CHURCH CONSTITUTION
First Baptist Church
247 E. Allegan Street ● Otsego, Michigan 49078
Covenant
Confession of Faith
Constitution
Ratified: January 17, 2021
The Church Covenant
(What We Promise Each Other)
We have been led by the Holy Spirit as baptized believers to form this visible form of the body of Christ, First Baptist Church of Otsego. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to keep the unity of the body in the bonds of peace; to diligently pursue a holy life, loving the Father, not the things of the world; to adhere to the Bible as final authority in all matters and our doctrinal statement as a clear description of its teachings; to faithfully attend worship services; to cheerfully and generously support our ministries with our finances, our prayers, and our personal involvement; to build God’s kingdom through this New Testament church by discipling the nations as our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us.
Confession of Faith
(What We Believe)
- The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was verbally and fully inspired of God, and the product of Spirit-controlled men. It, therefore, is the perfect treasure of heavenly instruction, especially concerning how sinful man can be saved, and has truth without any mixture of error for its matter (II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psalm 119:11; Romans 3:1-2; I Peter 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39; Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18-19; Romans 3:4).
We believe that the Bible reveals the principles by which God will judge us, is the true center of Christian union, and is the only true standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (Romans 2:12; John 12:47-48; I Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48; Philippians 3:16; 2:1-2; Ephesians 4:3-6; I Corinthians 1:10; I Peter 4:11; I John 4:1, 6; Isaiah 8:20; I Thessalonians 5:21; Acts 17:11; II Corinthians 13:5; Jude 3; Ephesians 6:17; Psalms 119:59-60; Philippians 1:9-11).
- The True God
We believe that there is one and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, trust, love, and worship (John 4:24; Psalm 147:5; 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 45:21-22; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:6-8; Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13).
We believe that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 3:16-17; John 15:26; I Corinthians 12:4-6; II Corinthians 13:14; I John 5:7; Luke 1:35); that each person in the Trinity is equal in every divine perfection (John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 20:28; I Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6); and that each person in the Trinity executes distinct but harmonious offices in the work of redemption (Ephesians 2:18; 1:3-14; II Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5; 2:7).
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born of woman, and that He is both perfect God and perfect man, the Son of God, and God the Son (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psalms 2:7; Galatians 4:4; I John 5:20; I Corinthians 15:47).
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, baptizes, empowers, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer in accordance with the Scriptures (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:8-11&13; 15:25-27; 3:5-6; 1:33; Matthew 28:19; 3:11; Hebrews 9:14; Luke 1:35; 3:16; 24:49; Genesis 1:1-3; II Thessalonians 2:7&13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Mark 1:8; Romans 8:16, 26-27; I Peter 1:2).
We believe that the “sign gifts” of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues, the gift of healing, and the gift of prophecy were temporary gifts that ceased when the Bible was completed at the end of the apostolic era (I Corinthians 13:8-10; II Corinthians 12:12).
III. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, in the image of God, under the law of his Maker (Genesis 1:27, 31; 2:16-17; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:24-29), and that man by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state (Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12).
As a result, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice (Psalm 51:5; 14:1-2; Romans 5:12-19; 8:7; 3:9-18, 23; Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:5, 12).
Man is, therefore, utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God and positively inclined to evil. As a result, he is under just condemnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse before God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 1:18-32; 2:1-16; 3:19; Galatians 3:10, 22; Ezekiel 18:19-20).
- Salvation
The Atonement for Sin
We believe that the only escape from the condemnation of sin is through the atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ when He voluntarily took upon Himself our human nature and the sins of the whole world, and paid the price of our redemption. By His suffering, death, and resurrection He completely satisfied God’s just demands for the sin of man, and now sits on the right hand of the Father as our all-sufficient Savior and intercessor (John 1:1-3, 14; 3:1-21; Hebrews 10:4-14; Isaiah 53:4-5; I John 2:1-2; Hebrews 7:25).
Salvation by Grace
We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone and that no works or human effort, however noble, can contribute to man’s salvation (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 10:9-13).
Justification
We believe that justification is that judicial act of God whereby He declares the believer righteous upon the basis of the imputed righteousness of Christ, and that His righteousness is given not in consideration of any works of righteousness that man has done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s shed blood (Romans 3:24; 4:5; 5:1, 9; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9).
The Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel, and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own voluntary rejection of the Gospel. It is, therefore, the duty of all to accept God’s offer of salvation immediately (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17; Acts 17:30; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17; John 5:40; Matthew 23:37).
