Church Constitution and By-laws

SHREWSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH

Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania

 

CONSTITUTION

Preamble

We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenets of the Southern Baptist Convention. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches.

I. Name

This body shall be known as the Shrewsbury Baptist Church of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, located at 612 West Clearview Drive. Shrewsbury Baptist Church is incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania as a Domestic Non‑Profit Corporation (Corporation number 816349).

II. Objectives

To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world.

 

To be a worshiping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing his person, and responding in obedience to his leadership.

 

To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers.

 

To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man.

 

To be a church which ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and the world in Jesus` name.

 

To be a church whose purpose is to be Christlike in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the Lordship of Christ.

III. Statement of Basic Beliefs

We affirm the Holy Bible to be the inspired Word of God and accept it as the final authority on all matters of life and faith consistent with II Timothy 3:16. This church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000. We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to the world. The ordinances of the church are believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper. (See Article II of the Bylaws.)

IV. Church Covenant

Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and 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 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, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

 

We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment, to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs and the spread of pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

 

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

 

We moreover engage 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.

V. Polity and Relationships

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership. (See Article I of the Bylaws.)

 

All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action.

 

This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Keystone Baptist Association, the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania‑South Jersey and the Southern Baptist Convention.

BYLAWS

I. Church Membership

Section 1. General

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self‑government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.

 

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership. 

 

Church membership shall be classified as:

 

1)         Active Member: Defined as a member of the church who is actively involved in the church by attending, at a minimum, three (3) worship church services within the past four (4) months, and adheres to the duties of a church member as defined in Section 3 (Duties).   

 

2)         Inactive Member:  Defined as a member of the church who has not attended, at a minimum, three (3) worship services within the past four (4) months and is not adhering to the duties of a church member as defined in Section 3 (Duties). An exception will be made for the homebound or infirmed, members of the military or extenuating circumstances, as determined by the Deacons. They will not be moved to inactive status based on attendance.

 

3)         The deacons shall periodically review the church rolls , contact inactive members and make recommendations to the church regarding the membership status of church members. 

 

4)         Any member of the church whose name appears on the inactive membership rolls may request that his or her name be  transferred to the active membership roll by making such request to the deacons after becoming actively involved (as defined above) in the church again.  Such transfer to the active membership roll shall be made by the deacons effective 30-days after the request if the deacons are able to confirm that the member has become actively involved in the church again.   

Section 2. Candidacy

Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership at any regular church service. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular business meeting for membership in any of the following ways:

(1)   By profession of faith and baptism according to the policies of this church. (See Article II of Bylaws.)

(2)   By promise of a letter of recommendation from another church of like faith and order.

(3)   By a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism in a church of like faith and order, when no letter is obtainable.

(4)   By restoration.

A three‑fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.

Section 3. Duties

Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of this church, to give regularly for its support and its causes, and to share in its organized work. All candidates for church membership are expected to attend an orientation class.

Section 4. Rights of Members

(1)   Every active member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting, except as noted below. In special cases, recommended by the deacons and approved by the church in business session, voting can be limited to those members 16 years of age and older.

(2)   Every active member of the church is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective offices in the church.

(3)   Every active  member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.

Section 5. Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: (1) death of the member, (2) admission  to another Baptist church, (S) 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 same serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the pastor and the 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 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, and by vote of the church upon evidence of the excluded person's repentance and reformation.

II. Church Ordinances

Section 1. Baptism

This church shall receive for baptism any person who has received 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.

(1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

(2) The pastor shall administer baptism. The deacons and their wives shall assist in the preparation for, and observance of, baptism.

(3) Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any ­worship service of the church.

Section 2. The Lord's Supper

The church shall observe the Lord's Supper at least once per quarter as scheduled by the pastor in conference with the deacons. The pastor and deacons shall administer the Lord's Supper, in accordance with the teachings of I Corinthians 11.

III. Church Officers

All who serve as officers of the church shall be members of this church.

