Means
baptist
Church
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
Means Baptist Church is comprised of followers of Jesus Christ who have united under His Lordship in covenant commitment to one another and to our God. We joyfully and wholeheartedly submit to His authority as it is revealed to us in His holy, written Word. Having carefully examined the Scriptures, we, the members of the church, set forth the following articles and church covenant to which we voluntarily submit.
CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and having been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another, as one body in Christ: (1) To walk together in Christian love, striving for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and service. (2) To promote its spiritual growth by regular worship, prayer, and study of God’s Word. (3) To sustain its ordinances, discipline, and doctrines, contributing cheerfully and regularly to support the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the spread of the Gospel. (4) To maintain a Christ-like spirit in our homes and communities, seeking to live uprightly and to share the love of Christ with others. (5) To watch over one another in brotherly love, to pray for each other, to aid in sickness and distress, and to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation. (6) To endeavor, by the Holy Spirit, to live in such a manner that our lives reflect Jesus Christ and draw others to Him. We humbly commit to this covenant, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this church shall be “Means Baptist Church” located at 6152 Highway 460west in Means, Kentucky 40346.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to glorify the God of the Scriptures in promoting His worship, evangelizing sinners, and edifying saints. To this end we are committed to proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Grace in Jesus Christ throughout the world.
ARTICLE III: ARTICLES OF FAITH
We do hereby adopt as the general expression of our faith The Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the following faith statements:
We accept the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the written Word of God. We believe in the divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and final authority of the Sacred Scriptures (66 books known as the Christian Bible) in all matters of faith and practice. From our understanding of the sacred scriptures, we affirm and celebrate the following:
God: We believe in one true and living God, existing eternally in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in power, glory, and divine perfection.
Jesus Christ: We believe Jesus is the eternal Son of God, truly divine and truly human, who died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return to judge the world.
The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, and empowers them for godly living and service.
Humanity and Sin: We believe humanity was created in God’s image but fell into sin, resulting in spiritual death—separation from God. All people are sinners by nature and choice.
Salvation: We believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus. It is a gift of God, received through repentance and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
The Church: We believe the church is the body of Christ, God’s family of all believers, who are called to gather regularly for worship, fellowship, and service. Each local church is autonomous, led by the Holy Spirit, and guided by Scripture.
Ordinances: We believe in a believer's baptism by immersion, symbolizing identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We believe in the Lord’s Supper, a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice.
Christian Living: We believe Christians are called to be God’s images in the world. Believers are to live holy lives, guided by Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and devoted to loving God and others.
The Return of Christ: We believe in the personal, visible, and imminent return of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom, judge the world, and bring eternal life to believers and judgment to unbelievers.
Eternal Destiny: We believe in the resurrection of the dead—believers to eternal life with God in the new creation, and unbelievers to eternal separation from God.
We believe that the aforementioned creeds and faith statements are an excellent summary of the fundamental truths of God’s Word. We accept them, not as an authoritative rule or code of faith, but as an aid to us in controversy, a general confirmation of what we believe, and as a means of growing together in grace.
We also affirm the “Nashville Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” (2017).
ARTICLE IV: CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Jesus Christ is Lord and Head of this church. His will as expressed in the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, is the sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Means Baptist Church is a congregational church. We recognize that the authority of Christ is vested in the congregation (Galatians 1:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20) and that Christ has prescribed that local congregations be led by godly men, namely a Senior Pastor, who has been duly appointed to lead and oversee the church (Titus 1:5–11; 1 Timothy 1:4–5).
Means Baptist Church is subject to no other ecclesiastical body but is associated with churches of like faith for purposes of fellowship, consultation and cooperation. This, and any other voluntary associations with other bodies shall not infringe on the rights of this church or its membership. When it is thought desirable to have fellowship, consultation, and cooperation with local churches of like faith and order, this church may join itself to an association of churches. Such affiliations may be entered by a vote of the congregation. Withdrawal from associations may be affected by the same procedure.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Requirements for Membership
To be considered for membership in this church, a person must be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Such a disciple must be baptized in obedience to Christ following his or her conversion and commit to follow Jesus Christ as Lord in accordance with Scripture. Each prospective member must agree to submit to the teaching of Scripture, the orthodox beliefs of the Church (see the Apostle’s Creed), and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant.
