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Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF THE CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH
"The Friendly Village Church"
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Hebrews: 10:24-25
Revised March 9, 2006
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this church shall be the Carolina Free Baptist Church of Carolina, Rhode Island.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of this church shall be the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. It shall seek to attain this end through the public worship of God, the preaching of the Gospel, consistent Christian living by its members, personal evangelism, missionary endeavor and Christian education.
ARTICLE III - GOVERNMENT
The government shall be vested in the body which composes its membership.
ARTICLE IV - COVENANT
This church receives the Holy Scriptures as an all sufficient basis of doctrine and practice. As a summary of principles for Christian conduct among its members, it adopts the following Church Covenant:
1. Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and on the profession of our Faith, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ
2. 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 needy and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
3. We will also engage in maintaining family and private devotions; to teach our children the Christian Truths; 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 abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage and to refrain from the use and sale of illegal drugs; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (2)
4. 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 reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay. (Eph. 4:26 - "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath ").
5. We moreover agree that if we leave this house of worship, 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 Holy Word.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP
Section I - Requirements
A person must meet the following requirements to become eligible for membership in this church.
a) Profession of Faith and Beliefs.
This means he/she confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and adopts the views of faith and principles of this church.
b) Attend the Pastor's study classes on baptism and church membership.
c) Be baptized by immersion
This means being baptized by complete submersion in water.
d) Meet with the Board of Deacons and be approved for membership by that board.
Section II - Exceptions
a) By Letter
A person who has been baptized by immersion and who agrees with the views of Faith and the principles of this church may be received by letter from any other church on the recommendation of- the Pastor and the approval of the Board of Deacons.
b) Physical Reasons
Any person who for physical reasons cannot be baptized by immersion may be considered for membership after attending the Pastor's study classes and receiving the approval of the Board of Deacons.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (3)
c) Incapacitation
Any person being so incapacitated that they are unable to attend the Pastor's 'study classes or meet with the Board of Deacons, may at the discretion of the Pastor and the Board, be recommended for membership in this church without meeting the requirements listed above.
Section III - Admission
a) To become a member of this church the candidate must be voted in by the church body after meeting the requirements of Sections I or II.
b) As a courtesy to the new members, they will be given the right hand of fellowship by the Pastor and all persons attending the morning service on the first Sunday (except Communion Sunday) after being voted into membership.
Section IV Discipline
a) Cause of discipline:
1) Breach or neglect of Scriptural teaching
2) Gross immorality
3) Any conduct detrimental to the interests of the church and the Gospel of Christ.
4) Joining with a non-evangelical church.
b) Types of discipline:
1) Censure - Any person requiring discipline shall be called before the Board of Deacons. The problem shall be discussed and all parties concerned shall strive for a mutual agreement.
2) Dismissal from office - Any person, holding an office in the church, still requiring discipline after meeting with the Board of Deacons, shall be removed from his/her office. The dismissal shall be by vote of the church body.
3) Probation
If the discipline of censure or removal from office does not resolve the problem, the offender may be placed on probation. The placing on probation shall be by vote of the church body.
Any person on probation shall not be eligible to vote on any matters of church business.
Any person on probation shall .be returned to the active list only by vote of the church body.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (4)
Section V - Removal from the Church Roll
a) By Letter
Any person, who is a member of this church, in good standing and so desires, for good reasons, to withdraw from this church and unite with another, shall be furnished with a letter of dismissal. The letter shall be dated and signed by the clerk after being approved by the church body. The name of the church to which membership is requested shall be stated in the letter and the letter shall be sent to the clerk or Pastor of that church.
b) Non-Participation
Any person who does not attend a service or contribute to the financial support of this church for a period of three (3) years, shall be notified in writing that his/her name is being removed from the church roll. They shall have a period of two (2) months to become active, if they so desire. The decision to remove a name from the church roll shall be made by the Church Council after consulting with the Pastor, the financial secretary and the clerk.
c) Unknown Address
Any inactive person whose address is not known and has not attempted to notify this church for a period of three (3) years will have their name removed from the church roll after a vote of the church body
d) Personal Request
Any person who requests in writing that his/her name be removed from the church roll shall have that request honored. However, no letter of dismissal will be granted.
e) Death
Upon being notified of the death of a member, the clerk will remove the member's name from the roll.
