Grace Bible College of Kabwe


The Constitution of the Kabwe Central Baptist Church

Objectives
Articles of Faith
The Church Covenant
The Church Government
BY LAWS
Article 1. Church Membership
Article 2. General Duties of Members
Article 3. Privileges of Church Members
Article 4. Church Discipline
Article 5. Church Officers
Article 6. Church Committees and Coordinating Groups
Article 7. Program Organization
Article 8. Church Ordinances
Article 9. Church Meetings
Article 10. Church Finances
Article 11. Amendments

Preamble

We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith to govern the body of Christ in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches.

1. Name

This body shall be known as the Kabwe Central Baptist Church.

2. Vision Statement

To win the lost to saving faith in Jesus Christ through Bible teaching, preaching and care ministries.

3. Purpose Statement

Kabwe Central Baptist Church shall be on mission with God to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ by winning the lost, bring them into Membership of His family, develop them to Christ like Maturity, equip them for their Ministry in the Church and life Mission in the world, in order to Magnify God's name; starting of community based projects, encouraging church growth, helping the needy, meeting educational needs for the vulnerables on its membership and may extend the generosity to any other person/s outside the church whom the leadership may deem fit to be assisted.

4. Objectives

  1. To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world.
  2. To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognnising His person and responding in obedience to His leadership.
  3. To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers
  4. To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and mankind.
  5. To be a church which ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and the world in Jesus' name.
  6. To be a Church whose purpose is to be Christlike in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the lordship of Christ.
  7. To raise standards of living for the orphans/under privileged people through shelter provision (orphanages), life skills training and counselling in HIV/AIDS.
  8. To establish a Christian community Centre/School to help alleviate illiteracy.
  9. To train Community leaders to help influence the citizens to bring positive attitudes and change of the negatives such as property grabbing, sexual cleansing, wife battering, and child abuse.
  10. To enlighten the Community through the transformation message of Jesus Christ on the dangers of immorality to reduce the spread of the dreaded HIV/AIDS pandemic.
  11. To provide humanitarian needs to vulnerable persons such as distribution of food, clothing, and free education to orphans, street kids and widows/widowers.
  12. To foster community initiatives that help to empower the needy to become self reliant and economic viable.
  13. To be God's workmanship, this comprises us doing good works, which are redemptive in nature, namely evangelism, discipleship, edification and works of service. Since we have been created in Christ Jesus, we shall also endeavour to maintain pure worship of our God and fellowship with one another in love.

5. Articles of Faith

  1. The Scriptures: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. 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 center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and religious opinions should be tired. We believe that the Bible is the only authority in the governing and exercising of our life and our church.

    Ex. 24:4, Deut. 4:1-2; Josh 8:34; Psalm 19:7-10; 119:11, 89, 105; Isa.34:16; 40:8; Jer. 15:16; Matt. 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 12:17; Acts 2:16ff; 17:11; Rom. 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 1:1-2; 1Pet. 1:25; 2 Pet. 1:19-21.
  2. God: We believe that there is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, Spiritual, and Personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe. We believe that God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. We believe that the eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
    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 purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

      Gen. 1:1; 2:7; Ex. 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff; Psalm 19:1-3; Isa. 43:3, 15;64:8; Matt. 6:9ff; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; Acts 1:7; Rom. 8:14-15; Eph. 4:6; Col. 1:15; John 5:7.
    2. God the Son: Christ is the eternal 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, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honoured the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, and partaking of the nature God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.

      Gen. 18:1ff; Psalm 2:7ff; Matt. 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; John 1:1-18, 29; 10:30; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; Eph. 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; 1Pet. 2:21-25; 1John 1:7-9; Rev. 19:16.
    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 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 Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

      Gen. 1:2; Psalm 51:11; 139:7ff; Isa. 61:1-3; John 4:24; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:17-14; 1Cor. 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; Heb. 9:8, 14; 2Pet. 1:21; Rev. 1:10.
  3. Man: We believe that man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. 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. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, everyman possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

    Gen. 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18; 3; 9:6; Matt. 16:26; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6; 1Cor. 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
  4. Salvation: we believe that Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.
    1. Regeneration: We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ ` Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

      We believe that repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

      Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favour with God.
    2. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
    3. Glorification: We believe that glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
  5. God's purpose of Grace: We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies and glorifies sinners. It 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. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

    All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of Grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Holy Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

    Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-8; Luke 1:68-69; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45, 65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:16, 12, 17-18; Acts 20:32; Rom 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7, 26-36
  6. The Church: We believe that Christ is the only head of the Church. A New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.

