The Constitution and By-Laws of Orcutt Baptist Church

Newport News, Virginia

The Constitution Revised December 18, 2013 By-Laws Revised December 18, 2013

THE CONSTITUTION OF ORCUTT BAPTIST CHURCH

PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this Constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith. This Constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.

Orcutt Baptist Church

ARTICLE I - NAME

ARTICLE II PURPOSE, VISION, AND MISSION

A. Purpose and Vision Connecting Christ to the Peninsula and beyond by telling His story, teaching His way, and transforming lives through His love. B. Mission 1. Celebrate Gods presence WORSHIP 2. Demonstrate Gods love MINISTRY/MISSION 3. Communicate Gods word EVANGELISM 4. Incorporate Gods People into His family FELLOWSHIP 5. Educate Gods People DISCIPLESHIP

We believe in the souls competency before God, and that each person has the ability to respond directly to God. We believe in freedom in religion. We believe in the priesthood of believers, that through Christ we have direct access to God and the responsibility to act for God. Hebrews 4:14-16, I Peter 2:5, 9 A. God: We believe there is only one living and true God, a personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinitely holy and perfect. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He is three persons with distinct attributes, but united in nature, essence and being. 1. God the Father: God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, according to the purposes of His will. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in his attitude toward all men. Genesis 1:1, Jeremiah 10:10, Ephesians 4:6 2. God the Son: Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body, ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and man. Matthew 16:16, John 11:25-27, Luke 19:10, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38
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ARTICLE III - STATEMENT OF FAITH AND DOCTRINE

3. God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God. He inspired the writing of the Bible and enables men to understand the truths. He convicts sinners, calls them to Christ whom He exalts, and causes regeneration. He bestows spiritual gifts upon believers, and empowers them with Himself, enabling them to serve God. He seals the believer unto the final day of redemption, giving him assurance of salvation. John 4:24, Romans 8:9-11, Romans 8:14-16 B. The Scriptures: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of Gods revelation. It has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The standard by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ. Psalm 19:7-10, I Peter 1:25, II Timothy 3:15-17 C. Man: We believe that man was created by a special act of God, in His own image. In the beginning man was innocent of sin. Through the temptation of Satan, man by his free choice transgressed the command of God and fell from his original state of sinlessness. All mankind inherits a nature inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors under condemnation. Genesis 1:26-30, Genesis 2:7, Romans 3:23 D. Salvation: We believe that salvation involves redemption of the whole man and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. 1. Regeneration, or new birth, is the work of Gods grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin to God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior. Justification is Gods full acquittal of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to Gods purposes, and is able to progress continuously toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final, blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. Matthew 4:17, Matthew 16:24-25, Hebrews 7:25, Colossians 1:9-22, Acts 4:12

2. 3. 4.

5.

E. Gods Purpose of Grace: We believe election is the gracious purpose of God, in which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. In His infinite wisdom, Gods grace is a glorious display of Gods sovereign goodness and is holy and unchangeable. It is consistent with mans freedom to choose whether or not he will be in Christ. Those whom God has accepted in Christ and sanctified by His Spirit will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end, being kept by the power of God. John 10:27-29, Ephesians 1:4-23, I John 3:2-3

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F. The Church: We believe that a New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, committed to His teachings, and seeking to extend the Gospel. The New Testament also speaks of the church as the body of Christ which includes the redeemed of all the ages. Matthew 16:15-19, I Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:22-23 G. Baptism and the Lords Supper: We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in which the believer bears witness of personal faith in the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior. It also symbolizes the believers death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in the newness of life in Jesus Christ. It is a prerequisite to church membership. We believe the Lords Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby Christians, through partaking of the bread (symbolic of the broken body) and the fruit of the vine (symbolic of the shed blood) memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His coming again. Mark 1:9-11, Mark 14:22-26, I Corinthians 10:16-17, I Corinthians 11:23-29, Romans 6:3-5 H. The Lords Day: We believe the first day of the week is the Lords Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Our lives should reflect the hallowedness of this day. Exodus 20:8-9, Mark 16:1-7, Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10 I. The Kingdom: We believe that the Kingdom of God includes His Sovereignty over the universe and His Lordship over those who are willing to acknowledge and accept Him as Lord. The Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by truthful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. It is the duty of all Christians to pray and labor that the Kingdom may come and Gods will be done on earth, always looking toward the return of Christ. Psalm 50:10-11, I Corinthians 15:24-28, Colossians 1:13-14, Revelation 11:15 J. Last Things: We believe that God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth. Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The righteous in their resurrected bodies will receive their rewards and will dwell in heaven with the Lord; the unrighteousness will go to everlasting punishment. Matthew 25:31-46, John 14:1-3, Revelation 20:11-15

K. Evangelism and Missions: We believe that it is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The missionary effort is a spiritual necessity of the regenerated life and a repeated commandment in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the Gospel of Christ. Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-53, Romans 10:13-15 L. Stewardship: We believe that God is the source of all blessings; all that we have and are, we owe to Him. We are therefore under obligation to serve Him as faithful stewards of our time, talents and material possessions. Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, proportionally and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemers cause on the earth. Malachi 3:8-12, Matthew 6:19-21, I Corinthians 16:1-2 M. Cooperation: We believe that members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christs kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christs people. Cooperation is desirable between various Christian denominations when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when
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such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His word as revealed in the New Testament. Matthew 28:19-20, Galatians 1:6-10, Ephesians 4:1-16 N. The Christian and the Social Order: We believe that every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in their own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, vice and evil. The Christian should seek to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, the lonely, the sick and the addicted. Every Christian should seek in the name of Christ to bring society as a whole under the influence of the principles of righteousness, truth and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth. Exodus 20:3-17, Micah 6:8, Luke 4:18-21 O. Peace and War: We believe it is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the Gospel of our Lord working conversion in men. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of Him and His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the application of His law of love. Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18-19 P. Religious Liberty: We believe that God alone being Lord of our conscience, we are not obligated to obey those commandments of men which are contrary to His Word and Spirit. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The state has no right to impose penalties for the support of any religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power. John 8:36, Acts 4:19-20, I Peter 2:12-17

