First Baptist Church (SSM) -- Bylaws

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BY-LAWS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

These By-Laws were amended and approved at
a Business Meeting on September 26, 1984...

NOTE: Some minor typographical corrections have been applied to this text.

I. Membership

1.	Admission to Membership		Top

	Any person may become a member of this Church on the recommendation of the Pastor and two or more Deacons by vote of the Church at any regular meeting or at a special meeting called for the purpose:
	(a)	By Baptism, on confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, evidence having been shown of a work of grace in the heart.
	(b)	By letter from any other Church of like faith and order, the applicant having previously been baptized by immersion.
	(c)	On testimony of Christian experience if applicant has been previously baptized by immersion.
	(d)	By reinstatement on confession and restoration of such as may have been suspended from Fellowship by an act of discipline of the Church.

2.	Dismissal from Membership		Top

	(a)	Any member in good standing shall be entitled to a letter of dismissal to any Church of like faith and order. Application for such letter shall be made to the Pastor and Deacons and by them presented to the Church for action.
	(b)	Any member in good standing desiring to unite with any evangelical Church other than Baptist shall, in the same manner, be entitled to a certificate of Christian character.
	(c)	Any member who by continuous absence for no proper reason for the space of one year has shown himself out of fellowship with the Church in spirit, and who fails to respond to faithful efforts to renew his interest, may, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons and by vote of the Church have his name removed from the Church roll.
	(d)	The names of those members who have been absent from the Church for six months or longer and of whom no satisfactory information can be obtained shall be removed from the Church roll at the time of the annual revision which shall be made by the Pastor, Deacons, and Church Clerk in the last month of each year.
	(e)	Any member departing from the faith or guilty of conduct unbecoming a Christian and remaining unrepentant, shall upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons and by a vote of the Church at a regular or special business meeting have his name removed from the Church roll. A two-thirds majority vote of those present will be necessary.

3.	Voting Age			Top
	Voting privileges shall be restricted to members who are at least 16 years of age.

II. Officers

1.	Names of Officers		Top
(Recent Changes Highlighted – 24 October 2004)

	The Officers of the Church shall be:
	(a)	Pastor(s)
	(b)	Deacons
	(c)	Trustees
	(d)	Church Clerk
	(e)	Assistant Church Clerk
	(f)	Church Treasurer
	(g)	Assistant Church Treasurer
	(h)	Financial Recording Secretary
	(i)	Assistant Financial Recording Secretary
	(j)	Superintendent of the Sunday School
	(k)	Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School
	(l)	Chairs of all Standing Committees
	All officers and chairs of committees in the Church shall be members of this Church in good standing.