Regeneration
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again. This regeneration is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the truth of God’s Word. It produces our voluntary obedience to the Gospel and is evidenced by the fruit of repentance, faith, and newness of life (John 3:3-8; I Corinthians 2:14; Revelation 21:27; II Corinthians 5:17; James 1:16-18; Romans 5:5; I Peter 1:22-25; Galatians 5:16-23).
Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, but also graces produced in our souls by the regenerating work of the Spirit of God. This work brings about a clear sense of our guilt, danger, and helplessness and a clear understanding of the only way of salvation through Christ. As a result, we turn to God with genuine contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy at the same time receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our only and all-sufficient Savior (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; 20:21; John 16:8; Acts 16:30-31; Luke 18:13; Romans 10:9-13; Psalm 51).
God’s Sovereign Election and Man’s Free Will
We believe that God’s choosing us for salvation is according to His eternal purpose and is perfectly consistent with the free will of man. It is a glorious display of God’s goodness, freedom, wisdom, holiness, and love. God’s election of us totally removes any possibility of our boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, and trust in God.
We believe that it encourages not discourages witnessing, and is the foundation for the Christians assurance of his salvation (II Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; I Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6, 9; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:28-31).
- Sanctification
We believe that sanctification (to be “set apart”) has a threefold meaning:
The sanctification of the believer begins when he is saved. This sanctification is instantaneous and positionally sets the believer apart for God by redemption. Believers are, therefore, “saints” and “holy” the moment they believe (I Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10-14).
Sanctification is also an on-going process and progressive for the believer after he/she is saved. The believer becomes more holy and more like Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures (II Peter 3:18; Ephesians 5:26; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Philippians 2:12-16; II Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; John 17:17).
- The believer’s sanctification will be complete at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. At this consummation the believer will be sanctified wholly – spirit, soul, and body (I Thessalonians 3:12-13; 5:23; I John 3:2; Ephesians 5:27).
- The Security of the Believer
- The Security of the Believer
We believe that all who are truly born again are kept eternally by God the Father for Jesus Christ. It is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word.
But the Scripture clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an excuse to sin (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:5; Philippians 1:6; Jude 1; Romans 8:35-39; I John 5:10-13; John 5:24; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
VII. The Church
We believe the church, the body of Christ, is a New Testament institution established by Jesus Christ, who is its sole Head. It is revealed through the apostles, empowered and preserved by the Holy Spirit, composed of believers in Jesus Christ as Savior, both Jew and Gentile, called out from the world, baptized into His body and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It is called His body (service) and His bride (glory). It began with the New Testament saints at Pentecost and will be consummated at the coming of Christ in the rapture (Matthew 16:18; Acts 1:8; 2:1-13, 41-47; 15:14; Romans 16:26; I Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:21; 5:23-33; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:9).
We believe that the church is manifest through the local church, which is a congregation of immersed believers associated by a covenant and confession of faith and the fellowship of the Gospel, who observe the ordinances of Christ, and are governed by His Word. We believe that its officers are pastors (bishops, elders) and deacons, and that it has the absolute right of self-government directed by the Holy Spirit and is answerable only to Christ. In all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence the will of the local church is final (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 1:2; 6:4-5; 5; 7:17; 11:16; I Timothy 3:1-15; Philippians 1:1; Acts 2:41-47).
We believe that Sunday is the Lord’s day, and is to be set aside as the day of worship by the church (Acts 20:7: John 20:19, 26; I Corinthians 16:1-2; 15:20; Luke 24:1-7; Leviticus 23:9-11).
VIII. The Ordinances
We believe that there are two ordinances for the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and is properly called “believer’s baptism”. It shows in a beautiful way our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior and emphasizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life. Baptism is a prerequisite to membership. The Lord’s Supper is a service in which the believers use the bread and the cup as a symbol of Christ’s body and blood, which He sacrificed for them as a demonstration of His love. Participation is to always be preceded by careful self-examination (Acts 8:36-39; 8:12; Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-32).
- The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous (saved) and the wicked (lost). Only those who are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus through faith and sanctified by the Spirit of God are truly righteous in God’s eyes. All others who continue in their unbelief and unrepentant hearts remain under the curse of sin. After death those who are righteous experience everlasting happiness in heaven, while those who are lost experience everlasting conscious suffering (Malachi 3:18; Romans 6:17, 18, 22-23; Proverbs 12:26; I Peter 4:17-18; John 3:36; Revelation 14:13; Luke 16:25; II Thessalonians 1:7-9).
- Civil Government
We believe that civil government is appointed by God for the interests and good of human society, and that those in authority are to be prayed for and conscientiously honored and obeyed except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and Prince over all the kings of the earth (Romans 13:1-7; II Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21-23; Acts 23:5; 5:29; 4:18-20; Matthew 22:21; Daniel 3:14-18; Psalms 72:11; 2; Revelation 19:16).
