The Constitution of The First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, OH
Adopted January 2019
PREAMBLE
The First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon has been called by God to be a body of believers to fulfill His mission locally and worldwide and to honor and glorify Almighty God. We therefore band ourselves together as a body of believers in Jesus Christ and adopt for effective organizational structure the following articles:
ARTICLE I --- Name
The name of this Church shall be the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Mount Vernon, Ohio, located at 303 Edgewood Road.
ARTICLE II --- Purpose
Our purpose shall be, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to worship God in spirit and in truth, to pray for God’s help in advancing His kingdom and doing His will, to win lost souls, to preach and teach God’s word so people become disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ and mature in Christ, to equip them for Christian service, and to actively support home and world missions.
ARTICLE III --- Affiliation
This church is autonomous (independent – self-governing) and shall be affiliated with the Mohican Baptist Association, the American Baptist Churches of Ohio, and the American Baptist Churches of the United States of America.
ARTICLE IV--- Declaration of Doctrine and Church Covenant
We believe that the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the divinely inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16). The Bible is the final authority and trustworthy for faith and practice (I Peter 1:23-25; John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16-17.)
We believe in the one living and true God, perfect in wisdom, sovereignty, holiness, justice, mercy and love (I Timothy 1:17; Psalm 86:15; Deuteronomy 32:3-4). He exists eternally in three coequal persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, who act together in creation, providence and redemption (Genesis 1:26; I Peter 1:2).
We believe this one, true God is most clearly revealed to us in the incarnate Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus Christ is the image of the of the invisible God (John 1:1-3; 14; Hebrews 1:1-3). We affirm Jesus historically died on a cross and rose from the dead. We affirm the Lordship of Christ over the world and the church. We joyously confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior!
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts individuals of their sinfulness and of the righteousness of Christ, draws them to the Savior, and bears witness to their new birth (James 1:18; John 16:7-11; I Thessalonians 1:5-6; Romans 8:16). At regeneration and conversion, the believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:13). The Spirit indwells, seals and gives spiritual gifts to all believers for ministry in the church (Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 12:5-8; I Peter 4:10). He empowers, guides, teaches, fills, sanctifies and produces the fruit of Christlikeness in all who yield to Him (Acts 4:31; Romans 8:14; I Corinthians 2:10-13; Ephesians 5:18; II Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:16; 22-23).
We believe God created humankind in His own image to have fellowship with Himself and to be steward over His creation (Genesis 1:26-28). As a result, each person is unique, possesses dignity and is worthy of respect (Psalm 139:13-17). Through the temptation of Satan, Adam chose to disobey God; this brought sin and death to the human race and suffering to all creation (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-21; 8-22). Therefore, everyone is born with a sinful nature and needs to be reconciled to God (Romans 3:9-18, 23).
We believe salvation from sin and death is through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 1:9-10; I Thessalonians 5:23). It is offered as a free gift by God to all and must be received personally through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 20:21). An individual is united to Christ by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27). As a child of God, the believer is acquitted of all guilt and brought into a new relationship of peace (Romans 5:1). Christians grow as the Holy Spirit enables them to understand and obey the Word of God (II Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:15; I Thessalonians 3:12).
We believe the Church is the body of which Christ is the head and all who believe in Him are members (Ephesians 1:22-23; Romans 12:4-5). We affirm believers in Christ are to devote themselves to learning God’s word, to worshipping in spirit and in truth, to fellowshipping with one another, to helping, encouraging and serving one another, to prayer, and to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world (Acts 2:41-47). We affirm the ordinances of the ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and believer’s baptism. The following two ordinances of the church shall be observed: The Lord's Supper (Communion), wherein we partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine to show forth our Lord's death “Until He Comes.” Baptism, which we understand to mean the immersion of believers in water as an outward symbol of participation by faith in the death, and resurrection of Christ, and of newness of life in Christ.
We believe Christians, individually and collectively, are salt and light in society (Matthew 5:13-16). We proclaim the Good News of the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, knowing that salvation, forgiveness of sins, release from guilt and condemnation, reconciliation with God and eternal life are granted in grace to all who trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
We believe the family is the basic unit of society and seek to preserve its integrity and stability (Genesis 2:21-25; Ephesians 6:1-4). We affirm the biblical sanctity of a marriage between a natural man and a natural woman. The Biblical definition of marriage is the union between a man and a woman (Gen. 2:21-24; Matt. 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Cor. 7:2-4; Eph. 5:22-31).
