South River Baptist Church Bylaws

BYLAWS

for the

SOUTH RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Amended and Restated October 2, 2016

BYLAWS

for the

SOUTH RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Article I

Membership

General ................................................................................................................................ 4

Candidacy ............................................................................................................................ 4

New Member Orientation .................................................................................................. 4

Membership Privileges ....................................................................................................... 5

Termination of Membership ............................................................................................... 5

Discipline ............................................................................................................................. 5

Call to Ministry .................................................................................................................... 6

Ordination ........................................................................................................................... 7

Article II

Meetings ............................................................................................................................. 7

Article III

Special Events

Use of Church Facilities ....................................................................................................... 8

Reservations of Facilities .................................................................................................... 8

Deposits or Fees .................................................................................................................. 9

Music ................................................................................................................................... 9

Florist and Decorations ..................................................................................................... 10

General .............................................................................................................................. 10

Liability .............................................................................................................................. 10

Article IV

Church Officers

Senior Pastor ..................................................................................................................... 11

Church Staff ....................................................................................................................... 13

Deacons ............................................................................................................................. 13

Yokefellows ....................................................................................................................... 17

Trustees ............................................................................................................................. 18

Clerk .................................................................................................................................. 19

Treasurer ........................................................................................................................... 19

Article V

Church Council .................................................................................................................. 19

Article VI

Church Ministry Program .................................................................................................. 20

Article VII

Church Program Services .................................................................................................. 20

Article VIII

Committees and Service Teams

Standing Committees ........................................................................................................ 20

Non-standing Committees ................................................................................................ 24

Election of Committees ..................................................................................................... 25

Article IX

Church Finances

Budget ............................................................................................................................... 25

Budget Principles .............................................................................................................. 25

Accounting Procedures ..................................................................................................... 26

Article X

Assets

Property Holding ............................................................................................................... 26

Church Property Rights ..................................................................................................... 26

Article XI

Cemetery ........................................................................................................................... 27

Article XII

Adoption and Amendments

Adoption ........................................................................................................................... 27

Amendments ..................................................................................................................... 27

ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP

Section A - General

This is a sovereign 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.

Recognizing that church membership is a privilege as well as a responsibility, we

further recognize that as members of the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to

Christ, the head of the church, and to the body as a whole. This section in our

by-laws sets forth those responsibilities and privileges that each member of South

River Baptist Church has as a part of the Body of Christ.

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members

of this Church and the conditions of such membership.

Section B - Candidacy

Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church. All

such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for

membership in any of the following ways:

1. By profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and for baptism according to

the policies of this church.

2. By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church.

3. By restoration upon a statement of prior conversion and baptism when no

letter is obtainable.

4. Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be

referred to the Senior Pastor and Deacons for investigation and making a

recommendation to the church within thirty days.

5. A majority vote of those church members present and voting shall be

required for membership unless otherwise stated.

Section C - New Member Orientation

New members are required to participate in the church’s new member orientation.

Upon completion of orientation, new members will be considered officially

"active".

Section D - Membership Privileges

An active member is a member that attends twenty- four (24) services per year and

is in good standing with the church.

1. Only active members of the church are entitled to vote on 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. Only active members of the church are eligible for consideration, by

membership, for elective offices in the church. Non-Administrative

Committee positions may be held after one year of membership.

Administrative Committee positions may be held after two consecutive

years of membership. Lead discipleship teachers must first be an active

member for two consecutive years.

3. Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the

church as administered by the church.

Section E - Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

1. Death of the member.

2. Dismission to another Baptist church (by letter).

3. Exclusion by action of the church. (See Section F)

4. Erasure upon request or proof of membership in a church of another

denomination. If by request, this should be done in writing and then no

letter is granted but a certificate of standing.

5. Should a member become an offense to the church, and to its good name

by reason of immoral, or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of

their covenant vows, or non-support of the church, their membership could

be terminated. The church may vote to terminate their membership by

two-thirds (2/3) counted vote at a regular church conference, but only after

due notice, by registered letter, a month in advance, and after faithful

efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and

amendment.

Section F - 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

Senior Pastor, other Staff members, 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. Should

some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a

liability to the general welfare of the church, the Senior Pastor and

the Deacons will take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in

accord with Matthew 18. If it becomes necessary for the church to take

action to exclude a member, a two thirds (2/3) secret vote of the

membership present at a regular church conference is required. It must be

presented to the church a month in advance and voted on in a regular

church conference. All such proceedings shall be prevailed by a spirit of

Christian kindness and forbearance.

2. The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded

upon request of the excluded person, and by secret vote of the church, with

two- thirds (2/3) majority affirming, upon the evidence of the excluded

person’s repentance and reformation.

