BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. General

This is a New Testament church subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Section 2. Qualifications

Only those persons who have made a public profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have expressed a desire for baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and have declared their commitment to live according to the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus shall be eligible for election to membership in this church.

Section 3. New Member

Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership at any regular or special service of this church upon a public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a request for admission under any of the methods described in Section 4 of this Article.

Section 4. Admission

a. Admission to full membership shall be at any regular or special business meeting of this church upon recommendation of the pastor or, in his absence, one of the ministers, administrators, or deacons of this church, after requirements for membership have been met and upon approval by a majority vote of the members present and voting.

b. Requirements for membership are by one of the following:

       1. baptism (immersion), or

     2. receipt of a letter of separation and recommendation from        another church of like faith and order, or

     3. a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism by      immersion in another church, or

     4. restoration of any person whose membership has been   terminated by vote of the church, upon evidence of his    repentance and reformation; or, if on account of continued      absence, upon satisfactory explanation.

Section 5. Rights and Responsibilities

Every member, 18 years or older, in good standing is entitled to vote in all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in business meetings. Every member in good standing is eligible for consideration by the membership as a candidate for elective office in the church, except that only men are eligible for election to the office of deacon.

Section 6. Member in Good Standing

A member in good standing is one who regularly and faithfully attends church, supports the church financially, avoids propagation of heresy (Titus 3:10), avoids divisive practices, causing and abetting factions and participating in practices or offenses contrary to the doctrine of the church (Romans 16:17), avoids personal slander of the Pastor, Church Staff or fellow members (James 3), and avoids conduct unbecoming a Christian (Titus 2:1-8).

Section 7. Discipline of Member

a.  It is the purpose of this congregation that it be bonded together in the spirit of Christian love as manifested and bestowed by the Lord Jesus. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for reconciliation in the manner prescribed by Jesus in Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15-16 rather than punishment. Every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the ministerial staff and deacons are available for counsel and guidance.

b.  Any member of this church under discipline shall be denied the right to participate in the church business affairs.

c.  All matters of disciplinary action shall be handled in an expeditious manner.

d.  When any member is accused of any offense against the requirements and discipline of the church the matter shall be referred immediately to the chairman of deacons or his designee. The deacons shall give appropriate notice to the members implicated and shall proceed immediately to investigate the situation. Should the investigation result in favor of the accused or should those members remove the cause of the grief, the deacons shall take no further action. Otherwise, further action by the deacons shall be dictated by their judgment, consistent with the nature of the situation and the results of their investigation. Issues concerning pending disciplinary action will not be brought before the church body without following this section in its entirety.

e.  In every case in which a member is charged with an offense that would subject him to termination, the deacons shall invite that member to meet with them to discuss the charges and to offer such explanation and evidence as may be desired. After such a meeting, the deacons shall communicate their judgment with the recommendations to the church assembled in business meeting. The accused shall be duly notified of the deacon’s planned action. The church shall adopt or reject the deacon’s recommendation without discussion, unless the accused demands to explain the situation before the church, in which case it shall be conducted in the same manner as before with the deacons. Adoption of the deacon’s recommendation by the church shall be by written closed ballot vote of seventy-five percent of the members present.

f.  Any member charged in any action shall be given reasonable time, not to exceed 14 days or at the discretion of the deacons more time may be given to prepare his response.

g.  Any occurrence by any member of gross breach of covenant, or of unchristian conduct such as specified in I Corinthians 6:9-10 or of dissemination of any view of doctrine considered by the church as unscriptural or harmful to the church, or of causing strife, division or dissension among the membership, shall be handled in accordance with paragraphs (d) and (e).

h.  The deacons shall follow the requirements of Matthew 18:17 and I Corinthians 5:1-13 and shall actively seek the guidance and counsel of the pastor if required in all matters of discipline incumbent upon them.

Section 8. Termination of Member

a.  The term “termination” is used in this section as action taken by the church.

b.  The term “resignation “is used in this section as action taken by the member and is NOT an action taken for discipline reasons

c.  Membership shall be terminated by one of the following:

     1.  Proof of membership in another church.

     2.  Termination by action of this church.

     3.  Death of the member

d.  Any person having been terminated from the membership of this church is deemed, by his own actions, to have relinquished his right of access and/or use of the premises and facilities and is so denied such right. The church has the right and may exercise the right to request a restraining order to prevent disruption on church properties. However, at such time as the person is led by the Spirit and will of God to conviction of godly grief and to repentance, then shall be joyfully welcomed to come seeking restoration.

e.  Any person may resign from the church at any time at his/her own choice.

Section 9. Discipline of Staff Member

a.  It is the purpose of this congregation that it be bonded together in the spirit of Christian love as manifested and bestowed by the Lord Jesus. The attitude of members toward the staff shall be guided by a concern for reconciliation in the manner prescribed by Jesus in Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15-16 rather than punishment. Every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member.

b.  All matters of disciplinary action shall be handled in an expeditious manner.

c.  When any staff member is accused of any offense against the requirements and discipline of the church, the matter shall be referred immediately to the chairman of deacons or his designee. The deacons shall give appropriate notice to the members implicated and shall proceed immediately to investigate the situation. Should the investigation result in favor of the accused or should the members remove the cause of the grief, the deacons shall take no further action.  Otherwise, further action by the deacons and the personnel committee shall be dictated by their judgment, consistent with the nature of the situation and the results of their investigation.

d.  In circumstances in which a staff member is charged with an offense that would subject him to termination by the church, the deacons and personnel committee shall invite the staff member to meet with them to offer such explanation and evidence as desired. After such a meeting, the deacons and the personnel committee shall communicate their written recommendation to the church assembled at a meeting specifically called for that purpose. The accused shall be duly notified of the deacons’ planned action. The church shall adopt or reject the deacon’s recommendation without discussion, unless the accused demands to explain the situation before the church, in which case it shall be conducted in the same manner as before the deacons. Adoption of the deacon’s recommendation by the church shall be by written ballot vote of seventy-five percent of the members present.

e.  Any staff member charged in any action shall be given reasonable time not to exceed 14 days or at the discretion of the deacons and personnel committee more time may be given to prepare his/her response. Issues concerning pending disciplinary action will not be brought before the church body without following this section in its entirety.

f.  Any occurrence by any staff member of gross breach of covenant, or of unchristian conduct such as specified in I Corinthians 6:9-10 or of dissemination of any view of doctrine considered by the church as unscriptural or harmful to the church, or of causing strife, division or dissension among the membership, shall be handled in accordance with paragraphs d & e.

g.  In all matters of discipline incumbent upon them, the deacons and the personnel committee shall follow the requirements of Matthew 18:17 and I Corinthians 5:1-13 and shall actively seek the guidance and counsel from the Brevard Baptist Association.

