| FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION REVISED 2007 |
| PREAMBLE Placing our faith totally in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, believing in the teaching and practices of the Baptists, and in those great distinctive principles for which they have ever stood, namely: 1) The pre-eminence of Christ as our Divine Lord and Master. 2) The supreme authority of the bible and its sufficiency as our only rule of faith and practice. 3) The right of private interpretation and the competency of the individual soul in direct approach to God. 4) The absolute separation of Church and State. 5) A regenerate Church membership (John 3:3, Eph. 2:8-9). 6) The beautiful, symbolic ordinance of believer's baptism by immersion, in obedience to the command of Christ. 7) The complete independence of the local church and its interdependence, in associated fellowship witth other Baptist Churches. 8) The solemn obligation of majority rule, guaranteeing equal rights to all and special privileges to none. 9) The spiritual unity of all believers, for which the Master so earnestly prayed. 10) A worldwide program of missionary fervor and evangelism in obedience to the final command of Jesus. We therefore band ourselves together as a body of baptized (immersed) believers in Jesus Christ and adopt for our government the following articles. |
| ARTICLE I Organization Name: This organization shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Columbus, Kansas. |
| ARTICLE II Denominational Cooperation: It is the purpose of this Church to cooperate with the local organized work of the Baptist Denomination and with the American Baptist Convention, and South East Kansas Area. |
| ARTICLE III 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, and consistent Christian living by its members, personal evangelism, missionary endeavor, and Christian education. |
| ARTICLE IV Membership Section 1: Qualifications Any person may become a member of the Church by fulfilling any one of the following qualifications, and by acceptance of the Church at a monthly business meeting. 1) Upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and after baptism by immersion or by special considerations by the church. 2) Upon statement of Christian experience, if previously baptized by immersion. 3) By letter from some Baptist or other Church of like faith and practice. 4) By restoration (see section 4) Section 2: Dismissal of Members An active member is one who has attended at least two Church services during the year, otherwise retained as an inactive members. (This does not pertain to those physically unable to attend). 1) Letters of dismissal, for the purpose of uniting with some other Baptist Church or other Church of like faith and order shall be granted to members of the active roll. 2) Any member of the active roll desiring to unite with a Church of some other denomination which is not of like faith and order ours, upon recommendations of the Board of Deacons, and by vote of the Church, be granted a certificate of Christian standing and Church fellowship. 3) Any member having been granted either a letter or a certificate of Christian standing shall thereafter cease to be a member of this Church. 4) Any individual who has membership in Church of other faith and practice than the Baptist, who has been accepted into our fellowship by either baptism or statement shall have his Church letter sent for by the clerk to ensure only membership in resident Church. Section 3: Dismissal of Members in Good Standing It shall be the duty of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Deaconesses to seek to reclaim those who disregard their covenant obligation. It is further provided that the steps, as pointed out by the Savior, Matthew 18:15-17, be strictly followed to secure reconciliation. When in any case they are satisfied that the member cannot be reclaimed, they shall present to the Church a recommendation that the name of the delinquent member be erased from the membership roll. Upon such action being taken by the Church, said member shall thereafter cease to be a member of this Church. Section 4:Procedure to Remove Delinquent Member from Membership Roll When a member requests that his or her name be erased from the Church roll, and no charges have been preferred against such member, the Board of Deacons and the Board of Deaconesses shall investigate, and if they are satisfied that said member cannot be reclaimed, they shall present to the Church a recommendation of the Deacon board and a two-thirds majority vote of qualified voters present and voting, a delinquent member's name will be erased from the membership roll. Section 5: Duties of Members: The Church has the right to and does expect each member to further the objectives of the church by: 1) Regularly attending Sunday services and other activities as far as reasonably possible. 2) Regularly giving to the financial support of the church and its mission. 3) Regularlly fulfilling such duties and responsibilities as they are selected to perform in the mission of the church. 4) To the Pastor: To honor and esteem the pastor and to pray for him and his work with the church. 5) To the Church: To attend church and support the church with prayer. To make contributions of talent and income in proportion to the member's ability as commanded in Scriptures. Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8; Romans 12:6-10; 1 Peter 4:10 6) To the Membership: To unconditionally support and encourage the church membership in harmony and friendship. 7) To the Will of the Majority: Each member of the church shall abide by the will of the majority of active members of the church. |
