CONSTITUTION

EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

ROUNDUP, MONTANA

ARTICLE 1 – NAME

This organization will be known as the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Roundup, Montana.

ARTICLE 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe in the triune God of the Bible, who is eternally one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe Jesus Christ is the only son of the living God.  As God’s Son, Jesus is fully God, and He is alive today as our Lord and Savior.

We believe the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Godhead, is fully God and lives in the life of every believer.  He guides us in our everyday lives, helps us understand the

Bible in a practical way and gives us joy, encouragement and comfort.

We believe the Bible is God’s only inspired record of His actions in History.  Today, it is the final written authority for our faith and for our everyday lives.  It is to be interpreted responsibly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit within the community of faith.

We believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and we believe Jesus died to save us from our sins.  Those who believe this and accept Christ as their savior are forgiven by God and enter into a new life.  That is what Baptists mean when we say we are born again.  Being born again does not make us perfect. It means we know God loves us and that He has forgiven us.

Being aware of the confusion of voices pertaining to human sexuality,

We believe that God’s intent for human sexual conduct as defined in scripture is faithful, lifelong heterosexual union for married persons and committed celibate behavior for unmarried persons.  We are in agreement with the Resolution on Human Sexuality adopted by ABC/NW, November 2003.  (Appendix 1)

We believe the church is a group of people who have freely gathered together because they share a common belief.  Christ is the head of each congregation, but every member is responsible to participate in governing its affairs.

ARTICLE 3 – MISSION

The mission of the Emmanuel Baptist Church is to promote the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom.   We intend to nurture the whole Body of Christ, touching each person with His love.  As Christ’s love makes us whole, we commit ourselves to reach out with His Good News, so that all who desire might come into God’s Kingdom.

ARTICLE 4 – VISION

A Family of Believers, in Jesus Christ

Centered in His Love

Trusting in the Power of God

To Make a Difference

ARTICLE 5 – ASSOCIATION

Emmanuel Baptist Church of Roundup, Montana will be an affiliated member of the American Baptist Churches of the Northwest (ABC/NW)* and of the American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC/USA)**.  As such this Church will participate in training and support programs, practice tithing of its income to American Baptist missions, and help promote the regional ministry of the ABC/NW.  This membership will be a voluntary, covenant relationship among likeminded congregations that remain legally autonomous while interdependent in mission.

* The ABC/NW Commonly Held Essentials (Appendix 2) abc-nw.org ** ABC/USA Expression of Christian Faith (Appendix 3) abc-usa.org

ARTICLE 6 – BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Child Dedication.    Families who have children who have not reached the age of accountability may have their child dedicated to the Lord in consultation with the Pastor.

Section 2. Baptism.  Persons who have reached the age of accountability, express faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and give satisfactory evidence of a change of heart may be baptized.  Baptism will be by immersion, unless there are circumstances that prevent this method.

Section 3. Membership.

Qualifications:

            a). Accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.

            b). Express their faith publicly through believers baptism.

            c). Agree with Emmanuel Baptist Church’s mission, vision and statement of faith.

            d). Attend membership class, led by the Pastor and a Deacon.

Admission:

             a). Individuals who meet the qualifications for membership as

                  determined by the Membership Committee (composed of the Pastor and

                  Deacons) and who sign the membership covenant (appendix 4) may be

                  received into membership.                  

            b). Prospective members will be presented to the congregation by the

                  Membership Committee for affirmation.

ARTICLE 7 – TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

Members who wish to unite with another church may be granted letters of recommendation or transfer, upon approval of the Executive Team.

            ARTICLE 8 – GRIEVANCES

All grievances will be dealt with in accordance with the rules laid down in Matthew 18: 15-17 and Galatians 6:1-2.  Unreconciled grievances will be brought to the Grievance Committee (composed of the Executive Team and the Deacons).  If needed they will utilize the resources of the Area and Region for conflict management.  If the grievance still can not be resolved the Grievance Committee will remove the person from membership upon affirmation by the church membership.

ARTICLE 9 - DISMISSAL OF MEMBER

When a member has been inactive for a period of one year, without manifesting any interest therein by attending services, communication with the church, or contributing to its support, that person’s name will be removed from the membership list.  Consideration for such action will only be made after a reasonable number of calls have been made to encourage and assist in a renewal of the covenant relationship.  Those persons will not be counted or reported as members, may not vote in church business meetings or hold office, and may not receive letters of recommendation to another church.  This procedure will have no application if the inactivity is excused by the pastor and the Executive Team on account of sickness, lack of income, or other reasonable cause.

