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A. By baptism. Any person who confesses Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and who is in substantial accord with the doctrine and practice of this church may be received into the fellowship to the congregation following his baptism by immersion.
B. By letter. A person who is in substantial accord with the doctrine and practice of this church may be received by letter of commendation from any other Baptist Church.
C. By experience. A believer of worthy character who has formerly been a member of a Baptist Church and who, for a sufficient reason, cannot present a letter from that church but who is in substantial accord with the faith and practice of this church may be received upon statement of his Christian experience.
D. By restoration. Any person who has lost his membership for any reason may be restored to membership, upon recommendation of the deaconry and vote of the church.
Section 2. Persons may be dismissed from membership by any of the following methods:
A. By death.
B. By letter. Any member in good standing may receive a letter of dismission and recommendation to any other Baptist Church, following the approval of this church. The name of the church to which membership is being transferred shall be named in the request and the letter shall be sent to the pastor or clerk of that church.
C. By exclusion. In light of the forgiving attitude which we believe Christians must rightfully display toward their Christian brothers, we must strive to avoid circumstances which may create hard feelings or resentments. Notwithstanding these things, should any member become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of his covenant vows, the church may terminate his membership, but only after the provisions of Matthew 18:15-17 have been carefully followed. The pastor and the deacons shall faithfully attempt to bring about repentance and amendment on the part of the offending party. However should all efforts be exhausted, in the discretion of the church, such member may be dismissed from the fellowship of the church by a majority vote of the members present at any regular business meeting or special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 1. Pastor. The pastor shall be the leader of the church in all its activities and shall preach the gospel, administer ordinances, have charge of the stated services of public worship, and direct the spiritual welfare of the church. He shall be an ex officio (non-voting) member of all boards, committees, and auxiliary organizations of the church. He shall be elected by the church upon recommendation of the pastor selection committee, as provided herein.
Section 2. Moderator. The moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the church and shall appoint the members of special committees and delegates not otherwise provided for.
Section 3. Clerk. A clerk shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year. He shall keep a complete record of the transaction of all business at the meetings of the church. This shall be read for approval at the following business meeting. He shall keep a record of the names and addresses of members, with dates and manner of admission and dismission and a record of those purged. He shall notify all officers, committee members, and delegates of their election and appointment. He shall issue letters of dismission, letters of commendation, and letters of recommendation as voted by the church. He shall preserve on file all communications and written reports, and give legal notice of all such meetings where such is required. He shall assist in preparing denominations reports. The clerk shall deliver to the new clerk all books and records of the church of which he has custody.
Section 4. Treasurer. The treasurer shall be responsible for the safekeeping of church funds and for maintaining adequate financial records. He shall deposit all monies received by him with a reliable banking company, designated by the trustees, in the name of the New Clover Creek Baptist Church. Monies shall be paid out by numbered checks signed by the treasurer. The treasurer will collect all offerings and special donations to the church's account, and he shall render a report at each business meeting. The treasurer shall make no disbursement of church funds without church approval, as defined in Article X of these Bylaws. The treasurer shall deliver to the new treasurer all books and records of the church of which he has custody.
Section 5. Board of Trustees. There shall be a board of three trustees, in whom legal title to the church's property shall be vested to the use of the church. One third of the board shall be elected or reelected at each annual meeting for a term of three years. The board shall hold in trust all property belonging to the church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management, and upkeep. It shall determine suitable charges, if any, to be made for such use. It shall designate the bank where the funds of the church shall be deposited, shall secure the services of a caretaker of the buildings at such salary as authorized by the church and supervise his services, and shall transact all legal matters on behalf of the church.
The board shall choose annually a chairman and a secretary and shall meet at least once each year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman or by the secretary, who shall notify the other members. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
Section 6. Deaconry. There shall be not less than seven deacons, who shall be elected by secret ballot, as vacancies occur, to serve a life term, subject to resignation or removal at the discretion of the church.
The deacons shall choose annually a chairman and a secretary and shall meet at least once each year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman. The secretary shall notify the other members of such meetings. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
The deacons shall in every way assist the pastor in his work; cooperate with him in providing the pulpit supply and the leaders of the prayer meeting in his absence; visit the members; and care for the sick, needy, and distressed members of the church and community, using such fellowship funds as may be needed.
The deacons shall promote Christian instruction and ministry to the church membership, provide for the Lord's Supper and aid in its administration; deliver to the treasurer the fellowship offerings it receives; and make a report at each annual meeting of the church on matters in their charge.
The church may elect more deacons than the number required when a member who is new to our fellowship has served as a deacon in another Baptist church prior to having come to this church, but such election may take place only after a period of six months has elapsed between the time of election and the time such member was accepted as a member of this church.
Section 7. Sunday School Superintendent. At each annual meeting of the church a Sunday School Superintendent shall be elected for a term of one year. He shall be the executive head of the church Sunday School, exercising the authority and performing the duties usually pertaining to that office, following the general directives and policies of the church.
