CONSTITUTION
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PINE, ARIZONA
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PINE, ARIZONA
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be First Baptist Church of Pine, Arizona.
Article II – Standing
The church shall remain independent of any ecclesiastical authority, except that of the Lord Jesus Christ as declared in the Word of God. We support, independent of ecclesiastical authority, cross-cultural missionaries and agencies who support missionary endeavors overseas as well as various Christian endeavors that present and spread the Gospel of Christ in our culture. We cooperate with like-minded churches, in particular the Conservative Baptist Association of America, in mutual efforts to further the Gospel of Christ. The First Baptist Church of Pine, Arizona shall remain its own highest earthly authority in matters of government, purpose and operation.
Article III – Purpose
The purpose of this church shall be:
- The preaching of the Word of God to the mutual edification, instruction and discipline of its members and other believers.
- The administration of the ordinances of the New Testament.
- The spiritual and physical care and growth of its members and other believers
- The winning of the unsaved to our Lord Jesus Christ.
- The manifestation of this local body of Christ as a representative of the New Testament church according to the Word of God.
Article IV – Doctrinal Statement
A doctrinal statement of faith entitled “What We Teach” will be attached to this document.
Article V – Membership
1) This church shall receive as members only those:
a) who have by faith accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour,
b) who have been baptized by immersion,
c) who by their lives manifest the fruit of the born-again experience and true faith in God, and
d) who agree to adhere to the Statement of Faith, abide by the Constitution, By-Laws and Membership Agreement policies of this church.
b) who have been baptized by immersion,
c) who by their lives manifest the fruit of the born-again experience and true faith in God, and
d) who agree to adhere to the Statement of Faith, abide by the Constitution, By-Laws and Membership Agreement policies of this church.
2) The Board of Elders shall examine all applicants for membership to determine whether they are members of the Body of Christ, and to determine whether they sincerely support the purpose of this church as stated in Article III. When the petitioner meets the above requirements, he or she shall be considered for membership. (See Article 1 – By-Laws – Membership).
3) No person shall be excluded from membership in this church because of gender, color national or ethnic origin.
4) Membership can be denied by the Elder Board based upon objections. (See Article 1 – By-Laws, Section 6 – Membership).
Article VI – Church Discipline
Discipline of member(s) shall be administered according to Matthew 18 leading to restoration of member or removal of member if restoration is unsuccessful. (See Article 1 – By-Laws, Section 6 – Membership)
Article VII – Government
1) The ultimate authority in this church shall reside in the membership of the congregation. They shall approve Biblically Qualified Elders and elect Biblically Qualified Deacons.
(See Article II – Officers of the Church, Article IV Section 1, By-Laws)
(See Article II – Officers of the Church, Article IV Section 1, By-Laws)
2) The ruling Elders will elect from its members the following officers each year: Chairman, a vice-Chairman and a Secretary. These men will serve as the corporate officers of this church.
3) The Board of Elders shall approve ministry boards and committees and personnel as needed to efficiently carry out the purpose of this church.
Article VIII – Meetings
There shall be quarterly meetings of the church membership for reports. There shall also be an annual meeting for election of Deacons and approval of the annual budget.
Article IX – Procedures
A supplement to this constitution known as By-Laws shall include but not necessarily be limited to:
1) Procedures for admittance or dismissal of membership.
1) Procedures for admittance or dismissal of membership.
2) The definitions, qualifications, duties and procedures for the calling and termination of pastoral staff, Elders, Deacons and committees.
3) Provisions and procedures for meetings other than those mandated by the constitution.
4) Explanations of Policy & Procedures.
Article X – Indebtedness
The church buildings and property, including finances of the church, shall not become encumbered without specific approval of the church membership at a properly called meeting with a voting majority of two-thirds (2/3) of all qualified voters by written ballot.
Article XI – Amendments
Amendments to this constitution shall be made at quarterly congregational business meetings of the church when approved by two-thirds (2/3) of all voting members. The proposed amendment must be presented to the congregation in writing at least 60 days prior to its adoption to ensure adequate time for its scrutiny and discussion by written ballot.
Article XII – Ministerial Staff
Ministerial personnel shall be selected by the Board of Elders and affirmed by the members of the church. Each candidate will be known for faithful Christian living over a period of several years. The candidate will be presented by the Board of Elders to the congregation following extensive prayer, examination and unanimous approval. The congregation will be notified of the candidacy in preparation for a 30 (thirty) day period of affirmation. The Board of Elders will review all comments received during the affirmation period and will prayerfully consider them.
February 2009