CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
TRENTON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Preamble
We, the members of the TRENTON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 407 Sibley Road, Trenton, Michigan, in a regular and duly called business meeting on August 31, 2003, have agreed to the following Constitution and By-Laws prepared by a Special Study Committee authorized by this Church on March 5, 2003, and do hereby accept this Constitution as an instrument of Church administration for the purpose of guiding the affairs of this Church and to assist us in accomplishing our mission as a New Testament Church.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I – NAME
This Church shall be known as the TRENTON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, of Trenton, Michigan, here in after to be referred to as this Church.
ARTICLE II – AFFILIATION
This Church shall be affiliated with the Greater Detroit Baptist Association; with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan; and with the Southern Baptist Convention in so far as these affiliations do not violate the free choice and best wishes of this Church.
ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
It shall be the purpose of this Church to carry out the “Great Commission” of our risen Lord as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20. This Church will provide for regular services of worship wherein we welcome visitors; preach the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ; observe the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper; sing God’s praises; and teach the TRUTHS OF GOD as set forth in the Holy Bible.
This Church will likewise share in this same purpose through support of the Cooperative efforts of our local Association, State, North American, and World Missions program.
ARTICLE IV – INCORPORATION
This Church shall be incorporated according to the laws of the State of Michigan governing religious bodies.
ARTICLE V – DOCTRINE
In accordance with the historical Baptist position, the only authority for doctrinal belief shall be the Holy Bible. This Church recognizes the doctrinal statement adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in the year of our Lord, 2000, which statement is a further adaptation based originally on the New Hampshire Confession and has become a standard for Missionary Baptist Churches in the United States. This is not a binding creed but a statement of Baptist belief to which this Church Subscribes.
ARTICLE VI – CONDUCT
This Church recognizes the Holy Bible as the only authority in matters of Christian conduct, but as a practical statement of Christian ethics, by which this Church shall expect its members to abide, this Church recognizes the Church Covenant printed below...
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, 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; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
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 Saviour 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 VII – GOVERNMENT
The government of this Church, in accordance with the historical Baptist practice, shall be congregational in form, all matters to be decided democratically by majority vote of the members present except as herein defined in succeeding Articles.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: METHOD OF RECEIVING MEMBERS
(1) All prospective members shall be formally received when presented to
this Church in any if its worship services pending:
a) Members may be received by baptism upon a public profession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.
b) Members may be received by letter from a sister Baptist Church of like faith and practice, generally considered to be any Church of Southern Baptist tradition. In the event of question, the Pastor shall be free to bring recommendation for special action.
c) Members may be received by statement of the fact that they had formerly belonged to a Baptist Church of like faith and doctrine, but due to extenuating circumstances, cannot secure a letter for such reasons as the disbanding of a Church or the loss of Church records.
SECTION 2: DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS
(1) It is recommended that each new member attend the New Member Orientation class of this Church. This class shall be provided twice annually in May and November.
(2) Each Church member is expected to support this Church to the fullest extent possible, financially through tithes and offerings, and personally through consistent attendance of regular and special services of this Church. Each member shall be expected to subscribe to the doctrinal position of this Church and to abide by the principles of the Church Covenant. (see Article VI, Constitution)
SECTION 3: DISCIPLINE OF CHURCH MEMBERS
(1) Each member is subject to disciplinary action by this Church in the event of failure to actively support the program of this Church or in the event of doctrinal or moral default. All disciplinary cases are to be handled in a Christian manner after the Scriptural pattern (Mathew 18). The Pastor, deacons, or any other duly authorized members of this Church shall attempt to properly counsel and pray with members under discipline before Church action. The opportunity shall be given the person to make apology and/or amends before dismissal.
(2) This Church shall always be ready to reinstate a dismissed member upon their repentance and apology before this Church.
SECTION 4: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall terminate by death automatically; by discipline under provisions of Article I: Section 3, Number1; by reason of departure from the faith; or by transfer of letter. In the event of transfer, if a member has fallen short of his/her obligation, yet not to the extent of disciplinary action, this shall be made known to the Church requesting his/her letter.
SECTION 5: CATEGORIAL MEMBERSHIP ROLL
(1) This Church shall maintain Church membership roll of two categories:
a) Active. Whose residence can be verified and who remain active in attendance and support.
b) Inactive. Whose residence is unknown or who do not attend nor support this Church in any manner.