Section 8. Advisory Council. There shall be an advisory council consisting of the pastor, the youth minister (if any), the moderator, the clerk, the treasurer, the Sunday School Superintendent, the chairman of the deacons, the chairman of the trustees, the Executive Board Member to the Breckinridge Baptist Association, and the presidents of all auxiliary organizations such as Brotherhood and Women's Missionary Union. All matters of importance should be considered by it before being presented to the church. It shall appoint, subject to ratification by the church, all standing committees. It shall seek to coordinate the activities of the church. It shall be instrumental in developing a program for the church. At the first meeting of the council of each church year, the council members shall elect a chairman, who may call meetings by notifying other members. The presence of six advisory council members shall constitute a quorum, and all council members may vote on matters which may arise at such meetings.
9. Assistants. The church may, in its discretion, appoint an assistant moderator, an assistant clerk, an assistant treasurer, or an assistant Sunday School Superintendent, to serve in the absence of his principal, although the assistant shall not be considered an officer of the church.
Section 1. The church shall have the following standing committees:
A. Nominations Committee. The nominations committee will be appointed by the advisory council within thirty days after the annual meeting. The nominations committee, during the year, as vacancies in offices occur, shall present nominations for filling these. Prior to the next annual meeting, it shall prepare a list of those qualified to fill the various offices for which elections are to be held. It shall interview each nominee proposed and ascertain his willingness to serve if elected. The committee shall nominate at least one person for each office to be filled and report the names to the church at the time the election is to be held.
B. Worship Committee. The worship committee, appointed by the advisory counsel, shall cooperate with the pastor in fulfilling the church's purpose of worship, including the organization of the worship services. This committee shall select the pianist, a choir director, a hymn leader, an organist, and such other instrumentalists as it deems prudent, and shall cooperate with the pastor in the arrangement of the music of the church services. If the church has a minister of music, he shall be an ex officio (voting) member of the committee.
C. Communications Committee. The communications committee, appointed by the advisory council, shall provide means by which the purpose and program of the church may be kept before the members and the community, such as bulletins, newsletters, and the use of radio and newspapers. It shall supervise the workings of the public address system and perform other functions assigned to it.
D. Evangelism Committee. The evangelism committee, appointed by the advisory council, shall provide practical ways for implementing the evangelist purpose of the church, such as neighborhood visitation, preaching services, and study groups. It shall provide special input during the church's preparation for revivals.
E. Finance Committee. The finance committee, appointed by the advisory council, shall supervise the collection of funds for the church and for benevolences and for the disbursement of these funds as appropriated. It shall make written reports to the church at the annual meeting and at such other times as may be desired. It shall prepare, prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, a budget for the following fiscal year which shall contain certain allowances for the various church departments, committees, and organizations.
F. Youth Committee. The youth committee, appointed by the advisory council, shall consist of at least three members and shall develop programs and other activities designed to minister to youth for their special needs. It shall seek to incorporate the youth and their activities into the normal functions of the church. If the church has elected a minister of youth, he shall be ex officio the chairman of, and a voting member of, the youth committee.
G. Fellowship Committee. The fellowship committee, appointed by the advisory council, shall minster to others by leading the church in its purpose of fulfilling fellowship by contributing assistance at church meals and special functions including the organization of fellowship activities.
H. Discipleship Committee. The discipleship committee, appointed by the advisory council, shall lead the church in its purpose of discipleship by organizing a comprehensive discipleship ministry, including biblical education, spiritual growth groups, discipleship classes, and other activities which the committee deems important for the spiritual growth and development of church members.
Section 2. The church may establish special committees, at business meetings, to perform other functions. The moderator shall appoint members of special committees.
Section 1. Worship Services. Public services shall be held each Lord's Day, and the fellowship groups and the church Sunday School shall hold weekly meetings at a time to be fixed by the church.
The Lord's Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday morning of each quarter of the church year, or at such other times as the church, the pastor, or the deacons may determine.
Other worship services may be appointed by the pastor at his discretion or by the majority vote of the church.
Section 2. The Business Meetings.
A. The annual meeting shall be held on the first Sunday in July for the purpose of receiving the annual reports of individual officers, boards, and committees of the church and its auxiliary organizations; the election of officers; the transaction of necessary business; and the discussion of issues vital to the life and witness of the church.
B. Regular business meetings shall be held on the first Sunday of each month.
C. Special business meetings may be called at any time by the moderator. Notice of such meeting, and the object for which it is called, shall be given from the pulpit at least one week in advance of the date of the meeting. At any of the regular meetings of worship, however, the church may, without notice, act upon the reception of members, upon the dismission of members to other churches, and upon the appointment of delegates to councils, but not upon extraordinary business.
At all business meetings, a quorum of fifteen members must be met before any transaction of business may begin.
If, for any reason, the annual meeting or the regular business meeting cannot be held on the days scheduled, proper notice of such cancellation shall be given, and the meeting shall be postponed until the following Sunday which is available.
The fiscal year of the church shall begin on September 1 and end on August 31 of each year.
