Constitution & By-Laws

(CURRENT – December 8, 2019)

 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF PLEASANT PRAIRIE BAPTIST CHURCH

 

Table of Contents

Constitution                                                                                                               page 3-6

  1. PREAMBLE                                                                                                
  2. ARTICLE I. NAME                                                                                    
  1. 3.      ARTICLE II. NON-PROFIT STATUS                                                    
  1. ARTICLE III. PURPOSE                                                                          
  2. ARTICLE IV. STATEMENT OF FAITH                                                
  3. ARTICLE V. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS                                    
  4. ARTICLE VI. CHURCH COVENANT                                                   

 

By-Laws

 

  1. ARTICLE I:  MEMBERSHIP                                                                    page 7
    1. SECTION 1.1 GENERAL
    2. SECTION 1.2 CANDIDACY
    3. SECTION 1.3 RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
    4. SECTION 1.4 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
    5. SECTION 1.5 DUTIES OF MEMBERSHIP
    6. SECTION 1.6 DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERSHIP
    7. SECTION 1.7 WATCHCARE

 

  1. ARTICLE II: CHURCH STAFF AND OFFICERS                                 page 10
    1. SECTION 2.1 GENERAL
    2. SECTION 2.2 PASTOR
    3. SECTION 2.3 CHURCH STAFF
    4. SECTION 2.4 DIACONATE
    5. SECTION 2.5 ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, OFFICERS, ETC.
    6. SECTION 2.6 MODERATOR
    7. SECTION 2.7 CHURCH CLERK
    8. SECTION 2.8 CHURCH TREASURER
  1. i.        SECTION 2.9 TRUSTEES
  2. k.      SECTION 2.11 LICENSING AND ORDAINING
    1. SECTION 2.10 CHURCH COUNCIL

 

 

 

  1. 3.      ARTICLE III: COMMITTEES                                                                  page 19
    1. a.      SECTION 3.1 GENERAL
    2. b.      SECTION 3.2 NAMED COMMITTEES

 

  1. ARTICLE IV: CHURCH MINISTRY ORGANIZATIONS                   page 20
    1. SECTION 4.1 GENERAL

 

  1. ARTICLE V: CHURCH ORDINANCES                                                 page 21
    1. SECTION 5.1 BAPTISM
    2. SECTION 5.2 THE LORD'S SUPPER

 

  1. ARTICLE VI: CHURCH MEETINGS                                                     page 22
    1. SECTION 6.1 WORSHIP SERVICES
    2. SECTION 6.2 SPECIAL SERVICES
    3. SECTION 6.3 REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS
    4. SECTION 6.4 SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
    5. SECTION 6.5 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
    6. SECTION 6.6 QUORUM

 

  1. ARTICLE VII: CHURCH FINANCES                                                     page 23
    1. SECTION 7.1 BUDGET
    2. SECTION 7.2 HANDLING OF FUNDS
    3. SECTION 7.3 FISCAL YEAR
    4. SECTION 7.4 ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES
    5. SECTION 7.5 STEWARDSHIP AND MISSIONS
    6. SECTION 7.6 DIVISION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY
    7. SECTION 7.7 LITERATURE

 

  1. ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION                                                               page 25

 

  1. ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS                                                                page 25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASANT PRAIRIE BAPTIST CHURCH

 

CONSTITUTION

 

PREAMBLE

 

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

ARTICLE I. NAME

 

This body shall be known as the Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church of Pleasant Prairie, WI.

ARTICLE II. NON-PROFIT STATUS

 

The Church is organized and shall be operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, unless any law shall be repressive in scope and/or nature, that it is our duty to democratically oppose it on the basis of the right of free exercise of religious beliefs and peaceable assembly. The Church is incorporated for any lawful purpose or purposes under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, including any purpose described by Wisconsin Business Organizations Code.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSE

 

The purpose of Christ’s Church is to glorify God through the instructions of Jesus Christ which are found in the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)

 Vision

Follow Jesus and Make Disciples for a lifetime (Matthew 4:19)

 Mission

  • The Great Command Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Worship) 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Service)
  • The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, (Evangelism) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Fellowship), 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Discipleship) Matthew 28:19-20

 

Values: We value the five purposes for Christ’s Church. “And on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18b NIV

  1. Christ-centered Worship
  2. Authentic Fellowship
  3. Life on Life Discipleship 
  4. Sacrificial Service
  5. Loving Evangelism

Achievement of Purpose:

  1. Magnification- Celebrating God’s presence in worship.
  2. Membership- Incorporating God’s family into our fellowship
  3. Maturity- Educating God’s people through discipleship
  4. Ministry- Demonstrating God’s love through service
  5. Mission- Communicating God’s Word through evangelism.

