14, 1986 Further amended May 1, 1994 Further amended December 14, 2014 Amended Version, 2014

2 Table of Contents Constitution Article 1: Our Name and Purpose Page 3 Section 1.1: Our Name Page 3 Section 1.2: Our Purpose Page 3 Article 2: Character of the Organization Page 3 Section 2.1: The Autonomy of McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. Page 3 Section 2.2: Our Statement of Faith Page 3 Section 2.3: The Authority of the McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. Statement of Faith Page 3 Section 2.4: Our Church Covenant Page 3 Section 2.5: Affiliations Page 4 Section 2.6: Dissolution Page 4 Section 2.7: Amendments Page 4 Bylaws Article 1: Membership Page 5 Section 1.1 Qualifications for Membership Page 5 Section 1.2: Responsibilities of Members Page 5 Section 1.3: Members Rights Page 5 Section 1.4: Termination of Membership Page 6 Section 1.5: Discipline of a Member Page 6 Section 1.6: Associate Membership Page 7 Article 2: Marriage Page 7 Section 2.1: Statement on Marriage Page 7 Article 3: Church Officers Page 8 Section 3.1: The Senior Pastor Page 8 Section 3.2: The Deacons Page 9 Section 3.3: The Secretary Page 10 Section 3.4: The Treasurer Page 10 Section 3.5: The Ministerial Staff Page 11 Article 4: Committees Page 11 Section 4.1: Standing Committees Page 12 Section 4.2: Special Committees Page 16 Section 4.3 Pulpit Committee Page 16 Article 5: Meetings Page 16 Section 5.1: Meetings for Worship Page 16 Section 5.2: Business Meetings Page 16 Article 6: Indemnification Page 18 Article 7: Designated Contributions Page 18 Article 8: Amendments Page 18 Article 9: Number and Gender Page 18 Article 10: Headings Page 18

3 Article 1 Our Name and Purpose Section 1.1: Our Name Constitution This Body shall be known as McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. Section 1.2: Our Purpose This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the buying, owning, and selling of real property, constructing and operating buildings and structures, the operation of schools and educational facilities, and the winning of people to a saving trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior as well as the subsequent training of those individuals in following Jesus as Lord of their lives as they serve Him in ministry and outreach in our community and around the world. Article 2 - Character of the Organization Section 2.1: The Autonomy of McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. The government of McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. is vested in the Body of the believers who compose the church. McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes the values of mutual consent and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist churches. Section 2.2: Our Statement of Faith The McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. embraces as our Statement of Faith and here includes by reference the Baptist Faith and Message, as adopted by the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention in the year As the Baptist Faith and Message is subsequently amended by the Southern Baptist Convention, such amendments shall be subject to review and approval by McGregor Baptist Church s Deacon Body. Section 2.3: The Authority of the McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. Statement of Faith The Statement of Faith included by reference in Section 2.2 above does not exhaust the extent of our faith. This church accepts the Scriptures as its final authority in matters of faith and practice. We do believe, however, that the Statement of Faith referenced above accurately represents the teaching of the Bible. All literature used in this church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith. Section 2.4: Our Church Covenant A. 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, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one Body in Christ

4 B. 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 the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. C. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk with circumspection in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to live our lives in such a way as to bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. D. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and 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. E. 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. Section 2.5: Affiliations A. Local Affiliation. The McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. shall identify itself with the Royal Palm Baptist Association as a cooperative member church. The church shall give a portion of its undesignated income to the support of the work of the association, of which it is a member, subject to congregational approval. B. State Affiliation. The McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. shall affiliate with the Florida Baptist Convention as a cooperating Baptist church. The church shall support the work of the Florida Baptist Convention, subject to congregational approval. C. Global Affiliation. The McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. shall identify itself with the Southern Baptist Convention as a cooperating Baptist church. The church shall support the work of the Southern Baptist Convention, subject to congregational approval. Section 2.6: Dissolution In the event of the dissolution of the McGregor Baptist Church, Inc., all assets, including but not limited to all real property and all personal property, will become the sole property of the Florida Baptist Convention. Section 2.7: Amendments This Constitution may be amended by three fourths (3/4) vote of members present and voting, in any regular or specially called business meeting, provided that the following notice shall be given: two weeks of announcement in the Sunday Bulletin and a mailing to all church members, including associate members

