Community Baptist Church

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
I Corinthians 14:40

Community Baptist Church
Constitution

March 9, 2008

Cascade – Grande Rapids, Michigan
616-745-3597

PREAMBLE

The Bible admonishes us saying:  “Let all things be done decently and in order”,   I Corinthians 14:40.  To this end do we, the members of the Community Baptist Church of Cascade, Michigan, agree cheerfully, willingly and with joy, to place ourselves under the rule of the Word of God.  We furthermore agree that the following Constitution is the proper interpretation of the Bible in the areas to which it refers.  We do, therefore, willingly place ourselves, individually and corporately, under the standards of the Bible and this agreed upon interpretation which shall herein after be known as the Constitution of the Community Baptist Church.  The Constitution shall include (1) Articles of Faith, (2) By-Laws, (3) Church Covenant, (4) Appendages.

Article One - NAME

The name of this Church shall be called Community Baptist Church of Cascade, Michigan.

Article Two - PURPOSE

Section A:
The purpose of this Church shall be to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Head of this Church.  – Ephesians 5:23 - “For the husband is the head of the wife even as 
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
The Great Commission – Matthew 28:19, 20 - “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.”  Commands that we evangelize and make disciples of the peoples of the world.
Section B:
The medium through which this purpose shall be achieved shall include, but not be limited to, the following:  Sunday School, Sunday Morning Services, Sunday Evening Services, Midweek Services, Youth Ministries, Soul Winning, World Missions, Special Meetings, Christian Day School (Kindergarten through twelfth grade), and may also include any other ministry compatible with the word of God and the spirit of this document that the Spirit of God would lead us into.
Section C:
It is expected that the membership of this Church support the stated purpose of this Church through:
(1) Their faithful attendance at the services and functions.
Hebrews 10:25 - Acts 2:41 -47
(2) Their tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8-10 - I Corinthians 16:2
(3) Personal soul-winning and evangelism.
Matthew 28:19-20 - Acts 1:8
(4) Personal involvement in the ministries.
Ephesians 4:7-16 - Romans 12:6-8
Section D:
Finally, it is our purpose to fully cooperate with our Lord Jesus Christ and His purpose to present unto Himself a glorious and spotless bride, which we believe to be the Church.
Ephesians 5:25-27 - “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also 
loved the church, and gave himself for it:  That he might sanctify and
cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word, That he might 
present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
Section E:
In accordance with changes in Federal, State, and Local laws, by the accepting of this, the Constitution of the Community Baptist Church, it is hereby mandated that only the Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church shall have any and all right to forgo and/or waive the Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech, Assembly, and/or Association, and that by any decree other than that of the Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church shall not be recognized.  If for any reason there is not a presiding Senior Pastor for Community Baptist Church all said responsibilities will go to the Senior/Chairperson of the Board, henceforth referred to as “Chair of Deacons”.

Article Three - AUTONOMY

Since Community Baptist Church, it members, and its physical properties belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, we, to who have been entrusted with its care, have no right or power to submit it to any lesser power.  Community Baptist Church shall therefore remain an independent, autonomous, Baptist Church answering to Jesus Christ alone.  It may, however, participate in fellowship and activity with organizations of like precious faith and practice providing that these are not in any way directly or indirectly associated with New Evangelicalism, Charismatic Movement, the Ecumenicalism, the National or World Council of Churches or any other such apostate groups.

Article Four - MEMBERSHIP

Section A - Requirements
Acts 2:41 - “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and          
the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Every candidate must have had a personal new-birth experience with the Lord Jesus Christ,
John 3:3-7 - “Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say 
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 
God.  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is 
old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be
born?  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh:  and that which is born of    
the Spirit is spirit, Marvel  not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

 

And must have followed Him in Biblical baptism by immersion after salvation,
Romans 6:4 - “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into     
death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of 
the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
. . . in order to qualify for membership.
Section B - By Experience
The candidate will, upon satisfactory verbal testimony to the Pastor or a Deacon, be recommended to the congregation for acceptance into membership of Community Baptist Church.  Upon the congregation’s approval of said recommendation, the individual will then become a member of the church.  The member may then proceed to take the Doctrinal Training Program, which will give him or her an understanding of the doctrinal position of our Church.  Upon satisfactory completion of the Doctrinal Class, the brother or sister will then be asked to sign a Statement of Agreement and receive a Certificate of Membership.  If, upon the completion of the Doctrinal Class, the individual refuses to sign the Statement of Agreement, active voting membership will not be granted.  Active voting membership will also not be granted to those who continue to hold membership in another local church, in ecclesiastical societies, which are not consistent with the Articles of Faith of Community Baptist Church nor the spirit of this Constitution, or those who hold membership in secret oath-bound societies.

