CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
Preamble
We the people of the Pecan Grove Baptist Church feel that God, in His divine providence, has placed us in a most strategic time and place, in an area recognized as one of the fastest growing in our country today. And with this awareness comes the recognition of the opportunity and responsibility we, God’s people, have in fulfilling God’s great commission to go forth and witness and make disciples through the sharing of our faith in Jesus Christ to the people who live in this area and those who live around the world. We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.
I. Name
This body shall be known as the Pecan Grove Baptist Church of Richmond, TX, located at 1727 FM 359.
II. Objectives
To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world.
To be a worshiping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and responding in obedience to His leadership.
To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God, and fellow believers.
To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man.
To be a church that ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and world in Jesus’ name.
To be a church whose purpose is to be Christ-like in daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the Lordship of Christ.
III. Statement of Faith
The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of “The Baptist Faith and Message” as developed by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963. We band 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 baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
IV. Relationships
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the San Felipe Association, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Southern Baptists of Texas, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
BY-LAWS
I. Membership
Section 1 General
This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and conditions of such membership.
Section 2 Candidacy
Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church. All candidates for church membership must attend the Membership Class. All such candidates shall then be presented to the church at a regular church service for membership. After completing the Membership Class, candidates can become a member of this church in any of the following ways: By profession of faith and for baptism according to the policies of this church; By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist Church.(those requesting membership by letter must be a member in good standing with their current church); or By statement of prior conversion experience and baptism in a church of like faith and order.
Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days.
Section 3 Voting Rights of Members
Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting.
Section 4 Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: (1) death; (2) dismission to another Baptist church; (3) exclusion by action of this church, or (4) upon written request of the member.
Section 5 Discipline
It shall be the basic purpose of Pecan Grove Baptist Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. Redemption rather than punishment should be the guideline which governs the attitude of one member toward another. Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the pastor and by the deacons to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. But, if after finding that the welfare of the church will be best served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose. At that time the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.
Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him may upon his request, be restored to membership by a two-thirds vote of the church upon evidence of his repentance and reformation.
II. Church Officers
All church officers must be members of the church. The officers of this church shall be as follows:
Section 1 Pastor
The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. The pastor will lead the congregation, the organizations, and the church staff to perform their tasks. The pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in the church. As such, he works with the deacons and church staff to: (1) lead the church in the achievement of its objectives; (2) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers; and (3) care for the church’s members and other persons in the community. A pastor selection committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out a pastor, and its recommendations will constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one name at a time. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three fourths of those present being necessary for a choice. The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church’s request. He shall preside at meetings of the church. The pastor shall give at least two week’s notice at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as pastor. In the event the pastor resigns, the chairman of the deacons will assume leadership of the church until an interim pastor is hired.
Section 2 Church Staff
This church shall call or employ such staff members as the church shall need. A job description shall be written when the need for a staff member is determined. Called vocational staff members other than the pastor shall be recommended to the church by the search committee and employed by church action. At least two week’s notice should be given at the time of resignation. The secretaries and custodians shall be hired by the Pastor and the pastoral staff in cooperation with the personnel committee. Hiring non-pastoral staff does not require church action. The pastor, who is an ex officio member of all committees; shall be directly involved in the hiring process.
Section 3 Deacons
Mission – The mission of the Deacon Body of Pecan Grove Baptist Church (PGBC) is:
To support, under the leadership of the Pastor, the ministries of PGBC, and to help address needs of the congregation and the community.
To promote and protect a biblical spirit of unity within PGBC.
To identify and develop future servant-minded leadership for PGBC.
Biblical Standards for a Deacon
Is above reproach both within and without the church (1 Tim.3:3).
Is filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3, 5).
Is constant in prayer (1 Th. 5:17).
Is full of wisdom (Acts 6:3).
Is not self-centered, quick tempered, violent, or contentious (1 Tim. 3:3).
Is not given much wine. (1 Tim 3:8).
Is well grounded in the scriptures; knows what he believes; looks for opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus; is able to discern false doctrine; and leads a godly life (1 Tim. 3:9, 13,16).
Is free from the love of money and diligently seeks the kingdom of God and His righteousness (1 Tim. 3:3, Matt. 6:33).
Is a mature Christian, tested and proven, not a new or immature convert (1 Tim. 3:6, 10).
Abstains from any personal conduct or activity that would distort his testimony to the lost or cause another believer to stumble (Rom. 14:21; Cor. 8:9).
Controls his tongue; not a gossiper; one who can keep confidences; does not pass rumors; and is not a critical person (1 Tim. 3:8; James 3:2).
