EMMAUS BAPTIST CHURCH, INC.

Constitution and Bylaws

Amended and Restated 2024

PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith and so that this body may be governed in an orderly manner.  This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member of this Church and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other Churches of the same faith.

 

 

Article I.  Name

This body shall be known as the EMMAUS BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. of Poquoson, Virginia, and noted hereinafter as Emmaus Baptist Church.

 

 

Article II.  Statement of Faith

The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for our statement of faith.  The Church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963.  A “Condensed Statement of Faith” is attached hereto as Attachment 1 and is incorporated in its entirety in the Constitution of the Church.  We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind.  The ordinances of the Church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

 

 

Article III.  Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of Emmaus Baptist Church is found in our Lord’s command:

“A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  (John 13:34-35) (NIV) 

We exist to love our Lord, to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and to love the world to the glory of the Father, by the Holy Spirit, and in the Name of the Son, for the salvation of the world.

Our Objectives are: 

To be a dynamic spiritual New Testament Church empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our Church, community and throughout the world.

To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His Person, and responding in obedience to His leadership.

To help people grow in knowledge of God and man through His Holy Word, applying the Word to family and individual needs.

To be a Church that ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and world in Jesus’ Name.

To be a Church whose purpose is to be Christlike in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the Lordship of Christ.

 

 

Article IV.  Mission Statement and Values

Our Mission Statement:

By God’s command, by the call of Jesus Christ, and by the counsel of the Holy Spirit, we exist to reach and teach men and women, boys and girls in Poquoson and beyond with the unavoidable love of Christ.

Our Values:

Biblical Preaching and Teaching:  We view the entire Holy Bible as our “authoritative textbook” for both preaching and teaching His word.

Romans 15:4 (NIV) “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV) “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Prayer Ministry:  We are a praying Church…for Christ has taught us that the power of prayer is vital to the effective lives of individuals, of Churches, and to the advancement of Christ’s gospel throughout the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NIV) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV) “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.  Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  This, then, is how you should pray:  ’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Family Ministry:  We endeavor to practice and to provide an atmosphere of nurturing and caring for each family, family member and individual and to be a positive and contributing testimony of God’s love, grace, and mercy to those both within and without the Church are in need.

Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV) “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” 

Creating a Healthy Fellowship and Community:  We believe in building community and nurturing relationships through healthy fellowship.  Toward that purpose we offer a multitude of opportunities to connect with others.  We consider friendliness and fellowship to be at the very core of our congregation and our ministry.

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) “Jesus replied:  ’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Maturing Believers:  Only God can cause a believer to grow spiritually (1 Corinthians 3:1-7).  We, at Emmaus Baptist Church, endeavor to prompt one another toward that growth, as well as toward emotional, physical, and social growth.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

 

 

Article V.  Church Covenant

Recognizing, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23 NIV) and yet hearing the call “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1 NIV) we agree to strive towards the high calling together, by God’s Grace, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The ideal to which we strive involves our mutual commitment expressed as follows:

The Spirit of God has led us to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.  We have professed our faith, been baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and we desire to live under the Lordship of the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit for the Glory of our Father.  This being so, we enter into fellowship with one another as the Church, the Body of Christ.

As the Body of Christ, we solemnly agree to carry on His work here on earth.  We all have differing gifts and functions.  We pledge to work together, each making his contribution for the common good.

We understand His work to be rooted in our worship of our God, in the study of His Word, in the training up of the members, and in the evangelism of the lost.  We are empowered by His Presence in prayer.

We agree to love, nurture, and uplift each other at all times as brothers and sisters in Christ and especially to be available to one another in times of crisis.

We believe that marriage is God ordained and is to be between one man and one woman as further contained in the “Condensed Statement of Faith” in Attachment 1.  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27 NIV); “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24/Ephesians 5:31 NIV).  We will minister to the needs of all family members and single persons by God’s grace with His love.  We will encourage family and personal devotions, promoting the religious education of our children at home, and the salvation of our friends and family.