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it and is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body. This Constitution shall be supplemented with By-Laws that shall state procedure and provisions to carry out this Constitution and define the functions, list officers and committees of the church, terms of office and responsibilities of each. This Constitution supersedes and nullifies all previously approved or adopted Constitutions. This church shall voluntarily and actively support and be affiliated with the Peninsula Baptist Association, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and the Southern Baptist Convention. The membership of this church shall be open to all who meet the criteria of membership as stated in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE IV - GOVERNMENT AND POLICY

1. This Constitution may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by a two-thirds vote of eligible voting members (as defined in the By-Laws, ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP, Section F., Items 1, 2, 3) at any scheduled business meeting of the church. Any proposed adoption, amendment, alteration or repeal shall be published and made available to church members at least fifteen (15) days prior to such vote. All recommendations must be submitted in writing to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee for review and presentation to the church.
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ARTICLE V - AMENDMENTS

2. The adoption of this Constitution will effect a repeal of all previously adopted rules. All amendments or revisions will, after passage by the church, be added to the copies of the Constitution and made available to church members upon request to the Church Business Administrator. A copy of this Constitution will be kept in the Church Office. 3. Modifications to the Constitution shall be maintained in a log by the Church Business Administrator and a copy kept with the original document in the Church Office.

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THE BY-LAWS OF ORCUTT BAPTIST CHURCH

ARTICLE I- MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A. MEMBERSHIP The membership of this church will be composed of persons who give evidence that they profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and have been baptized by immersion. Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential of the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of the church, to give regularly to its support and to share in its organized work. SECTION B. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS Membership may be requested in the following ways: 1. Profession of Faith. Persons may be received as candidates for membership upon their public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at a worship service and subsequent baptism by immersion (Matt. 10:32). 2. Letter. A member of another Baptist church of like faith will be received as a candidate for membership by receiving a letter of transfer. 3. Statement of Faith. Anyone who has been a member of a Baptist church or a church whose doctrine and form of baptism are like our own and has no regular letter of transfer, can be received as a candidate for membership into our fellowship. 4. Restoration. Any person whose membership has been terminated will, upon satisfactory review by the Senior Pastor and Deacons, be received as a candidate for membership. SECTION C. BECOMING A CHURCH MEMBER Any individual requesting church membership in the previously mentioned ways (see Article I, Section B Reception of Members) shall become a participating member upon affirmation by the body in any regular worship service or special called meeting. All incoming members, particularly new believers or those from another denomination, are requested to complete a new member orientation at their earliest convenience. SECTION D. MEMBERSHIP ROLLS There will be two membership rolls. 1. Resident Membership Roll: a. Participating: members who support the programs of the Church through attendance, participation or have contributed to the work of the Church. b. Non-participating: members who have not attended, participated or contributed to the work of the church for a one-year period. When a member is identified by the Church Business Administrator as non-participating, the members name will be forwarded to the Senior Pastor so that an effort may be made to restore the individual as a participating member. An individual will not be identified as a non-participating member when they are unable to participate due to medical necessity or while a student outside the local area. 2. Non-resident Membership Roll: members who move from the community and no longer take an active part in the church will be placed on the non-resident membership roll. After a two year period, the individual shall be contacted to inform them that their membership will be terminated. SECTION E. CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS 1. Transfer of Membership Letter. A letter of transfer will be granted to any church of like faith for members who desire a change of membership. 2. Termination of Membership. a. When a member joins a church of different faith and order, their membership in this church will be terminated.
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b. A member may request to be released from their obligations to the church and their membership terminated. c. Should the whereabouts of a member become unknown despite efforts by the Church Business Administrator to locate such person, the persons name shall be erased from the membership roll after a minimum period of two years. 3. Dismissal Due to Death. The church shall remove the name of a member who dies. SECTION F. VOTING RIGHTS OF CHURCH MEMBERS Church members eligible to vote at a business meeting may present, speak and vote on items. 1. Considering the gravity and consequence involved in voting for transactions of the church, only resident members age 14 and older can vote. 2. Church members who are in the building performing church duties during a ballot vote shall have the right to vote. 3. A member unable to attend for medical reasons or absence from the area may vote by absentee ballot. The member must request an absentee ballot no sooner than one week before the vote. The church must receive the marked ballot in a sealed and signed envelope prior to the vote. SECTION G. DISCIPLINE 1. Discipline Process (Matthew 18:15-17) a. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, the offended party should go alone to the offending party and seek to restore their brother or sister. Before going, the offended party should first examine him/herself and go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration. b. If reconciliation is not reached, either a Deacon or the Senior Pastor is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility and with the goal of restoration. c. If reconciliation is not reached after the steps outlined in (a) and (b) have been taken, a Discipline Committee shall be convened, consisting of the Senior Pastor and the Deacons to resolve the matter. d. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the Discipline Committee, the committee shall recommend that church members (appointed by the Chairman of the Deacons and affirmed by the church), after self-examination, make a personal effort to go to the offending member and seek that members restoration. e. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the church upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action. 2. The pastoral staff, ministerial staff, support staff and Deacons shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.

