Table of Contents

Constitution

  1. Article I – Name and Purpose
    1. Section 1 – Name
    2. Section 2 – Purpose
  2. Article II – Form of Government
  3. Article III – Articles of Faith
  4. Article IV – Church Membership
    1. Section 1 – Reception of Members
    2. Section 2 – Status of Members
    3. Section 3 – Duties of Members
    4. Section 4 – Restoration of Members
    5. Section 5 – Dismissal of Members
  5. Article V – Officers
    1. Section 1 – Elected Officers
    2. Section 2 – Appointed Positions
  6. Article VI – Committees
    1. Section 1 – Nominating Committee
    2. Section 2 – Building and Grounds Committee
    3. Section 3 – Personnel Committee
    4. Section 4 – Membership Committee
    5. Section 5 – Missions Committee
    6. Section 6 – Pulpit Committee
    7. Section 7 – Additional Committees and Quorums

By-Laws

  1. Section I – Annual Meeting
  2. Section II – Communion Service
  3. Section III – Amendments
  4. Section IV – Control By Other Corporations
  5. Section V – Church Work
  6. Section VI – Rules of Order
  7. Section VII – Interpretation of By-Laws
  8. Section VIII – Sale of Property
  9. Section IX – Petitions
  10. Section X – Voting

The Covenant

Constitution

Article I – Name and Purpose

Section 1 – Name

The name of this church shall be South Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan.

Section 2 – Purpose

The purpose of this church shall be to honor God by equipping believers to "make disciples" in the Flint area and around the world through its missionaries (Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-13; I Corinthians 10:31).

In order to reach this goal, this church shall:

  1. Maintain specific outreach/discipleship ministries along with a commitment to relevant Bible teaching and training, genuine caring ministry, dynamic public worship opportunities and meaningful fellowship in a context of compassion and community concern.
  2. Emphasize a global perspective on the church's ministry by cooperating heartily through prayer, gift and service in the effort to extend the witness of the Gospel to all the world.

Article II – Form of Government

This Church is an independent, congregationally governed, Regular Baptist church. As such, it assumes the sole responsibility for its own actions yet recognizes the validity of biblical cooperation and fellowship with other churches of like faith.

Article III – Articles of Faith

We believe in THE HOLY SCRIPTURE: accepting fully the writing of the Old and New Testaments as the inerrant Word of God, verbally and plenarily inspired and therefore altogether sufficient as our only infallible and authoritative rule of faith and practice (Psalm 119:160; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:18-19).

We believe in THE ONE TRUE GOD: Who is a sovereign, intelligent, spiritual and personal being. He is perfect, infinite, and eternal in His being, holiness, love, wisdom, and power. He is absolutely separate from and above the world as its Creator, yet everywhere present in the world as Upholder of all things. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct ministries in relation to God's creation and in the great work of redemption (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:2-3; I Corinthians 8:6; John 10:30; John 15:26).

We believe in THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: Who is the Second Person of the Trinity, the eternal Word and the Only Begotten Son. Without any change in His Divine Person, He became a man by the miracle of the virgin birth and thus is both true God and true man, one Person with two natures. He gave Himself in death upon the cross, bearing the sin of the world, and suffering the full penalty of divine wrath in our stead. He bodily arose from the grave and as our great High Priest ascended into Heaven, there to appear before God as our Advocate and Intercessor (John 1:1, 14; John 3:16; Matthew 1:18-25; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:6-10; Hebrews 4:14-16; I John 2:1-2).

We believe in THE HOLY SPIRIT: Who is the Third Person of the Trinity, the divine Agent in nature, revelation, and redemption. He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment; and He regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals all who become children of God through faith in Christ. He further empowers, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and fills believers. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to be used for the edification of believers in the local church. The miracle and sign gifts were given for a unique purpose to the first century church. They ceased at the end of that century as the Scripture was completed and their purpose was fulfilled (John 3:5; John 14:16-17, 26; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:13; II Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:3-4; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18).