Section VI - Membership Roll
There will be two (2) lists of all members; one for active members; and one for those on probation. The lists shall be prepared by the clerk and presented to the church body at the Annual Business Meeting.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (5)
ARTICLE VI PASTOR
Section I Call
The pastor shall be called by a vote of the church body after recommendation by -the pulpit committee. Only one candidate shall .be considered at a time. The candidate shall be of the male sex and meet the requirements of I Tim. 3: 1-7. The vote to call must .be by 3/4 of the members present and eligible to vote with a minimum of 40% of active members in attendance at a regular business meeting.
Section II Duties
a) The Pastor shall preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership's spiritual welfare, conduct the scheduled services of public worship and supervise those committees as stated in the articles entitled "Boards and Committees".
b) The pastor will become a member of this church. He shall be an ex officio member of all boards and committees of the church and its auxiliary .organizations and he shall assume the chair of any meeting at which the chairperson is not present.
c) The Pastor shall be responsible for obtaining an organist for use at the church services at a fee approved by the trustees (if a fee is involved).
Section III Salary
a) The Pastor's salary shall be fixed by a simple majority vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church.
b) The Pastor's salary shall be paid weekly.
Section IV Vacation
a) The Pastor shall be entitled to a paid vacation annually.
b) The length of the vacation is to be determined by the tenure of his pastorate at this church as follows:
Two weeks for the first year.
Three weeks for the second year.
Four weeks per year thereafter.
One week per year shall be granted, if requested, for the purpose of attendance at a Bible Conference for the Pastor's spiritual refreshment.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (6)
Section V Termination
a) The Pastor, when led to resign or accept another call, shall give thirty (30) days notice to the church, in writing.
b) The church, when led to dismiss the Pastor, shall give him thirty (30) days notice, in writing. Such dismissal shall be by the vote of 3/4 of those voting at a special business meeting, providing there are a minimum of 40% of the eligible voters in attendance.
ARTICLE.VII OFFICERS
Section I - General Rules
The term-of office for all officers-shall be a maximum of four (4) consecutive years.
Section II - Moderator and Assistant Moderator
a) Moderator
The moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the church. If the moderator wishes to speak on any matters of business, he shall turn the chair over to the assistant moderator who shall preside until the moderator is finished speaking
b) Assistant Moderator
The assistant moderator shall preside at any business meeting of the church at which the moderator is absent. He shall turn the chair over to the Pastor if he wishes to speak on any business before the body.
Section III - Clerk and Assistant Clerk
a) Clerk
The clerk shall keep a complete printed or typed record of all business meetings of the church. The record of each meeting shall be .read at the close of that meeting, for approval, and at the beginning of the next meeting for information only. The clerk shall keep a record of the names and addresses of all members with dates and manner of admission and/or dismissal, all baptisms, and a list of those placed on probation. The clerk shall notify all officers, board members, committee members and delegates of their election or appointment. The clerk shall issue letters for transfer of membership after approval by the church body, maintain a file of all communications and written reports and give legal notice of all meetings where such is required. The clerk shall assist in preparing the denominational reports and annual reports. The clerk shall deliver to his/her successor all books, records, and papers pertaining to his/her office.
