Locust Grove Baptist Church
Monday, May 21, 2012
Sharing Jesus Christ and Living Gracefully

Constitution & By-laws

  
of

Locust Grove
Missionary Baptist Church

Murray, Kentucky

 
PREAMBLE
 
For the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ and the preservation and security of the tenets of our faith, to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with principles taught in the Holy Scriptures, we do declare and establish this constitution and by-laws.
 
 
CHURCH COVENANT
 
Thanking God for the light we have received and for the revelation of Jesus which we now enjoy; and believing that God, for Christ’s sake, has pardoned our sins; and having been baptized on a profession of our faith in Christ Jesus into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we do, this day, before God and the world, with deep joy and great solemnity, enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
 
We therefore covenant and agree, that, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we will walk together in love and Christian fellowship. We promise to labor for the advancement and final triumph of the church; to sustain her worship by regularly attending the services and supporting her ministry; to guard her ordinances, enforce her discipline, and defend her doctrine.
 
We also pledge ourselves to walk circumspectly in the world; to be honest, just, and faithful in our business relations; and, as God may give us help, we promise to live righteous and holy lives.
 
We further promise to watch over each other in brotherly love; to visit the sick; to pray for each other and the world; to aid the poor and needy; and to perform such other kind offices as may be well pleasing in the sight of God.
 
We moreover promise 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.
 
 
NAME
 
This body shall be known as Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located southeast of Murray, Kentucky.
 
 
OBJECTIVES
 
The principal purposes of a New Testament church are to worship, educate, witness, and minister. Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church will continue its efforts to fulfill these purposes through the following objectives:
 
            To help sustain a vital relationship with God through personal and public worship.
 
            To guide Christians in spiritual growth through involvement in the ministry of the church.
 
            To share the message of Christ with all people.
 
            To minister in the spirit of Christ to the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the people in our community and world.
 
 
STATEMENT OF FAITH
 
The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of “The Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963.
 
1.           We believe that the Holy Bible, written by men divinely inspired, and full of unmixed truth, is a perfect rule of faith and practice.
 
2.           We believe in one God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
3.           We believe that man, once holy, fell by voluntary transgression from that happy state, and is now utterly void of holiness.
 
4.           We believe that sinners are saved by grace along.
 
5.           We believe that men are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
6.           We believe that salvation is free to all who will accept the Gospel.
 
7.           We believe that, except a man be renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is not qualified or prepared for the Kingdom of Christ on earth, or to enjoy His glory hereafter.
 
8.           We believe that repentance toward God and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are the duties of every one who hears the Gospel.
 
9.           We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, by which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners.
 
10.        We believe that sanctification, begun in regeneration, and ever progressive, is the process by which we are made to partake of God’s holiness.
 
11.        We believe in the preservation of the saints; that they are kept by the power of God through faith into salvation.
 
12.        We believe that the Scriptures are the only rule of His church and moral government.
 
13.        We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, united in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances and obeying the laws of Christ.
 
14.        We believe that Christian baptism is then immersion of a believer in water, by a properly qualified administrator, into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
15.        We believe that only such as have been properly baptized and received into the fellowship of Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church, should partake of the Lord’s Supper.
 
16.        We believe that the Lord’s Day should be devoutly observed.
 
17.        We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, and the governors of states and nations should be obeyed, when the laws they seek to enforce are not in conflict with the Scriptures.
 
18.        We believe in the future resurrection of the dead.
 
19.        We believe in the final judgment; and that, in that day, the righteous and the wicked will be separated forever.
 
20.        We believe that the righteous will be made happy forever in heaven, and the wicked miserable forever in hell.
 
 
RELATIONSHIPS
 
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognized and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will continue to cooperate with and support the Blood River Baptist Association, the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
 
 
 
BY-LAWS
 
Article 1
 
Membership
 
 
Section 1        GENERAL
 
The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of spiritual and temporal life of this Church, and reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members and the conditions of such membership.
 
 
Section 2        QUALIFICATIONS
 
Candidates for membership shall be voted on at any regular preaching service of the Church on any Sunday, any regular mid-week prayer service of the Church, or any publicly and previously announced preaching service of the Church. Membership shall become effective:
 
1)     After profession of faith and upon baptism; or
 
2)     By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist Church of like faith and order; or
 
3)     By statement, acceptable to the Church, of previous membership after baptism in a Baptist Church of like faith and order.
 
Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such will be referred to the pastor and two members selected by the pastor from Church Council, for prompt investigation and further recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.
 
 
Section 3        RIGHTS
 
Members may act and vote in business meetings of the Church.
 
 
Section 4        DUTIES
 
Members are expected to be faithful in all of the duties essential to the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of this Church (unless providentially hindered), to provide financial support for the Church and its causes, and to share in its spiritual undertakings.
 
 
Section 5        TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
 
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
 
1)     Death of the member; or
 
2)     Dismission to another Baptist Church; or
 
3)     Exclusion by action of this Church; or
 
4)     Erasure upon request or proof of membership in a church of another denomination.
 
 
Section 6        DISCIPLINE
 
It shall be the practice of this Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.
 
Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the pastor and deacons will take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accord with Matthew 18. If it becomes necessary for the church to take action to exclude a member, a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present is required; and the church may proceed to declare the person to be no longer in the membership of the church. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.
 
The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded, upon request of the excluded person, upon evidence of the excluded person’s repentance and reformation, and by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of those church members present and voting.
 
 
Article 2
 
Church Officers
 
All who serve as officers of the church and those who serve on church committees shall be members of this church.
 
 
Section 1        PASTOR
 
A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. In case of such vacancy, the church shall elect a pastor search committee. Such committee shall prayerfully endeavor to seek and recommend a pastor, and its recommendation will constitute a nomination. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three fourths (3/4) of those present being necessary for a choice.
 
The pastor selected shall serve for an indefinite period of time. The relationship between the pastor and the church may be dissolved at the option of either party by giving at least one month’s written notice or otherwise by mutual consent. The pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare and the oversight of the church. As the leader of pastoral ministries, he will work with the deacons, committees, and church staff, to lead the church in a spiritual fellowship of worship, witness, education, and ministry. He shall preside at all meetings of the church except as herein provided.
 
 
Section 2        DEACONS
 
1)     The church shall select from its membership a fellowship of deacons. When there are fewer than five active deacons or when the church deems it necessary, a special election may be held to fill the vacancy or vacancies.
 
2)     The term of office of a deacon shall terminate upon:
 
a.      His death; or
b.     His resignation; or
c.      Termination of his membership in the church; or
d.     His removal from such office by the church.
 
3)     Method of Nomination and Election:
a.      Nomination – In a special called business meeting on a Sunday morning, ballot nominations for office of deacon will be submitted. Each member present will nominate five men. The five receiving the highest number of nominations will be counseled with by the pastor and one deacon, and if eligible and willing to serve, will be placed on a ballot for final voting. In the event one of the five is unable or ineligible to serve, the next in order of number of nominations received shall be considered. To be eligible, one must meet the scriptural qualifications of Acts 6 and I Timothy 3.
 
b.     Election – The five nominations will be presented to the church at a special called business meeting on a Sunday morning at which time the members will be able to vote for the number to be elected. The nominee (s) receiving the most votes will be considered elected to the fellowship of deacons. Those elected will be ordained, if not previously ordained by a Baptist Church of like faith and order.
 
4)     Duties – In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants and spiritual leaders of the church. The fellowship of deacons shall have responsibility for such temporal activities of the church as may be agreed upon, and for the welfare of indigent members. It shall assist the pastor in carrying on the work and ministry of the church.
 
5)     Meetings – The deacons shall meet regularly at such time and place as they may determine, provided it does not interfere with regular church services. Special meetings may be called by the chairman of the deacons, the pastor, or a majority of the deacons by giving notice thereof to each deacon. A majority of the deacons shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote of the deacons present at any meeting held in accordance wherewith (and at which a quorum is present) shall be sufficient to decide on any matter regularly before the deacons for consideration.
 
 
Section 3        MODERATOR
 
The church shall elect annually a moderator and an assistant moderator. In the absence of the moderator, the assistant moderator shall preside; or in the absence of both, the clerk shall call the church to order and preside for the election of an acting moderator.
 