We believe that ALL PEOPLE ARE BY NATURE AND CHOICE SINFUL AND LOST: that man was the direct creation of God, made in His image and likeness; and that by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God he became a sinful creature, the father of a fallen race which is universally sinful in both nature and practice. This sinfulness alienates all people from the life and family of God, and places them under the righteous judgment and wrath of God. Thus he has within himself no possible means of salvation (Genesis 1:27, 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23, 5:12, 19).

We believe in SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH: that salvation is the free gift of God, neither merited nor secured any part or in whole by any virtue or work of man, but is received only by personal faith in Jesus Christ, in whom all true believers have a present possession — the gift of eternal life. Upon the exercise of such faith a believer receives deliverance and eternal security from all condemnation, every spiritual resource needed for life and godliness, and the divine guarantee that they shall never perish (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; John 1:12; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:1; Philippians 1:6).

We believe in RIGHTEOUS LIVING AND GODLY WORKS: not as a means of salvation in any sense, but as its proper evidence and fruit. Therefore, as Christians we should obey the Word of our Lord, and seek the things which are above (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12, 13; Colossians 3:1-4).

We believe in THE EXISTENCE OF SATAN: the devil who was created by God as an angel, but through pride and rebellion became the enemy of his Creator. He thus became the unholy god of this age and the ruler of all the powers of darkness and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. His present powers are vast but strictly limited by the permissive will of God who overrules all his wicked devises for good. We are able to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God, by the blood of the Lamb, and through the power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ephesians 2:1-3; I Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9-11; I John 3:8).

We believe in THE RETURN OF CHRIST: that His coming in the air to rapture His church, which is our blessed Hope, is always imminent. Following that event, He will then pour out the righteous judgments of God upon the unbelieving world during a seven year tribulation period and afterward descend with His church and establish His literal and glorious kingdom over all the nations for a thousand years (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; James 5:8; Hebrews 10:37; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4-7).

We believe in FUTURE LIFE, BODILY RESURRECTION, AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT: that the spirits of the saved at death go immediately to be with Christ in Heaven, and that for the determination of rewards which will take place when Christ comes for His own. The spirits of the unsaved at death descend immediately into Hades where they are kept under punishment until the final day of judgment at which time they shall be judged and cast into Hell, the place of final and everlasting punishment (I Corinthians 15; II Corinthians 5:8-10; Revelation 20:11-15).

We believe in THE CHURCH: which is an organized congregation of immersed believers, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word. Its officers are pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is to "make disciples," which includes the faithful witnessing of Christ to all people and the responsibility of spiritual nature in the truths of God's Word. The local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations, and that the one and only Superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit. In all matters of membership, polity, government, discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church is final. It is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel, but each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. We believe in the unity of all New Testament believers in the church, which is the body of Christ. All members of this one spiritual body should assemble and identify themselves in local churches (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Acts 20:17-18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:41-42; I Timothy 3:1-13; Philippians 1:1-2; Matthew 28:19-20).

We believe in THE ORDINANCES GIVEN TO THE LOCAL CHURCH WHICH ARE TWO: Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that Baptism is by immersion of believers in water, thus portraying the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper is the partaking of the bread and cup by the believer as a continuing memorial of the body and blood of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41; I Corinthians 11:23-34).

We believe in THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS: that Christ is our great High Priest and through Him every born-again person has direct access into God's presence without the need of a human priest; that the believer has the right and responsibility to personally study and interpret the Scriptures guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:6; Hebrews 4:16; II Timothy 2:15; I Peter 2:1, 5, 9).

We believe in THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: with each having definite and distinct spheres of responsibility. Civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society. Governmental leaders are therefore to be prayed for, and conscientiously honored and obeyed except in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only Lord of the conscience and the coming King of Kings (Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29).

We believe in PERSONAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION: in accordance with the biblical command to separate ourselves unto God from worldliness; and as a church, from ecclesiastical apostasy and unbelief (II Corinthians 6:14-7:1; I Thessalonians 1:9-10; I Timothy 6:3-5; Romans 16:17).

Article IV – Church Membership

Section 1 – Reception of Members

The membership of this church shall consist of scripturally baptized believers who have met with the Membership Committee before whom they have given satisfactory evidence of their salvation and acceptance of the Statement of Faith. Upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee, they will be accepted into membership by congregational action.