Section C -          Children of Member Parents

or
Those Who Have Grown Up In Community Baptist Church
Children who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and have followed the Lord in believer’s baptism by immersion shall become a member of Community Baptist Church at the time of baptism.   Since they are not permitted voting privileges until the age of eighteen (18), when they attain that age, they shall have the option of taking either the Doctrinal Class or the Doctrinal Evaluation Form.  Upon completing the class or the form successfully, they may then sign the Statement of Agreement and receive a Certificate of Membership.  Should that individual not sign the Statement of Agreement, he or she shall not be granted voting status.
Section D - Transfer From Another Fundamental Church
A person coming from another fundamental church of like precious faith and practice my be presented for membership by the Pastor or a Deacon after an investigation has been done as to his/her standing in the church from which he/she is coming.  Should there not be a problem with their standing in that church, the congregation may vote to receive him/her into membership.  The individual may choose to take the Doctrinal Evaluation or proceed with the taking of the Doctrinal Class.  Should they choose to take the Evaluation and pass it successfully, he or she will then sign the Agreement Statement and receive his Certificate of Membership.  Should the individual choose to take the class, they will be required to sign the Agreement Statement upon completion and will then receive the Certificate and be granted full membership.
Section E - Active Members
Regular active members shall be those who have been received into membership according to the conditions and considerations set forth in Sections A through C of Article Four and attend at least two-thirds (2/3) of the regular services of the church during each quarter.  It is further expected that active members shall be in compliance with Article Two of this Constitution.
It shall be the Head Usher’s responsibility to keep an Attendance Chart and to inform the Church Clerk of those who are active members for the purposes of Congregational Meetings.  A list of voting members shall be published and posted prior to all meetings in which a vote would be necessitated. 
Section F - Inactive Members
Inactive members shall be those who fail to attend at least two-thirds (2/3) of the regular services of this church during a quarter of services (26 out of 39 services) or who have not complied with Article Two of this Constitution (see Section H).  Inactive members shall not have the privilege of voting, holding office, nor speaking at a Church Congregational Meeting.  In the event that the Inactive Member wishes to become active once again, he or she may do so by attending twenty-six (26) of the stated services in the next quarter.  This is providing that the Inactive Member in question is not under Church Discipline.

 

 

 

Section G - Associated Membership
Associate Membership may be granted to full-time Christian workers or college students who, at their request and because of their circumstances, require membership in another fundamental church.  Others with unique circumstances may be given special consideration by the Pastor.  An Associate Member has the privilege of service but not of vote or office.
Section H - Special Membership Cases
It is often true that in an active church some of its members must absent themselves from the body for a lengthy time due to employment, college, military service, or severe illness.  Such members who have had Active Membership status, prior to their having to absent themselves from this body for the above given reasons, upon return, shall be granted full Active Member status immediately.
Section I - Deletion of Membership
When for differing circumstances, there comes a time when a member must leave permanently, the following procedures will be followed:
(1) If the member who is moving to another fundamental church requests a Letter of Recommendation and Transfer of Membership, the congregation shall authorize the Clerk to forward the requested letter.
(2) If an Inactive Member shows no further interest in this Church, the Pastor may, after consultation with the Deacons, recommend to the congregation that he or she be stricken from the Membership Roll.  This shall be done only after an answered telephone call or some other form of personal communication has been attempted by means of restoration.  After the above-mentioned has been satisfied and restoration has not been accomplished, an office letter shall be sent by the Clerk by registered mail stating the intentions of the congregation.
(3) Exclusion by discipline  (See Section J)
(4) Death
Section J  -  Discipline
Since the Pastor has been given the responsibility for the church as the Undershepherd, and since he must give account to the Lord for it (Hebrews 13:17), it is his responsibility in a spirit-filled and led manner to help the brethren with their differences (Matthew 18:15-16).