We believe Jesus Christ shall return in all his glory to establish the new heaven and the new earth (Ephesians 1:9-10, Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:7; 3:11; John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1). He will judge the living and the dead (I Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:11-15).
The Church Covenant
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, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant with one another, as one body of 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, disciplines, and doctrines;
To give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin.
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 religiously educate our children;
To seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
To be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and praiseworthy in our conduct;
To avoid all gossip, slander, and excessive anger;
To abstain from the abuse of harmful substances, and to advance the Kingdom of God.
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 promote Christian harmony;
to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation.
We moreover engage that when we leave this fellowship, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant.
ARTICLE V --- Membership
Section 1 – Right to Vote
By the laws of Ohio, each member of the church is a member of the corporation. All active members shall have the right to vote at all elections and on all questions, which are submitted for vote, except in matters pertaining to the sale, purchase, or mortgaging of real property, in which only members who have reached the age of eighteen (18) years shall have the right to vote.
Section 2 – Becoming a Member
A. Express a Desire
1. Any person desiring to unite with this church shall make the fact known to the pastor or to a
diaconate member, and by coming before the congregation.
2. Each applicant shall attend a membership class and be given a copy of this constitution.
3. Applicant shall meet with the Diaconate Board to become acquainted, to give his/her
testimony of salvation, to confess Jesus is Lord of his/her life, to express his/her commitment
to follow Jesus, and to affirm and agree with this Constitution.
4. Applicant will be accepted into the membership at a congregational meeting or any
worship service of the church by a majority vote of the members in attendance and
shall be given the right hand of fellowship.
B. Request Restoration of Membership
Section 3 – Active Members
An active member must either:
1. Have been in attendance in Church Worship Services during the previous calendar year and to
date.
2. Be a giver of record to the financial support of the church during the previous calendar year
and to date.
When an inactive member begins to participate again, their names will be placed on the active roster.
Section 4 – Dismissal from the Church shall be:
1. By death
2. By letter. Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of dismissal to unite
with another church shall be entitled to receive it at their request. The name of the church to
which the membership is to be transferred should be given with the written request. The
letter will be sent to the pastor or clerk of the church indicated.
3. Any person may at their own request, in writing, be dropped from the church roll.
4. By exclusion. Any member may be excluded upon charges preferred, in writing, for gross
immorality or delinquency through failure to comply with covenant obligations, but not until
notice has been given and an opportunity to be heard granted, and only by a vote of two-
thirds of those present at a regular business meeting. All charges against members shall be
made in writing first to the Diaconate Board, after the steps enjoined in Matthew 18:15-17
and Galatians 6:1 have been made.
ARTICLE VI – The Pastor
Section 1: Qualifications of the Pastor
1. The pastor of the church needs to be of Christian character. He/she shall be loving, hospitable, respectable, able to teach, and lead the congregation. The Pastor shall be of good reputation and conservative evangelical in theology. He/she must demonstrate the qualities stated in I Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
2. The Pastor shall be a believer in Jesus Christ and a preacher/teacher of God’s word! The pastor shall be able to teach the basic doctrines of faith as held by the American Baptist Churches in the USA. The pastor shall be willing to serve an American Baptist Church without attempting to break its ties of fellowship with the Mohican Association, the American Baptist Churches of Ohio, and the American Baptist Churches of the United States of America. If or when the Pastor becomes uncooperative with the local organized work or with the American Baptist Churches in the USA or with the Code of Ethics ascribed to by the Minister’s Council of American Baptist Ministers, the pastor will be required to present his/her resignation to the church.
Section 2: Duties of the Pastor
The Pastor shall be expected, but not limited to the following duties:
Preach and teach God’s Word
Pray for the people and ministries of the church
Administer the ordinances
Equip/train church leaders
Counsel those in need
Visit the people, especially those who are ill
Visit/show hospitality to visitors,
Oversee church services
Regularly attend board and committee meetings as a non-voting member.
Lead a church membership class at least once a year.
The Pastor is to faithfully continue in his duties until it shall be mutually agreeable between
parties to discontinue the relationship.
Section 3: Calling a Pastor
1. Form a Pulpit Committee to Call a Pastor
When a vacancy occurs in the office of Pastor, a Pulpit committee shall be formed.
