1 Pastoral and Deacon Staffs

The pastor is God’s under shepherd who daily provides spiritual leadership for the church. The worship and youth pastor serves as an associate to the pastor in a subordinate role, with a primary focus on leading the worship service and a secondary focus of leading the youth. The deacons are servants of the church.

1.1 Pastor

Awaiting input.

1.1.1 General

1.1.2 Organization

1.1.3 Responsibilities

1.1.4 Tasks

1. Participate in the community’s Ministerial Alliance when appropriate;

2. Offer two services if needed;

3. Schedule worship services to meet the needs of members who cannot attend at regularly scheduled times;

1.2 Worship Leader and Youth Pastor

1.2.1 General

The Worship Leader and Youth Pastor are two distinct and separate functions filled by one full-time employee reporting directly to the Pastor.This position is filled by a licensed and ordained minister who is called using a process tailored after that which is described in the Pulpit Search Committee, paragraph 4.1; however, rather than convening a special committee, the personnel committee fills the role of seeking a qualified applicant.

1.2.2 Organization

The Worship and Youth leader works in direct support of the Pastor and reports to the Pastor.The Pastor will respond to all administrative requirements of the Worship and Youth leader.

1.2.3 Responsibilities

As the Worship Leader this position is responsible for the church music ministry and will serve as the church music director as described in the Music portion of the Ministry Pillar of this document.The Worship Leader will involve the church members in the worship services through Bible reading, testimony, verbal prayer, or instrumental and vocal specials.Additionally, in coordination with the Pastor, the Worship Leader will select hymns and other appropriate music for congregational use during each worship service. As the Minister of Youth this position is responsible for organizing, scheduling, coordinating and maintaining Bible studies and activities for the youth, and will serve as the Youth Pastor as described in the Youth portion of the Discipleship Pillar of this document. He shall be directly responsible to the pastor, and will serve as the resource person for all lay youth workers and shall work in cooperation with the lay leadership of the church.As the Minister of Youth, the incumbent will be under the instruction, guidance, and leadership of the Pastor, and can expect to participate in all ministerial endeavors for which the Pastor feels he is capable and qualified.

1.2.4 Tasks

Lead the song portion of all normally scheduled and special church worship services.
Organize the music portion of special church events as requested by the Pastor.
Coordinate the selection of worship service music with the Pastor.
Establish and monitor a special music schedule.
Establish and monitor an accompanist schedule.
Establish and monitor an offertory schedule.
Submit an annual music budget to the Stewardship Committee.
Execute the annual music budget within the approved constraints.
Enlist and train lay music leadership as needed to direct choirs.
Manage the organization of a children’s choir, an adult choir, and a youth choir.
Manage the selection of music for all choirs.
Prepare audio and visual aids for use during the worship service.
Enlist and train audiovisual technicians in the operation of the church AV system.
Supervise sound and video technicians.
Perform all aspects of the Youth Pastor as described in the Church Operations Guide, Youth Ministry Section.
Develop and present a comprehensive schedule and plan for the youth program, identifying the various events and weekly activities which make up the program.
Personally lead and supervise the various youth Bible studies (with the exception of Sunday school).
Assist with planning and conducting special youth projects (such as camps, retreats, mission trips, afterglows and community wide outreach efforts, etc.).
Chair the Youth Committee.
Advise and work with Nominating Committee to enlist workers for grades 712.
Conduct special training for youth workers.
Work with Sunday school leadership to coordinate visitation for grades 7-12.
In consultation with the youth workers, prepare an annual budget for recommendation to the Stewardship Committee.
Responsible for other duties mutually agreed upon and assigned by the Pastor.

1.3 Deacons

1.3.1 General

Deacon qualifications are taken from I Timothy 3:8‑13 and Acts 6:2‑4.These qualifications are high and contain distinctive spiritual qualifications to which all Deacons should strive to meet in order to perform the tasks of spiritual leadership required of the position to which they are elected.

1. Deacons must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and a member of this body for at least six (6) months.

2. Deacons must be filled with the Spirit, wisdom, and faith.

3. Deacons must have high moral standards; be serious, weighty, worthy of respect; be honest, truthful, not double tongued, and not hypocritical.Anything that is or may be offensive to others, he will strive to correct with God’ help.Examples of this include the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, bad attitudes, and bad language.Deacons must be good stewards, not greedy of material gains, tithe, and have compassion and empathy for others.