(2) This Church shall up-date these two categories annually.
ARTICLE II – GENERAL OFFICERS
SECTION 1: PASTOR
(1) The Pastor shall be a spiritual leader of high Christian character. Being duly ordained, he shall be in accord with the Covenant, the Articles of Faith, and the Constitution and By-laws of this Church.
(2) CALL
He shall be called upon the unanimous recommendation of a duly elected Pastoral Search Committee by an affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the members present and voting.
(3) DUTIES
The Pastor shall be the recognized leader of this Church, giving personal direction to its total ministry, working with all duly constituted officers and committees in promotion of our “Purpose and Doctrine” in perpetuity. He shall be the recognized leader in all Worship activities; shall moderate all Business Meetings; shall conduct the Church ordinances; shall serve as ex-officio member of all Committees and functions of this Church; shall have control of the Pulpit; and shall be expected as much as possible to minister to the total spiritual needs of all members collectively and individually. (In the absence of the Pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons shall moderate business meetings; preside over the service of the Lord’s Supper; and oversee the conduct of all general meetings.)
(4) BENEFITS
The Pastor shall be paid a reasonable salary which shall be adjusted Annually or as cost of living requires. He shall be given two weeks paid vacation yearly. He shall be allowed up to four additional weeks for conducting revivals elsewhere. He shall be allowed leave to attend State and National Conventions with the Church bearing his reasonable expenses (expenses must be reported on an expense voucher and turned over to the Church Treasurer). The Church shall see that he and his family are provided reasonable Health Insurance coverage and included in the Annuity Retirement Program of the Southern Baptist Convention. Every Five Years the Pastor shall be given a One Month Sabbatical with three-fourths (3/4) pay, for study/or travel as such activity relates to his ministerial duties.
(5) TERMINATION
a) Upon resignation, the Pastor shall inform this Church thirty days before terminating his services.
b) In the event of dismissal, this Church shall give the Pastor a thirty day notice (except in unusual circumstances where his leadership has become ineffectual) before declaring the pulpit vacant.
c) In any case, this Church will dutifully consider severance pay in a loving spirit.
(6) ELECTION OF A PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Whenever a vacant pulpit is certain or pending, this Church shall elect a Search Committee consisting of Five members with Two alternates and name the Chairman of this Committee from the Five. He shall be the Spokesperson for the Committee making One recommendation for a prospective Pastor at a time.
SECTION 2: OTHER STAFF
(1) All other paid staff members shall be employed or dismissed by this Church in a business meeting upon the recommendation of the Pastor.
(2) They shall minister in cooperation with the Pastor and other staff members.
SECTION 3: DEACONS
(1) QUALIFICATIONS
In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice in the New Testament as set forth in Acts 6:1-7 and Timothy 3:8-13, the Deacons are to be servants of the Church. They shall have proven themselves to be faithful and regular in attendance; in accordance with the Articles of Faith, the Covenant and these By-laws; they shall be active in their support of all organizations of this Church and by example display evidence of the Christian stewardship.
(2) DUTIES
(a) They are to be zealous to guard the unity of the Spirit within this Church in the bonds of peace
(b) They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the Pastor in
all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of this Church toward it’s
purpose.
(c) They are to establish and maintain personal relations with, and seek to
inspire the membership of this Church. Especially are they to seek and
know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of the brethren and sisters and to serve the whole Church in relieving, encouraging, and developing all who are in any such need.
(3) New deacons shall be selected based upon their qualifications as defined above, then presented to this Church for election and ordination.
(4) No deacon shall serve automatically by virtue of previous ordination.
(5) The number of Deacons shall be decided by this Church as it deems wise and they shall serve upon ordination, or election by this Church in the event of previous ordination by another Church. The deacon Chairman shall be elected by the Deacon body annually and approved by this Church.
(6) At no time shall the deacons consider themselves as appointed to remove the pastor, or to interfere with his work as administrator and minister of the Word. They may be free to consult with him freely on all Church matters short of interference. Indifference to these rules shall be considered sufficient grounds of removal from office.
SECTION 4: TRUSTEES
(1) This Church shall maintain a Trustee committee of three (3) by annually electing one (1) trustee to serve three (3) years. One (1) trustee shall rotate off the committee each year to be replaced by a three (3) year elected.