 
Section 4        CLERK
 
The church shall elect annually a clerk as its clerical officer. The church shall elect an assistance church clerk, who shall function in the absence of the church clerk. The clerk shall keep a record of all the official actions of the church. The clerk shall keep a register of the names of the members, the dates of admission, dismissal or death, and baptism. The clerk shall issue official reports and, as directed, give legal notice of all meetings as and when such notice is required by these by-laws, AND SHALL BE THE REGISTERED AGENT OF THE CHURCH.
 
 
Section 5        TREASURER
 
The church shall elect annually a church treasurer, and an assistance treasurer to function in the absence of the church treasurer. It shall be the duty of the church treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, upon authority of or as designated by the church, all money or things of value, keeping at all times itemized accounts of all receipts and disbursements. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to render to the church at regular business meetings an itemized report of receipts and disbursements for the preceding month. All books, records, and accounts kept by the treasurer shall be considered the property of the church and shall be open to inspection at all times by any member of the church, except that records of individual contributions by any person to the church, either by pledges or otherwise, shall be kept confidential and shall be open to inspection only by the church treasurer, assistant treasurer, or such members of the church staff to whom, in the sole discretion of the church treasurer, it may be deemed necessary to disclose such record to accomplish necessary accounting.
 
 
Section 6        TRUSTEES
 
The church shall have three trustees, each serving three years with terms staggered to provide for election of one new trustee each year. The trustee serving his third year will be chairman AND PRESIDENT OF THE CORPORATION. Duties of trustees are: to employ for maintenance, repair, and operation of the church plant; upon specific direction, to serve as agents of the church in executing such legal instruments and acting as legal agents as authorized by the church. The trustees may make decisions on expenditure of funds as it relates to their responsibilities, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
 
 
 
Article 3
 
Committees
 
The committees of this church shall be a nominating committee/church council, finance committee, recreation committee, kitchen committee, insurance committee, music committee, youth committee, and such other regular and special committees as the church shall authorize. Additional regular committees may be added by the amendment procedure prescribed within these by-laws. All church committee members shall be recommended by the church nominating committee and elected by the church unless otherwise specified within these by-laws. Committee members shall serve on a three-year rotation basis with one third (1/3) to be elected each year, unless otherwise specified within these by-laws. 
 
1)     The Nominating Committee/Church Council shall be made up of eight members including the Sunday School Director, Church Training Director, WMU Director, Youth Director/Youth Pastor, RA Director, Finance Committee Chairman, Music Director and one at-large member to be elected by the church. (The Pastor shall service as ex-officio member.) This committee shall elect its own chairman and shall meet at least quarterly. The duties of the committee shall be to:
 
a.      Select and recommend church officers and the leadership of the church program organizations and other committees. Except as noted, or where vacancies are being filled, such recommendations shall be made at the August business meeting.
 
b.     Recommend to the congregation objectives and action plans to fulfill church goals.
 
c.      Review and coordinate program plans recommended by church staff, officers, organizations, and committees.
 
d.     Evaluate the results of church programs in terms of goals, objectives, and needs of the membership.
 
All matters agreed upon by the committee, calling for action not already authorized, shall be referred to the church for a decision.
 
2)     The Finance Committee shall be made up of three members to serve staggered three-year terms, with one to be elected each year. The person serving his third year will be chairman. The church treasurer will serve as ex-officio member. The duties of the finance committee shall be as follows:
 
a.      Consider financial needs of the church, prepare a budget using format as described by the church, showing estimated income and proposed expenditures for all causes.
 
b.     Prepare and distribute copies of the proposed budget at least one week in advance of its consideration for adoption at the August business meeting.
 
c.      The committee shall consult with all program directors to identify budget needs.
 
d.     When time is of the essence, the committee will make decisions on expenditure of funds in non-budgeted categories, not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250). This committee shall set up guidelines (to be approved by the church) for the disbursements of these funds.
 
e.      Keep abreast of legal implications involved in receipt and expenditure of church funds.
 
f.       Be available to the church treasurer to render needed assistance with financial matters.
 
g.      The fiscal year of the church shall run concurrently with the associational year which begins on September 1 and ends on August 31.
 
3)     The Recreation Committee shall be made up of three members whose duties are to:
 
a.      Recommend guidelines and policies for adoption by the church, consistent with the total church program.
 
b.     Be responsible for recreational and/or sports programs, together with the procurement, use, and care of equipment pertaining to physical facilities to be dealt with in consultation with the trustees.
 