4. Deacons must be sound in doctrine and able to explain their beliefs, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

5. If married, Deacons must be the husband of one wife.This excludes one who has been divorced and one who marries a divorced woman. A Deacon is to be respected by his family, managing his children and his household well.Bachelors may be elected as Deacons.

6. Deacons must manifest a positive interest and faithful support of the full program of the church; study to show themselves approved unto God; know their duties and responsibilities and fulfill them.

7. Deacons must show a positive commitment to Christ, his family, stewardship, church and ministry, and to the Deacon ministry.

1.3.2 Organization

The Deacons shall search out prospective candidates for the office of Deacon.After examination they shall present the candidates to the church for election. Each candidate must receive a majority of votes cast to be eligible to serve.Only as many candidates as are needed at that particular time shall be presented to the church for election.This number will be determined by the ratio of 10 ‑ 15 church families per Deacon.All elected candidates not ordained, shall be ordained as soon as practical.

1. There shall be no obligation to nominate as an assigned Deacon one who has been a Deacon in another church.In such instances as one might be chosen by this church for assignment as a Deacon, his previous ordination by another church of like faith and order shall suffice for this church.

2. A chairman shall be elected annually by the active Deacon body.

3. A Deacon, once ordained, shall be an ordained Deacon for life, provided his Biblical qualifications are met.

4. Upon request, a Deacon may be placed on an inactive Deacon status.

1.3.3 Responsibilities

Deacons are servants of the church.In their servant role, the Deacons’ main focus is to relieve the Pastor of administrative tasks and enable the Pastor to focus on his ministerial calling.The Deacon body shall have the responsibility of filling the pulpit on Wednesdays and Sundays when the office of Pastor is vacant.The Deacon body is responsible for assisting the Pastor in administering the church ordinances.

1.3.4 Tasks

In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice in the New Testament, Deacons are to be servants of the church.Their task, though not limited to the following, is to serve and assist the Pastor and ministerial staff in the administration of:

1. Visitation ministry;

a. Nursing homes

b. Widows

c. Shut-ins

d. Visitors

e. Absent church members

f. Hospital

2. Physical needs ministry;

a. Serve communion

b. Health ministry

c. Benevolence fund ministry

2 Church Procedures

These are the general procedures and processes used to maintain an ordered approach to conducting church business, managing membership processes, and describing the ordinances of the church.

2.1 Church Council

2.1.1 General

The church council shall serve the church by leading in planning, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating the ministries and programs of the church and its organizations

2.1.2 Organization

Regular members of the church council shall be the Pastor, Associate Ministers, the Chairman of Deacons, Directors of ministry areas, Church Clerk, Treasurer, and all chairmen of church committees.The Pastor shall chair the church council meetings.

2.1.3 Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the church council shall be to recommend to the church, suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate achievements in terms of church objectives and goals. All matters agreed upon by the church council which call for action not already approved by the church, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

2.1.4 Tasks

1. The council shall meet to plan the church calendar so as to have it ready for the December business meeting.

a. Each ministry and committee within the church should have its agenda planned and will submit it to the committee at the first annual planning meeting.

b. Any activity conflicts will be resolved at the church council meeting.

c. All activities will be placed on the official church calendar.

2. The council should meet quarterly to add or delete calendar items and to discuss any problems or additional needs of the church ministries or administrative functions.

2.2 Church Meetings

2.2.1 General

As a body in Christ we have different types of gatherings. The following will explain and give the reasoning for each.

2.2.2 Meetings

1. Worship Services

a. The church shall meet regularly for the worship of Almighty God.Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism are appropriate ingredients of these services.

b. The Pastor, or his designated representative, shall direct the services.

2. Special Services

a. Examples, though not an exhaustive list, are revivals, ordinations, praise, and any other meeting essential to the advancement of the church’ objectives.

b. Special services shall be placed on the church calendar.

c. Special services shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.

3. Regular Business Meetings

a. Business meetings shall be held on a regularly scheduled basis.

b. Business meetings are held to conduct business requiring the consent of the church body.

c. A moderator will preside over business meetings.

1) The moderator shall be the Pastor.

2) In the absence of the Pastor, the chairman of Deacons shall preside; or in the absence of both, the church clerk shall call the church to order and preside for the election of an acting moderator.

d. All business meetings will be conducted with the Pastor’s knowledge and consent.

