King Springs Baptist Church
Constitution and By-Laws
May 2003

Preamble
For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of faith and to the end that this body be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenets of the Missionary Baptist churches for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the church, and to set forth the relationship of this body to other bodies of the same faith, we do declare and establish this Constitution.

Article I - Name
The name of this church shall be King Springs Baptist Church of Johnson City, Tennessee.

Article II - Purpose
The purpose of King Springs Baptist Church shall be to provide regular opportunities for public worship, to sustain the ordinance, doctrine and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ; to nurture its members through a program of Christian Education; to channel its offerings to the support of objects of the Redeemers Kingdom, and to preach and propagate among all people the gospel of the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

Article III - Church Covenant
Having been led as we believe by the spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 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.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to hold the Holy Scriptures as our guide for faith, daily living, and church relationships; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote this prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and 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 avoid any and all actions which would compromise or damage our witness and example to the lost, and to other Christians so that all that we do will be done to the glory of God; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We furthermore believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman (born as such gender) in covenant commitment for a lifetime.

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 IV - Doctrine
The Holy Scripture shall be its authority and guide of faith and practice.

Article V – Property Holdings

This church 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.

All property of said church is to be held for the use of and benefit of those of the membership, even though they be a minority, who adhere to, maintain and propagate the doctrines, faith and practices of Baptist churches.

If there is no minority to make adequate use of said property, then the title to same shall revert to the hands of the trustees.

The trustees shall, as provided by law and the action of the church, hold in trust the title to all property of the church and shall represent the church in all matters of legal responsibility regarding the purchase, improvement and disposal of church property. They shall execute all legal papers relating to the church and to the community as the church may direct. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, negotiate for sale or purchase, transfer, and/or finance any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action; neither shall they have control over the use of the church property except by vote of the church.

Article VI – Membership

1. General

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

The membership of this church shall be composed of persons who have given evidence of regeneration, who have been baptized by immersion or by exceptions due to health reasons, who have subscribed to the church covenant and Constitution of this church, and who have been received by vote of the church.

2. Candidacy
Any person, having affirmed his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church at any regular service in any of the following ways:

a) By profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and by Baptism according to the policies of this church.

b) A member of another Baptist Church of like faith and order may be received by vote of the church upon a letter of dismissal from that church.

c) Anyone who has once been a member of a Baptist Church, and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has no letter of dismissal, may be received into our fellowship upon a statement satisfactory to the church.

d) Members may be received by letter or statement from other New Testament Type churches that believe in salvation by grace through faith, believes and teaches that a genuine experience of salvation is an eternal experience never to be lost, and who practice like baptism by immersion. Like baptism being symbolic of the redeeming work for and in believers done by Christ and not baptism as a sacrament or to secure salvation.

3. Requirements for Membership
Before candidates will be presented to the church for membership, they will meet with a screening committee consisting of at least three men (the Pastor, Associate or Assistant Pastor, and the Deacon Chairman) or (the Pastor and/or deacons) to discuss candidates’ personal biblical belief and past baptism. After unanimous acceptance by this committee, candidates will be presented for vote by the membership of the church at their next regular meeting. A three-fourths vote of the church body present and voting shall be required to elect such a candidate to membership.

Anyone who by mannerisms or lifestyle is considered an abomination by the word of God shall not become a member of the church.

4. Rights of Members
Only members of the church are entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in business meeting, provided the member is present.

Only members of the church are eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective offices in the church.

Anyone who by mannerisms or lifestyle is considered an abomination by the word of God shall not hold any office in the church.

5. Discipline
It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its membership that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.

Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the pastor and the deacons will take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accord with Matthew 18. If it becomes necessary for the church to take action to exclude a member, three/fourths vote of the members present is required; and the church may proceed to declare the person to be no longer in the membership of the church. A spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance shall pervade all such proceedings.

6. Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
1) Death of the member
2) Exclusion by action of this church.
3) Transfer of letter to another Baptist church.
4) Erasure upon request or proof of membership in a church of another denomination.

Actions pertaining to items #3 and #4 shall be the responsibility of the church body.

Article VIII - Amendments
The Constitution may be amended by a vote of 100% of the by-laws committee, then by a vote of 100% of the deacons, then by a vote of three/fourths of the members present at a regular Business Meeting.

King Springs Baptist Church
By-Laws

Article I – Officers

If a selected person does not faithfully perform their position of the church, the Pastor and at least two deacons shall approach the person to inquire if the performance can be fulfilled satisfactory. If after consultation, faithful performance cannot be achieved, the position shall be declared vacant. The church will then elect or assign another person to perform the duties of the vacant position.

