TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, INC. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

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1 TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, INC. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Adopted October 23, 1962 Revised January 20, 2006

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preamble Mission Statement Constitution and By-Laws Article I Name Article II Church Covenant Article III Unity Article IV Articles of Faith Article V Membership Article VI Governance and Management Article VII Officers Article VIII Services and Conferences Article IX Transition in Leadership Article X Affiliations

3 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS PREAMBLE The members of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, Inc. recognize the church as a spiritual organization, divinely established to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe by faith that we are to look to the New Testament for the principles on which this church is founded and the laws by which we are governed. We do hereby establish the following Constitution and By-Laws: MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, Inc. is to be a worshipping, witnessing and welcoming congregation. We endeavor to accomplish this by spreading the Gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ, winning souls to Jesus Christ, changing and liberating lives, and establishing the presence of the Lord in the world through evangelizing, biblical teaching, economic development, community outreach, social justice and other holistic endeavors. CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I NAME The Church and Corporation name is Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia Inc., located in Richmond County at 1223 Laney Walker Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia. Hereinafter, Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia Inc. shall be referred to as The Church and/or The Corporation. 2

4 ARTICLE II CHURCH COVENANT Taken from The New Baptist Church Hymnal (1977) Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our 1 Savior and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in The Church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith. We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other s reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other s joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another s burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior in the eighteenth chapter 1 Savior or Saviour Webster s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary: Merriam-Webster Inc

5 of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God s word. ARTICLE III UNITY The Church is a congregation of baptized believers in Christ united by a covenant relationship for the worship of Almighty God, and associated in the faith and the fellowship of the Gospel to practice its precepts, to recognize and receive Jesus Christ as the Son of God and its supreme Lawgiver and Ruler, and to take the Holy Bible as the standard by which we shall judge matters of faith and practice. ARTICLE IV ARTICLES OF FAITH The Articles of Faith, adopted by The Church at the time of her organization in 1885: 4 I. THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. II. THE TRUE GOD We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there

6 are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. III. THE FALL OF MAN We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tendered sympathies with divine perfections, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour. V. JUSTIFICATION We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. 5

7 6 VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. VII. REGENERATION We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life. VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour. IX. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that is a most glorious display of God's

8 sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. X. SANCTIFICATION We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. XI. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. XII. THE LAW AND GOSPEL We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the Holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. 7

9 XIII. A GOSPEL CHURCH We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of The Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. XV. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except 8

10 only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. XVII. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. MEMBERSHIP ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP The status of a person who has joined The Church in one of the following ways: 1) Baptism - By profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and giving evidence of a change of heart, an individual may be baptized by immersion in water for membership. 2) Reinstatement of Membership - By request for reinstatement, an individual who has been dropped from The Church roll shall be restored to membership. 9

11 3) Letter of Transfer - By a letter of transfer from some other Baptist church or church of like faith, an individual may be granted membership. 4) Christian Experience - By profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of a change of heart, an individual may be granted membership. 5) Watch Care - By living in the area for a short period of time (i.e. military, student, etc.), an individual may be granted membership (See Transfer of Membership and Article VIII Voting section 1). TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP Transfer of membership may be granted upon request from a member or at the request from another church and said member. Watch Care members can become regular members through the process described in Article V Membership numbers 1-4. DISMISSAL AND TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP Dismissal or Termination may occur by: 1) Death 2) Uniting with another church 3) Requesting to be dismissed 4) Dismissal or Termination by a vote of The Church due to: Proven reasons and circumstances provided to the Officers of The Corporation and presented to The Church if deemed necessary. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP Section 1: It is the duty of each member of The Church to determine the spiritual direction of The Church by wisely and prayerfully selecting the Pastor. Section 2: It is the duty of each member of The Church to honor, to esteem, to respect and to love the Pastor, the Ministers, the Officers, the Staff 10

