FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO
Constitution and By-Laws
PREAMBLE
Reposing our faith wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, believing in the teachings and practices of the Baptists and in those great distinctive principles for which they have ever stood, and accepting the whole Bible, the inspired Word of God, as our authoritative rule of faith and practice; we therefore~ covenant together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ and adopt for our government and plan for worship and service the following articles.
ARTICLE I - NAME
This church shall be called First Baptist Church of San Francisco.
ARTICLE II - POLITY
Section 1 - Government - The government of this church is vested in the body of baptized believers who compose it. It is an independent, self-governing and democratic body.
Section 2 - Association - This church voluntarily associates with other churches of like faith; and other Baptist churches; and the American Baptist Churches U.S.A. through its covenant relationship with the American Baptist Churches of the West (October 23, 1974); and the Southern Baptist Convention (December 5, 1984).
Section 3 - Authority - Since all ministries are established and all officers are elected by the church; they are instruments and servants of the church. The final seat of authority in all matters, regardless of the action of the Leadership Team, Ministry Teams or Small Groups is in the church body.
The above stated authority in particular but not exclusively relates to:
a) The major acquisition, disposition, long-term rental or lease of church property will be by a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting
b) The adoption of the Annual Church Budget will be by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
This church shall consist of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized by immersion,
who take the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice.
ARTICLE IV – MINISTERS
Section 1 - Pastor - It shall be the Pastor's duty to preach the gospel, teach the scriptures, administer the ordinances, articulate a vision for the congregation, train and prepare leaders, equip the saints for the work of ministry in order to evangelize the lost, care for the sick and bereaved and in various other ways guide and advance the spiritual welfare of the church. He is to arrange for suitable pulpit supply when absent. He shall be a member of the Leadership Team and shall advise all Ministry Teams as deemed necessary. He shall be called by the church upon recommendation of the Pastor Search Team as provided for in Article IV, Section 3-4.
Section 2 - Change of Relationship - It shall be the privilege of either the Church or the Pastor to dissolve relations by giving one (1) months notice, or less where both parties are agreed. The dismissal of the Pastor shall be by a majority vote by secret ballot at an announced meeting of the Church for that purpose. Previous notice shall be given at two preceding Sunday morning services. Such a meeting may be called upon the request of the Leadership Team (a two-thirds vote of the Leadership Team is required), or upon the request of ten percent (10%) or more of the active members.
Section 3 - Pastor Search Team
Upon the resignation, removal, incapacity, or death of the Pastor, a Pastor
Search Team shall be formed as follows:
a) two members of the Leadership Team, appointed by the Leadership Team
b) four members from among the Ministry Team Leadership.
c) addition, two members-at-large shall be nominated by the Moderator.
d) in addition the chair of the Deaconate.
All of the above nominations shall be approved by the Church.
2. Pastor Search Team shall be convened by the Moderator, who shall be a member thereof, and it shall elect its own chair and secretary
3. It shall be the duty of this team, after seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to proceed to procure a prospective pastor whom they shall present to the Church for election. Once appointed, this team will serve continuously until a pastor is called or the team is dissolved.
4. Pastor Search Team shall be responsible for filling the vacant pulpit each Sunday. It shall immediately recommend to the church the engaging on an interim Pastor. The interim Pastor shall not be considered for call to the pastorate.
Section 4 - Election of Pastor - The Pastor shall be elected by secret ballot at a special meeting of the Church called for that purpose. Previous notice shall be mailed and given at two previous preceding Sunday morning services. A vote of three-fourths of the active members present and voting shall be required to elect. For the purposes of calling a Pastor, a quorum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active membership shall be required.
Section 5 - Other Ministers - Additional ministers may be added to the ministerial staff as deemed necessary upon recommendation of the Pastor and the Leadership Team.
Candidates shall be interviewed by a committee appointed by the Leadership Team and recommended for approval by three fourths of the Leadership Team. Final approval will be by vote of the Church. Severance of duties of these same ministers can take place again at the recommendation of the Pastor or by the Leadership Team, with final approval by vote of the Church if desired by the minister in question.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
Section 1 - Church Officers
The officers of the Church shall be:
the Pastor; the Moderator;
the Treasurer, and the Church Clerk. The Leadership Team shall elect a Vice
Moderator from its ranks, who shall also be the Vice Moderator pro-tem. The members of the Leadership Team
Section 2 - Trustees of the Corporation - The Trustees of the Corporation shall be:
Moderator, who shall serve as President of the Corporation, the Church Treasurer, who shall serve as Vice President of the Corporation, and the Church Clerk, who shall serve as Secretary of the Corporation. The Trustees of the Corporation shall represent the Church in all matters of equity and law.
