The Constitution of the Victor Baptist Church
Victor, Iowa
It is the desire of this company of Christian believers that the church of Jesus Christ to be maintained by rule and order, even as the Word of God teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Therefore, to be effectively organized for the purpose of teaching and spreading the Gospel of our Lord and to promote a closer Christian fellowship, we adopt the following constitution.
Article One: The Name
The name of this Church shall be the Victor Baptist Church of Victor, Iowa. This Church is affiliated with the North American Baptist Conference with its headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
Article Two: The Purpose
The purpose of this church shall be the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. It shall seek to attain this end through the public worship of God, observing the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the preaching of the Gospel, consistent Christian living by its members, personal evangelism, missionary endeavor, Christian education, and Christian Fellowship.
Article Three: Confession of Faith
WE BELIEVE the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be verbally inspired of God and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life. ( 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20- 21)
WE BELIEVE in one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ( Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 57:15; Matthew 28:19)
WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18- 25; Luke 1:35; John 1:1)
WE BELIEVE that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God; and that every human being is born with a sinful nature, and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, become accountable sinners in thought, word and deed. (Genesis 1:26-27, John 5:40, Ephesians 2:1-3)
WE BELIEVE that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. (Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:6-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate. (Mark 16:6; Acts 1:1-11; Hebrews 3:1)
WE BELIEVE in "that blessed hope," the personal, pre-millennial and imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Luke 12:35-40; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
WE BELIEVE that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior are born again by the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God. (John 3:5; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23)
WE BELIEVE in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. (Luke 16:19-26; Luke 23:42,43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15)
WE BELIEVE that Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, to show forth in a solemn and wonderful way our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior and our union with HIM in death to sin and resurrection unto newness of life. (Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 18:19)
WE BELIEVE that it is the duty of each believer to live a holy life unto God, keeping himself unspotted from the world, and that it is God’s intention that this shall be accomplished in the believer’s life by his constant dependence on the divine enablement of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We believe that this experience of deliverance from sin and empowerment for service is designated in the Scripture as the filling with the Spirit rather than His baptism. Thus the baptism with the Spirit is not an experience to be sought following regeneration but is already an accomplished fact. The baptism with the Spirit is not demonstrated by speaking in tongues nor is this experience to be sought or promoted by the believer. (Romans 8:14; Romans: 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:17-25; Ephesians 5:18)
Article Four: Membership
Membership in the church shall be acquired upon the vote of the Church by:
Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and giving evidence
of a change of heart through baptism by immersion.
A person to whom the ordinance of baptism by immersion has been
administered may be received by satisfactory letter from other churches.
Any immersed believer, who for any reason, has lost membership with a
former Baptist church (or other church) upon a satisfactory statement of
Christian experience.
Any Pastor automatically upon acceptance of a call by this church.
2. Dismissal from membership may take place after a vote by the Church by the following methods:
a. Transfer by letter:
Any member in good standing, having met both spiritual and financial obligations to the church, shall be entitled to a letter of transfer to any church of like faith after such a church requests such a letter.
b. Erasure:
Willful absence. Any member who shall willfully absent himself from the fellowship of the Church, shall be counseled with. If after special efforts by the pastor and deacons, the fellowship of such a person is not renewed, he shall cause his name to be erased from the membership.
Non-residence. The names of members, non-resident for a period of six months, who have not communicated with the Church, may upon recommendation of the deacon board and by vote of the Church, be erased from the membership roll.
Article Five: Duties of Members
It shall be the duty of each member to seek to develop their Christian life, to attend the services regularly, commend the Gospel of Christ to others, and to be actively involved in the spiritual and physical activities of the Church.
Every member is under obligation to contribute regularly toward the expenses and missionary endeavors of the Church. He shall do so as he is able, with the Biblical tithe as the standard.
Article Six: Discipline
If any member is charged with conduct unbecoming a Christian, such a charge shall be brought to the attention of the board of Deacons. No one may present such a charge publicly. The Deacons shall make a thorough investigation into such a matter. Then, if necessary, make their recommendation to the Church for further action.
No accusation shall be made against a member before the Church by any board before the member concerned has been informed of this intention. Any accused member shall have the right to speak on his own behalf.
When a member has been wronged personally by any other member, it is required of the grieved party to seek reconciliation in love according to the words of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17.
