BYLAWS
ARTICLE I MEMBERSHIP
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 NIVSection 1. Admission of Members
Any person who has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior may request church membership at any church meeting, and shall be accepted for admission upon the affirmation of a majority of the members present.
A. Admission in the church shall be by one of these ways:
1. baptism by immersion;
2. letter of transfer from another Baptist church of like faith and order;
3. statement of experience and faith if the person has already received the ordinance of Christian baptism by immersion as defined in Article VI Section 1; or
4. upon exceptional circumstances as recommended by the pastor or moderator.
B. Any question of membership qualification shall be referred to the Church Leadership Council for investigation and reporting to the church.
Section 2. Watchcare
A person who has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior and who wishes to maintain membership in or remain associated with another church or denomination but participate in the fellowship of this church may come under the watchcare of this church. A person may request and shall be accepted under the watchcare of the church upon majority vote of the members at any church meeting. A person under watchcare may fully participate in the life of the church, but may not vote or hold any office limited to members of the church.
Section 3. Responsibilities of Members
A. Members are expected to live as Christians and to participate in the life of the church, including worship, study, service, and stewardship.
B. New members are expected to participate in new member orientation as provided by the church.
Section 4. Termination of Membership
Membership is terminated by:
A. death;
B. exclusion by action of this church according to Section 5; or
C. majority vote of the members at any church meeting upon:
1. request for letter of transfer for the member to unite with another Baptist church,
2. written resignation of the member, or
3. satisfactory evidence that the member has united with some other church.
Section 5. Discipline
A. Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the pastor and the deacons shall take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accord with Matthew 18 and in the spirit of Galatians 6:1-5. If it becomes necessary for the church to take action to exclude a member, a two-thirds vote of the members present is required to declare that the person is no longer a member of the church. All such proceedings shall be conducted in a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.
B. The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded, upon request of the excluded person, and by a majority vote of the members present upon evidence of the excluded person's repentance and reformation.
ARTICLE II CHURCH SERVICES AND MEETINGS
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are doing, but let us encourage one another.
Heb. 10:25a,b NIV
Section 1. Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings for the worship of Almighty God. These meetings shall be open to everyone and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor. In the event the pastor is unable to fulfill this responsibility, worship services shall be under the direction of the ministerial staff and/or the Worship Committee.
Section 2. Special Services
Revival services, study courses and any other similar special meetings essential to the advancement of the mission of the church shall be recommended by the church staff or Church Leadership Council. These services shall be placed on the church calendar.
Section 3. Business Meetings
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Cor. 14:40 NIVA. Regular Business Meetings
Regular business meetings shall be held monthly.
B. Special Business Meetings
1. Special business meetings may be called by the moderator. Notice of the subject, date, time, and location shall be announced in the church newsletter and at all services on the Sunday prior to the special business meeting.
2. The moderator shall call a special business meeting upon written request signed by at least 25 members. Notice of any meeting called in this manner shall be announced in the church newsletter and at all services on two successive Sundays preceding the date the special meeting is scheduled.
3. Emergency business meetings may be called by the moderator for the purpose of considering emergency matters only.
C. Voting Rights
Every member is entitled to vote in all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in business meetings, provided the member is present.
D. Quorum
A quorum consists of those who attend the business meeting, provided it is a regular meeting or a properly called special business meeting. A majority vote of the members present and voting shall prevail unless a greater majority is required by a specific bylaw.
E. Cancellation of Meetings
Any business meeting may be canceled at the discretion of the moderator if necessary due to inclement weather or other exceptional circumstances. If any meeting is canceled it shall be rescheduled as soon as is practical. Notice of the subject, date, time, and location of any rescheduled meeting shall be published in the church newsletter.
F. Parliamentarian
The church shall elect a parliamentarian to interpret and preserve parliamentary procedure for all business meetings. The parliamentarian shall be nominated by the Committee on Committees, elected annually, and may be re-elected.
G. Parliamentary Procedure
1. Business meetings shall be governed by the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Revised in all questions of parliamentary procedure in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.
2. In any business meeting, the vote on any question may be by written ballot if requested by any member present and approved by a majority of members present and voting.
3. Under special circumstances, absentee ballots may be made available upon request.
ARTICLE III PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS
Then Jesus came to them and said, "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Matt. 28:19,20 NIVThe church shall maintain programs of Bible teaching; church member training; church leadership training; new member orientation; music ministry; and mission education, action, and support.
