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About Us Our Staff Articles of Faith Our Convenant Our Constitution Baptist Distintives History |
The church shall be an independent, autonomous Baptist church subject
only to Jesus Christ, its Head. It has the right to cooperate and
associate with other biblical groups on a voluntary basis.
This church shall not associate nor cooperate with any person or group
which is a part of or approves of religious movements and organizations
with beliefs contrary to our articles of faith (II Corinthians 6:14-17;
Romans 16:17, I Tim. 6:3-5).
A.
Membership in this church shall be open to all those who:
1.
Profess to be born again through faith in Jesus Christ;
2.
Have been baptized by immersion following profession of faith in Christ;
3.
Seek to live a Christ-honoring life, avoiding areas of immorality as
taught in Scripture;
4.
Are in agreement with the Covenant, Constitution, and Articles of Faith
of this church.
Membership shall not be denied to any person on the basis of race,
color, sex, or social status.
B.
Candidates may be received into membership by majority vote of the
church after one of the following;
1.
Baptism by immersion following salvation;
2.
A letter of recommendation from another church of like faith and
practice;
3.
Statement of Christian experience (when it is impossible to secure a
church letter), provided the candidate has been saved and immersed;
4.
Restoration to membership after having been dismissed from membership. C. All candidates for baptism and/or membership shall be interviewed by the pastor and/or deacons. They shall give satisfactory evidence of their conversion, Christian experience and acceptance of the covenant, constitution and articles of faith of this church. The pastor and deacons shall recommend qualified candidates to the church for appropriate action.
Section 2. Benefits of Members
The benefit of membership includes voting in all business meetings,
holding office, and serving in positions of leadership such as Sunday
school teacher and ministry leader.
A.
The purpose of church discipline shall be:
1.
To help errant members recognize and repent of their sins so they may be
restored to fellowship with the Lord and this church (Galatians 6:1); 2. To maintain the purity of this church by removing those who are unrepentant toward their sins (I Cor. 5:7, 11)
3.
To restrain others from committing sin
B.
Any unscriptural attitude, action, or violation of the church covenant
may be deemed sufficient cause for discipline, Situations which may
require disciplinary action shall be handled by the pastor and deacons
confidentially, Discipline may include loss of office, placement on the
inactive list, or dismissal from membership. Dismissal from membership
shall be by vote of the church (Matthew
C.
Members who are absent from the services of this church for a period of
90 days without due cause shall be placed on the inactive membership
list. Those on the inactive list may not vote, hold office, or serve in
the church.
D.
Persons on the inactive list who desire to be restored to full
membership shall meet with the pastor and deacons to give satisfactory
evidence of a repentant attitude and renewed interest.
A.
Members who are disciplined by exclusion are removed from membership.
B.
Members who have been on the inactive list for nine months shall be
removed from membership.
C.
Members who unite with other churches shall be removed from membership.
Letters of dismissal with a recommendation may be sent upon request to
other churches of like faith for those members in good standing.
D.
Members who have died shall be removed from membership.
Those professing faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior shall be
immersed in water by the pastor or someone appointed by the pastor
and/or deacons.
The Lord’s Supper shall be served at regular intervals to the assembled
church by the pastor and deacons. Since it is the Lord’s Supper, none
who are born-again shall be barred. The pastor shall explain the meaning
of the ordinance, encouraging those present to examine their own lives
before participating. The elements shall be unleavened bread and grape
juice.
A.
The elected officers of the church shall be pastor, deacons, clerk,
treasurer, and financial secretary.
B.
No person shall be elected to office who has not been a member of this
church for at least six months.
C.
All officers and leaders shall be spiritually mature, loyal to the Word
of God, faithful in attendance and support of the regular services and
business meetings of the church. Their moral conduct shall be beyond
reproach and free of carnal indulgences, such as the use of intoxicating
beverages or drugs, tobacco in all forms, and other worldly practices.
D.
All officers shall normally assume their duties at the conclusion of the
annual business meeting. Any officer unable or unwilling to fulfill the
duties of the office shall resign or the church may vote to declare the
office vacant and shall elect another to fulfill the duties of that
office.
A.
The pastor shall be a fundamental Baptist minister who meets the
qualifications listed in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He shall be a
spiritually mature man who evidences a burden for lost souls and who is
in agreement with the documents and policies of this church. He shall be
a man who has never been divorced nor married to a divorced woman.
B.
A candidate for the pastorate shall be carefully examined by the pulpit
committee as to his salvation, doctrine, Christian conduct and call to
the ministry. If he has served in other churches, his ministry should be
explored for evidence of the Lord’s blessing. Pastoral candidates shall
have opportunity to question and be questioned by the church membership.
C.
A vote to call a candidate pastor may be taken at a meeting of the
church called for that purpose and announced from the pulpit for two
Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting. Voting shall be
by written ballot. Only one candidate shall be considered at any given
meeting. A three-fourths majority of those present and voting shall be
necessary for a call. The deacons shall inform the candidate of the
church’s decision as soon as possible. If favorable, a written
notification shall also be sent to the prospective pastor giving details
of the church-pastoral relationship, including salary, housing and car
allowances, insurance, vacations, etc.