Section 10. Termination of Staff Member

a.  The term “termination” is used in this section as action taken by the church.

b.  The term “resignation “is used in this section as action taken by the member and is NOT an action taken for discipline reasons

c.  The term of the office of the staff member may be terminated as follows;

     1. Immediately when terminated by the church.

     2. Immediately after mutual consent.

d.  Any staff member having been terminated from the membership of this church is deemed, by his own actions, to have relinquished his/her right of access and/or use of the premises and facilities and is so denied such right. The church has the right and may exercise the right to request a restraining order to prevent disruption on church properties.

e.  Any staff member may resign from the church at any time at his/her own choice with a two week written notice. A two week notice is not required if disciplinary reasons are involved

Article II. Officers

Section 1. General

a. The officers of this church shall be the senior pastor and his staff members, Administrators, deacons, trustees, moderator, church clerk, and treasurer.

b. The senior pastor’s staff of this church shall be the Senior Pastor, Pastor, Minister of Youth, Minister of Music and the Administrative Assistant (Ministerial Staff). The senior pastor is responsible for their day to day supervision as well as their annual evaluations. Recommendation of termination for poor performance of any staff member by the pastor with the exception of the Administrative Assistant must have church approval.

c. All other paid staff positions shall be under the administrative supervision of the church council. The church council may delegate day to day supervision to the personnel committee as deemed necessary.

d. All officers shall be members in good standing. The senior pastor’s staff shall be called /elected by the church however; the church does not have to vote to affirm the Administrative Assistance position.

e. The treasurer, trustees, moderator and clerk shall be recommended to the church by the nominating committee and shall be reaffirmed each year.

Section 2. Senior Pastor

a. The Senior Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church. He is responsible for leading the church to understand its divine mission as a New Testament church, to establish priorities and goals therein, and to move together in harmony and unity of purpose toward achievement of its mission.

b. As the spiritual leader of the congregation, he is responsible to feed the flock, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and to:

     1.  Proclaim the gospel in the church and community

     2.  Provide pastoral care and lead church members to care for      persons in the church and community;

     3.  Provide leadership for congregational services and lead in    conducting the church ordinances;

     4.  Provide exemplary leadership to the deacons in their work of    discipline, proclaiming, and caring for and building up the church   fellowship;

     5.  Represent God and His Church with the utmost integrity;

     6.  Provide spiritual leadership for all programs and provide for      staff training and development;

     7.  Conduct wedding ceremonies and funeral services.

c. The Senior Pastor shall be a non-voting member of all standing committees, organizations, and departments of the church.

d. The Senior Pastor shall be a man chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. He shall be called and elected to serve the pleasure of the church or until he himself shall elect to relinquish the office. The election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week’s notice has been given by announcement from the pulpit at regularly scheduled services and/or in a newsletter. Normally such meeting shall be called the Sunday that the candidate preaches at this church in view of a call.

e. Election of the Senior Pastor shall be written ballot. An affirmative vote of eighty percent of the members present and voting is necessary for the decision to call. The letter defining the call shall be read prior to

Section 3. Senior Pastor’s Staff (Ministerial Staff)

a. The Senior Pastor’s staff members shall be called by the church as needs are determined. They shall be responsible to the Senior Pastor for interpreting and implementing policy guidance from the Senior Pastor, and providing staff leadership for the entire church program in their respective area of calling. Their specific qualifications and duties shall be defined in a job description to be prepared by the Personnel Committee.

b. A Senior Pastor’s staff member shall be a person who professes Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and Master, having been called by God into the specific ministry. He/She shall be a person whose Christian character and qualifications are consistent with the statement of faith and character of this church. When the need arises, the Personnel Committee, in coordination with the Senior Pastor, shall seek out and recommend to the church a person to fill the need. The call and election by the church shall be essentially as set forth for the Pastor in Section 2 d and e above.. The Administrative Assistant position will be filled in the same manner as all other ministerial staff members except that position does NOT have to be voted on by the church.

c. Termination of service of a ministerial staff member shall be in accordance with Article 1 Section 11.

Section 4. Deacon Ministry

a. The deacons of this church are comprised of:

     1. Men who have been called out by God, examined and     ordained   to the ministry of deacon service by the congregation of this church     and

     2. Men who have been so called out and ordained by the    congregation of another      Baptist church of like faith and order and      who, having entered into the membership of this   congregation,      meet the requirements for deacon service as established by this    church and are so recognized by election to the deacons.

     Further, the deacons are comprised of:

     3. Active Deacons - men who have been elected to active

     deacon service and are so serving; and

     4. Inactive Deacons - men who have been recognized by this      church as members of the deacons of this church but are not currently serving in a specific term of active deacon service.

b. Nominees for election to the deacons shall:

     1. Have experienced a call by God to the ministry of deacon     service.

     2. Have been a member of this church in good standing for at least one year.

     3. Be at least 21 years of age.

     4. Meet the scriptural qualifications as outlined in the New   Testament, particularly Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, as understood     and applied by this church.

     5. In all relationships within and without the membership of this     congregation subscribe fully, without any reservation to the spirit   and letter of the Church Covenant as set forth in this church’s      constitution, Article III.

     6. Be a tither in support of the ministry of this church.

     7. Have been ordained to the ministry of deacon service or be willing to be so ordained upon election by this church.

     8. Be willing to sign a deacon covenant.

c. As used in these by-laws, other than in paragraph a above, the words “deacon,” “deacons” and “body of deacons” shall clearly be understood to mean those in active deacon service unless otherwise stipulated.

d. Deacon elections shall be scheduled whenever the requirements exist to reduce the number of families assigned to each deacon and no ordained inactive deacon is available to return to active status. The election ballot shall contain only those men who meet the qualifications identified in paragraph b above and have never been ordained. An inactive ordained deacon may fill a vacancy whenever the need to replace or increase the number of deacons without being resubmitted to the church body.

e. Eligible candidates shall be identified by current church membership rolls based on the criteria outlined in paragraph b above. Qualified candidates shall be presented to the church body by the deacons for church election.

f. A deacon may be considered inactive at his request and shall remain so until he specifies otherwise.

g. When a Deacon is not available, his Deacon partner may act on his behalf.

