Constitution and By-Laws :: Pavo Baptist Church

7/28/2019 Constitution and By-Laws :: Pavo Baptist Church

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(229) 859-2481 www.pavobaptistchurch.org [email protected]

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CONSTITUTIONAND BY-LAWS

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Of.

Pavo Baptist ChurchPavo, Georgia

Adopted: ________________


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CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord JesusChrist as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in thename of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence ofGod and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one anotheras one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christianlove; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; topromote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline,and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, theexpenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel throughout

all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educateour children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walkcircumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, andexemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; toabstain from the sale of, and use of, destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as abeverage; to shun pornography, to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom ofour Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to rememberone another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christiansympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but

always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure itwithout delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon aspossible, unite with some other church where can carry out the spirit of this covenantand the principles of Gods Word.

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This Constitution and By-Laws are made to:

1. Preserve and secure the principles of our faith.2. Preserve the liberties of each individual member of the church.3. Ensure freedom of action of independence from any religious body or

organization.4. Provide for orderly conduct of internal affairs, in dealing with others, and of

governing church members.


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THE CONSTITUTION OFPavo Baptist Church

Article I: NameThe name of this church shall be Pavo Baptist Church. It shall be affiliated withthe Thomas County Baptist Association, the Georgia Baptist Convention, and theSouthern Baptist Convention.

Article II: Business LocationThe address of the principal office of this church shall be 2097 West HarrisStreet, Pavo, GA 31778

Article III: PurposeThe purpose of Pavo Baptist Church is to glorify God by obeying the GreatCommandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The process is designed to produce disciples of Jesus Christ which involves

at least the following five categories:1. Worship Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart (Matthew 22:37)2. MinistryLove thy neighbor as thyself (Matthew. 22:39)3. Evangelism Go ye thereforebaptizing (Matthew. 28:19)4. Discipleship Teaching them to observe (Matthew. 28:20)5. Fellowship Love thy neighbor (Matthew. 22:39)

Article IV: Statements of Faith1. We believe the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God, without any error, the

all-sufficient authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and Christian living.2. We believe in the one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: the

Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.3. We believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ, and that He is true God and

man. He died on the cross for our sins. He rose bodily from the dead thethird day, ascended into heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father,and is now our High Priest and Advocate.

4. We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin andtherefore is lost. Only through regeneration by the work of the Holy Spirit canmans salvation and spiritual life be obtained.

5. We believe that eternal salvation is the free gift of God, entirely apart frommans works, and is possessed by any and all who have faith in and receiveJesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

6. We believe in a regenerated church membership: that is, persons who are oldenough to understand the Holy Spirits conviction of sin and need for JesusChrist and, who of their own free will, accept Him as their personal Lord andSavior.

7. We believe that baptism is by immersion, and thatthe Lords Supper is amemorial to His suffering and death on the cross. These are ordinances to beobserved by the church in its present age. They are, however, not to beregarded as means for mans salvation.


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8. We believe in the personal, bodily, imminent, and glorious return of the LordJesus Christ and that His Second Coming inspires believers for dynamic andzealous life and service for Him while waiting for His return.

9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead, the everlasting blessednessof the saved in heaven, and the everlasting punishment and separation from

God of the unsaved in hell.10.We believe in the autonomy of the local church. The church shall manage itsown affairs and shall not be subject to any other religious body ororganization.

11.We believe in the proof by Scripture that marriage is only between one womanand one man and is to endure and prosper until death do us part.

12.We subscribe to the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000 adopted by theSouthern Baptist Convention, as our summary statement of faith withScriptural references.

Article V: GovernmentThis church is autonomous and maintains the Scriptural example of governing itsown affairs, independent of any denominational or ecclesiastical control.Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches in worldmission, this Church voluntarily affiliates with the Thomas County BaptistAssociation, the Georgia Baptist Convention, and the Southern BaptistConvention.

Article VI: Nonprofit Status and LiquidationThis church is not organized for profit. In the event of liquidation or dissolutionof the church, all of its assets and property of every nature and descriptionwhatsoever shall be paid over and transferred at the direction of the Deacons andthe Church Council to the Thomas County Baptist Association, the Georgia

Baptist Convention or both, and/or to the Southern Baptist Convention.