Section 1. Pastor

(1)   Duties and Responsibilities –

The pastor shall be responsible for leading the church in functioning as a New Testament church. He is the leader of worship, proclamation and education, and is responsible to and under God for the performance of all pastoral duties as are set forth in the New Testament. The pastor shall give himself to the total ministry of the Word, caring for the sick as well as healthy and vigorous. He shall lead faithfully the congregation of God, the Church staff, and organizations, in the performance of their tasks. (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:1‑7; Titus 1:6‑9; Hebrews 13:7,17; I Peter 5:1‑4).

 

The  Pastor shall:

a.     Administer the ordinances of the church.

b.     Examine all candidates for baptism as to their conversion experience and instruct all new members in the privileges and responsibilities of church membership.

c.     Serve as ex‑officio member of all organizations and committees of the church and his leadership shall be recognized in them.

d.     Secure evangelists and speakers for meetings subject to advice from and conference with the deacons.

(2)   Allowance for time away –

a.     Be allowed two Sundays each year outside for evange­listic or related ministries with pay.

b.     After completion of one full year on the church field, be allowed at least an annual two week vacation with pay.

c.     Under normal circumstances the Pastor shall not be away from the church field more than three consecu­tive Sundays.

(3)   Procedure for calling a pastor –

A pastor shall be chosen and called whenever a vacancy occurs. The pastor shall be called by a vote of the church upon the recommendation of a duly elected Pastor Search Committee.

 

The Pastor Search Committee shall be appointed in the following manner: The church in business meeting, regular or called, shall make nominations for the committee. After nominations have been made, the church will vote by secret ballot for five (5) resident members that represent the spectrum of the church. The one receiving the highest numbers of votes will be the Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee. The presiding officer shall appoint a committee to count the ballots.

 

When the Pastor Search Committee is ready to make its recommendations of a prospective pastor, the church shall be notified one week in advance that the Pastor Search Committee will present its recommendation. In making such recommendation, only one name at a time shall be considered. After the Committee has made its recommendation the vote shall be taken by secret ballot and an affirmative vote of three‑fourths of those members being present will be necessary to elect. The pastor, thus elected and called, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or by the church's request.

(4)   Termination of pastorate –

The pastor shall be called by the church to serve, seeking to follow the will of God and the Holy Spirit, until the relationship is dissolved by:

 

1. Resignation of the pastor; or
2. Termination of pastorate by the church.

 

In the event the pastor requests to resign, the following shall occur:

 

1. The pastor shall provide a written letter of resignation at least 30-days prior to the resignation date, unless mutually agreed upon by both the pastor and the church.
2. The pastor shall be granted 30-days severance pay and payment for any unused vacation days.

 

The following shall occur before a church vote for termination of the pastorate:

 

1. No movement to dismiss a pastor shall occur until sincere and conscientious attempts have been made to arrive at a God-honoring resolution between the parties in question based on Matthew 18:15-17.
2. The vote to dismiss a pastor shall be by secret ballot and require a two-thirds vote in the affirmative by the members present at the meeting in order to succeed.
3. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, with one week’s public notice being given prior to the meeting.
4. The meeting may be called based on the recommendation of a two-thirds vote by the Personnel Committee, or by the majority of the deacons, or by virtue of a petition signed by at least one-third of the active resident membership.
5. The moderator for this meeting shall be someone who will try to maintain neutrality, preferably, the director of the local association, though the church may elect another neutral Christian.
6. Any vote to remove a pastor shall be based on a finding of continual and uncorrected doctrinal error, serious and consistent pastoral performance issues or for serious moral failure inconsistent with God’s Word.
7. Should the vote to dismiss the pastor carry, except in instances of gross misconduct by the pastor so excluded from office, the church shall grant the pastor a minimum of 30-days of severance pay, and compensation for any unused vacation days.  Payment will be made within 30-days of his dismissal.  Additionally, should the members approve, the pastor may be afforded up to 30-days to conclude his duties and vacate his office.

