Constitution
Of the Floyds Knobs Baptist Church
Adopted January 10th, 2021
Preamble
For the more certain preservation of, and security of the principles of our faith, and in order that this body may be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the teachings of the Holy Scripture and for the purpose of preserving the rights which are inherent in each member of this church and the freedom of action of this body, with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution.
Article I – Name
This body shall be known as the Floyds Knobs Baptist Church.
Article 2 – Mission Statement
Saved by Grace, through Christ alone, we share God’s love in worship and witness.
Seeking to Live the Gospel of Jesus in word and deed.
Shining the Light of Jesus throughout our community and our world.
Article 3 – Vision Statement
“We desire to be a biblically rooted church, extending loving grace to one another, being to one another what Christ is to us, and living and growing together while centered on Christ.”
Article 4 – Core Values
PREAMBLE: Believing that the holiness of God, the leadership of Christ, the authority of Holy Scripture, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit are the basis of our faith, we are devoted to:
PERSISTENT PRAYER: Acts 2:42-46 We are committed to continual, fervent prayer both individually and as a church, seeking God’s will, interceding for one another, and maintaining a daily walk of faith.
SINCERE WORSHIP: Acts 2:42, 46 We value intentional, inclusive worship that exalts and honors God, celebrates Christ with joy and thanksgiving, and submits to the Holy Spirit in obedience and reverence.
SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP: Acts 2:42-45 We seek by every reasonable means to demonstrate kindness and compassion to one another and thereby build a fellowship of mutual caring and sharing.
MISSION OUTREACH: Acts 2:44-47 We share the love of Christ by seeking to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the people of our community and the world so that all may come to know our Lord.
THE INTEGRITY OF SALVATION: Acts 2:38-41,47 We believe that salvation is a gift of grace, not of works, extended by God to all who come to Christ by faith, and that the believer is eternally secure in that relationship.
SACRIFICIAL LIVING: Acts 2:44-45 We commit together to be effective stewards of our lives, and to joyfully and sacrificially offer our time, talents, and resources in our life and work together.
ACCOUNTABILITY AS MEMBERS: Acts 5:1-11 We hold that members are accountable to one another for words and actions with the goal of achieving and maintaining a fellowship of honor, truthfulness, confidentiality, and unity in love in our service to the Lord.
CHURCH GOVERNMENT: Acts 6:1-7 We hold that all church leaders are to be persons of highest character and integrity, prayerfully selected by and accountable to the congregation, and that the congregation governs itself as an autonomous and orderly democracy under God.
Article 5 – Statement of Faith
This church adopts as its statement of faith the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.
Article 6 – Covenant
Having been led, as we believe by the spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this congregation, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our conduct; to avoid all gossip, slander, and excessive anger; to abstain from the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and to seek to grow in fellowship with one another.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, continue gathering with other believers where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.
Article 7 – Character
Polity: The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and supports the obligations of mutual counsel and co-operation which are common among churches affiliated with the Southeastern Association, the State Convention of Baptist in Indiana, Southern Baptist Convention and the Larger Baptist Family Worldwide.
Doctrine: The church accepts the Scriptures as its sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of Baptist Churches as indicated in the Statement of Faith, included herein.
Amen.
Bylaws
Adopted January 10th, 2021
Article 1 – Membership
1.1 Qualifications
1.1.1 To qualify for membership in this church, an individual must meet the following requirements:
Be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration;
Be baptized by immersion in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration;
Wholeheartedly believe in the Christian faith as revealed in the Scripture;
Subscribe to the doctrines of our church and not hold any settled convictions contrary to them, in accord with our Statement of Faith,
Pledge to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant.
1.1.2 The normal process for membership in this church consists of:
Completion of the membership class;
An interview with one or more elder(s); and
A vote at any members’ meeting based on the elders’ recommendation and the person’s profession of faith as presented in their written testimony.
1.2 Admission of Members
1.2.1 Applicants shall be recommended by the elders for church membership and approved by at least 75% of voting members. Upon acceptance, newly affirmed members shall relinquish their membership in other churches.