Article VII: Amendments to this Constitution and By-LawsThis Constitution and Bylaws may be amended provided the proposedamendment shall have been presented in writing at a regular church businessmeeting and then circulated to the membership. Amendments to thisConstitution and By-Laws shall be by a two-thirds vote of the members present inthe following business meeting with a quorum to discuss and vote for the matter.


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THE BY-LAWS:

Article I: Church Membership

A. QualificationsBecause the New Testament demonstrates that all believers in Christ become apart of a local body of Christ, a Church, we desire to become members of thatbody, the local church. Membership of Pavo Baptist Church shall consist ofpeople who have made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lordand Savior, and who, having been scripturally baptized by immersion, are inagreement with the Statements of Faith, and Covenant of this Church.

B.Reception:Membership in the church may be attained by majority vote of the church in anyof its regular business meetings and in one of the following manners:

1. By Scriptural Baptism by Immersion after public profession of faith inJesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.2. By transfer of church letter (membership) from another SouthernBaptist Church.

3. By a statement of faith of their prior experience of conversion andScriptural Baptism by immersion in another evangelical church of likefaith and practice.

4. By restoration to the church membership after having been droppedfrom the roll.

C. Termination:Membership in this church shall be terminated when a member:

1.

Joins another Southern Baptist church and that church requests aletter of transfer.2. Is dropped from the roll of membership when he or she joins another

kind of church. A letter of transfer is not sent.3. Dies.4. Is dismissed by a vote of the church due to reasons and circumstances

such as unrepentant heresy and/or unrepentant behavior that iscatastrophic to the churchs ministry. The Pastor and Deacons will doall they can to counsel the member for restoration prior to the action ofdismissal, or a request of the member to be dismissed from the churchmembership.a. This may be done by a vote of three-fourths of those members

present and voting at any church conference, provided that writtennotice of the charges against him/her has been given to suchmember thirty (30) days before said conference is held and he/sheis notified of the intention of the church to consider such action.

b. Any person whose membership has been terminated for anycondition which has made it necessary for the church to excludehim/her may upon his/her request be restored to membership by a


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vote of the church upon evidence of his/her public repentance andreformation.

D.Orientation of New Members:Candidates for membership and new members are encouraged to attend the

Church New Members Class to learn and understand the privileges andresponsibilities of members to God and to the church1. Members in good standing shall have a voice and vote in all church

transactions and shall have the ability of full participation in the lifeand ministry of the church.

2. It shall be the duty of church members to uphold the Word of God, andthe Statements of Faith, The Constitution, The By-Laws, and theCovenant of the Church.

Article II: Church Calendar

The Church shall observe two calendars as explained:

A. Church Year (CY) The Annual Church Calendar Year shall be fromSeptember 30th through August 31st. All elected leaders shall serve during thistime period, with one exception (see B. Annual Church Conference).

B. Financial Year (FY) The Church Financial/Budget Year shall be fromJanuary 1st through December 31st. The Treasurer shall be the only electedleader to serve in this time period.

Article III: Meetings of Members:

A.Direction of Church Affairs:All authority of the affairs of the church is vested in the church in conference.

The church in conference by its By-Laws or otherwise may delegate to itsofficers, committees, or organizations such authority as it sees fit.

B.Annual Church Conference:The Annual Conference of the church shall be held during the Septembermonthly conference. The purposes of this conference are to hear year-endreports of the churchs ministries and to elect deaconswhen that time isappropriate.

C. Regular Church Conferences:A Regular Church Conference shall be held monthly on the second

Wednesday of each month, in the place or at a time appropriate to theWednesday evening service. Reports of standing committees, temporarycommittees, and ministry leaders are to be given. The business of the churchshall be acted upon by the members subject to the directions herein provided.


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D.Special Conferences:A special conference may be called to be held on any Wednesday, or on aSunday following morning worship. Such special conferences may be called bythe Chairman of Deacons, the Pastor, or a majority in the regular monthlyconference. A notice of every special conference, stating the time, place, and

object thereof shall be published in the church bulletin at least one weekpreceding the date of the special conference. Only the particular purpose forcalling that meeting may be considered in such a meeting. A Pastor and/orMinisterial Staff Person shall be voted upon in this manner.