5 Bylaws Article 1: Membership Section 1.1 Qualifications for Membership The membership of the McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. shall consist of those persons who confess Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, who have been baptized by immersion, and who freely enter into its covenant, who wholly embrace its Statement of Faith, and who abide by its constitution. Acceptance into the church family will be by one of the following means, after a recommendation of the invitation counselors as to a given candidate s Christian testimony or conversion and the public affirmation of the congregation: A. By letter of transfer from another Southern Baptist church, or other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant has been baptized by immersion subsequent to a confession of faith. B. Upon the profession of their faith and having been immersed by this church; C. Upon their statement that they are Christians and have received New Testament Baptism (as a believer, by immersion). D. By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon public affirmation of the congregation after confession is made publicly before the church membership of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the Senior Pastor or his designee, the Interim Pastor or his designee, or the Deacon Body if the office of Senior Pastor is vacant. Section 1.2: Responsibilities of Members Members are expected, first of all, to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life; and also to attend habitually the services of this church, to give regularly for its support, and to share in its organized work. All candidates for membership are expected to attend the New Members' Class and New Members' Reception in order to be properly oriented into the life of the church. Section 1.3: Members Rights A. Only members, including associate members, who are physically present at a duly called meeting of the church shall be entitled to vote. There shall be no absentee or proxy voting, except as provided in Bylaws Section 5.2.C. Members may not vote to initiate any church action, rather the vote of a member is to confirm and ratify the direction of the church as determined by the Senior Pastor and the appropriate Committee or Deacon Body. B. This congregation functions as a Body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the Senior Pastor as the under shepherd with the counsel of the Deacon Body. Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church s own rules and procedures. The Senior Pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church s ministry. The Deacon Body and appropriate committee(s) shall give counsel and assistance to the Senior Pastor, who shall consider the counsel of the Deacons and committee(s) as they function in the roles assigned by the these Bylaws

6 C. Members have their civil rights. Membership in the McGregor Baptist Church does not include individual rights of control, use, or ownership of assets that belong to the McGregor Baptist Church. Although the general public is invited to all church worship services, the church property remains private property. The Senior Pastor or, in his absence, any person designated by him or by the Deacon Body or by the appropriate committee has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property if the person is disturbing the peace of the church or is violating church property or the church Constitution and Bylaws. The person(s) will: (1) be asked to peaceably desist what he, she, or they are doing and to leave the premises, (2) be advised that he, she, or they are trespassers and unless they desist activity and leave the premises, police will be called to eject them. The Pastor, the Deacons, the appropriate committee, or their designee should, under circumstance (2) above proceed immediately to call the police, and if there is a continued threat of bodily harm or death to others, such reasonable physical force as is necessary to contain the threat may be implemented pending the arrival of police officers. D. A member may, upon five business days prior written request made upon the church, inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church or the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings. A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions to the church, the list of names and addresses of church members, or the accounting books and financial records of the church. E. The church may impose and collect a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and material, for copies of any documents provided to the member, before releasing the copies to the member. Section 1.4: Termination of Membership Any member in good standing who desires a letter of recommendation to another church of like faith and order may receive such a letter upon his request. In all cases the letter is to be forwarded to the sister church and specifically addressed to the same. Such requests shall be ratified by majority vote of the church. If a member desires to be an associate member of some church of like faith and order, he may so affiliate with that church without resigning his membership in the McGregor Baptist Church. If a member desires to be released from his covenant obligations, such request shall be granted and his membership terminated. If a member removes himself from the fellowship of the church for a period of one year, and has failed to respond to at least three attempts by the church for renewal or reconciliation, his name may be removed from the membership roll. If a member moves out of the church's service area and fails to move his membership for a period of one year, his name may be removed from the membership roll. Section 1.5: Discipline of a Member A. There shall be a Discipline Committee consisting of the Senior Pastor and the Deacon Body. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and violations of the church covenant. If the Senior Pastor or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee. The Senior Pastor and deacons shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline. B. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration

7 C. If the reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the Senior Pastor, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration. D. No matter may be heard by the Discipline Committee or the church unless the steps outlined in (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of public offense. E. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in (B) and (C) have been taken, then the Discipline Committee, as the church representatives biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the Discipline Committee, the Committee shall recommend to the members of the church that such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the church upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action. F. If the unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, all contact with him from that point forward (except by family members) must be for the sake of restoration. G. The procedures provided in this section are based on Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 16:17-18,1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, Galatians 6:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10-15, 1 Timothy 5:19-20, and Titus 3: Section 1.6: Associate Membership Upon meeting all qualifications of membership (except that which requires a letter of dismissal and recommendation from another church), a student, tourist, or part-year resident temporarily residing in Florida may request to be received under Associate Membership with all the rights, responsibilities and privileges of membership, including that of voting. Article 2: Marriage Section 2.1: Statement on Marriage A. The church believes that the term marriage has only one meaning, which is marriage sanctioned by God, joining one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. B. The church believes that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. The church believes that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Thus, the church does not permit cohabiting couples to become members. C. The church believes that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one s sex, or disagreement with one s biological sex, is contrary to God s plan and purpose and is unbiblical. D. The church believes that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons who are officers of the church, members of the church staff, members of church committees, church messengers or who serve as volunteers in the functioning of the church and its ministries, should abide by and agree to the Statement on Marriage in this Section 2.1 and conduct themselves accordingly

8 E. The church believes that God offers redemption and restoration to all who place their belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, trusting His grace and forgiveness through His death and resurrection. F. The church believes that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the church. Article 3: Church Officers Section 3.1: The Senior Pastor A. The Election of the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least the following notice shall be given: two weeks of announcement in the Sunday Bulletin and a mailing to all church members, including associate members. A Senior Pastor Search Committee (or Pulpit Committee ) shall be formed by the church to seek out a suitable Senior Pastor, and their recommendation will constitute a nomination. Only one candidate shall be considered at any one balloting. Any church member may recommend a Senior Pastor candidate to be considered by the Senior Pastor Search Committee. Election shall be by secret ballot, an affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the members present being necessary for a choice. The Senior Pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by the desires of the Senior Pastor or the church, in accordance with termination provisions set forth in these Bylaws. B. The Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor shall seek to fulfill the scriptural obligations of his office with fidelity. (I Timothy 4:11-16, II Timothy 4:2) As Christ's undershepherd, his responsibilities are in three major areas: (1) As preacher, he, or his designated representative, will preach on Sunday, administer the ordinances as commanded in the New Testament, and conduct the midweek prayer service. He will be expected to give consistent and thorough preparation of his sermons and addresses. The Senior Pastor shall have complete authority over the agenda for each service. (2) As Senior Pastor, he, or his designated representative, will: visit those who are critically ill, as he is adequately informed of their needs; be available for counsel upon request; and, give general oversight for the welfare of his flock as time and other demands of the church may permit. (3) As moderator, he, or his designated representative, shall preside at all business meetings of the church, except as hereinafter provided. It shall be his duty to see that the stated meetings of the church are regularly held, that the officers and committees actively carry out their duties, and that required reports are filed with the church clerk. He or his designated staff representative shall be an ex-officio member of all departments and committees. (4) As chief executive officer, the Senior Pastor may propose and adopt such policies and programs for the church as he, in his best judgment, deems appropriate. Prior to such adoption, the pastor is encouraged to consult with the deacons, the appropriate committee(s), and the ministerial staff. If the deacons believe congregational approval is necessary for any proposed policy or program, they shall so inform the pastor. The Senior Pastor s and deacons decision as to whether or not a congregational vote is required shall be final. C. The Resignation of the Senior Pastor. In the event the Senior Pastor shall offer a voluntary resignation from his position to the church, he shall submit his resignation to the Personnel Committee, which may accept the resignation effective immediately, or may permit the completion of not more than an additional thirty (30) days of service, if the committee believes such additional service is in the best interest of the church

