first baptist church winchester, virginia · 1/1/2020 · morning and at other times as the church...

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

AUGUST 21, 2019

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2020

Revised 8/21/2019; Effective 1/1/2020

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WINCHESTER, VIRGINA

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I.

THE CHURCH YEAR

SECTION A- CHURCH. The church’s organizational year and fiscal year shall both be from January 1 through December 31. SECTION B- SUNDAY SCHOOL. Persons elected as officers or teachers of the Sunday School shall take office September 1 and serve through August 31.

ARTICLE II.

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION A – CANDIDACY. Any person may offer himself or herself as a candidate for membership in this church. Any such candidate shall be presented to the church at any worship service and may be received as a member based upon any of the following declarations:

1. Profession of faith in Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion in accordance with the church constitution.

2. Promise of letter of recommendation from another Christian church. 3. Statement of prior conversion experience which was followed by baptism in

another Christian church. Persons presenting themselves for membership in the church shall be voted upon at that time. Before a vote is taken, the minister or other presiding official shall make clear to the congregation the conditions upon which each candidate is being presented. If accepted, the candidate will be welcomed at that service by the congregation. SECTION B – PRIVILEGES.

1. Eligibility to Vote. Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on questions submitted to the church in business meetings provided the member is present.

2. Entitlement to Office Consideration. Every member of the church is eligible for consideration by the membership as a candidate for elective office in the church.


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SECTION C – NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION. New member orientation shall be held as soon as feasible after a person joins the church. New members are expected to participate in church activities. SECTION D – TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP. Membership may be terminated by one or more of the following ways:

1. Death of a member. 2. Receipt of a request for a letter of recommendation from another Christian

church. 3. Notice of membership in another Christian church or religious body. 4. Request of the member. 5. A vote of three-fourths of those members present at a regular business meeting

when a member is deemed to have become a liability to the general welfare of the church, provided that written notice has been given to the member and to the church thirty days before the meeting and provided that the scriptural teaching of Matthew 18: 15-18 has been followed.

ARTICLE III.

MEETINGS

SECTION A – WORSHIP SERVICES. The church shall meet for worship each Sunday morning and at other times as the church desires. The ordinance of baptism and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed during services of worship. SECTION B – BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER. Opportunities for prayer and Bible study shall be offered as scheduled by the pastor in consultation with the deacons. SECTION C – BUSINESS MEETINGS. Quarterly business meetings shall, if possible, be held in the middle of each quarter. If any regular business meeting has to be rescheduled, it will be held the following week. In addition to the general business of the church, the following particular items of business shall be considered at the meetings indicated:

1. First Quarter – February. The treasurer shall present a financial report covering the preceding year. The Nominating Committee shall present the name of a person to serve as Vacation Bible School Director.

2. Second Quarter – May. The Auditing Committee shall present the result of its examination of the annual financial report and related financial records and documents. The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of persons to be elected to positions as Children’s program workers


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(Article VIII, Section B 6), Fellowship Dinner Committee, and “Son” Shine Learning Center Committee. Those elected take office July 1.

3. Third Quarter -August. The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of persons to be elected as Sunday School officers and teachers. Those elected take office September 1st.

4. Fourth Quarter – November. This meeting shall be called the annual business meeting of the church.

a. Budget. The Stewardship and Finance Committee shall present a proposed church ministries budget for the coming year.

b. Nominations by Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of persons to be elected to church officer and committee positions. Those elected take office January 1st.

c. Nomination by Church Council. The Church Council shall present the names of persons to be elected to the Nominating Committee. Those elected take office January 1st.

d. Retreat Corporation. This meeting shall also be considered the annual meeting of the general membership of The Baptist Hunting Ridge Retreat, Incorporated for the purpose of hearing any report from the corporation’s Board of Directors and conducting other business as necessary. The general membership of the Retreat Corporation shall be comprised of all church members.

SECTION D – SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS. Special business meetings may be called as necessary by the moderator. Notice shall be given to members at least one week in advance by electronic means or postal mail previously stated according to the member’s preference. The agenda shall be included in the announcement. No additional items may be considered. SECTION E – QUORUM AND VOTING AT BUSINESS MEETINGS.

1. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of forty members. No business shall be conducted at any regular or special business meeting unless a quorum is present.

2. Voting. All decisions shall be by majority vote unless otherwise stated in these by-laws or the constitution. Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

3. Written ballots. Written ballots shall be used in the following circumstances: a. When calling or terminating any member of the ministerial staff; b. When more than one person is nominated for a position; c. When the question being considered involves the expenditure of more

than $ 5,000; d. When voting on a question of dismissal of a member for cause; and e. Upon approval of a motion and second that a particular vote be conducted

by written ballot.


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SECTION F – SPECIAL SERVICES. Under the direction of the Senior Pastor in cooperation with the Deacons and the Church Council, the church may hold revival or renewal services or other special services.

ARTICLE IV.

MINISTERIAL STAFF

SECTION A – GENERAL. The basic responsibility of the ministerial staff shall be to lead and equip the members of the church to carry out the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

1. How called. Each member of the ministerial staff shall have been called by God to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

a. Senior Pastor.

(1) Appointment of Search Committee. When a vacancy occurs in the position of Senior Pastor, the Nominating Committee shall present to the church, in a special business meeting, a slate of nine persons to serve on a Pastor Search Committee. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. When the nominations are closed, nine persons shall be elected by written ballot.

(2) Election of Search Committee Officers. The Pastor Search Committee shall elect officers necessary to conduct its business.

(3) Pastor Profile. The Pastor Search Committee shall survey the congregation to develop a profile of a desired senior pastor. The profile shall be presented to the church for discussion and approval. The Pastor Search Committee shall then begin its search for a pastor.

(4) Presentation of Candidate. When the Pastor Search Committee has made a choice, the candidate shall be presented to the congregation on a Sunday, in a manner that will allow for personal interaction between the candidate and the congregation. The presentation shall include a trial sermon. Notice of this presentation shall be given at least two weeks in advance. The family of the candidate shall be invited to attend the Sunday Session.

(5) Recommendation and Report. At a special business meeting on the following Sunday, the Pastor Search Committee shall present a report containing its recommendation. Consideration shall be limited to consideration of one candidate and no nominations shall be made from the floor. If the committee’s


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recommendation is to call the candidate, the recommendation shall include the proposed compensation and benefits package. The vote shall be whether to adopt the recommendation of the committee. Voting shall be by written ballot, with all decisions being determined by a three-fourths majority of those present and voting. If the committee’s recommendation fails to receive the votes required for approval, the matter shall be referred to the committee for further search. The meeting shall then be adjourned without debate.

b. Other ministerial staff.

1. Appointment of a Search Committee. When a vacancy occurs in

the ministerial staff other than Senior Pastor, the Nominating Committee shall present at a special business meeting a slate of nine persons to serve as a Search Committee. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. When the nominations are closed, nine persons shall be elected by written ballot.

2. Election of Search Committee Officers. The Search Committee shall elect officers necessary to conduct its business.

3. Profile of Candidate. The Search Committee shall survey the congregation to develop a profile of the desired minister. The profile shall be presented to the church for information purposes only. The Search Committee shall then begin its search for a minister.

