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Church Constitution |
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For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith and to the end that this body be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of the Missionary Baptist Churches affiliated with the Baptist State Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the church, and to set forth this body to other bodies of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution. |
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This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Iva, Anderson County, South Carolina. |
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The purpose of this body shall be to provide regular opportunities for public worship, to sustain the ordinances, doctrines and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ; to nurture its members through a program of Christian Education; to channel its offerings to the support of the objects of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, and to preach and to propagate among all people the gospel of the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. |
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Section 1. The membership of this church shall be composed of persons who have given evidence of regeneration, who have been baptized by immersion, who have subscribed to the covenant and constitution of this church, and who have been received by majority vote into the church. Section 2. A member of another Baptist Church of like faith and order may be received by vote of the church upon a letter of dismission from that church.
Section 3. Anyone who has been once a member of a Baptist church, and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has no regular letter of dismission, may be received into our fellowship upon a statement satisfactory to our church.
Section 4. Letters of dismission may be granted to any church of like faith and order for members in good standing. When letters are granted, membership in this church will terminate. Section 5. When a member of this church joins a church of different faith and order membership in this church will terminate. Section 6. The church, after due notice and opportunity for hearing and kindly efforts to make such action unnecessary, may terminate the membership of persons who habitually absent themselves from the services when well and able to attend, or otherwise fail to fulfill the obligations specified in the Church Covenant. Section 7. In considering the details involved, members are expected, first of all, to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly the services of the church; to give regularly and systematically to its support and its causes, and to share in its organized work. Section 8. In considering the rights involved, members and members only, may act and vote in the transactions of the church. |
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Section 1. This church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training and fellowship. Section 2. The church shall hold regular business meetings at which time the material and spiritual conditions of the church will be discussed and plans projected for progress. Section 3. Other meetings of the church as a whole or of authorized groups within the church shall be set according to the needs of the congregation. Section 1. The officers of this church shall be a pastor and other vocational leaders as needed, deacons, trustees, clerk, treasurer, and such other officers as shall be required for the work of the church in any of its departments or organizations. All of these shall be elected by the church and shall be members in good standing. Section 2. Election and Duties
Whenever a vacancy occurs a pastor shall be called by the church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the pastor or the church. In either case, at least ninety days notice shall be given of termination if the relationship unless otherwise mutually agreed, with both pastor and church seeking to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The call of the pastor shall take place at a meeting especially set for that purpose of which at least one week’s notice has been given to the membership. The election shall be upon the recommendation of a special committee appointed to seek out and to nominate as pastor a minister of the Gospel whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office of pastor of this church. The committee shall bring only one name at a time for consideration of the church and no nomination shall be made except that of the committee. Election shall be by written ballot with an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of those present and voting necessary for call. Should the one recommended by the committee fail to receive a three-fourths (3/4) vote, the committee will be instructed to seek out another minister and the meeting shall be adjourned without debate. The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church; he shall be ex-officio member of all organizations, departments and committees; he may call a special meeting of the deacons or any committee according to procedures which may be set forth in the By-Laws; he shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to members of the church and community, and perform other duties that usually pertain to that office; he shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and shall, in cooperation with the Pulpit Committee or the Deacons, provide for pulpit supply when he is absent and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other special services. The pastor shall preside at all meetings of the church except as otherwise provided by the By-Laws. He shall be administrative head of the church and shall arrange and approve all absences and vacations of all church employees.