We will not be labeled “Sunday Christians,” but with the close of worship on Sunday, we will continue our Christian walk throughout the week.  We will try to guard our tongue, bridle our temper, and guard our heart.  We will endeavor to honor the Lord with our lifestyle, so that others might see Christ in our home, workplace, and Church.  Our bodies are His Temple. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought with a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV).  We will seek to be faithful in keeping His Temple clean.  We pray the Lord will give us a heart to love those who struggle with addictions and other life issues, and that we might minister to them.  We pray for Christian humility that will be slow to take offense, always ready to seek reconciliation, abounding in forgiveness, yet hoping never to judge.

We do have a responsibility to support the work of this Church as stewards accountable to the Lord.  “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10 NIV).  We are also stewards of our time that the gospel may be proclaimed here and abroad.  As a Church we will support the mission endeavors of our Southern Baptist Convention through the Cooperative Program, and with our prayers and special mission offerings.

We are called to be “instruments of His peace and love” in the middle of hostility, bread in the middle of hunger, salt in the middle of life, and light in the middle of darkness.

For, Jesus Christ is our foundation for being, our hope for living and our example in ministry.  We look forward to the day of His returning when we will go and be with God forever and ever.

 

 

Article VI.  Relationships

The government of this Church is vested in the Pastor, the Board of Directors, the Deacons and the members, the body of believers who compose it. The ultimate authority for government of this Church rests with its members. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches.  Insofar as is practical, this Church will cooperate with and support the local association and Baptist General Association of Va. affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

 

 

Article VII.  Adoption and Amendments

Section 1.  Adoption

This constitution shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect and upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the members eligible to vote and present at any business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the Clerk in writing; and this proposed change shall be presented to the Church at least one week prior to the time the vote is taken.

 

Section 2.  Amendments

This constitution may be amended, altered, or repealed and upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the members eligible to vote and present at any business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the Clerk in writing; and this proposed change must be presented to the Church at least one week prior to the time the vote is taken.

 

 

 

BY-LAWS (Approved 05-19-2024)

Article I.  Membership

Section 1. Admission

Persons may be received into the fellowship of this Church by majority vote of the members at any regular meeting for worship of the Church in one of the following ways.    

  1. By baptism upon profession of faith; or
  2. By letter of recommendation from a Church of like faith and order; or
  3. By statement of having had an experience of saving faith in Christ followed by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and, in all cases,
  4. By completing the New Members class prior to voting for membership.

Section 2. Duties

Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life, to regularly attend the services in person or virtual, to give for the Church’s support and its causes, and to share in its organized work.

Section 3. Rights

Only members whose names are on the active roll of Emmaus Baptist Church may act and vote in the transactions of the Church.

Section 4. Discipline

Should differences arise among members, the aggrieved member shall follow, in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in Matthew Chapter 18.

If there should occur any breach or endangerment to our fellowship because of a member(s) conduct, the Deacons shall endeavor to remove the offense and, if the effort fails, shall report the case to the Church.

All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the Church may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the Church.

Section 5. Termination

  1. Termination of membership may be accomplished in the following ways by the majority vote of the members eligible to vote who are present at a business meeting. All actions toward the termination of membership by reason of b, c, and d of this section shall first be considered by the Deacons who shall make recommendations to the Church.

    1. Letter. Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of recommendation to the membership of any other Baptist Church of like faith and order is entitled to receive it. Except for unusual circumstances, the letter shall be sent to the Church from which the request is received instead of being given to or sent to the individual requesting it.

    2. Request from a member. If a member in good standing requests to be released from his or her covenant obligations to this Church for reasons which the Church may deem satisfactory, after it shall have patiently and kindly endeavored to secure his or her continuance in its fellowship, such request may be granted, and his or her membership terminated.
    3. Nonresident. The Church may also, after due notice and hearing and kindly effort to make such action unnecessary; terminate the membership of persons after one (1) year non-residency.
    4. Should the member become an offense to the Church, and its good name, through actions or behavior or beliefs contrary to the Condensed Statement of Faith of the Church, the Church may terminate his or her membership, but only after the Biblical process for reconciliation and dealing with sin has been followed according to Matthew 6:23-24 and Matthew 18:15-17, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and reform.
  1. Termination of membership may be accomplished by erasure from the Church roll by the Clerk in the following instances:
    1. Death
    2. Uniting with a Church other than transfer of letter.

Section 6. Restoration

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any reason may be restored by recommendation from the Deacons and majority vote of the Church.