The Pulpit Committee shall be comprised of one representative from each of the following: Diaconate Board, Board of Trustees, Board of Christian Education, Outreach Board, and three members at large. This committee shall be elected at a church business meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor. The Pulpit Committee shall be representative of the membership. This committee shall cease to exist when the Pastor actively begins.
2. Duties of the Pulpit Committee to Call a Pastor
A. This committee shall take the necessary steps to secure a Pastor in full consultation with the proper representatives of the American Baptist Churches in the USA. The committee shall contact a potential candidate for the pastorate and to arrange an interview. The committee shall investigate the merits of each candidate under consideration regarding his/her personal character, education, ministerial record, and preaching ability in determining his/her fitness for this pastorate.
B. The Pulpit Committee shall present, and the candidate affirm by a signed statement the Church Constitution and Articles of Faith of First Baptist Church, the commitment to Church Membership, and the willingness to cooperate with the Baptist affiliations of this church.
C. When a suitable person is found, the committee shall recommend him/her to the church membership. Upon arrangements for the candidate's appearance by the pulpit committee, the candidate shall be examined by the church body. The committee shall notify the church of a special congregational meeting to call or reject the candidate. The entire membership shall be informed by mail of such special meeting and announced publicly at all church services two weeks previous.
3. Congregational Meeting to Call a Pastor
If at least three fourths (¾), seventy five percent of the qualified members present including absentee ballots vote to approve the candidate, a call can be made to the candidate. If necessary, members can vote by absentee ballot previously deposited with the chairman of the pulpit committee. If the congregation does not approve the candidate, the pulpit committee shall arrange for another candidate to appear. Only one candidate shall be presented to the church at one time.
Section 4: Mutual Agreements between the Pastor and the Church
The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period. The salary and benefits shall be agreed at the time of the call and shall be reviewed annually but may be changed by vote of the church at any regular business meeting, provided such change has been considered by the Diaconate and the Trustees.
Section 5: Evaluation of the Pastor
The Pastor shall be evaluated annually in October/November. Each member of the General Board shall fill out a Pastoral Evaluation form. The Pastoral Evaluation Committee shall include the chairperson from each of the boards. This Pastoral Evaluation Committee shall meet with the Pastor to review the results.
Section 6: Termination of the Pastor
1. If the pastor shall desire to discontinue in serving, he shall give the church sixty (60) days’ notice, unless a shorter notice is mutually agreeable.
2. If there is a desire to terminate the pastor, the General Board shall by majority vote bring the termination request to the congregation. The termination of the pastor shall be brought up at a special business meeting. The entire church membership shall be informed by mail of such a special meeting and announced publicly at all church services for two weeks. To retain the pastor, at least two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership shall affirm the pastor. This shall be done by a “Vote of the Membership.” The pastor will receive sixty (60) days’ pay from the day the church action is taken, whether he remains in service or not.
ARTICLE VII – Church Officers
Section 1: Qualifications, the Church Boards, Elected Church Officers, and Term Limits 1. Qualifications of a Church Officer
All officers shall be members of this church in good standing.
2. The Church Boards and the Number of Officers on Each Board
This Church shall have a Diaconate Board Members comprising of no more than nine (9) members, a Trustee Board comprising of no more than seven (7) members, a Christian Education Board comprising of no more than five (5) members; and the Outreach Board comprising of no more than seven (7) members. Members of these four boards shall comprise the General Board. These members shall be elected by the congregation.
3. Election of Church Officers
The annual election of officers shall be held at the Annual Business Meeting. At least two weeks before the election of officers, the Nominating Committee shall present to the Church the name of one person for each office to be filled. These names shall be posted in a public place in the Church building until after the election.
A majority of the vote cast shall be necessary for the election of any officer unless otherwise provided for in the constitution.
Nominations may be made from the floor at the time of election. All offices for which there shall be more than one nominee shall be filled by written ballot.
Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled for the unexpired term at any business meeting.
4. Term Limits of Elected Officers
Church Officers shall be elected to a two-year term. Members of the Diaconate Board, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Christian Education, and the Board of Outreach shall not serve for more than three consecutive full two-year terms as a Church Officer. One shall be eligible for re-election to a church office after one year. Half of the church officers shall be elected each year.
5. Resigning as an Officer
Any elected officer who cannot serve their full term should submit a written resignation to the pastor or their respective board.
Section 2 – The Diaconate Board
1. Purpose:
The Diaconate Board shall have the responsibility, along with the Pastor, for the spiritual welfare and the general health of the church. They shall interpret to the Pastor the needs and interests of the Church.