Section 2: Membership Process
Any believer seeking membership at Means Baptist Church should communicate their desire to the Senior Pastor, or Deacons in the absence of a Pastor. Each candidate must have serious intention to wholeheartedly support the ministry of this church, and to live for Christ in accordance with our church covenant.
The Senior Pastor may recommend a candidate for membership to the congregation at any meeting of the church. The candidate may be received into membership upon acceptance of two-thirds of the members present, by formal vote or the affirmative response of “amen” to the request for membership.
Once a candidate is accepted into membership, he or she relinquishes their membership in other churches.
Prospective members can be received into membership by:
A. PROFESSION OF FAITH AND BAPTISM — Any person who meets the above stated requirements shall apply for membership to the Senior Pastor, or Deacons if there is currently no Pastor. Candidates will be received upon their baptism by immersion into membership of the church.
B. LETTER — Any person desiring to unite with this church, upon letter of recommendation from another evangelical church of like faith and order, shall present such letter, or a promise thereof, to the Pastor, or Deacons in the absence of a Pastor.
C. STATEMENT OF FAITH — Any person desiring to unite with this church, upon their testimony of conversion and baptism as a believer by immersion, shall apply for membership to the Pastor, or deacons in the absence of a Pastor.
Section 3: Forms of Membership
A. REGULAR — All who are received into the membership of the church on the above mentioned conditions shall be considered members in good standing until such status is changed by one of the conditions set forth in Article V, Section 4, entitled “Termination of Membership”
B. OTHER/WATCH CARE — The membership status of invalids, shut-ins, Christian workers, and others whose relationship to the church involves special consideration and circumstances, shall be considered by the Pastor and deacon(s) on a case-by-case basis. They will then make appropriate recommendations to the church.
Section 4: Termination of Membership
A member may be removed from the membership of Means Baptist Church by:
A. DISMISSAL — At the recommendation of the Pastor and the approval of the congregation, letters of dismissal shall be granted to members who apply for them in writing, provided they are in good standing and not subject to or already under corrective discipline at the time of the application. When such letters have been granted, the membership relationship to this church shall be considered terminated.
B. EXCLUSION — If a member is habitually absent from the stated meetings of this church without just cause or is unwilling to resolve conflicts or settle differences in a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership, he or she may be excluded from the membership at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons, subject to the approval of the congregation. No one shall remain on the active membership role “in good standing” who has been absent from church meetings for twelve months, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
C. TRANSFER — Letters of recommendation shall be granted upon the recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons and approval by the congregation to evangelical churches which request them, provided the member in question is in good standing and not subject to or already under discipline at the time of the application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Letters of dismissal shall be forwarded and given only to other Christian churches (Philemon 2).
D. EXCOMMUNICATION — It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures for the congregation, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons, to remove from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his profession; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or who walks disorderly; or who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church (Matthew 10:15ff; 1 Corinthians 5:1ff; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,11,15; Romans 16:17).
E. DEATH
ARTICLE VI: DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
Scripture instructs Christians to live together in local churches. In order to fulfill Scriptural responsibilities in following Christ according to His will, it is incumbent on every believer to unite with other believers in submission to the lordship of Christ in a local church.
Section 1: Active Involvement
Each member is called upon to observe those privileges and duties expressed in the church covenant.
Section 2: Controversy
Any matter involving controversy within this church, within the officers, or between the congregation and the officers, if it threatens to cause dissension and injury to the welfare of the church, must be called to the attention of the Senior Pastor and deacon(s) as soon as possible by any member of the congregation aware of the situation. If the Senior Pastor (church council if needed) and deacon(s) fail to resolve the difficulty so as to allay dissension, any such matter may be taken to a Council of Appeal as prescribed in Article 3 of the By-Laws.
Section 3: Use of property
Means Baptist Church affirms the 2017 Nashville Statement pertaining to human sexuality and gender roles as composed by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Therefore, we believe marriage to be a covenant between a biological male and a biological female and the Lord. Our property and facilities may not be used for any ceremony, gathering, or event promoting or supporting anything in contradiction to the 2017 Nashville Statement. Furthermore, no elected officers or members of this church will participate in officiating any ceremony, gathering, or event with values contrary to the Nashville Statement.