 

 

Article II.  Staff Members

Section 1. General

The Church shall call or employ staff members when the Church determines the need.  A job description shall be written by the Personnel Committee for all staff members except the Pastor. Staff members, other than the Pastor, shall be recommended to the Church by the Personnel Committee, working with the Pastor.  Call and employment shall be by Church action, with terms of employment and termination in accordance with the adopted Church Personnel Policies and Benefits document.

Staff members shall understand that the Pastor is the spiritual leader of the Church and the administrator of the paid staff.  He shall give overall direction and guidance to the total life of the Church. Staff members shall be sensitive to and follow his leadership and shall communicate with him for counsel in matters pertaining to methods of accomplishment to fulfill the Church’s roll as a New Testament Church.

All staff members shall be required to affirm their belief and acceptance of the Condensed Statement of Faith of the Church as a prerequisite for employment or condition for continued employment. (see attachment)

Section 2. Pastor

  1. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18) and He has given the Church His words, the Bible, to direct the Church (Psalm 119:105-106), and Christ has appointed pastors to lead the congregation with the council of the Holy Spirit, to follow His words, and work with the leadership of the Church to accomplish the Greatest Commands, to Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), to love our neighbors as yourself (Matthew 22:38), and in fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
  2. The Pastor shall be the administrative head and be responsible for approving all absences and vacations of the Church Staff. Deacons in partnership with Personnel, will perform an annual evaluation of the Pastor.
  3. The Pastor may serve as an Ex-officio member of all committees and organizations of the Church.
  4. The 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 shall be given.
  5. The Pastor Search Committee shall be nominated and elected by the Church to seek out a suitable Pastor, and their recommendations will constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the Church only one person at a time. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those eligible Church members present and voting being necessary for a call.  The Pastor, thus elected, upon acceptance, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by their request or the Church’s request. The Pastor shall give at least two weeks’ notice at the time of resignation.

Section 3. Ministry Staff (music, youth, children, etc.)

  1. The Personnel Committee will work with the Pastor (Deacons in absence of a pastor) along with the Finance Committee to determine the ministry staff needs and roles to accomplish the mission and vision of the Church.
  2. All ministry staff will be supervised by the Pastor. The Pastor, in cooperation with the Personnel Committee, provides an annual evaluation of the staff’s performance. Ministry staff will be responsible and subject to the authority of the Word of God, Emmaus Baptist Church policy and procedures, the Condensed Statement of Faith, the Pastor (Deacons in absence of a Pastor) and the Personnel Committee.
  3. All ministry staff expectations including job requirements, qualifications, attendance, committee and team assignments, etc., will be specified in each staff position’s job description as well as the Personnel Policies and Procedures.
  4. Ministry staff shall be nominated by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Church whenever a vacancy or need occurs within the Church. The Church approval shall take place at a Church Business Meeting and requires a majority vote of the members present.

Section 4. Non-Ministry Staff (administrative assistant, financial assistant, custodian, and/or services).

  1. The Personnel Committee will work with the Pastor (Deacons in absence of a pastor) along with the Finance Committee to determine the non-ministry staff needs of the Church.
  2. Supervision of all non-ministry staff will be assigned by the Personnel Committee working alongside the Pastor. The Staff’s supervisor, in cooperation with the Personnel Committee and Pastor, provides an annual evaluation of the staff’s performance. Non-Ministry staff will be responsible and subject to the Emmaus Baptist Church policy and procedures, the condensed statement of faith, the Pastor (Deacons in absence of a Pastor) and the Personnel Committee.
  3. All non-ministry staff expectations including job requirements, qualifications, attendance, committee and team assignments, etc., will be specified in each staff position’s job description as well as the Personnel Policies and Procedures.
  4. All non-ministry staff shall be nominated by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Church whenever a vacancy or need occurs within the Church. The Church approval shall take place at a Church Business Meeting and requires a majority vote of the members present.

 

 

Article III.  Church Officers

Section 1. General

All who serve as Officers of this Church shall be members of this Church.  Officers of this Church shall include the Pastor, applicable Church staff members, and those set forth in the following sections.

Section 2.  Deacons

In accordance with the meaning of the word, Deacons are to be servants, eligible to serve meeting the requirements spelled out in the New Testament. When used herein the word Deacon shall include both men and women.

