DRAFT (
(
CONSTITUTION,
BYLAWS,
AND
COMMITTEE MANUAL
Adopted
Amended
Amended , 2002
Covenant
United in the faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,
revealed in history, disclosed in the Scriptures, and experienced in human life,
we, the members of
We will be
faithful to the public worship of God, gathering as the Body of Believers
to celebrate His God’s glory and remember
His God’s grace.
We will take seriously the responsibility and privilege of personal Christian growth, diligently seeking to establish and maintain a Christian atmosphere in our homes.
We will love and encourage each other in the Body of Believers and admonish each other as occasion may require. Our differences will not separate us but rather increase our understanding and strengthen the bonds of Christian love.
We will be faithful stewards, as God has prospered us, contributing our financial support for the Church and its ministries and offering ourselves for God's work in the world.
We will, with God's help, so live our lives that others, seeing the joy of Christian living, may seek to know Jesus Christ our Lord.
We will be a
human brotherhood humankind.
In the spirit of this Covenant, we pray together:
Almighty God, Father of us all, witness this Covenant which we make
with each other and with Thee You. Guide us as we try to do
that which pleases Thee You, to the glory of Thy
Your Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Constitution
PREAMBLE
The purpose of the Constitution of Oakland Baptist Church shall be to preserve the principles of our spiritual organization and heritage, divinely instituted for the propagation of the gospel, according to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament; to recognize the corporate and individual liberties inherent in the Body of Believers; and to assure that this Body be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of Oakland Baptist Church.
ARTICLE
The name of this Body of Believers shall be
ARTICLE II. DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
We declare and affirm that the purpose of this Body shall be as follows:
To propagate the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through service to our local community as well as to the "uttermost parts" of the world, depending always on the leadership of the Holy Spirit;
To provide regular opportunities for Bible study and other forms of Christian education, public worship, service, and fellowship;
To sustain the ordinances, doctrines, and ethics set forth in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ;
To channel our talents and material gifts to the advancement of the Kingdom of God; and
To serve our Lord Jesus Christ in all areas of life.
ARTICLE III. GOVERNING RELATIONSHIPS
This Body shall be self-governing, independent, and
autonomous, controlled by the will of the members and subject to the control of
no other ecclesiastical organization. This Body is voluntarily affiliated with,
and will support insofar as is practical, the York Baptist Association, the
South Carolina Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Baptist
World Alliance, and any other
fraternal organization which the Church may choose.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this Body is composed of believers who have made a public declaration of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, who recognize God as the Supreme Law-giver and the Bible as the standard by which we shall judge matters of faith, who have been received by affirmation of the Body, and who have been baptized by immersion.
Section I. The candidate for membership shall be presented by the presiding minister to the
Church after the invitation for membership is given at any regular church meeting.
The candidate will be received by affirmation of members present in one of the
following ways:
A. Baptism. The candidate will be received by public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and upon baptism by immersion. If in the judgment of the presiding minister, baptism by immersion would be physically unwise for the candidate, then the Church may waive the immersion requirement until such time as health permits.
B. Letter. The candidate will be received upon the transfer of a letter from a Baptist church of like faith and order, provided that such a person has been baptized by immersion.
C. Statement. The candidate will be received by personal statement of one who has been baptized by immersion into the membership of a Baptist church of like faith and order and whose church letter is unobtainable.
D. Transfer of Membership. An individual may come from a church other than Baptist, give public profession of Christian experience, and ask to be baptized by immersion if not previously immersed.
E. Restoration. An individual excluded from membership may request to be restored by affirmative action of the congregation upon presentation of evidence of repentance and reformation.
Section 2. Membership may be terminated in any one of the following ways:
A. Letter. Membership may be terminated by request for letter from another Baptist church of like faith and order.
B. Transferal. Membership may be terminated by request for letter from a church other than Baptist.
C. Resignation. Membership may be terminated by request of any member of the Church to be released from his obligations to the Church.
D. Death. Membership may be terminated upon notification to the Church of a member's death.
E. Exclusion. Any member who becomes a liability to the general welfare of the Church by persistent breach of the covenant may be excluded from membership. (Every reasonable effort should be made by the Senior Minister and the Fellowship of Deacons to resolve the problem before bringing the matter before the Church. The Deacons must make an investigation, report, and recommendation to the Church in a special business meeting before any vote be taken. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present is required for termination by exclusion.)
Section 3.
Any Members who
fail to keep the Church advised of change of name or address and
who have no contact with the
Church for three years shall have his their membership removed to
inactive status. and shall not be included in the Uniform Church
Letter
Section 4.
Annually the membership of the Church shall be reported on the Uniform
Church
Letter as resident members (those residing in the Rock Hill area) and
non-resident
members (those residing outside the Rock Hill area on a permanent or
temporary
basis).
ARTICLE V. WATCHCARE AFFILIATION
An individual living in the Rock Hill area whose church membership remains in another church may come under watchcare affiliation. A person under watchcare affiliation shall not hold the right of vote or elective office in the Church but shall be nurtured and cared for through the various ministries of the Church and encouraged to participate in the life of the Church. As soon as the person moves from the Rock Hill area, his or her name will be automatically removed from watchcare affiliation.
ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Church shall be held for the purpose of public worship, Christian education, and fellowship. Typically these meetings shall be on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. These meetings shall be open to the public and shall be conducted under the direction of the Senior Minister.
Regular business meetings of the Church shall be held quarterly. A quorum for all business meetings shall be at least fifty (50) members.
Special business meetings shall be called to consider matters
of significant nature. These meetings shall be called by the Senior Minister or
the Chairman of the Fellowship of Deacons or a majority of the Fellowship
of Deacons or a petition of twenty-five (25) church members. Written notice
shall be mailed during the week before the verbal notice of any special
business meeting of the Church. Verbal notice shall be given at
the Sunday morning service of the Church at least one week in advance of the
vote. The announcement of any business meeting shall include the subject, date,
time and location. Opportunities for informal discussion will be held prior to
the vote.
