Church Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME

This body shall be known as the Calvary Baptist Church of Cocoa, Florida, Inc. located in Cocoa, Florida. This church shall be informal in ritual, and the government is vested in the body of believers of which the church is composed. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, and no denominational or associational representatives shall ever sit in judgment or council over its affairs. It shall always remain an Independent Baptist Church.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The purpose of this church is to glorify God through the salvation of the lost and to instruct, edify, and strengthen Christian believers, and to prepare them for effectual service for Christ.

1. The promotion of spiritual worship (John 4:24; Hebrews 10:24,25).

2. The teaching and preaching of the Word of God to all the world (Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8; Galatians 1:8,9: II Timothy 4:1-5).

3. The administration of the ordinances of the church (Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 11:23-26).

4. The defense of the faith once delivered unto all the saints (Hebrews 10:23; Jude 3; Revelation 3:8).

ARTICLE III - ASSOCIATIONS

A New Testament Church is autonomous and subject only to Christ, its Head; therefore, it cannot join anything outside itself, but only affiliate therewith on the grounds of fellowship. This church shall only seek fellowship with other churches that hereby agree with and take the same
doctrinal stand as do we.

ARTICLE IV - ORDINANCES

Clause A. Baptism shall be by single immersion. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3,4)

Clause B. The Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:17-24)

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS

Clause A. Membership of this church shall consist of persons who:

1. Have received and confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord

2. Have been baptized by immersion

3. Have been accepted by unanimous vote of members present and voting Any negative vote shall be given consideration by the Senior Pastor and deacons. If the reason given shall be found to be sufficient as to warrant, membership shall be withheld; if not, the matter shall again be presented to the church and the person or persons shall be received into membership by a three-fourths vote of members present and voting.

Clause B. All persons desiring to unite with the Calvary Baptist Church of Cocoa, Florida, Inc., shall appear before the deacons to determine their qualifications for membership.

Clause C. The candidates shall be required to state their acceptance of and adherence to the Articles of Faith, Constitution, and Covenant of this church before receiving the privilege of membership.

Clause D. Members from other Baptist churches, holding the same doctrinal convictions may be received by letter or recommendation and dismissal from their respective churches, after being interviewed by the pastor and deacons, and accepted by vote of the members.

Clause E. Persons coming from other denominations, who have been “born-again” (John 3) and have obeyed the Lord in being Scripturally baptized (immersed), and those who have been “born- again” members of Baptist churches, and in consequence of any circumstance, have no regular letter of dismissal, may be received by giving satisfactory evidence of change of heart, Scriptural faith, and Christian conduct, to the pastor and deacons and accepted by vote of the members.

Clause F. Anyone involved in “Tongues Speaking” shall not be allowed to be a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Clause G. Anyone who believes the church is responsible for the repayment of any tithes or offerings upon dismissal or removal shall not be allowed to be a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Clause H. The names of all candidates recommended by the deacons for membership shall be presented to the church at least one week before voting.

Section 2. DUTIES OF MEMBERS

Clause A. The Church Covenant sets forth the obligations assumed by every member of this church. Frequent reading of the Covenant is recommended to every member.

Clause B. Loyalty to Christ and to the church requires that every member shall attend regularly the services of worship; shall maintain honorable business relations with the church and with all men; shall make regular contributions as the Lord has prospered him (I Corinthians 16:2), toward the expenses and the missionary interests of the church. Furthermore, it shall be the duty of members to honor and esteem their pastors; to pray for them fervently and regularly in love, manifesting a tender regard for their welfare and reputation.

Section 3. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

Clause A. As it is vitally important to the church’s success and her greatest responsibility, that the church keep herself pure, it shall be the duty of the deacons with the pastor to seek diligently to reclaim any member living in disregard of his covenant obligation.

Clause B. In case of personal difference between members of the church, the deacons shall recommend that the parties endeavor to settle their differences in the manner laid down by our Savior in Matthew 18:15,16.

Clause C. The deacons, together with the pastor, shall constitute the discipline committee of the church, and are instructed to carry out any such cases in the light and spirit of II Thessalonians 3:6-15 and Titus 3:10.

Section 4. DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

Clause A. Dismissal shall be by death, letter or exclusion.

Clause B. Any person in good standing shall be entitled to and granted a letter of dismissal to
any Baptist church of like faith and practice. The letter shall be granted only to the church with which the member wishes to unite.