3. Resident members are obligated to attend worship and other services,

unless providentially hindered, with regularity. All members of the church

shall be expected to live and conduct themselves in keeping with the

principles set forth in the church covenant herein.

4. Members who fail to comply with these obligations and principles as stated

over a continued period will be visited first by the Senior Pastor, then by a

member of the body of Deacons for the purpose of re-enlistment. If after

visit or contact, the member does not show a desire to meet the obligations

and responsibilities of church membership, the Deacons shall recommend

to the church that he be placed on an inactive list. The member will remain

on the inactive list during which time he will continue to be visited and

encouraged to become an active member.

5. It shall be the responsibility of the Chairman of Deacons to review annually,

with the Senior Pastor, the church membership roll. He will take the

necessary steps to set up contact and visitation program for the delinquent

members.

Section G - Call to Ministry

When a member announces to the church he feels the call to the ministry, the

church, by majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgment of his call to the

ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it. The Clerk of the church

may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate or license as his

credentials. It is understood that the performance of civil duties by the member

shall be governed by state law.

Section H - Ordination

After a member or former member has been called as a pastor of a Baptist Church,

the following procedure shall be followed: The church will express its approval by

vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members present at a regular church conference.

The Senior Pastor shall convene an Ordination Board from within the

membership of this church (South River Baptist Church of Statesville, North

Carolina) in order to examine the candidate and recommend ordination. The

church, at its discretion, may invite associational council on ordination to examine

the candidate concerning his fitness for the gospel ministry. If the committee

report is favorable, the church may proceed with the ordination. This church may

invite representatives of neighboring churches to examine the candidate and

report to the church.

ARTICLE II - MEETINGS

Section A.

There shall regularly be two public worship services each Sunday - a morning

service and an evening service.

Section B.

There shall be a mid-week service on Wednesday evening of each week.

Section C.

The Lord’s Supper shall be observed quarterly and the ordinance of baptism will be

held as needed.

Section D.

Regular quarterly church conferences can be ordinarily the second Sunday night in

each quarter. All organizations, Treasurer, Clerk, and committees shall make their

reports.

Section E.

Special conference for the transaction of business may be called by the Senior

Pastor, Chairman of Deacons, or upon written request, to the Clerk, of no less than

10% of the active members of the church. Such special meetings shall be

announced at a regular service and in the church bulletin one week prior to the

meeting except that candidates for membership may be voted upon without prior

notice.

Section F.

A quorum for transacting business, at any church conference, shall consist of those

members present, provided it is a stated conference or one properly called, and at

least 10% of the active members are present.

Section G.

Robert’s Rules of Order (Revised) shall be the authority for parliamentary

procedures.

ARTICLE III - SPECIAL EVENTS

The sanctuary is a sacred place. Behavior should always be in reverence and

courtesy to Christ and the Church.

Obtaining use of church for non-related church activities such as: weddings,

anniversaries, birthday parties, etc.

Section A. - Use of the church facilities

1. Any member of South River Baptist Church may use the church facilities in

accordance with the "Facility Use Policy".

2. Use of the church facilities by non-members shall first be approved by the

Deacons and must comply with the "Facility Use Policy".

3. Events must not interfere with planned activities or ministries and should

be confirmed by the church office.

4. Use of church facilities for the purpose of weddings and/or wedding-related

events is reserved for church members only, and must comply with both the

"Facility Use Policy" and the "Marriage Policy".

Section B. - Reservation of facilities

1. Two copies of these guidelines must be secured from the church office. One

copy will be signed by both parties and returned to the office. Two weeks

prior to the special event, a deposit or fee for church cleaning services is to

be given to the church office. This deposit is refundable to church members

who clean the church themselves. Deposit will be returned after an

inspection of the cleaning of the church. Since non-members do not have

the privilege of cleaning themselves, the fee is non-refundable.

2. When the signed copy is returned with the deposit or fee, reservations will

be posted on the official church calendar by the Pastor on a first-come, first

serve basis.

3. Changes in activity dates may be made only through the Pastor, based on

the availability at that time.

Section C. - Deposits or fees

Deposits or fees must be paid in order to use the church facilities. The custodian

must be employed by the user to:

• Open and close the building for the special event

• Provide heating/air conditioning

• Sweep and mop the kitchen and fellowship hall area

• Vacuum the auditorium

• Clean nursery area if used

• Sweep the sidewalks

A fee will be paid for this custodial service. This fee is to accompany the signed

copy of this document to the church office, when reservation of the church is

made. The check is to be made payable to the custodian and dated the day of the

event. The user must contact the custodian immediately upon booking the event.

