Constitution and By-Laws of PBC

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of PBC

PREAMBLE

Plymouth Baptist Church is an independent fellowship of believers, organized under the authority of the Scriptures. We are committed to stand in defense of the faith against all persons or organizations which fail to conform, in faith or practice, to the fundamental truths of God’s Word (see PBC’s Articles of Faith). We highly value the autonomy of the local church and are covenanted to preserve it.

Plymouth Baptist Church is affiliated in fellowship with the General Associ-ation of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC) and the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches (MARBC).

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Plymouth Baptist Church exists to honor God with vibrant worship, to equip believers to love and serve God, and to make the saving message of Jesus Christ known in our community and around the world.

COVENANT

The Word of God shall be our only standard of belief and personal behavior. We shall gladly welcome its teachings, rebukes, corrections and righteous instructions (2 Tim 3:16). We shall hide the Word in our hearts so that we might not stray from God’s commands and sin against Him (Ps 119:10-11). We shall endeavor to be exemplary “in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim 4:12).

THE NEW TESTAMENT MODEL OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

The local church is a unique institution, unlike any other in many respects. It is a spiritual body of regenerated believers, assembled and organized under the authority of Scripture. Many models of church government have been proposed and practiced throughout the centuries. Church history, Baptist tradition and changing cultural settings all have influenced the contemporary church with regard to its leadership structure. However, we believe that the reference point for biblical church government is not corporate America, political America or textbooks on church (even Baptist) history.

Our guiding light on this much-debated subject must be the New Testament, for in its pages we see a clear and compelling design for local church leadership.

The unrivaled “Head” of the church is Jesus Christ (Eph 1:22-23, 4:15-16, 5:23-24, Col 1:18). He is the singular authority to whom we fully and gladly submit. His headship may also be noted in such designations as “that great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20), “the Chief Shepherd” (1 Pet 5:4), and the One who walks “among the lampstands [churches]” (Rev 1:12-20). Jesus Christ communicates His authority to the church through His Word (2 Tim 3:16-17, John 17:17) and through gifted men whom He gives to the church (Eph 4:11). These men are interchangeably called “elders” (Acts 20:17, Titus 1:5-6), “overseers” (Acts 20:28, 1 Tim 3:1-2), “shepherds” (Acts 20:28, 1 Pet 5:2) and “pastors” (Eph 4:11). The New Testament indicates a clear pattern of multiple elders in each local assembly.

The authority of Christ is mediated through the Elders in two specific ways. First of all, He supernaturally gifts them to teach His Word and commands them to do so (1 Tim 3:2, 2 Tim 2:15, 4:1-4). The primary expression of an elder’s derived authority must be his giftedness in and faithfulness to teaching the Scriptures. Secondly, Christ gifts the Elders to lead the church and appoints them to do so (1 Tim 3:4-5, 5:17, Titus 1:7, 1 Thess 5:12). The gift of leadership is a divine enablement to organize and administrate with efficiency, thus leading and directing others to achieve spiritual goals. There-fore, a man who is not gifted to teach and gifted to lead must not be elevated to the office of Elder.

As the human mediators of Christ’s authority over the church, how much authority do the Elders have? Two scriptural illustrations of eldership are most instructive in answering this question. The shepherd/flock metaphor (Acts 20:28, 1 Pet 5:2) and the father/children metaphor (1 Tim 3:4-5) suggest a broad exercise of authority over the church. There is no hint of limited or shared authority. Likewise, there is no scriptural suggestion of democratic government in which the will of the majority stands. The Elders are given authority to teach (2 Tim 4:2), to administrate (Acts 6:1-6, 11:30), to render decisions on spiritual matters (Acts 15:1-29, 16:4) and to defend the church from error (Acts 20:28-31). The church body is commanded to recognize this Christ-vested authority of the Elders with “respect,” “obedience” and “submission” (1 Thess 5:12, Heb 13:17, 1 Tim 5:17; see also Acts 16:4).

The Elders are accountable to Jesus Christ to exercise His leadership and authority with strength and tenderness. They must “take care of” the church (1 Tim 3:5 cf., Luke 10:35) and “shepherd” God’s flock (1 Pet 5:1-4) with the same love that the Good Shepherd and Head of the body has demonstrated (John 10:11-13, Eph 5:25-27). He “[laid] down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11) and “loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Eph 5:25). For this the Elders surely will give an account (Heb 13:17, 1 Pet 5:4, James 3:1).

ARTICLE 1: NAME

The name of this church shall be Plymouth Baptist Church of Plymouth, Wayne County, Michigan, Incorporated.