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ARTICLE II - CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION A. PASTORAL STAFF A1 SENIOR PASTOR 1. Qualifications. The Senior Pastor of the Church should meet the scriptural qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The candidate for Senior Pastor must be an ordained Baptist minister. 2. Duties. The Senior Pastors duties are fourfold: proclaim the whole gospel, superintend the work of the church, shepherd the flock, and serve the people in Jesus name. a. The Senior Pastor will conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances and perform other duties that pertain to this position. The Pastor will have charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and will, in cooperation with the Deacons, provide for pulpit supply when the Pastor is absent. b. The Senior Pastor will have general oversight of the church and its work. The Senior Pastor will be an ex-officio member on committees unless otherwise noted in the By-Laws. The Senior Pastor is responsible for the supervision of the church staff; however, the Senior Pastor may delegate his supervisory responsibilities during periods of extended absences. c. As leader of the pastoral ministries, the Senior Pastor will work with the ministerial staff and church members to equip and lead the Church body to carry out its purpose of exalting the Lord Jesus in worship, evangelizing the community, equipping believers for ministry and mentoring believers to achieve maturity. d. Other duties will be performed as directed by the Senior Pastors job description as maintained in the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual. 3. Selection Process for Senior Pastor. a. Search Committee: The Senior Pastor Search Committee will be composed of seven (7) resident participating church members who are eligible to vote, and have been members for a minimum of three years. Ministerial or support staff (or their spouses) who are directly supervised by the Senior Pastor cannot serve on this committee. No members of this committee shall be related to each other (immediate household). The terminating Senior Pastor shall not be a member, ex-officio or otherwise, of this committee. This committee shall consist of at least two men and two women, and will include the Chairman of the Personnel Committee. The Senior Pastor Search Committee will be elected in the following manner: 1. Each resident participating member eligible to vote will be allowed to submit a signed ballot to the Deacons with four names. 2. The Deacons will recommend to the Church four eligible candidates who receive the highest number of votes and two (2) other eligible candidates. In the event an individual declines to serve, the next person receiving the next highest votes will be selected. In the event of a tie, the Deacons shall vote on the candidate to break the tie. 3. The church will vote on the six (6) candidates as submitted by the Deacons. 4. If a vacancy occurs, it will be filled by the Deacons from the eligible church members. 5. The Search Committee will elect its own chairman and officers. b. Approval Vote: The call of the Senior Pastor will take place at a business meeting after at least two weeks notice has been given the membership. The selection will be upon the recommendation of the Pastor Search Committee. The committee will bring only one name at a time to the church for consideration, and no nomination will be made other than that of the committee. Election will be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of eighty percent (80%) of votes cast is required to call a Pastor. Should the recommended candidate fail to receive 80% of the votes cast, the committee will be instructed to seek out another candidate. (See ARTICLE V, MEETINGS, Section B. Item 6, Quorum)

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4. Tenure. a. Relationship dissolved: The Church will call the Senior Pastor to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the Pastor or the Church. The Pastor shall give the church written notice of at least thirty (30) days. The church desiring such change shall give the Pastor written notice of at least thirty (30) days. The Pastor may leave any time within the thirty (30) days after the notice from the church, unless the church directs that the pulpit be vacated immediately. b. Annual review: The Personnel Committee shall conduct an annual review of the Senior Pastors performance using guidelines developed by the Personnel Committee and approved by the church. The Personnel Committee, with the Chairman of the Deacons, Chairman of the Finance Committee and one other person appointed by the Nominating Committee shall form an ad hoc committee to review the Senior Pastors performance. The ad hoc committee will prepare a written report of the performance review. After discussion with the Senior Pastor; the Chairman of the Personnel Committee will report to the church that the review has been completed. The Senior Pastor cannot serve as an ex-officio member on this ad hoc review committee. Neither shall members of the staff, their spouses nor members of their immediate family serve on this ad hoc review committee. c. Conflict: In the event of conflict or disharmony between the Pastor and the church, the procedures outlined under ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP, Section G., Discipline shall be followed. In the event this action fails the Deacons may proceed with termination proceedings as described below in paragraph d. d. Termination: Termination proceedings from the church shall be initiated upon recommendation of the Deacons. The church shall approve termination by a majority vote of eligible members votes cast by secret ballot in a business meeting called for this purpose. See ARTICLE V. MEETINGS, Section B. Item 6, Quorum. 5. Severance Pay: If the Senior Pastor elects to sever the relationship with the church there will be no severance payment. In the event that the church elects to sever the relationship the church may elect to offer severance pay at its discretion. A2 INTERIM PASTOR In the event the church decides to call an Interim Pastor, the qualification and duties will be the same as for calling a Senior Pastor. Tenure will be mutual between the Interim Pastor and the church. 1. Qualifications: The Interim Pastor of the church should meet the scriptural qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The candidate for Interim Pastor must be an ordained Baptist minister. 2. Duties: The Interim Pastors duties are fourfold: proclaim the whole gospel, superintend the work of the church, shepherd the flock, and serve the people in Jesus name. a. The Interim Pastor will conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances and perform other duties that pertain to this position. The Interim Pastor will have charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and will, in cooperation with the Deacons, provide for pulpit supply when the Interim Pastor is absent. b. The Interim Pastor will have general oversight of the Church and its work. The Interim Pastor will be an exofficio member on committees unless otherwise noted in the By-Laws. The Interim Pastor will be responsible for the supervision of the church staff; however, the Interim Pastor may delegate such responsibilities. As leader of the pastoral ministries, the Interim Pastor will work with the ministerial staff and church members to equip and lead the Church to carry out its purpose of exalting the Lord Jesus in worship, evangelizing the community, equipping believers for ministry and mentoring believers to achieve maturity. Other duties will be performed as directed by the Interim Pastors position description as maintained in the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.

c.

d.

