Church Constitution

Article I: Name

The name of this church will be Baptist Christian Church, Incorporated of Royal Center, Indiana. It is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Indiana.

Article II: Purpose

Section 1

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, including, but not limited to:

• the establishing and maintaining of religious worship
• building, maintaining, supporting, and operating church buildings and parsonages
• any other ministry that God may lead to us

Section 2

The purpose of this church will be to glorify God in accordance with His Word, our Statement Of Faith, and the Constitution of Baptist Christian Church by promoting the worship of our God, edifying believers, teaching the whole council of God, administering the ordinances and biblical discipline; seeking to win the lost to Christ through personal witnessing and the preaching of the gospel; ordaining and licensing men to the Gospel ministry; carrying on a vigorous missionary program locally and around the world; establishing other local churches of like-faith and doctrine; defending the faith; and maintaining a good testimony for Christ in our community by godliness and good works.

Article III: Doctrine

The doctrine of this church shall be as stated in our Statement of Faith which is a part of this Constitution.

Article IV: Affiliation

Baptist Christian Church shall be an autonomous, independent, Bible-believing, fundamental, and conservative local New Testament church subject only to the Word of God and to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.

(Statement of Faith, Section 16)

Article V: Membership

Section 1: The Meaning of Membership

Baptist Christian Church believes that the Lord Jesus Christ deserves the very best from each of His own. When a person becomes a member of this local church, they enter into the fellowship which expects all its members to endeavor to maintain its testimony against apostasy^G, all forms of worldliness (ungodliness), and indifference. We hold that any habit, practice, association, or affection which hinders spiritual growth and an ever-deepening knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ should be laid aside. We also expect our members to seek by every honorable means possible to assist in Baptist Christian Church’s preaching of the Bible, in the separation of its members from the world, and in the winning of the lost to Jesus Christ. The ministry of this church, in all its preaching and teaching, consistently urges its members to “…Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith…”. (Hebrews 12:1,2 ESV) 

(Statement of Faith, Sections 11, 13, and 16)

Section 2: Qualifications for Membership

1. Any person who has been interviewed by the Elders and Deacons, giving to them clear testimony of their salvation and is in full agreement with our Statement Of Faith and this Constitution, may be received into the membership of Baptist Christian Church.
2. New members will be publicly welcomed into the membership as soon as possible following their interview with the Elders and Deacons.
3. No person under Biblical discipline of another church will be considered for membership.

Section 3: Responsibilities of Membership

When a person becomes a member of Baptist Christian Church, he or she enters into the fellowship of a church which expects all of its members to endeavor to maintain its testimony against apostasy^G, worldliness, and indifference, and to seek by every right means possible to assist in its preaching of the Bible, in separation of its members from the world, and in the winning of the lost to Jesus Christ.

Section 4: Discipline of Members

We believe that every believer, while justified in the eyes of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), struggles daily with their inherited sin nature. All sin is offensive to God. (Isaiah 1:16) Every person has areas of individual struggle and needs strengthening through fellowship with a local body of believers. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Isaiah 55:7; Romans 6:12; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Peter 2:1,11)

(Statement of Faith Sections 6, 10, 11, 13, and 16)

From a Biblical perspective church discipline is always presented positively. The primary purposes for disciplinary procedures in a true New Testament local church are to:

1. Correct through instruction in sound Biblical doctrine to restore the offender to proper behavior as is expected from all who are God’s redeemed; and to reconcile the offender to proper fellowship with God and other believers. (Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 12:6; James 5:20; Revelation 3:19)
2. Prevent the further spread of sin to others within the local body. (1 Corinthians. 5:2, 6-7; 1 Timothy 5:20; Hebrews 12:15)
3. Protect and maintain the purity of both the local and Universal Church and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:27-34; Ephesians 3:10; 4:1, 3; 5:27; 2 Peter 3:14; Revelation 2:14-15, 2:20)

As it is our desire to be obedient to these doctrines contained in The Word of God, we will adhere to the following procedures if church discipline becomes necessary:

In all matters of differences between members, the Elders, Deacons, and the church must adhere faithfully to the teaching of the Lord in Matthew 18:15-17. To settle those differences, the Elders and Deacons shall see this principle is enforced. We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians, or the church, in order to resolve personal disputes because we believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between its members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.

