Constitution
PREAMBLE
This church is an independent, fundamental Baptist church. The Word of God, the Bible, is its sole rule for faith and practice.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this church shall be called Grace Baptist Church of Monroe.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
Grace Baptist Church exists to honor and glorify God by making and maturing disciples who are becoming like the Lord Jesus Christ.
ARTICLE III: CONFESSION OF FAITH
This church is an independent, fundamental Baptist church. The Word of God, the Bible, is its sole rule for faith and practice.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this church shall be called Grace Baptist Church of Monroe.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
Grace Baptist Church exists to honor and glorify God by making and maturing disciples who are becoming like the Lord Jesus Christ.
ARTICLE III: CONFESSION OF FAITH
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I: BECOMING A MEMBER
A. Applicant must have received Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
B. Applicant must have participated in believer's baptism by immersion.
C. Applicant must be living in an obedient manner.
D. Applicant must be in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith.
E. Applicant must be examined individually by the pastor and/or deacon in order to affirm A-D.
F. Applicants that are coming from a church of like faith and practice must receive a letter of transfer.
G. Upon recommendation by the pastor and/or deacon, the applicant will be presented to the church for its vote of approval at any public meeting of the church. Upon majority approval of the church, the applicant will be given the right hand of fellowship.
SECTION II: OBLIGATION OF MEMBERS
Members are biblically responsible, first of all, to be faithful to all the spiritual duties essential to the Christian life. These duties include mutual edification (Rom. 14:9), encouragement (Heb. 10:24), and exhortation (Heb. 3:13). Each member is biblically responsible to attend faithfully the services of the church (Heb. 10:25). Each member is biblically responsible to give financially, cheerfully, regularly, and sacrificially to the church ministries (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:7). Each member is biblically responsible to share in the ministry of fulfilling the great commission (Mt. 28:18-20). Each member is to be in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith.
SECTION III: DISMISSAL FROM MEMBERSHIP
A. By death.
B. By letter of recommendation: Such a letter shall be granted by the pastor and deacons for any member in good standing, to any church of like faith and practice which requests it.
C. By erasure in the case of members who have not attended the church for six months. They may be erased from the roll, upon the recommendation of the pastor and deacons to the church, only after due effort has been made to restore interest and support.
D. By a recommendation of the pastor and deacons to the church and by a majority vote, for the denial of belief in any one or more of the items making up this Constitution's confession of faith set forth in Article III, or for any member who persists in sinful, unscriptural behavior as set forth in Section IV: Discipline of Membership.
SECTION IV: DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERSHIP
Church discipline must be exercised in a loving but firm manner against those members who persist in sinful, unscriptural behavior. Church discipline has as its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the church, and the spiritual growth of the offender. The procedure of church discipline shall be according to the Scripture (Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:20).
A. When a member becomes aware that another member is clearly disobedient to God's Word, he/she is to go alone (Mt. 18:15), after careful self-examination (Mt. 7:5) and in a spirit of meekness (Gal. 6:1), to confront the erring member for the purpose of spiritual restoration.
B. If the first attempt at spiritual restoration is not successful, the member seeking restoration should invite one or two other members with knowledge of the offense to accompany him/her in a meeting with the erring member (Mt. 18:16). Each party should exercise careful self-examination and seek to maintain a spirit of meekness during the process.
C. If the problem is still unresolved, the pastor and deacons, as officers of the church are biblically responsible to put down murmuring (Acts 6), must hear the matter. If the matter remains unresolved, they must recommend to the church that we, as individual church members, examine our own lives concerning this area of offense and then participate in prayerful, loving, and fervent effort to restore the erring member. If the matter is still unresolved, the church is to exclude such a member or members who refuse to be restored (Mt. 18:17).
D. By majority vote the unrepentant party will be excluded from membership and the Lord's Supper and must be notified in writing immediately. Any person dismissed, who gives satisfactory evidence of repentance, shall be restored by a majority vote of the members present at any regular public meeting of the church.
E. When the unrepentant party is excluded from the membership and the Lord's supper, all social relationships with him/her from that point on should be exclusively for the purpose of spiritual restoration (Mt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:15).
