CONSTITUTION

April 30, 2002

(a PDF file suitable for printing is available here)

Preamble

Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the members of Maranatha Baptist Church, do ordain and establish this constitution.

Article I - Name and Constitution

The name of this organization shall be Maranatha Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant. This constitution is the expression of the agreement among the members of the church as to how the church is to be governed.

Article II - Object

The objective of this church shall be to promote the worship of God by the preaching of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ at home and abroad, trusting that as a result sinners shall be saved and believers edified.

Its objective is further expressed in our Church Covenant. This Covenant shall be read at least annually, with the audience standing.

Article III - Doctrine

Its doctrines shall be in conformity with those generally accepted by Baptist churches and expressed in our Confession of Faith.

Article IV - Association

In keeping with the Baptist doctrine of the autonomy of the local church, we will not join anything, or align ourselves with any group that would encroach on our independence. The church may elect to affiliate, on the grounds of fellowship, with other groups or ministries. Hereby, Maranatha Baptist Church declares itself to be a totally independent Baptist Church.

Article V - Membership

Section 1: Membership Classifications

A. Active Member

Each active member of the church must be at least 18 years of age, and elevated to membership as described below. Members have the right to vote in all church matters and may hold any office in the church except one for which he or she fails to meet a specific qualification required by the Bible or this constitution.

B. Junior Member

A Junior Member shall meet all the standards for membership except age, and shall have been admitted to membership as described below. Junior members do not have the privilege of voting. Upon attaining his/her 18th birthday and completion of a membership class, a Junior Member shall become a Member without further action of the Elders or the Congregation.

C. Inactive Member

Any Member transferred to the Inactive Membership List as provided for in this constitution. An Inactive Member has no right to vote on any church matter, cannot occupy any church office, shall not be granted a letter of "good and regular standing", or otherwise enjoy any of the benefits of active Membership in the church until he/she shall have been restored to the Active Membership List by the Elders.

D. Charter Member

Any person who signed the Articles of Incorporation of this church shall be deemed to be a Charter Member of the church. Charter Membership shall confer no right or duty upon the Charter Member. Charter Membership shall lapse only upon the death of the Charter Member or removal from such status by action of the Board of Elders and Members as provided for church discipline below.

E. Missionary Members

A Pastor and his wife shall have the privileges of membership in the Church, including the right to vote on all congregational matters except budget items concerning the Pastor (s) and his office, and shall not have the right to vote in any vote of confidence concerning the Pastor(s). These privileges shall extend until such time as they shall leave.

Section 2: Reception of Members

A. Qualifications; Profession of Faith; Repentance; Baptism

Anyone professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, giving evidence of a change of heart, having been baptized by immersion, and declaring himself (or herself) in accord with the principles, practices, doctrines, and constitution of this church may become a candidate for church membership. Each candidate shall have been in regular attendance for at least six months.

B. Application; Procedure

Candidates for church membership shall first announce their intentions by coming forward during the invitation at a service and shall enroll in and successfully complete a membership class designated by the church. The candidates shall then appear personally before the Sr. Pastor and deacons who shall pass upon their qualifications. Having been recommended by the Elders, their name shall then be submitted to the church at the next regular business meeting for acceptance or rejection. Three dissenting votes shall constitute refusal of admission, but any member objecting will be required to present the grounds of his objection in writing prior to the Board meeting and before the Elders at their next meeting. A majority vote of the Elders shall overrule the objection, and the name shall be submitted once more to the church.

Section 3: Transfer or Dismissal of Members

A. Church Letters

1) Letters of Transfer may be granted to any member in good and regular standing. Such letters must be addressed to some particular church and sent by the Clerk to the Pastor or Clerk of the church to which the member is transferring. No letter shall be granted except to a designated church of like faith and order.

2) Members not in good and regular standing or those desiring to unite with a church not of our faith and order may be given a Certificate of Standing to date.

