CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Memorial Baptist Church, Inc.
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
CONSTITUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, The Memorial Baptist Church, Frankfort, Kentucky, Inc., having been constituted on April 22, 1945, and
WHEREAS, it has been necessary to revise the Constitution dated November 8, 1998,
BE IT RESOLVED that this Constitution be established to succeed the aforementioned Constitution, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the effective date of this Constitution shall be September 14, 2014.
Preamble
For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenets of the Southern Baptist Convention, and for the purpose of guaranteeing the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution.
I. Name
This body shall be known as The Memorial Baptist Church, Frankfort, Kentucky, Inc.
II. Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, in holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine.
To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to educate our children religiously; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, back-biting and excessive anger, to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage and the sale and use of illegal drugs; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
III. Articles of Faith
This body accepts the Articles of Faith in the “BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in session at Kansas City, Missouri, on May 7-10, 1963.
IV. Character
Section 1. Polity The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches.
Section 2. Doctrine This church accepts the Bible as its sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of the Baptist churches as indicated in the Articles of Faith herewith.
BYLAWS
MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH, FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, INC.
Article I. MEMBERSHIP
Section A. Membership in this church shall be composed of those received by:
1. Profession of faith in Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion.
2. Statement of experience and previous baptism by immersion.
3. Transfer of church letter from another church by like faith and order.
Section B. Termination of church membership may be done in the following manners:
1. Upon issuance of a church letter of dismissal and recommendation for membership in another church of like faith and order.
2. Upon a church member joining another church of a different faith or denomination.
3. Upon the request of a church member to have their name removed from the church membership.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS
Section A. The Staff
1. The Senior Pastor
a. The Senior Pastor shall be an ordained Baptist minister and a member of the church.
b. The Senior Pastor shall be called by the church upon the recommendation of the Pastor Search Committee, as hereafter provided for, to serve for as long as he and the church mutually agree that his service as Senior Pastor is in accord with the purpose of God.
c. A meeting of the church to call a Senior Pastor may be called by the Pastor Search Committee after a one-week notice has been given to the congregation. (Refer to Article IV(D)(2) A 90% affirmative vote of those members present and voting at such a meeting shall constitute a call. This meeting shall be at the morning worship service on a Lord’s Day.
d. The duties of the Senior Pastor shall be to fulfill those spiritual offices spoken of in the Bible, to give general administrative leadership to the work of the church, to serve as moderator at its business meetings if possible, to be an ex-officio member of all committees elected by the church, and to serve in whatever ways he and the church mutually agree to be in the best interest of Christ’s Kingdom.
e. The Senior Pastor may be removed from his office by a majority of those present and voting at a duly called business meeting of the church after at least a one-week notice of the purpose of such a meeting has been given to the congregation. This meeting shall be at the morning worship service on a Lord’s Day.
f. The Senior Pastor may resign from the church, giving thirty days notice of his intention to relinquish the pastorate.
g. Initially, the compensation and other prerequisites of the Senior Pastor shall be those agreed upon by the Senior Pastor and the Pastor Search Committee, subject to review by the Stewardship Committee and approval by the church.
2. Pastoral Associates
Pastoral Associates may be called as needed to serve for an indefinite period. Such associates shall be recommended by the Senior Pastor and Personnel Committee to the church. There shall be a called business meeting of the church to call any Pastoral Associate after a one-week notice has been given to the congregation. A 90% affirmative vote of those members present and voting at such a meeting shall constitute a call. This meeting shall be at the morning worship service on a Lord’s Day. Pastoral Associates shall be directly responsible to the Senior Pastor and the church committee, if any, which has the responsibility for developing a program in the particular area of the church’s ministry.
3. Ministry Staff
Ministry staff may be called as needed to serve for an indefinite period. Ministry staff shall be called by the church upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and the Personnel Committee and approval of the church at a stated business meeting.
4. Support Staff
Support staff shall be employed as needed and approved by the church.
Section B. Lay Officers of the Church
1. All elected lay officers and committees, except as otherwise specified in policies, shall begin their terms of office the first calendar day of the year in January.
2. The Deacons
a. Number, Election Terms of Service
1. Deacons shall serve on a rotating basis. Each year the term of office of one-third of the number of Deacons shall expire, and an election shall be held to fill the vacancies. In case of death, removal from the church roll, or inability to serve, the church shall fill the unexpired term at the next regular Deacon election. A Deacon elected to fill an unexpired term is eligible for immediate reelection upon the completion of the unexpired term. After serving a full three-year term, a Deacon becomes eligible for reelection after the lapse of one year.
2. There may be eighteen Deacons for up to the first six hundred resident members on the church membership roll, plus one additional Deacon for every fifty resident members or major portion thereof.