  1. Those who have not previously been scripturally baptized will be received into membership pending their baptism.
  2. Those seeking to join the church who are coming from a sister Baptist church by letter of recommendation will be received as outlined above.

Section 2 – Status of Members

  1. Active Members – Those who attend at least one worship service quarterly and are not under any disciplinary action are considered active members. Only active members have voting privileges.
  2. Inactive Members – Failure to attend the services as stated in the previous paragraph shall be deemed sufficient ground for dropping them from the active membership roll and placing them on the inactive roll. An appropriate effort shall be made to contact such individuals and restore them to active involvement. Names shall be carried on the inactive roll for a period not to exceed one year. If an inactive member shows interest by this time, the Pastor and the Membership Committee may recommend that the person be dropped from the rolls by church action.

Section 3 – Duties of Members

  1. Faithful attendance – Each member is expected to faithfully attend worship services, Sunday School, and mid-week services/small group fellowships.
  2. Financial support – Each member is expected to participate regularly in giving. New Testament examples indicate that the work of the Lord should be financed by voluntary church-centered offerings.
  3. Dedicated service – Each member is expected to volunteer to serve within the limits of his/her ability, and to do so in a spirit of unity, cooperation, and loyalty.
  4. Regular prayer – Each member is expected to support the work of our church and its leaders through faithful prayer.
  5. Loyal support – The Bible clearly teaches that we are all responsible to our Pastors (and Deacons) who give leadership to our ministry. We recognize that they are human and fallible — but called by God to serve us, and they deserve our respect and appreciation.
  6. Personal godliness – Each member should seek to live a godly life and prayerfully consider involvement in practices, habits, or associations that might be displeasing to God and injurious to His testimony and the testimony of the church.

Section 4 – Restoration of Members

  1. It is vital to the testimony of this church and the glory of God that the purity of the church be preserved and its peace protected. Therefore, it shall be the duty of the Pastors and the Deacons to seek diligently to reclaim any member known to be living in disregard of his biblical and covenant obligation. It is specifically directed that church leaders move with prayerful diligence in dealing with anyone who is involved in immorality, in obstructing the work or disturbing the peace of the church by slander or falsehood, in doctrinal deviation, in an irreconcilable dispute with another member, or in other conduct unbecoming a Christian. The purpose of such disciplinary action is the restoration of the sinning believer to fellowship with Christ and His church and the maintenance of the church's purity (I Corinthians 5:1-13; Galatians 6:1; I Thessalonians 5:11-13).
  2. The leaders of the church shall seek to adhere faithfully to the teaching of God's Word relative to the procedure for scriptural discipline: private admonition, group confirmation, and congregational information and action. In the case of the serious violation of Christian conduct (as outlined in Section 4A) and after individual and group admonition by church leaders, the church may then vote to remove the sinning member from church membership. In some cases, a person may be suspended by Deacon action for a probation period of up to one (1) year. All membership privileges shall be revoked. (See Article X of the By-Laws.) Church leaders shall then review his spiritual condition and upon satisfactory evidence of repentance he shall be restored to full fellowship. If after this review, there is no evidence of repentance, then the Deacons shall recommend to the church that he be dismissed from church membership for conduct unbecoming a Christian (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3; Titus 3:10-11; James 5:20; I Timothy 5:20).
  3. In dealing with matters of scriptural discipline, church leaders should always be characterized by kindness, impartiality, consideration, and Christian love. When the godly sorrow that leads to repentance does take place, fellow believers in the church should also maintain an attitude of care and encouragement to keep the repentant one from being "overwhelmed by excessive sorrow" (Galatians 6:1; II Corinthians 2:7; II Timothy 2:24-26).
  4. As members of South Baptist Church, we agree not to pursue legal action or sue the Pastors, Deacons, or church staff in connection with the performance of their duties. It is our conviction that God's Word clearly instructs us to settle all our own disputes between members through our local church channels of authority and discipline as outlined above (I Corinthians 6:1-8).

