"Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Psalm 119:2, NIVBy-Laws of Wrightsboro Baptist Church
"Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Psalm 119:2, NIVBy-Laws of Wrightsboro Baptist Church
Should there be any dissent concerning admission of a candidate to membership, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and deacons for a subsequent recommendation to the church. Upon their positive recommendation and a three-fourths affirmative vote by those members present and voting, the candidate shall be admitted to church membership.
Members are expected to be faithful and exemplary in Christian living, to be regular in attendance for Bible study and worship, to serve in the programs of the church according to God-given talents, and to give regularly and systematically to the financial support of the church and Kingdom causes.
Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provision has ben made for absentee balloting.
Should some serious condition exist which causes a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the pastor and deacons to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. But, finding that the welfare of the church will best be served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose, and the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.
Any person whose membership has been terminated for any reason which made it necessary for the church to exclude him/her may, upon request, be restores to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of his/her repentance and reformation.
A pastor shall be called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. A Pastor Search Committee, consisting of five members and two alternatives, shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. The committee, following Divine guidance, shall seek out a suitable pastor; its recommendation will constitute a nomination. The committee shall present only one name at a time for consideration by the church.
Election of a pastor shall be at a meeting called for that purpose, following a least one week's public notice to the members of the church. Voting shall be by ballot, with an affirmative vote by three-fourths of the members present necessary for election. The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated either by the request of the pastor, or, following recommendation from the deacons, by action of the church. The pastor shall give at least four weeks' notice at the time of his resignation before terminating his responsibilities, unless, due to extenuating circumstances, a shorter period of time is agreed to by the church. In the event termination is initiated by the church, a severence package may be recommended by the Personnel Committee based on the circumstances including, but not limited to, financial consideration and time needed for pastor to relocate.
(b) Other Ministerial Staff Positions. Upon recommendation by the pastor and Personnel Committee, the church may authorize the establishment of ministerial staff positions necessary for the effective ministry of the church. Such staff positions may include ministers of education, evangelism, music, and youth, or others, singly or in combination, depending upon immediate needs and program goals. Staff members shall be responsible to the pastor and church in the performance of their duties. The ministers, in cooperation with the pastor, shall be responsible for planning, promoting, supervising, and implementing the program(s) for which they are assigned responsibility.
For each position authorized by the church, (1) a job description shall be written by the Personnel Committee, and (2) an ad hoc search committee, consisting of five members and two alternates, shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee; both require church approval. The search committee, following Divine guidance, shall seek out a suitable person for the position; its recommendation shall constitute a nomination. Election of a staff member shall be at a meeting called for that purpose, following at least one week's public notice to church members. An affirmative vote by three-fourths of the members present is required. The relationship may be terminated either by the request of the staff member, or, following recommendation by the pastor and Personnel Committee, by action of the church. At least two weeks' notice should be given at the time of resignation.
Deacons shall be adults, at least 21 years of age, who have been a member of this church for at least one (1) year, who have demonstrated in their Christian life a practice spiritual maturity and wisdom, are faithful and loyal supporters of the programs of the church, are tithers in belief and practice, and conform to the standards set forth in Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:8-13, and Titus 1:5-9.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1:5-9
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless - not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
The church shall elect one deacon for every twelve (12) resident church families. Each deacon shalll be elected for a term of three (3) years, unless filling an unexpired term resulting from a vacancy in the diaconate, and shall not be eligible for re-election until a lapse of one (1) year from the end of the last term served. One third of the total number of deacons shall be elected each year. Deacons not serving active terms shall retain their title and may be called upon for service by the church.
At the regular morning and evening worship services of the last two Sundays in June of each year, church members may nominate, in writing, persons they consider to be qualified to serve as deacon ministers. Members may list as many names as they wish, not to exceed the total number of deacons to be elected, to begin service on September 1.
