LIBERTY HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH
CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

Realizing that “all things [should] be done decently and in order” (I Corinthians 14:40), as members of Liberty Hills Baptist Church, we solemnly and sincerely set forth the following Constitution and Bylaws by which we willingly and cheerfully agree to be governed.

ARTICLE I: NAME & ORGANIZATION

SECTION 1: Name

The name of this church shall be Liberty Hills Baptist Church.

SECTION 2: Organization

The organization of this church by the charter members took place on January 5, 2003. Independent and autonomous in its organization and polity, Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall remain free from any denominational affiliation or control.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this church shall be to glorify God by leading people to Christ, uniting them with other believers in both worship and fellowship, bringing them to maturity in the faith, and equipping them for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16). Christ will remain pre-eminent as well as the head of this local assembly.

ARTICLE III: CHURCH COVENANT

Having been saved by God’s grace and baptized in obedience to Christ Jesus’ command, we, the members of Liberty Hills Baptist Church, do wholeheartedly and joyfully enter into the following covenant: to gather faithfully with one another for corporate worship and fellowship; to love one another continually; to encourage and build up one another by the use of edifying words, to discern, develop and deploy our spiritual gift(s); to honor and respect those in spiritual leadership within our assembly; to help sustain the overall ministry of the church through regular, willing and cheerful giving; to offer Christian liberty to one another in matters of non-essential importance; to reconcile differences with one another swiftly, meekly and humbly; and to attempt to restore one another when one is ensnared by sin.

We further pledge to strive for personal growth in our relationship to Christ, and to pursue obedience regarding biblical family roles: as parents, bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; as husbands, loving our wives as Christ loved the Church, as wives in submitting willingly and lovingly to the headship of our husbands, and as children both obeying and honoring our parents. We also pledge to live exemplary, Christ-like lives in our public behavior, demeanor, associations, and financial dealings, mindful of our status as “salt” and “light” in this world; and finally to carry out our Lord’s great commission by evangelizing and discipling within our homes as well as within our sphere of influence. We covenant to do all of these things with the help of the Lord, and for His glory.

If at any time we find ourselves in disagreement with this Covenant, accompanying Statements of Faith, or By-laws we will remove ourselves from this assembly in the spirit of love and for the sake of unity.

ARTICLE IV: STATEMENTS OF FAITH

SECTION 1: THE BIBLE

We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man; that God guided His chosen writers to inerrantly write the words that He wanted to communicate in the original manuscripts of the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament (II Peter 1:20,21); that both every word of Scripture is inspired by God—”verbal inspiration” (Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 4:4; I Corinthians 2:13); and that as a whole and in every part the Bible is inspired by God—”plenary inspiration” (II Timothy 3:16). We believe that the Scriptures in the original manuscripts are absolutely trustworthy, harmonize without contradiction, and are without error regarding doctrinal, moral, practical, scientific or historical teaching (Psalm 119:140,160; John 10:35; John 17:17). We believe that the illumination of the Scriptures is given to man by the ministry of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6-16), but that no Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation (II Peter 1:20).

We believe that the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty- seven books of the New Testament comprise the completed Canon of Scripture. They are the only absolute authority for Christian faith and practical Christian living and are timelessly relevant to all people of all ages (Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19).

SECTION 2: GOD

We believe in the Triune nature of God (Genesis 1:26; John 1:1): that there is only one God eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 6:27; I Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 2:20-22). Each person in the Godhead is equal in being and power, different in their respective function (i.e. in the work of salvation: the Father planned it, the Son purchased it, and the Spirit applies it), and equally deserving of worship and obedience.