| ARTICLE V Officers Section 1: The officers of this Church shall be: Moderator |
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| Vice Moderator |
| Church Clerk |
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| Church Treasurer |
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| Board of Deacons |
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| Board of Christian Education |
| Music Director |
| Pastor |
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| Section 2:The Pastor shall be: A believer in, and a preacher of the Gospel and of the basic doctrines of faith as held by the Baptist denomination. He shall cooperate wit the local organized work of the denomination and with the American Baptist Convention, and the Southeast Kansas area. |
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| Sunday School Superintendent |
| Board of Trustees |
| Board of Deaconesses |
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| Section 3 : All Officers: Shall be members of this Church and shall, with the exception of the Pastor, be elected at the annual election of officers as provided for in Article IX. All officers shall assume office at the beginning of the fiscal year of the Church. All officers shall be informed as to the duties pertaining to their respective offices. Each Board shall elect its own chairman and meet regularly at a stated time, at least once a month, unless otherwise instructed. The Boards of Deacons and Trustees shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) active members each, who are elected for three (3) year terms. The Board of Deaconesses shall consist of four (4) members, who are elected for two (2) year terms, with two being elected each year. The Board of Christian Education shall consist of three (3) members who are elected for three (3) year terms. All other officers shall be elected for one (1) year terms. Section 4 : The Church has the power For good and sufficient cause to remove from office any officer or committee member by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Section 5: Resignation of Officers Should be in writing to the Church, or verbally at a regular business meeting, and be effective on the date specified in the resignation. Section 6: Duties of the Boards At their first meeting , each board shall elect a chairperson and a secretary to 0ne (1) year terms; the names will be reported to the church clerk. Those elected shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. Each board shall hold regular monthly meetings. The chairperson, who shall notify the other members, of meetings and may call special meetings as needed. A simple majority of members of the board will constitute a quorum. |
| Article VI Duties of Officers Section 1: Duties of the Pastor The Pastor shall preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership by making personal contact with the members, promote the spiritual interests of the Church, organize and develop its strength for the best possible service. He shall, unless otherwise provided by the Church, be the Director of Christian Education. He shall be an ex-officio member of all Boards and Committees of the Church and its auxiliary organizations. He shall cooperate with other Community Christian Denominations for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom. Section. 2: Duties of the Board of Deacons The Board of Deacons shall, in every way, assist the Pastor in his work. It shall cooperate with him in providing the pulpit supply and the leaders of the prayer meeting in his absence. It shall cooperate with the Pastor and the Board of Deaconesses in visiting the members and in the care of the sick, needy and distressed members of the Church; and in preparation for observance of the ordinances of the Church. It shall assist the Pastor in promoting the evangelistic program of the Church, and securing the funds required to finance the budget adopted by the Church. Section 3: Duties of the Board of Deaconesses The Board of Deaconesses shall assist the Pastor in developing the spiritual life of the women and girls of the church for the best possible Christian service. It shall cooperate with the Pastor and the Board of Deacons in visiting the members, and in the care of the sick, needy and distressed members of the church, and in the preparation of the observance of the ordinances of the Church. It shall assist the Pastor in promoting the evangelistic program of the Church. Section 4: Duties of the Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees shall hold in trust all property belonging to the church, and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management, and upkeep. It shall designate the bank where the funds of the church shall be deposited. In an emergency the trustees may spend up to $500.00. The Board of Trustees may spend up to $100 to complete repairs as needed on church, church owned property or maintainance. In addition, the board shall confer with the memorial contributors or immediate family to discuss how any shortages might be funded or an alternate use for the funds. All financial drives or special efforts to raise funds must be presented to the Board of Trustees for review and approval. The Board of Trustees shall appoint active adult