Our Constitution

KINGSLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE

We do declare and establish this Constitution and By-Laws to:

• Preserve and secure the principles of our faith,
• Govern ourselves in an orderly manner consistent with Holy Scripture,
• Preserve the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church,
• Preserve the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other ecclesiastical bodies.

ARTICLE I
NAME

This body shall be organized as a non-profit church corporation known as Kingsland Baptist Church, a Virginia church corporation, hereinafter referred to in the Constitution and Bylaws as the “Church”.

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND MISSION

The purpose of the Church is to glorify God by fulfilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. (Matt. 22:36-40, 28:18-20)
We glorify God by connecting people with Christ through prayer, evangelism, discipleship, worship, fellowship and ministry.

ARTICLE III
STATEMENT OF FAITH

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God and the basis for our beliefs and practices. This church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.

ARTICLE IV
CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led by the grace of God through the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit to repent of our sin and in faith turn to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and having given public testimony of this faith through baptism by immersion, we now joyfully and solemnly enter into this covenant with the members of this church. We commit, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to affirm and follow the Statement of Faith and Covenant in the Church Constitution, to walk together in love, to remember one another in prayer, to help one another in times of need, to exercise gentleness and humility in our dealings with one another as we speak the truth in love, to be faithful in our responsibilities and commitments, to be just and honest in our dealings, and to honor ourselves and others for Christ’s sake through sexual purity, personal integrity, and abstaining from things or practices which bring harm to our faith or the faith of another.

We commit to faithful participation in times of worship, prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers, to the building up of the church by using our spiritual gifts in ministry, to contributing cheerfully and regularly for the ministry and expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel to the world.

We commit to practice personal and family worship, to train our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and to seek the salvation of our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, and all peoples of the world.

We have read the Articles, Constitution and Bylaws including those policies dealing with church discipline, conflict resolution, members’ rights and responsibilities and Church Covenant and agree to be bound by the Articles, Constitution and Bylaws and accompanying policies and procedures.

ARTICLE V
SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE

Marriage unites one man and one woman in a lifetime commitment to each other (Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Marriage provides for intimate companionship, pure sexual expression (Genesis 2:25; Ephesians 5:31-33), procreation, and reflects the relationship of Christ and the church (Genesis 1:28; Proverbs 5:15-19; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5). A husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the church. A wife is commanded to submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33). Parents are instructed to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

All parents who are members of the church may, if they so desire, have their children dedicated at a time to be designated. This service will give the parents the opportunity to publicly acknowledge their child as a gift from God and will likewise serve as a pledge on the part of the parents to bring the child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The service may consist of a few words from the Pastor and a prayer of dedication.

The believer is expected to comply with the Biblical admonition of refraining from homosexual practices, relationships and one-sex or domestic partnerships and to seek appropriate counseling to refrain from and terminate such practices in order to be received as, or remain a member of this congregation. (Genesis 2:20b-24; Matthew 19: 4, 5; 1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10)

ARTICLE VI
ORDINANCES

SECTION 1 – BAPTISM
A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord shall be received for baptism.

1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
2. Baptism shall be administered by the Pastor or whomever the Church shall
   authorize.
3. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service.

SECTION 2 – THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby Christians, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

1. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly as scheduled by the Church.
2. The Pastor, assisted by the Deacons, shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper.

ARTICLE VII
ORDINATIONS

A. Ordination to the Gospel Ministry:
(1) A candidate for the gospel ministry is usually licensed sometime prior to the request for ordination. When one indicates to the Church that he believes that God has called him to the ministry, and if the Church is in agreement with him, it is appropriate for the Church to give him its tentative approval by licensing him to serve until he has proven himself qualified for ordination. The request for ordination may come from the candidate himself, or the Church he is serving may make the request. Only men shall be considered for ordination to the gospel ministry.

(2) After the Church has received a proper request for ordination of a candidate, the Church shall authorize the appointment of an advisory council to examine the candidate in order to advise the Church regarding the candidate’s fitness for ordination. The council may recommend to the Church:

(a) Ordination of the candidate,
(b) Deferment of the ordination for a stated period, or
(c) Rejection of the candidate.

After the church has received in writing the recommendations of the advisory council and the Church approves the candidate for ordination, the ordination services shall be scheduled and the candidate shall be ordained.