A. The Father

We believe that God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Heavenly Father of all who have come to a saving knowledge of His only begotten Son (John 1:14; 20:17; Romans 4:11; I Peter 1:3-5); that He is a Spirit (John 4:24) and the supreme Sovereign over all creation (I Chronicles 29:11-12); that He is fundamentally holy (Leviticus 20:7; I Peter 1:16), loving (I John 4:7-10), and just (Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4); that He is immortal, invisible (I Timothy 1:17; 6:16), infinite (I Kings 8:27; Isaiah 66:1), eternal (Psalm 90:2; Romans 1:20), unchanging (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17), transcendent (Acts 17:24-25, 29), and immanent (Acts 17:27-28) in essence; that He is omniscient (Psalm 139:2-04; Isaiah 46:9- 10), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Hebrews 4:13), and omnipotent (Daniel 4:34, 35, 37; Ephesians 1:11) in power.

B. The Son, Jesus Christ

We believe in the eternal pre-existence of Jesus Christ as the second person of the Godhead (John 1:1,14; Colossians 1:15-17); that without any change in His divine Person He became fully man by miracle of the virgin birth (Matthew 1:25; Philippians 2:6-8); that He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), was crucified, died, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead the third day (I Corinthians 15:3-4); that He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9; Hebrews 9:24); that He is presently preparing a place for (John 14:1-3), continually interceding for (Hebrews 7:25), and will both bodily and visibly return in the clouds for (Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17) His own.

C. The Holy Spirit

We believe in the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). We believe that the Holy Spirit convinces the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-11) and is the agent of the new birth (II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2). We believe that every believer receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion, by Him is baptized into the Body of Christ, sealed unto the day of redemption, and is given spiritual gift(s) for ministry (I Corinthians 6:19; 12:13; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 12:6-8). We believe that the Holy Spirit ministers to believers by leading (Romans 8:14), teaching (I John 2:20, 27), illuminating (I Corinthians 2:9- 16), empowering (Acts 1:8), interceding (Romans 8:26), producing fruit (Galatians 5:22), and filling those who yield to His influence (Ephesians 5:18).

We believe that the gift of tongues was supernaturally given foreign languages for the confirmation of the apostolic message, and ceased with the completion of the New Testament Canon in the first century (Mark 16:17-20; Acts 2; 10:44-48; I Corinthians 13:8-13; Hebrews 2:3-4). We believe that the gift of tongues is not normative today.

SECTION 3: CREATION

We believe that the entire universe was created out of nothing by the spoken Word of God in six literal, solar days (Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; John 1:1-3). We are opposed to theistic evolution and other theoretical deviations (i.e. day-age theory, gap theory, deism, etc).

SECTION 4: ANGELS

We believe angels are created beings (Colossians 1:16) who are immortal spirits with great, but limited, powers (II Kings 6:5-18; 19:35; Matthew 22:29- 30). We believe good angels worship and serve God in heaven (Isaiah 6; Revelation 5:11), minister to mankind on earth (Matthew 28:5-7; Psalm 91:11), and will accompany Christ at His coming (Matthew 25:31). We believe God created all angels good (Genesis 1:31); however, Satan, the chief fallen angel, hose to rebel against God through pride (I Timothy 3:6), became the author of sin, the god of this age, and the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isaiah 14:13,14; Ephesians 6:16). Furthermore, he was defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20), can be resisted by believers (Isaiah 14:12-15; II Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; James 4:7), and will be eternally punished in the lake of fire along with other fallen angels whom he presently leads (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 20:10).

SECTION 5: MAN

We believe that Adam and Eve were created by the direct act of God and in the image of God with respect to intellect, emotion, and will (Genesis 1:26- 27). We believe that God created Adam and Eve in a sinless and upright state but that they willfully committed sin and brought sin and death—physical, spiritual, and the sentence of eternal (Hebrews 9:27; Romans 5:12; 6:23; Revelation 20:15)—upon the entire human race , descended from Adam. We believe all people inherit a sinful nature at the moment of conception, willfully sin individually as fallen creatures, and are separated from God (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:10,23; 5:12). Man can do nothing in and of himself to establish a relationship with God.

