Constitution & By-lawsConstitution & By-laws of Upper Alton Baptist Church 2726 College Avenue...

Constitution & By-laws

of

Upper Alton Baptist Church

2726 College Avenue Alton, Illinois 62002

(618) 465-8531

Upper Alton Baptist Church 1

UPPER ALTON BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 1

ARTICLE 1 – NAME .................................................................................................................................................. 3

NAME OF ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................................................... 3

ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES ......................................................................................................... 3

SECTION 1. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION 2. PRINCIPLES ......................................................................................................................................... 3

ARTICLE 3 – GOVERNMENT AND AFFILIATION ............................................................................................ 4

GOVERNMENT AND AFFILIATION ............................................................................................................................... 4

ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................................... 4

SECTION 1. CONFESSION OF FAITH ........................................................................................................................ 4 SECTION 2. RECEPTION INTO MEMBERSHIP .......................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 3. OPEN MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................................................ 4 SECTION 4. WATCHCARE MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 5. REMOVAL FROM MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 6. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP..................................................................................................... 5

ARTICLE 5 - STAFF .................................................................................................................................................. 6

SECTION 1. PASTOR ............................................................................................................................................... 6 SECTION 2. OTHER PASTORAL STAFF .................................................................................................................... 6 SECTION 3. OTHER STAFF ..................................................................................................................................... 7

ARTICLE 6 - OFFICERS........................................................................................................................................... 7

SECTION 1. CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT ........................................................................................................... 7 SECTION 2. SUPPORT MINISTRY LEADER .............................................................................................................. 8

ARTICLE 7 – RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONGREGATION, THE EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM,

AND MINISTRY LEADERS ..................................................................................................................................... 8

SECTION 1. THE CONGREGATION .......................................................................................................................... 8 SECTION 2. EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM .............................................................................................................. 9 SECTION 3. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................................. 9 SECTION 4. MINISTRY LEADER DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................................................... 10

ARTICLE 8 – STANDING COMMITTEES ........................................................................................................ 111

SECTION 1. AUDITING COMMITTEE ..................................................................................................................... 11

SECTION 2. PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE .................................................................................................................. 11

SECTION 3. PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE ............................................................................................... 111

ARTICLE 9 – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS ............................................................................................. 12

SECTION 1. NOMINATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 12 SECTION 2. VACANCY IN OFFICE ...................................................................................................................... 122 SECTION 3. PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE ...................................................................................................... 12

ARTICLE 10 – CHURCH MEETINGS ................................................................................................................ 133


SECTION 1. BUSINESS MEETINGS ........................................................................................................................ 13 SECTION 2. QUORUM........................................................................................................................................... 13 SECTION 3. RULES OF ORDER .............................................................................................................................. 13 SECTION 4. RECEPTION OR TRANSFER OF MEMBERS AND ELECTION OF DELEGATES .......................................... 13

ARTICLE 11 – LICENSING AND ORDAINING.................................................................................................. 13

LICENSING AND ORDAINING ..................................................................................................................................... 13

ARTICLE 12 – ISSUES OF FINANCE AND PROPERTY .................................................................................. 13

SECTION 1. FISCAL YEAR .................................................................................................................................... 13 SECTION 2. FUNDING FOR OPERATIONS .............................................................................................................. 14 SECTION 3. CHURCH TRUSTEES .......................................................................................................................... 14 SECTION 4. NULLIFICATION OF CORPORATION .................................................................................................... 14

ARTICLE 13 – AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 14

AMENDMENTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS ............................................................................................................................ 145

MINISTRY LEADERS & PROGRAM LEADERS ............................................................................................................. 15

STAFF REPORTING STRUCTURES .............................................................................................................................. 16

AUXILLARY COMMITTEES ........................................................................................................................................ 16


ARTICLE 1 – NAME

Name of Organization Under the laws of Madison County and the state of Illinois the Corporation name of this religious organization is “The Upper Alton Baptist Church, Alton, Illinois.”

ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES

Section 1. Purpose The purpose of the church is:

A. To give visible form to the faith and fellowship to which God's people are called in Jesus Christ.

B. To win individuals to the Christian faith.

C. To increase Christian faithfulness in its constituents.

D. To serve the greater Alton area in every possible Christian way.

E. To share in Christian Mission throughout the world.

Section 2. Principles

The principles by which this church stands include the convictions that:

A. It is Christian, accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. B. It is Protestant, believing in individual faith in God as revealed in Jesus Christ as both

foundation and developing expression of the religious life. C. It is Ecumenical, cooperating with other churches in mutual ministry. D. It is Baptist, as such, emphasizing:

1. Civil and religious liberty. 2. Freedom of conscience. 3. The autonomy of the local church. 4. The ordination of baptism of believers by immersion as an historic symbol, a

personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ, and a public dedication to service for Jesus Christ.

5. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, regularly observed and open to all Christians who wish to participate as a personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ, as a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial death, and as a renewal of our covenant with each other and Him.

6. The authority of Scripture of both the Old and New Testaments as the inspired record of God’s revelatory actions in human history and as the basis for doctrine and practice.

7. The separation of church and state.


ARTICLE 3 – GOVERNMENT AND AFFILIATION

Government and Affiliation

The government of the Upper Alton Baptist Church is vested in the members who compose it. This church is subject to no other ecclesiastical body, but recognizes the need for mutual counsel and cooperation among churches, and to that end shall be affiliated with Area 5 of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region, the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region and the American Baptist Churches/U.S.A.

ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Confession of Faith

Any person confessing faith in Jesus Christ and giving evidence of a definite religious experience as expressed in the wish to unite with the church in membership, the desire to grow in Christian character and faith, and in willingness to participate in and support the work of Upper Alton Baptist Church may be received into membership.

Section 2. Reception Into Membership

Persons who are in accord with the purpose and principles of this church may be received into membership with all rights, responsibilities and privileges thereof. This acceptance may be voted at any business meeting or worship service of the congregation upon recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team.

A. By confession of faith and baptism. Any person confessing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and who is baptized by immersion may be received as a member.

B. Transfer of letter. Any person may be received into membership by letter of transfer

from another church of the Christian faith. C. By affirmation of faith. Any person who has formerly been a member of another

church of the Christian faith, but who is unable to secure a letter of transfer of membership may be received upon affirmation of faith.

D. Restoration. Any person who has formerly been a member of Upper Alton Baptist

Church having been removed from membership in accordance with Article 4, Section 5B or Article 4, Section 5D may be restored to membership upon his or her request and recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team.

Section 3. Open Membership

Any person who has been a member of another Christian church, but has not been baptized by immersion may be received into membership of the church and shall have all rights, responsibilities and privileges thereof except of voting on the mode of baptism. This


membership may be voted on at any business meeting or worship service of the congregation upon recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team.

Section 4. WatchCare Membership

Any person, who is currently a member of another Christian church and whether or not he/she has been baptized by immersion, may be received into a “WatchCare” or dual membership of the church. He/she shall have all rights, responsibilities and privileges thereof except of voting on the mode of baptism. This membership may be voted on at any business meeting or worship service of the congregation upon recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team.

Section 5. Removal from Membership

Members may be removed from membership role by:

A. Letter of transfer to another church upon the written request of the individual or the church. Such letter to be granted upon recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team to the congregation at any regular meeting or worship service.

B. Upon acceptance of written resignation of membership by the Executive Ministry

Team. C. By death of the member. D. By removal of the names of inactive members of the congregation upon

recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team and three-fourths majority vote of members present at a regular meeting of the congregation.

E. By removal of the names of inactive WatchCare members of the congregation upon

recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team and a simple majority vote of members present at a regular meeting of the congregation.

Section 6. Annual Review of Membership

There shall be an annual review of the membership roll by the Executive Ministry Team into active and inactive rolls. This review may result in the removal of inactive members from the church roll.

A. Active member: A member who is currently participating in church activities and programs through attendance or contribution, or is open to receiving the ministry of the church.

B. Inactive member: A member not participating in church activities and programs

through attendance or contribution for two years and not open to receiving the ministry of the church.

C. Inactive Open and WatchCare member: Inactive Open and WatchCare members

shall retain their membership as long as he/she maintains an active status as stated in Item A (see above) of Section 6 of this Article. Open and WatchCare members no longer maintaining an active status shall be removed from the rolls in lieu of being


placed in an inactive status. Upon removal by the church, he/she shall be sent a letter informing them of their loss of membership.

ARTICLE 5 - STAFF

Section 1. Pastor

A. Qualifications and requirements: The Pastor shall be academically qualified in the field of Liberal Arts and theology. Preferably a graduate of an American Baptist Seminary and spiritually called, the Pastor shall have ordination recognized by the American Baptist Churches/U.S.A. Upon taking office of Pastor, he or she shall become a member of the church. He or she shall pledge adherence to the code of ethics of the ministers’ council of the American Baptist Churches/U.S.A. in which he or she shall have membership.

