Preamble

For the more preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted practices of the Southern Baptist denomination, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent to each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution. This body shall be a cooperating church with the Grainger County Baptist Association, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and contribute moral and financial support to these said bodies.

Article I. Name of Organization

This body shall be known as the Calvary Baptist Church Ministries, Incorporated, of Mooresburg, Tennessee.

Article II. Purpose of Organization

1. This body shall perform and carry out its purposes and functions acting by and through its pastor, officers, committee, and organizations whose duties shall be defined in these bylaws.

2. As a Christian body its purposes are soul winning, religious education, mutual helpfulness, and the provision of regular opportunities for public worship. In carrying out these functions, it shall sustain the ordinances, doctrines, and ethics of the Holy Bible.

Article 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 faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God 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 contribute cheerfully and regularly to 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 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 excessing anger; to abstain from the sale of 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 one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, 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.

Article IV. Church Doctrinal Statement

1. The Scriptures: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired; that it is truth without mixture of error; and that it is the standard by which all human conduct and creeds should be tried (II Timothy 3:15-17).

2. The True God: We believe that there is one, and only one true and living God; that in the unity of the God-head there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (John 4:24; 10:30).

3. The Fall of Man: We believe that man was created in holiness, but by voluntary transgression, fell from that holy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners and are under condemnation of eternal ruin (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12).

4. The Way of Salvation: We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the atoning death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8; Isaiah 53:4-5; Hebrews 7:25).

5. Justification: We believe that through justification the perfect righteousness of God is imputed to the believers in Christ Jesus (Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1-2).

6. The Freeness of Salvation: We believe that the blessing of salvation is made free to all by the Gospel, and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner but his own depravity and rejection of the Gospel (Isaiah 55:1; John 3:16).

7. Grace in Regeneration: We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again, through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3; II Cor. 5:17).

8. Repentance and Faith: We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God, and are essential steps in salvation (Mark 1:15: Romans 10: 9).

9. God’s Purpose and Election: We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; and that this is consistent with the free agency of man (Romans 8:28-31; II Peter 1:10).

10. Sanctification: We believe that sanctification is a progressive process by which the believer is made partaker of God’s holiness, and that this process begins in regeneration (I Thess. 4:3); and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:12-13).

11. The Perseverance of Saints: We believe that only real believers endure to the end, and that they are kept by the power of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39; II Timothy 1:12).

12. A Gospel Church: We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers bound together in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; and that Jesus committed the ministry of His Gospel to His Churches (Acts 2:41-41).

13. The Christian Sabbath: We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, and is to be kept sacred for religious purposes (Acts 20:7; Exodus 20:8).

14. The World to Come: We believe at the last day Christ will descend from Heaven and raise the dead; that a solemn judgment and separation will then take place; and that His judgment will fix forever the final state of men in Heaven or Hell (Acts 1:24-25)

Article V. Church Ordinances

We believe that the ordinances given to the local church are two – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

1. Baptism: We believe that when any believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Scriptures have said, they are fit subjects for Baptism. Also, we believe that immersion alone, according to the examples in the New Testament, is baptism and that believers are the only proper subjects (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:36-39).

2. The Lord’s Supper: We believe the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, as symbols of Christ’s body and blood, partaken of by born again believers, in commemoration of the suffering and death of our Lord; showing our faith and participation in His sacrifice, and our hope of eternal life through His resurrection from the dead; its observance is to be preceded by faithful self-examination (Luke 22:19-20; Matthew 26:26-30; I Cor. 11:24-30).

Article VI. Church Membership

1. Admission of Members: Calvary Baptist Church shall receive members using one of the following methods:

2. New Concerts: Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of a born again experience, and then following the Lord in baptism, may be received in to membership. Counseling shall be provided prior to the Church vote.

3. Transfer of Letter: Members from other Baptist churches having the same doctrinal statement, who have been baptized by immersion, may be received into membership upon receipt of the appropriate letter and by vote of the Church.

4. Statement: Those persons who have been baptized by immersion and because of circumstances have no regular letter of admission from another Baptist Church of like faith and order, may be received into membership upon giving satisfactory testimony of a born again experience and by vote of the Church.

5. Other Denominations: Persons coming for membership from other denominations may unite with this church after a close examination by the pastor concerning their salvation experience and baptism.

