ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION and CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, INC.

(A Texas Non-Profit Corporation)

600 South Kansas Avenue

Weslaco, Texas 78596

(956) 968-9585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION of First Baptist Church

Weslaco, Texas

APPROVED AND FILED IN THE OFFICE OF

THE SECRETARY OF STATE

THIS 12 DAY OF May , 19 52 .

/s/ Robert J. Trotter

CHIEF CHARTER DIVISION

THE STATE OF TEXAS )

)

COUNTY OF HIDALGO )

That we, the subscribers, citizens of the County of Hidalgo and State of Texas, under the provisions of Chapter 9. Title 32, of the revised Civil Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby form and incorporate ourselves into a voluntary religious association for the purpose of establishing and maintaining religious worship, and to that end, adopt the following:

ARTICLE I

This association shall be known as the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, WESLACO, TEXAS, by which name it shall contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, and shall transact all of its business.

ARTICLE II

The association is formed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining religious worship.

ARTICLE III

The place of worship of the association shall be in Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas.

ARTICLE IV

The property of said association shall be held by a Board of Trustees consisting of three (3) members, and A.S. Pike, G.W. Sansing, and C.W. Gound are hereby declared to be trustees for the first year, the post office address of each of the said trustees being Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas.

ARTICLE V

Said association shall exist for a period of fifty (50) years.

ARTICLE VI

Said association owns no property of any kind or character except that used for religious purposes of the value of approximately One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand ($125,000.00) Dollars. It shall be without capital stock, and the same shall be operated purely for religious purposes, without profit; all members of the present unincorporated association known as the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, WESLACO, TEXAS, shall be members of said association.

IN TESTIMONY HEREOF, witness our signatures this 7th day of May, 1952.

/s/ A.S. Pike

/s/ G.W. Sansing

/s/ C.W. Ground

THE STATE OF TEXAS )

)

COUNTY OF HIDALGO )

BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared A.S. Pike, G.W. Sansing, C.W. Gound, all known to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that they each executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.

EVEN under my hand and seal of this office this 7th day of May, 1952

/s/ O.B. McNeely

Notary Public in and for Hidalgo County, Texas

Constitution of First Baptist Church

Weslaco, Texas

 

The name of the church shall be First Baptist Church, Weslaco, Texas. This church is authorized under warrant of the Holy Scriptures and was chartered under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Texas, on May 12, 1952. It shall have no capital stock and is not organized for material or pecuniary profit. The church cooperates with the Southern Baptist Convention, The Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association. The office and principle place of business of this church shall be at its church plant in the city of Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas.

 

PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and that this body may be governed in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the privileges of each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to the other church and legal entities.

 

I

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

Statement of Purpose

The First Baptist Church of Weslaco is a local body of believers in Christ, called out to be God’s witnesses to Him through worship, ministry, and evangelism in order to reach our Mid-Valley community, and world, for Christ with the purpose of discipling them and enabling them to reach others for Christ.

Objectives
  1. Worship
    2.

    A shared experience of communication with God under the Lordship of Jesus Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit within each believer.

  2. Missions/Evangelism
    3.

    The process of bringing others to Christ and teaching them to bring others to Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
  3. Ministry
    4.

    To respond lovingly to people’s needs in Jesus’ name (Matthew 25:34-46).
  4. Discipleship
    5.

    To equip and train God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).

  5. Fellowship

The coming together of God and His people with the result of encouragement for God’s people for daily living of their faith (Hebrews 10:25).

 

II

STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis of any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message, as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963. We banc ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are Baptist and the Lord’s Supper.

 

 

III

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter in 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 it cheerfully and regularly to the support of ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all the nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; 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 and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

We will live as Christians in our society by avoiding that which harms our personal lives, limits our Christian influence, or injures our fellow man.

 

IV

CHURCH POLICY

This church is an independent, self-governing unit in accordance with Baptist policy, and the government of this church shall be in the hands of its members, each with equal suffrage, all powers and privileges being derived from its congregational body. Any authority or privilege granted, or tasks or duty assigned, shall be at the will of the church and shall in no sense be construed as irrevocably vesting such power or privilege in any individual, committee, or organization. Powers so granted shall be only as necessary to the performance of the duty or task assigned. The officers of the church, as provided by Article II of the By-Laws, are accountable to the church.

