Constitution and By-Laws
July 13, 2015CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF CORNER STONE BAPTIST CHURCH OF NAOLA
106 Williams Store Road
Monroe, Virginia 24574
March 29, 2015 Edition
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, and to govern the body in a scriptural, orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches, and other bodies.
I. NAME
This body shall be known as the Corner Stone Baptist Church of Naola, Virginia, and is herein referred to as the church.
II. PURPOSE STATEMENT
Corner Stone Baptist Church exists to glorify God by bringing people into a relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ, to unite them with the local church, to develop them to Christ-like maturity, and to equip them for their ministry in the home, the church, and the world.
III. STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. The Bible is our sole and final authority for faith and practice. The King James Version is the preferred translation used by the church. The church most directly affiliates with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia and subscribes to the doctrinal statement of “The Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on June 14, 2000.
We yoke ourselves together as a body of scripturally saved, baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. Our church shall not discriminate against members and others on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. The ordinances of the church are baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper.
IV. RELATIONSHIPS
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 it recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among conservative Southern Baptist churches. In November of 2007, Corner Stone Baptist Church officially became a part of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.
V. CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized by immersion 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.
As a church body and as individual believers, we commit as enabled by the Holy Spirit to:
•Live holy, separated lives under the authority and rule of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:15, 16; 1 John 2: 15-17; Luke 6:46
•Sustain Biblical doctrine, worship, ordinances, discipline, devotional time with God and assembling together as believers
Jude 3; 1 Timothy 4:7b; Hebrews 1 0:24, 25
•Be zealous in fulfilling the purpose of this church.
1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9, 10
•Endeavor to pray for one another, care for one another, watch over one another in brotherly love and hold one another accountable for Christian character and godly living.
James 5:16; Galatians 6:1, 2
•Contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of this ministry and the spread of the gospel through local, regional and world missions.
1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Acts 1 :8
•Be slow to take offense and always ready for reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:26; Matthew 5:23, 24; Matthew 18:15-17
•Be witnesses to our family and community.
Matthew 28:18-20
•Be faithful in our marriage commitment
Mark 1 0:6-9; Ephesians 5:21-33
•Bring our children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Ephesians 6:4
In addition to-
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (as defined in the Baptist Faith and Message adopted June 14, 2000). Genesis 2:21-24; Mark 10:6-9
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Hebrews 13:4
We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as fornication, adultery, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s biological sex is sinful and offensive to God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6: 18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1, 2; Romans 1 :26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 0; 1 Timothy 1 :9, 1 0; Leviticus 18
Any reference to man or woman in this document means a natural man or woman. Natural is defined as not artificial, manufactured or man made changes to one’s gender. We believe God permanently assigned gender prior to birth (Psalm 139:13-16). These are core foundational doctrinal tenets God assigned for males and females and can be traced back through Scripture and history.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We believe that every person must be shown compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity. Matthew 22:39
We believe that hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be renounced and are neither in accord with Scripture nor the doctrine of this church.
Transitioning from this Church – We moreover agree that when we remove from this church, we will, as soon as possible, unite with another biblically sound church where we can carry out the spirit of the covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
VI. CHURCH INCORPORATION
Corner Baptist Church became incorporated as Corner Stone Baptist Church of Naola on October 18, 2011. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, in keeping with qualifications for exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (as amended from time to time). The corporation is formed “to glorify God by bringing people into a relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ, to unite them with the local church, to develop them to Christlike maturity, and to equip them for their ministry in the home, the church and the world.” Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any power that are not in furtherance of the purpose of this corporation.
BY-LAWS
I. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. General
Corner Stone Baptist Church is a sovereign and conservative Southern Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government. The membership reserves the right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
Section 2. Requirements for Membership
1. A clear salvation testimony.
Note: There must be evidence of Christian fruit (2 Corinthians 5: 17; Galatians 5:22, 23) and verbal testimony as confirmed and attested to by the Pastor and/or a Deacon.
2. Having been baptized by immersion.
3. Being able and willing to answer yes to the following questions:
Note: Minor children that become members (See requirements 1, 2) are under the watch-care of their parents or the church body as pertains to the following questions
•Have you read and are you in agreement with our Doctrinal Statement, Constitution, and By-Laws?
•Do you know of any reason why you would not be able to join with this body of believers?
•Are you willing to give of your time, resources, gifts, and abilities for the furtherance of the ministry of this church?
•Are you willing to be held accountable by the members of this local church?