Section 2. Church Staff

The ministerial staff shall be called and employed as the church determines the need for such offices. A job description shall be written when the need for a staff member is determined. Those staff members of whom the church requires evidence of a personal call of God to minister shall be recommended to the church by the personnel committee and called by church action. At the time of resignation at least two weeks notice shall be given to the church. The church may vote to vacate such positions upon recommendation of the personnel committee, such termination being immediate and the compensation conditions being the same as for the pastor, except that the amount shall relate to the individual's compensation.

 

Non‑ministerial staff members shall be employed as the church determines the need for their services. The church personnel committee shall have the authority to employ and to terminate services of non­ministerial staff members. Such employment and termination of services shall be with the recommendation of the supervising staff member and, as appropriate, with the consultation of related committees of the church.

Section 3. Deacons

All deacons upon election are automatically committed to the lifetime responsibilities of the evangelistic and pastoral ministry functions of the church.

(1)   Election: Recommendation for deacons shall be made by ballot. Each member may submit the number needed for nomination. The recommended names shall be referred to the present deacons for review. This review shall include an investigation of all nominees as to qualifications (I Timothy 3:1‑13), dedication and willingness to sere. The deacons will present the names for election of all nominees that are found to be qualified and willing to serve. The members may submit their recommendations on the third Sunday in October with the election taking place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Term of office shall begin the first Sunday of the calendar year. The deacons will present the names for election of all nominees that are found to be qualified and willing to serve. Special Election: Special election of deacons to fill a vacancy will follow the procedure described above, except that the term of office will begin at the time of election.

 

(2)   Number: There shall reasonably be no more  than ten families for each deacon beginning with an initial number of three.

(3)   Rotation: All deacons upon election to serve shall serve for a three year rotation term. They shall be eligible for re‑election after one year has elapsed. Anyone filling an unexpired term shall be eligible for re‑election immediately upon the expiration of the unexpired term unless the unexpired term exceeded two full years.

(4)   Ordination: The church shall ordain as deacons all men who it elects except those who have been preciously ordained by another church of like faith and order. This election and ordination shall be deemed as a call.

(5)   Duties: In accordance with the meaning of the Word  and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church.

a.     They are to be zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the church in the bond of peace.

b.     They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. With the pastor, they are to con­sider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls; the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.

c.     By proper organization and method among themselves, they are to establish and maintain personal fraternal relations with, and inspiring oversight of all the membership of the church. Especially are they to seek to know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of the brethren and sisters; and to serve the whole church in relieving, encouraging, and developing all who are in need.

d.     In council with the pastor and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teaching, they are to have oversight of the discipline of the church in administering which they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matt. 18:15‑19, I Corinthians 5:9‑13, and I Thessalonians 5:12‑14.

e.     The deacons shall serve as a general pulpit committee. In case of absence or inability of the pastor, subject to advice from and conference with him they will provide for pulpit supplies. In any period when the church is without a pastor, until the church shall otherwise provide, the deacons will arrange the temporary ministry and take council with reference to securing a pastor. It is not intended in any way to prejudice herein the method by which the church shall proceed in securing a pastor.

Section 4. Moderator

The Moderator shall be the pastor or in his absence the chairman of the deacons. The church clerk shall call the church to order in the absence of the pastor or the chairman of the deacons, and an acting moderator shall be elected.

Section 5. Church Clerk

A clerk, elected by the church, shall keep in a suitable book a record of all actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The clerk is responsible for keeping the register of names of members, with dates of admission, dismission, or death, together with a record of baptism. The clerk shall issue letters of dismission voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written reports, prepare the annual associational church report, and give required notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary as indicated in these by­laws. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office. The clerk will post minutes of the previous business meeting on the bulletin board two weeks prior to the next business meeting.

Section 6. Treasurer

The church shall elect annually a church treasurer. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, preserve and, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, to disburse the funds of the church. The treasurer shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to render to the church, at each regular business meeting an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements of the previous month. The treasurer's report shall be audited annually by the trustees or by a certified public accountant. Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and upon its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered to the church's file in order to preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the church.

