CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH Shreveport, Louisiana BYLAWS

Transcription

1 CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH Shreveport, Louisiana BYLAWS

2 9333 Linwood Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana (318) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Preamble 27. Employed Personnel 2. Name 28. Church Ministries 3 Purpose 29. Other Church Positions 4. Statement of Faith 30. Church Fiscal Policy 5. Church Covenant 31. Church Budget 6. Church Government 32. Church Personnel Manual 7. Scripture 33. Indemnification 8. Marriage 34. Interpretation of Scripture 9. Contractual Authority 35. Adoption of Bylaws 10. Ordinances 36. Interpretation of Bylaws 11. Church Property 37. Amendment of Bylaws 12. Licensing and Ordination 13. Church Membership 14. General Church Organization 15. Meetings 16. Trustees 17. Deacons 18. Finance Committee 19. Staff Committee 20. Faith Missions Committee 21. Property Committee 22. Senior Pastor 23. Pastoral Transition Team 24. Pastor Search Team

3 25. Ministerial Staff 26. Church Administrator I Article 1 Preamble In order to preserve the principles of our faith, govern our affairs by voluntary choice and reflection in a Christian and orderly manner, secure the blessings of religious liberty for ourselves and our children within the fellowship of the Church, share the challenge of accomplishing the Great Commission and sustain the obligations of cooperation among Southern Baptist Churches, we, the members of Calvary Baptist Church, hereby establish these Bylaws to further the ministry and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ and pray for the Lord s blessing and guidance on the decisions and actions taken pursuant to the provisions set forth in these Bylaws. Article 2 NAME This Church, an organization of baptized believers, is organized under CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, a Louisiana nonprofit corporation which is a 501 (c)(3) organization for federal tax purposes which operates under and shall be known as Calvary Baptist Church (hereinafter referred to as the Church ). By definition the Church shall include all its associated ministries. Article 3 Purpose The purpose of Calvary Baptist Church is to glorify God by connecting as many people as possible to Christ and to develop them in Christian living using the most effective means to impact the world, to make a positive difference in this and future generations. Article 4 Statement of Faith The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. We, therefore, acknowledge the Bible as our authority in matters of faith and practice. Our understanding of the truth contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of other Southern Baptist churches, as expressed in the Baptist Faith and Message adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on May 9, 1963 and revised on June 14, Article 5 Church Covenant

4 Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our 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 Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We do, therefore, in His strength engage That we will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, exhort, and admonish each other, as occasion may require; That we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but will uphold the public worship of God, the ordinances of His house, to sustain its worship, discipline and doctrine; That we will not omit private and family devotion at home nor neglect the great duty of religiously training our children and those under our care, for the service of Christ and enjoyment of heaven; That as we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, we will seek divine aid to enable us to deny ungodliness and every worldly lust and win the souls of the lost; That we would exercise restraint from anything that would easily entangle us to sin and keep us in bondage. That we will contribute cheerfully of our property, accordingly as God has prospered us, for the maintenance of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, for the support of the poor, and to spread the Gospel over the earth; That we will, in all conditions, even till death, strive to live to the glory of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light; That we will walk circumspectly in the Word; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment; That we will avoid tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; That we will be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the commands of our Savior to secure it without delay; That we will abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, the abusive use of drugs. That we will be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior;

5 That we will remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; That we will oppose gambling and associated gambling establishments. That we moreover pledge that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God s Word. And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work, to do His will, working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever and ever. Amen. Article 6 Church Government The government of this church is vested in the members who compose it. The church staff, each voting member and each committee member will seek, through earnest prayer and reasoned discussion, to ensure the church governs itself according to the principles found in the Holy Scriptures. It is subject to the control or supervision of no other ecclesiastical or denominational body, but it recognizes and supports the benefits and obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church shall be affiliated with, and shall support, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association. In no way is it to be understood that such co-operation or affiliation shall ever become one of the doctrines and/or tenets of this church. Article 7 Scripture The Bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God which speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and the proper conduct of mankind. The Holy Scripture is the authority for all matters of faith and practice in the Church. Marriage: Article 8 Marriage Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as clearly described in the scriptures. This Church recognizes that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment for a lifetime. Accordingly, because we believe that the biblical teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman this Church, its Pastors, staff and all members