 

ARTICLE IV. STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church Statements of Faith are based on the Southern Baptist “Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.

 

  1. We believe the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God, without any error, the all-sufficient authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and Christian living.
  2. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
  3. We believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ, and that He is true God and man. He died on the cross for our sins. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father and is now our High Priest and Advocate.
  4. We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and therefore lost. Only through regeneration by the work of the Holy Spirit can man's salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
  5. We believe that eternal salvation is the free gift of God, entirely apart from man's works, and is possessed by any and all who have faith in and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
  6. We believe in a regenerated church membership: that is, persons old enough to understand their need for Jesus Christ and, of their own free will, accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior.
  7. We believe that baptism is by immersion and the Lord's Supper is a memorial to His suffering and death on the cross. These are ordinances to be observed by the church in its present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means for man's salvation.
  8. We believe in the personal, bodily, imminent, and glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ and that His Second Coming inspires believers for dynamic and zealous life and service for Him while waiting for His return.
  9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead, the everlasting blessedness of the saved in heaven, and the everlasting punishment and separation from God of the unsaved in hell.
  10. We believe in the autonomy of the local church. The church shall manage its own affairs and shall not be subject to any other religious body or organization.
  11. We believe marriage is a Biblical institution established by God as described in Scripture. The Biblical model for marriage is the uniting of one man (biologically at birth) and one woman (biologically at birth) in covenant commitment. Accordingly, this church’s pastors and staff will not officiate in same-sex unions or same-sex marriages, nor will its property or resources be used for such purposes.

 

ARTICLE V. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

 

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute membership. All organizations created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable to the church. This church is not subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist Churches. Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church will voluntarily cooperate with and support the Lakeland Baptist Association, Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention, and Southern Baptist Convention, provided such cooperation does not conflict with the church's agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message revised June 14, 2000. (www.sbc.net/bfm2000/)

 

 

ARTICLE VI. CHURCH COVENANT

 

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

 

For the Advancement of This Church:

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines.

 

As Christian Stewards:

We agree to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

 

Alone and at Home:

We also engage to maintain family and personal devotion; to educate our children religiously; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.

 

 

Before the World:

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their

Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded of God.

 

Toward One Another:

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior and the guidance set forth in this document, to secure it without delay.

 

Abide and Support:

Therefore, we accept our responsibility to read and familiarize ourselves with this document; to support its tenants and provisions; and to abide by its policies and procedures as they apply to the membership of this church.

 

When We Move:

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASANT PRAIRIE BAPTIST CHURCH

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I:  MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION 1.1

 

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 1.2

 

CANDIDACY

 

Any person may offer themselves as a candidate for membership in this church.  All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for membership in any of the following ways:

 

  1. By profession of faith and for baptism by immersion.
  2. By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church. Those coming from other Baptist churches of the like faith and order (provided baptism has been by immersion upon a profession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord may be accepted upon letter of transfer, satisfactory substitute thereof, such as statement of facts as to their conversion experience and previous immersion.
  3. By personal statement, satisfactory to the church, that the person comes from another Christian church and was baptized by immersion as a believer, trusting in the grace of God alone for salvation. Acceptance of a candidate for membership would be contingent upon recommendation by the pastor or by another group as designated by the church.
  4. By restoration upon a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism by immersion when membership has lapsed, terminated, been lost, or when no letter is otherwise obtainable. 
  5. Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and/or deacons for the purpose of collaboration on how to investigate and make a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days of the original statement of dissent.

 

All candidates will be brought to the floor for action by the body in a regularly called business meeting. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.  

New members of this church are expected to participate in the church’s new member orientation.

 

 

SECTION 1.3

 

RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

 

Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present.

Every member of the church is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elected offices in the church.

Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.

 

SECTION 1.4

 

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

 

  1. Death of the member.
  2. Transfer to another Baptist or “of like faith” church. Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of dismissal and recommendation to any Baptist church or of like faith and order is entitled to receive it upon their request, such request being made through the church clerk.
  3. Erasure upon member’s request for any reason or proof of membership in a church of another denomination. Any person requesting their name to be removed from the membership roll, shall have their request granted by a majority vote of those members present at any regularly called business meeting.
  4. Administrative reassignment to church watch care (section 1.7). Any member failing to substantially fulfill their duties of membership will be the subject of an administrative reassignment vote during the September Annual Meeting. Administrative reassignment shall not be used as a means of removal from membership roll, members who otherwise intend to remain in the fellowship of the church through fulfillment of regular and consistent participation in the duties of church members as noted in Section 1.5.
  5. Exclusion by disciplinary action of this church. Exclusion by disciplinary action is administered as noted in Section 1.6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 1.5

 

DUTIES OF MEMBERSHIP

 

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

 

SECTION 1.6

 

DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERSHIP

 

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.  The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance.  The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for restoration rather than punishment.

