Calvary Baptist Church Bylaws – Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church Bylaws
2018

Preamble

We declare and establish this Constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith and that this body may be governed in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member and the autonomy of this body in its relation to other churches, associations and conventions of churches.

Article I – Name and Purpose

The name of this organization shall be Calvary Baptist Church of Lebanon, Missouri, the same being incorporated under the laws of the state of Missouri.
The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain the public worship of God and promote ways and means to more effectively and efficiently carry out the Great Commission of Christ.

Article II – Statement of Faith

The foundation of Calvary Baptist Church is the Lord Jesus Christ and the inspired Word of God as contained in the Old and New testaments of the Holy Scriptures. The objective of this Church shall be to worship God according to the teaching of His Word, to practice the precepts and examples of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament, to sustain its ordinances and doctrines and to preach and propagate among all peoples the Gospel of Salvation which is by personal faith on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons. We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. We believe in water Baptism of the Holy Spirit by immersion (Mark 1:4-5, 9-10; Acts 8:36-39).
Interpretative Authority: The Leadership Team shall act as the sole authoritative interpreter of scripture for Calvary Baptist Church, with prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit in all matters.
Marriage and Sexuality: We believe God’s plan for human sexuality is to be expressed only within the context of marriage, that God created man and woman as unique biological persons made to complete each other and that all conduct with the intent to adopt a gender other than one’s birth gender is immoral and therefore sin. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. For this reason, we believe that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female (Genesis 1:27, 2:24; Deuteronomy 22:5; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 1:26-27;1 Corinthians 6:9).

Article III – Government

This church shall be governed by the Leadership Body and with the consent of its members, each of whom shall have equal rights as to voice and vote, together recognizing Christ only as head of church.

Article IV – Membership

Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, having met with the elders to discuss their profession of having been born again of the Spirit and having adopted the views of faith and practice held by this church, may be received for membership. The membership of the church reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church with a vote of the church members in attendance upon the new member being presented by a church Elder.
Reception: Specifically, members may be received as follows: 1. On public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the acknowledgment of His Lordship in Baptism by immersion, 2. By letter of transfer from another church of like faith and order, 3. On a statement of their experience of salvation and their scriptural baptism by immersion.
Termination of Membership: Membership may be terminated in the following ways:
(a.) Death
(b.) Dismissal to another church
(c.) Exclusion by actions unbecoming of the church – Should a member become an offense to the church by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, by persistent breach of his or her covenant vows or by non-support of the church, the church, at its discretion, may terminate his or her membership by a 2/3 majority vote, but only after due notice and hearing and after faithful efforts to bring that member to repentance and amendment of his ways in accordance with biblical principles on discipline found in Matthew 18.
Active Members: Any member, having been received into the church, who manifests concern for his or her church through attendance, contributions or other church contact during the year shall be considered an active member.
Non-Voting Members: Non-voting membership shall be available for persons under eighteen (18) years of age who give evidence of having received Christ as personal Savior, and who meet the qualifications for membership established by this church. Non-voting members may join the church in the same manner as voting members as well as by joining as a family when parent(s) are presented for membership. Non-voting members maintain the rights and privileges of membership other than the ability to vote in matters of church business or to serve as a member of the Leadership Team of Calvary Baptist Church. Upon reaching the age of eighteen (18) years, nonvoting members shall automatically become voting members.
(amendment Article IV, Section 5, added 1/30/22 by popular vote)
Inactive Members: Any member who is inactive in relation to his or her church obligation for a period of two years and/or whose whereabouts are unknown shall be removed from the active church roll and cease to be counted as an active member. Before dropping the names of such inactive members from the church roll their names shall be brought to the attention of the Elders. A permanent record shall be maintained of all names removed from the church roll.

Article V – Church Personnel

The church shall call or employ staff members as need arises. The Elders, in consultation with the Body of Deacons, shall determine the needs and shall recommend to the church that the designated positions be filled. A two-thirds majority vote of the members in attendance will be required to fill all paid positions. All staff positions, either volunteer or paid, shall be accountable to the elders of the church. All personnel, either volunteer or paid, shall be qualified by the Body of Deacons and shall undergo a background check prior to being presented to church membership for a vote.

