Constitution and By-Laws 2016

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee of Taylorsville Baptist Church met last __(date)___,discussed, and approved the update of the Constitution and Bylaws for recommendation of their approval by the Church Deacons. The Church Deacons met ______(date)______,discussed and approved the proposed Constitution and Bylaws and will recommend for their ratification at the

Church Business Meeting.

Constitution and Bylaws of Taylorsville Baptist Church

Preamble

This Constitution and Bylaws are made to:

Preserve and secure the principles of our faith.
Preserve the liberties of each individual member of the church.
Ensure freedom of action of independence from any religious body or organization.
Provide for orderly conduct of internal affairs, in dealing with others, and of governing church members.

Name

The body shall be known as Taylorsville Baptist Church Inc.. It shall be affiliated with the Bartow Baptist Association, Georgia Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Business Location

The address of the principal office of this church shall be:

19 Church Street Taylorsville Georgia.

Objectives

The objectives of Taylorsville Baptist Church are:

To worship and serve God and to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as set forth in Matthew 28:19-20.
To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and through out the world.
To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and responding in obedience to His leadership.
To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers.
To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man.
To be a church that ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and world in Jesus name.
To be a church whose purpose is to be Christlike in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the lordship of Christ.

Statement of Faith

The Holy Bible is the inspired work of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of “The Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on June 14^th, 2000.

“Baptists cherish and defend religious liberty, and deny the right of any secular or religious authority to impose a confession of faith upon a church or body of churches. We honor the principles of soul competency and the priesthood of believers, affirming together both our liberty in Christ and our accountability to each other under the Word of God.”

Articles of Faith

Article One: Of The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired by God; that it has truth without mixture of error; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

By “The Holy Bible” we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
By “inspiration” we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.

Psalm 19:7-11; 119:89, 105, 130, 160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:31; 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39,45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Romans

Article Two: Of 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, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the

Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

Genesis 17:1; Exodus 20:2-3; 15:11; Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 11:23; 1 Corinthians 12:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; 4:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 5:7; Revelation 4:11

Article Three: Of 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, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer.

Genesis 1:13; Matthew 3:11; 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11, 13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Romans 8:14, 16, 26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 13; Hebrews 9:14;

1 Peter 1:2

Article Four: Of The Devil, Or Satan

We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness – destined however to final defeat at the hands of God’s own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.

Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 25:41; 27:39; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 2:22; 3:8; 4:3; 2 John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10; 13:13-14; 19:11, 16, 20; 20:1-3,10

Article Five: Of Creation

We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness; that man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and God’s established law was that they should bring forth only “after their kind.”

Genesis 1:1, 11, 24, 26-27; 2:21-23; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Jeremiah 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-26; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 10:6

Article Six: Of The Fall Of Man

We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.

Genesis 3:1-6, 24; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:18, 20, 28, 32; 3:10-19; 5:12,19; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1, 3

Article Seven: Of The Virgin Birth

We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of a woman, and that He is both the Son of God, and God, the Son.

Genesis 3:15; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 7:14; Matthews 1:18-25; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 15:47; 1 John 5:20

Article Eight: Of The Atonement For Sin

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the Son of God, Who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all sufficient Savior.

Isaiah 53:4-7, 11-12; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; 10:18; Acts

Article Nine: Of Grace In The New Creation

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.

Luke 5:27; John 1:12-13; 3:3, 6-7; Acts 2:41; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:1; 5:9; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 5:1

Article Ten: Of The Freeness Of Salvation

We believe in God’s electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 3:15-18, 36; 5:40; 6:37; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:29-30; 10:13; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-5; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 22:17

Article Eleven: Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is

bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.

Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 4:1; 5:1-9; 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38

Article Twelve: Of Repentance And Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness,

and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.

Psalm 51:1-4, 7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Romans 10:9-11, 13

Article Thirteen: Of The Church

We believe that a Baptist Church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel, said church being understood to be the citadel and propagator of the Divine and Eternal Grace; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors or deacons whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: First, to make individual disciples; Second, to build up the church; Third, to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the

absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to

cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of policy, of

government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.

Leviticus 27:31; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3; 11:2; 12:4, 8-11; 16:1-2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Article Fourteen: Of Baptism And The Lord’s Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with the authority of the local church, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord’s supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Matthew 3:6; 3:16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 2:12

Article Fifteen: Of The Perseverance Of The Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.

Psalm 121:3; Matthew 6:20; 13:19-21; John 8:31-32; 10:28-29; 16:8; Romans 8:28, 35-39; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 2:19

Article Sixteen: Of The Righteous And The Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous

and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.