The ordination of a person to the gospel ministry may be revoked by the Church at a meeting called for that purpose.

B. Ordination of Deacons:
A man who has not been previously ordained to the office of deacon by Kingsland Baptist Church or a sister church of like belief shall be ordained at such time as he is elected to serve that office. The ordination of a deacon may be revoked by the Church in a meeting called for that purpose.

ARTICLE VIII
POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

The government of this church is vested in the believers duly received as members by the Church (consistent with Article I of the By-Laws). All internal groups created and empowered by the Church shall be accountable to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Southern Baptist churches. This church will cooperate with and support the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia and the Southern Baptist Convention.
In the event of liquidation or dissolution of the Church, all of its assets and property of every nature and description whatsoever shall be paid over and transferred at the direction of the Board of Directors to the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.

ARTICLE IX
ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 – ADOPTION

The Constitution and By-Laws shall require for adoption, three-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast by the members when presented for adoption, provided the following sequence of events has occurred:

• Proposed document is made available to the Church in writing at a regular or properly called business meeting,
• A formal presentation has been made to the Church with an opportunity to discuss any and all proposed changes. This presentation shall not occur less than 30 days from having been made available in writing (see above).
• The vote shall be cast at a regular or properly-called business meeting at least 30 days after the formal presentation and discussion (see above). This vote shall be taken without further discussion.

SECTION 2 – AMENDMENT

The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by three-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast by the members when presented, provided the following sequence of events has occurred:

• Proposed amendment(s) to the Constitution or By-Laws have been submitted in writing to the Church Council,
• Proposed amendment(s) have been reviewed by the Church Council and then made available to the Church in writing at a regular or properly called business meeting,
• A formal presentation has been made to the Church by the Church Council with an opportunity to discuss any and all proposed changes. This presentation shall not occur less than 30 days from having been made available to the Church in writing (see above).
• The vote shall be cast at a regular or properly-called business meeting at least 30 days after the formal presentation and discussion (see above). This vote shall be taken without further discussion.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS

The membership of the Church shall be composed of persons who have accepted and confessed Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, have been baptized by immersion, and have affirmed the Church Covenant. Persons seeking to join this church must also satisfactorily complete the new member’s class.

SECTION 2 – RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

Members are to be received by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Church members voting when names are presented for membership.

Members may be received in any of the following ways:

1. By expressing a personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ and being baptized by immersion under the authority of Kingsland Baptist Church.
2. By transferring membership from another Southern Baptist Church. If a letter is not received within (60) days of request, the individuals may be accepted upon their statement of Christian conversion consistent with Section 3 below.
3. By making a public statement of prior Christian conversion and baptism by immersion in another church of a like faith and practice. This method is used for individuals who demonstrate Christian behavior and beliefs and for whom no letter is obtainable.
4. By being restored in accordance with Article I, Section 5 of these Bylaws.

SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF MEMBERS

In accordance with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the Church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts of time and material resources each has received from God. Only members in good standing, in accordance with the Church Covenant, of this congregation are permitted to serve on the committees and/or ministry teams of the Church.

Under Christ, this congregation is governed by its members. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all business meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status and on such other matters as may be submitted to a vote.

SECTION 4 – RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

Such members as are in good standing, in accordance with the Church Covenant, may act and vote in the transactions of the Church. Members under sixteen (16) years of age shall be ineligible to vote. All votes shall be decided by simple majority unless otherwise specified in the Constitution and/or Bylaws.

At the time of incorporation, all present members of the unincorporated entity known as Kingsland Baptist Church shall become active members of this church, upon affirming the Church Covenant and agreeing to be bound by the Articles, Constitution and Bylaws and Appendices of the new church corporation. No member of this church, nor any officer, nor any member of the Board of Directors, shall by virtue of such membership, office, or position, incur or be subject to personal liability to any extent for any indebtedness, obligations, acts or omissions of this Corporation.

Members shall be called to vote upon:

1. Annual budget and any significant change in the budget during the year.
2. Acquisition or sale of realty property and/or building projects and related indebtedness.
3. Amendments to the Constitution and/or Bylaws of the Church as specified by the Constitution.
4. Calling or removing a pastor as specified under Article II – Church Officers.
5. Approving all leadership positions and service positions on an annual basis.
6. Dissolving or disposing of all, or substantially all, of the Church’s assets. This vote should only occur after much debate and all other avenues of resolution have been explored. In the case of such a vote, a three-fourths (3/4) majority is required and the Church would vote to empower the Board of Directors to act per Constitution Article VIII.
7. Any other major event or decision brought before the Church.