SECTION 6: SALVATION

We believe in the single, substitutionary, sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross on thebehalf of sinners. We believe that salvation is wholly of divine grace, unattainable by any good works of the sinner in behalf of himself or another; that faith, repentance, and saving grace are gifts given by God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 2:4); and that salvation is received bya sinner when he repents towards God and puts his faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior (I Thessalonians 1:9; Romans 10:9-10). We believe that all who receive Christ as their Savior are born from above, kept by God’s power, and are therefore eternally secure in Christ (John 1:12; Acts 16:31; John 10:28-29; Titus 3:5-7; I John 5:11-13). We believe that the basis of salvation is the blood of Christ (I Peter 1:18-19), and the scope of salvation includes forgiveness of sins (past, present and future), righteous standing before God, and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).

SECTION 7: THE CHURCH

We believe that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the Church (I Corinthians 12:12,13), the bride of Christ (II Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7,8), of which Christ is the founder (Matthew 16:18) as well as the head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18). We believe in the rapture of living believers and the resurrection of dead believers when the Lord returns in the clouds—at which time both companies will meet the Lord in the air to be with Him forever (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).

We believe that the Church is manifested through local churches composed of believers in Christ of the same locality who organize and assemble for worship, prayer, instruction, evangelism and observance of the ordinances instituted by Christ (Acts 2:41-47; Ephesians 4:11-16). We believe that the two ordinances committed to the local church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38-42). Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, his union with Him in death to sin, and his resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of His death until He comes, and should always be proceeded by solemn self-examination (I Corinthians 11:23-32).

We believe that the biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are male elders, who are also called bishops, pastors, and pastor-teachers (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and male deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-5). We believe that the Holy Spirit dispenses spiritual gifts to every believer for the purpose of edifying both their local church body and the body of Christ at large (Ephesians 4:11-12; I Corinthians 12). We believe that each local church is free to govern itself independently and autonomously.

SECTION 8: SEPARATION

We believe in personal separation from worldliness (I Corinthians 15:33; I Peter 1:14-16; I John 2:11-13) and ecclesiastical separation from apostasy (II Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:8-9; II Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 3:10-11; II John 9- 11). Further, we affirm that believers should be set apart for service unto the Lord Jesus Christ (II Thessalonians 1:11, 12; Hebrews 12:1, 2) and that the Christian life demands a continuous pursuit of holiness (Romans 12:1, 2; Titus 2:11-14; I Peter 1:13-15; I John 3:1-10). We believe that every believer, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, should walk in a way that glorifies God (I Corinthians 10:31), does not harm their testimony as a believer (Romans 13:14), and does not cause a brother to sin (Romans 14:13; I Corinthians 8:9, 13; Philippians 1:10). We believe the Bible admonishes us to not participate with other churches, organizations, or associations that violate clear principles found in the Word of God (II Corinthians 6:11-7:1; Ephesians 5:7).

SECTION 9: LAST THINGS

We believe that the end of the age is approaching (I Peter 4:7; I Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 13:39-40; 24:35; 28:20; I John 1:27; II Peter 3:3-13) and that “last days” events will center around the sudden, visible, personal and bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth (Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Acts 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1- 11; Titus 2:11-14; I John 2:28; 3:2-3). We believe the time of His coming is unknown and unknowable but will indeed be in fulfillment of the prophetic Scriptures; that Christ’s kingdom will conquer all earthly kingdoms and that He will continue to reign on His throne forever (Psalm 8:6; 110:1-2,5-7; Daniel 2:31-44; Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:33-36; I Corinthians 15:24-25; II Thessalonians 1:5-10; Hebrews 10:12-13; Revelation 21:24,26); that Christ will raise the saved to everlasting life and the lost to everlasting damnation (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:39,40,44,54; 11:24; Acts 24:14-15; I Corinthians 15:20-26; Philippians 3:10-11,20-21; II Timothy 2:16-18); that every individual will stand before Christ in judgment and give an account of their life (Matthew 12:36-37; 25:31-34,41,46; John 12:48; Romans 14:12; II Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15); and that every individual will dwell forever either in heaven or hell after their physical death and/or resurrection (Matthew 10:28; 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; II Corinthians 5:6-8; Revelation 21:1-8).

