Constitution and Bylaws
Of the
Twelfth Street Baptist Church
of Kalamazoo, MI.
Article I – Name
The name of the church shall be called the Twelfth Street Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Article II – Purpose
Believing that a New Testament Church is an assembly of people called out from the world by the preaching of the gospel; accompanied by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, and baptized in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, to a life of conformation to the will of God, and to execute the will and perpetuate the ordinances of Christ until he comes; the Twelfth Street Baptist Church purposes to fulfill God’s commission given in Matthew 28:19-20.
Article III – Authority
Realizing that the Lord placed all authority within the hands of the local church, the authority for the conducting of the activities of this church and its ministries is vested in the body of scripturally baptized believers who comprise the active membership of this local assembly. Business transactions shall be likewise conducted upon the authority of the church membership and the authority vested in the church leaders by the local church body. The church shall be congregational (democratic) in government and independent of the control of any other ecclesiastical body.
Article IV – 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; not to be under the influence of any intoxicating substance, except for medicinal use, 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 – Doctrinal Statement
1. The infallible and plenary verbal inspiration of scripture – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. And is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works.” – II Timothy 3:16-17
2. The Trinity of God – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” - I John 5:7.
3. The Genesis Account of Creation – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” - Genesis 1:1.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus – “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” - Matthew 1:20.
5. The Deity of Jesus – “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:8-9.
6. The Vicarious Sacrifice of Jesus – “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:9
7. Salvation Is Wholly By Grace Through Faith In Christ And All Believers Are Preserved Eternally – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” - John 10:27-29.
8. The Bodily Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, and the Bodily Resurrection of His Saints, The Bodily Return of Jesus to Rule the Earth for One Thousand Years – ‘I Corinthians 15’ - "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." – Acts 1:11 – “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” – Revelation 20:6
9. The Eternal Punishment In Hell for the Unsaved - "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." – Psalm 9:17
10. A Scriptural Church is a Visible Assembly of Baptized Believers, Covenanted Together Under New Testament Law for the Purpose of Carrying Out the Great Commission, With an Unbroken History from the Personal Ministry of Jesus on Earth to This Present Day – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:19-20.
11. All Cooperating Bodies Such as Associations, Committees, Conventions, etc. Are and Properly Should Be Servants of the Churches – II Corinthians 8
12. Scriptural Baptism is Immersion of Believers Administered by a New Testament Church, The Lord’s Supper is a Memorial Ordinance, picturing Christ's body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us while looking forward to His coming, I Corinthians 11:23-24. It is to be observed by regenerate, obedient believers. – Matthew 28: 19-20 - “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” – I Corinthians 11:23-26. – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” – Matthew 3:16
13. We believe that marriage is a commitment between a man and a woman before God. – ‘Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 10:7 for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
14. We believe that God in His creation has made no mistakes even in the design from the womb. - "Job 31:15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? Therefore we believe that a man and woman are made such through God’s creation and should not attempt to alter their gender in any way.
ARTICLE VI- MEMBERSHIP
A. RECEIVING MEMBERS:
1. Upon profession of faith and scriptural baptism by the authority of this church.
2. Upon receipt of a letter of recommendation from a church of like faith and order. Membership into our church begins after the letter of recommendation has been acknowledged by the church.
3. Upon statement of faith and proof of scriptural baptism. Anyone who is a member of another church of like faith and order, though for some reason they cannot present a letter of recommendation, may give a statement of their salvation experience and baptism. Membership begins after the church accepts this statement of facts.
B. DISMISSING MEMBERS:
1. Granting of a letter of recommendation to another cooperating church, upon that church’s request.
2. Upon the death of one of our members, they shall no longer be a member of this church.
3. Upon this church’s action to withdraw fellowship (exclude) any member for a violation of any cooperating principles of our faith and order. The church shall, with an attitude of love and concern, make an effort to restore anyone before the act of exclusion is enacted; if it seems possible that restitution of the accused is near. (Matthew 18:15-17 & I Corinthians 5)
C. REINSTATING MEMBERS:
The church may restore a previously excluded member by accepting his apology for the offense and testimony of the Lord’s forgiveness.
