BYLAWS
December
2005
ARTICLE I –
NAME
The
name will be The Greenville Baptist
Church
(hereafter referred to as “the church”.)
The church was organized
ARTICLE II –
GOVERNMENT
The
government of the church will be vested solely in the body that composes its
membership. It will maintain
affiliation and cooperation with the Central Baptist Association of/and The American Baptist Church of Massachusetts
and the American Baptist Convention.
ARTICLE III –
PURPOSE
The
church exists to fulfill the Great Commandments
(Matt.
G.
Growing in Christ
R.
Reaching the Lost
A.
Accepting in Love
C.
Caring for Needs
E.
Exalting His Name
ARTICLE IV – DOCTRINAL
STATEMENT AND PRATICES
Section 1: Doctrinal
Beliefs
a)
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the sole standard
and authority for the church in all matters of doctrine. (2 Tim. 3:16)
b)
We believe in one God existing in three persons: God the Father, God the
Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
(Matt. 28:19-20)
c)
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth through His son
Jesus Christ. (Gen. 1:1, John
1:1-3)
d)
We believe that all men have a sinful nature and fall short of the glory
of God. (Rom.
e)
We believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, fully God and fully
man. As a man, Christ was subject
to temptation and suffering, yet as God, He lived without sin. (Matt. 1:18; Heb.
4:15)
f)
We believe that Jesus Christ willingly died on the cross as an atoning
sacrifice and was raised on the third day.
(Rom.
g) We believe
in salvation by grace. The only way
that we may come to the Father is to acknowledge that Jesus Christ died for our
sins. We believe that God redeems
us and forgives all sins. (John
3:16)
h)
We believe that the Holy Spirit came for man at Pentecost (Acts
2:1-4). Upon receiving Jesus Christ
as our savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us. (
i)
We believe in baptism by immersion, accompanied by public testimony, as a
demonstration of faith. (Matt.
3:5-6; 16-17)
j)
We believe in the resurrection of a spiritual body and eternal life for those who have
received Jesus Christ. We
acknowledge the reality of heaven and hell. (1 Cor. 15; Luke
16:19-31)
Section 2: Our Covenant
a)
As members of
b)
We will not forsake assembling together, but will uphold the public
worship of the Lord. (Heb.
10:25)
c)
We will exercise Christian care and watchfulness, and will faithfully
warn, exhort, and admonish each other as the occasion may require. (Col. 3:16)
d)
We will not omit devotions at home, nor neglect the duty of instructing
our children and those under our care in the knowledge and service of Jesus
Christ. (Pr,
22:6)
e)
We will cheerfully contribute our property, time and talents, as God has
given us, for support of the poor, orphans, and widows, as well as evangelical
ministry. (Mal.
3:10)
f)
We will honor the sanctity of life.
We will not support any individual or organization whose purpose is to
promote or administer abortion or euthanasia. (Ex. 20:13)
g) We will
honor the sanctity of marriage.
Marriage is ordained for a man and a woman, and any couple entering into
marriage will undergo pre-marital counseling by a pastor of the church. Same-sex marriages and civil unions will
not be performed on church property, nor will a pastor of the church perform any
such ceremony.
(
ARTICLE V –
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Requirements for
Membership
Any
person may become a member of the church upon recommendation of the Board of
Elders and vote of the church.
a)
Upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and after
baptism by immersion.
b)
By letter of recommendation from another church of like faith if
previously baptized by immersion.
c)
Upon statement of Christian experience, if previously baptized by
immersion.
Any person may become an Associate Member of the church upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. An associate member will have all rights and responsibilities of a full member except the following: the right to vote to change the ordinance of Baptism and the right to serve on the Board of Elders. An associate member may become a full member at any time by baptism by immersion.
Section 3: Inactive
Status
An inactive member is a member who is failing to consistently participate through attendance and/or giving for more than one year. Members who are inactive will automatically be placed on an inactive list and not allowed to vote at church meetings. During an extended absence, an active member may make a written request that will be submitted to the Board of Elders explaining the reason for the absence and a desire to be informed of church activities.