6. Restoration: Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense may be restored by vote of the Church, upon evidence of his/her repentance and reformation.

7. Procedure for Receiving Members: Any person requesting membership much accept, without reservation, our Church Covenant, Church Doctrinal Statement and Church Ordinances, and be approved by majority vote of the Church.

8. Responsibilities: Members shall be expected to be faithful in all the duties and privileges of the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of the church, to contribute regularly toward the support of its causes, to share in its organized work, and to strive for the accomplishment of its purpose.

9. Privileges: All members shall have equal rights to participate in all business transactions of the church by discussing the issues, making recommendations, and voting. In addition, all members shall have equal rights to receive church ministries, which have been approved by membership.

10. Termination: This church shall terminate membership as follows: (a) upon notification of death of member, (b) upon request of another church of like faith and order for letter of member, (c) upon notification of another church’s acceptance of member. In addition, the Church may terminate the membership of members who become an offense to the Church and its good name by reasons of immoral or unchristian conduct, but only after faithful effort has been made to bring such member to repentance (I Cor. 5:3-13; Matthew 18:15-17; I John 4:7-11; Gal. 6:1).

Article VII. Church Property

The securing and maintaining of property, buildings and equipment by this church shall be for the express purpose of providing facilities for public worship, church-related activities, and future expansion. All property of the church is to be held for the use and benefit of the membership, even though they be a minority, who adhere to, maintain, and propagate the churches doctrines, faith, and practices of Southern Baptist churches cooperating with the local Baptist Association, Tennessee Baptist Convention, and Southern Baptist Convention. If there is no minority to make adequate use of said property, then the title to same shall revert to or become vested in the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, as trustee, an agency of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Brentwood, Tennessee, to hold and use said property, or the proceeds therefrom, to advance and propagate the Baptist cause and denomination in Tennessee.

Article VIII. Amendments

1. Amendment Procedures: Amendments to this Church Constitution can be made providing the following conditions are met:

2. Any member of this church may submit amendments to this Church Constitution.

3. The amendment(s) shall be prepared in writing and submitted to the Church membership six (6) months prior to a regular business meeting.

4. For any proposed amendment to be approved, it must pass by a ¾ majority vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church. There will be no votes by proxy or absenteeism.

5. This Church shall use Robert’s Rule of Order (Revised) as the parliamentary guide at all business meetings.

Bylaws

Article I. Amendments

1. Amendment Procedures: Amendments to the Bylaws of Calvary Baptist Church, Mooresburg, Tennessee, can be made providing the following conditions are met:

2. Any member of this church may submit amendments to the Bylaws of this Church.

3. The amendment(s) shall be prepared in writing and submitted to the Church membership sixty (60) days prior to a regular business meeting.

4. For any proposed amendment to be approved, it must pass by a ¾ majority vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church. There will be no votes by proxy or absenteeism.

Article II. Policy

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.

Article III. Leadership and Organization

The officers of Calvary Baptist Church shall be the Pastor Deacons, Trustees, Clerk, Treasurer, Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, Music Director, WMU Director, and Brotherhood Director. All of these shall be elected by the Church and shall be members in good standing.

1. Pastor

   1. The pastor must meet the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7. Whenever a vacancy occurs, a pastor shall be called by the Church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the pastor or the Church. In either case, at least thirty days’ notice shall be given of termination of the relationship, unless otherwise mutually agreed, with both pastor and the Church seeking to follow the Will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

   2. Selection: When a vacancy occurs, the Nominating Committee shall submit either three (3) or five (5) names to serve on the Pastor Search Committee, subject to approval by the Church.

   3. This committee shall then select and present one name at a time as interim pastor to the Church for approval.

   4. The same committee shall bring before the Church nominations for pastor. They shall submit only one name at a time and no nomination shall be made except through the committee. The person nominated shall be an approved Southern Baptist minister.

   5. Election of the pastor shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose and for which a week’s notice has been given.

   6. Vote shall be by ballot with an affirmative vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of members present necessary for a call. The motion shall include a written agreement between the prospective pastor and the Church, stipulating the salary, vacation, sick leave, number of revival meetings, arrangements and agreements for pulpit supply, and other obligations of the contracting parties.