A. All organizations related to the church programs shall be under church control, reporting regularly to the church.
B. All teachers and officers of these organizations shall be members of and elected by the church.
C. All program activities shall be subject to church coordination and approval.
D. The church shall provide the human resources, the physical resources, and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of these programs.
Section 1. Christian Education
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
2 Tim. 3:16 NIVChristian Education shall be provided through the following:
A. Sunday School
The Sunday School shall be the basic organization for the Bible teaching program.
1. Its tasks shall be to teach the biblical revelation; reach persons for Christ and church membership; and provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church, denomination, and other church affiliated organizations.
2. The Sunday School may be organized by departments and/or classes, as appropriate for all ages, and shall be conducted under the direction of the education ministerial staff.
B. Discipleship Training
The discipleship training organization shall serve as the training unit of the church.
1. Its tasks shall be to train church members to perform the functions of the church; train church leaders; orient new church members; teach Christian theology, Christian ethics, Christian history, and church polity and organization; and provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church, denomination, and other church affiliated organizations.
2. Discipleship training may be organized by departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of the education ministerial staff.
C. Other Education Programs
The Church Leadership Council may present new education programs to the church for approval. These education programs shall be under the direction of the education ministerial staff.
Section 2. Missions and Evangelism
...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8b NIVThe church shall participate in local, state, national, and global missions. This support shall be provided through the following:
A. Woman's Missionary Union (WMU)
The Woman's Missionary Union shall be the church's organization providing missions awareness and involvement experiences for women, girls, and preschoolers. The WMU shall have such officers and organizations as the program requires.
B. Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry shall be the church's organization providing missions awareness and involvement experiences for men and boys. The Men's Ministry shall have such officers and organizations as the program requires.
C. Other
1. New Mission Churches
The church shall create and support new missions, encouraging and assisting them to become organized self-supporting churches.
2. Ministry with University Students
The church shall support a ministry with university students.
3. Ministry with Internationals
The church shall support a ministry with international students at Arkansas State University as well as with internationals living in the community.
Section 3. Other Witness and Outreach Programs
You are the light of the world. ...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matt. 5:14a,16 NIVThe church shall participate in other witness and outreach programs through the following:
A. Church Fellowship
Fellowship among the congregation shall be strengthened by encouraging such activities as church socials, suppers, banquets, picnics, and recreation.
B. Social and Recreation Ministry
1. The church shall have a social ministry to extend its witness and ministry in the community. This shall be accomplished through the First Baptist Church Care Center, Jonesboro Church Health Center, First Baptist Church After School Program, and other ministries as determined by the church.
2. The church shall have a recreation ministry to meet the recreational needs of members and groups. Its personnel may provide recreational activities, consultation, leadership assistance, and resources to extend the ministry and witness of the church in the community.
C. Ecumenical Worship
We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.
Acts 15:11 NIVThe church may cooperate with the Jonesboro Ministerial Alliance, The Salvation Army, and other Christian groups to encourage Christian worship and ministry. This may include participation in ecumenical worship at Easter and Christmas and at other times as appropriate and approved by the church.
Section 4. Music Ministry
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ...as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Col. 3:16 NIVSpeak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
Eph. 5:19 NIVThe church shall conduct a program of music under the direction of the minister of music.
A. The music ministry shall provide music in all areas of church life and train persons to lead, sing, and play music including congregational, choral, and instrumental training.
B. The minister of music shall be an ex officio member of the Church Music Committee.
C. The church music library shall be maintained under the direction of the minister of music.
ARTICLE IV GENERAL CHURCH OFFICERS
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Prov. 16:3 NIVAs recognized in the New Testament, the officers of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, shall be the Pastor and the Deacons. Additional church officers shall be the Directors, the Moderator, the Clerk, and the Treasurer.
Section 1. Pastor
A. Qualifications
The pastor shall be an ordained Baptist minister and shall become a member of the church.
B. Duties
The pastor shall have those duties that a Baptist church pastor normally has, including:
1. proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers,
2. leading worship services and giving spiritual guidance to the congregation,
3. supervising the administration of the church and other staff members, and
4. providing leadership to the ministries of the church.
C. Term
1. The pastor shall serve for an indefinite term.
2. The pastor may terminate the employment upon at least thirty days written notice to the deacon chair, who shall immediately notify the church of the decision.
