Greater Waco Baptist Church Constitution
PREAMBLE So that things may be done decently and in order in accordance with the accepted tenets of other churches of like precious faith, and that we may more readily help each other in our Christian service, we declare and establish this constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves. 2
ARTICLE I MISSION STATEMENT To create a community of believers, loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and might and loving each other as commanded in Scripture, (Deut. 6:4-6; Matt. 22:36-38; I John 4:7-21) demonstrating that love by living obediently as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, seeking His Will above all else, careful in maintaining good works so that God is glorified, (Matt. 5:13-16; 6:33; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:8) and where each member is encouraged to realize their personal worth before God and place in the Body of Christ so that they may grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, (I Cor. 12:12-31; I Peter 2:9; II Peter 3:18) and make Him known as the only Savior for a sinful world. (Matt. 28:18-20; John 3:16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 3:23; 10:9-15) 3
SECTION 1 - Name: ARTICLE II NAME AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The legal name of this congregation of believers shall be the CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF BELLMEAD, TEXAS and shall be known as the Greater Waco Baptist Church. SECTION 2 - Statement of Purpose: The purpose of Greater Waco Baptist Church is TO exalt the name of Jesus Christ through our worship, lifestyle and service, both individually and corporately. TO equip the saints for the works of the ministry by Biblical instruction so as to produce disciples that are spiritually mature and capable of Christ-honoring service. TO edify one another through a fellowship that encourages each other and builds up the spiritual health of the body and promotes a unity of faith. TO evangelize the world in obedience to the mandate of the Great Commission, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to all people everywhere calling them to a personal repentance toward God and a personal faith in Jesus Christ according to the plan of Acts 1:8. TO enable the fulfillment of God s Perfect Plan by this local body of believers through wise stewardship of the resources entrusted to us which is gained by the faithful ministry of God s Word in the Power of the Holy Spirit. In pursuit of this purpose: This congregation is organized as a Church exclusively for charitable, religious, 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 building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day care centers, camps, nursing homes, and cemeteries, and any other ministries that the Church may be led of God to establish. The Church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the Church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God. 4
ARTICLE III STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT SECTION 1 - Statement of Faith: (A) The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and preserved, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six (66) books of the Old and New Testaments are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the Church in its teaching and preaching ministry (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21). (B) The Godhead We believe in one (1) Triune God, eternally existing in three (3) persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each coeternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; John 14:10, 26; II Cor. 13:14). (C) The Person and Work of Christ (1) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; II Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8). (2) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through his death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5; II Peter 2:24). (3) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; I John 2:1-2). (D) The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit (1) We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 12:12-14; II Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14). (2) We believe the Holy Spirit was active in creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God s purpose is fulfilled; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony and that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and otherwise helps the believer (Gen. 1:2; John 14:26; 16:13; Rom. 8:14, 16; Eph. 1:13-14; II Thes. 2:7). (3) We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; I John 2:20, 27). (4) We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the 5
ministry (Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12). (5) We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing (I Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-31). (E) Sin and Salvation We believe all men were born with an inherited sin nature received from our common ancestor, Adam. We believe that because of his nature, man is a sinner by choice, and he is totally incapable of reforming himself or ceasing from his sin by his own power. We believe the only hope of deliverance for man is a total change of mind concerning his sinful condition and inability to change it, and a turning to Jesus Christ as the only Saviour. We believe that only through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ on the cross can a man be delivered from his sin. We believe that all those who reject Jesus Christ as their Saviour are already condemned to an eternity in the lake of fire. (Genesis 5:1-5; Acts 4:19; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:10-23; Romans 5:6-12; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6; Revelation 20:11-14) (F) The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers (1) We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1, 38-39; I Cor. 1:4-8; I Peter 1:4-5). (2) We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 1:11-15). (G) The Church (1) We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons (I Cor. 12:12-14; II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27). (2) We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; I Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11). (3) We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16-1, 4; I Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; I Peter 5:1-4). (4) We recognize water baptism by immersion, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord's Supper as the Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the Church in this age (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; I Cor. 11:23-26). (H) Separation We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; II Cor. 6:14-7:1; II Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11). 6
(I) The Second Advent of Christ We believe in that "blessed hope," the personal, imminent return of Christ Who will rapture His Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly return, with His saints, to establish His earthly Kingdom (Psa. 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; I Thes. 1:10; 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6). (J) The Eternal State (1) We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13). (2) We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thes. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6). (3) We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matt. 15:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; II Thes. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15). (K) The Personality of Satan We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10). (L) Creation We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary changes of species or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God s established law was that they should bring forth only after their kind. Believing as we do that God created the universe in six (6) literal, 24-hour periods, we reject the Theory of Evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Jer. 10:12-13; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-24; Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:16-17). (M) Civil Government We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the Church; and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Peter 2:13-14). (N) Human Sexuality We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex (Gen. 2:24; 19:4, 13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thes. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4). Biblical marriage is between a man and a woman. 7
(O) Divorce and Remarriage We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. Divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may still hold positions of service in the Church and be greatly used of God for Christian service. (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Tim. 3:2, 12; 7:1-3; Titus 1:6). (P) Abortion We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental or physical well-being of the mother are acceptable (Job 3:16; Psa. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1,5; Jer. l:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44) (Q) Missions We believe the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable. We believe that God has given the Church a Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, the privilege and responsibility of every Christian to be personally involved in this important task. As ambassadors of Christ it is our solemn duty to consistently and conscientiously seek the salvation of the lost wherever they are found regardless of racial, cultural, political or religious differences. We must use all available means to present a clear Gospel witness to ALL people EVERYWHERE, trusting the Holy Spirit to enlighten them to the truth of the Gospel of Christ. (Matt. 18:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Cor. 5:20). (R) Giving We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the Church and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17). SECTION 2 - Authority of Statement of Faith: The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members. SECTION 3 - Covenant: Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, 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. 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 give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to 8
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. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, back biting, and excessive anger; to abstain from certain worldly amusements that would compromise our Christian testimony, to be free from all oathbound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to abstain from the sale or use of tobacco in any form, narcotic drugs, or intoxicating drink as a beverage; 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 each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation 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