1.3 Duties and Privileges of Membership
1.3.1 Members shall be expected to participate actively in the life of the church in accordance with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant by:
Regularly attending its Lord’s Day gatherings;
Faithfully observing its ordinances;
Submitting to its instruction, accountability, and discipline if necessary;
Attending its members’ meetings and voting on all matters submitted to the congregation’s vote;
Giving their time, resources and gifts to the ministry of the church.
1.3.2 Only members shall lead any ministry or hold any office of the church.
1.4 Watchcare Membership
1.4.1 Students and others temporarily residing in the local area who are members of an evangelical church may apply for watchcare membership. Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out above, except that the home church membership must be retained. A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant's home church.
1.4.2 Duties and privileges of watchcare members are the same as for other members except that:
When absent from the local area for extended periods of time they are released from the responsibility to attend our church services;
While they will be encouraged to participate in members' meetings, they will not be eligible to stand for any office or to vote.
1.4.3 Termination of watchcare membership as a disciplinary measure will be as it is for other members, except that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that termination. Watchcare membership will normally terminate immediately upon the ending of the period of temporary residence in the local area.
1.5 Termination of Membership
1.5.1 The church shall recognize the termination of an individual’s membership following his or her death, or may do so following his or her voluntary resignation or joining with another church, or as a matter of church discipline, or for administrative reasons.
1.5.2 The church shall have authority to refuse a member’s voluntary resignation or transfer of membership to another church, either for the purpose of proceeding with a process of church discipline, or for any other biblical reason.
1.5.3 A member shall be removed from the church membership upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of at least 75% of voting members.
1.6 Church Discipline
1.6.1 Formative discipline, the regular instruction for Christian living, is inherent in the preaching, teaching, and exercise of other ministries in the church. When formative discipline fails due to sin, corrective discipline is then necessary. Corrective discipline, calling one to repentance from sin, is for the good of the church and the member who has sinned. The goal of corrective discipline is always remedial, that is, the goal is always the salvation and holiness and good of the one being disciplined.
1.6.2 Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the admonition of the elders and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matt. 18:15-17 and the example of Scripture. Church discipline, then, should only be contemplated after faithful efforts have been made to bring such a member to repentance and amendment, individual private admonition has failed, and only after due notice and hearing has been given. Church discipline can include admonition by the elders or congregation, removal from office, and excommunication (see 2 Thes. 3:14-15, 1 Tim. 5:19-20; 1 Cor 5:4-5).
1.6.3 The purpose of such discipline should be:
for the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (Heb. 12:1-11; Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:5; Gal. 6:1);
for the instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (1 Cor. 5:11; 1 Tim. 5:20; Heb. 10:24-25);
for the purity of the church (1 Cor. 5:6-7; Eph. 5:27; Rev. 21:2);
for the good of our corporate witness to non-Christians (Matt. 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:10-14); and
supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (Deut. 5:11; John 15:8; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:12).
1.6.4 It is desirable in the case of public sin that a confession be made before the church in a special called meeting, so that the church can freely extend forgiveness. Such public confession is especially necessary in the case of elders and deacons (1 Tim. 5:19-20; Gal. 2:11-14).
Article 2 – Meetings
2.1 Worship Meetings
2.1.1 The church shall meet each Sunday morning for the worship of 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 elders. No other regular activities shall be held at these times.
2.2 Members’ Meetings
2.2.1 In every meeting together, members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2.2.2 There shall be a members' meeting at least every quarter, at some time apart from the Sunday morning service, and at a time acceptable to the membership. The elders shall see that the stated meetings of the church are regularly held and that required reports are submitted to the church by the responsible members.
2.2.3 Special members' meetings may be called as requested by the elders, or at the written request, submitted to the elders, of 10% of the voting membership. In the event of a written request from the members, the elders shall call a special meeting to be held within one month of their receipt of the request.
2.2.4 The chairman of the elders shall preside as moderator at all members' meetings of the church unless the elders chose to appoint another church member to perform as moderator. The date, time, and purpose of any regular or special meeting shall be announced at all public services of the church at least one week preceding the meeting.
