CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA, INC.

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PREAMBLE

            The following principles, policies and procedures are established for the guidance of the worship and activities of the First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, Georgia, Inc. They are based upon Bible truth, past practice and present needs of the church.  They shall be known as the Constitution and By-Laws of this Church.  This Constitution and these By-Laws are adopted the 19th day of February, 2006, and supercede all prior constitutions, by-laws, practices and policies of this Church.

Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this Church shall be First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, Georgia.

ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES

            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 throughout the world.

            To be a worshiping 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.

ARTICLE III - STATEMENT OF FAITH

            Baptists are a people who profess a living personal faith.  This faith is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever."  Therefore, the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the will of God in Christ which is revealed in the scriptures and interpreted to each believer through the Holy Spirit.  Also, in keeping with the doctrinal statements in "The Baptist Faith and Message" as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963, this church affirms that "any group of Baptists, large or small, have the inherent right to draw up for themselves and to publish to the world a confession of their faith whenever they may think it advisable to do so."  Thus, the priesthood of All Believers and the Autonomy of Local Church Congregations stand as the dual pillars upon which we formulate our Statement of Faith.  We further assert that such formulation is only a guide for the interpretation of the Christian message and has no authority over the conscience.

            The Scriptures teach that there is only one true and living God who is the Creator and Preserver of all existence and that He reveals Himself to man through His Spirit, His Word and most completely through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Because man is a limited, finite creature he is constantly being drawn into a sinful state from which he is powerless to extricate himself.  Only through the free gift of God's grace and forgiveness offered in the sacrifice of the Cross can man realize his intended destiny of salvation both in this life and in the life hereafter.  The church is the congregation of these sinners who receive by repentance the grace and forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ, symbolize their new life by submitting to the ordinance of Baptism, and bind themselves to one another for the purpose of prayer, teaching, fellowship and proclamation of the message of God's love.  As to doctrine, this Church receives the Scriptures and the leadership of the Holy Spirit as its primary authorities for the revelation of God's will in Christ; as to practice, it adopts the two ordinances of Baptism and Communion as the fullest expressions of the Christian experience; and as Christians, we hold steadfastly and confidently to the assurance of our ultimate reunion with God when we shall see Him in the fullness of His glory.  Amen.

ARTICLE IV - CHURCH CONENANT

            Because we have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and have experienced the acceptance, forgiveness, and redeeming love of God our Father, we covenant with God and with each other as members of this Church that through the guiding presence of His Holy Spirit:

            We will walk together in brotherly love.

            We will show loving care for each other and encourage, counsel, and admonish each other.

            We will assemble faithfully for worship and fellowship and will pray earnestly for others and ourselves.

            We will maintain personal and family devotions.

            We will commit our families and those under our care unto the teaching and the loving discipline of the Lord.

            We will win others to Christ by Christian example and personal effort and encourage their growth toward Christian maturity.

            We will share each other's joys and bear each other's burdens and sorrows.

            We will oppose all conduct which compromises our Christian faith and will uphold high standards of Christian morality.  

            We will prove the reality of our conversion by living godly, fruitful lives.

            We will faithfully maintain our Church's ministry of worship, witness, education, fellowship, service, and benevolence.

            We will be faithful stewards of our resources and of our abilities in sharing the gospel with each other and with people of all nations.

            We will seek humbly and earnestly to live for the glory of God.

            We further agree that if we move our residence from this community, we will unite with another church of like faith and continue to keep the spirit of this covenant.

ARTICLE V - POLICY AND DOCTRINE

Section 1.  The government of this Church is vested solely in the body of believers who compose it.  It shall be subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but shall recognize and sustain the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist Churches.

Section 2.  The Church may adopt its own standards and qualifications and various auxiliaries, as it may deem just and proper, consistent however, with the principles and standards as reflected by the Word of God.

Section 3.  So far as may be consistent with the principles and teachings of God's Word, this Church shall cooperate with and have representation in the denominational causes sponsored by Southern Baptists, including, but not limited to, the Southern Baptist Convention; the Georgia Baptist Convention; the Southeast Baptist Association; and other affiliated auxiliaries of the Conventions.  As many messengers or representatives as may be allowed this Church at any such convention, meeting, or council may be elected by the Church.