In the case of doctrinal heresy, gross and flagrant violation of Christian conduct such as the Scriptures forbid, or when members willfully choose to exhibit hateful, harassing behavior or attitudes toward any individual, members are subject to discipline. After Biblical counsel by the Pastor (and Elders and Deacons if appropriate) the accused may, upon recommendation of the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons, be dismissed from the membership of the church by a not less than 80% vote of those members present at a business meeting. Prior to the vote by the members, the accused shall be advised by letter of the pending action and of their right to appeal the case to the church body. The accused must make arrangements for such appeal with the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons.

Persons who have been disciplined but who demonstrate a genuine attitude of repentance may be restored to membership in accordance with the regulations which govern the reception of members.

Section 5: Termination of Membership

The name of any member shall be removed from the church membership roll when one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. When the member joins another church.
2. Upon death of the member.
3. Upon request of the member, unless the member is under church discipline.
4. Disciplinary action by the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons as described in Section 4 of this Constitution.

In all cases of disciplinary termination of membership, action by the church is required. This may be done at any business meeting. A not less than 80% majority vote of those members present is required for expulsion.

Article VI: Church Government

Section 1: God and His Word

We believe that Baptist Christian Church functions not as a democracy but as a theocracy under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. What we believe about God and His Word is clearly stated in our Statement of Faith. (Ephesians 5:23) (Statement of Faith, Sections 16, 20)

Section 2: Legal Relationships

As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the Chairman of the Elders shall serve as the President of the corporation; the Chairman of the Deacons shall serve as the Vice-president of the corporation, the church clerk shall serve as the Secretary of the corporation; and the church treasurer shall serve as the Treasurer of the corporation.

Section 3: Authority to Speak on Behalf of the Church

Unless authority to speak on behalf of the church is otherwise granted by the Elders in writing, the Chairman of the Elders shall have sole authority to communicate the legal position of the church regarding matters that are not expressly addressed by this Constitution. In no event shall statements on behalf of the church be made that contradict Scripture, our Statement of Faith, or any part of this Constitution.

Section 4: Utilizing church properties or services

Membership of this church does not entitle any member with any rights of ownership of any property belonging to Baptist Christian Church as a local church, whether that property is purchased via designated offering or donated.

Persons wishing to utilize properties or services maintained or offered by this church must be in complete agreement with this church’s Statement of Faith, Constitution, and all other policies and procedures.

Article VII: Officers

The officers of this church shall be Pastor(s), Elders, and Deacons. All officers shall be members of Baptist Christian Church for at least one year and all officers shall be men.

(Statement of Faith, Section 5)

Section 1: Elders

1. There can be as many qualified Elders (in addition to the Pastor) as needed to effectively serve the congregation.
2. The Elders will be prayerfully appointed by the Pastor, other Elders, and the Deacons by unanimous decision. Elders shall be selected from the Deacons and approved at a business meeting by not less than 80% of those members present.
3. The qualifications, spiritual maturity, daily living habits, and responsibilities for Elders are given in 1 Timothy 3; 5:17; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5:2, 3; James 5:14-16 and all other Scriptures that pertain to spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness in daily living.
4. The Elders and Deacons will meet together each month as necessary. A simple majority of Elders and Deacons will constitute a quorum.
5. The duties of the Elders include, but are not limited to, the general oversight and shepherding of the Baptist Christian Church family. They will:
   1. guard the purity of Biblical doctrine (Titus 1:9),
   2. feed the flock (1 Peter 5:2),
   3. teach the Word (1 Timothy 3:3; 5:17), and
   4. minister to those who are shut-in or sick (James 5:14-16).
6. The Elders shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church.