E. Emergency Conferences:In acts of unforeseen circumstances, the Chairman of Deacons may call anEmergency Conference as directed by a unanimous consent of the Deacons.

F. Business Transacted:Any lawful business may be transacted at any conference, such as:

1. Dismissing, or accepting the resignation of a pastor;2. Authorizing the expenditure of any sum in excess of $250.00, not

included in the budget adopted by the church; (Excepting the actiontaken in Emergency Conference as noted in Section 5)

3. Amending the By-Laws of the church as outlined inThe Constitutionand By-Laws, Article VII.

4. Funds will be established by the Finance Committee and approved bythe church in regular church conference.

5. Reception of new members and dismissal of departing members shallbe approved in any regular church conference.

6. The appointment of messengers to conventions, conferences, andassociational meetings shall be made during regular monthlyconference.

G.Quorum and Miscellaneous:Two thirds of members present at any church conference shall constitute aquorum. There will be no voting by absentee ballot or proxy.

H.Postponed Conferences:If for any reason a conference shall not be held as herein provided, then suchconference shall be held at any later appropriate time, pursuant to call by theChairman of Deacons, or by resolution of a majority of the Deacons.

Article IV: Public Worship

A.Regular Worship Services:The regular worship services of the church shall be on Sunday Morning,Sunday Evening, and Wednesday Evening. Services are subject to change bythe church in conference.

B.Special Services:Special services may be held as directed by the church in conference or by thePastor and the Deacons.


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Article V: Church OfficersThe Officers of the Church shall be the: Pastor, Deacon Chairman, Clerk, Treasurer,Education Director, Baptist Mens Director, Womans Missionary Union Director, MusicDirector, Youth Director, Host/Hostess, and Media Director. The Education, BaptistMens, and WMU Directors shall be approved by the church in the May conference, as

presented by the Pastor and Chairman of Deacons. (Please see Article VII: StandingCommittees and Their Duties; A. Organization of the Committee Structure;1. Nominating Committee for complete details.) For the calling of the Pastor, theselection/calling of a Music Director and Youth Director, please see their respectivesections within these By-Laws. All other officers shall be presented for approval by theNominating Committee with the full slate of workers no later than the August churchconference each year.

A. The Pastor:1. Election and Terms:

The Pastor shall be called by the church for an indefinite period, and heshall be at liberty to resign the care of the church by giving (30)daysnotice of his intention, and the church shall have the right to dispensewith his services on giving similar notice. The thirtydays notice maybe dispensed with by the mutual consent of the pastor and the church.The acceptance of the Pastors resignation for the approval of a noticeto dispense with the services of the Pastor or the election of a Pastorcan only be acted upon at a Special Conference. The Pastor shall be aduly Licensed and Ordained, cooperating Southern Baptist minister.(See Article VIII: Pulpit/Ministerial Committee)

2. Duties:The Pastors duties, according to Scripture, shall be five-fold:i. As a Preacher, to preach the Gospel and Witnessii. As a Bishop, to organize and administrate the ministries and

organization of the church. The Pastor is ex-officio of allcommittees and Chairman of the Church Council.

iii.As a Pastor, to be the shepherd of the flock,iv.As a Minister, to serve the people in any way he can.v. As an Equipper, to involve and train the membership for ministry

Note: These duties require that the Pastor shall be in charge of thePulpit and see that the above duties are ministered even in hisabsence.

3. Calling Process of a Pastor/Staff Member:(Please see Article VIII: Pulpit/Ministerial Committee)

B. The Deacons:1. The Ministry of the Deacon:

In accord with the example and teaching of the Word, as particularlyfound in the New Testament, Deacons are Servant Models in the church.a. They are to be zealous to guard the unity and spirit within the church

in the bonds of peace.


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b. They shall counsel and advise with the Pastor, Church Staff, and otherleaders in matters pertaining to the ministry and welfare of the church,and cooperate in the formulation of plans and activities in all thingspertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, andthe extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.

c.

