Our Bylaws

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. General

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Section 2. Qualifications

The membership of this church shall consist of such persons as have confessed Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord and have received Scriptural Baptism. Individuals may request membership in any of the following ways:

1. By Statement. The individuals may state that at one time they have been members of a Southern Baptist Church.

2. By Profession of Faith and Baptism. Each person must confess status as a sinner and profess his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Each person shall then ask to receive Scriptural Baptism. After baptism, each person shall be a member of the church.

3. By letter of recommendation and dismiss ion from another Southern Baptist Church.

4. By profession of faith and for baptism according to the policies of this church.

5. New church members will be expected to participate in the church's new member orientation plan.

Section 3. Duties

Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; and to attend habitually the services of the church, to give regularly for its support and its causes, and to share in its organized work,

Section 4. Rights

All members of the Calvary Baptist Church of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, may act and vote in the transactions of the church.

Section 5. Quorum

At all meetings of the church, a quorum shall consist of the members present

Section 6. Termination

The continuance of membership shall be subject to the principles and usage’s of Southern Baptist Churches, and especially as follows:

1. Any Member who desires a letter of release and recommendation to any other Baptist Church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention is entitled to receive it by asking the new church to request it. In case of removal to another community, that person should promptly make such request. This letter is to be a communication between the two churches and not to be granted to the member as a personal bearer.

2. It shall be the basic purpose of the Calvary Baptist Church of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to emphasize to it's members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. Redemption rather than punishment should be the guidelines which governs the attitude of on member toward another.

3. Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the pastor and by the deacons to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. But, finding that the welfare of the church will best be served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a two‑thirds vote of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose; and the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.

4. All requests for termination of membership or action looking thereto shall first be considered by the deacons, who shall make recommendations to the church

5. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him may upon his request be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of his repentance and reformation. Any member who has made a change of faith shall be removed from the church roll by erasure. Such action is to be confirmed by action of the church in regular business meeting.

6. Upon the death of any member, the name is removed from the roll of the membership

Section 7. Restoration

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offence may be restored by vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation

ARTICLE II: CHURCH OFFICERS

All church officers must be members of the church. The officers of this church shall be as follows:

Section 1. Pastor

The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament Church.

The pastor shall be the leader of the pastoral ministries of the church. As such he shall work with the deacons and church staff to: (1) lead the church in performing its tasks, (2) lead the church to engage in a fellowship of worship witness, education, ministry, and application, (3) proclaim the gospel to member s and unbelievers, and (4) care for the spiritual welfare of the church's and other persons in the community.

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least one week's notice has been given.

A pulpit committee composed of five members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church members shall seek out a suitable pastor, and its recommendations will constitute a nomination. Any member shall have

the privilege of making other nominations. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one name at a time. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three‑fourths of those present being necessary for a choice.

The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated at his request or his services terminated by a majority vote of the congregation and if so designated may serve as moderator in all business meetings. The pastor shall give at least two weeks notice at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as pastor.

Section 2.Deacons

As the need arises for new deacons, the chairman of the deacons shall select a committee from the deacon body to seek out the number of men needed and after finding them to be qualified according to the scripture, they will recommend such men to the church to be ordained.

Duties

In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the Church.

1. They will be zealous to guard the unity of the Spirit within the Church and bond of peace.

2. They shall serve as a council of advice and conference with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the Church. With the, they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant efforts and progress of the Church in all things pertaining to the saving of souls, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.

3. By proper organization and method among themselves, they shall have oversight of all the membership of the Church. Especially are they to seek to establish and maintain personal fraternal relations with, and aspiring to know the physical needs and the moral and spiritual struggles of the members and to serve the whole Church in relieving, encouraging, and developing all who are in need.

4. In counsel with the pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct in accordance with the New Testament teachings, they are to have oversight of the discipline of the Church, in administering which they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15‑18; 1 Corinthians 5:9‑13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12‑14. The deacons shall be free to call upon any member of the Church to aid in disciplinary action.