3. The church may terminate the employment of the pastor by a three-fourths vote of those present and voting at a properly called special business meeting with the deacon chair acting as moderator. The termination shall be effective immediately, unless extended by mutual agreement. If terminated by the church, the pastor's salary and benefits may remain in effect for a period to be determined by the church.
D. Pastor Selection Process
When a vacancy occurs in the pastorate, two committees shall be selected: (1) a Pastor Search Committee to seek out and recommend a pastor to the church, and (2) an Interim Committee to arrange appropriate leadership for all services and functions of the church normally under the direction of the pastor.
1. Pastor Search Committee
a. The Committee on Committees and the deacon officers shall nominate a Pastor Search Committee. The nominees should be representative of the diversity of the congregation's membership. The deacon chair shall be an ex officio member of the committee. Any church member has the privilege of making recommendations to the committee for consideration. The names of the Pastor Search Committee shall be presented at either a regular or a special business meeting for approval by the church.
b. The Pastor Search Committee shall elect its own chair and adopt such methods as it deems best, consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws, in carrying out its responsibilities. Any church member has the privilege of submitting names of candidates to the committee for consideration.
c. The Pastor Search Committee and its members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses, including travel and subsistence, incurred in the performance of their duties.
d. When the Pastor Search Committee is ready to submit a candidate to the church, a special church business meeting shall be called. The committee shall determine the method of presentation and voting to be used. There shall be no nominations from the floor. A pastor must be elected by at least three-fourths of the members voting at the special business meeting. If the Pastor Search Committee's candidate is not elected, the meeting shall end. The committee shall resume its search and submit another candidate in accordance with these procedures.
e. The Pastor Search Committee shall be dissolved as soon as the new pastor assumes office.
2. Interim Committee
a. The Committee on Committees and the deacon officers shall nominate an Interim Committee. The nominees should be representative of the diversity of the congregation's membership. The deacon chair, church administrator and chair of the Finance Committee shall be ex officio members of the Interim Committee. The names of the Interim Committee shall be presented to the church for approval at either a regular or special business meeting.
b. The Interim Committee shall elect its own chair, and clearly state its duties and responsibilities which include arranging appropriate leadership for all worship services, meetings, activities, and functions normally under the direction of the pastor.
c. The Interim Committee shall be dissolved as soon as the new pastor assumes office.
Section 2. Deacons
Deacons are to be servants of the church in accordance with the meaning of the work and practice in the New Testament. They are to serve with the pastor and staff in performing the pastoral ministry tasks of leading the church in the achievement of its mission, proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and caring for the church members and other persons in the community.
A. Deacons shall be men who are at least 21 years of age, have been members of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, AR for at least one year, and who meet the qualifications set forth for deacons in the New Testament. Biblical guidelines for deacons may be found in Acts 6:3-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The specific process for selection of deacons shall be set forth in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual.
B. The provisions of this section may be amended at any business meeting of the church by a majority vote of those present and voting, provided thirty days notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been given in writing to members and notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been read from the pulpit on the Sunday preceding the date set for the proposed action.
Section 3. Church Directors (formerly known as Trustees)
A. The Committee on Committees shall nominate and the church shall elect twelve members who shall serve as directors of the church as required by Arkansas law. The elected church treasurer shall serve as an ex officio director.
B. Directors shall serve one year terms and may succeed themselves. Each director shall continue to serve until a successor has been elected by the church.
C. The directors shall meet as necessary to carry out their duties.
D. The directors shall elect a chair and secretary each year to serve as legal officers of the church.
E. Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing such action, the chair and secretary or such other directors as designated by the directors, shall execute deeds, debentures, mortgages, liens, notes, bills of sale, leases, and other legal documents for and on behalf of the church. However, the directors and the officers thereof shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, convey, or encumber any property of the church, or borrow money on behalf of the church, without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action.
Section 4. Moderator
The pastor shall be the moderator and preside over church business meetings. In the absence of the pastor, the deacon chair shall preside. If both are absent, the vice-chair of deacons shall preside. If all three are absent, the clerk shall call the meeting to order for the election of an acting moderator.
Section 5. Church Clerk
The Committee on Committees shall nominate and the church elect from the members a church clerk. The church clerk shall serve for one year and is eligible to be reelected.