 

Should some serious condition exist, which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure should be taken by the pastor and the deacons to resolve the problem in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17.  All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. Should it be determined that the welfare of the church will be best served by the exclusion of a member, the church may exclude such member by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the voting members present at a properly called special business meeting called for this purpose.

 

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any reason, which has made it necessary for the church to exclude that person, may upon that person's request be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of that person's repentance and reformation.

 

SECTION 1.7

 

WATCHCARE

 

Those Christians who wish to enter into the love and fellowship of the church and will support the objectives of the church but cannot qualify, or choose not to qualify, for membership will be designated as coming under the "watch care" of the church. These Christians are to be encompassed in all the life and love of the church, except for voting and for holding offices or positions of doctrinal and/or policy-making responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II: CHURCH STAFF AND OFFICERS

 

SECTION 2.1

 

GENERAL

 

All church officers, committees, and elected positions must be members in good standing of the church.  The officers of this church shall be the pastor, staff, deacons, moderator, clerk, treasurer, and the trustees.  The duties of these officers shall be those common to the office and to the instruction of the Scriptures. All officers and committees shall be elected by the church. The staff of this church shall be those persons employed by this church including ministerial and non-ministerial positions.  All members serving in elected positions at the time these Constitution and Bylaws are adopted shall be considered as elected by the church pursuant to the appropriate provisions of these By-laws.

 

SECTION 2.2

 

PASTOR

 

A.        Role of the Pastor

 

The head of Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church is Jesus Christ. The Pastor will seek to reflect Christ’s priorities in all he does and how he leads the church to accomplish Christ’s priorities. Decisions will be bathed in prayer, collaborated with church leadership, and always seek to ensure the decision supports and is guided by Christ’s teaching. In addition, through the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the pastor will seek to discern God’s will for us as a church while also seeking how the Holy Spirit is speaking through the leadership and members. Whenever the pastor leads the church to implement a plan, the church monitors our effectiveness while prayerfully exploring the next step God is showing us.

 

The ideal pastor is humble and servant-like in spirit. Leaders at all levels do not see their role as “being in authority” over those in their charge and the pastor will model servant leadership. As a result, he will strive to serve Christ and His church with his gifts, talents, and experiences to build a functioning Christian community.  Whether as a leader or a follower, everyone in the church is submitted to Jesus Christ, and we each strive to consider others as more important than ourselves. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Phil. 2:3).

 

The qualifications for pastor shall be consistent with those listed in the Scripture.  His training, skills, and experiences are needed in this area of leadership.

 

  • 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Reflects the qualifications of church overseer
  • 1 Timothy 5:17-22 The church’s role in honoring of church leaders
  • Titus 1:5-9 Instructions on appointing qualified elders
  • Ephesians 4:11-13 The goal of church leadership…equipping the church
  • 1 Peter 5:1-4 The heart of the under-shepherd…be shepherds of God’s flock…
  • Jeremiah 3:15 “a shepherd after God’s own heart”

 

The responsibilities of the pastor will generally fall into the following areas: Preaching, teaching, pastoral counseling, administration, planning, and guiding the church to grow and fulfill its purposes.  In addition, he shall lead the church, the organizations, and all leaders of the church in performing their tasks in worship, community, serving, evangelism, and discipleship. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all church standing committees, except the Pastor's Selection Committee. He shall assist the deacons in securing pulpit supply for times in his absence.

 

The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament Church fulfilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.  The pastor will lead the church, the church officers, staff, and organizations to accomplish the five purposes of the church. (Article III)\

 

Magnify Christ through WORSHIP targeting the Crowd

Encourage the Membership through FELLOWSHIP (101) targeting the Congregation

Seek Maturity through DISCIPLESHIP (201) targeting the Committed

Equip Ministers to SERVE (301) in and out of the church targeting the Core

Be on Mission for Christ through EVANGELISM (401) targeting the Community

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs.

B.        Pastor Search Committee

 

Upon the office of pastor becoming vacant, the nominating committee shall nominate church

members to serve on the Pastor Search Committee.  The church, by a simple majority vote of

those voting members present, shall elect the members of the Pastor Search Committee.