ARTICLE VII: CHURCH DISCIPLINE
The Christian life is a life of discipleship, which means that it is to be characterized by godly discipline. This includes self-discipline which involves training oneself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7) as well as the corporate discipline that comes through being united to a local church. Church discipline is both formative and corrective.
Section 1: Corrective Discipline
Corrective discipline is called for when any member is guilty of disorderly or divisive conduct or holding to heretical doctrine which is contrary to the church’s standard of life and doctrine as expressed in our covenant or confession which are based on the Word of God. Reasonable efforts shall be made through personal counsel and admonition to resolve difficulties, correct errors, and remove offenses before any further action is taken such as excommunication (Matthew 18:15-17). When private counsel and admonition have failed, the Pastor and Deacons will then shepherd the process according to the instructions of God’s Word, godly wisdom, and prayer. In extraordinary circumstances, at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons, a matter may be taken directly to the church, according to the apostolic instruction of 1 Corinthians 5 and Titus 3:10–11. At all times, godly wisdom must be exercised with the understanding that the safety of the congregation must always be considered when dealing with unrepentant and unruly members.
The goal of church discipline should be:
1. The repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (Hebrews 12:1–11; Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1);
2. The instruction in righteousness and welfare of other Christians, as an example to them (1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; Hebrews 10:24–25);
3. The purity of the church as a whole (1 Corinthians 5:6–7; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:2);
4. The good of our corporate witness to non-Christians (Matthew 5:13–16; John 13:35; Acts 5:10-14); and
5. And supremely the glory of God which is manifested when His holy character is reflected to the watching world (Deuteronomy 5:11; John 15:8; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:12).
The following are elements of corrective discipline:
A. SUSPENSION — If a member has publicly sinned, but shows hopeful signs of repentance, including submission to the admonitions of church officers, then severe discipline, such as excommunication, would be improper. Nevertheless, serious offenses may not be overlooked altogether, lest God’s enemies multiply their blasphemies, lest other saints be emboldened to sin, and lest the offender is harmed by a failure to test his own soul and appreciate the gravity of his offense. Therefore, at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons, less severe terms may be imposed upon a member—such as public rebuke, or suspension of membership rights to vote or hold church office positions.
B. EXCLUSION — If a member is habitually absent from the stated meetings of this church without just cause or is unwilling to resolve conflicts or settle differences in a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership, he or she may be excluded from the membership at the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and Deacons. All members absent for 12 months without just cause will automatically be excluded.
C. EXCOMMUNICATION – The most serious step a church can take in corrective discipline is to remove a member because of unrepentant sin. In extraordinary situations when a member has sinned publicly, scandalously or divisively and without biblical repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8–12), or of they pose an immediate threat to the congregations, the Pastor and Deacons may call upon the church to excommunicate that member immediately (1 Corinthians 5:4–5; Titus 3:10–11). The congregation shall have the right to excommunicate a member by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. The vote will be taken by a show of hands or by standing. Excommunication always has as its end the glory of God, the purity of the body of Christ and the restoration of the offending party.
D. RESTORATION — It is the joyful duty of the church to forgive and restore to membership those persons who give satisfactory evidence of being repentant (2 Corinthians 2:6–8; 7:11). The Pastor and Deacons shall meet with and seek the restoration of those who have been excluded or suspended when they (Pastor and Deacons) have judged that the aims of the discipline have been accomplished. Such action is to be reported to the church. Upon recommendation of the Pastor the congregation shall have the right to restore an excommunicated person by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called members’ meeting.
ARTICLE VIII: CHURCH OFFICERS
Section 1: General Statement
Jesus Christ alone is the head of His church. However, as head, He has ordained that individual churches should be blessed with the spiritual rule and ministry of special office bearers. Therefore, it is the duty of the church to seek to discover from among members in good standing those to whom Christ the Lord has imparted the necessary gifts for office bearing. The Lord’s appointment is recognized by not only the inward conviction of the individual involved, but also by the approval of the church observing the possession of those gifts and graces required, and by Scriptural definition of the office.
While it is always the desire of the congregation to come to one mind regarding those who should be appointed to serve as office bearers in the church, no less than 75% of all votes cast shall be required for the election of an officer.
Pastors/Elders/Bishops are ordained by Christ to lead in the administration of local churches, and the teaching and preaching of God’s word (Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:1–7; 14:23). Deacons are appointed to care for the temporal needs of the congregation in day to day ministry.