Section 7. Financial Secretary

The financial secretary shall receive the empty collection envelopes after the money has been removed and counted by the proper persons selected by the church to count, and from these shall give donors individual credit. The financial secretary shall be responsi­ble for preparing and mailing annually records of contributions to all contributors by January 31, and supply these records at other times on request.

Section 8. Trustees

The church shall elect four or more trustees to serve as legal officers for the church. They shall hold in trust the church property. Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each action, they shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any church property. When the signatures of trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property, or other legal documents related to church‑approved matters. The trustees shall audit the treasurers report at the end of each fiscal year or obtain a CPA to perform the audit.

 

The trustees shall serve on a rotation basis, with one new trustee being elected every four years.

Section 9. Outreach Director

The outreach director shall be responsible for developing an overall outreach program for the church, to include an effective evangelistic type visitation program. He shall take the lead in recruiting and training the necessary leadership for the implementation of that program.

IV. Church Committees and Coordinating Groups

The church may elect such committees, standing or special, as may be deemed necessary to provide for a more efficient program and a more effective ministry of the church, or as otherwise required to meet the needs of the church. All committee chairpersons shall be church members elected in a regular business meeting of the church with its duties, authority, life and limitations clearly set forth. Each committee shall confine itself to the purpose for which it was created, and shall report in full at each regular business session of the church and at such time as may be requested.

Section 1. Church Council

The church council shall serve the church by leading in planning, coordinating, and evaluating the ministries and programs of the church and its organizations.

 

The primary functions of the church council shall be to recommend to the church suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by church, officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate achievements in terms of church objectives and goals.

 

Members  of the church council shall be the pastor, directors of church program organizations, chairman of deacons, and chairpersons of church committees, church clerk, outreach director and treasurer.

 

All matters agreed upon by the councils which call for action not already approved, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

Section 2. Nominating Committee

A nominating committee shall be elected annually at a regular business meeting to coordinate the staffing of all positions of church leadership filled by volunteers except the deacons. The nominating committee shall consist of the following people: The Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Director, Outreach Director, and four people elected from the body at large. The committee shall have more than a nominal interest in the ministry, growth and mission of the church, and shall objectively evaluate the needs of the church in selecting people for the positions of service. The committee shall hold in the strictest confidence the work of the committee, its discussion and its evaluations.

 

This committee shall recommend only church members who are qualified, willing to accept the nomination, and who agree to serve faithfully in the position to which they are nominated. The report of this committee shall constitute a nomination to the church for all positions of volunteer service except deacons. The report shall be submitted in August for all positions except the deacons and the Directors of Sunday School, WMU, and Brotherhood. The Directors of Sunday School, WMU and Brotherhood will be elected in June, however, they will not start their term of office until October. Other nominations may be received from any member in accordance with the policy of the church.

Section 3. Budget Committee

This committee shall be charged with the responsibility of leading the church in a distinctive program of financial stewardship through the financial program of the church. They shall be responsible to see that the budget is prepared in August to be presented for approval at the September business meeting. They shall review the budget quarterly and present to the church deficiencies, surpluses and other suggestions for financial planning.

Section 4. Missions Committee

The mission committee seeks to discover possibilities for new missions and service to, or the helping of, existing Southern Baptist works, shares findings with church program organizations and serves the church in establishing and conducting such new mission projects as may be approved. The committee shall include a representative from the Brotherhood and WMU.

Section 5. Building and Grounds Committee

The building and grounds committee assists the church in matters relating to properties administration. Its work includes such areas as: maintaining all church properties for ready use; recommending policies regarding use of properties; recommending employment of maintenance personnel; and assigning responsibility to appropriate personnel for cleaning.

Section 6. Nursery Committee

The nursery committee shall serve to coordinate the church's nursery activities and to help nursery parents and teachers work together. The nursery committee will see that adequate provisions are made for nursery children each time they are at church.