(2) It shall be the duty of the trustees to sign for the Church in all legal matters; to oversee the care of all Church property; to be responsible for adequate insurance on all Church property; and to file annual incorporation papers as required by the State of Michigan (See Constitution Article IV). Further all legal papers shall be kept in a safe deposit box.
SECTION 5: CHURCH COUNCIL
(1) The Church Council shall be constituted each year of the Pastor and any employed Administrative Staff, Chairman of Deacons, one Trustee, all department heads, and one member at large.
(2) The Pastor shall serve as chairman and the work of the council shall be to assist the Pastor in correlating and promoting the total Church program.
(3) At no time shall the council consider themselves a policy-making body. Their ideas or suggestions are to be presented to the Church in business conference at which time this Church will determine its course of action.
SECTION 6: TREASURER AND ASSISTANT
(1) The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be elected by this Church annually.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Treasurer or Assistant:
a) to receive all funds from the head usher;
b) to deposit all funds in the bank;
c) to disburse all funds in accordance with the Church budget and/or according to Church action;
d) to serve as Chairman of the Budget-Finance Committee;
e) to maintain the Church check book in parallel with a single entry ledger book;
f) to provide a prepared report to all members who desire one at the regular monthly business meeting, noting the source and amount of all income; identify all items disbursed; and note both the beginning and ending monthly balance;
g) to prepare the ledger book, check book, and monthly balance sheets for an annual audit or more frequently as this Church determines;
h) to provide all record books and check book to the Assistant at all times of his/her own absence
(3) At no time shall Church money be spent beyond that designated in the budget without Church authorization in business conference.
(4) The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall not be members of the same household nor immediate family.
(5) For their protection and the protection of this Church, the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer each shall be bonded in the amount of $50,000.00. As well as any others who handle or count moneys of this Church.
(6) At no time shall a pre-signed blank check be provided to any person for any reason.
SECTION 7: CLERK AND ASSISTANT
(1) The Clerk and Assistant Clerk shall be elected by this Church annually.
(2) The duties of the Clerk shall be as follows:
a) receive information on all new members;
b) keep an up-to-date, accurate and complete account of the Church roll, both active and inactive members;
c) receive and make known to the Church all requests for letters;
d) send all letter transfers according to the action of this Church;
e) to provide adequate minutes of all regular and special business meeting;
f) the Assistant Clerk shall assist the Clerk in any way the Clerk may wish and shall serve for the Clerk in all cases where the Clerk is in absence.
ARTICLE III – COMMITTEES
SECTION 1: NOMINATING COMMITTEE
(1) A committee of three shall be elected annually at the April business meeting. The committee chairman shall bring recommendations for all department heads to May business meeting. When elected, these shall join with original three and further nominate all officers and committees at the July business meeting.
(2) Further, should any vacancy occur during the year this committee should recommend a replacement.
SECTION 2: USHERS
(1) Ushers shall be elected annually and number no less than six.
(2) It shall be the duty of the ushers to work under the direction of the head usher who will be under the direction of the Pastor.
(3) It shall be the duty of the ushers to care for the seating and comfort of the congregation.
(4) It shall be the duty of the Head usher to receive all collections of tithes and offerings and, with a deacon, make an accurate count of these collections, record this counting upon a form provided by this Church and turn over all funds to the Church treasurer.
SECTION 3: FLOWER COMMITTEE
(1) It shall be the duty of this committee to provide as often as necessary proper floral arrangements for Church services and functions; to provide flowers for hospitalized Church members; and to provide flowers for the funeral of any member, or the father, mother, son, daughter, sister, brother or grandparent of any member.
SECTION 4: SOCIAL COMMITTEE
(1) The social committee shall consist of ladies of “Women on Mission”;
(2) It shall be the duty of this committee to plan meals for member families where there is sickness or death; or special dinners or picnics of this Church.
SECTION 5: ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(1) The Association Executive Committee shall be elected annually and be composed of the Pastor and as many additional members as the Association allows;
(2) It shall be the duty of this committee to represent this Church at all Association Executive Committee meetings.
SECTION 6: BUDGET-FINANCE COMMITTEE
(1) This committee shall be chaired by the Church Treasurer and consist of all department heads, deacon chairman, and one member at-large;
(2) It shall be the duty of this committee to prepare a Church budget using requests from various departments, (i.e. Sunday School, discipleship training, Women on Mission, Brotherhood, Music, Youth); including building maintenance, repairs, and improvements; utilities; benevolence; staff support; and missions.