Section 2: The Senior Pastor
The senior pastor/elder/bishop shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time ministry of leading the congregation and preaching and teaching. His call shall not be subject to the reaffirmation or term limitation. He shall preach on the Lord's Day, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, oversee corporate worship, oversee educational aspects of the church, and perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office, or as set forth in the constitution.
The Senior Pastor has full authority in determining who will preach, teach, and minister publicly in any way in the meetings of the church. No one may minister publicly in any way unless invited by or approved by the Senior Pastor (or Deacons in the absence of a Pastor).
The church should joyfully submit to the elder who rules well in the word and should honor the office of Senior Pastor. The membership shall recognize no other individual as Senior Pastor, or treat them as such, other than the man who is elected to serve in this position.
In the absence or incapacity of the senior pastor the church can select an elder member or a deacon who shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated. If at any time the senior pastor shall make application to be released from his office, or if the congregation shall choose by a two-thirds majority vote to dismiss him, the relationship between the senior pastor and church may be terminated by the congregation in ninety days from the date of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time, if it is mutually agreed upon.
If at any point the Senior Pastor fails to uphold the standard of sound doctrine as expressed in our confessions of faith, or he falls into grievous immorality that defames the name of Christ and brings great reproach against the church, and he fails to repent and seek restoration when lovingly confronted over his failings, then the church may call for his dismissal at a regular or special called members meeting. This meeting must be publicly announced to the membership at least one week in advance.
Section 4: Deacons
The office of deacon is described in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 and Acts 6:1–7. The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons.
Deacons shall care for the temporal needs of members, preserve unity, attend to the assisting the Pastor as he leads them, assist in accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration. The deacons are, along with the leadership of the Senior Pastor, responsible for the disbursement of funds received by the church for benevolent needs.
ARTICLE IX: ORDINATIONS
Section 1: Ministers of the Gospel & Deacons
When there is a prospective candidate for ordination to the ministry, the Pastor shall guide that person in his studies and preparation. They shall then call a council to examine the qualifications of the candidate. The council shall investigate the soundness of his conversion, the godliness of his walk, the soundness of his doctrine, the degree of his gifts, the extent of his training, and the blessing of God upon his labors for Christ.
If the council heartily recommends that the candidate be ordained, the church may give the recommended commission by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting at a congregational meeting.
Section 2: Installation of Deacons
After the Church has affirmed and voted to elect a man to the ministry of Deacon, then the hands of the ordained officers present shall be placed on the heads of the new deacons and prayer offered on their behalf.
ARTICLE X: FINANCES
The work of this church is financially dependent upon the voluntary gifts of God’s people. The Senior Pastor and Deacons, in conjunction with the finance committee, shall be responsible for the orderly administration of the annual budget and all financial disbursals and receipts. Before an annual members meeting (fiscal year start/end date to be determined by the church), the Senior Pastor and Deacons shall work in conjunction with the finance committee to prepare a budget that will finance the mission and ministries of the church. When this budget is approved by a vote of the congregation, it shall be considered the basis for the current liabilities. No adjustments are to be made to the budget that exceed 20% of the annual budget without the consent of the congregation.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a congregational or members meeting, provided that such amendments have been distributed by the officers in written form at least two weeks prior to the congregational meeting.
______________________________________________________________________
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I: MEMBERS MEETINGS
Section 1: Notice of Meetings
Notice of all members meetings shall be given at regular worship services on the two successive Sundays immediately prior to the meeting. In an emergency, a meeting may be called on shorter notice by making an effort to notify each member of the time, place and purpose of the congregational meeting.
Section 2: Number of Meetings
Members meetings shall be held every spring and fall for the reception of reports and the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. The adoption of a budget shall take place at the annual members meeting closest to the end of the fiscal year.
Section 3: Method of Calling Meetings
It shall be the right and responsibility of the Senior Pastor to call all congregational meetings. When special congregational meetings are called, there must be notice given to the congregation as to the purpose.
Section 4: Responsibility for Meetings
The Pastor (with the assistance of the Clerk and Deacons as needed) shall arrange the details of all committee and members meetings and see that all possible preparation for their successful conduct is made. All meetings of Means Baptist Church shall follow the principles of godliness, kindness, and adherence to the Biblical instruction for brotherly love and cooperation. There are to be no private recordings or broadcasts of committee or membership meetings.