ARTICLE VII- OFFICERS
The two offices of the New Testament Church are pastor and deacon. These positions have their qualifications described in I Timothy and Titus.
A. PASTOR:
1. Calling a Pastor: The pastor shall be elected for an indefinite term by three-fourths (3/4) majority of the membership present at a scheduled vote of the church.
2. Duties of our pastor:
a. Moderator of all meetings of the church
b. Act in advisory capacity on all church committees.
c. Missionary Committeeman on associational missionary committees.
d. He and/or the deacons shall secure someone to preach in the absence of our pastor.
e. Administer both church ordinances.
3. Termination of Pastors Tenure:
a. By his resignation through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
b. In the event his message methods or mannerisms become unscriptural or detrimental to the spiritual welfare of the church, the church may be lead to terminate said pastors’ position.
4. Benefits and Obligations of the Pastor:
a. Two full weeks vacation including two Sundays per church year.
b. Two revivals including Sundays, per year, with pastor securing and supporting speaker for this church.
c. Two revivals without Sunday, per year.
d. All vacation and revival time dates to be approved by the church.
e. All other information pertaining to the pastor's salary, etc. may be found in the church clerks records.
B. DEACONS:
1. Selecting a Deacon:
a. The number of deacons in this church shall be determined by the need for other deacons.
b. The pastor and acting deacons shall present to the church a candidate for deaconship.
c. The candidate for the office of deacon shall be ordained only after being proven as a qualified man for the office.
d. Deaconship does not automatically transfer from one church to another as membership does. Any man coming into our fellowship from any church of like faith and order, having been ordained a deacon, will not function as a deacon of this church until such time as deemed necessary by the church.
2. Qualifications of a Deacon:
The qualifications of the deacon are practically the same as those of the pastor given in I Timothy and Titus.
a. Conjugal: This has reference to his family relationships. He is to be the husband of one wife, and to have his children in subjection. He must have some executive ability or he cannot use the office of deacon well.
b. Moral: This has reference to his dealings with his fellow man.
In this respect he must be grave, or sober; He must not be double-tongued; He must not be disposed to flatter one to his face and to slander him to his back. He must not be covetous or lustful for the things of the world.
c. Spiritual: His spiritual qualifications are indicated in the phrase; “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” He must be sound in the faith of the scriptures, and he must be a spiritually minded man.
3. Duties of a Deacon:
a. To see after the temporal affairs of the church. The primary cause for the institution of the office was that the poor of the church might be more properly cared for.
b. To see that the pastor is duly compensated by the church and assist the pastor in ways to give him more time in prayer, study and preaching.
c. To assist the pastor in administering the Lord’s Supper.
d. To secure a speaker when the pastor is away, if the pastor has not already done so.
4. Termination of a man’s Deaconship:
a. By his resignation of office and submission of ordination papers. There should be an explanation as to why this is done.
b. By uniting with another church.
c. By failing to meet the qualifications given for the office he holds, the church may be lead to terminate and call for said deacons ordination papers.
ARTICLE VIII- ELECTED OFFICERS & TEACHERS
The church shall elect annually such officers and teachers as are deemed necessary to carry out the programs of the church. All elected officers and teachers must be members in good standing. A listing of all positions may be found in the church clerks records and on the church bulletin board.
ARTICLE IX- BUSINESS MEETINGS
This church shall have regularly scheduled monthly business meetings and an annual scheduled business meeting. All decisions of the church body shall be by a simple majority, unless otherwise specified in the constitution.
ARTICLE X- AMENDMENTS
Any amendments (additions, deletions, or change) must be presented, at a regular scheduled service of the church, in writing. Copies of the amendment must be made available for all members to inspect. All discussion concerning this amendment must be made at this meeting. The church will decide to accept or reject this amendment at the next regularly scheduled monthly business meeting, without further discussion to the amendment.
This constitution is presented to the First Missionary Baptist Church of Portage, Michigan on Wednesday, February 4, 1981; to be inspected by each member of the church. This proposed Constitution is presented to be adopted at the Annual Business Meeting in March 1981.
