Fredonia First Southern Baptist Church

Constitution: Revised March 2000

ARTICLE I
NAME

The name of this church shall be The First Southern Baptist Church of Fredonia, Wilson County, Kansas.

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND COVENANT

Section 1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this church shall be to maintain public services for the worship of
the Lord God, for the teaching and preaching of the Gospel according to His
Word, and to promote the interests of the Kingdom of God according to the Holy
Scriptures, with missions as the heart of our purpose.

Section 2. COVENANT

The following shall be the covenant of the Church:

“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 and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into a 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 and holiness; 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 to 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 battling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, 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 one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation 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 Word.

Section 3. STATEMENT OF FAITH

The articles of faith of this church shall be those that have been adopted and approved by the Southern Baptist Convention as stated in the Baptist Faith and Message.

ARTICLE III
DENOMINATIONAL COOPERATION

 
Maintaining our self-governing, autonomous character, it is the purpose of this church to cooperate with the Twin Valley Association of Southern Baptists, the Kansas-Nebraska Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP

 
Section 1. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS

1. Any person confessing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior and giving evidence of a change of heart with the Church in its views of faith and practice, and assenting to the covenant of this Church may, upon baptism by immersion, be received into membership.
2. Members of other Baptist Churches, of like faith and order, may be received by a letter of recommendation and dismissal, provided they have been baptized by immersion.
3. Persons who have been a member of a Baptist Church of like faith and order who, in consequence of peculiar circumstances have no regular letter of dismissal, may be received into membership by statement of faith, having given satisfactory evidence of regenerate heart, Christian conduct, and scriptural faith.
4. A member whose name has been removed from the church roll, or who has been excluded from church membership, may be restored by request upon confession of any error committed, or by giving satisfactory evidence to the Church of having maintained a Christian character.
5. All members will be received upon a 3/4 majority vote of the members present. Should any objection be made, the case shall be postponed and the objection inquired into. Application for admission to membership may be voted upon at any regular meeting of the church for worship or at any church business meeting. However, when membership is requested at a worship service, should there be sufficient question about the qualifications of the one requesting membership as to his or her Christian experience, baptism, conduct, or otherwise, a vote by the church shall be withheld until a regular business meeting so as to give the Pastor or Deacons, or both if necessary, an opportunity to study the question or questions involved and make recommendations to the church.

Section 2. OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

In order that persons applying for church membership may be informed as to the duties and obligations of members, they shall have a copy of the Church Constitution and Church Covenant presented to them by the Pastor, member of the body of Deacons, or a member of the Pastoral Advisory Committee, and shall be expected to observe it both in practice and spirit.

Section 3. DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

1. Letters of dismissal, for the purpose of uniting with some other Baptist Church of like faith and order, shall be granted to members in good standing upon a majority vote of the Church at any regular or called business meeting.
2. Any member who unites with a church of some other denomination may, upon a majority vote of the Church at any regular or called business meeting, be deleted from the Church membership roll.

Section 4. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

In the event of the necessity of disciplinary action against some member of the church, a discipline committee shall investigate and bring a full report to the Church, always keeping in mind Jesus’ admonition to forgive one’s brother “seventy times seven”. The committee shall be composed of three members: The Chairman of the Deacons, The Pastor, and one other member appointed by the Pastor.

Section 5. INACTIVE MEMBER

An inactive member is one who has not attended for 6 months, without good reason, and has been notified by the Church of inactivity. If after notification, member is in agreement with the Church, then they shall be considered an inactive member. If no reply within a reasonable amount of time, such as 30 days, then they shall automatically be considered inactive, but will remain on the Church roll.

ARTICLE V
OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of this church shall be a Pastor, Deacons, Pastoral Advisory Committee, 3 Trustees, a Church Clerk, a Treasurer, a Sunday School Director, Church Council, and such other officers as the Church shall call to assist in the administration, work, and worship of the Church.

Section 2. Except as otherwise provided, all officers shall be elected at the August business meeting, and shall serve for the following Church year.

Section 3. All officers shall be members of this Church in good standing.

Section 4. All teachers, officers, and leaders of the Church and of all branch organizations of the Church shall be subject to Church approval.