4. Special Business Meetings

a. The church may conduct special business meetings to consider matters of a special nature and significance.

b. Such business meetings will be announced in at least three scheduled services prior to it convening, unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.

c. The notice shall include the subject, the date, the time and place, and it must be given in such a manner that all resident members have an opportunity to know of the meeting.

d. The Pastor may, and shall when requested by the Deacons, Trustees, or a standing committee, call from the pulpit special business meetings.

5. Conduct of Business.The moderator is responsible for the orderly conduct of business.

a. Only in a general sense, the moderator is encouraged to use accepted parliamentary rules of order.There is no requirement to attain complete compliance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

b. The orderly conduct of business relies upon the Christian attitude and behavior of all members.

c. Members must request recognition from the moderator before speaking, and must relinquish the floor at the request of the moderator.

2.2.3 Quorum

The quorum consists of members attending the business meeting.

2.3 Church Membership

2.3.1 General

This is an autonomous and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.As such the following are instituted to provide guidance.

2.3.2 Qualifications

1. Everyone is invited to become a candidate for membership in this church.

2. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for membership in any of the following ways:

a. By profession of faith and for baptism by immersion.

b. By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Southern Baptist Church, or another Baptist Church of like faith and order.

c. By statement of prior conversion experience and baptism by immersion, in a Baptist Church when no letter is obtainable.

d. If background is from another denomination, other than Baptist, a statement of faith followed by baptism by immersion.

3. Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the Pastor and the Deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days.A three fourths (3/4) vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such a candidate to membership.

2.3.3 Rights of Members

1. Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provisions have been made for absentee balloting.

2. Every member of the church is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective office in the church.

3. Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.

2.3.4 Expectations of Members

1. Live in accordance with biblical principles.

2. Faithfully attend the scheduled meetings of the church.

3. Support the ministry with tithes and offerings.

4. Pray for the church membership and ministries.

5. Be actively involved in one or more of the ministries of the church.

2.3.5 Termination of Membership

1. Membership in this church shall be terminated in the following ways:

a. Death of the member.

b. Any member who desires a letter of dismissal and recommendation to any Southern Baptist Church, or any other Baptist Church of like faith and order is entitled to receive it upon the request of that church, provided they are in good standing and not under church discipline.

c. Upon a request from another church of Christian faith, a letter of recommendation will not be granted.However, as a matter of courtesy, a statement signed by the Pastor and the Church Clerk will be sent.

d. Any member who desires to terminate his membership may do so by making a written request to the church.

e. The church may, after due notice, hearing and kindly effort to make such action unnecessary, terminate the membership of a church member who becomes an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct. A two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present is required to terminate church membership.

2. The membership of no person shall terminate, except by letter, at the meeting when the recommendation for such action is made. All requests for termination of membership shall first be considered by the Pastor and Deacons, who shall make the recommendation to the church.

2.3.6 Discipline

1. It shall 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 and Deacons are available for counsel and guidance.The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.

2. Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the Pastor, Deacons, and general church membership will take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accord with Matthew 16; Matthew 18:15‑17; I Corinthians 5:9‑13; I Thessalonians 5:12‑14.

3. The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded, upon request of the excluded person, and by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present, upon evidence of the excluded person’ repentance and reformation.

2.4 Church Ordinances

2.4.1 General

As a Baptist church we practice the two ordinances given by the Lord to the church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

2.4.2 Baptism

1. This church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.

2. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

3. The Pastor, or whomever the church shall authorize, shall administer baptism.

4. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the church.

2.4.3 The Lord’s Supper

1. The church shall observe the Lord’ Supper on a regularly scheduled basis, usually quarterly, unless otherwise scheduled by the church or Pastor.

2. The Pastor and Deacons shall administer the Lord’ Supper, the Deacons being responsible for the physical preparations.

3. This church practices “open communion,” meaning if a person has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, has been baptized and is in good fellowship with a church they may partake of the memorial meal.

3 Church Administration

The church requires a level of administrative support to maintain smooth operations.The administrative staff is divided into three distinct areas:Paid Administrative Staff, Elected Administrative Staff, and Administrative Committees.This section discusses the organization, responsibilities, and tasks of the church’s administrative staff.