All votes of the Church will require a simple majority of fifty-one percent (51%) of the votes cast to be deemed passed unless otherwise specified in this document

SECTION 5 – DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

Church Discipline and Restoration – It shall be the practice of this church to pursue every reasonable measure for peace and reconciliation. Should one member sin against another member or the body of members (the Church), engage in unrepentant immoral conduct or unbiblical teaching, the aggrieved members shall follow in a tender spirit the rules given by our Lord and Savior in Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14. In the event of persistent, unrepentant sin, it also may become necessary privately or publicly to correct unrepentant church members. The Pastors and Deacons are available for counsel and guidance to the aggrieved members. Essential moral and biblical failure is required for church discipline. The purposes of such discipline should be for:

A. The repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined.

(Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; Hebrews 12:1-11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5 ; Matthew 7:26-27; 18:15-17; Luke 17:3 ; Acts 2:40; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13-14; James 1: 22)

B. The instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them.

(Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (note- this is written to the whole Church, not just to leaders); I Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24-25)

C. The purity of the Church as a whole.

(1 Corinthians 5:6-7; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; 2 John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2)

D. The good of our corporate witness to non-Christians.

(Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1-14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10)

E. Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character.

(Deuteronomy 5:11; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; Job 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2:24; 15:5-6; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12)

Procedures shall be in harmony with Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1 as is appropriate. Differences that cannot be resolved will be handled by the Deacons. Only after good faith efforts by the Deacons to bring about repentance and reconciliation have proven futile, shall the accused member be subjected to further church discipline by requiring a hearing before the Senior Pastor and the Deacons with notice of the charges and process. All church discipline will require a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Senior Pastor and Deacons to discipline a member or to recommend to the Church the termination of membership of a member. If the Church member is disciplined by the Senior Pastor and the Deacons, all Biblical admonitions to bring about repentance and restoration of the disciplined member will be employed. If the Church member is voted dismissed by the Senior Pastor and the Deacons, this recommendation of dismissal will be brought before the Church body for a vote requiring a three-fourths (3/4) majority to dismiss the Church member.

Members disciplined or dismissed shall be restored to full membership privileges by the Senior Pastor and the Deacons according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7,8 when their conduct is judged by the Senior Pastor and Deacons to be in accordance with the Statement of Faith, Church Covenant and Biblical repentance. If the dismissed member is voted reinstated by the Senior Pastor and Deacons, the recommendation will be brought before the Church body for a vote to reinstate the dismissed member. Votes for reinstatement of a member will also require a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the Senior Pastor and the Deacons for recommendation and of the Church for final reinstatement.

SECTION 6 – TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

1. Death of the member.
2. Transfer to another Baptist Church.
3. Removal by action of the Church.
4. Removal upon request or proof of membership in a church of another denomination.

SECTION 7 – BIBLICAL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES WITHIN OR AGAINST THE CHURCH

Any monetary or contractual dispute between members, staff, a member or staff and the Church or the Church and a third party vendor/contractor shall be resolved using, in order, the following process:

• Christian conciliation consisting of both parties agreeing to meet and diligently discuss possible resolutions.
• Christian mediation consisting of both parties agreeing to meet with mediators approved by both parties.
• Legally binding Christian Arbitration.

Judgment upon an arbitration decision may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction. Jurisdiction and venue shall be the county and state where the Church is located and Virginia law will apply to dispute. Members, pastors, staff or third party vendors/contractors shall understand that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising against the Church and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another or the Church for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision. Notwithstanding this above provision, to protect the Church and its members and under its risk policy procedures, the Church is required to maintain liability insurance. Therefore, this conflict provision is conditioned upon agreement by the Church’s insurers that, in light of the particular facts and circumstances surrounding the disputed matter, this provision, amid the process it establishes will not diminish any insurance coverage maintained by the Church. Moreover, the Arbitrators cannot adjudicate any issue that a civil court could not adjudicate due to jurisdiction based on religious liberty or Church autonomy issues unless the Church gives its written consent.

