NORTH SPOON BAPTIST CHURCH
CONSTITUTION
POPLARVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
CHURCH CONSTITUTION
NORTH SPOON BAPTIST CHURCH
POPLARVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
PREAMBLE
So that things may be done decently and in order in accordance with the accepted tenets of other churches of like precious faith, and that we may more readily help each other in our Christian service, we declare and establish this constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE
SECTION 1 – NAME:
This congregation of believers shall be known as the NORTH SPOON_BAPTIST_CHURCH.
SECTION 2 – PURPOSE:
(A) This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day care centers, camps, nursing homes, and cemeteries, and any other ministries that the church may be led of the Lord to establish.
(B) The Church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry: evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirement of the Holy Scripture; maintain missionary activities in the united
States and foreign countries; and engage in any other ministry that the Church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God.
ARTICLE II
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT
SECTION 1 – STATEMENT OF FAITH
Article II section 1 Statement of Faith (A) The Holy Scriptures cannot be altered.
(A) The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be verbally and plenary inspired
of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God breathed, and therefore are the final
authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the complete
and divine revelation of God to Man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal
grammatical-historical meaning. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and
only translation used by the Church. (II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21)
(B) Dispensationalism
We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined
dispensations or rules of life, which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These
dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which
God directs man according to his purpose. Three of these dispensations–the age of law, the age of
the church, and the age of the kingdom–are subjects of detailed revelation in the Scripture.
(Genesis 1:28, I Corinthians 9:17, II Corinthians 3:9-18, Galatians 3:13-25, Ephesians 1:10, 3:2-
10, Colossians 1:24-25,27, Revelation 20:2-6)
(C) The Godhead
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
each co-equal in being, power, and glory; and are co-identical in nature, having the same attributes
and perfection. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14, John 14:10,26)
(D.) The Person and Work of Christ
(1) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without
ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order
that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, Luke 1:35, John 1:1-2, II
Corinthians 5:19-21, Galatians 4:4-5, Philippians 2:5-8)
(2) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through his blood
which he shed in his death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice;
and, that our justification is made sure by his literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts
2:18-36, Romans 3:24-25, I Peter 2:24, Ephesians1:7, I Peter 1:3-5)
(3) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right
hand of God, where as our Great High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative,
Intercessor, and Advocate. (Acts 1:9-10, Hebrews 9:24, 7:25, Romans 8:34, I John 2:1-2)
(E) The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
(1) We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers
into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11,
Romans 8:9, I Corinthians 12:12-14, II Corinthians 3:6, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30)
(2) We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and
appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the
Spirit. (Ephesians 1:17-18, 5:18, I John 2:20,27)
(3) We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God
uniquely uses Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that
they can do the work of the ministry. (Romans 12:3-8, I Corinthians 12:4-11, 28, Ephesians 4:7-
12)
(4) We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gifts
of healing were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or
necessary sign of baptism or filling of the Holy Ghost and that ultimate deliverance of the body
from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God
frequently chooses to answer the prayer of believers for physical healing. (I Corinthians 1:22,
13:8, 14:21-22, James 5:14-15)
(F) The Total Depravity of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the
human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that man is totally
depraved, and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. (Genesis1:26-27, Romans
3:22-23, 5:12, 6:23, Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19)
(G) Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our
sins. (John 1:12, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10, I Peter 1:18-19)
(H) The Eternal Security and Assurance of the Believers
(1) We believe that all redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in
Christ forever. (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30, Romans 8:1, 38-39, I Corinthians 1:4-8, I Peter 1:4-5)
(2) We believe that it is the privilege of the believers to rejoice in the assurance of their
salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of
Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. (Romans 13:13-14, Galatians 5:13, Titus 2:11-15)
(I) The Church
(1) We believe that the local church, which is the body of Christ and the espoused bride of
Christ, is solely made up of born-again believers. (I Corinthians 12:12-14, II Corinthians 11:2,
Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27)
(2) We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and
defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27, 20:17, 28-32, I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-
11)
(3) We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority or control.
(Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28, Romans 16:1, 4, I Corinthians 3:9, 16,5:4-7, 13, I Peter 5:1-4)
(4) We recognize only water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the scriptural ordinances of
obedience for the church in this age. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-42, I Corinthians 11:23-26)
(J) Separation
We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their
Saviour and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures,
practices and associations is commanded of God. (Romans 12:1-2 14:13, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1,
II Timothy 3:1-5, I John 2:15-17, II John 9-11)
(K) The Second Advent of Christ
We believe in the “blessed hope”, the personal, imminent return of Christ who will rapture His
Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will
personally and visibly return to the earth with His saints, to establish His earthly Kingdom, which
was promised to the Nation of Israel. (Psalms 89:3-4, Daniel 2:31-45, Zechariah 14:4-11, I
Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18, Titus 2:13, Revelation 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6)
(L) The Eternal State
(1) We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life and the unsaved
to judgment and eternal punishment. (John 5:28-29, John 11:25-26, Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13,
Matthew 25:46)
(2) We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present
with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and
body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord. (Luke 23:43, II Corinthians 5:8,
Philippians 1:23, 3:21, I Thessalonians 4,16-17, Revelation 20:4-6)
(3) We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and
torment until the second resurrection, when, with the soul and body reunited they shall appear at
the great White Throne Judgment where they shall be judged and shall be cast into the Lake of
Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torments. (Matthew
25:41-46, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 16:19-26, II Thessalonians 1:7-9, Jude 6-7, Revelation 20:11-15)
(M) The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall of Man; that he is the
open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of
Fire. (Job 1:6-7, Isaiah 14:12-17, Matthew 4:2-11, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10)
(N) Creation
We believe that God created the universe in six literal 24-hour days. We reject evolution, the Day-
Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of the origin. (Genesis 1 & 2, Exodus
20:11)
(O) Civil Government
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1)
the Home, 2) the Church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all
(including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and are to be governed by His Word.
God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities
with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the
church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of
responsibility under God. (Romans 13:1-7, Ephesians 5:22-24, 6:1-2, Hebrews 13:17, I Peter 2:13-
14)
(P) Human Sexuality
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside
of marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality,
lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography is a sinful
perversion of God’s gift of sex and must be totally abstained from. (Genesis 2:24, Genesis 19:5,
13, Genesis 26:8-9, Leviticus 18:1-30, Romans 1:26-29, I Corinthians 5:1, 6:9, I Thessalonians
4:1-8, Hebrews 13:4)
(Q) Marriage
We believe that marriage is a divine institution whereby God joins a man and a woman together in
the bonds of Holy Matrimony, thus making the two become one. The marriage of a man and a
woman originated in the heart of God with God Himself joining together the first man (Adam) and
the first woman (Eve) in the Garden of Eden. We believe that marriage is the foundation of home
life and social order and must remain so until the end of time. We believe marriage is to be the
free choice of both the man and the woman he is marrying. The Lord Jesus sanctioned marriage
by His presence at the marriage in Cana of Galilee.
The Bible adds more sacredness to marriage
by using marriage as the symbol of the future relationship of Christ and the church. Since the
marriage of a man and a woman is the only type of marriage taught in the Scriptures, we reject any
and all same-sex marriage. (Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-6, John 2:1-10, Ephesians 5:25-27,
Revelation 19:7-9)
(R) Divorce and Remarriage
We believe that God hates divorce and intends that marriage last until one of the spouses die, after
which the surviving spouse is free to marry whom she or he will; only in the Lord. Divorce and
remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. (This is the espousal
period before marriage). Although divorced and remarried persons, or divorced persons who are
not remarried may hold some positions of service in the Church and be greatly used of God for
Christian service, they must not be considered for the office of pastor or deacon. (Malachi 2:14-
17, Matthew 19:3-12 Romans 7:1-3, I Corinthians 7:39, I Timothy 3:2, 12, Titus 1:6)
(S) Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being.
Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of the unborn human life. Abortion is
murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects,
gender-selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother are
acceptable. (Job 3:16, Psalms 51:5, Psalms 139:14-16, Isaiah 44:24 Isaiah 49:1, 5, Jeremiah 1:5,
20:15-18, Luke 1:44)
(T) Missions
We believe that God has given the Church a Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all
nations so that there might be a great multitude from every kindred, tongue, people and nation
redeemed by Grace through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As Ambassadors of Christ we must
use all available means to go to the sinners at home and abroad with the Gospel and not wait for
them to come to us. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, II
Corinthians 5:20, Revelation 5:9)
(U) Lawsuits between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil suits against other Christians or the
Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary
to resolve personal disputes between members. (I Corinthians 6:1-8, Ephesians 4:31-32)
(V) Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is
obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe and
offerings as the basis for giving, that every Christian should tithe and also give in the offerings
sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the Church, the relief of those in need, and the spread
of the Gospel around the world. We also believe that the Christian relinquishes all rights to direct
the use of these tithes and offerings once the gift has been made to the Church. (Genesis 14:20,7 Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 4:34-37, I Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 9:6-7, Galatians 6:6, Ephesians 4:28, I Timothy 5:17-18, I John 3:17)
SECTION 2 – AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH:
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our Faith. The Bible itself is the sole and
final authority of all that we believe. We do believe however, that the foregoing Statement of
Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and therefore is binding upon all members.
SECTION 3 – THE CHURCH COVENANT:
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, Angels, 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, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and
spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred
preeminence over all institutions of human origin; 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 religiously educate our children; 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,
backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale or use of narcotic drugs, or intoxicating
drinks as a beverage; to shun pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
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 feelings and courtesy
in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules
of our Saviour 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 of like Faith where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the
principles of the Word of God.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:
Upon a majority vote of the members present at any Church Service or Meeting, membership may
be extended to all who have had, and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration
through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour; those whose
lifestyle has been changed; who have renounced sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life
wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein; and who
enter into the Church Covenant contained herein; and upon compliance with any one of the
following conditions.
- If the church is without a pastor, the church should not accept new members.
Anyone saved and/or waiting to join should be put under the watchcare of the
church till a new pastor is called.
(A) By presenting themselves as a candidate for baptism (immersion) as a true believer in the
Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour,
(B) By letter of transfer from another Bible-Believing Baptist Church of like faith and
practice, WE DO NOT ACCEPT BAPTISMS FROM ANY OTHER DENOMINATIONS THAN
BAPTIST.
(C) By a statement of faith that the individual or individuals have been a member of another
Bible Believing Baptist Church, baptized by immersion, and are not able now, because of a reason
explained to, and accepted by the Pastor and Church to receive a letter from that Church.
(D) By Restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon the majority vote after
confession has been made publicly before the church membership of the sin, or sins involved, and
satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the Pastor (or the Board of Deacons if the office of the
Pastor is vacant).
SECTION 2 – DUTIES OF A MEMBER
Upon becoming a member of this Church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article II,
Section 3, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the Pastor; to pray for him; and to
recognize his leadership and authority in spiritual affairs of the Church; to cherish a brotherly love
for all members of the Church; to support the Church in attendance, prayer, tithes, offerings and
with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands to
support through a lifestyle walk affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the Church.
SECTION 3 – PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
This congregation functions, not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the
Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the Pastor as the undershepherd with the counsel of the
Board of Deacons. Membership in this Church does not afford those individuals with any
property; contract or civil rights based on the principles of democratic government. Determination
of the internal affairs of this church is ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively
by the Church’s own rules and procedures. The Pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of
the Church. The Board of Deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the Pastor as requested by
him. The membership of the Church has respected privileges of exercising a vote to confirm or
ratify the direction of the Church as determined by the Pastor.