Treasurer: The church Treasurer will be nominated by the Elders of the church and elected by the church on a biennial basis two months prior to expiration of the current term to allow for training if a new person will be taking over the position
(a.) The treasurer will pay all salaries operating expenses and other obligations relating to the work of the church by check or electronic transfer.
(b.) The treasurer shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, each month an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding month and will make that report to the church at its regular business meeting.
(c.) The treasurer will serve as a member of the Body of Deacons for financial matters.
Clerk: The church clerk shall be nominated by the Elders and qualified by the Body of Deacons, and then elected by a vote of the membership in attendance at the business meeting in which the vote is taken on a biennial basis two months prior to expiration of the current term to allow for training if a new person will be taking over the position. The clerk shall keep a record of all the proceedings of the church, take charge of, and preserve all records, keep a register of all members of the church, write church letters as directed by the church, prepare or cause to be prepared for approval all church minutes.
Leadership Body
(a.) The Leadership Body shall be comprised of the church Elders and the Body of Deacons and shall be overseers of all church property.
(b.) All maintenance and repair of buildings and equipment, and all permanent and structural changes and remodeling of buildings will be under supervision of the Leadership Body. Maintenance, repairs, changes and remodeling in excess of $5,000 which are not urgent or emergent in nature shall require a majority vote of members in attendance at a quarterly or special business meeting.
(c.) The Board will be the purchasing agent for all equipment of permanent nature. Equipment purchases in excess of $2,500 shall require a majority vote of members in attendance at a quarterly or special business meeting.
Deacons & Body of Deacons / Qualifications, Election, Duties: In keeping with the spirit of Christian fellowship through which a New Testament church functions, this body shall be called the Body of Deacons.
(a.) Officers: The Body of Deacons determine the need of officers and elect them accordingly.
(b.) Number: The active Body of Deacons shall consist of a number managed by the Elders, and authorized by the church membership in attendance when voted upon. Deacons coming into the fellowship of the church may be invited into the Body of Deacons according to the needs of the church after having been interviewed by the Leadership Body as to eligibility and service to the church.
(c.) Method of Election: When deacons are needed they shall be nominated by any member when an Elder calls for nominations from church at a business meeting. Prior to nomination the Elder shall read the qualifications of a Deacon to the members in attendance. The Body of Deacons will then review nominations, and prepare a ballot for the next scheduled or special business meeting – votes are not taken during the nomination meeting, it is for nomination only. The Leadership Body will meet with any nominees not qualified prior to nominees being brought to the church membership for a vote. The church then in the next business session, or special session for vote, shall vote on said qualified nominees by secret ballot provided from the Leadership Body. After approval of the desired number of votes of each candidate to be selected, the church shall induct the candidate and the individual becomes a deacon.
(d.) Resignation / Replacement / Removal: A serving deacon may resign from their position at any time by giving written notice to the Leadership Body. If a deacon resigns their position or can no longer fulfill their duties due to death or illness, their position will be filled as seen necessary by the Elders of the church. If the Elders determine the position needs to be filled immediately, they shall appoint a pro-tem deacon to fill the position. The pro-tem deacon will fill the position until the church nominates and elects someone to the remainder of the term using the standard election procedures (Article IV, Section 4, Subsection c) with the process beginning at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. If a deacon is found to be unfit to fulfill the remainder of their term, they may be removed by a unanimous vote of the rest of the Leadership Body at which time the above stated replacement procedure shall be followed. (amendment Article V, Section 4, Subsection d added 1/20/19 by popular vote)
(e.) Duties: Deacons shall at all times consider themselves as servants of the church. With the elders, and as the Holy Spirit may direct, they may consider and make recommendations to the Elders in all matters pertaining to their service-oriented ministry. They shall make themselves available to the elders, staff members and church committees in an advisory capacity. They shall assist the elders in the administering of the ordinances, and the benevolent and evangelistic work of the church. They shall visit the sick, the poor and distressed, and seek to serve in their own service-oriented ministry. Deacons are called to “hold” to the faith, and do whatever is necessary to allow the Pastors and Elders to accomplish their God-given call of “Overseeing, Shepherding, Teaching, and Preaching to the membership of the church.” Elders shall be included in all meeting of the Body of Deacons and in the event of a tie vote of the Body of Deacons the Senior Pastor shall serve as the tie-breaking vote.