1 Timothy 3:8-12 In the same way, Deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as Deacons… worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.  A deacon must be faithful to their spouse and must manage their children and household well.

The Deacons shall elect their officers and shall be organized to assist the Pastor and the Church, and for the consideration of problems related to their work.  They may organize themselves into teams to serve the needs of the Church.

The Deacons will publish a yearly bulletin of ministry teams to inform the Church of services provided and opportunities to volunteer. Church membership is not required to serve on a Deacon Team.

Each June the congregation will nominate people 21 years of age or older from the active Church membership to serve as Deacons for a three-year term.  The active Deacons will compile all nominations received from the congregation and interview qualified nominees. The Deacons will use as their guide in the interview process, scripture and other approved Church policy that points out the qualifications of a Deacon.  Their recommendations will then be brought to the Church for approval.  Each year a determination will be made as to the maximum number of Deacons required, excluding life-time Deacons. 

The Deacons shall serve on a rotational basis.  Each year the term of office of one-third of the number of Deacons shall expire, and elections shall be held to fill the vacancies.  In case of death, removal, or incapacity to serve, the Church may elect to fill the unexpired term.  After serving a term of three years, no Deacon shall be eligible for re-election until the lapse of at least one year.  There is no obligation to constitute as an active Deacon a person who comes to the Church from another church where he or she has served as Deacon.

Deacons who are qualified and in good standing who have served as many as two terms as Deacon will upon reaching the age of 70 be eligible for nomination as life-time Deacons.  Candidates for this honorary appointment shall be recommended to the Church for their approval by the Deacons. Lifetime deacons serve as voting members of the deacon body.

In the event of a disturbance by or toward the Pastor, the Deacons (after consulting with the Personnel Committee) will address the disturbance privately and publicly as the situation warrants. 

Should the Pastor leave the Church, the Deacons will take the lead in:

  1. Calling for a special business meeting to select a Pastor Search Committee.
  2. Assuming the responsibility for providing pulpit supply pastors until an interim pastor or a new pastor for the Church can be installed.
  3. Fulfilling other duties of the pastor, as necessary in the absence of the Pastor.

Section 3. Moderator and Vice-Moderator

The Church Moderator and Vice-Moderator will be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church.

In the event the Moderator is unable to serve, the following may call the church into a business meeting.

  1. Vice-Moderator
  2. Chairman of Deacons
  3. Vice Chairman of Deacons
  4. Church Clerk

The duties of the Moderator, or the person serving in the absence of the Moderator are:

To determine if a quorum is present to call an official business meeting.

To preside at the business meetings of the Church, both regular and special.

To be familiar with parliamentary procedures.

Section 4. Clerk

The Clerk shall be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church.  The Clerk shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the Church, except as otherwise herein provided (See Administrative Assistant Duties as outlined in the Personnel Policy and Benefits document).  The Clerk is responsible for keeping a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together with a record of baptisms. 

A written report is to be submitted at the first or last business meeting of the year.

The Clerk shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the Church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these By-Laws.  The Personnel Committee may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to the Administrative Assistant.  All Church records are Church property and are to be filed in the Church office.  The Clerk shall be responsible for updating any approved changes to the Church’s Constitution and By-Laws.

Additional duties include:

  • Keeping minutes of the Church business meetings.
  • Presenting prior meetings minutes for approval at the following Business Meeting.
  • With assistance from staff complete communication with local, state, and national associations.

Section 5. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church.  It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money, or things of value paid or given to the Church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.

To give a financial report at each regular business meeting.

Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and approval by the Church, the records shall be delivered by the Treasurer to the Administrative Assistant who shall keep and preserve the account as part of the permanent records of the Church.

Section 6. Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer shall be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. The Assistant Treasurer shall serve in the event that the Treasurer is unable to serve.

Section 7. Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. The Financial Secretary shall receive the empty collection envelopes after the money has been removed and counted by the Counting Committee. The envelopes will provide the data for which donors will be given individual credit. The Financial Secretary shall keep the envelopes for reference until April 15 of the following Church fiscal year and then they may be destroyed. 

The financial secretary is responsible for keeping digital records of all offerings.

The Financial Secretary shall also be responsible for preparing and distributing annual records of contributions.

Section 8. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors, (directors), shall consist of three members.  Each Director shall be elected to serve for a three-year term beginning January first. When a vacancy occurs, nominations to fill the vacancy shall be made by the Nominating Committee prior to November first.