Genesis 18:23; Proverbs 11:31; 14:32; Malachi 3:18; Matthew 7:13-14; 25:34; Luke 9:26; 16:25; John 8:21;12:25; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 1:17; 6:16-18, 23; 7:6; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:18; 1 John 2:7, 29; 5:19

Article Seventeen: Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that those holding offices in government are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.

Exodus 18:21-22; 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10-11; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14, 17

Article Eighteen: Of The Resurrection And Return Of Christ And Related Events

We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. Of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily “The third day according to the Scriptures”; that He ascended “to the right hand of the throne of God”; that He alone is our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God”; “that this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven,” bodily, personally, and visibly; that the “dead in Christ shall rise first”; that the living

saints “shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump”; “that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David”; and that “Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet.”

Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 11:4-5; Matthew 24:27,42; 28:6-7; Mark 16:6,19; Luke 1:32; 24:2, 4-6, 39, 51; John 14:3; 20:27; Acts 1:9,11; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Philippians 4:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; 5:9; 8:1; 9:28; 12:2

Article Nineteen: Of Missions

The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this Commission was given to the churches.

Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

John 20:21, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Romans 10:13-15, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Article Twenty: Of The Grace Of Giving

Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith.

2 Corinthians 8:7, “Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”

We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week.

1 Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

Under Grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe – “Abraham GAVE the tenth of the spoils,” (Hebrews 7:2, 4) and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New Testament; Jesus said concerning the tithe, “these ought ye to have done” Matthew 23:23.

We are commanded to bring the tithe into the common treasury of the church.

Leviticus 27:30, “The tithe … is the Lord’s.” Malachi 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

In the New Testament, it was the common treasury of the church.

Acts 4:34,35,37, “And brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles’ feet … Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it AT THE APOSTLES’ FEET.”

Article Twenty One: The Christian Sabbath

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes.

Acts 20:7; Exodus 20:8; Mark 16:2-7

Article Twenty Two: The World to Come

We believe at the last day Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead; that a solemn judgment and separation will then take place, and that His judgment will fix forever the final state of men in Heaven or Hell. Acts 1:11; 25:15; Matthew 13:49, 25:31-46; Mark 14:62; Matthew 16:27; 24:27-31; Luke 12:37-40

Article Twenty Three: Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, both temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. We are to serve our Lord with the time, talents and material possessions He entrust to us, and to pray for His direction that our every endeavor will bring honor and glory to His name and good to others. We are to contribute to our church regularly and liberally so that our church’s mission outreach will extend our stewardship for beyond our community’s boundaries. Malachi 3:6-12; Nehemiah 10:38, 39; I Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Article Twenty Four: The Christian and The Social Order

Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and errantly helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. Matthew 25:34-46; James 1:27; I Peter 4:9-10; Hebrews 13:1-3; Romans 12:14-21

Article Twenty Five; Education

The cause of education in the kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual training program for Christ’s people. II Timothy 2:15; Deuteronomy 4:9-10; Ezra 7:10; Psalm 119:12

Article Twenty Six Co-Operation

Christ’s people should, as occasion permits, organize associations and conventions as may best secure co-operation for the great objects of the kingdom of God. Members of New Testament churches should co-operate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s influence. John 17:20-22; Acts 4:32; Romans 14:19; I Peter 3:8

We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord‘s Supper.

Eternal Security

When people come to know Christ as their Savior, they are brought into a relationship with God that guarantees their eternal security.

The Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29b). Both Jesus and the Father have us firmly grasped in their hand. Who could possibly separate us from the grip of both the Father and the Son?

John 3:15-16 tells us that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will “have eternal life.” If a person were to be promised eternal life, but then have it taken away, it was never “eternal” to begin with. If eternal security is not true, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in error.

The most powerful argument for eternal security is Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our eternal security is based on God’s love for those whom He has redeemed. Our eternal security is purchased by Christ, promised by the Father, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. “Once saved, always saved!”

TAYLORSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the first recorded spoken words of mankind were those of Adam who said: “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:23, 24); and,

WHEREAS, over 4,000 years later Jesus defined Biblical marriage by saying: “Have you not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4-6); and,

WHEREAS, God’s creation of man “in His image” specifically referred to the creation of man as male and female, as seen in the words: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27); and,

WHEREAS, God’s first commission to man was: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and

replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28); and,

WHEREAS, the fulfillment of this divine charge, to populate and have dominion over the earth, is impossible except by the uniting of a man and a woman in a relationship that the Bible refers to as “one flesh,” in seven distinct places (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5, 6; Mark 10:8; 1 Corinthians 6:16; and Ephesians 5:31); and,

WHEREAS, the Law clearly recognized the role of both the man and the woman in a family relationship by directing all children: “Honor your father and your

mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you”

