Prior Lake Baptist Church - Prior Lake, Minnesota

PRIOR LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH

RESTATED BYLAWS

ARTICLE I.� STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 1.1�� General

Prior Lake Baptist Church, in a desire to identify the primary Biblical principles on which the church stands, and to clearly state what the church believes hereby declares the following Statement of Faith:

1.1 THE WORD OF GOD - We believe that the 66 books of the Bible are the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and that it has final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.� Zechariah 7:12; John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

1.2 THE TRINITY - We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption.� Deuteronomy 6:4,5; Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; John 10:30;� 2 Corinthians 13:14;� Ephesians 4:4-6.

1.3 �� GOD THE FATHER - We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in the divine attributes.� We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He saves from sin and eternal death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.� We believe He is the spiritual Father of only believers, from �� whom He both hears and answers prayer.� Deuteronomy 32:6; Matthew 6:9; John 1:12; 3:16; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 2:18.

1.4 THE LORD JESUS CHRIST - We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, God�s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit.� We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings.� We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and imminent return to earth.� Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 1:18; John 3:16; Acts 1:3, 11; 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 22:20.

1.5 THE HOLY SPIRIT - We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.� He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, who from the moment of salvation indwells, seals and baptizes every believer into the body of Christ.� We believe that the Holy Spirit sanctifies, guides, empowers and enlightens believers; and that the filling of the Spirit is manifested by the fruit of the Spirit rather than by any specific spiritual gift.� The Holy Spirit testifies concerning Jesus Christ and never leads any person at any time contrary to the Word of God.� John 16:7-14; Acts 5:1-4; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 5:22,23; Ephesians 1:13,14.

1.6 SPIRIT BEINGS - We believe that God created an innumerable company of sinless spirit beings to serve and worship Him.� As created beings, angels are not to be worshipped, but rather are fellowservants.� One of these spirit beings, Lucifer, sinned and became the author of sin and provoked the fall of man.� Satan led a host of spirit beings in rebellion against God.� The devil is the god of this age and the ruler of all the powers of darkness.� Satan and his host are destined to eternal punishment in the lake of fire.� Isaiah 14:12-15; Matthew 25:41; Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:7, 14; Revelation 5:11.

1.7 CREATION - We believe that the early chapters of Genesis are literal and accurate history.� God sustains all creation but exists in no necessary relationship to it.� Colossians 1:16,17; John 1:2,3; Revelation 4:11.

1.8 MAN - We believe that all people are created by God in His image, for His pleasure and His glory.� Because the first couple, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God, they and all people since are alienated from God and are sinners by nature and by choice, Jesus Christ being the only exception.� Because God is holy and cannot tolerate sin, all people are under condemnation and totally unable to save themselves.� Genesis 3:1-6; Isaiah 43:7; Habakkuk 1:13; Romans 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 4:11.

1.9 SALVATION - We believe that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected to bear the condemnation of all people, and that nothing prevents anyone�s salvation except his rejection of Jesus Christ as his sin-bearer.� Salvation is the gift of God freely offered to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.� All who believe are regenerated and receive the perfect righteousness of Christ, eternal life, and are secure in Christ forever.� John 1:12; 10:27,28; Romans 10:13; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Peter 3:9.

1.10 CHRISTIAN CONDUCT - We believe that spiritual growth is the natural and expected result of receiving spiritual life.� The Bible admonishes each believer to live a life of increasing holiness, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ, through obedience to the Word of God and the enabling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. �Each believer should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon his/her Savior and Lord.� Leviticus 20:7; Acts 17:11; Romans 8:29; Galatians 5:22,23; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:2.

1.11 THE CHURCH - We believe in the universal church, a living, spiritual body composed of all regenerated believers, having Christ as the head.� We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, associated for worship, instruction, outreach and support, and governed by the Word of God.� Its only Scriptural offices are pastor and deacon.� We believe that human betterment and social improvements are the inevitable by-product of obedience to the gospel.� Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41, 42; Ephesians 4:4-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Revelation 2-3.

