Membership

Documents
Covenant Baptist Church of Lafayette

Adopted July 27, 2008

Amended November 29, 2009

 
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 Table of Contents

CONSTITUTION .............................................................................7

Article I: Name ............................................................................................. 7

Article II: Foundation, Object and Priorities of Ministry ............................................. 7

Article III: Membership .................................................................................... 9

Article IV: Leadership and Organization ...............................................................10

Article V: The Church Property .........................................................................10

Article VI: Revisions, Additions and Amendments....................................................10

BY-LAWS .................................................................................. 11

Article I: Membership.....................................................................................11

Section 1: General Procedure........................................................................11

Section 2: Admission by Baptism ...................................................................11

Section 3: Admission by Letter ......................................................................11

Section 4: Admission by Experience or Restoration ..............................................11

Section 5: Instruction to New Members ...........................................................11

Section 6: Dismissal of Members ...................................................................11

Article II: Church Government .........................................................................12

Section 1: General Statement ......................................................................12

Section 2: Vocational Pastors ........................................................................12

Section 3: Lay Officers ...............................................................................13

Section 4: Council of Elders .........................................................................14

Article III: Church Employees...........................................................................15

Article IV: Church Finances .............................................................................15

Article V: Meetings .......................................................................................16

Article VI: Organization of Members for Ministry.....................................................17

Article VII: Discipline ....................................................................................17

Article VIII: Amendments ................................................................................18



 
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 Member Commitment Agreement

I, ____________________________________, have thoroughly read the constitution and

bylaws of Covenant Baptist Church of Lafayette as amended of this date. Having studied
with care these provisions, including the statement of faith and covenant, by my signature
below I signify that I am fully aware of their provisions and agree to carry out my duties as a
member of the Covenant Baptist Church of Lafayette. I further agree to submit to the
authority of the Covenant Baptist Church of Lafayette as set out in this document. If at any
time my commitment deviates from that here stated, I promise to bring that fact
immediately to the attention of the pastor of the Covenant Baptist Church of Lafayette.

Dated this _____ day of _______________, _________.

_____________________________________________
Member Signature


 
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CONSTITUTION

Article I: Name
The name of this church shall be Covenant Baptist Church of Lafayette.

Article II: Foundation, Object and Priorities of Ministry

1. The foundation of this Church is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and its code of guidance
in all its affairs, the Word of God, and this Church does here affirm its faith that the Holy Scriptures
of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of Almighty God (Mark 13:31).
2. The object 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.
3. The priorities of ministry of this church flow from the vision of God's glory revealed in Jesus Christ.
We exist to savor this vision in worship (John 4:23), strengthen the vision in nurture and education (1
Corinthians 14:26; 2 Peter 3:18), and spread the vision in evangelism, missions, and loving deeds (1
Peter 2:9; 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20; 5:16).
Affirmation of Our Faith
A. The Word of God
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. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31, 32; John 20:31;
Acts 20:32
B. The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are
equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of
creation, providence and redemption. Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1, 3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans
1:19, 20; Ephesians 4:5, 6
C. God the Father
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love.
We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass, that He concerns Himself
mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and
death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27;
Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6
D. Jesus Christ
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. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21;
1 Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30, 31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10;
Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Timothy 3:16
E. The Holy Spirit
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. John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; John 16:9-14; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19;
Galatians 5:22-26
F. Regeneration
We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred
physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human
beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We
believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the


 
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 Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. Genesis
1:26; 5:2; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Ecclesiastes 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26;
Romans 9:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Rev. 19:3,20; 20:10; 14,15; 21:18; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James
1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17;
Romans 8:1
G. The Church
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all
regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of
believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work,
and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task
of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:19-21;
Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:23-25
H. Christian Conduct
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well being of his fellow men; that
his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his
possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in
Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 14:15,23-24; 1 John 2:3-6; 2
Corinthians 9:6-9; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Colossians 1:9-10
I. The Ordinances
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and
the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the
name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for
commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and
administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; 1
Corinthians 11:23-26
J. Religious Liberty
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in
all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any
ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having
different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. 1 Timothy
2:5; Romans 14:7-9, 12
K. The Last Things
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment
of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of
the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts
1:11; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; II Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 15;
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15
L. Human Sexuality
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a
marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism,
bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s
gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by
surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1
Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4) We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is
the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)

M. Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being.
Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder.
We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender
selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are
acceptable. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

N. Euthanasia


 
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 We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention.
Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that
an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering
constitutes a murder contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are
extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous
treatment. (Exodus 20:13, 23:7; Matthew 5:21; Acts 17:28)
O. Lawsuits between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the
church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to
resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek
compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued
without malice or slander. (1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32)

P. Authority of Statement of Faith

The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final
source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith
accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All
teaching literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

Our Church Covenant

1. Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior,
and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly
and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
2. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the
advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and
spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and
regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the
spread of the Gospel through all nations.
3. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith;
to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just
in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment, to avoid all tattling,
backbiting and excessive anger; to seek God's help in abstaining from all drugs, food, drink, and
practices which bring unwarranted harm to the body or jeopardize our own or another's faith.
4. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer;
to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in
speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our
Savior to secure it without delay.
5. We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, if possible, unite with a church
where we can carry out the articles of this confession and the spirit of this covenant.

Article III: Membership

The membership of this Church shall consist of persons who confess faith on the Lord Jesus Christ as personal
Savior, who give evidence of regeneration by a living consistent with their profession and with the views of
faith, doctrine and practice of this Church, who have been baptized and who have been received into its
membership according to the By- Laws of this Church.

This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus
Christ and the direction of the council of elders. Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are
ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures. The
council of elders shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church.

Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on
principles of democratic government. Although the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship
services, the church property remains private property. The council of elders has the authority to suspend or
revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property. If after being


 
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notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on church property, the person may,
in the discretion of the council of elders be treated as a trespasser.

A member may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church and the minutes of the
proceedings of church meetings and of board meetings, provided he shall have made a written request upon
the church and the church has received the written request at least five business days before the requested
inspection date

A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions
to the church, the list of names and addresses of the church members, or the accounting books and financial
records of the church.

The church may impose a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and material, for copies of any
documents provided to the member before releasing the copies to the member.

Article IV: Leadership and Organization

1. Under the authority of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Congregation of the Church is the final
authority within this local Church. This authority is normally exercised through the election of officers
to govern the Church. However, the vote of the membership of this Church at a properly called
meeting, as provided in the By-Laws, shall be required to effect the following actions:
a. Accept members into the Church, give letters of transfer or recommendation to members,
or drop members from the Church roll;
b. Elect officers of the Church;
c. Discipline members by dismissing them and discipline officers by removing them from
office;
d. Approve annual budgets of the Church, authorize any expenditure of the funds of the
Church when such expenditure is not covered by an approved budget, and approve any
transactions regarding real property;
e. Accept, reject, or otherwise dispose of any matter submitted to the membership of the
Church by the Council of Elders, or raised by motion at a business meeting;
f. Adopt, amend, or repeal the Constitution or By-Laws of this church;
g. Approve the call, job description and initial salary of Vocational Pastors.
2. The offices of the Church shall be Elder and Deacon. The purpose of the officers of the Church is to
lovingly govern, care for, and equip the membership to do the work of the ministry.
3. The leadership of the Church shall be vested in the Council of Elders who are responsible for
governing the Church, teaching the Word and tending the flock of God in this Church. The Elders
shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function. All Pastors will be official members of
the council of elders.
4. Deacons shall assist the Council of Elders by performing services of advice, administration and
implementation.