Respectfully and Prayerfully Submitted,
The Constitution Committee:
Brother Gary Stephenson
Brother John Otto, Jr.
Brother Deane Frederick
Brother Robert B. Stephenson, Sr. -Deacon
Brother Aaron Maxwell-Pastor
AMENDMENT I - ASSISTANT PASTOR:
Of the
Twelfth Street Baptist Church
of Kalamazoo, MI.
Article I – Name
The name of the church shall be called the Twelfth Street Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Article II – Purpose
Believing that a New Testament Church is an assembly of people called out from the world by the preaching of the gospel; accompanied by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, and baptized in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, to a life of conformation to the will of God, and to execute the will and perpetuate the ordinances of Christ until he comes; the Twelfth Street Baptist Church purposes to fulfill God’s commission given in Matthew 28:19-20.
Article III – Authority
Realizing that the Lord placed all authority within the hands of the local church, the authority for the conducting of the activities of this church and its ministries is vested in the body of scripturally baptized believers who comprise the active membership of this local assembly. Business transactions shall be likewise conducted upon the authority of the church membership and the authority vested in the church leaders by the local church body. The church shall be congregational (democratic) in government and independent of the control of any other ecclesiastical body.
Article IV – 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; not to be under the influence of any intoxicating substance, except for medicinal use, 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 – Doctrinal Statement
1. The infallible and plenary verbal inspiration of scripture – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. And is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works.” – II Timothy 3:16-17
2. The Trinity of God – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” - I John 5:7.
3. The Genesis Account of Creation – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” - Genesis 1:1.
4. The Virgin Birth of Jesus – “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” - Matthew 1:20.
5. The Deity of Jesus – “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:8-9.
6. The Vicarious Sacrifice of Jesus – “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:9
7. Salvation Is Wholly By Grace Through Faith In Christ And All Believers Are Preserved Eternally – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” - John 10:27-29.
8. The Bodily Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, and the Bodily Resurrection of His Saints, The Bodily Return of Jesus to Rule the Earth for One Thousand Years – ‘I Corinthians 15’ - "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." – Acts 1:11 – “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” – Revelation 20:6
9. The Eternal Punishment In Hell for the Unsaved - "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." – Psalm 9:17
10. A Scriptural Church is a Visible Assembly of Baptized Believers, Covenanted Together Under New Testament Law for the Purpose of Carrying Out the Great Commission, With an Unbroken History from the Personal Ministry of Jesus on Earth to This Present Day – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:19-20.
11. All Cooperating Bodies Such as Associations, Committees, Conventions, etc. Are and Properly Should Be Servants of the Churches – II Corinthians 8
12. Scriptural Baptism is Immersion of Believers Administered by a New Testament Church, The Lord’s Supper is a Memorial Ordinance, picturing Christ's body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us while looking forward to His coming, I Corinthians 11:23-24. It is to be observed by regenerate, obedient believers. – Matthew 28: 19-20 - “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” – I Corinthians 11:23-26. – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” – Matthew 3:16
13. We believe that marriage is a commitment between a man and a woman before God. – ‘Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 10:7 for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
14. We believe that God in His creation has made no mistakes even in the design from the womb. - "Job 31:15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? Therefore we believe that a man and woman are made such through God’s creation and should not attempt to alter their gender in any way.
ARTICLE VI- MEMBERSHIP
A. RECEIVING MEMBERS:
1. Upon profession of faith and scriptural baptism by the authority of this church.
2. Upon receipt of a letter of recommendation from a church of like faith and order. Membership into our church begins after the letter of recommendation has been acknowledged by the church.
3. Upon statement of faith and proof of scriptural baptism. Anyone who is a member of another church of like faith and order, though for some reason they cannot present a letter of recommendation, may give a statement of their salvation experience and baptism. Membership begins after the church accepts this statement of facts.
