CONSTITUTION BY-LAWS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
910 MCKINLEY STREET
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN 54495
MISSION STATEMENT
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN IS A FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO KNOW GOD THROUGH A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST, TO EQUIP BELIEVERS THROUGH DISCIPLESHIP. WE STRIVE TO REACH THE WORLD WITH JESUS CHRIST THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE GREAT COMMISSION. ACTS; 1 – 8, MATTHEW 28; 16 – 20
PREAMBLE
HAVING BEEN LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO PROFESS OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, AND HAVING BEEN BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE DO NOW SOLEMNLY AND JOYFULLY AFFIRM OUR COVENANT WITH GOD AND WITH EACH OTHER.
WE PLEDGE TO SERVE CHRIST IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF THIS CONGREGATION, WE SHALL ENDEAVOR TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER, TO REMEMBER EACH OTHER IN PRAYER, TO SHARE IN EACH OTHER’S JOY AND TO SUSTAIN EACH OTHER IN TIMES OF DISTRESS. WE ASPIRE TO BE A FELLOWSHIP OF THE CONCERNED, WHERE THE LOST MAY FIND JESUS CHRIST, SINNERS MAY FIND PARDON, SEEKERS MAY FIND MEANING FOR THEIR LIVES, AND WHERE ALL WHO COME MAY FIND WELCOME. WE SHALL STRIVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE CHURCH MEMBERS, THROUGH FAITHFUL ATTENDANCE, STUDY AND GIVING.
WE SEEK TO BE OBEDIENT TO CHRIST IN OUR DAILY LIVING WITHIN OUR HOMES, IN OUR LABORS, AND WHILE AT LEISURE, WE SHALL STRIVE FOR ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS WHICH WILL REFLECT GOD’S SPIRIT WORKING THROUGH US. BELIEVING THAT OUR BODIES ARE TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE SHALL ENDEAVOR TO AVOID EXPERIENCES AND HABITS WHICH DEFILE THE BODY AND HINDER OUR WITNESS.
BOUND TOGETHER IN A FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH WITH ALL WHO CONFESS JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR, WE SHALL PRAY AND LABOR FOR A SPIRIT OF UNITY AMONG ALL CHRISTIANS.
BELIEVING THAT OUR CALL TO BE A CHRISTIAN IS A CALL TO WITNESS IN THE WORLD. WE DEDICATE OURSELVES ANEW AS SERVANTS OF THE LORD OF ALL LIFE. WHENEVER MEAN ARE IN BONDAGE, IGNORANCE, POVERTY, FEAR OR PREJUDICE, WE SHALL STRIVE FOR JUSTICE, FREEDOM, DIGNITY AND PEACE. WHENEVER MEN ARE SEPARATED BY BARRIERS OF HOSTILITY AND DISTRUST, WE SHALL BE MINISTERS OF GOD’S RECONCILING LOVE. AS WE PLEDGE OUR SUPPORT TO THE WORK OF OUR MISSIONARIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE MISSION TO WHICH GOD CALLS US. WHENEVER WE MOVE AWAY FROM THIS CHURCH, 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.
ACKNOWLEDGING OUR HUMAN FRAILTIES AND EVER SEEKING FOR FORGIVENESS, WE PROFESS OUR NEED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND COMMIT OUR LIVES TO JESUS CHRIST AND THROUGH HIM TO THE CARE, THE JUDGEMENT,THE DELIVERANCE AND THE MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD. AMEN.
ARTICLE 1 – NAME
This organization shall be known as the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN. It shall be incorporated under the laws of the STATE OF WISCONSIN.
ARTICLE 2 – DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION
This church shall be partnered with the SOUTHERN WISCONSIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN CONVENTION AND SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION.
ARTICLE 3 – PURPOSE
1. DETERMINATION OF PURPOSE AND EVALUATION
A. Ministry to Membership
To establish and provide programs which encourage and build active and
meaningful Christian life styles
B. To teach the Bible
Through worship services, individual and group Bible Study, Church School,
and other educational events.