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: Qualification

Any person, professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and having been baptized by immersion following salvation, is heartily invited to become a candidate for church membership. He must notify the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff of his desire to join the church. He must both read and subscribe to the Church Covenant, Statements of Faith, and orderly practices of this assembly.

SECTION 2: Admission

Following the recommendation of the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff, any person meeting qualifications stipulated in the previous section may be received into the membership of the church by majority vote of the present membership at any regular church service or special meeting. If a member was excluded from the fellowship of Liberty Hills Baptist Church, under Section 3, E of this Article, they may be received back into the church fellowship. Three conditions must be satisfied: public confession and repentance, formal recommendation from the Pastoral Staff, and majority vote of the congregation.

SECTION 3: Termination

Membership at Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall be terminated by:

A. A member’s death.

B. A member’s request to withdraw from the church fellowship.

C. A member’s absence for six consecutive months. Note: Exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances (i.e. college students, those hospitalized or bedridden, in military service, etc.).

D. A member’s desire to unite with another church.

E. A member’s refusal to respond spiritually to biblical church discipline/restoration attempts (see ARTICLE VI). Note: When a member is guilty of open sin (I Corinthians 5:13), or is causing division (Romans 16:17) and is not willing to repent and forsake that sin, he shall be dealt with according to the procedure of biblical discipline/restoration found in Matthew 18:15-17. Although eager desire shall be maintained to restore such an individual to rightful fellowship with God, when such action leads to a person’s termination from membership, the recommendation shall be made by unanimous consent of the Pastoral Staff and presented before the entire congregation during any congregational meeting.

ARTICLE VI: CHURCH DISCIPLINE

SECTION 1:

The congregation of Liberty Hills Baptist Church as a whole bears ultimate responsibility for church discipline. Jesus Christ, the Head of Liberty Hills Baptist Church (Ephesians 5:23), in Matthew 18:15-17, prescribes four steps in the disciplinary procedure. The purpose of following this biblically outlined procedure is the restoration of the sinning brother to fellowship with God, which will in turn result in the restoration of individual relationships within the church fellowship.

SECTION 2:

In matters requiring church discipline/restoration the following procedure will be used to seek to restore the sinning brother to fellowship with God and the church:

A. A Confidential Meeting – “go alone” (v. 15). First seek private correction and/or reconciliation with the sinning brother.

B. A Conference Meeting – “one or two more” (v. 16). If the first step fails, take witnesses to strengthen the effect of the discipline, preferably spiritual leaders, so that if it has to be brought before the whole church the matter can be firmly proven and established (I Timothy 5:19).

C. A Congregational Meeting – “tell it unto the church” (v. 17a). If the second step efforts have been exhausted and the situation is not resolved, seek reconciliation and restoration through the whole church body. This step involves the leadership of the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff. A period of time should be given for the entire church body to encourage the sinning brother to repent.

D. A Concluding Meeting –”but if he neglect to hear the church … ” (v. 17b). If a professing brother refuses to repent, we are to treat him as if he were outside our fellowship. He is not allowed to associate and participate in the blessings and benefits of the Liberty Hills Baptist Church fellowship. The Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff shall call a special business meeting to inform the congregation of the action taken.

SECTION 3:

Any action on the part of the person(s) involved as to intentionally impair or make impossible the fulfilling of Matthew 18:15-18, or failure to meet with the Pastoral Staff shall not prevent a decision and/or recommendation according to the information received.

SECTION 4:

For conditions satisfying re-admittance to church membership, see ARTICLE V, Section 2.

ARTICLE VII: FINANCIAL SUPPORT

SECTION 1:

The policy of Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall be to refrain from all questionable means of raising money for the church and its various ministries. The church’s primary means of support will be through free-will offerings. All secondary fund raisers shall be approved by the Pastor and Pastoral Staff.

SECTION 2:

Special offerings, in addition to regular Sunday offerings may be collected during any service with the approval of the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

SECTION 3:

All designated gifts shall be used for the purpose they were originally designated for.

