Pastor Greg and Family
Pastor Greg Williams has been the Pastor of Crossroads since January of 2009. He, and his wife Emily, have three children. He is a graduate of The Baptist College of Florida and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Statement of Basic Beliefs
Crossroads Baptist Church voluntarily enters into covenant with one another as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ. As such, we are personally committed to making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God and basis for our beliefs. We affirm the biblical offices of the church as Pastor and Deacon and the ordinances of the church as believer's baptism and Lord's Supper. As a whole, we affirm the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000. All assets and facility use must comply with The Baptist Faith and Message.
Constitution and Bylaws of Crossroads Baptist Church
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member, and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches.
I. Name
This body shall be known as Crossroads Baptist Church of Lithia, Incorporated, located in the community of Pinecrest, Lithia, Florida.
II. Objectives
The mission statement of Crossroads Baptist Church of Lithia shall be “Making Disciples who glorify the Lord.”
The objective of the church centers upon bringing glory to God in evangelizing the lost and enabling the saints to grow in maturity to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Thus we will aim to worship the Lord in spirit and truth (John 4:23), prioritizing the Word of God with the confidence that it is able to make us competent and equipped for every good work (II Timothy 3:16-17). We will labor in the ministry of reconciliation regarding God and man (II Corinthians 5:18), owning the responsibility of making disciples of the nations (Matthew 28:18-20). We will labor to serve those in need and especially those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). We aim to worship, evangelize, disciple, and fellowship to the glory of God’s name.
III. Statement of Basic Beliefs
Crossroads Baptist Church voluntarily enters into covenant with one another as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ. As such, we are personally committed to making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God and basis for our beliefs. We affirm the Biblical Offices of the church as Pastor and Deacon (see Article II of the By-laws) and the ordinances of the church as believers’ baptism and Lord’s Supper (see Article VI of the By-laws). As a whole, we affirm the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000. All assets and facility use must comply with the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.
IV. Polity and Relationships
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership. (See Article I of the Bylaws.)
All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action.
This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation that are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is biblical, this church will cooperate with the association, the state convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
V. Church Covenant
Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and, on the profession of our faith (Romans 10:9-10), having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), we donow in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3-6).
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to submit to the authority of scripture as the final authority on all issues (II Peter 1:16-21); to walk together in Christian love, as Christ loved and gave Himself up for us (Ephesians 5:2); to exhort one another in Christ (Hebrews 3:13); to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together (Hebrews 10:24-25); to speak the truth in love to one another for our Christian maturity (Ephesians 4:15); to use our spiritual gifts to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10); to wisely use our Christian freedom and willingly sacrifice our freedoms for the sake of a brother’s conscience (Romans 14:13-23); to remember one another in prayer (Ephesians 6:18); to aid one another in sickness and distress (Matthew 25:40); to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation without delay (Colossians 3:12-13) (Matthew 5:23-24).
We agree, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:12), and remembering that, as we have been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, so there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life (Romans 6:3-4).
We, therefore, agree to maintain family and personal devotions in training ourselves for godliness (I Timothy 4:7); to biblically educate our children in the gospel (Ephesians 6:4); to seek the salvation of our family, friends, and acquaintances (II Corinthians 5:18-20); to walk wisely in the world (Ephesians 5:15); to keep our conduct among the lost honorable (I Peter2:12); to abstain from intoxication and the abuse of controlling substances (Ephesians 5:18); to flee from all forms of sexual immorality (I Corinthians 6:18); and to put to death what is earthly within us (Colossians 3:5).
We agree to work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor (II Corinthians 8:7), and the spread of the Gospel through all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with another biblical church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. General
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 reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
Section 2. Candidacy
Any person may offer himself or herself as a candidate for membership in this church and shall be presented to the church at any worship service in any of the following ways:
(a) By profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, followed by baptism by immersion.
(b) By transfer of membership from another Baptist church of like faith and doctrine.
