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Proposed changes:

Changes about the deacon selection process and the timing of quarterly business meetings. Those will happen on any Sunday in the end of the quarter month, instead of the third Sunday of that month.

Click here for the full text for the deacon selection changes.

These changes have been recommended by the Deacon Committee and the Constitution Review Committe. Handouts of these changes are also available at the Sanctuary entrances.

THE CONSTITUTION OF
VILLAGE BAPTIST CHURCH, INC.
777 S. McPHERSON CHURCH ROAD
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.

PREAMBLE

For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith; to the end that this body be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of the Missionary Baptist Churches affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and the Southern Baptist Convention; for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the Church; and to set forth the relationship of this body to other bodies of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution.

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Article 1.  NAME

This body will be known as Village Baptist Church, Inc.

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Article 2.  PURPOSE

The purpose of this church will be to provide regular opportunities for public worship; to sustain the ordinances, doctrines, and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ; to nurture its members through a program of Christian education; to channel its offerings to the furtherance of the Redeemer's Kingdom; and to preach and propagate among all people the Gospel of the Revelation of God through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

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Article 3.  CHARACTER

Section 1.  POLITY
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Southern Baptist churches.

Section 2.  AUTONOMY
This church is a free, autonomous, independent body, led only by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is congregational in nature and free of any outside control, authority or power, whether governmental or otherwise.

Section 3.  ASSOCIATION and COOPERATION
The church recognizes the value and mutual helpfulness in the voluntary association of churches which are in such agreement in faith and practice as to make possible a spirit of fellowship and good will.  It is recognized that the association and cooperation between such churches will influence the missionary, educational, and benevolent interests of each. The church does, therefore, declare its intentions as far as conscience will allow to work in mutual cooperation with other Southern Baptist Churches of like faith and order. This does not preclude the friendly cooperation of this church with churches of other denominations on special projects when approved by the church.
This church is deemed to be in friendly cooperation with the aims and purposes of the New South River Baptist Association, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and of the Southern Baptist Convention as set forth in the constitutions of these autonomous bodies. This church will participate, through duly elected messengers, in their deliberative assemblies, and will also as able support the missionary, benevolent, and educational programs of each.

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Article 4.  DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

This body believes and holds to the statement of faith set forth in "The Baptist Faith and Message" adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1925, reaffirmed in the 1963 Convention, and revised in the 1998 and the 2000 Convention. The same is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference into this Constitution. A copy of such statement of faith will be kept on file in the church office with this constitution and will be made available to any member upon request.

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Article 5.  CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus 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 and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
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; and to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly 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.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; and to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
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.

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Article 6.  AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two‑thirds vote of the members present at any regular or special business meeting of the church. However, such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the clerk in writing. This proposed change will be presented to the church at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.

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THE BY‑LAWS OF
VILLAGE BAPTIST CHURCH, INC.
777 S. McPHERSON CHURCH ROAD
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.

Section 1.  QUALIFICATIONS
The membership of this church will be composed of persons who have given evidence of regeneration, who have been baptized by immersion, who subscribe to the constitution of this church, and who have been received by majority vote of those members present and voting, and who has satisfied any other requirements that may be established by the church.

Section 2.  PROCEDURE

1. Profession of faith and baptism by immersion.
2. Transfer: A member of another Southern Baptist church of like faith and order may be received upon a letter of transfer from that church.
3. Statement:  Anyone who has once been a member of a Southern Baptist church and as a result of unusual circumstances, has no membership record, may be received for membership upon a statement of baptism by immersion and statement of previous membership.
4. Membership from Non‑Southern Baptist Churches:
   A.  Statement:  Those coming from churches of unlike faith and order on examination by the pastor as to their statement of faith and statement of baptism by immersion may be received for membership.
   B.  Baptism:  Baptism will be required of those who have not had believer's baptism by immersion.

Section 3.  DUTIES
Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life as expressed in the Doctrinal Statement in Article 4 and the Church Covenant in Article 5, of the Constitution.

Section 4.  RIGHTS
Such active members as are in good standing may act and vote on the transactions of the church. A member in good standing is one who is not on the inactive roll as defined in Article 1,  Section 6. of the By‑Laws.

Section 5.  DISCIPLINE

1. This church believes strongly in self‑discipline, the holding of self to high ideals of living, and strict loyalty to Jesus and conformity to His Word. Each one is asked to keep in mind the fact that he is judged of the Lord; in his relationship to Him he must stand or fall. He should himself be constrained and restrained by the love of God.
2. In the case of disaffection between members, Matthew 18:15‑18 offers the steps of procedure. If these steps do not bring reconciliation, the matter may be brought before the deaconship.
3. The guiding principle in member discipline at Village Baptist Church is ensuring that every reasonable measure is taken to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other members of the church staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance.  Redemption, rather than punishment, should be the guideline which governs the attitude of one member toward another.
4. Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the pastor and by the deacons to resolve the problem. All charges, witnessed by two, will be made in writing. The accused will be given an opportunity to be heard. No accusation against a member will be brought before the church until it has been presented to the Deacons and considered by them. All such proceedings will be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. Finding that the welfare of the church will be best served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a 75% vote of the members present, voting by secret ballot at a meeting called for this purpose; and the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.
5. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition resulting from discipline which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him may upon his request and upon evidence of his repentance and reformation be restored to membership by a 75% vote of members present and voting at any business meeting.