6 will not participate in same sex unions or same sex marriages, nor shall any of its property or any resources be used for such purposes. Human Sexuality: We believe that the only sexual relationship acceptable to God is that within the lifelong monogamous, commitment to marriage between one man and one woman. We further believe that all other forms of sexuality, including any attempt to alter one s gender by either surgery or appearance, are perversions of God s created order and are clearly forbidden in scripture. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a Biblical role model to the Church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement of Marriage and Human Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly as a condition of employment or service Article 9 Contractual Authority Church Members do not have the authority to enter into contractual obligations binding on the church or the Church Property. The Trustees is the only authorized party to enter into a deed, lease or deed of trust and security agreement concerning the Real Property of the Church, subject to the Trustees receiving the required approval set forth in the Bylaws, if any. The Church Financial Officer or his designee has the right to enter into certain operating agreements, event agreements, and equipment leases subject to his specific job description established by the Staff Committee and within his authorized limits established by the Finance Committee. Any contractual agreement of any nature concerning the Church or Church Property that is not in compliance with the requirement of this section is not binding on the Church or the Church Property. Article 10 Ordinances The ordinances of the Church are Baptism and the Lord s Supper. Baptism: A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to following Christ as Lord, shall be received for Baptism. Baptism shall be by total immersion in water

7 Baptism shall be performed by: o a member of the Ministerial Staff o a individual approved by the Church o a individual approved by the Senior Pastor Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by a member of the Ministerial Staff. Lord s Supper: The Lord s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby those partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anxiously anticipate His second coming. The Lord s Supper is preferred to be observed at least once each quarter, but not less than twice annually The Senior Pastor, with the aid of the deacons, shall be responsible for administering this ordinance The Lord s Supper shall be open to participation by non-church members in attendance who profess Jesus Christ as their personal Savior Article 11 Church Property No Church Member, Pastor, Ministerial Staff, Support Staff or Church employee shall have any individual ownership, title, leasehold interest or any other interest or property rights of any nature in the Church Property, as all rights, title and interest of any nature in the Church Property are vested and held solely by the Church. This includes all equipment, furniture, furnishings, computers, materials and other tangible property of any nature and purchased by the Church, placed or installed on or within the Real Property or the improvements and used as part of or in connection with the operation of the Church, including any replacements, additions or modifications thereto. The use of all Church property, as defined herein, for all activities shall be in keeping with biblical teaching and moral themes, character and conduct to support the purpose of the Church. Licensing: Article 12 Licensing and Ordination Any person recommended by the deacons and approved by the Senior Pastor, having given evidence that he is called to the work of the ministry, may be licensed to preach upon an affirmative vote at any church meeting. The licensing of a pastor shall be done by a Council consisting of deacons and pastors. The Senior Pastor shall possess the sole

8 right to convene a Council to examine the qualifications of the candidate and, in turn, advise the Church as to the property of licensing. The final action to license such minister shall rest with the Church upon recommendation of the Senior Pastor. Ordination: The normal expectancy of the Church is that, from among its congregation individuals will be called of the Lord to serve in specific Christian ministries. Candidates may also be called from outside this particular church body. The Church has the privilege to officially sanction this calling to service by granting ordination to those individuals upon the recommendation of an established Pastoral Ordination Council. This council shall be chosen by the Senior Pastor and Deacon Body, giving consideration to any specific requests by the candidates for Pastors and Deacons both from Calvary and other Southern Baptist Churches. Deacons may choose to attend, but the attending Pastor will lead the evaluation process. The Pastoral Ordination Council shall thoroughly examine the candidate as to personal salvation, spiritual gifts, doctrine, ministry, education and character, according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-9, as well as the specific call to service. Upon satisfactory examination, a date shall be determined for the ordaining service. General: Article 13 - Church Membership We know that the true spiritual condition of a person s heart is known only by God. We also know that the New Testament places responsibility on the Church to carefully consider each candidate for membership. Therefore, the membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this Church and the conditions of such membership. Qualifications: Anyone seeking Church membership shall publicly demonstrate a desire to join the Church by conducting one of the following actions: Profession of Faith: an individual (child or adult) who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, believing the commands and promises of scripture, following The Lord in baptism by immersion, and accepting the principles of faith and practices of the Church. Promise of Letter: an individual who has been a member of another church of like faith and belief, as determined by the Pastor or his designee and can testify of their profession of faith. Baptism: an individual who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and either never followed Him in believer s baptism or was never baptized by immersion.