Section 4.  All members shall be much concerned about the business of the Church and shall endeavor to be present at all business meetings.  If unable to be present, members shall lovingly abide by and cooperate with the will and plans of the majority present on all matters decided upon.

Section 5.  As to the doctrine of this Church, it shall receive the scriptures and leadership of the Holy Spirit as its authority in matters of faith and practice.

ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS

            Changes in this Constitution and By-Laws may be made by presenting a written proposal to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee for review and recommendations to the Board of Deacons.  The proposal and recommendation from the Board of Deacons shall be presented to the Church in writing with copies furnished at a business meeting one (1) month prior to church vote.  Amendments to the Constitution shall be by two-thirds vote of all members of the Church present; amendments to the By-Laws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members voting.

BY-LAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION

of

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA, INC.

ARTICLE I- MEETINGS

Section 1.    REGULAR MEETINGS.  For public worship, preaching, instruction and evangelism, the Church shall maintain and foster meetings as follows:

            1)        Regular meetings shall be held each Lord's day morning and evening, and each Wednesday evening, each of such meetings to be under the direction of the Senior Pastor or his appointee.  With the exception of the Lord’s Day morning services, the time and place of regular meetings may be modified upon recommendation of the Senior Pastor and approval of the Church.

            2)        For study and instruction of God's Word, there shall be a Sunday School divided into departments and classes for all ages, to be conducted under the supervision of a Director, meeting at least each Lord's Day.

            3)        For the membership of the Church there shall be an ongoing Discipleship Program, to be conducted under the supervision of a Director Ministry Team, meeting regularly.

            4)        Each year the Church shall conduct regular evangelistic meetings and opportunities at such time and of such nature as recommended by the Senior Pastor and approved of the Church. 

            5)        Occasional enrichment opportunities of the Church and its various ministry programs may be approved by the Senior Pastor or by a vote of the Church.

Section 2.    BUSINESS MEETINGS.  For the transaction of the business of the Church, the following is provided:

            1)        The regular annual meeting of the Church shall be held at the time of a regular church conference during the third calendar quarter of each year, which time the annual ministry reports shall be presented and any other business pertaining to the closing of the Church year shall be conducted.  Public notice of this meeting shall be given at least ten days prior thereto and in the preceding weekly publication.

            2)        Regular business meetings for the transaction of any and all business except the call of a Senior Pastor shall be held at such time as recommended by the Administrative Committee and approved by the Church.  Such meetings shall be held at least quarterly.  The schedule of these meetings shall be presented for approval by the Church at the regular annual meeting.

            3)        The Senior Pastor or the Chairman of Deacons may call from the pulpit special business meetings, the particular object of the meeting being clearly stated in the notice.  Public notice of such special business meetings shall be given at least seven days in advance.  Likewise, it shall be mandatory upon the Chairman of the Deacons to call a special business meeting in like manner upon the written request, submitted to the Deacons, of not less than five (5) percent of the resident membership specifying the object thereof.

            4)        At any of the regular meetings for worship, the Church may, without special notice, act upon the appointment of messengers to denominational meetings or conventions.

            5)        A quorum for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting shall be not less then five (5) percent of the resident membership of the Church, except for the call of a Senior Pastor when it shall be not less than twenty (20) percent.

            6)        A majority of those members voting shall determine any matter voted upon, except as otherwise provided.

            7)        The Chairman of Deacons or his designee shall preside and act as moderator at all business meetings of the Church. In case all of the above are absent the Church shall select a temporary moderator to preside at such meetings.

            8)        In the absence of the Church Clerk, or the Clerk’s assistant, at any business meeting of the Church, the moderator shall appoint a Temporary Clerk to record the action of the Church at such meetings.

            9)        In all questions of procedure at any business meeting, the Church shall be governed by ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER.  Procedural questions shall be determined by the moderator or by a parliamentarian appointed by the Chairman of Deacons. 