In case of a funeral the church will take care of the custodial expense for members.

Section D. - Music

1. Since a church is a sacred place, only sacred music will be used in any

service or event at South River Baptist Church.

2. We recommend that the church musicians be used whenever possible.

3. Whenever it is necessary or desirable to use an instrumentalist other than

the church instrumentalist, the person being asked must be approved by

the minister of music and/or music council.

4. The remuneration shall be negotiated with the musicians.

5. Vocalists will be selected by the user at their own discretion. The minister of

music will be available for suggestions.

Section E. - Florist and Decorations

1. The Party is responsible for the decorations for the event. The church

provides some articles used in a reception. For a detailed explanation of

what is available the responsible party must call the church office.

2. Care of the church

A. No tacks may be placed in pew or woodwork

B. Scotch or masking tape may be used, but should be thoroughly removed

afterward. For a Sunday event, masking tape must be removed from the

Saturday rehearsal for the Sunday morning service.

C. Use of chalk on carpet in the auditorium is not permitted.

D. Candle wax must not be allowed to fall on carpet or furniture.

E. Care of furniture and instruments is expected. Care for them as you

would your own. Church furniture shall not be moved unless a member of

the maintenance committee approves and supervises the rearrangement of

each item.

Section F. - General comments

Please keep in mind that the church building is dedicated to the worship of God.

Smoking is not permitted in the church facility. Alcoholic beverages may not be

served or consumed on church property. All bird seed throwing is to be done

outside of the building.

Section G. - Liability

In any activity, the church is not liable for personal items or money belonging to

any member of said Party.

Damage done by decorations, florist, photographers, caterers, or others is the

responsibility of the Party and must be repaired to the satisfaction of the

maintenance committee.

ARTICLE IV - CHURCH OFFICERS

All who serve as officers of the church and those who serve on church committees

shall be active members of this church.

The officers of this church shall be the Senior Pastor, Church Staff, Clerk, Treasurer,

the Trustees, and Deacons.

Section A. - Senior Pastor

1. The Senior Pastor shall possess and exemplify the ideals demonstrated in

the teachings of the New Testament and especially those contained in 1

Timothy 3:1-7.

The Senior Pastor's responsibility is leading the church to function as a New

Testament Church. The Senior Pastor will lead the congregation, the church

organizations, and the Church Staff to perform their tasks.

The Senior Pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in the church. As

such, he works with the Deacons and Church Staff to:

a. Lead the church in the achievements of its mission

b. Proclaim the Gospel to believers and to un-believers

c. Care for the church members and others in the community

2. Election

The Senior Pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a

vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a Sunday morning service, a

special called conference for that purpose, of which at least one week’s

public notice to the membership shall be given. The election shall be by

secret ballot with an affirmative vote of at least eighty (80) percent of active

members present and voting at the called church conference necessary to

call a Senior Pastor. The Deacons shall be responsible for counting the vote.

If the required percentage necessary for extending a call is not secured, the

meeting will be adjourned without debate and the Pastoral Search

Committee shall begin its work again.

3. Selection of the Pastoral Search Committee

A Pastoral Search Committee shall be elected by the church to seek a

candidate for Pastor. When a vacancy occurs, there will be a special called

church conference to nominate to the church a Pastoral Search Committee

of not less than five (5) members. The church should be urged to select a

representation of each adult age group, who are well aware of the functions

of the church. Nominations should consist of seven (7) to nine (9)

candidates of which the five with the most votes will be elected.

Nominations shall be taken from the floor to be voted on by secret ballot at

a succeeding meeting. The Committee shall bring to the consideration of

the church one name at a time and no nomination shall be made except by

the Committee. Selection of a candidate must be in full agreement of the

Committee. Persons wishing to suggest or recommend a candidate for

Senior Pastor may contact the Pastoral Search Committee. The Chairman of

Deacons and the Deacons shall act as a committee for supplying the pulpit

during the interim that the pastorate is vacant.

4. Term of Office

The Senior Pastor shall serve as long as he and the church feel the

relationship should be maintained. He shall preside at meetings of this

church and serve as moderator in all church conference meetings unless

otherwise stated in this Constitution and By-Laws. The Senior Pastor may

relinquish the office, as Senior Pastor, by giving two to four weeks notice to

the church at the time of resignation. The church may declare the office to

be vacant. Such action shall take place at a conference called for this

purpose, of which at least one week’s public notice has been given. The

meeting may be called upon a recommendation of a majority of the

currently serving Deacons or by a written petition signed by not less than

one fourth (1/4) of the resident church members. The moderator for this

conference shall be designated by the members present by majority vote

and he shall be someone other than the Senior Pastor. The vote to declare

office vacant shall be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3)

of the members present and voting will be necessary to declare the office

vacant. Except in instances of gross misconduct by the Senior Pastor

thereby excluded from office, the church shall compensate the Senior

Pastor with not less than one twelfth (1/12) of his annual salary. The

termination shall be immediate and compensation shall be rendered in not

more than thirty (30) days.