Section 7. Church Music Committee

The music committee is responsible for coordinating the music program of the church. The committee shall be made up of the music director and the pianist with other members added as the committee deems it necessary. It shall be the task of the committee to provide music that will be an aid and an invitation to worship. The program of church music shall be developed so that the overall program of the church will be helped in the area of music.

Section 8. Hospitality Committee

The hospitality committee will organize the setting up, handling and serving of food for special occasions. They shall coordinate housing and meals for guests of the church. They shall oversee the cleaning of the dining facilities and purchase necessary supplies for church use.

Section 9. Ushers Committee

The chairman of the ushers shall select ushers as needed who are to greet people as they enter and leave the church, seat people at the proper time, provide bulletins and/or other materials at the time of seating, collect the offering and record the attendance at each worship service. The ushers will insure that the sanctuary is properly prepared for each worship service. The ushers will be attentive to the needs of the congregation and the pastor.

Section 10. Personnel Committee

The personnel committee assists the church in matters related to employed personnel administration, including those called by church action. Their work includes such areas as determining staff needs, employment, salaries, benefits, other compensation, policies, job descriptions, and personnel services.

Section 11. Flower Committee

The flower committee is responsible for securing, arranging, and disposing of floral arrangements for church services and providing other decorations as appropriate for special occasions.

Section 12. Benevolence and Memorial Committee

This committee will coordinate the provision and distribution of food to church families in the event of death, incapacitating illness, or other urgent needs. They may provide flowers or a gift and visit the sick members. They shall recommend to the church items to be procured with undesignated funds given to the church in memory of a friend.

Section 13. Lord's Supper Committee

The Lord's Supper committee shall be responsible for providing the elements and arranging all physical facilities required for the administration of the Lord's Supper.

Section 14. Children’s  Committee

The children's committee shall develop recommendations for children's programs and, through cooperation with the church staff and other leaders, supervise the execution of approved programs. They shall coordinate children's worship services as provided by the church, selecting persons to assist with the services as required.

Section 15. Youth

This committee shall develop recommendations for youth programs and, through cooperation and coordination with the church staff and other leaders, supervise the execution of approved programs. In meeting these responsibilities they shall give emphasis to supporting a program which promotes spiritual growth through personal involvement in Christian fellowship and community services.

Section 16. Counting Committee

The counting committee shall be responsible for receiving, counting, and depositing in the designated bank, or banks, all funds received as gifts and offering and for reporting amounts received to the Treasurer. Offering envelopes will be retained as contents are withdrawn and turned over to the financial secretary.

Section 17. Sound and Recording Committee

The sound and recording committee shall be responsible for the sound and recording system and its use. In conjunction with the Pastor, the committee will organize a system to distribute tapes to the home bound and sick. Tapes should also be available for the membership at a nominal fee.

Section 18. Historian

The historian is to preserve and use the historical records of the church. The historian is to be especially concerned with gathering and preserving available church records, recording full and accurate records, and using the records to help members understand and appreciate their heritage and mission.

 

Special committees may be named by the moderator to carry out special studies or functions as the needs may arise. The time of such committees shall be until the task or function assigned has been completed.

V. Church Program Organizations

The church shall maintain programs of Bible teaching; church member training, church leader training, new member orientation; mission education, action, and support; and music education, training, and performance. All organizations related to the church programs shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church, and all program activities subject to church coordination and approval. The church shall provide the human resources, the physical resources, and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of these programs.

Section 1. Sunday School

The Sunday School shall be the basic organization for the Bible teaching program. Its tasks shall be to teach the biblical revelation, reach persons for Christ and church membership, perform the functions of the church within its constituency, provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

 

The Sunday School shall be organized by departments and/or classes, as appropriate for all ages, and shall be conducted under the direction of the Sunday School director elected by the church.

Section 2. Baptist Women

Baptist Women shall be the mission education, mission action, and mission support organization of the church for women, young women, girls, and preschool children. Its tasks shall be to teach missions, engage in mission action, support world missions through praying and giving, and provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

 

Baptist women shall have such officers and organizations as the program requires.

