our By-Laws

 

ARTICLE ONE

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1:  General

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

 

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

 

Section 2:  Statement of Biblical Authority

Our church’s Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. All matters of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline shall be interpreted from the King James Version of the Bible as the final authority. 

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Section 3:  Membership

The membership of this church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and affirm the tenets of Limestone Baptist Church, who offer evidence by their confession and their conduct that they are living in accord with this affirmation, and who are actively pursuing and continuing in a close fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The membership of the church shall have final authority in all matters of church governance as set forth and described in the By-Laws, herein.

 

Section 4:  Marriage, Gender and Sexuality

We believe the institution of marriage is ordained of God.  We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God and joins one man and one woman in a single exclusive union as delineated in Scripture.

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We believe that God created the human race male and female and that all conduct with the intent to take on a gender other than one’s birth gender is immoral and therefore sin.  We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female.  These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God.  Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

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We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bi-sexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, any attempt to change a person’s sex, or disagreement with a person’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.

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We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity.  Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Limestone Baptist Church.  However, preaching and teaching God’s truth as revealed in Scripture is not hateful or harassing of any person.

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We believe God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other.  We believe God commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage between one man and one woman.

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We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Limestone Baptist Church as a local Body of Christ and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, those who serve as volunteers, or who are members of Limestone Baptist Church shall abide by and agree to this statement on marriage, gender and sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.

Genesis 1:26-27; Deuteronomy 22:5; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31; Romans 1:24-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 18-20
                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Ratified and Adopted 8/14/2022
 

Refer to Article Two, Section 3: Deacons and the Policy and Procedures Manual regarding the use of church facilities.

 

Section 5:  Candidacy

Anyone who has received the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and who believes and accepts our Statement of Faith may present himself or herself as a candidate for membership. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for membership in accordance with Article Seven herein, in any of the following ways:

 

• By profession of faith and seeking baptism

• By recommendation from another church of like faith

• Upon a statement of prior conversion and baptism by immersion in a church of like faith, when no recommendation is obtained

     

In the event there is dissent concerning any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to a membership committee and to the elected deacons for investigation and recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.

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Section 6:  New Member Orientation

New members of this church are expected to participate in the church’s new member orientation as outlined in the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual.

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Section 7:  Rights of Members

1.An active member is defined as a member who continues to support this church as           God directs, either in person or by means outlined in the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual.

2.Every active member of the church, eighteen years or older, is entitled to vote at all church business conferences or meetings either by being physically present, absentee ballot, or electronic ballot. 

3.    Every active member of the church, eighteen years or older, is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective offices in the church. Offices of pastor and deacon must be men who also meet the requirements set forth in Article Two, Section 2: Senior Pastor and Article Two, Section 3: Deacons. (Revised and approved 4/28/2020)

4.Inactive members may be returned to active membership by presenting themselves to the pastor and deacons for reexamination and referral to the congregation for approval. 

           

Section 8:  Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

1.Death of the member

2.Transfer by letter of recommendation to another church of like faith

3.Exclusion by action of this church

4.Erasure upon request or proof of membership in a church of another denomination

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Section 9:  Discipline

It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member, regardless of position in the church. The pastor, deacons, and other members of the church staff will be available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a loving concern for redemption and restoration rather than punishment.

 

In the event a serious condition exists which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare and harmony of the church, the pastor and the deacons will take prayerful and reasonable measures to resolve the problem following the principles found in Matthew 18:15-17.

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If it becomes necessary for the church to take action to exclude a member, a three-fourths vote of the active members is required, and the church may proceed to declare the person to no longer be in the membership of the church. All such proceedings shall be bathed in prayer and exhibit a spirit of Christian kindness and patience. The church may restore to membership any person previously excluded upon their request and evidence of repentance and by three-fourths vote of the active membership of the church.

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In the event of any conflict within the leadership or conflicts involving the general membership that could destroy or hinder the work of the church, the church membership may call an outside mediator to work with the parties involved to make every reasonable attempt to resolve the conflict. The church should request mediation before the problem escalates to the point it causes a break in the unity, harmony, and fellowship of the congregation.

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ARTICLE TWO

CHURCH OFFICES AND COMMITTEES

 

All who serve as officers of the church and those who serve on church committees shall be active members of this church.  In accordance with the teaching of the Word of God, this church will have only two offices: the office of pastor and the office of deacon (refer to I Timothy 3).  All committees and leaders will function within this Biblical framework.  (Revised and approved 4/26/2020)

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Section 1:  Pastoral Search Committee and Non-Elected Pastors

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. The election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose. At least one weeks public notice shall be given before any candidate for pastor is presented for consideration by the active church members.

