Constitution and By-Laws

Constitution

Preamble

We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and so that this body may be governed in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches of the same faith.

ARTICLE I. NAME

This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church Fairdale, Inc. Fairdale, Kentucky.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purposes of First Baptist Church Fairdale are:

To Exhort from the Bible, which is the Word of God, and our guide for faith and practice;
To Exalt the LORD JESUS CHRIST, with honor and praise, as the only savior of mankind;
To extend the Gospel to the lost by every scriptural means;
To edify CHRISTIANS through teaching of the Word of God and Fellowship with other CHRISTIANS so as to produce a clear personal testimony before the world.

We believe that: “A GREAT COMMITMENT TO THE GREAT COMMANDMENT AND THE GREAT COMMISSION WILL GROW A GREAT CHURCH!”

ARTICLE III. STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and is the foundation of our faith. This church receives the Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. We, band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind and helping to mature those won into the fullness of Christ. The ordinances of the church are baptism by immersion of believers and the Lord’s Supper. The source for our Doctrine can be found in The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 in as much they are in accordance with the Word of God.”

ARTICLE IV. 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 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 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.

ARTICLE V. CHARACTER

Section 1. Polity

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel, and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Long Run Baptist Association, the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

By-Laws

ARTICLE 1. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Qualifications

The qualifications for membership in this church are as follows:: a. Any person who professes to be saved by Grace; through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, will upon baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and concurrence be received into the membership of this church.; b. Members from other Baptist Churches of like faith and practice, shall be received by letters of recommendation and dismission from their respective churches.; c. Those who have once been members of Baptist Churches, and in consequence of any particular circumstances have no regular letter of dismission, shall be received by giving satisfactory evidence of Christian conduct and Scriptural faith.; d. Members from other denominations who have shown evidence of a conversion experience and having been baptized by immersion may be received into the membership of this church.; e. Any member of this church in good and regular standing, shall be upon his or her request, granted a letter to unite with any other church of like faith and order. Letters are not granted to individuals, but to churches of like faith and order.; f. A member of First Baptist Church Fairdale shall be considered to be an “active member” if he or she attends services on a regular basis. A person shall be considered to be an “inactive member” if he or she does not attend a regularly scheduled service of First Baptist Church Fairdale for six (6) months or more. An inactive member shall be considered as an active member if he or she shows intent for reinstatement by regular attendance. A display of Christian character by regular attendance is required and is generally considered to be attendance at regular scheduled worship services and business meetings.; g. Seminary and College students who meet the above criteria shall be granted membership under the church WatchCare Program. FBCF will adopt students as associate members while they are away from their home churches. They will have all the rights and privileges of regular members, except the right to vote. The pastor will have program oversight and will serve as a mentor; teaching, training, affirming, and guiding them with their spiritual needs. The church will also provide those individuals entering the ministry with the opportunity to better understand their ministry role in the Baptist faith. The opportunity to teach and preach will be a basic tenet of WatchCare.

Section 2: Rights

On all matters that come before the church for action, each member present is entitled to one vote.

Section 3: Termination

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: (1) death, (2) transfer of letter to another church of like faith (3) erasure upon becoming affiliated with a church of another faith (4) exclusion by action of this church.Should a member become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of his covenant vows, or non-support of the church, the church may terminate his membership by a three-fourths vote but only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and amendment.

Section 4: Discipline

The procedure for discipline of a church member is found in Matthew 18: 15-20. Discipline is the procedure including Christian teaching, training, admonition, and rebuke, both public and private, with the view of helping the individual Christian grow in grace, mature in faith, break off from worldliness, and live wholly for the Lord. At such time that a member shall refuse to receive such help it will be necessary for the church to exclude him or her from its membership. In all cases of discipline, if possible, the accused shall be given the opportunity to be heard in their own defense; and no member if absent shall be censured or excluded at the same meeting in which the charge is preferred against them. Those that bring false accusations shall be subject to church discipline also.

Biblical Church Discipline:

Matthew 18:10-35
Found specifically in Matthew 18:15-20
Cf. Luke 17:3
Cf. 2 Thess 3:15
2 Tim 3:1-5
1 Tim 6:3-5
2 Cor 6:14-7:1
2 Cor 13:2
1 Corinthians 5-7

Many places in scripture, the church and individuals are commanded to be holy and never compromise the church’s witness to the gospel. Therefore the church must be careful to judge the life and teachings of its leaders and members.

This discipline then, is simple obedience to the command of God and an honest confession that we need help.