Clause C. Any member who, for a period of at least three months, is absent from the regular meetings of the church, shall forfeit their right of franchise until reinstated by the church. If this absence is without justifiable reason,they shall be notified of their covenant violation by the deacons at the place of last known residence. In determining this covenant violation the deacons shall be governed by the age, vocation, health, location, conduct toward the church, pastors, etc. of the offending member. If there is no response upon the part of the member within three months of the date of notification, they shall be excluded from the membership by vote of the church.

Clause D. When a member of the church shall request that their name be removed from the church roll, and no violation is charged them, and if the deacons are satisfied that reclamation is impossible, and that it shall be for the good of the church, they shall submit a recommendation to the church that their name be excluded - stating the reasons and the church may act immediately.

Clause E. Excluded members may be restored to membership upon recommendation of the deacons, after such person has given them acceptable evidence of honest repentance, and has made full confession of wrong doing. Such restoration shall be effected according to the provisions of ARTICLE V, Section 1, Clause A, Division 3.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS

Section 1. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

Clause A. The officers of the church shall be the Senior Pastor and deacons. The deacons shall be elected from among the members of the church, and shall be at least twenty-one years of age. No man shall be elected to office who has not been a member of this church for at least one year; except that after six months membership and upon recommendation of the pastor and deacons, they may be considered for office by the church.

Clause B. All officers shall be spiritually mature, or unquestioned Christian character, loyal to the word of God, dedicated and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the spiritual welfare of this church. They shall also be faithful and diligent in attendance and participation in both regular and business meetings of the church. No one who is (or becomes) a member of a secret society shall be permitted to hold office in this church. Their moral conduct shall be beyond reproach and free of carnal indulgences. In the light of I Timothy 3, the home and family relationships must be considered, as well as individual qualifications.

Clause C. All new deacons shall assume offices the first Sunday of February.

Clause D. The number of deacons shall be no more than eight for the first one hundred members. That number may be increased by one for every thirty-three additional members. The minimum number shall be determined by the number of “Spirit-filled” men available who meet the qualifications listed in Acts 6, I Timothy 3, and Titus 1:5-9. They shall serve terms of three years each, and election shall be arranged so that approximately one-third of their number shall be elected annually. After serving two consecutive three year terms as deacon, a man must wait at least one year before becoming eligible toserve again as deacon.

Clause E. Any officer unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties of his office shall resign from his office. If and when any officer shall refuse to subscribe to the Articles of Faith, the Covenant, or the Constitution of the church, his resignation shall be requested by the deacons.

Section 2. THE SENIOR PASTOR

Clause A. The candidate for the senior pastorate shall be extended a call at a special meeting of the church for that purpose by public notice given on two Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting. A two-thirds majority of the total voting membership present and voting shall be necessary for this call.

Clause B. The candidate, before he is called, shall be required to state to the pulpit committee his acceptance of and adherence to the Articles of Faith, Constitution, and covenant of this church.

Clause C. The Senior Pastor shall continue in office until he resigns or is dismissed by a majority vote of the voting membership present and voting at a special meeting called for that purpose. Public notice shall be given on the two Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting.

Clause D. The Senior Pastor shall give the church not less than thirty (30) days notice of intent to resign. The church shall give the Senior Pastor not less than sixty (60) days notice of dismissal, except where moral or doctrinal issues should be involved, in this event he may be dismissed immediately with one month’s salary.

Section 3. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Clause A. Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the church; he shall preach the whole counsel of God; shall have in his charge stated services of public worship; shall administer the ordinances; and perform the usual duties of a Baptist minister. The Senior Pastor shall be a regular member of the Board of Deacons, and a member ex-offcio of all other boards and committees of the church.

The Senior Pastor shall act as moderator for all business sessions of the deacons and of the church, or in his absence the chairman of the deacons shall act as the moderator. However, at the option of the Senior Pastor, he may appoint another member, who would be approved by the Board of Deacons, to act as moderator.

Clause B. Deacons

It shall be the duty of the deacons to assist the Pastor(s) in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church; to offer counsel to the Pastor(s); to exercise special and prudent watch care over the church membership; to seek out such members as need assistance; to administer the benevolent fund; to inquire into the fitness and qualifications of applicants for membership; to visit the sick; to supervise the preparation and distribution of the elements of the Lord’s Supper.

Those elected as deacons must meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3:8-13 and also be faithful in attendance of scheduled meetings of the church. They will be expected to tithe their income to the church.

They shall constitute a pulpit committee in securing pulpit supplies and in recommending candidates for the pastorate.

They shall, together with Senior Pastor, constitute the discipline committee.

They shall make quarterly and annual reports to the church.