B. Discipline of Members

1) The matter of discipline of the membership shall be in the hands of the Elders, but in cases of expulsion from membership final action must be taken by the church. No member shall be expelled until every effort has been made, including, if physically possible, personal visits by the Pastor(s) and/or Deacons to reclaim him (or her) for Christ and the church. (Mt 18:15-17)

2) No member shall be called to discipline except upon written notice provided to him/her, clearly stating the charges and witnesses against him/her and providing him/her a reasonable time (not less than 10 days) to prepare his/her defense.

C. Inactive List

1) Members failing to support the church by their faithful and regular attendance for a period of one year without a legitimate excuse, may be placed on the "Inactive" list by the Elders and so lose their right to franchise. Absence because the member is serving the United States of America in her armed forces shall be a legitimate excuse. Confinement to a medical care facility or nursing home shall likewise be excused. .

2) Names continuing upon the "Inactive" list for more than six months may be removed from the church membership roll by vote of the congregation.

D. Implicit and Explicit Resignations from Membership

1) Any Member of whatever status who absents himself from the church and who is known to have associated himself with another church without requesting a letter or having explicitly resigned, shall be provided a written notice by the Clerk, advising the member that he/she will be considered to have resigned his/her membership and will be dropped from the church rolls unless he/she responds within 30days, indicating his/her desire and intention to continue his/her membership in this church. If no response is received, the Clerk may remove the name from the church rolls. If a response is received indicating a desire to continue in membership, the matter shall be referred to the Board, and thereafter treated as a matter of church discipline if not resolved between the Elders and the member.

2) Any member may resign his/her membership in writing to the church Clerk or verbally to the Pastor(s). The Elders shall investigate the circumstances of the resignation to determine that it is proper and in good order.

Article VI - Ordinances

Section 1: Baptism

Those professing saving faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior shall, by the Senior Pastor or some person authorized by the church, be immersed in water in accordance with the Scriptural teaching. Immersion shall be prerequisite to church membership. (Mt 3:11-17; Rom 6:3-4; Acts 2:41 )

Section 2: Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper (Communion) shall normally be served to the assembled church by the Senior Pastor (or some person designated by the church) and the Elders on the first Sunday of each month. Since it is the Lord's Table, none who are His shall be barred, but the Pastor shall frequently state the Scriptural order preceding communion, which places baptism as an act of obedience And therefore a prerequisite to participation in Communion. (1 Cor 11:23-30; Jude 12)

Article VII - Officers and Boards

Primary Bible sources: Acts 6:1-6; Eph 4:11; Phil 1:1; I Tim 3:1-13; Ti 1:5-9; I Pet 5:1-4

Section 1: Officers and Church Board

A. Church Board

The Church Board shall consist of the Sr. Pastor, Deacons, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Clerk. Voting shall be by general consensus of the Sr. Pastor and Deacons. Any voting board member may demand a vote by roll call, conducted and recorded by the Clerk. Other officers shall be advisory members of the Church Board and shall have no vote thereon.

The meetings of the Church Board shall be open to the congregation. The Church Board may resolve to move to closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters concerning employees of the church and in matters of church discipline or other matters of a confidential nature directly affecting a member or other person, but shall return to open session before taking any formal action.

Minutes of the meetings of the Church Board shall be kept by the Clerk, and shall be in written form containing a summary of matters discussed and the Church Board’s decision. The minutes shall be open to the congregation, shall be posted in the church (upon board approval), or shall be made available by publishing them in the church bulletin or similar manner of distribution.

Meetings shall be held on a schedule determined by the Church Board. A special meeting of the board may be called by the Senior Pastor (Bishop) or by two Deacons. A quorum shall be established by 60% of the Elders.

B. Limitation on Number of Offices Held

No person shall hold more than one of the following offices at a time: Pastor or Deacon, except as may be specifically provided for elsewhere in this constitution.

C. Membership Required

No person shall hold any office in the Church or any of its organizations unless he/she shall be n active member. No person shall be elected or appointed to any Church board office within the church, other than that of Pastor, until such person shall have been an active member for at least one year.

Section 2: Elder: Pastor

A. Appointment: Three (3) Primary Considerations

Any man considering the office of Pastor shall:

1) Have a desire for the office (1 Tim 3:1)

2) Have a call from the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28)

3) Meet the biblical qualifications outlined (1 Tim 3:1-7)

B. Procedure

The man shall submit a letter of intent to the Deacons, undergo a Deacon review and congregational review, affirmed by a 75% votes cast.