C. To Administer Ordinances of the Church
To provide a place of love and encouragement for those who follow Christ in
Baptism and worship Him in Holy Communion.
D. Ministry to Local Community
To share and promote our Christian lifestyle.
E. Missions outside of local community.
To promote and support the Mission Programs of the Southern Wisconsin
Baptist Association, Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention and Southern
Baptist Convention.
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF LONG-RANGE GOALS AND ASSESSMENT OF RESOURCES
A. To add to the Body of Christ through new membership.
B. To support and assist in the development and growth of other Baptist
Churches
C. To develop and train leaders to manage the major departments of our church.
D. To promote and encourage a vibrant and meaningful worship experience
within the hearts and lives of God’s people.
3. UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTEXT IN WHICH THE PURPOSE IS TO BE WROUGHT
A. The church purpose will be accomplished through a unified body of believers
following
1. The direction of God’s holy spirit
2. The principles taught through the Holy Scripture
ARTICLE 4 – CHARACTER
SECTION 1 – POLITY
Recognizing Jesus Christ as the only head of the Church, this congregation shall seek to ascer-tain and to obey the will of our Lord in all matters of faith and practice. Authority to reach decisions for governing the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church being given to us by Christ, we hold that such authority and responsibility is vested in the membership of the congregation.
SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH
I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR, SENT FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, CRUCIFIED, DIED AND WAS BURIED. ARISEN ON THE THIRD DAY, NOW INTERCEDING ON MY BEHALF, AND FINALLY RETURNING AGAIN TO JUDGE ALL MEN AND TAKE HIS OWN WITH HIM IN A HEAVENLY RELATIONSHIP WHICH WILL LAST FOREVER.
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO IS ABLE TO LEAD ME IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE, WHICH IS THE SOLE SOURCE AND GUIDE FOR MY FAITH AND PRACTICE AND WHO IS ABLE TO GUIDE AND HELP ME THROUGH THE PROBLEMS, JOYS, AND OPPORTUNITIES OF LIFE.
I BELIEVE IN BELIEVERS BAPTISM BY IMMERSION UNLESS ONE IS PHYSICALLY OR EMOTIONALLY UNABLE, THE CHURCH AS GOD’S UNIQUE INSTITUTION FOR SPREADING HIS WORD, THE POWER OF CHRIST TO TRANSFORM EVERY MAN INTO A NEW CREATION, THE RESURRECTION, THE GREAT COMMISSION AS A COMMAND TO EVERY CHRISTIAN, AND LIFE EVERLASTING FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS SOUGHT TO FOLLOW JESUS WITH HIS WHOLE BEING.
SANCTIFICATION OF MARRIAGE
First Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids believe in the Biblical concept of marriage as being between one man and one woman. We are not a welcoming and affirming church. These facilities may only be used for weddings that adhere to that Biblical definition of marriage. Under no circumstances is the Pastor to officiate, participate in or endorse any wedding ceremony that violates our beliefs and teachings of this church body in accordance with the Bible. Any person who is welcoming and affirming shall not be a member or participate at First Baptist Church.
ARTICLE 5 – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS
Members of this church must be baptized (immersed, unless one is physically or emotionally unable), believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who gives evidence of a Christian life and are in substantial accord with the faith and principles of this church.
SECTION 2 – YOUTH BAPTISM
Youth baptized (under the age of 18) at 1st Baptist Church will need to come forward at age 18 for membership if so desired. Existing long term attendance need not be rebaptized.
SECTION 3 – ADMISSION
A. Upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and after baptism by
immersion unless one is physically or emotionally unable.
B. By letter from some other Baptist church of like faith and order, if baptized by
immersion unless one is physically or emotionally unable.
C. Upon statement of Christian experience, if previously baptized by immersion unless
one is physically or emotionally unable.
