First Southern
Constitution & Bylaws
Constitution
We declare and establish this constitution and bylaws to preserve and uphold the principles of our faith. That under the Lordship of Christ, the polity* of this body may function in an orderly manner, consistent with the Holy Bible and the practices of autonomous Southern Baptist Churches. Holding to the priesthood of all believers and soul competency, this constitution and bylaws will respect the liberties of each individual member of this church and the principle of voluntarism in relation to other churches.
Article I: Name
This church will be known as the First Southern Baptist Church of Ouray, Colorado. (Hereafter referred to as FSBC)
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of FSBC is: a) to be a covenant community of believers filled with the Holy Spirit sharing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; b) to be a worshipping congregation where God and people encounter one another; c) to live Christ in word and deed in Ouray, Colorado and the world; d) to bring lost souls to Christ, and instruct the redeemed in worship, Bible study, fellowship, and ministry; e) to voluntarily cooperate with like faith and order churches.
Article III: Articles of Faith
FSBC believes the Holy Bible is the infallible* word of God. It is also the divinely inspired record of God’s revelation of Himself to human beings and is the basis for our belief and practice. Although messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in June, 2000, adopted a revision to the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message, the 2000 revision holds itself out to be an “instrument of doctrinal accountability.”[1] We believe this addition nullifies the historic Baptist doctrines of soul competency, church autonomy, and the priesthood of the believer. The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message revision has also removed the sentence, “The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.”[2] We believe the removal of this sentence is the denial of Jesus as the interpretive criterion of scripture, and is devastating because the distinctive core of historic Baptist faith and practice is following Jesus.
Therefore, FSBC affirms the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963 and reaffirmed in 1981. This Church’s affirmation, however, will not keep us from affiliating with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Colorado Baptist General Convention, and the Uncompaghre Baptist Association. This church will remain affiliated with each of these as long as it is mutually possible to do so.
Article IV: Character
Section I: Polity
The polity of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. All active members, male and female, will have equal rights, and are entitled to equal privileges and consideration.
This church is an autonomous body under the Lordship of Christ, and is not subject to the control of any denominational body, association, or convention, but recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and voluntary cooperation, which are common among autonomous Southern Baptist Churches.
Section II: Relationships
FSBC acknowledges that without the assistance of the Rosemont Baptist Church of Montrose, Colorado, the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and many other autonomous Southern Baptist Churches, this church would not exist.
Therefore, FSBC of Ouray,
Section III: Existence
In the event that FSBC, under the Lordship of Christ, votes itself out of existence, the current trustees will present options for a vote to the existing members to determine how the buildings and grounds are to be deeded.
Bylaws
Article I: Membership
The membership of this church will consist of regenerate believers who confess Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior and who have followed Christ in scriptural baptism by way of immersion. Every member is a minister of Jesus Christ.
Section I: New Members are
received by one of the following:
(1) By public confession of a person’s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and after immersion by the witness of FSBC.
(2) By promise of letter from a church of like faith and order, after counsel with the pastor.
(3) By statement of faith in Jesus Christ and scriptural baptism and counsel with the pastor where it is no longer possible to obtain a letter.
And upon the affirmative vote of the majority of the members present at the next regular business meeting. After receiving an affirmative vote, each new member will be given a copy of the FSBC Constitution & Bylaws.
Section II: Responsibilities and
Rights
Because every member is a minister of Jesus Christ, and commanded by Him to meet the needs of others, members are expected to:
(1) Be faithful in all the responsibilities essential to the Christian life, to attend regularly scheduled services of this church, to give regularly with tithes and offerings in support of its work and causes, and to serve in its polity.
(2) Be active, having equal rights, both male and female, in all matters pertaining to the polity of this church. It will be the responsibility of each member to be informed concerning the work and business of the church and to give prayerful and intelligent consideration to any matter presented for church vote or to refrain from voting.
Section III: Classifications of
Membership
(1) Active Members: All those who show interest in the welfare of the church and the Kingdom of our Lord by consistent attendance and support, will be classified as active members.
(2) Inactive Members: All those who do not attend or support the regularly scheduled services of the church for a period of three months will be placed on the inactive list and will not have the right to vote. The deacons will have the responsibility of attending to this matter. A member who has been on the inactive list can be reinstated by consistent attendance at the regularly scheduled services of the church for one month and being faithful in carrying out his or her responsibilities as a member. Consistent attendance will be interpreted to mean attendance of at least four regularly scheduled services of the church in a month. Regularly scheduled services mean the weekly services that appear in the church bulletin. Exceptions in this matter will apply in cases of illness, missionary and Christian service, absence due to military service, temporary schooling, employment not involving a permanent relocation, and an extended vacation period, in which event the deacons will be informed as to the reason for desiring to be exempted.
Section IV: Termination of
Membership
Members will be removed from the church roll by one of the following:
(1) When uniting by letter with another church of like faith and order.
(2) When affiliating with a church of another denomination or group, or upon written request.
(3) Death
(4) By disciplinary action of the church. All requests for termination of membership or action leading thereto will first be studied by the pastor and deacons and recommended by them.