(Exodus 20:12, NIV); and,

WHEREAS, the New Testament church clearly affirmed marriage as being a covenant relationship between a man and a woman, and of the family as being comprised of a father, a mother, and children (Ephesians 5:21-6:4; Colossians 3:18-21);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Taylorsville Baptist Church unequivocally affirms that marriage is a covenant relationship between a man and woman and rejects all attempts to redefine marriage in terms of same-sex unions and behavior”; and,

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, “we encourage our

members to help preserve marriage as a sacred union between man and woman by living lives that model commitment to the Word of God, exemplify devotion to moral purity, and celebrate family responsibility”; and,

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT, Taylorsville Baptist Church strongly declares that a Biblical marriage is a threefold covenant relationship between one man, one woman, and one God who externally exists in three persons as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Government

The government of Taylorsville Baptist Church is vested in its members. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of its life and organization. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body. It recognizes the needs for mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Baptist churches. This church will cooperate with and mutually work with Bartow Baptist Association, Georgia Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Taylorsville Baptist Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines, to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children, to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances, to walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment, to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger, to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another with brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech, to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.

Nonprofit Status and Liquidation

This church is not organized for profit. In the event of liquidation or dissolution of the church, all of its assets and property of every nature and description whatsoever shall be paid over and transferred at the direction of the trustees to the Bartow Baptist Association, Georgia Baptist Convention or both, or to the Southern Baptist Convention.

BYLAWS

Church Membership

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retails unto itself the right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.

The membership, under the lordship of Jesus Christ, reserves the right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Wherever the word “church” is used in these by-laws, it is construed as meaning the membership of the Taylorsville Baptist Church, Inc.

Qualifications:

Any person my offer himself/herself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for membership.

Membership of Taylorsville Baptist Church shall consist of people who have made a profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and who, having been scripturally baptized by immersion, and are in agreement with the Articles of Faith, and Covenant of the church.

Reception:

Membership in the church may be attained by majority vote of the church in any of its regular business meetings and in one of the following manners:

By scriptural baptism by immersion after profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
By transfer of church letter from another Baptist church.
By a statement of faith of their prior experience of conversion and scriptural baptism by immersion in another evangelical church of like faith and practice.
By restoration to the church membership after having been dropped.

Should there be any dissent concerning any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidate to membership.

Termination:

Membership in this church shall be terminated when a member:

Requests a letter of transfer to join another Baptist church.
Is dropped from the roll of membership when he or she joins another kind of church. A letter of transfer is not necessary.
Dies
Is dismissed by a vote of the church due to reasons and circumstances provided in the church discipline. The pastor and deacons will do all they can to counsel the member for restoration prior to action of dismissal or a request of the member to be dismissed from the church membership.

Discipline

It shall be the basic purpose of the Taylorsville Baptist Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. Redemption rather than punishment should be the guideline which governs the attitude of one member toward another.

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 by the deacons to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. But, finding that the welfare of the church will best be served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action when two-thirds of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose vote in favor of the exclusion; and the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him/her may submit in writing at a regular church conference a request to be restored to membership, and be prepared to provide evidence of his/her repentance and reformation. The request for restoration will be considered at the next regular church conference and if two-thirds of the members present vote in favor of restoration the request will be granted.

Orientation of New Members:

Candidates for membership and new members are expected to attend the Church Membership Class to learn and understand the privileges and responsibilities of members to God and the church.

Voting Rights of Members

Members in good standing shall have the right to a voice and vote in all church transactions and shall have the right and privileges to full participation in the life and work of the church.
It shall be the duty of church members to uphold the Articles of Faith, Constitution and Bylaws, and Covenant of the Church.

Church Officers

All church officers must be members of the church and in good standing.

The Pastor:

Qualifications:

The qualifications for pastor shall be consistent with those listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. His training, skills, and experiences are needed in this area of leadership.

His responsibilities:

(a) The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. This generally falls into the following areas: Preaching, teaching, pastoral counseling, administration, planning, guiding the church to grow and fulfill its purposes and to care for the church‘s members and other persons in the community.

(b) He shall lead the church, the organizations, and all leaders of the church in performing their tasks in worship, proclamation, education, and evangelism.

(d) He shall assist the deacons in securing pulpit supply for times in his absence.

Call:

(a) A pastor shall be chosen and called whenever a vacancy occurs.

(b) A Pastor’s Selection Committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out a suitable pastor and this committee’s recommendation will serve as a

nomination.

(d) The pastor’s election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week notice shall be given to the members.

(e) An affirmative vote by ballot of three-fourths (3/4) of those present is necessary for a choice.

(a) The chosen pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by either his request or that of the church. In either case, at least two weeks notice shall be given unless otherwise mutually agreed.

(b) There shall be a written mutual contract/agreement made between the pastor and the church.