2. Responsibilities:
The Diaconate Board shall elect a chairperson and a secretary at their first meeting each year.
The Board shall assist the Pastor in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, in administering the ordinances, and in conducting all regular services of the church. They shall endeavor to promote Christian fellowship in the church. They shall assist in the resolution of church conflicts.
They shall visit the sick and shut-ins and follow up with members who are absent.
The Diaconate Board shall interview candidates for church membership.
They shall plan with the Pastor special services and series of services, and they are expected to attend as many regular stated services of the church as possible.
The Diaconate Board shall keep the pulpit supplied for worship and prayer services.
The Diaconate Board shall oversee the Fellowship/Communion Fund. If there is a need by a church member or regular attender, the Diaconate Board will decide to assist the individual/family.
The Board shall assume the initiative in expressing the love and appreciation of the people for the Pastor through anniversary observances, remembrances at Christmas and other occasions.
The Diaconate Board shall prepare the elements of the Lord’s Supper and preparation of the table. Diaconate members shall assist the pastor in the serving of communion for shut-inns.
The Diaconate Board shall assist baptismal candidates. A Deaconess shall help in the baptizing of women and girls and shall care for the baptismal robes. A Deacon shall help in the baptizing of men and boys.
A Deacon or a Deaconess shall serve as the Church Clerk.
The Diaconate Board shall have at least one member serve on the Worship Committee.
The Diaconate Board shall have general oversight of the kitchen and its furnishings.
The Diaconate Board shall oversee social activities of the church such as the annual Church picnic; Weiner Roast, and the Christmas Dinner/Program.
The Diaconate Board shall set goals by the end of November for the following year. The Diaconate Board should request a budget amount for reaching these goals to the Trustee Board. The Board shall prepare a report for the annual congregational meeting.
Section 3 – The Trustee Board
Purpose:
The Trustee Board function as Christian stewards of property God has entrusted to the congregation. This includes supervising and maintaining both the physical property of the congregation and gifts made to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective, and all legal requirements related to the property are satisfied.
Responsibilities:
The Trustee Board shall select a chairperson and a secretary from their members, hold regular monthly meetings, and keep minutes of all meetings and a correct record of all business transactions.
The Trustee Board shall oversee the care and maintenance of all local church property, buildings, and equipment to further the mission of the church. The Board of Trustees shall have charge of all physical property of the church. The Board shall decide for what purpose other than church activities the property of the church shall be used and affix the compensation for such use.
The Trustee Board shall ensure that the Articles of Incorporation and the non-profit status of the congregation are kept up-to-date.
The Trustee Board shall be responsible for maintaining the proper insurance for the church to prevent any potential financial or legal risks. The Board shall annually review property, liability insurance coverage on church-owned property. They also review personnel insurance for protection against risk.
The Trustee Board shall oversee the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary. If necessary, the Trustee Board will temporary fill in for either of church offices.
The Trustee Board shall oversee an audit of the church accounts. Two Trustees and a member at large shall make a faithful audit of the books of the Financial Secretary and the Church Treasurer at the beginning of January in preparation for the church annual meeting. They shall make their report in writing at the business meeting. The Audit Committee is not privileged to the individual giving record of the church members.
The Trustee Board shall prepare a proposed budget for the year for the congregational annual meeting. It is recommended the proposed budget be given to the General Board before the annual meeting. The proposed budget shall be posted 2 weeks before the annual meeting.
The Trustee Board shall authorize the payment of bills outside of the annual budget.
The Trustee Board shall obtain General Board approval and possibly Church approval for non-budgeted expenses of $5000 and above.
The Trustee Board with the cooperation of the Board of Deacons shall set and evaluate the salary package of the church staff.
The Board shall not sell or mortgage any church property unless so authorized by a favorable vote of 3/4ths of the voting church members at a congregational meeting.
The Board shall set goals by the end of November for the following year. The Board shall prepare an annual report for the annual congregational meeting.
Section 4 – The Christian Education Board
Purpose:
The Board of Christian Education shall organize and oversee the educational/discipleship programs of the church.
Responsibilities:
The Christian Education Board shall choose its own chairperson and secretary at their first meeting each year. The board shall hold regular meetings, keep minutes of all meetings, and a correct record of all business transacted.
The Christian Education Board, with the assistance of the pastor(s), shall be responsible for recruiting teachers.
The Christian Education Board shall provide/arrange for nursery personnel and needed items.