SECTION V: ABSENTEE MEMBERS
A. Members in good standing
1. When a member in good standing is to be absent from Grace for an extended period of time (greater than 30 days), consideration will be given to placing them in an absentee member status.
2. Upon request by the member, or recommendation by a church officer, the Senior Pastor and Board of Deacons will take the matter into consideration. Upon approval of the Board of Deacons (simple majority) and the Senior Pastor, the member is placed in absentee member status and the Church Clerk notified.
3. Members in such status will not be treated differently than any other member in good standing.
4. Time in an absentee status will not be counted against them in regards to Article IV, Section III, paragraph C, except in the case of permanent relocation.
5. The following are considered valid reasons for consideration for placing a member in absentee status (this list is meant to show intent and is not exhaustive):
a. Physical disability making it difficult or impossible to attend. This would include permanent disabilities, extended temporary disabilities, and recovery from an accident or surgery.
b. Military deployment
c. Extended vacation (such as snow birds)
d. Job transfer out of area
e. Over the road truck driver
f. Out of area student
B. Members not in good standing or having stated that they are considering fellowship with another church. When a member is being considered for erasure per Article IV, Section III, paragraph C, or is under discipline per Article IV, Section IV, they may be placed in absentee status following an absence of 30 days with approval of the Board of Deacons (simple majority) and Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor will inform the Church Clerk.
C. Members placed in absentee status will not be counted for purposes of establishing quorum at meetings described in Article V, Section II provided they have been absent greater than 30 days.
D. Members in an absentee status shall not count towards quorum or be allowed to vote, should they be present at a scheduled meeting while in absentee status. Members will be removed from absentee status and thus count towards quorum and be allowed to vote upon return to regular attendance (minimum 2 out of 4 Sundays). Members may also be removed from absentee status upon approval by the Board of Deacons (simple majority) and Senior Pastor.
ARTICLE V: MEETINGS
SECTION I: WORSHIP MEETINGS
In keeping with the purpose of this church and as recommended by the pastor(s) and/or deacon(s) there will be:
A. Sunday meetings
B. Midweek meetings
C. Meetings prompted by observing the ordinances
D. Special meetings
SECTION II: BUSINESS MEETINGS
A. The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of the same year.
B. There will be an annual business meeting to be held within the first 30 days of the month of January. Upon the recommendation of the pastor and deacons, a business meeting may be called after the congregation has received due notice (announced or posted).
C. Every member 18 years of age or older shall be entitled to vote. A quorum for conducting business at any church business meeting shall be a minimum of 51% of the membership roll of minimum voting age. All business, except as specifically prescribed by the constitution, shall be ratified by a majority vote of the quorum.
D. The pastor shall moderate all business meetings. In his vacancy the chairman of the deacons shall act as moderator.
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS
SECTION I: THE SENIOR PASTOR
A. QUALIFICATIONS: The pastor shall be a man who is a believer and preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ and in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith. He shall meet those qualifications outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4.
B. DUTIES: The senior pastor shall be responsible for the preaching and teaching ministry of the church, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, and promote the spiritual interests of the church. He shall organize and develop its strength for the best possible service. He shall be the moderator of all church meetings (deacon's meetings, business meetings, all committees, and all auxiliary church organizations). Any disagreements shall be settled by private efforts or by congregational decision. He shall arrange for and/or conduct all services related to the church.
C. ELECTION: The pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time by the church membership upon the recommendation of the pulpit committee. His election shall be by secret ballot at a regular or special meeting of the church, providing notice of intention to vote on the calling of a pastor at such a meeting has been given at all church meetings during the two preceding weeks. Three-fourths (3/4) of all votes cast shall be necessary for his election.
D. TERMINATION: The pastor's term of office may be ended by him upon thirty (30) days notice of his intent to the church. His term of office may be ended by the church for immorality or doctrinal heresy. In the event the membership terminates the pastor's services for immorality or doctrinal heresy, the salary involved shall continue for thirty (30) days.
E. SALARY: The salary of the senior pastor shall be established by the deacons and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate and necessary by the deacons. All other salaries of personnel shall be established by the senior pastor and deacons and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate and necessary.