Assisting the Pastor, they shall be obedient to the Holy Spirit. They areto be guided by the outlines of Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:9-13;and I Thessalonians 5:12-14 for their conduct and procedure.

d. It shall be their duty to take such action as they deem proper to securethe legal protection of the church property; to administer suchtemporalities of the church as come into their hands subject to the willand direction of the church.

2.Adoption of Rules and Meetings:The Deacons may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of theirmeetings, as they deem proper, consistent with the Holy Scriptures, theCharter of this Churchand her By-Laws,and thelawsoftheStateofGeorgia.

3. Special Meetings:The Chairman of Deacons or the Pastor may call special meetings givingthree days notice thereof, to each Deacon and the Pastor. The time, date,place and purpose of all special meetings shall be fixed, determined, andstated to each participant, by the person calling the meeting.

4. Quorum:A majority of the Deacons present shall constitute a quorum and theremay be no voting by proxy.

5. Officers:a. Chairman: The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Deacons

and, in the absence of the Pastor, at all conferences of the church.b. Others: The Deacons may elect other officers and delegate to them

such duties as may be prescribed by the group.6. Requirements to Serve:

The selection of Deacons shall be guided by the following:a. Constitution and Term: There shall be not more than seven Deacons

who shall serve on a continuing basis. When the opportunity arises formore than seven to serve, these By-Laws shall be amended to providefor that setup.

b. Qualifications: Candidates for service and for ordination shall meetthe following criteria:i. The qualifications of Acts 6:1-6, I Timothy 3:8-13, Titus 1:5-6, 2:2ii. Must be an active member attending on a dedicated basis both

before selection and during service.iii.Must have been a member of the church for at least one yeariv. Must have been a born again Christian for at least two yearsv. Be at least 25 years of age.

Note: Deacons joining from other Southern Baptist Churches (orany church) are not automatically considered ready to serve. Thechurch must follow the examination and selection process asoutlined below.


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7. Selection Procedure:When the need for and availability of qualified men shall arise, these stepswill follow.a. The Deacons shall study the list of male members with the above

Scriptures as guide and spend time in prayer over the Biblical

Qualifications.b. The Deacons shall talk and pray with each candidate and his wife as tohis willingness.

c. Upon the candidates willingness, that candidate will be interviewed bythe Pastor and Deacons (called an Ordination Council) as to anymatters pertaining to Scripture and his/his wifes walk with the Lord.Trusted Pastors and Deacons from sister Southern Baptist Churchesmay assist in this if desired. Note: The candidate must understandthat he must have the approval of the Deacon Ordination Council andthat the church must also vote by three-fourths () of those present ina called Church Conference specifically for that purpose.

d. If approved by this council, they will be presented to the church in aSunday Morning Worship service, called conference for a vote. Three-fourths (3/4) majority of those present is required.

e. An Ordination Service will then be planned to ordain those men.Note: Deacons joining from other Southern Baptist Churches do nothave to be ordained but must be voted upon.

C. Moderator:The Pastor shall act as Moderator of all conferences. In the event of his absence,disqualification, or failure to act, then the Chairman of Deacons shall preside asVice-Moderator. The Holy Scriptures shall regulate conference behavior asextended and exemplified by Roberts Rules of Order, Revised. The Moderator

shall rule on any question that arises regarding the By-Laws of the church.

D.Church Clerk:It shall be the duty of the Clerk to keep a correct record of the proceedings of thechurch in conference, to keep a register of the names of all the members of thechurch, to sign all letters of demission, to be the custodian of all records andpapers belonging to the church, and to submit to the Annual Conference of thechurch an annual statement of the gains and losses of the membership. TheClerk shall make a report in each monthly conference as to the businesstransacted at the previous conference. The clerk shall also compile the AnnualChurch Profile (ACP) for submission at the appropriate time. The Clerk shall be

elected annually by the church.