Article V: The Church Property

1. In the event of a division of this Church, from which may God in His mercy save us, the property of
this Church shall belong to that group of such division as represents the largest portion of the Church
membership before recognizing a division therein provided such group is loyal to this constitution;
otherwise it shall belong to the group remaining loyal to this constitution though it may not be the
largest group in such division.
2. Should a condition arise at any time in the future when for any reason, the Church work cannot
continue, the Church property shall be transferred to Faith Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, VA
3. Should conditions arise where a consolidation with another church of the same doctrine and practice
be advisable, the Council of Elders shall be authorized by the Church to negotiate the terms of such
consolidation in so far as the property of this Church is concerned.

Article VI: Revisions, Additions and Amendments

1. Revisions, additions or amendments of this constitution may be made only in the following manner:
a. at annual business meeting; and


 
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 b. by two-thirds majority of those members present and voting at such meeting, provided at
least ten percent (10%) of the resident membership of the Church is present at such
meeting; and
c. If notice of the proposed change or addition has been given, in writing and from the pulpit
on at least two Sundays in the interim period between said meetings.
2. Article II and VI of this constitution shall not be repealed, amended nor revised.

BY-LAWS

Article I: Membership

Section 1: General Procedure

All actions regarding membership, either of admission or dismissal, shall be by vote of the Church
upon recommendation of the Council of Elders. At any of the regular meetings for worship, the
Church may, without special notice, act upon the reception of members, or upon transfer of members
to other churches. Reception of members may, without special notice, be acted on by groups, within
the Church, more limited than the full membership of the Church, using procedures specifically
authorized by vote of the Church at a regular business meeting upon recommendation of the Council
of Elders.

Section 2: Admission by Baptism

Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of change of heart, and having
accepted the faith, aims and ideals of this Church as expressed in the affirmation of Faith and Church
Covenant, may be received into membership by baptism, upon recommendation of the Council of
Elders

Section 3: Admission by Letter

Members from other Baptist churches holding like faith may be received as members with us upon
presentation of letters of transfer from such churches, and upon acceptance of the faith, aims and
ideals of this Church as expressed in the Affirmation of Faith and the Church Covenant. If such
credentials be of older date than six months prior to their presentation, the applicant may be required
to furnish additional information.

Section 4: Admission by Experience or Restoration

All applicants for membership other than by baptism or by letter of transfer, that is by Christian
experience if previously baptized, or by restoration, shall be received into the church in the same way
as those by baptism, except the ordinance shall not be administered.

Section 5: Instruction to New Members

All persons uniting with this Church in any of the ways set forth in Sections 2 through 4 above shall
previously, by the Council of Elders, be made acquainted with the Church Covenant and the
Affirmation of Faith. New members shall pledge themselves to fulfill their stewardship obligations as
to worship, service, and giving, when they make public profession of faith and join the church.

Section 6: Dismissal of Members

Members in good standing who have fulfilled their obligations to the Church, or satisfactorily
arranged the same with the Elders, shall upon request be granted a letter of transfer to unite with such
Baptist Church as they may designate. Such letter of transfer shall be sent to the Pastor or the Clerk of
the Church the member intends to join and shall be valid only for six months, but may be renewed
after that time by vote of the Church upon recommendation of the Council of Elders if satisfactory
reasons be given for the non-use. These limitations of time shall be included in the letter of transfer.
Members who shall unite with another church without such letter shall be dropped from the Church
roll.

Members, who move from this city, shall supply the Church with their new address and apply for a


 
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 letter of dismissal within one year provided there be a church of the same faith and order in the place
to which they move. If necessary, it shall be the duty of the Council of Elders to remind such member
of their duties in this respect. In case there is no such church in the place, or there are circumstances
which render it inadvisable to change membership, the member shall report to the Church as often as
once a year at least, in person or by letter and by contribution. All non-resident members who do not
so report shall be subject to dismissal by the Church after appropriate efforts have been made to
contact the member and remind them of their duties.

The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the
member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the church in the preceding six
months. Upon good cause being shown to the council of elders, this provision for termination may be
waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the council of elders.