B. DISMISSING MEMBERS:
1. Granting of a letter of recommendation to another cooperating church, upon that church’s request.
2. Upon the death of one of our members, they shall no longer be a member of this church.
3. Upon this church’s action to withdraw fellowship (exclude) any member for a violation of any cooperating principles of our faith and order. The church shall, with an attitude of love and concern, make an effort to restore anyone before the act of exclusion is enacted; if it seems possible that restitution of the accused is near. (Matthew 18:15-17 & I Corinthians 5)
C. REINSTATING MEMBERS:
The church may restore a previously excluded member by accepting his apology for the offense and testimony of the Lord’s forgiveness.
ARTICLE VII- OFFICERS
The two offices of the New Testament Church are pastor and deacon. These positions have their qualifications described in I Timothy and Titus.
A. PASTOR:
1. Calling a Pastor: The pastor shall be elected for an indefinite term by three-fourths (3/4) majority of the membership present at a scheduled vote of the church.
2. Duties of our pastor:
a. Moderator of all meetings of the church
b. Act in advisory capacity on all church committees.
c. Missionary Committeeman on associational missionary committees.
d. He and/or the deacons shall secure someone to preach in the absence of our pastor.
e. Administer both church ordinances.
3. Termination of Pastors Tenure:
a. By his resignation through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
b. In the event his message methods or mannerisms become unscriptural or detrimental to the spiritual welfare of the church, the church may be lead to terminate said pastors’ position.
4. Benefits and Obligations of the Pastor:
a. Two full weeks vacation including two Sundays per church year.
b. Two revivals including Sundays, per year, with pastor securing and supporting speaker for this church.
c. Two revivals without Sunday, per year.
d. All vacation and revival time dates to be approved by the church.
e. All other information pertaining to the pastor's salary, etc. may be found in the church clerks records.
B. DEACONS:
1. Selecting a Deacon:
a. The number of deacons in this church shall be determined by the need for other deacons.
b. The pastor and acting deacons shall present to the church a candidate for deaconship.
c. The candidate for the office of deacon shall be ordained only after being proven as a qualified man for the office.
d. Deaconship does not automatically transfer from one church to another as membership does. Any man coming into our fellowship from any church of like faith and order, having been ordained a deacon, will not function as a deacon of this church until such time as deemed necessary by the church.
2. Qualifications of a Deacon:
The qualifications of the deacon are practically the same as those of the pastor given in I Timothy and Titus.
a. Conjugal: This has reference to his family relationships. He is to be the husband of one wife, and to have his children in subjection. He must have some executive ability or he cannot use the office of deacon well.
b. Moral: This has reference to his dealings with his fellow man.
In this respect he must be grave, or sober; He must not be double-tongued; He must not be disposed to flatter one to his face and to slander him to his back. He must not be covetous or lustful for the things of the world.
c. Spiritual: His spiritual qualifications are indicated in the phrase; “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” He must be sound in the faith of the scriptures, and he must be a spiritually minded man.
3. Duties of a Deacon:
a. To see after the temporal affairs of the church. The primary cause for the institution of the office was that the poor of the church might be more properly cared for.
b. To see that the pastor is duly compensated by the church and assist the pastor in ways to give him more time in prayer, study and preaching.
c. To assist the pastor in administering the Lord’s Supper.
d. To secure a speaker when the pastor is away, if the pastor has not already done so.
4. Termination of a man’s Deaconship:
a. By his resignation of office and submission of ordination papers. There should be an explanation as to why this is done.
b. By uniting with another church.
c. By failing to meet the qualifications given for the office he holds, the church may be lead to terminate and call for said deacons ordination papers.
ARTICLE VIII- ELECTED OFFICERS & TEACHERS
The church shall elect annually such officers and teachers as are deemed necessary to carry out the programs of the church. All elected officers and teachers must be members in good standing. A listing of all positions may be found in the church clerks records and on the church bulletin board.
ARTICLE IX- BUSINESS MEETINGS
This church shall have regularly scheduled monthly business meetings and an annual scheduled business meeting. All decisions of the church body shall be by a simple majority, unless otherwise specified in the constitution.
ARTICLE X- AMENDMENTS
Any amendments (additions, deletions, or change) must be presented, at a regular scheduled service of the church, in writing. Copies of the amendment must be made available for all members to inspect. All discussion concerning this amendment must be made at this meeting. The church will decide to accept or reject this amendment at the next regularly scheduled monthly business meeting, without further discussion to the amendment.