3.1 Paid Administrative Staff

There are currently two paid administrative staff positions.As the church requires, additional paid staff positions will be added and described within this paragraph.The presence of a paid staff description should not be construed as a mandate to budget and staff the position.The presence of a staff position description simply allows the church to understand the full spectrum of activity required for daily operations and administrative support.The decision to staff a position originates in the Personnel Committee as a recommendation to the church.Church approval of the Personnel Committee’s recommendation is required before a position may be staffed.

3.1.1 Church Administrator

The Church Administrator is responsible for administrating church business and reports directly to the Pastor.The primary duty of the Administrator is to relieve the Pastor of administrative duties, freeing him for family ministry, study, and spiritual shepherding of the congregation. The Personnel Committee is responsible for establishing the annual budget in support of the Church Administrator in coordination and with consultation from the Pastor.

Church Administrator responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Internal and External Business Communication Management.The Church Administrator may manage and facilitate communication and coordination required by various church committees in the execution of their functions and with external professionals in the execution of church business.This includes but is not limited to business transacted by the various administrative committees and other business transactions of the church. As a presence during the business day, the Church Administrator will provide an official interface with various business entities requiring the conduct of business with the church.
Building, Grounds, and Other Maintenance Contract Execution Management.The Church Administrator will provide a single face to the contracted services insuring the contractors perform the work in accordance with their contracts.The Church Administrator will receive and manage communications from the various contractors performing work in or around the church property, and will act as the primary interface to the appropriate church committee chair.
Administrative Personnel Management.The Church Administrator is responsible for the administrative management of paid staff members.This does not usurp the authority of the Pastor’s supervisory and leadership role; but augments and relieves the Pastor of the administrative tasks associated with paid staff members.
Church Calendar Management.The Church Administrator may manage and coordinate all church calendar events.This includes but is not limited to requests from internal and external sources for use of the church building and grounds, annual church calendar development, adjustments to the annual church calendar, and publishing of the church calendar.
Pastor Calendar Management.The Church Administrator may manage and coordinate the Pastor’s calendar, reviewing with the Pastor the current day’s events and the following five business days on a daily basis as the Pastor’s availability permits.Conflicts in the Pastor’s schedule will be communicated with the Pastor, allowing the Pastor final say and approval of the Pastor’s schedule.
Coordinating Facility Usage.The Church Administrator may manage and coordinate requests to use the church facilities.This includes both internal and external requests.The Church Administrator will receive requests, coordinate as needed with other church organizations, and insure the church calendar is updated as needed.The Church Administrator will be responsible for negotiating scheduling conflicts.The Church Administrator will insure all approvals to use the facility include documented rules for using the facility and the appropriate negotiations for janitorial services following the event.
Recording and Reporting of Church Tithes and Offerings.The Church Administrator may establish and administrate a system of reporting for the weekly tithes and offerings.The reporting of weekly church tithes and offerings will not usurp the established book keeping system used by the Treasurer to execute the fiscal duties associated with the church.The weekly reporting will provide the church at large an historical perspective of overall giving.The Church Administrator will provide a weekly report of tithes and offerings to the Pastor.
Special Emphasis Offerings.The Church Administrator may be responsible for obtaining the weekly totals for each special emphasis offering and reporting progress to the church.
Pastoral Support.The Church Administrator will provide support to the Pastor as required by the Pastor.

3.1.2 Pastor’s Secretary

The Pastor’s secretary reports directly to the Pastor who manages the secretary’s hours, tasks, and responsibilities.The Personnel Committee is responsible for establishing the annual budget in support of the Secretary in coordination and with consultation from the Pastor.The Pastor maintains the Secretary’s job description.

3.2 Elected Administrative Staff

Volunteers who work closely with the pastor in sensitive positions are given the title of Elected Volunteer Staff.

Because these positions are sensitive they should be staffed with members who have shown a high respect for the pastor, commitment to the church, and ultimately live for the Lord!They are to be recommended to the position by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church annually.Those elected to these positions MUST be members of the church in good standing.

Each elected volunteer staff person is to keep their area of responsibility current and act only in response to the church’s will and under her authority.The Church Operations Guide details the responsibilities and tasks for each volunteer staff member.The following volunteer staff positions exist within the church:

a. Financial Secretary

b. Church Clerk

c. Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

d. Trustees

3.2.1 Financial Secretary

3.2.1.1 General

The financial secretary is the person in the church who tracks and reports the tithes and offerings of all members.This position requires an individual of impeccable and unquestioned integrity, combined with an accounting skill and desire to be accurate.

