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This constitution will be coherent with the principles and practices of the Christian faith. It will seek to maintain the liberties of each individual member of this church. Lll. ARTlCLES of faith I. The Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God.
This constitution will be coherent with the principles and practices of the Christian faith. It will seek to maintain the liberties of each individual member of this church. Lll. ARTlCLES of faith I. The Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God.
This constitution will be coherent with the principles and practices of the Christian faith. It will seek to maintain the liberties of each individual member of this church. Lll. ARTlCLES of faith I. The Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God.
WORTHAM CHAPEL BAPTlST CHURCH l47 WEST CHURCH STREET ALAMO, TENNESSEE 3800l PASTOR JAMES JOHNSON 2 PREAMBLE We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will be coherent with the principles and practices of the Christian faith. This constitution will seek to maintain the liberties of each individual member of this church and the freedom of this body to take action with respect to its relation to other churches of similar faith beliefs. We do declare and establish this constitution. l. NAME This body shall be known as Wortham Chapel Baptist Church located at 37 West Church Street Alamo, Tennessee 3800l. ll. PURPOSE The purposes of Wortham Chapel Baptist Church are: l. To worship and serve God and to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as set forth in Matthew 28: l9-20 2. To minister to the needs of the members and others within our community as the church is able to do so. 3 3. To do any and all things related to and in connection with the carrying out of the object and purpose herein above set. lll. ARTlCLES OF FAlTH I. The Scriptures. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. II. The True God. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. III. The Fall of Man. We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. IV. The Way of Salvation. We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; 4 honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. V. Justification. We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. VI. The Freeness of Salvation. We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. VII. Regeneration. We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life. VIII. Repentance and Faith. We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the 5 regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. IX. Gods !urpose of Grace. We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. X. Sanctification. We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. XI. !erseverance of the Saints. We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. XII. The "a# and Gospel. 6 We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. XIII. $ Gospel %hurch. We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. XIV. &aptis' and the "ords Supper. We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination. XV. The %hristian Sa((ath. We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. XVI. %ivil Govern'ent. We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; 7 except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. XVII. Righteous and Wic)ed. We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. XVIII. The World to %o'e. We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. lV. GOVERNMENT The government of Wortham Chapel Baptist Church is vested in its members. All groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church unless otherwise specified by the church. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation with other Christ-centered churches. V. Nonprofit Status and Liquidation 8 This church is not organized for profit. ln the event of liquidation or dissolution of the church, all of its assets and property of every nature and description whatsoever shall be paid over and transferred at the direction of the trustees to the district association in which the church is affiliated through membership. Vl. Amendment This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended provided the proposed amendment shall have been presented in writing at a regular church business meeting and then circulated to the membership. Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws shall require a two-thirds vote of members of the church who are qualified to vote and are present in the business meeting with a quorum to discuss and vote on this matter. BYLAWS l. CHURCH MEMBERSHlP A. Qualifications: 9 This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self- government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of the church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership. SECTlON 2. Candidacy for Membership Any person may offer herself or himself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidates shall be presented to the church for membership in the following ways: l. by profession of faith in Jesus Christ and for baptism according to the policies of this church; 2. by letter of recommendation from another Christ-centered church, having been baptized; 3. by restoration upon a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism when no letter is obtainable 4. by Watch Care membership not to exceed an allotted time of six (6) months without review. Section 3. New Member Orientation l0 New members of this church will not receive the right hand of fellowship until successful completion of New Member Orientation. Upon completion of New Member Orientation, the candidate for membership will be brought before the church; which at that time, will be given the right hand of fellowship with all rights and privileges of any other member. Section 4. Voting Rights of Members Every member of this church that is thirteen (l3) years of age or older, and in good standing, is entitled to vote at all elections and regular business of the church, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting. However, only members who are twenty-one (2l) years of age or older shall be eligible to vote on matters of buying, selling, mortgaging of property, or obtaining financial loans. Good standing is defined as faithful attendance, financial support, and communication with the church. Any or all of these factors can be taken into consideration. Absentee balloting will only be allowed for members who are physically unable to be present when considering the