Constitution and Bylaws
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We declare and establish this Constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This Constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual Church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.
I. NameThis corporation shall be known as Payneville Baptist Church, established in 1842 and incorporated in May, 1984. (Throughout this document, "PBC" and "Church" refer to Payneville Baptist Church, Inc.)
II. Statement of FaithThe Holy Bible is the inspired word of God, and is the basis for any statement of faith. The Church's statement of faith is The Baptist Faith and Message, as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.
Ill. RelationshipsAlthough we cooperate in various ministry and mission works with other bodies (such as Salem Association of Baptists, Kentucky Baptist Convention, and Southern Baptist Convention), the Church is an autonomous, self-governing body of believers.
IV. Church CovenantHaving been led by the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and to profess our faith publicly through being baptized, we most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. 1
We commit ourselves to walk together in love and to use our spiritual gifts; to rest more deeply in Christ; to strive for unity of biblical doctrine; to guard and submit to worship, ordinances, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to support the ministries and expenses of the Church.2
We commit to maintain family and personal devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to wisely exercise Christian liberty in our behavior; to be zealous to share the gospel with all people and advance the kingdom of our Savior.3
We commit to hold each other accountable; to remember each other in prayer; to help each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate sympathy; to be slow to take offense, always ready to be reconciled.4
We finally commit that we will take church membership seriously-we will regularly attend worship services and remain actively engaged in the ministries of the Church, and that if we move away from this place we will, as soon as pqssible, unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.5
BYLAWS
Any person may be considered as a candidate for membership in PBC. The current membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this Church and the conditions of such membership. To be eligible for membership in PBC, a person must repent of his or her sins, confess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, give evidence of regeneration by means of living consistently with his or her profession, have been baptized by immersion following his or her regeneration, and wholeheartedly believe in the Christian faith as it is revealed in the Bible. Each member must not hold settled convictions that are contrary to the teaching of Scripture or PBC's Statement of Faith, and each member must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant.
Section 2: Interview
A Pastor or Deacon (or other designee) will interview each candidate to assess their eligibility. In making their determination, they will rely on the person's confession of repentance and faith, demonstrated evidence of regeneration in his or her life, and when possible, a letter from any church of which the person was previously a member.
Section 3: Acceptance
If the interviewer(s) finds the candidate to be qualified for membership, this will be announced to the Church. At the next Business Meeting, the candidate will be accepted as a full member by 75% affirmative vote of members present.
Section 4: Involvement
Specific efforts will be made to assist new members in becoming fully involved in the life of the Church, meaning that the new member will make intentional efforts to discover his or her gifts and abilities to serve in various church ministries, and except when providentially hindered, members are expected regularly to attend Worship Services and prayerfully to participate in Business Meetings. A New Member's Class or other orientation plan under the leadership of the Pastor or designee should be employed to this end.
Section 5: Voting Rights of Members
Every member of the Church is entitled to vote at all elections, and on all questions submitted to the Church in conference, provided the member is present.
Section 6: Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
Corrective Discipline will be conducted according to Scripture (especially Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, 11; and Galatians 6:1-5, but see also Deuteronomy 5:11; Psalm 119:115;
141:5; Proverbs 13:20; 15:5; 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; 29:15; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Isaiah 52:11;
Matthew 5:13-16; 7:26-27; Luke 17:3; John 13:35; 15:8; Acts 2:40; 5:1-11; Romans 2:24;
15:5-6, 14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; 15:33-34; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:11, 27; 6:4;
Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 1:20; 5:20;
ntus 1:11-14; Hebrews 10:24-25; 12:1-11; James 1:22; 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10;
2 John 10; and Revelation 21:2, 7-8).
II. Church LeadershipDefinitions of Terms:
Timothy 3:1-13).
1. PastorThe Pastor's primary responsibilities are the ministries of the word and prayer (Acts 6:4). To this end, he will proclaim the Word of God in a regular pulpit ministry and lead in the observance of Church ordinances.
The Pastor will lead members, other pastors and staff, and Ministry Leadership Teams in vision discernment for long- and short-range goals.