3.2.1.2 Organization

The church financial secretary is elected annually by the church, and works with no supporting committee or staff.

3.2.1.3 Responsibilities

1. Annually preparing for and distributing the collection envelopes;

2. Gathering the collection envelopes from the church office;

3. Recording each individual’s amount of giving as written on each envelope;

4. Preparing and distributing quarterly statements of giving;

3.2.1.4 Tasks

1. Prepare for the annual distribution of collection envelopes.Insure adequate collection envelopes and annual giving recording forms are ordered and received.Record the envelope number for each member to insure the record of giving is accurately attributed should the envelope not be filled out correctly.

2. Gather the collection envelopes from the church office.After the envelopes have been emptied by the money counting committee, the envelopes are stored in the church safe.The financial secretary gathers the envelopes from the safe.

3. Record each individual’s amount of giving as written on each envelope.Using forms provided through the church, each member’s giving must be accurately recorded on the forms.

4. Prepare and distribute quarterly statements of giving.The forms used to record the weekly giving are formatted into quarterly sections.At the end of each calendar quarter, each member’s giving must be totaled and provided to the member.To save postage costs, the quarterly reports may be handed out personally at church, using the postal service to deliver to those no longer attending or unable to attend. If members request, the quarterly statements of giving can be retained by the financial secretary until the end of the calendar year, providing the members receive their statements of giving before the end of January.

3.2.2 Church Clerk

3.2.2.1 General

The church clerk is the official recorder of the church.The church clerk or the assistant church clerk must attend all business sessions of the church.All church records are church property and shall be kept in the church office.

3.2.2.2 Organization

The church will annually elect a church clerk and an assistant church clerk.

3.2.2.3 Responsibilities

The clerk is responsible for establishing and maintaining a permanent record of all church members, recording the business activity of the church, and submitting the annual church profile report to the Metro East Baptist Association.

3.2.2.4 Tasks

1. Maintain a list of all church members, active and inactive.

2. Record the date of baptism, and church membership for each member.

3. Record the date of dismissal from fellowship of anyone dismissed from the church.

4. Record the date of death of all deceased church members.

5. Record the minutes of all church business activities, and provide the minutes to the church secretary.

6. Issue letters of dismissal to dismissed church members.

7. Submit requests for church letters during business sessions.

8. Prepare church letters for members who have moved their membership.

9. File and preserve all written communications and official reports concerning church memberships.

3.2.3 Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

3.2.3.1 General

The Treasurer is the church financial officer responsible for conducting all authorized financial transactions and for maintaining an itemized account of all such transactions as needed for audit and tax purposes.

3.2.3.2 Organization

The Treasurer is elected annually by the church.The position serves as an Ex-Officio member of the Stewardship Committee and works closely with the Pastor and Secretary to provide general oversight of the staff financial records, invoices, and receipts as necessary to ensure the accuracy of all transactions and reports.

3.2.3.3 Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Treasurer is to receive, preserve, and payout, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.The Treasurer is responsible for preparing financial reports for the church for review on a regular basis; reviewing and signing all required state and federal financial reports as pertaining to employees and vendors; recommending and implementing necessary internal financial controls to meet generally accepted accounting standards; and makes all records available for an annual audit.

3.2.3.4 Tasks

1. Receives and reviews all vouchers for payment of goods and services as authorized by the church.

2. Upon approval by the responsible committee chairperson, prepares and signs checks for authorized transactions and maintains an accounting record.

3. Assists the church secretary with the implementation and operation of an electronic accounting system as a means for maintaining financial records including an allocation of expenses to the appropriate budget accounts.

4. Reviews, and approves monthly and quarterly payroll tax reports on employees prepared by the church secretary.When the church secretary is unable to prepare the reports, the treasurer is responsible for report preparation.

5. Prepares, oversees, and issues payroll, and maintains payroll records.

6. Prepares and issues W-2 forms for church employees and 1099 forms to church vendors as required by IRS.

7. Reviews and balances checking and other financial accounts of the church.

8. Prepares monthly financial reports of all financial transactions.

9. Assists the Stewardship committee in analysis of revenue and expenditures trends to help ensure the financial viability of the church operations.

10. Assist independent auditor (or auditing committee) with annual audit.

3.2.4 Trustees

3.2.4.1 General

Trustees are volunteers who are elected by the church to fill the trustee position for three full years. A new trustee is elected each year. All trustees (currently three) serve on a rotational basis.