ARTICLE II – CORPORATE STRUCTURE

SECTION 1 – CORPORATE OFFICERS

The corporate officers shall consist of:

President (to be occupied by the Senior Pastor)
Secretary (to be occupied by the Church Clerk)
Treasurer (to be occupied by the Church Treasurer)
Chairman of the Board (to be occupied by the Deacon Chairman)

SECTION 2 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors shall consist of the Corporate Officers. The corporate powers of the Church shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors. The powers, business and property, of the Church shall be exercised, conducted and controlled by the Board of Directors for the purposes of every effort to oversee the legal and corporate affairs of the Church, acting under the direction and with the approval of the Church in regards to all legal matters.

SECTION 3 – VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A vacancy on the Board of Directors because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause shall be filled by nomination and election by the Church for the remainder of the term.

SECTION 4 – RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL

Any Board Member may at any time deliver a written notice of intent to resign to the Pastor, which shall be effective upon acceptance by the Board of Directors. Other than the Pastor whose removal is provided below, any Officer or Director may be removed at any time with or without cause when, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Board of Directors, it is so recommended by a three quarters (3/4) majority of the Board of Directors. In the case of the removal of a Board Member, the vote of the Board of Directors must then be ratified by a majority vote of the members at a duly-called meeting that such Board Member should no longer serve on the Board of Directors. In the event any Director is so removed, a new Director may be elected by majority vote to fill the vacancy at that same meeting or a meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 5 – CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY

The Board of Directors should adopt a Conflicts of Interest Policy, required by the IRS, which will provide for full disclosure of material conflicting interests by Board Members, Officers, or employees. This Policy shall permit the Board of Directors to determine whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair and reasonable to the Church.

SECTION 6 – NO COMPENSATION FOR DIRECTORS

No salary or compensation shall be paid to any member of the Board of Directors in his/her capacity as member of the Board of Directors, but nothing herein shall be construed to preclude any Board member from serving the Church in any other capacity and receiving reasonable compensation. Moreover, the Board member may receive reasonable reimbursement for travel and other approved expenses upon request and written documentation.

SECTION 7 – QUORUM OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Two-thirds (2/3) of voting Board Members present at the beginning of a meeting shall constitute a quorum for purposes of transacting business at a meeting. Every action taken or decision made by a majority of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be the act of the Board Members.

SECTION 8 – ACTION WITHOUT MEETING

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board Members may be taken without a meeting, if all of the Board Members, individually, or collectively, consent in writing to the action. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Board Members. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 9 – MANNER OF ACTING

Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the act of the majority of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 10 – PARTICIPATION BY CONFERENCE TELEPHONE

Members of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment whereby all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. When such a meeting is conducted by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment, a written record shall be made of the action taken at such meeting, noting participation of those who were present by means of such communications equipment.

SECTION 11 – MINUTES

Minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors shall be recorded and taken by a secretary or clerk who shall have custody thereof and be responsible for circulating copies to the members in a timely manner.

SECTION 12 – TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED PARTIES

A contract or other transaction between the Church and one or more of its Board Members, Pastors, Officers, or family members thereof (hereinafter “Interested Party”), or between the Church and any other entity, of which one or more of the Church or its Board Members, Pastors, or Officers are also Interested Parties, or in which entity is an Interested Party has a financial interest – shall be voidable at the sole simple majority election of the Church at a specially called meeting unless all of the following provisions are satisfied:

1. The Church entered into the transaction for its own benefit;
2. The transaction was fair and reasonable as to the Church, or was in furtherance of its exempt purposes at the time the Church entered into the transaction;
3. Prior to consummating the transaction, or any part, the Board authorized or approved the transaction, in good faith, by a vote of a majority of the Directors then in office, without counting the vote of the interested Director or Directors, and with knowledge of the material facts concerning the transaction and the Interested Parties’ interest in the transaction; and
4. Prior to authorizing or approving the transaction, the Board, in good faith, determined after reasonable investigation and consideration, that either the Church could not have obtained a more advantageous arrangement, with reasonable effort under the circumstances, or the transaction was in furtherance of the Church’s tax-exempt purposes.

Common or interested Board Members may not be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board (or a committee thereof) which authorizes, approves, or ratifies such contract or transaction. Notwithstanding the above, no loan shall be made by the Church to any of its Board Members, Officers, Pastors, or Members.