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After prayerful consideration a Pastoral Search Committee shall be elected by the active church members.  The Pastoral Search Committee will have the responsibility for seeking the man that may fulfill the senior pastor’s role or for any assistant pastor’s role in accordance with the Biblical qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, Jeremiah 3:15, Mark 10:42-45, Acts 6:3, Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 2:9-13, Ephesians 4:11-12, and Hebrews 13:7 (Revised and approved 4/26/2020)

 

The recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee will constitute a nomination. Any active church member has the privilege of making other nominations depending on the policies and procedures established by the church. The committee shall bring for the consideration of the church only one name at a time.

 

Election shall be by printed ballot in person, by absentee ballot, or by electronic ballot; an affirmative vote of three-fourths of all said ballots is required to elect a senior pastor.  Ballot tabulation is required including witness signatures, count, date and will be sealed and retained as a permanent record.

 

The duly elected deacons may appoint either a temporary or interim pastor to serve the membership accordingly until the membership exercises its exclusive right to duly elect a senior pastor by a three-fourths ballot of the active membership.

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If a temporary or interim pastor is appointed, then a Pastoral Search Committee shall be organized to obtain candidates to fill the office of senior pastor in accordance with these By-Laws.

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An individual elected to fill the senior pastor’s role shall serve the church body of members until the relationship is terminated either at the senior pastor’s request or at the church’s request.

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Section 2:  Senior Pastor

The senior pastor shall be ordained by Limestone Baptist Church and be in full agreement with the church’s documents. He shall be a male who meets the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Jeremiah 3:15, Mark 10:42-45, Acts 6:3, Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 2:9-13, Ephesians 4:11-12, and Hebrews 13:7. The senior pastor is the leader of all spiritual ministries of the church and is responsible for leading the church to function according to the New Testament model. The senior pastor has the responsibility to shepherd the congregation and maintain communications with church committees and staff.  (Revised and approved 4/26/2020)

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 The pastor shall work with the church staff to:

1.Lead the church to carry out the mission and purpose of the church

2.Proclaim the Gospel both inside and outside the church

3.Provide appropriate and reasonable care for both church members and people in the community    (Revised and approved 4/26/2020)

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The pastor shall attend the congregational meetings of the church unless otherwise excused by the deacons for just reason or cause. The pastor should be actively involved in earthly matters of the church as directed by the membership, because they may directly affect the ministry.

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The pastor may relinquish the office of pastor by giving at least two weeks’ written notice to the church at the time of resignation.

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The active membership may declare the office of pastor to be vacant upon showing just cause. Such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose with at least one week’s notice given to the active membership. Such meeting shall take place only after the church has followed the principles of Matthew 18. Said meeting may be called upon the recommendation of the deacons or by written petition signed by not less than one half of the resident active church members. The moderator for this meeting shall be designated and elected by the members present by a simple majority vote. The moderator shall be someone other than the senior pastor or any other pastor on staff.

 

The vote to declare the office of pastor vacated shall be by secret ballot; an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the voting members is necessary. Except in instances of gross misconduct by the pastor to so exclude himself from office, the church will compensate the pastor with one twelfth of the pastor’s annual salary, based on the past twelve months to date. The termination shall be immediate and the compensation shall be paid within thirty (30) days.

 

Pulpit vacancies, such as leave of absence, extended illness, out of area family emergencies, or similar temporary absences, will be addressed by the deacons and /or membership on an as needed basis.

 

Section 3: Deacons

Deacons shall fulfill the designated responsibilities and work as outlined in the Biblical definition in Acts 6.  They will provide counsel and advice to the pastor and congregation and will assist in the work of the ordinances. As servants to the church, they will minister to the needs of the people on a Biblical basis.

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Any active male church member in good standing and fellowship who meets the qualifications as set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3 may be elected to serve as a deacon. (Revised and approved 4/26/2020)

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The elected term of office shall be three years not to exceed two consecutive terms, provided there are other qualified men able and willing to serve in the office of deacon. Refer to the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual for more detailed information and instructions.

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Under the direction of the church membership, deacons and/or designated committees shall govern any and all non-spiritual functions and activities of the church. This includes, but is not limited to: Valentine’s Banquet, Hunter's Banquet, July 4th Float, Soccer Camp, and any other like event. 

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 The deacons and/or designated committee shall govern the use of the buildings, grounds, storage areas, kitchen equipment, books, tables, chairs, benches, games, sporting equipment, printed flyers, printed bulletins or the like thereof; including any other properties owned or considered as owned by the church. Any item listed herein or similar to that is desired to be used shall require approval in advance to insure proper accountability to the membership.