Should there be a case of violation of Scriptural Doctrine of standards; the full force of Scripture must be applied for the purpose of restoration.  The following procedure shall be followed:

(1) The offended shall confront the individual with his offense in light of the Word of God.  Should the offender repent, reconciliation shall be made and further action will be unnecessary.
(2) Should the offender refuse to make reconciliation after the first step is initiated, the offended may contact the Pastor and the two of them shall jointly confront the offender.  Should the offender acknowledge his offense and make reconciliation, no further action is necessary.
(3) At the time at which the Pastor and the offended confront the offender, the Pastor will determine whether the offended has indeed been biblically offended by the offender.  Should the Pastor determine that there has been no legitimate offense, he shall counsel the “offended” and attempt to bring about reconciliation between the “offender” and the “offended.”
(4) Should the Pastor and the offended party find the offender unwilling to acknowledge his offense and make reconciliation, the Pastor shall then present this refusal to the Deacons for prayer and advisement.
(5) The individual in question shall then be advised of a hearing before the Board on the matter.  This advisement shall be done be the Secretary of the Board by registered mail.  The Board shall then proceed with its hearing.  If the individual continues to rebel, the Board shall then set a date for a congregational hearing.  The individual in question shall be informed by the Church Clerk through registered mail of the Congregational Meeting and its purpose.
(6) The individual accused of the offense shall then have an opportunity to present his or her case providing that they do so in a Christian spirit.  Should the defendant request and require representation in presenting their defense, he or she will submit to the Pastor and Board of the Church the name and qualifications of the perspective representative.  The Pastor and Board shall determine whether the representative is qualified and an acceptable representative in our Church.  Should the representative be acceptable by the Pastor and Board, the defendant and his representative will be notified by the Board.  No representative shall speak that is not acceptable by both the Pastor and Church Board.
(7) The congregation shall then vote on the matter.
(8) A simple majority of the congregation present shall be required in matters of discipline.
(9) The motivation for discipline shall always be restoration.
(10) In the event that the Office of Pastor be vacant, the Vice-Chairman of the Board shall assume the responsibilities of the Pastor in the above-mentioned procedure.
(11) The following shall be considered grounds for discipline:
(a.) Those guilty of doctrinal heresy who refuse to repent (I Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17,18).
(b.) Those slandering the character of any member of this church or engaging in hurtful destructive criticism of the methods and practices of this Church, Pastor, Deacons or any other person serving the Lord through Community Baptist Church (Proverbs 6:19; I Timothy 1:4; II Timothy 2:16 and 23).
(c.) Those who circulate petitions and/or literature without prior    consent of the Pastor and/or Deacons.
(d.) Those not repenting of immorality.
(e.) Those calling a meeting which hinders or interrupts the work of the Pastor or the servants of this Church.
(12) Disciplinary measures at the disposal of the Pastor - Chair of Deacons and /or church depending on the offense.
(a.) Removal from office and/or ministry.  This particular form of discipline can be applied by the Pastor and/or the Chair of Deacons when the individual in question has violated the general standards of conduct and requirements for the ministry at Community Baptist Church.
(b.) Placing on Inactive Roll.  This form if discipline may be exercised by the Pastor and Chair of Deacons when one’s life, activity, or attitude is less than Christ-like and has become detrimental to the furtherance of the  Gospel and edification of the body of Christ at Community Baptist Church.  This discipline will mean that the individual in question will be released from any and all responsibilities of ministry and shall not have the privilege of voting, holding office, nor speaking at a Church Congregational Meeting.
(c.) Discipline within the membership.  There are offenses that are greater than the matters of “a” and “b” of this particular section.  When Pastor and Deacon(s) of the Church recommends to the congregation that this action be taken, automatically included in this action are the actions mentioned “a” and “b” in this item.  In this discipline, the member retains membership, albeit inactive, but he is to be shunned by the balance of the membership so that he might be brought back to a life of fellowship with Christ and his brethren (I Thessalonians 3:10-13; Romans 16:17).
(d.) Removal from membership.  This is an action that is ultimately taken by the congregation when an individual’s offense is such as Scriptures require for removal from the fellowship (I Timothy 1:20; I Corinthians 5:3-5,13).
(13)  Biblical Purposes for Church Discipline
(a) Discipline, whether it be from a church office or church ministry of church membership, always has as its purpose restoration (Galatians 6:1).
(b) Discipline must be administered with love, kindness, and a compassionate spirit so that the one being disciplined might see the love of God flowing through our church in an attempt to bring him or her back to a disciplined life. 
(c) Discipline often brings the disciplined to shame so that he or she will in turn leave their unbiblical lifestyle and return to the Lord (II Thessalonians 3:14,15).
(d) When discipline has brought about the Biblical end, and the brother or sister has repented, the Pastor and Board of the church shall take the following measures:
(1) Examine the individual’s testimony to determine its authenticity.
(2) Require that the restitution be as broad as the commission.  Should the sin have been against an individual brother or sister, restitution must be between those individuals.  Should the sin have been as broad as against the entire church body then restitution must be made to the entire church body.  It is our purpose, to deal with sin in such a fashion that Satan does not have an opportunity to exploit it through gossip of the spreading of the information beyond the necessary bounds. 
(3) Make a determination regarding active membership, active ministry, and participation in the Lord’s Supper.
(4) Each case of restoration will be dealt with individually and by no means any broader than the breadth of the administered discipline.