SECTION 4:

Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall operate under principles of wise biblical stewardship in regards to all financial matters.

ARTICLE VIII: QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION OF CHURCH OFFICERS

Biblical New Testament officers in the local church are limited to Elders and Deacons (see ARTICLE IV, Section 7). For practical purposes, the following officers will be maintained at Liberty Hills Baptist Church in addition to Pastors (Elders) and Deacons: Trustees, Church Treasurer, and Church Clerk. Collectively, these church officers are servants of the Lord and servants to the congregation. They shall meet qualifications and/or be selected as follows:

SECTION 1: Pastor

A. Qualifications: The Biblical synonyms for this office are Elder, Bishop and Pastor. The three terms refer to the same person but merely emphasize a different aspect of the biblical office. A pastor is also a bishop and an elder.

1. The word “elder” describes his spiritual character and stature. It emphasizes “what he is”, giving him authority to rule and teach (I Peter 5:1; I Timothy 4:14; I Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17).

2. The word “bishop,” also translated “overseer,” describes his responsibility to oversee and manage the church’s affairs. It emphasizes “what he does” (I Timothy 3:1; Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28).

3. The word “pastor” describes his function as a shepherd who leads, feeds and protects the sheep. It emphasizes “how he does it” and “his attitude in doing it”. (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2).

4. The Pastor shall meet all biblical requirements for this office (I Timothy 3:1-7).

B. Selection: The pulpit committee (see Article XII, Section 1) shall thoroughly investigate any proposed candidate for the office of Pastor to insure that he meets Biblical qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7.

SECTION 2: Pastoral Staff

A. Qualifications: Biblical qualifications are the same as for the Pastor.

B. Selection: Any Pastoral Staff member shall be appointed by the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

SECTION 3: Deacons

A. Qualifications: A man eligible to hold the office of Deacon shall be a capable spiritual servant as set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13. He shall have been a member for one full year prior to nomination.

B. Selection: Deacons shall be elected by the church congregation in the following manner:

1. Written nominations for the office of Deacon shall be submitted by the congregation to the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

2. The Pastor and Pastoral Staff shall review the nominees and send questionnaires to those who qualify according to the Scriptures.

3. Qualified nominees shall indicate their desire to serve as a Deacon by completing and submitting the questionnaire to the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

4. The Pastor and Pastoral Staff shall review the questionnaires and draw up a ballot for presentation to the congregation a minimum of one week prior to the election.

5. At a business meeting of the congregation, each voting member may vote for one man for each of the vacancies to be filled. The men receiving the greatest number of votes will fill the vacancies.

6. A Deacon shall serve a three year term then rotate off for one year before being eligible for re-election.

7. Nomination and election are to precede the beginning of each calendar year.

8. If in the opinion of the Pastor and Pastoral Staff a Deacon becomes unfit to serve in the official capacity of a Deacon, they shall recommend to the congregation that he be removed from office. Matthew 18:15-20 shall be the Biblical procedure followed in all such cases. This recommendation shall be presented to the membership of the church, and the majority vote shall be final. A new Deacon may be elected to fill this vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term for which he is elected.

9. Deacon vacancies shall be filled according to regular election procedures. A special business meeting shall be held as soon as possible after such vacancies occur. The newly elected Deacon(s) shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term for which they are elected.

SECTION 4: Trustees

A. Qualifications: Trustees must meet the same qualifications as Deacons.

B. Selection

1. Written nominations for the legal office of Trustee shall be submitted by the congregation to the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

2. The Pastor and Pastoral Staff shall review the nominees and send questionnaires to those who qualify according to the Scriptures.

3. Qualified nominees shall indicate their desire to serve as a Trustee by completing and submitting the questionnaire to the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

4. The Pastoral Staff shall review the questionnaires and draw up a ballot for presentation to the congregation a minimum of one week prior to the election.

5. At a business meeting of the congregation, each voting member may vote for one man for each of the vacancies to be filled. The men receiving the greatest number of votes will fill the vacancies.