b) Assistant Clerk
The assistant clerk shall assume the duties of the clerk whenever the need arises.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (7)
Section IV - Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
a) Treasurer
The treasurer shall have the custody of all funds of the church with the following exceptions:
The Deacon's Fellowship Fund
The Ladies Aid
The Youth Group
He/she shall keep separate accounts of all funds and payout the same when duly authorized to do so by the church and/or approved by the Board of Trustees; present to the church an itemized report of receipts and disbursements for the previous year at each annual business meeting; make such other financial reports as may be desired by the church; assist the financial secretary or assistant financial secretary in counting the collections immediately following church services; and deliver to his/her successor all books and records pertaining to the treasurer's office
b) Assistant Treasurer
The assistant treasurer shall assume the duties of the treasurer in the treasurer's absence or at any other time as deemed necessary
Section V - Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary
a) The financial secretary shall keep a record of all pledges made, collect all money contributed and keep a true account thereof. He/she shall count the collections immediately following the church service, with the help of the treasurer and the assistant financial secretary or one trustee; personally deliver all money to the treasurer on a weekly basis; make a report to the church at each bi-monthly meeting and at the annual business meeting; provide to any member requesting it, a record of that member's contribution to the church during the previous year, providing the contribution was by envelope or check; distribute the church envelopes and keep a record of persons receiving them.
b) Assistant Financial Secretary
The assistant financial secretary shall assist the financial secretary in counting and recording all money collected and assume the duties of the financial secretary in his/her absence.
Section VI - Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School
a) Superintendent
The superintendent of Sunday School shall be responsible for carrying out the directives and policies of the Board of Christian Education. He/she shall be qualified to teach any class in the church school.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (8)
b) Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School
The assistant superintendent of Sunday School shall assume the duties of the superintendent in his/her absence as the need may arise. He/she shall also be qualified to teach.
Section VII - Public Relations Coordinator
The public relations coordinator shall be responsible for publicizing all church activities by use of television, radio, newspaper(s) or any other means available. All news releases must be approved by the Pastor. All problems pertaining to this position shall be resolved with the assistance of the Pastor who shall be the overseer of this office.
Section VIII - Choir Directors
There shall be two (2) choir directors; one for the senior choir and one for the junior choir. With the Pastor's assistance, they shall select the music for their respective choirs, and direct their choirs in practice and in singing during church services. They shall be under the supervision of the Pastor and all problems pertaining to these positions shall be resolved with the Pastor's cooperation
ARTICLE VIII BOARDS
Section I - General Rules
All members of boards shall be elected in November and assume office on January first of the following year. The chairperson of any board is to be elected before the annual business meeting. Members of boards are expected to attend all meetings of their respective boards. (Any person who is ill or out of the church area may be excused from attending that meeting). The out-going chairperson of each board shall be responsible for submitting by January 4th, to the clerk, all reports for inclusion in the minutes of the annual business meeting. The budget for the ensuing year shall be prepared and submitted to the Church Council by November 1st for inclusion in the total budget which will be presented to the church in January. No person shall serve on any board for a period to exceed four (4) consecutive years: No person shall be chairperson on any board for a period to exceed two (2) consecutive years. Any person may be reelected to any board after a years absence. Vacancies on any board are to be filled by vote of the church, from names submitted by the nominating committee, at a regular business meeting. The boards shall meet bi-monthly, (more often if they vote to do so at their meetings.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (9)
Section II Deacons
The Board of Deacons shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) members; the number to be determined by those meeting the qualifications as set forth in I Tim. 3:8-13. It is not compulsory, but the board members are expected to attend a Bible Study once a week. The board shall choose, annually, a secretary and a treasurer. Special meetings may be called by the chairman who shall notify all members. A majority of those elected shall constitute a quorum. The board, with the assistance of the Pastor, shall consider all applicants for church membership and all requests for letters of dismissal. The board shall, with the assistance of the Pastor, provide a pulpit supply and leaders of the Prayer Meeting in the Pastor's absence. The board shall make every effort to visit the ill, needy and the bereaved of the church family and shall use such Fellowship Funds as available and necessary to aid such members. The board shall promote spiritual welfare and ministry to the church body, aid in administering the Lord's Supper and assist the Pastor in Baptism. The chairman shall make a written report to the church at each annual meeting. The board shall act as the pulpit committee should the office of Pastor become vacant. As the pulpit committee, they shall take the necessary steps to obtain a pastor. They shall investigate the merits of each candidate as to his personal character, education, ministerial record and preaching ability. When a suitable person is found, the board shall recommend him to the members of the church for their consideration.