ARTICLE 2: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Admission to Membership

Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior, giving evidence of repentance and of the Spirit’s life within, agreeing with the Articles of Faith of Plymouth Baptist Church, and making request to the Elders may acquire membership in this church by completing the following steps:

1. By completing the written Pre-Membership Survey.

2. By interviewing with the Elders to give verbal testimony of conversion and the desire to enter this local fellowship.

3. By attending a membership class (offered quarterly or at the Elders’ discretion) for studies in Bible doctrine, distinctives of the New Testament church, responsibilities and privileges of membership.

4. By being presented to the body for public affirmation in one of the following ways:

a. Baptism by immersion.

b. Testimony of saving faith in Christ and presenting evidence of believer’s baptism by immersion.

Section 2. Responsibilities of Members

Each member shall be expected to support this church by prayer; by attendance and participation at its regular and special meetings; by exercising spiritual giftedness through serving in its varied ministries; and by generous steward-ship in support of its local expenses and missionary endeavors.

Section 3. Transfer of Membership

A letter of transfer to other churches of like faith and order shall be granted only to a member in good standing. Such letters are subject to the discretion of the Elders.

Section 4. Inactive and Probationary Membership

Any member who is inactive for a period of six (6) months shall be placed on probationary membership by unanimous action of the Elders.

Inactive is defined as absent from the majority (more than 50%) of the organized teaching/worship services of the church; thus, neglecting to participate in the corporate study of Scripture, worship, and the edification of the body without a clear explanation of such absences (e.g., extended illness, temporary job assignment, out of town).

Probationary Membership will involve removal from any elected or appointed office or position of service for six (6) months. Voting privileges on matters of real property and on other legal matters requiring a formal vote of the membership will likewise be revoked for six (6) months. The inactive member will be notified of this probationary status in writing by the Elders. Full membership privileges will be reinstated at the end of the probationary period if the member is found to have been active during that time. The reinstatement must be a unanimous action of the Elders, and written notification will be given.

Removal from membership will be carried out at the end of the probationary period if the member has remained “inactive” during that time. Removal from membership must be a unanimous action of the Elders, and written notification of such action will be made.

Section 5. Church Discipline

Any member whose doctrine and/or conduct is contrary to the plain teaching of the Word of God will be excluded from membership and fellowship by action of the church. The Elders will initiate such disciplinary action only after the prescribed course of Matthew 18:15-17 has been followed in a compassionate effort to restore the offender through repentance and forgiveness.

ARTICLE 3: OFFICERS

All officers and leaders of Plymouth Baptist Church shall be members of the church (see Article 2) and examples to the body “in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). All officers and leaders shall be required to affirm annually and without mental reservation the Articles of Faith adopted by this church and shall affirm their willingness to be subject to the constitution of this church. This Annual Affirmation shall likewise apply to all teachers throughout this ministry and will be kept on file by the church clerk.

Each officer, except the Pastor(s), shall have been a member of this church for a period of one year prior to his/her election. The elected officers of the church shall be:

Elder

a. vocational (pastor)

b. non-vocational

Deacon
Financial Treasurer(s)
Trustee
Deaconess
Missions Committee Members
The appointed positions of the church include, but are not restricted to:
Church Clerk
Head Usher(s)
Music Committee Members

ARTICLE 4: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Election of Officers

Annually, during the month of January, the Elders will call upon the congregation to nominate individuals from the active membership to be considered for the following offices:

Elder

Deacon

Trustee

Financial Treasurer(s)

Deaconess

Missions Committee Members

These written nominations will be collected by the Nominating Committee. The nominees for Elder and Deacon will be forwarded immediately to the Elders for their prayerful consideration and approval. The nominees for all other offices will be carefully evaluated by the Nominating Committee, and a recommended ballot will be submitted to the Elders for approval. All nominations presented must be approved unanimously by the Elders. A final ballot of candidates will be published one month prior to the Annual Election Meeting in April.

The election of church officers shall be held at the Congregational Forum in April. Voting members will be asked to select candidates from the final ballot to fill the available offices. All elections shall be by written ballot. The elected officers shall serve until their successors are elected or until the office is declared vacant by action of the Elders. Should a vacancy occur before the expiration of any term of office, such vacancy may be filled by the church at any regular or special meeting, its purpose being announced on the preceding Sunday.

Section 2. Election of Elders

Any male candidate nominated for the ministry and office of Elder shall be presented to the church only after thoughtful and thorough examination by the Elders and with their unanimous approval. The candidate shall then be examined in doctrine before the church body. He shall be asked to affirm and defend the fundamental doctrines of Scripture in consonance with this church’s Articles of Faith. He shall be called to serve as an elder upon the vote of the church body. The body of Elders may be comprised of vocational elders (i.e., “pastors”) and non-vocational elders.