There shall be at least three deacons for the first 100 members of the church and three additional deacons for each 100 additional members, up to 500 members; and then as many other deacons as the church may require. These shall be elected from among those members who have proven themselves to have scriptural qualifications. Deacons shall be elected for a term of three years with one-third of the number being elected each year. After the completion of a full three-year term, no deacon shall be eligible to re-election until after the lapse of one full year. Election of deacons shall be by secret ballot. Each member who desires to participate in the nominations of deacons shall place as many names as he wishes of those believed qualified, up to the number of names, on a piece of paper. Each name shall be considered individually. A screening committee appointed by the pastor will check the qualifications of each person nominated and if there is no Biblical or moral reason why this person should not be elected deacon of this church his name shall be placed on the election ballot. On the Sunday following the nominations, the ballots shall be passed out and the nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected as our new deacons. A vacancy in the Board caused by removal, resignation, or death, shall be filled at the regular time of election. The deacons shall elect annually their own chairman. Deacons shall at all times consider themselves as servants of the church. With the pastor, and as the Holy Spirit may direct, they are to consider and to make recommendations to the church in all matters pertaining to its work and progress, including oversight of the discipline of the church; establish and maintain spiritual fraternal relations with all members of the church; assisting the pastor in the observance of the ordinances, having general oversight over the upkeep, repair and use of the church property, and supervising the financial program of the church. They shall arrange for regular meetings and such committees as are necessary to discharge of their duties. The pastor or the chairman of the Board of Deacons may call the deacons into special session whenever such need arises. The church recognizes the following practical standard and urges that each deacon adopt it as his personal goal:
The church shall elect at least three members to serve as trustees. Their term of office shall be fore three years with one-third of the number elected each year. Vacancies may be filled at any time with the one elected filling out the un-expired term of the one whose vacancy is being filled. Having served as a trustee during a previous term will not disqualify a member for re-election. The trustees shall, as provided by law and the action of the church, hold in trust the title to all property of the church and shall represent the church in all matters of legal responsibility regarding the purchase, improvement and disposal of church property. They shall execute all legal papers relating to the church and to the community as the church may direct. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action; neither shall they have any control over the use of church property except by vote of the church.
The clerk and the assistant clerk shall be elected annually. It shall be his duty to attend, or to be represented at, all church business meetings, to keep an accurate record of all business transactions, to prepare the annual associational letter and to notify all officers, members of committees and messengers of their election or appointments. He shall issue letters of dismission as authorized by the church, preserve all papers, valuable letters and records that belong to the church and preserve a true history of the church. It shall also the duty of the clerk to see that an accurate roll of the church membership is kept with dates and methods of admission and dismissal, change in name, correct mailing addresses and other pertinent information.
The treasurer and assistant treasurer shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, keep in the bank, and disburse by check upon proper authority all money or things of value that are given to the church, and keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, rendering regular account to the church to be preserved by the church clerk. The treasurer’s books shall be audited as arranged by the church and all books, records, and accounts kept by him shall be considered the property of the church. The treasurer shall upon invitation meet with the deacons and shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee. The assistant treasurer shall act in absence or inability of the treasurer to discharge his duties and perform all duties of his office. Section 1. License When a member announces to the church that he feels the call to the ministry, the church, by majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgement of his call to the ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it. The clerk of the church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credentials. It is understood that the performance of civil duties by the member shall be governed by state law. Section 2 – Ordination In the event this church has been requested to ordain a member who has been called as pastor of a Baptist church the following prodecure shall be followed: The church will express its approval by a three-fourths vote of the members present at the regularly arranged business meeting of the church. The church shall invite the Associational. Council on Ordinations to examine the candidate concerning his fitness for the ministry. In the event the association has no such council, this church shall invite representatives of neighboring churches to examine the candidate and to report to the church. In the event the report of the committee is favorable the church shall proceed with the ordination. Section 3. – Affiliation with Associations and Conventions We recognize that there is mutual helpfulness in the association of churches who are in such agreement in faith and practice as to encourage the spirit of fellowship and good will. We also recognize that there have been devised, through the voluntary cooperation of churches of like faith and order, organizations whose purpose it is to implement the missionary, educational and benevolent interests and obligations of the individual Christian and his church family. Believing that the Saluda Baptist Association, the Baptist State Convention of South Carolina, and the Southern Baptist Convention are organizations who have as their sole purpose the promotion and the support of missions, education and benevolence of the character in keeping with this spirit of the Constitution and the Articles of Faith of this church, we, therefore agree to participate in these