 

The Pastor Search Committee shall seek out a suitable candidate for pastor.  Any church member may make recommendations to the Pastor Search Committee. The Pastor Search Committee’s recommendation will constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one candidate at a time.  The election shall take place at a church meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week's notice to the church has been given. The election shall be by secret ballot and an affirmative vote of at least three fourths (3/4) of those voting members present shall be necessary to extend a call to a candidate for pastor. The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church's request.

 

C.        Recall of the Pastor

 

The pastor may be recalled by the church at a church meeting called for that purpose, of which at least two weeks’ notice to the church has been given.  The recall vote shall be by secret ballot and an affirmative vote of three fourths (3/4) of the voting members present shall be necessary to recall the pastor at which time the office of pastor shall be declared vacant.

 

A recall meeting may be called by a written petition signed by not less than one fourth (1/4) of the resident voting members. The moderator for this recall meeting shall be the church clerk, or in the clerk's absence or refusal to serve, the Diaconate chairman shall call the church to order and preside over the election of an acting moderator. The pastor will not serve as the moderator for this meeting.  In the event the pastor is recalled, termination will be immediate, and the church may provide severance pay to the pastor of not more than one twelfth (1/12) of his total annual compensation, such severance pay being payable within thirty (30) days of termination.  In the event the pastor is recalled for gross misconduct, as may be solely determined by the voting members of the church, then such severance pay shall be considered forfeited.

 

D.        Pastor Resignation

 

If the pastor wishes to resign from his position at Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church, it is requested he give at least two weeks’ notice.

 

E.         Supply and Selection of Interim Pastor

 

During such time as the church is without an elected pastor, the following procedure shall be followed:

  • The Personnel Committee shall be responsible for obtaining a person to fulfill the weekly preaching ministry of the church.
  • The Personnel Committee may offer a nomination to the church a person to be named to the position of "interim pastor."

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.3

 

CHURCH STAFF

 

This church shall call or employ only such staff members as the church shall need. When the need for staff members is determined, the personnel committee shall prepare a job description for each staff position.  Upon recommendations by the personnel committee, such staff positions will be created after being approved by the church at a regularly scheduled business meeting.  The staff shall operate under the supervision of the pastor.  During any such time as the church is without a pastor, the personnel committee shall designate a staff member to assume the personnel responsibilities ordinarily assumed by the pastor.

 

A.        Ministerial Staff Positions

 

Ministerial staff members shall be employed by majority vote church meeting called for that purpose, upon recommendation of the personnel committee and pastor. Ministerial staff positions may include but are not limited to Pastor of Worship & Fellowship, Pastor of Discipleship, and Pastor of Service & Evangelism.

 

B.         Non-Ministerial Staff Positions

 

Non-Ministerial staff members shall be employed by majority vote of those voting members present at a church meeting called for that purpose, upon recommendation of the personnel committee and pastor. Non-Ministerial staff positions may include but are not limited to Administrative Assistant & Custodial positions

 

C.         Church Staff Termination

 

Ministerial or Non-Ministerial staff members may be terminated by the church at a church meeting called for that purpose, upon recommendation by the personnel committee and pastor, or upon presentation of a written petition signed by not less than one fourth (1/4) of the resident voting members. Termination shall be immediate when sustained by a majority vote of voting members present.

 

SECTION 2.4

 

DIACONATE

 

A.        Purpose

The purpose of the Diaconate shall be to discharge faithfully the duties of deacons in the New Testament Church as set forth in Acts 6:1-7, and I Timothy 3:8-13. In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. Their task is to serve with the pastor and staff in performing the pastoral ministries tasks of

 

(1)   Leading the church in the achievement of its vision and mission (Article III)

(2)   Proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers

(3)   Caring for the church's members and other persons in the community.

 

In council with the Pastor, and by such methods as the Holy Spirit may direct. They are to have the responsibility of the discipline of the church; in administering which they are to be guided always by the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14.

 

B.        Diaconate Membership

There will be at least three deacons for the first one hundred resident members.  There will be at least one additional deacon for each fifty (50) additional resident members at the time of the annual business meeting.  The church may add additional deacons as ministry needs require.

 

It may be pertinent for the church to promote to honorary life membership any deacon who by reason of age or infirmities will after honorable service, no longer be able to render active service.

 

C.        Nomination, Election, and Termination of Deacons

  1. Deacon Election Committee

 

  1. A Deacon Election Committee will be formed and have as voting members the Deacon Officers, and three lay members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church.  The Deacon Election Committee will also include the ministerial staff as nonvoting, ex officio members who will serve to give advice and consultation to the voting members.