B. Duties: The duties of the Pastor shall be those common to such office in Baptist churches.

He/she shall be an ex-officio member with vote to the Executive Ministry Team. He/she shall also be an ex-officio member with vote to all standing committees and teams, except the Auditing Committee and the Pastoral Relations Committee. He/she shall be administrator of church operations.

C. Call: The call shall be extended by a three-fourths vote of the members present at a duly

called meeting of the congregation acting upon a recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee. The call shall be for an indefinite period of time under the terms of the Pastor’s Employment Covenant.

D. Termination: The relations of the Pastor and church will be subject to termination by such

notice as may be mutually agreed upon by Pastor and congregation as stated in the Pastor’s Employment Covenant.

Section 2. Other Pastoral Staff

A. Qualifications and Requirements: When authorized by the congregation, other pastoral staff members such as Director of Christian Education, Associate Minister, or Assistant Minister shall be employed to work cooperatively with and under the leadership of the Pastor. Such staff persons will be academically qualified and spiritually called for their task.

B. Duties: The duties and job description of other Pastoral Staff members shall be drafted

and/or assigned by the Pastor and the Executive Ministry Team. He/she shall be an ex-officio member on the Executive Ministry Team.

C. Call: The call of other pastoral staff persons shall be extended by a three-fourths vote

of the members present upon recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee at a duly called business meeting. The call shall be for an indefinite period of time under the terms of the employment covenant.

D. Termination: The relations of other pastoral staff and church will be subject to

termination by such notice as may be mutually agreed upon by the staff employee and congregation as stated in the employee’s Employment Covenant.


Section 3. Other Staff

A. The Office Secretary shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry Team and shall work cooperatively with, and under the leadership of the Pastor and the Support Ministry Leader in the work of the church. Duties will include serving as Secretary to the Pastor in the work of the church and management of the church office. The Secretary may also serve as Financial Secretary or as Treasurer.

B. The Financial Secretary shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry

Team upon recommendation of the Assets Ministry Leader and shall work cooperatively with, and under the leadership of that Ministry Leader and the Pastor of the church in the work of the church. Duties will include receiving all church income and keeping an accurate record of the individual contributions to the General Fund, Missions, and all other funds maintained by the church. The Financial Secretary will report monthly to the Executive Ministry Team and shall send quarterly financial statements to persons who contribute to the church. The Financial Secretary may not serve simultaneously as Treasurer.

C. The Treasurer shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry Team upon

recommendation of the Asset Ministry Leader and shall work cooperatively with, and under the leadership of that Ministry Leader and the Pastor of the church in the work of the church. Duties will include keeping an accurate account of all church expenses and making general fund disbursements as authorized by the Executive Ministry Team, and forwarding mission funds monthly on the basis of the budget for the current year. The Treasurer will prepare a monthly financial statement, a quarterly report, and an annual report. The Treasurer may not serve simultaneously as Financial Secretary.

D. The Music Director shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry Team

upon the recommendation of the Pastor and the Worship Ministry Leader, and shall work cooperatively with, and under the leadership of the Pastor and the Worship Ministry Leader in the work of the church. Duties will include leadership of all music for regular worship services.

E. Director(s) of the Preschool and Staff shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry Team upon recommendation of the Preschool Committee and shall work cooperatively with, and under the leadership of that Committee and the Pastor in the work of the Preschool.

F. The Custodial Staff shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry Team

upon recommendation of the Asset Ministry Leader and shall work cooperatively with that Ministry Leader and the Pastor in the work of the church.

G. Other Non-pastoral Staff shall be hired and/or confirmed by the Executive Ministry

Team upon recommendation of the Pastor and the Ministry Leader most responsible for that area of work, and shall work under the leadership of that Ministry Leader and the Pastor in the work of the church.

ARTICLE 6 - OFFICERS

Section 1. Congregational President


The President shall preside at all business meetings of the Congregation and the Executive Ministry Team and shall be responsible for coordinating the work of the Executive Ministry Team. The President shall have authority to call meetings of the Executive Ministry Team. He/she shall serve as a “trustee” of church property as defined in Article 12, Section 3. The President shall be a church member elected by the congregation to serve a two-year term and may serve a total of three consecutive terms.