(f.) Qualifications: The Body of Deacons will use their knowledge in the scripture from 1st Timothy 3:8-13 to qualify nominees to become deacons. The “golden rule” to these qualifications is 1st Timothy 3:10 – The nominee has to be successfully serving in some form or capacity currently before being nominated to become a deacon. If nominees do not meet the criteria, their name will not be put on the ballet at the next business meeting to be voted on. It is the responsibility of the Leadership Body to meet in a private setting and discuss qualifications that are not met with nominees individually prior to a vote of the church membership. This will ensure transparency and integrity for this board to follow.
(g.) Qualifying Powers: The Body of Deacons shall be composed of all Deacon members elected by the church membership. Deacons shall be elected to serve 1 term consisting of three years. The primary function of the Body of Deacons is to qualify the nominations in the staffing of all church-elected leadership positions, seeking to distribute church ministries according to priority needs, considering the strengthening of each function of the church.
Pastor & Elders: A pastor shall be called by the church according to the procedure in Article VI, Section #3. The Pastor shall serve until his tenure is terminated at the request of a unanimous vote by the Body of Deacons, or a 2/3 vote by the church membership provided at least 2 weeks written notice of such motion has been provided to the congregation. A notice of 30 days shall be given of termination unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, with both pastor and church seeking to follow the will of God as revealed through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. It shall be the duty of pastor to preach at the appointed hours on Sunday and to lead in regular mid-week meetings. He shall administer the ordinances as taught in the scriptures and have general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the membership of the church. He shall represent the church in the reception of new members and shall give hand of fellowship to those received. He shall be ex-officio member of all boards, standing committees and organizations; and shall act as moderator of all business sessions of the church. In the absence of the pastor, the associate pastor or an Elder may preside over business sessions of the church. If neither is present then the Body of Deacons shall appoint a deacon to act in his place in the performance his duties as are necessary to carry on the work of the church.(a.) All Pastors are Elders in this church organization, due diligence is required when nominating and voting to accept new pastors, associate pastors, and youth pastors. The Body of Deacons will serve as the main check point on this by being the qualifying board for all positions, while the Elders will keep the Body of Deacons in check by managing the number of members that serve in the Body of Deacons. As stated in Article IV, Section #4, Letter
(e.): Pastors and Elders have a God-given calling of “Overseeing, Shepherding, Teaching, and Preaching to the membership of the church.” Pastors and Elders are the head of the Leadership Body of Calvary Baptist Church.
Associate Pastor(s)
(a). Method of Election: The need for, and number of, Associate Pastor(s) shall be determined by the Pastor and presented to the Body of Deacons for approval by a majority vote. The Body of Deacons may also present a request for additional Associate Pastor(s) to the church membership to be voted on at the next regular or special business meeting. Associate Pastor candidates shall be interviewed by the Pastor and recommended to the Body of Deacons or interviewed by the Body of Deacons and recommended to the church membership. Upon the Body of Deacons’ approval or approval by church membership, the Pastor will present the Associate Pastor candidate to the church for a vote in a regular business meeting or a called special business meeting. To be affirmed as Associate Pastor, the candidate must receive a 2/3’rds “yes” vote of those in attendance. The vote to call an Associate Pastor shall be taken by secret ballot.
(b.) Qualifications / Duties: The Associate Pastor must meet the requirements of Pastor. Duties of the Associate Pastor include, but are not limited to: Assist the Pastor in the administration of the church; Act as department head of areas he is assigned to by the Pastor; Act as Pastor in his absence; Serve as a member of the Leadership Body.
(c.) Resignation / Replacement / Removal: In the event an Associate Pastor is not fulfilling the duties and responsibilities as Associate Pastor or has committed either a moral or ethical violation, it is the responsibility of the Body of Deacons to bring the matter to the Pastor’s attention. Should there be no repentance in a suitable time, then the Pastor shall bring the matter before the church body in a regular or special business meeting. A vote of confidence will be held and if the Associate Pastor receives less than 2/3’rds of the vote he will be terminated. An Associate Pastor may resign his position in writing to the Pastor, Body of Deacons or in a regular or special business meeting. An Associate Pastor may also verbally resign his position either to the Body of Deacons or to those in attendance at a regular or special business meeting. (amendment Article V, Section 6, added 7/26/20 by popular vote)
Additional Pastoral Positions
(a.) Additional positions for Youth Pastor, Worship Pastor or any other pastoral position shall follow the same rules and requirements for method of election, qualifications and method of resignation / replacement / removal as defined for Associate Pastor(s) in article V, Section 6, subsection c (amendment Article V, Section 7, added 7/26/20 by popular vote)
Trustees(a.) Trustees / Qualifications, Election, Duties: The Trustees will be the custodians of the properties owned by Calvary Baptist Church and serve as signatories for legal and business matters of the church.
(b.) Number: The number of trustees shall be managed by the Elders, and authorized by the church membership in attendance when voted upon.