SECTION 4 – DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER
(A) There shall be a discipline committee consisting of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons,
or others appointed by the Pastor. These men shall have the responsibility of determining if there
are heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and violations of the Church Covenant. They
then shall report to the Pastor and he will lead in whatever action is to be taken against the
member. If the Pastor or a deacon is the subject of disciplinary action, he shall not sit as a member
on the Discipline Committee. He shall be entitled to the same steps as other Church Members and
be subject to the same discipline.
(B) Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When
a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and
testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes,
he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have
the goal of restoration.
(C) If the reconciliation is not reached, two more members, either a deacon, and the Pastor, or
someone pointed by the Pastor is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second
step also should be preceded by self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility with the
goal of restoration.
(D) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in (B) and (C) have been taken, the
Discipline Committee may want to send other reputable members, who after self-examination,
will go in the spirit of humility to try to resolve the matter by restoration.
(E) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B), (C), and (D)
have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the
membership of the Church upon the majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called
for the purpose of disciplinary action.
(F) No matter may be heard by the Discipline Committee or the Church unless the steps
outlined in (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense, or known public
sin, in which case, as determined by the Pastor, shall be dealt with immediately by the Discipline
Committee and the Church.
(G) If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the Church Membership, all contact
with him from that point forward must be for the sake of restoration (except for family members).
SECTION 5 – TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
Members who are not under the disciplining process of Section 4, may request that a letter
transferring their membership be sent to another Baptist Church of like faith which they wish to
join by presenting themselves to that Church and have that Church write to our Church requesting
a letter of membership transfer. Members who have been rendered inactive by lengthy absence
(see Section 6-A) will not be given a letter of good standing. Membership letters or certificates
will not be given to individuals.
SECTION 6 – TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
(A) The Membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated without
notice to him when his letter of request for transfer of membership to another church has been
granted; or if the member in question has not attended regular worship services of the Church in
the preceding six weeks. Upon good cause for the absence being shown (such as sickness or
military service) this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual
member at the discretion of the Pastor. Members who have been absent for a six month period of
time and come back and wish to restore their membership may do so by making public confession
of their transgressions to the Church and asking for and receiving from the Church forgiveness and
restoration; and their membership privileges may be restored by their faithful attendance to
Church Services for a period of three months. Such persons may participate in the services as the
Pastor deems is best for the Church.
(B) No member of this Church may hold membership in another Church at the same time.
(C) A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer in good standing will be issued
upon such resignation if requested, except at the discretion of the Pastor.
(D) Upon the death of a member, the deceased member will either be placed on the deceased
membership list, or note recorded on his membership record stating the date of decease. The
church is not obligated to notify any family members to take this action.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
SECTION 1 – CHURCH OFFICERS
The Church officers are Pastor (see Article V, Section 1), Deacons (see Article V, Section 2),
Clerk or Minister of Records (see Article V, Section 3), Treasurer or Minister of Finance (see
Article V, Section 4). One person may hold more than one office except the Pastor. The Pastor,
from time to time as he deems appropriate, may appoint other Church officers, subject to a
confirmation vote of the Church membership. Only Church members who are in good standing
and are of honest report and unquestionable character can serve as officers of the church.
SECTION 2 -DESIGNATION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS
Even though the Church is not incorporated, as an accommodation to legal relationships outside
the Church, the Pastor shall serve as president of the corporation; the Clerk shall serve as secretary
of the corporation; the Treasurer shall serve as treasurer of the corporation.
SECTION 3 – ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICE AND CONTINUANCE IN OFFICE:
(A) No one is to be considered for the office of Pastor who does meet the qualifications for a
Bishop (Pastor) given in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. When the office of the Pastor is
vacated, the Pastor shall be elected by a two-thirds majority vote of members in good standing and
present at the time of election. The election of the Pastor must be announced publicly from the
pulpit for three regular services before it is to be held. Once elected, and accepted by the Pastorelect,
he will then serve on an “indefinite basis”. If he decides to resign, he will give the Church a
notice of 30 days. This 30-day notice may be changed in any particular case, if agreed upon by
Pastor and Church. A 30-day notice from the Church to the Pastor is not necessary if the Pastor
departs from the doctrines held by the Church, or falls into open public sin, in which case then the
Church will have the authority to take the action immediately that it deems best to protect the
interest and testimony of the Church. Any disciplinary action against the Pastor requires a
three fourths majority vote, with at least three-fourths of the active membership present and voting
at that particular meeting. When a new Pastor is elected he shall join the Church within thirty (30)
days after accepting the position of Pastor.
