By-Laws

By-Laws

BY-LAWS OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

PELLA, IOWA

The Purpose of the First Baptist Church is to honor God by making more disciples of Jesus Christ

ARTICLE I. DOCTRINE

Statements of Doctrine

1. Principles

The key to our doctrine is the deep conviction that every person has both the ability and the necessity to enter into direct saving relationship to God through Christ.

We believe the Bible is the all-sufficient basis of our doctrine, with first place given to the New Testament.

We believe in adult baptism by immersion rather than infant baptism. This form of baptism clearly marks the entry into the Christian community. It is an outward witness to an inward reality. It does not create that reality but confesses it.

We believe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper is an open congregational act encompassing the recall, reminder and renewal of our Christian beliefs.

We believe that the only visible form of the church is the local congregation. Relationships beyond the local church are voluntary, and the local congregation has the ultimate right to decide.

We believe we are missionary people who respond to the constant appeal to win converts for Christ, provide support for medical and educational assistance, and attempt to change unjust conditions.

2. Position

We believe that this church, using the Bible as sufficient authority, clearly enables the believer to be drawn to the one true church, the body of Christ, as its only foundation.

The organization of this church is such as to encourage growth as a maturing Christian. It then is the goal of the body of believers that their true faith is the witness of Christ at His work through them.

For this reason this church desires to maintain a structure which motivates, instructs, nurtures and brings into being that moment when each may truly say from their hearts and minds that they have experienced Jesus Christ; that they have the blessed assurance of salvation; and that they have the peace of God which passeth all understanding.

3. Covenant

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 into 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, ordinance, discipline, and doctrines;

To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions;

To teach our children the Christian truths;

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 actions;

To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger;

To live temperately and soberly;

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 each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and 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.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

(Member, as used in this document, refers to full member only with all rights and privileges. Membership refers to members and associate members.)

Section I. Admission to Membership

This church shall receive membership in any one of the two following ways:

Member

By Baptism. A person who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and adopts substantially the Statements of Doctrine of this church and is baptized by immersion may be received into the fellowship of the church.

By Letter. A person who is in substantial accord with the statements of doctrine of this church and who has been immersed may be received by letter from any other Christian church.

By Experience. A believer who has formerly been a member of a Christian church but who, for a sufficient reason cannot present a letter from that church, but who is in substantial accord with the statements of doctrine of this church and who has been immersed, may be received upon statement of experience.

By Restoration. A person who has lost his membership may be restored to membership upon recommendation of the Diaconate.

Associate Member

Although to be a full member in this church requires the ordinance of Believer's Baptism by immersion, yet any person who professes faith in Christ and understands the statements of doctrine of this church, and holds membership in any Christian church may upon presenting a letter from their church or upon their experience when approved by the Diaconate may be admitted as an Associate Member. The Associate Member is entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the church except:

Voting upon matters that determine the church's relation to the Mid-American Baptist Churches or The American Baptist Churches, USA.

Voting upon matters of doctrine.

Holding the office of:

Deacon

Deaconess

Voting on matters of termination of Pastorate.

Voting on matters that pertain to purchase, sale or mortgage of real estate.

Section II. Dismissal from Membership

This church shall dismiss from membership in any of the following ways;

By Letter. Anyone in membership who desires a letter of dismissal may receive it upon their request.

By Suspension. Upon recommendation of the Diaconate anyone in membership may be suspended by a three-fourths vote of the membership in attendance at a regular or special meeting of the membership.

By Death.

ARTICLE III. THE PASTOR AND OFFICERS

All the officers of the church shall be elected from the membership of the church.

Section I. Pastor

The pastor shall minister under the direction of the Diaconate. The job description prepared will be approved by a majority of the membership present at any regular or special meeting of the membership. The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church and its auxiliary organizations.

Section II. Youth Pastor

The Youth Pastor shall minister under the direction of the Senior Pastor. The Youth Pastor shall inform and seek approval from the Board of Christian Education regarding youth ministry activities. The job description prepared will be approved by a majority of the membership present at any regular or special meeting of the membership. The Youth Pastor may attend the board meetings and committee meetings of the church.

Section III. Moderator

The moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the church and at all meetings of the Leadership Council. The moderator shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year.