(c) By statement of Christian experience and acknowledgement of an earlier profession of personal faith in Jesus Christ followed by baptism by immersion into the fellowship of a Baptist church of like faith and doctrine.
(d) Christians from other churches other than Baptist may apply for membership by stating that Jesus Christ has been accepted as Lord and Savior and that baptism by immersion will be received or has been received when to the satisfaction of the pastor and the deacons the prior baptism experience complies with the Baptist faith and doctrine.
Should there be any dissent about receiving any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within (30) days, or the next regularly scheduled business meeting. A majority vote of those present shall be required to elect all candidates to membership.
Section 3. New Member Orientation
Prospective members of this church are expected to participate in the church’s new member orientation session(s) and affirm the Church Covenant.
Section 4. Voting Rights of Members
Members of this church sixteen (16) years of age and older are entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present.
Section 5. Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
(a) Death.
(b) Transfer of membership to another Baptist church upon their request.
(c) Erasure upon becoming affiliated with a church of another faith or denomination.
(d) Request in writing by member desiring termination of membership.
(e) Exclusion by action of this church: See Section 6, Discipline.
Section 6. Discipline
(a) Redemption rather than punishment should be the guideline, which governs the attitude of one member toward another.
(b) Should a condition exist which would cause a member to become a hindrance to the welfare of the church (by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, persistent breach of covenant vow, or non-support of the church) every reasonable measure will be taken by the membership to resolve the problem as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17.
(c) The church may terminate membership by means of a majority vote of the members present and voting, but only after a biblical effort has been made to bring such a member to repentance and restoration (Matthew 18:15-17).
ARTICLE II – CHURCH OFFICERS
Section 1. General
The Biblical offices of this church are pastor(s) and deacon(s).
Section 2. 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.
(a) The church is responsible to choose and call a pastor who professes and exemplifies a call of the Holy Spirit.
(b) Upon the death, resignation or removal of the pastor, the church shall call, without unnecessary delay to its pastorate, a Southern Baptist minister. He shall be of good report whose character and qualifications fit him for the office of pastor of the church. Scriptural qualifications are 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Only natural born males are eligible for the office of pastor. Regarding 1 Timothy 3:2, the pastor must be a one-woman man.
When a vacancy in the pastorate occurs, the Nominating Committee shall promptly recommend to the church a Pastor Search Committee consisting of at least six (6) members. The committee shall first recommend an interim pastor, and when one is secured, the committee shall then proceed, with as little delay as possible, to select for recommendation to the church a minister to become the regular pastor.
Provision shall be made for the prospective pastor to meet with all deacons and church staff.
A resume shall be made available to the members when a prospective pastor is to speak.
An opportunity shall be given to the church membership to hear any prospective pastor for a least two (2) worship services, including one (1) Sunday A.M. service, and to interview him at a designated time before they are required to vote upon his call to become pastor.
Within two (2) weeks of the prospective pastor’s second service, during a regularly scheduled church worship service, the chairman of the deacons shall call the church into a business meeting. A vote on the prospective pastor will be taken at this time. The church’s vote to call a new pastor shall be upon the unanimous recommendation of the Pastor Search Committee, and only one (1) name shall be placed before the church at one time. For the call to be extended there shall be at least eighty percent (80%) majority of those present and voting to favor the call.
(c) The pastor shall be called and elected to an unlimited tenure of service, to be terminated when he or the church feels so led by the Lord. The pastor shall give a thirty (30) day notice (or as mutually agreed upon) before termination of services. If the church should ask for the resignation of the pastor he should be given (not to exceed) thirty (30) days notice and/or (not to exceed) ninety (90) days pay from the date of notice of termination or resignation.
(d) METHOD OF TERMINATION. The church may declare the office of pastor vacant. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least one (1) week’s public notice (announced at three (3) regularly scheduled church worship services) has been given. The meeting may be called upon the recommendation of a majority of the personnel committee and the deacons or by written petition signed by not less than one fourth (25%) of the resident church members. The members present shall designate the moderator for this meeting by majority vote, and he shall be someone other than the pastor. The vote to declare the office vacant shall be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (66%) of the members present being necessary to declare the office vacant.