5. The deacons shall serve as a general pulpit committee, however, the Pastor shall have the primary responsibility of securing pulpit supplies during his scheduled absences from the pulpit. In case of the pastor's inability to fill the pulpit, the deacons shall provide for pulpit supplies, subject to the pastor's advice and counsel.

6. The deacons and the Finance Committee shall have the joint responsibility of organizing and promoting all Church stewardship programs.

Method of Procedure

1. The deacons shall be organized as a unit for the consideration of all large problems and general policies, and shall meet regularly once each month. They may organize themselves into such committees as their wisdom may direct for efficiency in service.

2. They shall apportion the members of the church among themselves, or make plans whereby the entire membership may have the benefit of the oversight of Christ of their brethren.

3. Each deacon shall freely confer with the pastor about all matters and of discipline which in his judgment would be most wisely and spiritually handled in private.

Section 3. Moderator

The moderator shall be the Pastor. In the absence of the moderator, the chairmen of deacons shall preside; or in the absence of both, the Clerk shall call the church to order and an acting moderator shall be elected.

Section 4. Clerk

The Church shall elect a Church Clerk upon nomination of the Nominating committee and shall serve on an associational year basis. The Church Clerk shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the Church, except as otherwise herein provided. This record shall include a register of the names of the members, with the dates of admission, dismissal, or death, to gather with a record of baptisms. The Clerk shall issue letters of release (dismissals) voted by the Church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these by‑laws. The Clerk shall promote loyalty and efficiency in church life.

Section 5. Treasurer

The Church shall elect annually upon nomination of the Nominating Committee a Church Treasurer to serve on a calendar year basis. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to supervise the handling of funds received by the Church an to disburse such funds upon receipt of statements or invoices approved for payment by the Finance Committee, said approval to be indicated by the signature of the Chairman of the Finance Committee on each approved invoice or statement. The Treasurer shall supervise the proper recording into the account tiny records of the Church all of the financial transactions of the Church. The Treasurer shall prepare or cause to be prepared a monthly financial report for the Church of the Finance Committee for presentation to the Church at the monthly business meeting. Said monthly report shall show all of the receipts for the month classified as general budget receipts or by specific object in the case of designated receipts, and shall show all expenditures classified by budget object, for the month of the report, the year to date, and the approved budget for the year.

Section 6. Assistant Treasurer

The Church shall elect annually upon nomination of the Nominating committee an Assistant Church Treasurer to serve on a calendar year basis. It shall be duty of the Assistant Treasurer to perform such duties as may be delegated by Church Treasurer. In the event that the Church Treasurer is unable to complete his elected term for any reason, he shall be succeeded by the Assistant Church Treasurer.

Section 7. Music and Educational Director

The Music and Educational Director of the Church shall be under the direct supervision of the pastor in counsel with the Personnel Committee. The church may if it wishes, divide the responsibilities of the Music Minister and Educational Minister among two or more persons. A committee composed of five members of the Church, if it wishes, may divide the responsibilities of the Music Minister and Educational Minister among two or more persons. A committee composed of five members shall be elected by the Church to seek out a suitable Music and Educational director and/or Directors, and their recommendation shall constitute a nomination though any member has the privilege of making other nominations. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the Church only one person at a time for each staff vacancy. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three‑fourths of those present being necessary for election. The duties and responsibilities of the Music and Educational Minister shall be generally outlined in his call to the Church and shall be consistent with established and proven church denominational practices and programs, and such duties and responsibilities shall bee approved by the Personnel Committee.

Section 8. Librarian

A Church Librarian shall be elected by the Church annually upon nomination of the nominating Committee to serve on an Associational year basis. The Librarian may appoint the necessary number of assistant librarians to provide a working force capable of maintaining regular library hours. It shall be the Librarian's responsibility to review all books placed in the Church Library to insure that books of the highest Christian and moral content are purchased or accepted for distribution. Any books that are questionable for any reason shall be rejected.

Section 9. Historian

A Church Historian shall be elected by the Church annually upon nomination of the Nominating Committee to serve on an Associational year basis. The Historian may appoint the necessary number of assistant librarians to provide a working force capable collecting facts, data, etc. regarding the history of this Church.

OFFICERS OF CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS

All organizations of the Church shall be under Church control, all officers being elected by the Church and reporting regularly to the Church. It is understood that the pastor is ax‑officio head of all the organizations named, and his leadership is to be recognized in them all.

1. Sunday School Officers. Three months before the close of the Sunday School year the general director shall be elected, upon nomination of the Nominating Committee of the Church. One month later this committee supplemented by the general officers, associate directors, department directors, secretary, Chorister, accompanist, and other needed officers. One month later the committee will bring a complete list of nominations of all teachers and department officers. In each case the nominations will call for election on the part of the Church at its discretion, with any changes it ray decide to make. The duties of these officers and teachers shall be those ordinarily designated in the approved denominational standards unless otherwise prescribed by the Church.

2. Church Training. The Church Training Director shall be elected annually by the Church upon nomination by the Nominating Committee of the Church. One month later this committee, supplemented by the general director, will bring to the Church nomination of general officers associate directors, department directors, secretary, Chorister, accompanist, and other needed officers. One month later the committee will bring a complete list of nominations of all

3. Women's Missionary Union. The General officers of the W.M.U. consisting of Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Baptist Women Directors together with the directors of the Auxiliary Organizations (Mission Friends, Girls in Action, Ac‑teens) shall be elected annually by the Church, upon joint nomination of the W.M.U. nominating committee and the Church Nominating Committee. The Duties of the officers shall be those designated by the approved denominational standards unless otherwise prescribed by the Church.

4. Baptist Men Officers. The general officers of Baptist Men, including Directors, Officers, and Leaders of the various Baptist Men units, such as Baptist men, Baptist Young Men, and Royal Ambassadors shall be elected annually by the Church upon the nomination of the Nominating Committee. The duties of these Directors, officers and Leaders shall be those designated by the Church.

5. Church Council. A Church Council composed of the Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Director, Church Training Director, Women's Missionary Union Director, Baptist Men Director, Finance Committee Chairman, Pastor and other Church Council shall review and evaluate all Church programs and recommend to the Church changes in existing programs, new programs needed and in general promote and coordinate the Church's various programs. The Pastor shall be the chairman of the church council.

ARTICLE III: EMPLOYEES AND STAFF MEMBERS

Section 1. Employment.

Janitor, caretaker, hostess, financial secretary, church secretary of similarly employed persons, shall be recommended to the Church by the Personnel Committee and approved for employment by Church action. Staff members, such as Business administrator, and the like shall likewise be nominated by the Church and the Personnel Committee and duly elected by ballot. Three‑fourths vote of those present Is necessary to hire.

Section 2. Termination

Voluntary: Janitor caretaker, hostess, secretary, or other similarly employed persons may terminate their employment by verbal notification to the pastor or Chairman of Deacons who will in turn notify the Church at the next regular business meeting

Pastor, associate‑or assistant pastor, minister of education, or of music business administrators and other employees normally considered as staff members may present a written resignation to the church at any regular service and such resignation shall be final.

Involuntary: employment of persons other than staff members may‑be terminated by the Personnel Committee when in the opinion of a majority of this committee the employment of these persons is no longer desirable or necessary to the Church.

Employment of Staff members may be terminated by the Church for cause at a special business meeting called in accordance with this Constitution. Three-fourths vote of those present is necessary to terminate. Vote shall be taken by ballot.

ARTICLE IV: COMMITTEES

The Following Standing Committees Shall Be Elected:

Trustees. A committee of trustees, composed of three members one of whom shall be elected by the Church upon nomination of the deacons at each annual meeting to serve for three years, and until their successors shall be elected, will hold in trust the property of the Church and be responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and repairs of the grounds, church buildings, including parsonage and other church‑owned property both real and personal. The expenditure of funds needed to accomplish the necessary maintenance, upkeep and repairs shall not exceed the amounts specifically authorized by the church Finance Committee or by direct vote of the Church.