Section IV. Clerk

A clerk shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year. The clerk shall keep a complete record of the transaction of all business at the meetings of the church. The clerk shall keep a record of the names and addresses of membership, with dates and manner of admission and dismissal; also a record of baptisms and a list of those suspended. The clerk shall notify all officers, committee members and delegates of their election and appointment. The clerk shall issue letters of dismissal and recommendation voted by the diaconate, preserve on file written reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such is required by these by-laws. The clerk shall assist in preparing denominational reports.

Section V. Church Treasurer

The Church Treasurer shall be elected at each annual meeting of the church and shall serve for one year. The treasurer shall have custody of all the funds of the church and all deposits made in the name of the church and all checks drawn shall be in the name of the church. There shall be kept separate accounts of all funds raised or contributed for particular purposes. The funds shall be disbursed for the purpose for which they were raised or contributed except by two-thirds majority of the membership present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the membership. The Church Treasurer shall have custody of the securities, investments, title papers and other valuable documents of the church.

Funds received for the support of the church and for the reduction of the church indebtedness shall be disbursed by the order of the Board of Trustees.

The Church Treasurer shall pay monthly all funds designated for benevolent purposes according to the schedule adopted in the annual budget.

The Church Treasurer shall furnish contribution envelopes for the membership, keep a record of all pledges made, collect all moneys contributed and keep a correct amount thereof between the church and its membership. The Board of Trustees shall make deposits of such collections weekly in the bank selected.

The Church Treasurer is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees

The Church Treasurer shall present to the church at each annual meeting an itemized report of all receipts and disbursements. Auditors appointed by the Leadership Council shall have previously audited this report. Other financial reports shall be made if desired by the church.

Section VI. The Superintendent of the Church School

At each annual meeting of the church a Superintendent of the Church School shall be elected for a term of one year. The Superintendent of the Church School shall be the executive head of the church school, exercising the authority and performing the duties usually pertaining to that office, following the general directives and policies of the Board of Christian Education.

The Superintendent of the Church School is an ex-officio member of the Board of Christian Education.

Section VII. The church may employ such other persons as are deemed necessary who shall function according to a job description approved by a majority of the membership present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the membership.

ARTICLE IV. LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The Leadership Council shall serve the church by focusing on the five areas of a healthy church which are Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry and Fellowship. This council shall consist of the elected officers of the church and the chairmen of each board. All meetings of the Leadership Council are open to the membership.

The Leadership Council shall select the dates and prepare the agenda of all business meetings of the membership. It shall appoint the standing and special committees required to fill the needs of the church.

ARTICLE V. BOARDS

Persons serving on the Diaconate shall be full members of the church. Persons serving on the Board of Christian Education, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Missionary Education and Promotion, the Board of Evangelism and the Board of Fellowship may be members or associate members. All board meetings are open to the membership.

After a church person has held office (up to two fully elected terms) in any one of the above boards he shall not be eligible for reelection to the same office for a period of one year after the expiration of that term. No person shall hold more than one of the above offices at the same time.

Section I. The Diaconate

The Board of Deacons and Deaconesses shall jointly constitute a Diaconate, which will meet with equal voting powers to consider and act upon all spiritual matters relating to the church.

The Diaconate shall choose annually a chairman, a secretary and a treasurer and shall meet regularly each month. Special meetings may be called by the chairman who will notify the other members of the Diaconate. A majority of the members of the Diaconate shall constitute a quorum.

The Diaconate's overall duties shall include membership care and all responsibilities included in church worship. The Diaconate shall consider all applicants for church membership and all requests for letters of dismissal, cooperate in providing the pulpit supply, and provide for appropriate ministries to membership of the church with special needs, using such fellowship funds as may be needed.

The Diaconate shall provide for the Lord's Supper and aid in its administration, deliver to the treasurer the fellowship offering received at each communion service, and make a written report at each annual meeting of the church on the matters in its charge.

The Diaconate shall prepare and present to the Trustees the financial budget for he ministers and their needs after consulting with the Pastoral Relations Committee.

The Diaconate shall keep records concerning membership in article II, Section II and III, from lists supplied by the clerk and the church treasurer.

Deacons. There shall be a minimum of six deacons, of one-third of who shall be elected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.