ARTICLE III – CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – GENERAL

The officers shall be Senior Pastor, Pastoral Staff, Deacon Chairman, Clerk, and Treasurer. All officers are to be members in good standing, imitators of Christ’s conduct in their personal, family, professional, civic and Church life and obedient followers of Christ’s teaching.

SECTION 2 – SENIOR PASTOR

Qualifications: The Senior Pastor/overseer will meet the Scriptural qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Senior Pastor is the spiritual and administrative leader of the Church. He is responsible for the effective and efficient supervision of all church functions as outlined in the personnel policies of the Church.

Calling a Senior Pastor: The Church will affirm God’s calling of a man to be the Senior Pastor (overseer) of this church at a church business meeting called specifically for this purpose. The purpose and date/time of this meeting must be announced at least on the preceding Sunday. Before a call is extended to a Senior Pastor, it is to be approved by three-fourths (3/4) of the members voting. The vote is to be by secret ballot. The Senior Pastor is to be called for an indefinite period.

When a vacancy in the Senior Pastorate occurs, the deacons will ensure that the pulpit is supplied until a Senior Pastor is secured. The Gifts Committee will promptly nominate a Pastor Search Committee to the Church. This committee will be representative of the Church body with not more than one person from any family and leaving sufficient leadership in the Church to carry on the necessary work. This committee will consist of not more than ten (10) members and of not more than two (2) deacons. The Pastor Search Committee is to agree 100% on any one candidate before recommending him to the Church.

Under no circumstances may the committee recommend to the Church more than one person at a time, and when the committee recommendation is before the Church for consideration no other nominations shall be entertained. Persons wishing to suggest a possible Senior Pastor may contact the Pastor Search Committee.

Resignation/Termination: If the Senior Pastor desires to resign, he is to give the Church at least thirty (30) days written notice. If the Church desires to terminate the services of the Senior Pastor based on conduct or doctrinal issues, the deacons will bring this recommendation before the Church. A three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members voting is required to terminate the services of a Senior Pastor. Further processes are as specified in the personnel policies of the Church.

SECTION 3 – PASTORAL STAFF

Qualifications: Each Pastoral Staff member will meet the Scriptural qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Senior Pastor, each Pastoral Staff member is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of all assigned church functions as outlined in the personnel policies of the Church.

Calling a Pastoral Staff Member: When the need for a Pastoral Staff member occurs, the Gifts Committee, when directed by the Church, will nominate a Staff Search Committee to collaborate with the Senior Pastor in seeking and recommending a candidate. This committee will be representative of the Church body and will not have more than one person from any family and leave sufficient leadership in the Church to carry on the necessary work. This committee will consist of not more than ten (10) members and of not more than two (2) deacons. A candidate must be approved by the Senior Pastor and three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Staff Search Committee prior to being brought for consideration by the Church.

A Pastoral Staff member is to be called by a vote of the membership in business meeting, such call to be approved by at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members voting. The vote is to be by secret ballot. A Pastoral Staff member is to be called for an indefinite period of time.

Resignation/Termination: If a Pastoral Staff member desires to resign, he is to give the Church at least thirty (30) days written notice. If the Church desires to terminate the services of a Pastoral Staff member based on conduct or doctrinal issues, the deacons will bring this recommendation before the Church. A three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members voting is required to terminate the services of a Pastoral Staff member. Further processes are as specified in the personnel policies of the Church.

SECTION 4 – DEACON BODY

Qualifications: The current Deacons are required to examine all nominees against the duties and qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3 prior to presenting them to the Church for election. These duties and qualifications of Deacons are pointed out and explained to all men and their wives before being asked to serve.

Duties and Responsibilities: The deacons will serve the Lord by conducting the caring ministry of the Church, serving the spiritual needs of the congregation, and freeing the Senior Pastor to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, thus facilitating the spread of the gospel and promoting unity within the Church.

Electing Deacons: The Senior Pastor and current active deacons shall determine the number of deacons necessary to serve the needs of the Church. Deacons shall be elected for a three (3) year term and shall have at least one year of inactive service between subsequent terms. Exceptions to the 3-year term must be approved by the Senior Pastor and the active chairman of Deacons.

The Senior Pastor and the Deacons will select the nominees to be presented to the Church for election as new Deacons.