organizations through our duly elected messengers and our support to the causes which these organizations represent. Section 4 – Property Holding It is agreed that the securing and maintaining of real property, buildings and equipment by this church shall be for the express purpose of providing facilities for providing public worship and for the engagement upon the missionary, educational, and benevolent interests of this church, of the character and in the spirit of the Constitution and the Articles of Faith of this congregation. If at any time the church shall determine to alter the quality of its beliefs and practices so as in important respects to be a variance with the character described in this Constitution and in the Articles of Faith, if the decision is by less than unanimous vote of those present at a regular business meeting of the church, it is understood that the rights of the property of the church shall inhere in that part of the congregation which shall agree to continue to use the property for the purpose for which it was purchased and has been to that time maintained. Article VII – Adoption and Amendments Section 1 This constitution shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two-thirds of the members present at the regular business meeting at which vote is taken shall vote in favor of the same. This vote shall be taken not less that thirty days after formal presentation of the Constitution the church. Section 2 This constitution may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church providing, however, that such amendment, alteration or repeal must be given to the clerk in writing and this proposed change be presented to the church at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken. |
By-Laws |
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Article 1 – Meetings Section 1 The regular worship services of the church shall be held on Sundays and Wednesday evenings unless otherwise agreed upon by the church. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least once a quarter at a time approved by the church. The annual meeting for the election of officers shall be held one month prior to the beginning of the associational year unless otherwise approved by the church. Section 2 The church shall hold regular business meetings at least quarterly. Special business meetings may be called by the pastor or the chairman of the deacons at such time as they may be needed, with reasonable notice of the time and place of the meeting given to the congregation. The pastor shall serve as Moderator of the business sessions of the church. In his absence, or upon his request, the chairman of the deacons, or some other person chosen by the church may serve as Moderator. Article II – Other Church Officers In addition to those named in the Constitution, other officers of the church shall be the Financial Secretary, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Director of Training Union, President of the Brotherhood, President of the Woman’s Missionary Union, Director of Music, Pianist-Organist and such other officers as may be desired. All officers of the church, unless otherwise specified, shall be elected for a term of one year. Section 1 – Financial Secretary The Financial Secretary shall receive the empty offering envelopes after the money has been removed and counted by proper persons and from these shall give each contributor individual credit as provided in the record system approved by the church. The Financial Secretary shall keep the envelopes for reference as the church directs and shall keep records of receipts from envelopes, plate or loose, and miscellaneous or special offerings. The Financial Secretary shall also be responsible for preparing regular statements to all contributing members as the church directs. Section 2 – Sunday School Superintendent The Superintendent of the Sunday School shall have general oversight of the entire school, and shall administer its affairs in cooperation with and according to, the plans and methods of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, subject to the approval of the church. He shall acquaint himself with the best methods of religious education and endeavor to adopt them in this school. It shall be his duty to counsel weekly or monthly with his teachers and officers through officers’ and teachers’ meetings in the work of the school, giving advice and receiving suggestions from his co-workers. He shall see that a full and accurate report of the work of the Sunday School is given in the regular business meetings of the church. Section 3 – Training Union Director The Training Union director shall have charge of the activities of the Training Union. He shall acquaint himself with the program and methods outlined by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for this organization and shall endeavor to adopt such programs in this church, subject to the approval of the church. He shall see that a full and accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of the church. Section 4 – President of the Brotherhood The President of the Brotherhood shall promote the work of the Brotherhood as outlined by the Brotherhood Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, seeking to enlist the men and boys of the church in an active program for Christ. He shall see that a full and accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of the church. Section 5 – President of the Woman’s Missionary Union The President of the Woman’s Missionary Union shall seek to enlist all the women and young people of the church in a program of missions, training, giving, and activity according to plans promoted by the Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. She shall see that a full and accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of the church. Section 6 – Music Director The Music Director shall be responsible fro providing worshipful music at all services. He is to be responsible for the direction of the choir, or choirs, in practice and public singing and is to cooperate with the pastor and other leaders in the selection of suitable music and the devising of appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed. Section 7 – Organist The Organist shall play for all public services and shall assist the music director in a suitable program of music for the church. Section 8 – Pianist The Pianist shall play for all public services and shall assist the music director in a suitable program of music for the church. Article III – Standing Committees Section 1 – Number of Committees The church shall elect such standing committees as may be deemed necessary to carry on the various phases of the program of the church efficiently and effectively. In any event the church shall at all time have the following standing committees:
