BYLAWS THANKFUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH  

1.0   REGISTERED OFFICE

1.1 Address.

The registered office of the Thankful Missionary Baptist Church is located at 3860 Parwood Road, Blythe, Georgia, 30813.

2.0   THE PURPOSE OF THE CONGREGATION

2.1 Purpose.

The purpose is to glorify God by conducting a Baptist Church in accordance with the Word of God, The Articles of Faith, The Covenant and this Constitution. The Word of God, especially the Old and New Testament, shall be the sole authority for governing the action of this body.

2.2 Constant Mission.

Our constant mission is the edifying believers; teaching the whole counsel of God, administering the ordinances and Biblical discipline, seeking to win the lost to Christ through personal witnessing and corporate worship, and maintaining a good testimony for Jesus Christ in our community by godliness and good works.

3.0 ASSOCIATION

3.1 Submission.

This church shall be an independent, autonomous church, subject only to Jesus Christ, who is the Supreme Head of the church; universal and eternal. It has the right to cooperate and associate with other Biblical groups on a voluntary basis. There shall be no cooperation with any group that permits the involvement of apostates or apostasy, (false doctrine).

3.2 Association.

This church may fellowship with the Walker Baptist Association, The American Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention USA INC. A vote at one annual session is tantamount to an ongoing relationship without returning to said body for a yearly consideration of membership. Refer to Article XI, Section 1, Family Meetings, will be held as specified on church calendar.

4.0 MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Reception of Members (Non-Discriminatory).

A – Membership in this congregation is based upon a firm belief in the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and the coming again of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to judge the quick and the dead.

B – All persons desiring to unite with this church shall present themselves to the pastor or his designee in any worship service, Sunday School assembly, prayer meeting, Bible class, or whenever “two or three are gathered in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

C – Upon satisfactory examination of candidate by the pastor, deacons and others who are part of a receiving team.

D – Members shall be received in one of the following four ways:

(1)   By Candidate for Baptism (immersion) in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost

(Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:36 – 39).

(2)   By letter from a church of like faith and order.

(3)   By experience of Grace

(4)   By restoration.

4.2 Disciplinary Actions

A – It is vital to the testimony of this church and the glory of our Lord that the purity of the church be preserved and its peace protected. The laws of this “Society of Jesus” are not human enactment’s, but divine. With these in mind, it shall be the duty of the pastor and deacons to seek diligently to reclaim any member known to be living in disregard of his Biblical and covenant obligations.

It is specifically directed that the pastor and deacons move with promptness and vigor in dealing with anyone who is obstructing the work or disturbing the peace of the church by slander, falsehood, gossip, conspiracy or other unfair and unchristian methods.

The Baptist Church, by its very nature, is a democracy in which the majority rules. Now, even though, the minority has the right to appeal in anyway that is proper by these by-laws, that is by appealing to their Ward Deacon who will present the matter to the full Deacon ministry.

It shall not have the right to engage in secret or open propaganda, or of deliberately disturbing the peace and interrupting the work of the church. It is further recognized that when the church, at a regularly scheduled meeting, has determined upon certain course of action, that course becomes the duty of every member of the church; whether present or not at that particular meeting.

If a member cannot in good conscience follow the decision of the church, he/she is to quietly and peacefully withdraw from the membership (Acts 23:12-13; Jeremiah 11:9; II Samuel 1:5).

B – If a member is walking disorderly in conflict with the above principles, or is involved in any known immorality which becomes a public disgrace, and if this member cannot be resorted to the fellowship through confession and correction of his/her sins, he/she shall be dealt with according to Matthew 18:15 – 20 and 1st Corinthians 5:1 – 13.

The case shall be brought before the church by recommendation of the pastor and deacons. They shall be given a statement of charges and he/she shall have the opportunity to present their case before the church. The church has the power (by majority of vote) to remove the right hand of fellowship if the charges warrant such action.

In less serious matters, the pastor may place such a person on probation (on the inactive membership roster). The member shall be restored to active membership only after satisfactory evidence is given by scriptural repentance and confession.