- The Resurrection
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ rose bodily and literally from the tomb on the third day and later ascended into heaven where He is now at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. We believe that His resurrection makes possible our resurrection – that those bodies of dead believers will be raised at the coming of Christ for His church and caught up with the transformed living saints to meet the Lord in the air. The unsaved dead will be raised at the close of the Millennial Kingdom and stand at the Great White Throne Judgment to receive their final doom (Matthew 28:6-7; I Corinthians 15:4; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrew 7:25; Acts 7:55; I Corinthians 15:12-23; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 7:9-17; 20:11-15).
XII. The Return of Christ
We believe in the bodily, personal, imminent, pretribulational, premillennial, return of Jesus Christ. We believe Christ will come before the seven-year tribulation period to catch away His church. At that time He will not come to earth, but we will meet Him in the air. At the close of the tribulation, He will come to the earth with His church to judge the living nations and to set up His kingdom on earth and reign for a thousand years. After this will be the Great White Throne Judgment where Christ will judge the unsaved, and they will be sent to their eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. The saved will then enjoy eternal glory with God in the New Heavens and New Earth (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:52; Zechariah 14:1-5; Acts 1:11; Daniel 9:24-27; Titus 2:13; II Thessalonians 2:3,7-8; Revelation 2-4; 19-22).
XIII. Current Issues
Abortion
We believe that God created man in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Therefore, all humans, male and female, have a high value because they bear the glory of God. Life and death for humans are in the hands of God (Job 1:21; Ecclesiastes 9:12; Hebrews 9:27). It is a sin to deliberately take the life of an innocent fellow human being (Exodus 20:13). This is true no matter the condition of the person, since life begins at conception (Psalm 51:5; 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15, 41, 44). Every person from the unborn to the aged and infirm has the right to life. We believe that it is one of the duties of individuals and of human governments before God, to defend the right to life of every individual who has not been found guilty of a capital crime (Genesis 9:6; Proverbs 24:11-12).
Chemical Abuse
We believe that chemicals themselves are amoral. Many are used as prescribed to allow a person to gain a fuller measure of health that outweighs the negative side effects of that chemical. But chemical abuse is allowing that chemical to do more harm than good, such as addiction and/or loss of self-control, and taking the chemical in non-prescribed ways to the serious detriment of physical, social, and spiritual health of the individual, his/her family, and the general public. The abuse of chemicals should be avoided (Ephesians 5:18; I Corinthians 6:19-20).
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
We believe that God created mankind to bear His image (Gen.1:26-27). He purposefully created each person as male or female. Together, these two distinct yet complementary genders reflect the image and nature of God. Therefore, to reject one’s biological sex is to reject our creator’s good design and image. We believe marriage is a divine institution from God and is not defined by man. Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union. It is a covenant made before God rather than a human contract (Gen.2:18-25). God-designed sexuality and intimacy is to occur only between a man and woman within the bonds of marriage (Gen.2:24-25; 1Cor.6:18, 7:2-5; Heb.13:4). Perversions of marriage and sexuality outside of God’s design, such as same-sex marriage, homosexuality, lesbianism, bi-sexuality, transsexuality, pre-marital sex, extramarital sex, pornography, and things such as this, are condemned by God and called sexual immorality (Rom.1:18-32; 1Cor.5:1-13, 6:9-10, 18; Gal.5:19-21; 1Thess.4:3-5). These clearly designated sins are to be dealt with as sin by the local church. The Biblical standard for sexual conduct among all believers, married or single, is absolute purity, both in thought life and behavior (I Corinthians 6:19; Romans 12:1; I Timothy 5:2). As believers in Christ, we are commanded to maintain holy, God-honoring relationships. Though we fall short, those who have sinned in this way are not outside of God’s love (1Cor.6:11). God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin while seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom.10:9-10).
Constitution
(How We Are Organized)
Last Revised: October 8, 2006
Preamble
We, the members of the First Baptist Church of Otsego, Michigan, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.
Article I – Name
This organization shall be known as the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Otsego, Michigan, incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan.
Article II – Purpose
First Baptist Church exists to bring glory to God by knowing Christ, living Christ, and making Christ known within our community and around the world.
Article III – Autonomy and Dissolution
The First Baptist Church of Otsego, Michigan, shall be and remain independent and self-governing, not affiliated with any doctrinally liberal organization. It may participate in membership and activity only with organizations of like doctrine and for the promotion of the Gospel of God’s grace. In case this church is ever dissolved, none of its properties will be dispersed to any member/s, but only to a church or church organization whose doctrinal statement is in complete agreement with the Confession of Faith of this church.