Article II: Church Government

Section 1: General Statement

Officers
The Officers of the Church shall be a Council of Elders and the Deacons. Officers shall be
called to office by vote of the membership of the Church as provided for in Article II,
Section 2 and Section 3 of these By-Laws. All officers of the Church shall be members of
the Church in good and regular standing and agree totally with A Faith to Confess: The Baptist
Confession of Faith 1689 (1975 Carey Publications). The Council of Elders shall be composed
of men; the Deacons shall be composed of men.

Committees and Appointees

The Council of Elders has the authority to create committees and positions to which it may
delegate any specified aspect of its responsibility. The Council of Elders has the authority to
dissolve any committee or position which it created. The Council of Elders also has the
authority to appoint Elders, Deacons or other members of the Church to serve as members
of such committees and to act as its agents in such positions. The Deacons may nominate
candidates for any committee or position, with appointment by the Council of Elders. The
Council of Elders may delegate to the Deacons the authority to appoint Deacons or other
members of the Church to serve as members of such committees and as agents of the
Council of Elders in such positions. Every committee shall have a chairperson, responsible
for the overall operation of the committee, who shall be appointed by the Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders may delegate the responsibility for selecting the chairperson to the
Deacons or to the committee. (For example, such committees and positions may include a
Missions Committee and a Christian Education Committee, among others.)

Section 2: Vocational Pastors

Definition
Vocational Pastors are the Elders of the church, who in response to God's call, have devoted
their vocational lives to the ministry of the Word and prayer in the service of the church of
Christ.

Duties
In addition to the duties of their office as described in Sections 4 and 5 below, Vocational
Pastors shall perform the duties determined by the Council of Elders and approved by the
congregation. The duties shall be in writing at the time of the call to service, and substantial
changes shall be approved by the church. The church's call of a Vocational Pastor is a call to
the Eldership of the church. Therefore Vocational Pastors shall be members of the Council
of Elders and have all the Biblical qualifications of an Elder.

Vocational Call by the Church

The members shall call Vocational Pastors (1) by ballot upon recommendation of the
Council of Elders and (2) by at least a two-thirds majority of those members voting at the


 
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 meeting with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church present. Oral
notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on the next two
successive Sundays preceding the meeting. Notice shall also be given by mail to the resident
membership at least one week before the meeting. This church organization is authorized
to ordain vocational pastors.

Termination of Vocational Call by the Church

By resignation: The question of terminating the vocational call of a Vocational Pastor shall
be considered at any time by the church upon the presentation of the Pastor's resignation.
Grievance: Where a grievance exists against a Pastor, either due to his preaching or
teaching contrary to the beliefs of the Church as set forth in Article II of its Constitution or
to alleged conduct on his part unfitting an Elder or Deacon, such grievance may be brought
before the Council of Elders by any two members in good standing, following the procedure
prescribed in Article VII of these By-Laws. If the Council, after thorough investigation and
consideration, believes the grievance to be true and substantial, then the vocational call of
the Pastor may be terminated at any business meeting upon the recommendation of the
Council of Elders when supported by closed ballot of a 2/3 majority of those members of
the Church present and voting with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the
church present at such meeting. Oral notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be
given from the pulpit on two successive Sundays next preceding the meeting. Notice shall
also be given by mail to the resident membership at least one week before the meeting.

Section 3: Lay Officers

Definition
Lay officers are the non-Vocational Elders and Deacons of the Church.

Duties
Lay Elders and Deacons shall have the duties of their offices as described in Sections 4 and 5
below.

Calling
The Council of Elders shall recognize, interview, and investigate candidates for lay Elder and
Deacon. The Council shall provide for individual members of the Church to nominate
candidates to the Council as candidates for office and for the Council's further investigation.
In no instances shall any individual be considered a nominee for the office without the
nominee's consent. In those cases where the Council of Elders concludes that a nominee is
not qualified for office they shall so inform the nominee stating the reasons for this
conclusion. The Council of Elders shall present a ballot of candidates for calling or
reaffirmation as Elders or Deacons to the congregation at the annual meeting. The Council
of Elders may also nominate candidates for election.