3.2.4.2 Organization

Trustees meet when required to perform business for the church.

3.2.4.3 Responsibilities

Trustees are charged with holding church property in trust. They have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property owned by the church once they have been authorized to do so, by a specific vote of the church.They have the additional responsibility to sign legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase or rental of church property or their appropriate tax related documents.They are also responsible for signing documents for the church that require an acknowledged representative’s signature.Trustees serve until they are replaced by a newly elected trustee, they move or resign their church membership, or they resign from their position.In the latter events, the church will elect a new trustee to fulfill the departing or resigning trustee’s term of service.

3.2.4.4 Tasks

1. Be the legal representation of the church.

2. Sign documents legally binding the church to specific fiscal responsibilities (such as loans, mortgages, services, etc.)

3. Sign documents legally representing the church (such as non-profit registration and certification).

3.3 Administrative Committees

Church administration is accomplished through various committees organized and authorized by the church to conduct the business for which the committee is responsible.The administrative committees of the church are positions of service to the church, and are established by a vote of the church. Committee membership is voluntary, and is renewed annually.Special committees will be named and filled by the nominating committee as deemed necessary by the church.Additional administrative committees may be added as needed.Each committee is responsible for a specific area of the church administration.

1. The following are standing committees responsible for church administration:

a. Church Constitution and Operations Guide Committee

b. Stewardship Committee

c. Money Counting Committee

d. Property Committee

e. Technology Committee

f. Nominating Committee

g. Personnel Committee

2. General Committee Tasks:

a. All church committee members shall be recommended by the church Nomination Committee and elected by the church unless otherwise specified.

b. All committees approved by the church shall elect one member of each committee as chairman, who will serve as a member of the church council.If no chairperson is formally nominated and elected, the person whose name appears first on the committee list will act as committee chair person.

c. Committee chairpersons will present the committee business at church business meetings, with assistance from other committee members, if needed.

d. Committees are not empowered to conduct business with outside entities unless specifically granted permission through the Church Operations Guide or through a vote of the church at a business meeting.

3.3.1 Church Constitution and Operations Guide Committee

3.3.1.1 General

The Church Constitution and Operations Guide Committee writes and manages the governing documents of the local church.None of the documentation prepared by the committee is intended to usurp, replace, or supersede God’s Holy Word The Bible.If any document prepared and submitted to the church engenders discontent or controversial discourse, the instruction and direction within God’s Word will always, without exception, take complete and absolute precedence.

3.3.1.2 Organization

Members of the Constitution and Church Operations Guide committee are elected annually by the Church.The committee members shall elect a chairperson.

3.3.1.3 Responsibilities

The committee is responsible for creating, editing, and the general management of the Church Governing documents.These documents include, but are not limited to, the Church Constitution and the Church Operations Guide.The chairperson shall schedule, organize, and chair all committee meetings, and report committee decisions and actions to the church during church business meetings.

3.3.1.4 Tasks

1. Hold meetings to review the Church governing documents as needed.

2. Present committee approved recommendations affecting the Church Constitution to the Church body for consideration at business meetings.

a. The Church will not discuss or vote on changes to the Church Constitution until the next scheduled business meeting, providing that business meeting is no less than three full calendar weeks in the future from the motion presented by the committee.This intentional delay provides adequate opportunity for prayerful consideration of changes, and insures all members have an opportunity to review the recommended change.

b. A motion to change the Church Constitution must be passed by a two-thirds majority.

c. Church approved changes to the Church Constitution will be effective upon approval by a two-thirds majority.

3. Present committee approved recommendations affecting the Church Operations Guide to the Church body for consideration at a business meeting.

a. The Church will discuss and vote on changes to the Church Operations Guide immediately following the presentation by the Constitution and Church Operations Guide Committee.

b. A motion to change the Church Operations Guide must be passed by a simple majority.

c. Church approved changes to the Church Operations Guide will be effective upon the simple majority’s approval, unless the motion is tabled.

4. Receive and review recommended changes from the membership.

a. Any church member may petition the committee with a request to change the Church Constitution or the Church Operations Guide.Petitions for change must be submitted to the committee chair in writing. Members should insure their recommended changes are clearly worded, and should include justification for the change.

b. The committee will review changes recommended by the membership, make a recommendation to the Church body to accept the change as submitted, accept the change with changes, or reject the change.Regardless of the committee recommendation, all petitions for change will be presented to the Church body.

