This constitution is established to proclaim and preserve the principles of our faith, ensure the orderly government of this body, safeguard the individual liberties of each member and maintain the freedom of this body to act in relation to other churches or organizations.

The name of this body as established in 1852 shall be the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God to be used as the sole rule and regulation of our faith and practice. This church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963, acknowledging that statements of faith are only guidelines in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

The purposes of this body are to promote and to facilitate: the worship of God as revealed in Jesus Christ; the proclamation of His gospel; Christian education and training; ministry and fellowship with each other; and ministry and witness to the community and the world.

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and, on public profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now solemnly covenant with each other to walk together in love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its spirituality and prosperity; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all the world.

We promise to be faithful in the assembling of ourselves and in praying for ourselves and for others; to participate in each other's joys; to bear each other's burdens and sorrows with tenderness and sympathy; to strive to bring up those under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to seek divine guidance to help us live responsibly and sensitively in the world; to endeavor, by example and effort, to advance the Kingdom of God. We resolve that should we move from this place we shall as soon as possible unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

Section 1. Polity

This church is a democratic body governed solely by its members in accordance with its bylaws. Each church member has the right to a voice in its government and programs. All groups and persons authorized by the church to implement its programs shall report to the church.

Section 2. Relationships

This church is independent in organization and authority and is subject to no other ecclesiastical control. However, in its autonomy, the church may choose to voluntarily associate with other Christian groups whose missions are consistent with those of this church.

This constitution may be amended at any business meeting of the church by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting, provided thirty (30) 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.

The church shall adopt bylaws to carry out the purposes of the constitution and regulate the affairs of the church.

Adoption of this constitution abolishes, supersedes, and takes the place of any constitution that precedes it.

Adopted, Business Meeting,

May 20, 1998.

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Morris Mays, Church Clerk