5. Benefits and Leaves of Absences.

A. The beginning salary shall be recommended by the Pastoral Search

Committee in agreement with the Stewardship Committee. Travel

allowance, health program, social security, housing and/or housing

allowance, and all utilities are furnished by the church. The Senior

Pastor shall be entitled to two (2) weeks vacation with pay the first

two anniversary years, beginning with the day of his arrival.

Beginning with the third year he will be entitled to three (3) weeks

vacation. He shall have three (3) weeks sick leave (not elective) to

use during the anniversary year, but not to accumulate if not used.

B. The Senior Pastor will give due notice for the revivals he conducts, to

the Deacons to insure that the revivals do not include more than

three Sunday services a year. Should the need arise for additional

leave, it shall be referred to the church for action, unless time does

not allow, then it should be referred to the Deacons for action. The

Senior Pastor shall furnish the Chairman of Deacons one week’s

advance notice of these absences. The Senior Pastor shall be

responsible for supplying the pulpit and if outside supply is needed

the Senior Pastor will be responsible for any and all expenses.

C. The Senior Pastor shall be sent as a messenger from the church to

the North Carolina State Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist

Convention, and the North Carolina Evangelist Conference with his

expenses paid by the church.

6. Moderator

The Senior Pastor shall serve as Moderator (presiding officer) unless

other-wise stated in the Constitution and By-laws. In the absence of the

Senior Pastor, the Chairman of Deacons shall preside. In the absence of

both, the Clerk shall call the church to order and preside for election of an

acting moderator.

Section B - Church Staff

The ministerial Staff shall be called and employed as the church determines the

need for such offices. The Church Staff shall be comprised by anyone employed by

the church other than the Senior Pastor. A job description shall be written by the

Personnel Committee and kept on file in the church office manual for all Staff

positions as needed. Those Staff members of whom the church requires evidence

of a personal call of God to minister shall be recommended to the church by the

Personnel Committee and called by church action. The church may vote to vacate

such positions upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, such

termination being immediate and the compensation conditions being the same as

for the Senior Pastor, except that the amount shall relate to the individual’s

compensation. After a year has expired they will earn one week paid vacation for

part time Staff members and two weeks for full time Staff members. The Personnel

Committee shall recommend salary, benefits, etc. to the Stewardship Committee.

Non-ministerial Staff members shall be employed as the church determines the

needs of their services. The Personnel Committee shall have the authority to

employ and to terminate services of non-ministerial Staff members. Such

employment and termination of service shall be with the recommendation of the

supervising Staff member and as appropriate with the consolation of related

committees of the church.

Job descriptions and requirements of Church Staff can be found in the Personnel

Handbook.

Section C. - Deacons

1. Qualifications concerning the Deacon’s personal life.

A. He shall give testimony to a saving experience of God’s grace.

He shall meet the qualifications pointed out in Acts 6:3

and I Timothy 3:3-12.

C. He shall embrace the beliefs of the New Testament Church.

D. He shall guard his influence at all times.

E. He shall abstain from the use of all forms of alcoholic beverages, shall not

allow it to be served in his home, and shall not have any part in the sale of

it.

F. He shall keep the Lord’s Day as a Holy Day.

G. He shall be in fellowship with the church, the other Deacons, the Senior

Pastor and Pastoral Staff.

2. Expectations concerning the Deacon’s service

A. He shall be faithful in attendance and support of all church services,

meetings, and activities which are open to the general membership.

(More than 12 services missed would be excessive)

B. He shall attend all Deacon’s meetings unless providentially hindered.

(Shall not miss more than 2 consecutive meetings)

C. He shall be a tither and shall assume responsibility in supporting any

program of stewardship prescribed and adopted by the church.

D. He shall be in sympathy with the beliefs and practices and policies of our

church as an affiliated member of the Southern Baptist Convention.

E. He shall support the evangelism and mission efforts of the church.

F. He shall support the unity and welfare of the church. Neither he nor his

spouse shall have any part in the spread of gossip or in destructive criticism

about others. He and his spouse shall be responsible for suppressing such

gossip and talk as they have opportunity.

G. He shall have no part in any act or group that brings about dissension and

diversion in the church. He shall put down murmurings as he would smother

a fire.

H. He shall assist the Senior Pastor in administration and spiritual affairs of the

church.