ARTICLE 10 – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Section 1. Purpose.  To create a desire for spiritual growth through which people are being changed, gifted, called, equipped and sent.  The role of the Pastor, Deacons, Executive Team and members will be kept distinct yet each person will be a vital part of the team.  Our unity as a team will not come from agreement on every detail, but from our shared experience of being in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Section 2.  Management. Management will be streamlined and the day to day maintenance, financial management, coordination and communication will be entrusted to a small group who are trained and trusted.  With this form of management, the “Mission” of the church can be carried out quickly and efficiently while the majority of the church can focus on the “Ministry” to which God has called them.  Our unity as a team will not come from agreement on every detail of doctrine or organizational form, but from the unity of our hearts as we share together the experience of being in relationship with Jesus Christ.  Control and permission giving will be decentralized, and many will be given permission and power to respond to God’s calling.  Individuals will be encouraged to discern, design, implement and evaluate the vision that makes the most of their gifts and calling.

Section 3. Roles.

a). The role of the Pastor is to lead the Church to accomplish its mission.

b). The role of the Deacons will be to provide guidance and assistance to the                

     Pastor in furthering the spiritual welfare and ministry of the church.

c). The role of the Executive Team is to manage the ministries and properties of                              the Church, in coordination with the Pastor.

d). Members serve as disciples carrying out the mission of the church.

ARTICLE 11 – PASTOR

Section 1.  Establishing the Relationship. 

            a). In the event of a vacancy in the position of Pastor the Pulpit Committee

                 (composed of the Executive Team and Deacons) will invite the ABC/NW

                 to guide them in the process of finding and calling a new Pastor.

            b). The pulpit committee will present a candidate to the congregation for

                  approval.

            c). The call of a pastor will come before the church at a business meeting, notice

                 of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit at least     

                 two Sundays previous.  An eighty percent (80%) vote of all members present                            fifteen (15) years old and over is necessary for the call of a pastor.

Section 2. Dissolving the Relationship.  Pastoral relations may be dissolved in one of three ways:

     a). by mutual consent at any time;

     b). by the resignation of the Pastor;

     c). by an eighty percent (80%) vote of all members eighteen (18) years old and

          older present at a regular business meeting, notice of such meeting and its                                   purpose having been read from the pulpit at least two Sundays previous.

          In the latter two cases, one month’s notice will be given on the part of the                      Pastor or the church, such notice having been made a part of the church                   records.

Section 3. Duties

            a). The Pastor will lead the congregation by teaching biblical truth, casting vision,

                  and advancing the mission and vision of the church.

            b). Administer the ordinances of the church, (Baptism and The Lord’s Supper)                               and perform the various other duties pertaining to the office.

            c). The Pastor will serve as moderator of the Executive Team and congregational

                  meetings.

            d). The Pastor will have general oversight of the entire work of the church and

                  promotion of its programs.

            e). The Pastor will hire, direct, and dismiss any and all Church staff  

                 in compliance with the Boundary Principles established by the Executive    

                 Team.

ARTICLE 12 –EXECUTIVE TEAM

Section 1. Membership includes. Pastor, Deacon 1, Administrative Assistant, Resource Leader, Discipleship Leader, Outreach Leader, and Youth Center Director.

Section 2.  Selection Process.  Executive Team members, excluding the Administrative Assistant and the Youth Center Director, are selected by the following process:            

            a). Two months before the May Town Hall meeting, job descriptions will            

                 be posted and the congregation will be invited to give recommendations to the

                 Pastor.

            b). Any active member of the Church may submit a signed letter of        

                  recommendation for a potential Executive Team member.

            c). The Pastor in dialogue with the Executive Team will prayerfully evaluate all

                 recommendations.

            d). The Pastor will post his/her selection, two Sundays before the May

                 Town Hall meeting.

            e). The congregation will affirm the Executive Team during the Annual meeting.

Section 3.  Terms.  Appointed Executive Team members will serve a 15 month term with the first 3 months being a training period.  Executive Team members will be eligible for reappointment after evaluation by the Pastor and Executive Team.  The term of Executive Team member may be vacated by resignation, by removal as a Church member, or by action of the Executive Team.  The remainder of a vacated term shall be filled by recommendation of the Pastor and approval of the Executive Team.

Section 4.  Qualifications.

Executive Team members will be individuals who display the qualities of life given in the description of spiritual leaders found in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:6-9, and who meet the following qualifications:

            a). Be  an active member who has received Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

            b). Demonstrates support of and participates in the statement of faith, mission,

                  vision, and structure of Emmanuel Baptist Church.                  

            c). Have an openness to new learning and new ideas and a willingness to work

                 with a team spirit.                                                        

            d). It is strongly recommended that immediate family members of the Pastor, or                              other Executive Team members not serve on the Executive Team.

