Bethany Baptist Church

Proposed Changes to the Constitution ALLPASSED!!!

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR POSITION GUIDELINES

(please overlook the formatting errors from importing the text)

A:  Changing the Fiscal Year

 

Current:           January 1^st thru December 31^st

Proposed:       April 1^st thru March 31^st

 Reason:          Slower time of year. Ample time after the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season for working on the Church Budget. To allow the Nominating Committee to talk to nominees and explain what is expected of them for office.

 

 

 B:  Church Board

Intent is to open up more lines of communication between the Pastor, Elders*, Deacons* and various committees.  Setting goals and a calendar for the year. To consist of: The Pastor, Youth Pastor, An Elder* a Deacon* a Deaconess, Sunday School Superintendent, Head Usher, Clerk, Awana Director, Camp Coordinator     note: * if proposal D doesn’t pass these will revert to former titles

 

                       

 C:  Election Process

Nominating Committee shall be selected by the 2^nd week of January.  With the purpose of submitting to the church candidates for office by the 2nd Sunday in March before the annual meeting on the last Sunday of March with the privilege reserved for nominations from the floor. A paper ballot will be given to each member of the church before the annual meeting. Any nominations from the floor will have to be written in.

 

 D:  Elder and Deacon Board

Changing the name of the current Deacon Board to The Elder Board and changing The Trustee to The Deacon Board. To align with what the Scriptures say in The New Testament.

Elders will take care of the Spiritual Matters and The Deacon Board will handle the Finances.  

Currently Trustees are just a 1 year term and will change with this passing to a 3 year term.

 BETHANY BAPTIST Church positon guidelines & descriptions

ELDERS

Qualifications

Ryrie: “The elder, the principal official in a local church, was called by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28), recognized by other elders (I Tim. 4:14), and qualified according to the standards listed in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.”

 

1. It is understood that these men meet the Scriptural qualifications and are faithful members in their attendance and support of the church.  They shall be in agreement with the doctrines and policies of this church and the BGC.

 

Election of Elders

 

1. The congregation shall elect Elders according to the Scriptural qualifications.
2. Any member sensing God’s call may present himself to the board of Elders and upon their recommendation the name shall be submitted to the congregation.
3. All pastors are to be considered as elder upon the vote of the congregation.
4. The term of office shall be for three consecutive years (3) and then submit to re-election.  Ideally, one-third (1/3) of the Elder board should be elected each year.
5. If recognition of the elder is to be extended toward the pastorate, the church is to follow the normal procedures of licensure and ordination as provided for in the MBGC guidelines.
6. The Board of Elders may consist of seven elected men.
7. The Chairman of the Board of Elders will serve as Vice-chairman of the church.
8. An elder may terminate his office and service to this church by a written resignation to the board/church or to the Senior Pastor.  Immorality, insubordination, or teaching contrary to the “Statement of Faith” shall be cause for immediate termination.

 

Duties

1. Ruling (I Timothy 5:7).

 

1. An elder should attend the morning worship service, evening service, and midweek prayer service.

    1. Pastoring or shepherding the flock (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:2).

 

1. Guarding the truth (Titus 1:9)

 

1. Assist the Senior Pastor in the spiritual ministry of the church, including church discipline.
1. The board will oversee and encourage the spiritual life of the congregation through the teaching and preaching of the Scriptures, discipleship, by offering counsel and the exercise of the church discipline.
2. The board will work in close harmony with the Senior Pastor and will evaluate the Senior Pastor in terms of his ministry, work schedule, goals, and responsibilities.
2. Pray for entire congregation, individual members of the church, the pastor and other church leaders, the entire ministry and outreach of the church, the bereaved, hospitalized, and shut-ins, those with special needs, be alert to recognize all needs.           

 

1. Visit the membership annually through an organized plan with the pastor and other elders.  Annual review of the membership roll.

 

1. Assist in administering the Lord’s Supper.

 

1. Assist in the baptismal service, giving oversight.  Approve candidates for membership and baptism.

 

1. Show hospitality to visitors and newcomers at the church and in visiting their homes.

 

1. Assist the pastor in planning special services of the church, assisting in or providing the entertainment of guest ministers and missionaries.