3. The election of Deacons to fill any vacancies created by the expiration of term will be held each year no later than the end of November.
4. The selection of Deacons to fill any vacancies created by death, resignation, transfer of membership, or any other reason, other than expiration of term, shall be in accordance with the procedures established herein and may be made at any time during the year.
5. Individuals over twenty-one years of age, who have been a member of a Baptist church of like faith and order for a minimum of two years and a member of Memorial Baptist Church for a minimum of one year, may be nominated, subject to the Biblical requirements for deacons.
6. The Deacon Selection Committee shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. The committee shall be composed of the Senior Pastor, one additional pastoral staff, the Chairperson of Deacons or a deacon designee, a representative of the Children’s Ministry, a representative of the Youth, a Bible Study teaching staff, and a member at large. There shall be no more than two deacons or no fewer than two female members on this committee. With the exception of the Senior Pastor, the Deacon Selection Committee members shall serve for only one term of one year and be eligible again after the expiration of one year following their term of service.
7. A Deacon who has served this church faithfully and because of age, illness, or any other reasons can no longer serve, may, upon the recommendation of the Deacons, and by the majority vote of the church, be elected Deacon Emeritus and shall serve in an advisory capacity only.
8. The year of service of the Deacons shall begin January 1 and end December 31. Any person elected by the church to serve as Deacon shall have been ordained by this church or a church of like faith and order or be ordained by this body prior to the beginning of their term of office.
b. Duties
In accordance with the meaning of the word and practice of the New Testament, Deacons are to be servants of the church.
1. They are to be zealous to guide the unity of the spirit within the church bonds of peace.
2. They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the Senior Pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. With the Senior Pastor, they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.
3. By proper organization and method among themselves, they are to establish and maintain personal relationships with, and inspiring oversight of, all the membership of the church. Especially are they to seek to know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of the membership and to serve the whole church in relieving, encouraging and developing all who are in need.
4. In counsel with the Senior Pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they are to have oversight of the discipline of the church. In administering such discipline, they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17, I Corinthians 5:9-13, and 1Thessalonians 5:2-14. The Deacons shall be free to appoint a committee to call upon any member of the church to determine the need for disciplinary action and thereafter make a report to the entire body.
5. The Deacons shall serve as a general pulpit committee. In case of absence or inability of the Senior Pastor, subject to advice from the conference with him, they shall provide for pulpit supplies. In any period the church is without a Senior Pastor, the Deacons shall arrange the temporary ministry until a Pastor Search Committee is elected by the church. The Deacons shall recommend to the church, for its approval, a Pastor Search Committee consisting of five members. After the Pastor Search Committee has been duly elected by the church, it shall be responsible for providing the temporary ministry of the church.
3. Church Clerk
a. A Church Clerk and an Assistant Church Clerk shall be selected at the annual meeting in September. The Nominating Committee shall present a nominee for Clerk and a nominee for Assistant Clerk.
b. It shall be the duty of the Church Clerk to keep accurate records (minutes of business meetings) of all official actions of the church, to report these to the church when requested, and to ensure the church Administrative Assistant receives a copy for the permanent church records.
4. Trustees
a. The Trustees shall be composed of three members, each serving a three-year term. One-third of them shall be elected at the annual meeting. The Nominating Committee shall present names to fill vacancies and recommend a chairperson.
b. The Trustees shall hold in trust the property of the church until their respective term expires or their successor has been elected by the church.
c. The Trustees shall have responsibility for all legal matters concerning the ownership and operation of the church property. The Trustees shall act as legal agents as directed by the church.
d. The Trustees shall recommend for church approval adequate insurance on buildings, equipment, vehicles, and furnishings including liability insurance.
e. The Trustees shall recommend for church approval the purchase and/or sale of property.
f. The Trustees shall recommend for church approval the borrowing of funds for needed purchases of additional property.
g. The Trustees shall sign notes, incorporation documents, mortgages, deeds, and other legal documents only after church approval.
h. The Trustees shall maintain in the church office and one other secure location an inventory of all legal documents.
i. The Trustees shall counsel with other officers, committees, and organizations of the church concerning legal matters.
j. The Trustees shall recommend for church approval the employment of legal counsel when deemed necessary.
k. The Trustees shall meet as often as deemed necessary to complete the tasks assigned to them. They shall report to the church at the first stated business meeting following their meeting.
ARTICLE III. COMMITTEES AND COORDINATING GROUPS
Section A. Pastor Search Committee
1. The Pastor Search Committee is an ad hoc committee that shall exist only when there is a vacancy in the office of Senior Pastor. It shall be composed of five members. They shall be recommended by the Deacons and elected by the church. The meeting for election of a Pastor Search Committee shall be a called meeting. If shall take place at a Sunday morning service. The chairperson of the committee shall be elected in like manner. Members of this committee shall serve until a Senior Pastor is called or until relieved by the church.