C – Pastor, deacons, as well as members shall make a sincere effort to reclaim spiritually those on the counsel roster. According to Romans 15:1, we are to have patient with one another. However, after one year of inactive status they shall be recommended to the church to be dropped from membership. A permanent card file of these former members shall be maintained for continued prayerful efforts to reclaim these former members of Christ and the church.

D – Non church members are not permitted to attend the church family meetings.

4.3  Dismissal of Members.

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

B – Any member in good and regular standing may be granted a letter of transfer to any church of like faith and order, upon their request. This letter shall be sent to the church with which the member wishes to unite.

C – Delinquent member; Any member who is absent from the body for more than six months (180 days), and after has been encouraged by a designated committee to return to the body, and fail to do so, shall be dropped from church records.

4.4 Additional Regulations.

A – This church shall not practice the baptism of infants but through its pastor “present them unto the Lord,” as a celebration of Thanksgiving and for strengthening family ties.

B – Only active, financially up-to date members, by their admission, shall serve as regular teachers in the church, church school or other groups. Preferably, those who possess the spiritual gift of teaching God’s work, skills will be considered for this and all-important task of building up the Kingdom.

C – Only active and financially up-to-date members, by their admission, shall be entitled to vote or hold office (1st Corinthians 6: 9 – 10). Anyone who publicly declares himself/herself homosexual are excluded from holding any office of leadership in this church (1st Corinthians 16:12; 2nd Corinthians 8:6 – 9).

D – This church shall conduct weekly Bible Training Classes, designed for new members as well as for those members who believe in continuing Christian Education. The pastor or some other competent teacher shall teach these classes. The classes shall include as subject matter, the ordinances of our church, policy, Christian Doctrine, stewardship, prayer, Bible reading and witnessing for Christ our Lord.

E – It shall be deemed proper to receive members or grant letters at any meeting of the church.

5.0 ORDINANCES

5.1 Baptism:

Those professing faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord, shall be presented to the pastor for immersion in the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. Baptism of a believer shall be the prerequisite to church membership. (To baptize persons who do not unite with the church is considered bad policy, as subversive of good order and destructive in church organization).

5.2 The Lord’s Supper:

Since the Lord’s Supper was established by Jesus Christ, and ordained to be observed in His church until the end of time. The Thankful Missionary Baptist Church will serve monthly the assembled congregation. The third Sunday morning of each month during the 11:00 AM morning worship and in addition any other service the pastor feels that this memorial would edify the people of God – Including serving the sick and shut-in. Since it’s the Lord’s table, none that are His by common faith shall be denied. The elements shall be enleavened bread and grape juice.

6.0  OFFICERS & MINISTRIES

6.1 Officers of the Church:

A – The two scriptural and elected officers of the New Testament Church are pastor and deacons but there are other officers needed because of state laws and propriety so that things are done decently and in order. The elected officers of this church shall be deacons, trustees, church clerk, financial secretary, treasurer and church school superintendent.

B – No one shall be elected to office that has not been a member of this church for at least one year.

C – No one can hold either the office of deacon or trustee without first being recommended by the deacon ministry to the pastor and completing a six-month training program with the pastor.

At the end of this time frame, if in the decision of the pastor the candidate is prepared, his/her name will be recommended to the church for consideration in the position so fitted to serve (Acts 6:1-7; 20:28).

Exceptions: Those deacons arriving with a letter that is dated within 90 days or if a letter is obtained within 90 days upon the individual arrival, may be appointed the fitted position by the pastor.

D – All officers shall be spiritually mature, of unquestionable character, loyal to the word of God, dedicated and devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ and to the spiritual and material welfare of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. In the light of 1st Timothy 3, the home and family relationship must be considered, as well as individual qualifications.

E – Any officer unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties of his/her office shall resign. When any officer refuse to subscribe to the Bible, the Articles of Faith, The Church Covenant or Constitution, the pastor and deacons shall request his/her resignation. If it is not received within ninety (90) days, the office shall be declared vacant.