Section 4: Dismissal of
Members
A
member of the church can be dismissed under one of the following
conditions:
a)
By
Letter: Any member in good standing may be
granted a letter of dismissal and recommendation to any other Baptist church
upon approval by the Board of Elders and a vote of the church. The church to which membership is
requested will be named in the request and the letter will be sent to the Pastor
or the Clerk of that church. Such a
letter will be valid for only six months after the date of issue, unless
renewed; this restriction will be stated in the letter.
b)
By
Statement: Any member in good standing may be
granted a certificate of standing for the purpose of associating with any other
evangelical church other than a Baptist Church by a vote of the
church.
c)
By
Exclusion: Should any member become an offense to
the church and its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by
consistent breach of covenant vows, the church may vote to terminate membership
after due notice and a hearing before the Board of Elders, and after faithful
efforts have been made to bring that member to repentance and
amendment.
d)
By
Suspension: At their discretion, the Board of Elders
may review the membership rolls and prepare a list of those members who have,
for a period of two or more years, failed to participate in the services of
worship or financial support of the church without a valid excuse. If they are satisfied that the persons
so described will not return, they will present a recommendation to the church
that these delinquent members be removed from the membership roll. Upon a vote of the church, said members
will thereafter cease to be members.
Section 5:
Voting
a)
In all matters pertaining to the spiritual work of the church, for
example, the election of Pastors or Elders, receiving or dismissing a member, or
any business not in conflict with the laws governing incorporated bodies,
only active
members eighteen (18) years of age and over may
vote.
b)
In all matters strictly belonging to the corporate body and regulated by
law, for example, the election of clerk, treasurer, trustees, fixing of
salaries, removal of corporation officers and all business concerning the money
and property of the church, only active members
eighteen (18) years of age and older
may vote.
c) Non-members will have the privilege of attending, at the will of the members, all meetings of the church, except when the question of discipline or exclusion of a member is to be discussed, so that they may voice their opinion and keep in touch with church activities. Non-members, however, may not vote.
d)
Only active
members who are present may vote at a business meeting. If members
are unavailable to vote because of age, military duty, missionary status,
extended
illness or approved absence, they may submit their written vote on a
specific item
with their signature to the Moderator or Clerk three (3) days prior to
the meeting.
e)
The elders will
approve all request for absentee ballots.
Any absentee ballot is null
and void if the question being debated is amended in any
way.
ARTICLE VI –
MEETINGS
Section 1: Business
Meetings
a)
Annual
meetings
of the church for the election of officers, adoption of budget, and the
transaction of any business of the church will be held in February at such time
and place as the Church Council will designate. The treasurer and the chairman of each
board and committee will make a written report of its activity through the year
to the annual meeting.
b)
Special
Meetings
of the church will be called by the Clerk when so directed by the Church Council
or upon written request of any five members of the church. The Pastor, or in his absence, the Board
of Elders, may call a meeting of the church for the consideration of any matters
which do not require notification as in Article VI, section 2. The moderator will preside at these
meetings, or in their absence, the Pastor or an Elder may
preside.
Section 2: Notice of
Meetings
The
Clerk will give notice of the business meetings which have to do with a change
in bylaws, election of officers, the appropriation of money, or the improvement,
alteration, custody, or transfer of the property of the church, by posting a
written notice signed by the
clerk
on the bulletin board in the vestibule and on the outside door of the church at
least seven days in advance of the meeting. The notice will state the date and the
purpose of the meeting.
Section 3:
Quorum
At all meetings of the church, 20% of the current active membership will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 4: Transaction of
Business
Roberts Rules of Order will be used as the standard of parliamentary practice in all business meetings.
Section 5: Fiscal
Year
The
fiscal will be January 1 to Dec 31st.
ARTICLE VII –
OFFICERS
All
officers of the church will be full or associate members of the
church.
a)
Calling a Pastor: (Eph.
The
pulpit committee will conduct the search for a candidate. At the recommendation of the Board of
Elders, the call of a pastor will come before the church at a regularly called
business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from
the pulpit on two successive Sundays.