The Pastor will visit the sick, elderly or shut-in members, provide biblical counsel, and pray with the flock. He will further work to equip and oversee the ministries of all the members of the body, for they are to minister to one another and the world.
The Pastor and Personnel Board will meet at least every six months for evaluation and discussion of job performance, needs, or concerns. Each Pastor will also have a specific Job Description, recorded in a Policies & Procedures Manual.
2. DeaconsAccording to the example set in Acts 6:1-6, Deacons are to lead in servingthe. . congregation, primarily by taking care of practical, physical needs. In consult t,on with the Pastor(s), Deacons may employ whatever model or plan is most appropriate.
Qualified candidate(s) for the office of Deacon will be identified by Pastor(s)and_ Deacons in consultation with the Church. Deacon candidate(s) will serve for a trial period alongside current active Deacons, during which time their gifts and fitness will be assessed (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Upon completion of the trial period, candidate(s) will be recommended to the congregation by the Deacons and affirmed by secret ballot and three-fourths vote of members present. Pastor(s) and Deacons will arrange Ordination Council (if needed) and Installation Service.
Church Ministry Areas and Leadership TeamsThe purpose of each Leadership Team is to lead the Church in accomplishing the ministries appropriate to its Ministry Area in cooperation and communication with the other Leadership Teams. Specific responsibilities are outlined below in each Team's description, but in general, each Team is to pray together for God's guidance and schedule various activities and emphases that will accomplish their specific mission. Teams will present a brief report at each business meeting summarizing their activities.
Each Ministry Leadership Team consists of four Active Church Members, at least one being an active Deacon. The Pastor will serve as ex officio member of each Team.
Leadership Team Members are encouraged to serve at least two years, but may step down at any time, and shall be removed if placed into the process of Corrective Church Discipline.
Otherwise, there are no "term limits" on Leadership Team service. When a Leadership Team has a vacancy; the remaining Team Members are to recruit a replacement.in consultation with the Pastor and present that person for affirmation at the next regular business meeting.
Each Leadership Team will select a Chair who will schedule and lead meetings as needed (at least quarterly). Team decisions are preferably to be made by consensus, but when necessary, a simple majority decides any issue.
1. Administration TeamThis Team will assist the Pastor(s) in providing organizational leadership and overseeing day-to-day operations of the Church.
Duties:
2. Discipleship TeamThis Team will assist the Pastor(s) in providing for the spiritual growth and development of all Church members.
Duties:
3. Connection TeamThis Team will assist the Pastor(s) in making and deepening practical ministry connections between the Church and surrounding community.
Duties:
Church Ministry PositionsAll Church Ministry Positions must be filled by Active Church Members. Unless specifically noted, there are no term limits. Position holders may resign at will or be removed for cause.
1. TrusteesThree active members, elected by the Church, will serve as Trustees.Trustees act as legal representatives of the Church and are authorized to sign legal documents.
2. ModeratorThe Moderator presides over all business meetings with the goal of maintaining the fellowship of the Church. Robert's Rules of Order is to be followed in general. The Assistant Moderator presides in the absence of the Moderator. The Pastor may serve as a Second Assistant Moderator.
3. ClerkThe Church Clerk is responsible for maintaining thorough and complete records of the Church's business. This includes recording minutes of Church business meetings, maintaining Church membership records in such a way that they are always accessible at the church campus, corresponding with other churches for membership changes, providing records for Church history, and preparing the Annual Church Profile. The Assistant Clerk serves as needed at business meetings in case of the absence of the Clerk.
4. TreasurerThe Treasurer (or Assistant Treasurer) collects and deposits all financial gifts, reconciles bank accounts, prepares receipts and tax documents for donors, makes payroll, and oversees other expenses. The Treasurer will present a financial report at each business meeting.
5. Church HistorianThe Historian will gather, research, record, and preserve historical records of the Church's activities and efforts to fulfill the Great Commission, so that members may better understand and appreciate their heritage and mission.