4. Presentation and Voting. At a special business meeting, the Search Committee shall present a report containing its recommendation. Consideration shall be limited to one candidate and no nominations shall be made from the floor. If the committee’s recommendation is to call the candidate, the recommendation shall include the proposed compensation and benefits package. The vote shall be whether to adopt the recommendation of the committee. Voting shall be by written ballot, with all decisions being determined by a three-fourths majority of those present and voting. If the committee’s recommendation fails to receive the vote required for approval, the matter shall be referred to the committee for further search. The meeting shall then be adjourned without debate.

2. Period of Service. a. Resignation by Staff Member. A member of the ministerial staff may

terminate employment by providing at least one month’s notice to the congregation.

b. Termination by Church. The church may terminate a ministerial staff member’s employment by a three-fourths majority of the church members


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present in a special business session for the purpose of considering changes in the staff member’s employment. Before a special meeting for this purpose, the moderator shall assure that the procedures outlined in Article IV, Section B have been followed. A minimum of one month’s written notice shall be provided to the church prior to this special meeting.

c. Termination Pay. Termination or separation pay shall not be paid without specific authorization by the church.

d. Waiver of Minimum Notice. The minimum notice requirements may be waited upon mutual agreement between the staff member and the church.

SECTION B – RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES REGARDING MINISTER’S EMPLOYMENT. Efforts to resolve any dispute, complaint, or issue that may adversely affect a minister’s employment shall be made prayerfully, respectfully, with due regard for the minister’s special calling, and with particular regard for how it may affect the minister and the minister’s family.

1. Levels of Review. These steps shall be followed in processing disputes, complaints, or issues about a minister.

a. First Level – Private Meeting. The first attempt to resolve the dispute shall be a private meeting between the parties involved.

b. Second Level – Church Minister Relations Committee. If the above fails, any party concerned may present the matter to the Church-Minister Relations Committee. The committee shall attempt to resolve the matter as discreetly as possible.

c. Third Level – Joint Meeting. If the above fails, the matter may be presented to a joint meeting of the Church-Minister Relations Committee and the Deacons, presided over by the leadership of the Deacons.

d. Fourth Level-Special Church Meeting. If all of the above attempts to resolve the dispute have failed, the matter may be presented to the church body in a special business meeting called for that purpose.

2. Opportunity to Participate. No dispute, complaint or issue shall be considered at any level of review unless each party involved has been given opportunity to attend the meeting and to present his or her position concerning the matter in dispute.

3. Authority of Church. Only the church body acting in special business session shall have the decision-making authority to determine the outcome of a dispute, issue, or complaint affecting a minister’s employment. Resolution of a dispute below this level shall only be by mutual agreement of all parties.


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SECTION C – SENIOR PASTOR The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for the spiritual and administrative oversight of the church and shall be an ordained Baptist minister.

1. Spiritual Oversight and Leadership

a. Personal Witness. The Senior Pastor shall engage in personal witness and empower others to share their faith.

b. Leadership. The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for leading the ministries of the church.

c. Preaching. The Senior Pastor shall fulfill the church’s major

preaching responsibilities.

d. Training Members. The Senior Pastor shall coordinate the training and equipping of church members to carry out the work of the church.

e. Pastoral Care. The Senior Pastor shall provide pastoral care

through visitation and counseling.

f. Spiritual Guidance. The Senior Pastor shall provide spiritual guidance and support to the ministerial staff and non-ministerial staff.

2. Administrative Supervision

a. Administrative Oversight. The Senior Pastor shall be

responsible for the administrative oversight of the church.

b. Supervision of Ministerial Staff. The Senior Pastor shall supervise the ministerial staff members in the performance of their duties. The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for appraising the performance of each member of the ministerial staff. The Senior Pastor shall present to each minister a written annual appraisal of the minister’s performance and provide a copy to the Church-Minister Relations Committee and the Personnel Committee.

c. Supervision of Non-Ministerial Staff. The Senior Pastor shall

supervise the non-ministerial staff members in the performance of their duties. The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for appraising the performance of each member of the non-ministerial staff unless that responsibility is


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otherwise assigned. The Senior Pastor shall present to each staff member assigned a written annual appraisal of the staff member’s performance and provide a copy to the Personnel Committee.

3. Other Duties. The Senior Pastor shall serve as an ex officio member of all

church committees and organizations, except the Church-Minister Relations Committee and others so specified. The Senior Pastor shall represent the church in the community and beyond. The Senior Pastor shall also perform other duties appropriate to the position.

SECTION D – ASSOCIATE PASTOR. The Associate pastor shall assist with the spiritual and administrative oversight of the church and shall be an ordained Baptist minister.

1. Personal Witness. The Associate Pastor shall engage in personal

witness and empower others to share their faith.

2. Worship. The Associate Pastor shall assist in planning and leading worship services, including preaching.

3. Pastoral Care. The Associate Pastor shall provide pastoral care through visitation and counseling.

4. Leadership. The Associate Pastor shall participate in the development and direction of church-wide programs. The Associate Pastor shall represent the church in the community and beyond. 5. Other Duties. The Associate Pastor shall serve as an ex officio member of the Deacons and any other committees that directly affect the assigned areas of ministry. The Associate Pastor shall also perform other duties appropriate to the position.

SECTION E – MINISTER OF MUSIC. The Minister of Music shall be responsible for leading the church’s music program.

1. Personal Witness. The Minister of Music shall engage in personal witness and empower others to share their faith. The Minister of Music shall encourage others to share their musical gifts through participation in the church’s music program.

2. Music Program Planning. The Minister of Music shall be responsible for planning all aspects of the church’s music ministry.


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3. Music Rehearsal and Direction. The Minister of Music shall rehearse

and direct the adult choirs and other adult musical groups for regular and special worship services. The Minister of Music shall plan and direct music for Sunday morning worship and other special services.

4. Recruitment and Supervision. The Minister of Music shall assist in the

recruitment and supervision of leadership for all church music choirs and groups.

5. Budget and Supplies. The Minister of Music shall prepare and annual

budget request and administer an annual budget for music ministry. The Minister of Music shall be responsible for purchasing music and supplies needed for the church music program.

6. Other Duties. The Minister of Music shall perform any additional duties

appropriate to the position.

SECTION F – MINISTER TO SENIOR ADULTS. The Minister to Senior Adults shall be responsible for leading the church’s ministry to senior adults.

1. Personal Witness. The Minister to Senior Adults shall engage in personal witness and empower others to share their faith.

2. Program Panning. The Minister to Senior Adults shall plan, organize, and lead programs of interest for senior adults which may include music, fellowship, missions, and other appropriate activities.

3. Pastoral Care. The Minister to Senior Adults shall provide pastoral

care through visitation and counseling.

4. Administration. The Minister to Senior Adults shall prepare an annual budget request and administer an annual budget for senior adult ministry and shall work with the Nominating Committee and Minister of Music in securing volunteer leadership in senior adult ministry.

5. Other Duties. The Minister to Senior Adults shall serve as ex officio

member of the Homebound Ministry team and shall perform additional duties appropriate to the position.

SECTION G – MINISTER TO YOUTH. The Minister to Youth shall develop the church’s ministry to youth in the church and community.


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1. Personal Witness. The Minister to Youth shall engage in personal witness and empower others to share their faith.