A vote of three-fourths of the members present (provided there be a
quorum of voting members) will be necessary to extend a call. Only one candidate will be presented to
the church at one time. The vote
will be by written ballot. The
pastor is an ex-officio member of all boards and committees and is accountable
to the Board of Elders.
b)
Terminating a
Pastor:
Anyone
making charges against a Pastor involving his morality, his integrity or
doctrinal soundness must make the charges in writing, properly signed, and be
willing to appear in person before the Board of Elders to give testimony
confirming the charges. A Pastor so
charged will be notified by the Board of Elders of the specific charge or
charges by registered letter and the name of the complainants made known to him
at least ten days before being called to appear before the Board of Elders. When formal charges have been made
against a Pastor, his pastoral duties will be suspended immediately upon his
receipt of the registered letter notifying him of the charges. The Board of Elders will see to pulpit
supply. The Pastor will have the
right, however, to retain the use of the parsonage and receive his salary until
the charges are formally disposed of.
Termination
of the term of office will be voted on at the regularly called business meeting,
its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays. A vote of the majority of members
present (provided there be a quorum present) will make a valid termination of
office.
a)
At
any point in time, the church may have (but is not required to have) one or more
associate pastors. The church will
call or terminate an associate pastor in the same manner as a senior
pastor.
b)
An
associate pastor will be a full-time position with salary and benefits. The Associate Pastor reports directly to
the Senior Pastor in all matters.
c)
Each
associate pastor will serve a specific area of ministry, including, but not
limited to: youth, church growth
and evangelism, pastoral care, and worship. The title of the position will reflect
the area of service (e.g. Youth Pastor).
a)
At
any point in time, the church may have (but is not required to have) an
Assistant to the Pastor. The
candidate is nominated by the Board of Elders and voted on at the Annual
Business Meeting.
b)
The
position is a part-time, one-year term running from March 1st to
February 28th. The
required hours and scope of work will be set at the annual meeting. The Assistant to the Pastor is a member
of the pastoral staff and is not to serve as either a Trustee or an Elder. Each year the position and a recommended
candidate will come before the membership at the annual business meeting for a
vote. The Assistant to the Pastor
may be replaced (or the position eliminated) based on a number of factors,
including budgetary constraints, the hiring of a full-time associate pastor,
Board of Elder’s recommendation, or performance.
c)
The Assistant to the Pastor will assist the Senior Pastor in many
functions including: filling the
pulpit and assisting in worship on Sundays, assisting the Board of Elders
including administering Communion, attending all Board of Elders meetings and
acting as a liaison to other key committees in Christian education,
worship and
visitation, visiting new and prospective members, follow-up of absent or missing
attendees including the sick and elderly.
a)
The
Moderator will be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one
year.
b)
The
Moderator will preside at all business meetings of the church and at all
meetings of the Church Council when the Pastor is absent.
a)
The
Clerk will be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year.
b)
The
Clerk will keep a complete record of the transaction of all business at each
church meeting. This will be read
for approval at the next business meeting.
The Clerk will keep a record of the names and addresses of all members
and dates and manners of admission and dismissal; a record of baptisms and a
list of suspended members; will issue letters of dismissal after recommendation
and vote of the church; will preserve records and communications and reports and
give legal notices where required by the bylaws. The Clerk will immediately deliver all
records for which the Clerk has been responsible to the
successor.
a)
A Treasurer will be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one
year.
b)
The
Treasurer
will have custody of all funds of the church and all deposits made in the name
of the church. The Treasurer will
keep separate accounts of all funds raised or contributed for particular
purposes, and no funds will be disbursed except for the purposes for which they
were raised or contributed.
Funds
received for the support of the church and for the reduction of indebtedness
will be distributed only on the order of the Board of
Trustees.
c)
The
Treasurer will submit a report of all undesignated and/or inactive funds to the
Board of Trustees for review. At
each annual meeting the Treasurer will present an itemized report of receipts
and disbursements showing the actual financial condition of the church. This report is to be audited by the
church auditor.
d)
The
Treasurer shall meet at a minimum of twice a year with an outside
auditor.
e)
The Treasurer will immediately deliver all records for which the
Treasurer has been responsible to the successor.