The Christian Education Board shall review curriculum for all educational programs in the church such as the Sunday School, Children’s Church, Wednesday Evening Bible Study, Bible Studies, Discipleship Groups, Membership Class, Kid’s Night Out, etc.
The Christian Education Board shall oversee Vacation Bible School. The board members shall recruit a Vacation Bible School Leader and approve Vacation Bible School curriculum. They shall assist where necessary in the success of the Vacation Bible School
The Christian Education Board shall be responsible for the recruitment and supervision of persons to the position of Christian Education Financial Secretary and Treasurer.
The Christian Education Board shall plan and implement educational activities or events to help people grow in their Christian walk.
The C.E. Board shall make plans for various special events such as Promotion Sunday, the recognition of high school and college graduates; teacher appreciation, etc.
The C.E. Board shall support/budget Christian Education events such as camps, leadership education, youth events, conferences, and continuing education.
The Christian Education Board shall set goals and a budget by the end of November for the following year. The Board should request a budget amount for reaching these goals to the Trustee Board. The Board shall prepare an annual report for the annual congregational meeting.
Section 5--The Outreach Board
Purpose:
The Outreach Board shall have general oversight of the Church's mission/outreach endeavors both locally and worldwide. The goal is to advance God’s Kingdom locally and around the world.
Responsibilities:
The Outreach Board shall elect a chairperson and a secretary at their first meeting each year. The board shall hold regular meetings, keep minutes of all meetings, and a correct record of all business transacted.
The Outreach Board shall oversee the mission giving such as the ABC/Ohio Region, the Mohican Association, and the special American Baptist Offerings. The Board shall schedule the outreach offerings.
The Outreach Board shall oversee the local outreach of the congregation such as FBC Sports, Feed the Vern, Starting Point, etc. If necessary, teams/committees shall be implemented to enhance the various ministries.
The Outreach Board shall be familiar with the various local ministries of the community.
The Outreach Board shall oversee the marketing of the church to the community.
The Outreach Board shall determine to financially help needy individuals outside of the church congregation.
The Outreach Board shall set goals and a budget by the end of November for the following year. The Board should request a budget amount for reaching these goals to the Trustee Board. The Board and various ministries of the board shall prepare an annual report.
Section 6 - General Board
The General Board shall be comprised of the Diaconate Board, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Christian Education, and the Outreach Board.
The General Board shall be led by the Diaconate Chairperson. This person shall also serve as church moderator. The Pastor will serve as vice-chairperson. The Church Clerk will serve as the secretary.
The General Board and the Pastor shall develop and review the vision of the church. The Board shall discuss and plan on how to improve the church.
The General Board is the communication and dissemination of information, ideas, concerns, etc., between / among the board of the church and the congregation. Each board is to give a brief report at each meeting.
The General Board shall refer matters of major concern to the congregation at a church business meeting(s).
The General Board shall keep church members advised of its activities and decisions.
The General Board must approve and possibly obtain church approval for all non-budgeted expenditures for more than $5,000.
The General Board shall plan and conduct church business meetings.
The General Board shall hire and oversee staff.
A. Creation of Church position
When the services of any paid personnel, other than the Pastor, are needed in the operation of the Church, the General Board shall hear the recommendation by a General Board Member or the Pastor for the creation of such position including the title of the position and the recommended salary. The Trustees shall review the pay recommendation and determine if it is financially feasible to add a staff person. They shall report their findings at the following General Board meeting.
B. Interviewing a Potential Candidate
Two members from the Diaconate Board, one member of the Christian Education Board, one member of the Trustee Board, one member of the Outreach Board and the Pastor shall interview the potential candidate(s). These members shall also report to the General Board the following month.
C. Title of the Position, Job Description, and Salary/Benefits
The General Board may authorize the creation of such position including the title of the position, a job description to be performed, the pay, and the fringe benefits, if any.
D. Approval of the Potential Staff Member and One Year Contract
The General Board and Congregation must approve the Potential Candidate. The General Board shall also review and approve an annual contract for the potential staff person. The potential staff person shall be offered a one year contract noting title, job description and salary and benefits.
E. The General Board shall Supervise and Evaluate all Paid Personnel.
Supervision shall be done by the Pastor and the appropriate Board which the staff person is accountable too. (For instance, a Children’s Minister would be accountable to the Board of Christian Education.) If there is an issue, the Pastor and possibly a Board member shall meet with the staff person. Each staff person shall be evaluated annually in October/November. Each member of the General Board shall fill out an evaluation form for each of the staff members. The appropriate Board and the Pastor shall meet with each member of the staff.