3.3.2 Stewardship Committee

3.3.2.1 General

The Stewardship Committee encourages the glorifying of God through planned, conscientious, and methodical use of material blessings, spiritual gifts, and time. Using sound principles of financial management, the committee develops and recommends an overall stewardship development plan, establishes church financial policies, and authors the church’s annual budget. The Stewardship Committee works with the treasurer to allocate funds and make funds available for church operating expenses.

3.3.2.2 Organization

The Stewardship Committee consists of five or more members nominated by the Nominating Committee and approved by the church membership. The treasurer serves as an advisor to the Stewardship Committee, and the Pastor is an ex officio member with the authority to vote when he determines the need.The chairperson determines the frequency of committee meetings and is responsible for bringing concerns before the church membership during monthly church business meetings.

3.3.2.3 Responsibilities

1. Oversees church money counting procedures and weekly scheduling of the money counters.(Please see Money Counting Committee Section.)

2. Oversees all church accounting procedures and practices

3. Manages the church’s financial assets and liabilities

4. Monitors the financial status of the church

5. Establishes procurement and disbursement policies

6. Establishes church offering goals

7. Advocates stewardship practices of the congregation

8. Develops the church’s annual operating budget

3.3.2.4 Tasks

The following paragraphs provide a detailed description of the above mentioned committee responsibilities.

1. Money Counting Procedures.The Stewardship Committee establishes and monitors the church money counting procedures, including the forms, processes, and weekly scheduling of Money Counting Committee members.The Stewardship Committee will provide the forms and counting instructions to the Money Counting Committee members.

2. Accounting Procedures.The church shall maintain a checking account with a financial institution. This account shall be used for the deposit of church funds and the payment of church debts. Other insured accounts and instruments, such as passbook savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit, may be used to hold church funds.The treasurer shall maintain a ledger that tracks the balances, deposits, and expenditures of all church-held accounts. The treasurer’s ledger shall organize assets into the following types of funds.

a. General Fund.The General Fund supports all normally budgeted expenditures identified and submitted for church approval by the Stewardship Committee during the annual budget process.

b. Designated Funds.Designated Funds track monies intended for a specific purpose. Designated Funds cannot be used for purposes other than their designated purpose, unless approved by the church membership. Designated Funds are identified and submitted for church approval by the Stewardship Committee. The Stewardship Committee places a recommendation before the church body for consideration when designated monies are received for which no Designated Fund exists.By contributing to a designated fund, donors acknowledge that the church has full authority to apply contributions designated for this fund to other purposes in the event the project is canceled or the church membership approves to use the designated funds in other endeavors.

c. Revolving Funds.Revolving Funds are used to receive and disburse monies for a specific church program or project. Revolving Funds are not considered during the annual budget process. Expenditures from Revolving Funds can be made only if monies have been deposited into the Revolving Fund. Revolving Funds cannot carry a negative balance (deficit). Any church member can request the creation of a Revolving Fund by submitting a request to the Stewardship Committee. The Stewardship Committee will review the request and place a recommendation before the church body for consideration.

d. Escrow Funds.Escrow Funds hold monies for liabilities that are paid on an infrequent basis (such as insurance premiums). The Stewardship Committee is responsible for identifying escrow account requirements and submitting the requirements to the church for approval with the annual budget.

3. Asset and Liability Management

a. Income.All funds received by the church shall be handled and recorded by the Money Counting Committee and accounted for by the treasurer. Unless designated for a specific purpose, all contributions received by the church shall be placed into the General Fund.

b. Expenses. The budgeted expenses of all organizations, as approved by the church, shall be paid from the General Fund.Church financial officers (church officers, program directors, and committee chairpersons) are responsible for the expenditure of funds from their areas of responsibility. No other individuals are authorized to charge expenditures, procure goods or services, or otherwise place the church in a position of indebtedness.

c. Financial Status Monitoring.The church financial status can be in one of two states: NORMAL or LIMITED resources. The church financial status is defined by the total value of the General Fund. The General Fund is the total value of all undesignated monies. The status is further defined by the Stewardship Committee, who is responsible for analyzing the church’s financial status and reporting potential issues.

1) Financial Status: Normal. NORMAL financial status is defined annually by the Stewardship Committee during the budget process.It is calculated as described in the paragraph under Financial Status Monitoring.

2) Financial Status: Limited Resourc