A. Vocational Elder. Upon unanimous recommendation of the Elders, a man may be presented to the body as a candidate for the vocational role of “pastor.” The candidate shall be presented at a special meeting called for that purpose. Public notice of such meeting shall be given on two Sundays immediately preceding the day of the meeting. Each voting member present will receive a ballot which the Elders will use to determine the affirmation of the body. A pastor shall continue in office until he resigns or until his resignation is requested due to his physical, mental or spiritual incapacitation. Such action will require a unanimous vote of the Elders, excluding the pastor in question, and must be verified with the signatures of the voting Elders. In the case of a proposed dissolution of pastoral relations, three months’ notice shall be given by the party desiring the dissolution, unless a shorter time is agreed upon by both parties. The Elders will determine to what extent a resigning pastor shall continue his pastoral duties after his resignation is announced.

1. Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor shall be the primary teacher in the corporate worship services of the church. He shall be respon-sible to provide spiritual vision and leadership for the church. He shall work with his fellow Elders to oversee the comprehensive ministry of the body.

2. Associate Pastor. An Associate Pastor shall, as necessary, assist the Senior Pastor in teaching and leading the corporate worship services of the church. He shall be responsible to provide spiritual leadership and administration for specific ministries of the church as determined by the Elders.

The Senior Pastor and the Associate Pastor(s) shall receive salaries for their ministries. These salaries shall be set by the Board of Deacons and reviewed annually. Salaries shall be payable weekly. No member of the Elders shall have a vote in matters of salary. The salaries of the pastors will not be published individually; however, total payroll and benefit costs will be published quarterly and annually. Any voting member in good standing may request a full disclosure of individual compensation at a regularly-scheduled Elders’ meeting. Each pastor shall receive an annual vacation with full salary, the length of which shall be determined by his tenure.

B. Non-vocational Elder. A non-vocational elder shall continue in office until he resigns or until his resignation is requested due to his physical, mental or spiritual incapacitation. Such action will require a unanimous vote of the Elders, excluding the elder in question, and must be verified with the signatures of the voting Elders.

Section 3. Election of Deacons

Any male candidate elected to serve as a deacon shall serve a three-year term and shall be eligible for reelection to successive terms of service.

Section 4. Election of Trustees

Any male or female candidate elected to serve as a trustee shall serve a three-year term and shall be eligible for reelection to successive terms of service.

Section 5. Election of All Other Officers

All other officers of the church shall be elected for a one-year term and shall be eligible for reelection to successive terms of service.

Section 6. Officers of Groups Within the Church

Any class or group within the church may elect its own officers, subject to the approval of the Elders.

ARTICLE 5: DUTIES OF CHURCH OFFICERS AND BOARDS

Section 1. Elder

The highest office of the local New Testament church is that of elder(1 Tim3:1-7, Titus 1:5-7, 1 Pet 5:1-4). Interchangeably called “elder,” “overseer,” “pastor” and “shepherd” in the New Testament, an elder shall be recognized as the spiritual authority and leader of the church and, as such, shall be given the Christian love, prayer, cooperation and spiritual submission of all members. An elder must possess and demonstrate the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He must be spiritually gifted to teach and to lead, and these endowments of the Holy Spirit must be recognized and affirmed by the church body.

The Elders shall be zealous in their efforts to maintain the purity and doctrine of the church, to equip and edify the saints, and to evangelize the unsaved. It shall be the duty of the Elders to perform and oversee the teaching ministry of the church, the worship life of the church, the ordinances of the church (baptism and communion), and the pastoral care of the flock. A member of the Elders shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church and shall be welcomed as such. An elder will serve as the moderator of all Congregational Forums and other business meetings. An elder’s service on any college board, mission agency, etc., shall require the approval of the Elders.

Any expenditure that would exceed the approved annual budget must be presented for a budget amendment vote at a quarterly Congregational Forum or at a special business meeting called for that purpose. All decisions involving real property must be presented for a vote at a business meeting called for that purpose.

To prepare for the unlikely event that the body of Elders would ever be reduced to two men or less, each year the Elders shall select three deacons who would assist the remaining Elders in their work. Such assistance would continue only until three or more men are elected and serving as elders. This provisional list shall remain sealed in the church office until such time as it is needed.

Section 2. Deacon

The term deacon means “servant”–servant to the church body and the Elders. A man eligible to hold the office of Deacon shall be a capable spiritual leader as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3. The Deacons shall assist the Elders in caring for the physical and spiritual welfare of the church family, particularly the care of the needy and widows (Acts 6:1-3, 1 Tim 5:3). A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum at its meetings.