Accountability Defined: Being responsible and answerable to someone
As a local body of believers, Corner Stone Baptist Church of Naola members are accountable to one another for faith (what we believe) and practice (the way we live). Where none of us have arrived at complete maturity and perfection, accountability means I am liable to be called to answer for the way I live. The purpose of accountability is to aid in becoming more Christlike and to fulfill the Covenant of this local church. Galatians 6:1
4. Presentation and approval by the members present at any regularly scheduled service.
•A 75% majority vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.
•Should there be dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the Pastor and the Deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days.
Note: Persons who are actively and unrepentantly engaged in sinful practices or practices that undermine the doctrine of the church are not eligible for membership with the church. A practice is sinful when it is contrary to the teaching of Scripture, the Holy Bible.
Section 3. Membership and Voting
A. Active Members
Active members are those members who are able to attend on a regular basis and are actively involved in thelife of the local church body.
B. Inactive Members
After three (3) months of not attending a service those persons place themselves in an inactive status. Inactive members are not eligible to vote at church business meetings. These members are saying by their inactivity that they are not
in harmony with the purpose, vision and leadership of the church.
C. Automatic Membership Removal
If a member excludes themselves from the accountability structure of this local church body by not attending a church service for three (3) additional months (total of 6 months) the person removes themselves from the membership roll.
When six (6) months pass without any attendance a member is telling the church that he/she is resigning his/her membership due to inactivity. Such removals will be acknowledged at a regular church business meeting.
Voting at Church Business Meetings
In order to vote at a church business meeting a member must meet the following criteria:
•Must be an active member (See Section 3, Letter A)
•Must be 16 years of age or over
•Must be in good standing, demonstrating interest and loyalty to the church
•Must be characterized by attending on a regular basis a minimum of three (3) scheduled church services within the past 30 days prior to the meeting. Where members may be considered active who attend less than this, they are not eligible to vote due to lack of recent attendance.
Those that meet the above criteria are entitled to vote in all matters subject to church vote provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting.
Note: The services mentioned above are Sunday school, Sunday morning, Sunday night or Wednesday night. Special circumstances (such as sickness, hospitalization, shut-in, military service, etc.) will be taken into consideration and may merit waiver of the above requirements by the Pastor and Deacons
Section 4. Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated by:
A. Death
B. Member requesting removal from roll (for transfer or other reason)
C. Automatic Membership Removal (See Section 3, Letter C)
D. Church Discipline (See Section 5) Active and unrepentant engagement in any sinful practice or practice that contradicts or undermines the doctrine of the Church is grounds for Church discipline, up to and including revocation of membership. A practice is sinful when it is contrary to the teaching of Scripture, the Holy Bible.
Section 5. Church Discipline
When a person becomes a member of Corner Stone Baptist Church of Naola, they agree to be held accountable by the local church body. This gives the church a responsibility to invoke church discipline should the member fall into doctrinal heresy or habitual sin that violates the church covenant.
All disciplinary actions are to be in accordance with scripture as is described in the following passages: Matthew 18: 15-20; 1 Corinthians 5: 1-13; Galatians 6:1-2~ 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10-15; 1 Timothy 5:19-20.
Regarding Individuals:
Step #1
Whenever an offense or discord between believers takes place, either the offended or the offender must go alone to the other, in humility, to begin reconciliation -Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 17:3; Matthew 18:15.
Step #2
If reconciliation is not reached, the one seeking to resolve the matter is to take one or two other Christians with him or her (as witnesses that “every word may be established”) and attempt reconciliation -Matthew 18:16.
Step #3
If the issue is still unresolved (after the above steps have been taken), the matter is to be brought to the church Pastor and Deacons for review, prayer, and further action. At this point, the issue may become a matter of church discipline.
Regarding the Church:
When an offense is against the local church, the discipline process of a member will follow the same scriptural guidelines as are given for individual cases. In any church discipline situation, the goal is restoration. Should heretical deviations from scripture or violations of the church covenant exist; every reasonable measure will be taken to restore the member.
Note: When an offense against the church is an open, apparent, and public matter (“Reported commonly … “-1 Corinthians 5:1) then the disciplinary action may begin without the first two steps.
Step #1
The one to begin the process on behalf of the church should go in humility and be Spirit-controlled. The best one suited to go will be decided at the time based upon the particular situation-Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1 (should the one in sin not repent, then the process moves to step #2).
Step #2
The one seeking to resolve the matter on behalf of the church is to take one or two other church members with him or her (as witnesses that “every word may be established”) and attempt to restore the erring member –Matthew 18:16 (should the one in sin not repent, the issue will need to be brought before the local church body-step #3).