Section 7.  TERMINATION

1. Letters of transfer may be granted only to churches of like faith and order for members. When letters are granted, membership in this church will terminate.
2. When a member of this church joins a church of different faith and order, membership in this church will terminate.
3. When a member has remained on the inactive roll for three (3) years after due notice in writing to the last known address, the church will terminate membership.
4. Membership will be terminated by personal request or upon death.

Section 8.  REINSTATEMENT

Any person terminated from the church for reasons other than discipline will be restored to active membership upon meeting the criteria as stated in Article 1, sections 1 and 2.

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Article 2.  MEETINGS

Section 1.  REGULAR MEETINGS
This church will hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training, and fellowship. The Lord's Supper will be observed at least once a quarter.

Section 2.  BUSINESS MEETINGS
This church will hold regular business meetings the third week of the month following each calendar quarter. At least one week prior to the meeting, notice of the regular business meeting will be published in the church bulletin or newspaper, and will contain the time and place of the regular business meeting.

Section 4.  OTHER MEETINGS
Other meetings of the church as a whole or of authorized groups within the church, will be set according to the needs of the congregation.

Section 5. CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Should a situation deemed an emergency/non emergency by the Senior Pastor and Church Administrator (or their designee) arise, changes or cancellations of scheduled meetings will be made by the Senior Pastor and Church Administrator (or their designee).

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Article 3.  REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING ORDER

For the conduct of church business meetings, "Let all things be done decently and in order."  The official parliamentary law of the church will be Robert's Rules of Order Revised (latest edition). The procedure will be as follows: 

1. Prayer and meditation
2. Presentation of minutes of previous meeting
3. Report of Finance Committee
4. Report of other church officers and other organizations
5. Unfinished business (Note: A motion to consider is not necessary. The matter is before the church and should be acted upon unless a motion to postpone is passed.)
6. Report of committees:  These reports should be adopted, together with any amendments that may be made unless a motion to postpone be carried. In such case, such reports remain as unfinished business for the next meeting.
7. New business (Note:  It is the privilege of any member to present any matter which in his or her judgment should claim the attention of the church. But such procedure is usually unwise unless the one presenting the matter is prepared to make a motion to consider the matter, and unless the counsel of others has previously been sought.) New business may include but is not limited to:
   A.  Report of church clerk, membership terminations and transfer letter requests
   B.  Consideration of recommendations of the deacons or committees
   C.  Authorization of expenditure of money
   D.  Consideration of new buildings and repairs or replacements
   E.  Any other matter which should claim the attention of the church
8. Adjournment and closing prayer
     

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Article 4.  QUORUM AND VOTING

Section 1.  QUORUM
One Hundred-twenty-five members of the active membership for regular church business meetings; Two Hundred-fifty members of the active membership for an amendment, alteration or repeal of the church constitution, or items of major concern as determined by the Deacons; and twenty (20) percent of the active membership for the call or dismissal of the Senior Pastor will constitute a quorum for business meetings and voting.

Section 2.  VOTING
The normal method of voting will be by voice or show of hands, unless otherwise specified in these By‑Laws.

Section 3.  ABSENTEE BALLOTS
No absentee ballots will be accepted in a church business meeting.

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Article 5.  CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1.  OFFICERS
The officers of this church will be the Senior Pastor, the Church Clerk, Assistant Church Clerk, the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and the Parliamentarian. Other church officer positions may be established to meet the needs of the church. All officers will be elected by the church and will be members in good standing.

