| From our Pastor | Title Page |
Constitution
| Preamble | Name | Objectives | Statement of Faith | Relationships | Church Covenant |
By-Laws
| Membership | Church Officers | Committees | Program Services | Program Organizations |
| Ordinances | Church Meetings | Church Finances | Church Operations Manual | Amendments |
Dear Friends,
As you take this important step of faith, we want you to know about our church, our beliefs, and our common goals. Our Lord said in Matthew 28: "Go..teach..then baptize, and keep on teaching and growing!"
Many of the written details of church life in this booklet are not meaningful to you right now, so begin first with our goals and covenant.
Remember, like any spiritual investment, you will receive back from your membership that which you give!
We receive those who:
-Profess faith in Christ, to follow him in baptism
-Come already a Christian, for immersion baptism
-Come by promise of letter from another Baptist church
-Come by statement of baptism, in a Baptist church where no records are available.
Please contact the pastor if you have any questions concerning our Constitution and By-Laws of Memorial Baptist Church.
Revised, December 2006
(Why we have a Constitution)
We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith; to govern the body in an orderly manner; to preserve the liberties of each church member; and to preserve the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.
(What the job of our church is)
"We believe that the church is ordained by God to be a dynamic, spiritual organism, empowered by the Holy Spirit to glorify God through Christ Jesus. That this may be accomplished by Memorial Baptist Church, we commit ourselves to the following objectives:
2. To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and responding in obedience to His leadership.
3. To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers.4. To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man.
5. To minister unselfishly to persons in the community and world in Jesus' name.
6. To be Christlike in our daily living by emphasizing total surrender of self and total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the lordship of Christ.
(What we believe)
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of "The Baptist Faith and Message" as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963. We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord's Supper.
(How we relate to other Christians)
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but recognizes the New Testament example of mutual, voluntary counsel and cooperation with other New Testament churches.
Insofar as the church feels led of the Holy Spirit, we shall cooperate with and support the Blood River Baptist Association, the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.We shall participate in the missions programs of these bodies by regular contributions through the associational budget and through the Co-operative Program and special projects of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.
The degree of co-operation and participation is determined by this church.
We follow the New Testament principle of functioning separately from, but peaceably with, the existing civil government insofar as such cooperation does not constitute an abridgement of the church's spiritual responsibilities.
(A Covenant is an agreement between our members as we work toward a common goal!)
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 Ghost,
We do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
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 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 religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance;
To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment;
To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger;
To abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs and the spread of pornography; and 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 courtesy in speech;
To be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
BY-LAWS
(These are the specific steps we take to meet our church goals)
This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self- government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
Section 2. Conditions for Membership
The membership of Memorial Baptist Church shall be composed of those who have met the following conditions:
1. Made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
2. Received believer's baptism by immersion in the name of the Trinity. (The name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.)
3. Declared their purpose to try to obey the teachings of Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament.
4. Expressed a willingness to cooperate with the doctrines and programs of this church.
5. In consequence of these conditions for membership, been approved for membership by this church.
Section 3. Candidacy
Any person may offer himself or herself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidates shall be introduced [Amended 03/93] to the church at any regular church service, for membership in any of the following ways:1. By profession of faith and for baptism according to the policies of this church.
2. By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church of like faith and order.
3. By statement affirming that all the conditions for membership in this church have been met, when no letter is obtainable.
Following the candidate's introduction to the church, he or she shall be given a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. The pastor and the candidate's family deacon or another deacon as needed will share our doctrinal beliefs and programs. If the candidate is in agreement with these, he or she will be presented for membership at the next regular business meeting. [Amendment 03/93]
Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation, and they shall make a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.
Potential members from Baptist churches other than churches co-operating with the Southern Baptist Convention shall meet with a committee of two Deacons and the Pastor for consideration of the proposed members experience with Christ, baptism, and doctrinal beliefs. Prior to this meeting the potential new members will be given a statement of our beliefs and our programs as presented in our Constitution and By-Laws. This committee will report to our deacon group and this group will recommend to the church concerning whether or not conditions for membership are met.
This procedure may also be used if there is a need for time for the potential member to become more acquainted with our doctrines and programs or if there are other situations wherein this method of presenting candidates for membership would be preferred [Amendment #4].