   7. Duties and Responsibilities: The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the Church; shall be an ex-officio member of all organizations and committees, with voice; may call a special meeting of the deacons or any committee according to procedures set forth in these Bylaws; shall conduct religious services on stated and special and community, and perform other duties that usually pertain to that and shall, in cooperation with the deacons, provide for pulpit supply other special services. The pastor shall be an authorized messenger to denominational associations and conventions.

2. Other Staff

   1. Other staff shall be employed as required by the church. A job description listing qualifications, duties, compensations, and church expectations shall be drawn up prior to future employment of the following staff members: Church Secretary, Music Director, Pianist, Organist, Youth Leader, Custodian, Grounds Keeper, and any other staff members which may become necessary in the future of the Church.

   2. Provision for Staff Illness: All paid employees, in case of extended illness or disability, shall be paid for one month. In the event of sickness or disability of the pastor, he shall be paid for ninety (90) days including full benefits. At the end of that time or period, the Finance Committee shall review the situation and make recommendations for the continuation.

   3. General Officers (Not Paid): The following will be considered officers of the Church: Deacons, Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Trustees, Librarians and their assistants, and the musical assistants.

3. Deacons

   1. Number: There shall be one deacon for every ten church families. Deacons shall be elected at regular business meetings of the Church by secret ballot. Additional deacons may be elected at the will of the Church as need may arise. Ordained deacons coming into this Church shall not automatically become active deacons.   

   2. Qualifications: All deacons of the Church shall meet the following qualifications:   

      1. A deacon shall strive to meet the spiritual standards set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13.

      2. To be eligible to be a deacon, one shall be at least eighteen (18) years old and shall have been a member of Calvary Baptist Church for at least one year.

   3. Expectations: The Church may expect the following of the deacons:

      1. A deacon shall conduct his life on sound moral principles. He shall be honest in his dealings, faithful in his engagements, and truthful in his relationships. A deacon shall not engage in the use of and sale of drugs or alcoholic beverages.

      2. A deacon shall set a worthy example through his stewardship. A tithe (a tenth) of his earnings to the Church is expected. His generosity in the support of the work of the Lord over selfish gain should be apparent.

      3. A deacon shall see his role as that of spiritual leader of our church. He shall cooperate in his work with fellow deacons and pastor in the ministry to the Church and community. He shall always remember that he is a servant of God to the people. His spiritual sensitivity should lead him to understand the confidential nature of sensitive matters.

      4. A deacon is expected to attend all of the services of the Church unless providentially hindered. Regular attendance at the monthly deacons meeting and business sessions of the Church is expected. Care shall be taken to minister effectively to the church families assigned to him.

      5. A deacon is expected to cultivate his relationship with God and to grow in his understanding of the Christian faith. The leadership of God’s Holy Spirit should be regularly sought and followed.

   4. Selection: The Church shall give careful thought to the selection of deacons which shall be accomplished in the following manner:

      1. When the need arises for additional deacons, the Church Council will present names to the Deacon Board.

      2. The Deacon Examining Committee shall interview the nominees who meet qualifications, and who are willing to serve.

      3. Following the examination by the deacons, names will be furnished for church consideration.

      4. If the elected person has not been previously ordained, an ordination service shall be arranged by the pastor and the deacons.

      5. The deacon body shall elect its own chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary.

   5. Duties: In accordance with the meeting of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be the servants of the Church.

      1. The deacons shall serve the elements of the Lord’s Supper, aid the pastor in his visitations, and attend to the necessities of the congregations.

      2. Deacons shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the Church. With the pastor, they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant effort and progress of the Church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christianity, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom.

4. Moderator

   1. The moderator shall be the pastor. In the absence of the pastor, the chairman of the deacons shall preside; in the absence of both, the vice-chairman of the deacons shall preside.

5. Treasurer

   1. The treasurer shall be elected annually. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, deposit in a bank, and disburse by check, upon proper authority, all monies or items of value that are given to the Church and to keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, rendering regular account to the Church to be preserved by the church clerk. Also, the treasurer shall present a printed copy to those in attendance at the regular monthly business meetings. The treasurer’s books shall be audited by the Finance Committee, and all books, records, and accounts kept by him/her shall be considered the property of the Church. The treasurer shall, upon invitation, meet with the deacons and shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee. The assistant will have equal authority in the absence of the treasurer. Expenses and disbursements (bills/receipts/purchase orders) provided for in the annual budget may be paid by the treasurer without further authorization as funds become available for payment, but all expenses or disbursements not so provided for shall be paid only upon recommendation of the Finance Committee and approval of the Church.