Article Seven: Church Officers
1. The Pastors:
The Senior Pastor:
The pastor shall be of Baptist faith, and shall be a believer in, and a preacher of the foundational doctrines of the Bible. He shall be a man who fulfills the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. He shall have charge of the services of public worship, and attend to all duties devolving on a pastor. He shall serve as moderator in business meetings, unless another moderator is chosen, and shall be a non-voting advisor on all boards and committees.
When the pastor is delegated to represent the Church at conferences or similar event his traveling expense shall be paid by the Church.
He shall be entitled to an annual vacation, the time and length thereof to be determined by the Board of Deacons.
The Church and the pastoral relationship may be terminated either by mutual consent or after three months notice on the part of the Church or the pastor.
The Associate Pastor:
If there is an Associate Pastor, he shall be of the Baptist faith, and shall be a believer in, and a preacher of the doctrines of the Bible. He shall be a man who fulfills the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. He shall assist and be responsible to the Senior Pastor in a manner determined by the Official Board.
When the he is delegated to represent the Church at conferences or similar event his traveling expense shall be paid by the Church.
He shall be entitled to an annual vacation, the time and length thereof to be determined by the Board of Deacons.
The Church and the pastoral relationship may be terminated either by mutual consent or after three months notice on the part of the Church or the pastor.
Other Offices:
The Deacons: This Church shall have at least four deacons, and as many as the church deems necessary, at least one of which is to be elected each year to serve four years. They shall be men who fulfill the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-12 and who receive a 2/3 majority of those voting at the Annual Business Meeting.
The Trustees: There shall be at least three trustees and as many as the church deems necessary, one of which is to be elected each year and shall serve three years. They shall be men who are of honest report, full of the Spirit and wisdom - Acts 6:3, who receive a 2/3 majority of those voting at the Annual Business Meeting.
The Church Clerk: The clerk shall keep records of all business meetings of the church, and shall attend to official correspondence.
The Treasurer: The treasurer shall handle all money contributed for the church expenses and for missions, and he shall pay all approved bills. A full report of the treasury shall be given at the annual business meeting. An assistant shall be elected to assist the treasurer.
The Christian Education Director: Shall be responsible under the direction of the Board of Christian Education, to oversee all the educational functions of the church. In consultation with the Board of Christian Education, the C.E. Director shall appoint the directors and leaders for all education ministries and oversee special educational events. The C.E. Director shall serve as chair of the Board of Christian Education. The CE Director, along with the Sunday School Superintendent, shall serve a one-year term and shall be elected with the Church officers.
The Sunday School Superintendent: Shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board of Christian Education, to oversee all of the programs and functions of the Sunday School program including: Classrooms, teachers, curriculum, nursery, and any other Sunday School functions. The Superintendent shall serve as vice-chair of the Board of Christian Education and shall take over for the CE Director in the event of absence. The Sunday School Superintendent shall serve a one-year term and shall be elected with the other Church officers.
The Chief Usher: He shall supervise his assistants in their duties of directing the seating of the congregation with special consideration for visitors, receiving of the offering, and performance of other duties assigned to them from time to time.
The Music Chairman: He shall be in charge of the music programs of the Church, including the appointment of song leaders and choir directors.
In the event of a vacancy left in any office, the Official Board of the Church shall have the responsibility of filling said vacancy until the next annual election.
Article Eight: Church Boards and Committees
The Official Church Board: This board shall be composed of the Pastor, the Deacons, the Trustees, the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Christian Education Director, and the Sunday School Superintendent. It shall be responsible for supervising the spiritual well-being of the Church. It shall serve in an advisory capacity and be subject to the Church. It shall convene every quarter of the year, or as the need arises. It shall appoint the nominating and auditing committees by January 15.
The Board of Deacons: It shall consist of all elected deacons, one of whom shall be chosen chairman. It shall be the duty of the deacons to assist the pastor in the performance of his duties in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Church. They shall visit the sick, counsel with the converts as well as with delinquent members, greet visitors at the church doors, prepare and serve at the Lord’s Supper, and make the necessary arrangements for baptisms. The deacons shall also provide for the speakers during the absence of the pastor.