The church shall meet in regular business meetings on the second Wednesday following the regular deacon’s meeting. A called business session is permitted after members have been notified in writing one week in advance or through the church’s regular publicity organ. The only exceptions shall be for the recommendation from the nominating committee.

By-LAWS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Weslaco, Texas

 

I

MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1. Membership

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of spiritual and temporal life of the church.

The membership reserves the right to determine who shall be members of this church, and the conditions of such membership, and agrees to accept new members with only a vote, rather than making a motion and waiting for a second.

Section 2. Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

    1. Death;

    2. Dismissing to another Baptist Church;

    3. Exclusion by action of this church;

    4. Affiliation with a church of another denomination.

 

II

CHURCH OFFICERS

 

All church officers must be members of the church. The officers of the church shall be as follows:

Section 1. Pastor

    1. The Pastor is responsible for leading the church in functioning as a New Testament church. The Pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations and the church staff in performing their tasks. A major concern of the pastor is to perform pastoral responsibilities.

    2. The Pastor is the leader of worship, proclamation, education, pastoral ministries, and to be in charge of overseeing the ministry of the church.

    3. A Pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week’s public notice shall be given.

    4. A pulpit committee shall be elected by the church to seek out a suitable pastor and their recommendations will constitute a nomination, though any member has the privilege of making other nominations according to the policy established by this church.

    5. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time. An affirmation vote of three-fourths (3/4) of those present is necessary for a choice. The Pastor then elected shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request, or by the church’s request. He shall preside at meetings of the church. The Pastor shall give at least two (2) weeks notice of the time of his resignation before terminating responsibilities as pastor.

Section 1. The Church Staff

    1. The church shall call or employ such staff members, as the church shall need. A job description shall be written when the need for staff members is determined. Vocational staff members other than the Pastor shall be recommended to the church by the church elected committees and employed by church action.

    2. Any employed staff member shall give at least two (2) weeks notice at the time of their resignation.

    3. The secretaries and custodians shall be likewise recommended to the church by the Personnel Committee and be employed by church action.

    4. Specific descriptions of duties of staff members shall be filed in the church offices under the heading, "Staff, Job Descriptions."

Section 3. Deacons

    1. In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. The task of the deacon is to serve with the pastor in performing pastoral ministries, tasks, proclaiming the Gospel to believers and unbelievers; care for the church members and other persons in the community; lead the church to engage in fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry, and application; and to lead the church in performing its tasks.

    2. The body of active deacons shall consist of all duly ordained deacons who are members of the First Baptist Church of Weslaco. An exception to this shall be when an individual deacon chooses for any reason to be placed on the Inactive Deacon’s List. If a deacon has chosen to be placed on the Inactive Deacon’s List, and at a later time decides to change his status to Active Deacon, he may be reinstated to the Active Deacon’s List upon approval of the Active Deacon Body.

    3. Any duly ordained deacon who joins First Baptist Church of Weslaco may be placed on "Watch Care" status for a six (6) month period. At the end of this period, and upon the approval of the Active Deacon Body, they will be placed on the Active Deacon’s List and shall carry out the functions of a deacon as outlined in paragraph one (1).

    4. Nominations of prospective deacon candidates can be made by any church member by submitting the name(s) in writing to any deacon or ordained church staff member.

    5. Any candidate for deacon who has not been previously ordained by a church of like faith and order must be approved by the Screening Committee composed of the Active Deacon Body, plus the ordained staff members.

    6. During the next regular Business Meeting of the church following the presentation of the candidates to the church membership – or at a time specified by the church – the candidates shall be presented for election by the church membership by secret ballot. Each candidate must receive at least a two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of votes cast in order to be elected.

    7. Ordination of the newly elected deacons not previously ordained shall take place as directed by the Active Deacon Body.

    8. In matters acted upon by the Active Deacon Body, a simple majority of the current Active Deacon’s List shall constitute a quorum.

    9. The election of a deacon is to be a serious, prayer-filled process. The qualifications for a deacon are not uniform among Southern Baptist churches and are variously understood. While argument exists as to these qualifications, it should be understood that Christ-likeness is the first and most important qualification. With this in mind, our members are asked to vote prayerfully, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for those candidates who exemplify, foremost, a Christ-like spirit.