Verbal notice shall be given to the Congregation, announcing the purpose, time, and location of any business meeting one week prior to any scheduled vote, and written notice shall be sent to each Church family during the week before scheduled action. An opportunity for discussion of any proposed action shall be made available during the week before the scheduled vote. Results of all votes shall be published in the newsletter the following week.
The Moderator shall preside at all business meetings. Robert's Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the Church unless in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws.
In all elections and conferences, only persons who are
members of Oakland Baptist Church shall be entitled to vote. Only those persons
who are resident members shall be eligible for election to a position of
responsibility within the Church. The method of voting shall be by secret
ballot. However, it is recognized there are matters which lend themselves to
voice vote. Therefore, the deacons may direct a voice vote, or the Church at
its discretion may call for approve a voice vote on any item
of business. Absentee voting is permitted, provided the church member votes in
the presence of any church staff member or any active deacon.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS
All amendments to this Constitution shall be approved by
two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present at a special business meeting
held during any regular Sunday morning meeting of the Church. Amendments to this
Constitution shall be reviewed by the Fellowship of Deacons. and announced at a regular meeting of
the Church at least one week in advance, and written notice shall be mailed
during the week preceding the vote. The announcement shall include the subject,
date, time, and location. Notice for such business meetings shall
be given in the manner set forth in Article VI of this
Constitution.
Bylaws
Oakland Baptist Church
ARTICLE 1. CHURCH OFFICERS AND STAFF
Section 1.
Senior Minister. The Senior Minister shall be an ordained Southern
Baptist Minister
called by the Church to serve
as its Senior Minister for an indefinite period. He shall be the spiritual
leader of the Church, and shall provide overall direction and guidance to all
aspects of the congregation's corporate life. He shall lead the Church as it
carries out its purpose, the church officers and committees as they accomplish
their tasks, and the Deacons as they assist in the performance of the pastoral
responsibilities. He shall be an ex-officio member of all organizations and
committees of the Church. He shall direct and coordinate the work of the
ministers and staff of the Church. The Senior Minister is responsible for the
worship services and the administering of the ordinances, and he shall serve in
whatever ways he and the Church mutually agree to be in the best interests of
Christ's Kingdom. In summary, the Senior Minister applies his talents as best he
can with God's help to lead the Church in accomplishing its
work.
Senior Minister. The Senior Minister shall have the
following qualifications: be an
ordained minister of the Baptist Faith called by the Church to serve as its
Senior Minister for an indefinite period. The Senior Minister shall be the
spiritual leader of the Church and shall provide overall direction and guidance
to all aspects of the congregation’s corporate life; shall lead the Church as it
carries out its purpose, the Deacons, church officers, and committees as they
pursue their tasks, and shall be an ex-officio member of all organizations and
committees of the Church. The
Senior Minister shall direct and coordinate the work of the Associate Ministers
and staff of the Church and shall be responsible for the worship services and
the administering of the ordinances and shall serve in whatever ways agreed upon
by the Church and the minister to be in the best interests of Christ’s
Kingdom. In summary, the Senior
Minister with God’s help shall lead the Church in accomplishing its
work.
The Senior Minister shall be
called by the Church upon recommendation of the Pulpit Committee to serve until
the relationship is dissolved by the Senior Minister or the Church. His
The Senior Minister’s
election shall take place at a meeting called for this purpose, with at
least one week's notice given to the congregation in accordance with established procedure
as set forth in Article III, Section 2 of these Bylaws. A two-thirds
(2/3) affirmative vote shall constitute a call.
The relationship may be terminated by the Senior Minister's resignation or by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a special business meeting of the Church after due notice of the purpose of such a meeting has been given to the congregation. In either case, thirty days’ notice of the termination shall be required.
Section 2. Associate Ministers. The Church shall call additional ministers as needed to carry out
its purpose. Upon the recommendation of the Associate Minister Search Committee, a detailed job description shall be prepared by the Personnel Committee for each position prior to the calling. Procedures for calling and dismissing associate ministers shall follow those for the Senior Minister as stated above.
Section 3. Office Personnel, Support Staff, and Contract Workers. Office personnel and support
staff shall be employed by the Personnel Committee. A detailed job description shall be prepared by the Personnel Committee prior to employment.
Contract workers shall be employed by the appropriate committee within approved budget and guidelines.
Section 4. Deacons.
A. Purpose. According to New Testament understanding, the purpose of the Deacon is to care for all church members and other persons in the community; to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to lead the Church in concert with the Senior Minister in a spirit of fellowship, worship, witnessing, education, peacemaking, and service.
B. Qualifications. (See also I Timothy 3:8-12).
The deacon shall have the qualifications that follow:
1. be full of the Holy Spirit
2. have compassionate concern for the work of Jesus Christ and His Church
3. be continually given to prayer and to the ministry of the Word
4. be of honest report, trustworthy, steadfast in convictions and responsible in speech
5. maintain a Christian home
6. be faithful in the attendance and support of worship services and programs of the
Church
7. financially support the
Church financially through
offerings as led by the Holy
Spirit
8. be a member of the Church for at least one (1) year and be at least eighteen (18) .
years of age
C. Classifications
1. Active Deacon shall
a. be duly elected by the Church
b. be ordained
c. serve for a three (3) year term on the Fellowship of Deacons
2. Reserve Deacon shall
a. be a deacon who has previously been elected by this Church to serve as active deacon
b. serve at the discretion of the Fellowship of Deacons
3. Deacon Emeritus shall
a. be a deacon who has previously been elected by this Church to serve as an active deacon.
b. be nominated by the Fellowship of Deacons and confirmed by a vote of the Church in recognition for a long and honored career of Christian service.
D. Fellowship of Deacons
1. Purpose
a. The Fellowship of Deacons shall minister in concert with the Senior
Minister to the spiritual and religious needs of the Church.
b.
The Fellowship of Deacons shall act for the
Church in matters not
involving a change of
policy.
b.