If married, is the husband of one wife with a demonstrated knowledge of the God-ordained institution of marriage and manages his own household well, resulting in love and respect from his wife and children (1 Tim. 3:12).
Shows evidence of a New Testament view of financial stewardship by his giving to the Church (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Mal. 3:10).
Does all in his power to create and preserve harmony in the Church (1 Tim. 3:13).
Recognizes the God-given leadership role incumbent upon the Pastor and seeks to supportively serve under that leadership (Titus 1:5-9).
Likewise, wives of deacons are to be guided by these same principles (1 Tim 3:11).
Expectations of a Deacon
To support and sustain the ministry (in faith) of the Pastor.
He is a man committed to being fully devoted and fully equipped follower of Christ and is actively involved in the ministry of the Church.
He is a competent spiritual guide.
He is one who has demonstrated to his Church that he can be depended upon to provide service.
He is a man who is willing to assume the special responsibility to protect the unity of the Church by functioning within the Church body as an advocate or peacemaker as required for the good of the Church.
He clearly regards the office of Deacon as encompassing a significant responsibility directed toward honoring Christ through serving His Church and does not seek any self-honor or authority.
He is a member in regular attendance in PGBC Sunday Morning Bible Study and special events.
He is available to serve the Lord’s Supper
He tithes out of his total income to PGBC.
He abstains from the use of illicit drugs.
Attentive to the needs of the congregation and acts accordingly to those needs.
Organization of the Deacon Body
a. Classification of Deacons based on each Deacon’s own prayerful determination.
Deacons who after self-examination, agree that they can and will fulfill the provisions of Section 3 set out above. Deacons have voting responsibilities on matters brought before the Deacon Body and are expected to faithfully attend Deacon meetings.
b. Elections
i. The Church Body will nominate candidates for Deacon Body
annually in month of August or as requested.
ii. 5 different members must nominate each candidate.
iii. Candidate must be member of PGBC for at least 6 months.
iv. Deacon Body will then vote on nominations, and after prayerful consideration candidate will go through the interview process with Pastor and Deacon Body. This will include Biblical standards for a Deacon. If approved unanimously, and after prayerful consideration candidate will then provide testimony to Church and Church will vote by ballot.
vi. Upon 75% approval, candidate will then be ordained and presented to Church as a new Deacon.
c. Officers
The Deacon Body officers are: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary; each elected for a one-year term by the Deacon Body.
Section 4 Moderator
The pastor shall serve as moderator. In the absence of the moderator, the chairman of deacons shall preside; in the absence of both, the clerk shall call the church to order and an acting moderator shall be elected.
Section 5 Clerk
The church-elected clerk of the church shall keep a suitable book record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The clerk is responsible for keeping a register of the names of the members, with dates of admission, dismission, or death, together with a record of baptisms. The clerk shall issue letters of dismission voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in 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 when an office is maintained.
Section 6 Trustees
Three trustees elected by the church will hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents where the signatures of trustees are
required. The trustees are entrusted to make sure that the church is adequately insured.
III. Committees and Ministry Teams
Section 1 General
The church will be organized for service into Committees and Ministry Teams.
Section 2 Committees General
The church shall have three standing, permanent committees. These committees will be Personnel, Finance, and Teller.
Committee Staff
The deacon body will recommend active, interested church members to fill positions on each committee upon successful completion of an interview with the appropriate deacon.
Candidate will sign agreement form indicating interest and willingness to comply with committee standards and procedures.
Candidate will be presented before the church for church vote.
Members of committees will serve three year terms. Terms will be staggered so no more than two members rotate off at any time. If term is interrupted by moving or leaving the church, committee member will be replaced by same action above. The pastoral staff, deacons, and committee chairmen maintain the right to remove anyone from any team for behavior detrimental to the Gospel or the purposes of the committee. Each committee chairman will work in consultation with the deacon body to address behavior that rises to the level of dismissal. If the committee chairman and deacons are unable to satisfactorily resolve the situation, then the pastoral staff will mediate. Chairman Committee Chairmen will be appointed by the deacons. Chairman will serve one calendar year.
Committees
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee develops and recommends an operating budget and cash plan using sound principles of financial management. The committee is responsible for the investment of church funds and reviews the expenditure of funds based on the Treasurer’s report. The committee is responsible for ensuring that funds disbursed are appropriately budgeted and the checks are appropriately authorized. The committee will recommend to the church persons who are to be authorized to sign checks. The committee also advises the church on the impact of unbudgeted expenditure on the operating programs of the church. The Finance Committee will review and compare the Teller’s report to the appropriate sections of the Treasurer’s report. The Chairman of the Finance Committee will also serve as the church Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to account for, preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money and to receive and preserve any 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 appropriate financial reports to the Finance Committee for review and approval. The approved financial reports will be presented to the church at each regular business meeting. The Finance Committee will be comprised of five members.
