The Constitution of Faith Baptist Church
Article I — Preamble
Article II — Mission, Values and Statement of Faith
Article III — Membership
Article IV — Government
Article V — Official Boards
Article VI — Officers and Committees
Article VII — Ministry Team
Article VIII — Amendments

Bylaws of Faith Baptist Church

Article II — Mission, Values and Statement of Faith

ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT TO THE WORD OF GOD
GOD-FOCUSED WORSHIP
A CHRIST-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT
CONNECTING PEOPLE
OUTREACH PRIORITY
CULTURAL RELEVANCE

Statement of Faith
1. We believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, that it was written by men divinely and uniquely guided by the Holy Spirit, that it is absolutely trustworthy, and has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

2. We believe in the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity, that there is one God revealed in three divine persons:

a) God the Father, creator of the heavens, the earth, and all therein; perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power, and ever present as Spirit. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
b) God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, wholly without sin, making atonement for the sin of the world by His death on the cross. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His post-resurrection appearances, and His visible ascension into heaven. We believe that Christ presently intercedes as our High Priest before the Father. We believe in His imminent, visible, premillenial return from heaven.
c) God the Holy Spirit, who came forth from God the Father to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and comfort those who would receive Jesus Christ as Savior.

3. We believe that all men by nature and by choice are sinners, but that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We believe, therefore, that those who refuse to receive Christ as Savior will be judged to be guilty and will forever be separated from God.

4. We believe in the Church — a living spiritual body, of which all regenerated people are members. We believe that a visible church is a company of believers in Jesus Christ, buried with Him in baptism, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that to these visible churches were committed, for observance “until He returns,” the ordinances of baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. We also believe that God has laid upon these churches the task of persuading a lost world to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and to enthrone Him as Lord and Master. We believe that the church must offer a “cup of water” in Christ’s name to those in need.

5. We believe that each church should be independent and autonomous, and must be free from interference from any ecclesiastical or political authority; that, therefore, Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from the dictation or patronage of the other. We believe, therefore, that every human being is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith, and not to external institutions. (top)

Article III — Membership

The active membership of this church shall consist of those who have made a personal faith commitment of their lives to Jesus Christ and have been baptized by immersion as a testimony of their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. They have acknowledged their agreement with the Statement of Faith, with the Mission, Vision, and Values of the church, and with the Church Covenant, regularly attend the services, and are involved in the ministries of the church.

All applicants for membership shall appear before the membership committee made up of elders and Lead Pastor as appointed by the Board of Elders. Applicants shall be accepted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of that committee, and those accepted shall be reported to the congregation.

All members will be asked to renew their commitment to Faith Baptist Church and sign a membership renewal form prepared by the Elders. The following commitments will be renewed: 1) Attend regularly 2) Serve according to your spiritual gifts and abilities 3) Give faithfully. This must be received by the date of the Annual Meeting to continue to be a member of Faith Baptist Church. If a person fails to get the renewal form turned in by that date, they will have to reapply for membership.

Under the loving leadership of the Elders, any member may be subject to discipline and restoration. Discipline may be exercised only after an attempt to restore the individual has failed (Galatians 6:1-2). Matthew 18:15-17 shall be the procedure followed in all investigations of wrong doing in accordance with Scripture.

Any member not carrying out the above responsibilities may be removed from membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Elders.

The vote of the members of Faith Baptist Church is required for the following decisions:

1) Calling or Dissolution of the Lead Pastor
2) Confirmation of the Elders
3) Approval of the annual budget
4) Purchase of any property
5) Assumption of any debt (top)

There shall be an annual meeting of the members of this church to be held in December. Financial reports of the church year ending December 31, shall be available to the church on the last Sunday in January.

Quarterly meetings shall be held in March, June, September, and as deemed necessary by the Board of Elders for communication and business. Special Meetings may be called by request of the Lead Pastor or the Board of Elders.