    We believe that this Church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its scriptural officers are Pastors and deacons.

    We believe that the New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all the redeemed of all the ages.

    Matt. 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42, 47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23, 27, 15:1- 30; 16:5; 20:28; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Eph. 1:22- 23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:18; 1Tim.3:1-15; 4:14; 1Pet. 5:1-4; Rev. 2-3; 21:2-3
  7. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
    1. Baptism: We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, 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 testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
    2. The Lord's Supper: We believe 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 the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

      Matt. 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-22; John 3:23; Acts 2:4-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Acts 20:7; Rom.6:3-5; 1Cor. 10:16, 21; 11:23-29; Col. 2:12.
  8. The Lord's Day: We believe 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 employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.
  9. Last Things: We believe 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. Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:1-12; 28:1ff; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7, Luke 24;1-3, 33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1, 19-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 3:16; Rev. 1-10.
    1. The second coming of Christ: We believe that Jesus is coming again. We believe no man knows the time or the season when Jesus will come again, but faithful to His promise, we look forward to the day of His return when Satan and sin shall be defeated forever.
    2. The Judgement: We believe that God has appointed a day, in which He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life.
    3. The Resurrection: We believe that God has appointed a day wherein the bodies of all men will be raised, the righteous to the resurrection of life, and the unrighteous to eternal death.
  10. The Kingdom: We believe that the kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully 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 to 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 end of this age.
  11. The Christian and the Social Order: We believe 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 improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted 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 orphaned, 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 good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
  12. The Family: We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

    Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His Church and to provide for man and woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel for sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

    The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church. He has the God- given responsibility to provide for, to protect and lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing household and nurturing the next generation.

    Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honour and obey their parents.

    Gen. 1:26-28; 2:18-25; 3:1-20; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Josh. 24:15; 1Sam. 1:26- 28; Ps. 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Prov.1:8; 5:5-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Rom. 1:18:32; 1Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; 1Tim. 5:14; 2Tim.1:3; Titus 2:3-5; Heb. 13:4; 1Pet.3:1-7.

6. The Church Covenant

Having been led as we believe by the Holy Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

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, doctrines, and disciplines; 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.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks/alcohol as a beverage; to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs and the spread of pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word or finding none, will begin a Baptist Fellowship.

7. The Church Government

  1. Doctrine: This church receives the Scripture as its authority in matters of faith and practice.
  2. Polity: The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who make up its membership. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership.
  3. Relationships: This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will endeavour to cooperate with and support the association, Baptist Fellowship of Zambia, or any other body in carrying out the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministry for the extension of Christ's Kingdom, as long as such co-operation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty for Christ and His word as revealed in the New Testament.

BY LAWS

Article 1 - Church Membership

Section 1. General

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 this church.

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Section 2. Candidacy

Any person may offer himself/herself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidate shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for membership in any of the following ways:

  1. By repentance and declaration of faith in Jesus Christ to be their Saviour and Lord, requesting of the Church baptism by immersion.
  2. By promise of a letter of recommendation from a sister church.
  3. Persons who for some reason cannot obtain letters of recommendation from their former church, but declare that they have received Jesus Christ as Saviour and have been baptized by immersion as believers will be accepted into membership.

Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the Pastor and the deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A two-third vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidate to membership.

Section 3. Watchcare Membership

Watchcare membership is an associate membership which gives the person or persons all the duties and rights to church membership except for the right to vote.

Section 4. Rights of Members

  1. Every member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting.
  2. Every member of the church who meets leadership qualities is eligible for consideration by the membership as candidates for elective offices in the church.
  3. Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.
  4. Every member may exercise their God-given gifts in the service of the church.

Section 5. Termination of Membership

A person's membership in this church shall be terminated in the following ways:

  1. By death.
  2. Transfer by letter to another Baptist Church or a non Baptist Church of similar faith.
  3. Should a member become an offence to the name of Christ and the Church by reason of immorality or unchristian conduct, or divisive action which fractures the fellowship of the church, the church may terminate his or her membership by vote of the church after due notice and hearing and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such a member to repentance and amendment (1Corinthians 5:1-3).

Section 6. Restoration

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offence may be restored by vote of the church upon evidence of his or her repentance, and reformation (2Corinthians 2:5-11).

Article 2 - General Duties of Members

Section 1. Duties to Self

The duties of members to themselves are: the acquisition of Scriptural knowledge, constant progress in spirituality, consistency in external conduct, and the control and eradication of every unholy temper (1 Thess.4:11-12; Prov.24:5; James 4:17; Luke 6:45; 1 Peter 2:2-3).