12 and the Membership, to pray for them frequently, and to take measures to protect their interest and reputations. Section 3: It is the duty of each member of The Church to attend worship services and meetings, to cultivate personal holiness and family devotion, to sustain the public worship of Almighty God and the ordinance of the Gospel, to contribute to the necessary expenditures of The Church in direct proportion to the way God has blessed him/her. Members must spread the Gospel to all nations, offer relief to the poor, watch over and counsel one another in the spirit of brotherly love; strive for the growth of the whole in Christian knowledge and holiness, govern over their actions, their conversation, and their hearts by the precepts of God's word. Section 4: It is the duty of each member leaving The Church to request a letter of transfer to some other Baptist church or church of like faith and order. Section 5: It is the duty of each member to adhere to, comply with and be governed by the Constitution and By-Laws of The Church. Section 6: It is the privilege of each member of The Church to have the freedom of assembly, to vote in conference, to fellowship, to praise and to worship Jesus Christ and God Almighty. ARTICLE VI GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The Pastor/CEO and Trustee Officers shall have authority in all matters regarding management of The Church s corporate, financial and operational affairs (see Article VII Trustees Section 2). The Pastor/CEO and Deacon Officers shall have authority in all other matters of The Church (See Article VII Deacons Section 1). Section 1: The Church sitting in conference shall be the final authority in all church and corporate affairs relating to church Governance and Management. The Church in conference shall be guided by Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised Section 2: In order to protect the church, Tabernacle is incorporated. The Corporation is an association of individuals under authority of law having a 11

13 continuous existence independent of the existences of its members and powers and liabilities distinct from those of its members. The Corporation and Officers shall protect, carry out the business and be responsible for The Church and its assets. Section 3: The Officers of The Corporation shall be the Pastor/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chair of the Trustee Ministry, Chair and Vice Chair of the Deacon Board, Clerk/Secretary (non-voting member) and Parliamentarian (non-voting member) (Duties are set forth in Article VII Officers). The Officers of The Corporation shall meet at least quarterly and minutes shall be kept. The Pastor/CEO shall be responsible for the agenda. Section 4: The Pastor shall be paid by The Church. The Church paid staff shall include but not be limited to: the Executive Minister, the Minister to Youth and Young Adults, the Minister of Congregational Care, the Executive Assistant to the Pastor/CEO, the Controller, the Receptionist, the Membership Coordinator/Office Assistant, the Multimedia Coordinator, the Minister of Worship and Arts (Music), Property and Facilities Manager and Church Clerk/Secretary. Any personnel and/or positions are subject to change (See Article VII Trustees Section 5). Section 5: Volunteers shall serve The Church without compensation. Section 6: The Pastor/CEO and the Deacon and Trustee Ministries shall review and approve all agenda items prior to The Church conferences. Section 7: Confidential Statement: The Pastor/CEO, Deacons, Trustees, Officers of The Corporation, and paid staff shall sign a confidential statement or verbally agree to be individually responsible for his/her acts resulting in any proven loss incurred to The Church as a result of ill-advised disclosure of church secrets or private data that if/when disclosed creates or results in a detriment or loss to The Church as proven in a court of law. Section 8: The Church shall have final authority to create, establish, develop, maintain or dissolve legal entities or organizations that are consistent with and further the mission of The Church, including but not limited to tax exempt organizations. The Church shall remain an independent, Not for Profit Corporation. 12