Section 4. New Member Orientation
Any new church member will be expected to participate in the church's new member orientation plan.Section 5. Voting Rights of Members
Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or providentially hindered. If providentially hindered, the member should submit his vote in a signed, sealed envelope. In the case of a ballot not prepared by the church, the absentee should indicate in full that for which he is voting. The active deacons present shall count the absentee ballots and decide their applicability. All other ballots shall be counted by a tally committee.Section 6. Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated for the following reasons: (1) death, (2) transfer of membership to another Baptist church of like faith and order, (3) uniting with another religious group, (4) disciplinary exclusion by action of this church (see Section 7. Discipline).
Letters of recommendation shall be sent to Baptist churches of like faith and order. Evidence of membership will be provided to other religious groups upon request.
Should there be any dissent concerning the granting of a letter, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation, and they shall make a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to grant the letter of recommendation.Section 7. Discipline
It shall be the basic purpose of the Memorial Baptist Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. Should any unhappy differences arise between members, the aggrieved member shall follow, in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew.
Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the pastor and deacons to resolve the problem. If such effort fails, the problem may be brought before the church. If the church votes to entertain a complaint, it shall appoint a reasonable time and place of hearing and notify the person in question thereof, furnishing him with a written copy of the charges. At such hearing, the accused member may call to his aid any member of the church as counsel. If he shall not present himself at the time appointed, or give satisfactory reasons for his neglect to do so, the church may proceed in his absence. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. Should an adverse decision be reached, the church may proceed to admonish the offender or, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, declare him to be no longer in the membership of the church.
Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him, may, upon his request, be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of his repentance and reformation (see Section 3. Candidacy).
Section 1. Pastor
The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. The pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations, and the church staff to perform their tasks.
The pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in a church. As such he works with the deacons and supervises the church staff to lead the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry, and application.A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week's public notice has been given.
A pulpit committee shall be elected by the church to seek out a suitable pastor. This committee shall consist of five members, and the committee itself shall elect its chairman from among the five members. The committee shall recommend to the church only one prospective pastor at a time, and this recommendation will constitute a nomination. Any church member has the privilege of making other nominations according to the policy established by the church. Election shall be by secret ballot with an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those voting being necessary for a choice.The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or by the church's request. The pastor shall give at least two weeks notice at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as pastor. The church shall give at least two weeks notice before terminating the employment of the pastor.
Section 2. Church Staff
This church shall call or employ such staff members as the church shall need. A personnel committee shall be elected as the need arises to prepare a job description for church approval and to seek a person to fill the position. Staff members other than the pastor shall be recommended to the church by the personnel committee and employed by church action. At least two weeks notice at the time of resignation should be given by staff members.
In addition to the pastor, the following are staff members:
1. Associate pastor, who shall assist the pastor in performing his duties.
2. Minister of Music and Youth, who shall develop and direct the music and youth programs with the help of his assistants.
3. Financial secretary, who shall assist the treasurer and assistant treasurer in performing their duties.
4. Secretarial staff, who shall perform secretarial duties as assigned.
5. Custodial staff, who shall perform custodial duties as assigned.
The pastor shall be the supervisor and director of all staff members and church employees and shall interpret for them policies and procedures. He may secure the aid of an appropriate committee or its chairman for the direct supervision of the work of any paid personnel. In the absence of a permanent senior pastor, the supervision and direction of all staff members and church employees shall defer to the deacon chairman.Section 3. Deacons
The deacons shall meet monthly at a regular time set by the elected deacon body and at other times as necessary . Such special meetings may be called by the chairman of the deacons or by a majority of the deacons. Formation of various committees within the deacon body may be advisable to increase efficiency in serving the church. These committees may set their own meeting times as needs arise.
The number of deacons for active service shall be twelve (12) until growth in membership necessitates a change. The deacons shall serve on a rotation basis. Each year the term of office of one-third of the number of deacons shall expire, and election shall be held to fill the vacancies. In case of resignation, death, removal, or incapacity to serve, the church may elect a deacon to fill the unexpired term. After serving a term, a deacon shall be eligible for re-election only after the lapse of at least one year. There is no obligation to constitute as an active deacon a person who comes to the church from another church where he has served as deacon.
Deacons to take office in January shall be elected at the second Sunday morning worship service in November by secret ballot. The ballot shall include all men of the church twenty-one (21) years or older who have been active members of Memorial for twelve months prior to the election. The active deacons shall be responsible for presenting to the church a list of these men. Any church member may request that the deacons add to the list a name which he or she feels has been omitted in error.