6. Pastoral Search Committee/ Personnel BoardWhen the Church is without a Pastor, a Search Committee will be selected at any business meeting. Nominations will be made from the floor from members in attendance. Each member will vote by secret ballot for up to five different nominees. (Any ballot with more than five nominees will be discarded). The five nominees that receive the most votes are elected as the Search Committee. The Search Committee will be responsible for securing weekly pulpit supply or an Interim Pastor during the search period.
The Search Committee will continue to serve as a Personnel Board once a Pastor has been hired. The Personnel Board will meet with the Pastor at least two times per year to conduct Pastoral performance evaluation. Members are encouraged to communicate with the Board any concerns they have about the Pastor.
7. Bible Teachers
Any person who teaches the Bible in an official capacity in the name of the Church, for any length of time, is considered a "Bible Teacher". The Church is responsible to ensure that Bible Teachers are equipped through appropriate training and provision of teaching resources. Any guest Bible Teacher must be in full agreement with the Church's Statement of Faith, and will agree not to teach anything that violates that Statement. Teachers who will have custodial care of minor children must pass a criminal background check.
Pastor(s) have final authority over who can and cannot serve as a Bible Teacher.
8. Worship LeaderIf the Church currently does not employ a paid Worship Leader (or Music Minister/ Worship Pastor), this position will be filled on a volunteer basis by an Active Church Member. The Worship Leader will coordinate with the Pastor and Discipleship Ministry Team to establish the theme of all music, including choirs, special music, and congregational singing.
9. Salem Association Executive RepresentativeAccording to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Salem Association of Baptists, each member Church is to select an Executive Representative and Alternate to serve alongside its Pastor as representatives of the Church on Salem's Executive Committee. The Alternate will fill this role in the event that the Representative cannot attend an Executive Committee Meeting. The Executive Representative will assist the Pastor in keeping the Church informed about all Associational matters, reporting to the Church as appropriate at regular business meetings.
10. Funeral Care Coordinator"The Coordinator's most important task is to help our congregation support and bless our families in their time of loss. (Galatians 6:2). Every time there is a death in the immediate family of a current church member or former pastor, the Coordinator will (at the church's expense) order flowers OR another appropriate gift/ donation. The Coordinator will consult with the grieving family and communicate to the Church instructions for all food ministry. If the Coordinator determines there will be a meal held at the Church, he or she will plan the meal and enlist volunteers. The Coordinator may enlist an Assistant as necessary.
Ill. OrdinancesBased on our understanding of Scripture, we practice two symbolic ordinances that are not sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Section 1. BaptismBaptism is a believer's public profession of faith in Christ. Any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.
Section 2. The Lord's SupperThe Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the Chur h, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christand
anticipate his Second Coming.
IV. Church MeetingsSection 1. Worship Services
The Church shall meet in person for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God every Sunday (unless Providentially hindered). The Church shall hold other weekly or special services as deemed beneficial by the Pastor and Deacons and approved by the Congregation. Public worship services are open for anyone, and shall be conducted under the leadership of the Pastor or designee.
Section 2. Business MeetingsRegular Business Meetings shall be held monthly. If there are no business agenda items for the month, that month's Business Meeting may be canceled by the Moderator. Business Meetings shall be held at a consistent time of the month, as approved by the Church. When the Regular Meeting falls on a holiday week, it may be postponed one week.
Section 3. Special Called Business MeetingsA Special Called Business Meeting may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given for the Special Called Business Meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable.
Section 4. QuorumThe quorum consists of ten Church members and the Moderator, who attend the Business Meeting, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.
V. Licensing and OrdinationAny man having professed God's calling to the ministry, may present himself before the Church to be licensed into the gospel ministry upon approval of the Church. This individual will be encouraged to practice ministry as allowed by the laws of the State of Kentucky.
Having presented oneself to the Church, any candidate may request that the Church convene an Ordination Council made up of Pastors and Deacons for the purpose of examining the candidate's capabilities and qualifications. Upon approval of the Council, the Church will vote to ordain the individual into the gospel ministry.