Section 5. Any officer who, for a period of three months shall fail to perform faithfully the duties pertaining to his office without adequate reason, automatically vacates said office.

Section 6. The Church has the power, for good and sufficient cause, to remove from office any officer or committeeman.

Section 7. All members of the paid Church staff serve for an indefinite period, or until their relationship is terminated by resignation, by Church action, or by death.

Section 8. Resignation of officers should be in writing to the Church and should be effective on a reasonable date after notification.

ARTICLE VI
DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. PASTOR

The Pastor will give himself to the ministry of the Word and the leadership of the congregation. He shall cooperate with the local organized work of the Baptist Denomination and the Southern Baptist Convention. He shall examine all candidates for Baptism as to their conversion, and instruct all new members in the duties and the privileges of Church membership. He shall moderate at all Church business sessions, watch over the flock which God has made him overseer, promote the spiritual interest and develop good will as much as possible, and shall serve as ex-officio member of all committees of the Church and it’s auxiliary organizations. He shall be duly authorized to call meetings of any organization of the Church, as he shall deem advisable.

Section 2. DEACONS

The Deacons shall, in every way possible, assist the Pastor in the work and spiritual welfare of the Church, and shall also assist him in administering the Church Ordinances. They shall cooperate with him in providing pulpit supply and leaders of prayer meetings in his absence. They shall cooperate with the Pastor in visiting members, and in the care of the sick, needy, and distressed members of the Church; and they shall assist in promoting the evangelistic and financial programs of the Church.

Section 3. TRUSTEES

The Trustees shall be charged with the duties of signing and executing all legal matters and transactions as shall present themselves form time to time in behalf of the Church. They shall hold in trust all properties belonging to the Church, and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management, and upkeep. It shall perform all such other duties as are imposed upon it by the Church and by the State. They shall serve for three (3) years on an annual rotation basis.

Section 4. TREASURER

The treasurer shall receive and disburse all moneys given to the Church in accordance with the instructions of the Church and as authorized by the Church. All disbursements shall be made by check. The Treasurer shall present to the Church at its business sessions, or more often if desired, an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements, showing the actual financial condition of the Church. The Treasurer shall present the 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 their successor all books and records pertaining to their office.

Section 5. CHURCH CLERK

The clerk shall keep accurate minutes of the business meetings of the Church, including the reception and admission of members, keep a complete roll of members of the Church; issue letters of dismissal and letters of Christian standing and Church fellowship, as authorized by the Church; conduct correspondence for the Church in connection with their office; preserve and properly file all letters, reports, and other documents pertaining to their office; assist in preparing the denominational reports, and any others that may be required. They shall surrender all books and records pertaining to the office immediately to their successor.

Section 6. PASTORAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Pastoral Advisory Committee shall serve in the event of insufficient number of Deacons. The Chairman and laypersons shall be elected by the Church, and are responsible for any and all duties expected of the Deacons. This committee shall consist of not more than three (3) laypersons and not more than six (6) members total, including Deacons or Deacon trainees, and is considered inactive if there are three (3) ordained Deacons serving the Church.

Section 7. MODERATOR AND ASSISTANT

The Pastor shall be moderator of the Church and will preside at all business meetings unless otherwise provided. The Chairman of Deacons of Chairman of the Pastoral Advisory Committee shall be assistant moderator of the Church, and will preside at all business meetings in the absence of the moderator, and on such occasions as he may request.

Section 8. CHURCH COUNCIL

The Church Council consists of all elected officers, or any others as selected by the Church, and is responsible for calendaring, organizing, and making recommendations to the Church of the business of the Church.