call of a Pastor. SECTlON 5. Termination of Members ll Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: l. Death of the member; 2. Transfer of the member to another church 3. Exclusion by actions of the church which may be disciplinary; or due to failure to maintain membership in good standing as defined above. SECTlON 6. Discipline: lt shall be the practice of this church to try to resolve any matter pertaining to the church. The Pastor, ministerial staff, and deacons are available for guidance and counsel if necessary. The response to a member must be guided by love and compassion to redeem that brother or sister rather than punishment. lf a serious condition exists which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, the Pastor and the deacons will take every reasonable measure to resolve the problem in accordance with Matthew l8: l5-l9. lf it becomes necessary for the church to take action to exclude a member, the church will declare the person to be no longer in the membership of the church. l2 However, the church may restore to membership any person previously excluded, upon request of the excluded member, and by vote of the church upon evidence of repentance and reformation. ll. CHURCH ORDlNANCES SECTlON l. Baptism The Pastor or his designee shall baptize those professing faith in Jesus Christ in the water by immersion. Baptism is prerequisite for membership unless medical condition exists where candidate for membership cannot be immersed. SECTlON 2. The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper shall be served on the first Sunday of every month by the Pastor or his designee unless otherwise decided by the Pastor. Only those who have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior shall take of the Lord's Supper. lll. OFFlCERS AND COUNClL All who serve as church officers of the church and those who serve in church ministries shall be members in good standing of this church as defined above. l3 SECTlON l. Church Officers A. The officers of this church shall be the Pastor, the Deacons, and the Church Clerk, Treasurer, Trustees, Financial Secretary, and Superintendent of Sunday school. B. No one shall be elected to an office who has not been a member of this church for at least one (l) year, except upon the recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons. C. All duly elected officers shall be at least twenty-one (2l) years of age, spiritually mature, of Christian character, loyal to the word of God, dedicated to Jesus Christ and the spiritual and material welfare of this church. They shall be faithful in attendance and participation in regular services of the church and business meetings of the church. D. Any officer unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties of her or his office shall resign. E. Upon the determination that an individual cannot fulfill the duties of an elected office, the Pastor and Deacons, by recommendation and by two- thirds vote of members in good standing, shall have a call meeting to remove that elected officer. The process can be eliminated if the person submits a letter of resignation or is verbalized before the church assembly. l4 SECTlON 2. The Pastor A. Qualifications: l. A candidate for the pastorate shall be carefully examined by the pulpit committee as to his salvation, doctrine of Christian conduct, and call to ministry. lf a candidate has served in ministry in other churches, his ministry there should be explored. The candidate for the pastorate shall state their beliefs about the Articles of Faith, Church Covenant, and Scripture. lf there are differences found, the pulpit committee should document those differences, take them into consideration, and present them to the church. 2. A candidate for the pastorate must be ordained and hold reputable credentials. B. Election of a Pastor: When a vacancy of the Pastor occurs, the pulpit committee, designated by the majority vote of the church, shall proceed within thirty (30) days of its election, to find and recommend a name of a candidate to fulfill that office. Upon the recommendation of the pulpit committee and after the candidate has been heard by the congregation in his ability to teach and preach, appropriate action should be taken after notice has been given from the l5 pulpit on two Sundays preceding the date of election. There should be a call meeting and two-thirds of the membership in good standing shall determine who will be elected to the office of Pastor. Voting shall be by ballot only. C. Change of Pastor: l. For any reason, if the Pastor submits a letter of resignation, the letter must give the church thirty (30) days notice. 2. lf the church decides to dissolves its relationship with the Pastor, the church must also give a thirty day notice. lf both the church and the Pastor have a mutual agreement, the dissolution can be sooner. D. Duties of a Pastor: l. To have charge of the spiritual welfare of the church. 2. To proclaim the gospel and lead church membership in the proclamation of the gospel in the church and community. 3. To preside over the services of public worship providing leadership for such services, and to administer the church ordinances, namely the Lord's Supper and Baptism. 4. To conduct marriage ceremonies and funeral services of members. l6 5. To provide Christian counseling and advice in accordance to the counseling laws of the state of Tennessee. 6. To care for the spiritual and physical being of the members of the church and community and to lead others in caring for fellow members as well as community. 7. To provide administrative leadership to effectively guide the church in ministry and missions. 8. To work closely with the officers of the church in their training and performance of the work of the church and the building of church membership. 