9 D. The Involuntary Termination of the Senior Pastor. Any member in good standing, or any group of members in good standing, desiring the removal of the Senior Pastor, shall state their reasons in a signed statement to the Personnel Committee and the deacons at an official meeting of the deacons, who will give prayerful and impartial consideration to reason given. If they deem the request to be justified, they shall confer with the Senior Pastor in an effort to correct the situation. If they deem the request unjustified, they shall confer with the person or persons making the request and encourage them to consider their issue resolved, though not in their favor, and to refrain from further activities or speech favoring the Senior Pastor s removal or risk themselves becoming the object of disciplinary action in accordance with Bylaws Section 1.5. If the request of those desiring the removal of the Senior Pastor is deemed to be justified and the situation is unresolved, the deacons and Personnel Committee shall bring a recommendation to the church, in a called meeting or a regular church business meeting of which at least the following notice shall be given: two weeks of announcement in the Sunday Bulletin and a mailing to all church members, including associate members. An affirmative vote of a majority of those eligible to vote and present will determine the question. The Senior Pastor may receive four week s salary in advance, if the request is for immediate vacancy; but if not for immediate vacancy, he shall vacate within thirty (30) days of such notice. The deacons and Personnel Committee may recommend a severance plan subject to approval by a majority vote of the congregation. Section 3.2: The Deacons A, The Election of Deacons. There shall be at least fifteen (15) deacons. No fewer than five shall be elected each year and serve for three years, with at least five retiring each year. The Senior Pastor, together with deacons, shall consider qualifications of other men (in accordance with (B) below), select the required number, and recommend to the church that they be elected. Those considered shall be contacted by the Senior Pastor and/or deacons and acquainted with the scriptural qualifications and duties of deacons, and their acceptance will be secured before recommending them to the church for election. The deacons shall elect their own chairman, vice-chairman and secretary from among current deacons. B. The Scriptural Qualifications of Deacons. From Acts 6:3,5: of honest report; full of the Holy Ghost; full of wisdom; and full of faith. From I Timothy 3: 8-12: grave (serious-minded); not doubletongued (right speech in every crowd); not given to much wine (practicing total abstinence); not greedy of filthy lucre (trustworthy in money matters); holding mystery of faith in a clear conscience; proven and found blameless; husband of one wife (a married man, not divorced and remarried); ruling his own household well; and with a wife who is grave, not a slanderer, sober and faithful. C. The Tenure of Deacons. No deacon shall serve for more than three consecutive years and there shall be a period of one year between each term of office. Exceptions to the previous sentence may be made, at the discretion of the deacon body, in the event a deacon s service begins as the fulfillment of some other deacon s unexpired term. In other words, a deacon who serves one year of an unexpired term may then be invited to serve an additional full three-year term. In case of vacancy among the deacons, the same procedure is to be followed as outlined under paragraph A above

10 D. Responsibilities of Deacons. (1) The officers of the deacons (except church treasurer) shall act as officers of the corporation and Board of Directors of McGregor Baptist Church, Inc. as follows: (a) the Chairman of deacons will be President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the corporation; (b) the Vice Chairman of deacons will be Vice President and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the corporation; (c) the Secretary of the deacons will be Secretary of the corporation and of the Board of Directors; and, (d) remaining deacons shall be members of the Board of Directors. (2) The deacons shall have general oversight of the church membership. (3) They shall serve as the church membership committee, examining all applicants for membership and reporting their recommendations to the church. (4) They shall assist the Senior Pastor in the proper observance of the ordinances. (5) They shall consult with and assist the Senior Pastor in all matters relative to the spiritual interests of the church. (6) They shall be responsible for the disciplinary action of the church as described in Bylaws Section 1.5. In the absence of the Senior Pastor or his designee the chairman of the deacons shall function as moderator of the church. (8) The deacons shall serve as an integral part of the missions leadership of the church, sponsoring a consistent program of missionary education, and recommending to the church any possibilities of better reaching out beyond our four walls. (9) The deacons may recommend deserving students to receive a financial stipend while attending seminary by including such recommendation for stipend into the regular budget. Section 3.3 The Secretary The Secretary of the Corporation, who shall be the duly elected Secretary of the Deacons, or his appointed designee, shall (1) certify and keep in the office of the church the original Constitution and Bylaws or a copy, including all amendments or alterations of the bylaws; (2) Keep at the place where the Constitution and Bylaws or a copy are kept a record of the proceedings of meetings of the Deacon Body, with the time and place of holding, the notice of meeting given, and the names of those present at meetings; (3) Sign, certify, or attest documents as may be required by law; (4) See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of this document. (In case of the absence or disability of the secretary, or his refusal or neglect to act, notice may be given and served by the Senior Pastor or by the Chairman of the Deacons; (5) Be the custodian of the records of the church, including the membership roll and baptismal records; (6) See that the reports, statements, certificates, and all other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed; (7) make available at all reasonable times to proper persons on terms provided by law, the Constitution and Bylaws and minutes of proceedings of the Deacon Body or the minutes of business meetings of the church. Section 3.4 The Treasurer The Treasurer of the Corporation, who shall be the duly elected Chairman of the Finance Committee, or his appointed designee(s), shall (1) Have charge and be responsible for all funds of the corporation, and deposit all funds in the name of the church in banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Finance Committee; (2) Receive and give receipt for all contributions, gifts, and donations to the church; (3) Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the church as may be directed by the pastor or his designee(s) in accordance with the budget of the church or with the donor-designated purpose of such funds; (4) Keep and maintain adequate and correct amounts of the church s properties and business transactions including account of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, and capital; (5) Make all expenditures of the church (except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements) by check; (6) Prepare and present to the church at all regular business meetings (scheduled at least quarterly) such comprehensive financial reports as are deemed appropriate by the Senior Pastor and the Finance Committee