Article Five - FINANCES

Section A - Raising of Funds
1. The primary source of the support for the Lord’s work at Community Baptist Church shall be through tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10; I Corinthians 16:2).
2.   The Biblical concept of stewardship shall be taught and encouraged.
3.   No member shall hold a position of leadership at Community Baptist Church who does not practice Biblical stewardship beginning with a minimum of a tithe.  
Section B -  Disbursement of Funds
1. All funds shall be disbursed through a congregationally approved bank.
2. The Pastor and Board shall annually present the congregation with a proposed budget.  The congregation shall have the option of adopting the budget, revising the budget, or sending it back to the Chair of Deacons for additional study and a new recommendation.  Upon ultimate congregational approval, the heads of departments shall be authorized to spend the funds allocated to them by said budget.  Heads of departments may spend their allotted funds based on the system of available funds.
3. The Pastor, in consultation with the Chair of Deacons, may spend up to, but no more than, five percent (5%) of the Annual Budget per year from funds not allocated in that budget.
4. Any additional funds not allocated in the congregationally approved budget must be requested from the congregation at a Congregational Meeting and will be considered an addition to the Budget.  The exception to this is Special Love Offerings.
5. All funds will be distributed through the Treasurer of the Church.

Article Six - OFFICERS

Section A - PhilosophyWhereas the Bible placed the responsibility of the local church on the shoulders of the Pastor,
Hebrews 13:17 - “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
he is responsible for all that happens in the church and will give account for the church at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Due to the enormity of this task, the Pastor of Community Baptist Church shall have persons who are active members of Community Baptist Church appointed or elected to assist the Pastor in many duties (See Article Six, Section D).
Section B - General Standards for Church Officers and Leadership
1. It is expected and required that all in leadership shall be in hearty agreement with the Constitution of this Church.
2. All in leadership shall be in agreement with a soul-winning philosophy and shall be personally involved in reaching of the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. Leaders are expected to live a surrendered, prayerful, Christian life, especially in respect to loyal obedience to the moral precepts taught by the Word of God for the believer.
4. Leaders are expected to contribute by way of a tithe the minimum of ten percent (10%) of their income to Community Baptist Church.
5. Leaders shall abstain from the use of all alcoholic beverages, tobacco in all forms, vulgar and profane language, gambling in any form, dancing, night clubs, theaters, movies, membership in any secret oath bound society, the misuse of drugs, and other spiritually detrimental activities, i.e. some television programs that by there very nature are Biblically inappropriate along with the rental of inappropriate video movies (Matthew 5:34-36; James 5:12).
6. The Leadership is expected to attend all Board and Committee Meetings pertinent to his office and all stated meetings of the church unless sickness, death in the family, or work makes such attendance impossible.
7. Leaders are expected to hold in strict confidence all the business transacted and are to be loyally supportive of all decisions made by the church leadership.
8. Leaders are to adhere to such standards of dress and appearance as set forth by the church, Pastor and Board, or in the case of no Pastor the Board will give direction concerning dress standards.
Section C - List of Officers
This church shall consist of the following officers (at that time when Community Baptist Church can be set in Biblical order):