D. By restoration
E. The Pastor on any given Sunday will extend the right hand of fellowship to all new
members in recognition of their admission to all the rights, privileges and obligations
of membership.
SECTION 4 – DUTIES OF MEMBERS
In order that persons applying for Church Membership may be informed as to the duties of members, they shall have the Church Covenant and Constitution presented to them by the Pastor or the Diaconate. Those who have not had a course in Baptist beliefs and Doctrines be required to do so prior to meeting with the Diaconate, usually taught by the Pastor. Members in good standing will strive to keep their covenant obligations. The most basic and minimal duties shall consist of Church attendance and regular giving.
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 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, DISCIPLINES AND DOCTRINES.
TO CONTRIBUTE CHEERFULLY AND REGULARLY TO THE SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY, THE EXPENSES OF THE CHURCH, THE RELIEF OF THE POOR, AND THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH ALL NATIONS.
WE ALSO ENGAGE TO MAINTAIN FAMILY AND SECRET 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 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.
SECTION 5 – DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS
A. Letters of dismissal, for the purpose of uniting with some other Baptist Church of like
faith and order, shall be granted to members in good standing by the vote of the
church.
B. Any member in good standing desiring to unite with a Church of some other denomi-
nation may upon recommendation of Christian standing and Church fellowship.
C. Any member having been granted either a letter or certificate of Christian standing
shall thereafter cease to be a member of the church.
D. Any inactive member who is known to be members of another denomination of faith
will no longer be recognized as members of 1st Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids
E. Exceptions will be made for inactive members who have limitations, in the service
and will not be erased from church membership.
SECTION 6 – MEMBERS WHO DISREGARD THEIR COVENANT OBLIGATIONS
All members who do not participate regularly in the life of 1st Baptist Church and do not contribute regularly to the financial support of the church and who does not attend church at least twice a month shall be removed from the membership role. Exceptions shall be military, nursing home, or otherwise deemed by the Diaconate.
SECTION 7 – LETTER OF DISMISSAL
The Diaconate Board will send out a letter to members who have disregarded their covenant obigations informing them of their obligation. If there is no response to the letter after six months, the Diaconate will send out a second letter informing them of their removal from 1st Baptist Church membership.
SECTION 8 – CHURCH COVENANT MEMBERSHIP
People who do not meet the obligations of the church covenant, the church as a whole may deny membership at 1st Baptist Church.
ARTICLE 6 – OFFICERS
SECTION 1
The officers of this church shall be a Pastor, a Diaconate consisting of at least four (4) men or women, a Board of Trustees of at least three (3) members, a General Treasurer and Financial Secretary, a Board of Christian Education of at least two (2) members in addition to the Sunday School Superintendent, a Moderator, a Vice-Moderator, and a Church Clerk. Any eligible person must meet the requirements of being a member of 1st Baptist Church in good standing and in giving for one year before serving on any board. Any eligible person may serve on a committee.
SECTION 2 – TERMS OF OFFICE
All officers of this church shall be members of this church in good standing and shall, with the exception of the Pastor, be elected by written ballot every two (2) years or until their successors are elected.
SECTION 3
Any officer who for a period of 3 months shall fail to faithfully perform the duties pertaining to their office, thereby automatically vacates office. The church has the power, for good and sufficient cause, to remove any office, any officer. All officers shall be expected to consistently attend at least two services a month of the church.
SECTION 4 – RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
Resignation of any officer shall be in writing to the Church and be effective on the date specified in the resignation.
ARTICLE 7 – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1 – DUTIES OF THE MODERATOR
The Moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the church. The Moderator shall pre-pare the agenda for all church business meetings and inform all officers of their duties as stated in the Constitution. The Moderator shall monitor operations of Boards and Committees and shall be responsible for preparing all ballots for elections.
SECTION 2 – DUTIES OF VICE MODERATOR
The Vice-Moderator to fill in for the Moderator in their absence. The Vice-Moderator shall prepare the agenda for church business meetings.
SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF THE DIACONATE
The Diaconate shall consist of four (4) men or women who is elected for a term of 2 years. Prior to the election of the Diaconate Board and prior to the Moderator sending around to the congregation positions for Boards and Committees for people to sign up, a special nomination committee comprised of two (2) members of the Diaconate Board, the Moderator, the Church Clerk and Pastor will meet. This committee will consider members of the church who meet the qualifications and the willingness of serving on the Diaconate Board. This committee will then nominate at least four (4) members whose names will be placed on the ballot. In the case of a vacancy on the Diaconate Board, this committee will meet to select a nominee or nominees to fill the position. The Moderator shall present the nominee or nominees to the church for the vacancies to be filled. A partially filled term will not be included in the total years a member of the Diaconate Board may serve.
The Diaconate shall promote Christian Worship and Fellowship and exercise general spiritual concern for the entire membership, encouraging every member to participate in the life and stewardship of the church. They shall, in every way, assist the Pastor in his work and with him consider all applications for church membership and all requests for letters of dismissal. They shall be responsible for all disbursement of the Fellowship Fund and assist in the preparation for the observance of the ordinances of the church. They shall promote the evangelistic and missionary program of the church. The Diaconate Board shall be responsible for doing an annual communion list and responsible for communion each month. They shall deliver immediately to their successor all books and records and other documents in their possession. In the event of no successor, all books, notes, records to be given to the chair-person. If no one from the Ushering Committee present at the Worship Service, it is the responsibility of the Diaconate Board to take the count for the church.
SECTION 4 – DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees shall hold in trust all property belonging to the Church and the Corporation and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management and upkeep. No expenditures shall exceed $600.00 (only in emergency) except on approval from the church. It shall designate the bank where the funds of the Church shall be deposited.
The Board of Trustees shall assist the General Treasurer and Financial Secretary in securing the funds required to finance the budget adopted by the Church. It shall, when so instructed by the Church, secure the services of a caretaker or contractor, at such salary as is authorized by the Church and secure from them acceptable services. In the event there is no caretaker, it shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to organize the Church for keeping the premises clean. It shall perform such other duties as are imposed upon it by the Church and State.
SECTION 5 – DUTIES OF THE GENERAL TREASURER AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY
The General Treasurer and Financial Secretary with the assistance of the Diaconate and the Board of Trustees, shall secure the necessary funds to meet the expenses within the budget, as adopted, to maintain and advance the work of the Church. They shall present to the Church at an annual every member canvas, an itemized budget for their actions in service to the Church’s expenses and an updated quota for the church’s missionary giving. The Financial Secretary shall keep an account with each member and/or giver, showing pledges made and contributions received for each fund. Financial Secretary shall provide each giver with offering envelopes and render yearly statements to each. The Financial Secretary shall deliver immediately to their successor all books and records in their possession. The General Treasurer shall be the custodian of all monies contributed for the general expense of the Church. The General Treasurer shall make payment on all items in the budget approved by the Church, but must receive prior approval before payment from the Board of Trustees on all items not in the budget. Payment of all bills shall be by check. The General Treasurer shall present to the Church an itemized report of receipts and disbursements showing the actual financial condition of the Church. The General Treasurer shall present their books to be audited at the close of each term, or more often if so requested by the Church. Upon resignation of the General
Treasurer, auditing to be done per CPA. The General Treasurer shall deliver immediately to their successor all books and records pertaining to the Treasurer’s office. In the absence of either the Financial Secretary or General Treasurer, a member of the Auditing Committee shall count income from the morning Worship Service.