6. A minimum of three Trustees shall be maintained in this legal office. A Trustee may succeed himself if re-elected.

SECTION 5: Church Treasurer

The Church Treasurer shall be appointed by the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff and approved by the congregation at the annual business meeting. The Treasurer may succeed himself if both re-appointed and re-elected.

SECTION 6: Church Clerk

The Church Clerk shall be appointed by the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff and approved by the congregation at the annual business meeting. The Clerk may succeed himself if both re-appointed and re-elected.

ARTICLE IX: DUTIES OF CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1: Pastor

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to preach, administer ordinances, and perform various duties incumbent upon his office as a spiritual shepherd and overseer of Liberty Hills Baptist Church. He shall both supervise the teaching ministry of the church and determine whom will fill the pulpit in his absence. He shall schedule speakers in advance of specially planned services at the church (i.e. evangelistic, revival, missions, etc.). He shall be the President of the Corporation, and therefore responsible for the administrative duties of the ministry and make decisions incidental thereto. He shall also serve as moderator of all church business meetings.

SECTION 2: Pastoral Staff

The Pastoral Staff shall assist the Pastor with preaching and teaching responsibilities as well as duties relating to the spiritual oversight of the congregation. An Associate Pastor shall serve as Vice-President of the Corporation and be responsible for the administrative duties and decisions when the Pastor is absent.

SECTION 3: Deacons

The term deacon means “servant”—to the church, for the Lord. Also, the term deacon means “helper”—helper to the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff in doing the work of the Lord. Therefore, it shall be the duty and responsibility of the Deacons to cooperate with the Pastor and Pastoral Staff in the work of the church.

A. Responsibilities of the Deacons:

1. Duties and ministries to the church as assigned by the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

2. Preparation and oversight of the Lord’s Supper.

3. Care of the needy.

4. Care of the widows and the fatherless.

5. Attendance at regularly scheduled Deacons’ meetings (or more often, as required).

B. Officers of the Deacons:

Within thirty days after the election of Deacons, the same shall meet and elect the following officers: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. Such officers shall hold office for a period of one year or until their successors are elected.

1. Duties of the Chairman: The Chairman shall preside over the Deacons’ meetings and oversee the actions of the Deacons. He shall meet regularly with the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff.

2. Duties of the Vice-Chairman: The Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman of the Deacons in the Chairman’s absence or in the inability of the Chairman to act.

3. Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary of the Deacons shall make and preserve a record of the minutes of all meetings and actions of the Deacons. He shall issue notices to the members of all meetings. He shall also serve as secretary of the Trustees.

SECTION 4: Trustees

A. Responsibilities of Trustees

1. Trustees fill a legal office, required by the State of Missouri. They shall represent the church in all legal matters. They, nor their estate, shall be liable for action by them in behalf of and with the approval of the congregation.

2. They shall be responsible to maintain all church property, including buildings and grounds.

3. They shall maintain accurate church inventory records.

4. They shall present a comprehensive, written compensation package to all incoming church staff (see ARTICLE XII, Section 3).

5. They shall meet with the Pastor and Pastoral Staff and/or Deacons when necessary.

B. Officers of the Trustees:

1. Duties of the Chairman: The Chairman shall preside over the meetings of the Trustees, oversee the actions of the Trustees, and report information to the Pastoral Staff.

2. Duties of the Vice-Chairman: The Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman of Trustees in the Chairman’s absence or in the inability of the Chairman to act.

3. Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary shall issue noticesof all called meetings involving the Trustees. He shall record and preserve a record of the minutes of all meetings and actions performed involving Trustees.

SECTION 5: Treasurer

The Church Treasurer shall serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation and be responsible for the financial recording and reporting of the corporation. The duties of the Treasurer include but are not limited to the following: keeping a complete and accurate record of all receipts and disbursements, preparation of quarterly financial statements showing income and expenditures for the previous quarter, preparation of the year end financial statement for the annual business meeting, and provision of annual contribution records to all members and givers.