I. He shall work in harmony with the other Deacons and with the Senior

Pastor; and shall always have great respect for the office of Deacon, as

servant, and for the Senior Pastor, as the under-shepherd and overseer.

3. General Expectations

A. He shall be expected to maintain spiritual fervor by consistent personal

Bible study and prayer.

B. He shall be 21 years of age or older.

C. He shall be a member of this church for at least two years.

D. Those rotating off as active Deacons shall not be placed in nomination until

one year has lapsed.

E. He shall be expected to resign from the office of Deacon for the following

reasons, if and when they occur:

1. Serious domestic trouble that would bring reproach upon the cause

of Christ

2. The lack of time to devote to the responsibilities of the office

3. The lack of will and dedication

F. The number of currently active Deacons shall be at least seven (7) or more

as the church deems necessary.

G. The term of office for Deacon shall be three (3) years.

H. The election of Deacons shall be arranged so that terms of one-third of the

total number shall expire annually.

I. Nomination and election of the office of Deacon shall be held in the

following manner:

The current active Deacons and Senior Pastor shall determine the eligibility

list of men who meet the criteria as set forth in Article IV, Section C -

"Deacons". It will be the Deacon board and the Senior Pastor's responsibility

to determine the number of Deacons needed to serve on the Deacon board.

The current active Deacon board will recommend the number of men to the

church for their approval for the office of a Deacon. The regular term of

office for Deacons will begin the next quarter after the approval from the

church, at the beginning of that quarter, therefore ordination should be

performed prior to that quarter. Quarter begins at the first month in the

church calendar year, which is September, and then every three (3) months.

There shall be no need to ordain a man as a Deacon who was previously

ordained by another church of like faith and order. His previous ordination

will suffice for this church.

Should a vacancy occur on the Deacon board during the regular term, the

Deacons may fill the vacancy from the previous eligibility Deacon list. Once

chosen, the man will be ordained if need be and will complete the rest of

the year on the Deacon board.

A Deacon may only serve three full consecutive years, after which he shall

be ineligible for reelection. This ineligibility will expire after one year. This

provision is only applicable if there are an adequate number of qualified

candidates for selection to the next year’s Deacon board.

J. The Deacons and Senior Pastor shall have authority to spend $500.00, that

is not budgeted without submitting same to the church for approval. Any

recommendation above this or any resolution shall not be put into effect

without the same having been submitted and duly adopted by the church.

K. Duties of current active Deacons:

The Deacons shall devote themselves to the scriptural welfare of the

members and to the enlistment in active Christian and church service. It

shall be their duty to use all proper efforts to reclaim such members as may

have become remiss in their covenant obligations. It shall be their duty to

conduct regular meetings for the consideration of specific duties and the

general welfare of the church, and to make such recommendations to the

church for action as necessary. Special meetings may be called at any time

by the Chairman or the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor and all currently

serving Deacons must be notified if they can be contacted within a

reasonable time. A quorum for a Deacon meeting shall be a majority of

currently serving Deacons.

The Deacons shall assist in the administration of the ordinances, visiting the

sick, visiting prospective members moving into the vicinity, uphold and

strengthen the hands of the Senior Pastor in his labors, and in concert with

him exercise a general supervision over the spiritual life of the church.

The Deacons will present annual goals to enhance spiritual and physical

growth of the church.

The Deacons shall be expected to cooperate with the full program of the

church.

L. When the church is without a Senior Pastor, it shall be the duty of the

Deacons to see that the regular program of the church is carried out, and

during such times the Chairman of Deacons shall give (or cause to be given)

general direction of the work of the church.

M. The Deacon Family Ministry Plan:

All active Deacons shall participate in the family ministry plan. This is a plan

for reaching every active family in the church through a personal ministry.

The church will be organized into family groups of equal size to each active

Deacon. The Deacon family ministry plan is a relationship between the

Deacons and church families in which the Deacons proclaim the Gospel to

families, care for families, help the families experience a rewarding church

fellowship, and guide families in building constructive community

relationship. It is a commitment of Deacons to continuing concern for every

family in the church and an expression for the whole life of the family. The

entire church is strengthened and the church families will be the first to

benefit. Families will be reminded that the church really cares for them as

the programs of the church are interpreted more clearly to them. Because

of this personal touch, fewer church members will be lost through apathy

and inactivity.

N. The Chairman of the Deacons shall organize the church membership by

family groups and assign each active Deacon a proportionate number of

families. He will also make the church aware of this plan in church meetings,

the church newsletter, and through letters to the families.

Section D - Yokefellows

The purpose of the office of Yokefellow shall be drawn from the following

scriptures:

1. I Timothy 3:10 states, "And let these also first be proved; then let them use

the office of a deacon, being found blameless."