Article IV GOVERNMENT SECTION 1 The church is an independent body of baptized believers. The government of this church is vested in its assembled membership through elected officers, and is not subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body, and no denominational or associational representatives shall sit in judgment over its affairs. No rules, regulations, or commitments shall be made to such bodies which call for more than voluntary action on the part of this church or any portion of its membership. Any association with any ecclesiastical governing body can be established by a 3/4 majority of the members present at a church meeting in accordance with rules as stated herein. SECTION 2 The instrument of government for this church shall be the Holy Bible. The affairs of business shall be conducted in accordance with the Word of God. Anything specific that is not directly addressed by the Holy Bible or the Constitution of the Greater Waco Baptist Church shall be at the discretion of the Pastor. The procedures, qualifications, and rules of order for this church are herein set forth, and shall be known as the CONSTITUTION OF THE GREATER WACO BAPTIST CHURCH OF WACO, TX. Article V FINANCE Scriptural giving is an expression of love for the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, it shall be voluntary. Tithes and offerings shall be the method used to care for the financial needs of this church. (I Cor. 16:2) Article VI INNER-ORGANIZATIONS Every organization or society within this church shall be an integral part of the church and not an entity of itself. They shall therefore, have as their aims and objectives that of assisting the church in discharging the obligation and responsibilities which it has imposed upon itself, rather than having separate aims and objectives which always act as divisive forces. The Pastor or his designated staff or church member shall preside over all such organizations or societies. 10
Article VII MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 Membership in Greater Waco Baptist Church may be acquired in the following ways: A. BAPTISM any person who evidences a change of attitude toward God, and by faith as the son of God who died and shed His blood upon the cross to atone for his sins, and accepts His as his own Savior, and with all his heart is willing to obey Him and His Word, may by vote of the Church and by scriptural baptism be received into membership. B. LETTER any person to whom the ordinance of baptism by immersion has been scripturally administered according to church doctrine, and satisfactory statement of faith in Christ, may be received into membership upon the vote of the Church. C. EXPERIENCE any person to whom the ordinance of baptism by immersion has been scripturally administered according to Church doctrine, and satisfactory statement of faith in Christ, may be received into membership upon the vote of the Church. D. RESTORATION any person whose membership has been terminated, may upon public confession of their sins or errors, after said confession that reveals faithfulness in attendance, Christian Spirit, and liberality in stewardship, call for a special meeting with the Pastor and Deacons, wherein it shall be frankly and fully discussed as to the individual s future intentions and relationship to the church. Should the results of said meeting be satisfactory, the Pastor may cause said part to be recommended to the Church for membership. No restored member shall hold office for a period of two (2) years following restoration. E. MEMBERSHIP DENIAL No person shall be admitted to membership of this church to whom three (3) unrelated members object, casting their votes in the negative. In the event of objection, said person shall be referred to the Deacon Board. Such voters shall, at that time, or in a later meeting, state the reasons for such objections. If objections are not valid, said person may be again presented for membership. SECTION 2 Membership in this church may be dissolved in the following ways: A. Death B. Letter of transfer to a sister Baptist Church of like faith and practice. C. Inactivity for an extended period of time (3months or more) shall be cause to drop someone from the permanent membership roll. D. Participation in or a consent to the purposes of an unauthorized meeting or secret meeting with members of the church shall be cause for removal from the regular church roll. 11
SECTION 3 General duties of the members of this church shall be to acquire Bible knowledge, to progress spiritually, put away questionable habits and to live a life that would honor the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen His church. It is the duty of the members to cultivate brotherly love for all the other members of the church and to show this love by using all proper measures to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity. It is the duty of members to honor and highly esteem their Pastor (I Thess. 5:12-13); to pray for him (II Thess. 3:1-2); to submit to him in the scriptural exercise of his Holy Spirit given authority (Acts 20:28, Heb. 13:7,17); to guard his reputation; to contribute toward his support according to their ability. Toward those outside the membership, it is the duty of members upon moving from the area to unite with another church of like faith and practice, requesting said church to send to the Greater Waco Baptist Church for their letter of recommendation of dismissal. Article VIII CHURCH OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES SECTION 1 Duties and Qualifications of the Pastor: A. The word Pastor means a shepherd or spiritual overseer. The scriptures refer to the office commonly called pastor, as elder or bishop. I Tim. 3:1-5, I Peter 5:1-4, I Tim. 5:17, I Thess. 5:12-13, Acts 20:28, Heb. 13:7, 17 are examples of such and show how clearly that the pastor is to oversee and supervise the affairs of the church. He shall not only have the general supervision of the church, but shall have unrestricted liberty in presenting any matter he deems necessary to the church for its consideration and instruction. B. It shall be the duty of the Pastor to preach regularly at the church, to administer the ordinances of the gospel, and to perform the various duties incumbent upon his office. C. He shall be the moderator of the church and preside at all its church meetings, ex officio member of all the committees and organizations which include the privilege of voting; in charge of the pulpit and responsible for supplying the speakers. In legal matters shall act as president. D. I Tim. 3:1-6 and Titus 1:7-9 give the qualifications for a pastor. The life of the Pastor and his family should be an example of godliness and spirituality. They should not indulge in worldly or sinful practices that would tend to weaken the testimony of this church (I Thess. 