2. Leadership. The Minister to Youth shall plan, organize, and direct

programs of youth education, fellowship, and missions. The Minister to Youth shall lead the youth in developing their own ministry skills and involve youth in leadership opportunities through ministry and worship. The Minister to Youth shall recruit and direct volunteer youth leadership and shall set the youth ministry calendar.

3. Pastoral Care. The Minister to Youth shall provide pastoral care

through visitation and counseling.

4. Administration. The Minister to Youth shall prepare an annual budget request and administer an annual budget for youth ministry, shall coordinate youth curriculum and literature selection, and shall work with the Nominating Committee, Sunday School Director, and Minister of Music in securing volunteer leadership in the youth ministry.

5. Other Duties. The Minister to Youth shall serve as an ex officio

member of any committee that directly affects the assigned areas of ministry. The Minister to Youth shall also perform other duties appropriate to the position.

SECTION H – DIRECTOR OF CHILREN’S MINISTRIES. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall develop the church’s ministry to children and their families in the church and community.

1. Personal Witness. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall engage in personal witness and empower others to share their faith.

2. Leadership. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall plan, organize,

and direct programs for preschool and school-age children and their families in education, fellowship, and missions and provide training opportunities for adult leadership in coordination with the Children’s Planning Team.

3. Pastoral Care. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall provide

pastoral care to children and their families through visitation and counseling.

4. Administration. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall prepare an

annual budget request and administer an annual budget for children’s ministry, shall coordinate children’s curriculum and literature selection,


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and shall work with the Nominating Committee securing volunteer leadership in children’s ministry.

5. Outreach. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall be responsible for

leading and planning Vacation Bible School and for initiating outreach opportunities to families of the “Son”Shine Learning Center and larger community.

6. Other Duties. The Director of Children’s Ministries shall serve as an

ex officio member of the Children’s Planning Team and any other committee that directly affects children’s ministry and shall perform other duties appropriate to the position.

ARTICLE V.

OTHER STAFF

SECTION A – GENERAL. The church shall employ other staff as may be needed. Each employee shall be given a copy of the personnel manual and a job description, detailing his or her duties. The employee shall also receive a letter detailing the remuneration package and conditions of employment. SECTION B – DIRECTOR HUNTING RIDGE RETREAT.

1. Basic Duties. The Director of Hunting Ridge Retreat, in collaboration with the Hunting Ridge Board of Operations, shall maintain, operate, and promote Hunting Ridge Retreat. This Christian activity center, a ministry of First Baptist Church, shall offer programs designed to enhance spiritual growth, Christian fellowship, and recreation. The Director shall train and supervise all Hunting Ridge Retreat staff. In conjunction with the Personnel Committee, the Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations, the Senior Pastor, and the Director shall be involved in the hiring, evaluating, and termination of retreat staff.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the Hunting

Ridge Retreat Director shall be determined by the Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations, the Personnel Committee, and the Senior Pastor.

3. Supervision. The Hunting Ridge Retreat Director shall work under the

supervision of the Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations and the Senior Pastor.


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SECTION C – DIRECTOR OF “SON”SHINE LEARNING CENTER.

1. Basic Duties. The Director of “Son”Shine Learning Center, in collaboration with the “Son” Shine Learning Center Committee, shall be responsible for the operation of the church’s preschool. This child development and education program, a ministry of First Baptist Church, shall offer an intentional Christian curriculum designed for the age levels of children. The Director shall train and supervise all “Son” Shine Learning Center staff. In conjunction with the “Son”Shine Learning Center Committee, the Personnel Committee, the Senior Pastor, and the Director shall be involved in the hiring, evaluating, and terminating of “Son”Shine Learing Center staff.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the “Son”Shine

Learning Center Director shall be determined by the “Son”Shine Learning Center Committee, the Personnel Committee, and the Senior Pastor.

3. Supervision. The “Son”Shine Learning Center Director shall work

under the supervision of the “Son”Shine Learning Center Committee and the Senior Pastor.

SECTION D – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.

1. Basic Duties. The Administrative Assistant shall provide general office support to members of the church ministerial staff and to the church congregation.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the

Administrative Assistant shall be determined by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor.

3. Supervision. The Administrative Assistant shall work under the

primary supervision of the Senior Pastor and the secondary supervision of the other members of the ministerial staff.


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SECTION E – FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND/OR ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

1. Basic Duties. The Financial Secretary and/or Assistant Financial Secretary shall perform all the church’s bookkeeping functions and financial transactions.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the Financial

Secretary and/or Assistant Financial Secretary shall be determined by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor, Treasurer, and the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

3. Supervision. The Financial Secretary and/or Assistant Financial

Secretary shall work under the day-to-day supervision of the Senior Pastor. With respect to technical duties, the Financial Secretary and/or assistant financial secretary shall work under the guidance and supervision of the Treasurer and the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

SECTION F – COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER.

1. Basic Duties. The Communications Manager shall prepare and oversee the preparation of the publications and electronic communications of First Baptist Church and shall maintain church membership data.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the

Communications Manager shall be determined by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor.

3. Supervision. The Communications Manager shall work under the

primary supervision of the Senior Pastor and the secondary supervision of the other members of the ministerial staff.

SECTION G – HANDYMAN

1. Basic Duties. The Handyman shall make necessary repairs as he is qualified to maintain the church in a functional condition.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the Handyman

shall be determined by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor and the Administrative Management Committee.


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3. Supervision. The Handyman shall work under the general supervision

of the Senior Pastor and the particular supervision of the Administrative Management Committee.

SECTION H – CUSTODIAN

1. Basic Duties. The custodian shall maintain the church buildings is a safe, sanitary, attractive, and functional condition.

2. Hiring and Termination. The hiring and termination of the custodian

shall be determined by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Senior Pastor and the Administrative Management Committee.

3. Supervision. The custodian shall work under the general supervision

of the Senior Pastor and the supervision of the Administrative Management Committee.

SECTION I - “SON”SHINE LEARNING Center Staff

1. Basic Duties a. Plan and implement Christian curriculum in an effective manner for appropriate learning experiences for children. b. Staff will perform responsibilities as outlined by the “Son”Shine Learning Center Director.

2. Hiring and Termination The hiring and termination of the SLC Staff shall be determined by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the SLC Director and the SLC Committee

3. Supervision SLC will be supervised by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the SLC Director and the SLC Committee

SECTION J – PAID NURSERY WORKERS 1. Basic Duties

a. Provides a nurturing, loving, and safe environment for nursery-aged children.

b. Interacts with nursery volunteers and parents in a positive and caring manner.


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2. Hiring and Termination Hiring and termination of Paid Nursery Workers shall be determined by the Director of Children’s Ministry, Personnel Committee, and the Children’s Ministry Team

3. Supervision The Paid Nursery Workers shall be supervised by the Director of Children’s Ministry, Personnel Committee, and the Children’s Ministry Team

SECTION K – ORGANIST

1. Basic Duties a. Play for all regularly scheduled Sunday morning services of the

church and additional services as arranged. b. Accompany choirs, ensembles, and soloists in regular and

special music events as assigned. c. Work collaboratively with the Minister of Music and Pianist to

enhance the worship experience of the congregation. d. Monitor the use and maintenance of the organ.

