Article I - NAME
I. The name of this organization shall be the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SELMA, CALIFORNIA.
II. This church is duly incorporated under the laws of the State of California under the corporate name of the First Baptist Church, Corporate No. 177018.
Article II-STATEMENT OF FAITH
I. We believe that the Bible is the Holy Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is our final authority in faith and life. (2 Timothy 3:16,2 Peter 1: 20-21)
II. We believe that there is one true and living God who exists in three persons: God, the Father; Jesus Christ, His Son; and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. (Ephesians 4:4-6, I Timothy 2: 5-6, John 16: 7-15, John 14: 16-17)
III. We believe that Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, was true God and true man. He lived, died; was buried, and rose from the dead and is now at he right hand of the Father and that He is the only way to Eternal Life. (Matthew I: 18-25, Luke L:26-38, John3: 16-17, Acts 2:22-38)
IV. We believe that all human beings were created in the image of God, that they sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death that is separation from God. All human beings are born with a sinful nature, and become guilty sinners in thought, word, and deed. (Genesis 1 :26-27, 3: 1-24, Romans 3:25, 5: 26 12-18, I John 1:8)
V. We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, that He rose victorious from the grave on the third day, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. (Isaiah 53, Matthew 20:28, John 3:16-17, Romans 3:24-26, 5:11 Corinthians 31 15:3,14, II Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7, I John 2:2, Matthew 28:6, Romans. 10:9-10, Acts 2:38)
VI. We believe that all who come by grace through faith to accept the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God. (John 3:3, 5,1:12-13, James 1:18,1 Peter 1:23, Ephesians 2:8-9)
VII. We believe that all who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should be baptized with water by immersion in accordance with Scripture as a sign of their faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:28-41, 47, 38 Matthew 28: 18-20, Acts 8: 36-40,10:47,18:8, Romans 6: 3-4, I Corinthians 12:13)
VIII. We believe in the importance of the Lord's Supper that should be taken regularly by born-again believers, walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:42-46, I Corinthians I: 23-29)
IX. We believe that as Christians we are to meet together regularly for worship, fellowship, service and encouragement of each other. (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47)
X. We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ for his bride, His true followers, and we shall spend eternity with Him. (Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4: 16-17, John 14:1-3
Article III - MISSION AND COVENANT
I. The mission of the First Baptist Church of Selma is to help make disciples of Jesus Christ who love God and love others in our community, area, and world.
II. A disciple is one who commits to obey Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord in knowledge of God, service for God, and sharing of God.
III. Based on this mission, we, the members of the First Baptist Church of Selma, do covenant together
to live our lives consistent with the standards of biblical teaching and support this local ministry through... our regular prayer and praise and weekly worship; our loving care of one another and Christ-centered learning; our continual growth and faithful giving our sacrificial service and mission-minded outreach so that we may become more Christ-like in everything we say and do and show the glory of God in our world.
ARTICLE IV - AFFILIATION
I. The First Baptist Church of Selma is affiliated with the Central San Joaquin Area American Baptist Churches, The American Baptist Churches of the West, Inc. and the American Baptist Churches of the USA.
II. The church's government is vested in the body that composes its membership.
III. The church recognizes its obligation and privilege to cooperate with other local religious bodies having the same general objectives insofar as it involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP
I. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Any person who has professed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and is willing to agree with the doctrine and practices of this church, may become a member; The following are requirements for membership:
1. A statement of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and evidence of a desire to live a consistent
Christian life.
2. An understanding and affirmation of the First Baptist Church mission, values, and vision as expressed
through the church covenant.
3. A willingness to abide by the First Baptist Church policies on member discipline.
4. Baptism by immersion.
II. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS
The procedure for membership shall be:
1. A person who desires church membership shall indicate this by contacting the pastor.
2. The person shall attend the church membership classes.
3. The person shall meet with the Membership Team who has been appointed by the Servant Board.
The applicant will be interviewed by the team to ascertain whether he or she meets the membership requirements.
4. The Membership Team will present the applicant to the church membership at a church business meeting for ratification by the congregation. Upon a vote of approval by 75% of members present at the meeting, membership shall be granted.
5. The new member shall receive the Right Hand of Fellowship in a church worship service as formal acknowledgement of his or her membership.
III. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Any member may be terminated from membership:
1. By Death
2. By Letter : Any member in good standing who desires a letter of dismissal and recommendation to another church is entitled to receive it upon request.