The officers of this church shall be as follows:

1. Pastor, Associate Pastor, or Assistant Pastor

a) Qualifications

In choosing a pastor, the church shall look for characteristics as set forth in the following scripture:

I Timothy 3:1-7 – This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Titus 1:7-9 – For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

A pastor must evidence a clear call from God to pastoral ministry.

b) Responsibilities
The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament Church. The pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations, and the church staff to perform their tasks.

The pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in the church. As such, he works with the deacons, the officers, and the church body to: (1) lead the church in the achievement of its mission, (2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, (3) care for the church members and persons in the community, and (4) he shall preside at all meetings of the church except where another person is elected to service.

In the event the pastor expects to be absent, or of the absence of the pastor by reason of serious illness or other emergencies, the pastor shall secure a pulpit supply.

c) Selection
Whenever a vacancy occurs, a Pastor Search Team shall be formed, composed of the Chairman of the Deacons, Chairman of the Trustees, Sunday School Director, Women's Ministry Director, Men's Ministry Director, Treasurer, and one member of the congregation who shall be elected at a Business Meeting. This team shall seek out a pastor, and its recommendation shall constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one person at a time.

After the Pastor Search Team has agreed on a nomination and prior to any meeting of the church held for the purpose of considering the nominee, the Pastor Search Team shall contact the prospective pastor for the purpose of reaching tentative terms of agreement. The tentative agreement shall become permanent upon the church extending a call and the prospective pastor accepting the call.

An affirmative vote by secret ballot of the majority of those present and voting shall be necessary to approve the calling of a pastor.

d) Resignation
The pastor may relinquish the office as pastor by giving at least thirty days notice or a time period otherwise determined by either party to the church at the time of resignation.

e) Removal
The church may declare the office of pastor to be vacant. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week's church notice has been given. Prior to any such declaration, due consideration should be given to

· Matthew 7:1-2 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

· Matthew 18:15-17 – Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

· I Timothy 5:17-19 – Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Any accusation shall first be taken to the deacons who shall then consider such accusation and the validity thereof. They shall then counsel with the pastor and/or make further recommendation to the church. A meeting to consider the pulpit vacant may be called upon by a written petition signed by not less than one-fourth of the active church members. The moderator for this meeting shall be the Deacon Chairman.

2. Deacons

a) Qualifications
In selecting deacons the church shall look for characteristics as set forth in the following Scriptures:

· Acts 6:3 – Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

· I Timothy 3:8-13 – Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

b) Numbers
While not mandatory, it is considered optimum to have seven deacons.

c) Election
Deacons shall be elected by the church. The deacons elect the chairman annually.

d) Resignation
A deacon may relinquish his position as deacon by giving at least thirty days notice or a time period otherwise determined by either party to the deacons at the time of resignation. If a deacon fails to tender his resignation upon moving away from the community, the deacons may declare the position vacant by majority vote of the remaining deacons.

e) Removal
The church may take action to remove a deacon for cause. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week’s church notice has been given. Prior to any such declaration, due consideration should be given to

· Matthew 7:1-2 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Any accusation shall first be taken to the deacons who shall then consider such accusation and the validity thereof. They shall then counsel with the Pastor and/or make further recommendation to the church. A meeting to consider the removal of a deacon may be called upon by written petition signed by not less than one-fourth of the active church members. The moderator for this meeting shall be the Pastor.

f) Watchcare

The man approved by the church being set aside as a deacon shall be under the church’s watchcare for a period of three to six months.

g) Ordination
The church shall ordain the deacons before commencing their duties as such, except when they have been ordained by a church of like faith and order.

h) Meetings
The deacons shall meet on the first Sunday of each month. The deacons shall elect their own chairman annually. The pastor or chairman of the deacons shall call the deacons into special session whenever the need for such arises.

i) Responsibilities
In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons shall consider themselves as servants of the church. With the Pastor and staff and as the Holy Spirit leads, their task is to serve in performing the pastoral ministries’ tasks of (1) leading the church in the achievement of its mission, (2) proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and (3) caring for the church members and other persons in the community.

3. Church Clerk

The church shall elect annually a clerk as its clerical officer. The clerk shall be responsible for keeping a suitable record of all official actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The clerk shall be responsible for keeping a register of names of members with dates of admission, dismissal, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptism. The clerk shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give required notice of all meetings, where notice is necessary, as indicated in these by-laws. The clerk shall be responsible for preparing the annual letter of the church to the association.