14 Section 9: Each ministry of The Church shall be aligned with the Vision and Mission of said church, operate in accordance and is accountable to the Pastoral office or designee. THE PASTOR The Pastor shall be accountable to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the oversight of God's church, and he/she is responsible for the congregation. He/she is to act judiciously on all issues that affect The Church. The scriptures require him/her to be spiritual, morally fit, and thoroughly trained in the Word of the Lord so that what is preached and taught is biblically sound and doctrinally correct (2 Tim. 2:24-26, 3:16-17). Section 1: The Pastor serves The Church by providing vision and management for The Church and all of its ancillary operations through wise counsel and the faithful teaching of the word of God. The Pastor shall be called by the congregation to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, and have charge of the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the stated services of public worship. The Pastor is accountable for administering the affairs of The Church. Section 2: The Pastor shall give The Church direction as the Holy Spirit gives him/her direction. He/she shall be expected to keep The Church informed on all significant matters that affect church life, mission, and ministry. Section 3: The Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member of all boards, ministries, committees, and auxiliary organizations. Section 4: The Pastor or his/her designee has the authority to recommend, select and dismiss staff, ministerial personnel and volunteers in accordance with the Operational Manual and the Employee Handbook ( See article VII Trustees Section 5). Section 5: The Pastor may only be dismissed by a two-thirds majority vote of members when a quorum is present at a Church Conference called solely for this purpose (See quorum). This conference must be announced verbally and 13

15 in writing for two consecutive Sundays to the congregation by the Chair of the Deacon Board or his/her designee. PASTOR/CEO ARTICLE VII OFFICERS The Pastor shall be accountable to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the oversight of God's church, and he/she is responsible for the congregation. He/she is to act judiciously on all issues that affect The Church. The scriptures require him/her to be spiritual, morally fit, and thoroughly trained in the Word of the Lord so that what is preached and taught is biblically sound and doctrinally correct (2 Tim. 2:24-26, 3:16-17) (See Article VI The Pastor Sections 1-5). DEACONS Section 1: The Deacon Board hereinafter, shall be referred to as the Deacon Ministry. Deacons must be members of The Church, in good standing, involved in the spiritual life and work of The Church, in regular attendance and should be tithing members. Deacons serve as lay leaders to assist the Pastor in ministering, subject to his/her direction. They shall maintain a good order of The Church and lead by example in the Christian faith. They assist in the ministry of The Church by way of; the Lord's Supper, the Baptismal Ceremony, and the caring for and the visiting of the sick. Section 2: The criteria to become a Deacon shall be consistent with the following of the New Testament Scriptures: Acts 6:1-8; 1Timothy 3: The number of Deacons shall be determined by the Pastor and Deacon Ministry. Their appointment shall be met as set forth in Section 3 of this Article. Section 3: The names of prospective Deacons shall be submitted by the Deacon Ministry and the Pastor after a period of prayerful consideration. The names of prospective Deacons shall be submitted by the Pastor to the Deacon Ministry, who shall approve by a two-thirds vote of the Deacon Ministry present, prior to presenting to The Church. There shall be a minimum of six to twelve months training to determine if he/she meets the above stated criteria. Upon completion of the training, he/she may be submitted to the Pastor for ordination. 14

16 Section 4: The status of Deacons shall be Active, Emeritus, Voluntary Inactive or Involuntary Inactive. The process by which a Deacon shall become Emeritus, Voluntary Inactive or Involuntary Inactive shall be based upon recommendations from the Pastor and the Deacon Ministry. Active - (See Article VII Deacons Sections 1and 2) Emeritus - Deacon Emeritus shall be granted to Deacons who have assisted the Pastor and faithfully served The Church for a period of time and who for one or more reasons are no longer able to fully serve in all aspects of the Deacon Ministry. Upon the Deacon Ministry recommendation to the Pastor for approval, The Deacon shall be given the title Deacon Emeritus as recognition for long and distinguished service. The Deacon Emeritus may serve in an advisory capacity as a non-voting member. Voluntary Inactive - A Deacon who has assisted the Pastor and faithfully served The Church, who because of illness or extenuating circumstances has asked the Pastor and the Deacon Ministry to be relieved of active duty. The Deacon shall be eligible for reinstatement (See Article VII Deacons Sections 1 and 2). Involuntary Inactive - A Deacon dismissed from the Deacon Ministry whose actions are determined not to be Holy Spirit directed. Section 5: The election of Officers of the Deacon Ministry shall take place every two years. Such officers shall serve a term of two years and be eligible to serve a second term. Section 6: The duties of a Deacon are set forth in the New Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches, year 1995, Judson Press. The Pastor and Deacon Ministry may determine other duties as deemed necessary. 15