Any person's name may not be on the ballot sheet by their own written request turned in to our church office 20 days prior to deacon selection day . The active deacons shall have the responsibility of counting the ballots and meeting with each deacon-elect to determine his willingness to accept the position and to verify his eligibility through examination. No man who is divorced and remarried shall be placed on the list of men eligible to be elected as a deacon. The guideline followed for the examination will be 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Should any of the men elected to the office of deacon choose not to serve, the man receiving the next highest number of votes shall be approached. This procedure shall be followed until the deacons for recommendation to the church are found. Should the deacon group, after prayer, Scripture study, and discussion decided not to recommend any deacon-elect for ordination or service as a deacon, this shall be told the deacon-elect. If the deacon-elect desires it, this negative report will be given to the church. The then church shall vote to sustain or overrule the deacon group recommendation concerning the deacon-elect.
If the deacon-elect agrees with the counsel of the deacon group and thereupon declines the office, the man receiving the next largest number of votes will be considered for the office as deacon following the same guidelines as described above. The deacons-elect shall be reported to the church with the recommendation of the deacon group concerning them as potential deacons. The church shall then take action concerning this report and recommendation .
If there is a critical tie vote, the men receiving a clear plurality shall be the deacons-elect and shall be examined by the active deacons as described above. If after examination, there is still a critical tie, the active deacons shall at the next business meeting present their recommendations on those men receiving a clear plurality. The church shall take appropriate action on the recommendations and hold a new secret ballot to break the tie vote. The names of the deacons-elect presented to the church will be deleted from the tie-breaking ballot. The man (men) receiving the highest number of votes in the tie-breaking ballot shall be the new deacon(s)-elect subject to examination and church approval as outline in the preceding paragraph.
Upon approval of the deacon(s)-elect by the church, an ordaining council shall be convened for examination or ordination of any unordained men.
In accordance with the New Testament interpretation of the position, deacons are to be servants of the church. The main task of the deacon is to serve with the pastor and staff in leading the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry, and application. In addition, they have the following specific duties:1. To guard the unity of the spirit within the church.
2. To serve as an advisory council with the pastor in matters that pertain to the work and welfare of the church. This shall include the following:
a. Presenting recommendations on such matters to the church for church consideration,
b. continually evaluating the efforts of the church in reaching lost souls, developing new Christians, and extending the kingdom of God,
c. assisting the pastor in matters of church discipline (see also Discipline Section) and grievances,
d. handling the Benevolent Ministry funds,e. serving as a general pulpit committee to aid the pastor in obtaining pulpit supplies in his absence or to provide for pulpit supplies when the church is pastorless, and
f. considering all larger problems and general policies as the need arises.
3. To maintain personal relations with and the brotherly oversight of the members of the church in order to know their physical needs and moral and spiritual struggles. Such knowledge should result in actions to relieve, encourage, and develop members with these needs.
4. To serve as arbitrators in the following communication problems:
a. pastor-staff grievances in which a staff member is not satisfied with the pastor's handling of a situation or disagrees with the pastor's interpretation of policies relating to the staff member, and
b. pastor-church grievances in which a church member has not received satisfaction in his communication with the pastor concerning a particular problem.
The above plaintiffs are free to appeal to the deacons to intervene on their behalf.
5. To prepare and administer the Lord's Supper.
Section 4. Moderator
The moderator shall be the pastor. The chairman of the deacons shall be the assistant moderator. In the absence of both, any officer or active deacon shall call the church to order, and an acting moderator shall be elected.
Section 5. Clerk
The church shall elect a clerk annually.
The clerk shall be responsible for (1) keeping in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided; (2) keeping a register of church membership including dates of admission and dismission or death, together with a record of baptisms; (3) presenting requests for letters and issuing said letters when voted into the church on promise of letter; (5) preserving on file all communications and written official reports; and (6) giving legal notice of all meetings where such notice is required by these by-laws. The church may direct the church secretary to assist the clerk in performing some of these duties.
All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office.
Section 6. Assistant Clerk
The church may elect annually an assistant clerk to aid the clerk in performing his duties.
Section 7. Treasurer
The church shall elect a treasurer annually.
The treasurer shall be responsible for (1) disbursing payments for all itemized bills signed by authorized personnel; (2) keeping at all times in the church office an itemized account of all receipts of the count committee and disbursements for bills; (3) rendering to the church at each regular business meeting an itemized report of receipts and disbursements for the preceding month. The church may instruct the church secretary to assist the treasurer in performing these duties.
Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and upon its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to the financial secretary, who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records in the church office.
Section 8. Assistant Treasurer
The church may elect annually an assistant treasurer to assist the treasurer in performing his duties.
Section 9. Trustees
Three trustees elected by the church will hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase or rental of property or to other legal documents where the signatures of trustees are required. Trustees shall serve on a rotation basis, with one new trustee being elected every year.
Section 10. Parliamentarian
The church shall elect a parliamentarian annually. When called upon by the moderator, the parliamentarian shall interpret Robert's Rules of Order, Revised as they apply to the procedural question that has arisen.
Please click HERE to access the Committee Handbook page.
The Media Library will serve as the resource center for the church. The church media library shall be staffed by at least four staff members. These staff members will be enlisted as needed. The Nominating Committee shall fill each position as vacancies occur. The staff positions will be Media Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Technical Processes Director, and Audiovisual Librarian.
The Media Library Staff will be responsible for planning the purchases of new books and equipment, accepting donated items, caring for the materials, establishing and revising procedures when necessary, and promotion of the library and its resources.
The Media Library is provided for the benefit of all members of Memorial Baptist Church and the community. The church media library will concentrate on three primary concerns: 1) to provide materials which will help strengthen Christian's in their daily life; 2) provide materials and information which will help those serving in leadership positions; 3) provide resources for teaching purposes for all programs of the church.
The media library will operate under the following guidelines:
1. A staff member is on duty each time the library is open
2. The library will be open at least 10 minutes before and after the following services: Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night
3. The library will be opened at other times if there is a need, or by arrangement with one of the Media Library Staff
4. Every person borrowing material from the library must have his name and address on file with the library
5. Each person borrowing material will be responsible for returning that material in good condition or pay for the replacement of that item
6. Overdue items will be subject to a fine of 2 cents per day per item. All money collected from fines will be used toward the purchase of new materials
Details for operation of the media library and job descriptions for each staff person will be maintained in the Media Center Operations Manual in the library.
Section 2. Church Nursery Service
The church nursery service shall provide such nursery services as will support the over-all church program. During regular Sunday meetings, the nursery should be viewed as a part of these meetings and should, as much as possible, provide worship experiences, religious training, and inspiration for the children.
The church nursery service will be directed by a nursery director whose duties are as follows:
1. Serve as the chairman of the nursery committee.
2. Co-ordinate all activities of the department. Plan a quarterly or monthly planning session with the teachers.
3. Supervise paid workers and make arrangements for the securing of volunteer workers as they are needed.
4. Be aware of special meetings and secure nursery workers if needed.
5. Order the amount of material needed for the next quarter for Sunday School and Training Union birth through five year olds.
6. Purchase all supplies (juice, crackers, cookies, napkins, cups, paper towels, Pampers, etc.) as needed.
7. Purchase toys and equipment as needed. Items over $50 should be taken to the nursery committee and on to the church for approval.
8. Arrive for Sunday School, Training Union, or other functions before any child arrives and try to greet each child as he comes in. Encourage teachers to be early.
9. Visit and encourage all teachers to visit in the home of each nursery child.
10. See to the weekly cleaning of the nursery area. This includes changing all sheets and playpen covers, cleaning and straightening toys, cleaning beds, shelves, tables, and chairs, and seeing that the linens are washed. This responsibility may be delegated to other workers.
The nursery director shall be nominated annually by the church nominating committee and elected by the church.
Section 3. Church Recreation Program
The church recreation committee will serve the church in seeking to meet the recreational needs of members and groups. It will provide leadership in organizing recreational activities.
Section 1. General
All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church.
Section 2. Sunday School
There shall be a Sunday School, divided into departments and classes for all ages and conducted under the direction of a general director, for the study of God's Word.
The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the biblical revelation; reach persons for Christ and the church; lead all church members to worship, witness, learn, and minister daily; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
Section 3. Training Union
There shall be a Training Union, divided into departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of a general director. The Training Union shall serve as the training organization of the church.
