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(Revised February 23, 2003) FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Of TRENTON
Preamble Whereas, we are a body of baptized believers banded together in common faith and order and, as we believe, being led by the Holy Spirit after much prayer, we do herewith establish a constitution and by-laws for the purpose of guidance in our common goal to serve the Lord. Article I This Church shall be known as The First Baptist Church of Trenton, Ohio. In matters of publicity and news releases, the aforementioned name shall be noted as affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention whenever appropriate. Article II Character Section 1 – Polity: The government of this church shall be vested in its membership. However, it recognizes the privileges and obligations of mutual cooperation which is common among Southern Baptist Churches. Section 2 – Doctrine: The Holy Scripture shall be its authority, rule, and guide in faith and practice. Section 3 – Articles of Faith: The sole authority for faith and practice are the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. These Articles of Faith shall serve as guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience. They constitute a consensus of this Baptist body for the general instruction and guidance of the members. The Articles of Faith as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on June 14, 2000 and published in the booklet entitled, “The Baptist Faith and Message” shall serve as a statement of faith for this Baptist body. The booklet shall be considered as part and portion of this constitution. Section 4 – Mission Statement We exist to bring people to Jesus Christ and membership in His family, develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and their life mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name. ARTICLE III Membership Section 1 – Requirements for Membership Membership in this church will be granted when all of the following requirements are completed: 1. A profession of faith in Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior and Lord, and believer’s baptism by immersion in water by this church or: (1) By letter from a church of like faith and practice attesting to this. (2) By the believer’s statement when no letter is available after due examination of salvation and scriptural baptism in another church of like faith and practice. 2. Completing of the Church Membership Class. This will be taught on a regular basis and must be completed for membership. 3. Signing of the Membership Covenant at the completion of the Church Membership class. 4. Being presented to the church for approval. Section 2 – The Membership Covenant Having received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with First Baptist Church of Trenton’s statements, structure, and strategy, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the First Baptist Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following: 1. I will protect the unity of God’s church · by acting in love toward other members (Rom. 15:5, 19; 1 Peter 1:22; John 17:20-26). · by refusing to gossip or cause strife (Eph. 4:29; James 3:1-12). · by following the leadership (Heb. 13:17). · by seeking reconciliation when offended (Matt. 18). 2. I will share the responsibility of God’s church · by praying for its health and growth (1 Thess. 1:2; Acts 2:40-47). · by inviting the unchurched to attend (Luke 14:23; Matt. 28:18-20). · by warmly welcoming guests (Rom. 15:7). · by sharing my faith with others (Acts 1:8). 3. I will serve the ministry of my church · by using my gifts and talents (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12; 1 Peter 4:10). · by being equipped to serve by my leaders (Eph. 4:11-12). · by developing a servant’s heart (Phil. 2:3-4; John 13:1-17). 4. I will support the testimony of God’s church · by attending faithfully (Heb. 10:25). · by living a holy life (Phil. 1:27; 1 Peter. 1:13-16). · by giving regularly to its support (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:8-10; 1 Cor. 16:2). Section 3 – Rights of Members 1. Members who are in full and active standing may act and vote in transacting the business of the church, and in serving in the positions of leadership and ministry. 2. Members under (16) years old do not have voting privileges in transacting business. 3. Members who have had their membership removed or who are inactive have no rights or privileges. An inactive member is one who has not worshiped regularly for a period of three (3) months. Regular worship is defined as attending at least one (1) service per week. (Exceptions may be made for shut-ins, colleges students, military personnel and others with satisfactory reasons and explanations.) Section 4 – Removal from Membership Members may have their membership removed under the following conditions: 1. A letter of recommendation may be granted for any member in good standing to unite with another church of like faith and doctrine. The letter must be requested by the church to which the member joins. It will not be given to the member. No letter of recommendation will be granted for members whose membership has been removed. 2. A member may have membership removed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the church when the member becomes an offense to the church by unchristian conduct or persistent breach of the covenant (persistent sin of a member under the age of eighteen (18) will be handled by the family with the aid of the pastor and deacons). This action can only be taken after concerted effort to restore such members, including written notification of intended action at least two weeks in advance of such action. 3. When a member dies, he is transferred to a better congregation in heaven. 4. By dropping from the roll those who have joined another church. 5. By dropping from the roll on request of said member. 6. By dropping from the roll those who have become inactive members. Section 5 – Restoration of Membership
