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Constitution and
By-Laws
Of
First Baptist Church
of Cedar Grove
6906 Henderson Avenue
Shreveport,
Louisiana 71106
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
Whereas, we are a
body of baptized believers banded together in common faith and order as we
believe, being led by the Holy Spirit after much prayer, we do herewith
establish a constitution and by-laws for the purpose of guidance in our common
goal to serve the Lord.
Mission Statement
To inform, educate, and represent God through evangelism and outreach in all
forums while ”Rising Up, Bursting Out Without Restraints” in order that we make
our community, our city, our state, and nation a holier place for all because
Christ Makes the Difference.
Article I
This church shall be
known as First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove, Shreveport,
Louisiana. The government of this church shall be vested in its
membership. The Holy Scriptures shall be its authority, rule, and guide in faith
and practice.
Article II
ARTICLES OF FAITH
The scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and are the only
sufficient, certain, and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and
obedience. The sole authority for faith and practice are the scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments. These Articles of Faith shall serve as a guide in
interpretation, having no authority over the conscience. They constitute a
consensus of this Baptist body for the general instruction and guidance of the
members.
The Scriptures
A.
WE BELIEVE
that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect
treasure of heavenly instructions that God is the author, salvation for its end,
and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the
principles by which God shall judge us; therefore it shall remain to the end of
the world. II Timothy 3:16-17.
The True God
B.
WE BELIEVE
that there is one and only one living and true God, an intelligent, spiritual
and personal Being, the Creator, Preserver, Ruler of the Universe, infinite in
holiness and all other perfections to whom we owe the highest love, reverence,
and obedience. He is revealed to us as Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, each
with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence of
being. John 4:24.
The Fall of
Man
C.
WE BELIEVE
that man was created by the special act of God as recorded in Genesis 1:27 but
through the temptation of Satan he transgressed the command of God and fell from
his original holiness and righteousness. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 3:6,24.
The Way of Salvation
D.
WE BELIEVE
that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the mediatorial office
of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took
upon Him our nature, yet without sin honored the divine law by personal
obedience and made atonement for our sins by His death. Being risen from the
dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven and uniting into His person the most tender
sympathies with divine perfections. He is in every way qualified to be a
compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour. Ephesians 2:8; John 3:16.
Justification
E.
WE BELIEVE
that justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principals of
righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ. This blessing is bestowed,
not in consideration of any work of righteousness which we have done but through
the redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ. It brings us into a state
of most blessed peace and favor with God and secures every other needed
blessing. John 1:16; Acts 13:39
The Freeness
of Salvation
F.
WE BELIEVE
that blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel. It is the duty
of all to accept them by penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the
salvation of the greatest sinner except his own voluntary refusal to accept
Jesus Christ as Teacher, Saviour, and Lord. Romans 16:25-26.
Grace in Regeneration
G.
WE BELIEVE
that the regeneration of the new birth is a change of heart wrought by the Holy
Spirit, whereby we become partaker of the divine nature and a holy disposition
is given, leading to the love and practice of righteousness. It is a work of
God’s true grace conditioned upon faith in Christ and made manifest by the fruit
which we bring forth to the Glory of God. II Corinthians 5:17.
Repentance and Faith
H.
WE BELIEVE
that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces,
wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply
convinced of our guilt, anger, and helplessness and of the way of salvation by
Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication
for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Prophet, Priest, and King and relying on Him alone as the only and
all-sufficient Saviour. Mark 1:15; Ephesians 2:8.
God’s Purpose of
Grace
I.
WE BELIEVE
that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates,
sanctifies, and save sinners. It is perfectly consistent with the free agency
of man and in no way interferes with the salvation of any individual. It is a
most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness and is infinitely wise, holy,
and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. It encourages
the use of means in the highest degree. II Timothy 1:8-9.
Sanctification
J.
WE BELIEVE
that sanctification is the process by which according to the will of God, we are
made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun
in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the
presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the healer, and comforter, in the
continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God,
self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
I Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23.