 

  1. The Deacon Election Committee will determine if additional Diaconate members are needed, and if so, the number of additional members needed. Upon making such determination, the Deacon Election Committee will recommend to the Church that a Deacon Election be held pursuant to the appropriate provisions of the By-laws Article 6.4.

 

2.         Once the Church approves a deacon election, the following steps shall be taken:

  1. The Deacon Election Committee will select, interview, and receive permission to place in nomination a number of qualified nominees needed equal to the number established in 1.b. The Deacon Election Committee shall determine if each individual meets the following qualifications in accordance with             1 Timothy 3:8-13:

 

  1.                                                                     i.            That the candidate meets the Scriptural qualifications of a deacon;

 

  1.                                                                   ii.            That the candidate is sufficiently grounded in the doctrines of the Bible as accepted by this Church;

 

 

  1.                                                                 iii.            That the candidate has been a member of this Church for at least six  (6) consecutive months;

 

  1.                                                                 iv.            That the candidate agrees to fulfill the responsibilities of the deacon as outlined in these Bylaws.

 

  1.                                                                   v.            There shall be no obligation to constitute as an assigned deacon one who has been a deacon in another church.

 

  1. The Deacon Election Committee shall then prepare in ballot form the list of nominees selected in the above described manner. The Deacon Election Committee shall then give the Church at least two (2) weeks’ notice that a deacon election will be held at a special business meeting called for an upcoming Sunday.

 

  1. Voting members that are present at this special business meeting will be given a ballot and an opportunity to vote for one nominee for each new Diaconate Member needed.

 

  1. The Deacon election shall be by secret ballot and an affirmative vote of at least three fourths (3/4) of those voting members present shall be necessary to be elected to the Diaconate.

 

D.        Ordination of Deacons

All those elected to the Diaconate who have not been previously ordained shall be ordained by the church. The Diaconate and pastor shall plan and conduct the ordination service.

 

F.         Diaconate Officers

The Diaconate shall elect annually to one (1) year terms a minimum of the following officers:  Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.  The Diaconate may elect other officers as they deem necessary.

 

G.        Termination

            1. Death

            2. Is no longer a member of Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church

            3. Resignation

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.5

 

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, OFFICERS, ETC.

 

Unless otherwise specified by these bylaws, all church officers, church committee members, trustees, officers of various places of leadership, etc., shall be elected by a majority vote of the voting members present at the Annual Church Business Meeting held the 2nd Sunday in September.  Church positions voted on at the annual meeting will run from the 2nd Sunday of the September to the day before the 2nd Sunday of the following year.  If a vacancy occurs throughout this term, the church may fill the vacant position at any regular business meeting.

 

 

 

SECTION 2.6

 

MODERATOR

 

The moderator shall be the pastor except when otherwise specified in these bylaws. In the absence of the Pastor, the Deacon Chairman shall serve as the Moderator. In the absence of both, the church clerk shall call the church to order and preside over the election of an acting moderator.

 

SECTION 2.7

 

CHURCH CLERK

 

The church shall elect annually a clerk as its clerical officer. The clerk shall be elected for a period of one (1) year and shall serve consecutive years as the church decides.  The clerk shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of each business meeting of the church; shall give required notice of all meetings where notice is necessary as prescribed in these By-laws; shall prepare the annual church letter to the association; shall keep a register of the names of members with dates of admission, baptism, dismissal, and death; shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church; shall preserve on file all official written communications and reports; shall perform any other duties assigned by the church. All records of the church are considered church property and shall be filed in the church office.  The pastor, upon recommendation by the church clerk, may assign certain clerical duties of the church clerk to a non-ministerial staff member.  The clerk shall be responsible for preparing the annual letter of the church to the association.

 

SECTION 2.8

 

CHURCH TREASURER

 

The church shall elect annually a Church Treasurer as its Financial Officer. The Treasurer shall be elected for a period of one (1) year and shall serve consecutive years as the church decides. The Treasurer shall be bonded, the church paying for a bond, a copy of which shall be filed with the church.

 

Church financial records shall generally be maintained to the maximum extent practical in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Segregation of financial duties to the maximum extent practical to ensure good internal control over church finances is an integral part of the accounting system.

 

The Treasurer and Pastor jointly may assign clerical duties of the Treasurer to non-ministerial staff (or church member volunteer) to help ensure maximum safeguards of the church finances.  The Finance Committee should review the procedures on an ongoing basis to ensure such procedures are at all times adequate for the church size and growth.