Article IV Ordinances-the ordinances of the church shall be as follows: Section I – Baptism: 1. Repentance and faith in Christ shall precede baptism. 2. Baptism shall be by immersion. 3. Baptism shall be administered by authority of the Church, and performed by him who shall be so designated. 4. Any Christian desiring to be associated with the membership of this church, and has never been so baptized as set out heretofore, shall offer himself as a candidate for baptism. 5. This church shall observe the ordinance of baptism as soon as convenient after a candidate has been accepted by the church. Section II – The Lord’s Supper: 1. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least once each quarter. 2. The deacons and others as needed shall assist the pastor in the administering of the Lord’s supper. 3. Only those who have been baptized in accordance with the above shall be invited to participate with this church in the observance of the Lord’s Supper. 4. In keeping with the practice of the New Testament, small groups are welcome to observe the Lord’s Supper as long as the meaning and purpose are observed reverently. Article V Amendments: Section I – The constitution may be amended by vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a stated meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at a previous regular business meeting. Section II – Amendments to the subjects contained in Article II shall not be made at any time without a two-thirds vote of the congregation at a stated meeting called for the purpose of doing such and if the aforementioned article is changed by reason of amendment, the church shall in Christian fairness publish to the Miami Valley Association of Baptists, the Ohio State Convention of Baptist, and the Southern Baptist Convention, notice of the change made. BYLAWS Article I The following by-laws of the First Baptist Church of Trenton are hereby adopted to govern the operation of the church and shall not be deemed to conflict with any part of the constitution. Should there be a construed conflict, the constitution shall prevail: Officers: Section I – Pastor A. This church shall call a pastor by a majority vote of members present on a regular business meeting, or a special called meeting for that purpose when the membership has been fully notified. (according to Article III, Section IC3 of the by-laws.) B. The pastor shall be called to his office with indefinite call, depending on the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the will of the church. C. The pastor shall secure evangelists for all special evangelistic meetings (to be approved by the church.) D. The pastor shall have a minimum of two weeks vacation and two outside revivals, with pay annually. Vacation shall be accrued along this order: 1. Two weeks up to five years. 2. Three weeks after five years and up to 15 years. 3. Four weeks after 15 years. Vacation will cap out at four weeks per year, after 15 years. E. The pastor shall secure the supply speaker for the pulpit at all times and shall be responsible for the expenses of said supply speaker except when: 1. On vacation. 2. Illness occurs. 3. On business for the church. F. The church shall send the pastor or his authorized representative to the Southern Baptist Convention and to the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio each year (unless providentially hindered). Section II – Deacons: A. Qualifications: (1) Only men who meet the qualifications as set forth in Acts 6:3 and Timothy 3:8-13 shall be considered for the office of deacon. (2) Deacons shall be men who have been members of this church for at least one (1) year. (3) There shall be no obligation to constitute as an assigned deacon one who has been a deacon in another church; but in the event one is elected by this church for the assignment as a deacon, his previous ordination by another church of like faith and order shall suffice for this church. (4) If a member knows of some reason that a man should not be considered, the member should share the reason with the pastor or the chairman of deacons. B. Number: When possible there shall be at least one deacon for assigned service for every ten (10) to twelve (12) church families. C. Term of office: The term of office of a deacon shall terminate upon his death, his resignation, termination of his membership in the church, or his removal from office by action of the church. D. Duties: (1) In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. The deacons will function under the Deacon Family Ministry Plan of the Southern Baptist Convention. Their task is to serve with the pastor and staff in performing the pastoral ministries of: leading the church in the achievement of its mission; proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers; and caring for he church’s members and other persons in the community. (2) In counsel with the pastor and in accordance with the teachings of the New Testament, they shall have oversight of the discipline of the membership of the church. (3) The deacons shall have regular meetings once a month. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or chairman of deacons. (4) The deacons shall elect a chairman annually from their own group, rotating the chairmanship. E. Selection: (1) During a regular worship service designated at least one (1) week in advance, the members of the church shall recommend deacon candidates for consideration. Each member may recommend one deacon candidate for each deacon position needed. (2) Upon receiving the names of candidates, the deacons and pastor shall screen and review the names to determine which candidates meet the biblical qualifications. (3) After determining which men meet the qualifications, those men will be interviewed by the deacons and pastor. If after this interview, it is agreed by the deacons, pastor and the man and his wife that his name be submitted to the church as a prospective deacon, the man and wife will complete and sign the deacon questionnaire and deacon covenant adopted by the church. (4) Those recommended by the deacons and pastor will be submitted to the church in special business meeting. Voting will be by ballot and the candidates with the most votes for the number of vacancies will be elected. (5) After election, any Deacon (s) not already ordained will be ordained in a special service as soon as is reasonable possible. F. Deacon Covenant: (1) I hereby covenant that I believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible Word of God. (2) I hereby covenant that I will serve according to the requirements of Acts 6:3 and Timothy 3:8-13. (3) I hereby covenant that I will not use alcohol as a beverage, tobacco, or illegal drugs. (4) I hereby covenant that I will live a consecrated life, bringing no reproach to the name of Christ. (5) I hereby covenant that I will be slow to speak and quick to hear. I will not use my tongue to criticize the pastor, my church, my fellow deacons or any others. (6) I hereby covenant that I will participate fully in the worship services, ministries, deacon’s meetings and programs of the church unless providentially hindered. (7) I hereby covenant that I will participate fully in the Deacon Family Ministry Plan and will be evangelistic and missionary towards the unsaved. (8) I hereby covenant that I will practice the scriptural admonition to tithe by giving at least a tenth of my gross income to the church. (9) I hereby covenant that I will be honest and just in all my business dealings and in relationships with other persons. (10) I hereby covenant that I will seek to be a faithful husband and father. I will train my children in the ways of God. (11) I hereby covenant that I will keep private those things shared with me in confidence and those things which should not be discussed with others. (12) I hereby covenant that I will accept and discharge the responsibilities assigned to me by the church to the best of my ability. (13) I hereby covenant that I will cultivate a daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ and yield myself to the Holy Spirit through Bible Study, prayer, and worship opportunities. (14) I hereby covenant that I will cooperate with the pastor, and the church in its spiritual programs of advancement, whether they be missionary, evangelistic, discipling, financial or others. Section III -- Trustees: A. The number of the trustees shall be three, unless other wise demanded by Civil Law. B. This shall be a standing committee elected for a three year term that will be the legal representatives of the church in all matters pertaining to the real property and other such property that may be acquired that comes under the supervision of outside parties whether state or otherwise. These trustees shall administer any deed or conveyance, or acquisition of any property that may become necessary. C. The trustees shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer church property without specific church action. D. Trustees shall be nominated by the Church Leadership. Section IV – Resignation of Officers of the Church: A. No officer elected by the church shall be disciplined or tried for any crime without first having a written notice served by the church at least one month prior to business meeting of action. B. All officers elected by the church shall notify the church 30 (thirty) days in advance when desiring to offer their resignations when possible. Section V – Other officers: A. Clerk (1) The church clerk must keep accurate records in a suitable book as furnished by the church of all actions of the church. (2) The clerk shall keep a registry of the members with dates of admission, dismissions, and death, together with a record of baptisms. (3) The clerk shall issue letters of dismissions voted by the church and shall preserve on file communications and written official reports. B. Treasurer (1) The treasurer shall receive a copy of the summary of receipts from the finance committee and a copy of the bank deposit slips from the bank each week. On the basis of this information they shall dispense the funds of the church as directed by the church. (2) The treasurer shall keep an itemized account of all receipts disbursements and make regular reports in the business meetings of the church. (3) The treasurer will be ex-officio member of the finance committee. C. Assistant Treasurer: Be able to continue the financial affairs in absence of the treasurer. D. Financial Secretary (1) The financial secretary shall receive the empty collection envelopes, special offering envelopes, receipts, other evidences of money received and a summary of receipts from the finance committee. (2) Financial Secretary shall record the amount of each individual donor in a suitable book provided by the church. (3) Financial Secretary shall give a written personal statement of each donation quarterly. The record of the individual donation kept by the financial secretary must be strictly confidential. (4) Financial Secretary shall co-operate with the treasurer in compiling monthly report to the church. Section VI – The number of church officers shall be determined by the needs of the church. Section VII -- All officers shall be elected annually with the exception of those in Sections I, II and III. ARTICLE II Church Finances: Support of the church A. The support of the church shall be by tithes and offerings as set forth in the Holy Scriptures. B. The church shall insure all funds within the care of the church Treasurer. The Treasurer’s records shall be audited annually. Should the Treasurer resign during a fiscal year, the book shall be audited at the time of the resignation. An auditing committee shall be elected by the church. C. All matters of expenditure other than those defined in the budget must be brought before the congregation for approval. ARTICLE III Meetings Section I – The meetings of the church shall be as follows: A. This church shall maintain fulltime services. This church shall meet each Lord’s Day for the purpose of worship, teaching the Bible, training in church membership, evangelizing or otherwise to promote the Kingdom of God as directed in the Holy Scriptures. B. The church year shall begin September 1 and end August 31 of the following calendar year to coincide with the SBC year. The Church Council may change this when it no longer serves the church’s best interest. C. Business Meetings: (1) The church year shall begin September 1 and end August 31. (2) The church shall maintain at least quarterly business meetings. (3) The Pastor or Chairman of Deacons may call a special business meeting by announcing in two previous regular meetings said meeting and its purpose. (4) The Chairman of Deacons shall serve as vice-moderator. (5) In the event the pastor and chairman of deacons are not available, the vice chairman of deacons or another paid ministerial staff member will serve as moderator as determined by the pastor or chairman of deacons. Section II -- All questions of procedure not provided for in these by laws shall be determined according to Christian ethics and with the assistance of the Holy Scriptures. Article IV Organizations Section I -- The church shall organize such auxiliary organizations as it shall deem necessary for improving the spiritual life and understanding. All such organizations are dependent on this church and are under the leadership of the pastor of this church. In fact, the pastor shall be an exofficio member of every committee and department of the church, and his leadership shall be recognized in all of them. Section II -- The church shall function with such organizations and ministries as needed and by the Holy Spirit’s leading and equipping of the members. Article V Affiliations Section I -- The church shall affiliate itself with the following: A. The Miami Valley Association of Baptists. B. The State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. C. The Southern Baptist Convention. Section II -- The church shall take for its consideration all suggestions given by said affiliates, and , if adopted, shall be strictly adhered to. Article VI Committees Section I – The pastor and ministry leaders shall determine annually if these leaders will continue to serve in their respective positions. The ministry leaders will then work with the pastor in recruiting workers for their respective ministries. Section II -- The Church Council will consist of the Pastor, Sunday School Leader, Discipleship Leader, Women’s Leader, Men’s Leader, Family Ministry Leader, Children’s Leader, Youth Leader, Music & Worship Leader, Chairman of Deacons, Clerk, Treasurer, Chairman of Committees when needed, and other leaders as determined by the ministries functioning during any given year. Section III -- The church shall nominate the Pastor Search Committee when the need arises. A. Election of the Pastor Search Committee: When a vacancy occurs in the office of the pastor, the church shall elect a Pastor Search Committee consisting of four members by ballot. The four persons receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected should they accept the position. The Chairman of Deacons shall serve as an ex-officio member, along with one youth member appointed by the Youth Director. This makes a total of six members. Two alternates shall be elected without voting privileges. Should an alternate have to fill the position of a regular Pastor Search Committee member he/she shall be given full voting privileges. These two alternates are elected, should they accept, by the next two highest number of votes. Should there not be two more vote recipients the church shall hold another election for the alternates. B. Duties of the Committee: to keep the pulpit supplied and to recommend to the church, as soon as possible, a man to become pastor of the church. Article VII Cooperative Program This church shall designate and send a percentage of its undesignated gifts through the General Secretary Treasurer of the State Convention of Baptist in Ohio and to the Miami Valley Association of Baptists. Designated gifts for special causes as approved by action of the church shall be sent as appropriated. Article VIII Amendments to the By-Laws The By-Laws may be amended by a vote to two-thirds of the members present at a stated business meeting of the church. The amendment shall have been presented in writing to the church in a previous business meeting. |