Section V: Discipline and
Restoration
The Bible clearly teaches that the church is to exercise discipline among its members. Disciplinary guidelines are found in the following passages: Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, 13:1; Galatians 6:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:19-20, 6:3-5; Titus 3:10-11; James 5:19-20. In accordance with these scriptures it will be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, deacons, and other members of the church are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another will be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.
Should a member become a reproach to the Lord Jesus and the ministry of this church by reason of persistent unchristian conduct, this will become grounds for termination of membership. In a spirit of kindness, forbearance, and meekness, the pastor, deacons, and other church members will make every effort to bring that member to repentance and amendment. Should these efforts be unsuccessful, the matter will be brought to the church in the form of an oral notice of offenses for consideration and prayer. Withdrawal of membership requires a simple majority vote of the active members present.
Upon evidence of the excluded person’s repentance, reformation, and personal request, the church may restore membership by a simple majority vote.
Article II: Pastor
Section I: Election
A Pastor Search committee will be nominated and elected by the church in a special business meeting, for the purpose of seeking out, interviewing and recommending to the church a qualified pastor. The committee will bring to the consideration of the church only one person at a time. The pastor’s election will take place at a meeting called for that purpose within a week after the person’s presentation to the church in view of a call. Election will be by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of active members present and voting by secret ballot.
Section II: Responsibility
Under the Lordship of Christ, the pastor is responsible for equipping the church “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12). As the under-shepherd of His people, the pastor will oversee the congregation, the organization, and the church staff in works of service.
Working with the deacons and congregation, the pastor will achieve the purpose of the church by:
(1) Proclaiming the Word of God to believers and nonbelievers.
(2) Administering the ordinances.
(3) Ministering to the needs of church members and other persons in the community.
Section III: Compensation
The pastor’s salary and benefits will be recommended by the finance committee and approved by the church. The pastor’s salary will be renegotiated annually.
After one year of service the pastor will have annually at least two weeks vacation with pay including two Sundays. Exceptions to this policy may be approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of active members. The pastor will be permitted to attend two conferences away from the church each year. Financial responsibility for pulpit supply will be the pastor’s except when on vacation, illness, and special occasions. The pastor is encouraged to attend the State and National Southern Baptist Conventions. If possible, the church will share in the expenses. The pastor is encouraged to make use of continued educational opportunities with church approval.
Section IV: Termination
The pastor will serve until the church’s request terminates the relationship. The pastor will give at least two weeks notice at the time of resignation before terminating the responsibilities as pastor, unless otherwise mutually agreed. The pastor’s family is allowed 30 days from the resignation date before the parsonage must be vacated.
The church may at any time dismiss the pastor from pastoral responsibilities should the pastor be guilty of conduct unbecoming a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or heretical preaching, or for any other reason which will hinder the progress of the church or dishonor its name and bring shame to the name of Christ. Such action to terminate the pastor by the church will be by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of a quorum of those active members present and voting by secret ballot in a specially called and publicized meeting. The pastor will be paid any salary due current to date and be dismissed. When such action is taken because of improper conduct or heresy, if possible, the church having ordained the pastor will be notified of the action. The parsonage must be vacated within 30 days.
Article III: Deacons
Section I: Work of the Deacons
Under the Lordship of Christ, the deacons are to be servants of the church and the community. The work of the deacon is to share with the pastor in the spiritual ministries, and achieve the purpose of the church by:
(1) Proclaiming the Word of God.
(2) Serving the table of the Lord.
(3) Becoming the connecting link between the pastor and the needy ones of the church and community.
Deacons are to work diligently to preserve the unity of the church so that there are no hindrances to its worship, witness, and achievement of its purpose.
Section II: Election of Deacons
Active deacons will recommend the need for additional deacons to the church. The church will elect and ordain deacons as the need arises. Ordination for deaconship will be wisely considered in order to fill the need of spiritual leadership on the basis of scriptural authority, qualifications, and active membership.
1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-6
The candidate(s) may be presented to the church in the following manner to avoid potential embarrassment.
(1) The pastor and representative of the deacons will approach the candidate(s) regarding the person’s willingness to serve and spiritual qualifications.
(2) The findings will be brought back to the next regular deacons meeting for discussion and prayer.
(3) Those candidates who are qualified and willing to serve will then be contacted and invited to attend a series of lesson studies led by the pastor on the qualifications and spiritual obligations of the office of deacon.
(4) Nomination will precede ordination by a minimum of four months.
(5) Those candidates meeting the above criteria will come before the church as candidates for ordination by a recommendation from the deacons.
(6) When church approved, the candidates will then answer to the church through an ordination service to be conducted by a moderator selected by the deacons.
A deacon transferring membership from another church of like faith and order may become eligible for nomination to active deacon status after a minimum period of four months. If nominated the potential deacon must go through the normal deacon nominating process. If then elected, the new deacon’s former ordination will suffice.
Section III: Term of Service
The service of a deacon has a life-long term, except for the following reasons:
(1) A deacon can step down due to personal reasons. The deacon will notify the church at any regular business meeting. If the deacon is able to resume the responsibilities of this service, then the deacon will report this in like manner.