2.2.5 A properly called members’ meeting shall be any regular or specially called members’ meeting held according to the provisions of these bylaws and provided all requirements for notification have been met. A quorum shall be understood to be met by those members present at any such meeting. No motions may be adopted during a members’ meeting that has not been properly called.
2.2.6 Members’ meetings shall proceed according to a reasonable order. Motions shall be adopted upon the agreement of a majority (> 50%) of the members present and voting on the question, except as otherwise provided for in these bylaws. Unless otherwise specified, references in these bylaws to percentages of members present shall be understood to be in reference to the percentage of members present and voting at any properly called members’ meeting.
2.2.7 Provided the church has at least three elders, and subject to the restrictions of 3.2.9, resolutions may be adopted by the elders without putting a motion before the congregation. Any such resolution shall be reported to the church at the next reasonable opportunity, no later than the next members' meeting, and may be reversed by a majority of voting members. The adoption of resolutions by the elders without congregational approval should be handled carefully, should generally not be used with issues that are likely to be sensitive or divisive, and should not become the normal mode of operation for the church.
2.2.8 The elders should make every effort to publish a meeting agenda at least one week prior to the meeting with enough information that the membership can come relatively informed to the meeting. Care should be used to avoid surprising the church with urgent issues that put undue pressure on the deliberation and voting process.
2.2.9 Members who wish to see issues addressed in a members’ meeting should first seek counsel with the elders regarding that issue and should generally submit to the elder’s leadership (Heb 13:17) regarding church matters. In exceptional circumstances, upon the agreement of at least two members (1 Tim 5:19), said members may appeal to the congregation to put an issue on the meeting agenda. The process for such an appeal is as follows:
Prior to the start of a meeting, preferably with at least a week’s notice, the members making the appeal should notify the moderator that they intend to make an appeal to the congregation under this provision of the bylaws. This notice must be in writing, signed by the members, and include the statement they wish to make to the congregation (limited to five minutes) regarding the issue(s) they would like to see addressed and why an appeal is warranted.
As the first order of business in the meeting, the moderator must announce that an agenda appeal has been made and will then give one of the members making the appeal the opportunity to read the previously submitted written statement. The member shall not deviate from the written statement and the moderator shall limit the statement to five minutes.
The elders will then have five minutes to respond to the request for appeal.
During the above two time periods, there shall be no discussion or cross-talk between the appealing members, attending members, or the elders. This time period is solely for the purpose of presenting and responding to whether or not the appeal, and corresponding interruption of the agenda, is warranted.
The moderator will then call for a vote of the attending members to approve the appeal. Upon majority approval, the item shall be immediately taken up for further discussion according to the reasonable order called for above. If the attending members reject the appeal, the appealing members will submit to that judgment and, if warranted, seek forgiveness from the elders and congregation for interrupting the meeting.
This provision exists to allow members to bring significant concerns regarding the church, presumably not shared by the elders, into the view of the entire membership for awareness and judgement (1 Cor 6:3). It provides a mechanism to respectfully and peacefully resolve severe elder/member disagreement and thereby avoid dissension, division, and/or the creation of factions. It’s imperative that those participating in the appeal process not be quarrelsome but be kind to each other, patiently endure differences of perspective, and operate with gentleness and humility (2 Tim 2:24-25).
Article 3 – Officers
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 Jesus Christ is the Lord and head of this church, and He rules primarily through the Scriptures.
3.1.2 The biblical offices in the church are elders (to lead and shepherd) and deacons (to serve), but the church is ultimately governed by the congregation. In addition to the biblical offices, our church recognizes other necessary officer positions as described below. Offices may only be filled by members of this church of sound moral character, free of persistent unrepentant sin, who affirm the statement of faith and church covenant without reservation, and are not under church discipline.
3.1.3 With the exception of staff elders, KOTK director, treasurer, and financial secretary, each office has a term limit of three (3) years. A member may only serve for two (2) consecutive terms in any office (6 years total), requiring at least a one (1) year abstention before being permitted to fill the same office again.
