CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

 PREAMBLE

We, the members of the South Lewiston Baptist Church, of Lewiston, Maine, which is autonomous and completely self-governing, do desire the fellowship of other like-minded Evangelical Churches and Church Groups, and do adopt the following Articles as rules by which we shall associate and conduct ourselves, by the grace of God.

 ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be THE SOUTH LEWISTON BAPTIST CHURCH, located at 1919 Lisbon Road, Lewiston, Maine.

 

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVES and ARTICLES of FAITH

 Section 1. OBJECTIVES

 

The purpose of this church is to glorify God through His Son, our God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Believing that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and our sole authority for Faith and Practice, we will endeavor to glorify God by:

 

  1. Sincerely proclaiming throughout the world the Gospel Message of God’s Saving Grace, as expressed in the Shed Blood and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross, and His Bodily Resurrection from the grave.
  2. Encouraging all Members to enlist themselves in Christian Service for God.
  3. Agreeing together to the following covenant:
    1. That we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together at the Communion and other appointed meetings of the Church, but will work and pray for the Spirituality, Harmony and Prosperity of the Household of Faith;
    2. That we will sustain its Worship, Ordinances, Discipline, and Doctrines, and give its claims the sacred pre-eminence over all organizations of human origin;
    3. That we will cheerfully contribute of our means, as God has prospered us, for the support of a faithful         and evangelical ministry among us for the relief of the poor, and for the Spreading of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ over the earth;
    4. That we, in the formal and informal routine of life, will be faithful to instruct our children in the truth of God’s Word, unto the nurture and admonition of the Lord;
    5. That we will resolve to be blameless in the moral spheres of conduct and lifestyles, as clearly called for in Scripture;
    6. That we will, in seeking to treat every human being with dignity and respect, not allow any person, group, or entity, to impose upon the church, social choices or lifestyles that are opposed to the clearly established boundaries of Scripture;
    7. That we will endeavor, in purity of heart, newness of life, and goodwill toward all men, to exemplify and commend our Holy Faith to others, to win souls to the Savior, and hold fast our profession until He shall come and receive us unto Himself.

 

Section 2. ARTICLES OF FAITH

 

  1. We believe that the Holy Bible, God’s Word, is verbally inspired by God, that it is infallible and inerrant, that it is the Sole, Supreme and Final Authority for Faith and Practice, and that the Holy Bible is God’s Revelation of His Plan of Redemption for Man, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

  1. We believe that God is One, eternally existing in Three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  We believe that God is Infinite, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Perfect, Holy, Just, and Merciful; and that He personally loves and cares for the welfare of man.

 

  1. We believe that Jesus Christ, God the Son, is our Lord and Savior, that He became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.  We believe that there was no sin in Him, nor sin done by Him, and that He voluntarily laid down His life on the Cross as our substitute, shedding His Blood for our sins and thereby obtaining our redemption.  We believe that, although He died, He rose again the third day and ascended into Heaven.  We believe that this same Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man, who now intercedes for us at the right hand of God.  We believe that He will return to earth again, both personally, bodily and visibly.

 

  1. We believe that God the Holy Spirit, among other roles, convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration. We believe that He indwells and comforts the Christian, illuminates our hearts with the Holy Scriptures, and guides us into all truth.

 

  1. We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but with the power to choose to obey God and live, or disobey Him and die, both spiritually and physically.  Through disobedience, man chose to sin, became totally depraved, and was utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.  Every person since Adam is born corrupt and sinful, since Adam was the Federal head of the human race.  We believe that each man must repent of his sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as his only, sufficient, and personal Savior in order to be saved from eternal Hell, which is eternal separation from God.

 

  1. We believe that Satan, a fallen Angel, is the god of this age, the adversary of Christ and His Church, and the accuser of the Brethren, whose destiny is eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.

 

  1. We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ, the Church universal, consists of all those redeemed by the Blood of Christ.  The Church universal is manifest through the local assembly, which is a congregation of Blood-redeemed Children of God, established and joined together to worship God, preach the Gospel, encourage and strengthen one another in love through fellowship, and practice the pure religion of James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

 

  1. We believe in the “Blessed Hope” of the personal, imminent, and premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones, and in His subsequent return to Earth with His Saints, to establish His Millennial Kingdom.