The Fellowship of Deacons in their collective wisdom shall give advice to
all Committees or other interested groups of the Church seeking to make
recommendations or proposals to the membership. The Fellowship of Deacons may choose to
endorse, provide guidance, or otherwise react to such recommendations or
proposals. In the absence of
endorsement, The Fellowship of Deacons may choose to take other
actions.
2. Composition
a. There shall be at least thirty (30) active deacons serving three (3) year staggered terms.
b . There shall be three (3) additional active deacons elected on a staggered basis for each 125 resident members over 1150 membership.
c. The Treasurer of the Church shall attend
all meetings with all privileges except the right to vote (unless he the Treasurer is an active
deacon).
3. Election
a. During the month of
September May, the
deacons shall receive from the membership nominations for new deacons. Any
church member can make written nominations which can be turned in to the Church
office, put in the offering plate, or submitted by any other means approved by
the deacons. The Chair of The
Fellowship of Deacons shall ensure that each person nominated will be
contacted. The member shall
be informed of the nomination and of the purpose and qualifications of a deacon
as stated in these Bylaws.
Permission to present the nominee's name for election shall be
obtained. Any eligible member receiving a
nomination and expressing willingness to serve shall be included on the list of nominees to be presented to
the Church. and they shall be informed of the nomination in letter form by
the Chairman of the Fellowship of Deacons. The letter shall
advise The nominee shall be informed of the purpose and qualifications of
a deacon as stated in these bylaws and shall ask permission to present the
nominee's name for election.
b. This list of nominees shall be compiled by
the Fellowship of Deacons, mailed to homes, and then presented to the Church for
election on the second Sunday in
October June
at during the morning worship
service. Each member shall vote for no more than the number of deacons to be
elected. The nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared
active deacons to serve, beginning January September 1 of the
following current
year. In the event of a tie vote, the Fellowship of Deacons shall determine a
proper method to resolve the tie vote.
c. Should a vacancy
occur, the Chairman Chair
of the Fellowship of Deacons shall appoint, for the duration of
that the vacant term,
the individual receiving the next highest number of votes in the preceding
deacon election.
d. At the expiration of the term of a deacon, the deacon shall be ineligible to serve as an active deacon for a period of one year.
4. Organization.
Fifty-one (51) percent of the active deacons constitutes a quorum. The organization of the Fellowship of Deacons shall be determined by the active fellowship as it complies with the Constitution and these Bylaws. The Fellowship of Deacons shall serve as the counters of all written ballots of the Church.
Section 5. Moderator.
The Senior Minister, as moderator, shall preside at all business meetings
of the Church and conduct all meetings of the Church in accordance with the established procedures of the Constitution and these Bylaws.
In the event the Senior Minister
is unable or unwilling to serve as moderator, the Chairman of the
Fellowship of Deacons shall serve as moderator. In the event the Chairman
of the Fellowship of Deacons is unable or unwilling to serve as moderator, the
Vice Chairman of the Fellowship of Deacons shall serve as moderator. In
the event the Vice Chairman of the Fellowship of Deacons is unable or
unwilling to serve as moderator, the Church Clerk shall call the Church into a
business meeting to elect a moderator.
Section 6. Clerk.
The Church Clerk and an Assistant Clerk shall be elected annually by the
Church. The duties of the Clerk are as follows:
A. to attend or be represented at all business meetings
B. to record in permanent form the transactions of the business meetings and maintain a complete set of reports and minutes, which shall be available in the church office
C. to request letters from other Baptist churches and provide proper notification to churches of other denominations of transfer of membership
D. to provide letters of transfer when requested by another church
E. to notify church members of action taken in business meetings
F. to prepare the annual Letter to the York
Association
F.G. to assure
ensure that an accurate roll of the church membership is maintained
H. Note: The Assistant Clerk shall
act in the absence of the Clerk, as enumerated above.performing duties as
outlined.
Section 7. Treasurer.
The Church Treasurer and Assistant
Treasurer shall be elected annually by the Church. The Treasurer shall serve as
an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee and shall serve as an ex-officio
member of the Fellowship of Deacons (unless he the Treasurer is an active
member).
The duties of the Treasurer are to
assure ensure
that the
following:
A. all funds received are safeguarded and properly transported to the bank
B. funds are disbursed after receiving properly signed vouchers and supporting documents
C. funds are properly invested and properly transferred as approved by the Finance
Committee, Fellowship of Deacons, or the Church
D. a safety deposit box is maintained and accessible
Notes: The Assistant Treasurer
shall act in the absence of the Treasurer as numerated
outlined
above.
In the absence of the above,
either the Chairman of the Fellowship of Deacons or the
Chairman of the Finance
Committee shall act as enumerated designated above.
Section 8. Trustees.
There shall be three (3) Trustees.
The individuals who serve as
Trustees shall be recommended by the Fellowship of Deacons and elected by the congregation of the Church
to serve an indefinite period a three (3) year term. Church action on this recommendation shall coincide with the
election of Church Committees.
A trustee may serve, when
recommended and elected, consecutive terms without limits. Terms shall rotate with one of the
Trustees’ being recommended each year.
Trustees serving in 2002 shall determine among themselves which trustee
shall occupy the one, two, or three year term. The Trustees, when directed by
church action, shall act for the Church. The Trustees shall have the power and
authority to sign on behalf of the Church any and all documents that are
necessary to be signed in conducting the regular daily business activities of
the Church.
The Trustees shall have the power and
authority to sign any and all legal documents on behalf of the Church and to
take any and all action necessary on all matters approved by the Congregation of
the Church. HOWEVER, the Trustees
shall have no power to sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber or dispose of
Church property, unless specifically authorized and directed by the Congregation
of the Church to do so. When so
authorized, the Trustees shall have full power to sell and convey Church
property or to borrow money on behalf of the Church and to execute, on behalf of
the Church, all necessary or proper documents, including, but not limited to,
deeds, promissory notes, and mortgages of real estate.