Section 5. Duties

Managing the Ministries

            a). Establish Boundary Principles and criteria for ministries.

            b). Discover and encourage new ideas and evaluate how they fit within

                 the boundaries and vision of the church.

            c). Implement new ideas by communicating, coordinating, empowering,

                 equipping, evaluating, and realigning.

Staff and Volunteers

            a). Participate in the selection process of ministry leaders and define their role

                 and qualifications for the ministry.

            b). The Executive Team and the Deacons serve as the Pulpit Committee.

            c). The Executive Team and Deacons serve as the Grievance Committee as

               described in Article 8.

Church Business

            a). Annually review the constitution for any changes to the structure that may

                 increase the effectiveness of the Pastor and the Church.

            b). Cooperate with the finance team to prepare the following year’s budget.

            c). Evaluate and give approval for any non-budgeted expenditures that are under

                 $5,000 when these expenditures are seen as necessary for the mission of the

                 church and fall within the boundary principles and financial limitations of the                   church.

           d). Establish financial guidelines for individual ministry teams.

            e). Encourage use and support of Regional and Denominational resources.

Accountability and Responsibility

            a). The Pastor is accountable to the Deacons who will act as the Pastoral

                  Relations committee.

            b). The Executive Team and the Deacons are accountable to the Pastor.

            c). Coordinators are chosen by and accountable to their Team Leader.  These

                 positions will be filled in dialogue with the Executive Team.

            d). Co-workers are chosen by and accountable to their coordinator.  These

                 positions will be filled in dialogue with their Executive Team leader.                           e). All paid staff are accountable to the Pastor.

            f). Executive Team members will carry out their duties within the boundary      

               principles, vision, and mission of the church.

Section 6.   Corporate Officers.  For the purposes of the corporate church business, corporate officers shall be:

            President – Pastor

            Vice President – Chair of the Deacons (Deacon 1)

            Secretary/Treasurer – Administrative Assistant

            Board of Directors – Executive Team

These corporate officers shall have full power to execute deeds, mortgages, notes or other legal papers upon affirmation of the church and in accordance with the laws of the State.

ARTICLE – 13 DEACONS

Section 1. Selection Process, Terms, Qualifications.  The selection process, terms and

Qualifications of the Deacons will be the same as for the Executive Team (Article 12 – Section 2, 3 and 4).

Section 2. Duties.

            a.) The Deacons will support the Pastor in prayer, spiritual guidance, and

                 encouragement.

            b). Deacon number 1 will serve as part of the Executive Team.

            c). Deacon 1 serves as moderator of the Pastoral Relations committee, and the

                 Pulpit Committee, and the Grievance Committee. In the absence of the Pastor,                          Deacon 1 serves as Church Moderator.  

            d). Deacons will serve as the Pastoral Relations Committee and the Grievance                   Committee.

            e). Deacons will serve with the Executive Team as the Pulpit                                               Committee (Article 11 Section 1).

            f). The Pastor and Deacons serve as the Membership Committee.

            g). Prepare and supervise the administration of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.

            h). The Deacons will assist the Pastor in arranging for preaching and other                                        services and will have the authority to administer the Lord’s Supper, in the                             absence of the Pastor.

ARTICLE 14 – PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The Pastoral Relations committee will stand as liaison between the Pastor and congregation in matters of communication, grievance, and spiritual accountability.

ARTICLE 15 – FINANCE TEAM

Section 1. Membership includes.      Administrative Assistant, Financial Assistant and the Treasurer.

Section 2. Selection Process.  Administrative Assistant as paid staff is selected and          accountable to the Pastor.  Other members of the Finance team are selected and     accountable to the Administrative Assistant in consultation with the Leadership           Team.

Section 3. Terms.  Volunteer team members serve one year terms renewable annually        upon evaluation by the Executive Team.

Section 4. Qualifications.

                a). Profess faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

                b). Demonstrates support for and participates in the statement of faith,                                            mission, vision and structure of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

               c). Have an openness to new learning and new ideas and a willingness to work  

                     with a team spirit.                         

                d). The Finance team will not be composed of immediate family members.                    Section 5. Duties.

            a). Administrative Assistant will be responsible for everyday bookkeeping

                 functions.

            b). Financial Assistant will track contributions and review accounting practices

                 and statements.

            c). Treasurer will collect and deposit the offerings and receipts and review and           

                  sign all disbursements.  

            d). Prepare the annual budget in consultation with the Executive Team and                          present it for approval at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE 16 – MEETINGS

Section 1.  Annual Business meeting.  The annual business meeting will be held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving unless otherwise directed by the Executive Team.