9. To supervise church staff and staff training and development. l0. To act as moderator of church business meetings. SECTlON 3. Deacons A. Qualifications l. Deacons should be persons of wisdom and inspired by the Holy Spirit. They should be leaders, proven in Christian character in the home, church, and community. They should have an appreciation for the work of the ministry and the Pastoral office. l7 2. Since deacons work closely with the Pastor, the deacons should be leaders in providing for the welfare of the Pastor. B. Appointment l. Those that have been elected by the church and appointed by the Pastor must go through a Deacon's Training Program. Upon successful completion of this training, the name of the candidates will be turned over to the chairman of the Deacon's ministry for consideration to be a part of that ministry. lf a Deacon ceases to fulfill the above qualifications, the Pastor or the church has the right to ask for the resignation of that particular Deacon. The term limit of the office of a Deacon shall be a one year term or longer term of service as voted upon by the church. C. Ordination of Deacons: a. Selection, election, and ordination of deacons are a privilege of the local church. b. When ordination of a deacon is planned by the church, it shall authorize the pastor to assemble a council to examine the candidates concerning their fit to serve as deacons. l8 c. The council directed to examine the deacons shall be composed of the pastor, invited ordained pastors, and ordained deacons of neighboring sister churches. d. When the council recommends the ordination of deacons, the ordination service shall be scheduled as led by the pastor. C. Duties of a Deacon: l. To proclaim the gospel by personal witnessing, teaching, community evangelism, and to support and promote church services; 2. To care for church members and other persons in the community; i.e., serving communion under the authority of the Pastor, visiting the sick and shut in; 3. To provide guidance and counseling as directed by the Pastor; 4. To serve on the counsel with the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare, administration, and mission of the church; 5. To work with the Trustees in the administration of church business matters; 6. To assist in orientation and instruction of new members; l9 7. To assist the Pastor in the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; 8. Seek to solve any fellowship problem of the church. 9. To be a moral support to the Pastor, accompany him whenever and wherever possible on preaching engagements l0. To accompany the Pastor on home or hospital visitations as needed or requested. SECTlON 4. Trustees Trustees should have knowledge of the Bible as it pertains to the mission of the church. They should be leaders, have spiritual sensitivity, vision, teamwork capabilities, flexibility in matters of faith, and skills in property and financial matters. A. Qualifications: l. Candidate shall be a member in good standing for the time of one (l) year in order to be considered for this position. The minimum age for a trustee is twenty-one (2l) years of age required by the state of Tennessee. All Trustees shall be bonded. B. Appointments 20 The Pastor shall appoint all Trustees to the Trustee Ministry and designate its chairperson. C. Organization l. The number of Trustees shall be no less than three (3) and appointments shall be made to fill vacancies if qualified persons are available to fill said positions. 2. The body of Trustees shall be known as the Trustee Ministry D. Duties l. The Trustees shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer property without specific vote of the church and approval from the Pastor, authorizing each action. When the signature of Trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property, or other legal documents related to church approval matters. They shall open bank accounts as needed. 2. The Trustees shall be responsible for the administration of church finances and purchasing. 3. The Trustee shall receive and hold in trust, and manage the use of church facilities and all property, bond, mortgages, investments, legacies, 2l and gifts. They shall keep all church property in good repair and maintain adequate insurance. SECTlON 5. The Church Clerk A. Qualifications l. Candidates must be a member in good standing 2. Candidates shall possess the following skills: A. meticulous and accurate record keeping B. general working knowledge of office procedures and management C. good writing, spelling, and speaking skills D. accurate typing skills E. good organizational skills F. ability to compose and prepare letters and documents G. must be computer literate. B. Duties l. Maintain official church membership records, including up-to-date listing of membership; 22 2. Record baptisms, deaths, and weddings; 3. Ensure safekeeping and handling of official and legal documents; 4. Prepare bulletin-programs for Sunday Worship services and other special observations; 5. Prepare announcements and notices to be published in Sunday bulletins and monthly newsletter; 6. Keep up-to-date records of sick and shut in; 7. Assist with the reception of new members; 8. Prepare baptismal and new member certificates; 9. Write and update church history and keep a record of all business meetings l0. Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor. SECTlON 6. Financial Secretary A. Qualifications l. Candidates for this office shall possess the following: a. meticulous and accurate record keeping; 23 b. knowledge of figures c. good organizational skills; d. computer literacy B. Duties The Financial Secretary will prepare monthly financial reports; provide copies to any member upon request; assist in the preparation of the annual budget; and shall perform such duties in connection with the administration of church finances as required or as the Pastor may designate. SECTlON 7. Treasurer A. Qualifications l. Candidates for this office shall possess the following skills: a. meticulous and accurate record keeping; b. knowledge of figures c. good organization skills d. general knowledge of banking procedures e. eligibility for bonding 24 f. computer literacy B. Duties The Treasurer will assist in the preparation of the annual budget and shall perform any other duties related to the administration of church finances as directed by the Trustees. The Treasurer shall be bonded. SECTlON 8. The Superintendent of Sunday School A. Qualifications l. Candidates for this office shall possess good organization skills and shall be spirit filled and have a working knowledge of Christian Education. B. Duties The Superintendent shall have general supervision over the Sunday school. He/she is responsible for publicizing general Sunday school activities, staff recruitment, and will hold regular planning and training sessions. The Superintendent will select literature and materials with approval by the Pastor. lV. CHURCH COMMlTTEES SECTlON l. General 25 Committees shall be established and dissolved as deemed necessary unless otherwise indicated. A. Standing Committees l. Standing Committees are the committees that function throughout the church year. Standing Committees are required to present a budget proposal to the Budget Committee for approval each church year. All committees shall report their ideas for proposal prior to submitting their proposal to the Budget Committee. Members of these committees must be a member in good standing. Members of these committees must promote the ministry of the church through the goals and objectives of their ministry. 