Section 3. Deacons
The office of deacon is described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7.
In accordance with the New Testament, Deacons are to be the servants of the church. The responsibility of the deacon is to serve with the Pastor and staff in performing the ministerial tasks of the church to promote unity and preserve the preaching of the word. They are expected to proclaim the gospel, care for the members and community, and lead the church and its members in fellowship, worship, witness, discipleship, and ministry. They shall care for the temporal needs of members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration.
(a) The church family shall be divided equally between all active deacons. The church shall strive to find qualified men to serve as deacons. The church may divide the deacons into active and inactive deacons as long as there are sufficient deacons to minister to the church congregation. Procedures for the rotation of deacons shall be included in the Policy and Procedure Manual at the will of the church.
(b) The deacons (as a body) shall disburse a budgeted fund for benevolence, reporting to the church its total disbursements only.
(c) Before becoming an ordained deacon, men must serve for a period of one (1) year under the “watch care” of the standing deacon body. All deacons must have been a Christian and member of Crossroads Baptist Church of Lithia for at least one year. Ordained deacons coming from other churches must be a member of CROSSROADS Baptist Church of Lithia for one year before serving as a deacon of the church.
(d) A Deacon of Crossroads Baptist Church of Lithia must be “born-again” and believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant word of God. He must meet the qualifications of
1 Timothy 3:8-13. He must believe in the necessity of regeneration for salvation, in the saving power of Jesus Christ, in the obligation to support evangelism and missions, and in tithing. He is willing to serve where service is needed to the best of his ability. He is not given to intoxication, or the use of illicit drugs. Only natural born males are eligible for the office of Deacon. He must be a one woman man (1 Timothy 3:12). He and his wife will strive to hold their tongues against spreading gossip and of talking critically about others. He and his family will strive to attend all church services and activities. They will strive to keep their family and the church above reproach. All deacons must have read the Church Constitution, the Bylaws, the Mission Statement, the Policy and Procedure Manual, and have agreed to support and uphold them.
ARTICLE III
OTHER MINISTERIAL AND ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Section 1. General
Our church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk, treasurer, trustees and moderator.
Church ministerial and non-ministerial staff as well as teachers, committees or other positions of leadership may be elected and established by the church from time to time to carry out and fulfill the needs of the church.
All elected officers, administrators, and individuals in leadership positions shall be members of this church and in good standing. They shall believe in and support the work of the church and denomination. They shall adhere to the beliefs of The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message and be governed by the church covenant. Failure to measure up to these standards shall be sufficient grounds for removal from their position.
Section 2. Church Ministerial Staff(Individuals ordained to Church Ministry)
The ministerial staff shall be called and employed as the church determines the need for such offices. A job description shall be written by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and included in the Policy and Procedures Manual. The pastor shall serve as the daily supervisor of all church staff, however, only the church may call or terminate staff.
The staff member shall be called and elected to an unlimited tenure of service, to be terminated when he or the church feels so led by the Lord. The staff member shall give a thirty-day (30) notice (or as mutually agreed upon) before termination of services. If the church should ask for the resignation of the staff member he should be given (not to exceed) thirty-days (30) notice and/or (not to exceed) thirty-days (30) pay from the date of notice of termination or resignation.
The church may declare the office of a ministerial staff vacant. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least one (1) week’s public notice (announced at three (3) regularly scheduled church worship services) has been given. The meeting may be called upon the recommendation of a majority of the personnel committee and the deacons or by written petition signed by not less than one fourth (25%) of the resident church members. The members present shall designate the moderator for this meeting by majority vote, and he shall be someone other than the pastor. The vote to declare the office vacant shall be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (66%) of the members present being necessary to declare the office vacant.