A committee from the active diaconate shall be appointed by the chairman to count the votes and list the nominees that received at least three (3) votes, in the order of votes received. The list of names shall be presented to the body of deacons for consideration of the qualifications of the nominees. Qualified individuals beginning at the top of the list of names and proceeding in order down the list, will be contacted by the pastor and/or one or more active deacons, who will discuss and explain the responsibilities and requirements of the office. Names of individuals, equal in number to the total number of deacons to be elected, who (1) received the highest number of votes and (2) commit themselves to the responsibility of being deacon minister shall be presented to the church for approval and election during the morning worship service of the second Sunday in August. A majority vote is required for election.
In the event of a vacancy in the diaconate during the year, the active deacons shall nominate and present to the church for election, a person committed to the task, to complete the unexpired term.
All expenditures and payment of bills shall be with the approval and authority of the Budget Manager. His/her duties shall include the following: (1) approve requests for expenditures if the requests are consistent with the budget and funds are available; (2) refer to the Finance Committee those requests not consistent with the budget or for which sufficient funds are not available; (3) receive and prioritize all invoices for each week and approve for payment, as appropriate; and (4) submit such invoices to the Treasurer for payment.
Upon completing the annual report at the end of the fiscal year, and its accptance and approval by the church, the records ahll be delivered by the Financial Secretary to the Church Clerk who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the church.
Among the functions of ushers are assuring that the sanctuary is prepared for services, greeting worshipers, distributing bulletins and hymnals, and in other ways being attentive to the needs and comfort of the congregation and worship leaders. They shall help develop and be prepared to execute plans for orderly evacuation of the building in event of fire or other causes, and be prepared to deal effectively with other emergency situations or disturbances. They should be available to assist, as needed, in restoring the sanctuary or meeting place to physical order after use.
Members of all standing committees shall be church members nominated by the Nominating Committee and presented to the church for election. Additional nominations for any committee position may be made from the floor during church conference.
Members of standing committees shall serve a term of three (3) years. A year of service shall be from September 1 to August 31, except for members of the Finance Committee; for that committee a year of service shall be from January 1 to December 31, the fiscal year of the church.
Vacancies occurring in the membership of standing committees shall be filled by the nomination of new committee members by the Nominating Committee and their election by the church. A person elected to fill a vacancy shall complete the remainder of the term of the person being replaced. Each member of a standing committee will be notified of all committee meetings. Any member not present at a meeting will be contacted by the chairperson of the committee.
If a member has been unable to attend several committee meetings, they will be contacted by the chairpersom and asked if they will be able to serve the remainder of their term. If the person feels they are unable to complete their term, a vacancy will be declared by that committee and the matter referred to the Nominating Committee.
One-third of the membership of each committee shall be elected each year. Committee members shall not be eligible to succeeed themselves; exceptions are: Building & Grounds, Bus/Van Committee, Weekday Education Committee, and any person elected to fill a vacancy and who have served two years or less of the three-year term.
A committee member must have served on that committee for at least one year before being eligible for nomination as its chairperson; the year of service may have been completed during a previous term on that committee.
It is the intent of this Article of the By-Laws that appropriate ex-officio members be named to standing committees for the purpose of being resource persons and providing for coordination with other committees or organizations with related duties. Ex-officio members participate in committee deliberations but do not vote; they shall be given notice of all meetings by the chairperson and requested to attend.
Each standing committee shall meet during the month of September to organize and plan its work for the year; a secretary shall be chosen who will record the minutes of all meetings. A annual report summarizing the activities and actions of the committee shall be provided to the chairperson of the Records Committee in August of each year.
Membership. Six (6) persons and six (6) ex-officio members: Pastor, Minister of Education, and Directors of Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Women's Missionary Union, and Baptist men and Boys.
Duties.
1) To be informed, to the extent possible, of the interests and abilities of individual church members and, thereby, seek to place them in appropriate positions of service and responsibility within the various organizations of the church.