F – All officers must attend the church’s teaching sessions of Christian Education, (1) Sunday school, (2) Christian Education Bible Study-Prayer meetings.

G – A copy of the Quarterly financial report shall be given to all auxiliary head plus a copy given to all members attending the church family meeting when the meeting concerns finances.

6.2 The Pastor:

The pulpit committee to select and consider candidates for a pastor shall be made up of a majority of deacons together with a cross section of lay members.

A – A candidate for the pastorate shall be carefully examined by the pulpit committee as to his salvation, call to the ministry, ministerial/pastoral experience, doctrine and Christian conduct. He shall be required to state his acceptance of and adherence to the Word of God as his primary text, the Articles of Faith and Baptist Covenant.

Any difference, which he holds concerning these documents, should be submitted to the pulpit committee in writing. For the sake of unity, the pulpit committee shall present only tow candidates for consideration and the congregation shall vote for one in accordance with Acts 1: 23 – 28.

B – The call for a pastor shall be extended by the Chair Person of the pulpit committee at a church meeting called for that purpose and announced from the pulpit for three Sundays immediately proceeding the date of the meeting. A two-third 2/3rd majority of those present – not less than twelve years of age - and voting shall be necessary for a call.

A written call shall be presented to the prospective candidate, giving details of church pastoral relationship, including salary, and any other financial expenses deemed necessary after these matters have been discussed with the acting pastor and mutually approved.

C – The pastor’s tenure shall be as long as he is spiritual, mentally, and physically capable to carry on the work of the church in an exhilarating manner. Deacons who are spiritual helpers will make this determination. He may continue in office until he resigns or is dismissed by a two-thirds (2/3rd) majority of those present – not less than twelve years of age - and voting at a special meeting called for that purpose.

Such a meeting shall be announced from the pulpit for three consecutive Sundays immediately preceding the date of such a meeting. This meeting is to be announced by only the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry after consultation and agreement of the entire deacon ministry.

D – The pastor shall give the church not less than ninety (90) days notice of his intention to discontinue as pastor. The church shall give the pastor not less than ninety (90) days notice of dismissal. If, in judgment of the church, the conduct of the pastor justifies immediate termination of his ministry, the church may declare the pulpit vacant by a two-third vote (2/3rd) of active members present – no less than twelve years of age – and pay three months salary beyond that date.

E – The pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the church; he shall preach the Gospel, teach the word and have charge of the services of the church. He shall administer the ordinances and perform the usual duties of a Baptist Minister, which includes being the chief administrator of the total operation of the Thankful Missionary Baptist Church.

F – The pastor, by virtue of his office, is the overseer and moderator of all business meetings. In his absence and upon his agreement, the Chairman of the Deacons shall call the meeting to order and preside, unless a full-time Moderator has been elected by the church who would then preside at all meetings.

G – The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all ministries and committees.

H – Other workers, such as Christian Education Director, Youth Leaders, Music Director, are to be selected by the pastor and approved by the joint ministries and/or church body. They are to be qualified for their positions and shall work under the direction of the pastor.

6.3 Deacons:

The deacon ministry shall consist of at least seven members and shall serve as long as they are cooperative with the pastor and the church’s program, and as long as their lives exemplify that of a Christian character as stated in 1st Timothy 3:8-13.

A – It shall be the duties of the deacons to assist the pastor in promoting the welfare of the congregation to be his helpers and counselors; to exercise prudent watch care over the purity and good order of the church; to seek out those among the flock who need benevolent attention, to visit the sick to examine, with the pastor, candidates for church membership; to assist at baptisms and with the elements at table of the Lord.

B – The pastor recommends the chairman of the Deacon Ministry and the secretary is elected from among themselves. The minutes of monthly and special meetings shall be kept and reported at the quarterly meeting if asked by the moderator.

C – The deacons shall be the majority of any pulpit committee since their knowledge of the total program of the church makes their wise council paramount.

D – They shall administer the benevolent fund in order to aid the membership in sickness or distress. Treating all members equally the same.