3.1.4 The offices defined in these bylaws are the minimum offices required to exist in the church. As enumerated in 3.2.5 below, the elders have broad discretion to organize the ministries of the church and assign members to serve, lead, and teach in informal positions that do not necessitate an elevation of the position to a church office. However, when deemed prudent, the elders may, with the approval of 75% of the congregation, establish or terminate, as a matter of policy, other offices in the church. The description and responsibility of such offices shall be presented to the congregation as part of the nomination and election process. Subject to the restrictions Scripture places on a woman’s role in the church (1 Tim 2:11ff), care should be given to recognize women gifted for ministry and appoint them to positions and offices that facilitate the exercise of those gifts for the benefit of the church.
3.2 Elders
3.2.1 Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall provide oversight to the ministry, financial management, and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17; Tit. 1:5-9; Jas. 5:14; and 1 Pet. 5:1-4, the elders shall seek the mind of Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as they undertake the work of shepherding God's flock. The elders shall teach and exhort; refute those who contradict the truth; pray for the sick; care for the church’s members; devote themselves to prayer, to the government of the church and to ministry. The elders shall provide oversight of the congregation and lead the church to fulfill its ministries. The biblical terms “elder,” “pastor,” and “overseer” are understood to refer to the same biblical office.
3.2.2 The elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Tit. 1:6-9 and fully affirm the Church’s Statement of Faith. Only men may serve as elders in accord with 1 Tim. 2:12; 3:2. No elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure. For the purpose of these bylaws elders receiving compensation from the church shall be called “staff elders” or “staff pastors” and those not receiving compensation shall be called “lay elders,” although biblically and functionally there is no difference among the elders.
3.2.3 The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections (see Article 4). These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders.
3.2.4 An elder’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the elders and, if necessary, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matt. 18:15-17 and 1 Tim. 5:17-21. An elder may be dismissed by approval of at least 66% of voting members.
3.2.5 The elders shall take particular responsibility to oversee worship services, including the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; equip the membership for the work of the ministry; encourage and teach sound doctrine; admonish and correct error; oversee the process of church discipline; coordinate and promote the ministries of the church; mobilize the church for world missions; examine and instruct prospective members; examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions; and oversee anyone working on behalf of the church which includes officers, staff, volunteers, vendors, and consultants. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.
3.2.6 The elders shall establish and oversee ministry positions and teams (e.g. Stewardship and Personnel) to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders shall also have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. The outworking of this responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated.
3.2.7 A paid or volunteer staff position does not in and of itself constitute an elder’s position.
3.2.8 In proposing paid staff positions, the elders shall present a job description for each position to the membership for approval. The elders shall present a request to dismiss staff elders to the congregation. The elders may hire and terminate non-elder staff, or delegate that responsibility on a case-by-case basis.
3.2.9 The elders may choose to operate among themselves by consensus, but they must have at least 75% approval of the elders in order to proceed with any decision as a body.
3.2.10 The elders shall elect a chairman who shall chair the elders’ meetings. The chairman, if possible, should be a lay elder.
3.2.11 For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Indiana, the chairman of the elders shall serve as the president of the corporation.
3.3 The Lead Pastor
3.3.1 The Lead Pastor shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 3.2, above. He shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the ministry of preaching and teaching the word of God.
3.3.2 The Lead Pastor shall oversee the other paid staff members, unless the elders assign this responsibility to another Staff Pastor.
3.3.3 In the absence or incapacity of the Lead Pastor, the other elders shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated.
3.4 Deacons
3.4.1 The deacons shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of deacon set forth in 1 Tim. 3:8-13 (cf. Acts 6:1-7). The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections (see Article 4), men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, who possess gifts of ministry, and who are called to further service and care for the church’s members. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the ministry and the call and qualifications of men in the church. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons.
3.4.2 Deacons shall advise and assist the elders in any service that shall support and promote the ministry of the Word, new and existing ministries of the church, and the care of the members of the congregation. The deacons may be organized in the most fitting way to accomplish the mission of the church. Each deacon shall serve a particular need of the church and diaconal roles shall be created or dissolved upon the decision of the elders.