Article IV – Membership
Section I – Receiving Members
- Conditions for Membership
Any persons professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who are Scripturally baptized, give evidence of a change of heart, and are in agreement with the Covenant, Confession of Faith, and Constitution of this church may be received into church membership.
- Process of Membership
Step One – Conversion.
Step Two – Public request. Coming forward in a church service is important. It shows that God has convicted a person about the matter of church membership, and allows current members of the church to be aware of the intent of the prospective member so they can pray for and encourage them.
Step Three – Complete the New Membership Class. This allows some time for the candidate to learn the basic doctrines of this church, and allows the Pastors and deacons time to observe the candidate’s Christian sincerity.
Step Four – Complete the Membership Questionnaire and meet with at least two deacons, who will hear their testimony.
Step Five – Deacon approval. The deacons shall hear the report from the deacons who heard the testimony of the candidate/s, and, if favorable, vote to recommend that the church proceed with their baptism and membership.
Step Six – Believer’s baptism (Please see the Confession of Faith, Article VIII, pp. 8-9). Obviously this step is not necessary for those who have already been Scripturally baptized.
Step Seven – Congregational vote. This congregational decision can occur at any regular congregational service without prior announcement.
Step Eight – Extending the “Right Hand of Fellowship”. This public handshake demonstrates in a formal, yet warm way, the congregation’s acceptance and endorsement of its newest member/s (Galatians 2:9).
Section II – Transfer, Dismissal, and Restoration of Members
- Transfer
Any member of this church in good standing who desires a letter of transfer or recommendation to any other church of like faith may receive it upon written request and a favorable vote of the deacons. The congregation must then vote to terminate their membership.
- Dismissal
The deacons and pastors constitute the Discipline Committee of this church. When church discipline of a member is required they must follow the Discipline Policy as set forth in the Policy Guide. No person under discipline is entitled to vote or hold an office in this church.
- Restoration
Those who have been removed from membership may be restored to membership by a favorable congregational vote after an expression of repentance and upon the recommendation of the deacons and pastors.
Article V – Property
The title to all real estate and personal property acquired by purchase, deed, gift, transfer, inheritance, or other means shall be safely held by the trustees of this church on behalf of the church. Documents that require official signatures that represent First Baptist Church must be signed by the Chairman of the Deacons and Deacon of Building and Grounds.
Article VI – Government
- Final Authority
This church believes in “congregational government”. Final authority in all matters of government is vested in the body of believers who compose the membership of this church. Since Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, all business meetings should be under His direction by means of the Holy Spirit working through His Spirit filled and Spirit prepared children.
- Officers
The officers of this church shall be the pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1). They will compose the “official board” of this church. They shall meet monthly or as needed, and have authority over all other positions, committees, or ministries of this church.
- Pastor/s
The pastor/s shall be chosen by the congregation for an indefinite term. The Senior Pastor shall act as moderator of the “official board” and church business meetings, and be an ex-officio member of all committees and ministries. Additional information on the pastor’s job description, relationship to the deacons or congregation, procedures for his call or dismissal, or policies related to his position, are included in the Policy Guide of this church.
- Deacons
The chief duty of the deacons is to assist the pastor/s. They shall be men, who will be elected by the congregation for a term of three years. One deacon (Deacon of Missions) shall be elected to serve as chairman of the Missions Committee. One deacon (Deacon of Building and Grounds) shall be elected to serve as chairman of the Trustees. One deacon (Deacon of Finance/Treasurer) shall be elected to oversee all the church finances. The other deacon positions shall assist the pastors by caring for an assigned “flock” from the membership of the church. The deacons shall elect one of their own members to serve as chairman and one to serve as secretary. In the absence of the senior pastor, the chairman of the deacons shall act as moderator of the congregational and deacons meetings. Additional information on the deacon’s job description, relationship to the pastor/s, and other responsibilities are included in the Policy Guide of this church.
- Elected Positions
Clerk. The church clerk shall keep the minutes of all church business meetings, and shall be elected by the congregation for a term of three years. A full job description and details of operation for the church clerk are included in the Policy Guide of this church.
Financial Secretary. The Financial Secretary shall oversee the counting and proper recording of all Giving to the church. He/she shall be elected by the congregation for a three year term. A full job description and details of operation for the Financial Secretary are included in the Policy Guide of this church.