Section 5.  Deacons Family Aid (aka Benevolence Fund)

A fund will be established to help members of First Baptist Church of Aurantia who are in need. The fund will be distributed by the deacon assigned to the family and either the chairman/co-chairman of the deacons or the pastor. The aid should be used to support valid needs as determined by the support group, however bills should be paid or food purchased instead of providing cash money. When the need is less than $100.00 the family deacon and the chair/co-chair may authorize the fund. If the need is greater than $100.00 then the Pastor or his alternate, as well as the individuals identified above must approve the fund. The maximum fund for any one member will not exceed $1000.00. In all cases, the deacons will keep the pastor informed. The Deacons Family Aid is financially supported by the “Family Aid Fund Offering” which is taken up periodically at a church service.

Section 6. Trustees

a. A trustee shall have been a member of this church in good standing for five consecutive years prior to election. He/she shall be a person of spiritual maturity and sound judgment. It is desirable that trustees have vocational background and experience consistent with their duties.

b. The trustees shall serve as the corporate officers of the church and shall be comprised of five members including a President, 1^st Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, Treasurer, and Trustee Secretary who, having been elected to that office in the church, thereby becomes a member of the trustees retaining and extending his/her title and responsibilities to the same function on the Board of Trustees.

c. The trustees are responsible for managing the legal affairs of this church (corporation) upon approval of and pursuant to instructions from the members in a regular or special business meeting of the church. It shall be the duty of the trustees to accept and hold in trust for the church title to the properties of the church and to make such contracts, conveyances, and encumbrances affecting or relating to such properties, or any part thereof, as may be in conformity with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and as authorized by the membership of this church during a regular or special business meeting. The trustees shall, before purchasing, selling, conveying, or encumbering any of the real property, cause notice of such proposed action to be published in at least two issues of the church bulletin and/or newsletter immediately prior to the date of the business meeting at which the vote of the membership is taken on the matter. If sixty-seven percent of the membership present and voting in business meeting vote in favor of the proposal, the same shall stand approved and the trustees shall proceed as authorized and instructed.

d. The trustees shall establish and maintain comprehensive insurance protection for the church property and liability insurance, and such other insurance as the church may be legally obligated to maintain, except that provision of group (personnel) insurance in any form is the responsibility of the personnel committee.

e. The trustees shall be custodian of all official legal documents of the church and of the church seal, all of which shall be stored in the church’s safe deposit facilities.

f. The trustees shall be the custodian for any safe deposit facilities reserved by or for the church. They shall ensure that resolutions authorizing access thereto require the presence of two authorized persons for such access, and that such resolutions are maintained current.

g. Any litigation involving the church (corporation) shall be in the name of the trustees. All legal instruments of writing executed by the trustees shall be signed in the following manner:

     TRUSTEES, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF AURANTIA, FLORIDA

     FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CORPORATION.

     By:                                                             Chairman

     By:                                                            Secretary

h. The trustees of the First Baptist Church of Aurantia will come under the same guidelines of administration and operation of all other committees listed hitherto fore in these by-laws.

Section 7. Moderator

a. The primary responsibility of the moderator is to make preparation for and preside at the church business meetings.

b. In the absence of the moderator, the Chairman of Deacons shall preside at any business meeting. In the absence of both, the Vice-Chairman of Deacons shall preside.

Section 8. Clerk

a. The clerk shall have been a member of this church and in good standing for two continuous years prior to election. It is required that the clerk have vocational background and experience consistent with the duties of the office. The clerk shall be nominated and elected in accordance with Article II, Section 1 c.

b. The clerk is the clerical officer of the church. As such, he/she is responsible for the preservation and storage of all official records and written reports, except that the treasurer and trustees shall be responsible for preservation and retention of such records as are required in pursuance of their respective responsibilities. The church clerk will:

     1. record all actions taken by the church in business meeting.   This record shall be carefully typed and reviewed for concurrence     by the presiding moderator, and after approval by the church in    business meeting, be placed in a suitable file identified and      grouped by the church, covered and preserved in perpetuity;

     2. work with the moderator in preparing agendas for church     business meetings;

     3. issue notices of all church business meetings when notice is required pursuant to the by-laws or as requested by the      moderator;

     4. prepare and submit to the church for approval on a timely    basis information for the annual church letter to the Brevard     Baptist Association, and submit the letter to the Association upon approval by the church.

Section 9. Treasurer

a. The treasurer shall have been a member of this church and in good standing for five continuous years prior to election. It is required that the treasurer have vocational background and experience consistent with the duties of the office. The treasurer shall be nominated and elected in accordance with Article II, Section 1 c.

b. The church treasurer is the financial officer for the church and a member of the Board of Trustees. The treasurer is responsible for the corporation financial status. He/she will rely on the Budget and Finance committee for financial information required to perform his/her assigned duties.

     1. be treasurer of the corporation;

     2. be a member of the budget and finance committee and the church council;

     3. present to the church at each quarterly business meeting a   report of receipts and disbursements for the preceding quarter. The reports shall have been prepared and reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee in detail prior to presentation to      the      church. At the end of the church fiscal year the report shall cover both the preceding quarter and year just ending.

ARTICLE III. CHURCH COUNCIL

Section 1. Purpose

a. The Church Council consists of key ministry leadership assembled in order to ensure the clarity of program and ministry objectives relative to the church Constitution and By-laws.

b. The church council is composed of the following but not limited to:

      Pastor

      Ministerial Staff

      Sunday School Coordinator(s)

      Program Ministry Leader(s)

      Treasurer

      Church Clerk

      Chairman of Deacons

      Chairman of Trustees

      Committee Heads

      Administrator(s)

c. The purpose of the Church Council is to:

     1. provide coordination/interfacing for all ministry/committee    leadership in order to ensure effective communication

     2. solidify calendar and program coordination

     3. build unity through mutual awareness and cooperation, and

     4. provide correlation of effort and resource so as to maximize      ministry/ committee effectiveness.

d. The Church Council members are expected to fulfill the church mission and ministry through the various ministry/committee teams which they chair and are intended to engage each ministry/committee team in appropriate areas of concern.

e. The church council is intended to maximize the outreach and testimony of the church through every channel of ministry involvement.