SECTION II: ASSISTANT PASTOR(S)
A. QUALIFICATIONS: The same as Article VI, Section I, A. Qualifications.
B. DUTIES: The assistant pastor(s) shall assist the senior pastor in all areas of spiritual leadership of the church that the senior pastor so directs. In the vacancy of the senior pastor, the assistant pastor(s) shall share in the preaching and teaching ministry of the church, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, and promote the spiritual interest of the church.
C. ELECTION: The assistant pastor(s) shall be chosen by the senior pastor in conference with the deacons.
D. TERMINATION: The assistant pastor's term of office may be ended by him upon thirty (30) days notice of his intent to the church. His term of office may be ended by the senior pastor in conference with the deacons for immorality, doctrinal heresy, or as deemed appropriate and necessary. In the event of the termination of an assistant pastor's services the salary involved shall continue for thirty (30) days.
SECTION III: DEACONS
A. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications for the office of deacon shall be according to those outlined in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13. No man shall be elected to the office of deacon who is not in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith. They are to be men who are vitally involved in the life of the church and whose wives and children faithfully attend the services of the church.
B. DUTIES: The deacons are the pastors' helpers. They are to be associated with the pastor(s) concerning the spiritual interest of the church and the administration of the ordinances and fulfillment of the Great Commission. They are to work with the church's shut-ins, be in charge of counting the money, prepare for baptisms and the Lord's Supper, have oversight of the property of the church, shall act as trustees representing the church as its agents, shall act as the pulpit committee in the calling of the senior pastor (there shall be no standing committees, when a job has been completed, the committee shall be disbanded). They shall have regard to the discipline of the church, and they shall seek out the sick and the needy members of the church and shall have under their administration the funds which the church provides for such.
C. ELECTION AND TERMINATION: The total number of deacons shall be determined by the church's need and by the number of Spirit-filled men available who meet those qualifications listed in Article VI, Section III, Qualifications. The pastors and deacons shall form the nominating committee for deacons. The nominated deacon must have a unanimous vote by the committee before being submitted to the church for affirmation. Each deacon shall be nominated and affirmed for a three-year term. First time deacons shall be nominated and affirmed for a one year term. After evaluation by the nominating committee, any deacon may be re-affirmed for a 3 year term by the church. A deacon’s term of office may be terminated by the pastor, the deacons or church for immorality or doctrinal heresy.
SECTION IV: TREASURER
The treasurer shall be elected at the annual business meeting. He/she shall be elected for a term of two years and may be elected to successive terms. He/she shall be the custodian of all funds belonging to the church. He/she shall pay all bills by check. He/she shall make a monthly report (written) to the pastor. He/she shall make a yearly report (written) to be presented to the church at the annual business meeting. In the event of the change of treasurer, all records shall be turned over to the new treasurer.
SECTION V: CLERK
The clerk shall be elected at each annual business meeting to serve one year, or until a qualified successor shall be elected. The clerk shall keep a current and permanent record of all business meetings of the church, sign all letters of reference and maintain a register of members in which shall be noted such changes as may occur. In the event of a change of clerk, all records shall be turned over to the new clerk.
ARTICLE VII: AFFILIATION
This church is organized as an independent, fundamental Baptist church. It shall remain as an independent, fundamental Baptist church. However, it may participate in fellowship, association, and activity with organizations of like faith and practice as long as the organization does not infringe upon the independence of this church.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be revised or amended as recommended by the pastors in conference with the deacons at any business meeting of the church provided due notice of such proposed revision or amendment has been given. Amendments must be made upon the recommendation of the pastor(s) and deacons and a 75% vote of those present is necessary to carry an amendment.
ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION
This church shall have the right to own, buy, or sell properties and possessions in its own name (Grace Baptist Church of Monroe) through properly elected and authorized church officers. No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the assets, holding, or other transactions in which this church may become involved. In the event of the dissolution of this church, all its debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided among the members or other individuals, but shall be irrevocably designated by a majority vote of the senior pastor and other church officers to such other non-profit religious organizations as are in agreement with the letter and the spirit of this Constitution's confession of faith (Article III), and in conformity with the requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Service (Section 501 c-3).