1.12 ORDINANCES - We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the church, baptism and the Lord�s Supper.� We believe that Scriptural baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Triune God.� We believe that the Lord�s Supper was instituted by Christ to commemorate His sinless life, substitutionary death, and promised return.� We believe that those who partake of the Lord�s Supper should be born-again believers, walking in fellowship with Jesus Christ and obedient to His Word.� We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administrated regularly until the return of our Lord.� Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 2:41; 8:36-38; 16:30-34; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.

1.13 THE LAST THINGS - We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom.� We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people, believers to eternal life and glory, and unbelievers to eternal punishment.� We believe that the souls of believers in Christ are, at death, absent from the body and in conscious presence with the Lord.� The souls of unbelievers are, at death, in conscious torment until their bodily resurrection and final judgment.� Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Titus 2:13; Revelation 20:11-15.

1.14 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY - We believe that each church is independent and must be free to operate and discharge its God given responsibilities without the control of any ecclesiastical or political authority.� God has given both the Church and the State specific biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities so that neither institution has the right to control the other.� Both of these authorities are answerable to God and governed by His Word.� Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Acts 5:29.

1.15 CHURCH COOPERATION - We believe that loyalty to Christ and the biblical principle of holiness require separation from groups and organizations that do not uphold and contend for the truth of God�s Word.� True spiritual fellowship is the result of a common faith and practice.� Romans 16:17; Ephesians 4:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,7; 1 John 1:6,7; Jude 3.

1.16 STATEMENT OF FAITH - The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith.� The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe.� We do believe, however, that the foregoing statements accurately represent the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, are binding upon all members.� Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 4:1,2; 1 Peter 2:9,10.

ARTICLE II.� CHURCH COVENANT

Section 2.1�� General

2.1 Believing our chief purpose is to glorify God and to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, we covenant to worship the Lord together in the power of His Spirit and the light of His truth.

2.2 Believing the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, we covenant to diligently study God�s Word and submit our lives to its authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

2.3 Believing that righteousness and eternal life are the free gift of God through personal faith in Jesus Christ, we covenant to bear witness to this gospel message and then, as commissioned by Christ, to baptize and disciple those who believe.

2.4 Believing that salvation, the new birth, begins spiritual life, we covenant to seek spiritual growth and maturity by �putting on� the likeness of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit, our inner man being progressively transformed by the aid and power of the Holy Spirit.

2.5 Believing a Christian�s life should be a testimony to Christ�s love and righteousness, we covenant to be merciful to those in need, to be honest in our dealings and faithful in our responsibilities, to avoid those practices that would hinder the effectiveness of our witness and bring reproach upon our Lord and this fellowship.

2.6 Believing that all we have belongs to God, we covenant to cheerfully contribute to this church, as faithful stewards, such time, talent, and money, in the measure that God prospers each of us, so that the responsibility of the work of this fellowship can be faithfully and effectively carried out.

2.7 Believing Christ has called us to love one another, even as Christ has shown His love to us, we covenant to give and receive admonition with humility and grace, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and hardship, to edify in speech, to slowly take offense, and to swiftly seek reconciliation and extend forgiveness.

2.8 Believing that biblical marriage and the Christian home were divinely ordained by God, we covenant to place our families under the authority and guidance of Scripture, seeking to instruct and exemplify biblical truth and principles.� As a fellowship of believers, we further commit ourselves to a ministry of strengthening the family.

2.9 Believing Christ has commissioned His Church to make disciples of all nations, we covenant to make the cause of missions at home and abroad a priority concern.

2.10 Believing in the divine conception and preservation of His Church, we covenant to regularly participate in worship, and support the church�s discipline, doctrine, and its God-ordained leadership;� furthermore, to give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin.