(2) Should the deacon’s conduct become a hindrance spiritually to the church, and an offense is established according to Article I, Section V, after a vote of the church to remove membership rights, the deacon will be suspended from the deacon position of service.
Article IV: General Officers and Committees
Although general officers and committees are not necessary to the being of this church, they are necessary to its well-being. The following general officers and standing committees will be approved to serve each year from January 1 to December 31, with the exceptions of the Sunday School Director, Sunday School staff, and Nursery Committee, which will serve from June 1 to May 31.
Section 1: General Officers
Church Clerk: Responsibilities
(1) Record and preserve for the church the minutes of all business meetings.
(2) Conduct all official correspondence in behalf of the church including the yearly letter to the association.
(3) Maintain membership roll, baptism records and requests for church letters.
Treasurer: Responsibilities
(1) Receive and disburse all monies of the church in accord with the policies and directives of the church. Church offerings will be counted and recorded by a minimum of two church members as soon as possible after services.
(2) Maintain a record of financial transactions.
(3) Submit a monthly report of the financial condition of the church.
(4) Be a member of the Finance Committee.
(5) Send an annual copy of contributions to each contributor.
Trustees: Responsibilities (Trustees are elected by the church to serve as long as they are willing.)
(1) Serve as legal representatives of the church.
(2) Act as directed by the church in matters relating to any legal action.
Moderator: Responsibilities
(1) Elected by the church.
(2) Upholds the church constitution.
(3) Directs all business meetings.
Music Director: Responsibilities
(1) Provide general leadership for the church’s music program.
(2) Work with the nominating committee to enlist persons to aid in the church music, such as musicians, and special music.
(3) Work with the pastor in planning the worship services.
(4) Make recommendations to the finance committee for the budget.
Sunday School Director: Responsibilities
(1) Provide general leadership for the church’s Sunday School program.
(2) Initiate leadership training for teachers.
(3) Order Sunday School literature and purchase supplies for classes.
(4) Work with the nominating committee to enlist active members only as teachers for each class.
(5) Prepare recommendations on Sunday School literature and supplies to the finance committee for the budget.
Section 2: Standing Committees
Nominating Committee: Responsibilities
(1) Committee members will be elected to serve continuously for one year.
(2) They shall meet and select a chairperson.
(3) Select names to fill positions in the Sunday School and all other committees of the church and present these names for approval.
(4) The pastor and Sunday School Director are ex-officio members.
Finance Committee: Responsibilities
(1) Lead in the planning of the annual church budget
Missions Committee: Responsibilities
(1) Study and recommend plans for the church’s mission activities.
(2) Lead in promoting and supporting missions in the church through prayer, education, and special offerings.
Buildings and Grounds Committee: Responsibilities
(1) Inspect all church properties periodically.
(2) Maintain inventory, building, and grounds on a weekly basis in regards to snow removal, yard work, and building cleanliness.
(3) Recommend to the church the employment, training, and supervision needs of maintenance personnel.
(4) Develop and recommend policies and procedures about maintenance, insurance, and use of building, properties and space.
(5) Prepare recommendations for the finance committee concerning the maintenance budget on all church properties.
(6) Assist the church in recommending and maintaining proper and adequate furnishings.
Hostess Committee: Responsibilities
(1) Be responsible for coordinating meals as needed by the church.
(2) Enlist a person(s) to host any church meal or fellowship.
(3) Coordinate a calendar for use of kitchen and fellowship hall.
(4) Make recommendations to the finance committee concerning kitchen supplies.
(5) Develop and recommend policies pertaining to use of the kitchen.
Nursery Committee: Responsibilities
(1) Purchase and Maintain supplies for sufficient operation of the nursery.
(2) Make recommendations to the finance committee concerning a nursery budget.
(3) Develop policies, procedures, and schedule for nursery workers.
Article V: Business Meetings
FSBC will hold a regular business meeting every month. The time and day of this meeting will be determined by the membership. The moderator will preside at all business meetings. In the absence of the moderator, the chairperson of the deacons or another deacon will moderate. Roberts Rules of Order will be used as guidelines except where it conflicts with this constitution and bylaws.
Special business meetings may be called at any time but only after public announcement at least two church services prior to that meeting. The purpose(s) of the meeting will be stated clearly and at that meeting no other business may be conducted.
Committees will have authority to conduct budgeted business without bringing it before the church as long as it does not exceed the budgeted amount.
The church may create/elect/appoint other committees as needed to function effectively.
A quorum to conduct business will consist of 20% the active resident membership.
Article VI: Interpretation
Should the need arise for clarification of this constitution and bylaws, the matter will be brought before the church, after publication of clarification, at a regular business meeting for discussion and vote if necessary. An interval of at least two weeks will occur between publication of said meeting and voting on the clarification.
Article VII: Amendments
This constitution and bylaws may be amended by the following procedure:
(1) Present written copies of the proposed amendment to members at a regular business meeting, and mail copies to active members not present.
(2) Proposed amendment will be tabled until the next regular business meeting.
(3) Proposed amendment will require a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of a quorum of the active members present and voting.