They shall appoint two of their number to serve on the nominating committee.

They shall have full jurisdiction in the administration of the benevolent fund.

Agreeable to the provisions of the “Act of Incorporation” and the laws of the State of Florida, the deacons shall represent the church as its agents.

The deacons shall not have authority to sell, lease, give away, or dispose of church property in any manner to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) in value; not to mortgage or encumber the same with debt to exceed the above amount except as the church shall order in the same, by a Corporate act.

They shall appoint two of their number to be authorized to sign checks in the absence of the financial secretary and/or treasurer.

They shall act as, the building committee as needed.

The deacons shall make up the official Board of the church. They shall meet monthly to consider the business of the church.

They shall elect a chairman, vice-chairman, financial secretary, clerk, and treasurer from their number, and shall keep minutes of their monthly meetings in a permanent record. They shall also appoint of their number, men to serve in the following areas: Records, Education, Worship, Missions, Maintenance, Evangelism, and Family Care.

1. RECORDS

A. Financial

1. Financial Secretary

(a) It shall be the duty of the financial secretary, together with one or more of the deacons, to count and record in a permanent record, all monies received in the general offerings of the church. This shall be done immediately following each service of the church.

(b) Records shall be kept in accordance with written instructions issued by the auditing committee and approved by the deacons.

(c) The financial secretary shall be responsible for depositing all funds in the bank, including monies received from organizations within the church or from individuals.

(d) The financial secretary shall provide the treasurer with a record of all monies received and/or deposited, specifying the distribution into various funds.

(e) The financial secretary shall initiate and sign checks covering payment of all approved bills and liabilities. These checks together with the approved bills shall then be given to the treasurer for countersigning, recording, and mailing.

(f) The chairman of the deacons shall assume the duties outlined (under the above A-1) in the financial secretary’s absence, except that he may not assume the duties of the treasurer as outlined, simultaneously.

2. Treasurer

(a) The treasurer shall oversee the recording of all financial transactions in the permanent records and shall make quarterly and annual reports to the church.

(b) The treasurer shall counter-sign, record and mail all checks. The chairman of the deacons shall assume the responsibility of countersigning checks in the treasurer’s absence, except that he shall not perform the duties of the financial secretary as outlined in Section 3, Clause B, A.

(c) The treasurer shall oversee the books or records and report the financial transaction in accordance with written instructions issued by the auditing committee and approved by the Deacons.

B. Proceedings & History

1. Clerk

The church clerk shall have charge of the official correspondence and shall keep records of all business meetings of the church. The clerk shall oversee the record of reception and dismissal of members, marriages, and baptisms. The clerk shall perform such duties as properly belong to the office, making quarterly and annual reports to the church.

The clerk shall provide the financial secretary and the treasurer with a transcript of the minutes of each church business meeting in which authority is granted for the disbursement or transfer of funds.

Upon his retirement or removal from office, he shall deliver to his successor or the chairman of the Board of Deacons. All records, files, and/or other papers belonging to the church, and shall present the same with all contents complete to the date of surrender of such documents.

2. Historian

The Historian will keep up to date, a record of the important activities of Calvary Baptist Church.

2. EDUCATION

The assigned deacons shall assist the pastoral staff in providing general supervision over the Christian Education Ministries of the church to include, but not be limited to, Sunday School; Children’s and Teen’s Clubs; Children’s Church; Nursery; Ladies’ and Men’s Ministries; and the other ministries with the purpose of Bible and Christian life education.

3. WORSHIP

The assigned deacons shall be responsible to provide assistance to the Pastoral staff in the worship services, ushering, greeting, baptism, communion, new member follow-up and church fellowship. These efforts shall be coordinated by the Pastors to provide meaningful worship for those attending the worship services of the church.

A. Observance of Church Ordinances

The assigned deacons shall be responsible to plan, coordinate, and execute the observance of the ordinances of baptism and communion as directed by the Pastoral staff.

B. Music

The assigned deacons shall assist in the coordination of the church’s music ministry. They shall provide assistance to the Music Minister and serve on the Music Committee.

C. Greeting and Ushering

The assigned deacons shall be responsible for coordinating and training people for the purposes of ushering and greeting.

4. MISSIONS

The assigned deacons shall provide assistance to the Pastoral staff in the leadership and coordination of all mission ministries of the church, including the leading and directing of the Missions Committee whose responsibilities shall include:

A. Interviewing new missionary candidates

B. Interviewing visiting missionaries

C. All aspects of upkeep and use of the church’s mission house

D. Preserve and further the mission policy of the church

E. Coordinate communications and publications

5. FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE

The assigned trustees shall coordinate care of the buildings and properties of the church. They and the Pastoral staff shall plan for future uses and expansion of the church facilities. They shall review at least annually the insurance coverage for the church, staff and facilities.