Section
7:
Assistant Treasurer
a)
An Assistant Treasurer will be elected at each annual meeting to serve
for one year and will serve and assume the same duties of the Treasurer during
any absence.
Section
8:
Missions Treasurer
a) A Missions Treasurer will be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year
and be a member of the Missions Committee.
b) The Mission Treasurer will pay over monthly all funds received on account of the
Church’s contribution to the benevolences of the American Baptist Convention and
its affiliates. Other mission funds will be applied in accordance with the budget and
special purposes for which the same were contributed. The Missions Treasurer will
present to the annual meeting an itemized report of receipts and disbursements
showing the actual financial condition of the mission funds. This report is to be
audited by the church auditor annually. The Missions Treasurer will make such
other financial reports as may be desired by the church or Missions Committee.
They will deliver to their successor all records and reports pertaining to this office.
c) The
Treasurer shall meet at a minimum of twice a year with an outside
auditor.
Section
9:
Financial Secretary
a) A Financial Secretary will be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year.
b)
It will be the Secretary’s duty to furnish each
member of the church envelopes for contributions to the church expenses and
missions; to keep a record of all pledges made; to collect all money contributed
and to keep a correct account thereof between the church and its members. The Financial Secretary will ensure the deposit of
such collections weekly in the bank selected by the Board of Trustees and render
a statement thereof to the Treasurer.
At the end of the year they will report to the Board of Trustees an
account of matters pertaining to this office.
Section
10:
Assistant Financial
Secretary
a) At each annual meeting of the church an Assistant Financial Secretary will be elected to a one-year term.
b) It will be the duty of the Assistant Financial Secretary to provide any necessary assistance to the Financial Secretary. If the Financial Secretary is absent, the Assistant will take over the duties prescribed.
Section
11: Sunday School
Superintendent
a) At each annual meeting of the church a Superintendent of the Sunday School will be elected for a one year term.
b) The Superintendent will be the executive head of the Sunday School exercising authority and performing the duties usually pertaining to that office, working under guidance of the Christian Education Committee.
Section
12: Other Elected
Offices
a)
The church may
elect or appoint whatever positions they feel to be necessary to
carry out the purposes of the church. These would not necessarily qualify them
to
be on the Church Council.
ARTICLE VIII – BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES
Section 1: Church Council
(Prov.
19:2)
a)
The Church Council consists of the elected officers of the church,
members of the Board of Elders, the Board of Trustees, and the chairmen of all
standing committees.
b)
The Senior Pastor will preside at the meetings of the Council and the
Clerk will record the minutes of the meetings. The Council will seek to coordinate
information within the church body and may make recommendations to the church
for the expansion of its ministries and long-term matters.
c)
The Church Council will meet quarterly or more as
necessary.
Section 2: Board of Elders
(1
Tim. 3:1-7)
a)
The Board of Elders will be composed of no less than five members. Each member will be elected by ballot
for a term of three years at the annual meeting. An Elder must be an active member of the
church for at least 1 year and meet the Scriptural criteria of an Elder. After serving two consecutive terms (six
years), an Elder will be ineligible for election for one full year.
b)
The Board will elect its own chairman annually and will be
self-organizing.
c)
The Board will consider all applications for church membership and all
requests for letters of dismissal; cooperate in providing pulpit supply and
leaders of the prayer meetings in the Pastor’s absence; visit the members; care
for the sick, needy and distressed members of the church using such funds from
Deacons offering as may be
needed.
d)
The Board will support and oversee evangelistic outreaches in the
community.
e)
The Board will provide Christian instruction and ministry to the church
membership. They will make
provisions for administering the Ordinances of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper;
have responsibility for the Deacon’s Offering
received at each communion service.
f)
After six terms as an Elder, a member will be eligible for election as a
Life Elder and may serve on the Board in addition to and with the same
privileges as the elected members.