Section 2.  ELECTIONS AND DUTIES

1. Senior Pastor The Senior Pastor will be called by the church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the Senior Pastor or the church.
   A. Nomination
   Whenever a pastoral vacancy occurs, a special committee shall be elected to seek out and nominate as Senior Pastor, a minister of the Gospel whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office of Senior Pastor. The committee will bring only one name at a time for consideration and no nomination will be made except that of the special committee. 
   B. Call
   The call of the Senior Pastor will be by written ballot. A call will be issued upon a 90% majority vote of those members present and voting. Should the one recommended by the committee fail to receive this vote or fail to accept the call, the meeting will be adjourned without debate and the committee will seek out another nominee. When a Senior Pastor is secured, the services of this special committee will terminate.
   C. Duties
   The Senior Pastor will have responsibility for the welfare and oversight of the church. He will be the administrative head of the church. The Senior Pastor will conduct worship services on regular and special occasions, performing the duties that usually pertain to his office, including, but not limited to:
   1. preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ;
   2. administering  the ordinances,
   3. ministering to the members of the church and the community.
   The Senior Pastor will be an ex‑officio member of all organizations, departments, councils and committees. He may call a special meeting of the deacons or of any committee, organization, department, or council according to procedures which may be set forth in the by‑laws.
   The Senior Pastor will have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church. He will provide for pulpit supply when he is absent and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other special services in cooperation with the deacons.
   D. Termination
   At least sixty days' notice of the termination of the relationship between the Senior Pastor and the church will be given, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, with both the Senior Pastor and the church seeking to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
2. Clerk  The clerk will be elected annually. It will be this officer's duty to attend, or be represented at, all church business meetings; to see that an accurate record is kept of all business transactions; to assure that the annual associational letter is prepared; and to assure that officers, members of committees and messengers are notified of their election or appointment.  This officer will issue letters of dismissal and request letters of recommendation as authorized by the
   church. It will be the duty of the clerk to see that an accurate roll of the church membership is kept with dates and methods of admission and dismissal, with changes in names, correct mailing addresses and other pertinent information. The church clerk will see that all papers and valuable letters and records that belong to the church are preserved.
3. Assistant Clerk  The Assistant Clerk will be elected annually by the church. In the absence of the Clerk, in the event of his/her death, or his/her inability or refusal to act, the Assistant Clerk will perform the duties of the Clerk. When so acting, the Assistant Clerk will have all of the powers of the Clerk.
4. Treasurer  The treasurer will be elected annually by the church and be bonded. This officer will also be a member of the Corporate Board of Directors. It will be the duty of the treasurer to insure the receiving, preserving and paying out, upon proper authority, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, according to generally accepted accounting standards and IRS regulations. The treasurer shall delegate the overseeing, on a day to day basis, the above mentioned duties. In addition, the treasurer will also delegate the compiling of accurate and full quarterly and annual financial reports to the administrator. These reports will be presented to the church body at business meetings and preserved by the church clerk as a part of the permanent record of the church. The treasurer, in conjunction with the administrator, will study the best methods of keeping the financial records of the church and make such recommendations to the Finance Committee. An annual audit will be performed as directed by the Finance Committee. Copies of the auditor’s report will be accessible in the church office. All books, records, and accounts will be considered property of the church. The books and records of the church will be open for inspection by any member of the church during regular church office hours. However, any personal financial records of any member of the church will be inspected only by that person, the financial secretary, the administrator, or Senior Pastor.
5. Assistant Treasurer  The assistant treasure will be elected annually by the church and be bonded. In the absence of the Treasurer, in the event of his/her death, or his/her inability or refusal to act, the Assistant Treasurer will perform the duties of the Treasurer. When so acting, the Assistant Treasurer will have all of the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.
6. Parliamentarian  It will be his duty to advise the moderator as to points of order using the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order as his reference standard. Upon election by the church the Parliamentarian will become a member of the Constitution Review Committee.

Section 3.  LIMITATIONS
It is the belief of this church that as many of its members as possible should take part in the operation of the various church functions. No member should be delegated or required to assume a greater obligation than that which he can adequately perform. Therefore, it is the belief that no one member should hold more than one of the following offices at the same time: Moderator, Chairman of the Deaconship, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, Brotherhood Director, or Woman's Missionary Union Director.

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Article 6.  STAFF MEMBERS AND PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION

Section 1.  All staff positions will be filled in accordance with the guidelines of the church’s Employee Policy Manual in the following manner:

(1)  Ministerial Staff

(A)  Ministerial Staff ‑ The ministerial staff will be those vocational staff members who have direct responsibility for an area of ministry.  They will be under the direct supervision of the Senior Pastor. They are subject to the supervision of the administrator as they relate to the financial and administrative areas of the church. They will also be subject to any other duties and responsibilities as designated by the Senior Pastor. Employment or dismissal of members of the ministerial staff will be on the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and the committee having jurisdiction as set forth in the by‑laws. Any new ministerial staff position must be approved by the church prior to any other church action.

(B)  Administrator ‑ The administrator will serve under the direct supervision of the Senior Pastor. The administrator will have the duty of overseeing the administration of the business affairs of the church.  This includes the church’s physical property and financial assets, and oversees all personnel of the church in conjunction with the personnel committee. The administrator will execute the Personnel Committee policy regarding the introduction and orientation of new Ministerial Staff to the church. The administrator will oversee the receiving, preserving, and paying out, upon proper authority, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, according to generally accepted accounting principles and IRS regulations. This will include compiling accurate and full quarterly and annual financial reports. These reports will be presented to the church body at business meetings. The administrator will also be responsible, in conjunction with the treasurer, for studying and implementing the best methods available of keeping and maintaining the financial records of the church and making such recommendations to the Finance Committee. The administrator will also supervise the ministerial staff as they relate to the financial and office areas of the church. The administrator will assume any other supervisory responsibilities as designated by the Senior Pastor.  He will be an ex‑officio member of all organizations, departments, councils, and committees. Employment or dismissal of the administrator will be on the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and committee having jurisdiction as set forth in the by‑laws.  Recommendation will be subject to approval by the deaconship.

(2)  Support Staff

The support staff will be those staff members who serve in non‑ministerial positions, including custodians and maintenance personnel. They will be under the direct supervision of the administrator, except where otherwise noted in the By‑Laws.  Employment or dismissal of a member of the support staff will be on the recommendation of the administrator and/or the Senior Pastor and such committee having jurisdiction as set forth in the By‑Laws.

(3) Educational Staff

The educational staff will be those staff members who serve in non-ministerial, non-support positions as a part of the educational ministry of Village Baptist Church, to include Village Christian Academy and Village Daycare & Preschool. Employment, dismissal, and supervision of all educational staff personnel will be as set forth in their respective areas of the By-Laws. 