E. Treasurer:The Treasurer shall be elected annually by the church and shall serve on theFiscal Year Basis. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to pay all bills authorizedby the Finance Committee. All purchases should be made in cooperation withthe Treasurer before they are made. The Treasurer shall pay church salaries andmissions expenditures according to the budget adopted by the church. The


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Treasurer shall keep a true record of all accounts and shall render both monthlystatements and year-end statements of all receipts and disbursements. TheTreasurer shall also provide Giving Statements by January 31st of each year. TheTreasurer is ex-officio of the Budget Committee. The Treasurer shall be electedannually by the church and serve on the Fiscal Year Basis (FY).

F. Education Director:It shall be the duty of the Education Director to assume the general direction ofall Sunday School and Discipleship ministries, to work with the Pastor indirecting that work, and to submit to the church both a monthly and an annualreport of the Education Ministries.

G.Baptist Mens Director:It shall be the duty of the Baptist Mens Director to assume the general leadershipof the ministry by working with the Pastor to establish and conduct an ongoingmen-led mission. This also means working in accord with theWomansMissionary Union Director to keep the church abreast of Southern BaptistConvention, Georgia Baptist Convention, Thomas County Baptist Association,and Pavo mission work. A report of work shall be made at each monthly andannual conference.

H.Womans Missionary Union Director:It shall be the duty of theWomans Missionary Union Director to assume thegeneral leadership of the ministry by working with the Pastor to establish andconduct an ongoing ladies-led mission. This also means working in accord withthe Baptist Mens Director in keeping the church active and informed of SouthernBaptist Convention, Georgia Baptist Convention, Thomas County BaptistAssociation, and Pavo mission work. A report of work shall be made at each

monthly and annual conference.

I. Music Director:Whether Staff or Volunteer, it shall be the duty of the Music Director tocoordinate all phases of music in the church under the direction of and in accordwith the Pastor, being assisted by the Music Committee. Volunteer Directorsfrom within the church will be selected by the Nominating Committee. See belowfor Staff procedures.

J.Youth Director:Whether Staff or Volunteer, it shall be the duty of the Youth Director to

coordinate all phases of the youth work under the direction of, and in accord withthe Pastor, being assisted by the Youth Committee. Volunteer Directors fromwithin the church will be selected by the Nominating Committee. See below forStaff procedures.

Note: Called/Staff Procedures:1. The Call process shall mirror that of the calling of the Pastor.2. The Resignation/Termination process shall also mirror that of the Pastor.


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K.Host/Hostess:It shall be the work of this member to oversee all church fellowship functions.This person shall work in cooperation with the Pastor to see that all meals andchurch wide functions are properly prepared-for and administrated. The SocialCommittee will work with the Host/Hostess who shall serve as chairperson of

that committee. Together, they shall supervise, stock, decorate, and otherwiseoversee all church functions taking place in the Memorial Building and/orFellowship Room of the church. This person will work in an assistance capacitywith the Flower and Decorating Committee to prepare the church proper forspecial seasons and events.

Note: When smaller groups within the church sponsor an event in eitherbuilding, they should consult the Host/Hostess with plans but may coordinatetheir own gathering.

L. Media DirectorWhether Staff or Volunteer, it shall be the duty of the Media Director tocoordinate all music and video for every worship service. This person shall makecertain that guest musicians and speakers have the microphones and otherequipment needed. He/she shall oversee, along with the Media Committee, allaudio & video needs and equipment and shall see that all is kept in good workingorder and is updated as budgeting is allowed. This oversight also encompassesthe website and any publications assigned by the church.

Article VI: Committee Appointment, Duties, and Powers

As we are the Body of Christ, every member joins together to make a whole body, our

head of whom is Christ. Therefore, we do the work of ministry ourselves so that thebody is complete. Hence, the daily tasks of the body of Christ are performed by the bodymembers and committees are selected to have a framework whereby those tasks areaccomplished. Each member must fulfill this function in order for the body to becomplete. Every committee member should work together to fulfill its duties and mayask and/or accept the assistance of any of the church family to do its work.

A. The Pastor and the Deacon Chairman shall select a Nominating Committee of atleast three persons at the regular April monthly conference to begin a newnominating process. It shall be the duty of this committee to elect their ownchairman from their membership, and to continue their work as outlined in

Article VII: Standing Committees and Their Duties; A. Organization of theCommittee Structure; 1. Nominating Committee, below.