1. Pastor
2. Deacons
3. Treasurer
4. Financial Secretary
5. Clerk
6. Head Usher
Section D - Selection of Officers
1. Pastor -  The Pastor is appointed by God and is God’s gift to the local church
Ephesians 4:11-13 - “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”
The Pastor of Community Baptist Church shall not be considered an employee of the same but rather will be recognized as a servant of God and as such shall be free to respond to the leading of the Spirit of God in his personal life, as well as, his leadership in the ministries of Community Baptist Church.
a. Procedures for Procuring a Pastor
1. The Pulpit Committee shall be responsible to investigate thoroughly prospective candidates.  They shall present to the congregation one name at a time for congregation consideration.  This presentation is done only after securing the candidate’s permission.
2. The Candidate shall demonstrate the qualifications set forth in Article Seven, Section B, item #1.
3. When the Committee presents the name of a candidate to the church and the members have had the opportunity to hear him preach at least one Sunday, they must then prayerfully consider and agree that God is really presenting this individual to this church to be Pastor.  The agreement shall be seen in a vote that shall not be less than a seventy-five percent (75%) majority of the necessary quorum.  (See Article Eleven, Section B).
4. The Church Clerk shall then report in writing to the candidate the consensus of this congregation.  Should it be in the affirmative, the Clerk shall indicate that Community Baptist Church recognizes God’s gift to it in the person of the candidate in question.
5. The candidate must then decided whether he believes that he is indeed God’s gift to this church.  Should he decide in the affirmative, the Pastor-Church relationship shall begin at a mutually acceptable date.  Should the candidate not agree, the above procedure shall be repeated.
b. Call and Agreement (See Appendage)
2. Deacons
a.  A Deacon shall be selected by the vote of the congregation at any regularly scheduled Congregational Meeting, or at any specially called Congregational Meeting providing that it has been announced at least two (2) Sunday mornings prior to said Special Congregational Meeting.
a. The Deacon shall be selected to serve a three year term.  When his term is expired, he shall wait for not less than one fiscal year before being eligible to be selected for the office of Deacon again.
b. No Deacon shall be selected without endorsement of the Pastor.  In the event of the Pastor’s office being vacant, the Deacons must give their unanimous approval to each nominee.
c. There shall be a minimum of two (2) deacons, once the church is established, and a maximum which shall be determined by the needs of the ministry and the available qualified men for the office. Should there not be the minimum number of qualified men, the Pastor shall appoint three men to serve as the Property Committee.  If during his term of office, a Deacon should deem it necessary to resign, or if the Pastor or Board asks him to resign, or if the congregation votes him out of office, the Pastor and Board may proceed to appoint a qualified man to fill the balance of the term of office.  Men who are in their one year waiting period are eligible for appointment, and this appointment does not invalidate their eligibility to being presented to the congregation for a full three year term after their appointed term has been fulfilled.
3. Treasurer
a. The Treasurer shall be appointed annually by the Pastor after consultation with the Deacons. 
b. His term of office shall be for one year.
4. Financial Secretary  (Same as Treasurer)
5. Church Clerk (Same as Treasurer)
6. Head Usher (Same as Treasurer)

Article Seven - THE STANDARDS FOR OFFICERS

Section A - Pastor
1. The Pastor of the Community Baptist Church shall meet the qualifications laid down for him in I Timothy 3:1-7.