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Article 7.  DEACONS

This church will be served by a minimum of twelve (12) deacons or a maximum of one (1) deacon per fifty (50) members. Any increase will be subject to a recommendation of the deaconship. Deacons will at all times consider themselves servants of the church. The deacons will maintain a family ministry program. Along with the Senior Pastor and as the Holy Spirit may direct, they are to consider and make recommendations to the church in all matters pertaining to her work and progress. They will also assist the Senior Pastor in the observance of the ordinances. They will arrange for regular meetings and such committees as are necessary for the discharge of their duties. The Senior Pastor, or the chairman of the deaconship, may call the deacons into special session whenever need for such arises. Upon the written request of any three (3) deacons, the chairman will call a special meeting of the deacons. The deacons will annually recommend the Senior Pastor's salary to the Budget Planning Committee.

The deacons will be elected from those who have Scriptural qualifications, and have been a member of the church in good standing for at least one (1) year prior to nomination. A member may not be elected to serve as a deacon if he is a member of the Ministerial Staff, a full time member of the Support Staff as defined by the Church’s Employee Policy Manual, the Church Administrator, and the VCA Superintendent. If an active Deacon accepts one of the aforementioned positions at Village Baptist Church he must resign from the Deacon Body effective upon his date of hire. Deacons will be elected for a term of three years with one‑third of the number being elected each year. Deacons will be elected by the following procedure:

The Church Nominating Committee will recommend four (4) church members to the church for election to serve with three (3) retiring deacons as the Deacon Selection Committee. The deaconship will select the three deacons to serve on this committee. The church will elect the four (4) church members by the first day of September. 

Nominations for deacons by the church will be in this manner:  On or about the first Sunday in May the church will distribute nomination ballots to all church members who will have at least two Sundays to cast their nomination ballot. A ballot box will be placed in the vestibule and be available during each service for ballots. Each member may nominate up to the number of vacancies occurring on the deaconship. After the close of the second Sunday evening service the Deacon Selection Committee will take the ballots from the balloting box. The Deacon Selection Committee will meet and count the nominations for each proposed Deacon. The Deacon Selection Committee will comprise a master list of nominees, which shall be utilized during the upcoming church year. The master list shall be ranked in descending order starting with the nominee receiving the most nominations. In the event of a tie, nominees will be listed alphabetically. The master list shall be maintained by the church secretary.

Starting with the first nominee on the master list, the Deacon Selection Committee will examine each nominee in descending order, to confirm they are spiritually qualified to fill the position of Deacon.  The Deacon Selection Committee will select the number of nominees necessary to fill the vacant positions. The list of those Deacons selected will be communicated to the Church as soon as possible.  These Deacons’ terms will begin the first day of September of the upcoming church year

Vacancies occurring during the church year will be filled in this manner:  The Deacon Selection Committee will examine the next nominee on the master list. The Deacon Selection Committee will select the number of nominees necessary to fill the vacant position(s). The list of those Deacon(s) selected will be communicated to the church as soon as possible.

After the completion of his elected term, excluding those elected to fill a vacancy who have served one year or less, no deacon will be eligible for re‑election until after the lapse of one year  The deacons will elect annually their own officers. 

The deaconship may provide for regular or special meetings on a monthly or quarterly basis, but it will hold at least one meeting no later than September of each year for the purpose of electing the corporate officers of this church who are authorized by this constitution and by‑laws. Also, it will be the responsibility of the deacons to secure all offerings.

If an emergency arises and actions must be taken before a business meeting can be called as specified in Article 2 Section 2 of the By‑Laws, the deaconship will meet with the committees involved in the emergency and take appropriate action.

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Article 8.  CORPORATE OFFICERS AND DUTIES

The deaconship, elected by the members of the church for the period of duration and in the manner hereinbefore set out in this constitution, will act as the Board of Directors of the Corporation along with the Church Treasurer. It should be noted that Deacons and Board of Directors constitute separate functions. The responsibilities of the Board of Directors will transpire only at meetings designated as Board of Directors' Meeting. A majority of the number of Board of Directors fixed by Article 7 of these By‑Laws will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, but if less than such majority is present at a meeting, a majority of Board of Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.

The Board of Directors or any officer of the church (corporation) will have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing such actions. The Board of Directors shall have the discretion and authority to accept or reject any charitable contribution to the Corporation.

(1)  Corporation Officers  The officers of the corporation will be the chairman of the deaconship, who will be president; a vice‑chairman, who will be the vice‑president of the corporation; a secretary, who will be secretary of the deaconship; and a treasurer, who will be the treasurer of the church. Each will be elected by the deaconship except the treasurer, who will be elected by the church members.

(2)  Election and Terms of Office  The officers of the corporation to be elected by the deaconship will be elected annually by the deacons.  Each officer will hold office until his successor will have been duly elected and will have qualified; until his death; until he will resign; until he has terminated his membership in this church; or he will have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided.

(3)  Removal  Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the deacons may be removed by the deaconship whenever, in its judgment, the best interest of the church (corporation) would be served thereby.

(4)  Vacancies  A vacancy in any office (elected or appointed by the deacons) because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the deacons for the unexpired portion of the term.