C. Term of office

The term of office for Pastor shall be continual until removed by resignation, death or vote of the congregation.

D. Duties

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to hold the governance of the church, subject to the congregation. The Senior Pastor shall have oversight as Bishop, the Pastor shall have charge of the spiritual supervision of the church (1 Pet 5:2); lead by example (1 Tim 3:4-5); guard the body from false doctrine without and within (Ti 1:9,Acts 20:29-30); teach for the edification of the body and propagation of the gospel (1 Tim 5:17, Eph 4:11-12, Mt 28:19-20).

Additionally, the Pastor is responsible for the administration of church discipline, careful examination of all candidates for church membership and recommending to the church such as he considers eligible for membership.

Further, the Pastor is responsible to hire and supervise anyone working in the church, in conjunction with the Deacons.

E. Senior Pastor (Bishop)

The Pastor that has been elected to fill the pulpit shall be known as the Senior Pastor (Bishop) and shall be the spiritual leader, the moderator of the church, chairman of the Church board and an ex-officio member of all committees.

Section 3: Elder: Deacons

A. Appointment: Two (2) Primary Considerations

Any man considering the office of Deacon shall:

1) Receive a nomination from the congregation (Acts 6:3,5)

2) Meet the biblical qualifications outlined (1 Tim 3:8-13)

B. Procedure

Nominations will be open the month of December and officially close on December 31. Any active member may nominate on the church nomination form (available from the Church Clerk), which is to be posted and must be endorsed by a minimum of 10% of the active membership.

Upon receiving a nomination from the congregation (Acts 6:3,5), the man shall meet with the Elders to discuss the biblical qualifications and duties (Acts 6:3) and be affirmed by a 75% votes cast (Acts 6:5).

Nominations from the floor will not be accepted.

C. Term of Office

Terms shall be for three (3) years. Terms of office shall begin on the first of the month following the annual meeting.

D. Duties

It shall be the duty of the Deacons to hold the governance of the church, subject to the congregation.

It shall be the duty of the Deacons to care for the property of the church; hold, repair, invest, and preserve the assets; oversee indebtedness; approve all accounts payable; hire and supervise anyone working in the church (in conjunction with the Sr. Pastor); superintend any improvements, and perform such business concerns of the church.

It shall further be the duty of the Deacons to prepare the elements and table for the Lord’s supper and assist in serving the same; assist the Pastor in administering baptism.

Additionally, the Deacons are responsible for the administration of church discipline, careful examination of all candidates for church membership and recommending to the church such as they consider eligible for membership.

E. Authority and Limitations

The Deacons shall not have authority to sell, lease, give away, or dispose of church property in any manner to exceed fifty dollars ($50) in value without the consent of the congregation.

The Deacons shall not have the authority to make any purchase or authorize an expenditure in excess of 2% of the annual budget without the consent of the congregation.

F. Budget

At least two weeks prior to the annual meeting, the Deacons shall distribute a recommended budget for the coming fiscal year. Such budget shall become operative upon acceptance, with or without modification. The budget may include allocations of funds to be spent at the discretion of the individual responsible for specified projects or ministries, designated by an ‘*’ in the account description.

G. Corporate Title and Duties

The Deacons shall, for all purposes required under the laws of the State of Michigan, be the Trustees of the church and shall be referred to by that title in all communications with the State and its agencies.

Section 4: Assistants to the Pastor

A. Appointment

Any man considering the office of “Assistant to the Pastor” shall:

1) Have a desire for the office (ITim 3:1)

2) Have a call from the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28)

3) Meet the biblical qualifications outlined. (ITim 3:1-7)

B. Procedure

The elders in conjunction with the congregation shall determine the need for such a position. A formal search for a candidate will be handled in the same manner as that of Senior Pastor. Confirmation of such an individual will be based upon approval of the Pastor and a 75% congregational vote.

C. Term of Office

The term of office shall be continual until removed by resignation, death or dismissal by the Pastor or the congregation.

