CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH OF DAVIE COUNTY
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
For the purpose of preserving the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body of believing Christians may be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the tenets of Missionary Baptist Churches, for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the church, we do adopt and establish this constitution.
ARTICLE I- NAME
This organization shall be called Freedom Baptist Church of Davie County, of 118 Cornatzer Road, Mocksville, North Carolina 27028.
ARTICLE II- PURPOSE
For purposes of clarification and operation, our church shall adhere to the view that, "A church is a company of believers, baptized on a credible confession of faith, having New Testament officers of pastor, and deacons, perpetuating the ordinances, self-governing in policy, voluntarily banded together for worship, fellowship, work, and the worldwide proclamation of the gospel through the support of those missionaries that meet approval of Freedom Baptist Church of Davie County."
ARTICLE III- DOCTRINE
It shall be understood that ministry or membership in this church means embracing or supporting, along with other Christian tenets, equally or comparably vital, these doctrinal emphases:
1. The divine inspiration, supremacy, and, authority of the scriptures. (II Timothy 3:16)
2. The deity, humanity, virgin birth, sinless life, substitutional death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and pre-millennial coming of Christ. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
3. Likewise the Holy Spirit, who is a divine person and the supernatural agent in regeneration. (John 3:5-6)
4. The sovereignty of God. (Isaiah 45:5)
5. The total depravity of man. (Romans 3:23)
6. The necessity of regeneration. (John 3:3)
7. The local church, as an autonomous body, and separate from the world. (II Corinthians 6:17)
8. The doctrine of the Trinity as historically and scripturally maintained. (Matthew 28: 19-20)
9. The rapture of the church as the Christian*s hope and the resurrection of the body of all Christians concurrent with the rapture. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
10. The earth-wide reign of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 9: 6-7)
11. An ultimate judgment of the unrepentant, a heaven of eternal duration for the saved, and eternal punishment in hell for the lost. (Revelation 20:15)
ARTICLE lV- MEMBERSHIP
1. The membership of this church shall consist of persons who have made a public profession of faith and have been baptized by immersion, likewise subscribe to the doctrines and practices of this church. They shall be received into the church by formal vote.
2. One may be received from another Baptist church of like faith, upon a letter of dismissal from that church. Action must be by vote.
3. Anyone who has been a member of a Baptist Church, and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has no letter of dismissal, may be received into our fellowship upon a statement satisfactory to the church. Action must be by vote.
4. Letters of dismissal may be granted to those desiring to transfer to churches of like faith and order for members in good standing. When letters are granted, membership in this church shall cease.
5. When a member of this church joins a church of a different faith and order, membership in this church shall cease.
6. Members who are providentially hindered will remain on the roll. The church roll will be updated every six months.
7. Erasure of membership when not present for six months and not providentially hindered.
ARTICLE V- DISCIPLINE
This church shall regard as grounds for discipline, infractions respecting the following matters: hearsay, divisive practices, personal slander, and conduct.
1. Propagation of hearsay. (Titus 3:10)
2. Causing and abetting fractions. (Romans 16:17)
3. Personal slander of the pastor or fellow members. (James 3)
4. Conduct unbecoming a Christian.
All officers, as well as all other members will adhere to the disciplinary rules of this church.
COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINE
The committee on discipline, which is the pastor and deacons, shall examine each case prayerfully with due respect for extenuating circumstances and recommend the following action.
1. If the person or persons are unwilling to confess their sin(s) to the church and correct the inappropriate behavior, the disciplinary committee shall (at their discretion) take suitable action, which may include, but is not limited to, removal of the offending person(s) name(s) from the church membership roll. (Matthew 18:15-17)
2. Any member placed under any type of disciplinary action shall not be entitled to vote until such disciplinary action has been lifted by the committee on discipline.
ARTICLE VI- MEETINGS
1. The church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training, and fellowship.
2. The church shall hold quarterly business meetings at which time the temporal and spiritual conditions of the church shall be discussed. These meetings will also include reports, proposals, plans, and all regular business.
3. Other meetings of the church as a whole, or of authorized groups within the church, shall be set according to the needs of the church.
ARTICLE VII- CHURCH OFFICERS
The officers of this church shall be a pastor, deacons, trustees, clerk, treasurer, and such other officers as shall be required for the work of the church in any of its departments and organizations. These shall be elected by the church and shall be members in good standing at the time of election.
A. Officers and Duties
1. Pastor
Whenever a vacancy occurs, a pastor shall be called by the church, to serve until the relationship is dissolved either at the request of the pastor or the church. In either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given of termination of the relationship, or as otherwise mutually agreed, with both the pastor and the church seeking to follow the will of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The call of a pastor shall take place at a meeting especially set for that purpose of which at least one week*s notice has been given to the membership. Election shall be upon the recommendation of a special committee appointed to seek out and nominate as Pastor, a minister of the gospel whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office of pastor of this church. The committee shall bring only one name at a time for consideration of the church. It shall be considered highly preferable that recommendations of this committee shall be the only valid ones. Elections shall be by ballot with an affirmative vote of two-thirds of voting members, present and voting, necessary for a call.