(5)  Duties of the President  He will, when present, preside at meetings of the Board of Directors. He may sign, with the secretary of the Board of Directors or any other proper officer of the church  authorized by the Board of Directors or the church members, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments, which the Board of Directors or the church members have authorized to be executed. Exceptions to this policy will be when the signing and execution will be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or the church members or by this constitution or by these by‑laws to some other officer or agent of the church or will be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed. In general, he will perform all duties incident to the office of President of Board of Directors and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by the church members from time to time.

(6)  Duties of the Vice‑President  In the absence of the President, in the event of his death, or his inability or refusal to act, the Vice‑President will perform the duties of the President. When so acting, the Vice-President will have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Vice‑President will perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the President, Board of Directors or by the Church.

(7)   Duties of Secretary  The secretary will (a) keep the minutes of the meetings  of the Board of Director in one or more books provided for that purpose, (b)  see that all notices are duly given in accordance with constitution and by‑laws or as required by law, (c)  be custodian of the corporate records of the church and of the seal of the church (corporation), (d) see that the seal of the church (corporation) is affixed to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the church (corporation) under its seal is duly authorized, and (e) in general perform all duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the President, by the Board of Directors, or by church members.

(8) Duties of Treasurer  The duties of the treasurer of the church (corporation) will be the same as set forth in Article 5 Section 2 Paragraph 4 of these By‑Laws.

(9) Duties of Assistant Treasurer   The duties of the assistant treasure of the church (corporation) will be same as set forth in Article 5 Section 2 paragraph 5 of these By-Laws.

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Article 9.  MODERATOR

The Moderator and Vice‑Moderator will be elected by the deaconship and will preside at all business meetings of the church. In the absence of the moderators, the Chairman of Deacons will preside or appoint a Temporary Moderator.

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Article 10.  COUNCILS

Section 1.  VOLUNTEERS IN MISSIONS COUNCIL
This council will interview all applicants who request mission support for a volunteer experience, determine the worthiness of the mission project and the applicant, determine the amount of money to be awarded to the applicant for the trip (from the account established by the finance committee), and present their findings to the deacons for final approval. After approval the finance committee will be notified for the disbursement of funds. This fund maybe used for home and foreign mission trips. 

The council is composed of the WMU Director, Brotherhood Director, three (3) Deacons, and one staff member appointed by the Senior Pastor as Chairman of this council

Section 2.  DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING COUNCIL
This council will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating the ministry of discipleship training.

This council will be composed of the Discipleship Training Director, one (1) Deacon, coordinators for Discipleship, Evangelism, Counseling, and Family Life (Minister of Education, ex‑officio).      

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Article 11.  GENERAL

Section 1.  LICENSE
When a member announces to the church that he feels a call to the ministry, the church after a majority vote by secret ballot, may license him as an acknowledgment of his call to the ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it. The clerk of the church may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credential. It is understood that the performance of civil duties by the member will be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.

Section 2.  ORDINATION
In the event this church has been requested to ordain a member who has been called to the position of pastor of a Baptist Church, and/or is active in the service of our denomination, the following procedure will be followed:  The church will express her approval by secret ballot vote of two‑thirds of the members present at any regular or special business meeting of the church. The church may invite the Associational Council on Ordinations to examine the candidate concerning his fitness for the ministry. In the alternative the church may invite representatives of neighboring Southern Baptist churches to examine the candidate and report to the church. In the event the report of the committee is favorable, the church will proceed with the ordination.

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Article 12.  PROPERTY HOLDING

It is agreed that the securing and maintaining of real property, buildings, and equipment by this church will be for the express purpose of providing facilities for public worship and for the engagement upon the missionary, educational, and benevolent interests of this church, specific to the character and in the spirit of the constitution and the by‑laws of this church.
If at any time this church will determine to alter the quality of its beliefs and practices so as, in important respects, to be at variance with the character described in the constitution and in these by‑laws, and if the decision is by less than unanimous vote of those present at a regular business meeting of the church; it is understood that the rights of the property of the church will inhere or remain in that part of the congregation which will agree to continue to use the property for the purpose for which it was purchased and has been to that time maintained.

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Article 13.  OFFICERS OF CHURCH MINISTRIES

Officers of the church ministries will be the Director of the Sunday School, Director of the Brotherhood, Director of the Woman's Missionary Union, Director of Discipleship Training, Director of Outreach and Visitation, Director of Children's Church, Director of Singles Ministry and such other officers as may be recommended by the nominating committee and approved by the church. All officers of the church ministries and its organizations, unless otherwise specified upon the recommendation of the nominating committee, will be elected by the church for a term of one year, and may serve consecutive terms. The nominees will be a member of the church in good standing for at least one (1) year prior to being nominated. All Church Ministries officers will coordinate their activities with the Senior Pastor or the Senior Pastor’s designee(s).

