CONSTITUTION OF SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
Weeksville, NC
Weeksville, NC
Preamble
We, the people of SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH of Weeksville, NC, assembled in
business session this December 13 in the Year of Our Lord 2006, do hereby adopt the following
Constitution for the proper conduct and dispatch of the work of the church. All other previous
bylaws, rules of order, constitutions and covenants are by this rescinded.
Name
The body shall be known as the Salem Baptist Church of Weeksville, NC.
Purpose
The purpose of this church is to glorify God by obeying the Great Commandment
(Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The process is designed to
produce disciples of Jesus Christ which involves at least the following five categories.
1. Worship - (Celebrating) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart...”
(Matthew 22:36-40)
2. Ministry - (Caring) “Love your neighbor as yourself...” (Matthew 22:36-40)
3. Evangelism - (Cultivating) “Go...and make disciples...” (Matthew 28:18-20)
4. Discipleship - (Communicating) “Teaching them to observe...”
(Matthew 28:18-20)
5. Fellowship - (Communing) “To keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace...” (Ephesians 4:2-6)
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Articles of Faith
1. The Scriptures
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired of God, and are the only
sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience. It contains
no error and is complete. II Timothy 3:16
2. God
There is only one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of
Himself all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest
love, reverence and obedience. Deuteronomy 6:4
3. The Trinity
God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal
attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. II Corinthians 13:14
4. Providence
God from eternity decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually
upholds and governs all creatures and all events. He is not the author or approver of sin, nor
does He destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures. Romans 8:28
5. Election
Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons into everlasting life, not because of their
own merit, but because of Christ’s mercy they are called, justified and glorified. Ephesians 1:4-
6, Romans 8:29-30
6. The Fall of Man
God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin. But through the
temptation of Satan, man transgressed the command of God and fell from his original state. By
Adam, man inherits a nature opposed to God and His law, and is under condemnation. Ephesians
2:8-9
7. The Mediator
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between
God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled
the law, suffered and died upon a cross for the salvation of sinners, was buried, rose again the
third day, and ascended to His Father at Whose right hand He ever lives to make
intercession for His people. He is the only mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church
and Sovereign of the Universe. I Timothy 2:5
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8. Regeneration
Regeneration is the change of heart brought on by the Holy Spirit. He gives eternal life
to those who are dead in trespasses and sin, enlightens our minds spiritually to understand the
Word of God. He gives us a whole new nature so that we love and practice Christian principles
and individual holiness. Regeneration is a work of God’s free and special grace alone. II
Corinthians 5:17
9. Repentance
We are made aware of our sinful nature by the Holy Spirit. We humble ourselves before
God with sorrow, detesting sin and turning away from it, endeavoring to walk with God so as to
please Him in all things. Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38
10. Faith
Faith is placed in the heart by the Holy Spirit. It is the belief on God’s authority, which
is revealed in His Word concerning Christ, trusting and resting upon Him alone for justification,
sanctification and eternal life, leading to a life of holiness. Hebrews 11:1
11. Justification
Justification is God’s gracious and full pardon of our sin by His righteousness for all
sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of
peace and favor with God. Romans 3:23-24, James 2:23-24
12. Sanctification
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set
apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through
the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue
throughout the regenerate person’s life. I Thessalonians 4:3
13. Security of the Believer
We, whom God has accepted in Jesus Christ and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall
away from the state of Grace. Though we may fall into sin through neglect and temptation,
whereby we grieve the Holy Spirit, yet we shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation. We shall certainly persevere to the end. John 10:28-30
14. The Church
The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which consists of all who have accepted Him
as Lord. According to His commandment, we are to associate ourselves as Christians in a local
body of believers. Each church has needful authority for administering the order, discipline and
worship appointed in the Scriptures. Matthew 16:16-17, Acts 2:41-42, Hebrews 10:25
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15. Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ where possible upon every
believer. Baptism is immersion in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. It identifies us with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, the remission of
sins, and of our giving our lives to God to live and walk in newness of life. It is a prerequisite to
church membership. Romans 6:3-6
16. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements
of bread and wine (or wine substitute) and to be observed by His churches until the end of the
world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the
faith, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of our communion with Him, and of our church