Section 4. Moderator

The moderator shall be the pastor; in the absence of the pastor, the associate pastor, the chairman of deacons, or vice-chairman, or secretary of the deacons shall preside; or in their absence the church conference shall elect a temporary moderator.

Section 5. Clerk

The church elected clerk of the church shall keep a suitable book or record of all actions of the church. He is responsible for keeping a register of the names of the members, with the date of admission, dismission, or death, together with the record of baptism. He shall issue letters of dismissal voted on by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official response, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary as indicated by these by-laws. The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office.

Section 6. Treasurer

    1. The church shall elect annually a church treasurer. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to render to the church at each regular Business Meeting an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements of the preceding month. The treasurer’s report shall be audited by an auditing committee or public accountant. The treasurer shall be bonded.

    2. Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to the church clerk, who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the church.

Section 7. Trustees

The three (3) trustees shall be elected by the church. Trustees shall serve on a rotation basis, with one new trustee being elected each year. The duties of the trustees shall be to sign all legal documents on behalf of the church as authorized by the church; to oversee all business matters related to the church properties. They shall meet monthly and make regular reports to the church and shall present an annual report to the church.

 

II

CHURCH OFFICERS

 

Section 1. General

All church committees shall be recommended by the Committee on Committees and elected by them unless otherwise indicated by the description below. The committee members shall serve on a three year rotation system with one-third to be elected each year. Tow-thirds (2/3) of any committee shall constitute a quorum.

Section 2. Church Council

    1. The primary function of the council shall be to recommend to the congregation suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the congregation the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements in terms of church goals and objectives.

    2. The council, unless otherwise determined by vote of the church, shall have as regular members the Pastor, Minister of Education, Minister of Music, Associate Pastor, Sunday School Director, Church Training Director, Women’s Missionary Union Director, Brotherhood Director, chairman of deacons, church clerk, treasurer, and librarian.

    3. All matters agreed upon by the council, calling for action not already authorized, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

Section 3. Committee on Committees

The Committee on Committees shall be recommended by the outgoing Nominating Committee and elected by the church. This committee shall nominate all other committee members.

Section 4. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee coordinates the staffing of all church leadership positions that are filled by volunteers. The Nominating Committee recommends persons for all volunteer positions to be elected by the church.

Section 5. Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee assists the church in matters related to employed personnel administration. Its work includes such areas as determining staff needs, employment, salaries, benefits, and personnel services. This committee shall consist of three (3) members.

Section 6. Budget and Finance Committee

This committee shall consist of six (6) members. See Division VII, Section I, Budget, for the duties of this committee.

Section 7. Tellers

    1. This committee shall be composed of three (3) members.

    2. The purpose of this committee is to handle the offering money, making sure it has been counted and prepared for deposit. Their duties are:

        1. Count the money from worship services and Sunday School.

        2. Make deposit slips.

        3. Checks that indicate the money is designated are to be laid aside so the financial secretary can place these funds in the appropriate accounts.

Section 8. Building and Grounds Committee

    1. The overall appearance of our buildings and properties are to be overseen by this committee. The physical attractiveness of our property is to be maintained at the highest level possible.

    2. This committee is to give direction to the overall repair and maintenance for each year. General condition of buildings should be reviewed each year.

    3. Any major improvement should be given careful consideration. At least three (3) bids should be secured on all major repairs.

    4. All policies to the use of our buildings and properties and equipment are to be reviewed by this committee annually. Suggestions for improving the physical appearances, or projects that may be undertaken by classes or organizations are to be approved by this committee.

    5. This committee shall consist of four (4) men and two (2) women.

Section 9. Kitchen Committee

The Kitchen Committee shall consist of three (3) members who shall be responsible for formulating and recommending to the church, policies for the kitchen, and for communicating the policies to he church members. This committee is responsible for purchasing supplies and equipment for the kitchen.