2. Hiring and Termination Hiring and Termination of the organist shall be determined by Personnel Committee, Minister of Music, and Senior Pastor

3. Supervision Supervision shall be conducted by the Minister of Music and Senior Pastor

SECTION L – PIANIST

1. Basic Duties a. Play for all regularly scheduled Sunday morning services of the

church and additional services as arranged. b. Accompany choirs, ensembles, and soloists in regular and

special rehearsals and services as assigned. c. Work collaboratively with the Minister of Music and Organist to

enhance the worship experience of the congregation. d. Monitor the use and maintenance of the Grand Piano as

approved by the Minister of Music and Senior Pastor.


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2. Hiring and Termination Hiring and termination of the pianist shall be determined by the Personnel Committee, Minister of Music, and Senior Pastor

3. Supervision Supervision shall be conducted by the Minister of Music and Senior Pastor

ARTICLE VI.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Section A – General Provision. The Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Treasurer,

Assistant Treasurer, and Clerk shall be elected for terms of one year and may succeed

themselves.

SECTION B – MODERATOR.

1. Business Meetings. In consultation with the Senior Pastor and lay leaders, the Moderator shall call business meetings and develop the agenda for those meetings. The Moderator shall preside at all business meetings.

2. Implementation Oversight. The Moderator shall seek to assure that all

church-authorized actions are implemented.

3. Other Duties. The Moderator shall serve as the chairperson of the Emergency

Board (Article X)

SECTION C – ASSISTANT MODERATOR.

The Assistant Moderator shall perform such duties as assigned by the Moderator

and shall perform the duties of the Moderator in the Moderator’s absence.


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SECTION D – TREASURER

1. Custodian of Funds. The Treasurer, who shall be adequately bonded, shall be the custodian and signatory of all church funds which fall within the purview of the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

2. Receipt and Disbursement of Funds.

a. The Treasurer shall monitor the receipts and disbursements of

all church monies and report any irregularities to the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

b. Disbursements of budgeted funds shall be made upon receipt of

purchase orders approved and signed by authorized persons. c. Disbursements of designated amounts received shall be made

in accordance with the intent and wishes of the donor and in consultation with the appropriate church committees.

d. Designated amounts deemed not in keeping with the church’s

ministry or mission shall be returned to the donor.

3. Management and Investment of Funds. The Treasurer shall have the authority, with the advice and consent of the Stewardship and Finance Committee, to: (1) use money from various church accounts in order to maintain the cash flow position of church operations, (2) freeze spending for such periods as necessary if expenditures appear in danger of exceeding cash available for operation, and (3) invest any excess cash funds not needed for current church operations.

4. Supervision of Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary. The Treasurer shall supervise the Financial Secretary and the Assistant Financial Secretary in maintaining an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements according to the line-item categories contained in the annual church ministries budget. 5. Member of Stewardship and Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall be an ex officio member of the church’s Stewardship and Finance Committee and shall be responsible for implementing any changes in controls or mechanisms as directed by the committee. 6. Monthly Report. The Treasurer shall ensure that a written monthly report of receipts and expenditures is provided to the Stewardship and Finance Committee. Copies of these monthly reports shall be provided to church members, upon request.


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7. Quarterly and Annual Reports. The Treasurer shall ensure that a financial report be made at each regular quarterly church business meeting. A written annual financial report of the previous calendar year shall be presented to the church at the first quarterly business meeting held each calendar year. The Treasurer shall provide the annual report to the Auditing Committee, along with all supporting financial records.

SECTION E – ASSISTANT TREASURER. The Assistant Treasurer shall perform such duties as assigned by the Treasurer or the Stewardship and Finance Committee. The Assistant Treasurer shall serve in the absence of the Treasurer and shall be an ex officio member of the Stewardship and Finance Committee. SECTION F – CLERK.

1. Business Meetings. The Clerk shall give required notice of all business meetings where notice is necessary, as indicated in these by-laws. The Clerk shall determine and declare if the quorum requirement is met. The Clerk shall take notes and produce minutes of all church business meetings and shall distribute copies of the minutes to appropriate persons. The Clerk shall preserve on file written official reports made to church business meetings.

2. Church Letters. The Clerk shall make requests for the church letters of persons transferring into membership from other churches and issue letters of transfer for persons joining other churches.

3. Membership Records. The Clerk shall be responsible for the keeping of records of the names of members, resident and non-resident, with dates of admission, baptism, death, transfer, or removal for other cause. The Clerk may delegate this responsibility to church support staff with the approval of the Senior Pastor.

4. Custodian of Constitution and By-laws. The Clerk shall serve as the

custodian of the church’s Constitution and By-laws and shall assure that revisions to these documents as approved by the church are appropriately recorded and maintained.


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ARTICLE VII.

DEACONS

SECTION A – MINISTRY. The body of deacons shall provide spiritual leadership for the church. Deacons shall be ordained and shall perform the ministries stated below.

1. Ministry to Members. The deacons shall minister to church members

through a family ministry plan and may invite other church members to work with them to minister to church members in areas such as bereavement, hospital visitation, family crisis, prospective member visitation, homebound visitation, strategic planning, and worship. The Deacons shall also be responsible for preparing and serving the Lord’s Supper.

2. Oversight of Church Operation. The deacons shall cooperate with the ministerial staff and all other church officers to promote Christlikeness in all church functions.

SECTION B – ELECTION AND ORGANIZATION. 1. Election of Deacons. Deacons shall be elected at the annual business meeting. Deacons shall be elected based on their personal commitment to Jesus Christ and their ability to perform their duties in office.

2. NUMBER OF DEACONS. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the church. There shall be approximately one deacon for every fifteen active families. 3. PERIODS OF SERVICE. The term of office for each deacon shall be three years and terms shall be staggered so that approximately one-third of the deacons are elected each year. No deacon shall be eligible for election to a new three-year term until after the lapse of at least one year. No deacon who has served more than eighteen months of an unexpired term shall be eligible for reelection until at least one year has elapsed following the previous service. 4. STRUCTURE. The deacons shall organize themselves with officers, committees, and teams to effectively carry out the deacons’ mission.


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SECTION C – CHAIRPERSON’S ROLE IN ABSENCE OF PASTOR. In the absence of the Senior Pastor and the Associate Pastor, it shall be the duty of the chairperson of the Deacons, in consultation with the Church Council and other appropriate organizations, to plan meetings and make special appointments as necessary for the smooth functioning of the church during the interim period.

ARTICLE VIII.

COMMITTEES, PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES

SECTION A – GENERAL PROVISIONS.

1. Criterion for Membership. As provided in the Constitution, all persons who serve in an elective position in this body shall be members of this church. No two (2) people related by blood or marriage shall serve on the same committee. The deacons may grant exceptions to these policies on an individualized basis. 2. Election. All committee members shall be elected by the church after nominations have been received from the Nominating Committee. When vacancies occur, the Nominating Committee shall present replacement names at the next business meeting, if feasible. In all cases, additional nominations may be made from the floor. Written ballots will be used in cases of multiple nominations. 3. Terms of Office. Except as otherwise provided, the committee members shall serve three-year terms beginning January 1, the terms being staggered, and, with the exception of the Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations, which will allow a board member who has fulfilled his or her 3 year term, to roll over with one more full term. Persons being elected to fill an unexpired term shall take office immediately. No person who has served a full term, or more than eighteen months of an unexpired term, shall be eligible for re-election until at least one year has elapsed following the person’s previous service on that committee, unless otherwise stated. Any member who is absent from committee responsibilities for three consecutive meetings without just cause may be asked to resign.

