Article I. Membership

 

Section 1:  Eligibility of Members

The membership of this church shall be composed of persons who have confessed Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, been baptized by immersion, been received by majority vote of members present and voting, and have acknowledged, in full, the Constitution and Bylaws and the Membership Agreement (Appendix D) of Samaria Baptist Church.  Children under the age of 18 will be members by proxy and at 18 years of age will go through the membership process outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws. The requirement of immersion baptism may, on recommendation, of the pastor and consent of the deacons, be suspended in cases of physical impossibility or severe hardship.

 

Section 2:  Admission of Members

A person may become a member in one of the following ways:

1. Profession of Faith and Baptism.  An applicant may be received on profession of faith as a candidate for baptism, after the administration of which the applicant shall enjoy the full fellowship of the church.

2. Letter.  A member from another church of like faith and order, who has received the ordinance of baptism by immersion, may be received by letter of recommendation.  If such letter cannot be secured within ninety days, the Clerk shall automatically record such member as “received on statement of experience”.

3. Statement of Experience.  Any person to whom the ordinance of baptism by immersion has been administered may be received as a member upon statement of experience and faith in Christ.

4. Spiritual Watchcare.  Persons who are temporarily residents in the area of the church or who otherwise have not met the full requirements for membership may come under the “spiritual watchcare” of this church.   Such persons shall, except as qualified below, have the same rights and privileges as those ordinarily afforded members of this church such as pastoral care, but they shall not vote in church business conference nor hold office in this church or in any of the church organizations filled by vote of the general church membership.

 

Section 3:  Procedure

Any person desiring membership in this church may present himself/herself as a candidate in response to the invitation at any worship service.  The presiding officer shall accept his/her application and refer it to the pastor or membership committee.  Either the pastor or membership committee will meet with the candidate to acquaint him/her with the Constitution and Bylaws and programs and policies of the church.  After receiving a signed copy of the Church Membership Agreement (Appendix D) and the candidate’s affirmative commitment to the responsibilities of membership in this church, the pastor or membership committee shall present the applicant to the church and upon the majority vote of the members present and voting, he/she shall be accepted. The applicant may choose to confer with the pastor or the membership committee before presenting himself/herself to the church as a candidate for membership; if so, he/she may be received immediately by the majority vote of the church.

 

Section 4:  Duties of Members

The duties of the members of this church shall be to be just in their dealings, faithful in their engagements, guarded in their conversation, exemplary in their deportment; to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; to regularly attend the services of the church, we understand this commitment to mean members will make every effort to be present and worship on more Sundays than not; to give to its support and Kingdom causes; and to share in its organized work.

 

Section 5:  Rights of Members

1. Voting.  Except as may be otherwise provided in the Bylaws every member 18 years of age or older is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the membership.  There will be no absentee balloting.

2. Holding Office.  Except as otherwise set forth herein, every member 18 years of age or older is eligible for consideration by the membership as a candidate for elective offices in the church.

3. Records.  Members shall have access to the principal records of the church including minutes of its governing body and principal financial reports.  However, consistent with Baptist doctrine and practice, these rights shall not include the right to review or inspect individual donor records or personnel files.

 

Section 6:  Inactive Members

The deacons shall periodically review the membership rolls of the church for those persons who, have not participated in the life of the church. The deacons shall seek to make personal contact and determine the reasons for their inactivity and encourage them in their relationship with the church. Upon reaching out the Deacons will determine the status of each member.

 

No Contact - If a member could not be contacted or refused to contact the Deacons the Deacons may recommend the person be removed from membership by majority vote of the church.

 

Good Cause - This member has good cause to not be able to attend church. This could be due to age or health or other factors. If it is determined by the Deacons that a person has Good Cause then they will remain members of the Church.

 

No Cause - For those persons who, without good cause, have not participated in the life of the church in the past twelve months, the Deacons will contact and make every attempt to encourage them to return, if the member refuses to return without good cause, then the Deacons may recommend the person be removed from membership by majority vote of the church.

 

 

 

Section 7:  Statement on Church Discipline

The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Cor 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin and promoting purity (1Tim 5:20), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Gal 6:1).

 

The Lord Jesus Christ has entrusted the local church with the authority and responsibility to discipline members for flagrant sin or serious doctrinal error, with the goal of keeping the purity of Christ’s Church and the restoration of the offender.  This discipline is entrusted to the pastor and deacons and is to follow the biblical pattern as set forth in Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:7-8; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; Titus 3:10-11; and 2 John 7-11.  Any member of this church who practices or affirms a doctrine or conduct that, in the judgment of the pastor and deacons, is opposed to the teaching of the Word of God, or is threatening to the testimony of this church, or is divisive to the body, or in the event of  an persistent breach of a member’s covenant vows, the congregation upon majority vote may terminate the membership status of a person in this church for reasons it considers sufficient to warrant such action.  Any church discipline shall be exercised in accord with the principles and practices mandated in Matthew 18 with a primary view to the ministry of reconciliation and restoration.   

shall be subject to church discipline.