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The use of church facilities shall be limited to activities or gatherings that are in accordance with the beliefs of this church, as defined by Scripture and our church documents.  This limitation also applies to Article One, Section 4: Marriage, Gender and Sexuality.

Ratified and Adopted 8/14/2022

The deacons’ General Meetings shall be scheduled each month in the following manner; it shall be posted in the church bulletin not less than one week prior. Any church member, male or female, may attend with the understanding that this meeting is for discussion and debate for the leadership involved prior to any vote.

Prior to the close of the deacons’ General Meeting, the attendees will be offered an opportunity to address any subject or item of interest before those present. This shall be referred to as New Business and may require to be placed before the general membership or the deacons at the next scheduled meeting, as per Robert’s Rule of Order.  Questions or concerns may be brought to or submitted in writing to the deacons for consideration at the next scheduled meeting.

 

Any matters of confidentially shall be discussed in the deacons’ closed session that will immediately follow the General Meeting and is closed to the church's general membership unless written notice is posted prior to the opening of either deacons’ meeting.

 

 Deacons may need to fill-in for the pastor in his absence.

 

Refer to the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual for any additional duties, responsibilities, restrictions, or guidelines that may or may not be required by the church membership.

 

Section 4:  Board of Directors

To fulfill the requirements of the law, it is necessary to elect a Board of Directors of (3) persons  who are active members in good standing and respected.  The Board of Directors will be elected by three-fourths vote of the active membership.  The Board of Directors will hold in trust the church property and ensure the church fulfills any legal obligations. In the absence of properly elected members to the Board of Directors the deacons and administrative assistant shall act as the Board of Directors.

 

Further responsibilities may be defined in the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual.

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Section 5:  Administrative Staff

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When a need for an administrative church staff arises, there shall be a written job description describing the position and the duties thereof. Applicants must show evidence of a personal call of God to ministry and shall be recommended to the church by the Personnel Committee and approved by simple majority vote of the active members.

 

In the event of termination or resignation, at least two weeks’ notice should be given to the church. The church may vote to vacate the position upon the recommendation of the deacons or the Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee is to follow the same principles and processes used to terminate any staff member. Such termination will be immediate.

 

For further definition refer to the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual.

 

Section 6:  Committees

Specific committees shall be outlined in the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual and shall be organized as needed.

 

ARTICLE THREE

NEW TESTAMENT MISSIONS

 

This church shall be in the New Testament sense, missionary.  We purpose to be obedient to

Matthew 28:19, 20 “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” and Acts 1:8 “…and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  Any missionary endeavors undertaken by this church shall adhere to this commission and our Statement of Faith. 

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Neither the church nor any auxiliary group shall lend financial aid to mission work or missionaries not in accord with our Statement of Faith.  Discretion shall be exercised in the reception of visiting missionaries and in the use and distribution of money for mission support. Only money sent through the treasury of the church shall be credited for tax purposes.  The church shall maintain a ten percent tithe of the general funds for missions, adjusted annually as defined in the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual. 

 

 

ARTICLE FOUR

CHURCH PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS

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The church shall maintain programs of Bible teaching; church member training; church leader training; new member orientation; mission education, action, and support; and music education, training, and performance. All organizations related to the church Bible programs shall be spiritually guided by the pastor, deacons, and the church body. All program officers shall be either appointed by the deacons, or elected by the church members and report regularly to the church.

 

All program activities shall be subject to church co-ordination and approval of the deacons and/or the Planning Committee; whereas the church shall provide the human resources, the physical resources, and the financial resources for these programs. Any and all programs must ascertain advance approval of the deacons and/or the Planning Committee; each program is accountable directly to the church members.

 

Church programs shall include but are not limited to: Bible study, discipleship, missions, visitation, and church music. Other programs may include areas of member interest which are not limited to: Youth Group meetings and activities, Valentine Banquet, Soccer Camp, Secret Sisters, Vacation Bible School, Hunters’ Banquet, Easter programs, Christmas programs, or any other program sponsored directly or indirectly by the church.

 

As the church grows and the need arises the church shall maintain media center and recreation services for the purpose of enriching and extending the ministries and programs of the church.

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The media center will be the resource center for the church. Its personnel will seek to provide and promote the use of printed and audiovisual resources. They will also provide consultation to church leaders and members in the use of printed and audiovisual resources.