Section 1. Calling a Pastor. When the pastorate is vacant, the deacons shall select a representative pastor selection committee of three or more members of the church. A representative committee is one which fairly represents the various identifiable groups within the church. This committee shall take the necessary steps to secure the names of prospective pastors, working in consultation with various assistance groups. It shall request full information about the record and the qualifications of those persons whose names are submitted for its consideration, and the church shall not call a minister until such information has been so secured. When the committee has determined that a suitable person has been found for the pastorate, the committee may recommend him to the church for consideration.
The call of the pastor shall be considered by the church at a business meeting. A vote of a majority of the members present and qualified to vote shall be necessary to extend a call.
Only one candidate shall be recommended to the church at a time, and all voting shall take place by secret ballot.
Section 2. Upon accepting the call of the church, the pastor shall, as a payee of the church, for legal purposes, enter into a contract, terminable at will, whereby he agrees to abide by the directions of the church, to follow church policies, to lead a good moral life as defined by church doctrine, and to perform other functions incidental to his office. For matters pertaining to the Social Security laws of the United States, the pastor shall be considered self-employed. For all other legal purposes, the pastor shall be considered an employee of the church.
Section 3. Termination of Pastorate. The term of office may be ended upon thirty days notice on the part of the pastor or on the part of the church.
Termination of office shall be voted at a business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays. A vote of a majority of the members present and qualified to vote, provided there shall be a quorum present, shall make valid termination of said office.
Section 1. Time. The annual elections of officers shall be held during the annual meeting of the church.
Section 2. Qualifications of Voters. All matters pertaining to the purchase, sale, or mortgaging of property shall be voted on only by members in good standing and who are of legal age. On all other matters, members in good standing are entitled to vote.
Section 3. Procedure. The nominations committee shall present to the church the names of one or more persons for each office to be filled at the annual meeting. At the time of the annual meeting it shall be the privilege of any members present and qualified to vote to place in nomination the name of any eligible person for any office not so nominated. A majority of the ballots cast is necessary for the election of any officer.
Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring during the year may be filed for the unexpired term at any business meeting. The nominations committee shall present to the church nominees for the vacancy to be filled.
Section 1. Unless by majority vote the church determines otherwise, all business meetings shall be conducted in this sequence: (1) call to order; (2) opening prayer; (3) officers' reports, including the clerk and treasurer; (4) committee reports, both standing and special; (5) old business; (6) new business; and (7) adjournment.
Section 2. If for any reason the church is unable to complete a business meeting, the moderator may adjourn the meeting to another date. The continued meeting shall be an adjourned meeting.
Section 3. The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the church during all church business meeting, except in such cases as are governed by the constitution or bylaws. References in Robert's Rules of Order to "the chairman" or "the chair" shall instead be to the "moderator," and references to "the secretary" shall instead be to "the clerk."
The church by majority vote may prescribe policies and procedures for administering the church's affairs and carrying out the church's missions and purposes, not inconsistent with the Church Constitution or these Bylaws.
The treasurer shall not disburse any church funds without church approval. Church approval shall only be given by one of the following methods:
A. Approval by designation in the annual budget. The budget may authorize the disbursement of funds as "approved" by either of the following:
1. The budget may specifically designate a person, officer, committee, board, or auxiliary organization in charge of a church activity to give approval on behalf of the church for the disbursement of funds, if the treasurer determines that the expenditure is "reasonably related" to the activity, not to exceed the budgeted amount.
2. The budget may specify that a particular expenditure is a "routine matter" (such as the pastor's salary, church utility bills, or Sunday School literature). Where the budget so designates, the treasurer may disburse church funds in accordance with the amounts allotted in the budget, not to exceed the budgeted amount.
B. Approval by resolution at a business meeting. For matters not designated by the budget for a particular purpose or activity (such as items budgeted as "miscellaneous" or items not designating a particular person, committee, board, or auxiliary organization as in charge of the church activity), disbursement of funds may only be authorized by the church by majority vote at a business meeting.
C. Approval in emergencies. The deacons, in their discretion may authorize emergency appropriations from the church's general account, without the specific approval of the church, provided that the expenditure is truly urgent and provided that there is insufficient time for the church to approve the expenditure at a business meeting.
In cooperation with the Sunday School Superintendent, the nominations committee shall nominate Sunday School teachers, each of whom shall be approved by the church at a business meeting before assuming his duties. The nominations committee should consult the students of each Sunday School class in making nominations for their Sunday School teacher, unless the nominations committee, in its discretion, believes the members of the class to be too young to meaningfully contribute to the decision.
Section 1. At the annual meeting, the church shall select the Executive Board Member to represent the church in that capacity at meetings of the Executive Board of the Breckinridge Baptist Association.
Section 2. Messengers to the Breckinridge Baptist Association, delegates to the Kentucky Baptist Convention, delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention, or other representatives of the church at other functions, may be elected at any business meeting.
Section 3. Neither the Executive Board Member nor any delegate or messenger to any convention shall have authority to commit this church to any function without prior authorization at a business meeting.
These bylaws may be amended at a business meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that notice was given at the previous business meeting, or they may be amended at a special meeting called for that purpose, with previous notice and a two-thirds vote. All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing.