Constitution of Kent City Baptist Church

Articles of Association

First: The name assumed by this corporation and by which it shall be known in law is KENT CITY BAPTIST CHURCH, Kent City, Michigan.

Second: The location of said church shall be in the village of Kent City, county of Kent, and state of Michigan. Post office address: Kent City, Michigan.

Third: The time for which said corporation shall be created shall be without end.

Fourth: The members of said church or society shall worship and labor together according to discipline, rules, and usage of the KENT CITY BAPTIST CHURCH, of Kent City, Michigan in the United States of America as from time to time authorized and declared by the KENT CITY BAPTIST CHURCH of Kent City, Michigan.

Fifth: This corporation shall proceed under sections 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 of Act 327 P.A. 1931 of the State of Michigan.

Sixth: The KENT CITY BAPTIST CHURCH of Kent City, Michigan exists to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship and witness and is a law unto itself in all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, and of benevolence except as provided in Section 180 of Act 327 P.A. 1931 of the State of Michigan.

ARTICLE 1 – NAME AND OBJECT

The name of this church shall be the KENT CITY BAPTIST CHURCH of Kent City, Michigan.

The purpose and purposes of this church corporation are as follows:

1) The proclamation of the gospel of the grace of God

2) The study and teaching of the Bible

3) The fostering of missionary work at home and abroad

4) The spiritual improvement of its members

5) The administration of the New Testament ordinances

6) The maintenance of Christian worship

7) The exerting of Christian and moral influences in the community so as to bring individuals to Christ

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Requirements for Membership

To be eligible for membership, all applicants must

  • Be born again through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
  • Give evidence of the same by their public confession and personal life
  • Affirm the faith and practices of this church as set forth in the Church Covenant and Confession of Faith
  • Be baptized by immersion in water after their conversion to faith in Christ.

Section 2: Admission into Membership

All persons fulfilling the requirements for membership may, upon unanimous recommendation by the Elders and Deacons, be received by a vote of the church into membership according to the following process:

1) Receive instruction in the beliefs and practices of the church

2) Give personal testimony of faith in Christ to the Elders and Deacons and be recommended for baptism and/or membership

3) Give written or verbal testimony of faith in Christ to the church body and be baptized. If the candidate for membership has already been baptized by immersion after salvation, they may be received by letter of transfer from a church of like faith or by Christian experience, and the same should be included in their testimony to the church body.

4) Be received into membership by congregational vote, provided they are not objected to by more than five members of the congregation.

Section 3: Responsibilities of Members

Part 1: All members should conduct themselves as to give evidence of following the Spirit of Christ and in agreement with the Church Covenant and Confession of Faith.

Part 2: All members should support the church through regular service, prayer, giving, and attendance of the services of the church.

Part 3: All members who are faithful in their responsibilities as set forth in Parts 1 and 2 shall be recognized as being in good standing. In no case will a member not in good standing be granted a letter of recommendation, but a letter of dismissal will be given under the procedure set forth in Article III–Discipline.

Section 4: Removal from Membership

Every case for removal of membership shall be initiated by the Elders who shall make recommendation to the Deacons who shall make a recommendation to the church. The church shall vote on such requests for dismissal at any regular or special meeting. All such voting shall be done by ballot and a majority vote shall give consent. Any member dropped from membership shall be notified by mail. Removal from membership may occur under the following conditions:

  • Requests to be dropped from membership or for a letter of transfer to a church of like faith and practice will be approved providing they are in good standing with the church.
  • Members absent from the services of the church for a continuous period of one (1) year, having been personally contacted by an Elder or Deacon, will be placed on a list of non-attendant church members, unless satisfactory explanation has been given to and accepted by the Elders and Deacons. Names will be carried on this list for one (1) subsequent year, after which an Elder and/or Deacon will contact them again. If they are still not attending, they will be dropped from membership and so notified by mail.
  • Members not in good and regular standing for reasons of violating the Church Covenant or Confession of Faith may be removed from membership following the procedure defined in Article III – Discipline.

ARTICLE III – DISCIPLINE

Section 1: Purpose of Discipline

The exercise of church discipline is a solemn responsibility of the local church when one of its member’s actions jeopardize the spiritual life of the church. The purposes of church discipline are as follows:

  • To restore the erring brother or sister to full obedience to Christ and fellowship with the church body (Galatians 6:1)
  • To safeguard the purity and testimony of the church, not for its own sake, but because the church bears the name of Christ in the world (1 Corinthians 5:1–13)
  • Church discipline is not a means for resolving interpersonal conflicts within the church. (Ephesians 4:25–32)

Section 2: Causes for Discipline

The New Testament gives occasion for church discipline in the following instances:

  • Persistent promotion of doctrinal error (1 Timothy 1:19–20; Titus 1:9–16)
  • Exhibiting divisive behavior including slander, falsehood, and malicious gossip (Titus 3:9–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15)
  • Unrepentant public sin that threatens the testimony of Christ and His church (1 Corinthians 5:1–5; 1 Peter 2:9–11)

Section 3: Process of Discipline

The responsibility to warn and admonish each other is the responsibility of every member. Confrontation of sin and church discipline should always be done in a spirit of humility and love and should follow the pattern of Matthew 18:15–18. If at any stage the disobedient member is repentant and turns from their sin, no further actions toward church discipline need be taken.

  • First, private communication to the person in sin by the member who is aware of the sin.
  • Second, a private communication by that member in the presence of an Elder or other spiritually mature member.
  • Third, after the Elders present the matter to the Deacons, the Deacons will make a determination on whether to proceed with church discipline. If warranted, the Deacons will make a final communication to the person in sin indicating that they are in danger of falling under church discipline and a last plea for repentance.
  • Lastly, public communication of the sin to congregation. In order to limit gossip, only those details necessary for the congregation to act knowledgeably should be shared. The unrepentant member will be removed from church membership by vote of the church and placed under church discipline. Members of the church should treat the sinning member with respect and civility as they would an unbeliever, but Biblical church discipline necessitates a loss of fellowship and association with the person in sin.
    (2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 5:9–12)

Section 4: Restoration

Any disciplined member who wishes to rejoin the church may do so after giving evidence of repentance, including the following:

  • Godly sorrow that takes responsibility for the actions that led to discipline and desires to see justice done (2 Cor. 7:8–15).
  • Public admission of responsibility for their sin and their desire to be restored to the church.

When the repentant party has been restored to fellowship, it is the responsibility of every member to forgive. (2 Cor. 2:5–11; Eph. 4:32)

ARTICLE IV — LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1: Qualifications

All officers of the church shall be members in good standing whose lives present a positive testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ. All pastors and elders must meet the Scriptural qualifications for overseers (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9) and be in agreement with the Church Covenant and Confession of Faith. All Deacons must meet the Scriptural qualifications for deacons (1 Timothy 3:8–13) and be in agreement with the Church Covenant and Confession of Faith.

Section 2: Election, Appointments, and Removal from Office

Part 1: Senior Pastor

  • Election: The Pastoral Search Committee shall consist of at least three Deacons and two Elders. Only one candidate shall be considered at any one time. The Pastoral Search Committee shall recommend to the church only a candidate who has received their unanimous approval. The Church shall vote by ballot. A three-fourths majority (75%) shall be necessary before a call shall be issued. The call shall be in writing and shall state the exact count of the vote of the congregation, the salary offered, and other agreements deemed necessary.
  • Removal from Office: In cases where the dismissal of a pastor becomes necessary, the Elders shall make recommendation to the Deacons who, provided three-fourths (75%) majority approve, shall make recommendation to the congregation. The church shall vote by ballot with a majority vote required for dismissal.

The Senior Pastor shall give two months notice of his resignation. Time may be shortened by mutual consent.

Part 2: Associate Pastors

  • Election: The Search Committee shall be composed of the Senior Pastor, three Deacons, two Elders and at least three other members of the congregation. A unanimous vote of the Search Committee shall make recommendation to the church. A three-fourths majority (75%) shall be necessary before a call shall be issued. The call shall be in writing and shall state the exact count of the vote of the congregation, the salary offered, and other agreements deemed necessary.
  • Removal from Office: In cases of dismissal or resignation, the same procedure shall be followed as with the Senior Pastor.