Deacons:

Number, term of office & election:

The church shall determine the number of deacons that are to serve simultaneously on active status. The number authorized at the time of the adoption of the by-laws was set at 12. This number can be established or changed at any regular business meeting of the church. Vacancies among the deacons may occur through transfer of membership, death, by deacon requesting inactive status, or by other church action. In the event of one or more vacancies, the remaining deacons shall have full authority to perform their duties until such time as the vacancies are filled. When a vacancy occurs, or when church determines that additional deacons are called for, the standing nominating committee will be instructed by the church to convene to consider who among the church membership shall be nominated to fill the vacancy or additions positions. When the nominating committee has made its selection(s), the committee will ask the pastor and the chairman of the deacons to meet with the individual(s) being considered to discuss the duties of the office of deacon and the qualifications of one who is to serve in this office and to determine the willingness of the person(s) to be placed in nomination for deacon before the church. The pastor and the chairman of the deacons will report their findings to the nominating committee. When the nominating committee has the number of consenting nominees required by the church, it will bring the names to the church. When the church elects someone to the office of deacon, the pastor and the church deacons shall be charged with the responsibility of preparing the ordination service.

Should someone who served as a deacon in another church join the church, the church is not obligated to place him on active deacon status in this church.

Qualifications:

(a) A church deacon must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

(b) A deacon shall demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family, and public life; a committed Christian leader and partner of the pastor; supporter and promoter of the church faith, practice, programs, ministries and be faithful in attendance to all church functions.

Duties:

(a) Elected deacons shall elect the chairman of their committee.

(b) Deacons serve as a committee of counsel to assist the pastor concerning

the progress and welfare of the church.

(d) Seek to solve any fellowship problem of the church.

(e) Assist the pastor in administering the church ordinances.

(f) Assist the pastor with church membership training.

(g) In the absence of the pastor, the chairman of the Deacons Committee shall

serve as an advisory member to all organizations, departments, and committees

of the church.

Moderator:

The church moderator shall be the pastor.
The moderator shall preside at all regular and called business meetings of the church.
In the absence of the moderator, the chairman of deacons shall preside of the regular and called business meetings of the church.
In the absence of the moderator and the chairman of deacons, the church clerk shall call the church to order and an acting moderator will be elected.

Sunday School Director

The Sunday School director shall be elected annually and serves as the general administrative leader of a church’s Sunday School ministry. This person is responsible for coordinating the work of all Sunday School classes, departments, and other Bible study groups toward the objective of the Sunday School Department. Assists the Nominating Committee in securing volunteers to lead all Sunday School classes. He leads the Sunday School Department in planning, organizing, enlisting and equipping leaders and in mobilizing members to achieve goals toward the objectives. He opens Sunday School each Sunday morning during assembly at 10 am with a “Thought of the Day,” or insight into the weeks lesson.

Clerk:

The church clerk shall be elected annually and be responsible for keeping an accurate record of all business meeting transactions of the church and preparing the annual report to the association except as otherwise herein provided.
He or she shall keep a register of the names and addresses of the church members, with dates of admission, dismissal, dedication of children, and deaths of members of the church family.
He or she shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church and write letters of transfer of membership, prepare written reports of the church, and keep an accurate history of the church.
An assistant church clerk may be elected annually and shall fulfill the duties of the clerk in the absence of the clerk.
The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary.
All church records are church property and are to be filed in a secure location on church property.

Treasurer:

The church treasurer shall be elected annually as the custodian of all moneys of the church. The treasurer shall receive, preserve and pay out upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money, or things of value paid or given to the church.
The church treasurer shall be responsible for seeing that the offerings are properly received, counted, and deposited in the church’s bank account.
The treasurer shall properly credit each contributor and their offerings.
The treasurer shall keep, at all times, an itemized account of all receipts and

disbursements and shall render a monthly and annually written report of this account to the church.

The treasurer’s report shall be audited annually by an auditing committee or public accountant.
The treasurer may be bonded.
The treasurer is to be and ex-officio member of the budget and finance committee.

Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to the church clerk, who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the church.

AWANA Commander

The Awana commander, under the leadership of a pastor, oversees the Awana ministry in the church. He or she provides direction, enthusiasm, leadership and support for Awana leaders, clubbers and parents. He or she, along with the pastor, is the communication link between the church staff and the Awana ministry.

Responsibilities within this role are the following:

Ensure that the gospel is presented regularly, accurately and clearly.
Communicate passion and vision to Awana leaders, parents, church leadership and the congregation.
Communicate ministry needs to church leadership and request resources, facilities and equipment to support the ministry.
Work with church leadership to help achieve evangelism and discipleship goals of the church.

Trustees:

At least three (3) trustees shall be elected by the church to hold trust the property of the church.
They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action.
It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any, and all legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of church property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of the trustees for and in behalf of the church.