Section 2. Support Ministry Leader The Support Ministry Leader will prepare official correspondence and keep a record of all business meetings of the Congregation and the Executive Ministry Team. He/she shall serve as a “trustee” of church property as defined in Article 12, Section 3. The Support Ministry Leader shall be a church member elected by the congregation to serve a two-year term and may serve a total of three consecutive terms.

ARTICLE 7 – RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONGREGATION, THE EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM AND MINISTRY LEADERS

Section 1. The Congregation The Congregation, consisting of the members of the Upper Alton Baptist Church shall be the policy-making body of the church and has final authority in all matters. The officers of the congregation shall be the Congregational President and Support Ministry Leader. The Congregation shall:

A. Elect church officers, church committees, and members of the Executive Ministry Team.

B. Call pastoral staff of minister, associate minister, director of education or other pastoral

staff. C. Approve the budget and authorize all changes. D. Elect delegates to denominational and ecumenical affairs.

E. Authorize purchase, sale or remodeling of property. F. Authorize borrowing of money. G. Receive new members and remove members from the roll.

H. Approve expenditures from all general funds of the congregation and all designated funds exceeding three percent of the annual budget. General funds are those received to be used towards the budget and general operations of the church. Designated funds are unbudgeted monies that come into the church pre-designated for a specific purpose and are used for that purpose. When designated funds are received, the Executive Ministry Team shall assign responsibility of the funds to themselves or another entity within the church.


Section 2. Executive Ministry Team The Executive Ministry Team shall be elected from active members of the church and shall be the administrative arm of the church concerned with its total ministry and operation. The Congregation is the policy making body of the church, and the Executive Ministry Team is charged with responsibility of administering and coordinating the work of the Church. The Executive Ministry Team shall develop and maintain by-laws defining its operational procedures.

A. The Executive Ministry Team shall consist of seven members: the Congregational President, Pastor, and five Ministry Leaders representing the Assets, Discipleship, Outreach, Support, and Worship Ministries.

B. A total of six members shall be elected by the Congregation to the Executive Ministry Team, each under the agreement to serve for a two-year term. A term is two consecutive years (February-January). No member shall be elected to serve more than six consecutive years on the Executive Ministry Team. The Pastor serves as an ex-officio member with voting rights.

C. The Executive Ministry Team shall meet monthly as established by the church calendar.

D. Five elected members of the Executive Ministry Team shall constitute a quorum.

E. The Executive Ministry Team shall perform the following as a part of its administrative duties:

1. Coordinate the work of the Ministries. 2. Assign responsibilities to the Ministry Leaders. 3. Establish new programs and discontinue major established programs. 4. Establish goals 5. Establish the church calendar 6. Employ and discharge non-pastoral staff 7. Declare vacancies on and accept resignations from the Executive Ministry

Team 8. Be responsible for church planning 9. Appoint ad hoc committees and task forces 10. Coordinate and amend guidelines for the work of the Ministries 11. Evaluate the church ministry 12. Provide pastoral care of the members during vacation, leave, or illness of the

Pastor.

Staff reporting directly to the Executive Ministry Team shall include the Pastor, Assistant or Associate Pastor, and any other position as determined by the Executive Ministry Team.

Section 3. Program Implementation Each Ministry Leader will specialize in a Ministry area of the church and shall organize that Ministry so as to facilitate the work assigned to it by the Executive Ministry Team. Each Ministry Leader is responsible for recruiting, equipping, and overseeing the Program Leaders assigned to his/her respective Ministry. The Program Leaders, which shall be detailed in the church’s operating procedures, are the program-implementers of the church. All Program Leaders shall carry out the responsibilities assigned to them by the Congregation and the


Executive Ministry Team. Program Leaders will seek the help of volunteers, including recruiting and equipping team leaders, as necessary to complete their assigned duties.

Section 5. Ministry Leader Descriptions [in alphabetical order per new names] A. Assets Ministry: The Assets Ministry Leader shall have responsibility for all financial

matters and shall have responsibility for the use, operation and maintenance of church property. He/she shall serve as a “trustee” of church property as defined in Article 12, Section 3. The responsibilities of the Assets Ministry Leader shall include developing a plan for routine and special maintenance, developing an annual budget to be presented to the Executive Ministry Team and the Congregation, administering the church budget, fund raising to support the church budget and recommend budget revisions to the Congregation. This Ministry Leader also has the responsibility for all church fund investments and to ensure accurate records of receipt and disbursement. Applicable financial reports shall be maintained and reviewed prior to presenting them to the Executive Ministry Team. The Assets Ministry Leader will provide a written report to the Congregation annually. The Assets Ministry shall include any staff assigned to it. The Assets Ministry Leader shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary and benefits for each applicable staff position. The Assets Ministry Leader will seek the help of volunteers, especially Program Leaders, as necessary to complete their assigned duties.