Section 2. Duties to the Pastor

It is the duty of members to honour, esteem and love their Pastor; to pray for him, fervently and daily; to submit to his official authority; to attend constantly upon his ministrations, to manifest a tender regard for his reputation; and to contribute towards his support in proportion to their ability (Tim.2:1-3; Gal.6:6; 1Cor. 9:14; Heb. 13:17; 1Tim.5:17; 1Thess. 5:12-13; Neh. 12:44)

Section 3. Duties to Fellow Members

It is the duty of a member to cultivate and cherish brotherly love for all other members of the church; and to show this love by using all proper measures to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity (Eph. 4:29; 1Cor. 10:32-33; Heb. 3:13; James 5:19-20).

Section 4. Duties to the Lost

Towards those who are not connected with the church, it is the duty of members to be exact in fulfilling obligations and performing promises; and as opportunities and ability may enable, to commend the gospel of Christ unto them (1 Thess 4:11-12; Phil. 1:27; Matt. 28: 19-20; Rom. 10:14-15; Mark (16:15).

Section 5. Obligation to God and the Church

Members are expected to be loyal to Jesus Christ, to be faithful in support of the church by their service, attendance and finances (Heb. 10:25; 1Cor. 3:9; Eph. 2:10; Malachi 3:6-11; Matt. 23:23; 1Peter 4:7-11).

Article 3 - Privileges of Church Members

Section 1

Each member will have an extended hand of friendship, acceptance, receiving spiritual and material help from the church in time of need. The church will help those in need as follows:

  1. Funerals: The church will assist members who are directly affected with a sum of money according to the need and upon agreement. This sum will apply in the case of death of a member, his/her child and spouse. The church will take full responsibility of the funeral when a member dies and will handle the funeral service. The church will, however, not be obliged to take full responsibility of the funeral in a case where a relative e.g. child, spouse etc. of the member who is not a member of this church dies. The church will assist as agreed.
  2. Weddings: The church will cooperate and participate in a wedding ceremony of a member in good standing with the church and the Pastor will officiate at the ceremony. However, the church will not conduct a wedding service if bride is in a position of expecting a child before marriage or one or both the couple are not Christians. Furthermore, the church will not participate in a wedding reception where alcohol or smoking is being allowed to be used, and no wedding will be permitted unless an announcement is made six months before the wedding.

Section 2

Each member will have the church to watch over "blind spots that one does not have devastating spiritual accidents" (Heb. 3:13; 13:17; James 5:19-20).

Section 3

Each member will have an opportunity to affect the decision making process of the church (Acts 6:1-5).

Section 4

Each member will receive training in how to walk with Christ and how to contribute to the lives of others (Eph. 4:11-12).

Section 5.

Each member will have the opportunity of growing to maturity in Christ as he/she works together with other Christians.

Article 4 - Church Discipline

Section 1

It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The Pastor, Church staff, deacons, and other members of church leadership are available for counsel and guidance. Redemption rather than punishment shall be the guidelines which governs the attitude of one member toward another (1Tim.5:20- 21; Epj.5.11).

Section 2

Should some condition exist 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 accord with Matthew 18. But finding, that the welfare of the church will best be served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a two-third vote of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose; and the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church. All such proceedings shall be provided by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance (1Cor.5:5, 12-13; 2Cor. 2:6; 13:2; Titus 3:10-11).

Section 3

The Church may restore to membership, any person previously excluded, upon request of the excluded person, and by vote of the church upon evidence of the excluded person's repentance and reformation. (2Cor. 2:5-11; Gal, 6:1).

Section 4

Members absenting themselves from the services of the church for three consecutive months without satisfactory reasons shall be visited as may be arranged by the Pastor and the deacons and they shall be reminded of their obligation.

Section 5.

The names of the members absenting themselves from the service of the church for six months without satisfactory reasons, for their non-attendance shall by vote of the church be removed from the membership roll.

Section 6

Should a church member take an offence with another church member, he/she will be required to follow the law of Christ (Matthew 18:15-22). They ought not disturb any church order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church. On account of such offences with any of their fellow member, no church member shall take another member to the courts of law to have their cases heard (1Cor. 6:1-8), but shall wait upon further proceeding of the church on such cases. The rule of Scripture shall be final in dealing with fellow believers. A member who takes another member to the court of law is automatically dismissed from church membership.

Section 7

The Pastor shall not be sued in his individual capacity when he is performing his duties.

Section 8

When common rumor charges a crime or gross impropriety against a member. It shall be the duty of the Pastor and deacons to visit the accused and inform him/her of the reports that are bringing reproach to the church. If the leaders have reasons to believe that the reports are true, they shall take the most judicious steps to ascertain their correctness and lay the charge and its evidence before the church (1Timothy 5:19).