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The church recreation service will seek to meet the recreational needs of members and groups. Its personnel will provide recreation activities, consultation, leadership assistance and resources. Any recreational activity must seek and obtain the prior approval of the deacons and/or appropriate committee whereby full accountability to the members is maintained.

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ARTICLE FIVE

CHURCH ADVISORY COUNCIL

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The Church Advisory Council shall serve the church by assisting in the planning, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating the ministries and programs of the church and its organizations. The primary function of the Church Advisory Council shall be to recommend to the church suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by church officers, organization, and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate achievements in terms of church objectives and goals.

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The Church Advisory Council shall include not less than three active members of the church body and may include the pastor and one of the deacons.  Our Youth Group is encouraged to elect a representative to participate.

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All matters agreed upon by the Council shall be referred to the appropriate committee, deacons, or pastor.

 

ARTICLE SIX

CHURCH ORDINANCES

 

Section 1:  Baptism

This church shall receive for baptism any person who has publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.

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1.Baptism shall be by immersion in water.

2.The pastor or any person so designated by the church shall administer baptism.

3.Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship and may be included in any worship service of the church.

4.The pastor or deacons shall counsel a person who professes Christ and is not baptized within a reasonable length of time.  

 

 

Section 2:  The Lord’s Supper

The church shall observe the Lord’s Supper at least quarterly, unless otherwise scheduled; notice shall be given to the congregation at least two weeks in advance.

 

The observance should alternate between the morning and evening services of worship whenever possible. The pastor and deacons shall administer the Lord’s Supper. The deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparations thereof or by a member appointed by the deacons to act in their stead.

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ARTICLE SEVEN

CHURCH MEETINGS

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Section 1:  Worship Services

The church shall meet regularly for worship each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Thursday evening. The pastor shall oversee the services.  Revival services and other church meetings essential to the advancement of the church’s ministry objectives shall be placed on the church calendar.

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Section 2:  General Congregational Meetings

This meeting is for informational purposes or to care for minor items that can be addressed with a simple majority vote. Ballots are not required. Purchases not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) can be authorized at this meeting.  No changes to church documents can be made in this meeting. Further definition will be addressed in the church’s Policy and Procedures Manual.

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Section 3:  Scheduled Business Meetings

The church shall hold Scheduled Business Meetings bi-monthly on a designated day of the week.  Meetings shall be announced one week in advance and/or posted in the church bulletin.

 

Section 4:  Special Business Meetings

The church may conduct Called Business Meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance. Notice of special Called Business Meetings must be published and announced at least one week before the meeting is to take place, unless extreme urgency makes such notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, date, time, and place; it must be given in a way that all resident active members have opportunity to be made aware of the meeting.

 

Section 5: Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business meeting shall be held between June 1st and 30th of each year.

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Section 6:  Quorum

A Quorum to conduct a business meeting consists of a simple majority, 51% of the active, voting members, eighteen years and older. (revised and approved 6/26/2016)

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Section 7:  Parliamentary Rules

Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church.

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ARTICLE EIGHT

CHURCH FINANCES

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Section 1:  Budget

The Finance Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget indicating by item the amount needed for all expenditures.  Offering envelopes will be available and members are encouraged to give as the Lord blesses them. 

 

Section 2:  Accounting Procedures

The Finance Committee will have the responsibility to establish the accounting system for all funds received and dispersed. All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the church treasurer and/or financial secretary and be properly recorded.  The church financial secretary and treasurer will be bonded, and the bond will be paid for by the church.

 

The treasurer and/or financial secretary shall provide an accurate accounting at the end of each year to those members who have contributed during the year.

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A financial report should be available at the bi-monthly meeting with an annual audit as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual.

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ARTICLE NINE

 CHURCH POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

 

The church shall develop and keep an updated church Policy and Procedures Manual. This manual may be developed by a special committee or by the Personnel Committee as directed by the church. This manual should include church policies, procedures, and organizational charts indicating lines of responsibility to be used in the administration of the church.

 

The manual shall be maintained in the church office by the church secretary and/or administrative assistant and a copy made available for use by any active member of the church. The Church Advisory Council, Personnel Committee, or a special committee formed for that purpose shall review the manual at least annually and shall recommend changes for the church to consider at any Scheduled or Called Business Meeting. Any active church member or church committee may initiate suggested changes in the manual.

 

Any addition, revision, or deletion of church policies requires:

1.Recommendation of the committee chair(s) or organization(s) to whose areas of assignment is specific to the policy and procedure

 

2.Approval by the church’s current active membership roster

 

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ARTICLE TEN

AMENDMENTS

 

Any changes to the governing documents of the church, including the Statement of Faith, Constitution, By-Laws, Covenant, and Policy and Procedure manual, may be made at any business meeting of the church provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting at least two weeks prior and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each member at the time the amendments were first presented. 