Revised January (Annual Meeting) 2008
SECTION I: BECOMING A MEMBER
A. Applicant must have received Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
B. Applicant must have participated in believer's baptism by immersion.
C. Applicant must be living in an obedient manner.
D. Applicant must be in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith.
E. Applicant must be examined individually by the pastor and/or deacon in order to affirm A-D.
F. Applicants that are coming from a church of like faith and practice must receive a letter of transfer.
G. Upon recommendation by the pastor and/or deacon, the applicant will be presented to the church for its vote of approval at any public meeting of the church. Upon majority approval of the church, the applicant will be given the right hand of fellowship.
SECTION II: OBLIGATION OF MEMBERS
Members are biblically responsible, first of all, to be faithful to all the spiritual duties essential to the Christian life. These duties include mutual edification (Rom. 14:9), encouragement (Heb. 10:24), and exhortation (Heb. 3:13). Each member is biblically responsible to attend faithfully the services of the church (Heb. 10:25). Each member is biblically responsible to give financially, cheerfully, regularly, and sacrificially to the church ministries (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:7). Each member is biblically responsible to share in the ministry of fulfilling the great commission (Mt. 28:18-20). Each member is to be in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith.
SECTION III: DISMISSAL FROM MEMBERSHIP
A. By death.
B. By letter of recommendation: Such a letter shall be granted by the pastor and deacons for any member in good standing, to any church of like faith and practice which requests it.
C. By erasure in the case of members who have not attended the church for six months. They may be erased from the roll, upon the recommendation of the pastor and deacons to the church, only after due effort has been made to restore interest and support.
D. By a recommendation of the pastor and deacons to the church and by a majority vote, for the denial of belief in any one or more of the items making up this Constitution's confession of faith set forth in Article III, or for any member who persists in sinful, unscriptural behavior as set forth in Section IV: Discipline of Membership.
SECTION IV: DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERSHIP
Church discipline must be exercised in a loving but firm manner against those members who persist in sinful, unscriptural behavior. Church discipline has as its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the church, and the spiritual growth of the offender. The procedure of church discipline shall be according to the Scripture (Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5; Gal. 6:1; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:20).
A. When a member becomes aware that another member is clearly disobedient to God's Word, he/she is to go alone (Mt. 18:15), after careful self-examination (Mt. 7:5) and in a spirit of meekness (Gal. 6:1), to confront the erring member for the purpose of spiritual restoration.
B. If the first attempt at spiritual restoration is not successful, the member seeking restoration should invite one or two other members with knowledge of the offense to accompany him/her in a meeting with the erring member (Mt. 18:16). Each party should exercise careful self-examination and seek to maintain a spirit of meekness during the process.
C. If the problem is still unresolved, the pastor and deacons, as officers of the church are biblically responsible to put down murmuring (Acts 6), must hear the matter. If the matter remains unresolved, they must recommend to the church that we, as individual church members, examine our own lives concerning this area of offense and then participate in prayerful, loving, and fervent effort to restore the erring member. If the matter is still unresolved, the church is to exclude such a member or members who refuse to be restored (Mt. 18:17).
D. By majority vote the unrepentant party will be excluded from membership and the Lord's Supper and must be notified in writing immediately. Any person dismissed, who gives satisfactory evidence of repentance, shall be restored by a majority vote of the members present at any regular public meeting of the church.
E. When the unrepentant party is excluded from the membership and the Lord's supper, all social relationships with him/her from that point on should be exclusively for the purpose of spiritual restoration (Mt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:15).
SECTION V: ABSENTEE MEMBERS
A. Members in good standing
1. When a member in good standing is to be absent from Grace for an extended period of time (greater than 30 days), consideration will be given to placing them in an absentee member status.
2. Upon request by the member, or recommendation by a church officer, the Senior Pastor and Board of Deacons will take the matter into consideration. Upon approval of the Board of Deacons (simple majority) and the Senior Pastor, the member is placed in absentee member status and the Church Clerk notified.