5:22). No one who uses intoxicating liquors, drugs, or tobacco in any form; or who belongs to a secret society; or who brings disrepute upon his ministry through sinful language, practice or associations shall be considered for pastor or having fallen into such, be retained as pastor. (Rom. 12:1-2, II Cor 6:11-18). E. Because of the office, the Pastor shall be counted worthy of double honor (I Tim. 5:17). No accusations shall be brought against him without two or three witnesses (I Tim. 5:19). F. No person shall be considered for the office nor serve as Pastor of this church whose beliefs and teachings are not in accordance with the Word of God, or who will not declare himself to be in full agreement with the doctrinal statements herein stated. G. No person shall be considered for the office nor serve as Pastor who maintains any connection with the National Council of Churches or any of its agencies; convention or other ecclesiastical body or bodies; Masonic lodges or secret organizations. H. The Pastor shall be a man. 12
I. The term of the Pastor shall be for an indefinite period, whether so stated in the call or not. Termination of the Pastor s services shall be left to him as God shall lead and a period of 30 days notice will be given prior to his resignation. The Pastor s salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis by the Board of Deacons. J. The Church may dismiss the Pastor for the following grounds: sinful conduct, unscriptural teaching, or in the event that the Pastor is at fault, the Board of Deacons shall select a committee of at least three deacons to counsel with the Pastor. If there is just cause for his leaving, and after presenting the matter in a scriptural manner as outlined in Matt. 18:15-18, this committee may bring the matter to the attention of the Church. If the Pastor refuses to resign, and after public announcement for at least two Sundays, the church may vote to dismiss the Pastor. K. Severance Pay in the amount of two (2) weeks pay will be allowed if dismissal is for sinful conduct, all other dismissals will allow four (4) weeks pay. SECTION 2 Pastor s Call: Whenever it is necessary, by the death or resignation of the Pastor, the church shall, WITHOUT UNNECESSARY DELAY, proceed to secure a new Pastor in the following manner: A. The Board of Deacons shall serve as the Pulpit Committee. This committee shall be a committee of necessity and not a standing committee. If the Pastor resigns or dies the committee shall automatically be activated. If the Pastor has been dismissed the committee shall be activated immediately. The Chairman of the Board of Deacons shall serve as the Chairman of the Pulpit Committee unless he shall appoint another Deacon to hold that responsibility. B. The pulpit committee shall meet and elect one of its members to contact and invite to the pulpit of the church some minister of good report and who is in accordance with and meets the requirements of the Scripture. He shall be given a copy of this constitution and asked for his answer and documents in accordance with the doctrinal beliefs of this church. There shall be an interview with the prospective pastor and his wife. No person shall be invited to the pulpit of this church without the majority vote of the pulpit committee. The committee s direction shall come after much prayer and seeking the will of God. C. The arrival of a candidating Pastor shall be announced one week in advance if at all possible. It is the responsibility of the congregation, the Board of Deacons, and the Pulpit Committee to prayerfully seek the will of God as we evaluate the candidate. It shall be the objective of the pulpit committee to provide the congregation with several men (2 or 3) as candidates for new pastor and after such time the pulpit committee shall recommend to the congregation, at a scheduled church meeting, one of the men for a vote to send a formal call to fill the pastorate. The vote shall be done by secret ballot and a call to fill the position of Pastor shall be extended if the candidate receives 3/4 majority vote of the qualified members present. D. The pulpit committee shall consider, but not be restricted to, those qualifications herein listed for the pastor, and shall also consider his reputation, his experience, and his education. SECTION 3 Duties and Qualifications of a Deacon: A. Deacon means attendant or to wait upon. It also means to run errands, to attend, a waiter, specifically to a Christian teacher or Pastor. The office of deacon shall not in any way be taken to mean authority over the church or pastor. B. The Deacons shall assist the pastor in building the church numerically, financially, and spiritually. They must visit the sick, the sorrowing, and the needy. It shall also be their responsibility to care for the Pastor s needs. 13