SECTION 6 – DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/S.S. SUPERINTENDENT
The Board of Christian Education shall unify, supervise and promote all educational interest of the Church, Vacation Bible School, Youth groups and other groups and classes operating in the field of Christian Education. It shall appoint all Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers and all other needed workers. It shall promote study classes for the training of workers in the field of Christian Education, personal evangelism, missions and such other classes as the Church may request. It shall supervise the grading of Sunday School, encourage regularity of attendance, the follow-up absentees, promote visitation of the homes of newcomers and recommend ways and means of building up the Sunday School. The Board of Christian Education shall recommend to the General Treasurer and Financial Secretary a budget for the promotion of the program of Christian Education and shall supervise its expenditure. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be responsible for the supervision of the Sunday School.
SECTION 7 – DUTIES OF THE CHURCH CLERK
The Church Clerk shall keep accurate minutes of the business proceedings of the Church in- cluding the reception and dismissal of members. The Church Clerk shall keep an accurate roll of the members of the Church and their addresses; the issuance of letters of dismissal and certificate of Christian standings as authorized by the Church; conducting all official correspondence. The Church Clerk shall preserve and properly file all letters, reports and other documents pertaining to the office. The Church Clerk shall prepare the denominational reports and any others that may be required. The Church Clerk shall deliver immediately to their successor all books and records and other documents in their possession.
ARTICLE 8 – PASTOR
THE PASTOR SHALL BE A BELIEVER AND A PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL AND OF THE BASIC DOCTRINES OF FAITH AS HELD BY THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION AND THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. THE PASTOR SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE LOCAL ORGANIZED WORK OF THE MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN CONVENTION AND THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION AND THE SOUTHERN WISCONSIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
SECTION 1 – DUTIES OF THE PASTOR
The Pastor shall preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, promote the spiritual interests of the Church, organize and develop its strengths for the best possible service. The Pastor shall be a member of the Outreach, Constitution and Pastoral Relations Committee.
SECTION 2 – CALLING OF A PASTOR – PASTORAL SEARCH
The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period by the membership upon the recommendation of the Pulpit Committee. When it is necessary to call a Pastor, the Pulpit Committee of 7 members shall take necessary steps to secure a Pastor. The committee shall investigate the merits of every man or woman under consideration in regard to their personal character, education, ministerial record and preaching ability in determining their fitness for said pastorate. When a suitable person is found, the Pulpit Committee shall recommend this person to the Church for consideration and specify the date of the meeting.
SECTION 3 – CALLING A PASTOR
The call of a Pastor shall come before the Church at a special meeting. A written notice of which shall be given to each member at least ten (10) days prior and also announced from the pulpit on two (2) consecutive Sundays. A vote of 3/4 of the members present and qualified to vote shall be necessary to extend a call, provided there be a quorum of membership present. The vote shall be by written ballot. Only one candidate shall be presented to the Church at one time.
SECTION 4 – COMPENSATION
The salary shall be fixed at the time of the call and may be changed by vote of the Church at any regular business meeting provided that such change has been considered by the Pastoral Relations Committee. The salary to be negotiated annually. The salary shall be paid in installments agreed upon with the Pastor. The Pastor shall be entitled to an annual vacation of two (2) weeks with reexamination on an annual basis. The Pastor shall coordinate the use of vacation time with the appropriate church body, but it is understood that the Pastor has the option of using the entire vacation time in one continuous segment. The Church will arrange and pay for the cost of pulpit supply. A reasonable amount of time devoted to sharing in state and national work, continuing education experiences, giving leadership at camps and conferences and similar activities shall not be considered as part of the vacation period.
SECTION 5 – TERMINATION OF PASTOR
The term of office may be ended upon thirty (30) days notification on the part of the Pastor or of the Church. Termination of the Pastor shall be voted on at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two (2) consecutive Sundays, provided there be a quorum of membership present.
ARTICLE 9 – ELECTIONS
SECTION 1 – TIME
The biennial election of officers shall be held on the 3rd Sunday in October.
SECTION 2 – QUORUM
Two thirds (2/3)members in good standing, qualified voters shall constitute a quorum. A majority of such members present and voting at any regular or special business meeting shall be sufficient to decide any questions presented, unless otherwise provided by the Constitution.