2) To recommend annually to the church persons to serve as general officers, members and chairpersons of standing committees, and all Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Women's Missionary Union, and Baptist men and Boys officers, teachers, and leaders. Nominees shall be presented for election not later than the regular September business conference.
3) To provide, to the extent possible, representation on committees of the diversity within the church membership; for example, age levels, duration of church membership.
4) To recommend to the church nominees to fill vacancies occurring during the church year in any of the positions of responsibility referred in 2) above.
5) To enlist and recommend annually to the church an appropriate number of persons for election as tellers to assist the Finance Committee. Tellers may serve consecutive terms.
6) To develop and recommend to the church for approval statements of policies and procedures to be followed by the committee in enlisting and nominating individuals for volunteer positions of responsibility. These statements shall be included in the Church Operations Manual.
7) To nominate for election members of church-approved ad hoc committees.
Membership. Pastor (Chairman) and other members of the ministerial staff, Church Moderator, Directors of Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Women's Missionary Union, and Baptist Men and Boys, Deacon Chairperson, Director of the Media Center, and chairpersons of standing committees.
Duties.
1) To formulate and recommend to the church (a) objectives and goals for its programs of evangelism, missions, Bible study, and stewardship, and (b) plans of action to accomplish these objectives and goals.
2) To review and coordinate program plans recommended by various church officers, organizations, and committees; to lead each organization to understand its tasks; and to serve as a clearing house for organizational problems and inconsistencies.
3) To develop an organizational chart which establishes clear lines of communication both for the church staff and the various church organizations, and shows lines of responsibility in the administration of the church. The chart shall be included in the Church Operations Manual, reviewed periodically, and revised as necessary.
4) To compile and recommend to the church an annual calendar of events which shall include, insofar as possible, all meetings and activities; data for the calendar shall be submitted to the Council by the church officers, leaders of organizations, and committee chairpersons.
5) To evaluate program achievments in terms of established objectives and goals.
6) To develop, in cooperation with appropriate program leaders and committee chairpersons, policies related to use of church facilities for functions not part of the normal program schedule of the church: for example, weddings, receptions, showers, club meetings.
Membership. Six (6) persons (excluding staff members) and three (3) ex-officio members: Pastor, Deacon Chairperson, and Budget Manager.
Duties.
1) To help church members grow as Christian stewards by promoting an understanding of and a commitment to Biblical teachings of stewardship; and to plan, in cooperation with the Church Council, an annual program emphasizing Christian stewardship.
2) To recommend detailed statements of policies and procedures to be followed in budget preparation and implementation, and in accounting for the handling and expenditure of all funds; following their approval by the church, to incorporate statements of financial policies and procedures into the Church Operations Manual; to direct the Budget Manager in carrying out established policies and procedures.
3) To solicit budgetary proposals and requests, with justifications, from church officers, organizational leaders, and committee chairpersons, and to consider each proposal and request in the preparation of the annual budget.
4) To prepare and precommend a church budget for the fiscal year (January 1 - December 31). Preparation of the budget shall begin not later than August 1; it shall be presented to the deacons for comment not later than their October meeting and to the church for approval at its regular business conference in November.
5) To meet monthly to consider the financial status of the church and to report to the church at its monthly conference.
6) To establish procedures to be followed by the Tellers and provide necessary oversight as they carry out those procedures. The duties of Tellers shall be to: (a) provide security for offerings after each service, (b) count all offering receipts as promptly as possible, and (c) deposit receipts in a designated bank and provide a record of each deposit to the Treasurer. All Tellers shall be bonded.
Membership. Six (6) persons (excluding staff members) and three (3) ex-officio members: Pastor, Deacon Chairperson, and Chairperson of the Finance Committee.
Duties.
1) To develop and recommend to the church policies and procedures for the administration of the church staff.
2) To survey the need for the addition, deletion, or modifications of staff positions, and make recommendations to the church.