Section 3. Church Non-Ministerial Staff (Non-ordained individuals)
Non-ministerial staff members shall be employed as the church determines the need for their services. The church personnel committee shall have the authority to employ and to terminate services of non-ministerial staff members. Such employment and termination of services shall be with the recommendation of the supervising staff member and, as appropriate, with the consultation of related committees of the church. A job description shall be written by the Constitution and Bylaws committee and included in the Policy and Procedures Manual.
Section 4. Moderator
The pastor may serve as moderator if he so desires. Should the pastor not wish to fill this position, the church shall annually elect a moderator. The moderator/Pastor shall preside over all church business meetings. In the absence of the moderator, the position shall be filled in the following order: the chairman of the deacons, other ministerial staff member, and other present deacons. In the absence of the above, the church clerk shall serve for the purpose of electing an acting moderator.
Section 5. Church Clerk
The church clerk shall be elected annually by the church. The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary who will assist the elected clerk. It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the minutes of all regular and special called business meetings of the church, to preserve an accurate roll of the membership, and to render reports as requested by the pastor, deacons or the church. The church clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of this constitution and church covenant shall be available for all church members. The clerk shall keep a list of the names of all church members with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together with a record of baptisms. The clerk shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church, and request letters of admission voted by the church. The clerk shall preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and gives notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary. The clerk shall prepare and present minutes of the preceding business meeting (as well as any preceding special called meeting) at the next regularly scheduled business meeting of the church. The clerk shall submit records for the annual church letter to the association, and submit the church letter to the association after church approval. All church records are church property and shall be kept in the church office when an office is maintained or in a suitable safe location approved by the pastor and deacons.
Section 6. Treasurer
The church shall elect annually a church treasurer. An assistant treasurer shall be elected to assist the treasurer in all matters. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, preserve and pay out upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. Payments shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the treasurer, the assistant treasurer, or financial secretary.
The treasurer shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions or depositories as approved by the church. The treasurer shall be responsible for presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues and expenses of the church at each regular business meeting. An annual report approved by the church shall be submitted to The Florida Baptist Convention. The treasurer shallensure that full accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee or agent of the church. The treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the stewardship committee.
Section 7. Trustees
The church shall annually elect a minimum of four (4) trustees. Legal papers, contracts, conveyances and mortgage or other instrument to be executed in the corporate name and capacity shall be executed in behalf of the corporation by one of the trustees, and the same attested by another trustee. Documents so executed shall be binding upon the corporation. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action. The trustees may be bonded in an amount determined by stewardship committee. The church shall pay cost of the bond.
ARTICLE IV– COMMITTEES
Section 1. General
All committee members shall be recommended by the nominating committee and elected by the church unless otherwise stated in the descriptions below. All committee members shall be members of this church in good standing, shall adhere to the beliefs of The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, and shall be governed by the church covenant. Failure to comply with these standards shall be sufficient grounds for removal from position. Each committee shall elect its own chairman by majority vote.
Section 2. Church Council
(a) The church council shall be composed of pastor (who shall serve as the chairman of the council), chairman of the deacons, church clerk, treasurer, music director, Sunday school director, children’s church director, youth directors, daycare director, stewardship chairman and personnel committee chairman. Other Ministry Leaders may serve as members as recommended by the nominating committee. They remain members of the council as long as they hold the positions.
(b) The basic duties of the church council shall be to help the church understand its mission, to define its priorities by developing and recommending to the church suggested objectives and goals for the church. They shall recommend plans to the church for meeting defined priority needs, coordinate the church’s schedule of activities and evaluate program achievements in terms of the church’s objectives and goals.
(c) All matters agreed upon by the council shall be referred to the church for approval. The council does not make policy for the church; it serves in an advisory capacity.
Section 3. Nominating Committee
(a) The Pastor and Deacons shall annually recommend individuals to serve on the committee. The committee shall be made up of at least six (6) elected members. The pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member. The recommendation for committee members shall be presented to and approved by the church at a regular or special called business meeting.