Perseverance of
Saints
K.
WE BELIEVE
that such only one real believers who endure unto the end; that their preserving
attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial
professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare, and that they
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. John 8:31.
The Law and
Gospel
L.
WE BELIEVE
that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral
government; that it is holy, just and good, and that the inability which the
scripture ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arise entirely from
their love of sin; to deliver them from which and to restore them through a
mediator to unfeigned obedience to the means of grace connected with the
establishment of the visible church. Roman 3:31; 7:12; 8:2-4.
A Gospel
Church
M.
WE BELIEVE
that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers,
associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the
ordinance of Christ; governed by His laws and exercising the gifts, rights, and
privileges invested in them by his words; that its only scriptural officers are
bishops or Pastors, and Deacon, whose qualifications, claims and duties are
defined in the Epistle to Timothy and Titus.
II Corinthians 8:5;
I Corinthians 11:2.
Baptism and the
Lord’s Supper
N.
WE BELIEVE
that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost to show forth in a solemn and
beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour with its
effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that is a
prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation to the Lord’s Supper, in
which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine are to
commemorate together the dying Love of Christ preceded always by solemn
self-examination. Acts 8:36-39.
The Christian
Sabbath
O.
WE BELIEVE
that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is
to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor
and sinful recreations; by devout observance of all the means of grace, both
private and public, and by preparation for the rest that remaineth for the
people of God. Acts 20:7.
Civil Government
P.
WE BELIEVE
that Civil Government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order
of human society, and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously
honored, and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Prince of the Kings of
the earth. Romans 13: 1-7.
Righteousness
and Wicked
Q.
WE BELIEVE
that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the
wicked. Those only who are justified through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and sanctified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous in his sight. Those who
continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked and are under
curse. This distinction between the righteous and the wicked holds in and after
death and will be made manifest at the judgment when final and everlasting
awards are made to all men. Malachi 3:18; Romans 1:17.
The World to Come
R.
WE BELIEVE
that the end of the world is approaching and that at the last day Christ will
descend from heaven and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution;
that a solemn separation will then take place, that the wicked will be adjudged
to endless punishment, the righteous to endless joy, and that this judgment will
fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness. I Peter 4:7.
Article III
Membership
Section I-
Requirements for Membership
Membership in this
church will be granted when the following requirements are completed:
(a)
A
profession of faith in Jesus Christ as one’s personal Saviour and Lord and
believer’s baptism by immersion in water by this church, (b) by letter from a
church of like faith and practice attesting to this or (c) by the believer’s
statement when no letter is available after due examination of salvation and
scriptural baptism in another church of like faith and practice.
Completing a New
Membership Orientation Class
Each new member must attend the New Membership Class for four consecutive weeks
in order to be considered for membership of the First Baptist Church
of Cedar Grove, Shreveport, Louisiana. The class will be taught on a
regular basis and must be completed for membership. If class is missed, a class
will be schedule for make up.
Section II – The
Membership Covenant
Having received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and being in agreement with
First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove, Shreveport, Louisiana statements,
structures, and strategy, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the
family of First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove, Shreveport, Louisiana.
In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members of this church to
do the following:
A.
I will
protect the unity of God’s church
Ø
by
acting in love toward other members (Romans. 15:5, 19; 1 Peter 1:22; John
17:20-26).
Ø
by
refusing to gossip or cause strife (Ephesians. 4:29; James 3:1-12).
Ø
by
following the leadership (Hebrews. 13: 17).
Ø
by
seeking reconciliation when offended (Matthew. 18:15).
B.
I will
share the responsibility of God’s church
Ø
by
praying for its health and growth (1 Thessalonians. 1:2; Acts 2:40-47).
Ø
by
inviting the unchurched to attend (Luke 14:23; Mathew. 28:18-20).
Ø
by
warmly welcoming guest (Romans. 15:7).