Section 1.  SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
The Director of the Sunday School will have general oversight of the entire Sunday School. The director will administer the affairs of the Sunday School in cooperation with and according to the plans and methods of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, subject to the approval of the local church. He will acquaint himself with the best methods of religious education and endeavor to adopt them in this school. It will be his duty to counsel, weekly or monthly, with his teachers and officers through officers' and teachers' meetings, regarding the work of the Sunday School, giving advice, and receiving suggestions from his co‑workers  It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 2.  BROTHERHOOD DIRECTOR
The Director of the Brotherhood will promote the work of the brotherhood, seeking to enlist the men and boys of the church in an active program for Christ. It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 3.  DIRECTOR OF THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION
The Director of the Woman's Missionary Union will seek to enlist all the women and girls of the church in a program of missions, training, giving, and activity according to plans promoted by the Woman's Missionary Union, auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 4.  DIRECTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING
The Director of Discipleship Training is charged with responsibility for promoting and coordinating all church wide training programs. It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 5.  DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND VISITATION
The Director of Outreach and Visitation will direct the evangelistic outreach program of the church in an effort to reach as many people as possible in the city and county. It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 6.  DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S CHURCH
The Director of Children's Church will provide plans and methods for spiritual training for children attending children's church. It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 7.  DIRECTOR OF SINGLE ADULT MINISTRY

The Director of Single Adult Ministry provides plans and methods of spiritual training as well as fellowship for single adults. It is desired that a report be given in the regular business meeting of the church.

Section 8.  DIRECTOR OF SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIES
The Director of Senior Adult Ministry provides plans and methods of spiritual training as well as fellowship for senior adults. It is desired that a report be givenin the regular business meeting of the church.

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Article 14.  OTHER CHURCH MINISTRIES

Section 1.  KINDERGARTEN AND DAY CARE
This is a ministry of the church provided at a nominal cost to the enrollee designed to give each child an opportunity to develop physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually to the best of his/her ability.

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Article 15.  STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1.  NUMBER OF COMMITTEES
The church will elect such standing committees as may be deemed necessary to efficiently and effectively carry out the various phases of the program of the church.

All members of standing committees will be nominated by the nominating committee and elected by the church to serve on a three‑year rotating basis, unless otherwise specified. The term of office will run from September 1st to August 31st.

When a committee member's term has expired, he or she will not be eligible for re‑election to said committee until at least one year has lapsed, unless otherwise specified. Anyone elected to fill a standing committee vacancy who serves for one year or less may be elected to serve a three‑year term on the same committee without a one‑year waiting period.

At the first election one‑third of the committee will be elected for a one‑year term, one‑third of the committee will be elected for a two‑year term, and one‑third to be elected for a three‑year term. All persons elected after the initial year will serve full three‑year terms.

Each committee will review the operating guidelines of said committee at the beginning of the church year. If revisions are deemed necessary, they will be so stated by the committee and approved by the church. A copy of the guidelines approved by the church of each committee will be furnished the church clerk annually for filing. All committee members, both voting and ex-officio, will be notified of any and all committee meetings.

No committee will have final authority within itself. Each committee, following approval by the church in conference of matters with which it is charged, will be responsible for the proper accomplishment of such matters.

For committees a minimum number of members is stated. If the committee determines that additional member/members are needed, they may request the nominating committee to submit additional members to the church.

Section 2.  COMMITTEES
It is the belief of this church that as many of its members as possible should take part in committee service. No member will serve on more than two (2) committees for any given church year. It is assumed that any individual who accepts a place of service on a committee will serve faithfully. If, however, for any reason a committee member does not attend committee meetings or show interest in the work of same for a period of one year, membership on committee will automatically terminate. The Nominating Committee will nominate a replacement. (The committee contacts the Nominating Committee and asks for replacement)