(b) The nominating committee coordinates the staffing of all church leadership positions filled by volunteer workers unless otherwise specified herein. The nominating committee shall first approve a person considered for any such positions before they are approached for recruitment. The nominating committee shall present to the church for election all that accepts the invitation to serve.
Section 4. Bylaws and Policy & Procedure Committee
(a) This committee shall consist of at least six (6) members following the guidelines set forth under the general committee article above.
(b) The committee shall be charged with regularly (at least annually) reviewing the church covenant, constitution, bylaws, and policy and procedure manual to ensure that these documents represent in a positive way the church’s intent and design for orderly ministry.
(c) Upon review or referral from the church, the committee shall recommend to the church such items, as it deems advisable for modification, revision or clarification. These items shall be presented in written form for discussion at a regular or special called business meeting. Items amending the existing documents shall be presented for a vote not less than two (2) weeks or more than six (6) weeks following the initial presentation. Items amending the Policy and Procedure Manual may be considered for immediate vote.
(d) The revised version of these documents shall be made available to all church members by the church clerk.
Section 5. Stewardship Committee
This committee shall be made up of four (4) to six (6) members, with the treasurer serving as an ex-officio member. Each member shall be a tither, and shall seek to create a sense of stewardship responsibility among the membership.
The committee shall be responsible for creating and recommending an annual budget to the church for approval.
They are to continually monitor the financial well-being of the church and make recommendations on all financial changes to the budget.
Section 6. CROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH of LITHIA – Daycare Committee
(a) This committee shall be made of at least four (4) members, with the Pastor or a Ministerial Staff member and the Daycare Director serving as ex-officio members of this committee.
(b) This committee shall be charged with the oversight of the daycare operation. The committee shall be responsible to the church for all day-to-day matters including but not limited to curriculum, annual budget, finance, staff, and student relations. The committee is the ultimate supervisor of the Daycare Director, acting on the behalf of the church.
(c) It shall be the committee’s responsibility to see that the daycare functions as a ministry of the church, operating and teaching in a manner consistent with the beliefs and doctrines of our church.
Section 7. Personnel Committee
This committee shall oversee all non-ministerial employees. They shall locate, interview, and hire persons for non-ministerial positions within the church and the daycare. They will labor to find such persons when a position becomes vacant and when the church deems a new position is necessary. They shall be responsible for the termination of such persons when necessary. They will assist in writing the job description as positions are established.
Section 8. Other Committees
The church shall elect additional committees, as it deems necessary to fulfill the work of the church and shall specify their goals and objectives.
ARTICLE V – Church Ministries
Section 1. General
All ministries of the church shall function under the advisory of the church council. All members shall be in good standing, shall believe in and support the work of the church. They shall adhere to the beliefs of The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message and be governed by the Church Covenant. Failure to measure up to these standards shall be sufficient grounds for removal from office. The pastor is an ex-officio officer of all ministries and his leadership is to be recognized therein.
Section 2. Sunday School
There shall be a Sunday school, divided into departments and classes for all ages and conducted under the leadership of the Sunday School Director for the study of God’s word. The functions and activities of the Sunday School shall be consistent with the mission of the church.
The Sunday School serves as a major outreach ministry of the church. Therefore, the tasks of the Sunday School shall be to:
ï Reach people for Bible study by leading people to enroll and participate in Bible study
ï Teach the Bible to win the lost and disciple the saved
ï Involve workers and members in introducing persons to Jesus Christ and leading them to a personal faith relationship with Him
ï Ministering to the needs of the Sunday School members and non-members
ï Lead members to participate in public and private worship
ï Provide and interpret the work of the church and the denomination.
The Sunday School Director shall be elected by the church three (3) months prior to the new Sunday school year upon the selection by and the recommendation of the church nominating committee.
Section 3. Ladies of Grace Ministry/Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU)
There shall be a Ladies of Grace/Woman’s Missionary Ministry. They shall exist to make disciples of the ladies in our church and community and to evangelize ladies who are not yet saved. They will labor to connect our mature ladies with the younger ladies of our church for the purpose of discipleship (Titus 2:3-5). Hence, they will aim to mobilize the ladies of the church for discipleship and mission.