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3. Selection Process for Interim Pastor a. Search Committee: The Interim Pastor Search Committee will be composed of five (5) resident participating church members who are eligible to vote, and have been members for a minimum of three years. The Search Committee will include the Chairman of Personnel Committee. Ministerial or support staff (or their spouses) who are directly supervised by the Interim Pastor cannot serve on this committee. No members of this committee shall be related to each other (immediate household). The terminating Pastor shall not be a member, ex-officio or otherwise, of this committee. The Interim Pastor Search Committee will be elected in the following manner: 1. The Deacons will recommend to the church four (4) eligible candidates. 2. The church will vote on the four (4) candidates as submitted by the Deacons 3. If a vacancy occurs, it will be filled by the Deacons from the eligible church members. 4. The Search Committee will elect its own chairman and officers. b. Approval Vote: The call of the Interim Pastor will take place at a business meeting after at least two weeks notice has been given the membership. The selection will be upon the recommendation of the Interim Pastor Search Committee. The committee will bring only one name at a time to the church for consideration, and no nomination will be made other than that of the committee. Election will be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of eighty percent (80%) of votes cast is required to call an Interim Pastor. Should the recommended candidate fail to receive 80% of the votes cast, the committee will be instructed to seek out another candidate. See ARTICLE V. MEETINGS, Section B., Item 6, Quorum. 4. Tenure: Tenure will be mutual between the Interim Pastor and the church. Termination can be at the request of either the Interim Pastor or the church. In either case at least thirty (30) days written notice will be given. 5. Severance Pay: If the Interim Pastor elects to sever the relationship with the church, there will be no severance payment. In the event that the church elects to sever the relationship, the church may elect to offer severance pay at its discretion. 6. Termination: Termination proceedings from the church shall be initiated upon recommendation of the Deacons. The church shall approve termination (by majority vote of eligible members votes cast by secret ballot) in a business meeting called for this purpose. See ARTICLE V. MEETINGS, Section B., Item 6 Quorum. A3. ASSOCIATE PASTOR The duties of each Associate Pastor will be covered by a clear and thorough job description that has been approved by the church and maintained by the Personnel Committee. Hiring, performance reviews, termination and severance pay will be in accordance with the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual 1. Selection Process a. Recommendation: The selection will be recommended to the church by the Personnel Committee, in consultation with the Senior Pastor. b. Approval Vote: The call of an Associate Pastor will take place at a business meeting after at least two weeks notice has been given the membership. The selection will be upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee. The committee will bring only one name at a time to the church for consideration, and no nomination will be made other than that of the committee. Election will be by secret ballot. An affirmative vote of eighty percent (80%) of votes cast is required to call an Associate Pastor. Should the recommended candidate fail to receive 80% of the votes cast, the committee will be instructed to seek out another candidate. See ARTICLE V. MEETINGS, Section B., Item 6, Quorum 2. Termination: Termination proceedings from the church shall be initiated upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee, in consultation with the Senior Pastor and the Chairman of Deacons. The church shall approve termination in a business meeting (by majority vote of eligible members votes cast by secret ballot) in a business meeting called for this purpose. See ARTICLE V. MEETINGS, Section B., Item 6, Quorum.

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SECTION B. MINISTERIAL STAFF The ministerial staff will be called and employed as the church determines the need for such positions. The duties of each ministerial staff position will be covered by a clear and thorough job description that has been approved by the church and maintained by the Personnel Committee. Hiring, performance reviews, termination and severance pay will be in accordance with the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual. All hiring and termination will be done by vote of the church. SECTION C. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF The administrative staff, which includes the Church Business Administrator, will be called and employed as the church determines the need for such positions. The duties of each administrative staff position will be covered by a clear and thorough job description that has been approved by the church and maintained by the Personnel Committee. Hiring, performance reviews, termination and severance pay will be in accordance with the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual. Final approval for hiring and terminating the Church Business Administrator will be authorized by church vote. SECTION D. SUPPORT STAFF The support staff will be employed as the church determines the need for such positions. The duties of each support position will be covered by a clear and thorough job description that has been approved by the church and maintained by the Personnel Committee. Hiring, performance reviews, termination and severance pay will be in accordance with the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual. The Personnel Committee will notify the church of the actions in the employment and termination of support staff. SECTION E. TRUSTEES 1. Number: There will be three Trustees. 2. Term of Office: The Trustees will be elected for six (6) years. Re-election to this position is not limited. Members nominated and elected shall have a minimum of two (2) years cumulative membership. 3. Election: When an unscheduled or projected vacancy occurs, a name or names to fill the position shall be made by the remaining Trustees and submitted to the Nominating Committee for consideration. The Nominating Committee will submit the name(s) to the church for election at a called business meeting. The elections will be staggered so that only one vacancy occurs every two years. 4. Duties: The Trustees shall represent the church in its legal and property matters. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, transfer or otherwise encumber any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. In addition, the Trustees will take such action as requested by the Church Council. SECTION F. TREASURER / ASSISTANT TREASURER(S) 1. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be elected for a three-year term. The Treasurer shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. This person should be knowledgeable of budget, finance procedures and functions, and church operations. The Treasurer will also serve as Chairman of the Finance and Budget Planning Committees. As such, the Treasurer shall have a minimum of two (2) year cumulative membership at Orcutt Baptist Church. The Treasurer shall have access to records relating to receipts (not individual) and disbursements of the Church. The Treasurer shall brief the church on revenue, expenditures, and financial condition at each quarterly business meeting. The Treasurer is authorized to co-sign official financial documents of the church (checks, loans, etc.).The Treasurer is authorized to co-sign checks. The Treasurer may not succeed himself/herself. 2. Assistant Treasurer(s): The Assistant Treasurer shall be elected for a three-year term. The Assistant Treasure(s) shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the Church. This person should be knowledgeable of budget, finance procedures and functions, and Church operations. The Assistant Treasurers shall serve as co-signers of official financial documents of the church (checks, loans, etc.). The church shall have no more than two (2) Assistant Treasurers at any time. The Assistant Treasurers shall serve as ex-officio members of the Finance Committee and are encouraged to attend all meetings and discussions relevant to the finances of the church. The Assistant Treasurers shall be elected for three-year terms. Members nominated and elected shall have a minimum of two (2) years cumulative membership at Orcutt Baptist Church.
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SECTION G. MODERATOR/ASSISTANT MODERATOR The Moderator and Assistant Moderator shall be elected for a one-year term. Names of the persons to fill these positions shall be recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. Reelection to these positions is not limited. 1. The Moderator will act as the presiding officer of the church in all business meetings. 2. In the absence of the Moderator, the Assistant Moderator will act as presiding officer. In the absence of the Assistant Moderator, the Chairman of the Church Council will act as presiding officer. SECTION H. All elected church officers shall be resident participating members of this church.

