First Baptist Church of Jensen Beach, Florida Inc

CONSTITUTION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INC.

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 preserve the liberties of each individual Church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other Churches. Our foundation, our guidance, and our priority are anchored in the following three truths:

1. The foundation of this Church is the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Our code of guidance in all its affairs is the Word of God. 3. We exist to glorify God in all that we do.

I. Name

This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Jensen Beach, Florida, Inc., located at Jensen Beach, Florida.

The Corporate structure of this Church is as follows:

President: The Senior Pastor Vice President: Associate Pastor or Elder Church Clerk: Any qualified member Recording Financial Secretary: Any qualified member Treasurer: Any qualified member Assistant Treasurer: Any qualified member Elders: Any qualified member

II. Statement of Purpose

We are the church, God’s people, determined to do whatever it takes to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus.

III. Statement of Faith

First Baptist Church of Jensen Beach ascribes to the basic doctrinal statement found in The Baptist Faith and Message (updated version).

IV. Statement of Biblical Authority

The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our elder board is the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

V. Relationships

The Government of this Church is vested in the Body of Believers who composes it. It 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 it is practical, this Church will cooperate with and support the Treasure Coast Baptist Association and the Florida Baptist State Convention affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

VI. Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, 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, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, and the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; 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 seek God’s help in abstaining from all drugs, food, drink and practices which bring unwarranted harm to the body or jeopardize our own or another’s faith.

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 courtesy in speech, to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, if possible, unite with a church where we can carry out the articles of this confession and the spirit of this covenant.

VII. Membership

The membership of this Church shall consist of persons who confess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, who give evidence of regeneration by a life consistent with their profession and with the views of faith, doctrine and practice of this Church, who have been

2 baptized by immersion and who have been received into its membership according to the By- Laws of this Church.

VIII. Leadership and Organization

In accordance with Colossians 1:18, Christ is the head of the church. Under His direction, the guidance of Holy Scripture, and the principles set forth in these bylaws, First Baptist Church of Jensen Beach is Pastor-led, Elder-governed, Deacon-served, and Congregationally-approved. This approval is exercised through the election of Elders to govern the church. The Congregation through the Council of Elders empowers the Senior Pastor to lead the church both spiritually and in the day to day governing of church operations. The Senior Pastor has direct leadership over all associate pastors and staff. The Council of Elders further elects The Board of Deacons for congregational service. The congregation, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is the final governing authority. Through prayerful submission to God and His Word, members are responsible for selecting their leaders, developing the church constitution and by-laws, and preserving unity and purity in the body.

IX. Revisions, Additions, or Amendments

Revisions, additions or amendments of this Constitution may be made only in the following manner:

a. Any member may submit a proposed change to the Council of Elders. b. The Council of Elders shall consider the change and, if the change is approved by a majority of the Elders, the Council of Elders shall recommend it for approval by the membership at any quarterly business meeting or at the next annual meeting. c. The proposed change, as approved and recommended by the Council of Elders, shall be presented at any quarterly business meeting or at the next annual meeting. d. A notice of the proposed change shall be announced from the pulpit and published in a membership-wide publication (e.g., the weekly church bulletin) at least twice between the quarterly or special business meeting and the annual meeting.

The change must be approved by a majority vote of the total membership, or a two-thirds majority of those members present and voting at the meeting, provided at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the resident members of the Church are present at meeting.