2. He shall be male in gender by birth.
3. He shall be the husband of one wife or never having been married           (I Cor. 7:7).
4. He shall have attained the age of at least twenty-one (21) years.
5. He shall display evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
6. He shall be heterosexual in his sexuality.
7. He shall never have been divorced and remarried nor married to a divorcee.
8. He shall show proficiency in the Word of God.
9. He shall use the Authorized King James Version, no copyright newer than 1917, as his text (believing it to be God’s preservation of His Word for English speaking people).
10. He shall be one whose character is above reproach.
11. He shall show evidence if his ability to carry out the functions of his office.
12. He shall be in total agreement with the Doctrinal Statement and philosophy of this church.
13. He shall be a man who practices and leads in the area of Biblical stewardship.
14. He shall further carry out the following responsibilities:
a.      Preach and teach the Word of God as the Word of God at all services unless he has made arrangements for a pulpit supply.
b.     Shall administer all programs of the church with aid of his officers and staff.
c.      Shall counsel when called upon.
d.     Shall be a soul winner.
e.      Shall walk in a manner as to set a Christ-like example for his people.
f.      He shall exalt only the Lord Jesus Christ in his life and ministry.
g.     He shall serve as the Chairman of the Board.
h.     He shall moderate all church Congregational Meetings.
i.       He shall be ex-officio on all Boards and Committees of Community Baptist Church.  As such, he shall have the right to vote, and all other rights given to members of Boards and Committees.
Section B - Deacon
1.  He shall meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3:8-13.
2. He shall be in total agreement with the Doctrinal Statement of this church and with its philosophy and Constitution.
3. He shall be a person who practices Biblical stewardship.  Upon agreeing to the nomination of Deacon, his giving records shall be verified by Pastor and/or Deacons.
4. He shall be a person male by gender from birth.
5. He shall have reached the age of twenty-one (21).
6. He shall show evidence of the spirit-filled life.
7. He shall be heterosexual in his sexuality.
8. He shall never have been divorced, nor married to a divorcee.
9. He shall be the husband of one wife.
10. He shall have the spirit of service.
11. He shall carry out the following responsibilities:
a.      Give Biblical counsel to the Pastor when requested.
b.     Minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the membership of Community Baptist Church.
c.      Present, at the appropriate times, names of qualified people for elective offices.
d.     Study and make recommendations to the congregation with respect to congregational budgets.
e.      In the event that the office of Senior Pastor become vacant the Deacons will seek out the man of God’s choosing to fill that vacancy pursuant to the methods heretofore explained in this Constitution.
f.      Shall serve as stewards of physical properties.
g.     Shall assist the Pastor in making the ministries effective.
h.     Shall care for those people that have been entrusted to his care in the Deacon’s Caring Program.
i.       Assist the Pastor in the administration of the ordinances.
Section C - Treasurer
1. Shall be a person of integrity.
2. Shall be a person who demonstrates a burden for souls.
3. Shall be a person who understands the Biblical priorities of financing and programming.
4. Shall be a person who can handle confidential material.
5. Shall be a person who practices Biblical stewardship.
6. His / her responsibilities shall consist of the following:
a.      Assist the Pastor in distributing of funds in accordance with the congregationally approved budget.
b.     Present to the Pastor a monthly Statement of Disbursements.
c.      Present a total Financial Statement to the congregation at least every six months.
Section D - Financial Secretary
1. Shall be a person of integrity.
2. Shall be a person who demonstrates a burden for souls.
3. Shall be a person who understands the Biblical priorities of financing and programming.
4. Shall be a person who can handle confidential material.
5. Shall be a person who practices Biblical stewardship.
6. His / her responsibilities shall consist of the following:
a.      To assist the Pastor in the oversight of the counting and banking of all church funds.
b.     To keep an accurate record of individual giving for the purpose of giving a personal report at the end of each calendar year.
c.      To oversee the envelope program and to see that all members and interested attendees receive an envelope packet.
d.     Present a monthly statement of all incomes to the Pastor, and at least a semi-annual report.
e.      Present a weekly statement of all incomes and balances to the Pastor, for each fund held by the church; i.e. General Fund, Missions, Building, etc..
Section E - Church Clerk
1. Shall be a person of integrity.
2. Shall be a person who is faithful in the attendance of all services.
3. Shall be a person who has the best interest of the Community Baptist Church at heart.
4. His / her responsibilities shall consist of the following:
a.      To supervise all formal and official communications from Community Baptist Church to other churches of like precious faith and practice.
b.     To keep accurate minutes and records of all church Congregational Meetings.
c.      To keep accurate records of membership, both active and inactive, and give the Pastor a report of active members prior to each Congregational Meeting of the church.  In connection with the Congregational Meetings of the church, the clerk shall post a list of all active members in a conspicuous place one week prior to said Congregational Meeting.
d.     To keep records and statistics of decisions and baptisms made during the fiscal year of the church.
Section F - Head Usher
1. Shall be a person of integrity.
2. Shall be a person who demonstrates a burden for souls.
3. Shall be a person who is faithful in attendance to all stated church services.
4. Shall be a person who can serve as a host to all who attend the services of the Community Baptist Church.
5. Shall oversee the accurate counting of the attendance at all services.
6. He shall be responsible for the determination of members present for the purpose of determining active membership.
7. Shall be responsible to report to the Pastor the statistics pertaining to his office.