2. Committees must report and relinquish all funds that have been collected to the treasurer for proper recording and bookkeeping. 3. Any committee leader or member whose actions violate the overall purpose of Wortham Chapel Baptist Church ministry and mission shall be removed. lt is the purpose of these committees to promote the advancement of the church ministry and mission through service. B. The Standing Committees are: l. Pastoral Relations Ministry 26 2. Events Planning Ministry 3. Benevolence Ministry 4. Youth Ministry 5. Building Fund Ministry 6. Budget and Finance Ministry C. Duties l. Pastoral Relations Ministry shall be responsible for gathering funds for the purpose of providing for pastoral concerns and needs. These funds shall be used for the basic needs of the pastor in relation to pastoral ministry. The Pastoral Relations Ministry shall also provide for the basic needs of visiting pastors and ministers through collected funds. 2. Events Planning Ministry shall be responsible for establishing the church calendar for the church year. The Events Planning Ministry shall record and oversee all programs that will affect the church calendar. The Events Planning Ministry shall bring forth programs that will enhance the overall ministry and mission of the church. No program will be added unless cleared by the Events Planning Ministry. 27 3. Benevolence Ministry shall be responsible for the caring of members during their time of need and sickness. The Benevolence Ministry will be responsible for sending flowers to members who are sick or who have experienced death in their families. The Benevolence Ministry will keep a list of those members and give a report to the Pastor and the church about the wellbeing and status of those members. The Benevolence Ministry will also be responsible for raising additional funds in order to provide for this ministry. 4. Youth Ministry shall be responsible for developing programs that target the needs of the youth in the church and community. The Youth Ministry will accumulate information about the youth in the church and community and set up outreach ministries that will seek to enhance the spirituality of the youth. The Youth Ministry will be responsible for working with the Sunday School Superintendent to set up educational programs for the youth. 5. Building Fund Ministry will be responsible for developing ways and means to aid in the care and construction of the church. The Building Fund Ministry shall be responsible for establishing programs that seek to meet the ongoing demands of the beautification of the physical structure of the 28 church. The Building Fund Ministry will be responsible for collecting funds from members for the purpose of maintaining the church structure. 6. Budget and Finance Ministry shall consist of the Budget Manager, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, two (2) designated Trustees, and Chairman of Deacons. The duties of the Budget and Finance Ministry shall be to collect weekly tithes and offerings and to record them according to proper accounting standards. This ministry will also be responsible for preparing the budget for the fiscal year for presentation to the church. The presentation should be done sixty (60) days prior to the next fiscal year. The Budget and Finance Ministry shall be responsible for recommending budget revisions, if needed, to the Pastor and church. The Budget Manager will be appointed by the Pastor. All Ministries must present a budget proposal to the Budget and Finance Ministry with clear details about the purpose and use of funds requested. V. MEETlNGS SECTlON l. Public Worship 29 a. Public worship services shall be held regularly on Sunday mornings. These services include prayer, preaching and teaching of the word, and music ministry. Any special presentations shall be subject to Pastoral approval. b. At least once a week, there shall be teaching and sharing of the word through a comprehensive Bible study. c. lt shall be the practice of the church to observe the Lord's Supper at least once a month with the reading of the Church Covenant. Vl. General Section l. Use of Social Media: a. ln regards to the church, its members, and its identity, social media should only be used for the spiritual up building and promotion of the church. lf a member of the church uses social media in an effort to demean or destroy the credibility of a person or the ministry of the church, the offending member will be removed from membership. b. Social media can be used to positively promote the message, the ministry, and mandate of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 30 Section 2. Use of Cell Phones: a. Cell phones can only be used in the church sanctuary for the purpose of reading of a Bible passage. Otherwise, cell phones are not permitted to be used during service. Section 3. Use of Church Property and Name a. The Pastor and Trustees shall approve use of the property for other than regular scheduled church functions. b. All gatherings off church property held in the name of church shall be subject to the approval of the Pastor and Deacons. c. Fraternal organizations will be permitted to use church property upon approval from Pastor, Deacons, and/or Trustee. d. Any visiting Minister/ Pastor who has been invited to speak must be approved by the Pastor. SECTlON 2. Pastor's Vacation and Salary a. The Pastor shall have no less than two (2) weeks paid vacation each year. 3l b. The Pastor's salary shall be reviewed and determined at least once a year, with consideration given to cost of living. SECTlON 3. Monetary Principles a. All members are expected to give regular financial support to the church and to the advancement of its outreach ministries. The regular financial support of each member is one tenth of one's gross income. b. A statement of each member's contribution shall be given at the end of each year by the Financial Secretary. c. All church records shall be audited by an outside professional auditor. SECTlON 4. Legal Provisions a. This church shall have the right to own, buy, or sell tangible property, both real and personal, in its own name and through properly elected officers, when authorized by vote of the church. b. No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any individual from the assets, holdings, or other transactions of this church. 32