C.
I will
serve the ministry of my church
Ø
by
using my gifts and talents (Romans. 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:4;
1 Peter 4:10).
Ø
by
being equipped to serve by my leaders (Ephesians. 4:11-12).
Ø
by
developing the heart of a servant (Philippians 2:3-4; John 13:1-17).
D.
I will
support the testimony of God’s church
Ø
by
attending faithfully (Hebrews. 10: 25).
Ø
by
living a holy life (Philippians. 1:27; 1 Peter 1:13-16).
Ø
by
giving regularly to its support (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi. 3:8-10; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Section III - Rights
of Members:
A.
Members
who are in full and active standing may act and vote in transacting the business
of the church and in serving in the positions of leadership and ministry.
B.
Members
under sixteen (16) years old do not have voting privileges in transacting
business.
C.
Members
who have had their membership removed or who are inactive have no rights or
privileges. * An inactive member is one who has not worshipped regularly for a
period in excess of three (3) months. (Exceptions may be made for shut-ins,
college students, military personnel, and others with satisfactory reasons and
explanations.)
Section IV - Removal
from Membership:
Members may have
their membership removed under the following conditions:
A letter of dismissal
may be granted for any member in good standing to
unite with
another church of like faith and doctrines. The church to which
the member
joins must request the letter. It will not be given to the member.
No letter of
dismissal will be granted for members whose membership has
been
removed.
A member may have
membership removed by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote
of the church when
the member becomes an offense to the church by
non-christian conduct
or persistent breach of the covenant (persistent sin of a
member under the age
of eighteen (18) will be handled by the family with the
aid of the Pastor and
a Deacon). This action can only be taken after concerted
effort to restore
such members, including written notification of intended
action at least two
weeks in advance of such action:
A.
When a
member dies, he or she is transferred to a better congregation in Heaven.
B.
By
dropping from the roll those who have joined another church.
C.
By
dropping from the roll on request of said member.
D.
By
dropping from the roll those who have become inactive members.
Section V -
Restoration of Membership:
A.
Any
person whose membership has been removed may be restored to active membership by
a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the church upon evidence repentance and
reformation.
B.
Recommendation for restoration will come from the Pastor and Deacon Ministry.
Article IV
Ordinances
- The ordinance of the church shall be as follows:
Section I - Baptism:
A.
Repentance and faith in Christ shall precede Baptism.
B.
Baptism
shall be by immersion.
C.
The
Pastor and Deacons shall administer Baptism.
D.
Any
person desiring to be affiliated with the membership of the church and has never
been so baptized as set out heretofore, shall offer himself as a candidate for
baptism.
E.
This
church shall observe the ordinance of Baptism as soon as convenient after the
church has accepted a candidate.
Section II - The
Lord’s Supper:
A.
The
Lord’s Supper shall be observed each fourth Sunday of each month.
B.
Ordained ministers and Deacons shall assist the Pastor in the administering of
the Lord’s Supper.
C.
Only
those who have been baptized in accordance with the above shall be invited to
participate with this church in the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
D.
In
keeping with the practice of the New Testament, small groups are welcome to
observe the Lord’s Supper as long as the meaning and purpose are observed
reverently.
Article V
Amendments
Section
I
- The constitution may be amended by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members
present and voting at a stated meeting, provided the amendment shall have been
offered in writing during a previous monthly Board of Directors meeting.
Section II
- Amendments to the subjects contained in Article III shall not be made at any
time without a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation at a stated meeting
called for the purpose of doing such and if the aforementioned article is
changed by reason of amendment, the church shall in Christian fairness notify
all interested parties.
BY-LAWS
Article I
The following By-Laws
of the First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove, Shreveport, Louisiana are hereby
adopted to govern the operation of the church and shall not be deemed to
conflict with any part of the constitution. Should there be construed conflict,
the constitution shall prevail.
A.
Officers
Section I – Senior
Pastor
1.