(3) Should the budget need adjusting at any time during the Church year, it will be the responsibility of this committee to review and make a recommendation for adjusting the budget at regular business meeting or a duly called special session of this Church.
SECTION 7: HISTORIAN
(1) The Historian shall be a person who maintains an abiding interest in this Church from a historical perspective;
(2) The duty of the Historian shall be to collect, record and maintain a history of this Church in a human-interest format. This history should be more than numerical facts. This can be done using photos, tid-bits of information, and anecdotes from members.
ARTICLE IV – CHURCH MEETINGS
SECTION 1: REGULAR
(1) This church shall maintain such worship services as are essential to the inspiration, information, encouragement, and growth of its constituency. The times, hours and periods of its worship shall be freely determined by the people as events, social conditions, and community needs may determine. This Church shall consider itself obligated to carry on an educational program to meet the needs of all those who come into its fellowship.
SECTION 2: SPECIAL
(1) This Church shall be free to conduct any and all services that it may deem necessary and/or desirable for its growth, outreach and development. Revivals and/or special studies will, of necessity, be a part of its development.
SECTION 3: BUSINESS MEETINGS
(1) This Church shall conduct its regular business meetings on the first Wednesday night after the first Sunday of each month;
(2) A special business meeting may be called by the Pastor or any member of this Church with the knowledge and approval of the Pastor providing the nature of the item to be presented cannot wait until a regular business meeting as previously determined by this Church. A special called session should be publicly announced one service prior to the meeting when possible.
(3) Members present at a regular or duly called special business meeting shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.
(4) All active members of this Church shall be entitled to vote.
(5) Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed in all matters of Parliamentary Procedure.
(6) The order of business shall be:
a) Call to order
b) Reading of minutes
c) Treasurers report
d) Department reports
e) Committee reports/recommendations
f) Deacons reports/recommendations
g) Clerks report
h) Other items
i) Adjourn
ARTICLE V – GENERAL POLICIES
SECTION 1: USE OF PROPERTY
(1) All facilities of this Church shall not be considered exclusive property of any one group but shall be used freely at different times by any and all functions of this Church.
(2) All official records and Church Property shall be recognized as belonging to this Church exclusively. No part of this property shall be removed from the Church facilities without the approval of the Pastor, Trustees, or as determined by this Church in a business session. It shall be permissible for the Clerk, Treasurer or other elected Church personnel who handle Church records to retain this property in their home for the purpose of carrying out their functions. The people filling these offices must remember that this is Church property and is to be treated as such. All properties are to be returned to this Church upon request without delay.
(3) Non-Church members may be allowed to use facilities for weddings, showers, etc., by observing the following stipulations:
a) A fee of $200.00 for utilities and maintenance costs shall be paid before date of use requested;
b) It is understood there will be no smoking nor use of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs;
c) A list including words and music of non-religious songs intended for weddings, etc., must be submitted to this Church’s officials for review and approval;
d) It is understood that all furniture moved from it’s customary position shall be returned to it’s place;
e) The entire facilities must, out of respect, be returned to usable condition, including cleaning of the tables, floors, kitchen, and restrooms;
f) It shall be the responsibility of person requesting use of building to see to the enforcement of these rules.
SECTION 2: AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and By-laws may be amended:
(1) By finding that the portion to be changed is no longer relevant;
(2) By the wishes of this Church providing that clear evidence is presented indicating a desire of the majority at a regular business meeting;
(3) By a clear statement on the section to be changed and the submitting of a clearly written statement to replace the original section;
(4) By an announcement which must be made thirty (30) days previous to the time for such deliberations;
(5) By the suggested amendment which must be considered in a special called business session with this item being the full and only purpose for this meeting;
(6) Amendments to this Constitution and By-laws shall require a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all members present.
ARTICLE VI – PROPERTIES
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but readily recognizes and supports the obligations of mutual council and cooperation, which are common among Baptist Churches. Therefore, should this Church, by demonstration, plan cessation of our Church functions and our purpose, then the following are to be implemented:
(1) To seek out another Baptist Church or mission of like faith and order to unite with us.
(2) Upon failure to unite with another church or mission, then all assets and/or real estate must be liquidated by sale and all proceeds are to be divided as follows:
100% to the Southern Baptist Convention Cooperative Missions Program
(3) Under no circumstance shall any funds revert to any member.
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