2.	Duties of Officers			Top
(Recent Changes Highlighted – 24 October 2004)

	(a)	The Pastor:
		(i)	Shall regularly occupy the pulpit, conduct the worship service of the Church, and administer activities for the spiritual welfare of the body.
		(ii)	Shall be an ex officio member of all committees and have full voting rights on each committee.
	(b)	The Deacons:
		(i)	Shall co-operate with the Pastor in the spiritual oversight of the Church, and assist him in the administration of the Ordinances, in the examination of candidates for baptism and membership, and in the pastoral care of the members.
		(ii)	Shall also be responsible for the occupancy of the pulpit and the conducting of the midweek prayer meeting in the event of a pastoral vacancy or during the absence of the Pastor.
		(iii)	Shall meet once per month, preceding the monthly meeting of the Board of Management and at such other times as may be necessary.
		(iv)	Shall submit a report to the Church at the Annual Business Meeting.
	(c)	The Trustees:
		(i)	Shall hold the real property of the Church in trust in accordance with the duties imposed upon them by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the Trust Deed.
		(ii)	Shall transfer or mortgage such property as the members of the Church may duly authorize.
	(d)	The Church Clerk:
		(i)	Shall keep an up-to-date record of the names, addresses, and standing of the Church members.
		(ii)	Shall keep a correct record of the minutes of every Church Business Meeting.
		(iii)	Shall communicate with other churches of like faith and order in respect to granting and receiving letters of dismissal and such other correspondence as may be necessary.
		(iv)	Shall have the assistance of the Assistant Church Clerk, whose duties shall be the same as the Church Clerk.
	(e)	The Church Treasurer:
		(i)	Shall receive and pay out, under the direction of the Board of Management, all monies intended for current expenses and building funds.
		(ii)	Shall keep a correct record of all such monies received and disbursed.
		(iii)	Shall furnish a statement of the financial condition of the Church when required to do so by the Board of Management or by the Church.
		(iv)	Shall receive all monies intended for Missionary enterprises and shall pay out the same under the direction of the Church and/or Board of Management.
		(v)	Shall keep a correct record of all such Missionary monies received and disbursed, and shall furnish a statement of the same when required by the Church.
		(vi)	Shall prepare documents as required by the Canada Revenue Agency.
	(f)	The Assistant Church Treasurer:
		(i)	Shall assist the Church Treasurer as needed.
		(ii)	Shall assume the duties of the Church Treasurer when required.
		(iii)	Shall have the authority to sign cheques.
	(g)	The Financial Recording Secretary:
		(i)	Shall be responsible for the distribution of Church envelopes.
		(ii)	Shall, with the assistance of at least two other members, count and record all Church offerings.
		(iii)	Shall be responsible for depositing Church funds in Church bank accounts.
		(iv)	Shall keep a record of all current, missionary and designated funds paid by the individual members through Church envelopes.
		(v)	Shall send annual receipts for contributions to the donors in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
		(vi)	Shall communicate with the Church Treasurer regarding the designation of various monies received in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
	(h)	The Assistant Financial Recording Secretary:
		(i)	Shall assist the Financial Recording Secretary.
		(ii)	Shall assume the duties of the Financial Recording Secretary when required.
	(i)	The Sunday School Superintendent:
		(i)	Shall be responsible for all departments and activities of the Sunday School.
		(ii)	Shall have authority to appoint or remove teachers.
		(iii)	Shall preside at meetings of the Sunday School staff.
		(iv)	Shall submit a report of the work of the Sunday School at the Annual Business Meeting of the Church.

3.	The Election of Officers			Top
(Recent Changes Highlighted – 24 October 2004) (Previous Changes Highlighted – 03 November 2002)

	(a)	The Pastor:
		(i)	In the event of a vacancy in the Pastorate, a Pulpit Committee will be struck to include deacons plus other members of the congregation with respect to gender, various ages and various ministries of First Baptist Church. A member of the Deacon's Board will chair this Committee.
		(ii)	At a meeting of the Church, of which notice must have been given at two consecutive public services, they shall submit their recommendation upon which the Church shall vote by ballot.
		(iii)	A majority of 85% will be required to constitute a call.
	(b)	Other Officers:
		(i)	It will be the duty of a Nominating Committee to nominate one candidate for each office to be filled and to post the same in a conspicuous place in the Church building two weeks previous to the Annual Business Meeting.
		(ii)	These officers shall be two or three Deacons (according to the number retiring), Church Treasurer, Assistant Church Treasurer, Church Clerk, Assistant Church Clerk, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School, Financial Recording Secretary, Assistant Financial Recording Secretary, and Chairs of all standing committees (except the Nominating Committee).
		(iii)	The Board of Deacons shall nominate the Chair of the Nominating Committee to be included with the other nominations submitted to the Annual Business Meeting of the Church.
		(iv)	Additional nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of the nominee.
		(v)	In the event of a vote, voting shall be by ballot and the results shall be ascertained and reported by the scrutineer appointed by the Chair.

4.	Terms of Office			Top

	(a)	Pastor:
		(i)	The term of the Pastorate shall be indefinite.
		(ii)	At least two months notice shall be expected in the retirement of a Pastor.
	(b)	Deacons:
		(i)	The Deacons will hold office for three years.
		(ii)	A Deacon may be re-elected.
	(c)	Other Officers:
		(i)	All other officers, saving Trustees, are elected for a term of one year and until a successor has been appointed.
		(ii)	Retiring officers are eligible for re-election.

5.	Vacancies		Top

	(a)	In the event of a vacancy in any office, except that of a Pastor or Trustee or Chair of the Nominating Committee, the Nominating Committee shall submit to the Church, at a meeting previously announced at two successive public services, one nomination for the vacant office. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. Voting will be by ballot.
	(b)	In the event of a vacancy of Trusteeship, the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of The Religious Institutions Act of the Province of Ontario and the Trust Deed.