Section 9

Every member, against whom a charge of misconduct is preferred, shall have the privilege of speaking in his/her own defense.

Section 10

A person who is serving the disciplinary action of the church shall forfeit all the privileges that go with church membership, except to attend the Sunday worship service.

Article 5 - Church Officers

The church officers must be members of the church in good standing. The officers of this church shall be as follows:

Section 1. Pastor

The Pastor is responsible to the church to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach the biblical revelation, to engage in pastoral care ministries, to provide administrative leadership in all areas of church life, and to act as the Chief administrator of the Church and staff members. Other responsibilities are:

  1. Plan and conduct the worship services; prepare and deliver sermons to believers and unbelievers; lead in observance of ordinances.
  2. Lead the church in an effective program of witnessing and in a caring ministry for persons in the church and community.
  3. Visit Members and prospects.
  4. Conduct counselling sessions; perform wedding ceremonies; conduct funerals.
  5. Serve as Chairman of the Church council to lead in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the total program of the church.
  6. Work with deacons, church officers, and committees as they perform their assigned responsibilities; train and lead the deacons in a program of family ministries.
  7. Act as moderator of church business meetings.
  8. Cooperate with associational, state, and denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern; keep the church informed of denominational development; represent the church in civic matters.

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week's public notice has been given.

A Pastor Search committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out a pastor, and its recommendations will constitute a nomination.

Any member has the privilege of making other nominations according to the policy established by the church. The committee shall bring to consideration of the church only one name at a time. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three fourths of those present being necessary for a choice. The Pastor thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or church's request. The Pastor shall give at least one month notice at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as Pastor. The "conditions of service" for the Pastor shall apply on the procedures for a peaceful separation.

Section 2. Church Staff

The ministerial staff shall be called and employed as the church determines the need for such offices. Those staff members of whom the church requires evidence of a personal call of God to minister shall be recommended to the church by the personnel committee and called by church action. At the time of resignation at least two week's notice shall be given to the church.

Non-ministerial staff members e.g. secretaries and custodians likewise shall be recommended to the church by the personnel committee and employed by church action as the church determines the need for their services.

Section 3. Deacons

Deacons shall be elected by the congregation.

  1. All deacons shall fulfill the Scriptural requirements for their office as set forth in 1Timothy 3:8-10. The deacons shall be zealous to guard the unit of the spirit within the church in the bonds of peace.
  2. The deacons shall serve as a council of advice for the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the church, but they shall exercise no authority over the Pastor and the congregation other than that specifically entrusted to them by the church, and the church has the right to vote on any recommendation made by the deacons.
  3. In choosing deacons, the church shall take into consideration the spiritual maturity of the person. The church shall not consider new believers or immature persons for the office of deacons. The deacons shall be of high Christian character and good example.
  4. The deacons' term of office for this church shall be three years, and those who serve well shall be eligible for another term of office, but after the second term, one can only be re-elected after a lapse of one year.
  5. This Church shall have no obligation to constitute as an active deacon a person who comes to the church from another church where he has served as deacon. However, should they show spiritual maturity and devotion to God's work and prove their calling; the church may consider electing such a person as deacon.
  6. In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. The task of the deacons is to serve with the Pastor, and church staff in performing Pastoral Ministry task. As well as assisting in the business and financial work, they will be expected to render a concern for sharing the gospel with the non-Christians. They will also be expected to consult and pray with the pastor, ministerial staff and church committees in matters relating to the total welfare of the church. From time to time, the deacons will make recommendations related to the total welfare of the church and participate faithfully in the regular meetings of the church for worship and business.

Section 4. The Church-elected Secretaries

The church shall elect after three years church secretary and the vice secretary. The functions of the church elected secretaries shall be as follows:-

  1. To keep in a proper book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise provided.
  2. To keep a register of the names of members, dates and baptism, letters of transfer, births, deaths and dismissions.
  3. To receive and answer all communications to and from the church as needed and as instructed by the church.
  4. To issue letters of dismission voted by the church, preserve on appropriate files all communications and written official report, and give legal notice all meetings where such notice is necessary.
  5. To take minutes at all meetings called by the leadership or church and to remind the leadership on all pending letters that need to be acted upon.
  6. To promote loyalty in church life and to enforce all decisions made by the church.
  7. The secretary shall also be responsible for keeping an up-to-date history of the church. He shall gather and preserve historic records, set up and maintain a storage system of records.