Part 3: Elders

  • Organization: The plurality of elders is clearly taught in the New Testament. Scripture repeatedly speaks of the elders (plural) of a local church (singular) (Acts 14:23, 20:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14). All elders are involved in spiritual oversight, while some are also given to the pastoral tasks of preaching and teaching (Eph. 4:11; I Tim. 5:17). The church elder board shall consist of not less than two vocational pastors and not less than four lay elders who collectively shall give spiritual oversight to the church. Pastor-Elders shall remain on the elder board for the length of their ministry at the church. Lay elders shall be appointed to a four year term of office.
  • Appointment: In addition to the general qualifications for church elected officers, lay elders shall have served faithfully as deacons for at least one term. Lay elders shall be appointed by the deacon board prior to the Annual Meeting. A public comment period of three Sundays on all nominees shall precede the final appointment. The term of office shall be January 1 to December 31. At the completion of a four year term, elders shall be eligible for re-appointment after a period of evaluation by the elder and deacon boards and a public comment period.
  • Vacancies: In the event an elder is unable to complete his term in office, the deacon board shall appoint a replacement to complete the unexpired term. A public comment period of three Sundays shall precede the final appointment.

Part 4: Deacons

  • Organization: The Senior Pastor and the Board of Deacons shall determine the number of deacons needed to properly serve the needs of the congregation and to fulfill the duties of the office of deacon. Deacons shall be elected for a three-year term of office. The term of office shall be January 1 to December 31. They shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting in November, allowing time for organization and appointment of church officials before January 1. Deacons shall not hold office for more than two terms in succession.
  • Method of Election: At least four (4) weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting, the Senior Pastor or Clerk of the church shall give each member a letter setting forth the Scriptural qualifications of the office of deacon and naming the deacons whose terms will continue; those whose term has expired, but are eligible to be elected; and those whose term has expired and are not eligible for election due to Article IV, Section 2, Part 3a. A form shall be included with this letter to allow members to list the names of men they believe meet the qualifications specified for the office of Deacon. From these lists, the Board of Deacons will present to the church at the Annual Business Meeting a number of candidates not less than two (2) more than the required number of vacancies to be filled. Candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected, provided candidates receive a majority vote of membership present.
  • Vacancies: In the event a deacon is unable to complete his term in office, the Board of Deacons and Senior Pastor shall appoint a replacement to complete the unexpired term. Appointments shall be ratified by majority vote of the congregation at a special meeting called for that purpose within thirty (30) days of the appointment.

Part 5: Appointed Officers

The Deacons shall approve other officers, leadership teams, standing committees and ad hoc committees as needed to accomplish the purposes of the church. Deacons shall define the duties, terms of service, and method for replacing members. All officers and voting members of such groups shall be members of the church.

Part 6: Non-Pastoral Vocational Staff

The Deacons shall approve the creation of new positions, job descriptions, and salaries for paid staff. The Senior Pastor and appropriate pastoral staff are responsible for hiring, oversight, and evaluation of all paid staff.

Our Christian faith is central to the purpose and mission of KCBC. Consequently, all paid staff must be committed followers of Jesus Christ, affirm the expression of that faith in our Confession, and agree to live by Biblical standards of morality as understood by the Elders. Violation of these requirements shall constitute cause for discipline up to and including employment termination.

Section 3: Responsibilities of Officers

Part 1: Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor shall have charge of the church in all things spiritual, preach the Gospel, and have general oversight of all ministries of the church. The Senior Pastor or his designee shall be ex-officio member of all boards and committees.

Part 2: Associate Pastors

Associate Pastors will assist and be accountable to the Senior Pastor in the ministry and oversight of the church.