3. By Exclusion : In all cases involving immorality or unrepentant conduct that is inconsistent with the
fundamental biblical teaching of Selma First Baptist Church or delinquency through failure to comply with covenant obligations, a member may be terminated. All terminations shall be recommended to the church membership by the Servant Board and shall take place only after reasonable efforts have been made to restore that member to the fellowship of the church. Such terminations shall be approved by the majority vote of the church membership at the meeting.
4. By Non-Participation : In cases where members have failed to participate in the life of the church through lack of attendance, lack of ministry and financial support, they may be removed from the church membership. This shall be done by a vote of the membership of the church upon recommendation of the Membership Team. This recommendation may be made only after reasonable efforts have been made to restore the member to the fellowship of the church.. Such terminations shall be approved by the majority vote of the church membership at the meeting.
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF THE MEMBERSHIP
I. The membership of Selma First Baptist Church shall be a body of ministers who do the work of the Lord
through ministry teams being supervised by staff members. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
II. The membership of Selma First Baptist Church shall be responsible to seek and know and use the gifts which
God has given them.
III. The membership of Selma First Baptist Church shall set personal goals and be accountable to God to accomplish those goals.
IV. The membership of Selma First Baptist Church shall be of one mind in Christ and shall uphold the unity of the ministry through the mission, values, and vision of the church.
V. The membership of Selma First Baptist Church shall approve the annual report, elect the Servant Board and church officers, approve new members to Selma First Baptist Church, adopt the annual budget, call the pastor and be responsible for the ministry of the church.
ARTICLE VII – STAFF
I. THE SENIOR PASTOR
A. QUALIFICATIONS
The Senior Pastor shall be
1. A person who reflects mature Christian faith and meets the biblical standards for church leaders (I Timothy 3).
2. A person who possess the experience, education, and abilities as deemed appropriate by the Servant
Board.
3. A person who is either an ordained Baptist minister whose credentials are recognized by the American Baptist Churches I USA or is willing to become such a minister.
B. PROCEDURE
When the church is in need of a Senior Pastor, the Servant Board shall call a special meeting of the church membership for the election of a Pastoral Search Team who will interview and select a candidate to present to the congregation. The Pastoral Search Team shall consist of 7 members in good standing elected from the membership at large. The Pastor Search Tean1 shall use the resources of the American Baptist Churches of the West, but shall not be limited to such resources in its search for an appropriate pastoral candidate. When the committee is ready to present a prospective candidate, it shall send each active member of the church the following information:
1. The name and qualifications of the prospective pastor.
2. The date of the candidacy.
3. The date and time of the meeting when the vote is to be taken.
Following the candidacy, a vote shall be taken at a regular or special business meeting of the church. The congregation shall be notified of this vote through church publications and at church meetings at least 3 consecutive weeks in advance. A vote of75% of members present at the meeting shall constitute a "call".
C. COMPENSATION
The Servant Board shall work with the Pastor Search Team to determine the original compensation contract.
D. TERMINATION
The term of office may be ended upon 30 days notification on the part of the pastor or the church. Termination of the office shall be voted on at a regular or specially called business meeting.. The congregation shall be notified of this vote through church publications and at church meetings at least 3 consecutive weeks in
advance. A simple majority of the church members present is required for termination, provided there be a quorum present and voting..
II. MINISTRY AND SUPPORT STAFF
A. Staff may include program staff, business staff, secretarial staff, custodial staff, interns, staff assistants, and paid church workers.
B. All staff shall be hired or appointed by the Senior Pastor on terms established by the Servant Board. The Servant Board shall determine all salary compensation.
C. Resignations and terminations of ministry and support staff shall be acted upon by the Senior Pastor.
ARTICLE VIII - DUTIES OF STAFF
I. SENIOR PASTOR
A. The Senior Pastor shall:
1. Be the spiritual and executive leader of the First Baptist Church of Selma. He shall set the vision and ministry emphasis of the First Baptist Church.
2. Preach and teach the Word, lead public worship services, administer the ordinances and lead the
congregation in practical Christian living.
3. Direct the church staff's, providing counsel, encouragement, and Christian discipline so as to assist in the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of each staff member in their ministry area. All staff are responsible to the Senior Pastor either directly or through another staff member as he directs. The Senior Pastor shall provide an annual performance evaluation of each staff member to the Servant Board.