The Senior Pastor shall be a member for all committees/meetings.
In as much as possible, any items to be discussed at members meetings should be presented to the moderator prior to the meeting in order to best arrange and govern the meeting in an orderly fashion.
Section 5: Quorum for Transaction of Business
The voting members present at any constitutionally called members meeting shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business.
A quorum for any committee meetings shall be 60% of their total number. Committees shall deliver a written record of their meetings to the Clerk.
Section 6: Voting Age
Any member of the church eighteen years of age or over, in good and regular standing, shall have the right to vote on any question properly brought before the congregation.
ARTICLE II: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Principles
The process for church elections shall be interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles: Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of the election process. Nominations should proceed only with the support of the Senior Pastor’s affirmation of the individual’s spiritual maturity to hold the office. All candidates for church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow members.
Section 2: Selection of Officers
The election of officers shall be held at a members’ meeting of the church. Names of nominees to serve as officers shall be presented by the moderator at the members’ meeting, and the election shall proceed as directed by the moderator. The moderator shall declare “elected” all those receiving no less than 75% of all votes cast for the office of pastor or deacon; abstentions will not be considered as votes cast. The persons elected shall assume their respective offices upon election, unless another date has been specifically designated.
Section 3: Calling of the Senior Pastor
In the calling of any man to this position, the church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching gifts of any potential senior pastor and, before being asked to express its judgment, must receive assurance from a Pastoral search committee elected by the church, that having interviewed the man concerned, they are in no doubt as to his wholehearted assent to the church’s confession of faith and affirmed statements. Means Baptist Church will interview, consider, and recognize only adult males over the age of 21 as candidates for Senior Pastor. Pastoral candidates must affirm our confession of faith.
Section 4: Dismissal of the Senior Pastor
Dismissal of a Senior Pastor must be by 66% of the members present at a members meeting. The deacons must make the congregation aware in advance that such a vote will be taking place. If at any time the senior pastor shall make application to be released from his office, or if the congregation shall choose by a two-thirds majority vote to dismiss him, the relationship between the senior pastor and church may be terminated by the congregation in ninety days from the date of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time, if it is mutually agreed upon.
ARTICLE III: CLERK AND TREASURER
Section 1: Duties of the Church Clerk
The Clerk shall keep a record of all business transacted at the various meetings of the church, keep an accurate record of the membership, and carry on all necessary and related correspondence for the congregation. The Clerk shall be appointed by congregational vote.
Section 2: Duties of the Church Treasurer
The church Treasurer is to be responsible for the keeping of an accurate financial record of all funds identified with the church, reconciling monthly statements, monitoring and safeguarding church accounts, attending to any filings required by law, as well as maintaining records of individual contributions. The Treasurer shall be appointed by congregational vote. The Treasurer shall work with and report to the Senior Pastor and Finance Committee. An assistant Treasurer may be appointed to assist in these duties and be an emergency secondary on church bank accounts.
ARTICLE IV: FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee shall be comprised of the Senior Pastor, Church Treasurer, the Deacons, and additional church members who are appointed annually by the Senior Pastor and approved by the congregation. Their duties include working with the Pastor and Treasurer to prepare and recommend to the congregation an annual budget.
ARTICLE V: CHURCH CORPORATION
In compliance with the laws of the State of Kentucky for Corporations Not for Profit, this church shall have at least 2 men to serve as trustees who carry out those duties as required by law.
ARTICLE VI: CHURCH COUNCIL
At the approval of no less than 75% of the members present at a regular members meeting, the church may approve 3-9 individuals (two shall be deacons, if possible, and the Senior Pastor shall be considered one member) who shall comprise a church council. The Senior Pastor will select and recommend these individuals and serve as head of the council, and the church treasurer will assist in determining available funds and disbursing funds as emergency needs arise. The Church Council shall be installed and terminated as the Senior Pastor and/or congregation deems necessary.
The Church Council will assist the Senior Pastor in day to day business which may arise. The Church Council will govern matters that are deemed an emergency that cannot be stalled until a members meeting can be called. For example: Maintenance to uphold the high quality of the building and grounds, immediate legal matters, and emergency spiritual matters involving members or staff.