The Directors shall represent the Church in all its legal and property matters. Until their successors shall be appointed, they will hold in trust the property of the Church.  They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the Church authorizing each action.  It shall be the function of the Directors to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgaging, purchase, rental of property, or other legal documents where the signatures of Directors are required.

The Directors shall see that the Church properties are adequately protected by insurance against hazard and liability.

Section 9. Sunday School Director(s)

The Sunday School Director(s) shall be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church.  The Sunday School Director(s) coordinate the Sunday morning Bible studies for the Church to participate in group study.  Responsibilities include teacher recruitment, submitting the names to the church for approval at a business meeting prior to the start of the Sunday School year, room assignments and set-up; curriculum purchase, renewal, and teacher support; technology support for teachers; record-keeping within the Church database of classes, teachers and class members; weekly online attendance reporting. 

The Sunday School Director(s) manage the Sunday School budget and coordinate with the Children’s and Youth leaders, A/V and Buildings and Grounds teams on purchase of curriculum, licenses, and classroom resources, etc.  

Section 10. Cemetery Manager(s)

The Cemetery Manager shall be nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. 

The Cemetery Manager shall oversee the Cemetery Team and assign the duties listed in the Cemetery Team Job Description. The Cemetery Manager shall also oversee any items not listed in the Cemetery Job Description.

The Cemetery Manager shall inform the Church of all pertinent matters relating to the cemetery and the Church at an annual business meeting.

 

 

Article IV. Committees and Teams

Section 1. Committees General

The Church shall elect such standing committees as may be deemed necessary to carry on the various phases of the program of the Church efficiently and effectively. All members of committees shall be members of the Church.  All nominees shall be selected by a Nominating Committee and recommended to the Church for election.  The Church staff shall act in an advisory capacity on any committee dealing with their employed function.

The duties and responsibilities of all committees shall be set by the Church.  Each committee shall be responsible for the development and updating of operating guidelines and procedures to assist in:

  1. effective administration of their assigned function and
  2. the guidance of successor committee personnel.

Church members are elected to serve on a three-year rotational basis.

  • The year of service shall be from January 1 through December 31.
  • Vacancies occurring in the membership of committees shall be filled by the nomination of new committee members by the Nominating Committee and their election by the Church. A person elected to fill a vacancy shall complete the remainder of the term of the person being replaced.
  • One-third of the membership of each committee shall be elected each year. Committee members shall not be eligible to succeed themselves. Under special circumstances, the Nominating Committee may consider reappointment of an individual for a second term.
  • A committee member should have served on that committee for at least one year before being eligible for nomination as the Chairperson. The year of service may have been completed during a previous term on that committee.

Finance: 

The Finance Committee shall have general oversight of the financial program of the Church including the work of the Counting Team.  The Finance Committee shall devise ways and means, in harmony with scriptural teaching, for keeping the Church in a healthy financial condition.  The Finance Committee shall consider all matters pertaining to expenditures that are not provided for in the Church budget (see Article VII, Section 5 of these By-Laws for additional guidelines).

The Finance Committee shall approve the Counting Team.

Finance is in charge of calling an audit. The Auditor or Auditing Team will review the financial records of the Church and render a written report of its findings to the Finance Committee.  Additionally, whenever there is a change of Treasurer, the financial records may be audited, and a report rendered to the Church.

Hospitality and Fellowship:

The Hospitality and Fellowship Committee shall plan and implement activities to connect the Church family through healthy fellowship.  The committee shall be mindful of the various adult age groups (e.g., Young Adults, Senior Adults, and Adults with families).  The Committee is responsible for the formulation and management of their annual budget.

  1. Leads the volunteers helping in Church events.
  2. Arranges for food and coordinates the execution of Church meals, funeral receptions, and special Church events.
  3. Keeps the two Church kitchens clean and organized.
  4. Stocks, maintains, and secures kitchen supplies, including small appliances, paper products, dishware, pots, and pans, serving items and pantry supplies.

Nominating: 

The Nominating Committee canvasses Church members and makes recommendations of persons to serve on all committees both standing and ad hoc, and Church Officers. The Nominating Committee makes its recommendation to the Church for approval at any regularly scheduled business meeting.  This committee shall be comprised of six to eight members of the congregation. Each committee should be composed, to the extent possible, of people who represent the diversity within the Church membership and serve on a three-year rotational basis.