 

1. To be ready to pray with those seeking spiritual help in all services and in homes as well.

 

1. Give direction to the benevolent fund, assisting those in need as the occasion may arise among people of the church.

 

1. Assist the pastor in the spirit of love and prayer, when it is necessary to discipline members.

 

1. Arrange for pulpit supply for all services and prayer meetings in the pastor’s absence, or when requested.

 

1. Project church growth and needs, be responsible for long range planning and implement methods and specifics for meeting those needs.

 

1. Work closely with the Senior Pastor, Board of Deacons, and all committees as team members in the implementation of comprehensive ministry plans.

 

Recruitment and Training

 

1. I Timothy 3:1 “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of elder, it is a fine work he desires to do”

 

1. Elders need to exemplify (model) the office in such a way that “others will aspire to the office!”

 

1. We believe God raises up elders, therefore, there should be men in the body who are performing most of the role of elder without the title.

 

1. The board of elders should be alert and disciple such men for the future.

                                                               Deacons

Qualifications

 

1. The Deacons shall assume matters of the church’s financial and physical needs.                    I Timothy 3: 8-13

 

1.  It is understood that these men meet the Scriptural qualifications and are faithful members in their attendance and support of the church.  They shall be in agreement with the doctrines and policies of this church and the BGC.

 

Election of Deacon

 

1. The congregation shall elect Deacons according to the Scriptural qualifications.

 

2.   Any member sensing God’s call may present himself to the board of Deacons and upon their recommendation the name shall be submitted to the congregation.

 

3.   All pastors are to be considered as deacon upon the vote of the congregation.

 

4.   The term of office shall be for three consecutive years (3) and then submit to re-election.  Ideally, one-third (1/3) of the Deacon board should be elected each year.

 

1. If recognition of the deacon is to be extended toward the pastorate, the church is to follow the normal procedures of licensure and ordination as provided for in the MBGC guidelines.

 

1. The Board of Deacon may consist of seven elected men.

 

1. A deacon may terminate his office and service to this church by a written resignation to the board/church or to the Senior Pastor.  Immorality, insubordination, or teaching contrary to the “Statement of Faith” shall be cause for immediate termination.

 

Duties

 

1. To oversee all church property and the business of Day Care.

 

1. A deacon should attend the morning worship service, evening service, and midweek prayer service.

 

1. Maintain the general upkeep and improvement of the physical properties of the church.

 

1. Make at least an annual inspection of all church property and make necessary recommendations regarding maintenance and improvements.

 

1. To secure the service of a janitor and oversee his/her services and to provide the church with supplies: lights, fuel, lawn care, snow removal, etc. needed in the daily operation.

 

 

1. To represent and make provision for all legal documents pertaining to church properties, and providing legal counsel for the church.

 

1. To consider all requests for expenditures of church monies for non-budget items.

 

 

1. To set up the annual Church budget, subject to the approval of the church, to counsel the Treasurer as to proper banking and recording the funds, to supervise the raising of the funds and encourage the giving of tithes and offerings.

 

Recruitment and Training

 

1. I Timothy 3:8-12 “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of deacon, it is a fine work he desires to do”

 

1. Deacons need to exemplify (model) the office in such a way that “others will aspire to the office!”

 

1. We believe God raises up deacons, therefore, there should be men in the body who are performing most of the role of deacon without the title.

 

 

1. The board of deacons should be alert and disciple such men for the future.

 

Deaconesses

 

Qualification

 

1. The only definite Scriptural statement concerning deaconesses is found in Romans

16:1-2, where Paul says, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well.”  Here Paul speaks of a woman who was a servant (deaconess) and a helper in the work of Christ.

 

1. I Timothy 3:11, “The women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.”  This passage is in the context of the description of the deacons.  They are not deacon’s wives as believed by many, but most likely women assistants to the deacons, hence deaconesses.

 

1. The qualifications of deacons ( I Timothy 3:8-13) and the qualifications for church officers (Acts 6: 1-6) certainly would apply to the deaconesses also.

 

Election of Deaconesses

 

1. The congregation shall elect Deaconesses according to the Scriptural qualifications.

 

2.   Any member sensing God’s call may present herself to the board of Deaconesses and upon their recommendation the name shall be submitted to the congregation.

 

1. The term of office shall be for three consecutive years (3) and then submit to re-election.  Ideally, one-third (1/3) of the Deaconesses board should be elected each year.