D.
The pastor shall serve for an indeterminate time, and shall continue as
pastor as long as it is mutually agreeable to him and the church. The
pastor may announce his resignation at any time but shall not terminate
his duties until thirty days after his announcement or at a time
mutually agreeable to both him and the church.
E.
The pastor may be dismissed by a two-thirds ballot vote at a meeting
called for that purpose and announced from the pulpit on the two
preceding Sundays. If dismissed, the pastor’s duties shall end
immediately and he shall receive sixty days’ salary.
F.
The pastor, his wife and qualified children shall be received into the
membership of this church.
G.
The pastor shall be the administrative overseer of the church. He shall
be responsible for coordinating the church’s programs and ministries.
The pastor may call a meeting of the church, deacons or committees at
any time and may moderate such meetings. He shall be an ex officio
member of all committees.
H.
The pastor shall receive no less than two weeks of paid vacation
annually. He and his wife may be sent to two conferences per year
approved by the deacons with all expenses paid by the church. Time spent
shall not be considered as vacation time.
A.
The church shall elect from its membership at least two qualified men to
serve as deacons. They shall be spiritually mature men who have been
members of this church for at least six months. They shall be actively
engaged in seeking to win the lost, have a good family testimony, have
never been divorced, and shall be in hearty agreement with the policies
and programs of this church. The must meet the standards of
B.
The term of office shall be two years, arranged so that one-half of the
deacons are elected each year. If a deacon is unable to complete his
term of office, a special election may be held to choose a replacement
to complete the unexpired term.
C.
The deacons shall assist the pastor in promoting the spiritual welfare
of the church, serving as his helpers and counselors. They shall
exercise prudent watch care over the church membership, visiting the
sick and examining candidates for baptism and membership. They shall
assist at baptisms and with the preparation and distribution of the
Lord’s Supper.
D.
The deacons shall serve as trustees of this church for legal purposes.
They shall have authority to acquire and dispose of church property up
to the value of one thousand dollars. All transactions exceeding that
amount shall first be approved by vote of the church except for routine
budget matters. The deacons shall be responsible for the upkeep and
maintenance of the church facilities, equipment and properties.
E.
The deacons shall serve as the pulpit committee when a vacancy occurs in
the office of pastor. They shall also serve on the nominating committee.
A.
All staff personnel such as Associate Pastors, Secretary, and Custodian,
shall be approved by the pastor, work under his supervision and be in
harmony with the program of this church.
B.
All staff personnel shall be called by majority vote of the church upon
the recommendation of the pastor and deacons.
C.
Staff personnel may be dismissed at any time by the pastor and deacons.
Salaried personnel shall be paid thirty days’ salary and shall have
thirty days to vacate church-owned housing. Their duties shall terminate
immediately or at the time set by the pastor and deacons.
A.
A church clerk shall be elected each year at the annual business
meeting. The clerk shall record and maintain a printed record of the
minutes of all business meetings of this church, receive and keep on
file the quarterly and annual reports from all administrative
committees, maintain a current record of membership, baptisms,
receptions and dismissals of members.
B.
The church clerk shall be responsible for all official correspondence
requiring an official signature. The clerk shall certify to the bank the
names of officers who are authorized to have access to the safety
deposit boxes and to sign the checks for disbursement of funds.
C.
The church clerk shall make available all records, files or document
upon request to the pastor, deacons or church. Upon retirement or
removal from office, the clerk shall promptly deliver all records, files
and papers belonging to the church to the newly elected clerk or to the
deacons.
A.
A treasurer shall be elected each year at the annual business meeting,
shall be responsible for keeping an accurate and permanent record of all
financial transactions of church funds and shall make quarterly and
annual reports to the pastor, deacons and church.
B.
The treasurer shall be responsible for depositing all funds in
appropriate accounts at an approved banking facility, shall pay and
record all bills and routine expenses approved by the pastor and deacons
as well as disburse funds and salaries directed by the church.
A.
A financial secretary shall be elected each year at the annual business
meeting. This person, along with others so appointed, shall be
responsible for receiving, counting, and recording all offerings of the
church. This person shall promptly turn all monies over to the treasurer
for deposit and shall give an accurate record thereof to the treasurer
and pastor each week.
B.
The financial secretary shall keep an accurate, confidential record of
all individual contributions and shall issue annual statements of
receipt to all donors.
A.
This church and its ministries shall be financed through the tithes and
offerings of God’s people. No sales, suppers or other commercial means
shall be used. All monies are to be placed in the General Fund under a
unified budget. Additional monies may be borrowed when approved by vote
of the church.
B.
The salaries of the pastor and staff personnel shall be paid from the
General fund and shall be reviewed at least once a year with
consideration being given to the rising cost of living.
C.
All expenses for special meetings and speakers shall be paid from the
General Fund with speakers being reimbursed for their travel expenses.
They shall receive honorariums determined by the pastor and deacons.
All missionary support shall be paid from the Missions Fund. At least
ten percent of the annual budget of the church (or a higher amount
approved by the church) shall be designated from the General Fund to the
Missions Fund. In addition, all special offerings received for missions
shall be transferred to the Missions Fund. Monies will be received for
and sent only to those missionaries who meet the requirements of Article
IX.