SECTION 3 – QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS
All matters pertaining to the purchase, sale, or mortgaging of property shall be voted on by members in good standing and in giving and who are of legal age (21). On all other matters, members in good standing and in giving and eighteen (18) years of age or older are entitled to vote. (See Membership Requirement, Article 6) Absentee ballots are designated only for election of officers, Pastor, approval of Pastor’s contract and major expenses more than $10,0000. Exceptions will be military, nursing home or otherwise deemed by the Diaconate.
SECTION 4 – VOTING
Voting to be done per ballot. In the event of a tie, no action will be taken until further discussion is done at the next business meeting.
SECTION 5 – PROCEDURE
Prior to the election the Moderator will send around to the congregation positions for Boards and Committees for people to sign up. After one month, the list of Boards and Committees will be inserted in the church bulletin for three weeks. The congregation to vote at the next Quarterly Business meeting.
SECTION 6 – VACANCIES
Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled for the unexpired term at any business meeting. The Moderator shall present nominees to the Church for the vacancies to be filled.
In the event of no volunteers to serve on Boards, other officers may temporarily assist during the transition until volunteers are found to fulfill those positions.
ARTICLE 10 – TERMS OF DISSOLVEMENT OF CHURCH
In the event that First Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin ever finds it necessary to dissolve the church, the following procedures are to be followed.
A committee is to be formed consisting of the Pastor, the Moderator, the Vice-Moderator, the Church Clerk, the General Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Sunday School Superintendent, and a representative from the Diaconate Board, Christian Education Board, and the Board of Trustees.
This committee will meet to discuss how all current assets of the church, after all financial obligations have been met, might be disbursed. The disbursement must be made to a Christian 501C3 (not for profit), Bible believing church, church plant, or an organization with Christian values that are located with the Wisconsin Rapids area. The funds may be distributed to more than one church, church plant or organization.
The committee will then present to the congregation, for 3 consecutive Sundays before the next scheduled business meeting, or specially called meeting, the proposed plan for distribution of assets. A copy of the plan must be posted for the congregation to read during these 3 Sundays.
At such business meeting the plan for the disbursements of assets must be read, voted upon and approved by a majority of qualified voters present and voting at such business meeting.
ARTICLE 11 – STANDING COMMITTEES
SECTION 1 – COMMITTEES
The following named committees and any deemed necessary by the Church, shall constitute the Standing Committees: Auditing, Memorial/Historical, Music/Worship, Pastoral Relations, Ushering, Social, Jello Brigade, Flower/Decorating, Constitution and Budget.Committee policies will be available to all committee members and to any other members upon request. All committee members will be elected to 2 year terms.
SECTION 2 – DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEES
A. AUDITING COMMITTEE
He/She shall be a member in good standing of 1st Baptist Church. He/she shall audit
all the General Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s financial records of the church
once a year after the financial report has been given and then shall make a written
report to the church at the annual business meeting.
B. MEMORIAL/HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
The Memorial Committee shall encourage memorial gifts. They shall be prepared to
make suggestions and give guidance to anyone who might give a memorial gift, to
keep an update of a book of Abiding Memorials and to update the Memorial Plaques.
The Historical Committee shall be responsible for any events that are affiliated with
1st Baptist of Wisconsin Rapids such as dedications, baptisms, installations. This
committee will keep records and pictures whether spiritual or building and grounds
works of 1st Baptist Church.
C. MUSIC/WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Music Committee shall be responsible for the selection of an organist, pianist and
choir director and arrange for the musical part of the church services. The committee
shall incur expenses within their budget unless authorized by the Church.
The Worship Committee has the responsibility to provide creative input and make
suggestions to the Pastor and congregation to have an even flow to the worship
service.
D. PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
This committee shall consist of the Moderator, the Church Clerk, a representative
from the Diaconate, Trustees and Financial. This committee shall deal with all
people-pastor relationships. The Pastor Relations Committee all be required to meet
quarterly or whenever the need arises, deemed by the Pastor or any committee
member. This committee shall be expanded by 4 members at large and activated as a
Pulpit Committee whenever the need arises to seek a new Pastor. If any officer has a
conflict of interest, another person may be appointed.
