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Constitution of the Redemption Baptist Church, Cape Coast Ghana Baptist Convention Redemption Baptist Church P.O Box 734 Cape Coast. Tel. 042-33207 December 1984 TABLE OF CONTENTS PREAMBLE ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 CONSTITUTION ................................................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE I -NAME ............................................................................................................................................ 4 ARTICLE II -CHURCH CONVENANT ............................................................................................................ 4 2.1 FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THIS CHURCH .............................................................................. 4 2.2 AS CHRISTIAN STEWARDS ............................................................................................................... 5 2.3 ALONE AND AT HOME ..................................................................................................................... 5 2.4 BEFORE THE WORLD ...................................................................................................................... 5 2.5 TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER ............................................................................................................... 5 2.6 WHEN WE MOVE............................................................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE III - MOTTO ...................................................................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE IV - POLITY ...................................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE V - DOCTRINE AND FAITH ........................................................................................................... 6 5.1 SECTION 1 - DOCTRINE ................................................................................................................... 6 5.2 SECTION 2 - FAITH ........................................................................................................................... 6 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4 5.2.5 5.2.6 5.2.7 5.2.8 5.2.9 5.2.10 5.2.11 5.2.12 5.2.13 5.2.14 5.2.15 5.2.16 5.2.17 5.2.18 5.2.19 5.2.20 5.2.21 5.2.22 5.2.23 5.2.24 5.2.25 5.2.26 5.2.27 5.2.28 THE SCRIPTURES..................................................................................................................................... 6 GOD ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 THE TRINITY ............................................................................................................................................ 7 PROVIDENCE ............................................................................................................................................ 8 MAN............................................................................................................................................................ 8 THE MEDIATOR ....................................................................................................................................... 8 ELECTION ................................................................................................................................................. 9 SALVATION .............................................................................................................................................. 9 REGENERATION ...................................................................................................................................... 9 REPENTANCE ......................................................................................................................................... 10 FAITH ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 JUSTIFICATION ...................................................................................................................................... 10 SANCTIFICATION .................................................................................................................................. 10 GLORIFICATION .................................................................................................................................... 10 PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS ....................................................................................................... 11 THE CHURCH .......................................................................................................................................... 11 BAPTISM .................................................................................................................................................. 11 THE LORD'S SUPPER ............................................................................................................................. 12 THE LORD'S DAY ................................................................................................................................... 12 THE KINGDOM ....................................................................................................................................... 12 THE SAVED AND THE UNSAVED ....................................................................................................... 12 LAST THINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 13 STEWARDSHIP ....................................................................................................................................... 13 EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS ............................................................................................................ 13 THE CHRISTIAN AND SOCIAL ORDER .............................................................................................. 14 PEACE AND WAR .................................................................................................................................. 14 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ............................................................................................................................ 14 THE LAW OF GOD.................................................................................................................................. 15 ARTICLE VI: PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................. 15 ARTICLE I: BYE-LAWS ................................................................................................................................. 15 1.1 SECTION 1 - MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................... 15 1.2 SECTION 2 - ADMISSION ............................................................................................................... 15 1.3 SECTION 3 - TERMINATION .......................................................................................................... 16 1.4 SECTION 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 16 1.5 SECTION 5 - INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ......................................................................................... 16 ARTICLE II - OFFICERS ................................................................................................................................. 16 ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF OFFICERS ........................................................................................................... 17 3.1 SECTION 1 - PASTOR ...................................................................................................................... 17 3.2 CHAIRMAN - BOARD OF DEACONS ............................................................................................. 17 3.3 SECTION 3 - VICE CHAIRMAN ...................................................................................................... 18 3.4 SECTION 4 - CLERK ........................................................................................................................ 18 3.5 SECTION 5 - ASSISTANT CLERK .................................................................................................... 19 3.6 SECTION 6 - TREASURER............................................................................................................... 19 3.7 SECTION 7 - AUDITOR ................................................................................................................... 20 3.8 SECTION 8 - MUSIC DIRECTOR .................................................................................................... 20 2 3.9 SECTION 9 - CHAIRMAN OF USHERS .......................................................................................... 20 ARTICLE IV - CHURCH COUNCIL ............................................................................................................... 21 4.1 SECTION 1 - COMPOSITION .......................................................................................................... 