Section 2. Membership

a. The Administrator will serve as Chairman of the Council.

b. In the absence of the administrator, the Chairman of Deacons will serve as Chairman of the Council.

c. The Church Clerk will serve as secretary of the council.

Section 3. Responsibilities

a. The church council is responsible for coordination and cooperation in the total church ministry program. This effort and concern should supersede individualized areas of ministry/committee responsibility. Thus, the council is responsible to:

     1. clarify and communicate ministry/program goals, strategies,      and objectives in conjunction with the pastor and staff;

     2. discover and develop ways to reach people for Christ and     secure them in the fellowship of the church body;

     3. provide a forum for communication and consultation relative to ministry needs, concerns, plans and objectives;

     4. interface in areas of conflict or concern relative to varying    areas of programming and seek to achieve solutions that will benefit the total church body;

     5. review and discuss the church calendar so as to provide effective coordination and cooperation for maximum   ministry/program impact;

     6. evaluate and consider program progress and effectiveness in     relation to the church mission and stated goals of ministry;

     7. provide a point of accountability for all ministry    team/committee leadership relative to activity of each   ministry/committee team.

Section 4. Meetings

a. Meetings of the council shall be called quarterly or at the discretion of the pastor/administrator. In their absence, the chairman of deacons or any eight members of the council may call a meeting as required. At least one meeting shall be held quarterly.

b. The church clerk will ensure that minutes are maintained, reproduced, and distributed to each member of the council within 30 days of the meeting.

c. Planned agenda shall be distributed to all church council members at least 7 days prior to the published meeting date. Items to be discussed should be presented to the church secretary 14 days prior to the planned meeting date. This allows items to be placed on the agenda and published prior to the scheduled meeting(s).

Section 5. Administrator Selections

a. The administrator(s) is chosen by the Nominating Committee and is elected in the annual church election.

b. The administrator(s) must be a member(s) in good standing of First Baptist Church of Aurantia for at least five years and meet the qualifications that are specified in Article II Section 4b paragraphs 5 and 6 of these by-laws.

Section 6. Purpose of Administrator

a. The administrator(s) is to oversee the daily operation and support of the church in the pursuit of all business activities.  Business activities are defined as the task required maintaining the church facilities and equipment as well as the secular duties and responsibilities, finances, taxes, insurance, etc.   

These duties shall not infringe nor interfere with the mission of the church and the efforts of the pastor/staff in the accomplishments of this goal.

b. The administrator shall chair the church council meetings and accomplish the agenda items in an expeditious and orderly manner. This will enable continuity and coordination of church activities and assure completion of each agenda item.

c. Additional duties of the administrator(s) shall be at the discretion of the pastor, staff and church council.

Article IV. Program Ministry

Section 1. General

a. The church shall establish and maintain organized programs of activity in the general areas of Bible teaching, church member training, music education and performance, and missionary education and ministry as deemed appropriate to carry out the church’s mission and ministry.

b. All organizations shall be accountable to the church and under the guidance of the ministry staff. Non-staff general officers, department officers, teachers, and other workers as appropriate shall be recommended by the nominating committee. Leaders shall report regularly to the church concerning their program activities.

c. The program leader shall be responsible to establish and identify to the Nominating Committee the staff requirements for volunteer workers to be elected annually by the church. Also, he shall develop and identify to the appropriate committee/organization the physical and financial resources required to carry out the program, and shall administer budget line items for which he is responsible as assigned by the Budget and Finance Committee.

d. The church shall provide the human, physical and financial resources for the advancement of these programs.

e. The pastor shall provide the spiritual guidance for all ministries. His leadership shall be manifested and recognized in establishing, planning and conducting ministries.

f. Program ministries currently active are reflected in this article. Others shall be established and activated as the church may deem appropriate.

Section 2. Sunday School

a. The Sunday School shall consist of varying classes according to age, gender, school grade, etc. It will be set up according to the specific needs of the church body. It will be overseen by the Sunday school superintendent and the ministerial staff. Its purpose is teaching discipleship, evangelistic outreach along with understanding the true meaning of Scripture. All directors and teachers must be a member of the church in good standing at least 1 year. Materials should be approved by the Sunday School Coordinator.

Section 3. Church Training

a. There should be a church training program under the direction of the ministerial staff.

b. The basic tasks of the church training program are to:

     1. Teach systematic theology, Christian ethics, Christian history,     our church doctrine, our church governance and organizational     functions;

     2. Provide specific/specialized training to equip members for the    work of the church, and provide leaders for the church and     denomination.

Section 4. Music and Worship

There shall be a church music and worship program comprised of both vocal and instrumental groups of all ages for the purpose of worship service leadership. The Music Ministry shall be administrated by the staff and assisted by lay leadership.

Section 5. Youth/Student Ministry

There shall be an organized program of ministry for junior high through college/career students by groups as may be appropriate for particular activities. The Youth/Student Ministry shall be conducted under the direction of the Minister of Youth/Students, assisted by an associated staff, interns, volunteer adult leadership and older student volunteers as needed. The program shall be open to the community.

Section 6. Singles Ministry

a. The church shall have an organized program of ministry for single adults from the ages of twenty-two and up to meet the spiritual, relational and social needs of this group. The Singles Minister or coordinator shall direct this ministry assisted by volunteer workers as needed.

b. The singles ministry shall be open to anyone who, above the age of twenty-two is not legally married. Those individuals still legally married should not be encouraged to participate, as our purpose is to encourage reconciliation of marriage whenever possible.

c. The singles ministry should lead single adults to be a vital part of the total church fellowship and should plan all Bible studies, activities and fellowships to coordinate with the overall ministry of the church and not in conflict with it.