2. I Timothy 3:6 instructs that a bishop or pastor should be "Not a novice, lest

being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.", and

3. I Timothy 3:8 states that the Deacon must be "likewise."

Therefore, since the purpose of the office of Yokefellow is to provide an

opportunity to study the work of the Deacons, participation as a Yokefellow is

intended primarily for inexperienced candidates for the office of Deacon and not

for individuals who have been previously ordained and/or served as Deacons in

other Baptist churches.

The responsibilities of a Yokefellow are the same as the responsibilities of an active

Deacon. In addition, the Yokefellow shall study and train for service as a Deacon

under the guidance of an ordained Deacon.

Yokefellows shall not be entitled to vote in Deacon meetings.

The number of actively-serving Yokefellows shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the

number of actively-serving Deacons.

Serving as a Yokefellow requires a one (1) year commitment on the part of the

eligible candidate. The candidate for Yokefellow shall be elected for a one (1)

year term. He shall be eligible and given priority consideration for nomination to

the office of Deacon at the conclusion of the one (1) year term, but any such

nomination shall be at the sole discretion of the board of active Deacons. If an

actively-serving Yokefellow fails to perform or adhere to the duties and

responsibilities of the Yokefellow as stated previously in this Section, such failure,

without satisfactory explanation, shall be equivalent to resignation as Yokefellow.

Such resignation shall be effective, however, only if the board of active Deacons are

unable to restore the Yokefellow to active participation, and notification of his

termination as Yokefellow has been given to the Yokefellow in writing or verbally

by the Chairman and Co-chairman.

Section E - Trustees

The church shall elect at least three (3) members to serve as Trustees. Their term of

office shall be three (3) years with one third the number elected each year. If a

Trustee becomes inactive for any reason in the program of the church for a period

of one year, his office may be terminated. Vacancies may be filled at any time with

the one elected filling only the unexpired part of the vacated term. Having served

as Trustee during a previous term will not disqualify a member for re-election.

The Trustees, as provided by law and action of the church, shall hold in trust the

title to all property of the church and shall represent the church in all matters of

legal responsibility regarding the purchase, improvement, and disposal of church

property. They shall execute all legal papers relating to the church and to the

community as the church may direct. They shall have no power to buy, sell,

mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of

the church authorizing such action; neither shall they have any control over the use

of the church property except by vote of the church.

Section F - Clerk

The Clerk shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to attend or be

represented at all church conferences, to keep an accurate record of all business

transactions and to prepare the annual association letter. The Clerk shall issue

letters of dismissal as authorized by the church and preserve valuable letters

and/or records that belong to the church. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to see

that an accurate roll of the church membership is kept. The Clerk shall, at the

request of the Senior Pastor, assist in obtaining pertinent information from persons

who present themselves for membership in the church. The Clerk, may at their

discretion obtain assistance from the Church Secretary.

Section G - Treasurer

The church shall elect annually a church Treasurer as its financial officer. The

Treasurer and/or the Stewardship Committee Chairman may sign checks from all

accounts. The Treasurer shall upon invitation, meet with the Deacons and shall

be a member of the Stewardship Committee, but not Chairperson.

ARTICLE V - CHURCH COUNCIL

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.

Section A.

The primary function of the Church Council shall be:

1. Recommend to the church suggested objectives and organizational goals.

2. Review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by

church officers, organizations and committees.

3. Recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time and other

resources according to program priorities.

4. Evaluate achievements in terms of church objectives and goals.

Section B.

Regular members of the Church Council shall be the Senior Pastor, other Church

Staff members, and Chairpersons of administrative committees.

Section C.

All matters agreed upon by the council which call for action not already approved

shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

ARTICLE VI - CHURCH MINISTRY PROGRAM

The church shall maintain programs of Bible teaching, church training, church

leader training, new member orientation, mission education; action and support,

music education training and performance. All organizations related to the church

programs shall be under church control; all officers being elected by the church and

reporting regularly to the church and all program activities subject to church

coordination and approval. The church shall provide the human resources, the

physical resources and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of

these programs.

ARTICLE VII - CHURCH PROGRAM SERVICES

The church shall provide resources for the purpose of enriching and extending the

ministries and programs of the church.

The media center will be the resource center for the church. Its personnel will seek

to provide and promote the use of printed and audio-visual resources. They will

also provide consultation to church leaders and members in the use of printed and

audio-visual resources.

ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES AND SERVICE GROUPS

Section A - Standing Committees

1. Administrative

The church shall elect such standing administrative committees as may be deemed

necessary to carry on the various phases of the church efficiently and effectively. In

any event, the church shall at all times have the following six (6) administrative

committees:

A. Cemetery

The Cemetery Committee shall be a standing committee consisting of at

least three (3) persons appointed annually by the church. This committee is

responsible for the overall operation of the Church Cemetery as outlined in

the Cemetery By-Laws. These policies and guidelines have been established

to provide for an orderly operation of the cemetery and to serve as

information for the families of those buried and for church members

planning to use the facilities.

B. Constitution and By-Laws

This Constitution and By-Laws Committee shall be a standing committee to

act upon any recommended change in the Church Constitution and

By-Laws. Beginning with the published date of the Constitution and

By-Laws, one member will rotate off and a replacement member nominated

by the Nominating Committee will be added.

C. Nominating

The Nominating Committee shall be a standing committee to nominate to

the church persons to service for the succeeding year. The Nominating

Committee shall be composed of five (5) members. One member of the

existing committee will be nominated to serve as chair person for the

following year.

The Nominating Committee shall use good judgment and care not to over

burden any individual, to give each member no more than two or three

positions. They are to insure that each person understands their position

and will dedicate themselves to fulfill that position.

The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for nominating heads of

Service Teams.

D. Personnel

The Personnel Committee shall be a standing committee composed of five

(5) members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the

church; one (1) member rotating off each year and one (1) replacement

member, will be added each year. In case a member is unable to fulfill his or

her term, the Nominating Committee shall have the authority to replace

such a member as they deem advisable. The Senior Pastor shall be the only

ex-officio member of this committee. Relatives of Church Staff members

may not serve on this committee.

The duties of the Personnel Committee are:

1. Study relationships among Staff members ,between Staff members

and church, and work with the Senior Pastor in establishing policies

with reference thereof.

2. Select, in collaboration with the Senior Pastor, all Staff members

presenting their selection to the Deacons and church for approval.

3. Work with the Senior Pastor in establishing policies for the staff

concerning working hours, duties, etc.

4. Recommend policies to the church regarding holidays, days off,

vacations, attendance of convention, assemblies and meetings of

educational significance to the church and other time off to be taken

by the Staff.

5. Annually review salary and benefit packages for Pastoral Staff and

support Staff. Through annual evaluations, determine merited

raises and adjustments for Staff. Report to Stewardship

Committee a personnel budget required for staffing needs.

6. Employ and establish duties of the Church Secretary.

7. Employ and supervise all janitorial and maintenance employees as

provided for in the budget; establishing salaries, duties, working

hours, vacations, holidays, and etc. for same.

8. Discharge, in consultation with the Senior Pastor, all janitorial and

maintenance employees.

9. Formulate job descriptions for each employee before hiring said

person.

10. Review each staff member’s job performance and job description

annually.

11. Maintain personnel records, including all actions, verbal or written

and keep said records secure; accessible only to the Chairman of

Deacons, the Chairman of the Personnel Committee, and the Senior

Pastor.

12. Administer discipline up to and including dismissal, within the

following guideline:

a. Verbal reprimand

b. Written warning

c. Placement of probation for thirty (30) days, with the majority

approval of the Personnel Committee and the active Deacon

body

d. Recommendation of separation to the church, with eighty

(80) percent majority approval of the Personnel Committee,

active body of Deacons and the Senior Pastor

The Personnel Committee shall be under the supervision of the Deacons.

The Personnel Committee will be responsible for the hiring of all Church

Staff other than the Senior Pastor. When soliciting for janitorial or

lawn care positions, the Committee will receive sealed bids from members

and non-members alike. The positions will be filled with consideration given

to recommendation of past experience and lowest bid given.

E. Stewardship

The Stewardship Committee is nominated by the church Nominating

Committee and elected by the church. The church Treasurer will be a

member of this committee.

The duties of the Stewardship Committee are to lead the church in devising

a practical budget within the means of the church and to see that the

moneys are spent in the best possible way. This Committee will interview

each department and organization on an annual basis to evaluate their

financial needs and to appropriate funds at the level priority demands and

afford ability permits. The proposed annual budget shall be in the hands of

the church members at least one week before official presentation for

adoption. The budget should be presented for adoption by the September

church conference. The Committee will work closely with the church in

matters of bookkeeping, auditing, reports, and record.

F. Strategic Vision

The Strategic Vision Committee shall be a standing committee consisting of

the following individuals: Chairman of Personnel Committee, Chairman of

Stewardship Committee, Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Building

Committee, one (1) male and one (1) female church member at large, and

the Senior Pastor. The Strategic Vision Committee is responsible for

developing a long term ministry plan for the church that includes

assessment of current facilities, staffing, ministries, and budget needs and

making recommendations for necessary changes to meet future needs.