4. Officers. The first person named on a committee shall call the first meeting, and committee members, by majority vote, shall elect the


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chairperson and other officers. Unless otherwise specified, each committee shall elect its own officers.

5. Meetings. Committees shall hold their meetings to the minimum number required to fulfill their responsibilities effectively and expeditiously. Reasonable notice of meetings shall be provided to all committee members. 6. Quorum and Voting. Provided that reasonable notice has been given, a quorum (consisting of a majority of the number of members on the committee) shall be present for business to be conducted. All decisions shall be by majority vote. Proxy voting shall not be permitted. 7. Financial Matters. Special attention is called to Article X (Financial Policy) of the church Constitution, and to Article XI (Financial Policies) of these By-laws.

8. Reports. Chairpersons shall make reports of committee business at business meetings as specified by the Church Council and the Moderator.

9. Training. Each committee shall provide for the training of all newly elected committee members. SECTION B – CHURCH COMMITTEES. 1. Administrative Management Committee. The Administrative Management Committee shall maintain and manage the church’s buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment. The committee shall manage the church’s insurance program (with the exception of employee’s health insurance) and develop and maintain a manual of policies and procedures related to the church’s buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment. The committee shall consist of nine members. In addition to members who have mechanical and technical skills, the committee shall also include members who have administrative and management skills. a. Buildings and Grounds. (1) Maintenance of Property. The committee shall adequately maintain the church’s physical property and shall advise the church on ways to improve the property.


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(2) Oversight of Handyman and Custodian. The committee shall serve as the adviser and consultant to the Handyman and Custodian with day-to-day supervision provided by the Senior Pastor. b. Insurance. The committee shall maintain and annually review the church’s insurance program, to include casualty insurance, liability insurance for employees, liability for non-paid staff and volunteers, medical pay insurance, Workman’s compensation, and any other insurance necessary to protect the interest of the church. c. Vehicles, Equipment, and Computers. The committee shall maintain the church’s vehicles, equipment, and computers and make appropriate recommendations to the church for replacement, upgrade, and training. d. Procedures Manual. The committee shall develop and maintain a manual detailing all church policies and procedures related to buildings, grounds, vehicles, equipment, and computers 2. Audio-Visual Committee. The primary responsibility of the Audio-Visual Committee shall be to ensure that a sound board attendant is present for all worship services and other services as needed. The committee shall recruit, train, and schedule sound board attendants. The committee shall monitor the audio-visual equipment needs of the church and make recommendations to the appropriate committee for equipment purchase or upgrade. The committee shall be the custodian of the church’s audio-visual room as well as of the audio-visual equipment located throughout the church. The Audio-Visual Committee shall consist of three members whose term of office shall be one year and who may succeed themselves.

3. Audit Committee. This committee of three members shall conduct, or arrange for the conduct of, an audit of the church’s financial records at the end of each fiscal year. The committee’s report shall be presented at a regular business meeting as soon thereafter as possible. The Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and members of the Stewardship and Finance Committee shall not serve on this committee. 4. Baptism Committee. The Baptism Committee shall assist the Pastor and the candidates for baptism.

a) Duties. The committee shall ensure that the baptismal pool and dressing rooms are ready for each baptismal service. After each


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baptismal service, the committee shall ensure that all clothing is properly laundered and stored.

b) Membership and Terms of Office. The committee shall consist of four

members (two male and two female) who have a term of office of one year, with members succeeding themselves as deemed appropriate by the church.

5. C-CAP Representative. The church shall elect annually a representative to the Congregational-Community Action Project (C-CAP), and initiative of the churches of the city to meet human needs. The representative shall serve as the liaison between the church and C-CAP, and shall spearhead any monetary, food, or clothing collections within the church for the benefit of C-CAP clients. The representative may serve successive terms.

6. Children’s Programs. Programs for children from infancy through grade five, and for the families of those children, shall be under the direction of the Director of Children’s Ministries and shall include spiritually based programs in the following areas: 1) Bible Study through Sunday School and other programs; (2) Music; (3) Mission education and projects; (4) Fellowship and recreation; and (5) Provides a nurturing, loving, safe, and secure environment for the care of infants and young children during church worship services, Sunday School, and other times as appropriate. The Children’s Ministry Team shall consist of 6 members, serving 3 alternate year terms. The Director of the Children’s Ministry shall serve as ex-officio member. 7. Christian Education.

a. Sunday School. Sunday School shall be the main Bible teaching ministry of the church instructing that the Bible is the Word of God, divinely inspired, and used for instruction and inspiration. Sunday School shall seek to lead people into a meaningful relationship with the living Christ and to provide Christian growth and fellowship.

(1) The Sunday School shall be under the direction of the Sunday School Director who shall be elected annually by the church. The Director may serve successive terms. (2) The Sunday School shall be for all ages, divided into appropriate classes. (3) Sunday School teachers shall be elected annually by the church and serve successive terms.


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b. Other Christian Education Opportunities. The church shall offer other opportunities for additional Biblical and spiritual studies to meet the needs of the membership and the community.

8. Church-Minister Relations Committee. The Church-Minister Relations Committee shall consist of six members. The committee shall serve as consultant and adviser to each member of the ministerial staff concerning matters relating to the minister’s employment. The committee shall also serve as a sounding board concerning any minister’s needs, complaints, performance of duties and conduct.

a. Matters to be considered. Any minister or any other person(s) may discuss with the committee any matter affecting a minister’s performance of duties. Any person bringing a complaint to this committee must follow the disputes procedures set forth in these by- laws (Article IV, Section B). b. Meetings. The committee shall meet whenever there is pertinent business to conduct. The committee’s discussions shall be private and discreet. c. Membership Criteria. Members of the committee shall be selected on the basis of sensitivity and other gifts specially suited for the committee’s unique mission. d. Ministerial Salaries. The committee shall, after reviewing the performance evaluations of the ministerial staff, recommend to the Stewardship and Finance Committee changes to ministers’ salaries and benefits packages. e. Performance Assessment. The committee shall be responsible for the ongoing assessment of the Senior Pastor’s performance of duties and shall place a copy of the annual performance assessment in the Senior Pastor’s confidential personnel folder.

9. Fellowship Dinner Committee. This committee of three members shall coordinate the Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners. The Chair of the Fellowship Dinner Committee shall be responsible for the inventory of, and the ordering of, supplies for the Fellowship Dinner and other church socials. The term of office shall be for one year and members may succeed themselves.


