CHURCH CONSTITUTION

We, the members of the First Baptist Church of Delphi, Indiana, desiring to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ, to foster the spirit of harmony, to promote good order in the church, and to better set forth our position before the world, do ordain, and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

that beginning September 12, 1990, we shall be governed by the following Constitution and By-Laws, such action making void any preceding Constitution(s).

This assembly shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Delphi, Indiana.

A. To exalt the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the Head of His church (Matt.16:13-18; Rom.10:8-11; Eph.5:23; Col.1:15-19).

B. To establish a local congregation of believers patterned after the New Testament Church and obedient to the teaching of the Scriptures.

C. To build and advance the true church of which Christ is the Head-

1. By teaching believers the doctrines of Scripture and training them for the work of the ministry (2 Tim.2:15; Eph.4:11,12).
2. By preaching the Gospel of Christ to the lost and leading them to the Savior – beginning in our “Jerusalem” and extending to the “uttermost parts of the earth” (Matt.28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
3. By providing a place where believers can assemble to worship the Lord (Heb.10:25).

D. To administer the ordinances of Baptism and Communion as set forth in the New Testament.

Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the public profession of our faith, having been immersed 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, solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We purpose, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality, to attend its services regularly; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to give faithfully of time and ability in it’s activities; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us and the Spirit directs us, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.

We, also, purpose to maintain family and private devotions; to train our children according to the Word of God; 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 conduct; to avoid all gossip, backbiting and unrighteous anger; to abstain from all forms of activity which dishonor our Lord Jesus Christ, cause stumbling to a fellow believer, or hinder the winning of a soul to Christ; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the cause of Christ, our Savior; and to give Him preeminence in all things.

We further, purpose to encourage one another in the blessed hope of our Lord’s return; to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to take no offense; to be always ready for conciliation, and mindful of the teachings of Scripture, leadership of the Lord, direction of the Holy Spirit and to seek this without delay.

We, moreover, purpose that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church of like faith and practice, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. In the event there is no such church, we shall seek, with the Lord’s help, to establish one.

This church recognizing Christ as its Head shall not be subject to any other authority. It may associate in fellowship with those of like faith and practice, and may declare itself in agreement with others in a common cause; but under no circumstances shall such association, or agreement, ever be construed as bringing this church under the authority of any person, group, or body, but is completely autonomous.

Section 1. Admission

A. Membership in this church shall be restricted and limited to regenerated believers who have received baptism by immersion subsequent to regeneration.

B. Applicants for membership, whether by letter of transfer, baptism or experience, shall be interviewed by the church officers concerning their salvation, baptism, and Christian life. Additionally, the elders shall receive from the applicants their intention to support the program of the church, to support the church with financial contributions, to personally attend its activities, to abide by and be governed by its Constitution (Covenant, Articles of Faith, By-Laws), and any areas where a candidate for membership is in disagreement with the Constitution shall be made known to the church officers by the candidate. The officers shall make a recommendation to the church for the applicant’s reception for membership, otherwise the applicant’s name shall not come before the church.

C. Questions and/or discussion shall always be entertained prior to a vote. Applicants shall be received into membership of this church on a majority vote. A vote to receive anyone into the membership of the church may be taken at any duly called business meeting.

Section 2. Dismissal

A. Transfer of Membership

1. Request by another church for a letter of membership transfer/recommendation may be granted any member in good and regular standing upon recommendation of the elders and majority vote at a duly called business meeting. Such a letter must be addressed only to a church of like faith and order as this church. Conversely, members not in good or regular standing (i.e. under disciplinary action) or those who desire to unite with a church not of our faith and order may be given a letter of standing notifying of current membership status to date.
2. It shall be understood that when any member joins himself to another church, it shall be his responsibility to notify the church clerk of this change of membership. If no such notification is made and knowledge of another existing membership becomes known, confirmation of the same shall be sought by our church clerk. Once confirmation of this new membership is obtained, said member shall be dropped from the church rolls at the next regularly scheduled business meeting.