The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary who will assist the elected clerk. All church records are church property and shall be kept in the church office.

4. Church Secretary

The church secretary’s responsibilities will include, but not limited to assisting the church clerk. The secretary will pick up the annual report from the association, help prepare the annual report, and return the finished annual report to the association. He/she will pick up the three copies of the finalized annual report from the association and distribute them to the pastor, church clerk, and treasurer. The secretary will pick up daily the mail and distribute it to the correct person. He/she will record the copier count each month, report the number to the copier service company, and make arrangements for the servicing of the copier when deemed necessary.

5. Treasurer

The church shall elect a church treasurer and assistant treasurer. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, preserve and pay out, consistent with purchasing disbursement procedures, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. Payment of bills for local work and expenses shall be made promptly by check, and all funds received for denominational or other causes shall be remitted a least monthly by check. An itemized report shall be presented in writing at each monthly Business Meeting. The next fiscal year budget shall be presented in writing at the August Business Meeting. An annual report shall be presented in writing at the September Business Meeting. All books, records and accounts kept by the treasurer shall be considered the property of the church.

The treasurer shall, upon relinquishing his/her duties of office, promptly deliver to the church all books, records and accounts in his/her hands pertaining or relating in any manner to the duties of the office he/she is relinquishing. He/She shall consider it a part of his/her responsibility to promote in every proper way, scriptural giving on the part of the entire membership of the church. The assistant treasurer shall perform the duties in the absence of the treasurer.

6. Trustees

The church shall elect five members to serve as trustees, with three active and two alternates, rotating each year. The term of office shall be three years for the active members, one of the number being rotated as inactive at each annual meeting to fill the vacancy of the one whose active term shall expire.

Vacancies may be filled at any time with the one elected filling out the unexpired term of the one whose vacancy is being filled. Having served as trustee during a previous term will not in itself disqualify on re-election.

The trustees may audit, or cause to be audited, the financial records of the church quarterly and shall make a report to the church regarding the condition of the church's finances after each audit.

7. Music Director & Assistant

The music director shall be responsible for providing worshipful music at all services. He/she is to direct the choir in practice and in public singing and is to cooperate with the pastor. He/she is responsible for the special music each month, and the advertisement of the singings.

8. Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists shall play for all public services and shall assist the music director in a suitable program of music for the church.

9. Vacation Bible School Director & Assistant

The Vacation Bible School director shall be responsible for organizing, directing, and coordinating the yearly Vacation Bible School.

Qualifications for Vacation Bible School Teachers

a) Must be faithful and dedicated to church

b) Mothers cannot teach in classes with own children without the pastor's and deacon chairman's permission

c) Must attend all Vacation Bible School meetings and the seminar

d) Must have desire to really study and prepare for classes ahead of time

e) Must have patience, good attitude and ability to control classes

f) At least a week prior to first day of Bible School, give a list of all supplies you need for the whole week of Bible School

g) Only teachers and helpers which are appointed are to be in the classroom

10. Christmas Play Director & Assistant

The Christmas play director shall be responsible for organizing, directing, and coordinating the yearly Christmas play.

11. Youth Director & Assistants

The youth director will plan, coordinate, and oversee all youth activities of the church. He/she will recommend to the church any such changes in the youth program, as it deems necessary for the overall well being of the youth. He/she will help the pastor in formulating more effective ways to reach out and minister to the youth of the community.

12. Bulletin Director & Assistant

The bulletin director is responsible for typing the weekly bulletins, listing announcements, prayer requests, and general information.

13. Food Pantry Director & Assistant

The food pantry director is responsible for keeping the food pantry restocked.

14. Soft Drink Machine Director

The soft drink machine director is responsible for collecting the change and replenishing the soft drinks. He/she will submit to the treasurer the leftover change to be deposited in the Flower Fund.

15. Sunday School Director & Assistant

The Sunday School director will oversee and direct the classes, insure that each class has a teacher, and distribute the teachers’ literature. He/she will be responsible for the introduction at the beginning of the worship Sunday morning worship service. The director will hold quarterly teachers meeting/training classes.

The Sunday School shall be organized by departments and/or classes, as appropriate for all ages, and shall be conducted under the direction of the Sunday School Director

16. Sunday School Secretary

The Sunday School secretary will tally the class attendance, bibles brought, and offering, change the Sunday School board numbers, write announcements for the Sunday School director, rings the bell five and ten minutes prior to worship service, and purchase class supplies. He/she will read the Sunday School report at the monthly business meetings.