The pastor may call a special meeting of the deacons or any committee according to procedures, which may be set forth in the by-laws. The pastor shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances, and minister to the members of the church.
He shall perform other duties that usually pertain to that office. He shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and shall in cooperation with the deacons provide for pulpit supply when he is absent, and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other services. The pastor shall preside at all meetings and other services. The pastor shall preside at all meetings of the church. He shall be ex-officio member of all committees as advisor, having no power or influence upon said committee.
2. Deacons
Upon adoption of this amendment, there shall be no less than three, no more than five active deacons elected from among those members who have proven themselves to have scriptural qualifications according to I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. They shall be elected for a term of three years with a system of replacement being used in that one will rotate off the first year, one the second year, and one the third year so that a complete cycle may occur within three years. After the completion of a full three-year term, no deacon shall be eligible to reelection until after the lapse of one year.
On or before October first, the names of the nominating committee shall be announced in the church bulletin or from the pulpit giving members of the church opportunity to submit names of prospective deacons to the committee.
On or before October first of the same year, the Nominating Committee shall submit to the deacons a list of proposed nominees. The deacons shall have the responsibility of selecting from this list those deemed morally and spiritually qualified. These names approved by the deacons shall be submitted to the church for election. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. Any vacancy occurring during the year shall be filled by the person receiving the next highest number of votes at the time of election. The deacons shall elect annually their own chairman.
Deacons shall at all times consider themselves as servants of the church with the pastor, and as the Holy Spirit may direct, they are to consider and make recommendations to the church on all matters pertaining to its work and progress, including oversight of the discipline of the church, establish and maintain spiritual fraternal relations with all members of the church, assist the pastor in the observance of the ordinances, have general oversight over the upkeep, repair and use of the church property, (with due respect for the responsibilities of the trustees). They shall arrange for regular meetings and such committees as are necessary to the discharging of their duties. Deacons with the pastor make up the committee on discipline.
If at any time a deacon feels he cannot serve as a deacon for whatever reason, he is expected to resign his office as deacon of this church.
If at any time the Deacon Board as a whole and the pastor feels a deacon or deacons are not fulfilling his duty as a deacon of this church and his service to God, a special meeting of the deacons and the pastor will be called, and if necessary a recommendation will be made to the church as to the action to be taken.
The deacons, along with the clerk, shall review the constitution and by-laws every five years.
4. Trustees
There shall be not less than three nor more than five trustees elected by the church. The trustees shall represent the church in strict accordance with directives from the church in the execution of legal papers. They shall have no power to buy, sell, improve, or transfer property or mortgage church property without church authorization. Neither shall they control the use of church property except as directed by the church. Upon the death, resignation, or inability to serve of any of the trustees, a successor shall be elected by the church in a conference called for that purpose.
5. Clerk
The clerk shall be elected annually. It shall be his/her duty to attend or be represented at all church business meetings, to keep an accurate record of all business transactions. He/She shall issue letters of dismissal as authorized by the church. It shall also be the duty of the clerk to see that an accurate roll of the church membership is kept, with dates and records of admission and dismissal, change of name, correct mailing addresses and other pertinent information. The clerk upon termination of his/her service shall release all records and church property in his/her possession to Freedom Baptist Church of Davie County. The clerk, along with the deacons, shall review the constitution and by-laws every five years.
6. Treasurer
The treasurer shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, keep in bank, and disburse by check upon property authority all money. He/She shall keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements; rendering regular accounts to the church to be preserved by the church clerk. The treasurer’s books shall be audited as arranged by the church, and all books, records, and accounts kept by him/her shall be considered the property of the church. The treasurer shall upon invitation meet with the deacons, and shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.
ARTICLE VIII- FINANCIAL PROGRAM
1. Special emphasis shall be given to missions, and other special projects of the church.
2. Any designated gift which fits in with the purpose and program of our church will be accepted and honored and become property of church, but emphasis in giving shall be through the church.
ARTICLE IX- GENERAL
A. License
When a member announces to the church that he feels the call to the ministry, the church, upon recommendation of the deacons, by majority vote, may license him as acknowledgment of his call to the ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it. The clerk of the church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credential. It is understood that the performance of civil duties by that member shall be governed by state law.
B. Ordination
In the event this church has been requested to ordain a person, who has been called as minister by a Baptist Church or when the church chooses to ordain one of its own members, the procedure shall be as follows:
1. The church will express its approval by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members present at any business meeting of the church.
2. The church pastor will invite pastors from other fundamental Baptist Churches to make up the council to examine the candidate, then recommend to the church said candidate. Then having duly received the recommendation, the church may proceed with the ordination.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I- MEETINGS
The church shall hold regular worship services on Sunday morning, Sunday and Wednesday night, unless otherwise agreed upon by the church. The Lord*s Supper shall be observed at least once a quarter.
ARTICLE II- BUSINESS MEETINGS
The church shall hold regular business meetings at least quarterly. Special business meetings may be called by the pastor or the chairman of the deacons at such time as they are needed, with reasonable notice of the time of the meetings given to the church,
ARTICLE III- ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The annual election of officers shall take place in August and September.