Section 3. Trustee

The Board of Trustees shall have charge of all church properties and shall provide for its care and upkeep. They shall approve the bank(s) for all church accounts. The Trustees shall have authority to hire, dismiss and set salaries of all personnel needed in the maintenance of church properties. They shall be responsible to administrate the annual budget designated for their work and to submit a quarterly accounting to the Elders. In the event of an emergency (i.e., a circumstance which, if left unattended, would jeopardize the safety of individuals or would force the cancellation or significant disruption of the church’s scheduled ministries), the Board of Trustees shall have authority to incur an unbudgeted expense of up to 3% of the church’s annual budget for local expenses. Additional emergency expenditures must be approved by the Elders. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum at its meetings.

Section 4. Church Clerk

The Church Clerk shall be appointed to keep an accurate record of all business proceedings of the church; to safeguard its records and other papers of histori-cal value; and to maintain a list of all members and officers of the church. The clerk shall sign all letters of membership transfer or dismissal authorized by the Elders. Changes to the constitution and by-laws shall be recorded and filed in the church office and with the Elders.

Section 5. Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall oversee the accurate counting and depositing of all church offerings; provide a quarterly report of all monies received by the church; maintain a confidential record of contributors; and provide an annual statement for each contributor’s personal records.

Section 6. General Fund Treasurer

The General Fund Treasurer shall assist the Financial Secretary in the accurate counting and depositing of all church offerings and shall have custody of all monies for the local work of the church, placing the same in a bank selected in the name of the church. The General Treasurer shall pay all bills and salaries; keep a full, accurate and itemized account of all receipts and expenditures; and provide a written quarterly report to the church.

Section 7. Building Fund Treasurer

The Building Fund Treasurer shall assist the Financial Secretary in the accurate counting and depositing of all church offerings and shall have custody of all monies collected for the building fund of the church. The Building Fund Treasurer shall keep a full, accurate and itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and shall provide a written quarterly report to the church.

Section 8. Missionary Treasurer

The Missionary Treasurer shall assist the Financial Secretary in the accurate

counting and depositing of all church offerings and shall have custody of all monies collected for the missionary fund of the church. The Missionary Treasurer shall keep a full, accurate and itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and shall provide a written quarterly report to the church.

Section 9. Deaconess

The Deaconesses shall minister to the sick and sorrowing of the congregation. They shall be responsible for preparing the elements of the communion service and the baptismal garments. They shall act as the flower committee and hostess committee of the church.

Section 10. Head Usher and Assistant Usher(s)

The Ushers shall assist in welcoming and seating the people; supervise the collection of the offerings; count and record the attendance at all church meetings; and take care of necessary arrangements in the auditorium at all regular and special meetings.

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS

Section 1. Church Services

Regular services for worship and teaching shall be held each Sunday morning. Other services for worship and teaching will be prayerfully determined by the Elders. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly at the determination of the Elders.

Section 2. Other Functions

All official church functions and other uses of the church buildings and property must be brought to the attention of the Elders and are subject to their approval.

Section 3. Annual Election of Officers

The Annual Election of Officers shall be held at the Quarterly Congregational Forum in April. A list of officers shall be posted one month prior to the meeting. At the meeting, all officers for the ensuing twelve months shall be elected, unless otherwise specified by this constitution.

Section 4. Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting of the church shall be held in the month of January unless otherwise announced by the Elders. Annual reports for the previous fiscal year will be issued, and the proposed budget for the new fiscal

year will be presented for a vote at this meeting. The fiscal year shall begin on the first day of January in each year.

Section 5. Elders’ Meetings

All regular meetings of the Elders shall be open to voting members in good standing. A voting member may take part in the meeting only if a request for participation has been approved by the Elders prior to the meeting. In the event that the Elders enter “executive session,” all observers will be dismissed prior to the continuation of the meeting.

Section 6. Congregational Forums

The Elders shall hold Congregational Forums in the months of January, April, July and October. These meetings shall be used to inform the church body of recent ministry decisions; to answer ministry-related questions and concerns; and to solicit necessary input and prayer for future decisions. Quarterly financial reports will be issued at these meetings.

Section 7. Special Business Meetings

Special meetings for business may be called only by the Elders, providing due notice of such meetings and their purpose is announced to the church on two Sundays preceding the meeting.