Step#3
In the event the church body needs to meet regarding a discipline issue, the meeting will be closed (only members of the local body will be allowed to attend)-Matthew 18: 17a. In the event a member in either doctrinal heresy or violation of the church covenant will not hear the church and repent, they will be subject to membership removal/ excommunication –Matthew 18: 17b; 1 Corinthians 5.
In any church discipline situation, the goal is restoration and every reasonable measure will be taken to restore the member.
Neither the Pastor, Deacons, nor anyone else shall be immune to a possible disciplinary process. If the Pastor or a Deacon is the subject of a disciplinary issue, he shall not serve as a moderator in any church business meeting pertaining to the disciplinary matter.
II. CHURCH OFFICERS
All general officers must be active members of the church. The officers of this church shall be as follows:
Section 1. Pastor
The Pastor must meet the scriptural qualifications given for the position in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. “Although both men and women are gifted for many services, the Office of Pastor is reserved for men as qualified by Scripture.”
The Pastor shall preach the gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach/teach the whole counsel of the Word of God. The Pastor is responsible for the oversight of the church and to lead it to function as a New Testament church. He is to work with the deacons and church leadership to fulfill the purpose of the church. He shall administer the ordinances of the church; supervise the staff, department directors and teaching ministries of the church. The Pastor is to tenderly watch over and care for the spiritual needs of the local body. The Pastor shall moderate at all church meetings for the transaction of church matters. In the absence of the Pastor or if the matter being considered relates to him personally, the Chairman of the Deacons shall preside, or in the absence of both anot_her deacon shall preside. In the unlikely event that no Pastor or Deacon is available, the Church Clerk or trustee of the church shall call the meeting to order to nominate a moderator. Ephesians 4:11, 12; 1 Peter 5:1-4
A Pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least one week’s notice to the church body has been given. A Pastor-Selection Committee shall be nominated by the Deacons and elected by the church. This committee’s recommendation will constitute a nomination for Pastor. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one name at a time. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative majority vote of 75% of those present being necessary for a choice. The Pastor, thus elected, shall serve for an indefinite period. Should the Pastor or the church desire to terminate the pastoral relationship, the party desiring such change shall give to the other, written notice of at least thirty (30) days, or a period of time mutually agreed upon by both parties. Should the pastor’s termination be due to a disciplinary action on his part then the 30 day notice may be waived. Termination of the pastoral relationship and any severance compensation decided upon must be approved by a 75% majority vote of the church.
The Pastor’s salary, vacation time, sick-leave, and education/ministry timeaway shall be decided at the time of his call and may be changed at any time by recommendation of the Deacons and approval of the church.
Section 2. Church Staff
This church shall call or employ such staff members as the church shall need. A job description shall be written when the need for staff members is determined. Vocational staff members other than the Pastor shall be recommended to the church by the Pastor and Deacons and subject to 75% majority vote approval by the church. .
Note: Church ministers, church members, church staff, and individuals ordained by the Church shall not use their title, position, or ordination in a way that contradicts or undermines the teaching of the Church and the Holy Bible by, including but not limited to, officiating over or solemnizing weddings or ceremonies joining more than two people or two people of the same sex.
Section 3. Deacons
All Deacons must meet the scriptural qualifications given for the office in 1Timothy 3:8-13. Although both men and women are gifted for many services, the Office of Deacon is reserved for men as qualified by Scripture. In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. The task of the deacon is to serve with and support the Pastor and staff in carrying out the work of the ministry.
The ministry of a deacon includes (but is not limited to):
•Promoting the welfare of the church body
•Caring for widows
•Assist with the observance of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism (as needed)
•Distribution of benevolence funds
•Visitation and other evangelistic efforts
•Pulpit supply
The Pastor and Deacon(s) shall prayerfully consider individuals prior to approaching them about serving as a deacon. Based upon the leading of the Lord, a nominee for the Office of Deacon can be presented to the church at any regular business meeting and is subject to 75% majority vote approval by the church.
Section 4. Clerk
The Clerk must be an active member and determined annually by the church body. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to attend all business meetings and record transactions. The Clerk shall issue letters of dismission as authorized by the church, preserve all papers and valuable letters and records that belong to the church, and preserve a true history of the church. It shall also be the duty of the Clerk to see that an accurate roll of the church membership (including names, addresses, membership dates, and other pertinent information) is kept. Upon the resignation, termination or election of a successor the Clerk shall promptly deliver to the church office all books and records in hand pertaining or relating to the office he/she is relinquishing.
Section 5. Financial Officers
A. Financial Director
The Financial Director shall be an active member of the church and determined annually.
The Financial Director shall oversee the financial operation of the church and the functions of Tellers, the Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Contributions Secretary.