3.4.3 The responsibilities of deacons do not include preaching, teaching, or spiritual oversight, which are the responsibilities of the elders. Deacons exercise a ministry of service, not a ministry of spiritual leadership. Although, they may teach and preach in contexts in which they are not infringing upon the oversight duties of elders (Acts 6-7:53; Titus 2:3).
3.5 Clerk
3.5.1 It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the minutes of all regular and special members' meetings of the church, to preserve an accurate roll of the membership, and to render reports as requested by the elders, deacons, or the church.
3.5.2 In the absence or incapacity of the clerk, the elders shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the clerk.
3.5.3 For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Indiana, the clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation.
3.5.4 The clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of the church constitution and bylaws shall be available for all church members.
3.6 Stewardship Team
3.6.1 The elders shall develop and recommend an overall stewardship plan and present it to the Stewardship Team for input and further recommendation.
3.6.2 The officers of the Stewardship Team shall consist of the treasurer, financial secretary, an elder, a deacon, and at-large members. The at-large members are to be recommended by the Stewardship Team and elders to the church.
3.6.3 Each year the Stewardship Team, with the approval of the elders, shall distribute an itemized budget to the church for congregational review. At least two weeks later, and preceding the start of the fiscal year, a member of the Stewardship Team shall present the itemized budget at a members' meeting after which the budget shall be discussed and called up for a vote.
3.6.4 No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of the church without the approval of the elders.
3.6.5 The financial records shall be reviewed annually by the Stewardship Team and an elder that is not part of the stewardship team. During the review process the financial secretary and treasurer shall excuse themselves.
3.7 Treasurer
3.7.1 The elders shall nominate an at-large church member to hold this position. Upon the nomination of an individual by the elders, the church shall elect annually a treasurer. The treasurer shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as designated by the church.
3.7.2 The treasurer shall also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent of the church.
3.7.3 The treasurer (or designee from the Stewardship Team) shall render to the elders at least once a quarter, or whenever they may require it, an account of all financial transactions and of the financial condition of the church. The treasurer (or designee from the Stewardship Team) shall also be responsible for presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues, and expenses of the church at regular members' meetings.
3.7.4 The treasurer, and all others authorized to sign checks, shall be bonded.
3.8 Financial Secretary
3.8.1 The elders shall nominate an at-large church member to hold the office of Financial Secretary. Upon the nomination of an individual by the elders, the church shall elect annually a financial secretary.
3.8.2 It shall be the duty of the financial secretary to oversee all monetary contributions, prepare bank deposits, and provide a statement of contributions to members annually or as requested by the church.
3.8.3 Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, the records shall be kept and preserved as part of the permanent records of the church.
3.9 Personnel Team
3.9.1 The Personnel Team assists the church in matters relating to staff administration and management. The Personnel Team will work with the elders in determining and recommending job descriptions, compensation, and benefits packages. They may also help track vacation, sick, and personal days.
3.9.2 The office of the Personnel Team will be filled by a minimum of three members and one elder.
3.10 Trustees
3.10.1 The office of Trustee shall be filled by three or more non-paid elders, or other church members as designated by the elders, who will hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action.
3.10.2 It shall be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents where the signatures of trustees are required.
3.11 Kids of the Kingdom Director
3.11.1 The elders are responsible for developing a vision for the Kids of the Kingdom (KOTK) Day School program as a ministry of this church. That vision shall then be presented to the congregation for review and approval.
3.11.2 The elders shall, in cooperation with the Personnel and Stewardship teams:
Develop a job description for the Director of KOTK, which is an office and paid staff position (see also 3.2.8 which applies to this position).
When needed, search for, interview, and nominate a member to fill the office of Director of KOTK.
In consultation with the KOTK director, develop and set forth the general guidelines for the management of the program and its finances and hire other KOTK staff.
Article 4 – Elections
4.1 Guiding Principles
4.1.1 The process for church elections shall be interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles:
Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, shall be an integral part of the election process.