 

1. The Board of Deaconesses may consist of seven elected women.

 

1. A deaconess may terminate her office and service to this church by a written resignation to the board/church or to the Senior Pastor.  Immorality, insubordination, or teaching contrary to the “Statement of Faith” shall be cause for immediate termination.

 

Duties

 

1. A deaconess should attend the morning worship service, evening service, and midweek prayer service.

 

1. She should be faithful in prayer for the pastor(s) and the ministry of the church.

 

1. She should have a concern for the whole church in all of its programs.

 

1. She should seek to know as much about the various programs and the operation of the church as possible.

 

1. She is expected to make a special effort to welcome new people who attend the services.

 

1. She must attend the meetings of the Board of Deaconesses and perform duties and special assignments delegated to and accepted by her, looking upon these as her primary avenue of service.

 

1. She must be faithful in learning to know and seeking to help the members placed under her care.

 

1. She shall care for persons in the hospital through prayer, visits, and phone calls.

 

1. She should be a woman of spiritual depth, as she may assist the pastor(s) in difficult problems and be able to lead others to Christ.

 

1. The Board of Deaconesses shall assist the pastor(s) and the Board of Elders in promoting the spiritual growth of the church.  It shall cooperate with them in visitation and in the care of the sick and needy.

 

1. It shall assist in the observance of the ordinances. (i.e. – communion and baptism)

 

1. It may meet with the Board of Elders in Hearing the testimonies of applicants for membership.

 

Recruitment and Training

 

1. Deaconesses need to exemplify (model) the office in such a way that “others will aspire to the office!”

 

Sunday School Superintendent

 

Qualification

 

The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a dynamic Christian and be a faithful attending and supporting member of the church.  He/She should be a recognized leader in the church, understanding the ministry of the Sunday school and having experience in teaching.  The purpose of this position is to win men, women, young people, and children to Christ, and to instruct them in the Christian life through the teaching of God’s word.  He/She definitely should have administrative ability and be in complete agreement with the doctrine and policy of the BGC.

 

Election of Sunday School Superintendent

 

 

1. The congregation shall elect a Sunday School Superintendent according to the Scriptural qualifications.

2.   Any member sensing God’s call may present himself / herself to the Board of Elders and upon their recommendation the name shall be submitted to the congregation.

3.   The term of office shall be for three consecutive years (3) and then submit to re-election. 

4.   The Sunday School Superintendent may terminate his/her office and service to this church by a written resignation to the board/church or to the Senior Pastor.  Immorality, insubordination, or teaching contrary to the “Statement of Faith” shall be cause for immediate termination

 

Duties

 

1. Faithfully attend all church services: Sunday morning, Sunday evening, midweek service and other special services.
2. To direct the program of the Sunday school under the supervision of the Board of Elders.
3. Be enthusiastic, giving inspiration to the entire church.
4. Plan for following activities.

1. Periodic organized meetings with Sunday school staff.
2. Vacation Bible School

1. Do advance planning for the year’s activities.
2. Give oversight to teachers, seeing that they have proper equipment.
3. Recruit workers, discuss job descriptions, provide substitutes where necessary, counsel with teachers, and alert to activities of entire church.
4. Give oversight to purchasing approved teaching materials.
5. Oversee the Nursery and Children’s Church programs.

 

Recruitment and Training

 

1. Take advantage of opportunities to update knowledge by attending seminars and workshops, etc..
2. Meet regularly with pastor for evaluation, development and improvement.
3. Read church bulletins, newsletters, books, periodicals, denominational periodicals, and other Christian education materials to be informed of local church events, denominational activities and latest professional methods.

Head Usher

 

Qualifications

 

The Head Usher should have a Christian testimony and be a faithfully attending and supporting member of the church. Scriptural precedents are Psalm 84:10, I Chronicles 23:5, and John 10:3.  Is someone who knows how to respond to people and situations, and not react.  Shake hands firmly.  Be willing to assist in any way.  Always have a good appearance and sense of reverence.  Display a love for people.  Always display a courteous manner and Christian witness.  Always be calm but prepared to act. 

 

Election of Head Usher

 

1. The congregation shall a elect Head Usher according to the Scriptural qualifications.

 

2.   Any member sensing God’s call may present himself / herself to the Board of Elders and upon their recommendation the name shall be submitted to the congregation.