 

Proposed amendments to the governing documents shall be by a seventy-five percent (75%) majority vote from active voting members to pass and will include absentee, electronic, and abstention ballots. 

 

Any and all amendments or changes to the governing documents shall be properly documented, dated, and maintained in the records of this church. 

(Amended and Adopted 10/23/2023)

 

 

ARTICLE ELEVEN

DISSOLUTION

 

In the event the church, herein known as Limestone Baptist Church of Limestone Township, Michigan, ceases to exist, any remaining assets shall be conveyed to a similar non-profit organization qualifying for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or as they may hereafter be amended. The dissolution of assets will require a three-fourths vote of the then active members along with the duly elected church officials.

 

 

ARTICLE TWELVE

BINDING ARBITRATION

 

We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)

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Section 1: Submission to Arbitration

Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all members of this church agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved, and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil disagreement before a court of law, except that judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

Section 2:  Notice of Arbitration

In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to these By-laws or any other church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreement as befits Christians. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If they do not reach such solution within a period of sixty (60) days, then upon notice by either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration as described in Section 1, above, and such Procedures for Arbitration as are adopted pursuant to Section 4, below.

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Section 3: Limitations on Arbitration Decisions

(A) Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined under Article One: Church Membership, Section 9: Discipline were followed.

(B) Should any dispute involve the removal from office of the pastor or any church officer, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures set forth in Article One: Church Membership, Section 9: Discipline.

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Section 4:  Arbitration Procedures

The Procedures for Arbitration shall be as adopted by a three-fourths majority vote of the active members and shall be a part of the Policy and Procedures Manual.  It shall be titled "Scope of Arbitration" and may only be amended by a three-fourths majority vote of the active voting members of Limestone Baptist Church.

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ARTICLE THIRTEEN

METHOD OF VOTING

The method used to cast a vote shall be included in one of three categories, each to be determined by the level of priority as explained below.

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Should there be any confusion as to which category is to be used for any proposal, the Board of Directors shall discuss the issue and assign the category to be used.

 

Category One: 

Category one shall be a simple majority vote of those active voting members present, including both those in person and via electronic device, whereby the proposed motion shall pass upon a tabulation of fifty-one percent (51%) or more of those present. This only requires a “show of hands” means of voting.

 

This category is designed for minor issues including church committee recommendations presented to the membership that are considered as routine functions of the church.

 

Category Two:

This category is to be used when issues proposed to the active voting members require only a simple majority ballot of fifty-one percent (51%) to be approved and where a physically written ballot is required and may be preserved in the church’s office files for reference as needed. The tabulation of physical ballots, along with all of the actual paper ballots distributed whether voted on or abstained, and a copy of the document will be placed in a sealed envelope signed and dated by two members who did the tabulation, and retained in the office files of the church. 

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Proposed issues in this category usually will require some additional time for discussion, questions, and debate and are therefore presented to the active voting members one week prior to the actual tabulation of the votes cast. Tabulation of a ballot in this category shall be fifty-one (51%) percent of the total votes cast, to include absentee, abstentions, and electronic ballots. (revised and approved 9/24/2017)

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Category Three:

This category is to be used on any issue which requires a seventy-five percent (75%) majority vote from active voting members to pass and will include absentee, electronic, and abstention ballots. 

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Proposed issues in this category usually will require some additional time for discussion, questions, and debate and are therefore presented to the active voting members two weeks prior to the actual tabulation of the votes cast.

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Any category three proposals will require a written ballot. The tabulation of physical ballots, along with all of the actual paper ballots distributed whether voted on or abstained, and a copy of the document will be placed in a sealed envelope signed and dated by two members who did the tabulation, and retained in the office files of the church. 

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Any issue that directly or indirectly affects the governing documents of the church, including the Statement of Faith, Constitution, By-Laws, Covenant, and Policy and Procedure manual, will be considered a category three issue and will require a seventy-five percent (75%) majority to pass.

(Ratified and Adopted 9/10/2023)

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RATIFICATION

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The By-Laws listed above herein are hereby ordained, adopted, established, and placed into immediate effect for Limestone Baptist Church of Limestone Township, Michigan, by the affirmative vote of the membership on June 1st as witness thereof and signed below this 1st day of June 2014.

 

(listed are signatures from our 2 Deacons and 2 witnesses from the church)