B. Discipleship Ministry: The Discipleship Ministry Leader shall have responsibilities over

the discipleship programs of the church. This includes programs for children, youth, and adults in Bible study, discipleship, stewardship, and social activities that promote Christian growth. The Discipleship Ministry Leader shall appoint Program Leaders to develop and supervise these programs as necessary to complete their assigned duties. The Discipleship Ministry Leader will provide a written report to the congregation annually. The Discipleship Ministry shall include any staff assigned to it. The Discipleship Ministry Leader shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary and benefits for each applicable position.

C. Outreach Ministry: The Outreach Ministry Leader shall be responsible for assisting the

Pastor(s) in the watch care of the members of the church and for promoting a spirit of Christian love and mutual support among the membership. The Ministry Leader shall be responsible for the outreach and involvement of non-members into the life, membership and service of the church. The Ministry Leader shall be responsible for promoting missions at all levels: local, regional, national and international, and shall promote community service in the Greater Alton Area on behalf of the church. The Outreach Ministry Leader will provide a written report to the congregation annually. The Outreach Ministry shall include any staff assigned to it. The Outreach Ministry Leader shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary and benefits for each applicable staff position. The Outreach Ministry Leader will seek the help of volunteers, especially Program Leaders, as necessary to complete the assigned duties.

D. Support Ministry: The Support Ministry Leader shall have responsibility as record keeper

of minutes, official acts, and agendas. The Ministry Leader will maintain official books of policies and procedures of the Church and will maintain a database of member giftedness and volunteers. This Ministry Leader will also gather and disseminate information to the Congregation and/or the community, sustaining an overall communication strategy to engage members and the community. The Support Ministry Leader will provide a written report to the congregation annually. The Support Ministry shall include any staff assigned


to it. The Support Ministry Leader shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary and benefits for each applicable staff position. The Support Ministry Leader will seek the help of volunteers, especially Program Leaders, as necessary to complete their assigned duties.

E. Worship Ministry: The Worship Ministry Leader shall be responsible for assisting the

Pastor(s) with the coordination and planning of the worship life of the congregation through regular and special worship services. The Worship Ministry Leader shall provide pulpit supply during vacation, leave or illness of the Pastor. The Worship Team Leader will provide a written report to the congregation annually. The Worship Ministry shall include any staff assigned to it. The Worship Ministry Leader shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary and benefits for each applicable staff position. The Worship Ministry Leader will seek the help of volunteers, especially Program Leaders, as necessary to complete their assigned duties.

ARTICLE 8 – STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Auditing Committee The Auditing Committee consisting of three members elected annually by the Congregation, and operating under written guidelines and procedures established by the Executive Ministry Team, shall audit the accounts of the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer annually, together with any special church funds, and shall give a written report at the Annual meeting of the Congregation. Members of this Committee shall not be involved with counting, reporting or handling church monies in any way.

Section 2. Preschool Committee The Preschool Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Ministry Team and ratified by the Congregation. This Committee shall provide spiritual, administrative and facility support to the staff of the Upper Alton Baptist Children’s Center, whose mission is to provide a quality preschool program incorporating Christian curriculum and values. This Committee shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary for each applicable preschool staff. This Committee shall be under the jurisdiction of the Outreach Ministry Leader.

Section 3. Pastoral Relations Committee

A Pastoral Relations Committee will be established and maintained by Members and subject matter consultants if appropriate. This committee will be comprised of four Members selected by the Executive Ministry Team, approved by the pastoral staff, and elected annually by the Congregation. If this committee determines it is in the best interest of the Church and the Staff, it shall enlist the counsel of a subject matter consultant. Primary responsibilities of this committee include:

1. Maintaining a Christian relationship between the Pastoral Staff and the Congregation. This may include mutual support, church conflict issues, and pastoral advocacy with the church.

2. Serving as personal counsel to the pastoral staff. 3. Assisting the Pastoral Staff in developing his or her personal goals of ministry.


4. This committee shall provide a job description, annually evaluate performance, and recommend adjustments in salary and benefits for each applicable Pastoral Staff.

ARTICLE 9 – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Nominations

A. The Executive Ministry Team shall present a slate of officers to the congregation at the annual business meeting. Opportunity shall be provided for nominations from the floor also.