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ARTICLE III - CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS

The organizations of the church shall be Sunday School, Deacons, Church Council, Womans Missionary Union, Baptist Men, and auxiliaries of these organizations. SECTION A. SUNDAY SCHOOL 1. Purpose: It is the task of the Sunday School to teach the Bible, reach prospects for the church, lead church members to worship and witness daily, provide opportunities for personal ministries, provide organization and leadership for special projects, and provide information regarding the work of the church and the denomination. 2. The Sunday School Ministry Coordinator shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually. The incumbent shall be the general administrative officer of the Sunday School, and shall work with the Nominating Committee and the Minister of Education in the annual nomination of other officers and teachers of the Sunday School. The Coordinator shall review orders for materials and supplies. 3. The Vacation Bible School Director shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually. The Director shall work with the ministerial staff and the Sunday School Ministry Coordinator in staffing the faculty of the Vacation Bible School. The VBS Director shall review orders and invoices for materials and supplies. SECTION B. DEACONS 1. Duties. Deacons will provide spiritual leadership through service and ministry to the church congregation. As servants and ministers, they will assist the Pastor and staff with hospital visitation, bereavement ministry, church prospect visitation, new member ministry, ongoing church family ministry, church ordinances, and pulpit prayer. Working with the Pastor as the Holy Spirit directs, Deacons will consider and make recommendations to the church in matters pertaining to its work and progress. They shall guard the unity of the spirit within the church and oversee discipline matters. In the event the church is without a Pastor it will be the responsibility of the Deacons to secure pulpit supply. Other duties will be performed as described in the Deacons Handbook. 2. Designation. Deacons may be of three designations: Active Deacons, Emeritus Deacons, and Inactive Deacons. a. Active Deacons. Deacons are elected for a three-year term with one-third rotating off each year. The number of active Deacons shall be proportionate to the number of resident church members: at a minimum, one Deacon for approximately every thirty resident members. After completing the term for which they were elected, a Deacon is not eligible to serve as an active Deacon until one year has elapsed. Vacancies occurring between election periods may be filled as they occur. Deacons elected between election periods shall be elected to serve only the remaining portion of the unexpired term. Those serving unexpired terms of two (2) years or less shall be eligible for election to a regular term in accordance with other established policies. b. Emeritus Deacons. The position of Deacon Emeritus may be bestowed upon certain Deacons who have served a minimum of two full terms as a Deacon for Orcutt Baptist Church. This honor is reserved for individuals who have exemplified the teachings of Christ over an extended period of time and are set aside as an example for others to follow in the service of Gods Kingdom. Nominations for this position will be presented to the church from the Deacons. Deacon Emeritus status will have full voting rights but will not be counted in the quota as established in the By-Laws. c. Inactive Deacons. All ordained Deacons who are not currently serving as Active Deacons should be considered Inactive Deacons. 3. Qualifications. A candidate must be a resident participating member twenty-one years of age or older. No person shall be elected Deacon who has not been a member of the church for one (1) year. The spiritual qualifications found in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13 will govern the election of Deacons.

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4. Selection of Deacons. Deacons will be nominated and elected as follows: a. Nomination of prospective deacons will be made by the church congregation beginning the third Sunday in August through the first Sunday in September; notice having been published and made available to church members and also from the pulpit that such nominations are being taken. b. A special examination committee consisting of the Pastor, Chairman of Deacons, and one other Deacon (and voted on by the Body of Deacons) will examine the candidates individually and present qualified nominees who desire to serve to the church congregation for election. 5. Election of deacons. The names of qualified candidates will be published and made available to church members two weeks prior to the second Sunday of November. Election will take place on the second Sunday in November. A ballot with the names of qualified candidates will be distributed to eligible voting resident members. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be the new Deacons. A candidate must receive a minimum of 60% of the vote to become a Deacon when the number of names on the voting ballot is less than the number of positions to be filled. A candidate must receive a minimum of 51% of the vote to become a Deacon when the number of names on the ballot equals or exceeds the number of positions to be filled. 6. Ordination of Deacons. After election by the church as Deacon, individuals who have not previously been ordained shall be ordained in a worship service arranged by the Pastor and the Deacons. 7. Meetings/Organization. The Deacons shall have a minimum of six regular meetings per year and other called meetings as necessary. The Deacons shall elect their own officers in accordance with the Deacons Policy and Procedures Manual in January each year. SECTION C. CHURCH COUNCIL 1. Duties. Under the leadership of the Senior Pastor as Chairman, the Church Council shall, at a minimum, be responsible for the following: a. Objectives, Goals, and Priorities. Annually but no later than September the Church Council will establish goals, objectives, and priorities for the next calendar year. b. Planning. Annually but no later than September, the Church Council shall develop plans and strategies to meet the objectives, goals, and priorities for the next calendar year. c. Coordination. The Church Council will assure communication and coordination between committees and organizations. The Senior Pastor or a designated representative of the Church Council will brief the congregation on the status of all plans and activities within the church at quarterly business meetings. d. Church Calendar. The Church Council will develop and distribute an annual church calendar. Monthly updates will be made available to all committees, organizations, and the congregation so that everyone is aware of the most current status of meetings and activities. e. Evaluation. The Church Council will at least annually evaluate priorities, plans, programs, and strategies and recommend corrective action if required in order that the church can meet established goals. The results of this evaluation shall be reported to the church. f. Approvals. All matters agreed upon by the Church Council calling for action and not already provided for shall be referred to the church for approval/disapproval.