F. Termination of a Staff Member (Other than Ordained or Senior Pastor)
1. If the staff person shall desire to discontinue in serving, he/she shall give at least a two
week notice, unless a shorter notice is mutually agreeable.
2. If there is a desire to terminate the staff person, the General Board shall have the power
by a 2/3 vote terminate the staff person/contract. The staff person will receive 15 days’ pay
from the day the General Board takes action, whether he/she remains in service or not.
Article VIII--Specialized Church Positions
Section 1: Appointed Positions
The following positions shall be appointed by the General Board: a Diaconate Member to serve as the Church Clerk, a Financial Secretary, a Church Treasurer and 2 Mohican Association Representatives. These positions shall be filled by active church members unless it is necessary to look outside the congregation. The Diaconate Board shall recommend to the General Board a Church Clerk. The Trustee Board shall recommend to the General Board a Financial Secretary nominee and a Church Treasurer nominee.
Section 2: Church Clerk
Purpose:
To maintain accurate and timely documentation of all church proceedings, membership, historical documents, and business transactions.
Responsibilities:
The Church Clerk shall serve on the Diaconate Board and shall be custodian of the Church records and registry of all members. When and how they joined the church, also when, how, or to whom they were dismissed. A roster of active members shall be maintained by the church clerk. The Clerk shall have a copy of the Church membership list ready for reference at all church business meetings.
The Church Clerk shall keep minutes and file reports made at all congregational business meetings.
In the absence of the Clerk from a business meeting, a clerk pro-tern shall be appointed by the moderator for that meeting.
The Church Clerk shall deliver to the successor of this office all records, books, contracts and etc., concerning the church affairs.
Section 3: Financial Secretary
Purpose:
To receive, record and deposit all funds taken into the church treasury, and forward information to the Church Treasurer for use in support of the mission and ministry of the congregation.
Responsibilities:
Work according to the policies and procedures established by the Trustee Board.
Receive, record, and receipt funds from all sources and report them to the Church Treasurer and the Trustee Board.
Receive offerings collected during worship services and count them at the end of the service(s), ensuring more than one person is involved collecting and counting the offerings.
Ensure funds are deposited in a bank as soon as possible after they are received. Deposits should be made within three days of receipt.
Establish a procedure to collect and record funds received other than through regular offerings, including funds received by mail or electronically.
Produce individual charitable gift report summaries of all donations received during a calendar year and mail within three weeks after the end of the year.
Report regularly to the Trustee Board regarding funds received for the year.
Maintain confidentially of all financial information pertaining to receiving, recording and depositing of funds.
The Financial Secretary shall be bonded. The Financial Secretary shall be audited at the close of the fiscal year or more often if so requested by the church. The Financial Secretary shall deliver immediately to a successor of this office all books and records pertaining to this office.
Section 4: Church Treasurer
Purpose:
The Church Treasurer shall be custodian of all Church monies which are deposited in the Church banking account. The church treasurer is responsible for the proper receipt, accounting and disbursement of church funds within policies established by the Board of Trustees.
Responsibilities:
The Church Treasurer shall distribute funds as directed by a voucher signed by a Trustee.
The Church Treasurer shall reconcile monthly bank statements and correct ledgers as needed.
The Treasurer shall write and sign checks in accordance with church policies and procedures.
The Treasurer shall prepare each month a current expense report and shall be given to the Trustees for their monthly meeting.
The Treasurer shall attend the meetings of the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio member.
The Treasurer shall figure annual Federal, State and Local withholding taxes for church employees. Each quarter payments shall be sent to the IRS for FICA and Income taxes. Each quarter payments shall be paid for local taxes. Each year the appropriate form shall be distributed to employees and copies sent to the IRS.
The Treasurer shall present all books to be audited at the close of the fiscal year or more often if so requested by the church. The Treasurer shall deliver immediately to a successor of this office all books and records pertaining to this office.
The Treasurer shall prepare an Annual Report.
Section 5: Mohican Trustees
The two Mohican Trustees shall serve as representatives of the church on the Mohican Association Board of Trustees. They shall attend the meetings of this Association and give a report at the following General Board meeting. The representatives shall prepare an annual report for the congregation.