 

The following finance functions are the overall responsibility of the Treasurer (or his/her delegates):

1.   Deposit of all church receipts.

2.   Payment of all authorized church expenses.

3.   Maintenance of accounting records to support all receipts and disbursements.

4.   Preparation of all financial reports.

5.   Presentation of financial reports at regular business meetings for church approval.

6.   Preservation of all financial reports and records as a part of the permanent church records.

7.   Making all records available annually for audit (either by the Audit Committee and/or outside independent auditors).

 

Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year and its acceptance and approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to the church clerk, who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the church.

SECTION 2.9

 

TRUSTEES

A. Purpose

 

There shall be three (3) Trustees.  The Trustees will serve as legal officers of the church. They shall hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents on behalf of Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church involving the purchase, sale, mortgage, rental, or transfer of property, or to other legal documents where the signatures of trustees are required. 

 

B. Membership

 

The nominating committee shall provide the names of nominated trustees for discussion and/or election at the annual business meeting. Elected trustees shall serve 3-year terms on a rotating basis with one third (1/3) of the trustees being elected each year, and may serve consecutive years as the church decides.

 

C. Trustee Officers

 

The Trustees shall elect annually to one (1) year terms the following officers:  Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary. 

 

SECTION 2.10

 

CHURCH COUNCIL

 

A. Duties

 

The church council shall serve the church by leading in planning, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating the ministries and programs of the church and its organizations. The primary functions of the church council shall be to:

 

  1. Help the church focus on its mission and priorities.
  2. Coordinate studies of church and community needs.
  3. Recommend to the church coordinated plans for ministry.

4. Coordinate the church's schedule of activities.

5. Evaluate progress in terms of church objectives and goals.

 

B. Authority

 

Any decision, recommendation or policy adopted by the Church Council is subject to review by the members of the church, and may be overruled by a simple majority vote of church members present at a regular business meeting.

 

C. Members

 

The Church Council shall be composed of the pastor, staff, chairman of deacons, chairman of each committee (3 committees), and representative from each church ministry team (5 teams).

 

D. Meeting

 

The Church Council will seek to have an annual designated time to focus on training, needs of the church, and focus for the following year.  This retreat will be planned during the summer prior to the Annual Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.11

 

LICENSING AND ORDAINING

 

A. Licensing:

 

Any member of the church who has shown by his life and has felt the call to the gospel ministry may by vote of the membership at a regular meeting be licensed by the church to the Christian ministry.

 

B. Ordination:

 

Any member of the church who has shown by his life and has felt the call to the gospel ministry may by vote of the membership at a regular meeting be ordained by the church to the Christian ministry.  This ordination may include serving as a pastor of PPBC, a para church organization or chaplaincy position which requires ordination.

 

The pastor or chairman of the deacons shall assemble an ordaining council for the ordination of qualified and recommended candidates.

 

ARTICLE III: COMMITTEES

 

SECTION 3.1

 

GENERAL

 

The committees of this church will consist of standing and non-standing committees. Standing committees shall be created to serve specific ongoing needs of the church.  A standing committee may be dissolved by a majority vote of church members at a properly called business meeting when the church decides that its services are no longer warranted. A non-standing committee may be created by the church to serve a specific temporary need of the church. A non-standing committee shall be dissolved by a majority vote of church members at a properly called business meeting when the committee's original purpose has been accomplished. A list of all standing and non-standing committees shall be maintained by the church clerk.

 

Members of all church committees will be chosen from the membership of the church. No committee, standing or non-standing, shall consist of less than three (3) members.

 

SECTION 3.2

 

NAMED COMMITTEES

 

The committees of this church shall be a Nominating Committee, a Personnel Committee, and a Stewardship Committee, and such other regular and special committees as the church shall authorize. Additional regular committees may be added by the amendment procedure prescribed within these bylaws. All church committee members shall be recommended by the church Nominating Committee and elected by the church unless otherwise specified within these bylaws. Committee members shall serve on a three-year rotation basis with one-third to be elected each year.

  1. The Nominating Committee coordinates the staffing of all church committees as well as ministry teams filled by volunteer workers, unless otherwise specified herein.  Each committee and ministry team shall consist of three (3) members. Individuals considered for any such positions shall first be approved by the Nominating Committee before they are approached for recruitment. The Nominating Committee shall present to the church for election all who accept the invitation to serve.  These include:
    1. Church Clerk, Church Treasurer, Church Trustee’s, Church Tellers
    2. Nominating Committee, Personnel Committee, Stewardship Committee
    3. Worship Planning Team, Fellowship Planning Team, Discipleship Planning Team, Service Planning Team, Evangelism Planning Team

 

  1. The Personnel Committee assists the church in matters related to employed personnel administration, including those called by church action. Their work includes such areas as determining staff needs, employment, salaries and compensation, benefits, policies, job descriptions, and personnel services.
  2. The Stewardship Committee develops and recommends an overall stewardship development plan, and a unified church budget. It advises and recommends in the administration of the gifts of church members and others, using sound principles of financial management. It works with the treasurer in the preparation and presentation to the church of required reports regarding the financial affairs of the church.