Section 5 – Dismissal of Members

  1. By letter: An active member, upon request, might receive a letter of recommendation by congregational action in order to unite with another church of like faith.
  2. By death: No church action is required.
  3. By request: A church member may request that his name be removed from the rolls at any time. No church action is required, but the removal must be reported at the next regular business meeting.
  4. By uniting with another church: When one has united with another church, his membership with this church shall cease. No church action is required, but the removal must be reported at the next regular business meeting.
  5. By exclusion: When the church, in exercise of its lawful authority and discipline (see Section 4) withdraws fellowship from one proven to be an unworthy member, his membership immediately ceases.
  6. By inactivity: As outlined in Section 2, those who by inactivity demonstrate a lack of interest in church membership and involvement may be removed from membership at the recommendation of the Pastor and the Membership Committee with congregational action.

Article V – Officers

Section 1 – Elected Officers

The elected officers of this Church shall be:

  1. Lead Pastor
    1. The Lead Pastor's life and testimony should model the leadership descriptions of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
    2. It shall be the duty of the Lead Pastor to devote himself to prayer and the faithful preaching of the Word of God, administrate the ordinances, and minister to the people in times of sickness and trial.
    3. The Lead Pastor is the chief administrator of the church and its staff. He is to provide visionary leadership and work closely with the Deacons in overseeing the various ministries of the church.
    4. As soon as convenient after the annual meeting, the Lead Pastor shall make all committee assignments of Deacons and members-at-large, unless otherwise provided in the Constitution or By-Laws. In the absence of a Lead Pastor, the Deacons will make the assignments.
    5. The Lead Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees, except the Pulpit Committee. He shall preside at the meetings of the Deacons and at congregational meetings. In the absence of the Lead Pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons shall preside.
    6. The Lead Pastor's relationship shall continue until dissolved by request of himself or of the church, in which case either shall have the right to claim two (2) months from the time such request is formally made, before the relationship between them shall cease.
  2. Deacons
    1. A Deacon is to be a mature male believer, proven in his Christian character in the home, church, and community.
    2. The Deacon Team shall consist of twelve (12) men qualified in accordance with I Timothy, chapter 3. Six (6) Deacons shall be elected each year to a two-year term of service. After one (1) term of service, a Deacon may run for a consecutive term. After serving two (2) consecutive terms, a Deacon will be required to have a one-year break of service before becoming eligible for election to another term.
    3. It shall be the duty of the Deacons to assist the Pastors in the oversight of the spiritual and business interests of the church and in the administration of the ordinances. They shall dispense gifts from the Benevolence Fund of the church as they deem appropriate. They shall be responsible for the proper financial stewardship of all church moneys and the care and upkeep of the physical properties and equipment of the church. They shall exercise care over the church membership — and assist the Pastor in matters of church discipline.
    4. The Lead Pastor will appoint the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary of the Deacon Board as soon as convenient after the annual meeting. In the absence of a Lead Pastor, the Deacon Board will make the appointments. When available, the former Chairman or Vice-Chairman shall lead the Deacons in an election by which the three positions are filled by a majority vote of those present and voting.
    5. The Deacons shall normally meet at least once each month to hear reports and recommendations from the committees and make any necessary decisions within its jurisdiction in order to make the church operate efficiently. One more than one-half of presently serving Deacons shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. They shall keep minutes of their meetings in a permanent record and report in writing at least once a year to the congregation.
    6. No full-time paid employee of the church may serve as a Deacon.
    7. For legal purposes all Deacons are also Trustees.
  3. Deaconesses – There are to be sixteen (16) Deaconesses. Eight (8) shall be elected yearly to serve a term of two (2) years. It shall be their duty to assist the Lead Pastor and Deacons in preparation of church ordinances, and any other assistance that may be deemed necessary and fitting. The Lead Pastor shall appoint a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson as soon as possible after the annual meeting.
  4. Church Clerk – The Church Clerk shall be elected yearly. Duties shall be:
    1. Take charge of and maintain membership records in cooperation with the Membership Committee;
    2. Preserve a correct record of the business transactions of the church;
    3. Present a report of the membership statistics at the annual meeting;
    4. Attend to the correspondence of the church and to perform other duties that are entrusted by the church.
  5. Additional Pastoral Staff – Additional Staff members for Youth, Outreach, Christian Education, Music Ministries, etc. may be sought from time to time as the need arises. Their ministries shall be conducted under the direction of the Lead Pastor (see Article VI, Section 6B for procedures).
  6. Pertaining to all officers, except the pastoral staff, in the event that a termination occurs, a successor shall normally be appointed by the Lead Pastor, subject to approval by the Deacons, to fill that office until the next regularly scheduled church election.