21 4.2 SECTION 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 21 4.3 SECTION 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 21 4.4 CO-OPTED MEMBERS .................................................................................................................... 21 ARTICLE V ROLE AND AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL ................................................. 22 5.1 SECTION 1 - FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL ............................................................ 22 5.2 ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE CHURCH COUNCIL ................................................ 22 5.3 SECTION 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 23 5.4 SECTION 4 - FREQUENCY OF MEETING ..................................................................................... 23 ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DEACONS........................................................................................................... 23 6.1 SECTION 1 - NUMBER OF DEACONS ........................................................................................... 23 6.2 SECTION 2 - MODE OF NOMINATION OF DEACONS ................................................................ 23 6.3 SECTION 3 – ELIGIBILITY FOR NOMINATION AS DEACON ..................................................... 23 ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DEACONS ......................................................................................................... 24 ARTICLE VIII – FUNCTIONS OF STANDING BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ........................................ 24 8.1 SECTION 1 – EVANGELISM COMMITTEE .................................................................................... 24 Outreach Committee ................................................................................................................................................... 25 8.2 SECTION 2 – FINANCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ....................................................................... 26 8.3 SECTION 3 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE.................................................................................... 26 8.4 SECTION 4 – SOCIAL AFFAIRS/PUBLICITY COMMITTEE ......................................................... 27 8.5 SECTION 5 – BOARD OF TRUSTEES/MAINTENANCE ................................................................ 27 8.6 SECTION 6 – MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE ................................................................................... 27 8.7 SECTION 7 –TEAM OF USHERS .................................................................................................... 28 8.8A SECTION 8A – GENERAL WELFARE COMMITTEE ..................................................................... 28 8.8B SECTION 8B – PASTORAL WELFARE COMMITTEE .................................................................... 28 8.9 SECTION 9 – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE ................................................................. 28 ARTICLE IX – MODE OF NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS ................................................................... 29 9.1 SECTION 1 – PASTOR ..................................................................................................................... 29 9.2 SECTION 2 – TERM OF OFFICE OF PASTOR .............................................................................. 29 9.3 SECTION 3 – CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DEACONS ....................................................................... 30 9.4 SECTION 4 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE.................................................................................... 30 9.5 SECTION 5 – CHURCH OFFICERS ................................................................................................ 30 9.6 SECTION 6 – STANDING BOARD AND COMMITTEES ................................................................ 31 9.7 SECTION 7 – VOTING ..................................................................................................................... 31 ARTICLE X – VACANCY AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE....................................................................... 31 10.1 SECTION 1 - VACANCY ................................................................................................................... 31 10.2 SECTION 2 – REMOVAL FROM OFFICE ...................................................................................... 32 ARTICLE XI – DISCIPLINE............................................................................................................................ 32 ARTICLE XII – CHURCH FUNDS AND PROPERTY ................................................................................... 33 12.1 SECTION 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 33 12.2 SECTION 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 33 ARTICLE XIII .................................................................................................................................................. 33 13.1 SECTION 1 - BANKER ..................................................................................................................... 33 13.2 SECTION 2 - FINANCE .................................................................................................................... 33 ARTICLE XIV – THE CHURCH AND MARRIAGE ...................................................................................... 34 ARTICLE XV – CHILD DEDICATION AND BLESSING ............................................................................. 34 ARTICLE XVI – DEATH ................................................................................................................................. 35 16.1 SECTION 1 - MEMBER .................................................................................................................... 35 16.2 SECTION 2 - BENEFICIARIES ........................................................................................................ 35 16.3 SECTION 3 – FUNERAL .................................................................................................................. 36 ARTICLE XVII – CUSTOMARY RITES ........................................................................................................ 36 ARTICLE XVIII – QUORUM .......................................................................................................................... 36 ARTICLE XIX – AMENDMENT .................................................................................................................... 36 ARTICLE XX – STANDING ORDER ............................................................................................................. 37 ARTICLE XXI – AFFILIATION...................................................................................................................... 37 ARTICLE XX11 – RECOMMENDATION ..................................................................................................... 37 3 PREAMBLE Whereas there has been the need for establishing a body of this nature; and in order to preserve and safeguard the principles of our faith; Bearing in mind the constitution of the Ghana Baptist Convention, which seeks to gather together and bring up-to-date in one document, all the essential, practical tenets of the New Testament Church: and Whereas this document wishes to provide guidance for the official formation and proper running of this church, understanding the noble and sacred task of rendering sacred service to our Lord and to mankind, we do declare and establish this constitution and bye-laws to regulate its existence and functions to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner with the accepted tenets of the missionary Baptist denomination, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith. CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I -NAME This body shall be known as REDEMPTION BAPTIST CHURCH of the Ghana Baptist Convention. ARTICLE II -CHURCH CONVENANT Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith having been baptised in the Name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. 2.1 FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THIS CHURCH 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, to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. 4 2.2 AS CHRISTIAN STEWARDS 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. 2.3 ALONE AND AT HOME We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion, to educate our children religiously, to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances. 