Section 7. Men’s Ministry

There shall be an organized program of activity for men conducted under the leadership of the men’s coordinator assisted by volunteer workers as needed.

Section 8. Women’s Ministry

There shall be an organized program of activity for women conducted under the leadership of the women’s coordinator assisted by such volunteer workers as needed.

Section 9. Children’s Ministry/Worship

a. There may be an organized, weekly program of Children’s Ministry/Worship.

b. The beginning age for participants shall coincide with the age at which a child can no longer remain in the nursery during the worship service.  Children’s church is basically for preschool children and those through second grade. It shall be sub-divided by age groups as appropriate.

Section 10. Senior Adult Ministry (VIP’s)

a. The church shall have an organized ministry program specifically designed to meet the spiritual, relational, and special needs of Senior Adults. Senior Adults will be defined as those who are 50 years of age and older. This group will be under the direction of the Minister of Senior Adults who will be assisted by volunteers.

b. The senior adults, who are currently referred to as the VIP’s, may have an organizational structure which may include an elected slate of officers consisting of, but not limited to, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chaplain. The primary function of this team will be to plan, coordinate, and carry out activities and functions specifically geared to meet the needs of senior adults.

c. The Senior Adult Ministry will have its own bank account which will be completely separate from the main church bank account. The collection, distribution and use of any and all funds (monies) and resources connected with the senior adults shall be at the discretion of the VIP membership.

Section 11. New Members Ministry

a. There shall be a New Members Ministry designed as a series of orientation classes to be administered under the church training program. Subjects covered but not limited to should be:

     1. Baptist History

     2. Baptist Faith and Message

     3. Our Church Structure (Governance) and Ministries

     4. Our Church History

     5. Welcome Social.

b. Specifics are to be addressed in the church manual.

Section 12. New Beginning Ministry

a. Additionally, if new members are also new Christians there will be a discipleship program administered under the church training program to mentor and teach the basic concepts of being a Christian. Subjects covered should include but are not limited to:

     1. Prayer

     2. Holy Spirit

     3. Bible Study

     4. How to Experience God

b. Specifics to be addressed in the church manual as compiled by the Sunday School Department.

Section 13. Prayer Ministry

a.  Purpose of Prayer Ministry is to:

     1.  pray for our church members

     2.  pray for our sick, needy, homebound

     3.  Pray for our armed forces

     4.  Pray for our pastor and Brevard Association pastors.

b  Intent of Prayer Ministry is to maintain communication with GOD our Father, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Enabler, Comforter, and Strength.

c.  Communicate our concerns thru written and oral methods to those we pray for.

d.  Maintain a list for purpose of prayer update on 60 day basis.

e.  Establish a prayer closet for our members.

f.  Support our church thru prayer during services.

g.  Pray for the lost in the community.

h.  Support and participate in the Brevard Baptist Association prayer ministry.

Section 14. Missions

Includes Homebound, Bears, VBS, Children’s Church, Greeters and Awana’s)

Article V. Ordinances

Section 1. Baptism

a. 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, at his request, be received for baptism. Baptism shall be:

     1. by immersion in water

     2. administered by the pastor or an authorized member of the ministerial staff, and

     3. administered as an act of worship during any worship service.

b. The deacons may assist the pastor in counseling candidates in preparation for baptism.

c. The baptism committee shall prepare/verify the baptistery is ready for use and shall assist the candidates as appropriate.

d. A person professing Christ as Lord and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time may be counseled by the Pastor and/or the Deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he shall be dropped from the list of those awaiting baptism.

Section 2. The Lord’s Supper

a. The Lord’s Supper may be observed at any worship service as the Pastor, or in his absence, the deacons, shall determine. Consideration shall be given to administering the Lord’s Supper to those church members who are unable to attend services.

b. The Lord’s Supper shall be open to all believers.

c. The Pastor and deacons shall administer the Lord’s Supper. In the Pastor’s absence, this may be done by an authorized member of the ministerial staff or the Chairman of Deacons.

d. The deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparations for the Lord’s Supper.

Section 3. Ordination

Ordination is a rite of dedication and commissioning of ministers (pastors, deacons) after examination of Scriptural qualifications, that essentially consists of the laying on of hands by those given authority to do so, to the one being ordained with prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and grace to be manifested for the carrying out of the ministry for the glory of God.

Article VI. Church meetings

Section 1. Worship Services

a. The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. Services may be changed under special circumstances.

b. Services shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor. When the office of pastor is vacant, the Pulpit Supply Committee is responsible to fill the pulpit.

c. Services shall be open to the entire church membership and to all others who bring glory to God that choose to attend.

Section 2. Annual Business Meeting

The church organizational year shall begin October 1^st and end September 30^th. An annual church business meeting shall be called in September to approve recommendations of Nominating Committee for the coming church organizational year.

Section 3. Regular Business Meetings

a. The church shall hold a regular quarterly business meeting on the last Wednesday evening of January, April, July and October. In the event of schedule conflict, this meeting will be held as soon as possible with proper church notification.

b. Any organizational element or individual desiring to initiate a matter for action by the church in business meeting shall;

     1. Draft the proposed resolution in writing; Prior to the meeting      at which action is to be proposed, advise the moderator of the      planned action and furnish him a copy of the proposed resolution; and

     2. At the time of introduction, provide a copy of the proposed   resolution to the church clerk. The prior notice by publication   and time requirements imposed by these by-laws shall be    observed for those matters so specified, and parliamentary      procedure concerning “Suspension of the Rules” shall not be     invoked to abrogate such prior notice requirements.

c. All church business meetings, regular, annual, and special, shall be held at a Church building and under the direction of the moderator.

Section 4. Special Business Meetings

a. The church may hold special called business meetings to consider special matters of significant nature.

b. Except as otherwise provided by these by-laws, at least three days notice of the time and the subject matter to be considered must be given for each special business meeting. Such notice may be by publication and/or announcement at all Sunday worship services.

c. Only matters previously announced may be considered at a special business meeting.

d. The moderator, or in his absence, the chairman of deacons, or in the absence of both, the vice-chairman of deacons, shall be the authority to consider requests and determine the need for a Special Business meeting. When such is deemed in order, he shall be responsible to initiate the required notices and schedule the meeting with due consideration for the urgency of need and other activities already scheduled on the church calendar.

e. An annual special business meeting shall be called in September to approve the proposed annual budget recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee for the coming church fiscal year which shall begin on October 1^st and end on September 30^th.