SECTION 6: Clerk

The duties of the Church Clerk include but are not limited to the following: keeping complete and accurate minutes of all church business meetings, keeping accurate records of church membership, and acting as church historian.

SECTION 7: Other Positions

Other leadership and servant positions deemed necessary by the Pastor and Pastoral Staff will be appointed by the same (i.e. Finance Committee, Head Usher, Christian Education Director, Missions Committee, Nursery Coordinator, Secretary, etc.).

ARTICLE X: THE CHURCH BUDGET

SECTION 1: The Budget

A. The church budget, adopted at the annual business meeting, shall constitute the annual budget of the corporation.

B. Any budget overrun exceeding $1,500.00 or 10%, whichever is greater, for each budget category (e.g. 300 Edification) shall have prior Finance Committee approval and be reported to the congregation at the next quarterly business meeting. Individual line items (e.g. 301 Adult Ministries) need not be so approved except as they affect the budget category. Any budget overrun exceeding $10,000 or 50%, whichever is lesser, in a given category shall require prior congregational approval to amend the church budget.

C. A written quarterly financial statement shall be prepared by the Church Treasurer and presented to the congregation at the quarterly business meeting. The report shall reflect income and expenditures for the previous quarter.

SECTION 2: The Budget Process

A. A Finance Committee shall be appointed by the Pastor and Pastoral Staff to compile the annual church budget. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Pastor, Pastoral Staff, one or more Deacons and select members from the congregation.

B. The Finance Committee shall request financial input from all department heads to ascertain legitimate needs of the department.

C. Staff salaries shall be discussed independent of any paid staff member.

D. The Pastor and Pastoral Staff shall approve the finalized budget proposal.

E. The proposed budget shall be presented to the congregation for vote. The congregation shall have an opportunity to review the budget proposal and ask questions prior to the call for adoption.

SECTION 3: Non-budgeted Income

Non-budgeted income (including designated gifts) shall be reviewed and accepted or rejected by the Trustees.

ARTICLE XI: Meetings of the Church

SECTION 1: Worship Services

A. The church shall conduct meetings that are deemed necessary and desirable including: public worship, prayer, evangelism, revival, and missions.

B. Regular worship services of the church shall be held on Sunday. A mid- week service shall be held regularly each week.

C. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed as an ordinance of the church no less than once per quarter during corporate worship services.

SECTION 2: Business Meetings

A. Regular congregational meetings for the transaction of church business at Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall be held quarterly on the Wednesday following the third Sunday in January, April, July, and October. When the need may arise, adjustment of schedule for any such business meeting may be made at the recommendation of the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff. Reports from all departments of Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall be made at every regular congregational business meeting. The final, complete, and official reports covering all operations for the entire church year up to and including December 31 shall be made and presented for approval at the January business meeting.

B. Special congregational meetings for the transaction of church business may be called by the Pastor and/or Pastoral Staff, or at the written request signed by five voting members of the church. Announcement of any special congregational meeting, stating the time and purpose, shall be made at any regular weekly worship service at least once each week for two weeks immediately preceding such special meetings. Business may be transacted only on the items(s) for which the special congregational meeting is called.

C. In the event of an emergency, as deemed such by the Finance Committee, a special business meeting may be called without two weeks’ prior notice and budget amendments of critical importance presented for congregational approval provided that a quorum is present.

D. A majority of eligible voting members present shall decide all business matters except the following: calling or dismissal of the Pastor, amending of the Constitution, or purchase/sale of church real estate, in which cases three-fourths majority vote shall be required.

E. The Pastor of Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall serve as Moderator at all congregational business meetings. In his absence, or at his request, a representative from the Pastoral Staff shall serve as Moderator.

F. The order of all business meetings shall be determined by the Moderator as advised by the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

G. The Church Clerk shall keep official minutes of the congregational business meetings. The minutes shall be posted at the church by the following week.

SECTION 3: Pastoral Staff

The Pastors of Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall meet as often as is necessary to discharge their responsibility as “overseers” of the congregation.