11 Section 3.5 The Ministerial Staff A. Selection of Ministerial Staff. When the need for a new ministerial staff member arises, the Senior Pastor, or his designee, will seek a suitable candidate. The Senior Pastor will choose someone and present them to the Personnel Committee for interview, review, ratification, and an official call to the church staff. Any concern regarding a potential staff member by the congregation must be presented in a signed statement to be considered by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor. B. Responsibilities of Ministerial Staff. The ministerial staff shall conscientiously seek to fulfill their duties as stated in their current job description, as worked out in conjunction with the Personnel Committee and Senior Pastor; they shall work under the supervision of the Senior Pastor, or his designated representative, and shall be loyal and accountable to him. C. Resignation of Ministerial Staff. In the event a staff member or staff associate shall offer a voluntary resignation from his position to the church, he shall submit his written resignation to the Senior Pastor, who shall in turn convey that resignation to the Personnel Committee, which may accept the resignation effective immediately or may permit the completion of not more than an additional thirty (30) days of service, if the committee believes such additional service is in the best interest of the church. D. Termination of Ministerial Staff. Recommendation for termination of a member of the ministerial staff shall be made by the Senior Pastor to the Personnel Committee. Upon majority vote of the Personnel Committee, the ministerial staff member shall be terminated. Any complaint against a staff member by the congregation must be presented in a signed statement to be considered by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor. The Personnel Committee may give a thirty (30) calendar days' notice of termination to the respective staff member, or immediately dispense with his services upon payment of thirty (30) calendar days' salary, or immediately dispense with his services without additional severance, depending upon the circumstances surrounding his termination, in the judgment of the committee, which shall be final. Article 4: Committees A. Vacancies. In order to allow more members to exercise their gifts, all committee positions shall be considered vacant at the end of each calendar year, unless otherwise stated in the Constitution or Bylaws, with the exception of such special committees as exist for the duration of some project or priority at the discretion of the Senior Pastor. B. Selection of Committee Chairman. The Senior Pastor and Nominating Committee shall appoint the chairman of each standing or special church committee in consultation with the committee members. C. Staff Role on Committees. No staff member shall serve as chair or in any other capacity except as an ex-officio, non-voting member (except where provided specifically). D. Budget Allotment. No committee shall spend in excess of its budgeted allotment without ratification of the Finance Committee. E. Policies and Procedures. Standing committees may adopt such policies or procedures as are relevant to their committee's responsibilities. All policies and procedures are subject to the Senior Pastor's approval