The purpose for discipline:

To restore and encourage the one disciplined by repentance.
To remind all other believers of the danger of sin.
To maintain the spiritual health of our church.
To maintain a true gospel witness to our community.
To reflect the holiness of god.

Our aim as a church is to be “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,” which is “to be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27

ARTICLE II. OFFICERS

Section 1: Pastor

Whenever a vacancy in the office of Pastor occurs, the Pastor Search committee shall recommend to the church a permanent Pastor. The church shall elect a Pastor Search Committee as listed in Article 4, Section 6, of the Bylaws. The Pastor’s election shall take place at a meeting called for this purpose. An announcement shall be made for two (2) weeks prior to the opportunity to hear him preach. The Pastor Search Committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time.

Election of the Pastor shall be by secret ballot, an affirmative vote of 80 percent of votes cast by members being necessary for election.

Role and Responsibility of Pastor:

The Pastor of First Baptist Church Fairdale shall meet the requirements for this office as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:6-9.
The Pastor shall be a minister of the Word of God.
The Pastor shall not be one who is divorced.
The Pastor must be in agreement with the Church’s doctrinal statement.
The Pastor shall be ordained or licensed Southern Baptist minister who is a believer in and a preacher of the Gospel and of the doctrines of faith.
The Pastor shall have charge of the welfare and oversight of the church, and shall be to it a true Shepherd.
The Pastor shall be the responsible leader of the church, providing general oversight and promoting the spiritual welfare of the church. He shall be to it a true Shepherd. He shall faithfully and scripturally administer the ordinances of the church (Baptism and Lord’s Supper). He shall arrange for and conduct all worship services related to the church and shall preside at all meetings of the church except as herein provided. He shall approve all speakers for the church and church-sponsored events.
The Pastor will be accountable to the Active Fellowship of Deacons except for personnel matters to be handled by the Personnel Committee.
The Pastor shall give reasonable notice of resignation prior to the termination of his services. A reasonable notice shall be given by the church when requesting the Pastor to terminate his services. At the option of the church the pastoral relationship may be officially terminated at any time prior to the end of the time specified as reasonable, providing a severance package is given to compensate for such action. This shall be done by affirmative vote of 80 percent of the votes cast by the members of the church.

Section 2: Church Staff

The church shall call or employ such staff members as the church shall need. Staff members shall be under the general direction of the pastor, aided by the personnel committee.

Section 3: Deacons

There shall be two (2) types of deacons as follows: Active Deacons – who shall be voting members of the Fellowship of Deacons and whose duties shall be as hereinafter provided. Reserve Deacons – who shall be any member who has been ordained a deacon by this church or a church of like faith and order and is not presently serving as an active deacon, and whose duties are defined hereinafter.

There should be fifteen (15) active deacons for the first one thousand (1000) members whose names are on the church roll, and three (3) additional active deacons for each additional three hundred (300) members. There shall be no restriction as to the number of reserve deacons.

a. Qualifications

The qualifications for the office of deacon are as follows:: 1. A deacon must meet the spiritual qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3, and Acts 6, in the Bible.; 2. A deacon must be a least twenty-one (21) years of age and have been a Christian at least three (3) years.; 3. A man must be an active member of our church for a period of at least one (1) year before being considered as a candidate for the office of deacon.; 4. A deacon’s wife must be a member of the same church as that of her husband.; 5. A deacon shall regularly contribute to the financial program of this church, and shall believe in and practice tithing his income.; 6. A deacon shall be a faithful steward of his time and shall regularly support by his attendance, the organizations of the church and the regularly scheduled meetings of the church.; 7. If a deacon is found unfaithful to the above qualifications, a committee from the Fellowship of Deacons shall be sent to give Christian warning, and if the deacon fails to take heed, he shall be removed from the Fellowship of Deacons.

b. Election

The deacons shall be elected in the following manner:: 1. The chairman of the deacons shall appoint a three-man committee that will serve as a nominating committee to nominate men to be considered by the deacons.; 2. Once the nominating committee determines the names of those they feel led to nominate, they present these to the deacons for approval before contacting the individuals.; 3. The deacons as a body then vote on the individuals presented by the nominating committee. Then the individuals are contacted.; 4. After the deacons have voted and after a person has indicated he will serve, then the name is brought before the church one at a time for ratification, and voting should be by secret ballot. The deacon screening committee shall count the votes and notify the person and the church of the results.; 5. If there are no active deacons, then nominations of inactive deacons shall come from the church floor.

c. Terms of Office

1. All deacons shall serve on a rotational basis. All new deacons shall be elected for a three (3) year term unless elected to fill the unexpired term of a deacon that has withdrawn from the Fellowship of Deacons.