fellowship. I Corinthians 11:24-32
17. The Lord’s Day
The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is set aside for regular public observance
of worship and spiritual devotion of the Lord. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from
the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion. It is a day to rest from
worldly employments except when necessary. John 20:1
18. Liberty of Conscience
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and
commandments of men which are contrary to His Word, or not contained in it. Civil authority
being ordained of God, we are subject to all lawful commandments established by us in the Lord,
for the conscience sake. Romans 13:1-7
19. The Resurrection
At death, believers go immediately to a place and condition of blessedness, and
unbelievers to an experience of misery, torment and punishment. When Christ returns, the
bodies of all believers will be raised incorruptible to be with the Lord. Unbelievers will remain
in death and torment until the judgment. I Corinthians 15:42-44
20. The Judgment
God has appointed a day wherein He will judge the world. The righteous shall be
rewarded according to their works at the judgment seat of Christ. The wicked shall be judged for
their unbelief at the Great White Throne Judgment by Jesus Christ. The wicked shall go away
into everlasting judgment; the righteous into everlasting reward. Hebrews 9:27
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Polity and Relationships
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who comprise it under
the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Membership is described in the bylaws. All internal groups
created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church,
unless otherwise specified by church action. The church is subject to the control of no other
ecclesiastical body. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the
Chowan Baptist Association, the North Carolina State Baptist Convention and the Southern
Baptist Convention.
The Church Covenant
The Covenant of this church shall be as follows:
Having been lead, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as
our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly,
most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to
strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort, to promote its
prosperity and spirituality, to sustain its worship, ordinances, disciplines and doctrines.
We shall contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses
of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions, to educate our children in the
ways of the Lord and to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
We shall walk cautiously in the world, be just in our dealings, faithful in our
engagements, and exemplary in our conduct. We shall avoid gossip, trivial attitudes and
excessive anger, abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, the use of
destructive drugs, we shall shun pornography, homosexuality and uphold the sanctity of human
life, and we shall be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, remember each other in
prayer, aid each other in sickness and distress, cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and
courtesy in speech, be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of
the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
We, moreover, engage that when we move from this place, we will, as soon as possible,
unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the
principles of God’s Word.
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BYLAWS
ARTICLE I Church Membership
The membership of this church shall consist of persons who meet the qualifications given
in the sections below.
Section 1
Believers in Christ may become members of this church upon the vote of this church,
provided they have followed our Lord in Scriptural baptism. A person may also be received into
the membership of this church by letter from another Baptist church, or upon their statement of
their personal Christian experience and Scriptural baptism.
Section 2
New believers in Christ may become members of this church upon their profession of
faith in Jesus Christ contingent upon their Scriptural baptism as affirmed by the membership.
Section 3
A members’ name will be removed from the roll on occasion of their death, when the
church receives a request for their letter from another church, or upon the church receiving a
written personal request.
Members may remove themselves from the church roll by a signed letter. However, if a
person is removed from the church roll, every effort will be made to restore them to our
fellowship. (Matthew 18)
Section 4
It is the right of every active, resident member to be eligible to vote when decisions of the
church require a vote. A resident church member is one who lives in the community, is active
and involved in the ministry of the church.
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Section 5
It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable
measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church
staff, and deacons are available for council and guidance. The attitude of members toward one
another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment. Should some
serious condition exist that would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of
the church, the pastor and the deacons will take every measure to resolve the problem in
accordance with Matthew 18:15-17. If it becomes necessary for the church to take action to
exclude a member, a two-thirds majority vote of the members present is required to proceed to
declare the person no longer a member of the church. These proceedings shall be extended with a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. According to Galatians 1, if there is evidence of
this person’s repentance and reformation, he may request that the church restore him to
fellowship. The church may restore that person to membership when by a majority vote of twothirds is received by the members present.