Section 2 – Appointed Positions

  1. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall be appointed yearly by the Deacons. This officer shall sign the checks of the Current Expense Fund. No funds shall be paid out except upon the order of the Deacons. The Treasurer shall make periodic reports as requested by the Church or the Deacons at annual business meetings.
  2. Sunday School Superintendent – The Sunday School Superintendent shall be appointed yearly upon the recommendation of the Lead Pastor with the approval of the Deacons, and shall be charged with the oversight of the Sunday School.
  3. Assistant Sunday School Superintendent – The Assistant Sunday School Superintendent shall be appointed yearly upon the recommendation of the Lead Pastor with the approval of the Deacons, shall assist the Superintendent, and shall serve in his absence.
  4. Church Secretaries – Church Secretaries as required shall be employed upon recommendation of the Lead Pastor with the approval of the Deacons. The Lead Pastor shall outline the duties and the Personnel Committee shall recommend the salaries and benefits. The secretaries shall work under the direction of the Lead Pastor.
  5. Building Custodial/Maintenance Personnel – Building Custodial/Maintenance Personnel as required shall be employed upon recommendation of the Lead Pastor and the Custodial/Maintenance Supervisor. The custodial/maintenance personnel shall work under the direction of the Custodial/Maintenance Supervisor.

Article VI – Committees

Section 1 – Nominating Committee

A committee of three (3) men shall constitute the Nominating Committee. This Committee shall consist of two (2) Deacons and one (1) member-at-large, appointed by the church membership at least four (4) months in advance of the Annual Business Meeting. They shall prepare a ballot of one (1) or more candidates for each of the various church offices. The proposed slate of officers shall be posted at least one (1) month in advance of the Annual Business Meeting. Anyone serving on the Nominating Committee shall not be nominated for any office.

Additional nominations to the slate posted by the Nominating Committee must be supported in writing by at least three (3) active members of voting age and represent three (3) different families in the church. These candidates must be presented to the Nominating Committee at least two (2) weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting, in order that each nominee may be contacted properly and their qualifications for office by prayerfully considered and approved. Votes for a write-in candidate will not be counted.

Section 2 – Building and Grounds Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee, under the direction of the Lead Pastor and the Deacons, shall oversee the temporal affairs of the church and its properties, keep the properties in good condition, and make repairs and alterations as necessary. The committee shall be composed of at least two (2) Deacons and four (4) members-at-large.

Section 3 – Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee shall include at least two (2) Deacons. They shall have oversight over all personnel policies and issues. They shall have responsibility for the personnel budget. They shall annually review the needs of the staff. In cooperation with the Lead Pastor they shall maintain a manual of personnel policies and procedures.

Section 4 – Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall be responsible to:

  1. Regularly review the membership roll, keeping an accurate listing of active and inactive members in cooperation with the Church Clerk;
  2. Bring to the church the names of those members seeking congregational action regarding letters of recommendation for joining sister churches;
  3. Report to the church those members who have requested that their name be dropped;
  4. Work with the Lead Pastor in insuring that adequate membership instruction classes are provided for all who seek to join the church; and
  5. Interview those who make application for church membership and recommend to the church family the acceptance of all new members.

Section 5 – Missions Committee

It shall be the responsibility of this committee to:

  1. Regularly review the missions program and to make recommendations to the Deacons and congregation for financial increases/decreases of individual missionaries and agencies;
  2. Make recommendations to the Deacons and congregation for new missionaries to be placed on the missionary budget;
  3. Oversee, under the direction of the Lead Pastor, special missions initiatives and conferences;
  4. Maintain a Missions Policy;
  5. Evaluate all supported missionaries through annual reports and through personal interviews with missionaries while home on furlough;
  6. Take the lead in encouraging congregational support of missions through prayer, communication, and financial support; and
  7. Under the direction of the pastoral staff, identify, encourage, counsel, discipline, and commend members of the congregation for missionary service.