17. Sunday School Teachers

The Sunday School shall be the basic organization for the Bible teaching program and outreach. The Sunday School teachers tasks shall be to teach the biblical revelation, reach persons for Christ and church membership, perform the functions of the church within its constituency, provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

They shall abide by the Teachers Covenant.

Teachers Covenant

Recognizing the high privilege that is mine to serve my Lord through our Sunday School, and trusting in the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I earnestly pledge myself to this covenant.

a) I will live what I teach about separation from the world and purity of life, “avoiding all appearance of evil”, setting an example in dress, conversation, deportment, and prayer. Ephesians 4:11

b) I will be faithful in attendance and make it a practice to be present at least 10 minutes early to welcome each pupil as he/she arrives. If at any time, through sickness or other emergency I am unable to teach my class I will notify the Sunday School director at the earliest possible moment. I Corinthians 4:2

c) I will at all times manifest a deep spiritual concern for the members of my class. My first desire shall be to bring about the salvation of each pupil who does not know the Lord Jesus and to encourage the spiritual growth of every Christian. Daniel 12:3

d) I will carefully prepare my lessons and make each lesson session a matter of earnest prayer. I Thessalonians 5:17

e) I will regularly attend and urge members of my class to be present at the church services, recognizing that the church and Sunday School are inseparable. Believing in the importance of prayer, I will endeavor to maintain regular attendance at midweek prayer service, as well as Sunday services.

f) I will teach according to the doctrines of our church, Christ our Savior, Sanctifier, and coming King. Acts 20:27

g) I will wholeheartedly cooperate with the absentee program of our Sunday School and will strive to visit the home of each pupil at least once a year. Matthew 18:12

h) I will heartily support the Sunday School program, attending at least two of the four quarterly teachers meetings and the training classes.

II Timothy 2:15

i) I understand that my appointment as a teacher is for the 12-month period beginning the first Sunday in October. Whether my appointment is made then or later in the Sunday School year, I understand that it automatically terminates the last Sunday of September and decisions regarding reappointment are based on my fulfillment of this teachers covenant. I Corinthians 3:9

j) I will cheerfully abide by the decisions of my church and Sunday School, cooperating with my fellow workers in bringing our work to the highest possible degree of efficiency as one of the teaching agencies of the church. Matthew 28:19-20, James 15:16

k) Assistant teachers are expected to teach every fourth Sunday.

18. Brotherhood Director

The Brotherhood director will direct the basic organization for assisting men to be involved in ministering to the unique needs of men, to support missions through education, prayer and involvement, and to engage in meaningful fellowship with other men.

The Men's Ministry shall have a Brotherhood Director as well as other leaders and organizations as the ministry requires.

19. WMU Director

The WMU director will direct the basic organization for assisting women, to be involved in ministering to the unique needs of women, to support missions through education, prayer and involvement, and to engage in meaningful fellowship with other women.

The Women's Ministry shall have a WMU Director as well as other leaders and organizations as the ministry requires.

20. Custodian

The custodian will clean and maintain the church weekly, unlock the gates and church doors fifteen minutes prior to the service and lock the gates and doors after the service, and purchase janitorial supplies as needed for salary set by the Budget & Finance Committee. He/she will bring to the deacons’ attention any maintenance situations that require special skills.

The custodian shall not be responsible for cleaning up the fellowship hall and restrooms after parties. The individual responsible for the party shall pay the custodian a $25 deposit. If the fellowship hall and restrooms are left clean and orderly, the deposit will be returned after the custodian’s inspection. The same individual will be responsible for the cost of repair of any damages.

Any reservation for the fellowship hall shall be made as early as possible, preferably at least two weeks, in advance with the custodian. Only church members may reserve the fellowship hall. Each party must furnish their own supplies and drinks.

The pastor and the majority of the deacons must approve any exception to the above rules concerning the fellowship hall.

21. Sign Director

The sign director will be responsible for maintaining the sign message.

22. Flower Director

The flower director will be responsible for ordering the flowers for the sick, as well as a death of a family member. He/she will start the calling of the Ladies Food List Members to provide food when a death of a church member’s immediate family occurs.

Article II – Ministry Teams

1. Ladies Auxiliary Ministry Team

The ladies auxiliary ministry team will be responsible for organizing meals at the church, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, homecoming, and special occasion meals; also oversee kitchen detail after the meals.