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ARTICLE II Church Officers
All who serve as officers of this church shall be the pastor, the deacons, a clerk, a
treasurer and the trustees and a purchasing officer and such other officers as the church may
elect.
Section 1
The Pastor
Pastoral responsibilities
The pastor shall serve as minister of Jesus Christ in the capacity of leader of the church
during the pleasure of the church, or until such time as he shall be called and accept the call to
another field. He shall be exemplary in Christ-like character and witness.
The pastor is responsible for leading the church in functioning as a New Testament church, to
preach the Word of God, to administer the ordinances, always ready to assist with his counsel
both in the temporal and spiritual welfare of the church, to lead the congregation, the
organizations and church staff in performing their tasks and to “equip the church for the work of
the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). He shall also lead the church in evangelism and visitation of the
sick and shut-ins, and to lead in outreach ministry to the un-churched. The pastor shall be exofficio member of all committees, program areas, and ministry teams and is expected to
participate whenever possible or appropriate. Without doing their work, the pastor is to provide
all organizations with spiritual and administrative counsel and assistance as he leads the church
to fulfill its vision and purpose.
He is expected to provide the deacons with an official monthly accounting of his
activities who will also evaluate the pastor concerning his effectiveness and progress in his
ministry. The pastor is expected to provide office hours and be accessible by cellular telephone
so that he can be available in the event of needed counsel or emergency. In the event of
absence, the pastor is expected to secure pulpit supply. The pastor is expected to participate in
associational, denominational and community ministries and provide awareness to the church of
these activities. Where possible, the church is to provide expenses to attend state and SBC
convention meetings. Unless approved otherwise by the church, the pastor may engage in up to
two revivals or missions trips outside the community each year. When possible, the pastor is
also expected to engage in educational opportunities that will benefit the congregation in his
scholarship of the Word of God and other related disciplines of ministerial study. Time away for
study and expenses will be negotiated by the deacons and approved by the church.
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In order to provide refreshment and time for his family, the pastor is expected to take two
days off each week. However, when church and ministry activities warrant his participation, he
may take a different day so as not to hinder the ministry of the church. The pastor shall be given
at least 14 days (two weeks) vacation with pay each year to be taken at the pastor’s discretion,
with an additional day added for each year of ministry after the pastor’s second year, not to
exceed four weeks. So as not to hinder the regular ministry of the church, the pastor shall not
absent himself for more than two Sundays a year on his vacation time until after his fifth year of
ministry where it will not exceed three Sundays per year. Special circumstances and emergency
situations will be considered and approved by the church.
Pastoral selection and vacancy procedures
A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. The
election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week's public
notice has been given. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of nine-tenths of those
present being necessary for a choice.
The pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church's
request. The pastor may relinquish the office of pastor by submitting his resignation to the
deacons at which time they will set the terms of his departure. The church may declare the office
of pastor to be vacant. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which
at least one week's public notice has been given. The meeting may be called upon the
recommendation of the deacons or by written petition, signed by not less than one-fourth of the
resident church members. The moderator for this meeting shall be the Chairman of deacons.
The vote to declare the office vacant shall be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the resident church members present is necessary to declare the office vacant. Except in
instances of gross misconduct by the pastor so excluded from office, the church will compensate
the pastor with not less than one month's salary. The termination shall be immediate and the
compensation shall be rendered in no more than thirty days.
In the instance of gross misconduct by the pastor, the deacon board, by 100% agreement,
may ask for the immediate resignation of the pastor without church approval.
Moving of the Pastor
The church shall bear the expense of moving a new pastor from his former field of labor
to the local church field.
Other Pastoral staff
Pastoral staff, such as associate pastor, minister of music, youth minister, etc, may also be
added to the church’s ministry with the same procedure as that of the pastor. The pastor shall be added to the Search Committee for that purpose. The pastor will then supervise the pastoral
staff, advising the deacon board when concerns are noted.