A building Fund shall be maintained for the purpose of acquiring
properties, constructing and maintaining the facilities of this church.
At least ten percent of the annual budget of the church (or an amount
approved by the church) shall be designated to the General Fund to the
Building Fund. In addition, all special offerings received for the
Building fund shall be transferred to the Building Fund.
The budget committee shall consist of the pastor, at least two deacons
and the treasurer. It shall be the duties of this committee to prepare
the budget for the ensuing year for presentation to the church for its
approval at the annual meeting. The committee shall function throughout
the year to recommend budget revisions to the church as may be deemed
necessary.
The auditing committee shall consist of two members appointed by the
budget committee. It shall audit all accounts of the church and its
organizations and certify the same by written report at the first
quarter business meeting. All financial records shall be made available
upon request to the auditing committee. The committee may be assisted by
a professional auditing firm if authorized to do so by vote of the
church.
A.
The annual business meeting shall be held during the month of January on
a day set by the pastor and deacons and shall be announced at least two
weeks in advance.
B.
Quarterly business meetings shall be held during the months of April,
July, and October, or on a day set by the pastor and deacons and shall
be announced at least two weeks in advance.
C.
Special business meetings may be called at any time by the pastor or
deacons (with the pastor’s knowledge) or upon written request to the
pastor and deacons by ten unrelated voting members.
D.
The official church year shall coincide with the calendar year.
A.
All items for church action shall first be submitted to the pastor and
deacons for their consideration and recommendation. If an item is
rejected by the pastor and deacons, it may be re-submitted with the
signatures of ten unrelated voting members and shall be placed on the
agenda at the next quarterly business meeting.
B.
The pastor shall moderate all business meetings. If the office of pastor
is vacant, the chairman of the deacons shall serve as the moderator.
C.
Robert’s Rule of Order shall be the final authority when disagreement
arises in procedural matters, unless such matters are covered by this
constitution.
A.
The presence of twenty-five percent of the voting members shall
constitute a quorum. Active members eighteen years of age and older
shall be eligible to vote.
B.
All elections and matters of business shall be decided by majority vote
of members voting unless otherwise stated in this constitution.
C.
Election of officers shall take place at the annual business meeting.
Special elections to complete unexpired terms shall be held as the
nominating committee recommends. Newly elected officers shall assume
their responsibilities at the close of the business meeting during which
they were elected.
A.
This committee shall be composed of the pastor, two deacons and two
members selected by the deacons from the church at large. No elected
officer of the church whose term expires shall be appointed to the
nominating committee.
B.
All nominations shall be submitted in writing to the nominating
committee for review. Unqualified names shall be dropped from
consideration. The committee shall meet with each qualified nominee and
secure consent to serve in harmony with the pastor and the constitution
of the church, if elected.
C.
Names of qualified nominees shall be made public two weeks prior to
elections. If qualified candidates are available two or more members
shall be nominated for each office. No nominations shall be made from
the floor.
D.
The committee shall provide ballot forms for all elections.
A.
Such committees as may be deemed necessary may be appointed by the
pastor and deacons or established by vote of the church for the
furtherance of this ministry.
B.
Each committee chairman shall submit a written report of discussions,
decisions and plans to the pastor and deacons and shall submit written
quarterly and annual reports to the church.
C.
Committees shall make available upon request all records and materials
to the pastor, deacons or church. The pastor and deacons shall have the
right to overrule any plans or decisions made by any committee.
D.
No committee or subsidiary organization shall engage in any practice or
conduct contrary to the position and policies of this church.
Missionaries, mission agencies and organizations desiring to speak in or
be supported by this church shall be Baptist in name and practice. They
shall be in agreement with the doctrinal position of this church and
shall be separated from all forms of apostasy and those who compromise
therewith.
A.
It shall be the policy of this church to support missionaries who are
actively engaged in evangelism, the training of national church leaders
and the establishment of Baptist churches at home and abroad.
B.
Missionary support levels shall be reviewed at least once a year with
consideration being given to the rising cost of living.
A.
This church shall have the right to own, buy, and sell tangible
properties, both real and personal, in its own name and through properly
elected officials, when authorized by vote of the church.
B.
No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any individual from the
assets, holdings or other transactions in which this church may become
involved.
In the event of the dissolution of this church, all of its debts shall
be paid in full. None of its remaining assets or holding shall be
divided among the members or other individuals, but shall be irrevocably
designated by corporate vote of this church prior to dissolution to
non-profit fundamental Baptist organizations which are in agreement with
the articles of faith adopted by this church and in conformity with the
requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Service Code of 1954
(Section 501 C-3) and the laws of the State of Nebraska.
This constitution may be amended, altered or revised by a three-fourths
vote of the members voting at a business meeting of this church called
for that purpose. The proposed amendment(s) shall be made available to
church members at least two weeks prior to said meeting.
The church may adopt from time to time such bylaws in amplification
hereof as may be necessary or desirable, and shall provide therein for
amendment of the same. |
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