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ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP AND PRIVILEGES

Section 1.   REQUIREMENTS.  The membership of this Church shall consist of such persons who have:

            1)        Confessed Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord;

            2)        Been baptized by immersion in this Church, or been accepted upon promise  of letter from another Baptist Church, or been received upon statement of Baptism by immersion in a church of like faith and order;

            3)        Successfully completed an orientation program for new members as prescribed by the Church;

            4)        Entered into the Church Covenant; and

            5)        Been accepted by vote of the Church.

None of these membership requirements shall be waived without the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and approval of the Deacons.

Section 2.   WATCHCARE RELATIONSHIP.  A Watchcare relationship shall be provided at the request of Baptized Christians who are members of churches of like faith and practice, who, for reasons practical or personal, are unable at the given time to move their church membership from a home church.  This relationship shall allow one to fully participate in all aspects of the life of the Church with the exception of voting privileges.

Section 3.   PRIVILEGES.  Members shall have and avail themselves of the privilege to:

            1)        Gather together and experience fully all opportunities of worship and ministry provided by the Church;

            2)        Vote on all matters to come before the Church;

            3)        Hold office and service positions; and

            4)        Represent the Church as a messenger to denominational meetings and conventions.

Section 4.    RESPONSIBILITIES.  Members shall be expected to:

            1)        Be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life;

            2)        Regularly to attend the services of this Church;

            3)        Give regularly for its support and its causes; and

            4)        Share in its organized servant ministries.

Section 5.    TERMINATION.  The termination of membership shall be subject to the following provisions:

            1)        Letters of dismissal for any member who is in good standing with the Church shall be granted to any Church of like faith upon proper request for letter from said Church.  Any member, who is in good standing with the Church, requesting a letter will be granted it, providing such request names the Church to which the letter may be sent.  In no case will a letter be granted in blank and given to the individual.

            2)        If a member requests in writing to be released from membership to this Church for reasons which the Church deems satisfactory, it shall, after having patiently and kindly endeavored to secure continuance in its fellowship, grant such request and terminate membership.

            3)        Should any question arise as to whether a member is in good standing when request is made for a letter of dismissal and recommendation, such request may be, upon vote of the Church, referred to the Deacons for consideration and report back to the Church with recommendations thereon.

            4)        Any member who becomes an offense to the Church and its good name by reason of immoral conduct or unchristian acts, may be disciplined by the Church to the extent of termination of membership.

            5)        In the event it is established that a member has united with a Church of another denomination, membership in this Church shall be terminated by the vote of the Church.

            6)        Any Person whose membership has been terminated may be restored to full fellowship by a vote of the Church upon evidence of his repentance and reformation.  Before voting to restore such member, the Church may, if it so desires, refer such matter to the Deacons for consideration and report back to the Church with recommendations thereon.

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ARTICLE III - CHURCH STAFF

Section 1.   CHURCH STAFF.  The Staff of this Church shall be a Senior Pastor and all additional ministry staff, secretarial staff, and other clerical staff as deemed necessary to properly meet the objectives of the Church.  The Staff shall be subject to, and be governed by, the personnel policies and procedures as defined by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Church.

Section 2.    SENIOR PASTOR’S SELECTION.  The Senior Pastor shall be selected and called by the Church whenever a vacancy occurs.  His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least one week's public notice shall be given.  A pulpit committee shall be selected by the Church to recommend a suitable Senior Pastor.  Such committee shall consist of at least five (5) members of the Church, selected by the Deacons and presented to the Church for approval.  The Committee shall bring to the consideration of the Church for approval only one person at a time and their recommendation shall constitute a nomination.  Election shall be by private ballot with the appropriate quorum participating, and affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of those members voting being necessary to elect.  The Senior Pastor, thus elected, shall, if he accepts the election and call, serve indefinitely at the will of the Church, and/or until the relationship is terminated, both the Senior Pastor and the Church seeking at all times to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit in reference thereto.