(c.) Method of Election: Elders shall determine the need for trustees and present said need to the church body for a vote. Trustees shall be nominated by the elders, qualified by the Body of Deacons, and voted on by the church body. In the event the Body of Deacons feels there is a need for a trustee and the Elders fail to act, a nomination may be presented to the church body upon a unanimous vote of the Body of Deacons. Prior to the vote the Elders shall read the qualifications of a Trustee to the members in attendance. The church members shall vote in a scheduled business session, or special business meeting, by secret ballot provided from the Leadership Body. If the trustee candidate receives a majority vote, the church shall induct the candidate and the individual becomes a trustee. Trustees shall serve until they no longer feel led to do so or until replaced by the church as outlined below (Article V, Section (8), Subsection (d.)).

(d.) Resignation / Replacement / Removal: A serving trustee may resign from their position at any time by giving written notice to the Leadership Body. If a trustee resigns their position or can no longer fulfill their duties due to death or illness, their position will be filled as seen necessary by the Elders of the church. If the Elders determine the position needs to be filled immediately, they shall appoint a pro-tem trustee to fill the position. The pro-tem trustee will fill the position until the church nominates and elects someone to the remainder of the term using the standard election procedures (Article V, Section 8, Subsection (c.)) with the process beginning at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. If the Leadership Body feels it necessary to remove a trustee, they will recommend the removal to the church, in a regular or special called business session, for church action. Removal of a trustee shall require a 2/3 vote of members in attendance at said meeting.

(e.) Duties: The Trustees shall, as provided by law and the action of the church, represent the church in all matters of legal responsibility regarding the purchase, improvement and disposal of church property. Trustees shall execute on behalf of the church; deeds, notes, deeds of trust, and any other instruments or contracts as may be necessary to comply with congregational decisions and God’s leading for the church body. Trustees shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action. Additionally, the Trustees shall determine annually that the church is adequately insured against all reasonable insurable losses and shall report their findings to the Deacons.

(f.) Qualifications of Trustees: In order to be nominated as a Trustee of the Church, the individual will be a member of the church not less than five years prior to becoming a Trustee. A Trustee will have the qualities that demonstrate the ability to give leadership and guidance in the supervision and ownership of all types of assets held by the church. A Trustee shall have shown an ability to make prudent and intelligent business and financial decisions. A Trustee should show genuine interest in ministry through an attitude of servanthood and a desire to see the ministry be successful in all activities. (amendment Article V, Section 8, added 2/19/23 by popular vote)

Article VI – Leadership Body

The Leadership Body shall operate in the capacity of an advisory council on legal matters of major importance to the church.

The Leadership Body shall constitute a committee on discipline. They shall seek an interview with all members violating their covenant obligations or conducting themselves in any way and in such a manner as to bring reproach upon the church, and shall endeavor to restore them to the path of duty.
In all cases of grievances between members, the offenders shall be dealt with in accordance with the principles laid down in the 18th chapter of Matthew, and no complaint shall be preferred before the church until this course has been pursued. Charges, when made, shall be in writing and shall be submitted to the Senior Pastor for such actions as is deemed proper. Recommendations concerning discipline shall be made to the church for final decision. In all cases, if practicable, persons accused shall be given an opportunity to be heard in defense, and no member, if absent, shall be censored or excluded at the same time meeting at which charge is preferred against him. Exclusion from membership shall be by a two-thirds majority of members.
Pulpit/Search Committee: In the event the office of pastor becomes vacant the Leadership Body shall elect by secret ballot a committee of (5) members to serve as a pulpit committee to lead the church in calling of a pastor, unless active church membership numbers don’t allow for (5) members in which case the Leadership Body shall determine an appropriate number for said committee. This committee shall be composed of (3) members of the Body of Deacons and (2) members from the membership of the church. The clerk of the church shall prepare ballots on which members of the Leadership Body shall write the names of no more than five members. The five receiving the largest number of votes and willing to serve shall be named to this committee. This committee shall meet as soon as is expedient and elect from their number a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a Secretary. This committee may be elected at any stated assembly of the church provided that public and/or written notice shall have been given on the Lord’s Day preceding. It shall be the duty of this committee to seek out, observe, and examine the record of the man upon whom the committee feels the Holy Spirit has laid his hands, and to whom He is directing them. Having satisfied themselves as to his genuine Christianity, adherence to the pastoral discretion, common sense, and preaching ability, the committee will then have a conference with the prospective pastor and make its proposal to him. If he is receptive and the committee is unanimous in their choice, they will present his name to the church. Once a name has been presented by the committee, no other person shall be considered for the office of pastor until the recommendation of the committee has been acted upon at a scheduled or special business meeting. It will take a 2/3rds majority vote by secret ballot of the church members in attendance at said meeting to vote in the new pastor. This Committee shall be authorized to recommend to the church an interim pastor if in the judgement of the committee the best interest of the church would thus be served. Under no circumstances will the Body of Deacons take control of this church while this committee undergoes a search for pastor. The pulpit committee has a time of 1 year to search for candidates. If the committee fails to provide a pastor or interim pastor, the Leadership Body will disband current pulpit committee after 1 year, and restart the process with electing another pulpit committee, electing a brand-new set of members to the pulpit committee. The (2) members of the committee from the general church membership may not serve two consecutive terms on this committee. This process will repeat until a Pastor is found, or church disbanded. If a member of the search committee needs to be replaced, it shall be done so by a vote of the Leadership Body.