This
church shall call a Senior Pastor by a majority vote of members present during a
regular business meeting, or a special called meeting for that purpose when the
membership has been fully notified. This procedure shall be accomplished four
weeks in advance by letter correspondence or through weekly worship bulletin
advertisements.
2.
The
Pastor shall be called to his office with indefinite call, depending on the
leadership of the Holy Spirit and the will of the church.
3.
The
Pastor shall secure evangelists for all special evangelistic meetings.
4.
The
Pastor shall have a minimum of two weeks vacation annually after serving in the
leadership capacity for one year from date commencing tenure. His vacation
shall be accrued along this order:
A. Two weeks up to
five years.
B. Three weeks
after five years and up to 10 years.
C. Four weeks
after 10 years. Vacation will cap out at four weeks per
year, after 10 years.
5. The appropriated
weeks of vacation must be taken during the calendar year and shall not be
accumulated in conjunction with upcoming years.
6. The Pastor shall
supply the speaker for the pulpit at all times.
7. The church
shall send the Pastor or his authorized representatives to any convention of his
choice each year (unless providentially hindered). The Pastor must approve each
convention chosen by an authorized representative. The number of
representatives who will attend a convention will be determined through the
approved annual church budget.
Section II Deacon:
Qualifications
1.
Only
men who meet the qualifications as set forth in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13
shall be considered for the office of deacon.
2.
Deacons
shall be men who have been members of this church for at least one year.
3.
There
shall be no obligation to constitute as an assigned Deacon one who has been a
Deacon in another church; in the event one is elected by this church for the
assignment as Deacon, his previous ordination by another church of like faith
and order shall suffice for this church.
4.
If a
member knows of some reason that a man should be considered, the member should
share the reason with the Pastor or the Chairman of Deacon Ministry.
Number:
When possible there shall be at least one deacon assigned for every ten to
twelve church families.
Term of Office:
The term of office of a Deacon shall terminate upon his death, his resignation,
termination of his membership in the church, or his removal from office by
action of the church through the recommendation of the Pastor and Deacon
Ministry.
Duties:
-
In accordance with
the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons are to
be servants to the church. Their task is to serve with the Pastor in
performing the pastoral ministries of leading the church in the achievement of
its mission, proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and caring
for the church members.
-
In counsel with the
Pastor and in accordance with the teachings of the New Testament, they shall
have oversight of the discipline of the membership of the church.
-
The Deacons shall
meet once a month. In the line of authority, the Chairman of Deacons may call
special meetings.
Selection:
-
Upon receiving the
names of candidates, the Deacons with the approval of the Pastor shall screen
and review the names to determine which candidates meet the biblical
qualifications for Deacon.
-
After determining
which men meet the qualifications, those men will be interviewed by the Pastor
and Deacon Ministry. If after the interview, it is agreed by the Pastor,
Deacon Ministry, and the man and his wife (if applicable), his name will be
submitted to the church as a prospective candidate for the Deacon ministry.
-
After election, the
Deacon(s) will soon be ordained in a special service once adequate training is
completed.
Deacon Covenant:
I HEREBY COVENANT THAT I believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible Word
of God.
I will not use alcohol as a beverage, tobacco, or illegal drugs.
I will live a consecrated life, bringing no reproach to the name of Christ.
I will be slow to speak and quick to hear. I will not use my tongue to criticize
the Pastor, my church, my fellow deacon(s) member or others.
I will participate fully in the worship services ministries, deacon meetings and
programs of the church unless providentially hindered.
I will practice the scriptural admonition to tithe by giving at least a tenth of
my gross income to the church.
I will be honest and just in all my business dealings and in relationships with
other persons.
I will seek to be a faithful husband (if married). I will train my children in
the ways of God (if a father).
I will keep private those things shared with me in confidence and those things
which should not be discussed to others.
I will cultivate a daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ and yield myself to the
Holy Spirit through Bible Study, prayer, and worship opportunities.