ARTICLE VII
COMMITTEES

The following committees shall be selected by the Church as required:

Auditing	Finance	Benevolent
Outreach	Hostess	Library
Pulpit	Worship	Nominating
Ushering	Nursery	(And any other necessary)

 

ARTICLE VIII
CALLING A PASTOR

Section 1. THE CALL

When it becomes necessary to call a Pastor, the Church shall select a committee of five (5) members to be known as the Pulpit Committee. They shall be elected at a regular or called meeting of the Church. Such committee shall elect a chairman from their number, and shall proceed with as little delay as possible to select some minister of the Gospel, whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office of Pastor of the Church. When the committee has made a choice, it shall give notice of the meeting at which it will submit its report. The vote shall be on the adoption of the report of the committee, and the question put by the moderator shall be, “Shall the report of the committee be received and its recommendation adopted?” If 3/4 of the members present vote to approve the committee’s recommendation, the moderator shall declare the nominee elected, pending the nominee’s right of acceptance to the call. Only one pastoral candidate shall be presented to the Church at one time. The Church will not be asked to vote on a Pulpit Committee’s recommendation until such time as the candidate shall have appeared before the Church at a regular worship service.

Section 2. GENERAL TERMS OF THE CALL

The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time. The salary, which shall be paid weekly, shall be agreed upon at the time of the call, and may changed by the vote of the Church at any regular business meeting. He shall be entitled to an annual vacation, consisting of two Sundays away from his Church, with full salary. There must be a quorum as defined in Article IX, Section 2, c., and the total minimum vote must consist of 51% of all active members, and must have a 3 to 1 majority to pass.

Section 3. TERMINATION OF A PASTOR

The term of office may be ended upon thirty days notice on the part of the Pastor or of the Church. Termination of the office by the Church shall be a vote at a regularly called business meeting. Notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays. There must be a quorum as defined in Article IX, Section 2, c., and the total minimum vote must consist of 51% of all active members, and must have 3 to 1 majority to pass.

ARTICLE IX
MEETINGS

Section 1. DEVOTIONAL MEETINGS

1. The Church shall meet regularly each Lord’s Day for worship and the preaching of the Gospel.
2. The Church shall meet each Lord’s Day for Christian training and instruction (the study and the teaching of the Bible) and at such other times as the Church may decide.
3. The Church shall meet for the observance of the Lord’s Supper once each quarter and at such times as the Church may decide.
4. The Church shall carry out the Ordinance of Baptism as can be arranged by the Pastor, Deacons (or Pastoral Advisory Committee), and eligible candidates.

Section 2. BUSINESS MEETINGS

1. A regular monthly meeting for the transaction of business shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month, following the first Sunday.
2. Special business meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor or Chairman of Deacons (or Chairman of the Pastoral Advisory Committee). Notice of such a meeting, and object for which it is called shall be given during the worship service from the pulpit at least one church service preceding said meeting, or by written notice to all Church members.
3. Members present in good standing, and qualified to vote, which shall consist of 25% of all active members 18 and over, shall constitute a quorum. A majority of such members present and voting at any regular of called business meeting shall be sufficient to decide any question presented, unless otherwise provided by this constitution. Members under 18 will still have a vote.
4. All matters pertaining to the purchase, sale, or mortgaging of property shall be voted on only by members in good standing and who are of legal age. On all other matters, any member in good standing is entitled to vote except as otherwise provided in this constitution.
5. In the event of an emergency where there is not sufficient time to call a business meeting before any such business must be acted upon, 3/4 of the total members of the church council must vote in favor of such business in order for it to pas. Any such emergency business must be on the agenda of the next regular of called business meeting.

Section 3. OTHER MEETINGS

1. Any meeting at the Church other than devotional and business meetings (as already provided in this constitution) will be subject to Church approval.
2. All auxiliaries and branch organizations of the Church are permitted to meet in accordance with their own policies, subject to Church intervention at any time for good and sufficient cause.
3. Weddings and funerals may be conducted in the Church when arrangements are made with the Pastor or Chairman of Deacons (or Chairman of the Pastoral Advisory Committee).

ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Any of the rules in this constitution maybe amended, altered, or repealed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present at any regular business meeting, provided, however, same has been proposed in writing and notice given from the pulpit on two (2) successive Sundays preceding the meeting.

Section 2. The adoption of this Constitution shall effect a repeal of all previously adopted constitutional provisions that are not readopted herein.

Section 3. A copy of this Constitution shall, at all times, be kept by the Pastor and Church Clerk, and one copy given to each family of the Church. Any amendments or revisions thereof shall, after passage, be prepared in printed form and added thereto.

ARTICLE XI
RULES OF ORDER

The rules contained on Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the business proceedings of this Church in all cases where they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution.

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