4. Set ministry goals for himself and the church and be evaluated by the Servant Board for these goals.
5. Be responsible for the day to day ministry and operation of the church.
6. Serve at the will of the congregation of the First Baptist Church pf Selma under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
B. If the position of Senior Pastor is vacant or the Senior Pastor is unable to function as determined by the Servant Board, they shall appoint an interim senior pastor. Until an interim senior pastor has been appointed, the Church Chairperson shall assume that role.
II. MINISTRY AND SUPPORT STAFF
A. The Staff shall carry out specific areas of ministry under the direction of the Senior Pastor. The duties in these areas shall be indicated through a job description and a ministry profile that has been approved by the Senior Pastor in conjunction with the Servant Board.
B. The Staff shall strive to equip the church for the work of the ministry.
C. The Staff shall serve at the will of the Senior Pastor in consultation with the Servant Board.
ARTICLE IX - CHURCH LEADERS
I. OFFICERS
A. The officers of the church shall be:
1. All members of the Servant Board including:
a. Church Chairperson who is also the Church Moderator
b. Vice Chairperson who will serve as Moderator in absence of the Church Chairperson
c. Servant Board Secretary
d. Chief Financial Officer
2. Church Clerk
3. Church Treasurer
4. Church Financial Secretary
B. The Church Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson, Servant Board Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer shall be elected by and from the Servant Board at the Servant Board's first meeting of the year following the annual meeting. They shall serve for a term of one year.
C. The Church Clerk, the Church Treasurer and the Church Financial Secretary shall be elected by the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting to serve a term of one year.
D. No individual may hold more than one office concurrently.
II. QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS
A. An officer of the First Baptist Church of Selma shall:
1. Be a mature member of the First Baptist Church of Selma who strives to live life in accordance with biblical principles.
2. Be in agreement with the mission, values, and vision of the First Baptist Church of Selma
3. Be a regular worship participant in the First Baptist Church of Selma
4. Be a tither or regular giver to the ministry and outreach of the First Baptist Church of Selma
5. Be involved in regular Bible study and prayer
6. Be a member of a Bible study, prayer, and/or an accountability group
ARTICLE X - DUTIES OF CHURCH LEADERS
I. CHURCH CHAIRPERSON
A. The Church Chairperson shall provide leadership to the Servant Board and shall serve as moderator of all church business meetings. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson or another Servant Board member as designated by the Servant Board shall serve as Church Chairperson.
B. The Church Chairperson, in cooperation with the Senior Pastor, shall appraise the work of the Servant Board and other church organizations on a regular basis and determine their effectiveness and as necessary act to improve the performance of each to accomplish the churches mission, values, and vision.
II. VICE CHAIRPERSON
The Vice-Chairperson shall perform all the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.
III. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
The Chief Financial Officer shall oversee the financial ministry of the church. The CFO shall work with the church treasurer and the financial secretary concerning handling, disbursement, and reporting of church funds.
IV. SERVANT BOARD SECRETARY
The Servant Board Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the official records and recording minutes of the Servant Board. The Servant Board Secretary shall inform the church in a timely matter of the decisions of the Servant Board through the church publication(s).
V. CHURCH CLERK
The Church Clerk shall keep a complete and permanent record of all business meetings of the church, sign all the letters of dismissal, take charge of all church records, and maintain a register of members in which shall be noted such changes as may occur, and submit a statistical report at the Annual Meeting. The Church Clerk shall supervise all church elections.
VI. CHURCH TREASURER
The Church Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds belonging to the church. Under the .direction of the Chief Financial Officer and the Servant Board, the Treasurer shall disburse the funds to pay all the financial obligations of
the church. The Treasurer shall make monthly reports to the Servant Board and quarterly and annual written reports to the congregation. The church shall use generally accepted accounting principles and be a responsible Christian
steward. The books of the Treasurer shall be the property of the church and open to inspection by the church membership.
VII. CHURCH FINANCIAL SECRETARY
The Church Financial Secretary shall receive all money given for the ministry needs of the church and special offerings. The Church Financial Secretary shall keep a complete and detailed record of all giving. The Church Financial Secretary shall give a weekly record of all deposits to the Church Treasurer. The Church Financial Secretary shall send statements to all giving entities at the end of every calendar year. The books of the Church Financial Secretary shall be the property of the church and shall be closed to all except the Church Financial Secretary and, upon majority vote of the Servant Board, the Chief Financial Officer. The books shall be open for inspection from an auditor as designated by the Servant Board.