 

ARTICLE III - ORDINANCES

 

We believe that there are two ordinances that Christ left for His Church which are to be observed, namely Baptism by immersion, and the Lord’s Supper called Communion.

 

Section 1. BAPTISM 

 

Although Baptism by immersion has no saving qualities, we recommend that all believers be baptized because it is the next step following salvation, as prescribed by the command of Jesus Christ Himself.  Baptism is observed once and is a public testimony of identifying oneself with Christ, who died, was buried, and rose again from the dead.  It is an outward testimony of what has taken place in the heart.

 

Section 2. COMMUNION

 

The Lord’s Supper is commemorative and is to be observed often as a memorial to the Broken Body and Shed Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ until He comes. This Church shall observe the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of every month, or as soon after as is practical.

 

ARTICLE IV – AFFILIATION

 

The church is affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Association of America and Mission Northeast, a Regional Association arm of CBA.

                                                    

ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1. ADMISSION INTO MEMBERSHIP

 

All action regarding admission for membership shall be by vote of the Church upon the recommendation of the Board of Elders and Deacons.

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP 

 

Any person desiring to unite with this Church may be received into membership after meeting the following requirements:

 

  1. Having a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
  2. Having evidenced this profession through experience of a changed heart and life and having no membership in any anti-Christian Organization;
  3. Having been baptized according to Article III of these by laws;
  4. Having accepted the aims and ideals of this Church in Article II;
  5. Having received and become familiar with a copy of this constitution and by-laws and be willing to abide by them;
  6. Having attended this Church regularly for at least three months;
  7. Having met with members of the Board of Elders and Deacons and having been recommended to the congregation for membership.

 

Section 3. TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

 

Any person desiring to unite with this Church by letter of recommendation from another Church shall:

 

  1. Present such a letter, containing evidence that he has fulfilled items 1, 2 and 4 of Section 2 of this article, to the Board of Elders and Deacons;
  2. Consent to accept the aims and ideals of this Church in Article II;
  3. Receive a copy of this constitution and by-laws and be willing to abide in agreement with them;
  4. Attend this Church for at least three months;
  5. Present testimony of faith before members of the Board of Elders and Deacons.

 

Section 4. ACCEPTANCE OF NEW MEMBERS

 

The acceptance into membership of any person uniting with this Church in either of the ways expressed in Article V, Sections 2 and 3 shall take place as follows:

 Prospective member(s) must fulfill the requirements as given in Article V, Sections 2 or 3;

  1. His/her acceptance shall be voted upon at a regular Assembly of the church or a meeting called for this purpose, according to Article VI Section 3c;
  2. He/she shall receive the “right hand of fellowship” from the Pastor, Elders and Deacons on a Sunday appointed by the Pastor and Board. This reception shall be a recognition of his/her admission to all rights, privileges, and obligations of the Church.

 

Section 5. VOTING

 

All active members over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in Church matters, including the sale, purchase or expansion of real property; calling of a new Lead Pastor; or amendment of this Constitution.  No absentee votes will be allowed.

 

Section 6. INACTIVE MEMBERS

 

The Board of Elders and Deacons will review the church membership lists before the Annual Meeting each year.  They will consider the activity status of Church Members, deciding which names should or should not stay on the active list or Church Rolls. The names of all resident and non-resident members who are attending another church on a regular basis or have not supported the Church by attendance during the last year may be placed on an inactive list.  Any changes shall be given to the Church Clerk for the records. The Board of Elders and Deacons may notify these members of the action taken, at their last known address.  Inactive members shall not be entitled to vote in any Church matters, nor be granted a regular letter of transfer or recommendation.

 

Section 7. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

  1. Any active member desiring to unite with some other evangelical Church and having fulfilled Article II Sections 1 and 2, shall apply for and be granted a letter from the Church Clerk.  This letter shall be sent by the Church Clerk to that church, which the member has applied for membership.

 

2.      Any member, who for reasons of his/her conscience or other such reason as may seem valid to him/her, may by submission of a letter to the Board of Elders and Deacons seek to have his/her name removed from the rolls of this Church, without prejudice. The Board will review any such request.