 

Discipline will follow the said biblical pattern and is an effort to bring the individual to repentance and protect the church from unrepentant sin.  Discipline may involve exclusion from participation in ministry and communion, as well as dismissal from the fellowship of this church.  An individual may be disciplined by the pastor and deacons, short of dismissal from the fellowship, as they deem appropriate for the specific circumstance (for example, an individual may remain in certain circumstances a member of this church but be denied the privilege of serving in a particular ministry).

 

The members of this church further knowingly and voluntarily agree that a member cannot voluntarily withdraw or resign his or her membership in the midst of the discipline process and may only voluntarily withdraw or resign his or her membership if they are not the subject of a discipline proceeding at the time or only after a disciplinary process, of which they are the subject, has been concluded as determined by the pastor and deacons. 

 

Section 8:  Statement on Mediation

Members of the church agree to submit any legal dispute with the church for mediation before a mutually agreed-upon mediator, or if none can be agreed upon, one selected by Peacemaker Ministries.  Lawsuits between believers, or threats of lawsuits between believers, are a matter of grave concern for the church, are contrary to biblical and church teaching, and mediation is an effort to resolve disputes in a biblical fashion. (1 Cor 6:1-7.)

 

Mediation will be governed by the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC Rules), unless modified as stipulated by the parties. In particular, subject to the more detailed provisions of the ICC Rules, mediator(s) will attempt to assist us in reaching a voluntary settlement of any disputes through mediation. The confidentiality of the mediation process will be protected, and these matters will not be discussed with people who do not have a necessary interest in them.  If settlement can be agreed upon, the conciliators may, at their discretion, issue an advisory opinion.  Neither the opinion, nor any communications exchanged in the mediation process, will be admissible for any purpose in any subsequent legal proceeding.

 

Section 9:  Termination of Membership

The methods of terminating the membership status of a member shall be as follows:

1. By Death.

2. By Letter.  A letter of transfer to unite with another church may be issued, upon request, to another church for any member of this church. 

3. Removal from roll.  Upon receipt of reliable information that a member has united with another church, this church shall terminate the membership status of the member and the clerk shall remove the member from the roll.

4. By Exclusion.  In the event of persistent breach of a member’s covenant vows, the membership, after due notice and opportunity of hearing, and every possible kindly effort to make such action unnecessary, may upon majority vote terminate the membership status of a person in this church for reasons it considers sufficient to warrant such action.  Any church discipline shall be exercised in accord with the principles and practices mandated in Matthew 18 with a primary view to the ministry of reconciliation and restoration. (Bylaws section 7)

5. By Personal Request of the Member.  Any member shall be removed from the roll and the membership status of that member terminated upon request by that member to the pastor or the deacons with the exception of a member that is in a disciplinary process.

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Article II. Church Services and Meetings

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Section 1:  Worship Services

The church shall regularly meet each Sunday morning and midweek service for preaching, instruction, evangelism and for the worship of almighty God.  These meetings will be open to everyone and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.  Exceptions can be made by recommendations of the deacons.

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Section 2:  Special Services

All church meetings and special services which are essential to the promotion of the objectives of the church may be placed on the church calendar, published in the church bulletin, and announced at services prior to the special service being held.

 

Section 3:  Business Meetings

The church shall hold regular business meetings at least quarterly.  Special business meetings may be called by the pastor or the chairman of the deacons at such time as they may be needed, with reasonable notice (two weeks’) of the time and place of the meeting given to the congregation.  The pastor shall serve as Moderator of the business sessions of the church.  In his absence, or upon his request, the chairman of the deacons, or some other person chosen by the church, may serve as Moderator.

 

All motions brought before the church body must be approved by 51% of the church members in attendance/present. Church members must be present to vote. Robert’s Rule of Order, revised edition, will be the guideline for the handling of all motions.

 

Section 4:  Meetings of Board of Directors 

The Board of Directors of Samaria Baptist Church at Samaria, North Carolina, Inc. is required to meet at least annually as stated in the Church Policies and Procedures Manual which also addresses election procedures and duties of the Board.

 

Section 5:  Quorum

A quorum consists of members who attend the business meeting, provided it is a regular meeting or one that has been properly called.