2.4 BEFORE THE WORLD To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger, to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour. 2.5 TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and in distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech, to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay. 2.6 WHEN WE MOVE We moreover engage that when we move 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. ARTICLE III - MOTTO This church shall have as its motto the declaration of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in John's gospel chapter nine, verse four; "I must work the works of Him who sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work" 5 ARTICLE IV - POLITY The government of this church shall be vested in the body of its believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other religious body, but it recognises and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and co-operation, which are common among Baptist Churches. Final decisions on all major matters shall be voted on by the Church at its business meetings. ARTICLE V - DOCTRINE AND FAITH 5.1 SECTION 1 - DOCTRINE This receives the Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian Truth as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of the Redemption Baptist Churches as indicated in the Articles of Faith laid down hereinafter. 5.2 SECTION 2 - FAITH United by the grace of god in Christian experience, the members of this church recognise and receive the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and agree to accept it as the only rule of faith and practice. We believe also that it was written by men divinely led by the Holy Spirit and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. We, therefore, declare our adherence to the doctrines and teachings contained therein and state our faith and beliefs as: 5.2.1 THE SCRIPTURES That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true centre of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ. 5.2.2 GOD That there is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal being, the creator, redeemer, preserver and supreme ruler of the universe and all 6 things. God is infinite in holiness and all others, having in and of himself, all perfection. To him all creatures owe the highest love, reverend, and obedience. 5.2.3 THE TRINITY That the eternal God is revealed to us as Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence and being. 5.2.3.1 God The Father God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purpose of His grace. He is all-powerful, all loving and all wise and knowing. God is Father in truth to those who become children of Him through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude towards all men. 5.2.3.2 God The Son Christ is the eternal and only begotten Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God. He perfectly honoured and fulfilled the divine law by His personal obedience. After His death on the cross to secure provision for the redemption of man from sin, He rose again from the dead with them before His crucifixion. Having gone to the Father, partaking of the nature of God and man, He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord. He is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church and Sovereign of the universe. 5.2.3.3 God The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination, He enables men to understand the truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgement. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His Church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the believer is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens empowers the believer and then stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism and service. 7 5.2.4 PROVIDENCE That God from eternity decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet He does this so as not in any wise be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of man. 5.2.5 MAN 5.2.5.1 His Innocence and Free Will That man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. He was charged and with the responsibility to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it; whilst he was to have dominion and given stewardship responsibility of taking care of every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Made in the likeness of His creator, he was bestowed with an innate being to serve the purpose of His creator by having holy fellowship with him. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by His Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. 5.2.5.2 His Fall That man was originally created free from sin, but by his own will through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original innocence, holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and environment inclined toward sin and wholly opposed to God and His law, and under condemnation, without hope in his sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors. Only the grace of God can bring him into His holy fellowship and enable him into His holy fellowship and enable him to fulfil the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in the fact God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love. 5.2.6 THE MEDIATOR That Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin, He suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried and rose again on the third 8 day, and ascended to His Father in heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, here He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only one Mediator in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. 5.2.7 ELECTION That the elect of God are those who have responded to His call to repentance and to everlasting life through faith in His Son, in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. It is the gracious purpose of God, and is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. excludes boasting and promotes humility. It 5.2.8 SALVATION a. That salvation of sinners is wholly of God's grace alone through the work of God's Son, who by His own obedience, even in death paid for our sins. It involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour who by own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. b. That the great blessings which Christ offers and secures to those who believe is complete fellowship with God. We are forgiven of sin and made righteous before God by our faith in our redeemer's blood and brought into blessing peace and favour with God. We have every blessing needful for time and eternity. That the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel. Nothing keeps any man from being saved except his own rejection of the Gospel. His rejection of Christ condemns him to eternal punishment. In its broadest sense, salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. c. 5.2.9 REGENERATION That regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's free and special grace alone whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought (or brought about) by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and availing to understand the word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness, that is, through conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit, the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 9 5.2.10 REPENTANCE That repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. It is an evangelical grace wherein a person being made aware of the sinful condition of his nature, by the Holy Spirit, humbles himself for it, with godly sorrow with the purpose and endeavour to walk with God so as to please Him in all things. 5.2.11 FAITH That saving faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality of Him as Lord and Saviour. It is the belief, on God's authority, of whatever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification, and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness. 5.2.12 JUSTIFICATION That justification is God's gracious act and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfactory work that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them but on account of the principles of God's righteousness based upon Christ obedience and atonement. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favour with God. 5.2.13 SANCTIFICATION That those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by God's Word and Holy Spirit dwelling in them. It is the experience, beginning from regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes from the world and made partaker of His holiness. This sanctification is progressive toward moral and spiritual perfection through the supply of Divine strength, by the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands. 5.2.14 GLORIFICATION That glorification is the culmination of salvation, in the process of the bodies of the saints shall be changed to the likeness of their glorified Christ. It is the final and blessed abiding state of the redeemed. 