It shall be the duty of the Financial Director to provide to the Pastor and Deacons an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding month or quarter. The Financial Director shall be responsible for providing the same report to the church body at regular business meetings. The Financial Director shall not be bonded. Upon rendering the annual report at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the Financial Director to the church Clerk, who shall along with the contributions records keep and preserve the reports as a part of the permanent records of the church. The Financial Director shall keep in strictest confidence knowledge of the contributions of the members of the church. Upon resignation, termination or the election of a successor, the Financial Director shall promptly deliver to the church office all books and records in hand pertaining or relating in any way to the office he/she is relinquishing.
B. Tellers
The Tellers shall be an active member of the church and determined annually. Tellers shall consist of members appointed by the Financial Director and will be charged with the duty of counting all offerings and making a record of such offerings in the financial log. A teller will be designated to make the weekly deposit. In the event of the teller’s absence, a deacon will be designated to handle the deposit. There is to be a minimum of two tellers counting the offering or a teller and a deacon. Those tellers counting the offering must initial the record of the total monies in the financial log. Tellers shall keep in strictest confidence knowledge of the contributions of the members of the church.
C. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be an active member of the church and determined annually. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, preserve, and payout, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money, or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall reconcile the church’s credit card statement with receipts monthly. A minimum of two alternate individuals will be authorized to write and sign checks for the treasurer in his/her absence or in an emergency. Upon resignation, termination or the election of a successor, the Treasurer shall promptly deliver to the church office all books and records in hand pertaining or relating in any way to the office he/she is relinquishing.
D. Financial Secretary
The Financial Secretary shall be an active member of the church and determined annually. It shall be the duty of the Financial Secretary to gather accurate data of all financial transactions and produce an itemized report for review by the Financial Director, Pastor, Deacons and Church.
E. Contributions Secretary
The Contributions Secretary shall be an active member of the church and determined annually. The Contributions Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all contributions and shall supply each member with an annual record of their contributions. The Contribution Secretary shall keep in strictest confidence knowledge of the contributions of the members of the church and shall at the end of each year turn these records over to the Financial Director for review and submission to the clerk for preservation.
Section 6. Trustees
Trustees shall be active members of the church and will be reviewed periodically. Three or more Trustees elected by the church will hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the Trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents where the signatures of Trustees are required.
III. COMMITTEES AND COORDINATING GROUPS
Section 1. Building and Grounds Committee
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 and included in the church budget. All matters of major repair or improvement and items of equipment not included in the church budget and cost in excess of $200.00 shall be referred to the church body, except in an emergency situation. The committee shall be responsible for the work of the custodian and all other persons employed in the capacity of caring for the building and grounds. This Committee is also responsible for assigning cemetery lots and graves, locating lots and graves when needed, and maintaining the physical appearance of the cemetery.
Section 2. Budget and Finance Committee
The Budget and Finance Committee shall be composed of the following:
A. Pastor
B. Deacons
C. Financial Director
After consulting department directors, the committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive itemized budget for all local and worldwide expenses.
The committee shall name annually (excluding themselves and those listed under section 5 of church officers) an Audit Committee of three members. It shall be the duty of the committee to audit the Treasurer’s books immediately at the close of the year, and report their findings to the Budget and Finance Committee. Upon the recommendation of the Budget and Finance Committee to the church, the church may choose to acquire the services of a CPA for assistance with financial record keeping and/or the annual audit.
The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year, January 1st through December 31st.
Section 3. Ordinance Committee
A. Baptism:
Shall assist the Pastor by making the physical arrangements for the observance of baptism which includes preparation and clean-up.
B. Lord’s Supper:
Shall assist the Pastor by carrying out the physical preparation and clean-up of the Lord’s Supper.
Section 4. Social Committee
The Social committee is responsible for the coordination, set-up and clean-up of meals and church wide activities.
Section 5. Ushers
Since ushers stand at the entryway to worship, they are to be prepared spiritually before they arrive at church to minister to people. Ushers are responsible for lovingly and enthusiastically greeting people as they enter the church. Ushers are to distribute bulletins, give welcome packs to visitors and receive the tithes and offerings from the congregation. The ushers should always be attentive to the needs of the congregation and the Pastor at all church services.
IV. Departments
Section 1. Sunday School
Sunday school exists to study God1s Word and to carry out the purpose of the church. Sunday school classes are provided for all ages and are to be conducted under the guidance of the Sunday School Director who is responsible for the oversight and function of the Sunday school. Although both men and women are gifted for many services, teachers for the Middle School through Adult Classes are to be reserved for men as qualified by Scripture (1 Timothy 2:12).