The following schedule is recommended:

  1. Members of standing committees and Church Officers are presented for approval at the November business meeting with service to begin in January.
  2. Members of Ad Hoc committees and recommendations to fill vacant positions are presented for approval at the next regularly scheduled business meeting with service to begin immediately after approval.
  3. The term of service for all standing committees is three years and members may not be reappointed to the same committee at the end of their term. Under special circumstances, the Nominating Committee may consider reappointment of an individual for a second term.  All Church Officers serve for one year and may be reappointed.  Members of Ad Hoc committees serve for the duration of the committee.  Appointments to fill vacant positions end with the original term.

The Nominating Committee ensures that each standing committee has held their first meeting and elects a Chairperson in January.  The complete list of committee members with their Chairpersons is made available to all Church members through distribution at business meetings and in the Welcome Center.

Personnel: 

The Personnel Committee serves as the Human Resources unit of the Church. The Personnel Committee’s duties shall include: preparing and updating, as necessary, position descriptions; surveying the need for Church staff positions and making recommendations for additions and deletions; and recruiting, interviewing, and recommending to the Church new personnel for established positions. These responsibilities are inclusive of all employees except the Pastor. The Personnel Committee shall ensure an annual evaluation is performed for all employees, and in partnership with the Deacons, will perform an annual evaluation of the Pastor; develop an annual Personnel budget that include recommendations for salaries, benefits, housing allowances, and professional development expenses, as applicable; recommend cost of living and meritorious raises as deemed appropriate; and develop and recommend performance improvement plans and termination, as needed. The Personnel Committee develops, revises, and recommends to the Church the policies and procedures to ensure the accountability for all employees, including the Pastor.

Section 2. Teams General

Teams like committees serve the needs of the Church. Members, nonmembers, and volunteers from the community may serve on a team. Team leaders and those spending Church funds are required to be Church members, approved by the Nominating Committee, and presented yearly for Church vote.

Team volunteers can be recruited by regular attenders and those spiritually gifted in the community to carry out the mission and vision of the church, except when it is noted within the Team Description listed below.

Teams are required to follow all guidelines and expectations listed in the by-laws and maintain and present a yearly budget.

Teams that require a background check will be done every three to five years for volunteers.

Audio Visual (A/V): 

The team is responsible for the use and maintenance of Church A/V equipment. This includes Sunday services, special events, and needs of Church committees and groups. Other responsibilities include recording of services, website, social media, and general technology support.  The committee is responsible for the formulation and management of their annual budget.

Buildings and Grounds: 

The team shall supervise the care and maintenance of all the Church’s buildings and utilities, oversee custodial work, and provide for the security of the Church’s physical properties.  It shall also be responsible for the proper maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, including the parking lots.  The committee is responsible for the formulation and management of their annual budget.

Cemetery Team: 

The team shall oversee all activities involving the use and maintenance of the cemetery.  These activities include, but are not limited to:

  • assisting Church members with the selection and purchase of burial plots,
  • maintaining permanent records of plot ownership,
  • monitoring use of cemetery funds,
  • overseeing maintenance and improvements of the cemetery,
  • reporting to the Church, at least annually, as to the overall status of the cemetery program and on any matters of general interest related thereto.

Children’s and Nursery Team:

The team shall assist the Children’s Minister/Director with the planning, coordination and oversight of all children’s ministries, activities, and fund raising events. The team shall also assist the Children’s Minister/Director with the annual budget planning. All team members will have a current background check on file and be familiar with the Children and Nursery Policy and Procedures. The team will be made up of Children’s and Nursery volunteers who actively serve those ministries including: Sunday School, Children’s Services, and/or any children events.

Decorating and Weddings Team: 

The team is responsible for preparing the Church building for regular and special worship services using flowers, plants, banners, artistic arrangements, etc., in keeping with the type of service or special celebrations. This team is also responsible for the ordering/placement of floral arrangements requested by Church members to honor/remember a person(s) or event.

The team shall also oversee the usage of any Church facilities requested for wedding rehearsals and weddings. This may include meeting with the wedding party to assess decorating needs/desires, arranging the removal/replacement of furniture and equipment, assuring that decorating policies and guidelines are followed and that all used areas are clean and returned to good order.