Section 2.  Special Business meetings.  Special business meetings may be called by the Executive Team.  Notice of meetings will be read from the pulpit at least one week prior.

Section 3.  Town Hall Meetings. To enhance communication within the church body, town hall meetings will be held in February, May and August.  Notice of these meetings will be read from the pulpit at least one week prior. 

ARTICLE 17 – VOTING

Section 1.  Concerning property.  An eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of those present at the annual or special business meeting will be required for the purchase or sale of property or for any non-budgeted expenditure exceeding ten percent (10%) of the

current year’s budget.  Notice of such proposed action will be read from the pulpit at

least two Sunday’s previous.  Any member age 18 or over will be eligible to vote.

Section 2.  Majority.  On all matters, unless otherwise stated and provided for in this constitution, a simple majority vote of members present age 15 or over is required.

Section 3.  Quorum.  Twenty percent (20%) of the members of the church fifteen years of age or older, as established at the previous annual meeting,  shall constitute a quorum for congregational business meetings.

Section 4.  Proxy and Absentee Voting.  Voting by proxy or absentee voting shall not be permitted.

ARTICLE 18 – BUSINESS PROCEDURE

Section 1.  The church fiscal year shall extend from January 1^st to December 31^st.  Annual reports will be made available in a timely manner.

Section 2.  Terms of office for Team Members will be from June 1 – August 31 of the following year.

Section 3.  The Pastor will preside as Moderator over all meetings for the transaction of church business.  The Pastor will conduct the meetings using a process that is timely, efficient, within the vision and with a Christian attitude.

Section 4.  In case of necessity, the Moderator will cast the deciding vote.

ARTICLE 19 – AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended at any business meeting of the church by an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of all members present, age 15 or older, provided that:

a). The amendment is proposed by the Senior Pastor, the Executive Team, or a                  petition signed by one-third of the active members of the Congregation;

b). a written notice of such proposed amendment (s) will have been filed with the                Administrative Assistant;

c). and that it will have been announced from the pulpit a least two Sundays previous          to the vote.

 

Appendix 2 American Baptist Churches of the Northwest   Commonly Held Essentials (Adopted at the 2002 Region Biennial)   We worship the triune God of the Bible, who is eternally one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We affirm that God is sovereign over all and that His grace is uniquely expressed and realized through His incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. We affirm the Lordship of Christ over the world and the church. Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord, calling us to joyously surrender to His purpose and will. We are called to live by the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit, and proclaim the Good News of God’s reconciling grace in the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Colossians 1:13-29                          Ephesians 1:19-23 Philippians 2:5-11                            John 16:5-15 Galatians 5:22-23                            1 John 5:7 1 Corinthians 12 & 14 We believe that the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the divinely inspired Word of God. As our final authority, it is trustworthy for faith and practice when interpreted responsibly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit within the community of faith. It is the perfect standard for all human conduct and behavior. The essentials necessary for our salvation and the basics of how to conduct our lives are clearly revealed. The primary purpose of the Bible is to point to and glorify Jesus Christ, the living Lord of the Church.   2 Timothy 3:16-17                            2 Timothy 2:15 2 Peter 1:20-21                                Deuteronomy 4:1-2 The church, as the Body of Christ, includes all believers and is manifested most visibly in local congregations. The church is the presence of the living Christ in the world, led, empowered and gifted by the Holy Spirit to continue His mission. “…[A]s local congregations are connected among themselves to experience together the oneness in Christ, …they responsibly function as members of the one body.” (The American Baptist Quarterly, June 1987, Vol. V, No. 2 “An interdependent people,” p. 95)   Romans 12                                    1 Corinthians 12-14 Ephesians 5:23                              Ephesians 4 Acts 1:8                                        Acts 2:41 God’s love for us in Christ is the motivation for loving people and creation. God’s love compels us to live and make decisions in accordance with His design in obedience to His Word and will. The heart of God, reflected in both the Old and New Testaments, is to create a redeemed community that loves and serves Him with all their hearts, minds, and bodies. This conviction is the foundation of our commitment to fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission. We will continue to be a mission people, carrying the Gospel to our nation and the world.    Mark 12:18-31                               Matthew 28:18-20 John 15 – 17                                 1 John 4:21 Acts 1:8                                        Romans 12:1-2 Mark 16:15-16                               Luke 24:48-49 2 Corinthians 5:14                         James 2:14-19