ARTICLE XI - CHURCH GOVERNMENT
I. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of Selma First Baptist Church is the governing body of this corporation, having final authority in all matters. The membership is the body of ministers who have been called by the Lord to fulfill the mission, values,
and vision of the First Baptist Church of Selma. The membership approves the annual report, elects the Servant Board and officers, adopts the annual budget, approves new members to the church, calls the pastor and is responsible for the ministry of the church.
II. SERVANT BOARD
A. The Servant Board shall be responsible for the strategic direction of the Selma First Baptist Church and will have authority to manage the business of the church. It is responsible to the congregation for guiding the church in the fulfillment of its mission, values, and vision. The Servant Board shall be the leaders of the congregation by example in life, thought, and ministry.
B. The specific duties of the Servant Board shall include:
1. To lead the congregation of the Selma First Baptist Church in glorifying God. c'
2. Be a mentor to other leaders in the congregation.
3. To regularly review and evaluate the vision and ministry emphases of the church in conjunction with the Senior Pastor to determine if it is accomplishing the stated mission, values, and vision of the church.
4. To oversee the financial matters of the church. This includes preparing the annual church budget in consultation with the staff and pastor, presenting the annual budget to the congregation for approval, approving and supervising the stewardship of the budget during the year.
5. To establish and annually review and revise the policies and procedures of the church
6. To represent the congregation in certain staff relationships including:
a. An annual appraisal of the ministry and goals of the Senior Pastor
b. An annual review of the Senior Pastor's evaluation of staff ministry and goals
c. An annual review of staff compensation. Approval of compensation for new staff
and/or other related personnel expenses
d. The review of personnel and policies in conjunction with the Senior Pastor
e. The approval of staff job descriptions
f. Provide godly counsel, praise, encouragement, or disciple.
g. To sign legal contracts consistent with congregational directives, the budget, constitution, and
state law.
C. The Servant Board shall have 9 members who are elected by the congregation at it's annual business
meeting. The term of office shall be three (3) years. The terms shall be staggered so that one third of its
members shall be elected each year.
D. Servant Board members shall be limited to two (2) consecutive full terms of service. After a one-year
lapse, a member shall be eligible to serve again.
E. Servant Board members may be terminated from office before the expiration of a term: by resignation, by
failure to adhere to the guidelines of the statement, mission, and covenant. After 3 consecutive absences at
the monthly meetings, the Servant Board shall assess their fitness to serve and take appropriate action.
That action may include removal by two-thirds vote of all Board members.
F. If a vacancy occurs, a new candidate(s) shall be nominated within 30 days of the official vacancy notice
and brought to the church for a vote within 90 days of the vacancy notice. If the vacancy is within 90 days
of the end of the term, the position shall be fulfilled at the regular election.
III. MINISTRY TEAMS
A. Ministry Teams shall be formed, added, or deleted as needed to implement the varied ministries of the First
Baptist Church of Selma. Each ministry team shall have a statement of mission, annual strategy and goals,
and a leadership structure. The ministry teams shall be reviewed annually by the Senior Pastor to
determine their effectiveness to the churches mission, values, and vision. After review, the Senior Pastor
shall submit to the Board a recommendation for the addition or deletion of a ministry team if needed.
B. The duties of the Ministry Team shall be:
1. To serve the body of Christ by providing ministry opportunity in for the members and constituents of
the First Baptist Church of Selma in a specific area of ministry.
2. To recruit and train a team of people to serve the ministry area
3. To work with the Senior Pastor to establish a budget for the ministry area which shall be submitted to the Servant Board for review and appropriation
4. To submit an annual report to the Senior Pastor in conjunction with the Servant Board concerning the goals and objectives of the team and the teams effectiveness
C. Ministry Teams shall provide annual reports to the congregation concerning their mission, goals and objectives for the year, ministry effectiveness, and future goals and ministry plans.
D. Ministry Team leadership shall be hired or appointed by the Senior Pastor and is under his supervision. Ministry team leadership may be terminated by the Senior Pastor and in accordance with the Staff Policies and Procedures Manuel.