 

3.   The term of office shall be for three consecutive years (3) and then submit to re-election. 

 

4.   The Head Usher may terminate his/her office and service to this church by a written resignation to the board/church or to the Senior Pastor.  Immorality, insubordination, or teaching contrary to the “Statement of Faith” shall be cause for immediate termination

 

Duties

 

 

1. Be sure all ushering positions are filled and secure for all services and make substitutions where necessary.

 

1. Collect all offering plates after the offering and deliver to the appropriate person.

 

1. Be sure bulletins are available.

 

1. Be prepared to handle and coordinate all emergencies.  This includes knowing how to operate direct alarm system to police, fire and medical authorities.

 

1. Greet all guests and members with a smile.

 

 

Church Clerk

 

Qualifications

 

The

Church

Clerk should have a Christian testimony and be a faithfully attending and supporting member of the church. The

Church

Clerk shall keep the minutes of all business meetings of the church and take care of the correspondence in the name of the church that may be assigned.  The clerk shall maintain an accurate record of all members of the church.  To preserve and care for all non-current church records or other documents dealing with the history of the church.

 

Election of

Church

Clerk

 

1. The congregation shall elect a Church Clerk according to his/her qualifications.

 

1. The term of office shall be for three consecutive years (3) and then submit to re-election. 

 

Duties

 

1. Keep a record of all the proceedings of the church board and congregational meetings.

 

1. Notify all concerned of a board meeting.

 

1. See that announcements for church meetings are duly made.

 

1. Maintain a church register of the membership.

 

1. Issue transfers, letters, and certificates as authorized by the church boards.

 

1. Keep a record of officers of the church.

 

1. Keep accurate records within the system having names, addresses, phone numbers, family members, and birthdays of all in the Sunday school.

 

Treasurer

Qualifications

 

The Church Treasurer should have a Christian testimony and be a faithfully attending and supporting member of the church.  He/She shall also work closely and cooperatively with the pastor.  The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Deacon and Elder Board. 

 

Duties

 

1. To keep an accurate account of all monies received and to deposit the same in the name of the church in a bank directed by the deacons.

 

1. To make payments of all obligations incurred by the church, by check drawn on such account as provided by the church budget or upon approval by the Church or Deacons.

 

1.  He/She may carry a petty cash fund of not more than twenty five ($25.00) dollars.

 

1. To make detailed accounts and reports of the financial transactions of the office at each regular business meeting and the annual meeting of the church.

 

1. Secure insurance protection for church funds.

 

1. Work with the Deacon board and keep them informed of the financial status of the church.

 

1. No one individual will handle funds, but a minimum of two.

 

Sunday School Secretary

Qualifications

 

The Sunday School Secretary should be a Christian and an active, supporting member of the church and posses abilities in keeping with the responsibilities of the position.  The Sunday school Secretary should be faithful in attendance at the services of the church.  The Sunday School Secretary shall be appointed by the Deacon and Elder Board. 

 

Duties

 

1. Maintain an adequate system of records for each person and family in the Sunday school.

 

1. See that visitors are properly recognized and recorded in prospect file.

 

1. Record weekly statistics, including attendance, absences, enrollment, and visitation.

 

1. Make records available for visitation workers, preparing list if necessary at call of superintendent, pastor, etc.

 

1. Prepare and make all necessary reports.

 

 

                                              General Church Membership

 

 

1. A member has a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, resulting in a regenerate Christian life; a personal daily walk with Christ.  John 15:4-10 and I John 2:6.

 

    2.  A member believes in the Bible as the inspired Word of God.  Acts 6:4 

 

    3.  A member will be motivated by the love of God, to reveal Christ, and to be led by the Holy Spirit in his daily life.  Acts 1:8 and Luke 11:13.

 

    4.  All members should be faithful in their attendance at the services of the church including Sunday school, Sunday morning services, evening services, and midweek prayer meetings.  Heb 10:25 and Acts 2:46-47.

   5. A member is an evangelist who believes in the Word of God, is earnest in prayer, and is interested in the spiritual welfare of others.  Mark 11:24 and Eph 6:18

 

1. We must desire to want to be part of the body of Christ.

 

1. Responsible for our lives.  Romans 14:12 “So each of us shall give account of himself of GOD.”

 

1. Worship is pleasing to God and the church members should have the right Sprit when entering the Church sanctuary.  Make your worship authentic, thoughtful, and cooperating with others, giving of your time and talents.

 

1. Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength.  Mark 12:30