For the preservation and security of the
principles of our faith, and to govern this body in
an orderly manner consistent with the tenets of the
Southern Baptist Church denomination, and for the
purpose of preserving the religious liberties
inherent in each individual member of this body and
other churches of the Christian faith, we establish
this constitution and by-laws.
II Name
This body shall be called Pleasant Point Baptist
Church located on Highway 501. Waynesburg, Kentucky.
III Covenant
We adopt the Baptist Covenant as the covenant of our
faith.
Section I Qualifications for
Membership
The membership of this church shall
consist of such persons who have publicly confessed
Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, those who
after due examination by the church as to their
experience, those coming from other Baptist churches
by letter, or by satisfactory substitute
recommendations acceptable by vote of the church and
have been baptized and entered into the Covenant, by
baptism we mean a baptism by emersion.
Section 2 Duties of Members
Members are expected first of all to be
faithful in all duties essential to the Christian
life, to be faithful in attendance of the church
services, to give regularly for the support of the
church and its causes, and to share in its organized
work.
Section 3 Rights of Members
Any member in good standing,
who is faithful in
attending church monthly and who does not
hold letters of dismissal is entitled to vote at all
elections and on all questions submitted to the
church in conference, provided that the member is
present, is eligible for consideration by the
membership as candidates for elective offices in the
church., and may participate in the ordinances of
the church as administered by the church..
Section 4 Quorum
The presence of such members as are present at a
regular or special called meeting shall constitute a
quorum. The election of officers, matters of
polity, and financial shall require ten percent of
the active role of members. To terminate the
services of a pastor, to call a pastor, to borrow
money, to buy or sell property, or amend the
constitution and by-laws shall require twenty-five
percent of the active role of the membership.
For the purpose of constituting a quorum a member
is defined as an active member of the church in good
standing.
Section 5 Termination of Membership
(1)Any
member in good standing who desires a letter to any
other Baptist church is entitled to receive it upon
request. In case of moving to another community he
or she should promptly make such a request.
(2)If
a member in good standing request, in writing, to be
released from his or her covenant obligations to
this church, and church deems the request to be
satisfactory after endeavoring to secure his or her
continuance in its fellowship, such request shall be
granted and membership terminated.
(3)If
a member becomes an offense to this church and mar
its name by reason of immoral or unchristian like
conduct the church may terminate his or her
membership after due notice and hearing, provided
efforts have been made to bring such member to
repentance.
(4)All
requests for termination of the above mentioned
charges shall first be brought before the deacons
who shall then make recommendations to the church.
(5)The
membership that has been terminated by
recommendation of the deacons and vote of the church
shall be restored by vote of the church provided
satisfactory repentance has been shown.
Section 6 Discipline
(1)Should
any unhappy differences arise between or among
members; the aggrieved should follow in tender
spirit the rules given by our Lord in the eighteenth
chapter of Matthew.
(2)Should
any case of gross breach of covenant or public
scandal occur the deacons shall endeavor to clear it
and if such efforts fail it shall be reported to the
church.
(3)If
the church receives a complaint, it must be made in
writing. If the church deems it necessary for a
hearing it shall appoint a time, place, and
determine the proper procedures for that hearing.
The person or persons in question shall be notified
and a copy of the charges given to him, her, or
them.
(4)At
such a hearing the accused may call to his, her, or
their aid any member of the church as counsel. If
he, she, or they fail to appear at the appointed
time or fail to give satisfactory reason for neglect
the church may proceed in his, her, or their
absence.
(5)In
case of grave difficulty the church may if requested
ask advice of an acceptable counsel from a
neighboring Baptist church.
(6)Any
person serving in any position in or of the church
being servants of the church, serve at the pleasure
of the church. Therefore, one found to have acted
in a manner unbecoming a Christian, to have engaged
in immoral or unethical behavior or to act in a way
that brings dishonor upon the Lord’s church, may be
asked to resign his position by the church. Should
he refuse, he may be relieved of his duties and
responsibilities by a two-thirds vote of those
members present at any regular monthly business
meeting or a special called business meeting.
(7)Any
or all persons attending a church service, meeting,
or function shall act in a kind and considerate
Christ like manner toward others, maintaining
acceptable behavior at all times. Failure to do so
may result in being asked to leave the premises.
ARTICLE II – CHARACTER
Section I Polity
The government of this church is vested
in the body of believers that compose its
membership. It is not subject to control by any
other ecclesiastical body, but recognizes mutual
cooperation and counsel among the missionary Baptist
churches.
Sesction II Doctrine
The
church accepts the scriptures as its authority in
matters of doctrine. The Christian faith contained
therein as its essential belief of Baptist churches
as indicated in its faith herein.
ARTICLE III
CHURCH OFFICERS
Pastor
(1)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. A
pulpit committee shall seek a suitable pastor and
their recommendation shall constitute a nomination.