I will cooperate with
the Pastor and the church in its spiritual programs of advancement, whether they
are discipline, missionary, evangelistic, financial, or other.
Section III -
Trustees:
-
The number of
Trustees shall be seven unless otherwise demanded by Civil Law.
-
This shall be a
standing committee elected for a three-year term that will be legal
representatives of the church in all matters pertaining to the real property
and other such property that may be acquired that comes under the supervision
of outside parties whether state or otherwise. These Trustees shall administer
and deed or conveyance, or acquisition of any property that may become
necessary.
-
The Trustee shall
have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer church property
without specific church action.
-
The church
leadership shall nominate Trustees through the Pastor and Deacon Ministry.
Section IV -
Resignation of Church Officers:
All officers elected
by the church shall notify the church 30 days in advance in writing through the
Pastor or Chairman of Deacon Ministry when desiring to offer their resignation.
Section
V - Other Officers:
Church Clerk
-
The Church Clerk
must keep accurate records in a suitable book as furnished by the church of
all actions of the church.
-
The
Clerk shall keep a registry of the members with dates of admissions,
dismissals, deaths, record of baptisms, and license from special personal
events.
-
The Clerk shall
issue letters of dismissal voted on by the church and shall preserve on file
communications and written official reports.
-
The Clerk shall
receive the empty collection envelopes, special offering envelopes, receipts,
and other evidence of money received, and a summary of receipts from the
finance committee.
-
The Clerk shall
record the amount of each individual payee.
Finance Committee
A.
Each
member of the Finance Committee including the Finance Secretary and the church
depositor must work diligently to ensure monthly reports for the church are
completed flawlessly.
B.
The
Finance Secretary shall provide a written statement upon request to all
contributors regarding their donations on a quarterly schedule. The record of
the individual donation kept by the Finance Secretary must be strictly
confidential.
C.
The
Finance Committee must possess and retain on file for a total of five years a
copy of the summary of receipts and a copy of the bank deposit slips from the
bank each week. On the basis of this information, they shall dispense the funds
of the church as directed by the Board of Directors.
D.
The
Finance Committee shall keep an itemized account of all receipt disbursements
and make regular reports in the business meetings to the church on a quarterly
schedule.
E.
The
number of church officers required shall be determined by the needs of the
church through the Board of Directors.
Salaried Positions
Minister of Music
The Minister of Music is responsible for planning and conducting a music
ministry.
Responsibilities
A.
Coordinate music with the church calendar events.
B.
Assist
the Pastor in planning congregational services of the church.
C.
Provide
music for special church programs and other church related activities in
cooperation with appropriate individuals or groups.
D.
Direct
choir groups and congregational singing.
E.
Keep
informed on current music methods, material and utilizing them where
appropriate.
F.
Provide
music for special services such as funerals or any church related services
Sunday to the following Saturday.
G.
Perform
other duties as assigned.
H.
The
Minister of Music shall pay tithes and offerings.
Salary
The Minister of Music is a salaried position and the amount paid must be
approved by the Pastor and Board of Directors.
Vacation Time
Vacation time must be
determined by the length of service and approved in advance by the Pastor.
Vacation request (if applicable) should be made in writing and not taken until
final approval from the Pastor and Board of Directors.
Sick Time
Any absences (illness or emergency leave) must be reported to the Trustee
appointed within a reasonable time in particular when the absence occurs on
Sunday morning. The Trustee appointee will contact the Pastor of the absence
and it will be determined if pay will be received or not. There is no paid sick
time; however current available vacation time can be use.
Election/Term
The Minister of Music shall be selected upon the recommendation of the Pastor
and approved by the Board of Directors. He/She shall serve until failure to
comply with the responsibilities as stated in the contract.
Termination
If the Minister of Music fails to perform or comply with the designated
responsibilities:
A.
The
Choir President shall notify the appropriate assigned Trustee to the music
ministry regarding the charges.
B.
The
Choir President shall recommend to the assigned Trustee the appropriate actions
to be taken.