Section 3.    SENIOR PASTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES. The Senior Pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the Church; shall minister unto the Church at all regular and appointed times for worship and service, and to the individual members whenever possible.  He shall be the chief administrative officer of the Church, and shall be ex-officio member of all committees of the Church.

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ARTICLE IV – CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1.   CHURCH OFFICERS.  The Church Officers shall consist of the Senior Pastor and Clerk.

Section 2.   CLERK.  The Clerk shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Church and shall serve for terms of one year.  The Clerk shall keep an accurate record of all actions of the Church, shall attend all business meetings, and shall keep a register of the names of the members, with the dates of admission and dismissal or death, together with a record of baptisms.  The Clerk shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the Church, preserve and file all communications and written official reports and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary in these By-Laws.

Section 3.   TERMS OF SERVICE.  Church Officers, Deacons, committees, councils, and ministry teams shall operate on a calendar year beginning January 1.

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ARTICLE V - CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1.    SUNDAY SCHOOL.  There shall be a Sunday School to provide Bible teaching and outreaching in the Church.  At the regular Church business meeting during the fourth calendar quarter Deacons shall bring to the Church their nomination for Director of the Sunday School for the ensuing year. The Director of the Sunday School shall then serve as a member of the Nominating Committee. At the regular Church business meeting during the third calendar quarter the Nominating Committee shall bring to the Church nominations for general officers, departmental officers, teachers and workers necessary to complete the Sunday School organization.  After the annual election of workers the Nominating Committee shall bring to the Church at its regular business meetings nominations to fill any vacancies that have occurred.  Following the election of the Church elected officers, teachers and workers, a public installation service may be held at the morning worship period.  The duties of these officers and teachers and workers shall be those ordinarily designated in the approved denominational standards together with such other duties and qualifications for service as the Church may adopt.

Section 2.    DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAM.  There shall be a Discipleship Program to provide for the maturing of Christians in doctrine, in faith, in Christian leadership and in service.  At the regular Church business meeting during the fourth calendar quarter the Deacons shall bring to the Church their nomination for Director of the Discipleship Program for the ensuing year.  The Director of the Discipleship Program shall then serve as a member of the Nominating Committee.  Programs and leadership shall be planned, selected and conducted by the Director upon approval of the Senior Pastor.

Section 3.    WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION.  There shall be a Woman's Missionary Union to promote the fulfillment of the Great Commission through mission awareness, mission education and mission support.  The Woman's Missionary Union officers shall be elected annually by the Church upon nomination of the Nominating Committee in conjunction with a Nominating Committee from Woman's Missionary Union.  The duties of these officers shall be those designated by the Woman's Missionary Union Auxiliary together with such other duties and qualifications for service as the Church may adopt.  Following their election, the general officers may be publicly installed at the regular and appointed time for the meeting of Woman's Missionary Union or at such time as the Executive Committee of Woman's Missionary Union may direct.

Section 4.   BROTHERHOOD.  There shall be a Brotherhood to promote the ministry seeking to fulfill the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by seeking to involve men and boys in missions through education and personal involvement with the aim of allowing everybody everywhere to have the opportunity to know Jesus.

Section 5.    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.  No organization, organized class, nor group of individuals which is a part of this Church shall institute or form any organization under the auspices of this Church upon any plan or ideal contrary to these By-Laws, or inconsistent with the Baptist Faith and Message of 1963, unless expressly authorized to do so by vote of the Church.

Section 6.   PROGRAM SCHEDULE.  Sunday School, Discipleship, and their teachers shall operate on a yearly basis to coincide with the school year.  All other Church programs, committees, councils and ministry teams shall operate on a calendar year beginning with January 1.

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ARTICLE VI - TRUSTEES

Section 1.    SELECTION – TERMS.  The Trustees shall be composed of five members of the Church.  They shall be elected by vote of the Church upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee.  Their terms of office shall be based on the rotating system of five year terms, with the term of one member expiring each year.  A member whose term has immediately expired shall be ineligible to serve as a trustee for a period of one year.