3) To prepare, up-date as necessary, and recommend to the church for approval job descriptions for all staff positions, consisting of statements of duties, responsibilities, and terms of employment.
4) To develop, for non-ministerial staff positions, procedures for seeking out, interviewing, and hiring individuals for employment, as well as policies related to conditions for termination of employment.
5) To assist ad hoc search committees elected to seek out individuals for new or vacated ministerial staff positions by providing church-approved job descriptions, recommending terms of employment (salary range, benefits, etc.) and in other ways as requested by the search committee; also to develop and recommend to the church policies related to termination of services of members of the ministerial staff, whether at the request of the staff member or the church.
6) To review annually the salaries schedule and benefits program for all staff members and other employed persons, and to make recommendations to the Finance Committee prior to budget preparation.
Membership. Nine (9) members (three (3) of whom shall be assigned responsibility for the kitchen and dining areas) and two (2) ex-officio members: Minister of Education and Budget Manager.
Duties.
1) To regularly inspect, maintain, and keep in good repair the church buildings, equipment, furniture, grounds, and parking areas.
2) To submit annually to the Finance Committee a recommended budget for regular operation, care, repair, and maintenance of existing church property.
3) To maintain an inventory of all church property and equipment, and to develop policies and guidelines for loan of items from the church and be responsible for their return.
4)To establish policies and procedures for the sale and/or disposal of unused or obsolete equipment and furnishings.
5) To implement, as directed, minor projects related to church property which have been approved by the church, and to award routine maintenance and service contracts, as necessary, except those for office machines and equipment.
6) To assist the housekeeping supervisor, as requested, in the development of procedures and a routine cleaning scedule to be followed by the custodian(s).
7) To seek ways to minimize energy utilization by the church and promote general economy in the operation of church facilities.
8) To assign three (3) of its members the specific responsibility of oversight of the kitchen and dining area. This subcommittee shall: a) recommend policies related to use, care and cleaning, and maintenance; b) make the facilities available for legitimate use to groups and individuals int he church and coordinate events so as to avoid scheduling conflicts; c) assure that necessary supplies and equipment are available for church functions; and d) cooperate with the full committee in planning and preparing for special events, such as Homecoming Day.
Membership. Six (6) persons and the following ex-officio members: the ministerial staff and deacon chairperson.
Duties.
1) To compile, study, and analyze data about the community served by the church for the purpose of projecting present and future growth patterns and expectations, and determining community needs and church opportunities.
2) To assist the Church Council as it plans programs necessary to meet the present and future needs of the community; to project space requirements for the programs of the church and study the adequacy of the present site and buildings to provide the space that will be needed.
3) To develop in a timely manner long-range recommendations to the church relative to new construction projects; acquisition of land for new buildings, parking lots, recreational facilities, or other uses; disposal of excess real property; or other such matters affecting church properties.
4) To assist and cooperate with ad hoc committees (e.g., Survey, Planning, and Building Committee) elected by the church to carry out major construction projects.
5) To evaluate proposed donations of property, and proposed projects for which designated offerings are made, for the purpose of determining (a) how the property should be utilized or disposed of; and (b) if the project is compatible with the long-range plans and goals of the church; the result of the committee's evaluation shall be a recommendation to the church.
Membership. Six (6) persons, including both men and women.
Duties.
1) To consult with the pastor prior to each baptismal service to receive instruction and discuss procedures.
2) To make advance preparation for each observance of the ordinance and to assist candidates before and after services.
3) To assure that robes are clean and available to candidates prior to baptismal services and that dressing rooms and robes are cleaned after each service.
4) To assist the pastor in evaluating baptismal services and determining ways to enhance their effectiveness.
Membership. Three (3) persons.
Duties.
1) To maintain a schedule of the observance of the ordinance, at the direction of the pastor and in accordance with established church policy.
2) To assure that all supplies (unleavened bread, grape juice, plates, trays, glasses, and linens) are available for each scheduled observance.