The elders shall seek input from the congregation before putting forward candidate nominations.
All candidates for church office shall be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow members.
The election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4.2 Election of Officers
4.2.1 The election of officers shall be held as needed in a members’ meeting of the church. Prior to the election, the elders should seek recommendations and involvement from the general membership in the nomination process.
4.2.2 A slate of names of nominees to serve as officers in the church shall be presented by the elders and made known to the church at least one month prior to voting. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should express such concern to the elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to a candidate should express their objection to the elders as far in advance as possible before the members’ meeting at which the candidates are to be voted on.
4.2.3 Election of officers requires approval of 75% of voting members.
4.2.4 The persons elected shall assume their respective offices at the beginning of the fiscal year (unless another date has been specifically designated). Elections to fill any need that may occur during the course of the year may be held at any members' meeting upon recommendation of the elders.
4.3 Calling of Lead and Staff Pastor
4.3.1 A Lead or other Staff Pastor shall be selected as follows: The elders shall at any members’ meeting present to the church the name of one nominee for the position. For a period of at least one month, the church shall consider the nominee’s:
desire to be a member of this church along with the privileges and responsibilities thereof;
gifts in preaching, teaching, and leadership (for Lead Pastor) or in the particular area of service to which he is being called (for Staff Pastor);
commitment to minister personally to the members of this church;
ability to carry out the responsibilities of elder as elsewhere enumerated in these bylaws;
character qualifications and fitness to be an elder as elsewhere enumerated in these bylaws.
When a period of at least one month has elapsed, the elders shall at the next members’ meeting present the nominee to the church for a vote. If the nominee receives approval of at least 75% of voting members, he shall be a member of the church, an elder, and Lead or Staff Pastor, whom the church shall in due haste publicly recognize as such.
4.3.2 A Lead or other Staff Pastor shall meet all the qualifications and hold all the rights and responsibilities of a member of the church. He shall satisfy all the qualifications and hold all the duties and responsibilities of an elder. In terms of church authority, there shall be no distinction between an elder, Staff Pastor, or Lead Pastor.
4.3.3 A Lead or Staff pastor should be evaluated in the same way any other elder would be evaluated by the church. The process in this section is intended to complement, not replace, that evaluation.
Article 5 - Marriages and Weddings
5.1 Doctrinal Position
5.1.1 Floyds Knobs Baptist Church (FKBC) supports and affirms the doctrinal position on “The Family” as published in Article XVIII of the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention (2000). In particular, FKBC supports and affirms the definition of marriage as stated in that document:
“Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.”
5.2 Application of the Doctrine
5.2.1 To help preserve the biblical position on marriage, as identified above, only those weddings (and affiliated events) that involve a biological man and a biological woman will be permitted on the campus/grounds of FKBC .
5.2.2 FKBC also will not recognize, sanction nor approve of any marriage involving its members that are outside the “one biological man and one biological woman” biblical boundary, as stated above.
5.2.3 Further, the elders (or any other members) of FKBC shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one biological man and one biological woman.
5.2.4 Consistent with the local church’s authority over policies and practices that take place under the sanctioning of FKBC, and to preserve the biblical position on marriage, as identified above, weddings (and affiliated events) on the campus/grounds of FKBC will be limited to those couples, at least one of whom is a member of FKBC.
Article 6 - Indemnification
6.1 Mandatory Indemnification
6.1.1 If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, or agent of the church, the church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, (c) in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and (d) the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The church shall purchase appropriate insurance to meet these potential liabilities.
6.2 Permissive Indemnification
6.2.1 At the discretion of the elders, the church also may indemnify any person who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church's best interest and not unlawful.
6.3 Procedure
6.3.1 If a quorum – consisting of 75% – of the elders is not available for an indemnification determination because of the number of elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by special legal counsel appointed by the membership in a members’ meeting.