Part 3: Elders

The Elders shall be responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Giving focal priority to prayer and the effective teaching of God’s Word
  2. Equipping members of the church for effective ministry
  3. Protecting the church from false and destructive teaching
  4. Overseeing the discipling ministries of the church
  5. Assisting with the spiritual care of church members
  6. Initiating the process of church discipline
  7. Administering the duties of baptism, communion, funerals and weddings
  8. Working with the Deacons to present an annual church budget for approval by the congregation

Part 4: Deacons

The Deacons shall assist the elders and pastors in spiritual matters and the oversight of the church so that the elders and pastors will be freed to focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Caring for and maintaining church properties
  2. Supervising the financial and business affairs of the church. All non-budgeted expenditures exceeding 1% of the church's annual budget require congregational approval.
  3. Assisting in the administration of the New Testament ordinances
  4. Administering the Benevolent Fund to assist those in need within the congregation and in the community
  5. Interviewing and recommending new members, encouraging inactive members, and administering church discipline
  6. Serving as trustees of the corporation in accord with laws of the State of Michigan
  7. Annually appointing a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Clerk and Treasurer from their number
          1. The Chairman shall be the moderator of all deacon
            meetings and regular and special congregational meetings.
          2. The Vice-Chairman shall fulfill the responsibilities of the Chairman in his absence.
          3. The Clerk shall be responsible for maintaining membership records and keeping minutes of all business meetings of the church. A report of the same shall be made available to the membership quarterly and shall be presented at the Annual Business Meeting.
          4. The Treasurer shall work with Business Manager to oversee the finances of the church in accord with the church Financial Accountability Plan. A financial report shall be made available to the membership each quarter and shall be presented at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 4: Dismissal of Officers

Part 1: Any officer who is guilty of heretical teachings, immorality, or incompetence shall be dismissed. Such dismissal shall take place only after careful written documented evidence has been submitted to the Board of Deacons and proven true. 

Part 2: Any officer can be dismissed on petition of two-thirds of the members of the church.

Part 3: All such removals from office under Parts 1 and 2 shall require a majority vote approving such action at a congregational business meeting.

Part 4: Any officer may resign provided he gives a 60 day notice, unless agreed otherwise between himself and the church.

ARTICLE V – CHURCH MEETINGS

Section 1: Congregational Meetings

Meetings for worship, instruction, fellowship, and evangelism will be held each Sunday and during the week as needed to accomplish the purposes of the church and meet the needs of the church family. The Lord’s Supper shall be served not less than monthly at a time determined by the Senior Pastor and Deacons.

Section 2: Business Meetings

Part 1: Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting will be held in November of each year at a date determined by the Deacons. Date and time of the Annual Meeting shall be placed in the bulletin and verbally announced in Sunday services for at least two weeks in advance. The annual meeting will include selection of deacons and approval of the church budget for the next fiscal year.

Part 2: Special Meetings

Special meetings of the church may be called by the Senior Pastor, Elders, Deacon Board, or on petition of fifty (50) voting members of the church for purpose of transacting business specified in the notice calling the meeting. Dates and times for all special meetings shall be placed in the bulletin and verbally announced in Sunday services for at least two weeks in advance.

Part 3: Deacon and Elder Meetings

  • The Deacon Board shall hold regular meetings not less than once a month at a time convenient to the members and the Pastors.
  • The Elders shall hold regular meetings not less than once a month at a time convenient to their members.

Part 4: Quorums

  • Fifty (50) voting members shall constitute a quorum for all annual and special business meetings of the church.
  • A majority of the Board of Deacons, Elders or of a committee shall constitute a quorum for such meetings.

Part 5: Procedure

All business meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts’ Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VI — AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present at the Annual Meeting. Such amendments shall be announced in all Sunday services and written copies available for not less than two (2) Sundays prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE VII — VOTING

Section 1: Voting Members

A voting member of this church shall be at least sixteen (16) years old and shall be in good and regular standing in the church.

Section 2: Ballot Voting

All matters involving membership, election of officers, money, or other vital matters where a strong feeling exists among the members, shall be voted on by ballot only.

Section 3: Majorities

Unless specified otherwise in this Constitution, all questions shall be decided by a majority vote.

ARTICLE VIII — SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH

The work of the church shall be primarily supported by tithes and free will offerings of God’s people. Any methods of raising money through games of chance shall be prohibited.