Section 10. Vehicle Committee

This committee consists of three (3) members, whose purpose is to:

        1. Control the usage of the vehicles;

        2. Approve those who drive the vehicles;

        3. See that the necessary repairs and maintenance are made on the vehicles.

Section 11. Library and Visual Aids Committee

    1. The church elected committee for the library shall consists of six (6) members:

        1. Director of Library Services

        2. Director of Audiovisual Education

        3. Director of Printed Materials Education

        4. Director of Promotion

        5. Director of Technical Processes

        6. Director of Circulation

    1. The duties of each director are set forth in the bulletin, "The Church Library Staff Organized for Service", by Church Library Department, Wayne E. Todd, Secretary.

Section 12. Nursery (Preschool)

This committee shall consist of three (3) members, whose responsibilities shall be:

    1. To oversee the general operations of the nursery;

    2. To approve all purchases of equipment for the nursery;

    3. Study and approve all personnel changes;

    4. Review, revise and approve nursery policies as needed;

    5. Cooperate with the nursery director in seeking to maintain the highest quality teaching, and the improvement of teaching equipment and facilities.

      6. Section 13. Music Committee

      1. This committee shall consist of (6) members and is to be an assisting arm to the music director in all matters that will benefit the music program.

      2. This committee should seek to evaluate the total music ministry of our church and make recommendations of which will enhance the music program.

      3. This committee should review annually the instruments the church owns, recommend replacements or repairs. They should review any contracts for repair and maintenance of instruments.

      4. The overall music program is to be evaluated annually.

Section14. Youth Committee

This committee shall consist of three (3) members and is responsible for overseeing the Activity Center and the various activities of the youth of our church.

    1. Activity Center: Oversee and be responsible for the operation and the maintenance of the Youth Center. Enlist adult sponsors and see that sponsors are present whenever the Center is open. Regularly inspect facilities and recommend needed improvements to the church or to proper committees.

    2. Activities: Plan regular trips and retreats for the youth in cooperation with the Youth Council and the Youth Director.

      3. Section 15. Ordinance Committee

      1. This committee is comprised of three (3) couples with one couple serving as chairman. There are two church functions for which this committee must make preparation: the quarterly observance of the Lord’s Supper, and Baptisms.

    1. This committee shall see that there is a sufficient supply of grape juice and unleavened bread. Before the service on Sunday (either morning or evening, whichever the minister specifies), two couples prepare the glasses of grape juice and place the bread on the trays; there are placed on the alter in the sanctuary and covered. Following the service the glasses and trays are washed and put away. The linen table covers are to be laundered and put away after each use.

    2. The couple serving as chairman of the Ordinance Committee is to be notified in advance by the minister when there is to be a baptism, and who is to be baptized. It is this couple’s responsibility to take the persons who are to be baptized to the dressing room, fit them with baptismal robes, assist them into the robes, and instruct them as to what they are to do. After the baptismal service, the couple assists the person baptized in getting redressed.

    1. This committee is also responsible for laundering, storing, repairing, and securing baptismal robes.

Section 16. Missions Committee

The purpose of this committee is to oversee the work with the local missions sponsored by the church. It is not to impose our church’s control over these missions, but give aid and guidance whenever needed. This committee shall consist of six (6) members.

Section 17. Church Ushers

    1. Every regular church usher shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. These shall be led by an usher chairman, also recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church.

    2. The ushers are to greet people as they enter and leave the church, seat people as the proper times, provide bulletins and/or other materials at the time of seating.

    3. The ushers will be attentive to the needs of the congregation and the pastor.

Section 18. Flower Committee

This committee of three (3) persons is responsible for securing, arranging, and disposing of floral arrangements for church services.

Section 19. Hospitality Committee

This committee of three (3) persons takes care of visiting personnel involved in church activities, including food, lodging, and if necessary, travel.

Section 20. Benevolence Committee

This committee is composed of three (3) members who are to perform acts of benevolence to persons in need, in the name of Christ and His church. These needs may be physical, social, or mental.

Section 21. Recreation Committee

This committee of three (3) members seeds to serve the entire church seeing that all recreation activities sponsored by the church or any organizational unit are properly; planned and that they contribute to the ultimate objectives of the church. The committee will plan all church activities and serve as a resource to others who plan activities.

 

IV

PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS

 

Section 1. General

All organizations of the church shall be under supervision; all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church. Al study materials and program materials and program materials shall be under the supervision of the church.