3) To prepare the table for each service according to the instructions of the pastor.
4) To collect, clean, and store all supplies following each service.
5) To assist the pastor and deacons in evaluating observances of the ordinance and determining ways to enhance their effectiveness.
Membership. Six (6) persons (two representatives each of the deacons, missions organizations, and the church membership-at-large) and two ex-officio members: Pastor and Budget Manager.
Duties.
1) To study the benvolence needs of church families and of families in the community to which the church ministers; to work closely with church leaders and members in locating needs.
2) To submit to the Finance Committee annually a budget proposal to help meet needs, and to administer funds appropriated by the church for this purpose.
3) To recommend policies to be followed in considering requests for assistance; to establish priorities for distribution of available money and materials; to investigate all requests for assistance.
4) To identify and become informed about agencies within the community that provide assistance to persons in need, and, if appropriate, refer individuals to one or more of these agencies.
5) To involve church members in benevolent ministries.
6) To review and evaluate periodically all assistance being provided, and to report frequently to the church on the extent and effectiveness of its benevolent ministry.
Membership. Six (6) persons.
Duties.
1) To develop and implement a cooperative plan to solicit donations of food and other provisions, as appropriate, for the families of church members and other members in the community at times of bereavement.
2) In cooperation with the Benevolence Committee, to seek out other special mission and outreach opportunities for the church and to encourage church members to be involved in ministry to the community.
Membership. Six (6) persons and one ex-officio member: Pastor.
Duties.
1) To promote increased member awareness of the values of good public relations.
2) To determine how effectively the programs of the church are being communicated, understood, and accepted within the church and community.
3) To work with the ministerial staff and program leaders to use the most appropriate and effective media (e.g., letters, publications, newspapers, radio, televsion, etc.) to better communicate the work and message of the church and, thereby, promote improved understanding and acceptance.
4) To recommend policies, procedures, and actions to improve church communication and public relations, and to implement church-approved plans.
Membership. Six (6) persons, representative of a diverse cross-section of the church membership, and one ex-officio member: Pastor of Youth.
Duties.
1) To advise the Minister of Education in the development of general guidelines governing programs and activities for youth groups, and to assist in the evaluation of activities proposals.
2) To assist the Minister of Education in compiling quarterly calendars of activities so as to provide coordination and avoid schedule conflicts.
3) To encourage and assist in promoting evangelistic, educational, and recreational activities for the youth of the church.
4) To assist in administering the Amanda Gail Gore Memorial Scholarship as outlined in the guidelines of the scholarship.
Membership. Six (6) persons and one ex-officio member: Minister of Education.
Duties.
1) To provide for the maintenance, repair, and security of the church bus or van.
2) To recommend policies and procedures governing driver qualifications and approval, and all matters related to the use and operation of the bus or van; to implement those policies and procedures following church approval.
Membership. Three (3) persons and one ex-officio member: Church Clerk.
Duties.
1) To develop and maintain a system for filing and storing church records, including minutes of church conferences, financial reports, reports to associations and conventions, minutes of deacons meetings, annual reports of standing committees, and other records and data important to the functioning of the church and to its history.
2) To receive and file all current records and reports, as well as assemble all past records which are available.
3) To preserve the true history of the church and to lead the members to appreciate their church through an understanding of its past.
Membership. Six (6) persons and ex-officio member: Minister of Music
Duties.
1) To assure that a floral decoration is placed each week in the pulpit area of the sanctuary; arrangements may be provided by the church or donated by individuals to honor or memorialize members and/or loved ones.
2) To plan for placement of floral/plant decorations in the vestibules and other public areas of the church, as appropriate.
3) To plan for special floral decorations at Christmas, Easter, and other special seasons of the year.
4) To encourage contributions of floral/plant arrangements or decorations and the use of local, non-commercial materials when feasible in order to minimize expenditures by the church.