E – There shall be at least one deacon appointed by the pastor to serve with all ministries of the church.

F – In the absence of the pastor, due to vacation or illness, it becomes the duty of the deacons to conduct the devotional meetings, and provide for the supply of the pulpit and administer the affairs of the congregation.

6.4 Trustees:

The trustees of this church are really a standing committee without legislative or executive authority. They shall hold themselves bound by every consideration of morality and honor to carry out the wishes of the church and to act under their instructions, whatever technical rights, civil laws, and the decisions of courts may give them in certain emergencies.

A – They shall not have authority to buy, sell, lease, give away or dispose of church property in any manner to exceed $350.00 in value; nor mortgage or encumber the same with debt to exceed the above amount, except as Pastor and Church shall order the same by a corporate act.

B – They shall be responsible for the care and upkeep of the physical properties of the church. All projects involving more than $350.00 are to be submitted to the church for approval except in routine matters. They shall approve bills before the financial secretary can make payment.

C – The Deacon Ministry Chairman, Trustee Ministry Chairman, Financial Secretary and Treasurer shall be recommended by the pastor and ratified by the church.

D – The pastor following training, and ratified by the church in the annual church family meeting shall recommend All Trustees. The members of the congregation shall have the right to suggest persons from the floor to fill any vacancy, provided said persons are in good and regular standing and are willing to be trained in their duties and in the policy and doctrine of the Baptist Church.

E – The Trustee Ministry shall consist of at least three persons, one of those being a deacon.

6.5 Secretary:

The church secretary shall have charge of the official correspondence and shall keep a record of all business meetings of the church congregation. The secretary shall see to the recording of the membership, of baptisms, and of the reception and dismissal of members.

A – The secretary shall provide the financial recording secretary with a transcript of the minutes of each church business meeting in which authority is granted for the disbursements or transfer of funds.

B – Upon his/her retirement or removal from office, he/she shall deliver to the successor, or the chairman of the Deacon Ministry, all records, files and/or other papers; not already in the safe; papers belonging to the church.

6.6  Finance Recording Secretary:

It shall be the duties of the finance recording Secretary along with the treasurer and trustees to count and record in a permanent record all monies received in the offering, tithes and other special day events of the church. This shall be done following and or during services.

A – The Financial Recording Secretary shall be required to present an itemized report of his/her stewardship on the regular scheduled church family quarterly meeting and the annual church family meeting. The church’s accountant at the close of the fiscal year shall audit the books.

B – He/she shall establish for him/herself a degree of Christian professionalism and urge all teachers and workers to do the same, by sharing in continual educational programs whenever possible and leading an exemplary Christian life thereby teaching by precept and example.

6.7 Treasurer:

It shall be the duties of the treasurer along with the trustees and the finance recording secretary to count and record in a permanent record all monies received in the tithes/offering and special day events of the church. This shall be done following and or during services. A – The treasurer, trustee chairman, and finance recording secretary shall be responsible for depositing all funds in the bank, including monies received from auxiliaries within the church or from individual making charitable contributions.

6.8 Church School Superintendent:

A – Appointed by the pastor with the approval of the church.

B – The Superintendent along with the Christian Education Department, shall have general supervision over the Church School program, teachers, and its officers. He/she shall carry out this program of Christian Education as approved by the church.

7.0 CHURCH FINANCE

A – The Thankful Missionary Baptist Church regards the financial standard for the local church as outlined in the scriptures to be through tithes and offering. No spiritual work can prosper adequately if financed by suppers, bazaars, raffles, etc.

B – Giving shall be voluntary, systematic, proportionate and joyful. Those who give less than the tithe rob both themselves and the Lord.

8.0. COMMITTEES

8.1 Finance and Budget Committee:

This committee shall consist of two deacons and tow trustees appointed, together with the financial secretary/treasure and all auxiliary presidents shall submit an annual proposed budget to the finance and budget committee.