The Board of Trustees: All the elected trustees shall serve on this board, one of whom shall be chosen to serve as chairman. It is the duty of the trustees to supervise the Church properties, their maintenance, and insurance.
The Finance Committee: This committee shall consist of the treasurer and trustees. It shall be the duty of this committee to advise the Church as to the financial needs of the Church.
The Nominating Committee: Three person shall be appointed to this committee by the Church Board. It shall be responsible for the preparing of a ballot of nominees for all Church offices. A list of nominees shall be made known on the Sunday prior to the election.
Auditing Committee: Two persons shall be appointed to one committee by the Church board. This committee shall audit the treasury of the Church. This committee is to be ready to report at the annual business meeting.
The Board of Christian Education: It shall consist of the Christian Education Director, Sunday School Superintendent, Pastor(s), one Deacon, two Member-at Large, the Youth Leaders and the AWANA Commander. The Christian Education Director shall be the chairman unless there is an Assistant Pastor, in which case the Assistant Pastor will function as chairman and the CE Director will function as vice-chairman. The Sunday School Superintendent will function as vice-chairman. The Sunday School Superintendent will function as vice-chairman as needed. This Board shall be responsible to oversee all of the Christian Education ministries of this Church, and to make all final decisions regarding those ministries, including staffing and curriculum decisions.
Article Nine: Meetings
Worship Service: The Church shall meet in the morning and evening of each Lord’s Day for public worship. Midweek Bible study and prayer meetings shall be conducted. However, any service may be temporarily canceled or the time changed by common consent of the Church.
The Lord’s Supper Observance: The Lord’s Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of each month, unless it is decided otherwise
Business Meetings:
The annual business meeting shall be held preferably during the first week of April.
A semi-annual business meeting shall be held during the first part of October to dispose of any business matters.
Special business meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Deacons or the Board of Trustees.
A quarterly financial report is requested by the Church, to be printed in the bulletin.
The time and the purpose of any business meeting shall be announced on two Sundays prior to its session. If this is done, a quorum of twenty voting members may conduct the necessary business. However, temporary matters of business, which may require an immediate decision, may be considered at any Church service.
In such meetings the Spirit of Christ shall be followed in all discussions. Common and acceptable parliamentary rules of order shall govern on questions of procedure not covered by the constitution.
Voting may be done by the raising of the hand, except ballots shall be used in the election and in special issues where the secret ballot is preferred. A person receiving the majority of votes shall be declared elected. Members who are sixteen years of age and older may vote in the elections. Members who are eighteen years of age and older may vote on matter pertaining to finances and the calling of a pastor.
Article Ten: Calling a Pastor
When it is necessary to call a pastor, the Church Board, including the Clerk, who shall act as secretary, shall meet as a pulpit committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to make investigation of the standing and qualifications of a prospective successor, and report to the Church the results of such investigations. The membership shall have opportunity of making recommendations to the committee for their consideration. The pulpit committee shall recommend only one man at a time for the Church’s consideration and the Church shall vote upon one man at a time.
The call of a pastor shall come before the Church at a regularly called business meeting, notice of such meeting and its purpose having been read from the pulpit on two successive Sundays, unless a time limitation necessitates an exception. A vote of two-thirds of the members present and qualified to vote, provided that there be present and voting a majority of the total qualified voting members, shall be necessary to extend the call.
Article Eleven: Organizations within the Church
All organizations of this Church shall function within the Church program. Such organizations shall be subject to the approval of the Church. They shall cooperate with one another and the Church program for spiritual well-being of all.
Since the Sunday School is the main educational and evangelistic program within the Church, its officers are elected by the Church. All regular teachers in any church ministry shall be a member unless previously approved by the Board of Deacons.
Article Twelve: By-Laws and Amendments
This constitution and any by-laws may be changed, amended or stricken out at any regular business meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present, and providing that the proposed change has been announced on two Sundays prior to the business meeting in which the amendment or by-law shall be considered and submitted for action.
By-Laws
All previous recommendations and decisions which conflict with this amended constitution after its adoption shall be null and void.
No person or group shall be given the privilege of receiving an offering or of soliciting among members without the approval of the Deacon Board.
In conclusion, we, as the members of this Church, pledge ourselves to be much in prayer so that the ministry of our Church might always be according to the will of God, the commission of Christ, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
(This revised constitution was adopted in April 2016)