III. Committees

1.	Committees by Virtue of Office			Top

	(a)	The Board of Management shall be composed of the Pastor(s), the Deacons, the Trustees, the Church Clerk, the Assistant Church Clerk, the Church Treasurer, the Financial Recording Secretary, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, the Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School, and the Chairs of the standing committees.
	(b)	The Board of Management:
		(i)	Shall hold regular monthly meetings as scheduled by the Board and may hold special meetings at the call of the Pastor or Chair, either on his own initiative or at the request of any three members of the Board, giving particulars of the business to come before the Board.
		(ii)	At least one day's notice shall be considered sufficient for calling a special meeting.
		(iii)	Ten members of the Board present shall constitute a quorum.
	(c)	The Board of Management at its first meeting after the Annual Meeting of the Church, shall appoint the remaining members of the standing committees.

2.	Committees by Appointment			Top

	(a)	Building Committee, consisting of at least three members, whose duties shall be:
		(i)	To supervise all repairs or alterations to be made to the Church property, authorized by the Church or the Board of Management.
		(ii)	To make necessary minor repairs on their own initiative.
	(b)	Finance Committee, consisting of the Church Treasurer, the Financial Recording Secretary and two others, whose duties shall be:
		(i)	To supervise the state of the Treasury, submitting annual and other seasonal budgets.
		(ii)	To recommend financial policies for the consideration of the Board of Management.
	(c)	Missionary Committee, consisting of the Financial Secretary and at least four other members of the Church, whose duties shall be:
		(i)	To further missionary endeavour among Church members.
		(ii)	To enquire into the worthiness of missionary causes for which support is being considered or for which money has been designated.
		(iii)	To bring to the Board of Management recommendations as to the disposal of missionary funds.
		(iv)	To act at all times in accordance with the accepted Missionary policy of the Church.
	(d)	Reception Committee, consisting of six members, with the assistance of the Deacons, whose duty it shall be to attend at the door at the services of public worship, by rotation.
	(e)	Publicity Committee, consisting of one member, whose duty it shall be to act in co-operation with the Pastor in advertising the regular and special services of the Church.
	(f)	Music Committee, consisting of the Choir Director, the Organist and at least two others, whose duty it shall be to supervise the music for public worship.
	(g)	Baptismal Committee, consisting of four ladies and the Deacons, whose duty it shall be to advise and assist candidates for baptism.
	(h)	Nominating Committee, consisting of the Pastor, two Deacons appointed by the Deacon's Board at its first meeting after the Annual Business Meeting, and three other members, whose duty it shall be to bring in nominations for the various offices at the time of the annual election and in the event of vacancies. (See By-Law II, Section 3b and Section 5.)
	(i)	Social Committee, consisting of seven members who shall be in charge of the various functions of the Church such as banquets, suppers, etc., as may be required in the conducting of the various activities of the Church.
	(j)	Auditing Committee, consisting of two members who shall audit all financial statements in connection with the various organizations of the Church.
	(k)	Benevolent Committee, consisting of at least two members who shall supervise the disbursement of Benevolent Funds with the approval of the Pastor and Deacons. An appropriate record shall be kept for audit purposes.
	(l)	Bus Committee, consisting of five members (one of whom shall be the Sunday School Superintendent) who shall be responsible for activities of the Bus Ministry.
	(m)	Camp Committee, consisting of at least four members who shall be in charge of the operation of Rock Lake Baptist Bible Camp.
	(n)	Pioneer Clubs Committee, consisting of at least four members who shall be responsible for the operation of the Pioneer Clubs program.
	(o)	Christian Service Brigade Committee, consisting of at least four members who shall be responsible for the operation of the boys' Christian Service Brigade program.
	(p)	Young People's Committee, consisting of at least two adult counsellors who shall provide oversight and guidance of the Young People's organization.
	(q)	Junior Church Committee, consisting of at least one member who shall co-ordinate the Junior Church programs.
	The members of these several committees shall continue their duties until their successors have been duly appointed.