B. Inactivity

1. Any member absenting himself from the regular services of the church for three months has, by his own actions, made himself an inactive member. The elders shall acknowledge this inactivity by formally placing such a member on the inactive membership list and personally notify him of this action. Every effort shall be made to restore the inactive member. Exceptions to this rule shall apply in cases of illness or infirmity, missionary and Christian service, absence due to schooling, military service and temporary employment not involving a permanent relocation. In situations involving a permanent relocation, inactive membership will be extended a reasonable length of time to give opportunity to identify with another local church and, therefore, be granted a letter of recommendation/transfer. Each case will be handled individually by the elders.
2. Any member placed on the inactive membership list shall be ineligible to vote at any business meeting, hold any office or appointment and shall not be included in the numerical reports of the church.
3. Any person who has been placed on the inactive membership may be restored to active membership by the elders by giving a satisfactory explanation/confession to inactivity and evidencing a sincere desire for restoration to membership privileges.
4. If after six months from the date a member is placed on the inactive membership list, and after being encouraged and admonished (Rom.15:14) there has been no evidence on the part of such member to desire restoration, the elders shall recommend to the church his membership be removed by majority vote at a duly called business meeting.

Section 3. Discipline

A. Procedures and Principles – The following procedures shall be generally followed during a church discipline action in an effort to fulfill the directives of Matthew 18:15-17 and 2 Corinthians 5.

1. The offending member is confronted privately in a loving manner with the intent of clarification and repentance of his errant way. As specified in our covenant, each member is to always be ready to make reconciliation (Mt. 5:23-25a; Eph. 4:29-32).
2. Should the offending member refuse to repent and reconciliation is not reached, the confronting member meets with the offending member in the presence of one or two witnesses from the congregation in order to further establish the facts and urge repentance. The offense should be discerned as violating clear directives of Scripture and a hindrance to spiritual growth and testimony by the witness/es. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, the additional witnesses should include a church officer.
3. Should the offending member continue in his unrepentant state, the confronting member makes the matter known to the elders. The elders will further pursue the matter as they deem appropriate.
4. Should the offending member still refuse to repent, the elders will make the matter known to the congregation in order to urge individual members to appeal to the offending member. At this time the congregation will also corporately appeal to the offending member to repent via prayer and official correspondence.
5. Should the offending member continue in unrepentance, the congregation will vote to exercise appropriate disciplinary action. A majority vote in a duly called business meeting shall be sufficient for discipline or dismissal.

B. Guidelines

1. Confronting individuals shall confront only after self-examination and rectification (Matt.7:3) and with a spirit of humility with a goal of restoration (Gal.6:1).
2. No matter or offense may be heard unless previous Biblical steps have been followed, with the possible exception of a public offense when public repentance and restoration is appropriate. (This situation must be reviewed beforehand by the elders.)
3. No information concerning parties not under discussion may be heard. No member may be excluded where there is genuine fruit of repentance evident.
4. When the unrepentant offending party is excluded from the membership, with the exception of family members, all relationship with him from that point is for the purpose of restoration (Matt.18:17; 1 Cor.5:11; 2 Thess.3:15).

The officers of this church shall be those who fill the offices of elder and deacon. Each year the elders shall appoint a clerk, a financial secretary, a treasurer, Sunday school leaders and other positions deemed necessary for the efficient management and oversight of the church. Written job descriptions shall be maintained for all such appointments. All appointments shall receive congregational approval. Any non-member being considered for hire or appointment (staff, teacher, volunteer) shall disclose to the elders any areas of disagreement with the church’s Constitution (Covenant, Articles of Faith, By-Laws) prior to elder approval.

Section 1. The Office of Elder

A. The church shall elect from its membership men who are qualified and willing to serve as elders. Each elder’s term of service will be two years. The total number of elders will vary depending on the needs of the congregation and availability of qualified men.

B. The qualifications for the office of elder shall be such as prescribed by 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These qualifications must be presently true of all elders. Elders shall be chosen from among men who meet these Scriptural requirements and who have been a member of the church in good standing for at least one year prior to consideration for office.

C. The general duties shall be overseeing, managing and shepherding the congregation.

D. The elders are the authority and decision-making body in the congregation. They are to be submitted unto and followed as sheep a shepherd, so long as the direction of leadership is within the bounds of Scripture. The congregation shall be involved in decisions regarding officer selection, discipline and budgetary matters.

E. There shall be a distinction made between elders whose vocation is the eldership and elders whose vocation is something other than the eldership. For purposes of demarcation, the term “vocational elder/pastor” used hereafter shall refer to elders whose vocation is the eldership.