Section 2 – Election of Committees The Nominating Committee shall nominate to the church in its annual business meeting persons to serve for the succeeding year on the standing committees, except the Nominating Committee. The church will then elect the personnel of the several committees. The members of the Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the pastor with the assistance of the deacons, at least three months before the beginning of the associational year. Upon their election by the church (at the first business meeting following the appointment of the Nominating Committee) the Sunday School Superintendent, the Training Union Director, The Woman’s Missionary Union President and the Brotherhood President shall automatically become members of the Nominating Committee. Section 3 – Duties of Committees A. Nominating Committee This committee shall consist of at least three persons plus the four hereinafter designated. Throughout the year, this committee shall have the responsibility of nominating to the church persons to serve in various capacities and position of the church and its organization, and on standing and special committees, vacated from time, by removal, death, expiration of term of office or failure to function. The first report of the new committee each year shall consist of nominations for the office of Sunday School, Superintendent, Training Union Director, Woman’s Missionary Union President, and Brotherhood President. Upon their election these persons shall become members of the Nominating Committee, to assist with the selection of other personnel for the organizations and committees of the church. The report of the committee shall be suggestive to the church and any member of the church will have the privilege of a nomination from the floor. B. Budget & Finance Committee This committee shall be composed of five members and may consist of the deacons of the church and/or persons selected from the membership at large. In any event, at lest two deacons shall be members of the committee. The committee shall meet monthly or at regular intervals to consider the financial condition of the church and shall make regular reports of the same to the church in business meetings. This committee shall prepare annually a proposed budget including local expenses, education, missions and benevolences and shall submit the same to the church in regular business session at least one month prior to the beginning of the fiscal or budget year. In preparing the budget the committee shall confer with the head of each organization of the church.. Upon adoption, it becomes the duty of the Budget and Finance Committee, together with such others as may be needed, to secure pledges to underwrite the budget and provide members with envelopes for the paying of the pledges. C. Building & Grounds Committee This committee shall have three members. It shall be the duty of this committee to give attention to and study the condition and state of repair and appearance of the buildings and grounds including the pastorium property, making such repairs and improvements authorized by the church and included in the church budget. All matters of major repair of improvement and items of equipment shall be referred to the Finance Committee for recommendation to the church. The committee shall be responsible for the work of the janitor and all other persons employed in the capacity of caring for the buildings and grounds. The chairman of the committee shall be responsible for purchasing janitor’s supplies. The janitor or janitors shall be recommended to the church by the Building and Grounds Committee for employment by church action. It shall be the janitor’s duty to so care for the physical plant as to contribute helpfully to the comfort and well being of the members at all services. He shall see that the grounds are kept in such a way as to be in keeping with what would be expected of God’s House. Section 4 – Other Standing Committees Other Standing Committees such as Auditing, Baptism, Library, Lord’s Supper, Music, Nursery, Publicity, Scouts, Welfare, Ushers, Flower, Decoration etc., and any additional committees shall be elected as desired by the church and serve for the purpose designated. Article IV – Special Committees Special Committees shall be elected for special obligations as desired by the church. These committees shall be elected by the church upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee unless the church directs their appointment in a different manner. Article V – Adoption and Amendments Section 1 These By-Laws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two-thirds of the members present at the business meeting at which vote is taken shall vote in favor of the same. This vote shall be taken not less than thirty days after formal presentation of the By-Laws to the church. Section 2 Any of the rules in these By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church provided however, that notice and proposal of such amendment, alteration or repeal must be given in writing at the preceding regular business meeting of the church. Article VI Section 1 The adoption of the Constitution and By-Laws shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted rules in conflict herewith. A copy of this Constitution and By-Laws shall at all times be kept by the clerk among his records and another copy shall be kept in the church office and all amendments to or revisions thereof shall, after passage by the church, be prepared by the clerk and pasted in the copies of the Constitution and By-Laws and made available to the church members generally upon request. ADDENDUM NUMBER ONE Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our agreements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of , intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer, to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay. We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. ADDENDUM NUMBER TWO Rules of Order For the Conduct of Church Business Meetings…….. "Let all things be done decently and in order." Items usually considered in a Regular Business Meeting
Items usually considered in a Special Business Meeting (Note: No items of business should be considered in such meetings except the one matter for which the meeting is called, except that by unanimous consent other matters may be considered which were not specified in the call.)
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III. Procedures to be followed concerning Reports, Motions, Resolutions, etc.
None of these motions can be made or acted upon while a member is speaking or a vote is being taken. Such motions are always in order, but it is most often unwise to make use of them. (Comments on each type as listed above follow.) Comments:
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