The team is responsible for the formulation and management of their annual budget.

Counting Team:

The team is approved by the Finance Committee and shall count all monies collected from worship services and other meetings of Emmaus Baptist Church. The team will be responsible for keeping records of the offerings, supplying copies to the Church Treasurer, and securing such funds in its care, and shall, without delay, place such monies in the designated depository of the Church. A background check is required for team members.

Long Range Planning Team: 

The team shall be composed of the Senior Pastor, Head of Finance, Head of Buildings and Grounds, Head of Personnel, Board of Director(s) and Head of Deacons.  The Long-Range Planning team shall:

  • discover and analyze long-range strategies to the congregation,
  • evaluate the long-range effectiveness of Church programs,
  • interpret long-range goals and strategies to appropriate groups.

The team shall also be responsible for making recommendations to the Church concerning needs for the acquisition, utilization, and disposal of buildings, parking lots, and other facilities. 

Transportation Team: 

The team shall be responsible for the maintenance and management of all Church vehicles.  Matters involving the sale, trade, and purchase of vehicles will be brought before the Church.  The team is responsible for the formulation and management of their annual budget.

Ushers/Greeters Team:

The team shall show hospitality to everyone visiting our Church campus. This team will work with the security team to ensure appropriate safety measures are practiced.

Youth Team: 

The team shall assist the Youth Minister/Director with the planning, coordination, and oversight of all youth ministries, activities, and fundraising events.  The team shall also assist the Youth Minister/Director with annual budget planning.  The team shall ideally include one middle school youth representative and one high school youth representative.  The team will be made up of youth volunteers who actively serve. This includes volunteering in Sunday School, Evening Bible Studies, and/or events. In addition, all team members will have a current background check on file and be familiar with the Youth Policy and Procedures.

 

 

Article V.  Educational Ministries

All program organizations of the Church shall be under Church control, all officers being nominated annually by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church and reporting regularly to the Church.  It shall be understood that the Pastor is an Ex-officio officer of all the program organizations named, and his leadership is to be recognized in them.

Educational ministries include (but not limited to) Sunday School, Small Group, Bibles studies, WMU, New Members meetings, and other like ministries.

 

 

Article VI.  Meetings

Section 1. Worship Services

The Church shall gather each Sunday on the Lord’s Day for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of The Almighty God. These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the Church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the Pastor. Revival services and any other Church meetings which will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the Church shall be placed on the Church calendar.

Section 2. Regular Business Meetings

A regular business meeting shall be held quarterly.  It will be required that matters of unusual business or of unusual interest be pre-announced at a Sunday morning worship service prior to the business meeting before any action on the matter can be taken (i.e., salary or benefit changes for staff positions; expenditures of over $1,000.00 that are not covered under the budget; and changes to the Church staff structure by adding or deleting staff positions, etc.).

Section 3. Special Business Meetings

A special business meeting may be called to consider matters which would be impractical to delay until the next regular business meeting. A one-week notice stating the subject, date, time and location must be given for the special business meeting. In case of an emergency, a special business meeting may be called provided the meeting is communicated to the membership three days prior to the meeting.

Section 4. Secular Meetings

No meeting of a secular nature shall be held in any of the Church buildings without permission of the Deacons.

Section 5.  Associational Meetings

The Church may, from time to time, name members to serve as messengers, delegates, or representatives to bodies with which it cooperates or is affiliated, including those named in Article V and VI of the Church Constitution and other bodies such as civic and community movements.

Section 6. Quorum

The quorum consists of those members of Emmaus Baptist Church who attend the business meeting, as confirmed by the moderator, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.  To vote on any matter of business, a member must be present at the meeting when the question is called for a vote.

Section 7. Parliamentary Procedures

In business meetings the Church shall observe the principles of good parliamentary law, using “Robert’s Rules of Order” as a guide.

 

 

Article VII.  Church Finance

Section 1. Stewardship

It is understood that membership in this Church involves financial obligation to support the Church through tithes and offerings. The Church will approve and conduct Biblical stewardship campaigns periodically. The Deacons along with the Finance committee and Senior Pastor will plan and conduct the campaigns.