Article Eight - TERMINATION OF AN OFFICER

Section A - General Reasons For Termination

Should, for any reason, an officer not continue to maintain the standard of qualification for his office, the Pastor and/or Chair of Deacons shall confront him; and should there be no change in attitude or action, his term of office shall be terminated.

Section B - Specific Guidelines For Termination
1. Pastor
a.      If the Pastor or the congregation desire to terminate their call and agreement, there shall be no less than one month’s notice, although this time may be abbreviated by mutual consent of the Pastor and the Board.
b.     If the church finds the Pastor guilty of heresy, he shall be dismissed immediately from his pulpit, teaching, and administrative duties.  He shall receive thirty (30) days’ salary and benefits.
c.      If he be dismissed for immoral practices, he shall be released immediately from all duties and he or his family, at the discretion of the Board, shall receive ninety (90) days’ salary and benefits.
d.     In the event that the Pastor is accused of heresy of immorality, a mutual council (See the New Directory for Baptist Churches by Edward Hiscocks) comprised of three Pastors selected by the accused Pastor and three Pastors selected by the Board may be convened at the request of either the accused Pastor or the church.  These six (6) Pastors will select a seventh (7^th) Pastor.  The council shall thoroughly investigate the charges and make its recommendation to the church for action.
e.       Should there be a dismissal for any other reason not mentioned above, he shall receive at least thirty (30) days’ salary and benefits.  The Pastor and/or the church may request a mutual council for any items of dismissal.
f.      The Pastor may not be dismissed with less than seventy-five percent (75%) vote of the congregation, a quorum being necessary (See Article Ten, Section B, Item 6).
g.     Before the church may vote on the dismissal of a Pastor, a meeting of the church must be called with an announcement made two (2) Sunday morning services prior to the advent of the stated meeting with the purpose for the meeting to be publicly declared.
2. Deacon
a.      In the event of heresy or immorality, Article Four, Section H will come into full force.
b.     In the event of disloyalty to the Pastor and/or program, the Pastor shall confront said Deacon.
c.      Should there be repentance, the matter shall be dropped.
d.     In the event that there is no repentance, the Pastor shall ask for the Deacon’s resignation.  Should he refuse to resign, the Pastor shall then present the matter before the Board.
e.      Should their recommendation be in agreement with that of the Pastor, they shall give the Deacon opportunity to resign.
f.      If he continues to refuse, the matter shall be presented before the congregation for action.  A simple majority of votes from the congregation are required for the dismissal since that is what is required for the dismissal since that is what is required to elect a Deacon.
3. Treasurer
Since the Treasurer is appointed by the Pastor, the Pastor shall, therefore, be    
responsible to handle the termination should this become necessary.

4. Financial Secretary (Same as Treasurer).
5. Church Clerk (Same as Treasurer).
6. Head Usher (same as Treasurer).

Article Nine - STAFF

Section A - Definition
Staff shall be those individuals who have been placed in the employment of Community Baptist Church and receive their payment in a W-2 or 1099 IRS format.  Independent Contractors shall not be considered staff.  There shall be three categories of staff members.
(1) Profession Staff.
(2) Ministering Staff, and
(3) Support Staff.
Professional Staff shall be those who have had either formal professional training, experience in their specific field, or are recognized by the Pastor and Board as being those who have been specifically gifted and called of God to this particular level of service.
Ministering Staff shall be those people whose ministry does not necessarily require the above mentioned standards but who believe that God has called them to minister to the lives of people.
Support Staff shall be those who will directly or indirectly support both the professional and ministering staff in making their ministries a possibility and a reality.
1. He/she must meet all the standards of an officer of the church.
2. The said staff member shall assist the Pastor in the areas assigned to him/her by the Pastor.
Section B - Relationship
1. It shall be the Pastor’s responsibility to hire any and all staff and consequently will be responsible to the Pastor.
2. He/she shall report to the Pastor.
3. It is his/her job will be to help the Pastor with the office of Pastor.
Section C - Termination
1. Since the Pastor hired the staff members, the Pastor shall also have total responsibility for terminating the same.
2. There shall not be any appeal to the decision made by the Pastor with regard to termination.
Section D - Finances
1. When the church believes that the Pastor needs help with the carrying out of his duties, it will grant an additional portion of the budget to the area of the ministries with a designation for a specific area.
2. The “checks and balances” of this system is found in the congregationally approved budget.