Lay Elders and Deacons shall be called by the Church for a normal term of three years. They
shall stand for reaffirmation not later than the third annual meeting of the church following
their call or previous reaffirmation. Calling or reaffirmation of a lay Elder or Deacon shall be
by two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at the meeting. Lay Elders and
Deacons shall serve no more than two consecutive terms. Following two consecutive terms
the Elder or Deacon will not serve actively in office for a period of one year. Following this
period they are again eligible for nomination as Elder or Deacon. For purposes of this
provision a term during which an Elder or Deacon serves not more than one year shall not
be considered a term in office.

Removal
Resignation: An officer may resign his office at any time if he finds he is no longer able to
discharge the duties of the office.

Grievance: Where a grievance exists against an officer of the Church either due to the
adherence to and propagation of beliefs contrary to the beliefs of the Church as set forth in


 
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 Article II, of its Constitution or to alleged conduct on his part unfitting an Elder or Deacon,
such grievance may be brought before the Council of Elders by any two members in good
standing, following the procedures prescribed in Article VII of the By-Laws of this Church.
If the Council, after thorough investigation and consideration, believes the grievance to be
true and substantial, then the officer may be removed from office upon the recommendation
of the Council of Elders when supported by closed ballot of a majority of those members of
the Church present and voting at any annual, quarterly, or special meeting with at least ten
percent (10%) of the membership of the church present at such meeting. Oral notice of any
such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on two successive Sundays
next preceding the meeting. Notice shall also be given by mail to the resident membership at
least one week before the meeting.

Lack of Reaffirmation: If a Lay Elder or Deacon stands for reaffirmation and fails to be
reaffirmed, the Elder or Deacon shall be removed from office. Removal from office by this
means shall not be considered disciplinary action.

Section 4: Council of Elders

Composition, Term, and Calling
The Council of Elders shall be composed of men, both Lay Elders and Vocational Elders.
The Council of Elders shall be composed of at least two members, with the number of
Elders at any time determined by the needs of the ministry and by the call and qualification
of men in the church. Each Lay Elder shall be called by the membership of the Church to a
term of three years. That call and any reaffirmation(s) shall be conducted as provided in
Article II, Sections 2 and 3 of these By-Laws.

Qualifications
Elders and nominees for Elder shall be qualified for the office as specified in the Bible.
Relevant texts include 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Elders are also
required to be in agreement with A Faith to Confess: The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 (1975
Carey Publications). A Faith to Confess: The Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 (1975 Carey
Publications) shall only be amended by a recommendation of the Council of Elders to the
church, following the same procedure to amend the By-Laws.

Responsibilities
The fundamental responsibility of the Elders is to devote themselves to prayer and the
Word. The Elders are responsible for governing the Church, teaching the Word and tending
the flock of God in this Church.

The responsibilities of the Elders shall include: examining prospective members and
acquainting them with the Affirmation of Faith and Church Covenant, overseeing the
process of Church discipline, examining prospective candidates for office, scheduling and
providing a moderator for business meetings, providing for reporting and recording of
official Church business, overseeing the work of the Deacons and appointed church agents
and committees, conducting worship services, administering the ordinances of the Gospel,
equipping the membership of the Church for the work of the ministry, teaching the whole
counsel of God both formally and informally, correcting error, overseeing, coordinating and
promoting the ministries of the Church, and mobilizing the Church for world mission.

Organization
The Council of Elders shall organize itself however it determines to be best to achieve the
mission of the Church. The Elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in
function. The Elders must meet at least once per month. Meetings of the Elders may be held
at any location and may be conducted by means of electronic communication through which
the Elders may simultaneously hear each other. Unless the Council provides otherwise,
meetings of the Council may be held immediately upon notice. A quorum for meetings of
the Elders is defined as at least one-half of the Lay Elders plus at least one-half of the
Vocational Elders, except for matters on which only Lay Elders are entitled to vote in which


 
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 case a majority of the Lay Elders shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5: Deacons
Composition, Term, and Calling
The Deacons shall be men. The number of Deacons shall be determined by the needs of
the ministry and by the call and qualification of men in the church. Each Deacon shall be
called by the membership of the Church to a normal term of three years. The call and any
reaffirmation shall be conducted as provided in Article II, Sections 2 and 3 of these By-
Laws.