9 Christian Experience: an individual coming from another church that does not practice transfer of church letter, as determined by the Pastor or his designee and can testify of their profession of faith. Proxy: an individual who is elderly, sick, or otherwise unable to attend, and/or has been baptized; the Pastor or his designee shall meet with this individual and can testify to their profession of faith. All adults who are physically able are required to attend our new member s orientation. This class is hosted periodically for individuals interested in Church membership or who desire to know more about our Church. Upon completion of the class and signed agreement with our beliefs, having given details of salvation/baptism experience, individuals are considered for Church membership by actions mentioned above. Duties & Responsibilities: When one becomes a Church member, they enter into covenant with God and the Church body. The Church Covenant outlines how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians and members of the Church. Rights: Members who conduct their lives according to Holy Scripture and the Church covenant may participate in the ministries of the Church, vote on Church matters, and be eligible for leadership and service opportunities. Conflict Resolution: Each member covenants to first attempt to resolve any conflict with another member, Church Ministerial staff, or other Church staff in accordance with the guidance and direction of the Holy scripture prior to taking any other actions or seeking any other remedy with regard to such conflict, it being agreed that the procedures set forth in this article are in accordance with the Holy Scripture. Inactive Member: If the Church determines a member has not participated in Sunday School or a worship service for a prolonged period of time, the Church office should be notified. At such time the Church member's record of attendance and giving will be reviewed. If the member in question has not been in attendance or tithed for two consecutive years, the member may be designated as an inactive member without voting privilege. Upon the member resuming participation in activities in the Church, they shall be reactivated as an active member by the Church. Separation of Membership:

10 If the general welfare of the Church, a Church member, or employee of the Church is jeopardized by the conduct of a troubled member, the Senior Pastor, an Executive Pastor, or an officer of the Deacon Body shall make an attempt to council or minister to a troubled member in a spirit of love and compassion but tempered with justice and the requirements of the Church. If there is not evidence of resolution or repentance, the troubled member shall be separated from the membership of the Church and their membership shall terminate upon written notice to the troubled member. Separation procedures shall be consistent with New Testament teaching as outlined in Mathew 18. However, if there is resolution and repentance made by the troubled member, their membership will remain intact. Termination of Membership: A Church member's membership may be terminated by: death a transferred Letter to another church a member's written request to withdraw membership reasonable evidence that a member has united with another church involuntary separation of membership Record of Membership: It is the duty of the Church office to keep the records of membership up to date. Article 14 General Church Organization The Church is both a spiritual body and a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Louisiana. The Church is subject to the authority of scripture in all matters and also subject to the rules of duly constituted public authority as outlined in Romans 13:1-7. This Church is organized in such a manner so as to provide the mechanism for the orderly activity of the Church body to accomplish the purpose of this Church. Worship Services: Article 15 Meetings The Church will meet regularly on Sunday for the worship of Almighty God, preaching, instruction, and prayer. Additional worship services may occur on other days from time to time. There shall be a mid-week prayer service on such days and at such times as may be selected by the Church. The Senior Pastor, or his designee, shall be in charge of and shall give direction to the worship services and prayer services. Special services to promote revival and evangelistic outreach will be regularly planned as a part of the life and ministry of the Church. No other meetings or services of any kind shall be held at the church during church worship services without prior authorization from the Senior Pastor or his designee. All worship

11 services, assemblies, and activities of the church are open to all people so long as a person s behavior, demeanor, or actions are not disruptive or disorderly as determined by the Senior Pastor or the Executive Ministerial Staff. Special events or circumstance may cause regular services to be altered or cancelled when agreed upon by the Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Deacons Regular Church Meetings: The Church shall meet monthly to receive reports concerning the general welfare of the Church or for the purpose of conducting the business of the Church. Meeting times shall be printed and made available on the Sunday immediately prior to the meeting, and may be announced from the pulpit during the Sunday worship service immediately prior to the meeting. Any business matters of the Church which require approval by and through its voting members must be conducted on the Church premises. All agenda items must be submitted in writing to the Church office in a timely manner prior to a regular meeting. During a meeting, any new agenda item may be heard, but will need to be submitted in writing for future consideration. Regular Church meetings will be called to order only after proper notice. A quorum will consist of all voting members present in person. The moderator will appoint a qualified person to serve as Parliamentarian for a regular Church meeting and, if necessary, for the actions to be taken at the Church meeting. Roberts Rules of Order, as amended, will may be the parliamentary authority guide for all Church meetings. The moderator will bring such matters before the church as determined by the Church bylaws. Special Church Meetings: The Church Senior Pastor or any two (2) of the following: Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Finance Committee or Chairman of the Staff Committee may call a special meeting to consider significant emergency, or other business matters which, in the determination of those calling the meeting cannot reasonably be delayed until a regular Church meeting. Only those matters which have been reasonably described in sufficient detail in a written notice to fairly inform voting members of the business to be conducted may be voted on at a special meeting. Any action taken on a matter considered at a special meeting which was not properly described in such notice shall only be advisory. When special Church meetings are called, the date, time, place, and purpose of the meeting will be announced from the pulpit two (2) Sundays prior to the meeting. When due to unforeseen circumstances the need for immediate action by the Church membership arises, a special called meeting may be called without complying with the notice provisions of this paragraph, if such meeting is called by and with the unanimous agreement of