The tasks of the Training Union shall be to teach Christian theology, Christian history, Christian ethics, and church polity and organization; orient new church members; train all church members to perform the functions of the church; train leaders for the church and the denomination; provide for specialized training; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
Section 4. Woman's Missionary Union
There shall be a Woman's Missionary Union with such officers and organization as needed. This program shall be directed by a director who shall be elected by the church. The tasks are to teach missions; lead persons to participate in missions; provide organization and leadership for special mission projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
Section 5. Brotherhood
There shall be a Brotherhood with such organization as needed. This program shall be directed by a director who shall be elected by the church. The tasks are to teach missions; lead all men, young men, and boys to participate in mission activities; provide organization and leadership for special projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
Section 6. Church Music Program
There shall be a Church Music Program under the direction of the music director. Such officers and/or organizations shall be included as needed. The music tasks shall be to teach music and hymnody; provide music and musicians for the congregational services and the organizations of the church; lead persons to participate in hymn singing; train persons to lead, sing, and play music; provide organization and leadership for special projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.
Section 7. Church Council
The primary functions of the council shall be to recommend to the congregation suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the congregation the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements in terms of church goals and objectives.
The council, unless otherwise determined by vote of the church, shall have as regular members the pastor, who shall serve as chairman; ministerial staff; Sunday School director; Training Union director; Woman's Missionary Union director; Brotherhood director; chairman of the deacons; and the nursery director. The church secretary shall serve as an ex-officio member. Committee chairmen and church-elected officers may at times be requested to sit with the council in an advisory capacity.
All matters agreed upon by the council and calling for action not already authorized shall be referred to the church for consideration.
The church council shall meet at least quarterly.
A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead.
Baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper. It shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the church shall authorize as an act of worship in any of the worship services or at other times designated by consent of the church.
A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor and/or staff and deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.
Section 2. The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby baptized believers, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.
The Lord's Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of each month, or as otherwise scheduled. It shall be observed in the evening worship services in months have five Sundays and in the morning worship services in months having four Sundays.
The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper. The deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparations of the Lord's Supper and the care and maintenance of the utensils.
Section 1. Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God. These meetings shall be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.
Section 2. Special Services
Revival services and any other church meetings which will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church shall be placed in the church calendar.
Section 3. Regular Business Meetings
Regular business meetings shall be held monthly on the Wednesday night after the second Monday of the month [Amendment #3]. The church moderator shall preside (see II. Church Officers, Section 4. Moderator).
Section 4. Special Business Meetings
The church designated moderator may call a special business meeting to consider special matters of significant nature. Notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given at a regularly scheduled worship service at least one half week prior to the called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable.
Section 5. Quorum
The quorum consists of those who attend the business meeting, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.
Section 6. Parliamentary Rules
Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church (see II. Church Officers, Section 10, Parliamentarian).
The stewardship and budget committee, in consultation with the church council, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and worldwide expenses.
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts.
Section 2. Accounting Procedures
The treasurer shall properly record on the books of the church all church funds received by the count committee and all disbursements made by the treasurer (or assistant treasurer) for properly authorized bills.
The system of accounting that will be followed is found in Church Finance Record System Manual written by J. M. Crowe and Merritt D. Moore and published by Broadman Press of Nashville, Tennessee, copyright 1959.
Section 3. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the church shall run concurrently with the calendar year which begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.
An organizational chart shall be prepared which will depict lines of responsibility in the administration of the church. This chart shall be reviewed periodically by the long-range planning committee and shall be revised as needed. A copy shall be included in the church operations manual.
Section 2. Policies and Procedures
Church policies and procedures shall be described in the church operations manual. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available to any member of the church. The manual shall be maintained by the church secretary. Changes in policies and procedures may be initiated by any church member or organization. Addition, revision, or deletion of church policies requires: (1) the recommendation of the church officer or organization (including committees) to whose areas of assignment the policy relates, (2) discussion by the church council, and (3) approval by the church. Procedures may be added, revised, or deleted by: (1) recommendation of the appropriate officer or group, (2) approval by the church council, and (3) approval of the church if deemed necessary by the church council.
1. Each amendment shall have been presented in writing to each member present at a regular monthly business meeting at least one month prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be taken.
2. Copies of the proposed amendment shall be furnished again to each member at the meeting when the vote is to be taken.
Amendments to the constitution shall be by two-thirds vote of all members of the church present entitled to vote; amendments to the by-laws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.
AMENDMENTS
Amendment #1 - Division II, Section 3, Page 6
The first sentence shall be amended to read: "The deacons shall meet monthly at a regular time set by the elected deacon body and at other times as necessary."
Amendment #2 - Division II, Section 3, Page 7
The first sentence of the third paragraph shall be amended to read: "Deacons to take office in January shall be elected at the second Sunday morning worship service in November by secret ballot."