10 5.2.15 PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS That all true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by his Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end: and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach the cause of Christ, and temporal judgements on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 5.2.16 THE CHURCH a. b. That the Lord Jesus who is composed of all His true disciples irrespective of denomination, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. It includes all of the ages. That according to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches he hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which he hath appointed, that is, this church is autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its scriptural or regular offices are Bishops or Elders (pastors), and Deacons. That a local (New Testament) church is a body or congregation of baptised believers who are voluntarily associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by seeking the gospel to the ends of the earth. 5.2.17 BAPTISM That Christian baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It is a sign of fellowship with and an act of obedience symbolising the believer's faith, a crucified, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the participation in the Lord's supper. It is not a means of salvation. 11 5.2.18 THE LORD'S SUPPER That the Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of wine, memorialise the dying love of Christ and anticipate His second coming. Being an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is no sense a sacrifice, but is designed not only to commemorate His death, but to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship. Only baptised believers can take part in it. However, church members and visiting believers are commended to examine their lives before participating. 5.2.19 THE LORD'S DAY That the first day of the week is the Lord's day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employment, works of necessity and mercy only being excepted. 5.2.20 THE KINGDOM That the Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who will fully acknowledge Him as king. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and labour that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of the age. 5.2.21 THE SAVED AND THE UNSAVED That there is a great difference between the saved and the unsaved and therefore, only those who have shown faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are saved and made righteous. Those who remain away from God or Christ will remain lost in this life and in the life to come. 12 5.2.22 LAST THINGS 5.2.22.1 Christ Return That God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth. 5.2.22.2 The Resurrection That the bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to the judgement. 5.2.22.3 The Judgement That God has appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deeds; the unrighteous (wicked) will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment; the righteous in their resurrection and glorified bodies will receive their reward and go endless joy of life, dwelling forever in Heaven with the Lord. 5.2.23 STEWARDSHIP That God alone is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual: all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talent, and material possessions and should recognise all those as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth. 5.2.24 EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS That it is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavour to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerated life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the 13 lost for Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel. 5.2.25 THE CHRISTIAN AND SOCIAL ORDER That every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of Society and the establishment of righteousness in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He should work to provide for the orphan, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His Truth. 5.2.26 PEACE AND WAR That it is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teaching of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy to the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teaching in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. 5.2.27 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY 5.2.27.1 Liberty of Conscience That God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Civil law or government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the conscience sake. 5.2.27.2 Liberty of the Church and State That the Church and the State should be separate. The State owes to every Church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favoured by the State more than others. The Church should not resort to civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ 14 contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuits of its ends. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power. 5.2.28 THE LAW OF GOD That the law of God is the external rule of moral government. This role never changes, and it is holy, just, perfect and good. Obedience to His holy law is possible only by the power of God through faith in Jesus Christ. ARTICLE VI: PURPOSE The purpose of this church shall be the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ Jesus. It shall seek to attain this end through the public worship of God, the preaching of the gospel, consistent Christian living by its members as revealed and taught in the New Testament, personal evangelism and visitation. ARTICLE I: BYE-LAWS 1.1 SECTION 1 - MEMBERSHIP The membership of this church shall consist of persons who have made a profession of their faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord who desire to be numbered among His disciples, who have experienced the baptism by immersion, who are in sympathy with the faith and practices of this church and have given evidence of their full endorsements of the church covenant to the satisfaction of the Pastor of the church. 1.2 SECTION 2 - ADMISSION Membership in the church may be obtained as follows: 1. 2. 3. By the ordinance of Baptism by immersion after profession of faith in Christ Jesus either by Baptist Church or By letter from any church of Baptist faith and order. By restoration to the church roll after having been dropped or after exclusion by two15 thirds vote of the church members in a business meeting. 1.3 SECTION 3 - TERMINATION Membership in the church shall end as follows: 1. 2. By letter of transfer By dropping from the rolls (that is, absenting oneself from the church for more than two months without notice and after several attempts to bring such a member back fail.). 1.4 SECTION 4 The terms and conditions of admission and termination of membership in the church are hereby prescribed in the bye-laws. 1.5 SECTION 5 - INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP A member who travels out of town for a period between one and twelve months may maintain his/her membership on the church roll, but as an inactive member. Such a member shall receive from the Pastor, a letter of recommendation to the church that he/she intends to affiliate with. ARTICLE II - OFFICERS The Officers of this Church shall be as follows: 1. The Pastor 2. 3. 4. 5 6. 7. 8. The Board of Deacons The Clerk The Treasurer The Music Director The Auditor The Trustees The Chairman of Ushers In addition to these officers, other officers of the Church shall be heads of the various church organisations or committees. 16 ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF OFFICERS 3.1 SECTION 1 - PASTOR 1. The Pastor shall seek to perform the duties of that office with all loyalty, to preach statedly on the Lord's Day, to administer the ordinance as commanded by the New Testament. He shall conduct the week-days devotional exercises of the church. He shall show hospitality, visit the members of the church as often as possible, and 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. perform such other duties as usually pertaining to that office. It shall be his duty to teach, counsel, train and equip leaders for the church and new churches. He shall pursue peace and reconciliation with and among all members of the church. He shall take the initiative to encourage and to attend to the spiritual needs of all the organisations of church. He should satisfy the requirements of a pastor as set forth in 1Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and 1Peter 5:1-4. He shall, after consultation with various departments of the Church, advise the departmental heads on what to do. He shall be the chairman of the church, and shall attend the council's meetings upon mutual consent with the council or at the invitation of the council, or at the Pastor's own request. His vote shall be equal to the final decision of the Board of Deacons and as the church council. However, the church shall have the final say on any matter. He shall be the Moderator of the Church. He shall have the liberty to withdraw from church activities for the purpose of spiritual upliftment on their services outside the church. 13. He shall lead in the devotional aspect of the church Business Meeting and at other church conferences and preside over such meeting. 