1. Audio Committee: The Audio Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. This committee will be in charge of all audio equipment and will be expected to keep such equipment in good repair. It will be responsible for the purchase and maintenance of all
   equipment necessary for this ministry. This committee will be responsible for the use of equipment both in and out of the church. It will be responsible to the tape ministry committee for the production of the master tape for each recorded service. This tape is to be labeled and left in a location so designated. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
2. Baptismal Committee  The Baptismal Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members, three of whom will be female and three male. They will be charged with making all arrangements for the Ordinance of Baptism, including but not limited to preparing, instructing, and assisting the candidates for baptism.                                  
3. Benevolence Committee  The Benevolence Committee will consist of not less than three (3) members. They will be charged with the distributions to the poor and needy. They will administer properly to such special calls for assistance as the need arises.  The committee will act on its own discretion and to the limit of available resources according to the approved budget.
4. Budget Planning Committee  The Budget Planning Committee will be composed of the Finance Committee, the Chairman of Deacons, and the Personnel Committee Chairman. They will draft and monitor a unified budget each year for recommendation to and approval by the church. Other committee chairmen may meet with the Budget Planning Committee to present their individual committee's budget but will not be a member of the Budget Planning Committee. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
5. Building and Grounds Committee  The Building and Grounds Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. It will be the duty of this committee to give attention to and study the condition and state of repair and appearance of the buildings and grounds. They will see that any repairs and improvements included in the budget and/or authorized by the church are made. This committee will work jointly with the Decorating Committee on decisions affecting the interior decor of the church. All matters of major repair or improvement and items of equipment not provided for in the budget will be referred to the Finance Committee for recommendation to the church. This committee will be responsible for seeing that the buildings are properly secured.
6. Constitution Review Committee   The Constitution Review Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. The duty of this committee will be to review and interpret the constitution and by‑laws and recommend changes when necessary. Upon election by the church the Parliamentarian will become a member of the Constitution Review Committee.
7. Counting Committee  The Counting Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. This committee will be responsible for counting the regular and special collections of the church, properly accounting for same, and delivering such collections to the specified bank.The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
8. Day Care Committee  The Day Care Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. The director of the daycare will be an ex‑officio member. The duties will be to oversee the weekday tuition day care ministries of the church. Matters relating to the discharge, resignation, or securing of the director will be referred to the personnel committee. All other positions will be filled upon the recommendation of the director to this committee for approval. It is intended that the day care center be self supporting. No Day Care employee may serve on this committee.
9. Deacon Selection Committee   Refer to Article 7, paragraph 3. The Church Nominating Committee will recommend four (4) church members to the church for election to serve with three (3) retiring deacons as the Deacon Selection Committee. The deaconship will select the three (3) deacons to serve on this committee. The church will elect the four (4) church members by the first day of September. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
10. Decorating Committee  The Decorating Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. They will be responsible for the interior decor of the church. They will work jointly with the building and grounds committee as to the feasibility of proposed projects.
11. Finance Committee The Finance Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members, which will include the vice‑chairman of the deaconship and the treasurer, (administrator, ex-officio) will be charged with the finances of the church. Without limiting the generalities of the foregoing, the members of this committee will devise ways and means for the prompt discharge of all financial obligations. The committee will devise and recommend to the church a sound policy governing all church purchases except those under the purview of the Board of Directors. The chairman in the exercise of his sound discretion is authorized and empowered to delegate specific duties to the respective members of the committee. This committee will receive and approve the annual church audit.
12. Flower Committee  The Flower Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members and will be charged with the floral arrangements for the worship services of the church and the distribution of same to appropriate persons.
13. Historical Committee  The Historical Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. The committee will consist of members representing a variety of the church membership. This will include at least one member 18 years old or younger and one member over 60 years old. The committee will file and pursue historical information as represented by a variety of the church ministries, activities, social events, or other occurrences indicated. The chairman of this committee will designate the duties of selection, recording, and preserving for the indicated material or events. It is suggested that the bulletins, news articles, minutes and photographs of the church events be a minimum standard of preservation.
14. Hostess Committee  The Hostess Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. It will be the duty of this committee to host or facilitate churchwide activities involving the use of the kitchen and fellowship hall. This committee will supervise the work of the church cook and recommend to the personnel committee the employment or dismissal of this position, as well as salary recommendations.
15. Lighting Committee: The Lighting Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. This committee will be in charge of all lighting equipment and will be expected to keep such equipment in good repair. It will be responsible for the purchase and maintenance of all equipment necessary for this ministry. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
16. Media Center Committee  The Media Center Committee will consist of not less than three (3) members. Additionally, one member of the Village Christian Academy Committee, and the VCA Superintendent or their designee shall serve on this committee ex officio. This committee will make recommendations for the acquisition of books and other media resources to the ministerial staff and the Village Christian Academy committee.  This committee will promote the Media Center’s ministry, and coordinate Media Center operations with other ministries of the church.
17. Men on Mission Committee  The Men on Mission Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members, three (3) to be nominated by the Board of Deacons and three (3) to be nominated by the Nominating Committee. The purpose of this committee is to authorize the spending of funds that have been designated for use by the Men on Mission.
18. Music Committee  The Music Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. It will be the duty of this committee to work with the Minister of Music in planning, coordinating, evaluating, and executing the music program of the church. This committee will be charged with the maintenance of the musical instruments of the church.
19. Nominating Committee  The Nominating Committee will consist of no less than six (6) persons. It will be the duty of the Nominating Committee to present nominees to the church for all vacancies except as provided elsewhere in this Constitution and By‑Laws. Upon their election by the church, the Sunday School Director, the Woman's Missionary Union Director, and the Brotherhood Director will join the Nominating Committee in preparing only the slate of officers and/or teachers for their respective organizations. Should other organizations with three or more officers and/or teachers be called into service by the church, the first officer would become a member of this committee with regard to that officer's respective organization. No member of the Nominating Committee will serve on any other committee while a member of the Nominating Committee, unless already serving on another committee prior to being considered for the Nominating Committee.
20. Personnel Committee  The Personnel Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. It will be the purpose of this committee to keep itself familiar with the work and the needs of the ministerial staff and all support staff, as well as the needs of all employees of the church. The committee will always and only work as an entire group and never as individual members. The administrator, under the direct supervision of the Senior Pastor, will oversee all personnel of the church, keeping the Personnel Committee informed as to any relevant issues affecting them.
    All matters of finance involving new ministerial personnel or positions will be taken first to the Finance Committee and then, jointly, to the church. All matters involving new support staff personnel and positions will be taken to the Finance Committee and as information, to the church. Matters relating to the discharge, resignation, or securing of ministerial personnel on payroll will be done in consultation with and recommendation of the Senior Pastor. Matters relating to the discharge, resignation, or securing of non-ministerial personnel on payroll will be done in consultation with and recommendation of the administrator.  Through these channels the committee will fill vacancies whenever they occur.
    This committee, in conjunction with the Senior Pastor and the administrator, will review at least annually the entire personnel situation under their jurisdiction and make any changes which might be indicated. The committee will also hear any requests, grievances, and suggestions offered by any staff or church member. The committee may make suggestions to the Senior Pastor or administrator for any changes in duties which would contribute to greater efficiency and/or harmony. Also, this committee will prepare job descriptions and salary recommendations for all positions, except the Senior Pastor, Village Day Care, and Village Christian Academy.
    The Personnel Committee is responsible for developing a policy to introduce and orient new Ministerial Staff members to the church. The Church Administrator will be responsible for executing this policy.
21. Preschool Committee The Preschool Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members and will be charged with the supervision of the activities of the church Preschool Ministry.   This committee’s main emphasis is quality child care for those attending Village Baptist Church Sunday School, worship, training, and special event services. This committee will supervise the work of the preschool coordinator, recommend to the personnel committee the employment or dismissal of this position, and make salary recommendations. The preschool coordinator will be an ex-officio member of this committee.
22. Recreation Committee  The Recreation Committee will consist of no less than nine (9) members. This committee serves as advisory to the staff person responsible for recreation.  Recreation seeks a broad base of involvement through coordinators simultaneously developing various ministry areas that enlarge and enrich the fellowship of the church.
23. Stewardship Committee  The Stewardship Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. This committee helps accomplish the mission of the church by teaching individual and corporate stewardship.
24. Tape Ministry Committee  The Tape Ministry Committee will consist of no less than three (3) members. This committee will maintain audio taped copies of worship or special services, and provide tapes for shut‑ins. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
25. Transportation Committee  The Transportation Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. It will be concerned with the rules and regulations pertaining to the use and maintenance of church owned vehicles. This committee will be responsible for recommending the purchase and disposition of church vehicles.
26. Ushers Committee  This Committee will be comprised of a Chairman, and three (3) Vice Chairman. They are responsible for securing as many church members as are necessary to provide ushers for each church service. They will establish and administer policies and procedures regarding greeting, seating, receiving offerings, distributing materials, or any other activities appropriate for ushers. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year. The committee limits as set forth in ARTICLE 15. Section 2 will not apply to members of this committee.
27. Video Committee: The Video Committee will consist of no less than six (6) members. This committee will be in charge of all video equipment and will be expected to keep such equipment in good repair. It will be responsible for the purchase and maintenance of all equipment necessary for this ministry. This committee will be responsible for the use of equipment both in and out of the church. It will be responsible for the production and maintenance of the master tape for each recorded service, and the duplication of this master tape to fill requests made. The members of this committee will be elected to serve for one year and will be eligible for reelection each year.
28. Village Christian Academy Committee   The Village Christian Academy Committee will consist of no less than nine (9) members.  The VCA Superintendent of the school, the church administrator, and the daycare director will be ex-officio members of this committee. The duties of this committee will be to establish policies for the Academy which reflect the beliefs and values of Village Baptist Church; to monitor the operations of the Academy to insure adherence to established Church policies; and to act as a resource body to assist the VCA Superintendent when called upon. Establishment and implementation of programs and day-to-day operations will be the responsibility of the VCA Superintendent. Matters relating to the discharge, resignation, and securing of the VCA Superintendent of the Academy will be referred to the personnel committee. The VCA Superintendent will be directly supervised by the church administrator. All other positions of the Academy will be filled upon the recommendation of the VCA Superintendent to the VCA committee for approval. It is intended that Village Christian Academy will be self-supporting. No Village Christian Academy employee may serve on this committee.
29. Wedding Committee  The Wedding Committee will consist of no less than three (3) members. This committee will see that the wedding policy of the church is adhered to and recommend changes to the policy as needed to the church.
30. Youth Committee  The Youth Committee will consist of not less than six (6) members. It will be the duty of this committee to work with the Youth Minister in planning, coordinating, evaluating, and executing the youth work of the church.