members to supervise all church -owned communications equipment, and vehicles as well as there maintenance. All building usage on a short term or long term period must be presented to the Board of Trustees for review and/or approval in order for the activity or event to be placed on the church calendar. The trustees shall conduct at least annually an inspection of all property. It shall assist the Pastor in securing the funds required to finance the budget adopted by the church. It shall, when so instructed by the Church, secure the services of a custodian, at such salary as are authorized by the Church, and secure from him or her acceptable service. It shall perform such other duties as are imposed upon it by the Church and the State. Section 5: Duties of the Moderator The Moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the Church. Section 6: Vice Moderator The Vice-Moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the Church, in the absence of the Moderator. He shall be the Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Section 7: Duties of the Board of Christian Education This Board shall work to further the activity of the Sunday school, Daily Vacation Bible School, BYF, and work among school age children and young people and such educational training groups as may from time to time exist. This Board shall consider the qualifications of all persons working in the Sunday School, BYF and other groups as mentioned in the above section and shall approve the appointment of personnel to carry out this work. The Sunday School Superintendent may appoint temporary personnel. It will be the responsibility of the Board to appoint or elect one or more of its members to be responsible for Audio Visual Education programs. This Board shall approve or disapprove all literature used in the Educational program of the Church. Section 8: Duties of Clerk The Clerk shall keep accurate minutes of the Church business proceedings, including the reception and dismissal of members, keep a complete roll of members of the Church and their addresses, issue letters of admission and certificates of Christian standing, as authorized by the Church, conduct all official correspondence, preserve and property file all letters, reports, and other documents pertaining to his or her office, assist in preparing the denominational reports, and others that may be required. The Church Clerk shall deliver immediately to his or her successor all books and records pertaining to the office. The Clerk shall keep a current Constitution with all amendments on file. Section 9: Duties of the General Treasurer The General Treasurer shall be the custodian of all the monies contributed for the general expenses of the Church. The Church shall authorize all disbursements, and payment of all bills shall be by check. The Treasurer shall present to the Church at its monthly and annual business meetings, or more often if so requested an itemized report of receipts and disbursements, showing the actual financial condition of the Church. He or she shall deliver immediately to their successor all books and records pertaining to the office. Section 10: Duties of the Assistant Treasurer: Shall assist the Treasurer as needed, and in the absence of the General Treasurer shall perform the duties of the Treasurer. Section 11: Duties of the Sunday School Superintendent The Superintendent for the Sunday school in cooperation with the Board of Christian Education, and the Director of Christian Education, shall have general supervision of the Sunday school This officer shall have authority to select as many assistants as needed, except for the department heads. Such selection of assistants must be confirmed by the Church. Section 12: Primary / Secondary Sunday School Superintendent Primary / Secondary Sunday School Superintendent in cooperation with the Board of Christian Education, and the Director of Christian Education, shall have general supervision of the Sunday school. This officer shall have authority to select as many assistants as needed, except for the department heads. Such selection of assistants must be confirmed by the Church. Section 13: Sunday School Secretary The Sunday School Secretary shall order materials and supplies under the direction of the Board of Christian Education. He or She shall distribute and prepare attendance and money records after Sunday School each Lord's Day as well as appointing someone or themselves to ring the bell to signify the end of Sunday School. In addition, he or she shall change the registry board each Sunday before Church. Section 14: Duties of the Music Director The Music Director shall, in cooperation with the Pastor, be in charge of the over all music program of the Church. He or she shall obtain special music; appoint pianist(s), organist(s) and choir director(s). Section 15: Ushers: The Usher will care for the seating and comfort of the congregation, the greeting of guests, distribution of worship bulletins, prevention of interruptions and distractions and other similar services. Section 16: Sunday School Teachers: Shall be chosen from the active membership of the First Baptist Church, and shall sincerely and always strive to meet the following standards for the good of our Sunday School, and the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. Section 17: Southeast Area Representatives: These officers shall attend all meetings of S.E. Area as requested and represent First Baptist Church of Columbus in all such business discussions and plans. They shall bring a report of such discussions and plans to the local church. Section 18: Columbus Association of Churches representative: This officer shall attend all meetings of the Columbus Association of Churches and represent the First Baptist Church. A report of such plans and discussions shall be brought back to the church for information purposes and for approval when needed. |