1. A vocational pastor shall be called for an indeterminate term. Notice for the proposed calling of a vocational pastor shall be announced one week in advance, and such announcement shall be made in at least one Sunday worship service. Voting shall be by ballot, and the majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for extending a call. Considerations shall be given to only one candidate at a time. The elders shall serve as the pulpit search committee and shall make a unanimous recommendation to the congregation.
2. The qualification for vocational pastor/s are those cited for an elder in Section 1, B (with the exception of length of membership). Any areas where a candidate for eldership is in disagreement with the Constitution (Covenant, Articles of Faith, By-Laws) of this church shall be made known to the pulpit search committee by the candidate and made known to the congregation if recommended. Any doctrinal deviation from the original call will be made known to the church officers.
3. A vocational pastor shall give notice in writing to the church of his intention to terminate his service as vocational pastor at least thirty days in advance, but not to exceed ninety days in advance. The church may, by a majority vote upon recommendation from the elders, at a regularly called meeting, declare the pulpit “vacant”. The church shall give thirty days notice as to the effective date of such termination of a vocational pastor’s service. However, upon mutual agreement between vocational pastor and church, the length of time of notice required may be altered. In case a vocational pastor is being dismissed for a practice which brings reproach upon the name of Christ, he may be dismissed immediately and without notice being given in advance, provided he is proven guilty of such practice by the church.
4. The elders shall determine and annually review vocational pastor employment arrangements such as, but not restricted to, salary, allowances, benefits, vacations, holidays, absences from the pulpit for extra-church ministries, sick leave, study leave, emergency leave, training seminars, denominational conferences, etc.
5. In the interest of order, the vocational elder shall chair the elder meetings.

F. Non-vocational elders may be dismissed from office in accordance with the same general provisions for dismissing vocational elders. The elders shall counsel erring or delinquent elders and make appropriate recommendations to the congregation (Section 1, E, 3) G. In the event the number of elders is less than three, the elder/s shall seek input from the deacons in the exercise of their oversight and management of the affairs of the congregation. This shall be done in order to enhance the decision-making process and promote quality care of the congregation. In the absence of any elders the deacons shall assume or delegate any responsibility ordinarily designated as elder functions.

H. The elders shall have authority to spend a specified amount of money approved by the congregation annually. This amount may be spent per transaction in any calendar month without permission from the church. They shall not have authority to encumber the church property or go in debt without the consent of the church. They shall not sell any item of church property of greater value than five hundred dollars without the consent of the church.

I. A maximum of three non-vocational elders and/or deacons shall be appointed among themselves to sign any necessary legal instruments as trustees of the church corporation.

Section 2. – The Office of Deacon

A. The church shall elect from its membership men who are qualified and willing to serve as deacons. Each deacon’s term of service will be two years. The total number of deacons will vary depending on the needs of the congregation and availability of qualified men.

B. The qualifications for the office of deacon shall be such as prescribed by 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These qualifications must be presently true of all deacons. Deacons shall be chosen from among men who meet these scriptural requirements and who have been a member of the church in good and regular standing for at least one year prior to consideration for office.

C. The general duties of deacons shall be to serve as assistants to the elders. They shall serve in close association with the elders, receiving delegated tasks and authority in areas the elders deem appropriate.

D. The deacons shall meet as needed. The elders shall be informed of all deacon meetings and invited to send a representative to such meetings. In the interest of efficient function, the deacons may choose necessary officers from among their number.

E. Deacons may be dismissed from office in accordance with the same general provisions for dismissing a vocational pastor (Section 1, E, 3).

Section 3. – Election Procedures

A. Each member of the congregation shall have opportunity to suggest names, either their name or someone else’s, for service as elder or deacon. The church clerk shall make written forms available for this purpose to all eligible members by no later than the sixth Sunday preceding the annual election. A brief written statement of the qualifications and duties of elders and deacons shall be included with this suggestion form. The forms shall be returned no later than the fourth Sunday preceding the annual election.

B. The elders serving unexpired terms shall review all suggested names as to qualification for office. This review shall include both a written questionnaire and a personal interview of those the elders believe to be possible office bearers. After determining if qualified individuals are willing to accept nomination, the elders, at their discretion, will place qualified names in nomination. These nominees will be published not later than one Sunday prior to the annual election. Each nominee will be voted upon individually for a specific office (elder or deacon), without consideration of any other nominee. A majority vote will be required to place a nominee into office. Voting will be accomplished by ballot.

C. The elders serving unexpired terms will privately counsel any individual who put forth his name for office and was not selected, sharing reasons for non-selection as well as suggestions regarding how he might meet those qualifications wherein he is disqualified. The same shall be done for any elder or deacon whose term has expired and is not selected for renomination.

Section 1. The Church Secretary

The secretary is staff by virtue of the job. The responsibility is to do the secretarial work of the church. The secretary works for the church but is responsible to the elders. The person, wages and hours are to be determined by the elders. A two-week notice is to be given if the church wishes to discontinue this person from the staff, likewise, the secretary is to give a two-week notice to the church.