3. Members in such status will not be treated differently than any other member in good standing.
4. Time in an absentee status will not be counted against them in regards to Article IV, Section III, paragraph C, except in the case of permanent relocation.
5. The following are considered valid reasons for consideration for placing a member in absentee status (this list is meant to show intent and is not exhaustive):
a. Physical disability making it difficult or impossible to attend. This would include permanent disabilities, extended temporary disabilities, and recovery from an accident or surgery.
b. Military deployment
c. Extended vacation (such as snow birds)
d. Job transfer out of area
e. Over the road truck driver
f. Out of area student
B. Members not in good standing or having stated that they are considering fellowship with another church. When a member is being considered for erasure per Article IV, Section III, paragraph C, or is under discipline per Article IV, Section IV, they may be placed in absentee status following an absence of 30 days with approval of the Board of Deacons (simple majority) and Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor will inform the Church Clerk.
C. Members placed in absentee status will not be counted for purposes of establishing quorum at meetings described in Article V, Section II provided they have been absent greater than 30 days.
D. Members in an absentee status shall not count towards quorum or be allowed to vote, should they be present at a scheduled meeting while in absentee status. Members will be removed from absentee status and thus count towards quorum and be allowed to vote upon return to regular attendance (minimum 2 out of 4 Sundays). Members may also be removed from absentee status upon approval by the Board of Deacons (simple majority) and Senior Pastor.
ARTICLE V: MEETINGS
SECTION I: WORSHIP MEETINGS
In keeping with the purpose of this church and as recommended by the pastor(s) and/or deacon(s) there will be:
A. Sunday meetings
B. Midweek meetings
C. Meetings prompted by observing the ordinances
D. Special meetings
SECTION II: BUSINESS MEETINGS
A. The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of the same year.
B. There will be an annual business meeting to be held within the first 30 days of the month of January. Upon the recommendation of the pastor and deacons, a business meeting may be called after the congregation has received due notice (announced or posted).
C. Every member 18 years of age or older shall be entitled to vote. A quorum for conducting business at any church business meeting shall be a minimum of 51% of the membership roll of minimum voting age. All business, except as specifically prescribed by the constitution, shall be ratified by a majority vote of the quorum.
D. The pastor shall moderate all business meetings. In his vacancy the chairman of the deacons shall act as moderator.
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS
SECTION I: THE SENIOR PASTOR
A. QUALIFICATIONS: The pastor shall be a man who is a believer and preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ and in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith. He shall meet those qualifications outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4.
B. DUTIES: The senior pastor shall be responsible for the preaching and teaching ministry of the church, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, and promote the spiritual interests of the church. He shall organize and develop its strength for the best possible service. He shall be the moderator of all church meetings (deacon's meetings, business meetings, all committees, and all auxiliary church organizations). Any disagreements shall be settled by private efforts or by congregational decision. He shall arrange for and/or conduct all services related to the church.
C. ELECTION: The pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time by the church membership upon the recommendation of the pulpit committee. His election shall be by secret ballot at a regular or special meeting of the church, providing notice of intention to vote on the calling of a pastor at such a meeting has been given at all church meetings during the two preceding weeks. Three-fourths (3/4) of all votes cast shall be necessary for his election.
D. TERMINATION: The pastor's term of office may be ended by him upon thirty (30) days notice of his intent to the church. His term of office may be ended by the church for immorality or doctrinal heresy. In the event the membership terminates the pastor's services for immorality or doctrinal heresy, the salary involved shall continue for thirty (30) days.
E. SALARY: The salary of the senior pastor shall be established by the deacons and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate and necessary by the deacons. All other salaries of personnel shall be established by the senior pastor and deacons and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate and necessary.
SECTION II: ASSISTANT PASTOR(S)
A. QUALIFICATIONS: The same as Article VI, Section I, A. Qualifications.
B. DUTIES: The assistant pastor(s) shall assist the senior pastor in all areas of spiritual leadership of the church that the senior pastor so directs. In the vacancy of the senior pastor, the assistant pastor(s) shall share in the preaching and teaching ministry of the church, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, and promote the spiritual interest of the church.