12 the Senior Pastor, Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Finance Committee, and Chairman of the Staff Committee, provided, however, that advance notice of any such meeting is given by the best means possible under the circumstances presented. Selection: Article 16 Trustees The deacons, in conjunction with the Senior Pastor will recommend individuals to serve as Trustees. There shall be at least six (6) Trustees serving at all times. Trustees may be selected from any church member who is 30 years of age or older, has been an active church member for more than seven (7) years and has particular expertise in the area of responsibility of the Trustees. Trustees must be Church members in good standing, regular financial contributors, tithers, regular participants in worship and Bible study, and committed to our Church s mission, vision, strategy and the Statement of Faith. Vacancies occurring for any reason shall be reported to the deacons for their action. Church employees are not eligible to serve in this position. Any trustee may be removed for just cause. Removal procedures shall be consistent with New Testament teaching as outlined in Matthew 18. The church will take action on the recommendation during a regular church meeting. Approval by two-thirds (2/3) of church members present and voting shall be required for passage of the recommendations. Duties/Responsibilities: The Trustees hold in trust for Church Members all Church Property and act as the secular legal representative of the Church. Any conveyance, lease or encumbrance of the Real Property of the church that has been approved by the Senior Pastor, the Finance Committee, the deacon body and the Voting Members, if required pursuant to the terms in the Bylaws, shall require the signature of a least two (2) Trustees on the deed, lease, or deed of trust and security agreement to be binding on the Church. They will have no power to sell, buy, mortgage, lease, or transfer any Real Property of the Church without a specific vote of the Church in a regular church meeting authorizing each action. General: Article 17 Deacons

13 Deacons are servant leaders of the Church in accordance with Holy Scripture and will assist the Senior Pastor and Ministerial Staff in ministering to the needs of the Church and the Church members. The ministry of the Deacon is not one to be sought for prestige or standing in the Church fellowship, but only for the privilege of being a servant in doing the Lord s work. As an extension of the Ministerial Staff s ministry, Deacons will counsel, visit, comfort, and share in people s suffering, encourage, celebrate and rejoice with people. Spiritual Qualifications: To serve as a Deacon, a person must live in a manner consistent with New Testament guidelines for Deacons as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Acts 6:1-15. He must be in agreement with the tenets of the Southern Baptist belief as expressed in the Baptist Faith and Message adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on May 9, 1963 and revised on June 14, Practical Qualifications: Any man being considered for the office of Deacon must have proven his commitment to this Church by his faithful involvement in bible study, worship, prayer services, and evangelism, both by lifestyle and public testimony, for a period of at least two years prior to his selection. Deacons must be members of this Church, regular financial contributors tithers to the Church and be fully informed and committed to the mission, vision, and strategy of this Church and to the Statement of Faith. He should have demonstrated a Spirit-given wisdom in the conduct of his daily life. He must also be willing to attend all regular and special called Deacons meetings, unless providentially hindered. Marital Qualifications: Married Deacons must be the husband of one wife and lead his own home well. The wife of a married Deacon will be expected to have the same spiritual qualifications as a Deacon. Being a Widower or Bachelor shall not automatically exclude men from serving as a Deacon. Duties/Responsibilities: The Deacons will serve primarily as ministers to, and servants of, the Church membership in all spiritual matters in accordance with New Testament principles. The role of the Deacon Body in the business affairs of the Church is that of an advisory body, except for actions which require approval of the Deacon Body as set forth in these Bylaws. They shall seek to maintain an atmosphere of peace and unity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit

14 They shall serve as a council of advisors for the Senior Pastor in matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare and spiritual work of the Church. They shall serve as a resource for the Senior Pastor in formulating plans for the spiritual objectives of the Church They shall assist as necessary in administering the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord s Supper They shall organize themselves to effectively minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the Church membership. In counsel with the Senior Pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they shall have oversight of the discipline of the Church. In so doing, they shall always be guided by the principles set forth in 1 Thessalonians 5: The Deacons shall be free to call upon any member of the Church to assist in disciplinary actions or in any other spiritual matters pertaining to the Church The role of the Deacon Body in the business affairs of the Church shall include, but is not limited to, the oversight, review and/or approval of the following: o Financial matters of all ministries of the Church o Ministerial Staff changes o Committee memberships o Transactions concerning real property Nomination and Selection: The number of active Deacons shall be based on the need of the Church and the total membership of the Church. The needs of the Church in regard to the number of active Deacons shall be determined by the Senior Pastor with the advice and consent of the Deacon body and then recommended to the Church membership for action. Active Deacons will serve three-year terms on a rotational basis. They may continue in subsequent years with a vote of the Church at a regular Church meeting. Due to the sensitive nature of Deacon selection and the strict qualifications set forth in scripture, the review and selection of active Deacon candidates shall be conducted by the Deacon Body as set forth below: At such time as new Deacons need to be added to the Deacon Body, the Church shall be encouraged to submit names for consideration. Names are to be submitted in writing to the current Chairman of Deacons in writing or his designee. The Deacons who are scheduled to conclude their term of service will serve as the Deacon Search Committee to consider and screen the names submitted.

15 Ordination: Members of the Deacon Search Committee will be determined by a method approved by the Deacons. The Deacon Search Committee, upon completion of their initial review, shall submit the potential candidates to the Deacon Body for their comment. Upon approval by the Deacon Body, Those candidates still under consideration shall be contacted and interviewed by members of the Deacon Search Committee to verify their qualifications and willingness to serve. Upon completion of the individual interviews, the Deacon Search Committee shall present their nominees to the Deacon Body for final consideration. The names of those candidates approved by the Deacon Body shall then be published on the two (2) Sundays immediately prior to the Church meeting at which the candidates will be recommended to the Church. After presentation of the Deacon candidates to the Church membership, the membership shall be asked to vote on the Deacon candidates. Each Deacon candidate, and not the slate or group of Deacon candidates, must receive, by secret ballot, at least a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those present and voting. The Deacon Search Committee will count the ballots, ascertaining whether the candidates have received the necessary two-thirds majority of the votes cast. The Deacon Search Committee will tabulate the results and inform the Chairman of Deacons. Election of non-ordained men to the ministry of Deacon will carry with it the authority to ordain them. Those Deacon candidates approved by the Church, but not yet ordained, shall be properly ordained in accordance with Southern Baptist tradition before they officially begin service. Candidates previously ordained in a Southern Baptist Church can begin their service upon election by the Church. All men who have been ordained as Deacons or Pastors in this Church or in a Church of like faith and order and are voting members of the Church may, with the approval of the current Chairman of Deacons and Senior Pastor, participate in any ordination service for new Deacons. Officers: A chairman will be annually selected by the Active Deacon body to provide leadership to the Deacon Body. The Chairman of Deacons may not serve as chairman on any committee while serving as Chairman of Deacons. A vice-chairman may be selected in like manner.

16 The Deacon Secretary shall be selected annually by a vote of the active Deacon Body and is responsible for taking minutes of all meetings. Minutes of each meeting will be provided to the Church Administrator for record and safekeeping. Other offices officers may be installed elected as necessary. Meetings: The Deacons, the Senior Pastor, and designated members of the Ministerial Staff will meet on a regular basis. Active Deacons are expected to attend all Deacon meetings, unless providentially hindered. Failure to attend a least seventy-five percent (75%) of the regular scheduled Deacons meetings, without reasonable cause, will constitute grounds for removal from the active Deacon Body. The Deacon Body will determine the rules for its proceedings and will keep minutes of all its meetings. Discipline and Restoration: A Deacon who fails to conform to the spiritual qualifications of a Deacon or the principles of faith and practices of the Church may be disciplined or separated from the Deacon Body. Deacon discipline will be handled in a spirit of love and compassion tempered with justice in accordance with the principles of Holy Scripture as outlined in Matthew 18 and the provisions of these bylaws. The Chairman of Deacons or his authorized designee will present the allegations pertaining to the troubled Deacon to the Active Deacon Body. A majority of the Active Deacon Body is required to recommend that a troubled Deacon be considered for discipline. The troubled Deacon or his representative will have an opportunity to rebut any allegations, if they so choose. Failure of the troubled Deacon to attend the meeting, without reasonable cause, is sufficient grounds for discipline. A majority vote of the Active Deacon body is required for discipline. A disciplined Deacon will be removed from the Deacon Body. With the consent of the disciplined Deacon, a Watch Care Program may be established to assist in the restoration and rehabilitation of the disciplined Deacon. Upon satisfactory evidence of the resolution or repentance of a disciplined Deacon s condition, as determined by a majority of the Active Deacon Body, such person may be considered as a candidate to resume service as an Active Deacon. General: Article 18 Finance Committee