Section 2. Church Music
The church music program shall be under the direction of the Music Director. The Music Director’s responsibilities shall be to teach music, direct the choir and coordinate music in the church.
V. ORDINANCES
Ordinances are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as defined in the Baptist Faith and Message adopted June 14, 2000.
VI. CHURCH MEETINGS
Section 1. Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday and at other designated times for preaching, teaching, prayer, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God.
Section 2. Special Services
Revival services, other church meetings and/or Bible studies which are essential in the promotion of the purpose of the church shall be placed on the church calendar or noted in the church bulletin.
Section 3. Regular Business Meetings
Regular business meetings shall be held quarterly or as deemed necessary. However, the Pastor and Deacons may change or cancel any such meeting by giving notice at the preceding service. Meeting agendas will be made available when feasible.
Section 4. Special Business Meetings
A special called business meeting may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given for the special called meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable.
Notes Pertaining to All Business Meetings:
Quorum – A quorum consists of those active members who attend business meetings and meet the criteria given under Membership, Section 3 -Voting at Church Business Meetings. This is provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been
properly called.
Parliamentary Rules – Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church.
VII. CHURCH FINANCES
Section 1. Budget
The Budget and Finance Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget prior to the start of the new fiscal year or no later than 30 days into the new calendar year. The budget shall indicate by items the amount needed and sought for all local and worldwide expenses.
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with the regular systematic giving of God’s people through tithes and offerings.
Section 2. Accounting Procedure
A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Budget and Finance Committee.
All funds for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the Church Tellers and be properly recorded in the financial log of the church.
In the absence of the Treasurer, the responsibilities of the Treasurer shall be assigned to a Deacon under the supervision of the Finance Committee.
VIII. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Changes in policies and procedures may be proposed by any church member. Addition, revision, or deletion of church policies or procedures requires: (1) Review by the pastor and deacons (2) discussion by the church; and (3) approval by 75% majority vote of the church.
Section 1. Ministerial Ordination
When the church desires to ordain a male member to the Gospel Ministry, the Pastor shall assemble an examining council composed of at least five ordained ministers of like faith and practice and a representation from the Deacons of the church. They shall examine the candidate concerning his Christian experience, his call of God to the ministry, his understanding of Biblical truth and his educational preparation for the ministry.
When the examining council recommends the candidate’s ordination, the church shall vote to approve the candidate for ordination as part of a service of ordination (75% voting approval required) which includes the “Laying on of Hands” by the examining council and deacons.
Except in unusual circumstances, the church will not ordain any person unless that person is ready to enter an active ministry.
Section 2. Deacon Ordination
Upon election by the church as a Deacon, those who have not been ordained shall be ordained in a service of worship which includes the “Laying on of Hands” by the Pastor(s) and Deacon(s).
Section 3. License to Preach
Any male member of the church who, in the judgment of the church, gives evidence that he is called of God to the work of the ministry, may be given a license to preach the Gospel. This is done only upon recommendation of the Pastor and the Deacons and with 75% of the members present and voting at any regular business meeting, or called meeting for this purpose, vote in favor of the recommendation.
Section 4. Use of Church Property
Neither property nor facilities owned or controlled by the church (or used with permission obtained by the church) shall be used or permitted to be used for any activity or speech that is contrary to any stated or implied doctrine or religious belief or practice of the church.
Section 5. Sales and Solicitation
The church and its ministries are to be primarily supported by the faithful, systematic giving of God’s people. Therefore, all fund raising activities need to be approved by the Pastor and Deacons which states the specific planned use for the money raised.
Section 6. Access to Constitution and By-Laws
A copy of this Constitution and By-Laws shall at all times be kept by the Clerk among the records and another copy shall be kept in the church office. All amendments to or revisions thereof shall, after approval by the church, be prepared by the Clerk and posted or otherwise secured on the copies of the Constitution and By-Laws and be made available to the church members upon request.
IX. DISSOLUTIONMENT CLAUSE
If this, the Corner Stone Baptist Church of Naola, ever ceases to be a church, after paying or making provision for payment of all the liabilities of the church, all property, land, and buildings will be deeded to another church that agrees with our Statement of Faith -A Biblically Sound, Bible Believing, Bible Teaching Church. Should any financial resources remain, it shall be gifted to the same church.
X. AMENDMENTS
Changes in this Constitution and By-Laws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church, provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous meeting, and that the proposed amendment shall have been printed in the church bulletin. Amendments to the Constitution shall be by 75% majority approval vote of all active members of the church present and voting. Amendments to the By-Laws shall be by a 75%> majority vote approval of all active members of the church present and voting.