6. Clerk

   1. The clerk shall attend, or be represented at all Church business meetings, to keep an accurate record of all business transactions, to prepare the annual associational letter and to notify all officers, members of committees and messengers of their election or appointment. The clerk shall issue letters of dismissal as authorized by the church, and preserve a true history of the church. It shall be the duty of the clerk to see that an accurate roll of Church membership is kept with dates and methods of admission and dismissal, change in name, correct mailing addresses and other pertinent information. All books and records kept by the clerk shall be considered property of the Church. The clerk shall be elected annually and shall be a member of the Church Council.

7. Trustees

   1. Three members shall serve as trustees of the Church.

   2. Election: The Church shall elect the trustees to serve for three (3) years with one new trustee elected each year. These shall be nominated to the Church by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. Vacancies may be filled at any time with the one so elected serving out the unexpired term of the one whose vacancy is being filled. Trustees may be elected to succeed themselves.

   3. Duties: The trustees shall, as provided by law and by action of the Church, hold in trust the title to all properties of the Church and shall represent the Church in all matters of legal responsibility regarding the purchase, improvement, and disposal of Church property. They shall execute all legal papers relating to the Church and to Church property as the Church may direct.

   4. Powers: The trustees shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the Church without a special vote of the Church authorizing such action; neither shall they have any control over the use of the property except by vote of the Church.

8. Librarian and Assistant

   1. There shall be a librarian and at least one (1) assistant. The Nominating Committee shall recommend and the Church shall elect these annually. The librarian shall carry out the following duties: purchase and approve books; catalogue books, tapes, and filmstrips; and promote the circulation and use of the Church library.

 

 

1. Music Director

   1. The Church Music Director shall be responsible for providing worshipful music at all services. He/she is to direct the choir(s) and the congregation in all public singing. He/she is to cooperate with the Pastor and other leaders in the selection of appropriate music for all occasions. He/she shall be a member of the Finance Committee and shall also be a member of the Church Council.

2. Pianist/Organist

   1. The pianist/organist shall play for all public services and shall assist the Music Director in the development of a suitable program of music for the Church.

3. Musical Assistants

   1. The Nominating Committee shall annually recommend and the church elect assistants who shall play for their appointed service after the assistant has been contacted through the pianist or organist, not the Music Director.

4. Organizational Leaders

   1. The Sunday School Director, the Discipleship Training Director, the WMU Director, and the Brotherhood Director are to be presented by the Nominating Committee and elected annually by the Church (the WMU Director and the Brotherhood Director are recommended to the Nominating Committee by their respective groups). They shall be members of the Church Council.

5. The Sunday School Director

   1. In cooperation with the pastor, the Sunday School Director shall oversee the entire Bible teaching program of the Church including the Sunday morning Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, home Bible studies, and the Cradle Roll and Extension Departments. The Director shall work with the Nominating Committee to enlist the best-qualified teachers and officers for the religious education of the Church. It shall be his/her duty to motivate and council the workers and to provide them with the opportunities for training. In addition, he/she shall see that an accurate report is made to the Church at regular intervals.

6. The Discipleship Training Director

   1. In cooperation with the pastor, the Discipleship Training Director shall oversee the entire discipleship and growth program, including new member orientation, church member training, and church leader training. The director shall work with the Nominating Committee to enlist the best qualified teachers and officers for the membership development program. It shall be his/her duty to motivate and counsel the worker and to provide them with opportunities for training. In addition, he/she shall see that an accurate report is made to the Church at regular intervals.

7. The WMU Director

   1. In cooperation with the pastor, the WMU Director shall oversee the ongoing mission program for all women and girls including their enlistment and training. In addition, this Director will promote state, home, and foreign convention-wide emphasis through studies, prayers, and offering goals.

8. The Brotherhood Director

   1. In cooperation with the pastor, the Brotherhood Director shall oversee the mission program for all men and boys including their enlistment and training. In addition, this Director will promote state, home, and foreign convention-wide emphasis through studies, prayers, and offering goals.