g. Policies. The Church Council is responsible for formulating policies with regard to the operations of the church. 2. Membership. a. Pastoral staff b. Ministerial staff c. Church Business Administrator (if non-church member, non-voting)
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d. Chairman of the Deacons e. Sunday School Ministry Coordinator f. Womans Missionary Union Director/Representative g. Baptist Mens Director/Representative h. Chairman of each standing committee i. j. Chairman of Trustees Church Moderator

3. Officers. The Senior Pastor shall serve as chairman. Other officers will be elected annually according to Church Council policies and procedures. 4. Disagreement. In the event of disagreement between committees or within the Church Council, the Church Council will seek to resolve the conflict. In the event that the conflict cannot be resolved the matter will be brought to the attention of the church for resolution. SECTION D. WOMANS MISSIONARY UNION (WMU) 1. The task of the WMU is to lead women, girls and younger children in study and prayer for missions, provide organization, leadership and participation in special mission projects. 2. The Directors for the WMU and its auxiliary organizations (such as Mission Minded Christians MMC) shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually. 3. Other officers within each organization shall be elected within that organization. 4. Each Director shall review orders and invoices for materials and supplies. SECTION E. BAPTIST MEN 1. The task of the Baptist Men is to lead men and boys in study and prayer for missions, provide organization, leadership and participation in special mission projects. 2. The Director for the Baptist Men and its auxiliaries shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually. 3. Other officers within the organization shall be elected within that organization. 4. The Director shall review orders and invoices for materials and supplies. SECTION F. ORGANIZATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1. Each organization of the church shall meet prior to Jan. 31 every year to elect its own chairman or other necessary officers. The names of the officers shall be given to the Church Business Administrator. If any organization has not met prior to the deadline, the Church Business Administrator shall call a meeting of the organization for the express purpose of electing a chairman. 2. Each organization of the church shall conduct its business and fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the policies and procedures as developed by the organization and approved by the church. 3. Each organization shall develop/review a policies and procedures document, which shall describe the purpose, duties and operating policy. No later than the last Sunday in March of each year, each organization chairman shall submit a statement to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee stipulating that a review has been completed. Any changes to existing policy or procedures shall be submitted with the review statement.

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4. The Constitution and By-Laws Committee will review all organization policies and procedures documents, including proposed changes, to ensure that the organizations policy and procedures do not conflict with other organizations or the church Constitution and By-Laws. Each organization, in conjunction with the Constitution and By-Laws Committee will submit to the church for adoption all proposed changes to the various organizations policies and procedures at the second quarterly business meeting. 5. All adopted organization policy and procedures documents (and changes) will be submitted to and maintained by the Church Business Administrator. SECTION G. All elected officers of these organizations shall be resident participating members of this church.

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ARTICLE IV - CHURCH COMMITTEES

SECTION A. DEFINITION AND PURPOSE A committee is a group of individuals elected to perform certain tasks, to provide information and/or assist the congregation in reaching decisions. SECTION B. GENERAL POLICIES REGARDING CHURCH COMMITTEES 1. No person shall serve on more than three (3) standing committees simultaneously. 2. Concerning the Constitution and By-Laws, Finance, Nominating and Personnel Committees: a. No person serving on these committees shall succeed him/herself. b. Members nominated and elected to these committees shall have a minimum of two years cumulative membership at Orcutt Baptist Church. c. Members nominated and elected to these committees shall attend church services on a regular basis (not less than once per month). d. Members nominated and elected to these committees may serve on only one of these committees at a time. 3. Should a vacancy occur on a committee, the Nominating Committee shall recommend to the church a person to fill the expired term. 4. Two members of the same household shall not be elected to the same committee, unless otherwise specified. 5. Committees should meet on a regular basis (at least quarterly) and maintain accurate minutes of all meetings and actions, a copy of which shall be maintained in the Church Office. 6. No committee shall elect as Chairman any member who is not present at the annual organizational meeting, unless that person previously consented to chair the committee. 7. When a member of a committee is absent for three consecutive regular meetings, the chairman may declare the position vacant after consultation with other committee members and discussion with the absentee member. 8. Each committee shall review its policies and procedures annually. 9. No committee may abrogate its responsibilities which are specified in their church approved policies and procedures. 10. Each committee shall, periodically, report to the Church Council. SECTION C. TYPES OF COMMITTEES There shall be two types of committees: 1. 2. Standing: A committee whose responsibilities or functions continue throughout the year and recur from year to year. Special: A committee whose responsibility relates to a particular task or time that is non-recurring.

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SECTION D. SIZE AND SERVICE 1. Standing Committees a. Standing committees shall have a minimum of five (5) members unless the church authorizes a lesser number which shall be stated in brackets [ ] behind the committee name. Each individual committee will state in its policies and procedures document the required number of members needed for that committee. The Church must approve this total number of members as part of the committees policies and procedures document. The approved number of members will then be communicated to the Nominating Committee. b. Members shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church for a term of three (3) years on a rotating basis (one third of number of committee members each year), unless otherwise stated. Those serving unexpired terms of two (2) years or less shall be eligible for election to a regular term in accordance with other established policies. c. Each committee shall meet prior to January 31 every year to elect its own Chairman or other necessary officers. The names of the officers shall be given to the Church Business Administrator. If any committee has not met prior to the deadline, the Church Business Administrator shall call a meeting of the committee for the express purpose of electing a chairman. d. Each committee shall conduct its business and fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the policies and procedures as developed by the committee and approved by the church. e. Each committee shall develop/review a policies and procedures document, which shall describe the purpose, duties and operating policy. No later than the last Sunday in March of each year, each committee chairman shall submit a statement to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee stipulating that a review has been completed. Any changes to existing policy or procedures shall be submitted with the review statement. f. The Constitution and By-Laws Committee will review all committee policies and procedures documents, including proposed changes, to ensure that the committees policies and procedures do not conflict with other committees or the church Constitution and By-Laws. Each committee, in conjunction with the Constitution and By-Laws Committee will submit to the church for adoption all proposed policies and procedures changes to the church for adoption.