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10. Flower Committee. The Flower Committee shall secure floral arrangements for worship services, dinners, receptions, and other functions of the church where flowers are deemed appropriate. The committee shall consist of three members. The term of office shall be for one year and members may succeed themselves. 11. History Committee. The committee of three members shall prepare and file a short yearly history of church activities and shall collect and preserve artifacts of historical significance to the church. The term of office shall be one year and members may succeed themselves. 12. Hunting Ridge Board of Operations. The Hunting Ridge Board of Operations, in collaboration with the Director of Hunting Ridge Retreat, shall oversee the operation of Hunting Ridge Retreat, a Christian activities center offering opportunities for spiritual growth, Christian fellowship, and recreation.

a. Policy and Planning. The Hunting Ridge Board of Operations of seven members shall adopt policy guidelines for the operation of Hunting Ridge Retreat, ensuring that the retreat is operated as in integral part of the ministry of First Baptist Church. The Board of Operations shall conduct long-range planning with respect to the use and physical integrity of the retreat property and shall oversee the implementation of these plans as feasible and as approved by the church. b. Operations. The Board of Operations shall seek to be aware of applicable ordinances, regulations, and standards in order to provide reasonably for the health and safety of users and staff of the Retreat. The Board of Operations shall review and approve the retreat rules and operating procedures. c. Financial Oversight. The Board of Operations shall adopt a schedule of fees for the Retreat and shall ensure that it is financially self-sufficient. The Board of Operations shall present an annual budget request to the Stewardship and Finance Committee and shall oversee compliance with the adopted budget. d. Guidance and Evaluation. The Board of Operations shall provide guidance and direction to the Director of Hunting Ridge Retreat. A representative of the Hunting Ridge Board of Operations shall serve on the committee that annually evaluates the performance of the Retreat Director.

e. Hiring and Termination. When a vacancy occurs in the position of the Hunting Ridge Retreat Director, a search committee shall be formed comprised of members including the Senior Pastor, representatives of


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the Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations, and the Personnel Committee. In accordance with the personnel manual, the search committee shall recruit and interview candidates and make a recommendation to the church as to the hiring, salary, and benefits of the Director. As may be necessary, the Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations may make recommendations for the termination of the Director of Hunting Ridge Retreat. 13. Library Committee. The Library Committee shall maintain a library of printed and other resource materials to assist church members in their spiritual study and growth. The Library Committee shall review the church’s library needs, organize its materials, dispose of materials no longer of value, and make recommendations to the church for the library’s improvement. The Library Committee shall consist of three members who may succeed themselves. 14. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall act on behalf of the church to present nominations for elected positions for the church. These nominations shall be presented at the appropriate business meeting or as soon as is feasible (See Article III, Section C). a. Duties. The committee shall assist church organizations and committees in filling vacancies that occur within the year. b. Membership. The committee shall consist of nine members appointed by the Church Council with the approval of the church. 15. Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee shall develop and administer the church’s policies and procedures with respect to its employees, including ministerial staff, other church staff, the staff of the “Son”Shine Learning Center and the staff of the Hunting Ridge Retreat. This committee of six members shall monitor the church’s personnel needs and the effectiveness of personnel policies and procedures. a. Regulatory Compliance. The Personnel Committee shall seek to be aware of applicable statues and regulations in order to ensure compliance of the church’s personnel policies with local, state, and federal laws. The committee shall serve as a resource for the Senior Pastor and other staff members in supervisory positions regarding compliance with personnel laws and procedures.

b. Position Descriptions. The committee shall develop and maintain a succinct description of each staff position, furnishing it to the employee occupying that position. These position descriptions shall serve as the basis for performance evaluations of staff members.


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c. Performance Evaluations. The Personnel Committee shall ensure that the performance of each staff member is evaluated annually by the appropriate supervisor or committee. The chairperson of the Personnel Committee shall serve on the evaluation team of the Senior Pastor. A representative of the Personnel Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity on all other evaluation teams. In addition to ensuring annual evaluations are conducted, the Personnel Committee shall direct all employees to complete mid-year reviews of their descriptions and formulate goals for their future performance. Any paid employee of First Baptist Church who receives an evaluation of “Needs Improvement” will not be entitled to any voted raises or bonuses in next Calendar year. The employee must be re-evaluated within six (6) months.” (Passed February 28, 2018) d. Salary Reviews. The Personnel Committee shall annually review the salaries and other benefits of the church’s non-ministerial staff and shall make recommendations to the Stewardship and Finance Committee for adjustments to salaries and benefits of these staff members. The Personnel Committee shall provide a copy of the annual evaluation of each ministerial staff member to the Church- Minister Relations Committee which shall be responsible for making recommendations to the Stewardship and Finance Committee for adjustments to salaries and benefits of these staff members. e. Health Insurance. To the extent possible given the resources of the church, the committee shall maintain a program of health insurance for church employees who are eligible to participate in the insurance program. f. Personnel Manual. The committee shall develop and maintain a personnel manual setting forth the policies and procedures of the church’s personnel program. Copies of the personnel manual shall be made available to all employees as well as to any church member desiring to review it. g. Personnel Files. The Personnel Committee shall maintain a confidential personnel file for each employee, which shall be accessible to the employee for review upon reasonable notice. The personnel file shall include a current position description, written performance evaluations, and other pertinent documents. The chairperson of the Personnel Committee shall be the official custodian of the personnel files. The file of any employee who leaves the church’s employment shall be maintained in a locked cabinet for five years after the employment terminates, during which time only the chairperson of the Personnel Committee, the chairperson’s designee, or the former


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employee may review the file. After five years, the file shall be destroyed. h. Background Checks. The Personnel Committee shall be responsible for obtaining a criminal history check and a child protective services check for each prospective new employee of the church. Offers of employment shall be contingent upon receipt of satisfactory reports from these two background checks. 16. Reception Coordinating Committee. The Reception Coordinating Committee shall be responsible for hosting church receptions and other special occasions. The responsibilities shall include securing and serving food and assuring for set-up and clean-up. The committee shall consist of three members. The term of office shall be for one year and members may succeed themselves. The committee shall maintain a network of volunteers to assist. 17. Scholarship and Memorial Committee. The Scholarship and Memorial Committee, consisting of three members, shall have the responsibility for awarding monetary scholarships from funds donated for such purpose and for managing church memorials. a. Scholarships. The committee shall provide opportunities for individuals, organizations, and estates to contribute to the scholarship fund and shall ensure that contributions are properly acknowledged. The committee shall establish criteria for awarding scholarships and shall develop appropriate application forms. The committee shall award scholarships consistent with its established criteria. b. Memorials. The committee shall provide opportunities for persons, organizations, and estates to contribute to the memorial fund and shall ensure that contributions are properly acknowledged. The committee shall ensure that funds designated for specific purposes are used for those purposes. The committee shall establish criteria for the appropriate use of undesignated funds and shall ensure that those funds are used consistently with the established criteria. The committee shall maintain the Memorial Book. 18. Shenandoah Association Executive Board of Members. The church shall have two representatives on the Executive Board of the Shenandoah Baptist Association, the Senior Pastor and a lay representative elected annually by the church who may serve successive terms. These representatives shall act as the channel of communication between the association and the church, and shall serve as the church’s representatives in association matters.