6. EVANGELISM

The assigned deacons shall assist the Pastoral staff in providing leadership and coordination in the following:

A. Promoting interest and involvement by the church and its members in evangelism

B. Promoting a spirit of evangelism among the church family

C. Facilitate the training of people in evangelistic methods

7. FAMILY CARE

The assigned deacons shall assist the Pastoral Staff in planning and actions to protect, help, and encourage families. These efforts shall include but not be limited to the following:

A. Care for the elderly, widowed, and needy

B. Promote the family altar

C. Keep close watch over all families and singles

D. Discipleship

E. Family fellowships

ARTICLE VII - ASSOCIATE PASTORS

Clause A. The candidate for the associate pastorate shall be extended a call at a special meeting of the church for that purpose by public notice given on two Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting. A two-thirds majority of the total voting membership present and voting shall be necessary for his call. The candidate will be recommended to the membership by the Senior Pastor and Board of Deacons.

Clause B. The candidate, before he is called, shall be required to state to the pulpit committee his acceptance of and adherence to the Articles of Faith, Constitution, and Covenant of this church.

Clause C. The Associate Pastor shall continue in office until he resigns or is dismissed by a majority vote of the voting membership present and voting at a special meeting called for that purpose. Public notice shall be given on the two Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting.

Clause D. The Associate Pastor shall give the church not less than thirty (30) days notice of intent to resign. The church shall give the Associate Pastor not less than sixty (60) days notice of dismissal, except where moral or doctrinal issues should be involved, in this event he may be dismissed immediately with one month’s salary.

Clause E. The Associate Pastor(s) will report to the Senior Pastor.

ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES

Section 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Clause A. The nominating committee shall consist of two deacons, selected by the Board of Deacons, and two men who are members selected by the congregation. These two members are to be selected by the church at the October business meeting. Those men selected by the church must meet deacon qualifications (I Timothy 3:8-12).

Clause B. They shall submit a list of nominees for positions to be filled. This list shall be posted in the church building one Sunday previous to the election.

Clause C. They may recommend to the church, candidates to fill vacancies as they occur. Such recommendations shall be acted upon at the next quarterly business meeting, or at a specially called meeting.

Clause D. They shall approach the proposed nominee as to their acceptance of candidacy and
qualifications.

Clause E. Wherever possible, they shall present for election, two or more candidates for each position.

Clause F. They shall provide ballot forms for the annual election.

Section 2. AUDITING COMMITTEE

Clause A. The committee shall consist of two members appointed by the deacon board following the annual election.

Clause B. They shall audit all accounts of the church and its organizations and certify same, reporting at the annual business meeting.

Clause C. The auditing committee subject to the approval of the deacon board, shall be responsible for establishing the procedures and methods to be followed by the financial
secretary and treasurer in maintaining the financial record.

ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

Section 1. PUBLIC MEETINGS

Clause A. Public worship services shall be held regularly, morning and evening on the Lord’s Day. These services shall not be merged into union services with other denominations.

Clause B. At least once each week there shall be a meeting for prayer and praise.

Section 2. SUNDAY SCHOOL

Clause A. There shall be a Sunday school maintained each week.

Section 3. BUSINESS MEETINGS

Clause A. The official church year shall begin the first day of January and close the thirty-first day of December.

Clause B. The annual business meeting shall be held after the second Sunday in January.

Clause C. The day for business meetings may be changed at the discretion of the church.

Clause D. Special business meetings may be called at any time provided public notice be given of the same on the Lord’s Day preceding; except that those for calling or dismissing of the Senior Pastor and/or corporate business and business meetings shall be given public announcement for two (2) preceding Sundays. At such meetings, thirty percent (30%) of the voting membership shall constitute a quorum. However, routine business may be transacted when necessary, at any stated meeting of the church without regard to the above requirements. Special meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor, the Board of Deacons, or any ten (10) families who are members of the church who request such of the clerk. This request to the clerk shall be in writing and signed and shall provide the particular object(s) of the business that shall be transacted in such a meeting.

Clause F. Only members eighteen (18) years of age and above shall be eligible to vote.

Section 4. OTHER MEETINGS

Clause A. All public gatherings arranged under the auspices of this church shall be first approved by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.