Section 3: Board of
Trustees (1
Tim. 3:8-10)
a)
The Board of Trustees will be composed of no less than five members. Each member will be elected by ballot
for a term of three years at the annual meeting. A Trustee must be an active member of
the church for at least 1 year and meet the Scriptural criteria of a
Trustee. After serving two
consecutive terms (six years), a Trustee will be ineligible for election for one
full year.
b)
The Board will elect its own chairman annually and will be
self-organizing.
c)
The Board will hold in trust all property belonging to the church
including invested funds, and will take all necessary measures for its
protection, management and upkeep.
It will determine the use of the church building for all extra or secular
purposes, but it will have no power to buy, mortgage, lease or transfer any
property without specific vote of the church authorizing such action. It will designate the bank where funds
of the church will be deposited and determine the proper disposition and/or
consolidation of all undesignated or inactive funds. The Board will approve all bills
authorized by the church before payment is made. The Board of Trustees will perform such
duties as are imposed on it by the church and the state.
d)
The Board will supervise the ways and means of raising the necessary
funds for the support of the church.
It will supervise the disbursements of these funds as appropriated. The Board will establish a budget for
expenses.
e)
The Board will have the responsibility for maintenance and improvement of
all buildings and grounds belonging to the church. The Board will have the authority to
delegate projects to task forces and individuals as are needed to fulfill this
responsibility. The Board will keep
in constant contact with the caretakers of the buildings and
grounds.
f)
The Board when so instructed by the church will:
1)
Secure paid positions necessary for the operation of the church, such as
administrative, custodial, or financial services.
2)
Secure from them acceptable service.
3)
Dismiss them, after proper review, by letter of dismissal. The letter of dismissal will be drafted
and signed by the Pastor, Chair of the Board of Elders and Chair of the Board of
Trustees.
g)
All
requests for special expenditures are to be submitted to and approved by the
Board of Trustees at least 30 days prior to the making up of the Annual
Budget. If the Board of Trustees
denies the request, the requestor may ask that the item be brought to the body
at a business meeting.
h)
The
Board of Trustees will hire an external Auditor
with expertise in church finances annually and review findings of the audit annually. The Auditor is responsible for verifying
that all monetary statements are balanced.
Section 4: The Nominating
Committee (Acts
6:3)
a) A Selection Committee consisting of two Elders and two Trustees and the Moderator (all of whom shall be in-eligible to serve on the Nominating Committee) will meet 2 weeks before the Annual Business Meeting to select necessary members of the church body to annually fill vacated two-year positions of this committee. No person will serve more than two (2) consecutive years.
b) The Nominating Committee will present a list of nominees at the annual meeting for all officers (excluding Pastors), boards, and committees of the church. Each member shall be elected by ballot during the annual business meeting and may not serve for more than two (2) consecutive years. This committee should be in direct contact with the current nominating committee so that conflicts of eligibility will not occur. Elders and Trustees will not be nominated or serve as members of any other committee except in the case of serving on a pulpit committee. They will, however, be assigned by their chairman to committees to act as ex-officio liaisons. It will also be their duty to suggest names to the church at any time to fill vacancies that may occur.
Section
5:
The
Worship Committee (John
a) The Worship Committee will consist of no less then five members of the church and will be elected annually. The committee will elect a chairman and will be self-organizing.
b) It will be the duty of this committee to care for the sanctuary and its arrangement; provide for flowers and suitable decorations; arrange for church greeters; assist in the preparation of The Lord’s Table; care for baptismal robes and assist the candidates for Baptism; and oversee the ministry of church music. This committee will be accountable to the Board of Elders and assist them as needed.
Section
6: The Visitation Committee
(Matt.
25:36; Acts
a) The Visitation Committee will consist of no less than five members of the church body, to be elected annually, and will be self-organizing.
b) Their duty will be to assist the Pastor and Elders in the ministry of visitation to newcomers, members of the body and/or shut-ins. They will conduct a meaningful ministry to our young people who are away at school or in the Armed Forces. This committee will be accountable to the Board of Elders.