3.2 SECTION 2 - CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF DEACONS 1. The Chairman of the Board of Deacons shall preside over the meeting of the board of Deacons. He shall confer with the Pastors regularly, and before and after every meeting of the Board of Deacons (or the Church Council). He shall confer with his vice on the Board of Deacons, and with the Church Clerk on 2. 3. 17 4. 5. 6. 7. the Church Council, for the preparation of the agenda for meeting and for the wellbeing of the respective bodies. He shall act as the moderator of the Church in the absence or inability of the Pastor or when the church is without a Pastor. He shall be a member of the Pastoral Welfare Committee. He shall work under the direction of the Pastor. He shall be the chairman at the church regular business meetings and the church annual conference and at other church business meetings. Note: The review made in 1994 states that the Pastor shall be the Chairman of the Board of Deacons. However its full implications and relation with other responsibilities, authority was not spelt out. 3.3 SECTION 3 - VICE CHAIRMAN 1. He shall be the secretary to the Board of Deacons and shall act as chairman to the Board of Deacons in the absence of the chairman. He shall assist the Pastor in administering the ordinances of the church. He shall collate all activities of the deacons for the meetings of the Deacons and shall 2. 3. 4. be a member of the Membership Committee. He shall in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Deacons, prepare the agenda of and convene the meetings of the Board of Deacons. (See note under chairman Board of Deacons) 3.4 SECTION 4 - CLERK 1. The Clerk of the church shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. 2. He shall keep a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together with a record of Baptisms. He shall also notify all officers, members of committees and delegates of their election or appointment. He shall issue letters of dismissal of appointment. He shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church. He shall preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these byelaws. He shall prepare quarterly and annual reports of his activities to the church. He shall be the Secretary to the Church Council and at all other meetings of the 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 18 church. He shall feed the Chairman of the Church with all Council necessary information. And assist him in preparing and publishing of the agenda of the meetings of the church council and of the church. 3.5 SECTION 5 - ASSISTANT CLERK 1. 2. 3. He shall be in charge of all notices of the church. He shall compile all announcements of and for the church, collect and dispatch letters and correspondence of the church. He shall work in collaboration with the clerk and act in his absence. 3.6 SECTION 6 - TREASURER 1. The Treasurer shall receive, preserve and pay out upon receipt, of vouchers all money or things value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemised account of all receipts and disbursements. Payment of bills for local work and expense shall be made promptly by cheque or cash. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, hold and disburse all cheques, monies, or funds of any kind for all departments of the church as directed by the church. 2(i). (ii) 3. 4(i) (ii) 5(i) (ii) 6. 7. He shall keep separate account book for each department but shall keep all such monies, in the Bank Accounts of the church. All monies should be placed in the bank and be removed by cheque, which should be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Chairman of the Board of Deacons or the church clerk. He shall bank all monies within 24 hours after receipt. It should be the duty of the Treasurer to render to the Church Council at each regular monthly meeting, an itemised report of receipts and disbursements for the preceding month. The Treasurer shall also present to the Church Council an audited statement of receipts and expenditure for every quarter of the year and such reports shall be read to the church at its regular business meetings. Within thirty days after the end of each fiscal year, the Treasurer shall render to the church council and to the Church and annual report showing the financial position of the church as at 31st December of the preceding year. This report shall first be audited by the church auditor before representation. Upon rendering the annual audited accounts at the end of its fiscal year and its acceptance by the church, the same shall be delivered by the Treasurer to the church clerk who shall keep and preserve it as part of the permanent records of the church. The treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all pledges, payments and donations of 19 8. 9. 10. all contributors to the treasury. He shall serve as the chairman of the Financial Affairs Committee of the church and shall be professionally qualified and constantly faithful in discharging his/her duties. He shall consider it a part of his responsibility to promote in every proper way scriptural giving on the part of the entire membership of the church. Where the Treasurer is an illiterate in accountancy the Financial Committee shall be made up of at least one professionally qualified person as member. 3.7 SECTION 7 - AUDITOR 1. There shall be panel of auditors to audit the church accounts of the treasurer's books from time and make an accurate report of their findings to the church council at its regular monthly meetings. There shall be an external auditor who shall be a Baptist but not a member of this church. He shall audit the accounts of the church once a year, for the annual conference of the church. The panel of auditors shall also present a report to the church on its regular quarterly meetings. The chairman of the panel of auditors shall be a member of the financial committee of 2. 3. 4. the church 3.8 SECTION 8 - MUSIC DIRECTOR The music director shall be charged with responsibility to provide worshipful music for all services and departments of the church, and shall have general oversight and direction of the music. He is to direct the choir or choirs in practice and public singing, and is to co-operate with the pastor and other leaders in the selection of suitable music and the devising of appropriate musical programmes for all occasions where such services are needed. 3.9 SECTION 9 - CHAIRMAN OF USHERS The Chairman of ushers together with the rest of the team of ushers shall care for and be responsible for: 1. 2. The direction of church members and visitors to their appropriate Bible Classes. The arrangement, seating and comfort of the congregation. 20 3. 4. 5. The collection of offering and the like during worship services. The notification and introduction to the Pastor before/after worship service any visitor or visitors on a mission other than for worship service. The prevention of interruptions and distractions and similar needed services. ARTICLE IV - CHURCH COUNCIL 4.1 SECTION 1 - COMPOSITION The church council shall be composed of: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. The Pastor, who shall be the (honorary) Chairman. The Clerk. The Treasurer. Chairman, Board of Deacons - who shall be the Vice - Chairman and (see note under Chairman - Board of Deacons.) The Chairman Maintenance and Development Committee. The Music Director. The Sunday School Superintendent. h. i. j. k. l. Chairman of the Evangelism Committee. The Women Missionary Union Leader. Men's Fellowship Leader. The Chairman of the Board of Ushers Chairman Home Ministry Board. 4.2 SECTION 2 Other leaders or chairman of other committees or organisations shall become members of the church council unless otherwise voted on by the church on recommendation of the church council. 4.3 SECTION 3 The Chairman of the church council shall have a deciding vote. 4.4 CO-OPTED MEMBERS 1. Any committee or body in the church's organisation structure has the mandate to co21 2. opt a resource person for a particular task undertaken. The co-opted person shall be a Christian of like faith; in cases involving professional services where Christian persons are not available or are not competent, an advice can be sought from an unbeliever but not constituting the church's gospel ministry shall be open only to Christians. The accepted codes are e.g. legal profession etc. ARTICLE V 5.1 ROLE AND COUNCIL AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH SECTION 1 - FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL The church council shall seek to correlate and co-ordinate the activities and organisations of the church yet with advisory power only. The functions of the council may be indicated by the following agenda, subject to changes as occasion may require: a. b. Scripture Reading and Prayer. Reports of Progress since last meeting. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. Calendar of Activities and Meetings for the month/quarter ahead. Problems which need joint consideration. Needs which should be supplied co-operatively. Objectives which call for teamwork. Possibilities of functions which should be prevented. Spiritual emphasis in which all may join. Denominational Calendar which should be taken into account. Season of Prayer for Special objects. 5.2 ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE CHURCH COUNCIL An individual should satisfy the requirement of a church officer as set forth in Acts 6:3-8, 1Peter 5:1-4, 1Timothy 3:8-13. Specifically he/she 1. 2. 3. 4. should be a born-again Christian. should be at least three years as a baptised member of the church. should have proven his leadership ability in some area of service in the church. should be one year in the church from another Baptist church or Bible believing church. 22 5. should be well grounded in Baptist principles. 5.3 SECTION 3 The term of office of the church council shall be one year. Individual members can however, be re-nominated and endorsed by the church. 5.4 SECTION 4 - FREQUENCY OF MEETING The church council shall meet once a month, and at the request of the Pastor. ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DEACONS 6.1 SECTION 1 - NUMBER OF DEACONS There shall be seven deacons for the first three hundred members whose names are on the church roll, and one additional Deacon for each additional one hundred members. Where the member on roll is less than hundred, a minimum of three (Review 1994) Deacons shall be ordained. They shall be seven which they shall then form the Board of Deacons. A Deacon shall hold no other office. He must give complete attention to the work of this office, except those offices that are solely mandated to take charge e.g. Welfare committee. It shall be pertinent for the church to promote to honorary life membership any Deacon who by reason of age or infirmities shall, after honourable service, be no longer able to render active service. 6.2 SECTION 2 - MODE OF NOMINATION OF DEACONS Nominations to the Board of the Deacons shall be made by the Nominating Committee acting in consultation with the Pastor. The nominees shall be presented to the church for endorsement. Voting shall be by secret ballot. 6.3 SECTION 3 – ELIGIBILITY FOR NOMINATION AS DEACON In addition to the qualifications of a Deacon set forth in Acts 6:3-8 and 1Timothy 3:8-15, an individual should satisfy the following requirements for nomination as Deacon: 23 a. b. he should at least be three years as a Baptist member including at least one year as a member of the local church he should have proven his leadership ability in some area of service in the church ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DEACONS The following standing committees shall be elected: 1. Evangelism Committee 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Christian Education Committee Financial Affairs Committee Nominating Committee Social Affairs/Publicity Committee Board of Trustees/Maintenance Membership Committee Team of Ushers Welfare Committee (General Welfare Committee & Pastoral Welfare Committee) Other Boards and Committees shall be established as the need arises. ARTICLE VIII – FUNCTIONS OF STANDING BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 8.1 SECTION 1 – EVANGELISM COMMITTEE The Evangelism Committee shall consist of the following sub-committees herein referred to as ministries: i. ii. iii. iv. v. Visitation Ministry Prison Ministry Hospital Ministry School Ministry Home Mission Ministry In general, the Evangelism Committee shall seek: a. to prepare and present to the church an annual programme covering all aspects of 24 b. c. d. church evangelism to see to the effective implementation of the evangelism programme adopted by the church to initiate measures for mobilising the entire membership of the church to be actively involved in witnessing for Christ to perform any other activities incidental to the mission for reaching the lost with the Gospel of Christ i. Visitation Ministry a. it shall seek to promote visitation in the church and shall make a report and the church secretary before church service on each Sunday of all sick members and those who are not likely to come to church for any reason It shall be responsible for all follow-up programmes. It shall initiate and formulate plans and measures to involve and seek to the effective organisation and implementation of all follow-up exercises. b. ii. Prison, Hospital and School Ministries Shall be responsible for visitation to their various units and shall seek to promote from time to time such programmes as may be of necessity for the purpose of bringing the Gospel of Christ to their respective areas of which each unit is involved. iii. Home Mission Ministry Home Mission Ministry shall be responsible for the organisation of Home Compound or Home Bible Study grounds and Bible Study courses. That is, they shall seek to bring to the door-steps of the lost or otherwise those who are not willing to attend church services such programmes as may be of help to them with the purpose of winning and bringing them to Christ. While seeking to explore and initiate their own avenues for the institutionalisation of such programmes, they shall also be required to draw and collate evidence from the study of progress of report and findings of the Visitation Ministry. Outreach Committee a. Membership of the Outreach Committee shall consist of leaders of the various sub25 committees. The Association Director of the Outreach Committee shall be Chairman for the Home Mission Ministry who shall co-ordinate the activity and programme of he Home Bible Studies. Initial membership of the sub-committees shall be three in number and shall increase as programmes are expanded b. c. 8.2 SECTION 2 – FINANCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE It shall be the duty of the Financial Affairs Committee: a. b. to be responsible for the day-to-day financial transaction of the church to count and record the collection on Sunday morning and any other times collections are taken to keep good records of the financial transactions of the church to present monthly, quarterly and annually, reports of the church’s financial position to the church and to present any other reports required by the church to prepare and present to the church an Annual Budget to provide for regular audit for all books and accounts of church c. d. e. f. g. to examine and determine the emoluments of all church employees and advice the church accordingly Signatories to the cheque and bank transactions of the church shall be the Treasurer, the Clerk and the Chairman of the Board of Deacons. All transactions of the church shall be made only after approval by the Pastor. The Financial Affairs Committee shall have a membership of five, namely: 8.3 The Treasurer Three Deacons The Chief Auditor SECTION 3 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE At the third quarterly business meeting of the church, a Nominating Committee, which shall present its report to the Assistant Clerk for publishing on the church notice board one month before the Annual Conference of the church. 26 After the general elections of the church are over, the Nominating Committee shall then become a stand-by committee until such time that its services shall be called for by the church. No member of the church council shall serve on the committee. However, the committee shall work in consultation with and on the advice of the Pastor. The committee shall nominate and present to the church suitable candidates to fill the various offices as provided in the constitution. 8.4 SECTION 4 – SOCIAL AFFAIRS/PUBLICITY COMMITTEE a. To draw up a programme of talks, lectures, symposia, film shows, debates etc. for the church To see to the proper planning and organising of weddings, outdoorings, get-togethers, funerals and other social activities. To be responsible for the church’s notice board (All materials meant for posting on the church’s notice board shall be routed through the Assistant Church Clerk. To be responsible for informing the church and the general public of the church’s programmes. b. c. d. f. To generate interest in the church’s programmes through effective advertising and public relations. In diverse ways, to present a good image of the church to the general public. 8.5 SECTION 5 – BOARD OF TRUSTEES/MAINTENANCE a. b. c. To keep proper inventory of all church property To arrange for the proper maintenance of any church property To be responsible for the purchase, sale, mortgage or lease of any church property on d. the authority of the church. To sign any Deed on behalf of the church. 8.6 SECTION 6 – MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE a. b. To be in charge of the church membership roll To investigate all matters relating to the dismissal of members, and make recommendations to the church. To prepare and present to the church, detailed quarterly reports on membership changes such as: e. c. 27 8.7 Number of members who have died Number of members who have become non-resident Number of members who attend church services irregularly Number of members who have dropped out of church Number of members who do not support the church financially SECTION 7 –TEAM OF USHERS There shall be a team of ushers to volunteer their services to the church to see to the comfort and well-being of members of the congregation for all its services. The team shall be nominated by the Nominating committee and finally endorsed by the church. 