Standing Committee  A committee, once approved by the church, that is an ongoing committee for its designated purpose. Such committee formation requires only a vote by the church, not a Constitutional Amendment.

Special Committee  Any additional committee will be approved by the church and will serve its designated purpose. Such committee formation requires only a vote by the church, not a Constitutional Amendment. Members of these committees must be presented by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. These committees are task driven; and once the task is completed, the committee is dissolved.

Ad-hoc Committees  Such committees can exist only for a defined period of time (event driven) and/or a defined short term purpose (training driven). Members of this type committee will serve voluntarily, without election by the church; however, such a committee would be required to have approval from the Senior Pastor and Church Administrator.

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Article 16.  AMENDMENTS

These By‑Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two‑thirds vote of the members present at any regular or special business meeting of the church. However, such amendment, alteration, or repeal must be given to the clerk in writing. This proposed change will be presented to the church at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.

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Article 17.  VALIDATE

This Constitution and By‑Laws will effect a modification or amendment of all previously adopted rules of the church body and will operate as a repeal of any rules heretofore existing and in conflict with this said Constitution and By‑Laws.
A copy of this Constitution and By‑Laws will at all times be kept by the clerk among his/her records and another copy will be kept in the church office. All amendments to or revisions thereof by the church will be prepared by the clerk and added to the copies of the Constitution and By‑Laws, and made available to the church members upon request.

[This document is accurate as of 1/13/08.]

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