2. The term of office for new deacons shall follow the church calendar year, unless elected to fill an unexpired term.

3. After an active term of service as deacon, no member shall be eligible for re-election as active deacon until the lapse of one (1) year.

d. Duties – Active Deacons

In accordance with the meaning of the Word of God and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be the servants of the church and their duties are as follows:: 1. They are to be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the church in the bonds of peace.; 2. They shall confer with and act as advisors to the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. With the Pastor, they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.; 3. In council with the Pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they are to have oversight of the discipline of the church. The administration of which shall be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14.; 4. At no time shall any vote taken within the Fellowship of Deacons be considered as binding upon the church or any of its organizations or committees, unless otherwise provided by these By-laws.; 5. The deacons, pastor and staff will be responsible for developing a new member training program.; 6. The deacons shall assist the Pastor in administering the Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.; 7. The deacons shall actively minister in such fields as visitation, soul winning, hospital calls, widow visitation and nursing homes, and other spiritual needs of the church.; 8. Benevolence. The deacons will be responsible for contacting and evaluating members of the church or community who are in need. They are authorized to meet the need according to the limits set. If the need exceeds the authorized amount, they shall make a recommendation to the finance committee for approval.; 9. The deacons shall have oversight of coordinating pulpit supply and the recommending of an interim pastor to the church.

e. Duties – Reserve Deacons

The reserve deacons shall minister in the fields of visitation, soul winning, hospital calls, widows, nursing homes, and other spiritual needs. They may attend the active deacons meeting only by request of the active deacons for counsel, guidance and assistance. However, they will have no authority to vote or hold office in this group.

Section 4: Moderator

The Moderator shall be elected for a period of one (1) year and the moderator may be any member of the church. The moderator shall preside over all business meetings of the church and shall see that all business meetings are opened, conducted, and closed in the proper manner. The moderator shall make himself thoroughly familiar with all church committees and ministries and their duties and shall make himself thoroughly familiar with the rules of Parliamentary Law in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Revised.

The Moderator, when questions arise, shall refer each item in doubt to the appropriate church committee and/or church staff member affected, for comment or review. In all instances, the moderator shall refrain from voicing his support for any item, recommendation, or motion, but shall offer only items of importance he feels should be considered and will help clarify the business at hand, and keep the meeting proceeding in proper order.

Section 5: Assistant Moderator

The pastor shall serve as assistant moderator and shall preside in the absence of the moderator. The assistant moderator shall be thoroughly familiar with all church committees and their duties and shall act as Church Parliamentarian. The assistant moderator shall also be directly responsible for notifying church committees and organizations to have their reports ready for all business meetings. He shall be responsible to the church to see that these reports are made in writing and presented to the church clerk for filing after they have been presented to the church.

Section 6: Clerk & Assistant Clerk

The clerk and assistant clerk shall be elected by the church and shall keep in a suitable book the minutes of all business meetings of the church. They are responsible, with assistance of the church secretary, for keeping a register of the names of members with dates of admission, transfer, or death, together with a record of baptisms. They shall issue letters of transfer, voted by the church and preserve on file all communications and written official reports. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office.

Section 7: Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer

The church shall elect a church treasurer and assistant treasurer. They shall be bonded to cover funds in their care. The treasurer or assistant treasurer shall co-sign all checks and certify that all payments are properly authorized by the church. The Administrative Assistant employed by the church, shall serve as the financial secretary. The financial secretary shall assist the treasurer in carrying out the will of the church in all financial matters under the direction of the finance committee. The treasurer and assistant treasurer shall furnish all church financial records to the church audit committee.

Section 8: Tellers

The Tellers shall be nominated by the Finance Committee and elected by the church. They shall be under the direct supervision of the church treasurer and/or assistant treasurer. Their duties will be to assist in the counting of all church offerings under the supervision of the bonded treasurer or assistant treasurer.

Section 9: Ushers

They shall care for the sitting and comfort of the congregation, the greeting and introduction of visitors, the prevention of interruption and distractions and similar needed services. They shall also be responsible for collecting tithes and offerings during worship services.

Section 10: Other Officers

Other officers as needed to carry out the work of the church shall be added.

Section 11: Church Council

The Church Council shall be composed of the pastor, staff members, moderator, Chairman of Deacons, committee chairmen, directors and coordinators of all the church organizations. The primary function of the Council shall be to coordinate the annual church calendar.

Section 12: Terms of Office

The terms of office for all church officers and committee members (except staff members) shall be for one year with a maximum of three (3) consecutive years after which they can serve in another capacity with a different organization.