The Trustees shall make a monthly report to the Church, reporting specific action taken, projects underway and projects planned. The Trustee shall take office and serve on a calendar year basis.

The Trustees may buy, sell, mortgage, borrow money or otherwise encumber church property, real Or personal only on the direct authorization of the Church.

Nominating Committee. Without nomination and by secret ballot, a committee on nominations consisting of five members shall be elected by the Church at least four months prior to the close of the church year. The committee shall so organize itself as to properly accomplish its purpose. The duty of this committee shall be to bring to the Church, nominations of officers and committees as provided heretofore. It shall canvass the Church roll and otherwise seek to discover persons suitable for offices.

The Pastor and other staff members shall be ax‑officio members of this committee.

Art

Kitchen Committee. The nominating committee shall nominate and the church shall elect annually a Kitchen Committee of three persons to serve on a church year basis. The kitchen Committee shall be charged with the supervision of the calendar year. Those elected shall take office and serve on a calendar year basis.

Finance Committee. A Church Finance Committee shall be elected by the Church at least two months before the beginning of the calendar year. Those elected shall take office as serve on a calendar year basis.

Without nomination, secret ballots shall be cast for six persons to serve on the Finance Committee. The two receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected for a term of three years; the two receiving the next highest number shall be‑declare elected for a term of two years; the two receiving the lowest number of votes shall be declared elected for a term of one year.

After the initial election, the term of office on one‑third of the number of committee members shall expire each year, and election shall be held to fill the vacancies. In case Death, or removal or incapacity to serve, the Church may elect to fill the un-ex­pired term.

Immediately after the ballots are cast for election of the Finance Committee, they shall be tabulated by a committee appointed by the acting Church moderator. No announcement as' to who was elected shall be made until each person elected has been contacted by the tabulating and has agreed to serve for the period elected, If a committee man elected declines to serve, the persons receiving the next highest number of votes shall be considered as elected and the above procedure shall apply to them.

In case of a tie, the names of the persons receiving the same number of votes shall be resubmitted to the Church and the Church shall vote by secret ballot until the tie is broken,

The Church Treasurer shall be an ax‑officio member of the Finance Committee.

DUTIES:

To supervise the raising of all money in the Church and have supervision over the expenditure of the same, which includes the preparation of the annual budget.

No contract for supplies, materials or service, pledging the credit of the Church, shall be made except upon approval of the Finance Committee unless authorized by direct vote of the Church.

All expenditures shall be made only upon authorization of the Finance Committee or upon direct authority of the Church.

All money collected by and through the Sunday School, Church Training, Women's Missionary Union, or any other church organization, shall be duly recorded by said organization and turned in to the Church Treasurer.

The Finance Committee Shall, immediately after the January business meeting conduct an audit of the accounting records for the previous calendar year. The treasurer and F1 Financial Secretary shall deliver to the Finance Committee all of the records required by the Finance Committee for this audit. The Finance Committee shall prepare an annual financial report to be presented to the Church at the February meeting. Each member of the Finance Committee shall sign said report.

The Finance Committee shall cause to be carried out such internal control procedures shall include, but not be limited to, a system whereby there shall always be dual responsibility for the actual handling or receipts.

No member of the Finance Committee may be reelected to serve on the committee except after the lapse of one (1) year between terms.

The Finance Committee Shall give the Church a monthly report of the Church finances.

Memorial Committee. The nominating committee shall nominate and the Church will Electra Memorial Committee of five persons to serve on a church year basis. In the even of death among our members or one in their immediate families, or is requested, this committee shall be charged with the organization or preparation of funeral dinner.