Section 2. Annual Budget

The Church budget shall be approved annually by the Church membership. The first meeting is to be called in May by the Chairperson of the Deacons. Committee/team budgets shall be submitted to the finance committee for approval by August 1. Appeals to the budget may be submitted back to the Finance Committee by September 30. Finance will finalize the budget and present it to the church two weeks prior to November Business Meeting.

Section 3. Receipts

All money collected by and through the Church or any Church organization shall be turned into the Church treasury through the counting team and shall be properly recorded in the books of the Church, except that Sunday School classes and other Church groups may have incidental funds for flowers, cards, socials, and community mission activities. Unless noted, all receipts are considered non-restricted and are to go into the general budget. Those gifts that are restricted (designated) may only be accepted if the Finance Committee has approved an account for the designation. All other gifts with unapproved designations must be submitted to the Finance Committee for special consideration before acceptance.

Section 4. Special Offerings

The following special offerings are authorized:

The four mission offerings each year for foreign, home, state, and associational missions.

All other special offerings may be authorized by the Finance Committee.

Section 5. Expenditures

Expenditures of the Church shall be controlled through a record system of numbered budget accounts and a voucher system to support expenditures against those accounts. Upon approval by the Church of the annual Church budget, Church officers, staff members, and committee/team chairpersons are authorized to approve expenditures against budget accounts for which they have specific responsibility.  The amounts established in the individual budget accounts are not to be exceeded without obtaining additional authorization from the Church through the Finance Committee. Further, depending on the general financial condition of the Church, the Finance Committee may establish other guideline limitations on spending as needed.

With the exception of the budget accounts for Missions, Salaries, and Debt Retirement which involve regular and fixed payments, all other expenditures must be supported by a voucher indicating the item for which payment is to be made, the amount to be paid and the specific budget item to be charged.  Before any payment or reimbursement can be made, each voucher must bear the approval signature of the individual having responsibility for the budget account to be charged (i.e., the committee chairperson).

Any unbudgeted capital expense not provided for in the approved Church budget must first be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration before any commitment or obligation of funds is made.  Such proposed expenditures estimated to cost less than $3,500.00 may, depending upon the current financial resources of the Church be approved by the Finance Committee. Such proposed expenditures estimated to cost in excess of $3,500.00 must be submitted to the Church body for consideration through the Finance Committee, and accompanied by their recommendation, before any commitment or obligation of funds is made.

In an emergency, with the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the Finance Committee, the treasurer may expend funds beyond the budget for any line item up to $5,000 for emergency repairs.  This provision is intended only to be utilized when the need is sufficiently compelling and there is inadequate time to secure congregational approval.  When this authority is utilized, the Finance Committee shall advise the Church of its action in the next business meeting.

Section 6. Accounting and Reporting

The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.  Ledger accounts shall be maintained for all monies received and for all expenditures.  Expenditures shall be recorded against individual budget accounts which shall be totaled each month by account.  At each regular business meeting, the balance sheet and income and expenses reports shall be submitted to the Church.

The detailed report of receipts and disbursements are available through the Church office upon request.

Members have access to the principal financial reports of the Church, but do not have access to individual donor records.  Staff salaries and benefits will not be itemized in the budget or financial statements; this information must be requested from the Personnel Committee.

Section 7. Fund Raising

Fund raising will be permitted for the children and youth, in the name of their groups, to facilitate their activities. Methods of fund raising should be sanctioned by the Children’s Minister/Director or Youth Minister/Director and their teams and be approved by Finance Committee. The sale of all promotional items will be approved by the Deacons.  

 

 

Article VIII.  Property Rights

If a division shall occur in the membership, as defined by these By-Laws, a majority of the members entitled to vote shall decide the right, title, and control of all property held in trust for the membership of this Church. 

 

 

Article IX.  Adoption and Amendments

Section 1. Adoption

These By-Laws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and eligible to vote at the business meeting at which vote is taken shall vote in favor of same.  This vote shall be taken not less than thirty (30) days after formal presentation of the By-Laws of the Church.  Changes in current operating practices and procedures resulting from adoption of these By-Laws shall be implemented in an expeditious and practical manner.

 Section 2. Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and eligible to vote at any business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the Clerk in writing; and this proposed change shall be presented to the Church at least one (1) week prior to the time the vote is taken.