A – The duties of the proposed committee shall be to prepare, in conjunction with the pastor, the budget for the ensuing year, for presentation to the joint board for its understanding and suggestions and there on to the church for final adoption.

B – This committee shall be on call throughout the year for its wise counsel and guidance when budgetary revisions may be deemed necessary.

C – Trustee Chairman, Finance Recording Secretary/Treasurer shall be Bonded. D – There shall be no pre-signed checksk. All checks shall be singed at time of payment. 8.2 Nominating Commititee.

Each Christian Auxiliary shall have the right to appoint its own nominating committee, to select a slate of officers for said auxiliary. Nominated persons for office shall be those in good and regular standing with the church and a frequent Sunday Worshipper.

A – Nominating committee shall function during the month of September and have all names into the pastor by the end of the fiscal year which is October 30th.

B – All members nominated must agree to attend the membership training classes for officers, unless already enrolled in the classes.

8.3 Christian Education Committee.

The Christian Education Committee shall consist of the pastor, the director of Christian Education, church School Superintendent, one deacon, one trustee and three Church School Teachers.

A – This committee shall be appointed by the pastor and ratified by the church to serve a three year tenure. They may succeed themselves.

B – This committee shall supervise and coordinate the general teaching programs of the church, provide Vacation Bible School and workshops in which persons are made aware of god through His self-disclosure as revealed I Jesus Christ and enabled by the Holy Spirit.

C – The committee shall be characterized by the following action words: Know – who they are and what their human situation means. Grow – as sons and daughters of God, rooted in the Christian community. Live – in obedience to the will of God in every relationship. Fulfill – their common vocation in the Christian hope (Lamentations 3:30 & 2nd Corinthians 3:5).

D – It shall along with the Church School Superintendent appoint all teachers, evaluate performance in the Church School Department and whenever needed, recommend the discontinuance of the services of teachers however painful this might be.

8.4  EVANGELISM COMMITTEE.

It shall be the purpose of this committee under the leadership of the Pastoral Assistant to reach those who have never confessed the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; as well as those who have back-slidden by forgetting their responsibilities to their church as a member of the body of Christ.

A – This committee along with the deacons shall be in charge of the spring and Fall Revival. According to Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise”. Also, James 5:19-20 needs to be remembered, for when we are about our Father’s business, he hides a multitude of our sins.

B – Membership on this committee shall be yet not limited to Deacons, Trustees, Missionaries, Ushers, Choir, Church School, and Youth Ministries, (two each). These shall serve for two (2) years.

8.5 MISSIONARIES:

The missionaries of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church shall coexist with the Evangelism Committee in sharing the good news of the Gospel with those who are lost as well as with those in and outside of our church who need some kind of remedial help.

A – Whenever possible, the Missionary Department will implement programs and projects of the associations and convention in which our church has membership, always mindful that top priority is given to the goals and objectives of the thankful Missionary Baptist Church.

B – Seven members, not more than eleven, shall make up the thankful Missionary Ministries. They shall be appointed by the pastor for two years or may be relieved of their position if they fail to be progressive and cooperative.  

9.0. FAMILY CHURCH MEETINGS:

A – A Family Church Meeting will be conducted at least BI-annual, during the months of March and November. These meetings shall be announced to the membership, from the pulpit, at least two (2) successive Sunday’s prior to the meeting dates.  

B – A minimum of fifteen persons must be present in order to open an official meeting and a minimum of thirty persons must be present to act on any major issues pertaining to Thankful Missionary Baptist Church.

9.1   Additional Committees

A – In the passing of time – things change and Thankful will need to be abreast of those ways in can be about our Father’s Business in the midst of changing times.

B – No business of the church, which requires the action of the majority of the Thankful Missionary Baptist Church membership, can be called to order by any group of members: The deacon’s chairman, the Trustee’s chairman or either of the ministry.

10.0. CHURCH COVENANT:

To ensure that each member is accountable for their commitment, and kept abreast of their church doctrine, the Church Covenant will be read to the membership at least quarterly; prior to partaking of the Lords’ Supper.

11.0 Articles Of Faith