Teller Committee
The Teller Committee is responsible to receive, safeguard, count, and prepare for deposit all funds collected by the church. The committee will maintain separate records of funds collected and will provide the Treasurer a weekly report. The weekly report will be sufficiently detailed to post individual contributions to individual contributor’s records. A monthly report of contributions and deposits will be rendered to the Finance Committee. The monthly report will not identify individual contributors. All funds entrusted to the tellers will be counted and verified by two tellers.
Funds collected by the church during weekly worship services will be verified and counted that same day. The Finance Committee members may serve as alternate tellers if necessary. The Teller Committee will be comprised of at least eight members.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee will assist the Ministerial Staff in administering and maintaining church approved policies and procedures related to the paid personnel of the church. The committee is responsible for maintaining position descriptions, assisting Search Committees, surveying the need for additional church staff personnel, recommending salary budgets and individual salary adjustments, overseeing the appraisal process, reviewing Church Personnel Benefit Plans, and coordinating church personnel recognition activities. The Personnel Committee will be comprised of five members.
Section 3 Ministry Teams
General Ministry Teams
All ministry teams serve to fulfill the direction the Holy Spirit is leading the church and fall under the authority of the pastoral staff and deacons.
Pecan Grove Baptist Church will have as a regular part of its organization, seven ministry teams: missions, hospitality, student ministry, children’s ministry, properties, audio/visual, and technology. Additional ministry teams can be created without the consent of church vote at the discretion of the pastoral staff or the pastoral staff and the deacon body. A ministry team is created when a ministry need or area of service is recognized where there exists no current ministry team. The pastoral staff or pastoral staff and deacon body will assist interested church members in creating and staffing new ministry teams.
Membership
Any active member of Pecan Grove Baptist Church can apply to be on a ministry team.
Applicant must fill out a request form from a team leader. Membership is dependent upon the approval of the team leader. If team leader approves, applicant signs a commitment form agreeing to the standards and procedures of the ministry team. Tenure on Ministry Teams is indefinite. However, the pastoral staff, deacon body, and team leaders maintain the right to remove anyone from any team for behavior detrimental to the Gospel or the purposes of the team. Each team leader will work in consultation with the deacon body to address behavior that rises to the level of dismissal. If the team leader and deacons are unable to satisfactorily resolve the situation, then the pastoral staff will mediate.
Leadership - Team leaders will be appointed by the deacons,
and will serve in that capacity indefinitely or until such a time is determined by them, the deacons, or the pastoral staff as an appropriate time to step down.
Teams
Missions Team - The Missions Team seeks to assist the church and its response to the Great Commission as mentioned in Matthew 28:19-20. The Team will encourage and develop the church body’s education and implementation of world missions and evangelism efforts including those sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Southern Baptists of Texas, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
Hospitality Team - The Hospitality Team is to be responsible for assisting the ill (with meals and/or flowers) as well as looking after the well-being of the entire church fellowship. The Team formulates plans for providing food for special occasions and securing the necessary help from the congregation. The Team will purchase necessary supplies to be used in the kitchen. They are responsible for formulating and recommending policies for the kitchen and for communicating these policies to church members.
Student Ministry Team - The Student Ministry Team shall work closely with the Student Pastor to plan, coordinate, and implement all phases of the youth program and ministry including financial planning for youth activities, assisting Student Pastor in all of the larger activities, assisting youth director in setting yearly goals in missionary work, in an outreach program, and fund raising events.
Children’s Ministry Team - The Children’s Ministry Team shall work closely with the Children’s Director/Pastor and children’s leadership to plan, coordinate and implement the programs and ministry for birth through fifth grade. The Team shall provide wise counsel and assistance to the Children’s Director/Pastor in handling any problems that may rise within the children’s ministry. The Children’s Director/Pastor and the deacons shall work closely together in selecting individuals for the Children’s Ministry Team.
Properties Team - The Properties Team assists the church in matters related to properties administration. Its work includes such areas as maintaining all church properties for ready use, recommending policies regarding use of properties, recommending employment of maintenance personnel, and assigning responsibility to appropriate personnel for supervision.
Audio / Visual Team - The Audio / Visual Team will be responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and running the sound and video projection for church worship services and other functions. Only those persons on the Audio / Visual Team or those they approve may have access to the audio / visual equipment. Any person needing audio/visual support for any program must submit a request to the Audio / Visual Team.