g. All adopted committee policy and procedures documents (and changes) will be submitted to and maintained by the Church Business Administrator. 2. Special Committees a. Members shall be elected to serve until the completion of the designated task or time period as designated by the church. b. The required number of members for special committees will vary as authorized by the church. c. Each committee shall elect its own chairman and other necessary officers unless specifically instructed otherwise by action of the church. SECTION E. STANDING COMMITTEES The church will elect members for the following committees: 1. Audio-Visual a. Purpose: 1. Operating and ensure proper maintenance of sound and audio-visual equipment in the church and make recommendations for improvement. 2. Enlist, train and schedule operators. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 2. Audit [3] a. Purpose: 1. Perform annual audits of financial records of the church.
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2. Report the results of the audit to the Church Council and render a written report to the church at the first quarterly business meeting. b. Membership: No member of the auditors shall serve on the Orcutt Baptist Church Finance Committee, Counters Committee, Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. 3. Building & Grounds Purpose: Develop, maintain and execute a plan for the maintenance of church properties. 4. Communication and Public Relations a. Purpose: Communicate and publicize church-related information and events to the church body and community. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 5. Constitution and By-Laws a. Purpose: a. Maintain the Constitution and By-Laws by reviewing proposed changes or amendment that may become necessary. b. Review all committee/organization policies and procedures including any proposed changes to ensure compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws and to preclude conflict with the policies and procedures of other committees or organizations. b. Membership: Must be a participating church member for two (2) cumulative years. 6. Finance a. Purpose: - Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures for the church. - Oversee execution of the current fiscal year budget and all financial expenditures. Provide oversight and direction to the following subcommittees: 1. Budget Planning a. Purpose: Develop and present an annual budget to the church for adoption. b. Membership: The Treasurer, members of the Finance Committee, the ministerial staff, Church Business Administrator, Sunday School Ministry Coordinator, the chairpersons of the Mission, Building and Grounds, and Personnel Committees. The Treasurer shall act as chairman of this committee. 2. Receivers a. Purpose: Receive and secure the offerings on Sunday or offerings from any special services. b. Membership: The number of receivers shall be determined by the Finance Committee. Receivers may serve indefinite terms with replacements recommended to the Nominating Committee by the Finance Committee and approved be the church. 3. Counters a. Purpose: Count and prepare the Sunday offerings for deposit in accordance with church policy. b. Membership: The number of Counters needed shall be determined by the Finance Committee. Members of the same household may serve on this subcommittee. Counters may serve indefinite terms with replacements recommended to the Nominating Committee by the Finance Committee and approved by the church.

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4. Stewardship a. Purpose: Responsible for development, implementation and presentation of a total church wide stewardship program. b. Membership: This sub-committee will be appointed, when deemed necessary, by the Finance Committee. b. Membership: Members of this committee shall consist of the Treasurer (who shall serve as chairman) and four (4) or more members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. Must be participating church member for two (2) cumulative years. 7. Flower a. Purpose: Supervise and coordinate the acquisition, receipt, care and disposition of plants or flowers within the church. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 8. Hospitality a. Purpose: Plan and supervise church-related social functions. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 9. Library [3] a. Purpose: This committee shall maintain the church Library for use by church members. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 10. Mission a. Purpose: Research, develop and recommend potential church involvement in mission and evangelism projects. Monitor proposed and existing mission and evangelism outreach projects as they relate to the churchs overall objectives and responsibilities. b. Membership: Members of this committee may succeed themselves. 11. Music a. Purpose: Assist the Coordinator of Music Ministries in developing the church music program and maintaining the music library. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 12. Nominating a. Purpose: Interview, enlist and recommend persons to fill offices and positions as required by the Constitution and By-Laws. b. Membership: Must be participating church member for two (2) cumulative years. 13. Nursery a. Purpose: Secure nursery workers for nursery care during all scheduled services or meetings as required. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 14. Ordinance a. Purpose: Responsible for preparation of the ordinances of the church. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 15. Personnel a. Purpose: Assist the Pastor and Church in matters related to personnel selection, administration and management in accordance with the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. b. Membership: The Senior Pastor may serve as an ex-officio member of this committee. Other members of the church staff, their spouses, or members of their immediate family may not serve as members of this committee. The Senior Pastor and other staff members may, however, attend meetings as needed to work with the committee to meet its purpose.
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16. Senior Christian Care a. Purpose: Responsible for providing a ministry of Christian care for seniors. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 17. Student Scholarship Purpose: Recommend scholarships and maintain records of awarded scholarships. 18. Transportation a. Purpose: Schedule use of buses and other vehicles, schedule maintenance, enlist drivers and make recommendations for replacement of equipment. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. 19. Usher a. Purpose: Provide ushers for services as required. b. Membership: Members of the same household may serve on this committee and may succeed themselves. SECTION F. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Ex-officio members of committees shall have all the rights and privileges of other members except the right of voting. The pastor will be an ex-officio member of all committees unless otherwise stated by the By-Laws. Other ex-officio members will be indicated in the description of each committees adopted policy. SECTION G. All elected officers of these committees shall be resident participating members of this church.