D. Duties

It shall be the duty of an Assistant Pastor to assist the Senior Pastor in his duties. A written formal job description shall be given to clarify major areas of responsibility. Prepared by the Pastor and approved by the Board.

Section 5: Other Church Officers

A. Financial Secretary

The Church Board shall appoint a Financial Secretary annually from its membership or from the members of the church. He or she shall receive all moneys of the church, deposit and account for [the] same. The Financial Secretary shall keep accurate records of giving, which shall be confidential, and issue receipts thereof adequate for federal and state income tax purposes at the end of each calendar year.

The Financial Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Church Board.

B. Treasurer

The Church Board shall appoint a Treasurer annually from its membership or from the members of the church. He or she shall hold the bank accounts of the church and make disbursements as directed by the Deacons and congregation at annual or special meetings or as otherwise authorized under this constitution.

The Treasurer shall serve at the pleasure of the Church Board.

C. Clerk

The Church Board shall appoint a Clerk annually from its membership or from the members of the church. He or she shall keep a fair and complete record of the proceedings of the church, write letters of dismissal, announce the offices to be filled at the annual meetings, and perform such other particular duties as may be prescribed.

The Clerk shall serve at the pleasure of the Church Board.

D. Minor officers

Other minor offices may be created by the Church Board from time to time as may be deemed necessary. The duties, term of office, and manner of selection shall be determined by the Church Board. Minor officers shall not, by virtue of holding such minor office, become voting members of the Church Board.

All minor officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Church Board.

Section 6: Vacancies in Offices

A. Pastor Vacancy in Office; Pulpit Committee

The Board shall, when a vacancy occurs in the office of Pastor, act as a Search Committee and shall continue to function as such until a new Pastor is on the field. It shall bring before the church suitable candidates for the Pastorate and care for the entertainment of those candidates while they are on the field. When it deems wise it shall present to the church at a special business meeting the name of one of these candidates and conduct the voting upon the same. It shall continue this procedure until a Pastor is chosen. The Elders shall elect one of its members Interim Chairman of the Church Board, who shall act as Chairman of the Pulpit Committee and the Moderator of the church while it is without a Senior Pastor (Bishop).

B. Deacon Vacancy in Office.

Should the total number of deacons fall below 3 due to resignation, death, incapacity, or removal:

1) The church shall within 60 days, at a business or special meeting called for the purpose, elect sufficient special trustees to make with the remaining deacons three trustees to hold the property of the church. Special trustees shall have authority to fulfill all duties required of trustees of ecclesiastical corporations by law, but shall otherwise have no authority to sit on or vote with the church board.

2) At the next annual meeting, the church may elect deacons in conformance with the constitution. If less than enough deacons are elected to bring the number of deacons to 3 or more, the church shall elect sufficient special trustees to bring the number of trustees to three.

Section 7: Removal from Office

A. Pastor(s).

1) A Pastor may be suspended from office by the Elders for good cause shown for a period not to exceed 26 days, by which time he shall be removed from office or restored to office by the congregation voting at a special business meeting called for the purpose. (I Tim 5:1,19-20)

2) A Pastor(s) may be removed from office by a vote of confidence. A petition signed by 30% of the active membership of the church and presented to any Elder, or a majority of the Elders at any Church Board meeting, shall instruct the Elders and Church Clerk to proceed with a Vote of Confidence on the Pastor(s). In either such event, the Elders shall immediately schedule and announce a special meeting of the congregation at least 18, but not more than 26, days from the date of the presentation of such petition or the taking of such vote. At such meeting, the Pastor(s) shall have a reasonable time (not to exceed 30 minutes) to present his defense. The Congregation shall then have a like time to express its comments. A vote of the Members of the church shall then be taken; if less than 60% of the members of the church vote Confidence, the pulpit shall be declared vacant.

B. Deacons.

Any Deacon may be suspended from office by the Elders at a Church Board meeting for good cause shown for a period not to exceed 45days, by which time he shall be removed from office or restored to office by the congregation voting at a special business meeting called for the purpose.