Technology Team - The Technology Team is responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and running all of the computer and telephone systems in the church. The Technology Team will also be responsible for building and maintaining the church website.
Others - Other Ministry Teams may be created in accordance with Section 3(1)a. ii. of this Constitution and By-Laws.
IV. Decision Making Process
Introduction
Pecan Grove Baptist Church is a congregation of believers initiated, charged, and led by the Holy Spirit for the glory of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 12:13) As a called group of believers decisions are regularly made that affect Pecan Grove Baptist Church. Our congregational desire, in every decision, is to be faithful to the Holy Spirit and maintain the unity of the congregation. (Revelation 2-3, John 17:20-21) The purpose of this section is to set in order the decision making process for the operational units of Pecan Grove Baptist Church. (Titus 1:5)
Delegation of Authority
The congregation of Pecan Grove Baptist Church has all authority. Through the Constitution and By-Laws, the congregation has established four operational units that carry out of the work of the church. The four operational units in Pecan Grove Baptist Church are in order of authority from highest to lowest: Congregation; Pastor/Pastoral Staff; Deacon Body; and Committees/Ministry Teams/Pecan Grove Baptist School.
The hierarchy of authority is:
Congregation
Pastor/Staff
Deacons
Cmte/MT/PGBS
Decision Making Process
Understanding the above delegation of authority, we practice the following:
- All decisions must be consistent with the vision and mission of Pecan Grove Baptist Church and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. (Epistles to churches)
- All organizational units have authority to make decisions according to the area of work assigned as enumerated in the By-Laws II, III, and IX. (Hebrews 13:17) Authority for each unit is limited to the responsibilities outlined for each unit in the By-Laws.
- Any organizational unit may, at its discretion, defer a decision to the next higher organizational unit per the established hierarchy. If the organizational unit is not satisfied with the decision of the higher unit, the organization can appeal to the next higher unit. The congregation has final authority.
- Each organizational unit is responsible for directing their motions through the decision making process.
- When a motion is brought to the church the church will act by voting on a formal motion pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order. (As specified in the By-Laws, the church is required to vote on the following: Church discipline; Calling of staff members; Selecting Deacons; Approving Committee Members; Amending the Constitution and By-Laws; Approving the annual budget; Matters required by policies of any organizational unit. [For example, the Finance Committee’s policies mandate the church vote when cost for a project exceeds a certain figure.])
- All decisions will be appropriately communicated to the congregation per the church communication process.
Guidelines for Decision Making
The following serve as guidelines for leaders of organizational units when considering whether or not to defer to a higher governing body:
- Spiritual clarity – the organizational unit is uncertain of the leadership of the Holy Spirit on a particular matter.*
- Mission consistency – the organizational unit is unsure whether the decision is consistent the vision and mission of the church.*
- Congregational impact – the organizational unit believes the congregational impact of the decision is great enough to warrant greater participation in the decision.*
- Financial consideration – the policies of the Finance Committee require the decision to go to the church for a church vote.
* These do not necessitate bringing an item before the congregation but serve as guidelines as to why an action would be brought before the church for a vote. All decisions will be appropriately communicated to the congregation per the church communication process.
V. Individual Participation Process
Introduction
Every member of Pecan Grove Baptist Church has a responsibility to serve in the ministries of the church. (1 Cor 12) And every active member has the right to share their thoughts and concerns about church matters. The purpose of this section is to order how an individual actively participates in the decision making process and resolves concerns.
Participation Process
Members have a responsibility to participate in PGBC in the following ways:
1. Serving in ministry areas.
2. Voting on matters brought before the church.
3. Offering Spirit led counsel to the Pastor, Staff, Deacons, Committees, and Ministry Teams appropriately. (Names, contact information, and meeting times are all available through the church office.)
4. If a church member has a motion that is not being acted on and they would like to pursue the motion, they may take the motion to the next higher level in the organizational hierarchy. The church member is responsible for directing their motions through the operational decision making process.
Resolution Process
If a church member feels like they are not being heard; they have an issue with a decision that has been made; they have an issue with the process in which a decision has been made; or have been treated in a manner that does not honor the Lord the following actions should be taken:
When the issue is with the decision of a Committee, Ministry Team, PGBS, or Deacon, contact in this order:
- Committee Head/Ministry Team Leader/PGBS Director
- Chairman of Deacons/Deacon
- Pastor1
- Congregation
When the issue is with the decision of a Staff Pastor, contact in this order:
- Pastor
- Chairman of Deacons1
- Congregation
When the issue is with the decision of the Pastor, contact in this order:
- Chairman of Personnel Committee
- Chairman of Deacons1
- Congregation
1 At this point the issue must be made in written form.
VI. Church Meetings
Section 1 Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God. This meeting will be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor. The church will be active in offering a variety of corporate and specific opportunities for worship, discipleship, evangelism, and missions. The purpose of church activities is to equip the saints to do the work of ministry. The church will be aggressively engaged in activities that promote the advancement of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.