17 TRUSTEES Section 1: The Trustee Board hereinafter, shall be referred to as the Trustee Ministry. Trustees must be members of The Church, in good standing, involved in the spiritual life and work of The Church, in regular attendance and should be tithing members. The Trustee Ministry shall hold in trust all property belonging to The Church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management, and upkeep. The Trustee Ministry shall consist of the following committees: Building and Grounds, Finance, Human Resources, Real Estate, Legal, Transportation and others as deemed necessary. They shall perform other duties set forth in the New Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches. Section 2: The Trustee Ministry serves The Church by setting policy and procedures in the management of The Church s corporate, financial and operational affairs. As approved by the Church Conference, the Trustee Ministry shall act as the official representative of The Church in all business and legal matters, including but not limited to, financial and property management, entering into and signing contracts binding on The Church, signing notes or other instruments of debt, and filing and answering summons to court. The Trustee Ministry shall obtain legal counsel as needed. The Trustee Ministry shall provide adequate insurance coverage for all church property, eligible staff, Pastor/CEO and Trustees. The Church staff shall assist with developing the budget. The Trustee Ministry shall have the final approval over said budget and recommend to The Church long-range objectives, strategies and strategic planning. Section 3: Members of the Trustee Ministry shall be recommended by the Pastor and approved annually at a Church Conference. Their numbers shall be determined by the Pastor, consistent with the business and affairs of The Church. Section 4: The election of Officers of the Trustee Ministry shall take place every three years. Such officers shall serve a term of three years and be eligible to serve a second term. Section 5: Trustees may serve a three-calendar year term, on a rotational basis. Trustees with seniority are in line for the first rotation. A trustee may serve a maximum of two terms or three terms provided a Trustees services are so unique to the ministry or pending program that his/her services are needed. Once 16

18 a Trustee rotates off the ministry, he/she must be off the ministry for at least two years before being eligible for reappointment. Section 6: The Trustee Ministry shall provide an Operations Manual and an Employee Handbook to be presented to the Officers of The Corporation, the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries and The Church that shall govern the operations of The Church and its employees. TREASURER Section 1: The Church Treasurer must be a member of The Church, a Trustee, in good standing, involved in the spiritual life and work of The Church, in regular attendance and should be a tithing member. Section 2: The Church Treasurer must have knowledge of and good judgment in financial matters. Section 3: The Church Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or Trustee designee shall have custody of the funds of The Church for the express purpose of depositing in a bank in the name of The Church. The Church Treasurer or Trustee designee shall keep a record of bank statements and other financial information for The Church, which shall be provided to the Pastor/CEO, and presented to The Church on a regular basis. Section 4: The Church Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or Trustee designee shall receive all monies belonging to The Church and shall deposit all monies received in a bank selected by the Trustee Ministry and Pastor/CEO within 24 hours. Section 5: The Church Treasurer, the Chair of the Finance Committee, the Chair and the Vice Chair of the Trustee Ministry are the only individuals authorized to sign documents disbursing or obligating church funds. Two signatures are required on all official documents. All vouchers shall be approved by the Controller/designee collaborating with the appropriate staff determined by the Pastor/CEO and the Trustee Ministry. 17