Support Staff
Responsibilities
Each position has its specific job description and the assigned duties shall be
performed as outlined.
These positions should pay tithes and offering.
Salary
This position is a salaried position.
Election/Term
The Support Staff shall be selected by the Pastor and the Board of Directors and
approved by the church. He/She shall serve on a yearly basis unless failure to
perform responsibilities as designated in the individuals contract.
Termination
If the Support Staff fails to perform or comply with designated
responsibilities:
The Board of Directors shall select a committee to visit the Support Staff and
discuss the charges.
Absences
All absences must be
reported to the Chairman of Deacons via the Trustee assigned who will inform the
Pastor. There is no compensation for pay because this position only requires
minimum time for performance of the job.
Vacation/Sick Time
This position has neither vacation nor sick time.
Article II
Church Finance:
Support of the Church
A.
The
support of the church shall be by tithes and offerings as set forth in the Holy
Scriptures.
B.
All
church funds are to be turned over to the Finance Committee for depositing,
tracking, and budgetary purposes. The banking committee records shall be
audited annually by a certified source. If any members from the finance
committee resign during a fiscal year, the books shall be audited at the time of
resignation during the thirty-day period.
D.
Departments that collect monies in the name of the church must make a report of
funds weekly. Any ministry that has a bank account in the name of a ministry of
the church must first have approval from the Pastor to establish such an
account. The ministry should report funds and disbursements to the Chairman of
Trustee Ministry.
Article III
Section I – Meetings:
The meeting of the
church shall be in accordance with the objective as follows:
This church
shall maintain full time services. This church shall meet each Sunday and
periodic throughout the week for the purpose of worship, teaching the Bible,
training in church membership, evangelizing and otherwise to promote the Kingdom
of God as directed in the Holy Scriptures.
Section II - Business
Meetings:
A.
The
church shall maintain at least quarterly business meetings or monthly ministry
director meetings with an open forum for all church members in good standing.
B.
The
Pastor (or Chairman of Deacon Ministry in the absence of a Pastor) may call a
special church meeting for the purpose of business.
C.
The
Chairman of Deacon Ministry shall serve as Vice-Moderator.
Article IV
Affiliations:
Section I
The church shall
affiliate itself with a national and state convention, and district association
from the recommendation of the Pastor with the church’s approval.
Section II
The church shall
abide by all laws and guidelines given by said affiliations.
Ministry Directors:
Section I
The Pastor and
the Board of Directors will determine annually if the Ministry Directors
will
continue in
their perspective positions. The Ministry Directors will work with the Pastor
in
recruiting
workers for their ministries.
Section II
The Church
Council will consist of the Pastor, Chairman of Deacon Ministry,
Chairman of
Trustee Ministry, Director of Christian Education, Sunday School
Superintendent,
Youth Ministry Director, Administrative Secretary, Advertisement Ministry
Director, and
Music Ministry Director.
Section III
The
church shall comprise a Pastor Search Committee when the need arises.
Election of the
Pastor Search Committee:
When a
vacancy occurs in the office of the Pastor, the church shall elect a Pastor
Search Committee. The Chairman of Deacon shall serve as ex-officio member.
There should be a total of six members and two alternates selected by the
congregation.
Duties
of the Committee:
A.
To keep
the pulpit supplied with a speaker for various worship events.
B.
To
thoroughly screen all received résumé’s for Pastoral vacancy being filled.
C.
To
recommend to the church, as soon as possible, a man to become Pastor of the
church.
D.
To
establish a firm voting procedure for selecting a Pastor.
Article V
Amendments to the
By-Laws
The By-Laws may be
amended by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at a stated
business meeting of the church.
Approval
I, Reverend
Doctor Henry Louis Armington, Sr., Chief Executive and Administrative
Officer, by virtue of the authority granted to the Official Board of Directors,
as amended, and delegated to me, do hereby approve the Constitution and By-Laws
of the First Baptist Church of Cedar Grove, Shreveport, Louisiana.
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