(B) When a member is elected or appointed by the Pastor to serve as Church Clerk or Church
Treasurer, he will serve for an indefinite period of time. If he desires to resign, he will notify the
Pastor, who will then select a replacement, who is to be confirmed by the majority of those
members present at any regular service. If the Pastor realizes a need for replacing the Clerk or
Treasurer, he shall have the authority to notify the current one that he is being replaced, then he
shall select a replacement, who will be confirmed by the vote of the members present at any
regular service. If the Church Treasurer or Clerk is caught in willful misuse of Church Funds,
falsifying the Church Record Books or in any wrongful use of their office, the Pastor and Deacons
will have the authority to seize the Church Books and Bank Accounts immediately for the purpose
of bringing the books and accounts to the church body and voting in new clerk and/or treasurer.
(C) Only those who meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3:8-13 will be considered for a
deacon in this Church. When a man is ordained or activated by the church as a deacon, he will
serve indefinitely. His tenure may be ended by his request, or by the vote of the church after
notice is given him of the reason or reasons for the request for his resignation. Any man who has
been ordained by another Church and shall transfer his membership to this Church will not be
received as an active deacon, however, the church may activate him as a deacon after he has been
a member for one year (exception to the one year may be waived if the Pastor deems it good for
the church to activate him sooner).
(D) No one will be considered for Missionary support who does not, belong to an Independent
Baptist Church, adhere to the basic Statement of Faith and Standards of Conduct described herein,
and (if married) meet the qualifications of a Bishop given in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
(E) Should the Church, by expanding its ministry, require other officers to be needed, it shall
be the responsibility of the Pastor to select them and the Church to confirm them by majority vote.
SECTION 4 – PASTORAL OVERSIGHT OF OFFICERS AND STAFF
(A) Subject to the approval of the Church membership and on the condition that they become
a member of the Church upon assuming their duties, the Pastor may hire associates and assistants,
to assist the Pastor in carrying out his God-given responsibilities.
(B) All Church Staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the Pastor,
who has the sole authority to hire, appoint, or dismiss the same.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
SECTION 1 – THE PASTOR
(A) The Pastor himself (or someone of his choosing) shall fill the pulpit regularly and shall be
at liberty to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He alone will
decide who fills the pulpit for regular or special services. He shall oversee the administering of
the ordinances of the Church, act as moderator or appoint an acting moderator at all meetings for
the transaction of Church matters, supervise the teaching ministries of the Church, overseeing
every aspect of the Church work; and shall tenderly and compassionately watch over the spiritual
interest of the membership.
(B) The Pastor shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the
Church and perform such duties as generally appertain to such a position. If the church is without
a pastor, the church should not accept new members. Anyone saved and/or wanting to join should
be put under the watchcare of the church till a new pastor is called. The Pastor shall be free to
choose the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given him.
SECTION 2 – THE BOARD OF DEACONS
The Board of Deacons shall assist the Pastor, in such manner, as he shall request, in promoting the
spiritual welfare of the Church, in conducting the religious services, and in performing all other
work of the Church. They shall provide the pulpit supply and act as leaders for Church Meetings
if the office of Pastor is vacant. The Board of Deacons shall assist the Pastor in caring for the
administrative needs of the Church’s various ministries as requested by the Pastor.
SECTION 3 – CHURCH CLERK (MINISTER OF RECORDS)
The Church Clerk shall keep a record of Church proceedings, of the member-ship roll, of all
baptisms, ordinations, licenses and commissions as directed by the Church, and preserve all
documents, papers, and letters coming into his hands during his term of office. All records shall
be delivered to the Pastor upon his leaving office. He shall keep an account of any special events
in the life of the church that are of historical interest and shall give a report to the Church when
requested by the Pastor. He shall also serve as the Secretary of the corporation.