Section 2: Senior Pastor

1. 1. The Pastor shall be qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1 and as described in this Constitution in Section 1: Elders.
   2. The Pastor and his wife will automatically become members of this church, and subject to all the requirements imposed on members as stated herein. Due to the nature of the office, the Pastor will also be an Elder.
   3. Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor. The duties of the Senior Pastor shall include, but not be limited to:
      1. Have oversight of all church ministries. Acts 20:28
      2. “Preach the Word”. 2 Timothy 4:2
      3. “Feed the flock of God”. 1 Peter 5:2
      4. “Warn and teach” that every member may be mature in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:28
      5. Have the oversight of the pastoral staff and all other paid personnel, unless otherwise stated.
      6. Officiate at such occasions as generally fall to the Pastor of a New Testament local church.
      7. Supervise the administration of the ordinances. (Statement of Faith, Section 17)
      8. Designate others to supply the pulpit in his absence.
   4. Procedure for Calling Our Senior Pastor
      1. When vacancy of the office of Pastor is imminent, a pulpit committee of at least one Elder, two Deacons, and at least three (3) members in good standing will be selected by the membership. Upon unanimous decision by the committee members, they and their spouses shall secure and present the candidate’s qualifications, resume, and all other pertinent information to the congregation in a timely manner for their review.
      2. No candidate will be considered unless he (and his wife, if he is married) are in full agreement with the Constitution and our Statement of Faith.
      3. The committee shall present to the church one candidate at a time for a vote to determine whether or not to call the candidate as Senior Pastor. If the vote is not to call the candidate presented, or if the candidate does not accept the call, another candidate will be considered.
      4. The pulpit committee shall interview any prospective candidate by any means possible to determine if it is appropriate to invite him as a candidate. The congregation will be encouraged to submit, in writing, any questions they may want to be presented to the candidate.
      5. When a candidate is to be invited, an announcement of his coming shall be made publicly from the pulpit at all Sunday services of the church at least two (2) weeks before the candidate is to come. The candidate shall be asked to minister not less than two (2) Sundays.
      6. After the second candidate is present, and after sufficient examination by the pulpit committee and congregation, the pulpit committee shall announce from the pulpit that the church members will vote whether or not to extend a call to the candidate on the following Sunday at a business meeting called for that purpose. The vote shall be by ballot and not less than 80% of the votes cast must be in favor to extend a call to the candidate.
   5. Procedure for Termination of the Senior Pastor or other Pastoral Positions.

      The Pastor shall serve for an indeterminate time, and his service shall be terminated either by his resignation or by action of the church body.

      1. Termination by resignation:
         1. The Pastor shall give written notice to the Elders no less than thirty (30) days in advance of his intention to discontinue as Pastor.
         2. The Chairman of the Elders will read the Pastor’s resignation to the congregation during a regular Sunday service.
         3. Upon termination of the Pastor’s service, he may remain in the parsonage and receive his salary for thirty (30) days. This time may be extended or shortened by mutual consent between the Elders and the Pastor.
      2. Termination by Congregation
         1. The church may, by an 80% or greater vote of the ballots cast at a business meeting, called for that purpose, dismiss the Pastor, provided that a notice of not less than thirty (30) days from the time the action is taken be given to him that his term of service will cease. Such notification may be waived by the mutual consent of the church and the Pastor.
         2. The Chairman of the Elders will read the notice of termination to the congregation during a regular Sunday service.
         3. Upon termination of the Pastor’s service, he may remain in the parsonage and receive his salary for thirty (30) days. This time may be extended or shortened by mutual consent between the Elders and the Pastor.

Section 3: Other Paid Ministry Staff

1. Paid ministerial personnel other than pastoral staff may be hired by mutual consent of the Board of Elders and the Finance Committee. They shall be under the supervision of the Board of Elders or their designated representative.
2. All pastoral staff will be hired according to the procedures listed above in Section 2: Senior Pastor

Section 4: Deacons

1. There can be as many qualified Deacons as needed to effectively serve the congregation.
2. Deacons will be elected at the annual business meeting and may serve for an indefinite period of time.
3. Men who serve as Deacons shall be qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Titus 1, and have been a member of Baptist Christian Church for at least one year before his election.
4. The Deacons shall normally meet monthly with the Elders.
5. Duties of the Deacons
   1. To elect a chairman from among their number.
   2. To minister alongside the Pastor and Elders in the spiritual welfare of the church.
   3. To assist in visiting the congregation.
   4. To assist in administering the ordinances of the church.
   5. To serve as an advisory committee to the congregation, bringing such recommendations to the church body as they see fit. They shall also consider and make recommendations to the church body on matters brought up by members in business meetings.
   6. To administrate the Deacons’ Fund as they deem appropriate.
   7. Other duties that may be deemed necessary to insure the continued and uninterrupted ministry of this local church.

Article VIII: Other Elected Positions

We believe that men and women have equal value to God (Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3; Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:14; Proverbs 31:10-31; Matthew 15:4), equal value as persons, and equal value to the church. We affirm the significant, God-ordained roles that women have in the home (Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 6:20; Proverbs 30:7) community, and the church. We encourage women to serve in positions and on committees not reserved for men (Romans 16:1-2; Acts 18:26; Philippians 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 5:1-2), as defined in this Constitution. This is an issue of headship, not of equality, where roles are Biblically defined and modeled. Scripture states that men are to be servant leaders. Therefore, in accordance with these Biblical doctrines, in all instances where committees are composed of both men and women, the chair of the committee will be a man. (1 Timothy 2:12-15) (Statement of Faith, Section 5)

Those serving as trustees and committee members will be elected annually and serve for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise stated. All officers and committees will submit a report at the annual meeting.