Article VII – Facility Use

Calvary Baptist Church (The Church) owns certain real estate, including a worship facility, fellowship hall and classrooms all of which are used to promote the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ. The Church seeks to exercise wise stewardship over all aspects of said property. Such stewardship may include occasional guest use from time to time for purposes consistent with Calvary Baptist Church’s doctrinal beliefs. Based on these considerations, the Church shall allow use of its Real Estate by others in accordance with the following requirements and guidelines.

The Church’s Real Estate may be used only for purposes and in ways consistent with the Church’s doctrinal beliefs as reflected in the Bible, the Church’s Covenant as stated in its Bylaws, and otherwise, particularly with respect to biblical standards and conduct. The Leadership Team of Calvary Baptist Church shall be the final decision-maker regarding whether any use is in conformity with, or contrary to, the Church’s doctrine. The Church may request donations or charge for cost-sharing contributions (“fees”) in order to defray the estimated cost of facility use. No such fees shall be charged with any impermissible view to profit, and any and all fees are subject to waiver or reduction based on the prospective user’s financial need or at the request of the Leadership Team.

Article VIII – Meetings

Annual Business Meeting: The annual business meeting of this church shall be the regular business meeting in January unless otherwise specified.
Quarterly Business Meetings: The regular business meeting of the church will be once every quarter or unless otherwise specified from the Pastor or Elders.
Special Business Meeting: Special business meetings may be called by the pastor, or in case of his absence, resignation or refusal to act, the unanimous vote to call a special meeting by the Body of Deacons. No special meeting for the transaction of church business may be called without prior notice being publicly given in two consecutive services, exception being routine matters or emergencies which need immediate attention.
Regular Services: The Leadership Body shall appoint services for public worship on each Lord’s day and such other meetings as may be deemed advisable and spiritually profitable.
Lord’s Supper: The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed quarterly by the church or at another time as specified and deemed advisable.
Quorum: For the transaction of business five members shall constitute a quorum. A smaller number will not constitute a legal business meeting proceeding.
Manner of Conducting Business:
Order of Business:
(1) Reading of Minutes
(2) Treasurers Report
(3) Unfinished Business
(4) Leadership Body Report
(5) New Business
(6) Adjournment
Miscellaneous: At any of the regular meetings for worship the church may, without special notice, act upon the reception of members. It is recommended that papers of special legal and documentary significance be preserved in a safety deposit box. The fiscal year of this church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st. All business meetings shall be held on church property. Except where they are in conflict with these bylaws, Roberts Rules of Order shall govern on all matters of procedure. Only church members shall have the privilege of voting on or introducing church business during business meetings.
Constitution/Bylaws: To Amend the constitution during a single business meeting, motions to change the Constitution from the membership will require a unanimous vote from the members in attendance. If changes are brought to the Leadership Body, a unanimous vote of the Leadership Body will be required to present the changes during the next scheduled or special business meeting, where then a 2/3rds majority vote from members will be required to enact said changes. This process will ensure that changes will not be made drastically, and careful attention will be given to the constitution. The Leadership Body shall review the church constitution/bylaws annually and present any recommended changes to the church membership at the next business meeting, where then a 2/3rds majority vote from members will be required to enact said changes.

Calvary Baptist Church Bylaws 2018