VI. AmendmentsChanges to this Constitutions and Bylaws shall be proposed and presented in writing to the Moderator and all members present at any Regular Business Meeting. At a subsequent Business Meeting, proposed changes to the Constitution shall be approved by two-thirds vote of all members present entitled to vote; amendments to the Bylaws shall be approved by a majority of the members present and voting.
Constitution & Bylaws Adopted in Business Session October 2, 2022
Preamble
We declare and establish this Constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This Constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual Church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.
I. NameThis corporation shall be known as Payneville Baptist Church, established in 1842 and incorporated in May, 1984. (Throughout this document, "PBC" and "Church" refer to Payneville Baptist Church, Inc.)
II. Statement of FaithThe Holy Bible is the inspired word of God, and is the basis for any statement of faith. The Church's statement of faith is The Baptist Faith and Message, as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.
Ill. RelationshipsAlthough we cooperate in various ministry and mission works with other bodies (such as Salem Association of Baptists, Kentucky Baptist Convention, and Southern Baptist Convention), the Church is an autonomous, self-governing body of believers.
IV. Church CovenantHaving been led by the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and to profess our faith publicly through being baptized, we most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. 1
We commit ourselves to walk together in love and to use our spiritual gifts; to rest more deeply in Christ; to strive for unity of biblical doctrine; to guard and submit to worship, ordinances, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to support the ministries and expenses of the Church.2
We commit to maintain family and personal devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to wisely exercise Christian liberty in our behavior; to be zealous to share the gospel with all people and advance the kingdom of our Savior.3
We commit to hold each other accountable; to remember each other in prayer; to help each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate sympathy; to be slow to take offense, always ready to be reconciled.4
We finally commit that we will take church membership seriously-we will regularly attend worship services and remain actively engaged in the ministries of the Church, and that if we move away from this place we will, as soon as pqssible, unite with another church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.5
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8-7 Each of you should give what you have decided in ,our heart to give. not reluctantly or
- under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.
- 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
BYLAWS
- Membership
Any person may be considered as a candidate for membership in PBC. The current membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this Church and the conditions of such membership. To be eligible for membership in PBC, a person must repent of his or her sins, confess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, give evidence of regeneration by means of living consistently with his or her profession, have been baptized by immersion following his or her regeneration, and wholeheartedly believe in the Christian faith as it is revealed in the Bible. Each member must not hold settled convictions that are contrary to the teaching of Scripture or PBC's Statement of Faith, and each member must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant.
Section 2: Interview
A Pastor or Deacon (or other designee) will interview each candidate to assess their eligibility. In making their determination, they will rely on the person's confession of repentance and faith, demonstrated evidence of regeneration in his or her life, and when possible, a letter from any church of which the person was previously a member.
Section 3: Acceptance
If the interviewer(s) finds the candidate to be qualified for membership, this will be announced to the Church. At the next Business Meeting, the candidate will be accepted as a full member by 75% affirmative vote of members present.
Section 4: Involvement
Specific efforts will be made to assist new members in becoming fully involved in the life of the Church, meaning that the new member will make intentional efforts to discover his or her gifts and abilities to serve in various church ministries, and except when providentially hindered, members are expected regularly to attend Worship Services and prayerfully to participate in Business Meetings. A New Member's Class or other orientation plan under the leadership of the Pastor or designee should be employed to this end.
Section 5: Voting Rights of Members
Every member of the Church is entitled to vote at all elections, and on all questions submitted to the Church in conference, provided the member is present.
Section 6: Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
- Death
- Transfer to another Southern Baptist church
- Upon knowledge of membership in another church
- Exclusion by action of this Church
- Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the Church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the Pastor and the Deacons to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. But, finding that the member is unwilling to repent of his or her sin, thus threatening the welfare of the Church, said member(s) will be recommended for removal from membership at a meeting called for this purpose; quorum for this meeting will be 20 members; a 75% vote will be required for dismissal.