5) To supervise the maintenance and storage of all containers, supplies, and non-perishable decorations, and to provide for the disposal of perishable plant materials in a timely manner.
Membership. Six (6) persons and one ex-officio member: Pastor.
Duties.
1) To periodically review and update church constitution and by-laws, recommending to the church for approval necessary amendments to the document.
2) To receive and review proposed changes to the constitution and by-laws submitted by individual church members, organizations, or committees and to recommend appropriate actions to the church.
3) To review statements of policies and procedures developed by various committees and organizational units of the church for the purpose of assuring consistency with the by-laws, and, following their approval by the church, to incorporate all such statements into the Church Operations Manual.
Membership. Six (6) persons (including at least one parent) and, as ex-officio members, program director(s) and a staff member designated by the pastor.
Duties.
1) To determine, and recommend to the church, policies and procedures for operating and administering the program(s).
2) To determine, in cooperation with the Personnel Committee, qualifications, salaries, and other conditions of employment for director(s) and faculty of the program(s).
3) To determine, and recommend to the church, a budget for program operations.
4) To ensure that facilities and procedures of operation are in compliance with all applicable governmental and church regulations and that the program(s) is(are) fully licensed.
5) In cooperation with the Church Public Relations Committee, to direct efforts to inform and educate members of the church and community concerning the program(s) and to encourage support of this ministry.
6) To coordinate scheduling, space utilization, and other aspects of the program(s) operation with other church activities and organizations.
7) To review reports and records provided to the committee in a timely manner by the program director(s), and to keep the church informed concerning the program(s).
Membership. Three (3) persons and, as ex-officio members, a member of the church staff designated by the pastor and the chairperson of the Building and Grounds Committee.
Duties.
1) To plan, coordinate, and host special church-wide socials and receptions not routinely sponsored by other groups or organizations; the pastor shall identify those events for which the committee has responsibility.
2) With the assistance of other persons enlisted from the church membership, to plan for preparation of food and other refreshments; oversee arrangement of tables, chairs, and appropriate decorations; and assure that the kitchen and hall are cleaned after their use.
3) To cooperate with members of the Building and Grounds Committee relative to the care, use, and supplying of the kitchen (see Article IV, Section 6 of these By-Laws).
Membership. Six (6) persons and four (4) ex-officio members: Pastor, Minister of Education, Minister of Youth and Children, and Minister of Music.
Duties.
1) Ensure that every aspect of church recreation does the following: (a) honors God; (b) is in harmoney with the church's purpose; and (c) channels people into church program organizations and church membership.
2) To oversee all organized sports programs and recruit volunteers such as coaches and counselors who are members of Wrightsboro Baptist Church or who are Christians that maintain the same beliefs as Wrightsboro Baptist Church.
3) To plan and supervise recreational activities for special days such as Memorial Day and Labor Day activities.
4) To work with ministerial staff and leaders of missions organizations to plan activities throughout the church year.
5) To work with Long-Range Planning Committee on ideas for recreational use of church property.
6) To develop budget for all proposed activities and programs and submit request to Finance Committee.
7) To report to the church on a regular basis regarding programs and activities.
Membership. Six (6) persons and two (2) ex-officio members: Chairperson of Building and Grounds Committee and a member of the church ministerial staff.
Duties.
1) To develop a plan of action to be approved by the church and followed in the operation of the shelter, and to assure that all applicable legal requirements for such a shelter are met.
2) To designate specific areas to be utilized by the shelter within buildings of the church.
3) To assure that adequate personnel from the church are enlisted, as needed, to aid the committee when emergencies occur.
4) To determine equipment, materials, and provisions needed to operate the shelter and the means of funding their acquisition.
5) To determine what conditions may disqualify a person from accomodation in the shelter (for example: health conditions that require special care that is not available here).
A director of music shall be responsible, in cooperation with the pastor, for the total music ministry. He/she shall direct choir rehearsals, direct congregational and choral singing, provide music for special occasions, develop music leadership in the church, select music for worship services, and perform other music-ralted duties, as needed.