ARTICLE III: CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS & MINISTRIES

The church may organize a Sunday School, Church Training, Woman’s Missionary Union, Brotherhood, WatchCare and other organizations and ministries as deemed necessary to carry out the program of the church.

All organizations of the church shall be under church control, and all officers being elected by the church should report to the church. It is understood that the Pastor and all other ministers are ex-officio members of all the organizations and their leadership is to be recognized in them.

ARTICLE IV: COMMITTEES

The church may authorize and establish as needed standing committees to carry out its work.

Section 1: Ministry Nominating Committee

Ministry Nominating Committee is to approach 12 people willing to serve for a one year term on the Ministry Nominating Committee. The committee is to submit these 12 names to the church for election by the church. The church in turn will pick six people. Other names may be written on the ballot if members so desire.
a. Shall bring to the church nomination for church officers according to our church constitution and by-laws.
b. After the nominations of the heads of organizations, the directors, and coordinators, the nominating committee shall look to them for their nominations relative to their departments and age groups to be made to the church through the ministry nominating committee.

c. Shall consult the current file of individual church members spiritual gifts for perspective workers.
d. Consent of all nominees shall be obtained before their names are placed before the church.

Section 2: Personnel Committee

Shall consist of seven (7) members.: a. Have the responsibility under the direction of the pastor for interviewing and recommending to the church all salaried personnel, except the pastor.; b. In conjunction with the Finance Committee shall work out a financial and benefits package which shall be reviewed each year.; c. Review and update a written description of each salaried position in the church, describing the duties assigned each position, except the pastor.

Section 3: Buildings and Grounds Committee

Shall consist of six (6) members.: a. Have charge of all maintenance and repairs of all church owned buildings, equipment and land and shall recommend all needed repairs and improvements.; b. Recommend the purchase of any equipment that is needed for the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of the church.

Section 4: Finance Committee

Shall consist of seven (7) members. They shall be the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and five other members. This committee shall be responsible for overseeing all financial matters of the church. The committee shall arrange for timely and regular financial audits. Church finances shall be audited annually. The audit committee will conduct the audit each year with the following exception. A Certified Public Accountant from an independent agency shall be consulted every third year to assist with the audit.

Section 5: Constitution and By-laws Committee

Shall be a temporary committee and shall consist of four (4) members as follows: Two (2) women, one (1) deacon, and one (1) man other than a deacon. This committee shall review the Constitution and By-laws and report to the church any recommendations the committee feels should be made.

The Constitution and By-laws Committee shall review this Constitution and By-laws every three years.

Section 6: Pastor Search Committee

Shall be a temporary committee and shall function only when the church is in need of a pastor. This committee shall be elected on Sunday morning by write-in secret ballot. This committee shall consist of seven (7) members as follows: three (3) females and four (4) males. No two persons from an immediate family shall serve on this committee.

Section 7: Audit Committee

A temporary committee consisting of three (3) members none of whom can be currently serving as members of the finance committee or church staff.

Duties are as follows:: a. Make an annual audit of all books and accounts of the church.; b. Report results to the church.; c. Chairperson of this committee shall request books, records, and documents from the Finance Committee.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Section 1: Worship Service

The church should meet regularly for preaching, prayer, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of the Almighty God.

Section 2: Quorum

The quorum shall consist of the members present at any regular meeting or one that has been properly called.

Section 3: Parliamentary Rules

Robert’s Rules of Order Revised is adopted as the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church, the deacons, committees, other organizations and ministries.

Section 4: Business Meeting

Regular business meetings will be held on the Wednesday following the first Sunday of September, December, March and June to coincide with the Church Calendar Year beginning 1 September and ending 31 August. Any motion from the floor, not from a committee or Active Fellowship of Deacons, will be tabled from the present business meeting until the following regularly scheduled business meeting.

Section 5: Special Business Meetings

The Moderator or Assistant Moderator, in the absence of the Moderator, may and shall, when requested by the Active Fellowship of Deacons, or a standing committee, call a special business meeting. The particular purpose of the meeting shall be clearly stated. Notice of the meeting shall be given at each service at least one (1) week in advance, stating the date and time of the meeting.

ARTICLE VI: ORDINANCES

The ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism shall be observed at a worship service as the church may determine.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

The Constitution and By-laws Committee shall review this Constitution and By-laws every three years. Anytime the present by-laws hinder any committee in its work. They may be waived by the consent of the church. Amendments to the Constitution and By-laws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.

Approved November 10, 1999.