2. The committee shall recommend to the church the name of an ordained minister as Senior Pastor only with unanimous recommendation and shall offer to the church for consideration only one name at a time.
3. In consultation with the Stewardship Committee, this committee shall recommend to the church proposed monetary considerations for the recommended Senior Pastor, based upon his qualifications and the current financial status of the church.
4. This committee shall be responsible for appropriate pulpit supply during the time the office of Senior Pastor is vacant.
Section B. Other Ad Hoc Committees
1. Auditing Committee. An a hoc Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the Nominating Committee and approved by the church at the November business meeting every third year. The committee shall be responsible for reviewing the financial records of the church to determine adherence to the financial policies specified in this Constitution and Bylaws and those established by the church. The financial review shall provide a report to the church body every three years no later than the May business meeting. This report shall provide the condition of the church’s financial records, an evaluation of conformance with these Bylaws, and whether a full internal or external audit is recommended. External audits shall be approved in advance by the church body.
2. Long-Range Planning Committee. An ad hoc Long-Range Planning Committee of a size to be determined by the Nominating Committee shall be proposed by the Nominating Committee to the church for approval within five years of church approval of the most recent Long-Range Plan. The Long-Range Planning Committee shall evaluate church programs, propose goals for a five-year period, and recommend a Long-Range Plan for church approval at the end of the planning process.
3. Other ad hoc committees may be nominated by the Moderator or recommended by the Nominating Committee as deemed necessary.
Section C. Standing Committees
1. The church may at any time in such manner as it may determine to appoint any committee or team, which shall be considered a Church committee, which the church may deem necessary or advisable. Each such committee shall be elected by the church and shall have the duties and responsibilities imposed upon it by the church. The membership of each such committee and the term of office of the committee members shall be determined by the church.
2. Members of Administrative Standing Committees, as specified in policies and procedures, shall be members of this church and shall be elected by the church upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee. Members of Serving Standing Committees, as specified in policies and procedures, may be church attenders who are professing Christians. Those elected shall serve until their successor has been elected or until their term has expired, whichever comes first. Committee chairpersons shall be elected by members of the committee.
3. The Senior Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. Pastoral Associates shall be ex-officio members of any committee directly related to their area of responsibility in the church or as assigned by the Senior Pastor.
Section D. Coordinating Groups
Administrative Oversight Committee
a. The Administrative Oversight Committee shall be responsible for ensuring the coordination and communication of events and activities of all groups within the congregation.
b. The Administration Oversight Committee shall be responsible for monitoring adherence to the existing Constitution, Bylaws and policies/procedures that apply to all individuals and groups within the congregation of the church and recommending appropriate modifications.
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS
Section A. Worship
1. Worship services shall be held on the Lord’s Day and such other times as approved by the church.
2. The Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated each Lord’s Day and at such other times as the church may determine. Corporate Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated at least quarterly.
3. Cancellation of services due to extraordinary circumstances shall be in accordance with policy and procedures.
Section B. Regular Business Meetings
1. Regular business meetings shall be held as needed to conduct the business of the church. The schedule for these meetings shall be determined by the church at the annual meeting. Rescheduling or cancellation shall occur only if the church is notified on the Sunday prior to the regular business meeting that the business meeting has been rescheduled or cancelled.
2. The September business meeting shall be considered the “Annual” meeting of the church, at which time yearly reports will be made.
Section C. Called Business Meetings
1. The church may be called into special meeting by the Deacons, Trustees, a Standing or Ad Hoc Committee after notice has been given at the Sunday morning worship service a minimum of three days preceding the date of the proposed meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be clearly stated in the notice.
2. At such called meetings, only matters pertaining to the subject of the called meeting may be considered.
Section D. Procedures
1. The Senior Pastor shall serve as moderator at all business meetings. In the Senior Pastor’s absence, the Chairperson of Deacons shall serve; in the absence of the Chairperson of Deacons, the Vice-Chairperson of Deacons shall serve; and in the Vice-Chairperson’s absence, the church shall elect a moderator pro tem.
2. A simple majority of members present shall constitute a decision except for the call of a pastor.
3. Roberts Rules of Order shall be used as the official order of procedure at all church meetings.
ARTICLE V. AMENDMENTS
This constitution and accompanying Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a called meeting of the church, provided that:
1. Notice of the proposed change has been given at the previous regular business meeting.
2. Notice of the proposed change has been announced from the pulpit on the Lord’s Day preceding such proposed action.
3. The meeting is held as a part of the Sunday morning worship services.
4. A copy of the proposed change has been made available to the membership prior to the date set for consideration of the proposed change.
Adopted by MBC on September 14, 2014
Revised February 12, 2017