8.8A SECTION 8A – GENERAL WELFARE COMMITTEE There shall be five members on this committee and their duties shall be as hereto stated in the duties of the board of Deacons. All five members shall be deacons. But where there are less than 5 deacons, the deacons thus present shall be automatic members and other members from the church council shall complete their number. The council members shall eventually give way to deacons as more deacons are ordained, and this shall be by the council members with the least number of years stepping out first. A deacon shall necessarily be the chairman of the Welfare Committee. 8.8B SECTION 8B – PASTORAL WELFARE COMMITTEE These shall constitute the Pastoral Committee: i. ii. iii. the chairman of the Welfare Committee who shall be the chairman the chairman of the Board of Deacons one other member of the Welfare Committee 8.9 SECTION 9 – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE The following shall constitute the Christian Education Committee: a. The Sunday School Superintendent (Chairman) 28 b. c. d. The Christian Growth leader The Men’s Fellowship leader The WMU Leader The Christian Education Committee shall seek: i. ii. iii. to plan for and to oversee the smooth running of the Christian Education Department to advise the Church Council on literature for the Department of Christian education specially see to the smooth running of the Sunday School and the Christian Growth Session for all ages. iv. In diverse ways, to encourage all members of the church to participate in the programmes of the department. ARTICLE IX – MODE OF NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS 9.1 SECTION 1 – PASTOR i. A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church when a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a stated meeting called for that purpose of which at least ii. iii. iv. one week public notice shall be given. A Pastor’s Selection Committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out a suitable pastor, and their recommendation will constitute a nomination, though any member has the privilege of making other nomination. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time. Election shall be by secret ballot, an affirmative vote of three-quarters of those present being necessary to a choice, and after prayers has been offered for the guidance of God. 9.2 SECTION 2 – TERM OF OFFICE OF PASTOR A. i. His term of office shall end when he or the church is convinced that separation is necessary. Where A (i) shall have been deemed to be necessary, either shall give the other 3 months notice, or in lieu of such notice, an amount equivalent to the pastors 3 months salary shall be paid to the other. The office of the Pastor thus elected shall be terminated by three-quarters of the church members called for that purpose. Where immorality on the part of the Pastor is concerned, separation shall be made ii. B. C. 29 D. E. 9.3 outright by a majority vote as described in (ii) above and without any such payment as stated in A (ii) The Pastor’s general term of office shall be 3 years, renewable for any number of years. At the end of the second year of each term of office, the church shall serve the Pastor with a letter, reminding that he has one more year to complete the term he is serving. He may the re-apply, for the church to consider approval or rejection. In such case, section A (ii) shall not apply. SECTION 3 – CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DEACONS 1. The Pastor shall submit one nomination from among the deacons and the Board of Deacons shall bring two. 2. The Chairman of the Nominating committee, who shall single-handedly supervise the election, shall ask for secret balloting. 3. The nominees thus polling the highest and the second highest votes become the chairman and the vice-chairman respectively. 4. The chairman thus elected becomes the chairman of the Church Council. 9.4 SECTION 4 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE 1. The Pastor shall be a member of the Nominating committee but not the Chairman thereof. He shall also nominate one member of the congregation to serve on it. 2. The church shall then submit three additional nominees 3. The five nominees shall finally be endorsed by the church, if no changes are made in the nominations at voting, and the highest polling nominee shall be the chairman thereof. 9.5 SECTION 5 – CHURCH OFFICERS 1. They shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and the nominations presented to the church for endorsement. 2. In case of the choir leader, where a member of the choir has to be elected to serve on the church council, due to the music director not being a member of the church, the nomination and election of the person shall be undertaken by members of the choir. The election shall be supervised by the Nominating Committee, and the name of the elected candidate presented to the church for endorsement. 3. A minimum of two nominations shall be presented for each post or office. 30 A nominee who fails to be elected, may upon the approval of the church, stand alongside other nominations to contest a new office. 9.6 SECTION 6 – STANDING BOARD AND COMMITTEES 1. Members of those committees shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee. Each committee shall consist of five members, unless otherwise stated. 2. The nominees of each of the committees shall be presented to the church for endorsement. The nominee to poll the highest number of votes in each case shall be the chairman of that committee. 9.7 SECTION 7 – VOTING 1. At the Annual conference in December, the chairman of the Church Council shall present reports of the committees for study by the church. After careful study and necessary adjustments have been made, voting shall be held for adoption of the reports. 2. In the case of nomination and election, the church may, after studying the report of the Nominating Committee, and other nominations from the floor after secondment by two church members for voting. 3. Members thus elected take up their duties on 1st January; however, they shall be required to work with and under study the outgoing officers from the day of election until the final take over. 4. Voting shall strictly be confined to members of this church only. However, born-again Christians from sister churches and non-baptised members of this church shall have the liberty to express their ideas on the subject matters being discussed. 5. Voting shall be by secret ballot only. ARTICLE X – VACANCY AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE 10.1 SECTION 1 - VACANCY 1. In case of vacancy in any office, the congregation must elect a successor at a business meeting called upon due notice, or at the next business meeting of the church after the vacancy has occurred. 2. In an emergency, temporary officers may be appointed by the Church Council to hold office until the congregation elects. 31 10.2 SECTION 2 – REMOVAL FROM OFFICE Where an officer of a board or committee member is found to be inefficient or unfaithful to the office, the church member making the finding shall put it into writing and address the letter to the Board of Deacons. Investigation shall be called for by the Board of Deacons, and where the allegation is proven true, the officer shall be informed first. A vote of no confidence passed by two-thirds majority of members present at a business or called meeting shall thus remove the said officer or member. The Nominating Committee shall be called upon to present fresh nominations for vote by the church to fill such a vacancy. ARTICLE XI – DISCIPLINE 1. Should any unhappy differences arise between members, the aggrieved member shall follow the role given by the Lord in the 18th chapter of Matthew. 2i. Should any cause of gross breach of covenant or of public scandal occur, the deacons shall endeavour to remove the offence. Should the offender not be pleased with the decision of the deacons, he or she may appeal to the church through the Pastor. 2ii. 3. 4. The church shall appoint a reasonable time and place of hearing and notify the person in question thereof, furnishing him/her with a copy of the charges. At such hearing, the accused member may call to his/her aid any member of the church council. If he shall not present himself at the appointed time or give satisfactory lesson for his neglect, the church may proceed in his absence. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by the spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance but should any adverse decision be reached the church may proceed to admonish the offender or declare him/her to be no longer in the membership of the church. In case of grave difficulty, the church will be ready if requested, to ask the advice of an acceptable council from neighbouring churches. 