Section 1: Trustees

1. Number and Term
   1. There will be three (3) trustees or more as needed. One member of the Trustees will be a woman.
   2. Trustees will be elected for a term of three (3) years. For continuity their terms will be staggered.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
   The Trustees will have care of the church property (including securing janitorial and maintenance personnel) and will be the legal representatives of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, give away, dispose of, or transfer property exceeding $200 without approval of the Pastor, Elders and Deacons. Disposal of any item of property over $200 in value will be determined on an individual basis.

Section 2: Church Clerk

The clerk will keep an accurate record of all business transacted by the church, a register of names of members, and give such legal notice as required by state law. They will record at the Recorder Office the names of the clerk and trustees each year. They will collect and prepare all important records.

Section 3: Church Treasurer

The treasurer shall dispense all monies received as directed by the church. They shall submit a current, written, exact financial report at the regular quarterly and annual meetings of the church. The financial records of the church shall be audited annually.

Section 4: Financial Secretary

The financial secretary shall be responsible for keeping a record of all offerings and gifts made to the church. They shall keep a confidential record of individual contributions through a system approved by the Finance Committee and provide statements to those using it.

Section 5: Sunday School Superintendent

The Sunday School Superintendent will supervise the operation of the Sunday School. All matters pertaining to the Sunday School, including the selection of literature and teachers will be determined by the Sunday School Superintendent, subject to the approval of the Board of Elders. The Assistant Sunday School Superintendent (who may be appointed by the Sunday School Superintendent after approval by the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons) will assist the Sunday School Superintendent and assume his duties as the occasion may require.

Section 6: Moderator

1. The moderator shall conduct all church business meetings in an orderly and Christ-honoring way.
2. He shall appoint a vice-moderator to fulfill his duties in his absence.
3. He shall appoint additional committees as needed.

Section 7: Deaconess

1. There can be as many qualified deaconesses as needed to effectively serve the congregation.
2. Deaconesses will be elected at the annual business meeting and may serve for an indefinite period of time.
3. Women who serve as deaconesses shall be qualified according to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 2 and have been a member of Baptist Christian Church for at least one year before their election.
4. Duties of the Deaconesses
   1. to elect a chairperson from among their number.
   2. to prepare the elements for the communion service.
   3. To assist in all baptisms.

Article IX: Committees

All elected church committees, as their first order of business following their annual election or appointment, shall elect from their membership a chairman (and secretary, if necessary) for the coming year.

Section 1: Finance Committee

1. The Finance Committee shall consist of the church treasurer, the church clerk, the financial secretary, and five (5) members elected from the membership. The five elected members may serve for an indefinite period of time.
2. The Finance Committee will elect its own chairman annually.
3. The committee will oversee all financial matters of the church including preparation of an annual budget to be presented at the annual meeting; and be responsible for reviewing and increasing the salaries for all paid staff.

Section 2: Nominating Committee

1. The nominating committee members will be elected annually and can serve for an indefinite period of time.
2. The committee will consist of the Pastor and four (4) members elected from the congregation.
3. Duties
   1. Prepare and distribute nominating ballots to the congregation for all elected positions following the October quarterly business meeting. All ballots must be received within one (1) month after they are distributed.
   2. Evaluate nominating ballots and consider qualified candidates for each position. All candidates must be members for at least one (1) year and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of membership in a consistent manner.
   3. Prepare for the Board of Elders’ approval a recommended ballot listing at least two (2) qualified candidates when possible.
   4. Post the approved ballot at least two (2) weeks prior to the annual meeting.
   5. Present the ballot to the congregation at the annual meeting. There will be no nominations from the floor.

Section 3: Missions Committee

1. The responsibilities of the Missions Committee shall include:
   1. Evaluate and propose prospective new individuals or organizations to the congregation for support by our missions program. Any additions or removal from the role of supported missions must be approved by not less than 80% of those members present at a business meeting.
   2. Maintain correspondence, assess needs, and update the congregation on all missions matters.
   3. Propose a budget and submit it to the Finance Committee for consideration no later than sixty (60) days before the annual meeting.
   4. The members of the committee shall be men and women whose daily lives reflect a commitment to missions as presented in the New Testament.
2. The Missions Committee shall be comprised of the Pastor, one Elder, one Deacon, and four members elected from the church membership. At least three of those elected must be women. Additional Elders, Deacons, or elected members may be added by the membership.
3. Each of the elected members shall serve for a period of two (2) years and their terms shall be staggered. The chairman shall be chosen from those members elected from the membership.
4. The committee will meet as often as necessary.