SECTION 4 – THE TREASURER (MINISTER OF FINANCE)
The Treasurer shall account for all funds contributed to the Church and shall disburse them as
ordered by the Church. He shall present a report of itemized disbursements to the church when
asked for by the Pastor, (or deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant) and shall make a general
report at the end of the church year. All expenditures of the Church, except miscellaneous petty
cash disbursement shall be paid by check. He shall have an associate selected by the Pastor. The
treasurer of the Church shall also serve as the treasurer of the corporation.
SECTION 5 – ASSOCIATE PASTORS
If deemed necessary by the Pastor and approved by the Church, the Pastor may have one or more
associate Pastors. They shall be under the direction and guidance of the Pastor, and shall assist the
Pastor in carrying out the ministries of the Church. The Pastor will have full charge in selecting,
and dismissing an Associate Pastor.
SECTION 6 – DUTIES OF ALL OFFICERS
(A) All Officers of the church shall prepare written reports of their work and present them to
the Pastor and/or Church as is deemed necessary by the Pastor and/or church. At the end of their
term in office, all their records shall be surrendered to the Church to be kept as a permanent
record of the Church. All records are the property of the Church, and must not leave the Church
without the approval of the Pastor (or church if the office of the Pastor is vacant).
(B) Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the constitution for a period of three
months (90 days) may be removed from his office at the discretion of the Pastor and another may
be appointed by the Pastor to take his place.
ARTICLE VI
SPECIAL MEETINGS
(A) The Pastor (or deacons if the office of the Pastor is vacant, or if the Pastor is the subject of
possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of such meeting and the
purpose for which it is called to the Church from the pulpit at least three regular services (one
week) prior to said meeting. When the office of the Pastor is vacant, and the pulpit committee
feels they are ready to present a candidate to the Church for consideration as a Pastor, a meeting
for the election of a Pastor may be called by the pulpit committee Chairman at any of the regular
services, but must be announced from the pulpit in three regular services before the election is
held.
(B) Revivals, Bible Conferences, Mission Conferences and other such special meetings will
be scheduled by the Pastor, as he deems beneficial for the church.
(C) Ordination services for preachers who have given evidence of the call of God upon their
lives, and who are qualified according to the teachings of I Timothy 3:1-7, will be scheduled by
the Pastor when he sees the need. The Pastor will be the presiding officer at these meetings.
(D) Ordination services for newly selected deacons will be scheduled and presided over by
the Pastor.
ARTICLE VII
UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES
The Church must authorize any Expenditure in excess of $300.00 that is not authorized in the
regular budget.
ARTICLE VIII
ORDINATION
SECTION 1 – ORDINATION QUALIFICATIONS FOR PREACHERS
Any male member of the Church who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the
ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 may be
ordained by the Church as a Minister of the Gospel. Such ordination shall take place when: the
preacher is called to become a Pastor, when he evidences the leadership of God into Evangelism,
when he acknowledges God has called him to be a Missionary and is actively involved in pursuit
of that call; or when the Pastor and Church deems it needful.
SECTION 2 – ORDINATION PROCEDURE
(A) When the Pastor and the Church approves a candidate for ordination, the Pastor shall
schedule an ordination service and shall call together a council of other ordained preachers and
deacons of like faith who shall examine the candidate on his doctrine and qualification and assist
the Church in the ordination.
(B) If the council finds the candidate worthy of ordination, the ordination council will ordain
the candidate on behalf of the Church.
(C) The Pastor (or deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant) shall arrange for the ordination
service.
(D) If a man is called to be the Pastor of this Church who has not been ordained the Church
will request his home church to ordain him, or, if the Pastor-elect and this Church so chooses this
Church will set an ordination date and ordain the new Pastor. Such ordination should take place
within thirty (30) days after he becomes the Pastor.