9. Other Personnel (Paid)

10. Church Custodian

    1. The Church Custodian shall be responsible to ensure that all facilities of the Church are clean and suitable for worship services and Christian education. He/she shall perform these duties under the guidance and supervision of the Pastor.  Duties of custodian are as follows:

       1. Clean restrooms each week.

       2. Vacuum upstairs each week – vacuum/sweep downstairs each week.

       3. Wet-mop downstairs every other week, or when needed.

       4. Dust pews with furniture polish every other week. Dust pews with a clean cloth every other week.

       5. Dust marble window sills each week.

       6. Clean porch each week.

       7. Open Church doors at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings and 5:30 on Sunday nights.

       8. Open Church doors at 6:30 on Wednesday nights.

       9. Turn heat or air-conditioning on the night before services.

       10. Make sure heat, air-conditioning and lights are turned off when leaving. If unable to be at church or in case of having to leave early, be sure to make arrangements for someone else to turn off the above.

       11. Pay for services of the Church Custodian shall be as agreed upon by the Church.

11. Grounds Keeper – Duties as follows:

    1. Mow lawn once a week or as weather demands.

    2. Pick up all litter from lawn and discard.

    3. Trim around trees, flowers, and buildings.

    4. When a Grounds Keeper is needed, an announcement will be made, and interested persons should submit their bid to the Building and Grounds Committee. In the case of a tie, all persons that tied will be asked to submit another bid. Persons getting the bid will furnish their own mower, gas, oil, and weed-eater.

    5. The contract will be for the growing season only, approximately twelve (12) weeks, if the season is normal.

12. The Church Council

    1. The Church Council shall coordinate the activities and organizations of the Church, having advisory powers only.

    2. Members of Council: The Council, unless otherwise determined by the Church, shall be composed of the pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons, the Sunday School Director, the Discipleship Training Director, Music Director, Treasurer, the WMU Director, the Brotherhood Director, or other officers or staff by invitation of the Council.

    3. Meetings: The Council shall meet monthly or quarterly as needed or on call of the pastor, who will serve as Moderator of the Council.

    4. Church Approval: All matters agreed upon by the Council, calling for action not already provided for, shall be referred to the Church for approval or disapproval.

    5. Coordination of Church Programs: This Council is charged with coordinating the entire Church program. It is to plan a yearly calendar of activities for the Church.

Article IV. Church Committees

1. Establishment of Committees

The Church shall elect committees as may be deemed necessary to carry on various programs of the Church efficiently and effectively. Committees may be elected and serve until such time as they are abolished by proper authority or until completion of their assigned task. The Church shall have at all times the following standing committees:

1. Nominating Committee

   1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven members. The first five members of this Committee shall be appointed by the Church Council, subject to approval of the Church, at least three (3) months prior to the beginning of the Church year. Their first duties shall be to select the Sunday School Director and Discipleship Training Director, who shall then become a part of the committee. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, they shall select a slate of individuals willing to serve the Church as teachers or committee members. They shall present their committee report to the Church at the business meeting immediately preceding the beginning of the Church year.

   2. Throughout the year, this committee shall have the responsibility of nominating to the Church persons to serve in the various capacities and positions of the Church should vacancies occur.

2. Building and Budget Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of from five to seven members and shall be selected by the Nominating Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to give attention to the state of repairs and appearance of the buildings and grounds of the Church, and to maintain or improve these as provided for in the church budget. The chairman of this committee shall serve on the Church Council.

3. Budget and Finance Committee

   1. This committee shall be made up of the Church Council and two church members selected by the Nominating Committee. The Chairman of this committee shall be the Church Treasurer. The purpose of this committee is to prepare the annual Church budget and to provide financial guidance related to the utilization of all Church funds.

4. Insurance Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of three to five members selected by the Nominating Committee. The purpose of this committee is to evaluate the over-all insurance needs of the Church and to ensure that adequate coverage is provided for all Church property, staff, and activities at a reasonable cost to the Church.

 

 

1. Counting Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of at least four members selected by the Nominating Committee. These members to be the Sunday School Director and Sunday School Secretary for Sunday School and two (2) ushers for the worship services. Each Sunday, not less than two members of this committee shall count the offerings of the Church and shall record the amount collected in the appropriate records.