ARTICLE II. PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND OFFICERS
The Program Organizations of the Church shall include, but
shall not be limited to, the Sunday School, WMU, Christians on Mission (.COM),
Baptist Men, Student
Ministries, Merry Makers, and the Church Music Program. Each of these
organizations shall be under the guidance and control of the Church and function
through its own structures.
All officers shall be elected by the Church and may serve successive terms. The Senior Minister shall serve as an ex-officio member or appoint an ex-officio member to all organizations.
Each organization shall be responsible for its contribution
to the total church program, shall submit a written annual report to the Church,
and shall submit a proposed annual budget to the Finance Committee. and shall
be represented on the Church Council.
The Church may establish other organizations which may adopt constitutions, bylaws, and other rules that are not inconsistent with this Constitution and Bylaws.
ARTICLE III.
CHURCH COUNCIL
The Church Council is the planning and coordinating
organization through which all church organizations, including committees, shall
coordinate their activities into one harmonious program of work. The Council is
composed of the Senior Minister as chairman, the staff ministers, the chairman
of the Fellowship of Deacons, and program organization representatives. (See
Article II.) All other church officers and committee chairpersons shall meet
with the Council whenever their work is being discussed.
ARTICLE IV III. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing Committees.
The organization and responsibilities of all standing committees are presented in the Committee Manual as part of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Special Committees.
A. Pulpit Committee
1. Election: Upon the announcement of a Senior Minister vacancy, the Church shall, within thirty (30) days, elect a Pulpit Committee. The election process shall be as follows:
a. Notice of a special business
meeting shall be given at least one week in advance at a Sunday morning
service. provided to the Congregation in the
manner set forth for all business meetings (see Article VI of the
Constitution).
b.
Written notice of the special business meeting will be mailed to members during
the subsequent week.
b. Each member present on the
following Sunday morning shall vote for four (4) male and three (3) four (4) female members at least
eighteen (18) years of age.
c. The eight (8) male and six
(6) eight (8) female members
receiving the highest number of votes and agreeing to serve shall become
nominees.
d. On the following Sunday
morning, the members present shall vote for four (4) male and three (3)
four (4) female members from
the list of nominees.
e. The four (4) male and
three (3) four (4)
female members receiving the highest number of votes shall be constitute the Pulpit Committee.
No two members shall reside in the same household.
f. The chairman and the
secretary shall be elected by the committee members, and all expenses of the
committee shall be paid by the Church.
g. Should a vacancy occur, the
chairman shall appoint the individual of the same gender receiving the
next highest number of votes in the original committee election.
2. Recommendation: The Pulpit Committee shall, after thorough and
prayerful consideration and investigation, recommend a suitable Senior Minister to the Church. The process shall be as follows:
a. The Pulpit Committee shall notify the Church during a Sunday morning service that a prospective candidate shall be recommended on the following Sunday.
b. A notice of the announcement shall be mailed during the subsequent week to all church members.
c. On the following Sunday
morning, the announcement of the prospective candidate's name and notification
of a special called business meeting shall be made.
d. A biographical sketch of the prospective minister and written notification of the special business meeting shall be mailed to all members during the week prior to the vote.
e. Discussion on the recommendation shall be held on the Wednesday prior to the vote.
f . The prospective minister and family shall meet the Church prior to the vote.
g. The Church shall vote during a
special called
business meeting on the following Sunday morning. A two-thirds
affirmative vote shall constitute a call.
B. Pulpit Supply Committee: While
the Church is without a Senior Minister, the Chairman of the Fellowship
of Deacons shall appoint a committee of six (6) persons to obtain supply for the
pulpit each Sunday and obtain speakers for the mid-week prayer service.
C. Associate Minister Search Committee: Upon the announcement of an Associate Minister vacancy, the Church shall within thirty (30) days elect an Associate Minister Search Committee. The process for electing a search committee and its subsequent recommendation of a candidate shall be the same as that of the Pulpit Committee. The only exception is that the 18 year-of-age requirement is waived for a member of the Associate Minister Search Committee. While the Church is without an Associate Minister, the Senior minister will reassign the duties to existing staff.
D. Other Special Committees: Other special committees of the Church shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee. All other special committees shall be approved by the Church. These committees are responsible to the Church and shall be dissolved either upon completion of their obligation or by the Church.
ARTICLE V. ORDINANCES
Section 1. Baptism.
Baptism is an ordinance established by Jesus Christ for perpetual
observance by His people throughout history. The truths symbolized in baptism as historically recognized by Baptists are the following: remission of sins, fellowship or union with Christ in His death and resurrection, cleansing from all unrighteousness, and consecration to the service of God.
Baptism, itself, does not confer salvation. Baptism is simply the outward symbol of what has already taken place within the person.
Persons who publicly declare their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at any of the worship services shall be received by the Church for baptism.
A. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
B. Baptism shall be administered by the Senior Minister or any other ordained minister.
C. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship primarily during one of the regularly scheduled worship services.
Section 2. The Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is an ordinance established by Jesus Christ whereby members of the Church, through partaking of the bread and the cup, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.
A. The Lord's Supper shall be observed at
least twice quarterly. , once during a morning worship and once during an
evening worship, or as otherwise scheduled.
B. The Senior Ministers and Fellowship of Deacons
shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.
C. Every effort shall be made to include
the shut-in members of the Church in the observance of the Lord's Supper. at
least once quarterly.
D. All members of the body of Christ present during the observance of the Lord's Supper, whether members of this Church or not, are to be invited to participate in the observance.
ARTICLE VI. MESSENGERS AND REPRESENTATIVES
Section 1.
Messengers.
Messengers, as required, shall be
elected chosen by the
Church at a regular or special
business meeting to attend the regular or special meetings of the York Baptist Association, the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist World Alliance or any other fraternal organization to which the Church may choose to send messengers.
The number to be elected shall be determined by the outside organization, and the
messengers shall be elected on the basis of their expressed interest in attending. Should
more than the appropriate number express an interest in attending, those receiving the
highest number of votes shall serve as messengers. The alternates shall be determined by
the highest number of votes.