ARTICLE III.� MEMBERSHIP

Section 3.1.�� Admission to Membership

3.1.1�� Any person may be received into the membership of the Prior Lake Baptist Church after:

3.1.1.1 Professing faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior,

3.1.1.2 Consulting with the Pastor,

3.1.1.3 Having been Scripturally baptized by immersion,

3.1.1.4 Accepting the Statement of Faith and Covenant held by this church,

3.1.1.5 Receiving the recommendation of the membership committee after a personal interview,

3.1.1.6 Giving testimony to the church body of a personal faith in Jesus Christ,

3.1.1.7 Being received by a simple majority of qualified voting members.

3.1.2�� Pastoral staff members, spouses and qualified children shall be accepted into

�� membership at the commencement of the pastor�s ministry.

Section 3.2.�� Responsibilities and Duties of Church Members

�� With the blessings of membership comes certain duties and responsibilities.

�� Members shall:

3.2.1 Seek diligently to follow the biblical principles as expressed in the church Covenant,

3.2.2 Willingly serve as God gives both opportunity and ability,

3.2.3 Support through their lifestyle the beliefs and practices of the church,

3.2.4 Preserve the unity of the church - if at any time a member finds themselves opposed to the Statement of Faith or church Covenant, they will not seek to disrupt its fellowship, but will quietly withdraw from its membership.

Section 3.3.�� Termination of Membership

�� All membership terminations shall be subject to recommendation by the deacons to

�� the church.� Members shall be terminated from membership for the following

�� reasons:

3.3.1 Death.� The names of deceased members shall be removed from the membership.

3.3.2 Resignation.� By letter a member may request to terminate membership.

3.3.3 Admission to membership in another church.

3.3.4 Absence.� Any member showing no interest in the activities of the church for one year, after appropriate notification, may be terminated from membership.

3.3.5 Disciplinary Reasons.� Members may be removed for disciplinary reasons as stated in Section 3.4.

3.3.6 Exceptional Cases.� These are to be agreed upon by the member and the deacons.

Section 3.4�� Discipline of Members

3.4.1�� Authority.� Believers are admonished to not �...continue in sin...� (Romans 6:1).� Sin in the believer�s life is to be confessed and forsaken in accordance with 1 John 1:9 and Proverbs 28:13.

3.4.2�� Method.� The New Testament instructs the church in the method of discipline.� Discipline in any form shall have as its purpose the restoration of the erring member (Gal. 6:1).� The Pastor and deacons will initiate disciplinary action.� The matter shall be carefully investigated and proceed in the manner laid out in Scripture (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Galatians 6:1-5).

3.4.2.1 Members are expected to demonstrate loyalty and concern for one another.� When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go to the offending party and seek to restore his brother.� Before he goes, he should first examine himself.� When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.

3.4.2.2 If the matter cannot be biblically settled, the Pastor should be consulted for a Scriptural resolution of the offense.

3.4.2.3 A member�s request for resignation will not be considered once disciplinary action has been initiated.

3.4.3�� Disciplinary action shall be initiated in the event of unrepentant persistent sin or criminal behavior by a member(s).� Offenses requiring discipline that may eventually result in exclusion from membership, church office, or staff position include, but are not limited to:

3.4.3.1 Sins of immorality that obscure the holiness of God such as moral impurity or perversion (I Corinthians 5:11),

3.4.3.2 Sins of divisiveness that bring contention and schism to the work of the church (Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6),

3.4.3.3 Sins of rebellion against the spiritual leadership of the church and of endeavoring to influence others against leadership (Hebrews 13:17),

3.4.3.4 Sins that violate the truth of God by promoting false doctrine (2 Peter 2:1-3).

3.4.4�� If the dismissed member repents, application will again be considered for membership.

ARTICLE IV. CHURCH OFFICES

Section 4.1.�� General

4.1.1�� The Bible places the responsibility of the local church on the shoulders of the Pastor.� Those who are employed, appointed, or elected assist the Pastor in his many duties.

4.1.2�� Each person holding a church office must be a member of the church.

4.1.3�� All pastors and deacons shall be male in gender by birth.