 

Section 8. RESTORATION

 

Any member dropped from the Active Membership List who desires to be reinstated shall meet with members of the Board of Elders and Deacons and express this desire.  This request shall be accompanied by an oral testimony, of a renewed consecration to our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Section 9. CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE

 

Corrective measures and methods of procedure for any member, having cause of Biblical complaint against another, shall follow the instructions as given in Matthew 5:23 and 24, and Matthew 18:15-17. Steps three and four are to be coordinated only by the Pastor and Board of Elders, according to the instructions of Matthew 18:15-17 and other pertinent scriptures.

 

ARTICLE VI – ORGANIZATION

 

Section 1. PASTOR’S COUNCIL

 

This Council shall be made up of the following Officers and Ministry Leaders:

 

  1. Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Financial Secretary, all Treasurers, OneMission Team Leader, Church Clerk, Moderator, Children’s Church Coordinator, Nursery Coordinator, Kids Midweek Coordinator, Women’s Ministry Team Leader, Men’s Ministry Team Leader, Head Usher, Lifetree Ministry Team Leader, Meal Ministry Coordinator, Kitchen/Funeral Reception Coordinator, Food Pantry Coordinator, Cards/Encouragement Coordinator, and Decorating Coordinator;
  2. The Pastors, Elders and Deacons shall form the Executive Committee of this Council.  The full Council shall meet at the direction of the Executive Committee under the leadership of the Pastor, or the chairman of the Board of Elders and Deacons in the absence of the Pastor. This council will be primarily responsible for evaluating the current state and health of the ministry. This may be done on a yearly basis. This council would also be called to meet in the case the church is without a Senior Pastor;
  3. Duties of the Council will be to monitor current financial conditions, needs and effectiveness of the various ministries, and the various other functions within the Church. The duties will include making proposals and recommendations to the Church body or respective Boards or Committees to see that any needs are taken care of and ministries are going forth. The authority of this Council shall not supplant the authority of the Board of Elders and Deacons.

 

Section 2. MODERATOR

 

A Moderator shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to serve at each succeeding business meeting during the year following.  He shall also serve on the Pastor’s Council.

 

Section 3. THE FISCAL YEAR

 

The Fiscal Year shall be from June 1 through May 31.

 

Section 4. MEETINGS

 

  1. The church shall convene at least two assemblies each year.  An Annual Assembly will be convened on the second Sunday of June and a Bi-Annual Assembly on the second Sunday of November.  These Assemblies will conduct the necessary business of the church. No other Church-related activities shall be scheduled simultaneously.
  2. All Assemblies must be announced from the pulpit and the agenda posted by the Church Clerk for at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting.
  3. Accurate written reports of all officers and committees shall be submitted at the time of the Annual Assembly.
  4. Special Assemblies may be called as required.

 

 

 

Section 5. QUORUM

 

  1. In regular Assemblies, a QUORUM will be Twenty (20) active members, and proceedings shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote to pass.
  2. In meetings dealing with the following items of business, a QUORUM will be twenty percent (20%) of the ACTIVE membership (or twenty members, whichever is greater), age eighteen and over, and proceedings shall require a three quarters (3/4) vote to pass:
    1. Calling or discharging the Lead Pastor;
    2. Purchasing, Selling or Expanding of Real Property.

 

ARTICLE VII – FINANCES

 

Section 1. INCOME

 

The income of the Church shall be restricted to Free-Will Offerings only.  The policy of the Church and all Societies will be to refrain from all other means of raising money for local and benevolent work, and missionary enterprises both at home and abroad.  This does not mean that we are opposed to social events for Christian Fellowship and an offering taken to cover related expenses. The accounts held by the Church are as follows:

  1. General Fund
  2. Benevolent Fund:

a.      An offering for the Benevolent Fund shall be taken each month on Communion Sunday.  The Board of Elders and Deacons shall be in charge of using and distributing funds for benevolent purposes on a needs basis, both to those who attend SLBC and those who are outside the church.  The Board of Elders and Deacons shall elect a treasurer to receive and disburse the monies.