 

ARTICLE IV: CHURCH MINISTRY ORGANIZATIONS

 

SECTION 4.1

 

GENERAL

 

The church shall maintain ministries focused on the five purposes of the church.  These will include planning teams focused on worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and evangelism. All ministry teams shall be under church supervision, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church, and all program activities subject to church coordination and approval. The church shall provide the human resources, physical resources, and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of these programs.  The following teams will be comprised of at least three members.  Each team will determine a chairperson for their team who will also serve on the church council.  The following lists are a guideline of anticipated ministry each team will conduct.  It is anticipated that each ministry team will evaluate and increase or decrease ministries listed as the team becomes aware of church needs.

  1. Worship Planning Team will include all areas related to regular worship services of the Church.  These areas will include but not be limited to worship service planning, member participation, greeters, ushers, testimonies, music selection, ordinances, and A/V.  The Pastor of Worship and Fellowship will oversee this process and work alongside the lead pastor and church council for collaboration.

 

  1. Fellowship Planning Team will include all areas related to church membership.  These areas will include but not be limited to: PPBC 101 new member’s course, membership care, social media, annual social events. The Pastor of Worship and Fellowship will oversee this process and work alongside the lead pastor and church council for collaboration.

 

  1. Discipleship Planning Team will include all areas related to the Biblical training of the church.  These areas will include but not be limited to: PPBC 201, Sunday School (Infant to Senior Biblical Study), Children’s Ministry (Infant up to 6th Grade), Youth Ministry, College Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Adult Ministry including Life Groups, and curriculum oversight. The Pastor of Discipleship will oversee this process and work alongside the lead pastor and church council for collaboration.

 

  1. Service Planning Team will include all areas related to service projects inside and outside the church.  These areas will include but not be limited to: PPBC 301, building, grounds, church decoration, community service, elderly, single parents, CPC, foster care, homeless ministry, road cleanup. The Pastor of Service and Evangelism will oversee this process and work alongside the lead pastor and church council for collaboration.

 

  1. Evangelism Planning Team will include all areas related to the intentional sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  These areas will include but not be limited to: PPBC 401, personal evangelism training, focused annual evangelistic events (Fall Festival, Christmas, Easter), the three annual SBC missions offerings, local mission focus (stay vacation), state/nation mission trips, international mission trips, seek to emulate an Acts 1:8 church.  The Pastor of Service and Evangelism will oversee this process and work alongside the lead pastor and church council for collaboration.

 

ARTICLE V: CHURCH ORDINANCES

SECTION 5.1

BAPTISM

 

This church will receive for baptism any person who has received 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.

 

  1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
  2. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service
  3. Baptism shall be administered by the pastor or whomever the pastor shall authorize.
  4. A person who professes Christ shall be baptized as soon as possible.

SECTION 5.2

 

THE LORD'S SUPPER

 

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church and other Christians, through partaking of unleavened bread and grape juice, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ who died for our sins.

 

A.        The church shall observe the Lord’s Supper the first Sunday of the month, unless otherwise scheduled by the church.

B.        The pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.

 

 ARTICLE VI: CHURCH MEETINGS

 

SECTION 6.1

 

WORSHIP SERVICES

 

The church shall conduct a minimum of one regular worship services on every Lord’s Day and shall conduct prayer meetings on each Wednesday evening, or any other weekday the church may specify for the worship of Almighty God.  Additional services may be added as the church seeks to maximize facility space. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The pastor shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend.

SECTION 6.2

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

Revival services and any other meetings which will be essential in the promotion of the vision, mission, and values of the church shall be placed on the church calendar as desired.

 

SECTION 6.3

 

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

Regular Business Meetings - The Church shall conduct a regular monthly business meeting, the first Sunday evening of each month, or such other time as it should designate. All business matters shall be attended to at this meeting.  

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

RIGHTS: Only such members as are in full and regular standing and do not hold letters of dismission may act and vote in the transactions of the church.

QUORUM: Ten percent of the resident roll of the membership shall constitute a quorum with a minimum of 7 resident members being necessary for the transaction of general church business and for election of officers. For the calling of a Pastor, discipline of a member, purchase or property, or for amendments and additions to the constitution a quorum of twenty-five percent of the resident roll of the membership is necessary.