Section 2 Special Services
Revival services and any other church meetings which will be 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 quarterly on a designated Sunday night. In all business meetings of the church, those resident church members present shall constitute a quorum. Regular business meetings shall be held:
Last Sunday in January (report for previous year closing)
Last Sunday in April (report for first quarter)
Last Sunday in July (report for 2nd quarter)
Last Sunday in October (report for 3rd quarter)
Section 4 Special Business Meetings
A special 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 special called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.
Section 5 Parliamentary Rules
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings. Any organizational unit or individual who would like new business to be considered at a business meeting, must submit a motion in writing to the Pastor, in his capacity as Moderator of Business Meetings, at least two weeks prior to the Business Meeting.
VII. Ministry Organizations
Section 1 General
All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church. The church shall always have at least the following organizations as part of the ministry of the church.
Section 2 Bible Study
There shall be a Bible Study that meets on Sunday mornings, divided in departments and classes for all ages, and conducted under the direction of the Bible Study Director for the study of God’s word.
The tasks of the Bible Study program shall be to teach the biblical revelation, reach persons for Christ and church membership, perform the functions of education within its constituency, and provide and interpret information regarding the work of the denomination.
Section 3 Worship Ministry
There shall be a Worship Ministry under the direction of the Worship Pastor. 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 church and community; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.
Section 4 Student Ministry
There shall be a Student Ministry in accordance with primary goals and functions of this New Testament Church. A student minister shall direct the youth program in consultation with the pastor and Student Ministry Team.
Section 5 Children and Preschool Ministry
There shall be appropriate ministries to assist parents in raising their children in the knowledge and understanding of the Lord. These programs will be biblically based. Present programs include, but are not limited to Bible Study, Children’s Choirs, AWANA, and Vacation Bible School.
VIII. Ordinances
Section 1 Baptism
A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism. Baptism will follow these guidelines:
Baptism shall be by immersion in water;
Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the church shall authorize with the deacon assisting in the preparation for, and observance of, baptism;
Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during worship service; and
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/she shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.
Section 2 The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby those who are partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ, and anticipate His second coming. Any believer in Christ is welcome to partake of the supper. The Lord’s Supper will be observed according to the following guidelines:
The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly; The Lord’s Supper shall be observed in the morning or evening worship services; The Lord’s Supper may be observed at other special worship services; The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper; and The deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparations of the Lord’s Supper.
IX. 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 church ministries. It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular tithes and offerings.
Section 2 Accounting Procedures
All funds for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer, or financial secretary, and be properly recorded on the books of the church. All church monies shall be counted by two or more persons. A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the finance committee.
Section 3 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the church will follow the calendar year which begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.
X. Pecan Grove Baptist School
Section 1 General
Pecan Grove Baptist Church has established Pecan Grove Baptist School as an outreach ministry of the church. As an outreach ministry, Pecan Grove Baptist School serves the church in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the church. This organization is a nonprofit, nonpolitical institution.
Section 2 Officers
The Pastor of Pecan Grove Baptist Church gives oversight to Pecan Grove Baptist School. Pecan Grove Baptist School has, as its officers, a Director and a School Board.
Director - The director administers the day-to-day functions of the school. The director shall give at least two week’s notice at the time of resignation before terminating his/her responsibilities as director. In the event the director resigns, or for other reason is no longer able to fulfill the responsibilities as director, the school board will assume responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the school. Additionally, the school board, along with the pastor, will be responsible for hiring a new director.
School Board - The school board shall be comprised of church members who are nominated by the deacons and elected by the church. The board will ensure that the school is conducted as a ministry of the church in a fashion that is consistent with the objectives of the church. The school board is to serve as a liaison between the church and the school.
Section 3 Teachers
The Director of Pecan Grove Baptist School will be responsible for hiring and firing of all school teachers. Teachers must be active members i
n good standing at an evangelical church.
Section 4 Finances
Pecan Grove Baptist School is financially independent from Pecan Grove Baptist Church. No part of its earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual. All funds earned by the school shall be reinvested in the school.
XI. 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 business meeting and copies of the proposed amendment be furnished to each member present. Amendments to the constitution shall be by two-thirds vote of all members of the church present entitled to vote. Amendments to the bylaws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.