  1. Special Projects Fund:
  1. All monies received for this Fund shall be received by the Special Projects Fund Treasurer, and used for such projects and other expenditures as may be approved by the Church.
  2. Short-term Missions/Haiti Fund - All monies received for this Fund are used towards Haiti projects and the cost for individual’s trips to Haiti or other short-term mission trips.
  1. Short-term Missions/Haiti Fund

 

ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS

 

Every Officer must be an Active member of this Church, and be following the example of Christian living as set forth in such passages as Colossians 3.  The Officers shall be as follows:  Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Financial Secretary, OneMission Team Leader, Church Clerk, General Fund Treasurer, Special Projects Treasurer, Short-term Missions/Haiti Treasurer, and Benevolent Fund Treasurer.  All officers shall first be nominated by the nominating committee and then duly elected by the Church before taking office, in the case of either full term or replacement.

 

Section 1. LEAD PASTOR

 

  1. It shall be the duty of the Pastor to perform all the functions of the ministry, to conduct the public services of Worship, to administer the ordinances of Baptism and Communion, to visit the sick and the aged and to exercise Spiritual care as the Under-Shepherd of the flock.  By virtue of his office he shall be a member ex-officio of all boards and committees.  He shall have access to all church books and records upon request.
  2. Any Pastor or legal wedding officiator permitted by the Board of Elders and Deacons to perform weddings at South Lewiston Baptist Church is constrained to be able to only marry couples where a man and a woman are requesting to be united. For other factors, the Board of Elders and Deacons will provide a church policy statement describing wedding guidelines for the Pastoral Staff and any other officiators to follow.
  3. The Pastor shall be called by a secret written ballot of the members of the Church, after having been examined and nominated by the Pulpit Committee.
  4. No candidate for Pastor shall be accepted or elected, who does not consent to and agree to abide by the Church Objectives and Articles of Faith, as found in Article II, Sections 1 and 2.
  5. The Church shall be notified according to Article VI, Section 4.2 when voting on a candidate for Pastor, Election of the Pastor shall require a three fourths (3/4) vote of the ballots cast in accordance with Article VI, Section 5.2.
  6. If, at any time, the relationship between the Pastor and the Congregation seems detrimental to the cause of Christ and His Kingdom, the Pastor’s term of office may be terminated after due notice of no less than thirty days.  Both Pastor and active members shall be given written notice calling for a special meeting at which the termination of the relationship will be discussed and determined.  A three fourths (3/4) vote of the ballots cast shall be required for removal, in accordance with Article VI, Section 4.
  7. When the Pastor wishes to terminate his relationship with the Church, he shall present a letter of resignation to the Board of Elders and Deacons with a thirty day notice.  This letter shall be read to the Congregation the Sunday after it is received.
  8. The Pastor shall serve on the Pastor’s Council.
  9. The Pastor shall be granted one month’s vacation per year with pay.

 

Section 2. ASSOCIATE PASTOR

 

The Associate Pastor shall be chosen by the Lead Pastor, examined by the Pastor and Elders, and upon their recommendation be elected into office by vote of the Church members.  The Associate Pastor shall assist the Pastor in all duties as designated by the Pastor and Elders.

 

Section 3. THE BOARD OF ELDERS AND DEACONS

 

The Board of Elders and Deacons shall be made up of Elders, including the Senior Pastor as teaching Elder, and Deacons who collectively form the ruling Body of the Church.

  

 Section 4. ELDERS

 

The Elders shall be made up of men who are recognized to meet the qualifications of Hebrews 13, I Timothy 3, and Titus 1.  They will make up the ruling body for this Church.  They must be members in good standing of this church and proven to meet the Biblical qualification set forth in Scripture for Elders.  Elders shall oversee the Spiritual and temporal affairs of the church body, being responsible for the proper functioning of the Church.   The Elders will be recognized as trustees of the Church property and function as servants of the body, teaching by word and example. The Elders will have the right and responsibility to examine themselves periodically to determine if they are fulfilling the responsibilities and qualifications of their office.  Any Elder withdrawing or stepping down from the board by reason of incapacity, age, negligence, health, family or personal problems, moving away or other adequate reason, will not be permanently disqualified for this office.  Discipline of an Elder shall be according to the principles of Scripture found primarily in I Timothy 5.  