SECTION 4: Deacons

The Deacons of Liberty Hills Baptist Church shall meet as often as is necessary to discharge their responsibility as “servants” to the congregation.

SECTION 5: Quorum

A. At the congregational business meetings (regular and special) of Liberty Hills Baptist Church, 20% of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Members of Liberty Hills Baptist Church who are 18 years and older, in good standing, shall constitute the voting membership.

B. At all Deacon’s meetings, 50% of the Deacons shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business for Liberty Hills Baptist Church.

C. The input of all Trustees shall be considered before any decision shall be made by the Trustees (i.e. teleconferencing, e-mail, etc.).

D. Should a quorum not be present at any meeting for the transaction of business at Liberty Hills Baptist Church (congregational, Pastoral Staff or Deacons), the meeting may be recessed until a quorum is present.

ARTICLE XII: CALLING AND DISMISSAL OF THE PASTOR

SECTION 1:

When it is necessary to call a Pastor, the Pastoral Staff and Deacons shall constitute the official pulpit committee of Liberty Hills Baptist Church.

SECTION 2:

The Pulpit Committee shall investigate and prayerfully consider all candidates. As the Holy Spirit leads, the committee shall present the name of one candidate at a time for approval by the church at a special meeting called for that purpose. A three-fourths majority of the voting membership present shall be required to call a Pastor. The newly elected pastor shall be called for an indefinite period and shall serve until his pastorate is terminated by death, resignation or three-fourths majority vote.

SECTION 3:

The Trustees, with approval of the Finance Committee, shall present a comprehensive written compensation package (i.e. moving expense, salary, car allowance, insurance, vacation time, and other expenses/matters pertaining to the office of Pastor).

SECTION 4:

In case the Pastor desires to sever the pastoral relationship, not less than one month’s notice shall be given. However, this period of time may be shortened by mutual agreement.

SECTION 5:

If the need should arise to remove the Pastor from office, the following procedure shall be followed:

A. A special meeting shall be called by the Pastoral Staff and Deacons to discuss with the Pastor the problems at hand and the possibility of solution.

B. If the problems are not resolved, they may, by three-fourths majority vote, recommend to the congregation that the Pastor be dismissed.

C. A three-fourths majority vote of the congregation is needed to remove the Pastor from office.

SECTION 6:

If the Pastor is voted out of office by the church, he shall be dismissed immediately from the pulpit, pastoral, and administrative duties. He shall receive two weeks salary from the end of the present pay period.

SECTION 7:

If the Pastor is found guilty by the church of heresy or immorality, he shall be dismissed immediately from all duties and receive no compensation.

ARTICLE XIII: CHARTER OF MINISTRIES

SECTION 1: New Ministries

All new ministries shall have a written charter indicating their purpose, proposed means of accomplishing that purpose, and means of financial support. New ministries shall be approved by the congregation.

SECTION 2: Existing Ministries

The charter of existing ministries shall be reviewed and evaluated annually by the Pastor and Pastoral Staff.

ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLVING OF REAL ESTATE RIGHTS

SECTION 1:

Any member, or group of members, withdrawing from or disciplined from membership, hereby forfeit(s) all rights and privileges to any and all properties belonging to the church.

SECTION 2:

In the event of the dissolution of this corporation for any reason, all of its assets remaining after the payment of all obligations shall be distributed to other organizations whose purposes, doctrinal statement, and practices are in harmony with those of Liberty Hills Baptist Church. (This shall be in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation of Liberty Hills Baptist Church.)

ARTICLE XV: AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be proposed and adopted at any business meeting of the church by a three-fourths majority vote of the members present, providing that such amendment(s), in writing, shall have been approved by the Pastor and Pastoral Staff, and shall have been posted for two weeks immediately preceding the meeting in a conspicuous place within the church building, and so announced to the congregation.

ARTICLE XVI: RULES OF ORDER

Any questions in parliamentary law and practice shall be decided by the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order.