C. The life of a deacon and his family should be one of godliness and spirituality. They should not indulge in worldly and sinful practices which would tend to weaken the testimony of this church. Each deacon should meet the scriptural qualifications as listed in I Tim. 3:8-13 and Titus 1:7-8. D. No person shall be elected to the office of Deacon who has not been a faithful member of the church for a period of one year or more. A deacon is to be faithful in all things (I Tim. 3:11), therefore absenteeism from two regular church or deacon s meetings or two months of church attendance without a legitimate excuse shall disqualify said deacon and his office shall be declared vacant. E. Deacons shall be elected at church meeting for a period of 2 years. F. Paid staff members shall not be eligible for the Board of Deacons. G. In all legal matters the Deacon Chairman shall serve as the vice-president of the Corporation. H. In all legal matters the Deacon Board shall serve as Trustees. The Deacon Board (as Trustees) may choose to elect a Church Clerk and a Church Treasurer. These duties may be performed by other members of the church (paid staff or volunteers) and overseen by the Deacon Board. I. The Deacon Board shall serve as the Board of Directors for all school ministries. SECTION 4 Appointed Positions Positions such as the Sunday School Superintendent, Head Usher, and like positions which are not paid positions will be appointed by the Pastor. The positions of Assistant or Associate Pastor, Secretary, Music Director, and Youth Director shall also be appointed by the Pastor. It is expected that the Pastor will consult the Board of Deacons for advice and consultation in these matters and that they together will seek the will of God in much prayer. All positions, paid or volunteer, shall be subject to the same requirements listed for the Pastor and Deacons as herein stated. SECTION 1 Annual Church Meeting Article IX CHURCH MEETINGS A. The annual church meeting for the election of officers and the reading of the annual reports shall be held on any stipulated date announced at least two Sundays in advance, between November 1 and the last Sunday in January, and all retiring officers shall relinquish their positions and all newly elected officers shall assume their responsibilities on the first Sunday in February following the election. B. The Deacon Board shall nominate men of good report for those offices open in the church. These men shall be interviewed by the Pastor before their names are placed on the ballot for vote by the membership. The list of nominees shall be submitted to the Pastor for his approval. He shall have the privilege of taking any name off the list he feels is not qualified for the responsibility. C. Reports-- The church treasury report shall also be given including total receipts, expenditures, and indebtedness of the church. The church clerk report shall give the number received, withdrawn and the number of the present roll. The Sunday School and Outreach report shall give report of the work and progress of the Sunday School and outreach ministries for the past year. All other committees appointed or elected shall be prepared to present any pertinent information requested by the Pastor. 14
D. Any reports prepared by the church staff for the annual church meeting shall be presented to the Pastor for his review at least five (5) working days before they are presented to the church. SECTION 2 Special Church Meetings A. Special church meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor at any regular Sunday Church service. If the purpose of the meeting is to discuss selling of church property, amending the constitution, or the mortgaging of property, it shall not be voted on for two weeks so as to provide opportunity for the membership to carefully and prayerfully consider the decision. B. The sale of church property, mortgaging of church property, or a change in the constitution shall take a 2/3 vote of the attending qualified membership at the meeting. C. A special meeting may be called by any member of the church in the following manner: 1. A petition stating clearly the purpose, date, and time of the meeting and the name or names of the petitioner shall be drawn by the church clerk and signed by him. 2. Said petition shall then be signed by three (3) elected officers of the church, a majority of the regular Sunday School teachers, three (3) members at large who are at least 21 years old, and who are not related in any way to each other or the petitioner. 3. Said petition shall then be posted by the church clerk and read from the pulpit for two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting. SECTION 3 Church Meeting Quorum A quorum shall consist of twelve (12) voting members, or 1/4 of the regular voting members present. In the matter of calling a pastor, mortgaging or selling church property, or amending the constitution, in such cases it shall be at least 1/4 of the regular voting membership on the church roll. SECTION 4 Voting Qualifications A member shall be a qualified voter at a church meeting if they shall have reached their eighteenth birthday and are an active member. SECTION 5 Simple Majority A majority vote of the voting members present and voting at any called church meeting shall be required unless otherwise stipulated in the constitution. 15
ARTICLE X MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SECTION 1 Purpose: The Church believes that it is to provide the members' children with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings. The Church believes that the home and Church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the Church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates: SECTION 2 Church Participation: All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the Church shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the Church; however, the Pastor may permit non-church members to participate in Church educational programs or courses of instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the Church. SECTION 3 Statement of Faith Accord: All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord with the Statement of Faith of the Church. SECTION 4 Unity: All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and inseparable ministry of the Church. The board of deacons shall serve as the board of directors for all educational ministries. SECTION 5 Teaching: All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the teaching of the inerrant Word of God. Any assertion or belief that conflicts with or questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth that will be disclaimed as false. It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom. SECTION 6 Christian Walk: All administrators, instructors, teachers and workers shall continue or adopt a life style consistent with the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom. 16