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ARTICLE V - MEETINGS
SECTION A. WORSHIP SERVICES 1. Regular scheduled worship services shall be held every Sunday. Wednesday evening services may also be held but may be abbreviated on evenings when business is to be conducted. The Pastor, in conjunction with the Church Council may cancel a service, or authorize additional services. Under unusual circumstances, the Pastor may work in conjunction with the Chairman of the Deacons for making a decision for changing services. 2. No organization or committee meetings shall be held during scheduled services unless approved by the church body. Scheduled youth and children activities are exempt from this provision. 3. Revival services, Bible studies and special worship services shall be scheduled through the Church Council and approved by the Church. SECTION B. BUSINESS MEETINGS 1. Rules: Roberts Rules of Order will apply during business meetings unless otherwise specified by the Constitution and By-Laws. 2. During a regular business meeting, only resident members eligible to vote shall have the right to introduce a motion/item from the floor. 3. Regular business meetings shall be held quarterly on Wednesday evening (January, April, July and October). All printed reports to be received by the church shall be presented at the quarterly business meeting. The business meeting will have a formal agenda which will be published and made available to church members at least two (2) consecutive weeks prior to the business meeting. Any motion for action by the church from a standing committee shall be on the agenda and list the nature of the motion that will be presented to the church. 4. Unless otherwise specified by the Constitution and By-Laws, special business meetings may be called at the discretion of the Senior Pastor and/or Church Council at any regular scheduled service, provided the meeting and its purposes are announced on two (2) consecutive services, one of which must be a Sunday morning service. The requirement for publishing the agenda for two weeks is waived for special business meetings. 5. Publication: A report of all items voted upon at all meetings will be published and made available to church members. 6. Quorum: Thirty (30) resident members eligible to vote shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting. One hundred (100) resident members shall constitute a quorum for the calling or dismissal of a Pastor. SECTION C. COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION MEETINGS Committee/organization meetings should, when possible, be scheduled on the church calendar through the Church Council to avoid conflicts.

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ARTICLE VI - GENERAL OR MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION A. USE OF CHURCH PROPERTY 1. No meetings of outside organizations or activities, whether secular or religious, shall be held in the church except by permission of the Church Council and the Trustees. 2. No entertainment for which an admission fee is charged shall be allowed in the church building without the approval of the Church Council and the church. 3. The Church Council shall approve all fund raising activities before they are forwarded to the church for a vote. SECTION B. LICENSE TO THE GOSPEL MINISTRY When a member publicly informs the church of a felt call to the work of the ministry, and upon recommendation of the Deacons, the church may, by seventy-five percent (75%) of votes cast by eligible voting members, license that person as an acknowledgment of their call to the ministry and as an encouragement to make preparations for it. SECTION C. MINISTERIAL ORDINATION In the event the church is requested to ordain a member who has been called into the ministry, the following procedure will be observed: 1. Upon recommendation of the Deacon body, the church will express its approval by seventy-five percent (75%) of votes cast by eligible voting members present at any business meeting of the church. 2. After the candidate is examined and approved by an ordination council as established under the procedures of the Peninsula Baptist Association, the church will proceed with the ordination. SECTION D. SYSTEM OF FINANCE The system of finance used by Orcutt Baptist Church shall be known as the unified budget system. A weekly offering will be received from the people and applied towards the unified budget for the defraying of church expenses. Offering envelopes will be furnished to each church member or anyone desiring to participate in the support of the church. The use of the unified budget system shall not restrict the use of special or designated gifts. Designated gifts shall be used for the purpose(s) specified when the fund is established. The fiscal year shall close on December 31 of each year. SECTION E. REQUESTS FOR DESIGNATED FUNDS Requests for the establishment of designated funds shall be submitted to the Finance Committee for consideration. If approved by the Finance Committee, that committee will submit a request to establish a designated fund to the church for approval at a scheduled business meeting. SECTION F. SPECIAL OFFERINGS AND CAMPAIGNS FOR FUNDS The Church Council may authorize a free-will offering for special purposes. SECTION G. COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION OBLIGATIONS All commitments or obligations of funds shall be made in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Finance Committee. SECTION H. OBSERVATION OF ORDINANCES 1. The ordinance of Baptism shall be observed when candidates profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and request baptism as a symbolic expression of their faith. Practical considerations may influence the scheduling of the baptismal services. Conscientious efforts should be made to have the ordinance as soon as feasible after the candidates profession of faith. 2. The ordinance of the Lords Supper shall be observed at least once a quarter as a symbolic act of obedience memorializing the death of Jesus and anticipating His return. It may be observed at morning, evening or special worship services of the church.

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SECTION I. TRUST FUNDS The church may be the recipient of a trust fund. To insure the contributors wishes are carried out, all instructions as to who will administer the fund and where and how the funds are to be used, shall be kept on file by the Church Business Administrator and made available to the Treasurer and the Finance Committee. SECTION J. NON-DENOMINATION ACTIVITY OR PROGRAMS Activities, programs or literature used or promoted within the church by the staff, organizations and committees must not conflict with the churchs Constitution and By-Laws or any other established policies and procedures. Any questionable material or event must first be discussed with that ministrys leader before proceeding further. SECTION K. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE BY-LAWS 1. These By-Laws may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by a two-thirds vote of eligible members voting at any scheduled business meeting of the church. Any proposed adoption, amendment, alteration or repeal shall be published at least fifteen (15) days prior to such vote and made available to church members. All recommendations must be submitted in writing to the Constitution and By-Laws Committee for review prior to presentation to the church. 2. The adoption of these By-Laws will effect a repeal of all previously adopted rules. All amendments or revisions will, after passage by the church, be added to the copies of the By-Laws and made available to church members by the Church Business Administrator upon request by the Church Business Administrator. A copy of these By-Laws will be kept in the Church Office. 3. Modifications to the By-Laws shall be maintained in a log by the Church Business Administrator and a copy kept with the original document in the Church Office. SECTION L. DISSOLUTION The church may be dissolved by recommendation of the Deacon Body, and subsequent approval on written ballot by an eighty percent (80%) majority of the eligible voting members attending a called business meeting for this purpose. In the event of the dissolution of the church, none of the assets of the church shall be distributed to any member. After payment of all lawful debts of the church, its property and assets shall be transferred to the Peninsula Baptist Association (PBA) to be used at the PBAs discretion for the formation of new Southern Baptist churches or assistance to existing PBA churches.

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