Section 2. The Church Custodian

The church custodian is staff by virtue of the job. The responsibility is to do the custodial work of the church. The custodian works for the church but is responsible to the elders. The person, wages and hours are to be determined by the elders. A two-week notice is to be given if the church wishes to discontinue this person from the staff, likewise, the custodian is to give a two-week notice to the church.

A. The Vocational Pastor will moderate all public meetings and business sessions of the congregation except when the pastorate and pastoral employment arrangements are the items of business under discussion.

B. In absence of the Vocational Pastor or at his request, an assistant church moderator shall preside. This assistant must be selected from among and by the elders. He shall also preside when matters of pastoral vote and pastoral employment arrangements are under consideration.

A. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31. (07-23-23)

B. All money shall be disbursed by check, except amounts of less than ($1.00) one dollar, which may be paid in cash and accounted for in a petty cash fund.

C. No money shall be raised by the church or an auxiliary organization except by free will giving.

D. Special funds for real and personal property or buildings, by vote of the church, may be financed by loans, mortgages or bonds.

E. Any audit of church funds and auxiliary organizations will be determined by the officers and arranged accordingly.

F. There shall be no use of the church’s facilities or assets to condone or allow any activity that opposes the church’s doctrines.

A. It shall be the policy of this church to support only missionary enterprises and schools that are known to be in substantial agreement with our confession of faith, both in doctrine and practice.

B. All missionaries, missionary appointees or representatives from missionary organizations must substantially agree with this church’s confession of faith before being invited as a candidate seeking support or as a speaker before the church body or any organization of this church.

C. No missionary, missionary appointee or missionary organization or school shall be supported by or seek support from any church organization or the church body without the approval of the elders.

D. No percent goals are to be determined to allow the church to be flexible and solvent at all times.

E. The mission books and business is to be handled by the church treasurer in the same manner in which all other departments of the church are handled.

A. It shall have as its purpose the teaching of the Word of God to each age group on its own level. It will be responsible to the church and is in no sense independent of the church.

B. It shall have leaders such as superintendent, assistants and secretary as necessary for efficient operation.

C. All regular teachers must be approved by the elders and be members in good and regular standing. Exceptions to membership may be made as substitutes or special occasions upon approval by the elders. Such individuals must be in substantial agreement with our confession of faith.

A. There may be such organizations formed as are necessary to carry out the ministry and fellowship of the church. Their organization and purpose must be approved by the church. They may be self-governing, but subject to the control of the church through its Constitution and voted policy and shall remain under the general supervision of the elders.

B. All officers of such organizations must be members of the church in good and regular standing.

A. For the purposes of this Constitution the regular services of the church shall be considered to mean the weekly services which normally appear on the schedule of the church and which are not distinctly specified as being limited to a group other than the entire membership of the church.

B. There shall be a regular business meeting during each quarter of the fiscal year. The elders shall set the date and time of this meeting and shall announce it one Sunday in advance. (10-09-96)

C. The first Quarterly Business Meeting following the end of the fiscal year will be designated the Annual Church Business Meeting.

D. Biblical principles of pastoral leadership shall govern the conduct and operation of corporate meetings. All meetings, business or otherwise, will be conducted decently and in order (1 Cor.14:10) and all communication will be in adherence to those rules laid out in Ephesians 4:15, 25-32.

E. Special business meetings may be called at any time by the elders provided public notice is given one Sunday in advance.

F. All guest speakers at any church service or at any meeting or function shall be in substantial agreement with this church’s Confession of Faith.

A. A quorum shall consist of 25% of membership on the active roll of voting age.

B. The accepted voting age shall be 16 years or older.

C. All church business meetings must start with a quorum but a quorum is not needed to continue or finish the meeting.

A. The Articles of Faith, Constitution, By-Laws and Church Covenant of this church may be amended at any duly announced business meeting by a majority vote of members present.

B. Copies of the proposed amendment or change must be provided for each member of the church and must be announced from the pulpit as available two Sundays prior to the meeting.

In the event of the dissolution of this corporation, all of its debts shall be fully satisfied, none of its assets shall be given to any individual but shall be assigned by action of the church to one or more fundamental, Bible-believing, Baptist non-profit organizations in agreement with our Articles of Faith (In conformity with U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code of 1954, Sec. 501 C-3).

(Amendments made 10/09/96, 07/19/15, & 7/23/23)