Members must be 18 years of age to vote. A quorum shall be those members present at any officially called meeting announced on two (2) Sundays preceding the meeting. top

Article V — Official Boards

The Board of Elders shall be a group of spiritually mature men who along with the Lead Pastor provide governance of the church, giving godly oversight to the spiritual and business matters of the church. It shall consist of at least four (4) members who are spiritually qualified as Elders (I Timothy 3). The Board shall annually elect a chairman. The Elder Board will nominate candidates to serve as Elders to the church membership. Other than the Lead Pastor, each of the Elders must be confirmed individually at the annual meeting. In order to continue serving as an Elder, they must be confirmed by a seventy-five percent (75%) vote of the members present. The Elders have no term limit other than each Elder requiring a seventy-five (75%) confirmation each year.

All other boards, committees, and organizations are answerable to the Board of Elders. The Elders have authority to change the church budget by up to ten percent (10%) of the entire budget without congregational approval.

The Board of Trustees shall be appointed by the Elders to serve for a period of three (3) years with one-third (1/3) being appointed each year. They shall oversee the serving ministries of the church including, but not limited to, buildings, grounds, vehicles, and possessions. They shall be members of character who are spiritually qualified to serve Christ and His church. This board shall have a minimum of four (4) members.

The Board of Deaconesses shall be appointed by the Elders to serve for a period of three (3) years with one-third (1/3) being elected each year. They shall assist the Lead Pastor in ministries of the church including, but not limited to, care and preparation of Communion, visitation, preparation of female candidates for baptism, and helping with church decorations and flowers for regular and special services. This board shall have a minimum of four (4) members.

Any member of any board, except the Lead Pastor, may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Elders if in the judgment of this board the best interests of the church will be so served. Proper biblical procedure which demonstrates grace and mercy shall be followed. (top)

Article VI — Officers and Committees

Corporate Officers. The Board of Elders shall appoint corporate officers as required by state law. An Elder shall serve as President of the Corporation.

Moderator. The Elders shall appoint one of its members to serve as Moderator who shall preside at all business meetings of the church.

Church Clerk. The Elders shall appoint the Church Clerk who shall keep an accurate record of all business meetings, draw up all church documents and statistical reports, keep an accurate record of the church membership and report annually on the same, and maintain an up-to-date directory. He/she shall be responsible for all letters of transfer, requests for membership changes, and also keep a chronological historical sketch of the church and its growth.

Church Treasurer. The Elders shall appoint the Church Treasurer who shall account for a general fund, building fund, missions fund and miscellaneous accounts, and shall disburse monies only by check in accordance with a church approved budget, or by vote of the church. The Treasurer shall make deposits in the bank.

Financial Secretary. The Elders shall appoint the Financial Secretary who shall keep a record of all monies received and shall issue statements of contributions directly to the contributor annually or more often as required. The Financial Secretary shall prepare written monthly and annual reports.

Assistants. Assistants to any and all of the above listed officers shall be appointed by the Elders.

Terms of Office. All officers listed in this section shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting from among the active membership for a term of one (1) year.

Vacancies. In the event vacancies occur during the course of the year, the Board of Elders will appoint the names of those who are qualified to fill the vacancies. If an Elder vacancy should occur, the Board of Elders shall nominate the candidate to the church membership. Upon a 75% vote of the members present this candidate shall fill the vacancy.

Committees. Committees may be appointed by the Board of Elders as may be necessary to fulfill the ministries of the church. top

Article VII — Ministry Team

Section 1 — Lead Pastor
1. Duties. The Lead Pastor shall provide general direction and leadership to the total ministry of the church and shall fulfill their role as set forth in Ephesians 4:11-13; “to equip God’s people for works of service.” All staff report to him or his designee. The Lead Pastor is an equal member of the Elder Board.

2. Qualifications. The qualifications of the Lead Pastor those given in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The spouse (if married) must also ascribe to the Constitution of Faith Baptist Church.

3. Service. The Lead Pastor shall be a voting member of all boards and committees. The Lead Pastor may appoint other ministry staff where appropriate as his representative.

4. Calling of the Lead Pastor. The Elders shall appoint a search committee who shall search out an appropriate man who, in turn, will be presented to the congregation for consideration.