19 Section 6: The Pastor/CEO in collaboration with the Trustee Ministry shall appoint a Treasurer within 90 days upon a vacancy. CHAIRPERSON OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Section 1: The Finance Chair must be a member of The Church, a Trustee, in good standing, involved in the spiritual life and work of The Church, in regular attendance and should be a tithing member. Section 2: The Finance Chair must have knowledge of and good judgment in financial matters. Section 3: The Finance Chair shall monitor The Church budget and offer recommendations to the Pastor/CEO, and the Trustee Ministry. Section 4: The Finance Chair shall present monthly financial statements to the Treasurer, the Trustee Ministry, and the Pastor/CEO. The Finance Chair shall give a bi-annual report of all finances at The Church Conference. Section 5: The Finance Chair is responsible for reviewing bills with the Finance Committee and for offering recommendations to the Pastor/CEO, and the Trustee Ministry. CLERK/SECRETARY Section 1: The Church Clerk/Secretary must be a member of The Church, in good standing, involved in the spiritual life and work of The Church, in regular attendance and should be a tithing member. Section 2: The Church Clerk/Secretary must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Section 3: The Church Clerk/Secretary shall keep a complete record of the transactions of all business meetings of The Church and the Deacon and Trustee Ministry meetings. In addition, The Church Clerk/Secretary shall collaborate with the appropriate persons in preparing official reports and any others that may be required. He/she shall secure all church records. 18

20 Section 4: The Church Clerk/Secretary shall write letters of dismissal, termination and transfer of membership after approval by the Pastor/CEO. The Pastor/CEO will sign all letters of Dismissal and/or Transfer collaborating with the Officers of The Corporation. The Church Clerk/Secretary shall keep an updated account of all members. Section 5: The Church Clerk/Secretary shall be responsible for announcing a Quorum at all conferences after it is determined by the Parliamentarian. Section 6: The Church Clerk/Secretary shall be appointed by the Pastor/CEO in collaboration with the Officers of The Corporation. SERVICES ARTICLE VIII - SERVICES AND CONFERENCES Section 1: Worship services shall be held each Sunday and any other appropriate days; at hours designated by the Pastor and the Deacon Ministry. Section 2: The ordinances of The Church, The Lord s Supper and Baptism shall be carried out by the Pastor and the Deacon Ministry or designee. CONFERENCES The Church shall have two conferences to be held in July and December. The Annual conference shall be the second Thursday of December whereby the Pastor and the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries will present to the congregation an overview of the past year, an update of the financial report, the budget for approval, the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries updates and any other significant business to be brought before the entire church. QUORUM A quorum shall be five percent (5%) of membership present at a conference and ten percent (10%) of membership present at a conference for the calling or dismissal of the Pastor. 19

21 VOTING Section 1: Each member shall be eligible to vote in church conferences. Watch Care members may vote except for the calling or dismissal of the Pastor. Section 2: Voting for the Pastor shall be anonymous and shall be conducted at The Church by the Richmond County Board of Elections. Section3: A majority vote shall be 50% +1 if a Quorum is present. The OFFICIAL YEAR The official or fiscal year of The Church shall be the calendar year from January 1 through December 31. AMENDMENTS Section 1: Constitutional amendments (changes) should be submitted to the Constitution and By Laws Committee and reviewed and voted on by the Pastor and the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries for recommendation at The Church Conference. Section 2: The Church sitting in Conference must adopt Constitutional changes by a two-thirds majority when a Quorum is present. Section 3: No amendments (changes) to the constitution shall take place while The Church is without a Pastor or during the period of mourning after the death of the Pastor. Section 4: The Constitution and By-Laws committee shall review the Constitution and By-Laws of The Church every five (5) years or as deemed necessary and they shall make recommendations to the Pastor and the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries. Section 5: The Constitution and By-Laws Committee shall be appointed by the Pastor/CEO in collaboration with the Officers of The Corporation and the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries and presented to The Church. 20