Section III Deaconesses
The Board of Deaconesses shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) members. The board shall elect, annually, a chairwoman. The board shall visit the ill, needy, bereaved and shut-ins of the church membership. The board shall provide and arrange the elements of the Lord's Supper and shall assist the Pastor in Baptism services.
Section IV Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) members. A majority of those elected shall constitute a quorum. The board shall elect, annually, a chairman and a secretary. Special meetings may be called by the chairman who shall notify all other members. The board shall hold in trust all property of the church, including any trust funds held by a savings institution, and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management and upkeep. The board shall, if necessary, have the power to spend a sum not to exceed $300.00 (between bi-monthly meetings) from the maintenance fund without prior approval of the church body. Any sum greater than $300.00 must be approved by the church body. The board shall determine if the church building may be used for any extra or any secular purposes. (However, the church building may not be used for any Pastoral candidate other than for this church). The board shall have no power to buy, mortgage, lease or sell any property without permission of the church body. The board shall supervise the disbursement of funds as appropriated by the church body. The board, at its discretion, may grant the treasurer permission to pay certain routine bills; such as electricity, telephone, Pastor's salary, etc., without the bills being brought to the board for approval. The board shall secure the services of a sexton at such salary as the church may determine and shall give a written report at the annual business meeting and a verbal report at all other business meetings. The board shall assist the financial secretary or the assistant financial secretary in counting the collections; if the need should arise. The clerk, treasurer and financial secretary will attend the-board meetings and provide that information pertaining to their offices when requested to do so.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (10)
Section V Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education shall consist of six (6) members; two of whom shall be the superintendent and the assistant superintendent of the Sunday School. The board shall be responsible for the organization and administration of the educational program of the church. The board shall be responsible for developing and interpreting, to the church body, the educational goals, by studying the educational needs of the church and making decisions concerning class time and formation of classes, appointing and training all educational workers, evaluating and supervising the curriculum of the educational program, coordinating and approving the outreach program of any groups under its jurisdiction; such as home-church, community relationship and educational programs in cooperation with other churches, preparing and administering the educational budget of the church, and establishing and maintaining a library of Christian literature.
Section VI Missions
The board of missions shall consist of three (3) members. They shall work with and under the supervision of the Pastor to supply missionary speakers for the church, and to promote the mission emphasis of the church.
ARTICLE IX - STANDING COMMITTEES
Section I - General Rules
The general rules for committees shall be as those described in Section I - Article VIII.
Section II - Flowers
The flower committee shall consist of seven (7) members. They shall elect a chairperson annually and shall be responsible .for providing flowers for the altar during church services and for special displays at other times deemed necessary during the year, sending flowers or sympathy cards, at their discretion, to the ill and bereaved members of the church or their close relatives. This committee shall be under the supervision of the Pastor. Money for flowers for the ill or bereaved shall come from the Deacon's Fellowship Fund and receipts for purchases shall be returned to the Board of Deacons.
Section III - Ushers
A head usher shall be elected each year. He shall be responsible for selecting ushers to serve at the church services. The duties of the ushers shall be; receiving the offerings, seating the congregation, helping the handicapped and elderly in and out of church and to and from their vehicles, help park vehicles and other related duties. The ushers shall be under the supervision of the Pastor.
Section IV - Ladies Aid
The Ladies Aid shall elect a chairwoman yearly. They shall support the functions of the church and be under the supervision of the Pastor who shall assist in guiding their activities.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (11)
Section V - Special and Audit
As the need arises, all special committees shall be appointed by the church body at a regular business meeting. They shall serve until dissolved by the church body. The audit committee shall be recommended by the Church Council and must be approved by the church body. They shall make a financial audit once each year and report, in writing, at the next regular business meeting following the audit.