B. The Moderator or Acting Moderator may appoint Special Committees called AdHoc Committees as requested by the church in conference, or by their own calland such committees shall serve for whatever duration is necessary.


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Article VII: Standing Committees and Their Duties

A. Nominating Committee:The Nominating Committee (after being initiated as stated in Article VI, A,above) shall recommend for election an Education Director, Baptist Mens

Director, and a WMU Director to the church at the regular conference in May.These department heads shall automatically become a part of the NominatingCommittee to recommend officers and teachers for the respective departmentsand to nominate church standing committee members for election. Theseofficers and committees are those listed in these By-Laws and any that the churchin conference or the Pastor may assign. A completed list would be presented tothe church for approval by the August monthly conference.

B. Church Council:This Council shall consist of the Pastor, Church Clerk, Deacon Chairman,Education Director, Baptist Mens Director, Womans Missionary Union Director,Music Director, Youth Director, Church Host/Hostess, and the Media Directorand others from the church ministry that this council deems expedient. ThePastor shall preside at the council meetings.

a. The council is charged with the shaping of the Church Ministry Calendar,securing dates for ministries of the church, denomination, etc.

b. It shall be the councils duty to submit a calendar of activities to the churchfor approval.

C. Baptism Committee:This committee shall assist the Pastor in conducting the Baptism services of thechurch. It shall have at least one lady and one gentleman. Members shall seethat the water is drawn and conditioned to a suitable temperature, and shall

oversee the general upkeep of the baptistery.

D.Budget Committee:This committee shall be charged with preparing a church budget to present to thechurch by the December regular church conference for the succeeding January 1 December 1, Fiscal Year. It shall be its duty to consider and makerecommendations concerning all request by officers, committees, and anybudgeted leader, for annual appropriations and expenditures to be included inthe annual budget. The Treasurer is ex-officio of the committee.

E. Buildings and Grounds Committee:This committee shall look after and be responsible for the grounds, grass, playyards, and shrubbery around all buildings and shall see that such are suitable foruse and in a safe, serviceable, and presentable condition. They shall do the samefor all tangible property of the church and pastorium and the operation of thephysical plant with the exception of specific items, which may be assigned, toother committees. They shall regularly inspect the church property and buildingsto see that they are suitable for use in a safe, clean, sanitary, comfortable,serviceable, and presentable condition. To this end, they should make repairs


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and/or see that repairs are made within budgeting guidelines, and offer forapproval to the Deacons and the church projects, which exceed the $250 limit.

F. Counting Committee:This committee of at least three individuals shall count the weekly offerings at the

church following worship, prepare the deposit, and place it in the night depositbox at the bank as soon as it is accounted for. The church treasurer should not beon this committee. Husbands and wives should never count the money alone butonly with the third person present. They shall also make a list of each personsgift to give to the Treasurer for Giving Statements.

G.Finance Committee:This committee of three persons shall approve unusual and unbudgetedexpenditures of church financial obligations. They shall have the authority toamend the church budget as necessary.

H.Flower & Decorating Committee:This committee shall see that flowers are placed in the church for Sunday and/orspecial services. They shall maintain a sign-up list for volunteers and see thatflower providers are listed in the bulletin. They shall order floral arrangementsfor the funeral of church members, a church members spouse, and/or a churchmembers child who lives at home. They shall see that seasonal adornments areput up and taken down, and will work in accord with the Host/Hostess to see thatthe atmosphere of all functions is in order for each.

I. Library Committee:This committee shall establish and execute the plans and policies for a churchlibrary according to workable library standards. All books and audio/visual

materials will be of Christian content. They shall consult the Pastor forsuitability.

J. Lords Supper Committee:This committee shall see that the Lords Supper is prepared and set up for theDeacons and Pastor to serve. The elements are to be kept in good supply, fresh,and stored properly. They shall also maintain the cleanliness of cloths andserving ware.

K.Media C0mmittee:This committee shall work with the Media Director to provide for all audio/video

needs for every service/function of the church. They are to keep all equipment ingood operating order within budgeted means.

L. Music Committee:This committee shall assist the Pastor and the Music Director in planning andcarrying out the church music ministry.