2. Hospitality Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of from five to seven members selected by the Nominating Committee. The primary purpose of this committee is to oversee Church social activities and to coordinate meals and special occasions as planned and approved by the Church.

3. Serving Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of the WMU ladies. The primary purpose of this committee is to coordinate food arrangements for church families and community members who suffer the loss of a loved one through death.

4. Transportation Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of from five to seven members selected by the Nominating Committee. The primary purpose of this committee is to oversee the maintenance requirements of Church-owned vehicles and to make recommendations to the Church regarding the sale or purchase of any Church vehicles. Safety of Church-owned vehicles shall always be of primary importance.

5. Recreation Committee

   1. This committee shall consist of three (3) members selected by the Nominating Committee. The primary purpose of this committee is to plan and coordinate all Church recreational activities for all age groups. They shall be responsible for arranging suitable facilities and to ensure proper and safe equipment is available for all activities.

6. Church Ushers

   1. This committee shall consist of three to five members selected by the Nominating Committee. The primary purpose of this committee is to serve the Church by collecting offerings at each regular worship service and on special occasions as requested. Church ushers shall also greet visitors and assist them with any special needs they may have.

Other special committees may be appointed as needs arise. With the exception of the Pastor Search Committee, the Moderator may appoint these special committees to handle their assigned task.

1. Administrative Policy

If any person holding a position in the Church refuses to cooperate with the pastor, deacons, organizations, or committees, and does not carry out duties assigned to him/her, this person will be brought before the Church Council in order to resolve the problem. If any action is to be brought before the Church Council in order to resolve the problem.  If any action is to be taken, it will come through the Church Council.

Article V. Meetings

1. Worship

   1. Public worship services shall be held statedly and regularly on each Sunday morning and evening on Wednesday evening of each week. Other services and meetings for worship shall be held at any time upon call by the pastor or by vote of the church.

2. Business

   1. Business shall be conducted the first Wednesday evening of each month with the pastor as moderator. A majority vote of members voting shall be sufficient to carry any motion, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution and Bylaws. Voting may be by voice vote, by standing, by showing of hands, or by ballot. Major items of business that concerns the fellowship of the entire body of the Church must be on the regular agenda of business in order to be acted upon. Any item that is not on the regular agenda will be referring to the Church Council for advisement. The moderator sets the agenda.

   2. Items to be considered in Sunday morning business meetings may be only major matters such as:

      1. The call of the pastor

      2. The call of other professional staff workers

      3. The approval of the annual budget

      4. The approval of any building program

      5. The sale, purchase, mortgage, or exchange of any church property

      6. The approval of any change in charter and bylaws

      7. The approval of the resignation or termination of employment of the pastor or any other of the professional staff

   3. Other Called Business Meetings: These meetings shall be scheduled as needed with the approval of the pastor or an acting moderator in the absence of a pastor.

   4. Quorum: At any business meeting, twelve (12) church members in attendance shall constitute a quorum.

   5. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the church shall be from September 1 of one year to August 31 of the following year.

   6. Authority: Should a question arise concerning a point of order not covered in the bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order (Revised) shall be used as the guidelines.

   7. Rules of Decorum:

      1. All Church meetings are to begin and end with prayer.

      2. The moderator and clerk are to be present. In their absence, the assistant moderator and assistant clerk will serve.

      3. Each member desiring to speak shall first address the moderator.

      4. Each member speaking shall strictly adhere to the subject under consideration and in no way shall cast reflections on the person who spoke before them or any other church member.

      5. Any person speaking may not be interrupted unless it is by the moderator.

      6. The moderator may speak to any subject by appointing another moderator until he has completed speaking.

      7. No person shall be at liberty to speak more than three times to any subject unless approved by the Church.

      8. If two members rise to speak at the same time, the moderator shall determine which shall speak first.

      9. The moderator may not interrupt any member while speaking unless they violate the rules of decorum.

      10. If any member makes a motion and it is seconded, it shall be taken into consideration unless withdrawn by the parties making it.

      11. Use of the appellation “Brother” or “Sister” during business meetings is encouraged.

      12. No member shall abruptly absent themselves (from a meeting) without permission of the moderator and then return.

      13. In the event a person is absent from church services for a period of one (1) year, unless providentially hindered, he/she shall automatically be placed on an inactive membership roll of the church.