17 The Finance Committee is a standing committee of Calvary Baptist Church. The goal of the Finance Committee will be to connect people to Christ by encouraging them individuals to use their resources in accordance with biblical principles. Purpose: The primary purpose of the Finance Committee is to manage the resources of the Church and all its related ministries in an effective and transparent manner by continuously reviewing all financial affairs of the Church to provide a level of stewardship accountability for the Church staff to the Church membership. Qualifications: Committee members must be members in good standing of the Church, regular financial contributors, regular participants in worship and Bible study, and committed to our Church s mission, vision, strategy, and Statement of Faith. Each member shall possess the same qualifications as an active Deacon, except as to gender. The Senior Pastor and Church Financial Officer will nominate Church members as required who (preferably but not necessarily) have expertise in at least one of the following areas fund raising, project management, money management, accounting, auditing. Any vacancy will be filled accordingly. Regular members shall not be employees of the Church. Members may be removed for just cause. Removal procedures will be consistent with New Testament teaching. The Church Financial Officer is an ex-officio member without vote. The Senior Pastor is a member by virtue of his position. Current Chairman of Deacons may attend as an ad hoc member representing the Deacons. Deacons will approve membership. Committee members must be church members in good standing, tithers, regular participants in worship and Bible study, and committed to our Church s mission, vision, strategy, and Statement of Faith. Members should have expertise in at least one of the following areas: fund raising, project management, money management, accounting, auditing. Selection: The Senior Pastor is a member by virtue of his position. The Church Financial Officer is a member by virtue of his position but without vote. The current Chairman of Deacons may attend as an ad hoc member representing the Deacons. The Church membership shall be encouraged to submit in writing to the Chairperson the names of Church members who may be considered for membership. The Senior Pastor along with the Church Financial Officer after having the advice and consent of the committee members shall nominate to the Active Deacon body members to serve. The Active Deacon body will recommend membership to be approved

18 by the Church. Any vacancy will be filled accordingly. Regular members shall not be employees of the Church. Members may be removed for just cause. Removal procedures will be consistent with New Testament teaching as outlined in Matthew 18. Duties and Responsibilities: Chairperson will convene committee meetings with the Senior Pastor and Church Financial Officer at least quarterly, or more often, if required, to review financials of all Church ministries. Officers: Committee will be responsible for authorizing and maintaining a current purchasing procedure. Committee will be responsible for reviewing annual budgets for all Church ministries, presenting them to the appropriate entity for approval, as well as monitoring the spending status in order to measure actual financial operations to budgeted amounts. Chairperson will routinely report committee actions to the Deacons. Committee will consult with the Senior Pastor, Church Financial Officer and legal counsel to review and update, when necessary, written policies on matters requiring the signature authority of the Trustees. Committee will make recommendations to the Trustees on all matters that pertain to the acquiring or disposing of any Church property or the incurrence by the Church of any indebtedness or liability. Committee will provide a written report of the financial statements of the Church and all related ministries to the Deacons and Church membership at least quarterly. The committee, in conjunction with the Church Financial Officer, shall have the Church engage an independent public accounting firm, with Church audit experience, to conduct an audit on an appropriate basis of the financial affairs of the Church in accordance with the proper and current rules and regulations of the government and accounting industry and the requirements of the non-profit corporate status of the Church. The audit results shall be available to the Finance Committee, the Deacons and any Church member making a request. The committee may maintain an operations manual that is approved by the Deacons. A Chairperson will be annually selected by the Finance Committee to provide their leadership. The Finance Committee Secretary will be selected in like manner to document all committee actions, copies of which will be retained in the office of the Church Financial Officer and will be available for any church member to view. Article 19 Staff Committee