Deaconesses. There shall be a minimum of six deaconesses, one-third of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.

The Diaconate shall keep records concerning membership in Article II, Section II from lists supplied by the Clerk and the Church Treasurer.

Section II. Trustees

There shall be a minimum of 6 Trustees, one third of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting for a term of three years. The church clerk and the church treasurer shall have the privilege of attending its meetings and shall be present when so requested by the board.

The Board shall choose annually a chairman and a secretary and shall meet regularly each month. Special meetings may be called by the chairman, who shall notify the other members of the board. A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum.

The board shall be responsible for all property belonging to the church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management and upkeep. It shall determine the use of the church building for all purposes, but it shall have no power to buy, mortgage, lease, or transfer any real estate without specific vote of the church authorizing such action. It shall perform such other duties as are imposed upon it by the church or by law.

The board shall supervise ways and means of raising necessary funds for the support of the church and for missions. It shall prepare a budget of all church income and expense and present said budget to the membership for approval at the annual meeting. It shall make written reports to the annual meeting and at such other times as may be desired.

Section III. The Board of Christian Education

There shall be a Board of Christian Education composed of a minimum of six persons from the membership, one third of whom shall be selected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.

The board shall select from its own membership a chairman, vice-chairmen, and secretary. The board shall meet regularly and the chairman of the board may call special meetings at any time. A quorum shall consist of a majority of elected members of the board. The board shall prepare a report of the year's Christian Education program and activities for presentation at the annual meeting of the church.

The board shall be responsible for the organization and administration of the entire educational program of the church. It shall be responsible for developing and interpreting to the constituency of the church the educational objectives or goals. It shall be responsible for studying the educational needs of the church and for making decisions concerning (1) time schedule, (2) educational use of housing and equipment, and (3) the elimination or addition of classes or youth groups. It shall be responsible for discovering, enlisting, training and appointing all church educational workers. It shall be responsible for evaluating and supervising the curriculum of the educational program. It shall be responsible for preparing and administering the education budget of the church after consultation with the Leadership Council for presentation to the Board of Trustees. The Youth Pastor shall inform and seek approval from the board regarding youth ministry activities.

Section IV. The Board of Missionary Education and Promotion

There shall be a board of Missionary Education and Promotion of a minimum of six persons selected from the membership, one third of whom shall be selected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.

The Board shall choose annually a chairman and a secretary and shall meet regularly each month. Special meetings may be called by the chairman who shall notify the other members of the board. A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum.

The Board of Missionary Education shall set up a mission's budget after a consultation with the Leadership Council for presentation to the Board of Trustees. The board shall designate any excess funds available beyond the budget.

The board shall seek to increase missionary interest and giving to the total work of the American Baptist Churches by general promotion and special events, missionary speakers, missionary films and projects to personalize missions. The board shall promote cooperation with other churches in the Area and Region in the furthering of missionary enterprises.

Section V. The Board of Fellowship

There shall be a board of Fellowship consisting of a minimum of six persons selected from the membership, one third of whom shall be selected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.

The board shall choose annually a chairman and a secretary and shall meet regularly each month. Special meetings may be called by the chairman who shall notify the other members of the board. A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum.

The Board of Fellowship is responsible to provide fellowship activities for the church family. This may include, but is not limited to, all-church picnic, family nights, family camp, father/daughter events, mother/daughter events, etc… The board will also help support the different objectives of the ABW/ABM.

Section VI. The Board of Evangelism

There shall be a board of Evangelism consisting of a minimum of six persons selected from the membership, one third of who shall be selected at each annual meeting for a term of three years.

The board shall choose annually a chairman and a secretary and shall meet regularly each month. Special meetings may be called by the chairman who shall notify the other board members. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.

The Board of Evangelism, shall, in accordance with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and church, seek to increase the evangelistic efforts of the church by teaching, providing and promoting opportunities to “make disciples of Jesus Christ”.

ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES

The Leadership Council shall appoint the following committees from the membership at their regular meeting for one year:

Section I. Music Committee

The committee shall cooperate with the pastor in the selection of an organist and choir director and in the arrangement of the music for the church service.