Section 2.
Representatives.
Representatives shall be
elected by the Church at a regular or special business meeting upon
recommendation of the Nominating Committee to serve on the Baptist Campus
Ministry Committee of Winthrop College, the Executive Committee of the York
Baptist Association, and other such fraternal organizations as may request
representation from this church.
The number to be elected shall be determined by the outside
organization.
ARTICLE VII. FINANCE
The financial needs of the Church shall be met by voluntary
gifts. All monies shall be deposited into the treasury and disbursed as
prescribed in these Bylaws and the Constitution. The Church shall operate under
an approved budget. Financial records
shall be maintained in a form that demonstrates appropriate
accountability. No
debt, commitment or other financial obligation shall be created except by the
authority of the Constitution, these Bylaws, or by the Church itself. The
Finance Committee and the Fellowship of Deacons may authorize no more than
Two Thousand and no/100 ($2,000.00) Dollars each for unbudgeted items. The
Church has the final vote in all financial matters. jointly may authorize up to one half of
one percent (.005) of the current budget total when necessary for unbudgeted
items.
ARTICLE VIII. CHURCH POLICIES
Section 1. General Procedures.
Certain general operating
procedures shall be written as Church Policies. The policies may be proposed by
the Fellowship of Deacons, Church officers, Committees, or by individual members
and shall be approved at the discretion of the Fellowship of Deacons, or by the
Church. The Fellowship of Deacons is responsible for the interpretation of the
policies which that shall be carried out by the appropriate
committee.
Section 2. Ex-officio Members.
All references to ex-officio member in these Bylaws shall be deemed to mean "a member without a vote."
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Bylaws shall be reviewed by the Fellowship
of Deacons. A recommendation to adopt amendments shall be
and announced at a regular meeting of the Church. at least one week in
advance, and written notice shall be mailed during the week preceding the vote.
The announcement shall include the subject, date, time, and location.
A business session shall be called in
accordance with Article VI of the Church Constitution for consideration for
adoption. Amendments to
these Bylaws shall be approved by simple majority of the voting members present
at a special called
business meeting held during any regular Sunday morning meeting of the
Church.
COMMITTEE MANUAL
OAKLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
Standing Committees of Oakland Baptist Church
1. Alter Guild
2. Audio-visual
3. Baptismal
4. Bereavement
5. Building and Grounds
6. Campus Ministry
7. Cremation Garden
8. Day School
9. Finance
10. Flower and Decoration
11. Library
12. History and Records
13. Lord’s Supper
14. Missionary House
15. Missions
16. Nominating
17. Personnel
18. Pre-school
19. Property Development
20. Recreation
21. Scholarship
22. Social
23. Stewardship
24. Technology
25. Teller
26. Transportation
27. Usher
28. Vacation Bible School
29. Welcoming
Section 1.
The provisions of this manual shall apply to all standing committees of the Church.
This manual shall also be used as a guide for the election, organization, and function of additional committees.
Section 2.
In the absence of any other rules with respect to a particular committee, the following general rules shall apply to all committees governed by this manual:
a. Robert's Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all committee meetings unless in conflict with the Constitution, By-laws, or Committee Manual.
b. Committee members shall be members of the Church elected by the Church. The election shall be made upon nominations from the Nominating Committee; however, nominations may also be made from the floor.
c. A
committee member's term shall be for three (3) consecutive years unless
otherwise stated, and the composition of each committee shall be arranged so
that the term of approximately one-third of the members shall expire at the end
of each calendar year. In the implementation of this system, the Nominating
Committee shall specify the exact term of each nominee when presenting the name
of that nominee to the Church. The term of each committee member shall commence
January 1 of the year
to for which elected,
and shall, unless ended sooner as provided herein, terminate December 31 three
(3) years later. Upon the completion of a committee member's term, that member
shall remain off that committee for one (1) calendar year unless otherwise
stated.
d. There shall be no age, sex, or experience requirement unless otherwise stated for membership on a committee.
e. Vacancies created by resignation, removal, death, incapacity, or termination of church membership shall be filled as soon as possible by the Nominating Committee. Committee members may be removed by the Church at any business meeting.
f. Each
committee chairman shall be appointed for a one-year term by the
Nominating Committee and shall have at least one year's prior service on that committee.
The Nominating Committee shall seek advice from current committee members as to
the selection of the chairman. The chairman is to be primarily
responsible for planning the meetings and ensuring that the work of the
committee is carried out. The committee itself shall select a secretary to keep
an accurate record of all committee business and to write any reports to be
presented to the Church, and, if appropriate, any other reports and
recommendations that may be necessary.
g. Each committee shall maintain a written record of its meetings. It may recommend for approval by the Fellowship of Deacons further rules or changes in duties of the committee. Upon approval by the Fellowship of Deacons, these changes will be kept in the church office with the permanent records and minutes of the meetings and will be made available to interested church members. Each committee member and staff advisor shall be furnished with minutes of the previous meeting within thirty (30) days after the meeting.
h. Each
committee shall act together as a group under the principle of majority rule;
however, the chairman or any member of the committee with the approval of
a staff member may act in unusual or emergency circumstances requiring immediate
action. In such cases the acting member shall inform other members of the action
taken as soon as possible, and the committee may thereafter take such action as
may be proper.
i. Each committee shall be assigned a
staff advisor by the Senior Minister. The staff advisor shall meet with the
committee if requested and render assistance to the committee such
assistance as the advisor is able to furnish. The staff advisor shall not
be a member of the committee and shall have no vote.
j. Each
committee shall be responsible for the preparation of and presentation to the
Finance Committee of appropriate budget requests and recommendations.
Each committee shall stay within its budget unless exceptions are approved by
the Finance Committee.
k. In
addition to the regular members serving on committees, The Nominating
Committee shall nominate youth to serve on certain committees for a one (1) year
term. These youth shall serve with full membership privileges.
Section 3.