IV. NOMINATING TEAM
The Nominating Team shall consist of five members of the church nominated from the floor and elected at the Annual Business Meeting. They shall serve for one year. Two of those members shall be from Servant Board whose terms will not expire. The Nominating Team shall nominate all officers and Servant Board members and submit their names to the church for election at the annual business meeting. The names of the nominees shall be posted in the church and through church publications at least 2 weeks in advance of the annual meeting. Should a vacancy occur in any office during the year, the Nominating Team shall submit a nominee to the church within 30 days with an election to be held within 90 days. The Nominating Team shall try to nominate 2 members for eachServant Leadership vacancy. The Senior Pastor shall be an ex officio member of the Nominating Team.
ARTICLE XII - BUSINESS MEETINGS
I. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
The Annual Business Meeting of the church shall be held in January of each year. The date, time and location determined by the Servant Board and announced, with two weeks notice, in church publications and public worship services. The agenda of the annual business meeting shall include, but not limited to, the election of officers, the
approval of the annual budget, the review of the previous year's ministry, and the vision of the goals and ministry for the next year. The Servant Board shall supply the congregation with ministry reports at least one week prior to the meeting. At this meeting, the annual report of all phases of church work shall be made in writing.
II. QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETINGS
Quarterly Business meetings of the church may be held in the months of April, July and October. The date and time and location to be determined by the Servant Board with two weeks notice. The purpose of these meetings is to review the financial condition of the church, inform the members of,'arious ministries of the church and to
conduct church business.
III. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
Special Business Meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor or the Church Chairperson as needed. Special Business Meeting will be called by the Servant Board within 30 days of receiving a written request of ten or more members of the church. Notice of such meetings and its purpose shall be given at least two weeks in advance
through church publications and public worship services. No business other than that which the meeting was called shall be transacted at any special meeting.
IV. MEETINGS OF THE SERVANT BOARD
Notice of all regularly scheduled meetings of the Servant Board shall be listed in church publications the week prior to the meeting. A special meeting of the Servant Board may be called by the Chairperson or three board members when circumstances warrant. All Servant Board meetings are open to church members with the exception of closed meetings for matters of personnel, church membership, or discipline.
A. The Servant Board may take action by majority vote of those present. A quorum for action shall be a majority of the board members.
V. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
The parliamentary manual of authority in the conduct of all meetings of the church shall be Robert's Rules of Order.
ARTICLE XIII - ELECTIONS AND VOTING
I. ANNUAL ELECTIONS
At the annual business meeting, the Nominating Team shall present the candidates for offices of the church. These names shall be publicly published at least two weeks prior to the election in church publications and at public worship service of the church. The Church Clerk shall supply a ballot with all nominees listed by category
alphabetically. The Church Clerk shall supervise the election including the tabulation and disposal of all ballots.
II. INTERIM ELECTIONS
Interim elections to fill vacancies may be held at any business meeting with proper notice.
III. VOTING
A. Only church members who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote at business meetings.
B. All elections of officers and the calling of the Senior Pastor shall be by written ballot vote.
C. Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution, a majority vote is required for action by the congregation.
IV. QUORUM
A quorum at the annual business meeting and any called meeting of the church shall be 10% of all church members.
ARTICLE XIV - FISCAL AND ELECTIVE YEAR
I. The fiscal year of the church shall begin on January 1 and close on December 31 of each year.
II. The elective year of the church shall be February 1 through January 31.
ARTICLE XV - CHURCH PROPERTY
I. PURPOSE
The property of this Corporation is irrevocably dedicated to religious purposes and no part of the income or assets of this Corporation shall be ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer, or member thereof or to the benefit of any private person. Not withstanding any other provisions of these articles, this Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a Corporation or Association exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501-C3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
II. DIVISION
In case of organic division of the church, those members who abide by this constitution shall control the church properties. Should any controversy arise as to who is abiding by the constitution, the question shall be submitted to the American Baptist Churches of the West and their decision shall be final.
III. DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution or winding up of this Corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this Corporation shall be distributed by the majority vote of the remaining members at their discretion, for the continued work and preaching of the Gospel.
ARTICLE XVI - AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the church by a vote of 2/3 of those present and voting, provided 30 days notice has been given that such amendments will be proposed. Written copies of the proposed amendment shall be made available to the congregation 30 days before the vote.
ARTICLE XVII - ADOPTION
This Constitution, adopted by the church on April 14, 2002, supersedes all others and annuls all others at any time, teretofore adopted by the church, and shall be effective on April 14, 2002.