32 ARTICLE XII – CHURCH FUNDS AND PROPERTY 12.1 SECTION 1 Any member entrusted with or in possession of any church funds or property shall see to take good care and be able to account for some whenever the need arises. Such funds or properties shall have to be handed over to the church when such member is dismissed or excluded from the church or at any time that the church may call for such funds or property. 12.2 SECTION 2 Where a member embezzles or misuses any church funds or properties or properties, such member shall be made to refund, replace or make good such property. Failing to refund, replace, make good or hand over such funds or property the church shall: i. ii. refer the case to the disciplinary committee of the church and the Pastor for retrieval of such property where this fails, the case shall be referred to the church for final decision. ARTICLE XIII 13.1 SECTION 1 - BANKER The Bankers of this church shall be the Ghana Commercial Bank, Cape Coast Branch. 13.2 SECTION 2 - FINANCE 1. The source of income of this church shall be as follows: Tithes Offering Thanksgiving Donations Pledges etc. These may be expected to come from members, however, well wishers, who may want to give to support the church in diverse ways are welcome. 2. An imprest of as may be determined by the Financial Affairs Committee quarterly and approved by the Church Council shall be kept by the Treasurer. 33 ARTICLE XIV – THE CHURCH AND MARRIAGE A. All marriage consultation should first and foremost be referred to the pastor who will, if necessary, refer the couple to a Deacon or a spiritually-matured church member from the onset. B. All persons to be married in Redemption Baptist Church shall have to see the Pastor three months in advance of the customary engagement and shall have had at least five consultations with him. C. The church, in general, disapproves of divorce and remarriage, customary or civil, and discourages her members from such practices. But where it is found to be absolutely necessary for a couple to marry so that they will not fall into sin, no persons whose marriage has been dissolved by divorce (customary or civil) shall be entitled to the same privileges and benefits of a couple (male or female) who has never been married before, unless one spouse has expired. D. Under no circumstances shall a couple have a public wedding where the bride is obviously pregnant. E. Couples found to be living together before the blessing of their marriage in the church shall forgo the rights of a full marriage ceremony and forfeit the right to hold their wedding reception on the church premises. F. No person who is a polygamist shall become a member of the church. Where such a person (male or female) becomes a Christian and seeks to be part of this church, a special counselling session shall be organised for him/her by the Pastor. If the polygamist decides to become monogamous, he/she shall be accepted into membership of the church. Where the polygamist insists on remaining a polygamist, he/she shall not be accepted into church membership. G. Persons who are born-again before they marry and become polygamists afterward shall be excommunicated from the church after receiving advice to desist from such practices and they fail to do so. There shall be no respect of persons. ARTICLE XV – CHILD DEDICATION AND BLESSING A child who is 8 days to 12 years old, and who has not yet taken Jesus as Saviour, shall be dedicated to the Lord and blessed by the Pastor as recorded in………………………………… The parents of each child shall seek to bring the child up in the way of Christian faith as in Proverbs 6:22 till the child becomes responsible to himself or herself. 34 ARTICLE XVI – DEATH 16.1 SECTION 1 - MEMBER A. If a member of this church dies the church shall take full responsibility of the burial ceremony patterned as is obtained in the pastor’s or minister’s manual. B. (i) In the event of such occurrence the church shall meet with the deceased family to discuss and plan for the necessary arrangements. (ii) Where a deceased family disagrees with the church’s burial arrangement and insists on taking burial responsibilities, the church shall have to advice itself as to what to do. (iii) Where a deceased family fails to inform the church in the event of the death of a member and performs everything, the church shall upon satisfactory explanation, give as much physical help as it can. However if the explanation is found to be unsatisfactory, the church shall advice itself on what to do. C. Should the deceased’s employer of the church take the burial responsibilities the church shall have to advice itself on the necessary steps or help, or otherwise to offer. D. (i) If the church takes burial responsibilities, then burial shall be within 24 hours after the dead body has been obtained. (ii) The church shall provide white gown and coffin for burial, but shall however, seek to limit itself to the lowest and simplest form of burial. E. In the event of the death of a child who has been attending the church but has not been baptised into membership due to age, the church shall be equally responsible for the burial ceremony with the consent of the parents. In this case the Funeral Committee would have to decide on what should be provided for burial. F. A candidate in the Baptism Class shall have full benefits as a member in the event of death. 16.2 SECTION 2 - BENEFICIARIES A. In the event of the death of a relative of a member in good standing, the church shall give as much physical help and financial assistance as it can. B. Such relatives shall be father, mother, child, wife, and husband. C. Where necessary and the need arises, general contribution shall be made in support of the church’s representation. D. If the deceased belongs to a group or organisation in the church, and the group wants to contribute besides the church contribution, it shall have to see the Pastor or Church Council and if its request be granted, shall contribute not exceeding that of the church. 35 16.3 SECTION 3 – FUNERAL A. Should burial be the full responsibility of the church, then funeral shall be observed on the day of the burial with the consent of the bereaved family. B. Where a bereaved family takes funeral responsibilities or fixes funeral for another day/time, the church, after burial shall have no control over their funeral ceremony. However, on the funeral day a church delegate shall attend and individuals shall be encouraged to do so. C. Should a bereaved family agree as in (A) above or invites the church to help observe the funeral then the family would have to ensure that: (i) Drinks served at the funeral are only minerals. Serving of intoxicating drinks shall not be tolerated. (ii) There shall be no customary drumming at the funeral. Failure to observe these shall mean that the family no longer needs the church’s assistance and the latter shall therefore leave the place of the funeral. D. There shall be no thanksgiving service held. ARTICLE XVII – CUSTOMARY RITES Members shall refrain from all customary observation that are not in keeping with Christian preaching. ARTICLE XVIII – QUORUM At the Annual, quarterly business meetings and all special meetings of the church 25% of the total number of members on the roll shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. ARTICLE XIX – AMENDMENT This constitution and accompanying Bye-laws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting of the church or at a meeting specially called for that purpose, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call. But no chance shall be made in “Articles of Faith” or “Covenant” except by a two-thirds vote of all members of the church present entitled to vote, such proposed change having been laid before the church in writing at a business meeting not less than one month before the time of the proposed action, and read from the pulpit on the Lord’s Day next succeeding such 36 proposals. ARTICLE XX – STANDING ORDER Anything not mentioned herein shall be determined on its merit by the church council or be referred to the necessary committee and recommendations brought before the church for approval and disapproval. ARTICLE XXI – AFFILIATION This church goes on record as being willing to co-operate with the Ghana Baptist Convention and the Baptist Association to which the church belongs. ARTICLE XX11 – RECOMMENDATION We recommend that all who had received baptism by immersion and were members of this church before the acceptance of this constitution, be accepted into membership upon declaration of their acceptance of this constitution and bye-laws. That the present officers and members of boards and committees already elected for 1984 be allowed to continue in office until the end of the year. This constitution shall be accessible to all members. All other constitution and bye-laws of groups in the church shall be subordinate to the REDEMPTION BAPTIST Church Constitution. 37