Qualifications
Deacons and nominees for Deacon shall be qualified for the office as specified in the Bible.
Relevant texts include 1 Timothy 3:8-12.

Responsibilities
The Deacons shall advise and be ready to assist the Elders in any service that shall support
and promote the ministry of the Word, new and existing ministries of the Church, and the
care for the members of the congregation. Their responsibilities may include:
1. Administering a fund to assist the poor and needy and otherwise providing aid in
times of crisis or distress;
2. The greeting and welcoming ministries of the church;
3. Assisting in administering the ordinances of the Gospel;
4. Assisting at fellowship gatherings of the church;
5. Caring for and maintaining the Church properties;
6. Administering the business affairs of the Church that pertain to its material assets.

Organization
The Deacons shall organize themselves however they determine to be best to achieve the
mission of the church. The Elders or the Deacons may designate any specific Deacon or
group of Deacons to specialize in some particular Deaconal function. Meetings of the
Deacons, or subcommittees thereof, shall be held as needed to best fulfill the responsibilities
of the Deacons.

Article III: Church Employees

In addition to Vocational Pastors and Ministers, the church may employ additional personnel. The moneys for
such personnel must be approved by the congregation at a properly called business meeting. The Council of
Elders shall be responsible for determining the duties of and hiring such personnel.

Article IV: Church Finances

Section 1: In General
No method of raising funds shall be entertained which is in conflict with the Scriptural ideals
of the Church. All money donated to the church must go through the church financial
secretary and treasurer.

Section 2: Contributions
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligations to support the
Church and its causes with regular and proportionate giving. Each member shall be
encouraged in Scriptural giving, with tithing as the ideal minimum. Special offerings may be
sought by the Church, or by any of its organizations, with the approval of the Council of
Elders. This shall not preclude individuals from making special offerings or designated gifts
at any time as the Spirit of God may move them.

From time to time the church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable
purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may
suggest uses for their contributions, but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than
mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall
remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the council of elders. No fiduciary
obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the church other than to


 
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 use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Article II.

Section 3: Financial Planning

The financial planning of the Church shall be carried out through the medium of annual
budgets for carrying out of the various programs of its work. Annual budgets shall be
adopted by the Church upon recommendation of the Council of Elders, or, if authorized by
the Council, the Deacons or other committee. Matters involving staff compensation shall be
the responsibility of the lay members of the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders may
delegate this responsibility provided such delegation is to lay Deacons or other lay members
of the Church.

Section 4: Accounts
Financial receipts from all sources shall be accounted for by the Finance Secretary according
to the purposes for which contributions are designated. The Treasurer of the Church shall
disburse these funds promptly according to the financial program of the Church as detailed
in the Budgets or other authorized designations. All moneys for missions shall be remitted in
accordance with the Mission Budget of the Church or otherwise designated, preferably each
month and not less than each quarter.

Section 5: Indebtedness
No note or contract exceeding 1% of the total annual budget whereby the credit of the
Church is pledged shall be made except by recommendation of the Council of Elders and
approved by the Church.

Section 6: Authority to Bind the Church

The Council of Elders are the only officers who have authority, in accordance with these By-
Laws, the Church Constitution, and any applicable laws, to execute legal documents relating
to real estate, church property, and church finances.

Article V: Meetings
Section 1: For Worship
Public services shall be held on the Lord's Day. The Lord's Supper shall be celebrated on the
first Sunday of each month or at such other times as the Council of Elders may determine.
Other religious services may be appointed as the advancement of the work of the Church
may require.