Corrective Discipline will be conducted according to Scripture (especially Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, 11; and Galatians 6:1-5, but see also Deuteronomy 5:11; Psalm 119:115;
141:5; Proverbs 13:20; 15:5; 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; 29:15; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Isaiah 52:11;
Matthew 5:13-16; 7:26-27; Luke 17:3; John 13:35; 15:8; Acts 2:40; 5:1-11; Romans 2:24;
15:5-6, 14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; 15:33-34; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:11, 27; 6:4;
Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 1:20; 5:20;
ntus 1:11-14; Hebrews 10:24-25; 12:1-11; James 1:22; 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10;
2 John 10; and Revelation 21:2, 7-8).
II. Church LeadershipDefinitions of Terms:
- All ministries and activities of our Church can be categorized into three broad” Ministry Areas": Administration, Discipleship, and Connection. (See further descriptions below).
- A “Leadership Team" oversees each Ministry Area.
- Leadership Teams will at times appoint “Committees", which are temporary task teams that dissolve after their specific objective has been completed.
- "Church Ministry Positions" (outlined below) are specific, long-term roles; servants who fill these positions are recruited by Leadership Teams and affirmed by the Congregation at a regular business meeting.
- An "Active Church Member" does not neglect to attend worship services (Hebrews 10:25), and is a good steward of material and spiritual resources to participate in the church's mission (Mark 10:45). Everyone in a leadership position must be an active member.
Timothy 3:1-13).
1. PastorThe Pastor's primary responsibilities are the ministries of the word and prayer (Acts 6:4). To this end, he will proclaim the Word of God in a regular pulpit ministry and lead in the observance of Church ordinances.
The Pastor will lead members, other pastors and staff, and Ministry Leadership Teams in vision discernment for long- and short-range goals.
The Pastor will visit the sick, elderly or shut-in members, provide biblical counsel, and pray with the flock. He will further work to equip and oversee the ministries of all the members of the body, for they are to minister to one another and the world.
The Pastor and Personnel Board will meet at least every six months for evaluation and discussion of job performance, needs, or concerns. Each Pastor will also have a specific Job Description, recorded in a Policies & Procedures Manual.
2. DeaconsAccording to the example set in Acts 6:1-6, Deacons are to lead in servingthe. . congregation, primarily by taking care of practical, physical needs. In consult t,on with the Pastor(s), Deacons may employ whatever model or plan is most appropriate.
Qualified candidate(s) for the office of Deacon will be identified by Pastor(s)and_ Deacons in consultation with the Church. Deacon candidate(s) will serve for a trial period alongside current active Deacons, during which time their gifts and fitness will be assessed (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Upon completion of the trial period, candidate(s) will be recommended to the congregation by the Deacons and affirmed by secret ballot and three-fourths vote of members present. Pastor(s) and Deacons will arrange Ordination Council (if needed) and Installation Service.
Church Ministry Areas and Leadership TeamsThe purpose of each Leadership Team is to lead the Church in accomplishing the ministries appropriate to its Ministry Area in cooperation and communication with the other Leadership Teams. Specific responsibilities are outlined below in each Team's description, but in general, each Team is to pray together for God's guidance and schedule various activities and emphases that will accomplish their specific mission. Teams will present a brief report at each business meeting summarizing their activities.
Each Ministry Leadership Team consists of four Active Church Members, at least one being an active Deacon. The Pastor will serve as ex officio member of each Team.
Leadership Team Members are encouraged to serve at least two years, but may step down at any time, and shall be removed if placed into the process of Corrective Church Discipline.
Otherwise, there are no "term limits" on Leadership Team service. When a Leadership Team has a vacancy; the remaining Team Members are to recruit a replacement.in consultation with the Pastor and present that person for affirmation at the next regular business meeting.
Each Leadership Team will select a Chair who will schedule and lead meetings as needed (at least quarterly). Team decisions are preferably to be made by consensus, but when necessary, a simple majority decides any issue.
1. Administration TeamThis Team will assist the Pastor(s) in providing organizational leadership and overseeing day-to-day operations of the Church.
Duties:
- Recruit appropriately-gifted servants (as needed) for the following Church Ministry Positions: Trustee, Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, and Historian.
- Appoint committees as needed and provide any training according to current best practices.
- Oversee the Personnel Board, and make any staffing proposals to the Church.
- Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all Church property, as well as the actual purchasing of supplies and equipment.