Amendment #3 - Division VII, Section 3, Page 20
The first sentence shall be amended to read: "Regular business meetings shall be held monthly on the Wednesday night after the second Monday of the month."
Amendment #4 - Division I, Section 3, Page 4.
The paragraph below shall be added just before the paragraph which now concludes that section:
"Potential members from Baptist churches other than churches co-operating with the Southern Baptist Convention shall meet with a committee of two Deacons and the Pastor for consideration of the proposed members experience with Christ, baptism, and doctrinal beliefs. Prior to this meeting the potential new members will be given a statement of our beliefs and our programs as presented in our Constitution and By-Laws. This committee will report to our deacon group and this group will recommend to the church concerning whether or not conditions for membership are met. This procedure may also be used if there is a need for time for the potential member to become more acquainted with our doctrines and programs or if there are other situations wherein this method of presenting candidates for member- ship would be preferred."
Amendment #5 - Division II, Section 3, Page 7
The following sentence shall be inserted as sentence 3 in paragraph 3:
Any person's name may not be on the ballot sheet by their own written request turned in to our church office 20 days prior to deacon selection day."
Amendment #6 - Division II, Section 3, Page 7
The following sentences shall be inserted in place of the sentences just after the 1 Timothy 3:8-13 reference in paragraph 3.
"Should any of the men elected to the office of deacon choose not to serve, the man receiving the next highest number of votes shall be approached. This procedure shall be followed until the deacons for recommendation to the church are found. Should the deacon group, after prayer, Scripture study, and discussion decide not to recommend any deacon-elect for ordination or service as a deacon, this shall be told to the deacon-elect. If the deacon-elect desires it, this negative report will be given to the church. Then the church shall vote to sustain or overrule the deacon group recommendation concerning the deacon-elect. If the deacon-elect agrees with the council of the deacon group and thereupon declines the office, the man receiving the next largest number of votes will be considered for the office as deacon following the same guidelines as described above. The deacons-elect shall be reported to the church with the recommendation of the deacon group concerning them as potential deacons. The church shall then take action concerning this report and recommendation."
AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS
1991
Delete Sec. 12 under III. Committees
Change Section 1 of IV. Program Services to read:
Section 1. Church Media Library Service
The Media Library will serve as the resource center for the church. The church media library shall be staffed by at least four staff members. These staff members will be enlisted as needed. The Nominating Committee shall fill each position as vacancies occur. The staff positions will be Media Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Technical Processes Director, and Audiovisual Librarian.
The Media Library Staff will be responsible for planning the purchases of new books and equipment, accepting donated items, caring for the materials, establishing and revising procedures when necessary, and promotion of the library and its resources.
The Media Library is provided for the benefit of all members of Memorial Baptist Church and the community. The church media library will concentrate on three primary concerns: 1) to provide materials which will help strengthen Christian's in their daily life; 2) provide materials and information which will help those serving in leadership positions; 3) provide resources for teaching purposes for all programs of the church.
The media library will operate under the following guidelines:
1. A staff member is on duty each time the library is open
2. The library will be open at least 10 minutes before and after the following services: Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night
3. The library will be opened at other times if there is a need, or by arrangement with one of the Media Library Staff
4. Every person borrowing material from the library must have his name and address on file with the library
5. Each person borrowing material will be responsible for returning that material in good condition or pay for the replacement of that item
6. Overdue items will be subject to a fine of 2 cents per day per item. All money collected from fines will be used toward the purchase of new materials
Details for operation of the media library and job descriptions for each staff person will be maintained in the Media Center Operations Manual in the library.
Amendment #8
Approved 03/93
Section 3 under Membership
Change the word presented to introduced in the second sentence, and add the following paragraph after the three ways to join the church:
"Following the candidate's introduction to the church, he or she shall be given a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. The pastor and the candidate's family deacon or another deacon as needed will share our doctrinal beliefs and programs. If the candidate is in agreement with these, he or she will be presented for membership at the next regular business meeting."
Amendment #9
Approved 03/93
Section II. Section 3. Deacons.
Change second sentence to read:
The ballot shall include all men of the church twenty-one (21) years or older who have been active members of Memorial for twelve months prior to the election. The active deacons shall be responsible for presenting to the church a list of these men. Any church member may request that the deacons add to the list a name which he or she feels has been omitted in error.
This page last updated 12/13/2006 .