22 ARTICLE IX TRANSITION IN LEADERSHIP Section 1: In the event of the death of the Pastor, The Church will establish an official period of mourning. The Deacon Ministry will designate no less than seven (7) consecutive Sundays following the death of the Pastor as a period of mourning. The pulpit will be covered in black and the bell will be rung each Sunday during the mourning period. Section 2: It shall be the responsibility of the Deacon Ministry to fill the pulpit until a Pastor is called. In the absence of the Pastor, the Chair of the Deacon Ministry shall serve as the Interim CEO in a non-compensated capacity. Updates shall be provided to The Church quarterly or as deemed necessary. Section 3: The Officers of The Corporation shall be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of The Church. Section 4: The Officers of The Corporation shall be responsible for the selection of the Search Committee, after the mourning period. Section 5: The Search Committee shall include but not limited to the Chair of the Deacon Ministry who will serve as chairperson, the Chair of the Trustee Ministry, the Chair of the Deaconess Ministry, and the Chair of the Finance Committee. Section 6: The Search Committee shall have eleven (11) members. The demographics of the committee should reflect the future needs of The Church. For instance, a married couple with children, a single parent, a person in his/her 20 s, a person in his/her 30 s, a person in his/her 40 s, a seasoned saint, a person who is a new member of The Church and a person from the Youth Ministry. Section 7: The Search Committee shall be recommended as a group to the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries and The Church for a vote. Section 8: A church conference called for the purpose of establishing the Search Committee shall be announced no less than two (2) consecutive Sundays. 21

23 RETIREMENT Section 1: The Pastor will announce his/her retirement in writing no less than six (6) months to a year to the Deacon Ministry and The Church prior to the official date of retirement. Section 2: Once the Pastor has announced his/her retirement, the Pastor and the Officers of The Corporation shall be responsible for the selection of the Search Committee to replace the Pastor (Refer to Article IX -Transition in Leadership, Sections 5 and 6). The proposed Search Committee shall be presented to the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries and The Church for a vote. Section 3: The Search Committee shall meet consistently until a new Pastor is called (Refer to Article IX Transition in Leadership, Sections 2 and 3). Updates shall be provided to The Church quarterly or as deemed necessary. Section 4: Prior to the retirement date of the Pastor the congregation may vote to extend the Pastor the title of Pastor Emeritus. RESIGNATION - HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTED Section 1: The Pastor shall announce his/her resignation in writing no less than thirty (30) days and no more than sixty (60) days to the Deacon Ministry and The Church prior to the official date of resignation. Section 2: Once the Pastor has announced his/her resignation and it is determined that the reason(s) for resignation of the Pastor are directed by the Holy Spirit, the Pastor and Officers of The Corporation shall be responsible for the selection of the Search Committee to replace the Pastor (Refer to Article IX - Transition in Leadership, Sections 5 and 6). The proposed Search Committee shall be presented to the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries and The Church for a vote. Section 3: The Search Committee shall meet consistently until a new Pastor is called (Refer to Article IX Transition in Leadership, Sections 2 and 3). Updates shall be provided to The Church quarterly or as deemed necessary. 22

24 NOT HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTED Once the Pastor has announced his/her resignation and it is determined that the reason(s) for resignation of the Pastor are not Holy Spirit directed, the Deacon Ministry shall report to The Church as soon as possible after the resignation (See Article IX -Transition in Leadership, Sections 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8). GUIDELINES FOR THE SEARCH COMMITTEE Section 1: The Search Committee shall verify the degrees and resumes of the potential candidates. Section 2: The Search Committee shall recommend candidates with no less than a Master of Divinity degree from a Seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Section 3: The Search Committee shall recommend no more than three (3) candidates to the congregation. Section 4: teach Bible Study. All candidates shall have the opportunity to preach and to COMPENSATION Section 1: The Officers of The Corporation in collaboration with the Joint Deacon and Trustee Ministries shall establish a competitive compensation Package for the in-coming Pastor/CEO to be presented to The Church. Section 2: The Officers of The Corporation in collaboration with the Trustee Ministry shall offer a competitive compensation package appropriate to the Pastor s responsibilities, including but not limited to: salary, housing, car, education allowance, health insurance and retirement benefits, which shall be reviewed at intervals and presented to The Church. 23

25 ARTICLE X AFFILIATIONS The Church is affiliated with New Era Missionary Baptist State Convention of Georgia, Inc., Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., and American Baptist Churches, USA. 24