 

  1. Qualifications:
  1. A man of observed and recognized loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ and to His Church;
  2. A man who is above reproach in meeting the qualities of character as provided in I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, I Peter 5:1-4. The view of the church of the phrase “husband of one wife” is seen as not excluding a divorced man from serving as an Elder;
  3. A man who desires to serve and lead the church in this office of overseer.
  4. The Elders will seek to provide candidates to the working Nominating Committee to be proposed to the church body for their vote.  Elders may also be nominated by the congregation. In either case, those nominated shall be carefully and prayerfully examined by the Elders so as to be able to unanimously recommend them to the church.
  5. The term of office will be for three years. An Elder may serve two consecutive terms, with a minimum of one year off at the end of the second term.
  6. Should an Elder vacancy occur on the board, it shall be filled by the vote of the church at the next assembly or call of a special assembly, for the rest of the unexpired term following a recommendation by the Pastor and Elders.
  7. The Elders are responsible and accountable for the general oversight of every area of the local church.
  8. The Board will make appointments of Elders to various ministries under its supervision.
  9. This will include the assigning of Deacons to places of ministry within the church.
  10. Interview candidates for membership;
  11. Review and update both active and inactive membership rolls;
  12. Initiate procedures for church discipline and reconciliation.
  13. Oversight of Benevolent Fund;
  14. Annually review and recommend to the Budget Committee any changes in salaries of Pastoral staff, church staff (janitor, secretary, etc.) and any other agents.
  15. Communication with and representation on Nominating Committee and Budget Committee;
  16. The Board of Elders and Deacons will be responsible for nominating those members of the church to serve as the pulpit committee.
  1. Election:
  1. Duties:
  1. The Elders will be prayerfully evaluating, planning, and goal-setting relative to the will of God and the needs of the congregation.
  2. The Elders will give priority to areas of ministry, including teaching, prayer, shepherding, discipleship, evangelism, finances and membership.
  1. The Elders will be involved in visiting the sick and distressed.
  2. Ordinances/Services:
    1. Preparation of candidates for water baptism;
    2. Distribution of elements for Lord’s Supper;
    3. Oversight in conducting Worship services in absence of the Pastor.
  1. Church Membership:
  1. Budget & Finances:
  1. Other Committees:
  1. The Board of Elders and Deacons will meet a minimum of once a month to give reports, establish consensus, and conduct necessary business, with the exception of the month of July.

 

Section 5. DEACONS 

 

  1. Qualifications:
  1. A man of observed and recognized loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church;
  2. A man who is above reproach in meeting the qualities of character in I Timothy 3:8-13. The view of the church of the phrase “husband of one wife” is seen as not excluding a divorced man from serving as a Deacon;
  3. Deacons will be accountable to meeting these biblical requirements and discharging their office effectively before the Lord and the congregation.
  4. Candidates for Deacons will be provided by the Elders to the working Nominating Committee to be proposed to the church body for their vote.  Deacons may also be nominated by the congregation.  In either case, those nominated shall be carefully and prayerfully examined by the Board of Elders so as to be able to unanimously recommend them to the church;
  5. The term of office will be for three years. A Deacon may serve two consecutive terms, with a minimum of one year off at the end of the second term;
  6. Should a vacancy occur among the Deacons, it shall be filled by the vote of the church at the next assembly, or call of a special assembly, for the rest of the unexpired term following a recommendation by the Pastor and Elders.
  7. The Deacons will not constitute their own board.  They will serve on the Board of Elders & Deacons and assist the Elders in carrying out oversight related to various ministries of the church;
  8. The Deacons will have certain areas of responsibility for the Board:
  1. Election:
  1. Duties:

(a)    exercising oversight and care of the grounds and facilities including security, work days, and set up;

(b)   developing systems for caring for the material needs of SLBC attendees, especially seniors and singles, and mobilizing the church body to help meet these needs.

  1. Each Deacon will be assigned specific areas of service and fulfill such under the Lord’s direction and the oversight of an Elder.  This will be done taking into account the differing gifts, talents, experiences, and time available of each man. The Deacon will be responsible for providing verbal or written reports to the Board as to their area of ministry;
  2. The Deacons will meet with the Elders for reviewing, reporting, and planning for ministry at the regularly scheduled meetings each month;
  3. The Deacons will have voting rights on the Board in all areas except Staff matters, Elder nominations, and church discipline.
  4. The Deacons shall be responsible for the preparation and clean-up of the Communion Elements.