ARTICLE XI COMMITTEES OF THE CHURCH SECTION 1 General: The Church reserves the right at any time and in such a manner as it may determine to appoint any committee, which shall be considered a Church Committee, which the Church may deem necessary or advisable. Each such committee shall be elected and/or appointed by the Church and/or by its duly recognized representatives. The name and nature of each such committee, its members and terms of office shall be made known to the Church body by public and/or written announcement after its election and/or appointment. ARTICLE XII UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES Any agreements, commitment, order for goods or services, or change to an existing contract outside of the authorized procurement method is considered an unauthorized expenditure. Procurement transactions in excess of a person s delegated authority are also considered unauthorized expenditures. Individuals without delegated authority shall not make purchases. Unauthorized expenditures are not binding on the church. SECTION 1 - Ordination Qualifications: ARTICLE XIII ORDINATION Any member of this Church or its mission churches, who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel. SECTION 2 - Ordination Procedure: (A) (B) (C) Upon a conference with the Pastor and after the Pastor has approved the candidate for ordination, the Pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the candidate. The ordination council may consist of ordained ministers of like faith invited to participate in the examination of the candidate. If the candidate is found worthy of the ordination by the council, the Church may ordain the candidate on behalf of the Church. The Pastor and the Chairman of the Deacons shall arrange for the ordination service. 17
SECTION 1 - Private Inurement: ARTICLE XIV TAX-EXEMPT PROVISIONS No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II, Section 2. SECTION 2 - Dissolution: Upon the dissolution of the Church, the Trustees shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all the liabilities of the Church, dispose of all the assets of the Church to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Trustees shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to organizations which agree with the Church's Statement of Faith. SECTION 3 - Racial Nondiscrimination: The Church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate against members, applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. ARTICLE XV DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS From time to time the Church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their contributions but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the Church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II, Section 2. ARTICLE XVI FUNDRAISING The solicitation of funds by Church members and/or Church ministries for Church sponsored activities and/or projects must be submitted to the Pastor for approval and shall be subject to criteria deemed appropriate and necessary by the Pastor and/or Church Leadership. All fundraising proceeds NOT included in the regular reports to the Pastor and/or Church Leadership and/or Church Body must be properly documented and reported to the contributors. Any deviation from this policy is considered to be a breach of trust and Church policy and therefore a serious matter. 18
ARTICLE XVII CHURCH BY-LAWS NUMBER 1: All Church administration meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer for divine guidance and blessing. NUMBER 2: All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereon including time and place and the use of the property belonging to the Church for purposes other than the stated appointments shall be under the control of the Pastor. NUMBER 3: All literature used and/or distributed in the Church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith and must be approved by the Pastor and/or Church Leadership. NUMBER 4: These by-laws may be altered, suspended, or amended at a regular or called Church meeting of the membership by a majority vote of the members present and voting. NUMBER 5: The fiscal year of the Church shall begin February 1st and end January 31st. CONTENTS Preamble 2 Article I Mission Statement 3 Article II Name and Statement of Purpose 4 Article III Statement of Faith and Covenant 5-9 Article IV Government 10 Article V Finance 10 Article VI Inner-Organizations 10 Article VII Membership 11 19
Article VIII Church Officers and Their Duties 12-14 Article IX Church Meetings 14-15 Article X Ministry of Education 15-16 Article XI Committees of the Church 16 Article XII Unauthorized Expenditures 17 Article XIII Ordination 17 Article XIV Tax-Exempt Provisions 17 Article XV Designated Contributions 18 Article XVI Fundraising 18 Article XVII Church By-Laws 19 Article XVIII Amendments 20 AMENDMENTS ARTICLE XVIII This Constitution may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the members present and voting, at any regular or called Church meeting of the membership, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken. ADOPTION This Constitution was adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the active members present and voting at a duly-called meeting of the Church in which a quorum was present. This Constitution and By-Laws supersedes any other constitutions and/or By-Laws of GREATER WACO BAPTIST CHURCH. Date Church Clerk 20