      14. To transact business at any meeting, a simple majority of eligible voting members present shall decide all business matters unless previously announced otherwise. Any person on the Church roll is considered an “eligible” voting member, provided they have been in regular attendance at the services of the Church, unless providentially hindered. In the event, however, a member has not attended Calvary Baptist Church ninety (90) days prior to issue at hand, he/she will not be granted voice or voting privileges.

3. Other Meetings in Church: The following guidelines shall be followed for weddings, showers, funerals, and community activities.

   1. Weddings: Those desiring to use the Church building for weddings shall follow these procedures.

      1. All requests for Church weddings must be cleared through the pastor.

      2. Pastor will discuss the wedding ceremony and officiate, if desired. When another clergyman is to be used, arrangements are to be made with the pastor.

      3. There is no charge for use of the church. However, the church custodian will clean up following the wedding/receptions, provided the fee for this service is paid in advance. If wedding only is scheduled, the fee will be $20.00. Wedding and reception fee will be $50.00. If a rehearsal dinner is held, and additional $25.00 is to be paid.

      4. There will be an additional $50.00 fee which will be refunded to the party if there is no damage to church property.

      5. The bride and groom shall arrange pre-marital conference(s) with the pastor as far in advance of the ceremony as possible, and such conference(s) should be held before the invitations are printed and the date announced. Final approval for use of the church building will only be given after the counseling session(s).

      6. Use of the Fellowship Hall must be reserved through the pastor at the same time wedding is scheduled.

      7. Arrangements for wedding rehearsals should be cleared in advance with the pastor so that there is no scheduling problem.

      8. It is preferred that no wedding be held after 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, and no weddings be held on a legal holiday.

      9. Since a church wedding is a religious experience, music selected for weddings shall consist of traditional wedding music, religious music, or approved contemporary music. Questionable music should be approved by the pastor and/or Church Music Director.

      10. Those using the church facilities must inform their party no alcoholic beverages will be served anywhere on church property, nor will any smoking or use of tobacco in any form be permitted anywhere in the church building.

      11. No rice or confetti may be thrown. Birdseed is requested instead of rice. This must be thrown outside church building only.

      12. Photographers are requested not to move about in the front of the church during the wedding ceremony and not to use flash equipment during the ceremony. Video without direct lighting is permitted.

      13. Florists are requested to check with the church relating to the time they will decorate the church or fellowship hall. Only dripless candles are to be used. No nails, tacks, or screws shall be put in walls, furniture, or pews. Tape may be used with the exception of duct tape. All decorations must be removed immediately following the ceremony by either the florist or by responsible members of the wedding party unless other arrangements have been made with the pastor. If bride desires to leave flowers for Sunday worship service, the pastor should be notified.

      14. All who use the church for weddings must sign a copy of the approved guidelines.

      15. Based on the revealed truths and the perfect love of God behind them, Calvary Baptist Church accepts the Biblical definition of marriage as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman in the presence, love, and blessings of God and excluding all others. No wedding of same-sex couples shall be performed in this church. Any relationship between two men or two women in any claimed marriage, domestic partnership, domestic unit or other relationship proclaimed equivalent to a marriage is contrary to God’s Word and involves the government throwing off on God’s Word and subjecting society to the judgement for sin (Genesis 2:24, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:27, Ephesians 5:21-33).

   2. Showers: The church fellowship hall shall be used without charge for wedding showers and baby showers for church members, for children of church members who attend the church, and for those who attend the church regularly, but may not be members. The following guidelines shall apply to any group using the fellowship hall for showers.

      1. No alcoholic beverages shall be served or allowed on the premises.

      2. No smoking is permitted in the fellowship hall.

      3. Those using the fellowship hall are responsible for cleaning the room and assuming responsibility for all actions of the group.

      4. No Saturday evening showers shall be held.

   3. Funerals: No funeral shall be held in the church unless approved by the pastor. Funeral Directors are expected to leave the church building in the same order as they found it.

   4. Community Activities: No community activities shall be held in the church unless approved by the pastor.

 

Special note: These Bylaws of Calvary Baptist Church, Mooresburg, Tennessee, will be reviewed and updated every ten (10) years.

Reviewed/Revised: Spring 2016