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19. “Son”Shine Learning Center Committee. The “Son”Shine Learning Center Committee, in collaboration with the Director of the “Son”Shine Learning Center, shall oversee the operation of the church’s weekday preschool. This child development and education program, a ministry of First Baptist Church, shall offer an intentional Christian curriculum designed for the age levels of children. a. Policy and Planning. This committee of six members shall adopt policy guidelines for the operation of the weekday preschool, ensuring that the preschool is operated as an integral part of the total church ministry. The committee shall conduct long-range planning with respect to the weekday preschool and shall oversee the implementation of these plans as feasible and as approved by the church. b. Operations. The committee shall be aware of applicable ordinances, regulations and standards in order to provide reasonably for the health and safety of children and adults in the program. The committee shall review and approve the parent handbook and the SLC personnel handbook prepared by the Director. c. Financial Oversight. The committee shall adopt a schedule of registration and tuition fees for the preschool and shall ensure that the preschool is financially self-sufficient. The committee shall present an annual budget request to the Stewardship and Finance Committee and shall oversee compliance with the adopted budget. d. Guidance and Evaluation. The committee shall provide guidance and direction to the SLC Director. A representative of the SLC Committee shall serve on the committee that annually evaluates the performance of the SLC Director. e. Hiring and Termination. When a vacancy occurs in the position of SLC Director, a search committee shall be formed comprised of the Senior Pastor and representatives of the SLC Committee and the Personnel Committee. In accordance with the personnel manual, the search committee shall recruit and interview candidates and make a recommendation to the church as to the hiring, salary, and benefits of the director. As may be necessary, the SLC Committee may make recommendations for the termination of the SLC Director. 20. Stewardship and Finance Committee. The Stewardship and Finance Committee shall oversee stewardship education, annual budget preparation, and management of the church’s monetary affairs. The committee shall consist of six members. In addition, the church Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall serve as ex officio


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members. Committee chairpersons, program heads, and staff members may not serve on this committee.

a. Accounting Procedures. The committee shall institute sound accounting procedures to receive, count, deposit, record, disburse, and report monies received.

b. Advice to Treasurer. The committee shall give advice and consent to the church Treasurer in matters relating to (1) monitoring church finances, (2) maintaining cash flow, (3) freezing spending, and (4) investing church funds.

c. Budget. The committee shall develop a proposed church ministries budget for the coming fiscal year. This proposed budget shall include a recommendation for budget allocation percentages for giving to the Virginia Baptist Cooperative Program and the Shenandoah Baptist Association. The proposed budget shall be presented to the church for approval at the annual business meeting. d. Controls. The committee shall establish control mechanisms to prevent the over-expenditure of budget line-item allocations. Requests for expenditures not previously budgeted also shall fall under these controls. The Stewardship and Finance Committee shall notify committee chairpersons, program heads, and/or staff members when over-expenditures or unbudgeted expenditures occur and shall recommend corrective actions. e. Overspend Authority. The committee shall have the authority to approve requests of up to $5,000 to overspend line-item allocations. Approvals of a like amount also may be granted for expenditures not previously budgeted. The Stewardship and Finance Committee shall inform the church at the next scheduled business meeting of any approvals granted. All requests in excess of $5,000 must be presented to the church for approval. f. Stewardship Education. The committee shall plan and promote a continuing program of stewardship education which shall include promotion of the annual church budget. 21. Ushers Committee. The Ushers Committee shall consist of three members whose term of office shall be one year, and members may succeed themselves. The committee shall ensure that ushers are present for all worship services and other


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services as needed. The committee shall provide written job descriptions for the ushers and head usher and shall recruit, and train new ushers as needed. The Church Secretary shall be notified of the roster of ushers for each service. 22. Vacation Bible School. Each summer the church shall conduct a Vacation Bible School or another Bible-based event for the benefit of the children of the church and the community. The purpose of this program or event shall be to inspire in the students a knowledge of, and love for, the stories of the Old and New Testaments. The planning and oversight of the Vacation Bible School or other summer event shall be the responsibility of the Director of Children’s Ministry. The Director, who may not be the Director of Children’s Ministry, shall be elected by the church. 23. Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter. The WATTS Committee shall consist of 3 (three) members who may serve consecutive terms. This committee shall follow the guidelines of the Community Watts Program. 24. Wedding Coordinator. The church shall elect a wedding coordinator who shall serve a one-year term and who may serve successive terms. a. Advice and Information to Wedding Party. The coordinator shall meet with the persons planning the wedding to inform them of the facilities and equipment available for their use and to apprise them of their obligations to the church. b. Assure Minister Consultation. The coordinator shall ascertain that the wedding couple has consulted with the pastor and other church staff as may be appropriate. c. Assistance. The coordinator shall render assistance to the wedding party as needed. d. Wrap-up. The coordinator shall be present following each wedding and reception to see that proper clean-up has been done and to store and secure the special equipment. 25. White Christmas Steering Committee. The White Christmas Steering Committee, consisting of three members, shall direct the church’s annual Christmas mission project to assist families and individuals in need within the church and local community. The Steering Committee shall assess the needs of those to be served and determine how those needs can best be addressed, coordinating this effort with other community service organizations and involving church members and church groups in the project. The Steering Committee may seek opportunities to serve the needs of White Christmas recipients, as well as other individuals and families, at times of the year other than Christmas.


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26. Women on Mission. Women on Mission shall be the mission education, mission action, and mission support ministry of the church, through teaching, praying, giving, and going. The church shall elect a director and/or co-directors. Women on Mission shall determine the financial resources needed for the mission ministry and annually submit a budget request to the Stewardship and Finance Committee. Women on Mission shall set church goals for mission offerings and lead in the promotion of the offerings. SECTION C – TEMPORARY ( AD HOC) COMMITTEES. The church may appoint temporary committees to deal with short-term and/or one-time matters or problems. Each such committee shall be abolished at the conclusion of the work for which it was established following its final report to the church. No such committee shall exist beyond one year unless specifically authorized by the church.

ARTICLE IX

PLANNING AND COORDINATING BODIES

SECTION A – CHURCH COUNCIL. The Church Council shall coordinate the ministries and activities of the church, monitor the effective functioning of the church’s committees and organizations, and serve as the church’s principal planning body. 1. Responsibilities. The responsibilities of the Church Council shall be as follows: a) To receive reports from the ministers, officers, committees and organizations of the church in order to be apprised of, monitor and coordinate the church’s ministries and activities.

b) To receive reports from the ministers, officers, committees and organizations of the church in order to generally oversee the effective and coordinated functioning of the church, including its fiscal and administrative management. c) To advise and assist the ministers, officers, committees and organizations of the church in carrying out their responsibilities, and to refer matters to the appropriate minister, officer, committee, or organization for review and action. d) To establish a coordinated church calendar of activities. e) To formulate and recommend to the church short-range and long- range plans by which the church may effectively carry out its purpose and covenant. f) To nominate persons to the church to serve on the church’s Nominating Committee.


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g) To recommend to the church the formation of search committees and ad hoc committees as deemed necessary and appropriate. h) To monitor the compliance of the church’s ministers, officers, committees and organizations with the Constitution and By-laws of the church. i) To monitor the effectiveness and relevance of the church’s Constitution and By-laws, and to make recommendations for amendments as deemed necessary.