Section 2: For Business

The Annual Meeting
The annual meeting shall be held some time during the last month of the fiscal year of the
Church for the purpose of calling and reaffirming the officers, reviewing proposed budgets
and other business. The Official annual business meeting will be on the last Sunday in July
unless otherwise stated by the council of elders. Officers called at the annual meeting shall
assume their duties immediately after being called unless otherwise stated by the council of
elders.

Special Meetings
The Council of Elders, or any ten members in good standing, may call for a special meeting.
Notice of the meeting shall be given from the pulpit or by other notification, the particular
object of such meeting being clearly stated in the notice. In the calling of special meetings
for purposes where an interval after advance notice is required by provision in these By-
Laws or according to law, such provisions shall be observed. Notice shall be given at least
one week in advance for meetings on especially important matters not otherwise provided
for.

Quorum
Any number of members shall constitute a quorum at any ordinary meeting of the Church.
At meetings dealing with particular matters stipulated in these By-Laws, the quorums
prescribed shall apply. There will be no absentee voting.


 
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 Rules Governing Business Meetings
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. The following order shall be observed at the regular church administration
meetings. Seeking the Lord's wisdom and blessing through thankful prayer shall be a part of
every meeting.

Notice Provisions
Unless specifically defined in other sections of these By-Laws or the Constitution, "resident
membership" means those members who reside within 75 miles driving distance from the
church building; "notice . . . in writing" means a written announcement sent by regular U.S.
mail, and "notice . . . from the pulpit" means an oral announcement at each of the Sunday
morning services.

Article VI: Organization of Members for Ministry

Members of this church shall have the liberty to participate in and organize themselves for ministry,
provided that such participation and organization does not conflict with Article II of the Constitution.
Any such organization may seek church sanction from the Council of Elders as an official ministry of
Covenant Baptist Church. Such sanction shall be granted provided that 1) the object, purpose, belief
and conduct of the organization and its members is consistent with Article II of the Constitution, and
2) the primary officers of the organization are: members of the church or other regular attendees of
the church who have been approved under guidelines established by the Council of Elders. Sanction
by the Council of Elders does not necessarily imply support of the organization by the church with
personnel, finances, or facilities. Such support may be requested as provided by the leadership of the
church.

Article VII: Discipline

A. The official discipline of members shall be a responsibility of the Council of Elders under such rules
and procedures as the Elders may from time to time establish on the basis of Scripture. All such
proceedings shall be guided by a spirit of prayer mingling Christian kindness, forbearance, and holy
firmness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

B. There shall be a discipline committee consisting of the council of elders and deacons. These men
shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and
violations of the church covenant. If an elder or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he
shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee. The elders and deacons shall be entitled to the
same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.

C. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member
becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is
to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first
examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of
restoration.

D. If reconciliation is not reached, a second member is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the
matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of
humility with the goal of restoration.

E. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (C) and (D) have been taken, the
council of elders as the church representatives Biblically responsible for putting down murmuring
shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the council of elders, the
committee shall recommend to the members of the church that the member be removed from church
membership until repentance and reconciliation be made. Excommunication becomes active
immediately upon a majority vote of the present membership at any business meeting.


 
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 F. No matter may be heard by the discipline committee or the church unless the steps outlined in
subsections (B, C, and D) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.

G. The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians
5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10-15; 1
Timothy 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11.

Article VIII: Amendments

General
Amendments to these By-Laws may be introduced through written motion at any business meeting,
but shall not be acted on until the following annual meeting, at which time an affirmative vote of the
majority of the membership of the Church, or a two-thirds majority of those members present at the
meeting and voting shall be required for acceptance; provided, however, that at least ten percent
(10%) of the membership of the Church be present at such meeting, and that notice of the proposed
change or amendment be given from the pulpit on at least two Sundays and in writing to the resident
membership in the interim period between the meetings.

(Some paragraphs used by permission of © Bethlehem Baptist Church.)


 
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