The Deacon Chairman will act as an officer of the Church representing the Deacon Body.

Resignation/Termination: In the event a vacancy occurs in the Deacon Body, the Senior Pastor and Deacons shall present a nominee to the Church at a regular business meeting. Nominations may not be made from the floor. The Deacon elected shall complete the un-expired term of the man he replaces.

SECTION 5 – CLERK

The Church Clerk will be elected annually. The Clerk shall keep a complete record of the transactions at all business meetings of the Church, which shall be submitted for approval at the next regular business meeting. The Clerk shall preserve on file all communications and written official reports and handle correspondence as directed by the Church at business meetings.

(The Assistant Clerk will be elected annually. The Assistant Clerk shall serve in the absence of the Clerk and shall assist the Clerk in such manner as may be found necessary.)

SECTION 6 – TREASURER

The Church Treasurer will be elected for a three-year term. The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds allocated for the budget expenses of the Church. Adequate control procedures are to be followed. The Treasurer shall submit a written report at the regular church business meetings and Finance Committee meetings.

The Treasurer shall see that accurate records are kept of all individual contributions that can be identified and will issue financial statements to the members and other financial statements as are required.

(1) Budget: The Finance Committee shall prepare and submit to the Church for approval at the annual Budget Meeting an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for expenses together with an annual strategic plan. The Church shall annually approve an operating budget which will be the basis for administering the funds of the Church.

(2) Accounting Procedures: All funds shall be counted and deposited as soon as practical. The Treasurer will account for the expenditure of all funds. Reports of receipts and expenditures shall be presented at the regularly scheduled business meetings and Finance Committee meetings.

(3) Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Church shall begin January 1 and end December 31.

(4) Financial Auditing: The financial records of the Church will be audited annually. The records may be examined by a team of members elected for such a purpose. Periodically (not to exceed once every 5 years), the financial records will be examined by an individual/company with no direct association with the Church.

(5) Endowments: Endowments may be established on behalf of the Church for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Church.

(6) Designated Contributions: The Church may accept any designated contribution, grant, bequest or devise consistent with its general tax exempt purposes, as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. As so limited, donor designated contributions will be accepted for special funds, purposes or uses as approved by the Church, and such designations generally will be honored. However, the Church shall reserve all rights, title and interest in and to and control of such contributions, as well as full discretion as to the ultimate expenditure or distribution thereof in connection with any funds (including designated contributions) to assure that such funds will be used to carry out the Church’s tax exempt purposes.

(7) Purchase or sale of property and borrowing: Neither officers nor agents of the Church may
purchase or sell real or personal property on behalf of the Church unless authorized by the
Church, and in cases of real property, the Members according to these Bylaws. Any
borrowing of money must be approved by the Church.

(8) Contracts. All contracts will be executed by the Church consistent with the provisions of the Church Operating Handbook.

SECTION 7 – CHURCH COUNCIL

The Church Council shall consist of Ministry Staff, Department Directors, Ministry Team
Directors, Committee Chairmen and the Deacon Chairman. The Church Council
will meet when called by the Pastor, and will study and plan with him and offer counsel to
him regarding the church program. The Pastor will serve as Chairman of the Council, and in
the absence of the Pastor, the Deacon Chairman will serve as chairman.

ARTICLE IV – COMMITTEES

SECTION 1 – STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees are organized to facilitate the operations of the Church. The Senior Pastor is an ex-officio member of all Standing Committees.

Standing Committees can be added or deleted as the Church grows. The Church Council, after review, will present to the Church for final approval in either case.

Standing Committees are listed in the Church operations handbook, and are available to all Church members in good standing.

SECTION 2 – AD-HOC COMMITTEES

Ad-Hoc Committees are formed for specific purposes that come about as the Church approves for a specific limited need. Ad-Hoc committees remain in existence until the purpose or need for which the committee was formed is satisfied. (A Pastoral Search Committee is an example of an Ad-Hoc Committee.)

Ad-Hoc Committees are listed in the Church operations handbook, and are available to all church members in good standing.

SECTION 3 – COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Every person serving on a Standing or Ad-Hoc Committee must be a church member in good standing.

ARTICLE V – CHURCH MINISTRY TEAMS

SECTION 1 – GENERAL

The Church may establish Ministry Teams to accomplish the purpose and vision of the Church. Ministry Teams will be directed by either an assigned staff member or an elected Church member. The Church will provide resources as needed to achieve desired ministry outcomes.