However, any member shall have the privilege to make
recommendations to the pulpit committee. Election
of a pastor shall be by three-fourths of those
present to elect. A unanimous vote would be more
desirable.
(2)The
pastor thus elected shall serve until his services
are terminated by mutual consent with the church, by
2 week notice of resignation from the pastor or by
majority vote of the church. If by vote of the
church, his services shall not exceed thirty days.
His pastorate shall if warranted may be reviewed
annually by the deacons and their recommendation
made to the church.
(3)The
pastor shall preside at all church meetings except
as herein provided by the by-laws.
Deacons
Section 1 Duties of the Deacons
(1)The
duties shall be in accordance with word and practice
of the New Testament. Deacons are to be servants of
the church. They are to be zealous to guard the
unity of the church in bonds of peace.
(2)They
shall serve as a council of advice and conference
with the pastor and trustees in all matters
pertaining to the welfare of the church and its
growth in the Kingdom of God. They are to know the
physical and spiritual needs of the members and to
serve and encourage the meeting of those needs.
(3)They
are to counsel with the pastor as the Holy Spirit
may direct in accordance with the New Testament
teachings and have oversight discipline of the
church. They shall be free to call upon any member
of the church to aid in disciplinary action.
(4)They
shall serve as a pulpit committee in the absence or
inability of the pastor to fulfill his duties to the
church. The deacons shall arrange for the temporary
ministry. This shall in no way interfere in the
method by which the church secures a new pastor.
(5)The
deacons shall serve as general finance committee and
be free to call upon the trustees and other members
to assist in the church work as needed. They shall
assist with the raising of funds and if requested by
the church prepare an annual budget.
(6)No
contracts for supplies, materials, and pledging of
credit shall be made without the recommendation of
the deacons and approval of the church unless
otherwise authorized in and by these by-laws. The
church may give general authorization for normal
supplies and general items.
(7)Payment
for all supplies, materials, and services shall be
made promptly by the church treasurer or treasurer
of the building fund provided a proper voucher is
approved or authorized by majority vote of the
church.
(8)All
money collected by and through the Sunday school,
and other organizations shall be duly recorded and
reported to the church each month at business
meeting.
(9)There
may be an annual audit of all books and accounts of
the church. The audit committee shall be composed
of the chairman and of the deacons and the trustees.
(10)The deacons shall meet at least once each month
to discuss any business necessary to the welfare of
the church. They shall make a quarterly report to
the church at a regular business meeting. A set of
minutes shall be kept of all deacons meeting and a
copy filed with the church clerk.
(11)The deacons shall meet at the request of the
chairman or upon the request of two deacons to
discuss any special business of the church. All
deacons shall be notified if available to attend
each meeting. Pastor and trustees may attend by
invitation.
(12)Each deacon shall be free to confer with the
pastor about all matters concerning the growth of
decline of the church attendance. Also, any matter
concerning discipline in the church.
Moderator
The pastor shall be the
church moderator unless he desires that the church
elect a moderator in his stead. In the absence of
the pastor as moderator, the chairman of the deacons
shall preside. In the absence of both,
another deacon will
moderate the meeting. No person shall
preside as moderator if a personal matter is
involved.
Clerk
The clerk of the church
shall keep a suitable record book of all actions of
the church. A register of all churches members
shall be kept with the name of each member, date of
admission, baptism, dismissal, or death. He or she
shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the
church, keep on record all communications and
written reports
with a Backup copy in the church office. The
clerk shall consider it a part of his or her duty to
promote loyalty and efficiency in the church. The
clerk shall be elected annually by the church.
Treasurer
It shall be his or duty to receive,
preserve, and pay out upon receipt of proper
vouchers approved and signed by designated person.
Payment of all bills and expenses shall be made
promptly by check.
It shall be the responsibility of the
treasurer to render monthly an itemized report to
the church at its regular business meeting. The
treasurer’s book shall be open to any member at any
time. A gift by an individual shall not be open to
the members.
ARTICLE IV
Organizations and Committees
All organizations and committees shall
be under the control of the church. All officers
are to be elected by majority vote of the church at
a regular business meeting.
At a regular business meeting three
months before the closing of the year a committee
consisting of the Sunday School Superintendent and
Pastor shall nominate officers for the ensuing year.
The committee shall seek persons
suitable for office and obtain from members a desire
to be an officer. Those names shall be made known
to the church and elected by majority vote at the
regular business meeting in September.
Standing Committee
The following shall compose the standing
committees:
1.Committee of Trustees
2.Committee on the Lord’s Supper
3.Executive Board
4.Ushers
5.Building and Grounds
6.Church Council
7.Homecoming Committee
8.Youth Committee
9.Kitchen Committee
10.Decorating Committee
11.Personnel Committee
An audit committee shall make an audit at the end of
the year and present to the church for approval.
This is to be presented at regular business meeting
in January, when requested by the church.