12 Section 4.1: Standing Committees The Nominating Committee, in conjunction with the Senior Pastor or his designee (or the Deacon Body if the office of Senior Pastor is vacant), shall appoint standing committees and designate a chairperson for each standing committee and, except when otherwise specifically provided by this Constitution and Bylaws, shall determine the membership of each standing committee, subject to congregational approval. A. Baptismal Committee Membership. The Baptismal Committee shall be composed of at least six members both men and women. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Baptismal Committee to: (1) assist all baptismal candidates, including necessary instructions; (2) ensure that all equipment and supplies are ready for use; (3) leave the baptismal areas clean and in order; (4) attend all services, record all baptisms, and (5) report all baptisms to the church office. B. Benevolent Committee Membership. The Benevolent Committee shall be composed of two or more members. The chairman will be a deacon or former deacon. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Benevolent Committee to: (1) make all decisions as to needs and disbursements of benevolent funds to meet these needs; (2) report to the Finance Committee monthly and annually all total receipts and disbursements; (3) report annually the procedures for accounting of all funds; (4) delegate certain responsibilities to the Helps Ministry and other willing groups; (4) review annually with the deacons its policies and procedures for handling requests for assistance. Funding. Special collections shall be taken throughout the year following the Lord's Supper. C. Building and Grounds Committee Membership. The Building and Grounds Committee shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee of the church and shall consist of three or more laypersons serving rotating terms of three years. The Associate Pastor for Administration and the Operations Manager shall serve as ex-officio members of this committee. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Building and Grounds Committee to: (1) assist in maintaining all church buildings and grounds; (2) make recommendations for needed improvement of the grounds and buildings and carry out those that are approved by the church. D. Finance Committee Membership. The Finance Committee shall be appointed by the Nominating Committee of the church with input from the Senior Pastor. A Committee of at least seven laypersons will serve rotating terms of four years. At the Senior Pastor s request, the Associate Pastor for Administration and the Accounting Supervisor shall serve as exofficio members of this committee. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church

13 Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Finance Committee to: (1) provide general oversight of the expenditures of the church; (2) present a quarterly financial report to the church; (3) draw up the annual unified budget and present same to the Super Committee which shall be comprised of the Finance Committee, the Personnel Committee and the Deacon Body, upon whose review and ratification said budget will proceed to presentation to the church, for adoption or rejection by the church, during the month of December; (4) before preparing the budget, consult with all committees and organizations of the church as to anticipated needs for the coming year; (5) meet at least monthly throughout the year; (6) make no expenditures or financial obligations in excess of the adopted annual unified budget without the approval of the church. The committee is specifically authorized to adjust line items so long as overall expenditures fall within the approved budget; (7) maintain the safety and security of all monies collected and deposit those monies in authorized bank accounts; (8) obtain an annual review or audit by a licensed Certified Public Accountant who is not a member of the church; (9) establish procedures regarding the disbursement of all checks, monies, bonds, collateral (or funds of any kind) of this church. All accounts shall be paid by check approved for payment by voucher form prepared by the department or committee. Checks will be prepared by the accounting department and signed by the church administrator or designee; (10) supervise the keeping of accurate accounts of funds received and disbursed in a form designated by the church, and shall render quarterly and annual reports to the church and such other reports as provided in sections 2 and 3 above; (11) submit annually, and at such times as the church shall direct, all accounts and supporting papers; (12) arrange for those designated by the church to sign checks, to be bonded for the amount set by the Finance Committee, which bond penalty shall be paid by the church; and (13) periodically check on the performance of the Teller Committee. E. Property Insurance Committee Membership. The Insurance Committee shall be composed of three or more members. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Insurance Committee to: (1) attend to the insurance needs of the church, excluding those insurance needs that pertain specifically to Human Resources, and conduct an annual review and update of the insurance in place, and/or such additional or replacement insurance as deemed appropriate by the committee, (2) annually present a proposed budget to the Finance Committee setting forth a plan to procure and administer insurance coverage for protection of bodily injury and property damage, liability, casualty, and other insurance deemed appropriate by the committee. F. Greeters Membership. Greeters shall be church members appointed by a Director of Greeters, subject to approval of the pastor. Appointment. The Director of Greeters shall be appointed by the Senior Pastor. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the greeters to: (1) provide a warm, loving welcome to all who attend services; and (2) distribute church bulletins and other appropriate materials. G. Library and Media Center Committee Membership. The committee shall be composed of three or more members. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church