- Prepare an annual (January-December) budget proposal, and combine it with the proposals from the other two Leadership Teams to form the Annual Church Budget, which is to be presented to the Church for discussion and affirmation by the December business meeting.
- Periodically review the current budget and propose any needed amendments at any monthly business meeting.
2. Discipleship TeamThis Team will assist the Pastor(s) in providing for the spiritual growth and development of all Church members.
Duties:
- Recruit appropriately-gifted servants (as needed) for the following Church Ministry Positions: Bible Teachers and Worship Leader.
- Appoint committees as needed and provide any training according to current best practices.
- Oversee all aspects of the regular worship gathering to ensure that worship is "done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
- Oversee the recruitment, vetting, and training of all Bible Teachers and volunteers for various special events and activities.
- Oversee the selection and purchase of all teaching resources.
- Prepare an annual (January-December) budget proposal, and send it to the Administrative Leadership Team by mid-November.
3. Connection TeamThis Team will assist the Pastor(s) in making and deepening practical ministry connections between the Church and surrounding community.
Duties:
- Recruit appropriately-gifted servants (as needed) for the following Church Ministry Positions: Salem Association Executive Representative and Funeral Care Coordinator.
- Appoint committees as needed and provide any training according to current best practices.
- Ensure that guests to any Worship Service or special activity are made to feel
- Make specific efforts to lead the Church in sharing the gospel with the lost, locally and internationally.
- Promote and oversee all special offerings.
- Promote and oversee church mission trips, and the Mission Trip Account.
- Oversee all Benevolence Ministries (including the Home Mission Account), ensuring that all assistance is gospel-centered and holistic, making referrals to outside agencies as appropriate; the Team will develop and keep updated, specific policies and procedures for responding to benevolence requests and report all disbursements.
- In consultation with the Pastor(s), the Team will regularly assess the benefits and effectiveness of cooperative associations in order to make appropriate recommendations to the Church.
- Prepare an annual (January-December) budget proposal, and send it to the Administrative Leadership Team by mid-November.
Church Ministry PositionsAll Church Ministry Positions must be filled by Active Church Members. Unless specifically noted, there are no term limits. Position holders may resign at will or be removed for cause.
1. TrusteesThree active members, elected by the Church, will serve as Trustees.Trustees act as legal representatives of the Church and are authorized to sign legal documents.
2. ModeratorThe Moderator presides over all business meetings with the goal of maintaining the fellowship of the Church. Robert's Rules of Order is to be followed in general. The Assistant Moderator presides in the absence of the Moderator. The Pastor may serve as a Second Assistant Moderator.
3. ClerkThe Church Clerk is responsible for maintaining thorough and complete records of the Church's business. This includes recording minutes of Church business meetings, maintaining Church membership records in such a way that they are always accessible at the church campus, corresponding with other churches for membership changes, providing records for Church history, and preparing the Annual Church Profile. The Assistant Clerk serves as needed at business meetings in case of the absence of the Clerk.
4. TreasurerThe Treasurer (or Assistant Treasurer) collects and deposits all financial gifts, reconciles bank accounts, prepares receipts and tax documents for donors, makes payroll, and oversees other expenses. The Treasurer will present a financial report at each business meeting.
5. Church HistorianThe Historian will gather, research, record, and preserve historical records of the Church's activities and efforts to fulfill the Great Commission, so that members may better understand and appreciate their heritage and mission.
6. Pastoral Search Committee/ Personnel BoardWhen the Church is without a Pastor, a Search Committee will be selected at any business meeting. Nominations will be made from the floor from members in attendance. Each member will vote by secret ballot for up to five different nominees. (Any ballot with more than five nominees will be discarded). The five nominees that receive the most votes are elected as the Search Committee. The Search Committee will be responsible for securing weekly pulpit supply or an Interim Pastor during the search period.
The Search Committee will continue to serve as a Personnel Board once a Pastor has been hired. The Personnel Board will meet with the Pastor at least two times per year to conduct Pastoral performance evaluation. Members are encouraged to communicate with the Board any concerns they have about the Pastor.