A. Duties
The clerk shall be responsible for the following:
1. keeping a suitable record of all official actions of the church, unless provided otherwise in these bylaws;
2. preserving on file all written official reports;
3. keeping a register of names of members with dates of admission and termination;
4. keeping a record of all baptisms authorized and administered by the church;
5. issuing letters as authorized by the church; and
6. preparing for church approval the annual church letter.
B. Assistants
1. The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary who shall assist the elected clerk.
2. The church ministerial staff shall assist the clerk in the enrolling of those who present themselves for membership.
C. Church Records
All church records are church property and shall be kept in the church office.
Section 6. Treasurer
The Committee on Committees shall nominate and the church elect from the members a treasurer and, if deemed necessary, one or more assistant treasurers. The treasurer and assistant treasurers shall serve one year terms and may succeed themselves.
The treasurer shall:
A. oversee the financial affairs of the church;
B. have access to all financial records of the church at all times and see that a financial statement is presented monthly to the Finance Committee, deacons, and church; and
C. cooperate with the Finance Committee and the church administrator as they carry out their responsibilities.
ARTICLE V STAFF AND EMPLOYEES
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
1 Cor. 3:9 NIVThe church shall call and employ such staff members and employees as it deems necessary. Detailed information about these positions shall be incorporated in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual as stated in Article VIII, Section 2D of these bylaws.
Section 1. Ministerial and Administrative Staff
Ministerial and Administrative Staff includes Minister of Education, Minister of Youth & Recreation, Minister of Childhood Education, Director of Special Ministries, Minister of Music, Church Administrator, University Minister and/or such other positions approved by the church in accordance with the bylaws. This section shall not apply to the position of Pastor which shall be governed by Article IV, Section 1.
A. Selection Process
1. When the need arises, the Committee on Committees shall appoint a Search Committee to seek ministerial and administrative staff candidates. The Search Committee nominees should be representative of the diversity of the congregation's membership. Any church member has the privilege of making recommendations to the Committee on Committees for consideration. The names shall be presented to the church for approval in either a regular or special business meeting.
2. The Search Committee shall elect its own chair and adopt such methods as it deems best, consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws, in carrying out its responsibilities. Any church member has the privilege of submitting names of candidates to the Search Committee for consideration.
3. The Search Committee and its members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
4. When the Search Committee is ready to submit a candidate's name to the church, a special church business meeting shall be called. The committee shall determine the method of presentation and voting to be used. There shall be no nominations from the floor. A candidate must be elected by at least three-fourths of the members voting at the meeting. If the candidate is not elected, the meeting shall end. The committee shall resume its search and submit another candidate's name in accordance with these procedures.
5. The Search Committee shall be dissolved as soon as the ministerial or administrative position is filled.
6. If the need for a new ministerial or administrative staff position arises, the Personnel Committee shall bring the need to the church at a regular business meeting for approval. When the new position is approved, it shall be filled in accordance with Section 1. A.1-5.
B. Term
1. Ministerial and administrative staff shall serve for an indefinite term.
2. A ministerial or administrative staff employee may terminate employment upon at least thirty days written notice to the Personnel Committee chair, who shall immediately notify the church of the decision.
3. The church may terminate the employment of a ministerial or administrative staff employee by a three-fourths vote of those present and voting at a properly called special business meeting. The termination shall be effective immediately, unless extended by mutual agreement. If terminated by the church, the employee's salary and benefits may remain in effect for a period to be determined by the church.
Section 2. Full Time Support Staff
Full time support staff includes, but is not limited to, secretaries, food service workers, custodians and such other positions approved by the church in accordance with these bylaws.
A. Selection Process
1. Vacancies for full time support staff shall be filled upon the recommendation of the appropriate supervisor and committee subject to approval by the Personnel Committee.
2. If the need for a new full time support position arises, the Personnel Committee shall bring the need to the church at a regular business meeting for approval. When the new position is approved, it shall be filled in accordance with Section 2A1.
B. Term
1. Full time support staff shall serve for an indefinite term.
2. A full time support staff employee may terminate employment upon at least two weeks notice to the appropriate supervisor, who shall immediately notify the Personnel Committee chair.
3. The employment of a full time support staff employee may be terminated by the appropriate supervisor in consultation with the Personnel Committee. In the event of termination, the employee's salary and benefits may remain in effect for a period to be determined by the Personnel Committee.