Council members must be those who faithfully attend regular worship services, are faithful financial contributors to the church, as well as good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to them. In the Pastor’s absence, the council may select a member well qualified to lead. The church will support and encourage these individuals as wise counsel to the church, and lovingly encourage them when they have made emergency decisions.
ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES
Other committees such as, but not limited to, youth committee, missions committee, hospitality committee, pastor search committee, and any other needed committee, may be approved by the church by 75% approval at any members meeting. The Senior Pastor should approve all committee prospects before voted on by the church. Committees may be formed and dissolved as needed.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the By-Laws may be adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a congregational meeting, provided that such amendments have been distributed by the Senior Pastor and/or deacons in written form at least one week prior to a members meeting.
___________________________________________________________________
ORDER AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS BY WHICH BAPTIST CONGREGATIONAL POLITY WILL BE EXERCISED AMONG MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING
ARTICLE I: Purpose of Members Meetings
We find the local assemblies mentioned in sacred scripture joyfully expressing approval of matters which affected their assembly, their witness to the community, their stewardship of that which had been entrusted them by Christ through whom all gifts are given, and the testimony of the brethren in all places. Therefore, we do herein set forth that we as a congregation of believers in Christ Jesus, and having been water baptized upon the profession of our faith in Jesus as Lord, do recognize it is our solemn duty to gather on such occasion as pleases the Church to prayerfully and peacefully seek to discuss and determine such matters as an assembly may be required to manage.
ARTICLE II: Moderator
Section I: Office of Moderator
The Senior Pastor should moderate matters of polity, governance, and business becoming a body of Christ in a members meeting. In the absence of a Senior Pastor, the church may appoint another man from the assembly who has shown himself to be wise, strong in the faith, and a man of good temperament.
Section II: Role of Moderator
The moderator shall call for elected officers to present reports to the church. He shall present the agenda, set forth matters of business as presented in the agenda, remain neutral in voting unless a tie requires his deciding vote, and he will be readily available to intervene and lead the assembled members in prayer and wise counsel should any of the gathered behave in a manner inconsistent with the fruits of the Spirit. In the case of unruly brethren, the Deacons should assist the Pastor in handling the situation in a wise and godly manner, considering the safety and well-being of the assembly.
Section III: Qualifications of Moderator
In the absence of a senior Pastor, when selecting a moderator, he should be a man over the age of 21 who has clearly exhibited a tender heart, a peaceful demeanor, an understanding of the articles of faith by which we restrain and guide ourselves, and in as much as possible should be a brother the church has found worthy of the laying on of hands (a deacon).
ARTICLE III: Order of Members Meetings
Section 1: Preceding Ceremony
Members meetings shall be preceded by the praises of the assembly expressed in a song, and/or a brief Biblical devotion to remind the assembly we are humble Christ-followers, bound by love, gathering to steward the things of God, and we should conduct ourselves in holy conduct.
Section 2: Call to Order
Prayer by one of the assembled brethren shall be the call to order of matters that must be reported on and decided by the assembly.
Section 3: Agenda
A. Reports
Any such reports by regularly appointed officers shall be presented as the first matter to be considered. After the public presentation of a report, the assembled may request further information, offer questions pertaining to the reports to ascertain that all matters by church officers are being handled in a manner worthy of a follower of Christ, or offer amendments which better express the veracity of reports presented.
Reports which should be faithfully submitted in as much as can be reasonably expected are the reports pertaining to the treasury, matters of urgency that were handled between members meetings by the Senior Pastor, Deacons, or Church Council, and reports of committees which have met since the last members meeting.
B. Approval of Agenda for Matters of Decision and Discussion
The agenda for matters to be presented during the members meeting is to be presented to the assembled in verbal and/or written form. Proposed amendments to the agenda shall include new items of importance, or the removal of items which have otherwise been solved to the joyful approval of the congregation. With no further discussion involving the agenda, it shall be declared final by the Moderator and upon his declaration it shall be accepted by those assembled. All agendas shall be logged into the records of the church’s business history, treasury, and office/committee reports.
If such matters arise which require a new item be added during the conducting of business, the church may by 75% of those present, amend the agenda during the meeting to add a necessary item.