Section 5. Quorum

The quorum consists of those members who are in attendance at the business meeting, provided it is a regularly scheduled meeting or a special one that has been properly called. Majority rules except where by-laws so state.

Section 6. Parliamentary Rules

The moderator shall determine the rules of procedure according to his sense of fairness and common sense, giving all members a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a matter. The moderator is the final authority on questions of procedure, and his decision is final and controlling.

Article VII. Budget and Finances

Section 1. General

a. The Budget and Finance committee will consist of 5 voting members including the chairman and co-chairman. The financial secretary will support the committee; however he/she will not be a voting member and not counted in the 5 members stated above.

b. As a New Testament church existing by the grace of God and operating under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, this church adopts the Biblical concept of, and is dependent upon, the tithes and offerings of its members to meet the financial needs for its mission and ministries.

c. Every member is encouraged to search the scriptures and, under the revealing influence of the Holy Spirit, to examine himself toward the full meaning of any commitment to the principle of the ownership of God and the trusteeship of man in matters of self and possessions.

d. Our church uses the envelope system for tithes and offerings for the encouragement and convenience of members to do what the Lord requires as set forth in I Corinthians 16:2, and to facilitate financial accounting and individual/family records.

Section 2. Budget

a. Our church uses the unified budget plan, employing the zero base concept, to define, for each fiscal year, its financial needs and allocate its financial resources as required to promote and carry out the total church program.

b. Leaders of organizational elements requiring financial resources shall define their needs in such detail, with supporting information as the Budget and Finance Committee may require as they develop proposed annual budgets.

c. The Budget and Finance Committee is responsible to prepare the annual church budget which, when approved by the church, becomes the authority for utilizing general funds. Should circumstances reveal a need for a budget increase, the Budget and Finance Committee shall so recommend to the church for approval action.

Section 3. Accounting

a. The Budget and Finance Committee is responsible to receive, account for and disburse moneys for the church. Accounting shall be in the form established and provided by the church.

b. One general fund shall be used to receive, account for and disburse all tithes and undesignated offerings in support of budget.

c. All designated offerings or other revenue collections shall be accounted for separately from general funds and used in accordance with the purpose of the contributor.

d. The Budget and Finance Committee is responsible to review all designated offerings and to resolve any question of compliance with the spirit of paragraph c above. In so doing they shall seek counsel from the pastor, and if needed, the church council and shall consult with the contributor as appropriate. The committee’s review shall assure clarity of purpose adequate for the business office to properly apply the designated offering.

e. Designated offerings shall not be diverted from the purpose for which offered without consent of the contributor. However, in any circumstance of inability to comply with the contributor’s purpose, and the contributor cannot be contacted, or where designated funds are not readily identifiable to a specific contributor or are excess to foreseeable needs of the purpose for which contributed, then such funds may be transferred to the general fund upon recommendation of the Budget and Finance Committee.

f. The Counting Committee is responsible to receive, verify, count and deposit all tithes and offerings as received through the Sunday School and all church regular and special services. In so doing, they shall adhere strictly to established procedures as approved by the Budget and Finance Committee and business office. At least two members of the Counting Committee shall be present for handling moneys.

g. Tithes and offerings delivered by mail or otherwise to the church office shall be directed to the Counting Committee for recording and deposit. Handling and deposit of such shall be in strict accordance with approved procedures set forth by the Budget and Finance Committee.

h. When circumstances permit, the church treasurer shall deposit church excess funds in insured interest-bearing accounts for the optimum benefit to the church.

Section 4. Controls

a. The Budget and Finance Committee is responsible to the church for the management and administration of the church’s finances. They shall act in close cooperation with the church treasurer and shall recognize the legal and other responsibilities of the treasurer as assigned by the church.

b. Disbursement of general funds shall be in accordance with the budget, or as specially appropriated by church action, or as authorized under these by-laws and upon receipt of a properly approved purchase request. Disbursement of designated funds shall be to the purpose for which contributed, or as set forth in Section 3 c-e above, following procedures as established by the Budget and Finance Committee.

c. All disbursements shall be by check and signed by two persons, provided the disbursements have been appropriately authorized. Authority to sign checks shall be established by the budget and finance committee. Changes in authorization must be executed promptly, and authorizations must be maintained current with financial institutions handling church funds.

d. Checks shall not be accepted in exchange for cash from any church funds.

e. Any check accepted in payment for services rendered by, or through, the church shall be clearly marked to show that they are “for” such services and are not tax-deductible contributions.

f. Petty cash accounts shall be kept to the minimum needed for effective conduct of church programs and business, and as specifically authorized by the Budget and Finance Committee. Such authority shall specify the purpose, dollar maximum limit, custodial responsibility, and accountability and record requirement. The Budget and Finance Committee shall exercise oversight for such accounts including periodic review for continuing need.

g. The Budget and Finance Committee shall establish precise handling procedures and cash controls toward the objective that all moneys received by and/or for the church are carefully preserved, properly recorded and placed in the appropriate bank depository on a timely basis. They, in cooperation with the counting committee shall ensure that all personnel authorized to handle funds are instructed in and have clear understanding of the procedures.

h. In handling church moneys within, or in transporting outside the church premises, the maximum amount in any one handling or movement shall, insofar as is practical, be limited to the current limit of our insurance coverage.

Section 5. Audit

The church treasurer shall, within three months after the end of the church fiscal year, conduct an audit of the church financial accounts and reports, and a procedural audit of business office accounting policies and procedures. They shall report the results, along with their recommendations thereon, to the church in business meeting. The physical audit may be done by an independent Certified Public Accountant.

Section 6. Fiscal Year

The church fiscal year shall be October 1^st through September 30^th.