In the event of overlapping responsibilities of two or more committees where decisions cannot be made in agreement between the committees, the Fellowship of Deacons shall make the final decision.
Section 4.
The committees hereinafter named outlined below shall have the
functions and responsibilities set forth hereinafter and shall be the
standing committees of the Church. All committees shall meet at least annually
and shall make an annual report at the January business meeting. Any committees
not functioning and reporting for a period of one year shall be dissolved. Any
dissolution or formation of a committee shall be approved by the Fellowship of
Deacons.
1. Altar Guild
Committee – 3 members
a. To place appropriate paraments in the sanctuary according to the liturgical church calendar and to change them when appropriate,
b. To call the designated acolyte prior to each Sunday to remind him/her of his/her responsibility to light candles at the communion table,
c. To meet the acolyte at the robing closet after Sunday School and to help him/her robe and be prepared to light the candles on the communion table,
d. To be sure that the candles are working properly prior to each worship service,
e. To check paraments and clean as necessary,
f. To replace wicks in the brass candle lighters as necessary and to notify the office staff to order replacements when necessary,
g. To place the cloth of the appropriate color on the Cross in front of the Church during Lent and Holy Week,
h. To care for and to arrange for purchase of new robes for acolytes when needed, and
i. To order additional paraments, brass candle lighters, and other supplies as needed.
2. Audio-visual Services Committee -- 9 members
a. To set up a schedule for operating control room and to tape all worship services and programs when requested and give the tapes to the Minister of Education for duplication and distribution,
b. To provide training for new members of the committee,
c. To co-ordinate the functions of the committee in the areas of sound and video,
d. To set up microphones before each service of worship; to remove the microphones and store them after each use,
e. To have on hand blank tapes,
f. To be knowledgeable and proficient in operating audio visual equipment, including but not limited to the following: recorders, audio control panel, control lights, screens, projectors, hearing aids, spot lights, VCR's, record players, and any other equipment,
g. To
report any failure or loss of equipment promptly to the Minister of Education
and to the chairman,
h. To learn how to tie in equipment to the Fellowship Hall and to the Family Life Center,
i. To arrive early for all regular services when on duty and to be willing to work at other times when audio-visual equipment is needed,
j. To work closely with the Sunday School audiovisual workers,
k. To keep an up-to-date inventory of all equipment with location noted,
l. To maintain equipment and to make recommendations to Finance Committee for the upgrading of current equipment and purchase of new equipment, and
m. To provide the Church secretary a schedule of operators in advance so notice of the
operator for the upcoming Sunday can be placed in the Church newsletter.
3. Baptismal Committee -- 6 members (equal number of men and
women)
a. To fill the pool and heat the water prior to the baptismal service (temperature 92-94 degrees, see instruction sheet),
b. To place plastic in hallway to catch water,
c. To supply the step stool for young children,
d. To set up the dressing rooms for the candidates and the Senior Minister,
e. To furnish the robes, linens, and plastic bags for wet clothes,
f. To furnish mirrors and hair dryers in dressing rooms for use after baptism, and
g. To remind candidates of the danger of touching the microphone.
4. Bereavement Committee -- 9 members (At least 2 of these
members shall be men.)
a.
To plan and coordinate with WMU Christians on Mission (.COM) and
Sunday School groups and with the bereaved family when the meal provided by the
Church will be served. (The decedent shall be a church member, in the family of
a church member and residing in his/her home, or in the family of a church
member and residing in a local nursing home.)
b. To aid in the provision and delivery of the meal (including paper goods, the coffee
maker, and the ice chest when needed),
c. To return to the home following the funeral to collect the dishes and equipment, and
d. To be active and available to respond
when contacted by the chairman.
5. Building and Grounds Committee -- 12 members (At least 2 of these members shall be
women.)
a. To supervise the maintenance and upkeep of all church buildings, furnishings, fixtures,
custodial
supplies and equipment, and grounds,
b. To make recommendations to the Finance Committee when any improvement or
repair above the specified budget is needed, and
c. To make an annual report to the Fellowship of Deacons and Finance Committee of the state of the physical facilities of the Church.
6. Campus Ministry Committee -- 10 members (One of these
members shall be an
undergraduate student elected for a one (1) year term.)
a. To provide a program of ministry to college students in the Church and to coordinate that program with the program of ministry provided by the Winthrop BSU,
b. To recommend activities to the Church and its organizations which involve the college students of this ministry, and
c. To recommend to the Finance Committee the amount of financial support the Church should make to the Winthrop BSU.
7. Church History Committee -- 3 members
a.
To compile and maintain all available records and
memorabilia adding them to the Brissie Historical Display and Blalock
Archives
b. To put these compiled records in
readable form
c. To keep these
records up-to-date
7. Cremation Garden Committee – 6 members
a. To establish and monitor management procedures for the Garden,
b. To ensure proper maintenance and continuing beautification of the Garden, and
c. To publicize availability of the Garden.
8. Day School Committee – 6 members
a. To formulate overall goals and policies for the Director and for the operation of the Day School,
b. To approve all personnel changes,
c. To serve as a liaison between the school and the Church,
d. To develop a strong program of community relations and services,
e. To formulate budgetary needs for each year,
f. To explore sources of income, other than tuition, to maintain adequate operation of the school, and
g. To resolve any problems that cannot be resolved by the Director.
9. Finance Committee – 6 voting members (Of the two new members nominated each year, at
least one should have previous
experience on the finance committee.
Non-voting members shall include the Chairman of Deacons and the Church
Treasurer.)
a. To draw up the annual church budget for presentation to the Fellowship of Deacons and to the Church,
b. To review the monthly expenditures and receipts,
c.
To authorize a committee member to review weekly the individual checks
and invoices
c.
d. To make
all decisions necessary concerning any unforeseen expenditure not provided for
in the budget (Any proposed expenditure not provided for and in excess of Two Thousand
($2,000.00) Dollars one quarter
of one percent(.0025) of the annual budget must be approved by the Church.),
d.e. To consult with
the Fellowship of Deacons and then to make recommendations to the Church
regarding any major expenditure not specifically designated in the budget,
e.f.