This constitution is presented to the First Missionary Baptist Church of Portage, Michigan on Wednesday, February 4, 1981; to be inspected by each member of the church. This proposed Constitution is presented to be adopted at the Annual Business Meeting in March 1981.
Respectfully and Prayerfully Submitted,
The Constitution Committee:
Brother Gary Stephenson
Brother John Otto, Jr.
Brother Deane Frederick
Brother Robert B. Stephenson, Sr. -Deacon
Brother Aaron Maxwell-Pastor
AMENDMENT I - ASSISTANT PASTOR:
- Calling of an Assistant Pastor:
- A committee, elected by the membership, will assist the Senior Pastor and the Deacons in selecting a candidate for an Assistant Pastor position.
- An Assistant Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite term, unless otherwise stated at the time of election, by three-fourths (3/4) majority of the membership present, at a scheduled vote of the church, no less than one week after notification of the scheduled vote, announced at a regular meeting and all subsequent meetings prior to the vote.
- An Assistant Pastor must meet the Biblical qualifications of a Pastor described in I Timothy and Titus.
- The Church grants the authority to the Senior Pastor or the Deacons to act on its behalf regarding the tenure and employment of an Assistant Pastor, however, the Church does not yield the authority to take any action the membership deems necessary.
- The Church must approve all salary and benefits, recommended from time to time by the Deacons, for an Assistant Pastor.
- Duties of an Assistant Pastor:
- To assist the Senior Pastor in the day to day operations of the church, a full job description outlined by the Senior Pastor and the Deacons will be given to an Assistant Pastor, and the Church, prior to their acceptance of the position.
- Job descriptions may be amended from time to time as the needs of the Senior Pastor and the Church change. Amendments made by the Senior Pastor (or in his absence, the Deacons) will be provided, in writing, to the Assistant Pastor affected and the Church.
- Perform tasks, assigned by the Senior Pastor (or in his absence or vacancy, the Deacons) as needed.
- Assist in the administration of both church ordinances.
- Fill the pulpit in the Senior Pastor's absence or vacancy.
- Moderate business meetings in the Senior Pastor’s absence or vacancy.
- Officiate marriages and funerals, when available, if needed or requested.
- Disciplining of an Assistant Pastor:
- In the event an Assistant Pastor is found to be negligent in his duties written herein and also in his written job description, the Senior Pastor (or in his absence, the Deacons) may impose disciplinary action up to and including termination, if deemed necessary.
- At a regular business meeting, the Church Body will be informed, after the fact, of all disciplinary action taken, and the cause of the action taken.
- Restoration and correction will always be the goal in discipline, if possible.
- Termination of an Assistant Pastor’s Tenure:
- By his resignation through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
- In the event his message methods or mannerisms become unscriptural or detrimental to the spiritual welfare of the church, the Senior Pastor, may be lead to terminate an Assistant Pastor’s position.
- The Senior pastor will consult with at least one deacon before determining to terminate the Assistant.
- If no Pastor is available a majority of deacons will be needed to terminate the Assistant Pastor.
- The Senior pastor will consult with at least one deacon before determining to terminate the Assistant.
- In the event his services are no longer required, or for any other unforeseen reason, the Senior Pastor may terminate an Assistant Pastor’s position without cause.
- In the event an Assistant Pastor is terminated without cause he will receive a severance package equal to 1/12th of his annual compensation package, payable not more than 30 days after termination.
- In the event an Assistant Pastor is terminated with cause a severance package, if any, will be at the discretion of the Deacon body.
- In the absence of a Senior Pastor the deacons will act on his behalf.
- Benefits of an Assistant Pastor:
- Two full weeks vacation including two Sundays per church year.
- Two speaking engagements, including Sundays, per year.
- Two speaking engagements, without Sunday, per year.
- All vacation and speaking engagement times and dates must be approved by the Senior Pastor or the Deacons.
- All other information pertaining to an Assistant Pastor's salary, benefits, etc. may be found in the church clerk's records.