19 General: The Staff Committee is a standing committee of Calvary Baptist Church. The goal of the Staff Committee is to ensure that all employees have the opportunity for training and tools to excel in their ministry calling, realizing their full potential, are held accountable and compensated accordingly. Purpose: The Staff Committee shall provide advice, counsel and approval on a broad array of personnel matters. They shall be responsible for and have oversight of the Church s professional and support staff including personnel of all Church ministries. Qualifications: Committee members must be members in good standing of the Church, regular financial contributors, tithers, regular participants in worship and Bible study, and committed to our Church s mission, vision, strategy, and the Statement of Faith. Each member shall posses the same qualifications as an Active Deacon except as to gender. General: Selection: The Staff Committee may be composed of at least eight (8) active Church members who will serve as members. The Chairman of the Deacons and Chairman of the Finance Committee will may serve as needed. ad hoc members. The Church Senior Pastor is a member by virtue of his position. One of the regular members will serve as an ad hoc member of the Finance Committee. A Church ministerial staff member or family member or relative of a Church ministerial staff member may not serve on the Staff Committee. A full time Church employee except the Senior Pastor may not serve on the Staff Committee. A member of the Staff Committee who is related to a Church employee may not participate in the hiring process, review process, compensation process, or termination process related to a family member or relative. The Church membership shall be encouraged to submit in writing to the Chairman the names of Church members who may be considered for membership. The Senior Pastor, after having the advice and consent of the committee members shall nominate to the Active Deacon body members to serve. The Active Deacon body will recommend membership to be approved by the Church. Each member of the Staff Committee must be approved by a majority of the Church members casting a vote at a regular meeting. The Church Administrator may be an exofficio member without vote. Committee members may be removed for just cause. Removal

20 procedures will be consistent with New Testament teaching as outlined in Matthew 18. Membership will be nominated by the Deacon body, Staff Committee or the Senior Pastor. Duties/Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities of the Staff Committee are to act as the Church s representative of all Church ministries on all personnel matters, including but not limited to: Provide advice, counsel and approval on interviewing, hiring, terminating, suspending, and counseling Staff members; Ensuring job descriptions are prepared for all Church Staff positions, and updating if necessary, each job description annually; Annually reviewing and updating if necessary, the range of salary and other applicable benefits for each Church Staff position; In consultation with the Senior Pastor, or appropriate Church Staff supervisor, at the Staff Committee s discretion, annually reviewing the performance evaluations of all or any individual serving on the Ministerial Staff, and other Church Support Staff, and making such recommendations and adjustments as may be appropriate in responsibility and salary, if any; Annually reviewing and updating if necessary, personnel policies and procedures applicable to the Church Staff, to include, but not be limited to performance evaluations and other personnel matters; Making adjustments to salary, benefits and other compensation paid to the Church Staff as may be reasonably necessary to adjust to the financial condition of the Church and the approved Annual Budget based on input from the Finance Committee; Assisting, as requested by the Senior Pastor or Ministerial Staff, in the resolution of significant problems or conflict which may arise between personnel employed by the Church; Chairman will routinely report any significant or appropriate action to the Deacon Body; Severance pay, if any, will be determined by the Staff Committee. The committee may maintain an operations manual that is approved by the Deacons. Any material change to a job description or position or material change to the approved range of salary or benefits for the Senior Pastor, Ministerial Staff position or terminations is subject to the advice and approval of the Staff Committee. Officers: The Staff Committee will select annually a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary. Meetings:

21 The Staff Committee will meet routinely, usually once a month, subject to the discretion of the Chairman, but at least once a quarter. General: Article 20 Faith Missions Committee The Faith Mission Committee is a standing committee of Calvary Baptist Church. The goal of this committee will be to connect people to Christ by fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts. 1:8. Purpose: The primary purpose of the Faith Mission Committee is to take responsibility for the mission ministry of Calvary Baptist Church by developing partnerships with various other ministries, both local and worldwide, to evangelize the lost, disciple the believer and plant autonomous self-reproducing churches. Qualifications: Committee members must be members in good standing of the Church, tither, regular financial contributors, regular participants in worship and Bible study, and committed to our Church s mission, vision, strategy, and Statement of Faith. Has demonstrated a sincere interest in missions and a lifestyle conforming to Biblical principles. Is in agreement with the Biblical purpose of global missions and has demonstrated a commitment to support. Is a tither, regular contributor to the general budget of Calvary Baptist Church and is a financial supporter of the Faith Missions Program. Has a commitment to participate on the Missions Committee as a major place of service in the Church. Has a commitment to develop and maintain a regular, personal prayer ministry for the missions program of Calvary Baptist Church. Has a desire to learn more about missions, evangelism, and discipleship. Agrees to attend and participate in Missions Committee meetings, and performs all committee responsibilities in a faithful manner.