To work
with the Personnel Committee and the Senior Minister in determining salary and
benefits for all present and future church personnel,
f.g.
To work
with the Pulpit Committee and/or Associate Minister Search Committees in
determining salary and benefits for prospective staff ministers,
g.h.
To have an
external audit conducted periodically and to act on any proposed additions to or
changes in the financial record system of the Church,
h.i. To work
with Stewardship Committee in promoting financial stewardship,
i.j.
To
review at least annually the property and liability insurance program of the
Church, determine needs, and implement coverage, and
j.
To maintain an accurate
procedural manual for the Financial Office that includes procedures
demonstrating appropriate accountability.
10. Flower and Decoration Committee – 4 members (One of these members shall be the
Administrative Assistant.)
a. To order and place poinsettias in the church sanctuary for Christmas,
b. To order and place lilies in the church sanctuary for Easter, and
c. To decorate the sanctuary for both of
the above occasions and on other special occasions as deemed necessary by the staff and the
committee
10. Foundation Committee -- 3 members
a. To advise interested persons in the
making of wills and setting up trust funds through the South Carolina Baptist
Foundation
b. To act as a liaison between the
interested party and the State Foundation Committee
c. To educate the church membership
concerning the availability of various types of trust funds
d. To maintain an active interest in the
organization of the State Baptist Convention
11. Kitchen Committee--4 members (One of these members
shall be the Social Committee
Chairman.)
a. To make a monthly check of the kitchen
facilities in order to maintain a high standard of orderliness and
cleanliness
b.
To authorize the use of the
kitchen
c.
To make recommendations concerning the
replacement of any kitchen equipment or the purchase of any needed additional
equipment
d.
To set up specific guidelines for the use of the
kitchen and rules for the maintenance of these guidelines
12. Library Committee -- 3 members (One of these members
shall have formal library training, if
possible.)
a. To prepare and maintain an
accurate and up-to-date card catalogue
b. To select and order new books and
prepare all books for shelving
c. To keep books in their proper
places and to mend books when needed
e.
To determine when library material needs to be
discarded
f.
To be available, on a schedule set up within the
committee, during designated hours to give assistance to persons using the
library
g.
To maintain the bulletin board and display
area
11.
Library/Historical Committee
a. To prepare and maintain an
accurate and up-to-date card catalogue record of books
in the collection,
b. To select and order new books and prepare all books for shelving,
c. To keep books in their proper places and to mend books when needed,
h. To determine when library material needs to be discarded,
i. To be available, on a schedule set up within the committee, during designated hours to give assistance to persons using the library, and
j. To maintain the bulletin board and display area.
13. Long Range Planning Committee -- 3
members
a. To study long-range program requirements
and potentials of the Church in relation to congregational, community and
denominational needs
b. To coordinate such plans with all
affected committees and organizations
c. To recommend goals and plans to the
Church
d. To recommend to the Church plans for
development and usage of church property
e. To study specific items concerning
programs and facilities as may be recommended by the Church
12. History and Records Committee – 6 members
a. To collect, catalogue, and preserve items of historical value to the Church,
b. To add memorabilia and other items to be preserved to the Brissie Historical Display
and Blalock Archives, and
c. To keep up to date files of important Church documents and reports; including,
but not limited to, the following:
1. The Outlook,
2. weekly worship guide,
3. newspaper articles regarding the church,
4. photographs and/or videos,
5. minutes and other records or reports of special importance of Church
Committees and the Fellowship of Deacons,
6. financial records such as budgets, annual summaries, and audits, and
7. minutes of the Church Clerk covering all business sessions of the Church.
Development of a system for storing records by electronic means is encouraged.
13. Lord's Supper Committee -- 9 members
a. To secure the elements and supplies for the communion service and place them in the designated place at the appointed time,
b. To remove the left-over portions from the sanctuary, to clean and store the
utensils after each use, and
c. To find out from the Senior Minister the number of trays needed for any particular
service.
14.
Missionary House Committee – 4 members (3 elected plus a representative
from the WMU
Christians on Mission (.COM) and a staff liaison)
a. Inspect the house and yard periodically or as needed and arrange for needed repairs,
redecorating, etc.,
b. Keep inventory of linens, furniture, kitchen items, etc. and check this list after use by
missionary family or others using the house,
c. Arrange for house to be cleaned periodically and before and after use,
d. Establish and update as needed Rules for Use of Missionary House, and
e. Assist Minister of Education/Administration as needed in the scheduling and approving use of the House.
15. Missions Committee -- 10 members (One of these members
shall be the WMU Director
director of Christians on
Mission (.COM).)
a. To survey mission-related needs of the Rock Hill community, the state, and any pioneer areas,
b. To study and make recommendations concerning all mission projects of the church,
and
c.
To
allocate approved budget funds for local missions and report the allocation
to
the Finance
Committee.
16. Nominating Committee -- 8 members (Each member shall serve on a 2-year rotation with 4
new members each year.)
a. To nominate to the Church for election the general church officers and Sunday School workers (by 1st Sunday in August), and committees (by 1st Sunday in November),
b. To work closely with all organization directors (music, WMU, etc.) to ensure that all positions and vacancies are properly filled (by 1st Sunday in August), and
c. To fill vacancies as they occur during the year.
17. Personnel Committee -- 6 members
a. To make to the Fellowship of Deacons and to the Church, recommendations concerning staff needs, organizations, employment practices, job descriptions, and supervisory responsibilities,
b. To recruit, interview, employ, and terminate all paid staff for Church-approved positions other than those of ministers,
c. To consider recommendations from other committees and staff ministers relative to
the hiring, evaluating, and terminating of Church personnel,
d. To work with the Finance Committee and Senior Minister in determining salary and benefits for all present and future church personnel,
e. To retain on file and monitor all agreements and personnel policies made by this or any other committee with anyone employed by the Church,
f.