Section 1. Church Officers
A. Superintendent of the Sunday School
The Superintendent of the Sunday School shall have general oversight of the Sunday School program of the church. He shall administer the affairs of the Sunday School with the approval of the church. He must be a member of the church in good standing at the time of election.
B. Teachers
The teachers are to be elected annually. They are to be members of this church in order to hold that position. The teachers of this church are expected to be faithful to all services of the church, and must adhere to the doctrinal statement of the constitution.
C. Any Other Officer or Positions (Choir Member, Musician, etc.)
All are to be faithful in attendance and will support the church financially.
ARTICLE IV- COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees
The church shall elect such standing committees as may be deemed necessary to carry out the various phases of the program of the church efficiently and effectively.
A. Finance Committee
1. The Personnel:
Deacons and trustees.
2. Duties:
To recommend to the church, and to supervise the expenditures as authorized by the church adopted by the church.
B. Nominating Committee
1. The Personnel:
Deacons and trustees.
2. Duties:
After prayerful consideration, nominate for congregational consideration all officers, teachers, committees, etc. to be elected by the church.
C. Building Committee
1. The Personnel:
Deacons and trustees.
2. Duties:
It shall be the duty of this committee to give attention to and study the condition and state of repair and appearance of the buildings and grounds, making such repairs and improvements authorized by the church. All matters of major repair or improvements and items of equipment shall be recommended to the church by the building committee.
D. Cemetery Committee:
1. The Personnel:
Deacons and trustees.
2. Duties:
This committee shall have general oversight of the care and use of the cemetery as agreed upon by the church. They shall have the authority to assign and select burial plots for anyone wishing to be buried in the cemetery. It shall be understood that anyone wishing to be buried in the cemetery will provide a grave marker and vault at the family*s expense.
3. Costs:
Members - free; non-members - $ .
E. Temporary Committees:
The church may elect temporary committees to perform duties as the need arises. They shall be nominated by the nominating committee to the church.
ARTICLE V- LITERATURE
This church shall use basic fundamental literature to be used in accordance with the doctrines of the church constitution. Pastors and teachers must use the Authorized King James Version exclusively.
ARTICLE VI- PROPERTY
The property shall be understood to include all land, buildings, portable furniture and equipment, bonds, bequest, money on deposit in the bank, or church money in possession of church representatives, though it is not deposited in the bank, or invested, etc. It shall likewise include all physical assets acquired by the church at a later date. It is also to be understood that church facilities and property shall not be used unless it is for church related activities. It is acknowledged that the fellowship building has its* own usage guidelines.
A. The Power:
The power to acquire, to control, sell, to lease or mortgage property shall rest solely in the hands of Freedom Baptist Church of Davie County. Extensive improvements, transfer, lease, or sale of church property shall be in violation except when authorized by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a meeting of the church called for such action. The said action being after due publicity in the form of Sunday announcements for two Sundays, and if wisdom directs by mailing of letters to members whose addresses are known.
ARTICLE VII- ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS
A. Adoption:
This constitution and by-laws shall be considered adopted and in effect when two-thirds of the members present at a business meeting at which a vote is taken if the vote is in favor of same. This vote shall be taken not less that eight days after formal presentation of the constitution and by-laws to the church.
B. Amendments:
This constitution may be amended by two-thirds majority amendment or correction be given to the clerk in writing and the proposed change be presented to the church at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken. It is understood there shall be no alterations or amendments to those provisions of the constitution having to do with doctrine, or the ownership, control, or disposition of the physical properties and assets of Freedom Baptist Church of Davie County.
ARTICLE VIII- AUXILIARIES
All auxiliary organizations using the church name, property or influence, shall not be formed without the knowledge and consent of the church. These said groups shall fully subscribe to and share the doctrinal view in this document.
ARTICLE IX- RULES OF ORDER
It shall be the duty of the Pastor to maintain an atmosphere of courtesy, reverence, and good order in all business meetings. The rules of parliamentary procedure shall apply in all business meetings.
ARTICLE X- QUORUM
A quorum shall consist of not less than twenty-five adult members of the church.
ARTICLE XI- VOTING PRIVILEGES
Any member under any type of disciplinary action shall not be permitted to vote. All members of the church otherwise shall be permitted to vote except under eighteen years of age.
ARTICLE XII- STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE
The Biblical view of marriage as stated in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-5 is hereby affirmed and adopted.
VALIDATE
The adoption of this constitution and by-laws shall repeal all previously adopted rules in conflict therewith.
RECORD RETENTION
A copy of this constitution and by-laws are to be kept by the church clerk at all times among his/her records and another copy shall be kept in the church office. All amendments to or revisions thereof shall be prepared by the clerk and attached to copies of the constitution and bylaws and made available to church members generally upon request. A copy of this constitution and by-laws is to be given to each member of this church.
CHURCH 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 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 spiritually; to sustain its worship, ordinances, 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 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 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.
Duly adopted by the church in the manner prescribed herein, this day of , 2002.
Clerk | 