(2) Organist/Pianist. An organist and/or pianist shall be employed by the church for the purpose of playing the instruments at services of public worship, for choir rehearsals, and at other times as needed. They shall be responsible to the director of music in the performance of their duties and assist him/her in carrying out a suitable program of music for the church.
The Personnel Committee, in cooperation with the Music Director, shall seek out and recommend to the church for approval persons to serve as organist/pianist. The committee shall develop job descriptions and policies governing the duties of the musicians. The organist/pianist shall serve until the relationship is terminated either at his/her request or by the church upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee.
The media staff shall: (a) promote the development and use of the center in all areas of the church ministry; (b) formulate policies and procedures, including a schedule of opening convenient for church members; (c) be responsible for cataloguing, shelving, and maintenance of all materials and equipment contained in the center; (d) be responsible for the selection of books, periodicals, audio-visual programs, and other resources for purchase, and the approval of materials donated to the center; (e) seek adequate space, equipment, and financial support for the effective operation of the center; (f) encourage memorial gifts to the center; and (g) plan and promote special occasions designed to increase interest in use of the resources of the center.
A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor and/or staff and deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he/she shall be deleted from the list of those awaiting baptism.
The Lord's Supper Committee shall prepare the table for each observance of the ordinance. The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.
Policies and procedures shall be established relating to such matters as church administration, church finances, employment of personnel, nomination and election of persons to positions of service, utilization of facilities and equipment, community benevolence ministries, operation of the church bus or van, and other church operations, as appropriate. Statements of policies and procedures shall be developed by the officers, committees, or organizational units to whose area of responsibility they relate, reviewed by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and adopted by the church.
It shall be the policy of the church that its programs be financed by the tithes and voluntary offerings of individuals. The church does not endorse other means of fund raising except for (a) the sale of bonds and other investments to raise capital funds for major construction, (b) short-term projects initiated through the Youth Activities Advisory Council and approved by the pastor to support youth activities, and (c) projects approved by the pastor to help support ministry-action groups in the field.
The church may tranfer its affiliation from the Wilmington Baptist Association to another Baptist association of like faith and order by a majority vote of the members present at church conference.
The church may withdraw from affiliation with the association and/or conventions by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the resident church membership at a special called conference. Each resident member shall receive notification of the purpose of the conference at least fourteen (14) days prior to such conference. In the event such action is taken for the purpose or intent of deviating from the priciples and doctrines of the Southern (Missionary) Baptist churches and vote is less than 100% of the resident church membership, the entire property and the right to its use shall be vested in that portion of the membership which shall agreee to continue affiliation with the Southern Baptist denomination.
(a) If a cleaning service is to be hired, the Building and Grounds Committee shall elect a service, negotiate a contract (after consultation with the Finance Committee), and present a recommendation to the church for approval.
(b) If a custodian is to be hired, the Personnel Committee shall write a job description which includes terms of employment, and seek out a suitable person to recommend to the church. The services of the custodian may be terminated at the request of either the individual or by action of the church.
A member of the church staff shall be designated by the pastor to serve as housekeeping supervisor. He/she shall oversee the routine weekly work performance of the cleaning service or custodian.
Policies and Procedures. Statements of policies and procedures to be incorporated into the Church Operations Manual shall be considered adopted and in effect upon an affirmative vote by a majority of the church members present at a regular business conference. The vote shall be taken not less than thirty (30) days following their presentaion, in writing, to the church.
Policies and Procedures. Proposed amendments to statements of church policies and procedures contained in the Church Operations Manual shall be reviewed by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and presented in writing to church members by the appropriate officer, committee chairperson, or organizational leader. Amendments to policy and procedure statements require an affirmative vote by a majority of members present as a regular conference. The vote shall be taken not less than thirty (30) days following their presentation.
| Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Why, How, and Afterward |