Section 2.    CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN.  The Trustees shall elect one of their number to serve as Chairman and one to serve as Vice Chairman.  The Chairman shall coordinate communications between the Trustees and the Administrative Committee and the Church.

Section 3.   POWERS.  The Trustees shall hold title to the Church property, and arrange for and keep in effect such insurance as is wise and in keeping with sound business procedure.  They shall execute all deeds, debentures, mortgages, liens, transfers, leases and other legal documents for and on behalf of the Church, but shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or encumber any property of the Church without specific vote of the Church authorizing such action.

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ARTICLE VII- DEACONS

Section 1.   MISSION.  The mission of the Deacons is to provide Christ-like care for our members.

Section 2.    MEMBERSHIP – TERMS.  There shall be an active body of Deacons consisting of a sufficient number of members necessary to fulfill the intent of this Article as determined by the active Deacons prior to the time of Deacon election each year.  A Deacon shall be an active member of the Church and shall be willing and able to participate in the affairs of the Church.  The term of the office shall be three (3) years, with a rotating system of annual replacements. A member whose full term has expired shall be ineligible for reelection for one (1) year.  A member who is filling an unexpired term shall be eligible for reelection to a full term of service following the unexpired term.

Section 3.    LIFE DEACON.  It shall be fitting for the Church to elect as a Life Deacon any Deacon, who by age or infirmities shall, after loyal service, be no longer able to render active service.

Section 4.   NOMINATION AND ELECTION.  The nomination of Deacons shall be held at the morning service(s) on the first Sunday in November.  Nominations shall be made by ballot by each voting member present.  The Chairman of the Deacons shall appoint tellers to distribute, collect and count the ballots.  After tabulating the ballots, twice the number of names needed shall be placed on a ballot for election by the Church Membership. During the time between nomination and election, the Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Deacons shall privately discuss with each nominee the Biblical qualifications, requirements, expectations of the Church and the nominee’s willingness to serve and secure the approval of each nominee for placement on the ballot.  The panel of candidates shall be determined from the nominees receiving the most votes in order of descending number until all required vacancies on the panel are filled. The election of Deacons shall take place at the morning service(s) on the first Sunday in December. The Church Membership shall vote by secret ballot on the required number of Deacons from the panel of nominees presented by the moderator.  Results will be announced as soon as possible after confirmation of the election. Newly elected Deacons are to assume office effective January 1.

Section 5.    QUALIFICATIONS.  In electing Deacons, the Church shall elect men, twenty-one (21) years or older, who are or will have been active members of the First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island, Georgia, pursuant to Article II of these By-Laws, for a minimum of twelve (12) calendar months prior to the date of the nomination of Deacons held pursuant to Section 3 of this Article.  They shall be honorable, true servants of God who conform to the meaning of the word and practice of the New Testament as reflected by the principles set forth in First Timothy Chapter 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6.  They shall be the servants of the Church and zealous to guard the unity of the Spirit within the Church.

Section 6.    MEETINGS.  The Deacons shall meet regularly, and no less often than once per calendar quarter.

Section 7.    DUTIES.  The Deacons shall, with the advice and counsel of the Senior Pastor, have as their primary responsibility the spiritual affairs of the Church and to provide a servant ministry to the Church and community. The Deacons shall institute and provide for a ministry program to the families of the Church which includes, but is not limited to, regular contact with all families of the Church. The Deacons shall serve as the general pulpit committee; and, in case of the absence or inability of the Senior Pastor, subject to advice from and conference with him, provide for pulpit supplies.  In any period when the Church is without a Senior Pastor, unless the Church shall otherwise provide, the Deacons shall provide pastoral ministry and assume the duties of the Senior Pastor.

Section 8.    REMOVAL.  In the event of gross misconduct, or in case of acts involving moral turpitude or unchristian-like conduct on the part of any Deacon during his term of office, he may, upon written complaint made to the Deacons and after investigation and confirmation of such conduct, be removed from office by vote of the Church at any regular business meeting.  The Church may then proceed to elect another Deacon to fill such vacancy at the time of the next Deacon elections as described in Section 3.