B. The Executive Ministry Team shall present a slate of candidates to the Congregation for a Pastoral Search Committee, as needed. Opportunity shall be provided for nominations from the floor also.

C. No person shall hold two elective offices of the church at one time. This rule does not apply to the Pastoral Search Committee, Pastoral Relations Committee, or Preschool Committee.

Section 2. Vacancy in Office

A. All resignations from office shall be directed to and received by the Executive Ministry Team.

B. In case of vacancy of office, for whatever reason, the Executive Ministry Team will recommend to the congregation the name of a person to fill each vacancy as soon as practical, notice of said meeting having been duly given.

C. The Support Ministry Leader shall keep a record of attendance at the meeting of the Executive Ministry Team. Three consecutive absences without reason shall constitute cause for the Executive Ministry Team to declare the position vacant.

Section 3. Pastoral Search Committee

When the position of Pastor or other pastoral staff, such as Assistant Minister, Associate Minister, or Director of Education is to be filled; the congregation shall elect seven members to serve as a Pastoral Search Committee. The Committee shall include one Ministry Leader or Program Leader (representing each Ministry) and two members from the church at large. The Pastoral Search Committee shall: elect its own chairperson, take the necessary steps to secure a candidate to recommend to the Congregation, provide a written definition of the Pastoral duties and keep the Executive Ministry Team informed of its work. Members of the Pastoral Search Committee shall serve until a candidate is installed. A three-fourths affirmation vote by the congregation shall be necessary to call a Pastor, Director of Education, Assistant Minister or Associate Minister. The vote shall be by secret ballot.


ARTICLE 10 – CHURCH MEETINGS

Section 1. Business Meetings

A. The Annual meeting of the church shall be held on the second Sunday in January or as established by the Executive Ministry Team. At this meeting the annual budget will be adopted, the church officers will be elected, and such other business as may be deemed proper will be transacted. At the January meeting, the Executive Team Leaders shall submit their full written reports to the church for the previous fiscal year – January 1 through December 31.

B. Special business meetings of the church may be called at any time by the Pastor, Congregational President, or by written request of seven members. In all cases, notice of the objective of the special meeting shall be given ten days prior to the meeting in writing and from the pulpit on the previous Sunday, and such business as announced only shall be transacted.

Section 2. Quorum

A quorum for the transaction of business for each fiscal year shall consist of ten percent of the active membership roll as of January 1 of that year.

Section 3. Rules of Order The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary guide.

Section 4. Reception or Transfer of Members and Election of Delegates At any of the regular meetings for worship, the church may without notice, upon recommendation of the Executive Ministry Team, act upon reception or transfer of members and the election of delegates and representatives to denomination meetings.

ARTICLE 11 – LICENSING AND ORDAINING

Licensing and Ordaining When the church receives a request to license or ordain a person to the Christian ministry, it shall follow the procedure suggested by the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region and the American Baptist Churches/U.S.A.

ARTICLE 12 – ISSUES OF FINANCE AND PROPERTY

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the church shall close on the last day of the calendar year.


Section 2. Funding for Operations Money for conducting the church program and missionary outreach shall be obtained primarily from voluntary tithes and offerings. Other funds may come from special church events.

Section 3. Church Trustees The Congregational President, the Assets Ministry Leader, and the Support Ministry Leader shall serve as “trustees” of church property and may sign documents on behalf of the church as may have been authorized at a regular meeting of the church or at a special meeting called for that specific purpose.

Section 4. Nullification of Corporation If the congregation decides to disband (i.e. cease to function as a church), with no intent to merge with any other church organization, the cash value of the assets of the corporation shall be transferred to the Great Rivers Region of the American Baptist Churches/U.S.A. for use in new church development.

ARTICLE 13 – AMENDMENTS Amendments

This constitution may be amended at the annual or a regular meeting of the church by a three-fourths vote of the members present, provided the amendment has been presented to the Executive Ministry Team and that one month’s notice of the nature of the proposed amendment has been published in the church newsletter, and that it has been posted in the narthex of the church at least one week prior to said meeting. Adopted: January 11, 1978 Amended: April 21, 1982 January 24, 1989 December 8, 1993 September 9, 1998 May 17, 2000 April 22, 2001 September 12, 2001 December 1, 2002 January 8, 2006 January 15, 2017


Organizational Charts

Ministry Leaders and Program Leaders


Staff Reporting Structures

Auxiliary Committees

Constitution & By-lawsConstitution & By-laws of Upper Alton Baptist Church 2726 College Avenue...

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