 

 

Section 6. FINANCIAL SECRETARY

 

The Financial Secretary shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to a one-year term, and shall serve on the Pastor’s Council and the Budget Committee. The Financial Secretary shall count all monies received by the Church, with the assistance of a church member, record their sources, and deposit them to the credit of the Church. He/she shall make weekly reports to the respective treasurers of such deposits and obtain receipts for those reports. He/she shall keep records of all contributions toward any projects, current expenses, Special Projects Fund, Short Term Missions/Haiti Fund, and Benevolent Fund. He/she shall make complete reports for the Annual and Bi-annual Assemblies, and monthly reports to the Executive Committee of the Pastor’s Council.  He/she shall send out statements to all individuals showing the amounts of their contributions.

 

 

 

 

Section 7. GENERAL FUND TREASURER

 

The General Fund Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to a one-year term and shall serve on the Pastor’s Council and the Budget Committee.  The Treasurer shall record all monies received, except the Special Projects Fund, Short Term Missions/Haiti Fund, and Benevolent Fund.  The Treasurer shall move monies as requested and approved. He/she shall be authorized to pay all budgeted expenses from available monies.  The Treasurer shall keep regular accounts of receipts and disbursements, submit his/her records when requested, and give an itemized statement at the regular Assemblies of the Church, as well as monthly reports to the Executive Committee of the Pastor’s Council.

 

Section 8. CHURCH CLERK

 

The Church Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to a one-year term, and shall serve on the Pastor’s Council.  The Clerk shall keep accurate records of all Church business, including all documents and registers of all members of the Church, active, inactive and terminated.  He/she shall keep accurate minutes of all Church Assemblies and read them when requested, either previous minutes at the beginning of an Assembly, or current minutes at the end of an Assembly.  He/she shall distribute copies of the minutes of the Annual and Bi-annual Assemblies, to the members of the Church within two weeks after such a meeting.  One week before the Annual Assembly, the Clerk shall distribute an Annual Report Booklet to the members.

 

Section 9. SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND TREASURER

 

The Special Projects Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to a one-year term and shall serve on the Pastor’s Council.  He/She shall record all monies designated for the Special Projects Fund and disburse them as requested, to pay for such projects and other expenditures as the Church may approve.

 

Section 10. SHORT TERM MISSIONS/HAITI FUND TREASURER

 

The Short Term Missions/Haiti Fund Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to a one-year term and shall serve on the Pastor’s Council. This Treasurer shall record all monies designated for short-term missions trips, disbursing them according to payment for such trips and other expenditures as required.

 

Section 11. BENEVOLENT FUND TREASURER

 

The Benevolent Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Assembly to a one-year term and shall serve on the Pastor’s Council.  He/She shall record all monies designated for the Benevolent Fund and disburse them as requested by the Pastoral staff or the Board of Elders and Deacons.

 

ARTICLE IX – COMMITTEES

 

Section 1. ONEMISSION TEAM

 

  1. There shall be at least five members on the team. Team members are nominated for and elected at the Annual Assembly and serve for a three-year term. Team members may serve two consecutive terms, with a minimum of one year off at the end of the second term. The Team may select their own Team Leader unless selected by the Board of Elders and Deacons. The Team Leader will also serve on the Pastor’s Council.

 

  1. The role and job description of the OneMission Team will be as follows:
  1. To direct the Church’s continuing partnership with national, cross-cultural and stateside Kingdom Workers and organizations who are making disciples of the nations, especially among unreached people groups;
  2. To facilitate a continuing partnership with effective para-church and multi-church structures in the central Maine region and the Lewiston-Auburn Community;
  3. To mobilize the Church as a body of believers in evangelizing, discipling, and mentoring adults, young people, and families, and seeing them successfully assimilated into the Church life of SLBC.

 

Section 2. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

  1. At the November Bi-Annual Assembly, the Church shall place in nomination the names of two to five Church members to be elected to serve with the Elders, Deacons and the Church Clerk on the Nominating Committee.  This Committee is subject to approval by a Church vote.  This Committee shall immediately elect a chairman, who will be responsible for presenting the needs to the committee meetings.  Their first duties shall be to nominate two Church members for the Auditing Committee.  With the exception of the Board of Elders and Deacons, this Committee shall nominate one or more candidates for each of the Church offices and committees which are required to be filled at the Annual Assembly.  Those candidates shall be given a “job description’ for their consideration before being nominated.  The report of the Nominating Committee shall include the Pastor and Elders’ recommendations for the office of Elders and Deacons, and shall be published and posted at least two weeks prior to the Annual Assembly, for the information and prayerful consideration of the Church Membership.