To review at least annually the job performance of
personnel Ministerial
Staff employed by the
Church and to recommend to the Finance Committee as a part of the budget preparation
process any changes in salary and fringe benefits before annual
budget preparation for all staff
members,
g. To recommend to the Fellowship of Deacons, and then to the Church, termination of
employment of staff ministers, and
h.
To keep track of the employment “anniversary” of staff members and to
plan or
18. Preschool Committee -- 8 members (These members shall
include the Chairman of Day
School Board; Mission Friends Director; a preschool Sunday School
Coordinator; music organization representative; Recreation
Committee Chairman; and three non-designated members, one of
whom shall be the chairman.)
a. To coordinate the activities and ministries of all church organizations related to preschool children,
b. To recommend and publicize preschool policies and procedures,
c. To recommend the purchase of furnishings and supplies, and
d. To assign and coordinate the use of space for preschool work.
19. Property Development Committee -- 6 members (Of these, one shall be a member of the
Finance Committee, one an active
deacon, and one a Trustee.)
a. To study long-range land use needs of the Church and
b. To make to the Fellowship of Deacons and then to the Church recommendations concerning acquisition or disposition of land by the Church.
20. Recreation Committee -- 9 members (These members shall represent the following areas:
2-ladies' recreation, 2-men's recreation, 2-general recreation, Merry
Makers’ President representative, Youth Council
Representative,
and the Social Committee Chairman.)
a. To schedule and direct the planning, coordination, creation, and evaluation of recreational activities and ministry which meet the needs of the Church,
b. To coordinate the recreation activities with the church calendar and emphases of the Church,
c. To plan training of the recreation staff and to schedule the times and places of all staff meetings,
d. To prepare budget requests for recreation ministry needs,
e. To supervise the inventory, care, repair, and storage of recreational equipment and supplies, and
f.
To keep informed of and promote attendance at all
recreational and training
opportunities in
associational, state, and convention assemblies which may affect either members
of the staff or other church organization recreation
leadership
f.g. To be responsible for the
interpreting, enforcing and updating of the policies of the
Family Life Center.
21. Scholarship Committee – 6 members (One of these members shall be an active deacon.)
a. To publicize the availability of funds and to consider applications submitted by church members,
b. To adhere to the rule of strict confidence, and
c. To follow the bylaws set up by the committee.
22. Scouts Committees (Boys, Cub, Girl, Brownie)-- (four
committees) 1 member (each member
shall serve for a one-year
renewable term)
a.
To serve as a liaison between their Scout program
and the Church and to meet as needed
b.
To assist in provision of church facilities and
equipment
22. Social Committee -- 9 members (At least 2 of these shall be men.)
a. To coordinate all major church-sponsored social functions, including church
receptions and the annual church picnic,
b. To plan the menu for these functions,
seeing that the food is prepared and served
properly
b. To coordinate with the Flower and
Decoration Committee to decorate areas to be used for the particular
function, and to have the necessary dishes and utensils cleaned before and after
each function, and
c. To notify the work with the church office
staff in writing one week in advance of an event to set up equipment
and to request necessary supplies.
d.
To maintain an inventory and upkeep of equipment
and supplies used by the committee
23. Stewardship Committee – 3 members
a. To promote the pledging of the annual budget,
b. To assist any standing or special committee charged with the task of special fundraising at the option of the primary committee, and
c. To encourage general stewardship development.
24. Technology Committee – 6 members
a. To provide guidance and support for the technological needs and assets of the Church,
b. To provide support in the decision-making process involving technology,
c. To negotiate with technology providers to ensure the highest level of service, reliability, and value when purchasing hardware, software, or service, and
d. To assist in the planning and budgetary requirements for current and future needs in the technology area (hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, and audio/visual equipment).
25. Teller Committee – 6 members (In addition to these the
Treasurer shall serve as chairman.)
(Organized by office supervisor)
a. To assist in the counting of the regular weekly offering and
b. To assist in the counting of other receipts as needed.
26. Transportation Committee — 6 members
a. To have church vehicles serviced and inspected on a regular basis,
b. To establish and implement policies and procedures as approved by the Fellowship of
Deacons, and
c. To make recommendations to the Fellowship of Deacons concerning the disposition and acquisition of vehicles.
27. Usher Committee -- 15 members
a. To help in all church services except weddings,
b. To assist the Building
Superintendent in regulating the lighting and heating/cooling of the sanctuary
prior to and during the services of worship
b.c. To assist the Fellowship of
Deacons in taking up the regular or special offerings
when needed,
c.d. To distribute worship guides at
all sanctuary doors and to distribute visitors' cards,
d.e. To help arrivals locate seating,
e.f. To remain in the vestibule during
the service to aid in any emergency,
f.
To
monitor Church security during services, and
g.
To remove
Handicapped Parking signs from street at the end of
services.
28. Vacation Bible School Committee – 3 members
a. To work with the Minister of
Education Students in
enlisting the faculty needed for
Vacation Bible School and
b. To assist in the general preparation for the school.
29. Welcoming Committee – 12 members
a. To be at all entrance doors of the sanctuary before the worship service to welcome all those attending,
b. To maintain a friendly and courteous atmosphere at the entrances of the sanctuary during the time of arrival, and
c. To contact the chairman whenever
a member must be absent.
Adopted November 27, 1987
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Hugh Harrelson, Chairman
Gail Kendall, Phil Land, Bob Marrett,
Judy Mobley, Bob Shrum, Gary Williams
Amended September 17, 1995
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Hugh Harrelson, Chairman
Gail Kendall, Phil Land, Judy Mobley,
Bob Shrum, Gary Williams
THIS AMENDED CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND COMMITTEE MANUAL
WAS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF ROBERT H. MARETT
1918-1994
Amended July ??, 2002
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Joe Gentry, Chairman
Tweet Curtis-Sharpton, Crystal Guyton, Caroline Krueger
Shelden Timmerman, Gary Williams, Phil Wright