Section II. Nominating Committee

The Leadership Council shall appoint the Nominating Committee. It shall serve through the next annual meeting. It shall prepare and maintain a list of those qualified to fill the various offices and boards. It shall interview each nominee proposed and ascertain his or her willingness to serve if elected. The committee shall nominate one or more persons for each office to be filled and report the names to the Leadership Council at least one month before the election is to be held. No two people from an immediate household may serve on the same board simultaneously.

Section III. Flower Committee

The committee shall provide flowers for as many Sundays as possible and arrange for special decorations at Easter and Christmas.

Section IV. Auditing Committee

The committee shall audit the financial records of the church at least once every year and shall make a report in writing to the church at the time of the annual meeting.

Section V. Special Committees

The Leadership Council shall appoint special committees, as the need shall arise.

ARTICLE VII. PULPIT COMMITTEE

Section I. Pulpit Committee

When the pastorate is vacant, a representative committee composed of five (or more) members of the church, shall be nominated to the church by the Leadership Council and elected by the church membership. Nominations may be made at the meeting. This committee shall take the necessary steps to secure a pastor in full consultation with a Region Minister of the American Baptist Churches. It shall investigate the merits of each candidate under consideration in regard to personal character, education, ministerial record, and preaching ability in determining fitness for this pastorate. When a suitable person is found, the committee shall make recommendation to the church for consideration.

Section II. Calling a Pastor

The call of a pastor shall come before the church at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays. Only a person who is sympathetically cooperative with the purposes and program of the American Baptist Churches shall be considered. A vote of three-fourths of the membership present, provided there be present and voting one-third of the resident membership, shall be necessary to extend a call.

Only one candidate shall be presented to the church at one time. The vote shall be by written ballot.

Section III. Termination of Pastorate

The term of office may be ended upon at least sixty days' notice on the part of the pastor or of the church or by mutual support.

Termination of the office shall be voted at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays. A vote of a majority of the members, provided there be present and voting one-third of the resident members, shall make valid termination of office.

ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS

Section I. Time

The election of board members and officers shall be held during the annual business meeting.

Section II. Procedure

At least two Sundays before election, the Leadership Council shall present in writing to the church the names of one or more persons for each office to be filled. At the time of the annual meeting it shall be the privilege of any of the other membership to place in nomination the name of any eligible person for any office not so nominated. A majority of the ballots cast are necessary for the election of any office.

Section III. Vacancies

The Leadership Council may fill vacancies occurring during the year.

ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS

Section I. Worship Service

Public worship shall be on each Sunday. The youth fellowships and the church school shall hold regular meetings. The Lord's Supper shall be observed at such times, as the Diaconate shall determine, but not less than once a month. Occasionally religious meetings may be scheduled by the Diaconate or by the vote of the church.

Section II. Business Meetings

The date of the annual business meeting shall be determined by the Leadership Council for the purpose of receiving the annual reports, the election of officers and chairmen as required, and the transaction of such other business as is proper to come before this meeting. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be 25 persons of the membership except as limited elsewhere in the by-laws.

Special all church business meetings may be called at any time by the pastor and Leadership Council or a quorum (25 persons) of the membership. At any of the regular meetings of worship, however, the church may, without notice, receive persons into membership or the dismissal from membership and act upon the appointment of delegates to councils, Areas and Regions.

Section III. Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballots must be requested for the election of officers and board chairmen from the church secretary four weeks prior to the meeting and must be returned to the church secretary on or before the annual meeting.

ARTICLE X. CHURCH YEAR

The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE XI. QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS

All matters pertaining to the purchase, sale or mortgaging of property shall be voted on only by full members. On all other matters the membership is entitled to vote as limited elsewhere in the by-laws.

ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS

These by-laws may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the church by a two-thirds vote of those membership present, and that notice of such amendment, stating the proposed change, shall be given from the pulpit on two successive Sundays.

ARTICLE XIII. PURCHASE, SALE OR MORTGAGE OF REAL ESTATE

All matters pertaining to the purchase, sale or mortgage of real estate must be approved at a regularly called business meeting of the church by two-thirds majority vote of those members present. Notice of such purchase, sale or mortgage of real estate shall be given from the pulpit on two successive Sundays immediately prior to the meeting.

REVISED September 9, 2001