Article X:Ordinances

Section 1: The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper (Communion) shall normally be served in the assembled church by the Pastor (or an Elder and/or Deacon) and the Elders and Deacons on the first Sunday of each month, and/or at other times at the discretion of the Pastor, Elders, and/or Deacons. Since it is the Lord’s Supper, none who are His shall be barred, but the Pastor shall frequently state the scriptural requirements and explain the meaning of the elements. (Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32).

Section 2: Baptism

We believe water baptism is an act of obedience in following Christ, but has no saving merit. Those professing saving faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior shall, by the Pastor or some person authorized by the church, be immersed in water in accordance with the Scriptural teaching. Public baptism by immersion shall be prerequisite to church membership (unless physically impossible).

Article XI: Organizations

Section 1. Sunday School

This organization shall be considered as the church studying the Bible. It shall be under the general supervision and control of the church through the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons.

Section 2. All Other Organizations

Other organizations within the church are ministries of Baptist Christian Church and may be formed or disbanded from time to time. No organization can be started without the consent of the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons. Any organization within the church shall be governed by this Constitution and voted church policy. Each organization is required to provide an exact record of all receipts and expenditures and shall report the same to the church at the annual business meeting.

Article XII: Financial Policy

Section 1: Raising Funds

The policy of Baptist Christian Church shall be to raise all its monies by freewill offerings. This shall include all the organizations and all the purposes for which monies are received. All offerings shall be deposited weekly. From time to time social functions may be held for Christian fellowship, and when expenses are involved they may be defrayed by a freewill offering. Members are expected to contribute to the expenses and ministries of the church regularly and systematically as the Lord has prospered them.

Section 2: Special Offerings and Designated Gifts

1. Contributions may be made with suggestions for their use. If a contribution is made that does not align with the Statement of Faith and church Constitution, or by decision from members at a business meeting, it will be returned to the contributor. In such a case where it is not possible to return the contribution, the members may choose how to apply the funds.
2. No class or organization within the church may own property of any sort. Anything purchased by an organization or ministry within the church may be used by that organization or ministry, but it is understood that such property is the property of Baptist Christian Church, and as such is subject to the church.

Article XIII: Business Meetings

Section 1: Annual and Quarterly Business Meetings

There shall be an annual business meeting of the church during the month of January usually the first or second Sunday. At the annual meeting officers shall be elected, annual reports given, and the budget for the coming year adopted. Those elected will be installed during the Sunday worship service following the annual meeting. There shall be quarterly business meetings of the church during the months of April, July, and October. The dates of these meetings must be announced from the pulpit at least one week in advance of their occurrence.

Section 2: Voting Privileges

Every member of the church sixteen (16) years of age or older may vote in all business meetings of the church.

Section 3: Other Business Meetings

Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor, Elders, or Deacons at any time provided public notice is given at the Sunday service on at least the two preceding Sundays.

Section 4: Quorum

A quorum for the transaction of business at any business meeting shall be twenty (20) members of the church sixteen (16) years old or older.

Article XIV: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended at any annual or quarterly business meeting or any meeting called for that purpose, provided notice of such a meeting is given from the pulpit at the two (2) Sunday services preceding the meeting.

To be considered, a proposed amendment must be signed by five (5) or more members and be submitted to the Elders and Deacons for their approval. Upon approval, the proposed amendment will be presented to the church in writing at least four (4) weeks prior to the next annual, quarterly, or special business meeting called for the purpose of adoption.

An affirmative vote of not less than 80% of those members present is required to pass the amendment.

Section 1: Statement of Faith

The Statement of Faith cannot be amended to change its meaning as stated. However, it may become necessary to add further position on a Biblical topic. Additions to the Statement of Faith will follow the procedures outlined in Article XIV: Amendments.

Article XV: Dissolution

In the event a decision is made to dissolve this church, all of the assets of the church, over and above those needed to satisfy any debts and liabilities of the church, will be assigned to one or more fundamental, Bible-believing, nonprofit organizations such as churches, missions, schools, or associations. This shall be accomplished by recommendation of the Elders and Deacons and a vote of not less than 80% of those members present. None of the assets will be given to any individual.

(Constitution ratified February 5th, 2017)