SECTION 3 – ORDINATION OF DEACONS
At such time as the Pastor and Church deems necessary, the church will set aside men to serve as
deacons in this church. After the church observes these men for a period of at least three-month
the Pastor and Church will schedule an ordination service to ordain these men as deacons. The
ordination will be carried out in the same procedure as the ordination for preachers listed in
ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 2.
ARTICLE IX
TAX-EXEMPT PROVISIONS
SECTION 1 – PRIVATE INUREMENT
No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to it’s
members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Church shall be authorized
and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments
and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article 1, Section 2 hereof.
SECTION 2 – POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT
No substantial part of the activities of the Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or
otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The Church shall not participate in, or intervene in
(including publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any
candidate for public office. However the Church may express itself on any issue by a resolution
stating its stand on such issue.
SECTION 3 – DISSOLUTION:
Upon the dissolution of the Church, the remaining membership shall, after paying or making
provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the Church, dispose of all the assets of the Church
to such organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time
qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal
Revenue Law), as the trustees shall determine. The assets may be distributed only to
organizations that agree with the Church’s Statement of Faith.
ARTICLE X
DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS
From time to time the Church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes,
may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their
contributions but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All
contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive
control and discretion of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. No fiduciary obligation shall be
created by any designated contribution made to the Church other than to use the contribution for
the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Article 1, Section 2.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be revised or amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members
present and voting at any regular Church business meeting, provided that said revision or
amendment has been announced from the pulpit three regular services before the vote is taken.
ADOPTION
This Constitution supersedes any other constitution and/or bylaws of Faith Baptist Church and was
adopted by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting at a duly called meeting in which
a quorum was present.
NORTH SPOON BAPTIST CHURCH
POPLARVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
8/1/2018 _______________________________________
Date Church Clerk or Minister of Records
CHURCH BY-LAWS
of the
NORTH SPOON BAPTIST CHURCH
POPLARVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
NUMBER 1
Each member of the Church who is in good standing shall be entitled to vote on all matters except
those pertaining to the disciplining of members, the purchase of property, and the dismissal or
calling of a Pastor. In these matters only members sixteen years of age or older shall be entitled to
vote.
NUMBER 2
All appointments for public worship and Bible Study and the arrangements thereof including time
and the use of the property belonging to the Church for purposes others than the standard schedule
shall be under the control of the Pastor.
NUMBER 3
All literature used in this Church shall be in complete agreement with the King James Bible and
the Statement of Faith.
NUMBER 4
According to 1 Cor. 4:2 anyone holding any office in the Church, from pastor down to teacher
should be faithful to the regularly scheduled services. If for some reason anyone cannot be present
when they are needed, they should give ample notice to a substitute, (that has been previously
approved by the pastor) to take their place.
NUMBER 5
These By-laws may be altered, suspended, or amended at a regular Church business meeting by a
two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting.
8/1/2018_________________________________________
Church Clerk or Minister of Records
AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE
MARRIAGE DEFINED
We believe that marriage is a divine institution whereby God joins a man and a woman together in
the bonds of Holy Matrimony, thus making the two become one. The marriage of a man and a
woman originated in the heart of God with God Himself joining together the first man (Adam) and
the first woman (Eve) in the Garden of Eden. We believe that marriage is the foundation of home
life and social order and must remain so until the end of time. We believe marriage is to be the
free choice of both the man and the woman he is marrying. The Lord Jesus sanctioned marriage
by His presence at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. The Bible adds more sacredness to marriage
by using marriage as the symbol of the future relationship of Christ and the church. Since the
marriage of a man and a woman is the only type of marriage taught in the Scriptures, we reject any
and all same-sex marriage. (Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-6, John 2:1-10, Ephesians 5:25-27,
Revelation 19:7-9)
Amendment voted on and approved 8/1/2018 _______________________________________
Church Clerk
NOTE: THE ABOVE AMENDMENT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE TEXT OF THE
CONSTITUTION. WHEN COPING FOR SOMEONE, USE ONLY PAGES 1-22.