14 Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Library and Media Center Committee to: (1) maintain a church library and arrange for its use by the church membership; (2) review and screen all literature and visual aids placed in the library, making sure they are in accord with the doctrinal position of the Articles of Faith contained in this Constitution and Bylaws; (3) publicize and promote the use of the library by church members; and (4) encourage appropriate gifts of books, memorials and/or commemoratives. H. Lord's Supper Committee Membership. The committee shall be composed of three or more members. Election. Members shall be elected annually by the church. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Lord's Supper Committee to prepare and maintain all elements and equipment for the proper observance of the Lord's Supper. I. Nominating Committee Membership. The committee shall be composed of the Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor of Administration, and five or more members. Election. The members shall be elected by the church. They shall serve for a period of three (3) years in succession, with no more than two (2) rotating off each year. Responsibilities. Recognizing that God has promised to give special gifts to each Christian, it shall be the responsibility of the Senior Pastor and staff to try and match these gifts with various positions that are set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws. The individuals that the Senior Pastor and staff suggest shall be challenged and recruited by the Nominating Committee and presented to the church for election at a regularly scheduled business meeting. Unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws, they shall nominate the chairman of each standing or special church committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor. J. Parkers Membership. Parkers shall be appointed by a Director of Parkers, and subject to the pastor's approval. Appointment. The Director of Parkers shall be appointed by the Senior Pastor. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Parkers to provide parking plans and serve as needed. Notification. The director shall be notified in advance by the ministerial staff member who is in charge of a special event that will require their services. K. Personnel Committee Membership. The committee shall be composed of at least seven members. Election. It shall be elected annually by the church. Members will be elected to staggered terms with three (3) members elected in year one and two members elected in each of the following two years. They shall serve for three (3) consecutive years, and there shall be a period of one year between each tenure of office

15 Responsibilities. The Personnel Committee will receive the recommendations submitted by the Senior Pastor, or his designee, for candidates for the ministerial staff. After proper review of the qualifications of the candidates, the committee will either recommend approval or disapproval to the pastor. The committee shall periodically review the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, performance reviews, job descriptions and the wage and benefit schedule of pastors and support staff, as well as all associated tax costs, and make the necessary personnel budget recommendations for ratification by a majority of the Finance Committee, and, subsequently, the Super Committee. The Personnel budget, once approved by the Super Committee, will be presented to the church body for adoption as a component part of the overall church budget. The Personnel Committee deals with matters of a personal nature, and it is required of the members of this Committee that they refrain from discussing Committee matters outside of the meeting place, except as is needed in furtherance of Committee work. L. School Board Committee Membership. The committee will be composed of at least seven people. Election. Members shall be elected for a maximum term of three consecutive years. The board members shall be elected as follows: (1) one ministerial staff member chosen by the Senior Pastor; (2) one member of the Finance Committee chosen by that committee; (3) two members chosen by the Nominating Committee and approved by the church; (4) two parents at-large recommended by the School Board and approved by the Deacons; and (5) one deacon chosen by the deacons. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the School Board to: (1) develop all policies related to operation of school; and (2) approve all school budgets and personnel recommendations prepared by the Associate Pastor of Education. M. Teller Committee Membership. The committee shall be composed of six or more members. Election. It shall be elected annually by the church. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Teller Committee to count and record all regular and special offerings, and to deposit all monies in the church bank account. Counting Requirement. A minimum of four (4) people shall be required at any time monies are counted. Review. The Teller Committee shall be subject to periodic review by the Finance Committee. N. Ushers Membership. Ushers shall be church members who shall be appointed by the Head Usher, subject to Pastor's approval. Appointment. The Head Usher shall be appointed by the Senior Pastor. Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Ushers to: (1) provide for the seating and comfort of the congregation, including the greeting and introduction of visitors; (2) provide assistance to those in need in the event of disturbances or emergencies demanding their attention during the service; (3) act to prevent interruptions and distractions during the service; and (4) collect and responsibly handle monies contributed to the church. O. The Super Committee Membership. The committee shall be composed of the Deacon Body, the Finance Committee, and the Personnel Committee