2. Non-administrative

The church shall elect such standing non-administrative committees as may be

deemed necessary to carry on the various phases of the church efficiently and

effectively. Such committees include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Baptismal Ministry

B. Bereavement Ministry

C. Building Ministry

D. Clerk of Church Business

E. Lord's Supper Ministry

F. Maintenance Ministry

G. Mission Ministry

H. Treasurer

I. Trustees

Section B - Non-standing Committees

The church shall elect such non-standing non-administrative committees as may be

deemed necessary to carry on the various phases of the church efficiently and

effectively.

1. Additional Committees

Additional Committees for the specific obligations, as desired by the church,

may be elected. These committees shall be elected by the church upon the

recommendation of the Deacons unless the church directs their

appointment in a different manner.

2. Service Teams

These groups may include, but are not limited to:

Children

Fellowship and Hospitality

Flower

Men's Ministry

Women's Ministry

Music

Nursery

Phone and Card

Pre-School

Ushers/Greeters

Transportation

Senior Adult Ministry (Young-At-Heart)

Youth

Those who head Service Teams shall be nominated by the Nominating

Committee.

Section C - Election of Committees

The Nominating Committee shall nominate to the church persons to serve for the

succeeding year on the Administrative & Non-administrative Committees. The

church will then elect the personnel.

ARTICLE IX - CHURCH FINANCES

Section A - Budget

The Stewardship Committee shall prepare and submit to the church, for its

approval, an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought

for all local and other expenses. They will interview each department on an annual

basis to evaluate their financial needs and to appropriate funds at the level that

priority demands and affordability permits. Offering envelopes will be provided for

members use.

It is understood that membership in this church involves stewardship obligation to

support the church and its causes with regular and proportion gifts. Annually the

entire membership shall be encouraged and challenged to help meet the financial

obligations of the church.

Section B - Budget Principles

In forming an annual budget, the Stewardship Committee shall be guided by the

following six (6) budget principles:

1. Never go into debt

2. Never spend less than fifteen (15) percent on mission and evangelistic

endeavors

3. Never spend more than fifty (50) percent on personnel costs

4. Maintain three (3) months of operating cash in a contingency fund

5. Maintain forty (40) thousand dollars in capital reserves

6. Deposit all year-end revenue over expense funds into capital reserves for

future land purchases and building projects

Section C - Accounting Procedures

All funds, or receipts thereof, received for any and all purposes shall pass through

the hands of the church Treasurer or Financial Secretary, and be properly recorded

on the church books.

A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds

shall be the responsibility of the Stewardship Committee. Quarterly reports shall

be provided at business meetings.

The reports and records of the church shall be audited at the end of the church

year by an official outside firm accredited and appointed by the Personnel

Committee.

Any expenditure in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), with the exception

of Article IV Section C 3-J, that has not been approved by the church in adoption of

the budget must be presented for authorization by the church.

Any expenditure that exceeds the budget by one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) must

be brought to the Deacons and the Stewardship Committee for approval, then

brought before the church body.

The church financial year shall be September 1 through August 31.

ARTICLE X - ASSETS

Section A. - Property Holding

It is agreed that the securing and maintaining of real property, building, and

equipment by this church shall be for the express purpose of providing facilities for

public worship; and for the engagement upon the missionary, education, and

benevolent interest of this church of the character and in the spirit of the church

Constitution and the church Covenant.

Section B. - Church Property Rights

If at any time this church shall determine to alter the quality of its beliefs and

practices so as in important respects to be at variance with the character described

in the church Constitution, and if the decision is by less than unanimous vote of

those present at a regular business conference of the church, it is understood that

the rights of the membership which shall agree to use the property for the purpose

for which it was purchased and given and has been to that time maintained.

ARTICLE XI - CEMETERY

The name shall be South River Baptist Church Cemetery.

The said church shall always be responsible for the cemetery, upkeep and care.

Policies and guidelines are listed in the Cemetery By-Laws.

ARTICLE XII - ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

Section A - Adoption

These By-laws shall be considered adopted and in full force and effect if and when

approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members voting at the church conference at

which the vote is taken. This vote shall be taken after formal presentation of the

By-laws to the church.

Section B - Amendments

Any of the rules in these By-laws may be amended, altered or repealed, by two

thirds (2/3) vote of the members voting at any regular church conference of the

church; provided, however, that any proposal of such amendment, alteration, or

repeal shall have been given to the Constitution and By-Law Committee for study

and recommendation to the church. This must be in writing. Vote on this

recommendation shall be taken at the next regular church conference following the

presentation of the recommendation. The Constitution and By-Laws Committee

must make a recommendation within sixty (60) days.