 

Section 6:  Parliamentary Rules

The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church in areas not addressed by this Constitution and Bylaws.

 

Article III. Ordinances

 

Section 1:  Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic act of obedience.  A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism. (1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water. (2) Baptism may be administered by the pastor or whomever he shall authorize. (3) Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service. (4) Baptism shall be as soon as possible after the public confession of faith.

 

Section 2:  The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming. (1) The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least quarterly, preferably on the first Sunday of the quarter. (2) The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for administration of the Lord’s Supper.

 

Article IV. Church Staff and Officers

 

All church officers and staff, excluding nonelected staff, must be members of the church.  The officers of this church shall be as follows:    

 

Section 1:  Pastor

Section 2:  Music Director

Section 3:  Custodian

Section 4:  Deacons

Section 5:  Board of Directors (5 elected members)

Section 6:  Clerk

Section 7:  Treasurer

Section 8:  Financial Secretary

 

The Samaria Baptist Church Policies and Procedures Manual* shall include description of duties and election procedures for church staff and officers. 

 

Article V. Licensing and Ordination

 

Section 1: License

When a member announces to the church that he feels the call to the ministry, the church, by majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgment of his call to the ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it.  The clerk of the church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credential.  It is understood that the performance of civil duties by the member shall be governed by state law.

 

Section 2: Ordination

In the event this church has been requested to ordain a member who has been called as pastor of a Baptist church, the following procedure shall be followed:  The Church shall invite the Associational Council on Ordinations to examine the candidate concerning his fitness for the ministry. In the event the association has no such council, this church shall invite representation of neighboring churches to examine the candidate and report to the church.  In the event that the report of the committee is favorable, the church will express its approval by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regularly arranged business meeting of the church. The church shall then proceed with the ordination.

 

Article VI. Program Organizations

 

All program organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church.

 

Section 1:   Discipleship Communities

Section 2:  Discipleship Training

Section 3:  Women’s Ministry

Section 4:  Men’s Ministry

Section 5:  Music Ministry

Section 6:  Children’s Ministry

Section 7:  Youth Ministry

Section 8:  Outreach Ministry

 

The Samaria Baptist Church Policies and Procedures Manual* shall include responsibilities and election procedures for program organization leaders.

 

Article VII.  Committees and Coordinating Groups

 

All church committees and their members shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee or other leadership bodies and elected by the church.  Such committees shall include but are not limited to: 1) Nominating, 2) Budget and Finance, 3) Property Committees.

 

All motions brought before the church body from committees must be approved in committee meetings with at least 51% of elected committee members in attendance.  In the event 51% of members are not present, all absent members must be contacted by the chairperson on the issue.  Committee meetings must be announced in advance, preferably in the bulletin.  Motions must be approved by two thirds of the committee present.  Committee members who have a conflict of interest should excuse themselves before discussion and vote on the motion.  Robert’s Rules of Order, revised edition, will be the guideline for the handling of all motions. 

 

The composition, responsibilities and reporting requirements for each committee shall be reflected in their respective committee’s description found in the Samaria Baptist Church Policies and Procedures Manual. *

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Article VIII.  Church Finances

 

Section 1:  Budget

The Budget and Finance Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval a comprehensive budget.

 

Section 2:  Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year, January 1 to December 31.

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Article IX:  Adoption and Amendments

 

Section 1:  Adoption

These Bylaws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two thirds of the members present and voting at the business meeting at which vote is taken shall vote in favor of same.  This vote shall be taken not less than thirty days after formal presentation of the Bylaws to the church.  These Bylaws abolish, supersede, and take the place of any Bylaws and amendments that preceded it.

 

Section 2:  Amendments

Changes in these Bylaws may be made at any regular or called business meeting of the church, provided that copies of each amendment have been presented in writing to members at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.   Amendments shall be passed by two-thirds vote of members present.      

 

A copy of this Constitution and Bylaws shall at all times be kept by the clerk and another copy shall be kept in the church office, and all amendments to or revisions thereof shall, after passage by the church, be prepared by the clerk and made available to the church members generally upon request. 

 

 

*Policies and Procedures Manual has not been developed as of the date of this Constitution & Bylaws amendment but will be forthcoming.

 

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Samaria Baptist Church

Constitution & Bylaws

 

Date Created by Policy & Procedures Committee: 9-19-22

 

 

Version 1:

Date Submitted to Active Deacon Board: 10-16-2022

Date Approved by Active Deacon Board: 11-13-2022

Date Presented to Church Congregation: January 1-22, 2023

Date Approved by Church Congregation: 2-1-2023

Publication Date: 2-1-2023

 

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