Section 9.    WITHDRAWAL.  In case of voluntary withdrawal, death, or resignation of any Deacon from office, he shall cease to be an Active Deacon, whereupon the Church shall proceed to elect another Deacon to fill such vacancy.  Such election to fill an unexpired term shall take place at the time of the next Deacon elections as described in Section 3.

Section 10.  ORDINATION  ELSEWHERE.  Deacons coming into the fellowship of this Church from time to time, having been previously ordained in other Churches as Deacons, shall not be considered Active Deacons within the fellowship of this Church until elected by the Members.

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ARTICLE VIII – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

Section 1.   PURPOSE AND CONTENT.  The Church shall create and maintain written policies and procedures concerning the various aspects of the ministries and operations of the Church.  These policies and procedures shall be prepared and submitted to the Church for approval by the committees, staff or persons responsible for their particular content.  The approved policies and procedures shall be maintained in a manual and made readily available to all affected parties.  The policies and procedures will include, but are not limited to, those relating to personnel, receipts and disbursements, building use, kitchen use, Christian Life Center, preschool, weddings and vehicle use.  Additionally, a list of all approved committees and councils stating purpose, responsibilities, membership and duration shall be included in the manual.  This list shall be reviewed annually by the Administrative Committee and the Deacons and approved by the Church prior to submission to the Nominating Committee.  

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ARTICLE IX – COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS

Section 1.    ESTABLISHMENT.  There shall be committees, councils, and/or ministry teams to perform the tasks deemed necessary for the good operation of the Church.  Committees, councils, and ministry teams may be created by these By-Laws or by the Church in conference.  Committees, councils, and ministry teams shall have such authority, members, duties and duration as set forth in the By-Laws  or resolution of the Church.  Unless directed otherwise by the Church or by the By-Laws, committees, councils, and ministry teams shall operate on a calendar year basis, beginning January 1.  Special committees, councils, and ministry teams may be created by the Senior Pastor or Deacons with the approval of the Church.

Section 2.    STANDING COMMITTEES.  The following shall be referred to as the Standing Committees:

                   A.      ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE.  There shall be an ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE to serve as the business decision making body of the Church, making administrative decisions as authorized by the Church or making recommendations to the Church for consideration.  Membership will consist of three (3) members of the Finance Committee, three (3) members of the Personnel Committee, the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, the Chairperson of the Property Committee, the Chairman of the Deacons, and two additional currently-serving Deacons selected by the Deacons.  The Chairperson of this Committee will be elected from within to serve a one year term.  Individual members may not serve more than three (3) consecutive years.  Additionally, each member of this Committee must be an active member of the body requiring representation and as such their term on the Administrative Committee will be limited by their term on the respective body.  The Senior Pastor shall be an ex-officio member and shall attend all meetings unless excused by the Chairperson.

                   B.      CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE.  There shall be a CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE consisting of a Chairperson  and at least two (2) members of the Church.  This committee shall meet when necessary to consider proposed changes.  It shall be the duty of the Committee to report any proposed changes in the Constitution and By-Laws received by them together with their recommendation to the Church for action.  Any proposed change reported but not recommended by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall not be considered a motion made to the Church Conference and shall require a motion and second to be acted upon by the Church Conference.  It shall also be the duty of the committee to interpret the true intent and meaning of any part of the Constitution and By-Laws to any member of the Church who should desire it.

                   C.      FINANCE COMMITTEE.   There shall be a FINANCE COMMITTEE consisting of a Chairperson and at least two (2) members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church, preferably one of whom shall also be a currently serving Deacon. It shall be their responsibility to establish appropriate procedures for handling Church finances; to verify the adherence to such procedures; to prepare and submit to the Administrative Committee a proposed budget for the Church's expenditure of money, both local and outside causes, such budget to be presented to the Deacons for prior review and approval before presentation to the Church; to also explain any questions relating to Church Finance. It shall approve any special offering not mentioned by the budget, or drive for money in the name of the Church or any of its organizations.  It shall annually review Church financial records. Individual members may not serve more than three (3) consecutive years.