E. USHERING COMMITTEE
Ushering committee shall consist of 4 members. It shall insure the presentability of
the sanctuary for worship and maintain quiet in the foyer during the prelude. It shall
attend to the seating of the congregation plus the handling of the bulletins and the
receiving of the offering except as otherwise provided. The ushering committee
shall also keep a record to the number present at all worship services. They shall
provide a yearly list of people to usher.
F. SOCIAL COMMITTEE
The social committee shall be responsible for church activities, weddings and recep-
tions for active members, their immediate family and friends of the church in good
standing whether in attendance or giving. There will be no charge for members and/
or friends of good standing within the church whether in active attendance and in
giving.
For a wedding they will serve a “coffee,cake, punch” or a sandwich type reception.
The wedding party whether member or not will provide and prepare all the food.
The social committee will work with any caterer to bring in food and serve it if this is
cleared through the social committee and a member of the social committee is
present.
The social committee is not responsible for any showers for church members, non-
members, inactive members and friends.
The social committee is available to provide food and kitchen need for any all church
functions. In addition, the social committee will serve and provide food for any
special function in the church upon the Pastor’s request. They are not responsible for
food and kitchen needs for individual groups in the church.
The fellowship hall will be made available for profit and nonprofit organizations for
community outreach for a deposit of $50.00. If the fellowship hall is cleaned up, then
the non profit organization to receive deposit back, non profit organization to receive
none.
Any special situations will have to be approved by the Committee of Pastor,
Moderator and 4 chairpersons (one from each board) and the social committee. A
form will be made available for liability issues for special situations.
G. JELLO BRIGADE COMMITTEE
The Jello Brigade shall be responsible for funerals and memorials for active members,
their immediate family, and friends of the church in good standing whether in atten-
dance or in giving. There will be no charge for members and/or friends of good
standing within the church whether in active attendance or by giving. For non
members the fee to be $250.00. The Jello Brigade will furnish a basic luncheon
brunch or meal for funeral or memorial. Any meat to be paid by the deceased family.
Fees to go back to the Jello Brigade fund.
H. COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The communications committee shall consist of 4 members. Their purpose is to make
known the story of salvation and the program of our church to the church member-
ship and to the community at large by use of the local and church newspaper, radio,
television and by any other possible means. Expenditures not to exceed church
budget without church approval.
I. FLOWER/DECORATING COMMITTEE
The Flower/Decorating committee shall consist of 4 members. It shall be responsible for the beautification of the sanctuary of securing, arranging and caring for flowers and plants. This committee shall be responsible to sending flowers to hospitalized people, funerals, and securing palms for Palm Sunday. The flower/decorating committee shall be responsible for decorating the church for various holidays and events.
J. CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE
The Constitution Committee will review the Constitution of 1st Baptist Church for
possible revision every two years. This committee shall consist of the Pastor and a
and a member from each board church clerk and moderator.
K. BUDGET COMMITTEE
The Budget Committee shall consist of the Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Church Clerk,
Treasurer, and a representative from the Diaconate, Trustees and Christian Educa-
tion. Each Board and Committee shall operate within their budget agreed upon by
the financial committee. Each Board and Committee needs to turn in their budget to
the financial committee prior to the business meeting. Money left over at the end of
the fiscal year will not be carried over with the exceptions of donations.
L. OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Outreach Committee will be responsible for any evangelism and ways to reach
the community with the gospel message. It will include such things as door to door
outreach, VBS, block parties, special meals, and church services and other gospel
oriented activities. This committee will be composed of the Pastor and any church
members that have a desire to reach the lost. Any supplies, materials, or other expenditures with the aim of reaching the community with the gospel are to be included in the Outreach Budget.