22 Has the ability to evaluate all concerns in a fair and objective manner by using Biblical standards for resolution. Selection: Process: The committee shall consist of nine (9) Church members, each serving a three (3) year rotating term. Terms shall be staggered so that three (3) members rotate off each year. At the conclusion of each term of service, an individual member may elect to serve an additional term if requested. The Committee may replace members unable to serve through the year, as needed. The Church Senior Pastor is a member of the Committee by virtue of his position. The Mission Pastor and Ministry Assistant will be ex-officio members without a vote. The Church membership shall be encouraged to submit in writing to the Missions Pastor or Chairperson the names of Church members who may be considered for membership. Selection of the Missions Committee members shall be by both the Senior Pastor and the Missions Pastor with the advice and consent of the Missions Committee members and reviewed by the Deacons. New members will start at the beginning of each calendar year with the terms of service to correspond to the Faith Mission budget year (April through March of the next year). This will allow a three-month overlap for new members to gain experience in the Missions Conference and the Budget process before the retiring members finish their term. Members may be removed for just cause. Removal procedures will be consistent with New Testament teaching as outlined in Matthew 18. General: Duties/Responsibilities: The Faith Missions Committee is a standing committee of Calvary Baptist Church. The responsibilities of the Committee include: Represent the Church Body in administering the Faith Missions Program. Review applications for Faith Missions support and determine: 1. If applicants meet the Faith Missions requirements; 2. Level of support based on established guidelines and availability of funds in the Faith Missions account. Review proposed annual Missions budget, prepared by the Pastor of Missions, and refine as needed. Approval by the Committee and Senior Pastor must be unanimous.

23 Review effectiveness of Mission Partners. Act on those partners that are not meeting agreed upon commitments. Monitor Church contributions and partner support throughout the year to maintain a balanced budget. Report any significant deviations to the Deacon and Church bodies as needed. Assist in hosting Missions partners during the Annual Missions Conference or anytime our partners visit throughout the year. Develop and update, as needed, the Calvary Faith Missions Operating Manual. This will include Criteria for Support, Partner Application Requirements, Mission Tier Support Guidelines, and other documents related to the Ministry. Unanimous approval of all non-budgeted expenditures. Make recommendations to the Finance Committee as to the needed money for missions support for the annual church general budget. Recruit people to participate in mission trips and other short term mission service opportunities. Keep the Church informed about the overall status of the mission ministry. Officers: There will be a Committee Chairperson. The Chairperson will be selected annually by the Committee to provide their leadership. The Chairperson, in collaboration with the Mission Pastor, will call meetings, develop the agenda, identify future Committee members, represent the Committee in Church and Deacons Meetings, and perform other tasks as required. There will also be Missions Committee Secretary, responsible for recording the minutes of the meeting and forwarding these to the Missions Ministry Assistant for filing, as well as the Church Administrator for records. This position will be selected by the Committee. Meetings: The committee will meet at least bimonthly, or more frequently, as needed, determined by the Chairperson and / or Mission Pastor. The Budget year for this ministry is April 1 through March 31. Any non-budgeted expenditures must be approved by a unanimous vote of the committee General: Article 21 Property Committee

24 Effective use of property and buildings is critical to the mission and ministry of the Church. The value of the property and buildings is the largest portion of the tangible assets of the Church. The cost of maintaining buildings and equipment is a major portion of the Church budget. Facilities are the most visible part of the Church. The Church buildings represent the Church in the mind of the community. Visitors and members will form an impression of the Church and its work based on the appearance and condition of the buildings and grounds. In addition to value and appearance, consideration should be given to the Church property as an asset to be used for ministry purposes. Purpose: The Property Committee has the responsibility to deal with all matters pertaining to the buildings, grounds, furnishings and equipment of the Church. This work includes: Care of all property, buildings and equipment Study the need for acquiring or disposing of buildings and/or property as required Resolving problems related to property and space utilization Qualifications: Committee members must be members in good standing of the Church, tither, regular financial contributors, regular participants in worship and Bible study, and committed to our Church s mission, vision, strategy, and the Statement of Faith. The Ministerial Staff member responsible for management of Church property will by virtue of his position be a member. Committee members may be removed for just cause. Removal procedures shall be consistent with New Testament teaching. Committee members should have a strong interest and/or experience in building facilities and operation, real estate, general maintenance and improvements of the building and grounds. Selection: The Executive Pastor having responsibility for the Church facilities, along with the Senior Pastor, shall nominate members to serve. The number of members depends on the committee needs. Members are to be approved by the Deacons. The number of members depends on the committee needs. The Ministerial Staff member responsible for management of Church property and the Church Administrator will by virtue of their position be members but without vote. The Church membership shall be encouraged to submit in writing to the Ministerial Staff member the names of Church members who may be considered for membership. The Ministerial Staff member along with the Senior Pastor after having the advice and consent of the committee members shall nominate to the Active Deacon body members to serve. The