                   D.      NOMINATING COMMITTEE.  There shall be a  NOMINATING COMMITTEE consisting of a Chairperson, the Sunday School and Discipleship Directors (for the coming year), and at least four (4) at-large members of the Church, nominated by the Deacons and elected by the Church in the fourth quarter business meeting each year.  The head of each organization shall serve in enlisting officers and teachers for their organizations.  This committee shall recommend for election all officers and teachers and leaders for the Church and its organizations and committees as approved by the Church, unless specific instructions appear in the Constitution and By-Laws as to nomination.  They shall fill vacancies during the year.  They shall nominate any representative that the Church may have on an Associational Executive Committee.  They may nominate messengers to the denominational meetings and conventions with which we cooperate.

                   E.       PERSONNEL COMMITTEE.  There shall be a PERSONNEL COMMITTEE consisting of a Chairperson and at least two (2) members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church, preferably one of whom shall also be a currently-serving Deacon.  This committee shall to establish policies and procedures for the management of personnel issues related to the mission of the Church.  A primary purpose of the committee is to assist and enable the ministerial staff, the general staff and the lay members in their joint and cooperative service. Individual members may not serve more than three (3) consecutive years.  The Senior Pastor will serve as ex-officio consultant for all matters except those pertaining to the performance and conduct of the Senior Pastor.  The committee shall ensure compliance by the ministerial staff, the general staff and lay members with all personnel policies and procedures as defined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Section 3.       MEMBERSHIP.  Membership on the Standing Committees shall be as set forth in this Article.  Membership on other committees, special committees, councils, and ministry teams shall be for a period of one year, unless otherwise specifically provided at the time of the individual’s appointment or election, and may be by appointment of the Senior Pastor or the Chairman of Deacons, with the approval of the Board of Deacons.  In recognition of, and to maximize the utilization of, individuals’ gifts through service and ministry, membership on special committees, councils, and ministry teams does not require Nominating Committee nomination or formal approval by the Church. 

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ARTICLE X - CHURCH FINANCES

Section 1.    BUDGET.  The finances of the Church shall operate on a Unified Budget Plan which shall include all the expenditures for all objects fostered by the Church and denomination.  The budget shall be made up each year, item by item, and submitted to the Church for consideration.  The budget may be adjusted in part, or as a whole, at any time upon recommendation of the Finance Committee and approved by the Administrative Committee and the Church.  This procedure does not in any way change the status of the special offerings sponsored by the Woman's Missionary Union for State, North American and International Missions.

Section 2.    VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS.  The Church has no assessment plan or compulsory method of Christian giving.  Each member shall be encouraged in Christian giving according to the teachings in I Corinthians 16:2 and Malachi 3:10, namely,

“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”  “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”  New International Version.

Section 3.   REGULAR OFFERINGS.  Members and visitors shall be given the opportunity each Lord's Day worship service to give to Lord through the Church.

Section 4.    SPECIAL OFFERINGS.  Special offerings may be sought by the Church or by any of its organizations, only after approval of the Church after recommendation of the Finance Committee.  This shall not preclude individuals from making special offerings at any time as the Spirit may move them.

Section 5.  MISSIONS.  It shall be the policy of this Church to contribute as much of its gross receipts as possible to spreading the Gospel through missions and denominational causes.

Section 6.    EXPENDITURES.  No contract for supplies, materials or services, whereby the credit of the Church is pledged shall be made except upon recommendation of the Finance Committee and the approval of the Administrative Committee and Church.

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ARTICLE XI - ORDINANCES

Section 1.    LORD’S  SUPPER.  The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed by the Church at least once every calendar quarter.  The Deacons are responsible for scheduling, preparing and serving this ordinance. All members of the Church may participate therein, as well as other Christians present at such time.

Section 2.   BAPTISM.  The ordinance of Baptism may be administered at any worship service for the benefit of all persons upon public profession of faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord who will be uniting with the Church.  The Senior Pastor is responsible for scheduling and administering this ordinance.  All others requested to administer Baptism shall do so only with the approval and under the direction of the Senior Pastor.