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Section 2
The Deacons
The church shall elect the number of deacons needed for the new church year on the last
Sunday of the church year. After the body of deacons has been established, at least two men or
one-third of the deacon body, shall retire from the body each year. No member retiring from the
body of deacons shall be eligible for re-election until one year has elapsed.
Deacons elected to their position shall serve for three years. Guidelines for deacons as
set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-16 shall be observed in choosing any deacon.
Deacons shall serve as administrative and spiritual leaders of the church and shall advise the
church on all pertinent matters, and shall take such actions as the church instructs.
The body of deacons shall nominate two more prospective deacons than needed for the
new church year. The deacon body will accept recommendations for nominees from the church
no later than the last regularly scheduled deacons meeting in the church year. The body of
deacons shall supply its nominations to the church at the annual church conference. The
nominees shall be voted on by secret ballot. Top vote recipients for the number of deacon
vacancies shall be elected.
A deacon ordained in another church shall serve as deacon in this church only through
election by this church.
Section 3
The Moderator
The pastor is to serve as the moderator of all regular and called business meetings unless
absent or otherwise approved by the church. At such time, the Chairman of deacons shall be
moderator.
Section 4
The Treasurer
The church shall annually elect a church treasurer as its financial officer. It shall be the
duty of the treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, and, upon receipt of vouchers approved
and signed by authorized personnel, all monies or things of value paid or given to the church,
keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. It shall be the duty of
the treasurer to render to the church at regular business meetings an itemized report of the
receipts and disbursements of the preceding month. All books shall be open for review at any
time.
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Section 5
Purchasing Officer
Once each year, the church shall elect a person to act as purchasing officer for the church.
Purchases that do not exceed $300 and are not budgeted shall be authorized by the Purchasing
Agent. All purchases not budgeted for and over $300, shall be submitted to the Finance
Committee for approval. The purchasing officer shall be responsible to the deacons and/or the
church.
Section 6
The Trustees
The church shall annually elect three trustees to serve as legal officers for the church.
They shall hold in trust the church property. Upon specific vote of the church to authorize each
action, they shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any church property.
When the signatures of trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents involving the sale,
mortgage, purchase or rental of property, or other legal documents related to church-approved
matters. Upon termination of this position, the new trustee is presented by nomination and voted upon by the church. They shall be legal representatives of the church as required by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
Section 7
The Clerk
The church shall annually elect a clerk as its clerical officer. The clerk shall be
responsible for keeping a suitable record of all official actions of the church, except as otherwise
herein provided. The clerk shall be responsible for keeping a register of names of members, with
dates of admission, dismissal, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptisms. The clerk
shall issue letters of dismissal voted on by the church, preserve on file all communications and
written official reports, and give required notice of all meetings where notice is necessary, as
indicated in these bylaws. The clerk shall be responsible for preparing the annual church profile
of the church to the association.
The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary who will
assist the elected clerk. All church records are church property and shall be kept in the church
office.
Section 8
Chief Officers of the Major Organizations of the Church
The Chief Officers of the major organizations of the church, including Sunday School,
the Brotherhood, Baptist Women, Youth Ministry director, Vacation Bible School director and
Children’s Ministry Director, shall be nominated by the nominating committee with the advice
of the pastor, and elected by the church to serve for a period of one year.
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Article III Church Committees
The committees of the church shall consist of (1) the Church Council, (2) he Nominating
Committee, (3) the Finance Committee, (4) the Pastor Search Committee, (5) the Buildings and
Grounds Committee, (6) Ushers, (7) the Youth Ministry Team, (8) Baptism Committee, (9) the
Lord’s Supper Committee, (10) the Social Committee, (11) Van Custodian, (12) Benevolent
Committee, (13) Christmas Program Committee, (14) Flowers Committee, (15) Nursery, (16)
Christmas Decorating Committee, (17) Worship Ministry Team, (18) Parking Lot Safety Patrol
and such other committees as the church shall determine to be necessary. The committees shall
be elected to serve for a period of one year, with duties and functions outlined below.