Section 2. Sunday School

    1. There shall be a Sunday School, divided into departments and graded classes and conducted under the direction of the Sunday School Director, for the study of God’s Word.

    2. The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the Biblical revelation, reach persons for Christ and church membership; perform the functions of the church within its constituency; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

Section 3. Church Training

    1. There shall be a Training Union, divided into departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of a general director. The Training Union shall serve as the training organization of the church.

    2. The tasks of the Training Union shall be to orient new church members; train church members to perform the functions of the church; train church leaders; teach Christian theology, Christian ethics, Christian history, and church policies and organization; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

Section 4. Women’s Missionary Union

There shall be a Woman’s Missionary Union, with such officers and organization as needed. The Director of the organization shall be approved by the church. The tasks of the Woman’s Missionary Union shall be to teach mission; engage in mission action; support world missions through prayer and giving; provide and interpret information regarding the missionary work of the church and denomination.

Section 5: Brotherhood

There shall be a Brotherhood with such officers and organizations as needed. This program shall be directed by a director who shall be elected by the church. The tasks are to teach missions; engage in mission action; support world missions through prayer and giving; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.

Section 6: Church Music Program

There shall be a church music program under the direction of the music director. Such officers and/or organizations shall be included as needed. The music tasks shall be to teach music; train persons to lead, sing and play music; provide music in the church and community; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination.

 

 

V

ORDINANCES

 

Section 1. Baptism

Any person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicated a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.

        1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

        2. Baptism shall be administered by the pastor, or whomever the church shall authorize, and shall be administered as an act of worship.

        3. The Ordinance Committee shall assist in the preparation for, and the observance of, baptism.

        4. A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor and/or staff and deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.

Section 2. The Lord’s Supper

    1. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial whereby members of Christ’s body, through partaking of the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

    2. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed quarterly, preferably the first Sunday of the quarter, or as otherwise scheduled.

    3. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed in the morning or evening service.

    4. The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper.

    5. The Ordinance Committee shall be responsible for the physical preparation of the Lord’s Supper.

 

VI

CHURCH MEETINGS

 

Section 1. Worship Services

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening, for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of the Almighty God. These meetings shall be open for the entire membership of the church, and for all people, and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.

Section 2. Special Services

Revival services and any other church meetings considered essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church shall be placed on the church calendar.

Section 3. Regular Business Meetings

Regular business meetings shall be held monthly on a designated Wednesday night (See Article IV, Constitution).

Section 4. Special Business Meetings

A specially called business meeting may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given for the specially called business meeting, unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.

Section 5. Quorum

The quorum shall consist of those church members present at the regular business meetings, or one that has been properly called.

Section 6: Parliamentary Rules

Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for the parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church.

 

 

VII

CHURCH FINANCES

 

Section 1. Budget

The Finance Committee, in consultation with the church council, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval, an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and world-wide expenses.

Section 2. Accounting Procedures

    1. All funds for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer, or the financial secretary, and be properly recorded on the books of the church. The officer (s) shall be bonded.

    2. A system of accounting that will adequately detail the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the finance committee.

    3. The books shall be audited annually. The fiscal year shall be the regular calendar year.

 

VII

CHURCH OPERATIONS MANUAL

 

Section 1. Policies and Procedures

    1. Church policies and procedures shall be described by the church operations manual. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available to any church member of the church. The manual shall be maintained by the church secretary. Changes in policies and procedures may be initiated by any church member or organization. Addition, revision, or deletion of church policies requires

        1. The recommendation of the church officer or organization (including committees) to whose areas of assignment the policy relates.

        2. Discussion by the church council and,

        3. Approval by the church.

    2. Procedures may be added, revised, or deleted by:

        1. Recommendation by the appropriate officer or group.

        2. Approval by the church council, and,

        3. Approval by the church, if deemed necessary by the church council.

 

IX

AMENDMENTS

 

Changes in this constitution and by-laws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church, provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous church meeting, and copies of the proposed amendment be furnished to each member present.

Amendments to the constitution shall be by two-thirds (2/3) favorable vote of all members of the church present; amendment to the by-laws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.

Adopted July 25, 1973, at a special conference called for this purpose.