Committees
This church shall have elected committees and non-elected committees. Those elected by the congregation shall consist of the trustees, missions, nominating, and pulpit committees. All other committees, except the Building Use Committee, are appointed by the deacons. Non-elected committees may be established, modified, or terminated, by the deacons as needed.
A full job description and details of operation for the following committees are included in the Policy Guide of this church.
Elected Committees
Trustees Committee
The general duties of the trustees consist of overseeing the church’s building and grounds, official documents, and assisting the Senior Pastor, church treasurer, and chairman of the deacons in preparing the annual budget.
Repairs or purchases over $2500.00 require the approval of the deacons. The trustees serve as a committee under the administration of the official board.
Missions Committee
The general duty of the missions committee is to work under the administration of the official board to oversee all missionary matters.
This includes recommending to the deacons missionary budget items, new missionaries to be supported, or missionary support that needs to be adjusted, missionary promotion items that would cost money, and missionary conference plans. All missionary support changes must have congregational approval.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members elected annually by the congregation. Its duty is to recommend to the church the nominees for positions which need to be filled by the congregation at its annual meeting, and to recommend to the deacons the nominees for positions which need to be filled by the deacons at their organizational meeting following the church’s annual meeting.
Pulpit Committee
This committee is formed by a special congregational meeting called for this purpose. A ballot will be presented listing those deacons available to serve along with those members-at-large screened by the deacons. From the ballot presented, the membership shall elect three deacons and two members-at-large to serve as the Pulpit Committee. Additional information about the duties of this committee and the pastoral search process is included in the Policy Guide of this church.
Non-elected Committees
Music Committee
The Music Committee is appointed annually by the deacons and oversees all matters pertaining to the music at this church.
Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee is appointed annually by the deacons and oversees all church funeral meals, pot-lucks, meals for members who have had a baby or hospital stay, and oversees the kitchen and all matters pertaining to church showers.
Technology Committee
The Technology Committee is appointed annually by the deacons and oversees all electronic equipment owned by this church, and all information sent out from this church electronically. It also serves to advise the official board on all technology matters and issues.
Building Use Committee
The Building Use Committee is not elected by the congregation or appointed by the deacons. It is composed of those already serving in the following positions: Deacon of Building and Grounds, Chairman of the Deacons, the Church Custodian, and the Senior Pastor. Its duty is to make decisions about how existing rooms at this church are used and who can use them, the location of bulletin boards, missionary displays, large furniture items, and major redecorating matters.
- Deacon Appointed Positions
The following positions are appointed annually by the deacons after the deacons receive nominations for these positions from the Nominating Committee: Head Usher/s, Welcome Committee Director, Flower & Gift Director, Sunday School Secretary/Treasurer. These all serve for a term of one year. A full job description and details of operation for these positions are included in the Policy Guide of this church.
Article VII – Business Meetings
- Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of this church shall begin on the first day of April each year and close on the last day of March in the following year. The fiscal year of each and every organization under this church’s direction shall be the same as the fiscal year of this church.
- Annual Business Meeting
The annual meeting of this church shall be held in April.
- Quarterly Business Meetings
A quarterly business meeting of this church shall be held in July, October, and January.
- Special Business Meetings
A special business meeting of this church may be called by the Senior Pastor or Deacons provided that notice of such meeting shall have been given publically at least two Sundays in advance of that meeting. The business to be transacted in that meeting must be stated in that notice. No other business shall be transacted at a special business meeting accept as specified in the business meeting notice.
- Proper Business Meeting Notices
All church business meeting notices shall be posted on the church bulletin board and by a verbal announcement at the regular church services at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. These notices shall contain the meeting date, starting time, place, and the purpose of the meeting.
Article VIII – Voting Regulations and Quorum
- Voting Age
Only members eighteen (18) years of age or older, who are not under church discipline will be considered eligible voters and part of any consideration for a quorum.
- Percentage Required Before the Church Can Take Action
Action on all matters shall require a three-fifths affirmative vote of voting members present.
- Voting Requirements for Calling a Pastor
A three-fourths affirmative vote of voting members present shall be required to call a pastor. A full description of matters pertaining to calling and dismissing a pastor is in the Policy Guide.
- Absentee Voting
Members must be present in the meeting in order to vote.
- Quorum
The quorum for action on church matters shall be twenty voting members or more who are eligible to vote on the date of the meeting.
Article IX – Amendments
Amendments to this constitution may be made at any regular or special business meeting of the congregation, provided that the constitutional changes and their purpose were published and given to the membership not less than sixty (60) days prior to the date designated for the action on those changes. Once amendments are duly ratified by this congregation, all former constitutions of this church are thereby repealed.