Church Council:

The Church Council shall have as regular members the pastor, clerk, treasurer, chairman of deacons, minister of music, Sunday School director, discipleship director, chairperson of each church standing committee, Director’s of WOM & Brotherhood, AWANA Commander and youth committee. Church elected officers shall serve as ex-officio members.
The Church Council shall be to recommend to the church objectives and goals; review the coordinated program plans recommended by the pastor, church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements in terms of church goals and objectives.
All matters agreed on by the Church Council calling for action not already provided for shall be referred to the church to be voted upon.

Church Staff:

This church shall employ or call staff, as it shall need.

Staff members other than that of the pastor shall be recommended for employment by the pastor and/or deacons.
A written job description and mutual contract/agreement will be prepared when the need for church staff is determined.

Vacancies:

In case of vacancy in any office, except that of the pastor and staff members, the vacancy shall be filled by the Nominating Committee and recommended to the church at a regular or special meeting as soon as possible after such vacancy has occurred.

III. Church Committees

All church committee members shall be elected by the church from nominations presented by the Nominating Committee, and nominations from the floor with the consent of the nominee. Committee members shall be elected for one year. Any member may be re-elected from year to year when it is deemed advisable.

Nominating Committee:

The Nominating Committee coordinates the staffing of all church leadership positions that are filled by volunteers. They shall be responsible throughout the year for nominating and presenting to the church, people to serve in various positions of the church (unless provided for otherwise in these Bylaws) vacated by expiration of term of office, by death, by resignation, or by removal. Each person contacted shall be informed of his or her responsibilities.

This committee is to be selected in the following manner: At the regular conference in June, each church member present is to submit in writing, on ballot form, the names of five (5) church members he/she deems qualified to serve on the nominating committee. The pastor and the chairman of the deacons shall tabulate the results. The five members whose names are most often submitted shall form the first segment of the nominating committee. In case of a tie, then moderator shall cast the deciding ballot. If one or more of the five most named shall ask not to serve on the nominating committee, the next runner-up will be contacted until five members are secured. The pastor and/or the chairman of the deacons will be responsible those being asked to serve. These five, who will be joined by the pastor, will submit to the church nominations for Sunday School director. The person elected to Sunday School director will then become members of the nominating committee and will assist in securing nominations for the church positions remaining to be filled. It is recommended that members of this committee represent every age group in the church from young people through senior adults.

Budget and Finance Committee:

This committee shall have the responsibility of assuring that the adopted budget is adhered to. It shall recommend financial policies to the church and shall foster and promote programs of stewardship. In consultation with the pastor, chairman of deacons, music minister, youth department leaders, children’s department leaders, Church Council and any other committees shall draw up and submit to the church an annual budget during the month of October for the next calendar year and recommend the chairperson of budget promotion annually. This committee will ensure that all designated offerings and gifts will be used for the designated purposes and shall be responsible for the annual audit of the treasurer’s books.

Properties Committee:

This committee shall be responsible in matters to properties administration. Throughout the year, this committee shall give attention to and study the condition, and state of repair and appearance of the building and grounds of the church and equipment therein, making arrangements for repairs and improvements authorized by the church and included in the church budget. Purchase of equipment shall be through this committee unless another committee is directed specifically to make studies, report to the church, and make necessary arrangements as the church decides. Coordinating with the Budget & Finance Committee, this committee will see that the church property is adequately and economically insured and that all needed policies are promply renewed.

Missions Committee

This committee shall be responsible for studies, recommending plans and helping direct outreach ministries when the church decides to sponsor or help sponsor local or area mission projects. If this occurs, this committee will work out a mutual agreement with the church mission congregation(s) as approved by the church. It shall seek also possibilities for local, state, national missions projects, share findings with church organizations, and serves the church in establishing and conducting such missions projects. This committee shall lead the church in its involvement with the Bartow Baptist association, Georgia Baptist Convention, and other Southern Baptist Convention mission related ministries or programs that mutually benefit the church.

Music Committee:

This committee will plan and evaluate the music program of the church, work closely with the pastor and music minister in planning throughout the year. It is responsible for recommending musicians and in assisting the pastor with special music in the regular and other services of the church. In the event that a music director is needed as a staff member of the church, a search committee will be formed using the same procedure as used for pastor search committee.

Youth Committee:

The committee will serve as an advisory group and shall work closely with the pastor and youth leader in planning and coordinating youth programs and activities inside and outside of the church. These activities are to be correlated with the activities of the church program organization in attaining objectives set forth by the church. It will also make recommendations concerning filling vacancies in the youth staff. A representative of the Youth Committee shall serve as a member of the Church Council.