ARTICLE VIII. CHURCH COMMITTEES

Section 1. General

a. For the purpose of standardizing the process of church business applicable portions of these by-laws (rules of procedure, quorum, voting and reports) shall apply also to meetings of special committees, council, trustees and deacons in their conduct of business unless otherwise noted in these by-laws.

b. The purpose of church committees is to assist and serve the church by performing specific jobs, generally in the administrative service area of church operations.

c. Church committees are as follows:

     1. Standing committees: those established to perform continuing    functions in the church operations; standing committees will be    as follows, but not limited to:

          Activities

          Baptism

          Bereavement

          Budget & Finance

          Buildings & Grounds

          Flowers & Decorations

          Hospitality

          Library

          Long Range Planning

          Money Counters

          Nominating

          Nursery

          Personnel

          Ushers

          Weddings

d. The duties and responsibilities for each committee identified above will be clearly identified in the church manual. Committees must operate within the framework of their assigned responsibilities. However, no committee can serve the church effectively without continual liaison and coordination with other church organizational elements.

e. Committees are empowered by the church and are responsible to the church. Each committee chairperson will report at least semi-annually to the church.

f. Committee chairpersons shall speak for their committee only as related to matters already discussed in their committee or covered by committee policies and procedures. Otherwise, the chairperson shall consult with committee members before speaking authoritatively on behalf of the committee.

g. At the first meeting annually each committee shall organize to elect a Vice-Chairperson and a Secretary.

h. The Pastor is a non-voting member of all committees and organizational groups. His leadership is expected and encouraged, and shall be properly recognized in such committee and group activities.

i. Designated members as specifically identified to committees and/or other organizational groups shall be entitled to vote on all issues before the respective group. However, in the circumstance of a joint meeting of the active and reserve deacons, only active deacons shall be entitled to vote.

Section 2. Election

a. Unless otherwise specified by these by-laws, all committee members shall be:

     1. Recommended by the nominating committee;

     2. Elected by the church; and

     3. Elected to serve on a rotational basis with one third to be     elected annually, with the exception of ad hoc committee which shall be limited to a two-year term. All ad hoc committees will be    appointed by the church council.

     4. Chairperson of the money counters, nursery workers, and    ushers will be selected by the nominating committee. Other   members of these committees will be selected by that    committee’s chair person.

b. The Nominating Committee shall identify the person nominated to serve as Chairperson of each committee and the church action in election shall confirm the Chairperson as such, even though he may be currently a member of the committee.

c. Any regularly elected member, having served three years or more, shall at his/her discretion be eligible for reelection to the same committee.

d. When a vacancy occurs in a committee, the chairperson shall promptly advise the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, who shall take prompt action to fill the vacant position.

e. Chairpersons of any given committees may recommend a change in number of members of that committee for approval by the church council.

Section 3. Personnel Committee

a. The Personnel Committee with the assistance of the Senior Pastor will be responsible for the interviewing and recommending of employment to fill vacant ministerial staff positions.

The personnel committee will interview and hire all other paid positions within the church.

The personnel committee will support the Pastor Search Committee and the Pulpit Supply Committee to fill the pulpit in absence of the Pastor.

The Pastor Search Committee is responsible to select, interview, and present to the church the candidate for permanent Senior Pastor and the. Pulpit Supply Committee is responsible to select, interview, and present to the church the candidate for interim Pastor.

The Personnel Committee working with the Budget & Finance Committee is responsible for establishing and explaining the benefits including salary, vacation, sick leave, etc.

The Personnel Committee is: 

     1. responsible for the Senior Pastor’s annual review based   on inputs from 6 randomly selected Deacons by the      personnel committee.
     2. responsible for the annual review of all paid employees   except the Senior Pastor’s staff.

     3. responsible for formulating and maintaining the staff job descriptions.
     4. required to work with the Budget & Finance Committee to     formulate
     and maintaining annual benefits packages.
     5. responsible for working with the Deacons on disciplinary actions
     involving staff members.
     6. responsible for formulating and recommending to the      church the vacations, sick leave, severance packages and    other benefits of all staff members which include the Senior     Pastor.

     7. responsible for recommending to the church council   termination of paid employees that are NOT OF THE    PASTOR’S STAFF due to poor performance.  

Section 4. Pastor Search Committee

a. In the event that the pulpit of the church is vacated by resignation, death or any other means, a Pastor Search Committee shall be formed in the following manner:

     1. Members of the church shall be encouraged to submit to the      deacons names of persons suitable to serve on the Pastor Search    Committee. Boxes shall be made available in the foyer for the     collection of nomination forms.

     2. At the first regular meeting of the deacons, but not less than     two weeks following the vacating of the pulpit, the deacons shall   review all names submitted and shall select from these names, ten   names receiving the largest number of votes to serve on the      committee. This list shall be presented to the church in regular or   special business meeting and shall be voted on by written ballot.

     3. The five names receiving the highest number of votes shall   form the committee. The committee shall then elect a    Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary as needed.

b. The Pastor Search Committee will provide the background information on a candidate to the Personnel Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee at least two weeks before the Personnel Committee and Budget and Finance Committee will meet with the candidate to negotiate salary and benefits.

c. Suggested qualifications for the Pastor Search Committee are listed below and shall be made available to the church body. The members should:

     1. Be members of the church that have a demonstrated love for    the Lord and our church (i.e. actively involved in the programs of the church);

     2. Have a thorough knowledge of the church programs in order     to speak authoritatively regarding the work of the church;

     3. Represent various age groups and know the heartbeat of our     church;

     4. Some committee members should have previous experience     serving on the Pastor Search Committee and other church    committees/programs;

     5. Have the freedom to travel and must have control of their    time in order to travel throughout the week;

     6. Have the ability to verbally communicate the policies,     procedures and history of the church and to convey needs of      church members to the prospective pastor.

Section 5. Pulpit Supply Committee

a. When the pastor vacates the pulpit, the Chairman of Deacons will, within five days, submit to the church for consideration six names to comprise a Pulpit Supply Committee. The committee will elect from among themselves a chairperson. It will be the responsibility of this committee to coordinate plans for filling the church pulpit each Sunday morning and evening and each Wednesday evening until a new pastor is called.

b. The Pulpit Supply Committee is responsible to contact and schedule a pastor or pastors until such time as an interim pastor may be called when the need has been identified by the church. The interim pastor will fill the pulpit until the permanent pastor is called.

c. Election of the pastor shall be written ballot. An affirmative vote of eighty percent of the members present and voting is necessary for the decision to call. The letter defining the call shall be read prior to the vote.

d. The Pulpit Supply Committee will provide the background information on a candidate for interim pastor to the Personnel Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee at least two weeks before the Personnel Committee and Budget and Finance Committee will meet with the candidate to negotiate salary and benefits.

e. The duties of the interim pastor will be clearly identified in the church manual.

f. When the permanent pastor is called, the interim pastor will be given two weeks notice and no severance package will be offered.