The treasurer upon his or her
resignation or election of a successor shall
promptly turn over all books, records, accounts, and
receipts pertaining to that office. The treasurer
shall consider it a responsibility to promote
spiritual giving to the financial growth of the
church.
The treasurer shall be responsible for
ordering all necessary materials for Sunday School
and other programs.
The treasurer shall be an elected
officer in the church.
YOUTH MINISTER
The youth minister(s) shall be hired by
majority vote and approved by the church. He, she,
or they shall cooperate with the church officers in
providing an appropriate program to promote
Christian ideals among the youth of the church and
community. He, she, or they may resign upon proper
notice to the church or until a successor shall have
been chosen. The church by majority vote may
terminate his, her, or their services.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
He or she shall be responsible for promoting growth
and leadership in each Sunday school department. He
or she may terminate his or her service upon proper
notice upon to the church, or until a successor has
been elected by the church. The Sunday School
Superintendent shall be an elected officer.
TRUSTEES
The trustees shall consist of three
members. They shall be elected by the church at a
regular business meeting by majority vote and serve
a three year term rotating off at the end of their
term, one rotating off each year. They may be
re-elected if they chose to serve more than one
term. They shall elect a chairman from among the
committee. They may resign at any time by giving
proper notice in writing or in person. A member
chosen to complete an unfinished term may be
re-elected.
They shall not have power to buy, sell,
lease, transfer, or mortgage property without the
recommendation of
the deacons and approval of the church, but
can make purchases up to $500 for repairs, seeking
approval of any amount greater from the church.
COMMITTEE ON THE LORD’S SUPPER
The deacons shall name from their number
a committee to be responsible for preparation of the
Lord’s Supper and conducting the observation
therein.
COMMITTEE ON BAPTISM
The deacons shall name from their number
assisted by two women chosen to make arrangements
for the ordinance of baptism, and render assistance
to the pastor and candidates as may be necessary.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
The church shall be represented on the
executive board by the pastor and two members chosen
by the church. They shall attend the executive
board meeting as often as possible.
USHERS
Four ushers shall be chosen by the
church to collect the offering and welcome any
visitors into the church. They shall be chosen for
a quarterly time period, and may serve as many terms
as desired.
ARTICLE V
Special Funds
1.Special
funds may be sought by the church or any church
organization upon approval by the church. This does
not preclude individuals from making special
offerings to promote church causes as the Spirit of
God may lead.
2.It
is understood that membership in this church
involves financial obligations to support the church
and its causes. Member shall be aware of the church
budget and costs to operate on a budget.
ARTICLE VI
Meetings
Section 1 Worship Service
1.Worship
services shall be held weekly on the Lord’s Day and
Wednesday evenings. The first Wednesday of each
month shall be designated as business meeting.
Services shall be open to anyone wishing to attend.
2.The
Lord’s Supper shall be observed each 5th Sunday
morning.
Section 2 Business
1.At
any regular worship service the church may without
special notice act upon the reception of new members
or appointing messengers to councils.
2.The
pastor or moderator may and shall when requested by
the deacons, trustees, or standing committee call a
special business meeting the purpose of the meeting
being clearly stated.
3.Special
meetings may be called by the clerk upon written
request of five adults’ members. The time and
purpose of the meeting shall be clearly stated at
the services on the Lord’s Day proceeding the day
fixed for such a meeting.
4.All
business meetings shall be governed by “Roberts’
Rule of Order”.
5.Publication
in the church bulletin prior to the monthly business
meeting or special meeting shall state any pending
business of which notice is required.
ARTICLE VII
Name of Party Renting Church
Facility____________________________________________
Date and Time of Rental
Date____________________
Time____________________________
The Pleasant Point Baptist Church is an
Organization based on values and doctrine found in
the Holy Scriptures.
As such, those wishing to use our facilities must
agree to certain stipulations, which are developed
to more greatly insure that those facilities are not
used in a way that would be contrary to the will,
beliefs and doctrines of the church body.
Following is a partial list of those stipulations:
1.Use
of tobacco and alcohol will not be allowed on church
property.
2.The
building is be left in a condition similar to the
way it was found
3.Since
marriage is explained in detail as the union between
a natural born man and woman and is consider to
be a holy union, this is the only marriage ceremony
that the church facilities may be used for.
4.Those
using the property will be subject to pay a fee up
front.
5. The
users will be responsible for furnishing their own
utensils, plates, cups, and tablecloths.
6. No use of the facilities will be allowed
during Church service hours and any activity shall
be completed before time of services.
7. All scheduling will be on first come basis.
8. The Church has the right to approve or
disapprove any rented event.
9.The
person making application to use the facility will
be responsible to sign a statement of understanding
on the stipulations of use.
This constitution and by-laws may be
amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present
at a regular business meeting or specially called
meeting for the purpose of amending. Any proposed
change having been brought before the church, read
and laid over one month, may be voted on at the next
regular business meeting.
EST. 1811