4)     The Kitchen Committee shall be made up of three members whose duties are to:
 
a.      Supervise use and care of the kitchen and its equipment.
 
b.     Establish necessary policies regarding kitchen operation and use.
 
c.      Cooperate with the trustees regarding equipment procurement, operation, and maintenance.
 
d.     Adopt regulations and procedures regarding loan of kitchen equipment.
 
5)     The Insurance Committee shall be a standing committee, to be made up of three members who will each serve for five years. The duty of this committee shall be to review and recommend an insurance program for church properties and other liabilities.
 
6)     The Music Committee shall be made up of three members who duties are to:
 
a.      Serve as liaison for the total music ministry of the church, working closely with the music director, who is an ex-officio member.
 
b.     Report to the church in business session, concerning special programs and activities.
 
c.      Recommend any changes in direction, emphasis, or scope of the music program as found appropriate.
 
d.     Advise with the music director in the preparation of an annual music budget.
 
7)     The Youth Committee shall be made up of the Youth Director/Youth Pastor, one adult member, and one youth member, to serve for four years. The duty of this committee is to be responsible, in cooperation with staff leadership, for planning and putting into effect church programs designed especially for youth.
 
 
 
Article 4
 
Program Organizations
 
 
Section 1        GENERAL
 
All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church. It is understood that the pastor is an ex-officio officer of all the organizations names, and his leadership is to be recognized in them.
 
 
Section 2        SUNDAY SCHOOL
 
There shall be a Sunday School, divided into departments and classes for all ages and conducted under the direction of the Sunday School Director for the study of God’s Word.
 
The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the Biblical revelation; reach persons for Christ and for church membership; perform the functions of the church within its constituency; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
 
 
Section 3        CHURCH TRAINING
 
There shall be a training program, divided into departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of a general director. The Church Training Program shall serve as the training organization of the church.
 
The tasks of Church Training shall be to orient new church members; train church members to perform the functions of the church; train church leaders; teach Christian theology, Christian ethics, Christian history and church polity and organization; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
 
 
Section 4        WOMAN’S MISSIONARY UNION
 
There shall be a Woman’s Missionary Union with such officers and organization as needed. The tasks of the Woman’s Missionary Union shall be to teach missions; engage in mission action and direct evangelism; support world missions through praying and giving; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
 
 
Section 5        ROYAL AMBASSADORS
 
There shall be a Royal Ambassadors program to be led by a director who shall be elected by the church. The tasks are to teach missions; engage in mission action and direct evangelism; support world missions through praying and giving, provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
 
 
Section 6        CHURCH MUSIC
 
There shall be a Church Music Program under the direction of the Music Director.
 
 
 
Article 5
 
Ordinances
 
 
Section 1        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 follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.
 
  1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
 
  1. Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the church shall authorize. The deacons shall assist in the preparation for, and observance of, baptism.
 
  1. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service.
 
 
Section 2        THE LORD’S SUPPER
 
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.
 
  1. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed the second Sunday morning of each quarter, or as otherwise scheduled at any authorized worship service of the church.
 
  1. The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration and physical preparations of the Lord’s Supper.
 
 
Article 6
 
Church Meetings
 
 
Section 1        WORSHIP SERVICES
 
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God. These meetings shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor. Revival services and any other church meetings which will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church shall be placed on the church calendar.
 
 
Section 2        BUSINESS MEETINGS
 
Regular business meetings shall be held on the first Sunday night of each month. A specially called business meeting may be held to consider matters of significant nature. This meeting will be called by the moderator. The assistant moderator may call the meeting in the absence of the moderator. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given for the specially called business meeting. NO WRITTEN NOTICE WILL BE ISSUED FOR BUSINESS MEETINGS.
 
A quorum consists of ten percent (10%) of the resident members, with no proxy voting.
 
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rulers of procedure for all business meeting of the church.
 
 
Article 7
 
Amendments
 
 
Changes in this Constitution and By-Laws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church, provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous meeting and copies of the proposed amendment be furnished to each member present and voting. Amendments to the By-Laws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the member’s present and voting.