Section 4: Matters of Discussion and Decision
Following the order of the presented agenda, the Moderator shall present each item to the church in an orderly fashion, and call for discussion which is becoming that of Christ followers. There shall be ample opportunity given for serious inquiry into all matters by all present members qualified to vote. The Moderator shall ask and clearly ascertain that no more discussion is being offered by the assembled members before he puts an item forward for motions and voting.
A. Voting
After the Moderator has given an opportunity for all present to voice their opinion and inquire into matters of discussion (within reasonable boundaries), the Moderator shall then request that a member present make a motion that the matter be accepted. Upon a motion made, the Moderator will then ask for a second to the motion made. After a second to the motion has been made, the Moderator shall put the matter before the church for a vote. Percentage of vote for approval of matters is at the discretion of each body and outlined within their constitution and by-laws.
An affirmative vote is first requested. A vote to reject the motion is then requested. After ascertaining the voting percentages, the Moderator shall declare a matter approved or disapproved based on the vote. If a matter is voted upon by written ballot, then the Moderator should be accompanied by two brethren which assist in the counting of votes. The two assistants should be members of the assembly who have been deemed trustworthy men of integrity.
Voting may be by written ballot, raising of the hand, or the verbal expression of “Amen” and “Yea” in the affirmative, or “Nea” in the negative.
B. Tabling of Matters
If a matter being discussed is discovered to lack necessary information which allows good judgment to be exercised by the members present, a brother of good report may suggest to the Moderator that the item for discussion be tabled until further information may be ascertained. The item may be re-visited at a future members meeting. It may be suggested by the Moderator that those assembled establish a committee to further inquire into the matter of discussion.
Tabling of matters must be done with great caution. Tabbling an item shall never be used as a means of disruption to the meeting. Members meetings, all discussions, and all decisions should be done with a spirit of kindness and joy, and a desire to uphold the church covenant.
C. Death of a Motion
If no motion is made to vote on an item, or no second to the motion is offered, then the motion dies on the floor. This means the motion can no longer be discussed as a part of the current members meeting. If a member present can show forth just cause according to the sacred scriptures, the church covenant, or the constitution and by-laws, as to why an item should not be considered for decision, then the item dies on the floor.
Section 5: Dismissal of Members Meeting
After the Moderator has presented all items of the agenda, and they have been discussed, and then affirmed, denied, tabled, or they have died on the floor, the Moderator shall proclaim the conclusion of all matters of business, and call for a Brother in the assembly to dismiss by means of prayer.
ARTICLE IV: Presentation of Commentary and Recommendations Outside the Membership
If at any point such events may arise which require the opinion or advice of individuals outside the membership, legal representatives, or other individuals or groups which are not members of the congregation, the Moderator shall inform the church that those outside the membership who are given the floor are there to advise and counsel but have no jurisdiction or authority in matters concerning the church. No outside individual or entity of any type can make any decision for Means Baptist Church. We shall joyfully remain an autonomous Body of Believers, and may this paragraph never be amended but joyfully preserved by future generations.
At no point is it acceptable for members of a local congregation of Baptist polity to freely seek advice from those outside the assembly in matters regarding the spiritual or legal health of the membership unless there is a justifiable cause in which the Articles of Faith, Church Covenant, Constitution, By-Laws, or members are being abused, or there is confusion as to how to properly address a situation in a manner which is consistent with the articles of faith, church covenant, constitution, and by-laws. Baptist Congregational Churches have historically established their matters of faith and practice among their own assemblies, and in as much as possible this practice must continue in order to faithfully preserve congregational polity. Gathering opinions from outside sources often leads to confusion, discord, and factions. All attempts shall be made by the church to handle matters in the church through the means of the membership, in as much as possible. However, it must be stated that at times we have no recourse other than seeking the opinions and commentary of those outside our assembly. May the Lord help us to use wisdom, and to seek to find peace and unity in such matters.
ARTICLE V: Amendments to Articles of Order and Conduct
The articles expressed in this document should be re-visited at least every three years. The faithful brethren deemed worthy of the laying on of hands should carefully examine these articles when re-visited and make a recommendation to the church regarding any amendments, corrections, or updates to be made. At any regular members meeting changes to these articles may be made by an approval of no less than 75% of the members present. Proposed changes should be announced to the congregation no less than one week prior to the members meeting. It should be the desire of the church to keep these articles simple, clear, and consistent with the constitution, by-laws, church covenant, and the statement of faith.
Means Baptist Church ©