ARTICLE X - CHURCH COUNCIL
The Church Council shall consist of the chairpersons of all boards, committees and auxiliary organizations. This council shall be chaired by the Pastor. All matters of importance shall be considered by the council prior to presentation to the church body. It shall seek to coordinate the activities of the church and assist in developing the long range plans of the church. It shall compile, during November and December, a budget for the church and present it to the church body at the annual business meeting. They shall appoint the auditors and submit their names to the church for its approval. It shall serve as the Nominating Committee of the church. (See ARTICLE XI - Elections, for the duties of the Nominating Committee).
ARTICLE XI ELECTIONS
Section I - Date
Elections will take place during the regular business meeting in November.
Section II - Qualifications of Voters
To be eligible to vote at a business meeting, a member must be on the roll of active members and at least 16 years of age. The age requirement does not apply to voting on boards or committees.
Section III Procedure
The nominating committee shall select a list of one or more names for each office to be filled. If no person meets the requirements of any office, that office shall be left vacant until a suitable candidate is found. Such an office may be filled temporarily by vote of the church body, with the name submitted by the nominating committee. The list of candidates shall be posted six weeks prior to the regular business meeting in November and attention called thereto. When any five members, in good standing, shall agree on an additional candidate, they shall submit their request in writing to the nominating committee for its consideration. If the nominating committee determines that the candidate meets the requirements and he/she is willing to serve, his/her name will be added to the list of candidates. Such requests must be made by the end of the second week in October
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (12)
ARTICLE XII MEETINGS
Section I - Worship Services
The morning and evening public services shall be held on each Lord's Day, (The Lord's Day being Sunday). There shall be a weekly Prayer Meeting with Bible study each Wednesday evening. The Lord's Supper shall be observed during the morning service on the first Sunday of each month, unless Easter falls on the first Sunday, in which case the Lord's Supper will be observed on the second Sunday. The Lord's Supper may be observed at any other time that the Pastor or the church body may determine. Other worship services may be held at such times as the Pastor or the Board of Deacons may decide.
Section II - Youth Groups and Sunday School
The Youth Groups and Sunday School shall meet at such times as may be determined and approved by the Board of Christian Education. The leaders of the Youth Groups shall be selected and approved by the Board of Christian Education.
Section III - Business Meetings
a) Regulations
The meetings shall be conducted under Robert's Rules of Order.
b) Annual Business Meeting
The annual business meeting shall be held on the third Thursday evening in January. At this meeting all yearly reports shall be read. The budget shall be presented to the church body for its approval. Any church business may be presented at this meeting. A quorum shall be twelve (12) members, and a simple majority of those present will be needed to approve or disapprove any item of business which is voted on.
c) Regular Business Meetings
Regular business meetings shall be held on the first Thursday evening of March, May, July, September and November, with the elections being held in November. A quorum shall be twelve (12) members. A simple majority of those present will be needed to approve or disapprove any item of business which is voted on.
d) Special Business Meetings
Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor or by five members in good standing. Notice of special meetings and the reason for calling such meetings shall be announced from the pulpit on the Sunday preceding the meeting.
e) All business meetings shall begin at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified.
CONSTITUTION - CAROLINA FREE BAPTIST CHURCH Page (13)
ARTICLE XIII - CHURCH YEAR
The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year.
ARTICLE XIV -AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
The Bylaws of this church may be amended, at any regular business meeting of the church. All active members shall be notified, by clerk, one month prior to meeting at which the change is to be discussed. There must be a quorum of twenty (20) active members present and approval of any change must be by a majority of 3/4 of those voting. The meeting date and the list of changes shall be announced from the pulpit on the two Sundays preceding the meeting.