Section 4. Brotherhood
There shall be a Brotherhood Ministry. They shall exist to make disciples of the men in our church and evangelize men who are not yet saved. They will labor to entrust the gospel to faithful men so that they will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). They will also labor to assist the needy in our congregation and community by serving them accordingly. Hence, they will aim to mobilize the men of the church for discipleship and mission.
Section 5. Church Music
There shall be a Music ministry. The music ministry shall exist to aid in the worship of the congregation through the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). Led by our music minister, they shall ensure that the content of our songs are thoroughly biblical and consistent with our church’s teaching. They will work in cooperation with the pastor’s vision of such worship and see their efforts as part of the assembled church’s worship.
Section 6. Other Ministries
There may be other ministries (Children, Youth, Senior Adult, etc.) as needed and determined by the church. Such ministries shall have such leaders and forms of organization as needed, consistent with the doctrine and direction of the church and The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.
ARTICLE VI– ORDINANCES
Section 1. 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. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper. (As stated in The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message)
The pastor (his designee or whomever the church shall authorize) shall administer baptism during any worship service.
The pastor and/or staff and deacons shall counsel a person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time. If negative interest is ascertained, he shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism and not considered a member of this church.
Section 2. Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby baptized believers through partaking of the bread and the cup remember the death of Jesus Christ until He comes the second time. The pastor and the deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper. The deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparation of the Lord’s Supper.
ARTICLE VII – CHURCH MEETINGS
Section 1. Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for praying, preaching, instruction and evangelism, all for the worship and glory of God. These meetings shall be open to the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.
Section 2. Business Meetings
The church shall hold a regular quarterly business meeting.
Robert’s Rules of Order is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meeting of this church, regular or special, except where superseded by these Bylaws and the church Policy and Procedure Manual.
A quorum for the transaction of business, in regular or special meetings, shall consist of those church members attending the meeting. All questions shall be decided by a majority vote of 75% (unless otherwise noted in this document) of the church members present. Absentee voting shall not be permitted.
A special called business meeting may be held to consider special matters of immediate necessity. The moderator may call this special business meeting by giving public notice two (2) services prior to the special business meeting, stating the purpose. In absence of the moderator, the pastor or the chairman of the deacons shall have the authority to call a special business meeting as long as the meeting is announced two (2) services in advance, stating the purpose. Special called business meetings may only consider those items germane to the purpose for which they were called.
Section 3. Special Services
Revival services and any other special meetings will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church and shall be placed on the church calendar upon the recommendation of the church council.
ARTICLE VIII – CHURCH FINANCE
Section 1. Tithes & Offerings
The tithes and offerings of the people shall support the overall ministry of this church. All members shall be encouraged to give at least a tenth of their income to the church’s general fund to be used in the Lord’s work.
Section 2. Budget
The stewardship committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an annual budget. (See Article IV, Section 5)
Section 3. Deposits
All records of deposits and disbursements for all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer or financial secretary, and shall be properly recorded on the books of the church.
Section 4. Disbursements
The distribution of funds shall be in accordance with the yearly budget adopted by the church or upon the vote of the church for special items not included in the budget. All appropriate giving shall be received and disbursed according to the designation.
Section 5. Records
The financial records shall be audited annually during the first month of the fiscal year, which begins on the first day of January in each calendar year. A CPA or a committee at the discretion of the Stewardship Committee may conduct an audit.
ARTICLE IX – ADMENDMENTS
Changes in this Constitution and Bylaws (including Church Covenant) may be made under the procedures stated in Article IV, Section 4-C. Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws shall be approved by two-thirds (66%) vote of all members present and voting.
ARTICLE X – MISCELLANEOUS
This document shall take precedence over any other Constitution and Bylaws, requisition, or rules previously adopted by this church, except for the Articles of Incorporation.