Section 3. Brotherhood

The Brotherhood shall be the church's organization for mission education, mission action, and mission support for men, young men, and boys. Its tasks shall be to teach missions, engage in mission action, support world missions through praying and giving, and provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denominations.

 

The Brotherhood shall have such officers and organizations as the program requires.

VI. Church Meetings

Section 1. Worship Services

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and mid‑week for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The pastor shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend.

Section 2. Special Services

Revival services and any other church meetings essential to the advancement of the church's objectives shall be placed on the church calendar. Any special services shall be reviewed by the church council and approved by the church as to purpose, time and coordination with other church activities.

Section 3. Regular Business Meetings

The church shall hold regular business meetings every other month. Notice shall be given in the church bulletin of all upcoming meetings.  Appropriate minutes and reports from each meeting will be maintained by the church clerk.

Section 4. Special Business Meetings

The church may conduct called business meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance. A one‑week notice must be given for the specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, the date, and the time and place; and it must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. Only the items stated on or in the notice shall be considered for action by the church at a special business meeting.

Section 5. Quorum

1. Ten percent of the resident church membership shall constitute a quorum except as specified in sub‑section two (2) as follows:

2. Twenty‑five percent of the resident church membership shall constitute a quorum for calling a pastor, amending the Constitution or Bylaws, the purchase of real estate or major expenditures of funds not previously provided for in the church budget.

Section 6. Church Parliamentary Procedure

The Roberts Rules of Order (Revised) is the authority for parliamentary rules of order for all business meetings of the church.

Section 7. Church Year

The church year shall end on the last day of September and begin on the first day of October.

Section 8. Cancellation of Church Services

Based on the scripture "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together . . . but exhorting one another . . ." (Hebrews 10:25) no cancellation of regular church services shall be made lightly. Given that there may be occasions of severe weather or emergency when traveling on the roadways or meeting in the church building create a serious risk to the safety of church goers (deep snow, glaze ice, etc.) this policy will be used to determine and communicate a cancellation. In these circumstances, services may be cancelled after reasonable effort has been made to determine the severity of the condition (weather, police reports, etc.).

 

For Sunday morning services, the decision shall be made by the pastor after consulting with the Sunday School director and the building and grounds chairman. For Sunday evening and Wednesday evening services the decision shall be made by the Pastor after consulting with the chairman of the deacons and the building and grounds committee. Other activities may be cancelled by the responsible individual, or individuals. For Sunday and Wednesday services the deacons will be responsible for communicating, as appropriate, with their respective families. Radio station WSBA will be notified of all closings by the responsible individual for that activity.

VII. Church Policies

Section 1.       The support of the church shall be by the tithes, offering and gifts of the members, friends and fellow churches.

 

Section 2.       Any vacancy in the church committees due to resignation, prolonged illness, death etc., shall be filled as follows: The chairman of the nominating committee, after due consideration of the committee, shall present for election a qualified member of the church to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term except that of deacon.

 

Section 3.       Procurement of supplies of any kind shall be approved by the head of the committee or organization for which they were purchased. It shall be the responsibility of each committee or organization to see that they do not exceed their budget or that they seek from the budget committee an amended budget. The treasurer will provide the committee chairman or organization directors a quarterly itemized status of their account.

 

Section 4.       Church property and/or equipment will not be removed from the church premises without the approval of the chairman of the building and grounds committee.

 

Section 5.       Use of the church facilities for other than church functions shall require approval of the membership in business session.

 

Section 6.       Should Shrewsbury Baptist Church be dissolved, all surplus funds and properties shall become the property of the Keystone Baptist Convention. Private inurement to any person in the event of a sale or dissolution of the Church is strictly prohibited.

 

 

VIII. Amendments

Changes in the Constitution and Bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each member present at the earlier meeting. Amendments to the constitution shall be by two thirds vote of church members present. Amendments to the bylaws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.

Amended Version: June 2009