7. Bible Teachers
Any person who teaches the Bible in an official capacity in the name of the Church, for any length of time, is considered a "Bible Teacher". The Church is responsible to ensure that Bible Teachers are equipped through appropriate training and provision of teaching resources. Any guest Bible Teacher must be in full agreement with the Church's Statement of Faith, and will agree not to teach anything that violates that Statement. Teachers who will have custodial care of minor children must pass a criminal background check.
Pastor(s) have final authority over who can and cannot serve as a Bible Teacher.
8. Worship LeaderIf the Church currently does not employ a paid Worship Leader (or Music Minister/ Worship Pastor), this position will be filled on a volunteer basis by an Active Church Member. The Worship Leader will coordinate with the Pastor and Discipleship Ministry Team to establish the theme of all music, including choirs, special music, and congregational singing.
9. Salem Association Executive RepresentativeAccording to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Salem Association of Baptists, each member Church is to select an Executive Representative and Alternate to serve alongside its Pastor as representatives of the Church on Salem's Executive Committee. The Alternate will fill this role in the event that the Representative cannot attend an Executive Committee Meeting. The Executive Representative will assist the Pastor in keeping the Church informed about all Associational matters, reporting to the Church as appropriate at regular business meetings.
10. Funeral Care Coordinator"The Coordinator's most important task is to help our congregation support and bless our families in their time of loss. (Galatians 6:2). Every time there is a death in the immediate family of a current church member or former pastor, the Coordinator will (at the church's expense) order flowers OR another appropriate gift/ donation. The Coordinator will consult with the grieving family and communicate to the Church instructions for all food ministry. If the Coordinator determines there will be a meal held at the Church, he or she will plan the meal and enlist volunteers. The Coordinator may enlist an Assistant as necessary.
Ill. OrdinancesBased on our understanding of Scripture, we practice two symbolic ordinances that are not sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Section 1. BaptismBaptism is a believer's public profession of faith in Christ. Any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.
- Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
- Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the Church shall authorize.
- Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship
- Any professing believer who is hesitant to be baptized shall be lovingly counseled by the pastor or designee.
Section 2. The Lord's SupperThe Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the Chur h, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christand
anticipate his Second Coming.
- The Lord's Supper shall be observed frequently (at least quarterly).
- The Pastor or designee shall oversee the administration of the Lord's Supper.
IV. Church MeetingsSection 1. Worship Services
The Church shall meet in person for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God every Sunday (unless Providentially hindered). The Church shall hold other weekly or special services as deemed beneficial by the Pastor and Deacons and approved by the Congregation. Public worship services are open for anyone, and shall be conducted under the leadership of the Pastor or designee.
Section 2. Business MeetingsRegular Business Meetings shall be held monthly. If there are no business agenda items for the month, that month's Business Meeting may be canceled by the Moderator. Business Meetings shall be held at a consistent time of the month, as approved by the Church. When the Regular Meeting falls on a holiday week, it may be postponed one week.
Section 3. Special Called Business MeetingsA Special Called Business Meeting may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given for the Special Called Business Meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable.
Section 4. QuorumThe quorum consists of ten Church members and the Moderator, who attend the Business Meeting, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.
V. Licensing and OrdinationAny man having professed God's calling to the ministry, may present himself before the Church to be licensed into the gospel ministry upon approval of the Church. This individual will be encouraged to practice ministry as allowed by the laws of the State of Kentucky.
Having presented oneself to the Church, any candidate may request that the Church convene an Ordination Council made up of Pastors and Deacons for the purpose of examining the candidate's capabilities and qualifications. Upon approval of the Council, the Church will vote to ordain the individual into the gospel ministry.
VI. AmendmentsChanges to this Constitutions and Bylaws shall be proposed and presented in writing to the Moderator and all members present at any Regular Business Meeting. At a subsequent Business Meeting, proposed changes to the Constitution shall be approved by two-thirds vote of all members present entitled to vote; amendments to the Bylaws shall be approved by a majority of the members present and voting.
Constitution & Bylaws Adopted in Business Session October 2, 2022