Section
7: The Christian Education
Committee (Prov.
22:6; Psalms 25:4-5)
a) The Christian Education Committee will work with the Board of Elders and will be composed of five or more members to be elected annually. One of the members will be the Sunday School Superintendent. It will elect its own chairman and will be self-organizing.
b)
The Board will be responsible for the overall
program of Christian Education in the church and will see to it that said
program is consistent with the basic beliefs and practices of the church. It will assist the Sunday School
Superintendent in whatever way necessary in maintaining a strong and vigorous
Sunday school for all age groups and in selecting Godly teachers. The Christian Education Committee must
approve all teachers. The list of teachers will be CORI
checked. Two Elders will control all CORI
checks and advise the Christian Education Committee accordingly. The Christian Education Committee will
also plan and promote the Cradle Roll, the Church Nursery,
Section
8: The Missions Committee
(Mark
a) The Missions Committee will consist of no less then five members of the church and will be elected annually. The committee will elect a chairman and will be self-organizing.
b) The Missions Committee will be responsible for missions and missionary education and promotion in the church. They will prepare an annual missionary budget for the church and work with the Missions Treasurer in disbursing mission funds. There will be no carry-over of funds in the Missions Treasury. Any balance after annual budget items are paid will go to our American Baptist Missions unless otherwise directed by the church. They will review all requests of missionary funds and meet with all prospective missionaries or projects and will handle scholarships for Christian summer camps. This committee will be accountable to the Board of Elders on spiritual issues and to the Board of Trustees on any budgetary issues.
Section
9: Fellowship Committee
(Heb.
a) The committee will be elected at the annual meeting and will be self-organizing.
b) The Fellowship Committee will assist in promoting fellowship suppers and have charge of the Sunday morning coffee period and be available to the church body for any church function. This committee will be accountable to the Board of Elders.
Section
10: The
a) The Cemetery Committee will be composed of no less than five members. At least 3 members will be lot owners or designated by lot owners. Each member will be elected for a term of three years at the annual meeting. They will organize themselves and elect a chairman, clerk and cemetery treasurer.
b) Three members of the committee will be designated Cemetery Trustees who will have charge of and care for the cemetery invested funds, and will see that they are safely invested and protected.
c)
A Cemetery Treasurer will be elected by the Cemetery Committee to handle
the current cemetery funds and moneys.
They will receive from the Cemetery Trustees the dividends due in the
invested cemetery funds and also receive all moneys due the cemetery or any
donations. The Treasurer will
deposit the same in some bank or trust company in the
d) The cemetery funds designated for the cemetery and its upkeep will be kept separate from the church funds.
e) The Chairman and/or Clerk of the Cemetery Committee will make a written report of their activities, together with any recommendations they may deem for the best interest of the Cemetery, at each annual meeting of the Church. The Cemetery Treasurer will make a written report each year of the income received from various invested funds and a report of the donations on other moneys he has received for the care of the cemetery. This committee will be accountable to the Board of Trustees.
Section
11: Pulpit Committee (Eph.
a)
The
Pulpit Committee will be made up of five members and two alternate members,
drawn from the active church membership. The Church Council will nominate the
Pulpit Committee and be voted upon by the body
in preparation for a call of a pastor. The committee will establish a chairman
and will be
self-organizing.
b)
This
committee will secure the names of candidates. Only a man who is willing to embrace the
bylaws of the church will be considered.
It will investigate the merits of each candidate regarding his personal
character, education, ministerial record, and preaching ability in determining
his fitness for a pastoral position.
A CORI
(Criminal
Offender Record Investigation) check
will be done. When a suitable
candidate is found, the committee will recommend him to the church for
consideration.
Section
12: Special Committees
The Church Council may appoint special committees to study or execute any plan or program they think a committee should handle.
ARTICLE IX –
AMENDMENTS
Any
Article may be changed, added, or deleted by a two-thirds vote of the active
members at a regularly scheduled meeting of the church. A notice of the article to be amended
must be read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays and posted at the entry
of the church.