2. Ushers Ministry Team

The number of ushers shall be determined by need. There shall be an usher chairman who coordinates the activities of the ushers. The duties shall be to greet people before and after services, provide information to persons concerning church services, programs and facilities, receive offerings, be alert to needs of persons during the services, and help maintain order.

3. Sound and Light Ministry Team

The sound and light ministry team shall consist of at least two persons, one of who shall be the music director. Their responsibilities will include, but are not limited to providing sound and light direction to all Sunday services, special events, musical specials, and special rehearsals as required and/or requested; and for audio taping of services as requested by the Pastor for the purpose of maintaining a tape ministry.

4. Baptism Ministry Team

This ministry team shall consist of at least one man and one woman to assist the Pastor in preparing for and administering the ordinance of baptism. The duties shall be to meet the candidates at the appointed time and show them to their dressing rooms, answer questions that may arise and see that each candidate has the proper robe, towel, handkerchief, etc., assist the candidates into and out of the pool and to their dressing rooms, seek to give each candidate as much privacy as possible, and remain until all candidates are dressed and ready to leave for the worship service or for home if the service is held at the close of the worship hour.

5. Budget & Finance Committee Ministry Team

The Budget & Finance Committee Ministry Team will consist of the pastor, associate or assistant pastor, treasurer, deacon chairman, Vacation Bible School director, music director, Sunday School director, youth director, food pantry director, and church clerk. This team will be responsible for the fiscal year budget. They will meet yearly to draft the fiscal budget or as deemed necessary by a team member to revise the budget.

6. Nominating Committee Ministry Team

The Nominating Committee Ministry Team will consist of the deacons. They will be responsible for nominating teachers and officers for the year, and will discuss the nominations at the monthly deacon’s meeting.

Those nominated by the committee will be brought before the church for their approval at the September Business Meeting.

7. Constitution and By/Laws Ministry Team

The constitution and by/laws ministry team shall consist of eight members (Pastor, Assistant or Associate Pastor, Treasurer, Deacon Chairman, Music Director, Sunday School Director, Youth Director, and Church Clerk), one of who shall be the chairman.

This team shall meet only to consider changes in the constitution and by/laws suggested by the deacons, or by vote taken at a Business Meeting and/or from time to time as this team deems it appropriate to review the constitution and by/laws.

This team shall screen all proposed changes in the constitution and by/laws before they are presented to the church for final vote and make such recommendations, as it deems appropriate with regard to the proposed changes.

8. Special Ministry Teams

Special Ministry Teams shall be established from time to time as deemed necessary by the church.

Article III- Church Meetings

1. Worship Services

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The Pastor shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend.

2. Special Services
Revival services and any other church meetings essential to the advancement of the church's objectives shall be placed on the church calendar.

3. Business Meetings
The church shall hold regular business meetings on the Wednesday night following the first Sunday.

The church may conduct called business meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance.

Article IV - Fiscal Year

The church fiscal year shall be from September 1 through August 31.

Article V - Licensing and Ordination

1. Licensing

When a member of this church announces that he feels called to the gospel ministry, he shall first present himself to the deacons. The deacons may at their discretion recommend him to the church. If the church is convinced he gives satisfactory evidence of his call, the church may license him and encourage him to make preparation for the ministry. The church clerk may furnish him with a copy of the minutes and a certificate of license as his credentials. It is understood that state law shall govern the performance of civil duties by this person.

If at any time a person licensed by the church should voluntarily, and without Biblical reasons, cease to be actively involved with the ministry to which he was licensed, this church should be given reason(s) for non-involvement. The church shall reserve the right to withdraw licensure from any person licensed from this church.

2. Ordination
In the event that the church has been requested to ordain a man to the ministry; the following procedure shall be followed:

a) The church shall express its approval of the candidate by voting to consider his ordination.

b) The church shall form a council of ordained church members to examine the candidate and report to the church. The church may invite ordained men from sister Baptist churches to serve on said council.

c) Upon receipt of a favorable report from the council, the church shall proceed with the ordination ceremony.

Article VI – Amendments

The by/laws may be amended by a vote of 100% of the by-laws committee, then by a vote of 100% of the deacons, then by a vote of three/fourths of the members present at a regular Business Meeting, provided the amendment has been presented in writing at a business meeting at least one month earlier.

Amendments to Constitution and By/Laws

Amendment adopted _9/7/05______