| ARTICLE XIII Calling a Pastor Section I: Pulpit Committee When it is necessary to call a Pastor, the Church shall select a representative Pulpit Committee of seven (7) members. It shall be the duty of this committee to take necessary steps to secure a Pastor. The committee shall investigate the merits of every man under consideration in regard to his personal character, education, ministerial record, and preaching ability, in determining his fitness for said pastorate. When a suitable person is found the committee shall recommend him to the Church for consideration. Section II: Voting of the Church The call of a Pastor shall come before the Church at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having already been given by the Pulpit Committee. Only one candidate shall be presented to the Church at one time. The vote shall be by written ballot. Section III: Pastor's Salary The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time the salary shall be fixed at the time of the call, and may be changed by vote of the Church at any regular business meeting, provided that such change has been considered by the Deacon Board. The salary should be paid n weekly installments. The pastor shall be entitled to an annual vacation of two or more weeks according to the vote of the Church; said vacation to be with full salary. The expected job duties will be affixed at the time of employment to coincide with the constitution and addendums of the church. Section IV: Termination of Pastorate The term of the office may be ended upon thirty (30) days notice on the part of either the pastor or the Church. Termination of the office by the Church shall be voted at a regular called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays. A vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and qualified to vote shall make valid the termination of said pastorate. |
| Article XII Elections Section 1: Time The annual election of officers shall be held in December. Section 2: Quorum Fifteen (15) active members (unless they are hindered by an act of God), qualified voters shall constitute a quorum. A majority of such members present and voting, at any regular business meeting shall be sufficient to decide any question presented, unless otherwise provided by this constitution. Section 3 : Qualifications of Voters All matters pertaining to the purchase, only active members, who are legal age, shall vote sale or mortgaging of property on. On all other matters, active members eighteen (18) years of age or older are entitled to vote. Section 4: Procedure At the monthly business meeting in December, the Nominating Committee shall present to the Church the names of one or more persons for each office to be filled. Upon presentation of said report it shall be the privilege of member present, qualified to vote, to place in nomination the name of any eligible person for any office, not so nominated, and upon majority vote of those present, qualified to vote, such nomination shall be placed on the list of nominees. Section 5: Vacancies Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled for the unexpired term at any business meeting. The Nominating Committee shall present to the Church nominees for said vacancies to be filled. |
| Article VII Committees Section 1: Standing Committees The following named committees and any others that may be deemed necessary by the Church shall constitute the standing committees. They shall be placed in nomination by the Nominating Committee, and be elected by the Church at the annual business meeting. Each Committee Shall elect its own chairman: Nomination, Auditing, etc. The term of office for these committees shall be one (1) year. Section 2: Duties of the Standing Committees At their first meeting, each committee shall elect a chairperson and a secretary to (1) one year terms: the names will be reported to the church clerk. All standing committees shall comply with the budgetary requirements of their responsible boards and prepare reports for the monthly business meetings. Nominating Committee: Three (3) members shall at regular or special, and at the annual officers election, prepare a list of names from the membership of the church of the qualified members to fill various offices. It shall interview each nominee proposed and ascertain his or her willingness to serve in case of election. The Committee shall nominate one or more persons for each office to be filled and report the names to the Church at least one week before the election is to be held. Social Committee: Three (3) members shall be responsible for arranging and serving at all functions meetings so designated by the Church. They shall designate one of their numbers to act as Kitchen Hostess who shall be responsible for its cleanliness and contents. Baptismal Committee: Two (2) couples shall have charge of the baptistery, , dressing rooms, baptismal robes, and all matters pertaining to the ordinance of baptism. Flower Committee: Shall Consist at least two (2) members. They shall be responsible for the changing of the flowers in the sanctuary at least once a month or at least seasonally. Card Committee: This Committee shall consist of at least two (2) members. Who shall be responsible forsending of flowers to members when needed, and on rare occasions, to others when they feel such action is justified and to be responsible for the sending of cards to those who are sick or other occasions as needed.. Finance Committee: Three (3) members shall be responsible for the counting and depositing of all monies received in any worship service of the Church. This shall be done as soon as possible.The duplicate deposit slip shall be given to the Treasurer and a record of receipts shall kept in the Church office. Budget Committee: Shall consist of the Financial Secretary, and one (1) board member from each of the boards. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member. They shall, after obtaining suggested budget requirements from all of the various boards and departments of the church, prepare a suggested church budget for the coming year. It shall arrange its own organization. Its duties shall include: 1) Preparing the Church budget, after consulting with all boards and groups who have budget requests; 2) Presenting the budget to the congregation for adoption, which shall be by a majority of the congregation present and voting at any regular or special business meeting called for such adoption; 3) Organizing funding-raising efforts annually, or as often as necessary, in the light of the financial conditions and obligations with the direction of the Board of Trustees. 4) Directing allocation of funds according to the budget, noting if deificiencies occur in anticipated revenues and establishing an equitable distribution among the various budget categories. 5) Recommending to the appropriate boards and the church salaries and conditions of employment of pastoral staff personnel. 6) Supervising for the Church all matters of financial concerns and obligations. Section 3: Appointed Committees Temporary Committees: Any committee necessary to perform any special services such as building committee may be elected at any Church business meeting. Length of I service and duties shall be outlined at the time the committee is formed. |
| Article VIII Meetings Section 1: Devotional Meetings A. The Church shall meet regularly each Lord's Day for worship and the preaching of the Gospel. B. The Church will meet for the observance of the Lord's Supper upon the first Lord's Day of each month, or at such time as the Church may decide. C. The Church shall meet at least once a week for prayer, testimony and conference (mid- week). D. The Church Shall meet each Lord's day for Christian instruction (the study and teaching of the Bible), and at such time as the Church may decide. (Sunday school). Section 2: Business Meetings A. The annual election of officers shall be held and the budget for the coming year shall be adopted on Wednesday after the second Sunday in December. B. The monthly business meeting shall be held on the second Sunday of the month. C. Special business meetings may be called at any time by the pastor, or by the clerk or written request of a quorum of the members of the Church. Notice of such meeting, and the object for which it is called shall be given from the pulpit at least one Sunday, and not less than two (2) days in advance of the meeting |
| Article XIV Auxiliary Organizations Section 1:Officers The officers of all adult and young peoples auxiliary organizations shall be active members of this church, elected by their respective organizations, subject to ratification by the Church. Section 2:Constitution The constitution of auxiliary organizations shall be drawn as not to conflict with theconstitution of this church. Section 3:Meeting time Meetings of auxiliary organizations may be held at such times as win not conflict with the meetings of the Church, and shall be under the guidance of the pastor and the Board of Deacons. |
| Article IX Church Year The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on the first day of January and close on the last day of December. |
| Article X Amendments This constitution may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting, provided a quorum is present and voting, and that notice of such amendment, stating the proposed change shall have been made available accordingly to all active members and read from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays |
| Article XI Rules of Order The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the business proceedings of this Church in all cases where they are not consistent with this constitution. |
| Church Covenant Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit we do now in presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as on body in Christ. We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love to strive for advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote is 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 devotion; 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 drink as a beverage, and the zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Lord. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other n 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 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. |
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| Primary Sunday School Superintendent |
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