ARTICLE IX – Committees
Section 1 – Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee Members
The Nominating Committee shall be composed of 5 members, one representative selected from the Diaconate Board, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Christian Education, the Outreach Board and a Church member-at-large. Each of the boards shall select the member to serve on the Nominating Committee. The General Board shall select/elect the member at large. Each nominating committee member shall serve for one year. Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member of this committee.
Purpose:
To nominate officers to serve on the various church boards.
Responsibilities
The Nominating Committee shall select a chairman and a secretary from their members. The Nominating Committee shall recruit and nominate one candidate for each open church office in sufficient time to present the slate to the congregation two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee shall also present nominations to fill vacancies which may occur during their term of office. They have the privilege of requesting suggestions and recommendations from the various boards, committees, and individuals with respect to persons to be nominated, but they are not bound by such recommendations.
Section 2 – Worship Committee
The Worship Committee shall be comprised of 7 members. One member shall represent the Diaconate Board.
Purpose:
The Worship Committee shall plan worship services that bring glory to God and is edifying to others. The desire is to worship our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and in truth. Interested church members and regular attenders are welcome to attend the worship committee meeting.
Responsibilities:
The Worship committee shall assist the Pastor and the Music Director in the planning of the Sunday morning Worship service and other worshipful events. Including, but not limited to: order of service, special music, drama and worship leadership.
This committee shall meet at least once a month.
The committee shall oversee greeters, ushers, and the flowers for worship services.
The Worship Committee is responsible for preparing and submitting a budget for the next year's worship needs to the Trustee Board. This should include but not limited to the following: proper maintenance for the organ, pianos and other musical instruments belonging to the Church.
If there is a desire/need for a staff person, the Worship Committee shall present to the Trustee Board the request. Their pay and/or benefits shall be recommended along with a job description to the Board of Trustees. This shall then be reported to the General Board.
This committee shall make recommendations for updates or special requests to the General Board when required.
Section 3 – Auxiliary Organizations
The Constitution or By-Laws of any Auxiliary Organization shall not conflict with the Constitution and Standing Rules of the Church. The meetings of Auxiliary organizations should be held at times that do not conflict with meetings of the general Church body.
ARTICLE X – Church Meetings/Services
Section 1 – Church Meetings
The Church shall assemble each Sunday Worship for the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the edification of the church body, and for the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
The Lord's Supper shall be commemorated the first Sunday of each month, and other special services as deemed advisable by the Board of Deacons.
Section 2 – Congregational Business Meetings
Purpose:
The church members are the governing body of the congregation. Congregational meetings have the purpose to inform the membership on the activities of the church and to vote on various topics or issues to the church.
Congregational Meetings
A. The Annual Business meeting shall be held the fourth Wednesday evening of January for the purpose of receiving the annual reports of the individual Officers, Boards, and Committees of the Church, and its auxiliary organizations, and for the transaction of other congregational business such as the election of officers, approving the budget, etc.
B. The Semi-Annual Business meeting shall be held the third Wednesday night of the month of July. Pastoral report, Board reports, and financial reports of the Church and other congregational business pertaining to the church will be handled.
C. Other congregational business meetings/special meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor, by the Clerk, by any Board, or upon written request of a quorum of 10 members of the Church.
D. Notice of all congregational meetings and the reason for which it is called shall be stated in the bulletin, on the website, and announced during the worship service on Sunday morning two weeks prior to the meeting. A text and/or email shall be sent to church members 2-5 days before a meeting.
D. Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be used as a guide. In conducting all business except as specified in the constitution.
E. The Church fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year. All officers term of office shall start and end at the close of the Annual Meeting.
F. A quorum for the transaction of business in Annual or semi-annual meetings shall consist of not less 25 percent of the active church members. The quorum for special meetings shall not consist of less than 40 percent of active church members.
G. When a church member calls for, a “Vote of the Membership,” the voting shall be executed by
secret ballot distributed to all active members of the church.
ARTICLE XI – Amendments
Any part of this Constitution may be recommended for amendments by a two-third vote of those present at any business meeting. Such amendments or revisions shall be published and posted at least thirty days prior to the next business meeting for final action. All Constitutional amendments must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority in a “Vote of the Membership.”
When called for, a Vote of the Membership shall be executed by secret ballot distributed to all active members of the church.
ARTICLE XII --- Definition of the Church as a Body
No distinction is to be made between the church as a religious body and a corporation. There is but one organization, and that, the church, incorporated that it may acquire and hold property and manage its own affairs.