IV. Meetings

1.	Religious Meetings		Top

	(a)	The Church shall regularly meet every Lord's Day morning and evening for the public worship of Almighty God, for the expounding of the Word of God, and for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
	(b)	The Ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed by the Church at the close of the morning or evening service on the first Lord's Day each month and/or on such other times as may be decided by the Board of Deacons.
	(c)	The Church shall gather for corporate prayer and edification on one weekday evening each week, which day shall be fixed as the Church may from time to time decide.
	(d)	Special meetings shall be held from time to time for the building up of the saints and for evangelistic endeavour. These shall be arranged by the Pastor and the Deacons on authorization from the Church.

2.	Business Meetings			Top
(Recent Changes Highlighted – 25 January 2006)

	(a)	Regular Business Meetings
		(i)	Duly called meetings for the transaction of business shall be held within the last seven days of January, the last seven days of May, and the last seven days of September.
		(ii)	The Church fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year. Annual financial reports and the budget for the year shall be presented at the January meeting.
		(iii)	The Annual Meeting shall be the May meeting when officers are elected to take office on September 1st of the same year, unless otherwise specified. Summary reports of the activities of the Church year and recommendations for the coming year shall be presented at the May meeting. The Articles of Faith shall be read and affirmed.
	(b)	Special Meetings of the Church may be called at any time by the Pastor, the Deacon's Board, or at the request of 12 members in good and regular standing. Where action is requested obligating the entire Church membership, the nature of the action to be taken must be well advertised and an effort must be made to notify each active member.
	(c)	Rules of Order
		(i)	The Chair at all business meetings of the Church shall be taken by the Pastor or by a member of the Board of Management appointed by the Board.
		(ii)	Twenty-five members present shall constitute a quorum at any business meeting of the Church which has been duly called.
		(iii)	Notice of the annual and other business meetings shall be given at both services for public worship on the Lord's Day preceding.
		(iv)	Any member of the Church desiring to bring special business before the Church shall first submit the same to the Pastors and the Deacons.
		(v)	Order of Business: The usual order of business at general business meetings shall be: Devotional Approval of Minutes Reports Business Arising out of Minutes New Business Adjournment with Prayer

V. Finances

1.	Current Expenses	Top

	Every member of the Church shall be expected to contribute according to his ability to the Current Expense Fund of the Church which shall be used for local expenses as salaries, heat, lighting, and care of the property.

2.	Missionary Fund	Top

	All members shall be encouraged to contribute to the Missionary Fund which shall be devoted to the expenses involved in the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad as the Church may decide.

3.	Weekly Offerings	Top

	Numbered envelopes shall be supplied to all members and adherents of the Church for their weekly contributions to the above funds. It shall be the aim of the Church to have the entire membership contributing regularly, systematically, and proportionately.

4.	Benevolent Fund	Top

	Offerings shall be received as required for the Benevolent Fund which shall be used at the discretion of the Pastor and the Deacons for the alleviation of cases of need in the congregation and for providing flowers, etc., to the sick.

VI. Auxiliary Organizations

1.	The Sunday School		Top

	(a)	The Sunday School is a branch of the Church organization and therefore shall be subject to and under direct control of the Church.
	(b)	The Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School shall be elected annually by the Church (See By-Law II, Section 3b) and the Superintendent shall submit a report of the work of the school to the Annual Meeting of the Church.
	(c)	All other officers of the Sunday School shall be elected by the Sunday School board which shall consist of the Superintendent, the Assistant, and the staff of teachers. Teachers shall be appointed by the Superintendent.

2.	All Other Auxiliary Organizations of the Church		Top

	(a)	Shall be subject to the Church.
	(b)	Shall form their own organizations and elect their own officers subject to the approval of the Church.
	(c)	Shall report their progress to the Annual Meeting of the Church.
	(d)	All presidents or chairs of these organizations shall be members of this Church in good standing.

VII. Suspension and Alteration of Rules

	Amending the Bylaws			Top

	The foregoing By-Laws may be amended only by vote of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at the annual, regular, or special business meetings of the Church, provided that notice of the proposed amendment be given at the regular services of the Church on two Sundays prior to the holding of the meeting.
	NOTE: Some minor typographical corrections have been applied to the foregoing texts.

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