Section 5. The Business / Church Adminstrator

The church shall elect after three years the business administrator. The following shall be the duties of the business administrator.

  1. The business administrator is responsible to the Pastor for administering the business affairs of the Church.
  2. Work with church staff and church members to achieve the goals of the church.
  3. Establish and operate an efficient plan of financial record keeping and reporting; develop book keeping procedures.
  4. Prepare financial information for the financial and budget committees and treasurer of the church.
  5. Serve as resource person regarding legal and business matters of the church; study annually the insurance program and make recommendation, if any.
  6. Maintain records on church staff personnel; establish and maintain records of equipment and facilities; approve and process requisitions and purchase orders.
  7. Administer Church-adopted polices and procedures concerning the use of all Church properties and facilities.
  8. Assist Building committee in its relationships with architect, contractors, and others in building, remodeling, and equipping church buildings.
  9. Serve on the church council; serve as a member of deacons and church committees.
  10. Work with the property committee in preparing an annual budget of Maintenance and equipment needs.
  11. Supervise workers in the maintenance and repair of all physical properties; establish and implement cleaning, painting, renovating schedules; operate within approved budget.
  12. Supervise the operation of food services.
  13. Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor.

Section 6. The Church Treasurers

The church shall elect after three years a treasurer and a vice treasurer. The church Treasurers are responsible for the proper receipt, accounting, and disbursement of Church funds within policies established by the church for adequate financial control. The treasurer's work focuses primarily on financial records and payment procedures rather than the handling of cash.

  1. To receive, preserve and pay out, upon receipt of requisition forms approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.
  2. To render to the church at each regular business meeting an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding months. The treasurer's report shall be audited annually by an auditing committee or public committee.
  3. Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and approval by the church, the record shall be delivered by the treasurer to the church administrator and secretary, who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent record of the church.
  4. All cheques will require two signatories. The church will designate three (3) signatories bi-annually. Should there be a problem with the signatories in between terms; the church shall replace other people to serve in that capacity, in a meeting called for this purpose.
  5. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to promote Scriptural giving of the entire membership of the church.
  6. The treasurer and the vice shall serve as active members of the church council. Advise the council and various committee chairpersons about available funds and budgeted funds.
  7. Instill and preserve high financial morale throughout the congregation/church.

Section 7. Accounts Assistant

The Accounts Assistant shall maintain the church financial records and prepare financial reports in liaison with the treasurers; shall deposit all church funds weekly.

  1. Shall work closely with the treasurers in receiving and counting all church offerings and other donations that may be made.
  2. Shall work closely with the treasurers in preparing quarterly financial reports for Finance Committee, Church Council, and Business Meetings.
  3. Shall receive and answer queries concerning financial matters; maintain file of invoices and receipts, correspondence, and reports.
  4. Shall prepare quarterly and annual statement of giving to each member.
  5. Shall provide statistical financial data as requested by the treasurers, Finance Committee, and /or the Church Council.
  6. Shall serve as a resource person to the Church Council, Church program leaders, officers, and Committees needed statistical information about giving records and patterns of giving.
  7. Shall serve as an ex officio member of the Church Council.
  8. Shall make payments after the approval by the treasurers and the Church .

Section 8. The Church Trustees

The Trustees shall serve as legal representatives in all transactions related to the church. They shall hold legal title to the church property and they shall sign all documents related to the purchase, sale, mortgaging, or rental of church property after approval by the church in regular business sessions.

  1. Three trustees elected by the church will hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action.
  2. It must be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase or rental of property or other legal documents where their signatures are required.
  3. The trustees shall hold legal title to all church property and act only as directed by the church in the regular business meeting.
  4. The trustees shall maintain an up-to-date inventory of all church property, mortgage, loans, and insurance on church property. Such information should be kept in safety deposit box with copies filed in the church office for easy reference.
  5. The trustees shall relate to appropriate civic officials in all legal matters involving the church and keep abreast of latest insurance and legal changes, to report such changes to appropriate church leaders, and advise the church staff and any committee concerning legal matters.
  6. The trustees shall counsel with appropriate church officers and committees in matters related to church property e.g. finance, treasurer, building and maintenance committee, deacons, church council, etc.
  7. The trustees shall maintain church legal documents in conjunction with the church administrator and secretary and report to the church as necessary. They shall also serve as ex-officio members of the church council.
  8. Trustees shall serve on a rotating basis, with one new trustee being elected every three years. Trustees shall also function as a property and space committee, overseeing and maintenance of church property, equipment and facilities.

Article 6 - Church Committees and Coordinating Groups

Section 1. General

All church committee members shall be recommended by the nominating committee and elected by the church unless otherwise indicated in the description below. These committees shall report regularly their actions to the church and are always subjected to the decision of the congregation.

Committees are to be composed of at least 5 members and not more than 7 members. Select committees are committees, which meet for specific needs and serve for a specified time such as pulpit committee, pastor search committee, nominating committee etc.

The pastor(s) shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of the church.

The committee members shall serve on a three-year term but shall be eligible for re-election after three years.

Section 2. Church Council

  1. The Council unless otherwise determined by the vote of the church, shall have as regular members and pastor as chairman, the secretaries, treasurers, chairman of deacons, trustees, church/ Business Administrator and chairpersons of all committees and fellowships elected by the church.
  2. The primary function of the council shall be to recommend to the congregation suggested objectives and church goals; to review and co-ordinate program plans recommended by the church officials, organisation, and committees; to recommend to the congregation the use of leadership, calendar time and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements in terms of church goals and objectives.
  3. The council shall have no legislative authority. All matters agreed upon by the council, calling for action not already authorized, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.

Section 3. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall coordinate the staffing of all church leadership positions that are filled by Volunteers. The Nominating committee recommends persons for all volunteer positions to be elected by the church. The Church council shall appoint the nomination committee. No serving church council members except the pastor shall serve in the Nominating Committee. It shall meet just before the elections. The nominating committee shall list and present names of three nominees for each elective position to the congregation for voting. In the event of a tie, or lack of majority vote, a re-run shall be conducted.

Section 4. Finance and Stewardship Committee

The finance committee exists to assist the church develop Christians stewards and support co-operative ministries. The task of the finance committee is to prepare a proposed annual budget and promote the same. It will educate the membership as to that budget and promote it to the church. The committee will ensure that proper accounting procedures are followed including cheque books, receipts, requisitions, etc. It will handle all internal and external requests for finances from churches and individuals. The committee will administer the designated or undesignated gifts coming into the church.

Section 5. Evangelism and Missions Committee

  1. The Evangelism Committee shall seek to discover possibilities for local missions projects, share finds with church program organizations and serve the church in establishing and conducting such missions projects as may be assigned to it by the church.
  2. It shall plan and promote Evangelism Seminars for the church.
  3. It shall plan and promote its work in conjunction with the church council.
  4. It shall coordinate special Evangelism emphasis.

Section 6. Ministry / Service Committee

  1. The Committee shall identify, co-ordinate and inform the church the practical human needs in the church and the community and shall be responsible to mobilize the resources within the church. They shall keep a record of the vulnerable people e.g. orphans, widows in the church and the community. The service committee shall raise standards of living for the orphans/under privileged people through shelter provision (orphanages), life skills training and counselling in HIV/AIDS.
  2. The service committee shall co-ordinate all funerals of church members and is in liaison with the bereaved family and the church leadership. The said committee shall inform the Pastor of all arrangements.
  3. It shall co-ordinate the cases of all the sick who are members of the church and make sure that their needs such as medication, food, etc. are taken care of, if they can not meet these needs on their own.
  4. The committee shall plan and co-ordinate all the marriage programs and weddings for the benefit of the whole church. They shall provide counsel to the members experiencing marital problems and to those contemplating to marry. The said committee shall inform the pastor of all the arrangements. It shall seek to help financially where necessary in wedding preparations.

Section 7. [text to be added]

Section 8. Education / Discipleship Committee

  1. The church education / discipleship committee shall serve as the training unit of the church, and lead the church in planning, conducting, and evaluating a comprehensive program of Christian education.
  2. Its tasks shall be to equip church members for discipleship and personal ministry; to teach Christian theology and Baptist doctrine, Christian ethics, Christian history, and church policy and organization; to equip leaders for service; and to interpret and under gird the work of the church and the denomination.
  3. Education shall be organized by departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of the minister or deacon in charge of education.
  4. Education committee shall be the basic organization for Sunday school program. It shall be the task of the education committee to reach persons for Bible study; teach the Bible; witness to persons about Christ and lead persons into church membership; minister to Sunday School members and non members and lead members to worship. The Sunday school shall be organized by departments and / or classes, as appropriate for all ages, and shall be conducted under the direction of the minister or deacon incharge of education and discipleship.
  5. Education committee shall serve as educational resource center and advisor to other committees of the church as requested.
  6. It shall work with the nomination committee to select, enlist, and train qualified leaders.
  7. Conduct seminars for various age groups within the congregation.Shall develop special educational and training projects such as camps, retreats, and study.
  8. Lead the church to be aware of the educational and curriculum materials available and lead the church to choose the most suitable.
  9. The committee led by its minister/ deacon shall assist the pastor in planning, conducting, and evaluating congregational services as requested.
  10. Keep informed on methods, materials, principles, procedures, promotion, and administration as related to the education program of the church.

Section 9. Fellowship Committee

The Fellowship Committee exists to plan and provide recreational methods, materials, services and experiences that will enrich the lives of the members and support the total mission of the church. This committee will encourage pastoral care within the membership of the church for both old and new members. Visitors and new members are to be welcome by them and keep a record book with them. The committee will see the church visitation program organized and carried out, help in planning revival meetings, crusades, anniversaries, memorials, church fundraising, dedications and fellowship meals etc.

Section 10. Worship Service Committee

The committee shall be responsible for securing, arranging and disposing of floral arrangement for church services. The committee shall also be responsible for overseeing that the building is clean, set up for worship and that chairs, hymnals and chorus books are in places for worship. Further, the committee shall organize all the necessary tools for the cleaning exercise. It shall serve as the resource center for the material to be used in the worship services such as Baptist hymnals, instruments and organists. Shall assist the pastor in planning, conducting and evaluating worship services and hold seminars in worship. Shall inform the church on the methods, materials, principles, procedures, promotion, and administration as related to worship program.

Furthermore, the committee shall provide ushers to direct people to seat, help arrange chairs for worship time, and to welcome people hospitably. Ushers will collect the offerings when needed and issue visitors cards. They will follow up on unaccompanied visitors following the worship service. In addition, ushers will see that hymn books are in the hands of those who need them. The ushers will also help to maintain order and control movements of children.

Section 11. Church Personnel Committee

  1. This committee shall assist the church in administrative matters related to all employed personnel. They shall serve as a supervisory committee to the staff of the church though not for the pastor. They may employ all staff such as janitors, secretaries, and see that they have proper supervisor.
  2. They shall study and recommend the need for additional church staff. Recruit, interview and recommend new church personnel.
  3. The committee shall develop and recommend the administrative policies and procedures for staff members other than the pastor.
  4. The committee shall consult with the finance committee in developing, recommending and budgeting salaries schedule and benefit provisions for all church staff members annually.
  5. Consult with the finance committee in budgeting for any additional church staff members.
  6. The committee shall inform the pastor/ moderator of reports to be made in the church business meeting.
  7. Shall give a copy of any reports made during the church business meeting to the church secretary and church administrator for permanent record in the minutes of the church.
  8. It shall be the duty of this committee to inform the church treasurer regarding budgeted salary and benefit provisions for all staff members.
  9. Shall prepare and up date job descriptions annually.
  10. Assess job performance of each staff member at least annually and be sensitive to job insecurities which may plague them.

Section 12. Building, Maintenance, Property, and Space Committee

  1. This committee shall assist the church in the care of all properties and building; to study and recommend the use of space and furnishings as it relates to church programs and activities; to study the need and recommend acquiring property and creating space; and to administer work assigned to it.
  2. The committee shall be responsible for planning and coordinating all the building and maintenance projects the church shall undertake. When any equipment is in need for repair, they will notify the pastor or trustees and church administrator to see that it is taken care of properly. They will also see that the janitor has ample supplies to do his work. This committee may call for periodic work days at the church to clean up and care for the building inside and out.
  3. Recommend to the personnel committee the employment, training, and supervision needs of maintenance personnel.
  4. Prepare recommendations to the finance committee for additional space and property.

Article 7 - Program Organization

Section 1. General

All organizations of the church shall be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church, and all program activities subject to church co-ordination and approval. The church, in conjunction with each program shall provide the human resources, the physical resources and the financial resources for the appropriate advancement of these programs.

Section 2. Women's Fellowship

There shall be a Women's Fellowship with such officers and organization as needed. The tasks of the Women's Fellowship shall be to teach missions; engage in mission action; support world missions through praying and giving; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination. The Women's Fellowship shall also support and teach young women, girls and preschool children.

Section 3. Men's Fellowship

Men's Fellowship shall be the church's organization for mission education, mission action, and mission support for men, young men, and boys. Its tasks shall be to engage in mission activities; teach mission; pray for and give to missions; develop ministry; and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination. This Fellowship shall have such officers and organization as the program requires.

Section 4. Youth Fellowship

There shall be a youth organization directed by the youth Chairperson who shall be elected by the church. Apart from the youth chairperson the organization shall be under the supervision of the deacon as patron. Its purpose is to co-ordinate the overall ministry to youths. The youths that are church members will be elected to youth leadership committee to work with the other leadership.

Section 5. Music Ministry

The Church music organization, under the direction of the church - elected Music director, shall be the music education, training, and performance organization of the church. Its task shall be to provide musical experiences in congregational services; develop musical skills, attitudes, and understandings; to witness and minister through music and engage the whole church in a rich worship experience through music. They shall also co-ordinate all the singing groups and make sure that the instruments are kept up e.g. keyboard. The ministry shall have such officers and organization as the program requires.

Article 8 - Church Ordinances

Section 1. Baptism

A person who receives Jesus Christ as Saviour by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for Baptism.

  1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
  2. Baptism shall be administered by the pastor and / or church member who ever the church shall authorize. The deacons shall assist in the preparation for and observance of Baptism.
  3. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any regular worship service.
  4. The pastor and / or staff and deacons shall counsel a person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time. If negative interest is ascertained, he/she shall be deleted from those awaiting baptism.

Section 2. The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

  1. The Lord's Supper shall be observed monthly, preferably the last Sunday of the month or as otherwise scheduled.
  2. The Pastor and deacons shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.
  3. The Deacons shall be responsible for the physical preparations of the Lord's Supper.

Article 9 - Church Meetings

Section 1. Worship Service

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God. These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor. Other outreach Bible Study and worship services may be scheduled to reach more people.

Section 2. Special Services

Revival Services and any other church meetings which will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church shall be placed on the church calendar of activities.

Section 3. Regular Business Meetings

The regular Church Council and business meetings shall be held quarterly as scheduled, for the purpose of receiving and considering reports of the general affairs of the church, organizational reports, the financial report and conducting business.

Section 4. Special Business Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the pastor when necessary to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time and location must be given for a specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable. No other business than named in the notice shall be taken into consideration.

Section 5. Quorum

The Quorum consists of those who attend the Church Council and business meetings, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called. There shall be no proxies.

Section 6. Parliamentary Rules

Robert's Rules of Order is the authority for Parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of this church. The Robert's rule of order gives guidance for orderly dealing with business. The following shall be the order in conducting business;

  1. The pastor of the church or in his absence, the associate pastor or any other person appointed by the Pastor or Church shall act as moderator in all meetings for transactions of business.
  2. It shall be the duty of the moderator to keep order, state and explain propositions. He shall cause every meeting to be opened and closed by prayer.
  3. The moderator shall suffer no second motion to be entertained until the one under consideration has been disposed off, except motions to amend, postpone, adjourn, or put the main question.
  4. The moderator shall call to order any member who, while speaking, introduces any subject foreign to the one under discussion.
  5. He shall call to order any member who uses discourteous language, or whose remarks are adapted to injure the reputation or feelings of any brother or sister.
  6. The moderator may speak upon any subject under discussion, by inviting a brother to preside in his place.
  7. Every member who wishes to speak shall rise, and respectfully address the moderator.
  8. Every proposition presented for the action of the church, must be introduced by the motion of the one member and seconded by another.
  9. No member shall speak more than twice upon the same subject, without the expressed consent of the church.
  10. Upon any point of order a member may appeal from the moderator to the church, whose decision shall be final.
  11. All questions shall be decided by the vote of a majority, except the cases mentioned in the other sections of these notes (1Cor. 14:40; 16:14; 14:26; Col. 3:17)

Article 10 - Church Finances

Section 1. Budget

The finance committee, in consultation with the church council, shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all local and world wide expenses. It must be understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church with tithes, gifts and offerings. Each new member shall, therefore, be immediately approached by a representative of the church for a pledge to the church's unified budget; and atleast annually, plans shall be put into operation for securing a worthy subscription from each member of the church.

Section 2. Accounting Procedures

All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer and be properly recorded on the books of the church. A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the finance committee. An annual audited report shall be presented to the church in first month of the year. Special offering may be sought by the church or its organizations upon approval by the general membership.

Section 3. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the books of the church accounts shall run concurrent with the church year, which begins on January 1 and end on December 31.

Article 11 - Amendments

Changes in this constitution and bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each member present at the earlier meeting. Amendments to the constitution and bylaws shall be by two-thirds vote of Church members present and entitled to vote.

The above constitution and bylaws were adopted by the membership of Kabwe Central Baptist Church on 4th day of February year 2007 at a meeting called for this purpose.

Moderator/Pastor [signed]

Secretary [signed]

Administrator [signed]
Grace Bible College of Kabwe, Kabwe Central Baptist Church, Kabwe, Zambia, Pastor Gabriel Nsofwa.
Grace Notes Director: Warren Doud, 1705 Aggie Lane, Austin, TX 78757 - [email protected].