ARTICLE V: CHURCH FINANCE

Section 1

The Finance Committee of the Church, in consultation with the Pastor and responsible leaders of various organizations, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval at least two months before the end of the year an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all denominational and other approved non‑local causes.

Section 2

Receipts for all sources shall be kept in a local bank. The number and types of accounts shall be sufficient to manage and administer the financial program of the Church A general expense expense account shall be maintained and from it all local expenses of the church shall be paid. All indebtedness of the Church shall be paid timely and currently Other accounts may be established as needed at the discretion of the Finance Committee and the Church Treasurer.

Section 3

All funds, for any and all purposes, shall be properly recorded on the books of the Church. The expenses of all organizations, as approved by the Church, shall be paid from the general expense fund as heretofore provided.

Section 4

Special offerings may be sought by the Church or by any of its organizations only upon approval of the Church after recommendation of the Finance Committee. This does not preclude individuals making special offerings at any time as the Spirit of God may move them.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

Section 1. Worship

Public services shall be held on the Lord's Day and Wednesday evening, of each week, at hours prescribed by the Church.

The Lord's Supper shall be observed at least once each quarter.

Other meetings may be appointed by the Pastor and Deacons at their discretion, or be vote of the Church.

Section 2. Business

At any of the regular meetings for worship, the Church may, without special notice, act upon the reception of members or upon the release of members to other churches, and upon the appointment of messengers to councils, but not upon other business.

The Pastor may, and shall when requested by the Deacons, Trustees, or a standing committee, call from the pulpit special business meetings, the particular object of the meeting being clearly stated in the notice, when shall be read at the public service on the Lord's Day next preceding that fixed for such meeting.

The annual associational Letter shall be read and approved by the Church at the regular business meeting in October.

The annual meeting of the Church shall be held on the Wednesday of the regular business meeting in October at which time the annual reports shall be presented by all officers elected which are to take office the first day of the new calendar year, and such other business transacted as may be specified in the call as authorized in the By Laws.

The regular monthly business meeting shall be held on the first Wednesday night after the first Sunday of each month.

The rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the Church in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and By‑Laws of this Church.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

The Constitution may be amended by a vote of two‑thirds vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting or meeting specially called for that purpose, except as hereinafter provided.

The Articles of Faith and Covenant may be amended only by unanimous vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting or meeting specially called for that purpose.

The accompanying By‑Laws may be amended by a two‑thirds vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting of the church or at a meeting specially called for that purpose, except Article I of the By~Laws pertaining to membership shall be amended only by unanimous vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting or meeting specially called for that purpose.

Article VII (pertaining to Amendments) shall be amended only by unanimous vote of members present and voting at any annual meeting or meeting specially called for that purpose.

A proposed amendment to the Constitution or accompanying By‑Laws shall be in writing and laid before the Church at a business meeting not less than one month before the time of the proposed action and read from the pulpit on the Lord's Day next preceding the annual meeting or specially called meeting.

GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY

The government of the Church shall be vested in the body of believers who compose it. The Calvary Baptist Church is subject to the control of no other constitutional body, bu acknowledges and sustains the obligations and privileges of mutual council, fellowship, sympathy, advice and cooperation that are common among sister Southern Baptist Churches of the same faith and order. The organic relation of this Church is with the Southern Baptist Convention.

ORDINANCES

Section l Baptism

A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord shall be received for baptism.

1. Baptisms shall be by immersion in water.

2. Baptism shall be administered by the Pastor or whomever the Church shall authorize. The Deacons shall assist in the preparation for, and observance of, baptism.

3. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service.

4. A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time shall be counseled by the pastor and/or staff and Deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, he shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.

Section 2. The Lord's Supper.

The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the Church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the Death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

1. The Lord's Supper shall be observed quarterly, preferably the first Sunday of the quarter, or as otherwise scheduled.

2. The Lord's Supper shall be observed in the morning or evening worship services, rotating between the two.

3. The Pastor and Deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper.

4. The Deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparations of the Lord's Supper.