Section 5. RULES OF ORDER OF BUSINESS

Clause A. The ordinary rules of deliberative assemblies shall be observed in the transaction of business.

ARTICLE X - CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

Clause A. The purpose of the Sunday School is to win every scholar to the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and to instruct them in Christian living.

Clause B. All teachers shall be members of the church. Persons who are not members may teach Sunday School classes with the approval of the Board of Deacons.

Clause C. Any teacher whose conduct or teaching is considered injurious to the class, school, or church, shall, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, be referred to the deacons for necessary action.

Section 2. SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATIONS

Clause A. No subsidiary organization of the church shall engage in any practice or hold any policy contrary to the general position of the church itself. All regular leaders shall be members of the church.

ARTICLE XI - MISSIONS

It shall be the policy of this church to support only missions known to be in total agreement with our Statement of Belief, both in doctrine and in practice, and be Baptist in principle. They shall be examined for approval periodically by the Board of Deacons. Percentage of giving shall be designated in the annual missionary budget. Special designated gifts to missions other than these supported by the church will be handled at the discretion of the Board of Deacons.

ARTICLE XII - GENERAL

Section 1. USE OF THE CHURCH PROPERTY AND NAME

Clause A. Use of the property for other than regularly scheduled meetings shall first be approved by the Pastor and deacons.

Clause B. All gatherings off the church property held in the name of the church shall first be approved by the Pastor and deacons.

Clause C. No pastor or pulpit orator will be permitted to preach from the pulpit of the church who denies the fundamentals of the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3).

Section 2. PASTORS’ VACATION AND SALARY

Clause A. The Senior Pastor shall have not less than three (3) weeks paid vacation every year. This may be increased after five years of service. Such increase in vacation must be
approved by the Board of Deacons and the church.

Clause B. The associate pastor(s) shall not have less than two (2) weeks paid vacation every year. This may be increased after five years of service. Such increase in vacation must be approved by the Board of Deacons.

Clause C. The Pastor(s) salaries shall be reviewed and determined at least once a year. The amount will be set by the Board of Deacons.

Section 3. ELECTIONS

Clause A. The election of all deacons of the church shall be by written ballot.

Clause B. The nominee or nominees receiving the largest number of votes of members present and voting shall be declared elected. Deacons unopposed require a three- fourths majority.

Section 5. RESIGNATIONS

Clause A. All resignations of deacons shall be accepted by the church after full consideration. The nominating committee shall be notified of the vacancy by the church clerk. The vacancy may then be filled at the next regular business meeting, or at a specially called meeting.

Section 6. MONETARY PRINCIPLES

Clause A. The systematic giving of money for the support of the work of the Lord is worship as well as duty. It must be kept of the plane of voluntary, free-will offering, untarnished by any hope of material gain. All members are expected to give regular financial support to the church and to the advancement of the projects it shall sponsor. In determining the Lord’s portion, we believe and affirm with the Scriptures that a bare minimum of one-tenth of one’s income should be faithfully and cheerfully given by everyone (II Corinthians 9:6,7). Many can and should give more than the tithe, for all we have belongs to Christ (I Chronicles 29:14,16; Acts 4:32-35). No monies shall be raised for the support of the church and its various activities by any but the Biblical plan of the tithe and offerings, and gifts and sacrificial love considerations for Christ’s work. This shall be construed to mean that church suppers and bazaars, professional fund raising organizations, etc. are not a Scriptural means of raising money.

Clause B. A statement of each subscriber’s account shall be given to him at the end of each year, if he desires it, from available records, by the Financial Secretary.

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS AND BY-LAWS

Clause A. This constitution may be amended, altered, or revised at any quarterly meeting by a three-fourths vote of members present and voting, provided such proposed changes shall have been submitted in writing not later than the quarterly business meeting preceding.

Clause B. The church may adopt from time to time, such by-laws in amplification hereof as may be necessary or desirable, and shall provide therein for amendment of the same.

ARTICLE XIV - DISSOLUTION

Clause A. This church shall have the right to own, buy or sell tangible properties, both real and personal in its own name and through properly elected and authorized officers.

Clause B. No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the assets, holdings or other transactions in which this Corporation may become involved.

Clause C. In event of the dissolution of this Corporation, all of its debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided among its members, but shall be irrevocably dedicated by the deacons, to such other non-profit religious Corporations as are in agreement with the letter and spirit of this constitutional Statement of Faith, and in conformity with the requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Service, Code of 1954 (Section 501 c-3) or any subsequent amendments thereto.

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