16 Election. No election to this specific committee shall be required. Responsibilities. The Super Committee shall (1) review and ratify the annual church budget before it is voted upon by the church membership, (2) make decisions related to indemnification as outlined in Bylaws Section 5, (3) be available at the discretion of the Senior Pastor or his designee to review such matters of church business as the Pastor shall deem appropriate. Section 4.2: Special Committees The Pastor, at his discretion and in consultation with the Deacon Body, may create special committees for such tasks and time periods as he deems appropriate. The membership, duties, and reporting requirements of such committees shall be defined when such committees are formed. Section 4.3 Pulpit Committee In the event that the church is without a pastor, or that the pastor has indicated he will retire or resign, a Pulpit Committee will be formed by the church to seek out a pastor. The pulpit committee shall consist of seven members as follows: (1) Chairman of Deacons; (2) Chairman of the Personnel Committee; (3) two deacons chosen by the deacon body (in addition to the chairman); (4) one member of the Personnel Committee chosen by that committee (in addition to the chairman); and (5) two members at large who will be nominated by the deacons and subject to a vote by the church. Any person who is on this committee will remain on the pulpit committee, even if (while serving on this committee) their term ends on either the Deacon or Personnel Committee. The committee will elect its own chairman. After much prayer, careful investigation and deliberation, the pulpit committee will recommend to the church as many candidates for pastor as is necessary to find the right man. Any member may suggest to the pulpit committee the names of ministers whom they would like to have considered. The committee shall carefully investigate each man thus suggested. Ministers who show promise shall be interviewed by the pulpit committee and invited to preach to the congregation. When satisfied, this committee shall present to the church for a vote the name of the man they recommend. Only one candidate shall be voted upon at any one meeting. Votes shall be by secret ballot, with at least three-quarters (3/4) vote of those present necessary for election. If the church refuses the first man suggested, the pulpit committee will make plans to present another candidate as soon as it is possible. Once the church has elected a candidate to be their new pastor, it shall be the responsibility of the pulpit committee to issue, in writing, a call and to work out with the minister all necessary arrangements concerning time of his arrival at the church and compensation. Article 5: Meetings Section 5.1: Meetings for Worship Public services shall be held as publicized on the Lord's Day and on some regular evening or evenings of each week. The Lord's Supper shall be observed at least every two months and/or at such other times as the Senior Pastor may determine. Occasional religious meetings may be presented by the pastor at his discretion. Section 5.2: Business Meetings A. Quorum. At least 100 members must be present at any business meeting, whether regular or special, to constitute a quorum. All members in good standing may exercise a vote. However, on meetings involving building programs, property acquisitions, or personnel matters, voting shall be limited to those age eighteen and over. On all matters except those stated elsewhere in this Constitution and Bylaws, a majority vote shall rule

17 B. Notice for Voting. On meetings involving building programs and/or property acquisitions or sales, at least the following notice shall be given: two weeks of announcement in the Sunday Bulletin and a mailing to all church members, including associate members. Further, congregational votes on matters that involve incurring debt for either a building program or property acquisition shall be taken by ballot. C. Workers Registering Votes. All members working in other areas of the church during a business meeting may register their vote, if they so desire, by submitting a signed and dated ballot to the church moderator. Under no circumstances shall any other provision ever be made for proxy or absentee voting. D. Frequency. The church shall conduct business meetings at least quarterly, officiated by the moderator of the church, to be held at the mid-week service. E. Uncalled Business Meetings. At any of the regular meetings for worship, the church may, without special notice, act upon the reception of members and upon the appointment of messengers to denominational meetings, but not upon other business. F. Special Meetings. The Pastor, Deacons, or Pulpit Committee may announce a special business meeting to be held during a scheduled worship service (preferably evening). The particular object of the meeting shall be clearly stated in the notice. At least the following notice shall be given: two weeks of announcement in the Sunday Bulletin and a mailing to all church members, including associate members. G. Elections. Elections shall be yearly. The Nominating Committee shall present the slate of nominees at the fourth quarter business meeting. Church members are encouraged to forward to the Nominating Committee the names of such individuals whom they desire to see considered for committee service. Special elections of church officers can be held as required. H. Expenditure of Funds. All suggestions for expenditure of funds that come from the floor, rather than a committee, shall be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration. The Finance Committee will then bring its recommendation back to the church to be acted upon no later than the next business meeting. I. Parliamentary Procedure. Any questions regarding parliamentary procedure shall be resolved by the moderator or his designee s interpretation of Roberts Rules of Order. J. Power to Close Meetings. The business affairs of the McGregor Baptist Church are not necessarily public. Therefore, for any meeting under this article, the moderator, in his sole discretion, shall have full and unilateral authority to require nonmembers to leave the meeting room and to direct the immediate removal of any member or other person present who is deemed by the moderator to be disruptive to the proceedings by act or presence. The moderator shall have the full authority to direct the removal of all children (ages to be determined by the moderator) if the moderator determines, in his sole discretion, that circumstances so warrant. If the moderator determines that compliance with his direction for removal is unsatisfactory, the moderator may, in his sole discretion, revoke the disruptive person s right to remain on the premises in accordance with Bylaw Section 1.3.C. and treat the person as a trespasser