ARTICLE 12 – MEETINGS
SECTION 1 – DEVOTIONAL MEETINGS
A. The church shall meet regularly each Lord’s Day for worship and the preaching of the
gospel.
B. The Church shall meet for the observance of the Lord’s Supper upon the first Lord’s
Day of the month, or at such times as the Church may decide.
C. The Church shall meet each Lord’s Day for Christian instruction (the study and the
teaching of the Bible) and at such times as the Church may decide.
D. The Church shall meet at least once a week for prayer. testimony and Bible study.
E. The Church will not be closed due to inclement weather.
SECTION 2 – BUSINESS MEETING
A. The annual Business Meeting shall be held the 2nd week in January for the purpose
of receiving the annual written reports of individual officers, Boards and Com-
mittees of the Church and its auxiliary organizations and for the purpose of the
transactions of such other business as is proper to come before the meeting.
B. The Business Meeting shall be held every other month following the Annual Meeting in January.
C. Special Business Meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor, Moderator or by
the written request of a quorum of the Church.
D. Notice of Annual and Quarterly meetings shall be given from the pulpit at the
regular Church services on Sunday at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE 13 – AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS
SECTION 1
The officers of all adult and young people’s auxiliary organizations shall be members of this
church in good standing.
SECTION 2
The Constitutions of auxiliary organizations shall be drawn so as not to conflict with the meetings of the Church and shall be under the guidance of the Pastor and the Board of Christian Education.
ARTICLE 14 – CHURCH YEAR
The fiscal year of the church shall begin on the 1st of January and close on the last day of December.
ARTICLE 15 – AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the Church by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting, provided a quorum is present and voting and that notice of such amendment stating the proposed change shall be given/handed out 3 Sundays prior to a business meeting to be voted upon. Amendments will also be posted on the board in the back of the church.
SECTION 1
The Denominational Affiliation may be changed as voted by the congregation with a 2/3 vote of those present and voting. The Denominational Affiliation shall be Southern Wisconsin Baptist Association along with the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.
SECTION 2
This Constitution is to be reviewed for possible revision every 2 years by a Constitution Committee to coincide with the elections.
Article 16 – RULES OF ORDER
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the business proceedings of this Church in all cases where they are not inconsistent with this Constitution.
CERTIFICATE
The foregoing revised, constituting the bylaws of the First Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin was duly adopted by the membership of the church on July 17th, 2013.
Representing the Constitution Committee are Matt and Tracie Renner, Pastor Charles Bradbury, Rob Skinner, Dave Greeneway and Sarah Wirth.
Amended on April 16th, 2015
The foregoing added amendment of Mission Statement to the Constitution of 1st Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin was duly adopted by the Constitution Committee on March 22nd, 2016
Representing the Constitution Committee are Pastor Charles and Pat Bradbury, Dave and Linda Greeneway, Janet Pierson, Donna Wolf and Sarah Wirth dated in the year of our Lord March 22nd, 2016
Amended on the 18th of October 2017
The foregoing added and revised amendments of the Constitution of 1st Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin per Southern Baptist Church request was duly adopted by the Constitution Committee on October 18th, 2017
Representing the Constitution Committee are Dave and Linda Greeneway, Janet Pierson, Sarah Wirth, Donna Wolf and Mel and Darlene Konietzki
Amended on the 23rd of January 2019
The foregoing added and revised amendments of the Constitution of 1st Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin was duly adopted by the Constitution Committee on January 23rd, 2019
Representing the Constitution Committee are Dave and Linda Greeneway, Sarah Wirth, Janet Pierson, Mel Konietzki and Pastor Charles Bradbury – January 23rd, 2019
The foregoing added and revised amendments to the Constitution of 1st Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin was duly adopted by the Constitution Committee on February 23rd, 2021. Representing the Constitution Committee was Janet Pierson, Kathyrn Bishop, Pastor Bradbury, Mel and Darlene Konietzki, Sarah Wirth and Donna Wolf