Section 3. Part Time Support Staff
Part time support staff, both salaried and hourly, includes organist and pianist; paid pre-school, Adventure Club and Mother's Day Out workers; Christian Activities Center assistants; and such other positions as approved by the church in accordance with these bylaws.
A. Selection Process
1. Vacancies for organist and pianist shall be filled upon the recommendation of the appropriate supervisor and committee subject to approval by the Personnel Committee.
2. Vacancies for other part time support staff shall be filled upon recommendation of the appropriate supervisor who shall notify the Personnel Committee.
3. If the need for a new part time support position arises, the Personnel Committee shall bring the need to the church at a regular business meeting for approval. When the new position is approved, it shall be filled in accordance with Section 3A2.
B. Term
1. Part time support staff shall serve for an indefinite term unless otherwise designated at the time of employment.
2. A part time support staff employee may terminate employment upon at least two weeks notice to the appropriate supervisor, who shall immediately notify the Personnel Committee chair.
3. a. Employment of pianist and organist may be terminated by the appropriate supervisor in consultation with the Personnel Committee.
b. Employment of other part time support staff may be terminated by the appropriate supervisor who shall notify the Personnel Committee.
c. In the event of termination, the employee's salary and benefits may remain in effect for a period to be determined by the Personnel Committee.
ARTICLE VI ORDINANCES
The ordinances of the church are Baptism and The Lord's Supper, committed to the church and administered on the authority of the local church.
Section 1. Baptism
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you." Those who accepted his message were baptized.
Acts 2:38a,41a NIVWe were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Rom. 6:4 NIVChristian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior; the believer's death to sin; the burial of the old life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to the convert's faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Baptism is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
A. The ordinance of baptism may be administered as an act of worship at any worship service for the benefit of all candidates who have been approved by the church for baptism.
B. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
C. Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the pastor or the deacons shall authorize.
D. The church Ordinance Committee shall assist the candidates in preparation for baptism and assist the pastor or whoever is administering the ordinance.
E. A person who professes Christ and is not baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor, deacons, or staff. The candidate's name shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism if negative interest is ascertained.
Section 2. The Lord's Supper
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Cor. 11:26 NIVThe Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and anticipate His return.
A. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated quarterly by the congregation in either the Sunday morning or Sunday evening service and on such other occasions as recommended by the pastor, deacons, or Church Leadership Council.
B. The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for administering the Lord's Supper.
C. The Lord's Supper may also be celebrated at other places and administered by other persons as approved by the pastor, deacons, or the Church Leadership Council.
D. The Ordinance Committee shall be responsible for the physical preparation of the Lord's Supper.
ARTICLE VII CHURCH FINANCES
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give...for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Cor. 9:7 NIVSection 1. Annual Budget
A. The Budget Subcommittee of the Stewardship Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all expenses.
B. It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts. Annually, opportunity shall be provided to secure worthy commitments of financial support from the church members. Offering envelopes shall be provided for members' use.
Section 2. Accounting and Auditing Procedures
A. All funds received for any and all purposes shall be reported to the church administrator, church treasurer, or financial secretary, and be properly recorded on the books of the church. Those who have responsibility that involves actual handling of funds shall be bonded, the church paying the cost of the bond.
B. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for maintaining accounting and auditing procedures. These procedures shall be detailed in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual as stated in Article VIII, Section 2E.
ARTICLE VIII CHURCH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Col. 3:23 NIVThe operation of the First Baptist Church shall be guided by an official document known as "The First Baptist Church (FBC) Policies and Procedures Manual."
The FBC Policies and Procedures Manual shall be readily available from the church administrator.
Section 1. Manual Development and Review
A. There shall be a committee known as The First Baptist Church (FBC) Policies and Procedures Committee whose duties shall be:
1. to develop the manual to conform with these bylaws after consultation with the church officer, the church staff member, organization, or committee to whose area of assignment the policy relates and, thereafter,
2. to review the manual periodically, with authority to recommend changes for the church to consider.
B. The initial manual shall be presented to the church for approval.
C. Any church member or church organization may initiate suggested changes in the manual to this committee.
D. Addition, revision, or deletion of church policies or procedures shall require:
1. consultation with the church officer, the church staff member, organization, or committee to whose area of assignment the policy relates;
2. discussion by the Church Leadership Council and the deacons; and
3. approval by a majority vote of the church.