 

  1. This Committee shall remain in existence for one year for the purpose of nominating candidates to fill any vacancies that may occur, except vacancies on the Board of Elders and Deacons or on this committee, which will be filled by the Board of Elders and Deacons.  All activities shall be coordinated with the Pastor.

 

Section 3. GENERAL FUND BUDGET COMMITTEE

 

  1. At the November Bi-Annual Assembly, the Church shall place in nomination the name of at least one Church member to be elected to serve on the General Fund Budget Committee with two Elders, one Deacon, the Financial Secretary, and the General Fund Treasurer.

 

  1. An Elder shall immediately call a meeting of this committee to elect a chairman and begin the functioning of the Committee.  The Budget Committee shall prepare and present a proposed General Budget for the Church at the next Annual Assembly.

 

 

Section 4. AUDITING COMMITTEE

 

The Auditing Committee will be made up of a designated representative from the Board of Elders and Deacons, and two or more auditors nominated at the Annual Assembly.  The Elder representative will be designated as the chairman of the auditing committee by the Executive Committee.  The Chairman will gather the auditing committee immediately following the June Annual Assembly.  At this time, the auditing chairman will coordinate the auditing committee in making a thorough examination of the books, and prepare a statement concerning the accounts of all treasurers and/or officers having charge of the church funds, except the Benevolent Fund.  The accepted auditing procedures will be used.  The chairman will prepare a written report, which shall be given to the Executive Committee of the Pastor’s Council by the First (1st) of October.  The Report, once reviewed, will be submitted to the Church Clerk with another copy posted in the narthex. This report will also be presented to the church at the Bi-Annual Assembly.

 

 

Section 5. PULPIT COMMITTEE

 

In calling a new Senior Pastor, the Board of Elders and Deacons shall bring to the Church for vote the names of members nominated to serve on the Pulpit Committee.  The Board shall report on Candidates for Pastor to the members of the Church.  Procedures for electing a new Pastor shall be followed as found in Article VIII, Section 1, paragraphs b, c, and d.

 

 

ARTICLE X – LICENSING and ORDAINING

Section 1. LICENSING

 

Any member who, in the judgment of the Church, gives evidence by his piety, zeal and “aptness to teach”, that he is called of God to the work of the Ministry, after having preached in the hearing of the Church, may be licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provided three-fourths of all the members present at any regular or special meeting shall agree thereto.

 

 

Section 2. ORDAINING

 

If the Church unanimously decides that one of its licensed preachers possesses the Scriptural and educational qualifications for full ordination, it shall call a council of Ministers and Brethren from the Conservative Baptist Association of Maine, to examine the qualifications of the candidate, to which council the propriety of ordaining shall be referred.

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1. The ARTICLES OF FAITH

 

The Articles of Faith, as found in Article II, Section 2, shall never be amended.

 

Section 2. OTHER AMENDMENTS

 

Other amendments to this Constitution, except as stated in Article XII, Section 1, may be adopted by a three quarters vote of twenty percent of the active membership over the age of eighteen, at any regular meeting or special meeting called for this purpose.  A copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall be posted, and announced from the pulpit according to Article VI, Section 4c.

 

ARTICLE XII – CHURCH PROPERTY

   

  1. The Title to all real estate and personal property acquired by purchase, deed, gift, transfer, inheritance or other conveyance shall be held in the name of South Lewiston Baptist Church, 1919 Lisbon Road, Lewiston, Maine.  The cooperation of this Church with any other group or denomination shall not cause this Church to forfeit its right to own, control and hold any property.

 

  1. In the event of termination, dissolution, or winding up of this Church in any manner, all assets, property and interests which it shall then possess (including any devise, bequest, gift or grant contained in any will or other instrument), shall be distributed and paid over to one or more organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall, at that time, qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501C of the Internal Revenue Code and amendments thereto, as the Members of this Church shall vote.