Ministry Teams can be added or deleted as the Church grows. The Church Council, after review, will present to the Church for final approval in either case.

SECTION 2 – MINISTRY TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES

All Ministry Teams of the Church will accomplish assigned ministry goals under the direction of designated staff or laity. The organization, plans, objectives and measures for each Ministry Team will be documented in the Church Operating Handbook. Ministry Team directors shall be elected by the Church annually. Significant changes in ministry goals are subject to congregation affirmation. Church members will be recruited and affirmed by the Church to assume specific ministry responsibilities.

SECTION 3 – MINISTRY TEAM MEMBERSHIP

Every person serving on a Ministry Team must be a church member in good standing.

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

SECTION 1 – SERVICES

Worship services will be held each Lord’s Day and may also be held at other times.
A mid-week Prayer Service and Bible Study will be held on Wednesday evening.

SECTION 2 – REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING

The Senior Pastor will serve as moderator at all church business meetings. In the Senior Pastor’s absence, the Deacon Chairman will serve as moderator; in his absence the Deacon Vice-Chairman. No one is to act as moderator of a meeting during such times that matters of personal gain or loss to him or his family is being discussed or acted upon.

Church business meetings will be held quarterly, after providing the Church prior notice.

SECTION 3 – SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS

Special business meetings will be called only for such matters that cannot wait for the regular business meetings. The reason for the meeting and items to be brought up will be announced when notices are given. No business will be transacted at such special meetings except that for which the meeting was called. Special business meetings of the Church may be called by:

1. the Senior Pastor
2. the deacons
3. the Senior Pastor at the request of any committee of the Church
4. the clerk upon written request of not less than thirty-five (35) members of the Church in good standing and fellowship.

SECTION 4 – BUSINESS MEETING REQUIREMENTS

Notice for regular or special business meetings will be publicly given at two regularly scheduled services prior to the meeting.

A quorum shall consist of the members present at a duly called business meeting to transact business.

Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, will be followed for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the Church.

ARTICLE VII – GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

SECTION 1 – CHURCH OPERATING HANDBOOK

The Kingsland Baptist Church Operating Handbook will contain any further operating procedures necessary for committees, departments and ministry teams within the Church. The operating procedures found within the handbook are to align with and support the overall Constitution and Bylaws of the Church.

Under the direction of the Pastoral Staff, all procedures in the Church Operating Handbook are to be reviewed and updated annually by the responsible leader of each organization. This review must be completed and submitted to the Church secretary before the end of January each calendar year.

SECTION 2 – USE OF PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Any usage of the buildings or premises must be submitted to the Church office for review and approval by the Senior Pastor and/or appropriate leadership as needed, consistent with the Church Operating Handbook.

It is not the Church’s policy to lend equipment or furniture, but for the convenience of its members, department directors or committee chairperson’s can make arrangements for the temporary use of assets under their control. The borrower will be solely responsible for any items borrowed until they are returned and condition verified by the director or chairperson responsible, consistent with the Church Operating Handbook.

SECTION 3 – SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Special offerings shall be limited to the annual offerings for International Missions, North American Missions, State Missions, Revival, Bible Conference, music ministry love offerings and such special needs as the Church Council shall approve.

SECTION 4 – FUNDRAISERS, PAID ENTERTAINMENT, ETC.

It is the Church’s policy not to hold any external fundraisers for any reason. Internal fundraisers may occasionally be held for special events (such as mission trips, youth camps, etc.) These must clearly be indicated and approved by the Church Council as such.

Any event taking place at the Church which requires a purchased ticket or suggested donation must be approved in advance by the Church Council. This would include (but not necessarily be limited to) events such as Christian music concerts, seminars, conferences, etc.

SECTION 5 – PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

No alcohol, illegal drugs or other harmful substances shall be allowed on church property or at any church event.

ARTICLE VIII – INDEMNIFICATION

Any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal by reason of the fact that he or his testator is or was a member of the Board of Directors, Deacon or officer, employee or agent of the Church, may be indemnified by the Church, and the Church may advance his related expenses, to the full extent permitted by law. The Church may purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify: (a) itself for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification specified above; and (b) its Board of Directors, Deacons and officers.