E. Approved additions, revisions, or deletions shall be incorporated in the manual and published in the church newsletter.
Section 2. Contents
A. The manual shall include all church policies, procedures, and organization charts depicting responsibility in the administration of the church.
B. The manual shall contain all other policies and procedures that pertain to the church in any way, which shall include, but is not limited to:
1. church facilities for meetings and activities of other groups,
2. weddings and funerals,
3. lending/renting church property,
4. church vehicles and other transportation,
5. Emil Williams Ministries Building,
6. FBC After School Program,
7. Christian Activities Center (CAC),
8. pre-school/children's ministry,
9. Mothers Day Out,
10. designated giving,
11. memorial gifts.
C. The procedure to be followed in the selection of deacons shall be set forth in detail in the manual as stated in Article IV Section 2A.
D. The responsibilities, procedural guidelines, and job descriptions for all staff members and other employees shall be set forth in the manual as stated in Article V.
E. The accounting and auditing procedures established by the Finance Committee shall be included in the manual as stated in Article VII Section 2B.
F. A complete list of current committees functioning in and on behalf of the church shall be maintained in the manual. This shall include the composition of each committee, length of term of members, and duties and responsibilities of each committee as prescribed by the church when the committee was inaugurated as stated in Article IX Sections 3C & 3E.
G. A complete list of current church councils functioning in and on behalf of the church shall be maintained in the manual. This shall include the composition of each council, length of term of members, and duties and responsibilities of each council as prescribed by the church when the council was inaugurated as stated in Article X Sections 3C & 3E.
Section 3. General
In the event there should be any conflict or discrepancy between the bylaws and the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual, the bylaws shall take precedence.
ARTICLE IX COMMITTEES
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Pet. 4:10 NIVThe church membership is responsible for administration of its own work, some of which may be carried out by appointed committees.
Section 1. Committee on Committees
The Committee on Committees shall serve as the coordinating committee.
A. The committee shall nominate and recommend church members to serve as church officers, committee members and advisory council members for the ensuing year. The committee shall also nominate members to fill vacancies as they occur. Any church member has the privilege of making recommendations to the Committee on Committees for consideration. When selecting nominees, the following purposes for committees and councils shall be kept in mind:
1. to improve efficiency of church business meetings,
2. to utilize special skills and knowledge of church members,
3. to provide opportunities to increase the involvement of church members,
4. to discover effective ways for carrying out the purpose of the church,
5. to provide opportunities for detailed study of specific problems,
6. to provide opportunities to reconcile divergent viewpoints, and
7. to ensure, when appropriate, that members shall be representative of the diversity of the congregation's membership.
B. The Committee on Committees shall review the various standing committees on a regular basis to determine if any changes are needed as stated in Section 3E of this Article.
C. The Committee on Committees shall review the various advisory councils on a regular basis to determine if any changes are needed as stated in Article X, Section 3E.
Section 2. Nominating Committee
A. Members
The Nominating Committee shall be nominated and recommended by the Committee on Committees to the church for election to serve for the ensuing year.
B. Duties
The Nominating Committee shall nominate and recommend church members to serve as the Committee on Committees and as Sunday School, Discipleship Training, missions, and music workers for the ensuing year. Any church member has the privilege of making recommendations to the Nominating Committee for consideration.
Section 3. Standing Committees
Standing committees shall be those whose assigned duties and responsibilities are administrative in character or related to the practical life of the church. Examples of these are Stewardship Committee, Properties Committee, and Long Range Planning Committee.
A. Committee members must be members of the church.
B. Standing committees already in existence as of the date of the adoption of these bylaws shall remain in place.
C. The specific committees, their composition, duties and responsibilities, and length of term of members shall be incorporated in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual as stated in Article VIII, Section 2F.
D Each standing committee shall be responsible to the church and make periodic written reports to the congregation regarding its assigned work. The frequency of these reports shall be stated in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual.
E. As the needs of the church change and develop standing committees may be dissolved or their duties and responsibilities redefined. This shall be done with the approval of the church when recommended by the Committee on Committees.