5. Candidates. Lead Pastor Candidates will meet with the Board of Elders, Search Committee, or whatever gatherings the Search Committee deems profitable or needful.

Only one (1) candidate shall be considered and voted upon at a time. At a meeting to vote on the calling of a Pastor, a seventy-five percent (75%) affirmative vote of the members present will be required to call that candidate. Such meeting shall be announced in church services for two (2) Sundays prior to the business meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot.

6. Dissolution of Relationship. The question of dissolving the Lead pastoral relationship shall be considered when a grievance exists against the pastor, based on petition signed by as least ten percent (10%) of the members. This petition must be brought before the Elders for their recommendation. The Elder's can also make such a recommendation to the church membership regarding the dissolution of the Lead Pastor.

In this case, the pastoral relationship shall be dissolved by ballot by two-thirds (2/3) of the membership, in attendance at a business meeting, notice of which has been given to the members in writing at least two weeks before the business meeting, and the object of which shall be stated in such notice.

Section 2 — Pastoral Staff
Pastoral Staff refers to any part-time or full-time person who serves in a pastoral capacity with the Lead Pastor in giving leadership to the church. The Lead Pastor shall recommend them to the Board of Elders for a call to this church.

Section 3 — Ministry Support Staff
Ministry Support Staff are those who support the on-going ministry in a non-pastoral capacity. They may be voluntary or paid positions. The Lead Pastor or his appointee shall recommend them to the Board of Elders for hiring or release. (top)

Article VIII — Amendments

This Constitution and Bylaws that follow may be amended at any regular business meeting of the church by a seventy-five percent (75%) vote of the members present, provided that notice of such meeting and the purpose of said changes shall have been published in a conspicuous place and delivered to each active church member and announced publicly during morning worship services at least two (2) consecutive weeks prior to the meeting. top

Bylaws of Faith Baptist Church, Kissimmee, Florida

Preamble:

These Bylaws are established in order that the provisions of the Constitution and Articles of Incorporation shall be carried out in unity with the intent of the Constitution.

Article A—Robert’s Rules of Order shall prevail in the conduct of all meetings.

Article B—Property and Records

Property. This church may acquire, own, dispose of, improve, encumber, and convey property, real and personal, for church purposes, in conformity with the laws of the state where the property is situated. Real property may be purchased, sold, conveyed, exchanged, or mortgaged only by order of the membership through the Board of Elders.

Records. The official records of all officers and boards of the church are the property of the church. In the event of the death or resignation of the incumbent or upon the election of his successor, the current records of the office shall be passed on to the newly elected officer. All records other than current shall be kept in a secure repository selected by the Board of Elders.

Financial Oversight. All records of receipts and disbursements shall be reviewed annually or at more frequent intervals on order of the Board of Elders. A committee consisting of at least three (3) persons, none of whom is a financial officer or a church staff member, shall be appointed by the Board of Elders to conduct the review. The committee shall also ensure that all applicable tax returns and reports be filed accurately and timely.

Article C—Indemnification Agreement

The church shall indemnify any and all persons who may serve or who have served at any time in an executive-level position (such as Pastors or as a member of the Board of Elders or of any Committee or Organization of the church) against any and all expenses, including amounts paid on judgments, counsel fees, and amounts paid in settlement (before and after suit is commenced) actually and necessarily incurred by such persons in connection with the defense or settlement of any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which they, or any of them, are made parties, or a party, or which may be asserted against any of them by reason of being or having been in one or more of the aforesaid positions of responsibility with the church, except in relation to matters as to which any such person shall be adjudged in any action, suit or proceeding to be liable for his own negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any law, agreement or otherwise.

Article D—Dissolution

In the event of dissolution of this church corporation, any assets of the corporation must be distributed to one or more organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as one organized for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. In our case, the assets would be divided equally between the Baptist General Conference, and the Florida Caribbean Baptist Conference, or its successors. top

This edition of the Constitution was adopted on July 1, 2007.