2. Church Council Composition. The Church Council shall be comprised of the members of the ministerial staff, the Moderator, the Treasurer, the Clerk, and the heads of the following groups or committees: (1) Administrative Management Committee; (2) Church-Minister Relations Committee; (3) Children’s Planning Team; (4) Deacons; (5) Hunting Ridge Retreat Board of Operations; (6) Personnel Committee; (7) “Son”Shine Learning Center Committee; (8) Stewardship and Finance Committee; (9) Sunday School; (10) Women on Mission; and (11) Youth Ministry Team (student representative) The officers of the Church Council shall be the chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary. The Senior Pastor shall serve as the chairperson and the other officers shall be elected by the Church Council annually. 3.Meetings. The church Council shall meet regularly on a quarterly basis and at other times as deemed necessary by the chairperson. Church Council meetings shall be open to all church members. SECTION B – YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM. The Youth Ministry team shall be responsible for planning the calendar of events and directing activities for youth in the church and community. The Minister to Youth shall coordinate the work of the Youth Ministry Team. The Minister to Youth shall regularly report concerning youth ministry activities to the church as appropriate. 1. Meetings. The Youth Ministry team shall meet quarterly to plan calendar events and evaluate past youth ministry activities. 2. Composition. The Youth Ministry team shall be comprised of (1) the Minister to Youth, (2) one youth representative from each grade six through twelve, (3) adult leaders of youth Sunday School and any other youth organizations within the church, and (4) all youth and youth parents who wish to attend the Youth Ministry Team meetings. 3. Officers. The Youth Ministry team shall elect a high school student to serve a one-year-term (July – June) as a representative to the Church Council; other officers shall be elected as desired.


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SECTION C – CHILDREN’S PLANNING TEAM. The Children’s Planning Team shall be responsible for developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs for children from infancy through grade five, and for the families of those children, to include spiritually based programs in the following areas: (1) Bible study through Sunday School and other programs; (2) Music and worship; and (3) Mission education and projects. 1. Composition. The Children’s Planning Team shall be comprised of the following persons: two parent representatives, including one parent of a preschool age child and one parent of a school-aged child; one representative from every children’s ministry program or committee of the church involved in children’s ministry; and three members-at-large. The Director of Children’s Ministry shall serve as an ex officio member of the Children’s Planning Team and shall maintain a list of the programs and committees to be represented on the team. 2. Selection. The Nominating Committee shall secure the two parents representatives and the church members-at-large who shall serve three-year terms on a rotating basis. The remaining members shall serve by virtue of their offices or as appointed by the appropriate committee.

ARTICLE X.

EMERGENCY BOARD

The Emergency Board shall have the authority of the church to act in emergency situations to take action as considered necessary and appropriate and in the best interest of the church when the circumstances prevent the church from meeting to act on the matter at hand. At the soonest opportunity after the action is taken, the Emergency Board shall apprise the church at a business meeting of the circumstances presented and the action taken. The church shall then have the opportunity to affirm, modify, or rescind, to the extent possible, the action of the Emergency Board. The Emergency Board shall consist of the Moderator as chairperson, the Senior Pastor, the Treasurer, and the chairpersons of the Deacons, Administrative Management Committee, Stewardship and Finance Committee, and Personnel Committee. In the absence of the Senior Pastor, the Associate Pastor shall participate on the Emergency Board. Unless impossible due to circumstances, the Emergency Board shall meet in person to discuss proposed emergency action; the affirmative vote of four persons shall be necessary to approve emergency action.


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ARTICLE XI.

FINANCIAL POLICIES

SECTION A – STEWARDSHIP. Church members are expected to contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, and proportionally for the support of the ministries of the church. The church shall be a good steward of its properties and all monetary contributions. SECTION B – COMPLIANCE WITH BUDGET. All expenditure line items in the annual church ministries budget are contingent upon the availability of funds. Committee chairpersons, program heads, and staff members may spend funds in budgeted line items for which they are responsible unless the Stewardship and Finance Committee places a freeze on spending. No individual is authorized to make expenditures for items not in the budget or to transfer funds from one-line item to another. Line item transfers must be approved by the Stewardship and Finance Committee. SECTION C – BONDING. All persons handling church money shall be adequately bonded. The costs of such insurance shall be borne by the church. SECTION D – SPECIAL COLLECTIONS. All church-wide special offerings shall be authorized by the Senior Pastor and the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

ARTICLE XII.

TRUSTEES

SECTION A – NUMBER OF TRUSTEES. There shall be eight Trustees of the church. SECTION B – ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT. Trustees shall be church members recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church at a business meeting. Trustees shall be appointed by the Winchester Circuit Court in accordance with Virginia law. SECTION C – TERM OF OFFICE AND REMOVAL. Trustees shall serve indefinite terms, terminable by death, resignation of the trustee, or recommendation of the church following a majority vote by written ballot at a regular business meeting. Resignations


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and recommendations for removal shall be reported to the Court for approval, along with the name of the proposed replacement trustee. SECTION D – DUTIES. The duties of the Trustees of the church shall be to hold in trust the real property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any real property without an affirmative vote of the church authorizing such action. SECTION F – NUMBER OF SIGNATURES REQUIRED. A minimum of two Trustees shall affix their signatures to legal documents necessary to effectuate the transactions described in Section D in order for such transactions to be valid.

ARTICLE XIII

THE BAPTIST HUNTING RIDGE RETREAT, INCORPORATED BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION A – CORPORATION. The Baptist Hunting Ridge Retreat, Incorporated was established in 1957 as a Virginia non-stock corporation for the purpose of holding legal title to Hunting Ridge Retreat, a ministry of First Baptist Church. The corporation operates under its own by-laws. MEMBERSHIP B- MEMBERSHIP. The members of the First Baptist Church shall be the members of the corporation. The annual meeting of the members of the corporation shall occur at the same time as the annual business meeting of the church. At this meeting, the members shall receive a report from the directors of the corporation. SECTION C – MANAGEMENT. The management and conduct of the business of the corporation shall be entrusted to and carried out by its Board of Directors. SECTION D – BOARD COMPOSITION. The Board of Directors shall consist of nine directors, one of whom shall be the President of the Men’s Bible Class who shall be an ex officio member with full voting rights. The other eight directors, who shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church, shall serve four-year terms, staggered in such a manner that each year the terms of two directors expire. SECTION E – OFFICERS: MEETINGS. The Board of Directors shall elect its officers and hold meetings as specified in the corporation’s by-laws.


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SECTION F – ACCOUNTABILITY. The Board of Directors shall be accountable to the church and shall not sell, transfer, encumber, mortgage, ore lease any part of the property know as Hunting Ridge Retreat without approval of the church.

ARTICLE XIV

RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES

The church shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition) in all meetings and proceedings.


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ARTICLE XV.

AMENDMENTS

These by-laws may be amended, revised, or repealed by majority vote at any regular or special business meeting called for that purpose. Proposed amendments shall be published in the church newsletter at least a week in advance of the meeting at which the change or changes are to be voted upon.

Indicate Sections subsequently modified, including Approval and Effective Dates. By-laws History and Effective Dates: Initial by-laws adopted August 24, 1994; Effective January 1, 1995. Substantially revised August 1, 1999. Substantially revised 2007 – 2008 as follows:

1. Articles I through IV of these by-laws were approved on November 28, 2007. Articles V through XV of these by-laws were approved on May 21, 2008. 2. All articles shall be effective on June 1, 2008. 3. Those provisions within the by-laws which alter the size or composition of committees or councils within the church, or which after the terms of office of committee members or other representatives, shall become effective at such logical times as these provisions can implemented without disruption to the functioning of committees and council, but in event later than June 1, 2009. 4. Amend Article VIII-B-15-C to read: Any paid employee of First Baptist Church who receives an evaluation of “Needs Improvement” will not be entitled to any voted raises or bonuses in the next Calendar year. The employee must be re-evaluated within six months”. Revised February 28, 2018. 5. Substantially revised August 21, 2019; Effective January 1, 2020.

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