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M.Nursery Committee:This committee is responsible for the provision of the nursery during worshipand special services. There shall be a minimum of two workers at all times.These members shall be 18 or older, except that when an adult is serving, his/her14 year old or older teen may serve with the parent as long as the teen is a

member.

N.Social Committee:This committee, chaired by the Church Host/Hostess, shall see that all fellowshipneeds of the church are properly prepared and carried out. This includes the

family meal on the day of the funeral of a church family member. They shall alsobe charged with keeping the Memorial Building Kitchen (and original ChurchFellowship Room, when needed) supplied, cleaned, stocked, and ready for use.Note: When smaller groups within the church sponsor an event in eitherbuilding, they should consult the Host/Hostess with plans but may coordinatetheir own gathering

Article VIII: Pulpit & Ministerial Committee

For the purpose of calling a Pastor or other Ministerial Staff, five members are toserve. The Chairman of Deacons is to serve as Chairman, and the Deacons are toelect one person each from the Baptist Men, WMU, General Officers of theSunday School, and one Church Member at large. The original committee shallremain intact until the Pastor/Ministerial Staff Person has been called and settledin. The committee shall consider one candidate at a time, and shall present thatone candidate at the appropriate time. They shall notify the church when theyagree on a candidate after much prayer and deliberation, and shall arrange forthat candidate to visit the church on a particular Sunday to preach at least on

Sunday Morning. A vote to call a candidate shall immediately follow and theresults of that vote shall be shared with the candidate in a closed meeting withthe committee as soon as results have been accounted for. The committee shallinclude salary and financial benefits, vacation time, moving conditions, revivalexchange, and any other conditions pertaining to issuing a call to aPastoral/Ministerial Candidate, as part of their recommendation whenpresenting the candidate to the church. (See Section III: Meetings ofMembers: D. Special Conferences)


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Article IX: Financial Plan

A.Budget:There shall be submitted to the church by the Budget Committee, by theDecember Conference, a budget for the next fiscal year beginning January 1st.

When said budget shall have been received and approved by the church, itshall not be lawful to exceed the allotment in any category, or to applyexpenditures from one category to another, except as the same shall beauthorized by the Finance Committee and/or the Church in Conference. TheAnnual Budget shall be made available in print one week before voting foracceptance.

B.Debts:No member or representative of the church shall have the power to create adebt, or other obligation for the church outside the budget, except for suchpurposes and in such manner as shall be authorized to them by a vote of thechurch acting in conformity to the provisions of the Constitution and By-

Laws.

C. Collections:No public collection shall be taken in by the church for any purpose, unlessthe consent of the Pastor and Deacons has been previously obtained.

Article X: Miscellaneous

A.Buildings:The Pastor and Deacons of the church shall have control of the use of the

church buildings and properties except as herein provided, and no use shallbe made thereof for other purposes than the program of the church, exceptupon leave granted by the Pastor and Deacons, or on order of the church inconference.

B.Deeds and Contracts:All deeds and contracts conveying an interest in real property of the churchshall be executed only pursuant to authority given by the church in Annual orSpecial Conference, and shall be executed by the Chairman of Deacons andthe Church Clerk, or such other officer or agent as may be speciallyempowered by the church.


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Article XI: Incorporation

A.Effect of By-Laws:This Church, having been incorporated under the laws of Georgia as the PavoBaptist Church, Incorporated, shall follow these By-Laws which constitute the

By-Laws of the corporation.

B.Officers:The Chairman of Deacons shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shallexercise such powers as are usual and incident to the office of the principalexecutive. The Clerk shall exercise the duties of Secretary of the Corporation.

C. Directors:The Deacons shall constitute the Board of Directors of the Corporation andtheir action, where applicable and consistent with these By-Laws, shallconstitute the official acts of the corporation.

D.Members:Every person accepted into the membership of the church by the majority voteof the members present and voting shall become a member of the corporationand is entitled to all of the privileges and are subject to all of the duties andresponsibilities as herein set forth.

E. Seal:This seal shall be the seal of the corporation.

Constitution and By-Laws :: Pavo Baptist Church

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Transcript of Constitution and By-Laws :: Pavo Baptist Church