No missionary commitments shall be made (or any gifts presented) by any Sunday School class or department, or by any organization or group within the church, unless approved by the Missions Committee.

Section 6 – Pulpit Committee

  1. This Committee will only exist in the event the office of Lead Pastor has been vacated for any reason. It shall be formed and begin its work as soon as is reasonably feasible after the announcement of the office becoming vacant. A committee of five (5) shall be elected by the church and shall consist of three (3) Deacons and two (2) members-at-large.

    It shall be the duty of this Committee to take such steps as may be necessary to call a Lead Pastor. The Committee shall also be responsible for all pulpit supply until a new Lead Pastor arrives. The Committee shall work with the Personnel Committee to recommend a salary package to the Deacons and congregation for approval.

    Upon recommendation of the Deacons, a Lead Pastor is called by congregational vote. Announcement shall be given at least one week in advance of a congregational meeting at which action will be taken. The vote shall be by ballot and require at least a two-thirds majority to extend the call.

  2. When any vacancy occurs among Associate Pastors, with the approval of the Deacons, a Search Committee shall be formed consisting of the Lead Pastor, Deacon Chairman, Deacon Vice-Chairman, and one additional member appointed by the Lead Pastor. The Lead Pastor shall be responsible to search out qualified individuals to fill the open position. The Committee shall present its findings to the Deacons, which in turn shall make recommendation to the congregation for its approval. The vote shall be by ballot and require at least a two-thirds majority to extend the call.

Section 7 – Additional Committees and Quorums

Additional Committees as deemed necessary may be appointed as soon as possible after the annual meeting by the Lead Pastor with the approval of the Deacons.

One more than one-half of the total committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

By-Laws

Section I – Annual Meeting

The annual meeting shall be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the end of the fiscal year at which time all of the officers of the church, except those otherwise provided for, shall be elected by ballot. Annual reports shall be made at this time by the various officers and departments of the church.

Section II – Communion Service

A Communion service shall be held on a monthly basis.

Section III – Amendments

This Constitution and these By-Laws may be altered, amended, or repealed at any regular meeting of the church. A written notice of the proposed change must be presented to the membership two (2) weeks prior to the regular meeting and shall require a two-thirds vote.

Section IV – Control By Other Corporations

This corporation shall not be controlled by any other corporation.

Section V – Church Work

All the activities of the church, whether conducted through societies or committees, or otherwise, are a part of the single church organization, and the Pastor and the Deacons shall have a general oversight of them all.

Section VI – Rules of Order

All business of the church shall be conducted in accordance with "Robert's Rules of Order."

Section VII – Interpretation of By-Laws

When any question or dispute arises in any branch of the church work or regarding these By-Laws, the same shall be settled by the majority action of the Deacons or be referred by them to the church membership for decision.

Section VIII – Sale of Property

The sale, mortgage, leasing, pledging, or encumbering of any part or all of the church property, shall first be authorized by a three-fourths vote of the church membership present at any regular church meeting, and when so authorized, shall be duly executed and carried into effect by the chairman and secretary of the Deacon Board for and on behalf of the church.

Section IX – Petitions

No one shall circulate a petition or announcement in the church without having submitted it to the Pastor and the Deacons and received their permission.

Section X – Voting

The right to vote upon church affairs is limited to active members of this church, 18 years of age or over.

Secret ballot may be called for on any issue by any active member of voting age; however, a secret ballot is required on all major issues (e.g., calling a pastor, purchase of real estate, building construction, and election of officers).

Absentee ballots shall be provided at the discretion of current committees to active members requesting them for emergencies such as illness or work schedule. Voted ballots shall be returned to the church office in sealed envelopes until the time of vote count.

The 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 Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconcilation, and, mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's work.

We also engage to reverence the house of our God and forever prohibit everything that is worldly or that is done for the raising of moneys otherwise than freewill offerings, foreign to the praise and service of God.

Date last revised: December 2005