Article 7 - Dispute Resolution
7.1 Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian church (see, e.g., Matt. 18:15- 20; 1 Cor. 6:1-8), the church shall urge its members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblically based principles, without reliance on the secular courts. Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church shall encourage the use of biblically based principles and the avoidance of suits of law to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or pagan and whether individuals or corporate entities. The elders shall adopt policies and procedures to affect these aspirations.
Article 8 - Amendments
8.1 The constitution and bylaws may be amended at a member’s meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members' meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.
Bylaws amendments: need at least 75% approval of voting members
Constitution amendments: need at least 80% approval of voting members
8.2 The elders shall appoint a team to review the constitution & bylaws at least every other year.
Appendix I - Historical Commentary
The constitution and bylaws themselves are the “what.”This appendix is intended to capture the historical context for “why” and “how” significant changes are made to these documents. This appendix should not be separated from the other documents.
2020 Revisions
From October 2019 to February 2020, this bylaws review committee undertook an extensive review of the then-existing bylaws. In the Fall of 2020, we chose to propose an entirely new set of bylaws for our church. We made that decision for at least these reasons:
Over time the existing bylaws had become a mix of foundational guidelines and detailed policy & instructions, some of which were no longer needed or observed. Additionally, the document had grown to lack cohesion in many places.
The bylaws mandated a number of programs, departments, committees, and organizations, some of which were no longer utilized by the church.
When compared with bylaws from other churches, the bylaws were not as heavily grounded in or supported by biblical principles and references.
The governance model of the church was single-pastor (elder) committee-led congregationalism with the deacon role being a mix of deacon and elder responsibilities. After study, we came to the conclusion the most biblical model of church governance is elder-led (plurality), deacon served, congregationalism (congregationalism means final authority on all matters rests in the congregation as a whole).
With the above in mind, we encourage current and future generations to consider the following:
The bylaws should generally be reserved for foundational principles and policies that are likely to matter for at least 10 years. Additionally, the bylaws are by their nature intended to be minimal. They are the foundation, not the entire building. The church will need to build additional policies and practices on top of the principles and policies laid out in these bylaws. Use other documents, not the bylaws, to record policy that is not foundational and/or that is likely to need frequent updates to remain relevant and helpful in the life of the church.
These bylaws reference scripture, but are not scripture. They should be updated if needed, but with care, making sure the document as a whole remains biblically faithful, cohesive within itself, avoids unnecessary complexity, and is actually helpful in governing the church.
Elder-led congregationalism is a “trust and verify” system. The congregation elects men from among themselves who they believe have the character and wisdom to lead. The congregation then voluntarily entrusts authority to and submits to these men as they lead the church to fulfill its biblical mandates. It remains the congregation's responsibility to keep watch over the elders to ensure they remain faithful, wise, and godly men. Should their actions as individuals or decisions as a body clearly contradict scripture, or should they morally disqualify themselves from pastoral ministry, the congregation has the responsibility of removing them from leadership. This church governance model only works as long as members are fulfilling their biblical responsibilities and choosing elders who have the wisdom and character that identifies those God has chosen to lead. Godly elders will respect, encourage, and faithfully teach all aspects of this governance model, including those aspects that limit their authority and call for their accountability. Should elders ever be found to be abusing the flock, they should be censured and removed from office with due haste.
These bylaws were shaped by well-researched resources grounded in biblical exegesis. That is, while we appreciate and respect personal opinion and experience, we wanted the Bible to be the primary influence on what we think and believe about how the church should function. In that regard, we benefited greatly from 9Marks ministry’s resources in helping us understand the biblical teaching on church governance, a congregation’s authority, and the role and character of elders. We encourage current and future church members to review 9Marks’ resources to help them understand and embrace the governance model adopted in these bylaws.
These bylaws were derived from the constitution and bylaws of Oak Park Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, IN and Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. We affirm independent governance of our church but also see wisdom in benefiting from the work done by those churches in establishing their founding documents. To the extent those churches remain faithful to the scriptures and demonstrate wisdom in church governance, their founding documents and any changes thereof could be considered by future teams assigned to review and recommend changes to these bylaws.
We pray this document will bless this congregation now and for years to come. To God be the glory.
2019-20 Bylaws Review Committee