Article Ten - MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH

Section A - Worship Services1. The Bible is clear that the first day of the week, Sunday, is the day for God’s people to gather for fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
Acts 2:41-42 - “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
I 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.”
2. Community Baptist Church shall, therefore, have at least Sunday School, Morning preaching service, and an evening service each Sunday.  The Authorized King James Version of the Bible shall be the only textbook used at all services.
3. There shall be a weekly mid-week service.
Section B - Congregational Meetings
1. There shall be an Annual Congregational Meeting each May, the date to be determined by the Pastor.
2. The ministries and activities conducted between the dates of April 1^st and March 31^st will be dealt with at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
3. Any regular service or meeting of the church may be considered a congregational meeting for the purpose of voting in new members of dealing with the voting out of inactive members.
4. Special Congregational Meetings may be called only by the Pastor and/or the Deacons providing that the meeting is announced in at least one public service prior to this said congregational meeting.  If the matters to be transacted at said Special Congregational Meeting require a congregational vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) majority of quorum present, the Meeting must be announced at two (2) prior consecutive Sunday Morning Services and a written announcement placed in a conspicuous place for all to see at least two (2) weeks in advance of it.
5. The intent and purpose for such a special congregational meeting must also be given in the above mentioned announcement.
6. All active members who have attained the age of eighteen (18) are encouraged to participate and vote in all of our church’s congregational meetings.
7. No vote shall be taken at any Congregational Meeting without the quorum being present.  A quorum shall consist of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active voting members. (See Article Four, Section D).
8. A simple majority shall decided all matters except the following which requires a seventy five percent (75%) vote:  the calling of a Pastor, borrowing of money that exceeds five percent (5%) of the Annual Budget, purchase or sale of major church property, (any item valued over five percent (5%) of the Annual Budget, or unless stipulated in the Budget), dismissing the Pastor, amending this Constitution.
9. Any of the above that requires a seventy-five percent (75%) majority shall not be voted on except there be a posted notice and verbal announcement two (2) Sunday morning services before the vote is taken.  The membership shall be encouraged to spend time in prayer and securing the Will of God in the matter in question during the two (2) weeks.
10. Absentee ballots will not be accepted.
11. Christian courtesy shall be the standard by which each meeting shall be conducted.

Article Eleven - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

Section A - Church Board 
1. The Board, known as the Chair of Deacons, shall be made up of the Deacons and its Senior Pastor.  Staff members may not serve as Deacons.
2. It shall be its purpose to pray with and for the Pastor, counsel the Pastor in matters pertaining to the administrative portion of his office, help in the oversight of the physical plant and properties of the church, assist the Pastor in setting forth of policies that shall help the church move forward with unity and cohesiveness, and to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of God’s people at Community Baptist Church.
3. The Pastor shall be the Chairman of this Board.
4. This Board shall appoint a Vice-Chairman annually who shall function as the Chairman of the Board and Congregation in the absence of the Pastor or in the event that the office of Pastor is vacant.
5. The Board shall appoint a Secretary who shall keep permanent and accurate records of all the proceedings of the Board Meetings.
6. It shall never be the purpose of this Board to usurp the authority of the Pastor’s Office.
7. The Board shall meet at least once per month for prayer and discussion of church matters.
8. The Board shall be the legal representatives of Community Baptist Church to State and Federal Government.
Section B - Staff
1. Staff shall be made up of those defined previously in this Constitution.
2. It shall be the purpose of the staff to assist the Pastor in the day-to-day ministries of Community Baptist Church in his or her own designated area.
3. The staff shall meet with regularity for the purposes of prayer and the discussions of the carrying out of the program and ministries of our church.
4. At least one time per year, the Staff and Board shall meet for the purpose of sharing their burdens, visions, and purposes for our church.  The purpose for this meeting shall be that of communication and bearing one another’s burdens.
Section C - Committees
1. The Pastor and/or Chair of Deacons and/or Congregation may appoint a working committee(s) to do a designated task.
2. These committees shall be made up of active members of Community Baptist Church.
3. When the designated task is completed, the committee shall disband.
4. No committee shall serve in an administrative capacity.  Their function is advisory, study, and/or work.