C. ELECTION: The assistant pastor(s) shall be chosen by the senior pastor in conference with the deacons.
D. TERMINATION: The assistant pastor's term of office may be ended by him upon thirty (30) days notice of his intent to the church. His term of office may be ended by the senior pastor in conference with the deacons for immorality, doctrinal heresy, or as deemed appropriate and necessary. In the event of the termination of an assistant pastor's services the salary involved shall continue for thirty (30) days.
SECTION III: DEACONS
A. QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications for the office of deacon shall be according to those outlined in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13. No man shall be elected to the office of deacon who is not in agreement with this Constitution's confession of faith. They are to be men who are vitally involved in the life of the church and whose wives and children faithfully attend the services of the church.
B. DUTIES: The deacons are the pastors' helpers. They are to be associated with the pastor(s) concerning the spiritual interest of the church and the administration of the ordinances and fulfillment of the Great Commission. They are to work with the church's shut-ins, be in charge of counting the money, prepare for baptisms and the Lord's Supper, have oversight of the property of the church, shall act as trustees representing the church as its agents, shall act as the pulpit committee in the calling of the senior pastor (there shall be no standing committees, when a job has been completed, the committee shall be disbanded). They shall have regard to the discipline of the church, and they shall seek out the sick and the needy members of the church and shall have under their administration the funds which the church provides for such.
C. ELECTION AND TERMINATION: The total number of deacons shall be determined by the church's need and by the number of Spirit-filled men available who meet those qualifications listed in Article VI, Section III, Qualifications. The pastors and deacons shall form the nominating committee for deacons. The nominated deacon must have a unanimous vote by the committee before being submitted to the church for affirmation. Each deacon shall be nominated and affirmed for a three-year term. First time deacons shall be nominated and affirmed for a one year term. After evaluation by the nominating committee, any deacon may be re-affirmed for a 3 year term by the church. A deacon’s term of office may be terminated by the pastor, the deacons or church for immorality or doctrinal heresy.
SECTION IV: TREASURER
The treasurer shall be elected at the annual business meeting. He/she shall be elected for a term of two years and may be elected to successive terms. He/she shall be the custodian of all funds belonging to the church. He/she shall pay all bills by check. He/she shall make a monthly report (written) to the pastor. He/she shall make a yearly report (written) to be presented to the church at the annual business meeting. In the event of the change of treasurer, all records shall be turned over to the new treasurer.
SECTION V: CLERK
The clerk shall be elected at each annual business meeting to serve one year, or until a qualified successor shall be elected. The clerk shall keep a current and permanent record of all business meetings of the church, sign all letters of reference and maintain a register of members in which shall be noted such changes as may occur. In the event of a change of clerk, all records shall be turned over to the new clerk.
ARTICLE VII: AFFILIATION
This church is organized as an independent, fundamental Baptist church. It shall remain as an independent, fundamental Baptist church. However, it may participate in fellowship, association, and activity with organizations of like faith and practice as long as the organization does not infringe upon the independence of this church.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be revised or amended as recommended by the pastors in conference with the deacons at any business meeting of the church provided due notice of such proposed revision or amendment has been given. Amendments must be made upon the recommendation of the pastor(s) and deacons and a 75% vote of those present is necessary to carry an amendment.
ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION
This church shall have the right to own, buy, or sell properties and possessions in its own name (Grace Baptist Church of Monroe) through properly elected and authorized church officers. No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the assets, holding, or other transactions in which this church may become involved. In the event of the dissolution of this church, all its debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided among the members or other individuals, but shall be irrevocably designated by a majority vote of the senior pastor and other church officers to such other non-profit religious organizations as are in agreement with the letter and the spirit of this Constitution's confession of faith (Article III), and in conformity with the requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Service (Section 501 c-3).
Revised January (Annual Meeting) 2008
- Deacon term
- “Worship meetings”
- Deacon term
- Under Article IV added Section V: Absentee Members
- Under Article III Confession of Faith
- Under Article VI Section V: removed "He/she shall distribute envelopes and assign number to names of contributors."