SECTION 6.4

 

SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

            Special Business Meetings - The church may conduct called business meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance. Special called sessions must be announced publicly at the services of the church twice prior to the called meeting, or by written notice sent to the resident membership of the church.  First notice shall occur not less than one-week in advance of the specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, the date, and time and place; and it must be given in such a manner that all resident members have an opportunity to know of the meeting. No matters may be attended to at the called meetings except those for which the meeting was called and previously announced.

SECTION 6.5

 

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

 

            An annual church business meeting will be conducted on the second Sunday of September for the purpose of conducting normal business as well as installing committees and ministry teams / positions.

 

SECTION 6.6

 

QUORUM

 

In all business meetings, the quorum shall consist of those voting members present who attend, provided it is a regular business meeting or a properly called special business meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE VII: CHURCH FINANCES

 

SECTION 7.1

 

BUDGET

 

The Stewardship Committee, in consultation with the Pastor and Deacons, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and other expenses.

It is understood that membership in the church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular proportionate gifts. At least annually, each member shall be given an opportunity to indicate support of the church's unified budget.

 

SECTION 7.2

 

HANDLING OF FUNDS

 

The Treasurer shall account for all church receipts as set forth in Article II, Section 2.8.

 

Deposits of funds shall be made by the treasurer or appointed trustees of the church. Individuals selected for this duty by the Treasurer and Pastor jointly would normally be selected from the Counting or Finance Committee, provided they otherwise have no other access to church financial records, such as check signing, record keeping, etc.

 

All funds thus received will be subject to audit as set forth in Article II, Section 2.8.

 

SECTION 7.3

 

FISCAL YEAR

 

The church fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end December 31 of each year.

 

SECTION 7.4

 

ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES

 

All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer, or financial secretary, and be properly recorded on the books of the church. Those who have responsibility that involves actual handling of funds shall be bonded, the church paying the bond. (See Article II, Section 2.8 regarding the church treasurer.) A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Treasurer.

 

SECTION 7.5

 

STEWARDSHIP AND MISSIONS

 

The church shall finance its program by the Scriptural method of tithes and offerings. Furthermore, it shall practice and support missions from its local community to the ends of the earth. Evangelism shall be considered the primary work of the church.

The Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church shall make an annual budget that will include all the local objects and support of missions and benevolences as sponsored by the church, the Lakeland Baptist Association, the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Southern Baptist Convention. The church shall endeavor to enlist the membership in meeting the annual budget.

 

SECTION 7.6

 

DIVISION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY

 

  1. Should a division of membership occur because of doctrinal differences;
  2. The title to and possession of all property and assets owned by this congregation shall remain with the group holding the doctrinal position common to churches of the Southern Baptist Convention (BF&M 2000).
  3. An advisory council shall be made up of representatives from sister Southern Baptist Churches as proposed by the Lakeland Baptist Association in cooperation with the MN WI Baptist Convention.
  4. Parties of the outgoing group in custody of physical properties shall immediately relinquish same to proper church officers. 
  5. All officers and positions held by outgoing group shall automatically be declared vacated at the time of division.

SECTION 7.7

 

LITERATURE

 

The church shall use only literature for its respective organizations that is generally accepted and recommended and consistent with Southern Baptist doctrine as reflected in the BF&M 2000.

ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION

 

Upon discontinuance of this Church by dissolution or otherwise, any assets lawfully available for distribution are to be transferred to one or more organizations qualifying as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, by a majority of members attending at a duly called business meeting.

 

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

 

The Constitution and these Bylaws may be amended, modified, or repealed only by two thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present at any duly convened business meeting of the church, provided the proposed amendment shall have been presented to the church in writing at any regular or duly called business meeting of the church at least thirty (30) days prior to the date established for voting on said amendment.  The proposed amendment shall be printed and posted in the church office at least fifteen (15) days before the proposed amendment is to be acted upon.  When an amendment is proposed and has been rejected by the church, that amendment, or any amendment embodying the substance thereof, shall not be proposed again for at least six months from the date of the rejection of such amendment.

 

Any amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall immediately go into full force and effect from and after their adoption.

 

Changes in the constitution and bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous regular business meeting and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each member present at the earlier meeting.

Amendments to the constitution shall be by three-fourths vote of church members present. Amendments to the bylaws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting

 

Adopted by unanimous vote of the church in its business meeting of                                          .                                              

 

                                                           .                                                                    .

Clerk                                                                                       Moderator