F. The Church Leadership Council may recommend that other standing committees be instituted. For a new committee to be created, the following must be presented to the church for approval:
1. The duties and responsibilities shall be clearly written.
2. The composition of the committee, such as the number of members, shall be specified.
3. Length of term of the members shall be stated and ex officio members specified.
Section 4. Ad Hoc Committees
A. Temporary committees having a definite assignment for a specific purpose necessary to carry on the work of the church may be recommended by the Committee on Committees.
B. An Ad Hoc Committee shall be dissolved upon completion of the assigned task or at the will of the church.
Section 5. Ex Officio Members
A. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all standing committees.
B. At least one member of the ministerial or administrative staff shall serve as ex officio member on each committee.
C. Other ex officio members may be specified.
D. Ex officio members shall have no voting privileges.
ARTICLE X COUNCILS
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Cor. 15:58b NIVSection 1. Church Leadership Council (formerly Church Council)
The Church Leadership Council shall coordinate the church activities and recommend to the church an annual calendar of events. The Church Leadership Council shall be under the direction of the pastor. Members of the council shall be the pastor, ministerial and administrative staff, directors of program organizations, and the deacon chair. The Church Leadership Council may invite support staff and chairs of committees and councils to attend meetings as deemed necessary. All matters agreed upon by the Church Leadership Council which call for action not already approved shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.
Section 2. Children's Music Council
The Children's Music Council shall oversee all children's music programs. The council shall be under the direction of the minister of music. Leaders of children's choirs are council members.
Section 3. Other Councils
The church shall have other advisory councils as needed. Examples of these are New Member Council, Youth Council, and Missions Council. The Committee on Committees shall nominate and recommend to the church for election members to serve on advisory councils. When appropriate, members shall be representative of the diversity of the congregation's membership.
A. Council members must be members of the church.
B. Councils already in existence as of the date of the adoption of these bylaws shall remain in place.
C. The specific councils, their composition, duties and responsibilities, and length of term of members shall be incorporated in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual as stated in Article VIII, Section 2G.
D Each council shall be responsible to the church and make periodic written reports to the church regarding its assigned work. The frequency of these reports shall be stated in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual.
E. As the needs of the church change and develop councils may be dissolved or the duties and responsibilities redefined. This shall be done with the approval of the church when recommended by the Committee on Committees.
F. The Church Leadership Council may recommend that other advisory councils be instituted. For a new council to be created, the following must be presented to the church for approval:
1. The duties and responsibilities shall be clearly written.
2. The composition of the council, such as the number of members, shall be specified.
3. Length of term of the members shall be stated and ex officio members specified.
Section 4. Ex Officio Members
A. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all councils.
B. At least one member of the ministerial or administrative staff shall serve as ex officio member on each council.
C. Other ex officio members may be specified.
D. Ex officio members shall have no voting privileges.
ARTICLE XI ORDINATION
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Eph. 4:11,12 NIVSo after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:3 NIVThe Church Leadership Council may recommend to the church as a candidate for ordination any person who gives evidence of being called to the ministry. If the church determines by majority vote of those present at any church business meeting that the recommendation should be considered further, the church may authorize the pastor to call a council of ordained persons to examine the qualifications of the candidate, and in turn to advise the church as to the propriety of ordination. If the office of pastor is vacant, the deacon chair shall be empowered to fulfil the roll of the pastor in calling the ordination council. The recommendation of the ordination council shall then be presented to the church. The final authority to ordain the candidate shall rest with the church.
ARTICLE XII PERIODIC REVIEW
There is a time for everything…a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.
Eccl. 3:1a,6 NIVThe Church Leadership Council shall periodically review the bylaws to maintain an up-to-date document. If revision is needed, the council shall ask the Committee on Committees to appoint a special committee to study the need and present the necessary revision(s) to the church.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
1 Thess. 5:21 NIVExcept as otherwise provided in Article IV Section 2B, these bylaws may be amended at any business meeting of the church by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting, provided thirty days notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been given in writing to members and notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been read from the pulpit on the Sunday preceding the date set for the proposed action.
ARTICLE XIV ACCEPTANCE
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Eccl. 12:13 NIVAcceptance of these bylaws abolishes, supersedes, and takes the place of all bylaws that precede them. A copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall at all times be kept by the church clerk and another copy shall be kept by the church administrator in the FBC Policies and Procedures Manual. All amendments and revisions shall, after passage by the vote of the church, be prepared by the church clerk and incorporated in the Constitution and Bylaws and made available to church members upon request.