Section 1
Church Council
The Church Council shall consist of the pastor (who shall be the chairman) the Chairman
of deacons, all department directors, all church officers, all committee chairpersons, directors
and organizational leaders. The Council shall meet for the consideration of all objects of
common interest, and shall seek to unify and coordinate the work of the church. The Council
shall act in capacity only, making its recommendations to the several groups within the church.
It is not nor shall it be considered an authoritative body.
Section 2
Nominating Committee
The committee shall consist of the Sunday School Superintendent, the chairman of the
deacons, Directors of the WMU and Brotherhood and Sunday School Department Directors.
The work of this committee will be to place into nomination the names they select to function in
the various offices of the church. Deacons will not be nominated by this committee, nor the
pastor of the church. The pastor shall call the first meeting and at that meeting the chairman of
the nominating committee shall be elected.
Section 3
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall be composed of five members from the church at large,
plus the chairman of the deacons, and the Treasurer of the church. It shall be the duty of this
committee to prepare and submit to the church a church budget by the last Sunday of the church year. In preparation of the suggested budget, all available resources should be used by thecommittee to ascertain the actual needs of the church and its organizations. They shall be
nominated by the nominating committee.
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Section 4
Pastor Search Committee
A Pastor Search Committee, containing five members, shall be presented by the
nominating committee as needed.
Section 5
The Buildings and Grounds Committee
The Buildings and Grounds Committee shall nominated by the nominating committee. It
shall be composed of the number of needed members elected by the church whose duties will
include the supervision of all church property, seeing that it is kept in a good state of repair,
cleanliness and neatness, and making recommendations to the deacons concerning any major
concerns relative to the church property that may arise.
Section 6
Ushers
The Committee of Ushers shall be nominated by the nominating committee. The duties
will be to insure the comfort of all worshipers, providing worshipers with the church bulletin,
giving special attention to the guests, making them feel welcome, and to collect the offering at
the normal Sunday morning services. It shall be their duty to place themselves at the disposal of
the Funeral Director whenever any funeral occurs in the church.
Section 7
Youth Ministry Team
The leader of the Youth Ministry Team shall be nominated by the nominating committee.
The Youth Ministry Team shall consist of youth Sunday School teachers, youth directors, youth
mission organizational leaders and all other youth ministry organizational workers. They shall
work together to help the leader in making decisions, in the planning of activities and outings,
youth rallies, mission work and outreach.
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Section 8
The remaining committees, the Baptism Committee, the Lord’s Supper Committee, the
Social Committee, Van Custodian, Benevolent Committee, Christmas Program Committee,
Flowers Committee, Nursery, Christmas Decorating Committee, Worship Ministry Team,
Parking Lot Safety Patrol and all other committees shall assume the duties which are expected of such committees.
Section 9
The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and may be expected to be
present at such times as matters concerning his own material prosperity are being considered.
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Article IV Business Meetings
The quarterly business meeting of the church may be called on the 4th Wednesday of each
quarter at 7:00 PM. However, there shall be an annual church conference called for the last
Sunday in the church year, and during the year there shall be called meetings sufficient for the
proper expedition of the business of the church.
The business procedure in a business meeting of the church shall be those recognized by
Robert’s Rules of Order and the Bible.
Article V Purchase of Property and Gifts
Section 1
No gift of property, real or personal, shall be received by the church without the
knowledge and consent of the church. Property purchased for the church must be approved by
the church members prior to the purchase, unless it is an ordinarily budgeted item.
Section 2
Gifts of money made in an unusual fashion so as to prohibit the full and free use thereof
by the church shall not be received.
Article VI Policies and Procedures
The church shall develop a Policies and Procedures Manual that is approved by the
church. It shall have its own authority. It may be renewed and revised as authorized by the
manual.
Article VII Amendments
The Constitution may be amended as the need arises. All amendments to this
Constitution shall be submitted in writing at a regular church business meeting, and shall lay
over until the next regular business meeting. For passage, an amendment shall require a twothirds vote of members present.