C. Notification.

Before any Elder may be removed, he must be provided with written notice, clearly stating the charges and witnesses against him, and have an adequate time (not less than 10 days) to prepare his defense. At the special business meeting, the charges shall be read to the congregation and witnesses identified.

Article VIII - Finances

Section 1: Fiscal Year

The Fiscal year shall begin on January 1st and end on the following 31st of December.

Section 2: Fundraising

No moneys shall be raised by the church , auxiliary organization, committee, or any ministry except by free will giving and not in exchange for any goods or services.

Section 3: Authority to Obligate Church; Limit on Purchases

No person shall obligate the church to the expenditure of any money or the payment of any bill except as authorized under this constitution. No purchase shall be made or obligation incurred unless the money is in hand to meet the same, or as provided in Section 4 of this Article.

Section 4: Borrowing of Money or Property

The congregation, acting at an annual, regular, or special business meeting properly called with notice of the matter to be considered, shall have the sole power to authorize the borrowing of any sum of money or thing of value, by way of mortgage, note, land contract or the like. Any resolution adopted by the congregation to so borrow shall include authority for a Deacon and the Clerk to sign all necessary papers on behalf of the church.

"Borrowing", within the meaning of this paragraph, shall not be construed to include the short-term loan of equipment, tools or the like, necessary to any church purpose, or rental of same on authority of the Deacons where the total rental to be paid is within the spending authority of the Deacons.

Section 5: Miscellaneous Funds

Auxiliary organizations within the church (women's group, Sunday School class, etc.) may, if authorized by the Elders, hold their own separate funds derived from offerings, and the same shall not be "funds of the church" so as to require that they be deposited by the Financial Secretary and accounted for by the Treasurer. Any auxiliary organization’s fund shall be fully reported on in its annual report to the church at the annual meeting.

Section 6: Annual Audit

An annual audit shall be performed by a member of the board and two other individuals. The auditing committee shall report their findings at the April quarterly business meeting.

Article IX – Missions and Ministries

Acts 1:8 says, “...and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Believing missions to be a ministry that occurs simultaneously with the efforts of the local church, and believing missions to be part of MBC's responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission, the following policies have been drafted to provide a vision for a missions program here at Maranatha. We believe the following information to be consistent with the mind of our church, and trust that the Lord will be honored in this effort.

Section 1: Missions Statement

In accord with the vision of MBC, it is our desire to encourage the spread of the gospel through the support of missions. Following a Biblical pattern which is set in Acts 1:8, we shall endeavor to support church planting missionaries that will provide a gospel witness to a spectrum of geographical areas.

Section 2: Funding

It is our belief that missions should be an extension of our ministry and therefore should derive its funding from the general funds of MBC. It is our goal to budget 10% of general funds for the support of missions. Other offerings may be taken as various mission needs arise. As our base grows, so will our ability to support other efforts.

Section 3: Qualifications

1. Clear testimony of salvation

2. A member in good standing of a church of like faith and practice.

3. Demonstrate a genuine call and meet the qualifications of a Pastor according to I Timothy 3.

4. In agreement with our covenant and Doctrinal Statement

5. Support the use of the KJV

6. Looking to establish or support the establishment of self-supporting local churches of like faith and practice

7. Any immediate family members must be supportive of this endeavor

8. Has sought training and is adequately prepared to reach his/her field

Section 4: Procedure

1. Request received from missionary for support

2. Missionary Questionnaire mailed to prospect

3. Answers to Questionnaire reviewed by board

4. Board does a reference and background check

5. Board makes contact to schedule prospective candidate (Wednesday thru Sunday)

o Interview by board of deacons (missionary and family) followed by prayer

o Preach/present at least three times

o Church Fellowship followed by Question and Answer session and prayer

o Pastor, deacons and wives meet with family for prayer

o A congregational meeting called with 75% approval

Section 5: Role of Missions Committee

Believing that missions is an extension of our vision to reach the world with the gospel, it only seems proper that a committee be formed that makes our missionaries more than just a picture on our walls.

The goals of the Missions Committee will be to:

o Create and develop accountability of the missionary to the church

o Keep the missionaries and their efforts and needs before the church

o Pray

o Organize a Missions Conference

Reports from the missionaries will be given at Quarterly Business Meetings.