Section 4.2�� The Office of Senior Pastor

4.2.1�� Qualifications

4.2.1.1 The biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9,

4.2.1.2 Agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant.

4.2.2�� Calling

4.2.2.1 The Pastor shall be chosen by written ballot at a special meeting of the church,

4.2.2.2 And require a 75% majority of qualified voting members.

4.2.3�� Duties

4.2.3.1 Minister the Word of God through preaching, teaching and individual discipleship,

4.2.3.2 Model Christian character and virtue,

4.2.3.3 Care for the spiritual needs of the membership,

4.2.3.4 Conduct the services of the church and administer the church ordinances,

4.2.3.5 Moderate church business meetings,

4.2.3.6 Serve as an ex-officio member of all church committees - as such, he shall have the right of vote, and all other rights given to committee members,

4.2.3.7 Exercise executive oversight of all church affairs which includes choosing his own staff,

4.2.3.8 Hold the position of president of the corporation,

4.2.3.9 And perform the duties common to this office as enjoined by the Word of God.

4.2.4�� Term of Office

4.2.4.1 The Pastor shall serve for an indefinite period of time.

4.2.4.2 Resignation by the Pastor shall be made first to the deacons.� At least one month�s notice shall be given, less if by mutual consent.

4.2.5�� Dismissal

4.2.5.1 Accusations against the Pastor shall be submitted in writing to the deacons and handled in a Scriptural manner (ref. Section 3.4).

4.2.5.2 In the event of suspected doctrinal error or immoral conduct, a mutual council comprised of two pastors selected by the Pastor and two pastors selected by the deacons may be convened at the request of either party.� These four pastors will select a fifth pastor.� This council shall be asked to thoroughly investigate the charges and make its recommendation to the deacons for church action.

4.2.5.3 Before the church may vote to dismiss the Pastor, notice of the special meeting and its stated purpose must be posted in a conspicuous place two (2) consecutive Sundays in advance of the meeting and announced during the Sunday morning services for two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting.� Voting shall be by written ballot.� A 60% majority of qualified voting members shall be required for dismissal.

4.2.5.4 If the church votes to dismiss the Pastor he shall be terminated immediately from all duties.� He or his family, at the discretion of the deacons, shall receive at least thirty (30) days� salary and benefits.

4.2.5.6 Disciplinary removal of the Pastor from office automatically terminates his membership.

Section 4.3�� The Office of Assistant Pastor(s)

4.3.1�� Qualifications

4.3.1.1 The biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9,

4.3.1.2 Agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant.

4.3.2�� Calling

4.3.2.1 According to the needs of the church and within the limits of the approved budget, the Pastor may search for and recommend members for his staff.

4.3.2.2 An assistant pastor shall be approved by written ballot at any regular or special meeting of the church, and require a simple majority of qualified voting members.

4.3.3�� Duties

4.3.3.1 Model Christian character and virtue,

4.3.3.2 Conscientiously and wholeheartedly serve the church according to the terms of the ministry description, the staff handbook, and under the direct supervision of the Pastor.

4.3.4�� Term of Office

4.3.4.1 Each staff member shall understand that continuance of his ministry is subject to the Pastor and the deacons.

4.3.4.2 Dismissal of a staff member is not subject to church action or review.

Section 4.4�� The Office of Deacon

4.4.1�� General

4.4.1.1 The word �deacon� means servant.� Deacons are servants of the Lord and of the church.� They are the invaluable helpers of the Pastor.

4.4.1.2 The number of deacons shall be determined by the availability of qualified men for the office and the needs of the ministry as decided by the Pastor and deacons.� A suggested ratio is one deacon for every thirty members.

4.4.1�� Qualifications

4.4.2.1 The biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7,

4.4.2.2 Agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant,

4.4.2.3 A member for at least one year;� active and in full communion with the church and its leadership.

4.4.2.4�� No deacon shall be selected without the endorsement of the Pastor.� In the event the Pastor�s office is vacant, the deacons must give unanimous approval to each nominee.

4.4.3�� Election

4.4.3.1 A deacon shall be selected by vote of the congregation at the annual business meeting.

4.4.3.2 The Pastor and deacons may appoint a qualified man to fill the balance of the term if for any reason a deacon cannot fulfill his responsibilities.� This appointment is to be confirmed by a simple majority of qualified voting members.

4.4.4�� Duties

4.4.4.1 Assist the Pastor:

1) In the administrative and financial oversight of the church,

2) In receiving, restoring, dismissing and caring for members,

3) In fulfilling faithfully the responsibilities set out in the �Deacon Ministry Description�,

4) In promoting the spiritual welfare, maintaining the doctrinal purity, and advancing the overall mission of the church.

4.4.4.2 Elect from their number a chairman and secretary, who shall be respectively the vice president and secretary of the corporation.

4.4.4.3 Represent the church as the legal trustees of the corporation as provided for in Article VIII of the church Restated Articles of Incorporation.

4.4.4.4 Oversee the administration of the church, in cooperation with the pastoral staff, during the time the church is without a senior pastor.� At which time, the chairman of the deacons shall serve as the moderator of the church.

4.4.5�� Term of Office

4.4.5.1 Each deacon shall serve a three-year term.

4.4.5.2 After two consecutive full terms, a deacon shall wait for a year before being eligible to serve another term.

4.4.5.3 Should there arise any unresolved breach in a deacon�s relationship to the Lord, the church, the Pastor, or the requirements of this office, on the recommendation of the Pastor and deacons, and a majority vote of the congregation, a deacon may be removed from his office.

ARTICLE V.� OTHER CHURCH POSITIONS

Section 5.1�� General

5.1.1�� All who hold leadership positions in the church (including those which are not specifically named in this section) and employees of the church shall be loyal to the Word of God;� these are to be in agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant.

�� 5.1.2�� The position of Christian School Administrator is a pastoral staff position �� subject to all of the provisions of Section 4.3.

Section 5.2�� Deaconess

5.2.1�� General

5.2.1.1 A deaconess is a godly, spiritually mature woman who assists the Pastor and deacons in the ministry.

5.2.1.2 The number of deaconesses shall be determined by the availability of qualified women for the position and the needs of the ministry.� A suggested ratio is one deaconess for every forty members.

5.2.2�� Qualifications

5.2.2.1 The applicable biblical requirements set forth for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13,

5.2.2.2 Agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant,

5.2.3�� Election

5.2.3.1 A deaconess shall be selected by vote of the congregation at the annual business meeting.

5.2.3.2 The Pastor and deacons may appoint a qualified woman to fill the balance of the term if for any reason a deaconess cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

5.2.4�� Duties

5.2.4.1 Assist the Pastor and deacons:

1) In receiving, caring for, and restoring members,

2) Advancing the overall mission of the church,

3) Fulfilling faithfully the responsibilities set out in the �Deaconess Ministry Description�.

5.2.4.2 Serve on various committees as appointed.

5.2.5�� Term of Ministry

5.2.5.1 Each deaconess shall serve a three-year term.

5.2.5.2 After two consecutive full terms, a deaconess shall wait for a year before being eligible to serve another term.

Section 5.3�� Clerk

5.3.1�� The Clerk shall be appointed annually by the Pastor and deacons,

5.3.2�� Keep an accurate record of all church proceedings,

5.3.3�� Maintain membership records,

5.3.4�� Fulfill faithfully the responsibilities set out in the �Clerk Ministry Description�.

Section 5.4�� Treasurer

5.4.1�� The Treasurer shall be appointed annually by the Pastor and deacons,

5.4.2�� Oversee the financial assets of the ministry including, maintaining all bookkeeping records, dispersing funds as authorized and approved, and preparing proper financial reports for the leadership and congregation.

5.4.3�� Fulfill faithfully the responsibilities set out in the �Treasurer Ministry Description�.

Section 5.5�� Financial Secretary

5.5.1�� The Financial Secretary shall be appointed annually by the Pastor and deacons,

5.5.2�� Receive, record, and receipt all contributions and offerings,

5.5.3�� Deposit promptly all income in designated bank accounts,

5.5.4�� Fulfill faithfully the responsibilities set out in the �Financial Secretary Ministry Description�.

ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES AND MINISTRIES

Section 6.1�� General

6.1.1�� Each committee member shall serve for a one-year term.

6.1.2�� Each committee shall elect its own chair person.

Section 6.2�� Nominating Committee

6.2.1�� General

6.2.1.1 The committee shall be composed of two deacons and one deaconess to be appointed by their respective groups, and two additional members appointed by the Pastor.

6.2.1.2 Nominations may be submitted in writing by church members for committee consideration.

6.2.2�� Duties

6.2.2.1 After prayerful deliberation, prepare a slate of nominees, if possible, more than one nominee for each available position.

6.2.2.2 Present the slate of nominees to the church at least two weeks before the annual meeting.

Section 6.3�� Pastoral Search Committee

6.3.1�� General

6.3.1.1 When the office of the Pastor becomes vacant, the deacons shall appoint at least three of its members and one from the pastoral staff to act as the Pastoral Search Committee.

6.3.1.2 Only one candidate shall be considered at a time.

6.3.1.3 The membership of the committee shall remain intact until the installation of a Pastor at which time it shall be disbanded.

6.3.2�� Duties

6.3.2.1 Arrange for pulpit supply,

6.3.2.2 Assemble a list of prospective candidates - evaluate, screen, and interview prospects,

6.3.2.3 Recommend to the deacons a candidate and the terms of the call,

6.3.2.4 Arrange for the candidate to:

1)�� be interviewed by the deacons and pastoral staff,

2)�� visit and minister in a church service or services,

3)�� meet with the membership for a time of questions.

6.3.2.5 After the candidate has ministered, make a recommendation to the deacons, who shall prepare a recommendation for church action one week after the candidacy.

6.3.2.6 Notify the candidate of the vote, extend a call if the vote so warrants and make arrangements for his moving and installation.

Section 6.4�� Membership Committee

6.1.1�� General

�� The committee shall be composed of two deacons and one deaconess to be

�� appointed by their respective groups.

6.4.2�� Duties

6.4.2.1 Interview those desiring membership in the church regarding their qualifications for membership.

6.4.2.2 After each interview make a recommendation to the Pastor and deacons.

Section 6.5�� Missions Committee

6.5.1�� General

�� The committee shall be composed of two deacons and one deaconess to be

�� appointed by their respective groups and two additional members as

�� selected by the deacons.

6.5.2�� Duties

6.5.2.1 Help guide and promote the over-all missionary program of the church in keeping with the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant.

6.5.2.2 Interview missionaries and review missionary projects before recommending them to the deacons for church approval.

Section 6.5�� Financial Review Committee

6.6.1�� General

�� The committee shall be composed of two deacons and two additional

�� members as selected by the deacons.

6.6.2�� Duties

6.6.2.1 Review the financial records of the church and its ministries at the end of each fiscal year,

6.6.2.2 Prepare a report of their findings and make recommendations to the church within three months after the close of the fiscal year.

Section 6.7�� Special Committees

The Pastor and deacons may add or dissolve other committees as they consider necessary.

Section 6.8�� Ministries

In order for any ministry to be considered a part of the church�s sponsored activities, it must have the approval of the Pastor and deacons and present to them a report of its activities and plans once a year prior to the annual meeting of the church.

ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS

Section 7.1�� General

7.1.1�� The fiscal year of the church shall run from August 1 to July 31.

7.1.2�� A simple majority of qualified voting members shall constitute the act of all members unless specified otherwise in the Restated Articles of Incorporation or Restated Bylaws.

7.1.2.1 Voting members must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

7.1.2.2 The Pastor and deacons shall establish the guidelines for absentee balloting.

�� 7.1.3�� The moderator is the Pastor.

�� 7.1.4�� Ten (10) percent of qualified members shall constitute a quorum for any duly called meeting.� For the calling of the Pastor, twenty-five percent (25%) of qualified members shall constitute a quorum.

�� 7.1.5 �� Notice of the date, time and general purpose of any and all business meetings of the church (except for the business of receiving members) shall be announced

�� two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting unless otherwise prescribed by law or specified in the Restated Articles of Incorporation or Restated Bylaws.

�� 7.1.6�� Matters of business to be presented to the membership shall come by way of recommendation from the Pastor and deacons unless specified otherwise in the Restated Articles of Incorporation or Restated Bylaws.

�� 7.1.7�� Keeping in mind that the Bible is the church�s final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and keeping in mind God�s admonition of doing all things decently and in order with a spirit of Christian love, all business meetings of the church membership shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order.

Section 7.2�� Church Services

7.2.1�� The number, character, and hour of the regular and special services of the church shall be determined by the Pastor and deacons.

7.2.2�� The Lord�s Supper shall be observed ordinarily on a monthly basis.

7.2.3�� Baptismal services shall be held as deemed necessary by the Pastor and deacons.

7.2.4�� The church Statement of Faith and Covenant shall be read annually during a meeting or service of the church.

Section 7.3�� Annual Business Meeting

7.3.1�� The Pastor and deacons shall designate the day and time of the annual meeting.� The meeting shall be held as soon as practicable after the close of the fiscal year.

7.3.2�� The purpose shall be to:

7.3.2.1 vote for elected positions,

7.3.2.2 adopt the annual budget,

7.3.2.3 distribute and consider annual reports, and

7.3.2.4 transact other business as may be properly brought before the members.

Section 7.4�� Special Meetings.

7.4.1�� A special meeting of the members may be called by the Pastor and deacons, or by fifteen percent (15%) of the membership submitting a written petition to the deacons.� The petition must clearly state the purpose for calling the special meeting.

ARTICLE VIII. LICENSING, COMMISSIONING AND ORDINATION

Section 8.1�� Licensing

Any member, male in gender by birth, may be recommended to the church for licensing after the following:

8.1.1�� Evidencing a divine call to the ministry,

8.1.2�� Manifesting the Biblical requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9,

8.1.3�� An examination by the Pastor and deacons,

8.1.4�� Affirming whole-hearted agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant.

8.1.5�� Licensing shall be granted upon an approving vote of the church.

�� Section 8.2 Commissioning

Any member may be recommended to the church for commissioning after the following:

8.2.1�� Evidencing a divine call to the ministry,

8.2.2.�� An examination by the Pastor and deacons,

8.2.3�� Affirming whole-hearted agreement with and living in conformity to the church�s Statement of Faith and Covenant.

8.2.4.�� Commissioning shall be granted upon an approving vote of the church.

Section 8.3�� Ordination

This church recognizes the fact that only God can call a man to the ministry of the Gospel but believes it is both Scriptural and wise to have such a man commended to the ministry by a local church.� The ordination process may be initiated by the Pastor and deacons.

8.3.1�� Requirements for Ordination

8.3.1.1 Meet all of the requirements for licensing in 8.1.

8.3.1.2 Be actively engaged in Christian service.

8.3.1.3 Knowledgeable in the Scripture and theology as evidenced by a public examination by a counsel composed of messengers from other Baptist churches of like faith and practice.

8.3.1.4 If recommended by the Pastor, the deacons, and the examining council, the ordination shall be granted upon an approving vote of the church.

8.3.2�� Revoking of ordination

�� Ordination may be revoked by action of the church for doctrinal defection

�� and/or immorality.

ARTICLE IX.� AMENDMENTS

Any proposed amendment to these Bylaws must be submitted to the Pastor and deacons and, if approved, will then be presented to the church congregation.� Amendments to these Bylaws shall be by a simple majority of qualified voting members provided each amendment shall be in writing and posted in a conspicuous place two (2) consecutive Sundays in advance of the meeting and announced during Sunday morning services for two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting.� Voting shall be by written ballot.� An adopted amendment shall become effective immediately unless other provision is passed with the amendment.� No bylaw may alter or change any part of the Restated Articles of Incorporation.