ARTICLE IX. CHURCH OPERATIONS MANUAL

Section 1. General

a. This church shall establish and maintain a Church Operations Manual to include church administrative policies and procedures and organizational charts depicting lines of responsibility in the administration of the church affairs.

b. The Church Council shall have oversight through an ad hoc committee of the preparation and maintenance of the church manual, with responsibility for annual review to ensure that the manual is current.

c. Individual sections of the document shall be submitted to the Church Council for review and, if deemed appropriate by the Church Council, to the church for approval action during a business meeting.

d. Changes to policy and procedural documents shall be processed in the same manner as the Constitution and By-laws

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ARTICLE X. DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Section 1. Relationships

a. This church reserves unto itself the right of complete autonomy, being competent and responsible under the Lordship of Jesus Christ to make its own decisions and manage its own affairs. We do, however, acknowledge the mutual benefits of interdependent strengthening relationships with other churches and organizations of like faith and order, and so maintain a voluntary cooperative relationship with the Brevard Baptist Association, the Florida Baptist State Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.

b. Members of this church are encouraged to maintain a continuing, active interest in the affairs, and participation in the assemblies and conventions, of our denominational bodies.

Section 2. Representation

a. In any circumstance where official representation is required in our interdependent relationships, this church shall elect representatives as required or to the extent allowed.

b. Representatives (messengers) elected to attend meetings of denominational bodies shall understand that they have no delegated authority from the church. The pastor or in his absence, the deacons or church council, shall nominate and present for approval in a church business meeting the maximum number of messengers as allowed by convention policy.

ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Constitution and By-laws

a. The church may vote on the annual review/update of the Constitution and/or By-laws at an annual business meeting in September. The annual business meeting will be so announced from the pulpit at the worship service on a given Sunday at least thirty days prior to the meeting, provided that:

     1. Proposed amendments have been processed in accordance with paragraph c below; and

2. Proposed amendments receive an affirmative vote of at least sixty-seven percent of the Church Council members present and voting on such amendments.

b. The church may amend the Constitution and/or By-laws at other special called business meetings as deemed necessary provided that:

     1. the prior announcement, voting and publication requirements     set forth in paragraphs a above and c 5 below are fulfilled; and

     2. the proposed amendment is presented to the church by the church council.

c. To provide an orderly and controlled procedure for developing and presenting proposed amendments, the Chairperson of the Church Council shall appoint an ad hoc committee from the members of the church to:

     1. review the Constitution and By-laws for any needed change;

     2. review the proposed changes recommended to the church    council by a member or organizational group;

     3. prepare a resolution to amend the Constitution and/or By-    laws by incorporating needed changes;

     4. ensure that announcements are made as specified in paragraph      a above;

     5. advise the membership that proposed changes to the      Constitution and By-laws are available for review at designated places two weeks prior to the business meeting at which it is to be presented to the church for action;

     6. at the appointed time, present the resolution to the church for   action;

     7. publish the change as approved by the church, with   instructions to members for updating individual copies of the     Constitution and By-laws, in the church bulletin and/or      newsletter; in the event that a major revision of the Constitution    and By-laws occurs, paragraph c 5 above will be followed; and

     8. ensure that the official copy of the Constitution and By-laws,      in   the custody of the church clerk, is updated and the record of     changes authenticated.

d. Any individual member or organizational group desiring to amend the Constitution and By-laws shall present the proposed amendment, in writing, together with the reasons therefore, to the Church Council for consideration and action as it deems appropriate. If the proposed amendment is denied by the council, the council will report the reason for denial to the contributor.

Section 2. Articles of Incorporation

In the event of a need to amend the church’s Articles of Incorporation, the trustees shall prepare a resolution to make such amendment, and shall present such resolution to the Church Council per Section 1 d above in business meeting, adhering to the prior announcement and publication requirements as set forth in Section 1 a and c 5 above. Approval of the resolution shall require an affirmative vote of at least sixty-seven percent of the members present and voting upon the resolution. Upon approval by the church, the trustees shall make a petition to the Circuit Court of and in the County of Brevard, State of Florida, to amend the Articles of Incorporation in accordance with such resolution. The amendment shall be effective as of the date of approval by the said Court or such other date as may be specified in the petition as approved.

ARTICLE XII. GENERAL

Section 1. Special Offerings

a. Special offerings shall be recognized and promoted as regular mission and ministry activities of our church program and may include, but not be limited to:

     1. Foreign missions (Lottie Moon)

     2. Home missions (Annie Armstrong)

     3. State missions (Maguire)

     4. Mother’s Day offerings for Florida Baptist Children’s Homes

b. Special offerings of food, and money to purchase perishables, etc., shall be promoted and collected for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to be distributed to needy families in our community. The Missions Ministry shall coordinate the preparation and distribution of the baskets.

c. A special offering may be taken during each observance of the Lord’s Supper. Receipts shall be established in a designated account for use by the Missions Ministry to serve the needs of our church families.

d. Love offerings for guest speakers and special programs may be taken as the pastor and program leader primarily concerned shall determine.

e. Other special offerings may be taken as the pastor or church council shall determine.

f. All special offerings will be processed and controlled by the Budget and Finance Committee. The Budget and Finance Committee will deposit the offering and process by a church check.

Section 2. Use of Church Property

a. The entire resources of our church are provided by the grace of God and shall be committed and utilized as the Holy Spirit may direct to carry out our mission and ministries.

b. Use of our church resources for non-church purposes (those whose purpose and objective are not common to and in harmony with the purpose of our church as set forth in the Constitution, Article II shall be as recommended by the church council and approved by the church.

c. Movable items such as grounds equipment, furniture, office equipment, will not be removed from church property, except for church functions. Approval and schedule shall be from the church administrator and the committee chairman directly responsible for the items. Approval shall be received prior to the removal from church property.

d. The trustees are responsible for an annual inventory of church property.