Section 8. Quorum

At all business meetings of the membership, whether regular or special, the members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 9. Voting

The New Testament model of church government places all decision-making authority upon the Elders of the local church. Any affirmation requested by the Elders will be used to assess the sentiment of the congregation and will be considered non-binding. On matters of real property and on legal matters that require a formal vote of the membership, all active members of the church eighteen years of age and older shall be entitled to vote. On such matters, a two-thirds majority by ballot shall be required. A church member must be at least eighteen years of age to participate in any vote or affirmation requested by the Elders.

ARTICLE 7: STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall be elected at the April Congregational Forum and shall serve for one year. It shall consist of:

One member of the Elders

One member of the Board of Deacons

One member of the Board of Trustees

Four members (2 men; 2 women) chosen by the body and subject to approval of the Elders

This committee shall appraise the needs of the organization; solicit nomina-tions from the church body to fill the needs; and recommend to the Elders those with spiritual ability to meet the needs. The representative from the Elders shall be the chairman of the committee. The committee shall publish the final ballot of candidates at least one month prior to the Annual Election of Officers in April.

Section 2. Auditing Committee

The Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees and shall consist of three members. No member of the Elders shall be appointed to this committee. It shall conduct an annual audit of all financial accounts. These audits shall be completed and posted by the July Congregational Forum.

Section 3. Missions Committee

The Missions Committee shall consist of at least one Elder, the Missionary Treasurer, and three or more members who are elected by the church. The committee shall assist the Elders in promoting and encouraging the missions program of the church.

Missions Policy

We believe that God’s heart for the world is reflected powerfully in our Master’s Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). We understand this to be a personal mandate for every believer and a collective mandate for the local church. With a desire to be faithful stewards of the financial resources that God entrusts to this ministry, the following missions model has been developed for Plymouth Baptist Church.

Before any missionary or missionary project shall be presented to the church for support, the Elders shall make a thorough investigation of the individual(s) and the agency with which he/she is affiliated. Missionaries shall be supported for one year on furlough after each full term of service. If the missionary has not returned to the field after one year, the case shall be reviewed by the Elders and the Missions Committee, and the decision will be announced to the church body. Upon the retirement of a missionary, we shall continue our support at a minimum of $50 per month, unless notified otherwise by the missionary. An “alternate year strategy” is in place for (1) adding new missionary units to our global family, and (2) deepening our financial commitment to all of our non-retired missionary units.

On even-numbered years (e.g., 2000) we will endeavor to broaden our global mission by adding one or more new missionaries to our support family. The minimum support level shall not be less than $200/month for full-time, non-retired missionaries.

On odd-numbered years (e.g., 1999) we will endeavor to deepen our existing support incrementally, up to 10% of a missionary’s total support. The support amount would be flexible rather than static, adjusted semi-annually due to inflation or deflation. For example:

1999: 5% of total support or $200/month (whichever is higher)
2001: 7½% of total support
2003: 10% of total support

We acknowledge that the best of human strategies must be submitted com-pletely to the sovereign will and direction of God. All missionary policy changes or special expenditures from our missionary fund shall come as a recommendation from the Missions Committee to the Elders for their consi-deration. If the Elders concur with the recommendation, the matter shall be presented to the church body.

Section 4. Music Committee

The Music Committee shall be composed of three or more members of the church, who shall be presented by the Nominating Committee at the Annual Election of Officers and approved by the congregation. Its duties shall be to assist the Elders in the administration of the church’s music program.

Section 5. Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall be composed of:
One member of the Elders
The chairman of the Board of Trustees
General Fund Treasurer
Missionary Fund Treasurer
Building Fund Treasurer
Financial Secretary

This committee shall provide any assistance requested by the Elders in pre-paring an annual budget to be presented at the Annual Business Meeting. It may also convene as needed to evaluate the financial health of the church and to make any necessary recommendations to the Elders. The financial support for the regular ministry of this church shall be that of free-will offerings as set forth in the New Testament.

Section 6. Other Committees

As the need arises, other permanent or temporary committees may be estab-lished by the Elders and presented to the church at a quarterly Congregational Forum.

Section 7. Removal from a Committee

A member of any committee who is absent from three consecutive meetings without an acceptable excuse may be removed from the committee by the Elders. This vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Elders.

ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS

This constitution and by-laws may be changed by a vote of two-thirds of a quorum at a special business meeting called for this purpose. At least one month’s notice of the proposed change shall be given and written notice of the proposed change shall be mailed to all members.

ARTICLE 9: DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of this corporation, all of its debts shall be satisfied fully. Its assets or holdings shall be divided among the missionaries and mission organizations proportionally according to their support level.

ARTICLE 10: CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

The former constitution and all former by-laws of the Plymouth Baptist Church are hereby repealed by this action of the church. This constitution and these by-laws are hereby adopted by action of the Plymouth Baptist Church on January 17, 1999.