Section 6: Membership on the Missions Committee

The five members of the Missions Committee will be appointed by the Church Board. One of the committee members shall be a representative from the deacon board, with the remaining four members of the committee being members from the congregation at large.

Section 7: Terms of Membership on the Missions Committee

The terms shall be arranged to be staggered the first year as follows: 1 member to serve 1 year; 2 members to serve 2 years and 2 members to serve 3 years. Thereafter, new members on the committee will serve three years.

Section 8: Vacancies on the Missions Committee

Should a vacancy occur in the committee, the church board will appoint a member of the congregation to fulfill the term.

Article X – Auxiliary Organizations, Committees and Ministries

Section 1: Auxiliary organizations

There shall be auxiliary organizations that shall be started to further our objective. None shall be started without the consent of the congregation or Elders. These organizations shall be self-governed, but finally subject to the control of the Church through its constitution and voted church policy, and shall have independent financial authority.

Section 2: Committees

There shall be committees formed to further the objective of the church. These committees shall operate under the authority granted them by the congregation or Elders. A written charge shall be constructed and delivered by the Elders.

Section 3: Ministries

New ministries may be started to further the objective of the church. These ministries shall operate under the authority granted them by the congregation or Elders and shall continue under the supervision of the Elders.

Section 4: Membership Required

All officers of auxiliary organizations, committees and ministries must be active members of the church.

Article XI - Business Meetings

Section 1: Annual meeting

There shall be an Annual Meeting of the church on the third Thursday of January to elect officers, adopt the annual budget, and transact any other business. In case of any omission in holding the election as above, the meeting shall be called and held upon the earliest available date thereafter.

Section 2: Quarterly meetings

Quarterly meetings shall be held on the third week of April, July and October. The day of the week shall be selected by the Church Board with the actual day announced two Sundays prior to the selected date.

Section 3: Special Business Meetings

Special business meetings may be called at any time, provided public notice be given from the pulpit at two consecutive Sunday morning services.

Section 4: Quorum

Thirty per cent (30%) of the active members shall constitute a quorum, except as provided elsewhere in this constitution.

Section 5: Order of meetings

In the conduct of business, Robert's Rules of Order shall govern. A suggested Order of Business for the Annual Meeting follows:

1) Opening Prayer.

2) Reading of the Church Covenant.

3) Reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting.

4) Clerk's Report.

5) Treasurer's Report.

6) Elder’s Report .

7) Sunday School Report.

8) Auxiliary Organizations Report.

9) Standing Committee Report.

10) Ministries Report.

11) Election of Deacons.

12) Old Business.

13) New Business.

14) Adjournment.

15) Closing Prayer.

Section 6: Manner of Taking Votes

A. General Voting Rules

Votes of the members shall be taken on all propositions properly presented for decision. All active members of the church present shall be eligible to vote on all propositions, except as specifically provided elsewhere in this constitution. All votes shall be by voice vote unless a show of hands or secret ballot is requested by a member or appears advisable to the chairman of the meeting.

B. Absentee Ballots

Absentee ballots shall be counted only if:

1) The Proposition being voted upon was reduced to writing in the form of a signed ballot, prepared by the Church Clerk or designee;

2) No changes or amendments of any kind have been made to the Proposition since the absentee ballot was voted.

3) Returned prior to business meeting.

Article XII - Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any annual business meeting, or at a called business meeting, provided that notice of proposed amendment shall have been given from the pulpit at two consecutive Sunday morning services prior to the meeting at which action is proposed to be taken.

All proposed amendments must be posted in writing, prior to the first Sunday notice. A minimum of 10% of the active members must endorse the proposed amendment by fixing their signatures and date on the proposed amendment. The church clerk will validate signatures and dates prior to pulpit notification and discussion at the business meeting. Any changes to the proposed amendment, aside from clerical errors, render it void.

Article XIII - Approved Texts

Only the Authorized King James Version of the Bible shall be used for the teaching from Sunday school classrooms, the Pulpit and any other ministry of the Church where the Word of God is to be delivered. Other versions may be referred to for example or clarification, subject always to the Authorized King James Version.