Benevolence Committee:

The benevolence committee shall study all calls made upon the church by members of the church or community who have special needs, or desire help from the church. The committee will submit annually a request for funds to be marked in then church budget for its ministry. From these funds and/or other resources it shall disburse help in such ways as its best judgement dictates. The committee shall also direct thye attention of the deacons and pastor to cases requiring further assistance or ministry.

Kitchen Committee:

This committee shall have general supervision of the supplies, equipment, and use of the church kitchen suggesting to the church rules and regulations as they deem wise. It shall enforce policies necessary to properly maintain the kitchen in a clean, orderly, and acceptable condition.

Baptism Committee:

This committee shall assist the pastor and/or deacons in preparing for each baptism service. The members of this committee shall be responsible for preparing the candidates, the baptistery and changing areas for the ordinance of baptism.

The Lord’s Supper Committee

This committee is charged with the responsibility of caring for the implements such as tray, cups, and [plates used in the church’s observance of the Lord’s Supper. It will insure that the elements are in readiness and in place prior to the service in which the Lord’s Supper is to be observed.

Publicity Committee

Through announcements, posters, and attractive interest centers, the publicity committee shall promote upcoming events in the life of the church. It will provide community-wide publicity for special events such as revivals, community services and music programs.

History Committee

The history committee is to preserve and use the historical records of the church. The committee is especially concerned with gathering and preserving available church records, recording full and accurate records and using the records to help members understand and appreciate their heritage and mission.

Church Ushers

Every regular church usher shall be selected by the nominating committee and elected by the church. The ushers shall be lead by the usher chairman, also selected by the nominating committee and elected by the church. The ushers are to greet people as they enter and leave the church, seat people at the proper time, provide bulletins and/or other materials at the time of seating. The ushers will be attentive to the needs of the congregation and the pastor.

Visitation Committee

The visitation committee shall work closely with the pastor, deacons, and church council in planning and coordinating a church-wide visitation program. The committee will examine and secure Christian literature for distribution in visitation programs. It shall make recommendations concerning training opportunities in visitation and witnessing to church agencies.

Pre-School Committee

The church pre-school committee is to study the needs for and possibilities of a church pre-school program, to help in the organization of this program where it is considered wise, and to serve as a liaison between the church and the pre-school program.

Senior Adult Committee

The Senior Adult Committee will serve as an advisory group to our church on matters relating to the senior adults of our church and community. This committee will propose programs and activities that might be of interest to senior adults, and will be encouraged to enlist the members of our church in carrying out programs that may be of value to senior adults. This committee will be responsible for coordinating our senior adult ministry with that of the Associational Senior Adult Committee work.

Disaster Relief Committee

This committee will be responsible for directing our church’s outreach to those affected by natural disasters. This committee will coordinate a relief ministry with our deacons, Brotherhood and the members of the WOM, when the extent of the disaster calls for back-up support. The chairman of the Disaster Relief Committee will also cooperate with the Bartow Baptist Disaster Relief Committee and/or the Director in keeping the membership of our church informed on matters of preparedness and assistance.

Bereavement Meals Committee

The Bereavement Committee will consist of four members to be elected yearly.
The purpose of the Bereavement Committee will be to offer the love and support of the church by providing food for bereaved families of church members.
To achieve its purpose, the Bereavement Committee will:
1. Contact the bereaved family of a church member to extend the love and support of the church and to determine if a meal might be provided.
2. Arrange for the purchase of meat, bread, and drinks as needed.
3. Ask members of the pool of volunteers, to bring food for the occasion.
4. Post a committee member or a volunteer to greet bereaved family members at the door and to be of assistance as needed.
5. Lead in serving the meal and cleaning the kitchen with the assistance of enlisted workers and volunteers.
6. Pack the food that remains after the meal is served and send home with bereaved family members who are willing to take it.
7. Convey to the pastor and church members any known opportunities for further ministry to the bereaved family.
Bereavement Policy

The responsibility of the committee will be limited to providing food for church members who have lost immediate family members; this includes husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, or father. Exceptions to this policy will be left to the discretion of the pastor, chairman of deacons, and members of our committee.
2. Arrangements for feeding a bereaved family may take the form of serving a meal at Taylorsville Baptist Church, assisting with a meal at another church, taking food to the home, or other helpful measures.
3. If a church member is currently involved in another church, consultation among family members, representatives of the other church, and our committee members will help to determine how the two churches will minister to the bereaved family. Our committee will agree and help either way it is decided.
4. Lists of volunteers will be maintained and contacted , so that all may participate.

Building Maintenance

This Ministry performs God’s work at the church through the upkeep and improvement of the church’s facilities. The ministry ensures that the church buildings and grounds are maintained and repaired as necessary, and develops and implements policies and proposals for use of the buildings and grounds.

Main responsibilities include:

Performing routine maintenance jobs
Coordinating outside contractors such as plumbers and electricians
Scheduling periodic clean up days for grounds and buildings
Identifying smaller maintenance and repair tasks and bringing them to the attention of the congregation

Hospitality Committee

The Hospitality Committee will work closely with the Pastor and other Committees and will be responsible for planning and coordinating church-wide fellowship activities. This committee will recruit volunteers or contact appropriate church members for assistance as needed. This committee should enjoy dealing with people and posses good organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate, plan, organize, or oversee all church-wide fellowship events. Such events could include dinners (e.g. Homecoming, etc.), picnics, service opportunities, family days, ice cream socials or other activities. Ensure all church facilities are cleaned and left in an acceptable fashion after church fellowship functions.
Recruit volunteers or contact appropriate church members to assist with food preparation/service, set up, facilities, decorations, clean up, equipment needs and publicity as needed.

Hospitality Purchasing

Inventory and keep supplied all products needed by the Hospitality Committee,

(plates, cups, plastic ware, all paper products, wraps and foils)

Children’s Church & Activities Committee

The committee will serve as an advisory group and shall work closely with the pastor and Children’s Leader in planning and coordinating youth programs and activities inside and outside of the church. These activities are to be correlated with the activities of the church program organization in attaining objectives set forth by the church. It will also make recommendations concerning filling vacancies in the Children‘s Committee. A representative of the Children’s Committee shall serve as a member of the Church Council.

Vacation Bible School Committee

The purpose of serving on the VBS Committee is to glorify God by coordinating and facilitating a meaningful summer educational experience that increases the students’ knowledge and spiritual growth.
Objectives:
* To coordinate the VBS program
* To recruit, train, and orient VBS staff.
Activities:
* Prepare and submit a budget for VBS
* Select and order VBS curriculum
* Recruit VBS staff
* Pray regularly for VBS staff and the students
* Plan with the Publicity Committee advertising the VBS throughout the church and community.
* Prior to VBS, conduct an orientation session with staff to go over job descriptions, distribute curriculum, divide classroom space, and schedule activities
* Conduct training for teachers and staff
* Just prior to VBS, meet with teachers to solidify details and answer questions
* Obtain supplies
* Develop a schedule for each session that describes each class’s movement from activity to activity, e.g., crafts, games, and songs.
* Schedule and organize the closing program

Dish & Disc

Committee, monthly prepares and delivers lunch plates and a CD of a recent church service to the Shut In’s and Senior Saints of the church and community.

Transportation Committee

To provide transportation for various church ministries in the safest, most cost efficient manner possible.

DUTIES:

Develop and annually review a master plan for all the church’s transportation needs.
Recommend major expense items, including purchases of new or replacement vehicles,

to the Finance Committee.

Oversee the maintenance and repairs of church bus and van.
Develop and submit a transportation budget for inclusion in the annual church budget.
Develop and administer policies and practices concerning use of church-owned vehicles.

Church Flowers

The Flower Committee shall see that flowers are provided for regular services and shall supervise the preparation of the church for any special services. Coordinate with persons desiring to place flowers in the Church during worship service or special occasions

Church Reservations

Contact person for scheduling the use of all church facilities. Shall keep a detailed calendar with all facility usage listed. Will ensure that facilities are unlocked and made available to those who have been approved per church policy. After function will inspect the facility for cleanliness and damage and secure facility.

AWANA Meal Coordinator

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organize and Coordinate the Wednesday AWANA meals
Plan Wednesday night menu.
Make food purchases for each Wednesday night meal.
Complete set up of dining area to include preparation of beverages and set up

of supplies (silverware, plates, napkins, serving utensils, and other related

items).

Serve meal
Complete dining room and kitchen clean up.

Food Pantry Committee

Oversees the operations of the food pantry, purchasing and restocking of food pantry items, distributes food and household supplies to qualified recipients. Works with church, local and community resources to initiate food drives to supply food pantry when needed.

Church Purchasing Agent

The Purchasing Agent researches costs, orders supplies, goods and services for all ministries, (with exception to the Hospitality Committee and Food Pantry) maintains accurate records and implements procedures, policies and monitoring relating to purchases made by the church. Provides accurate and timely ordering of all purchase orders and requests

Executive Committee

Elected annually to serve as church liaison to the Bartow Baptist Association.

Program Services

General

The staff and program services shall be recommended by the church nominating committee for election by the church.

Church Recreation and Social Services

This committee will serve the church in seeking to meet the recreational and social needs of members and groups. It will provide consultation, leadership, assistance and resources.

Church Library Service

The church Library will serve as the resource center for the church. The church library staff will seek to provide and promote the use of printed and audiovisual resources. The staff will provide consultation to church leaders and members in the use of printed and audiovisual resources.

Program Organization

All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church.

Sunday School:

The Sunday School shall be divided into classes and departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of the Sunday School Director for the study of God’s Word. The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the Bible; lead in reaching all prospects; lead all church members to worship, witness, learn, and minister daily; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

Church Training:

The Church Training Program shall be divided into departments for all ages and under the direction of a general director.

The discipleship program shall serve as the training organization and arm of the

church. Its tasks shall be to teach Christian doctrine, ethics, Christian history, church policy and organization; train leaders for the church and denomination; provide for specialized training for special projects of ministry for the church; and to provide organization and leadership for special activities in the church.

Women on Mission:

The Women on Mission will have such officers and organizations as needed. The WOM president shall be elected by the church. The task of the WOM shall be to teach missions, engage in mission action, support world missions through prayer and giving, provide and interpret information regarding then work of the church and denomination.

Brotherhood

The Brotherhood program shall be directed by a director who shall be elected by the church. The Brotherhood will have officers and organizations as needed. The task are to teach missions, engage in mission action, support world missions through prayer and giving, provide and interpret information regarding then work of the church and denomination.

Other committees may be formed as needed by the church.

VI.

Ordinances

Baptism

A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith; who professes Him publicly at an worship service; and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord shall be received for baptism.

(a) Baptism shall be immersion in water;

(b) Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or by the ordained minister or deacon the church shall authorize;

(d) A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor and/or deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he/she shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

(a) The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least quarterly, preferably the first Sunday of the quarter, or as otherwise scheduled.

(b) The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper.

VII

Church Meetings

Worship Services:

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning and evening for the worship of God, for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and on Wednesday, or another night, designated for prayer and Bible study. These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor or other designee in the absence of the pastor.

Regular Business Meetings:

Regular business meetings shall be held on the second Sunday of each month at the church immediately following the 11:00 morning worship service.

Special Business Meeting:

A special called business meeting may be called when the pastor, and/op the majority of the deacons recommend such a meeting be held. The majority of church members at a regular church service must approve the called church meeting. A one-week written notice or announcement must be given for the specially called business meeting.

Special Services

Revival services and any other church meeting which will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church shall be placed on the church calendar.

Quorum:

The quorum consists of those who attend the business meeting, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.

Parliamentary Rules:

Robert’s Rules of Order (revised edition) is adopted as the authority for

parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church and for

all other meetings that demand voting of the church members, including

committee meetings.

Licensing and Ordaining

Licensing:

Any member of the church who may, in the judgment of the church, give evidence by his dedication, life, zeal and fitness to preach and is called to the

gospel ministry, may by vote of three-fourths of the membership at a regular meeting be licensed by the church to the Christian ministry.

Ordination:

Ordination may be authorized only after proper examination of a Presbytery appointed by the church to examine the candidate as to his faith, Christian conduct and knowledge of the Bible and God’s plan of salvation. The Presbytery shall consist of not less than three (3) members, and at least one of these shall be an ordained Baptist minister. No member will be ordained until he is serving in the ministry of a Baptist church.

VII.

Church Finances

Budget

The Budget & Finance Committee, in consultation with the Deacons and the Church Council, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval, an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and world wide expenses.

It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts. At least annually, plans shall be put into operation for securing a worthy subscription from each member of the church. Those joining the church later in the church year after the period of budget adoption and subscription shall be visited by a representative of the Budget and Finance committee who will explain the financial program of the church. A copy of the budget, a pledge card, and a package of offering envelopes will be left with the new member with a request that he/she join in the support of the church’s unified budget.

Accounting Procedures

All funds for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer and be properly recorded on books of the church. It is optional for the officers to be bonded.

A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Budget & Finance committee.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the church shall be from January 1 through December 31.

VIII

Adoption & Amendments

Adoption

The provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws shall be considered adopted if two thirds of the members present at the church conference so approved. A copy of this document will be presented to each member present at a regular church conference and the vote for adoption will take place at the next regular church conference.

Amendment

Any of the rules of this Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, altered or repealed by a two thirds vote of the members present at any regular church conference, provided such is proposed in writing at the preceding regular church conference.

Repeal of Previous Rules

The adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws shall effect a repeal of all previously adopted rules which are not re-adopted herein.

Maintaining Current Copy

Copies of this Constitution and these By-Laws shall be kept with the records of the church clerk and in the church office. Any Amendments to or revisions thereof shall, after passage by the church, be carefully typed by the church clerk and secured to the copies. This shall apply to any resolutions passed for the temporary or permanent government of the church.

Ratified by action of the church in its business meeting on _____________ .

Moderator: ____________________________

Church Clerk: __________________________

Constitution and By-Laws 2016

Hebrews 10: 23-25