ARTICLE VI - VOTING
Section 1 - Entitlement to Vote - Any active member in good standing shall be entitled to vote on all questions coming before the church. However, members under 18 years of age shall not be entitled to vote upon the calling or dismissal of the Pastor, matters of discipline, major finances, or amendment to the Constitution, By-Laws or suspension of the By-Laws.
Section 2 - Secret Ballot - A secret ballot on any issue may be called for upon decision of the majority of those present and voting.
Section 3 - A Quorum - Ten percent (10%) of the membership of the church shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Unless otherwise stated in this Constitution or the By-Laws, a majority affirmative vote of all active members present and voting is required for matters coming before the church.
This constitution may be changed or amended by two-thirds affirmative vote of all active members present and voting. Notice of such proposed change shall be published thirty days prior to the special business meeting called for the purpose of considering the amendment, and announced from the pulpit at least one Sunday morning prior to the special business meeting. Proposed changes or amendments shall not conflict with the Articles of Incorporation of this church.
BY- LAWS
PASSION AND PURPOSE
1. The passion of this church is to become a humble and transparent expression of God's grace, to live our lives within an intimate and accountable community and to transform our city and the nations by offering the healing of Christ to all people.
2. The purpose of this church is to minister through worship, proclamation, Christian education and service to shall carry out the great commission as set forth in Matthew 28:19,20.
ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 - Qualifications - This Church shall consist of baptized believers in Christ who take the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice. Baptism is understood as the immersion of the believer in water, following confession of faith in Christ as Savior.
Section 2 - Admission
1. Persons are eligible for membership upon:
a) profession of faith in Christ and subsequent baptism,
b) by letter from a church of like faith or
c) by statement of previous profession of faith in Christ, having been baptized by immersion.
2. Such persons as are found to be in accord with the faith and practice of this church, having been counseled by the Pastor and/or Deaconate, may be received into membership by a vote of the church.
3. New members shall be provided with special instruction in Christian doctrine, Biblical faith and practice, and the ministries of this church. Completion of a New Members Class providing this instruction will be a requirement before a person is eligible to be received into membership by a vote of the church.
Section 3 - Responsibilities - Members are expected to demonstrate a positive Christian character and lifestyle consistent with the scriptures. Members are expected to be faithful in personal spiritual disciplines essential to the Christian life, regularly attend services of this church, contribute regularly for its financial support and benevolence, and share in carrying out the ministries of the Church.
Section 4 - Dismissal by letter - Letters of Transfer for members in good standing will be granted to churches of like faith upon request of the church. A name may be removed from the church roll upon written request of the member.
Section 5 - Discipline - The discipline of this church is embodied in the constitution and these by-laws and in such church policies as may be adopted from time to time by vote of the church membership. In the event of the need for disciple of a church member, the Deaconate shall follow the procedure given by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15-17 to seek repentance and reconciliation. Such person or persons will be spoken to by one who has prepared himself with prayer for the purpose of bringing about repentance. If the one will not be heard, a second attempt should be made with one or two more, after much prayer for the purpose of bringing repentance that would lead to reconciliation. If they will not be heard, then such a member shall be given an opportunity to appear before the Deaconate, which, after prayerful consideration, shall make recommendation to the Leadership Team for any disciplinary action. The member shall have the right to appear before the Leadership Team and to appeal any decision of the Leadership Team to the church. The majority of the active church members present and voting shall be required for dismissal.
Section 6 - Restoration - Any person who has been dismissed from membership of this church, may, upon evidence of repentance, and on the recommendation of the Deaconate to the Leadership Team, be restored to membership by vote of the church membership.
Section 7 - Inactive Roll - During each calendar year, the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Pastor and the Deaconate shall review the membership roll of the church, making necessary recommendations to the Leadership Team for approval by the church at the Annual Meeting.
Any member who has been absent from the church for a period of one year without manifesting an interest therein by communication with the church, shall, after reasonable attempts to contact the member in question, and on the recommendation of the Leadership Team, be placed on the inactive roll by vote of the church membership. Persons so carried on the inactive roll shall not be permitted to participate in church business meetings.
Any member who wishes may be reinstated by vote of the church membership, upon the recommendation of the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Pastor7and the Deaconate.
Section 8 - Non-Resident Roll - The non-resident roll shall consist of those members who have moved from the sphere of service of this church and who continue to maintain communication with the church.
Section 9 - Removal of Members from Church Roll -- After a period of at least one year, members on the Inactive Roll who have shown no evidence of a return to active membership, shall be removed from the church roll by recommendation to the Leadership Team, by the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Pastor-, and the Deaconate.. Final approval for removal shall be made by vote of the church membership at the Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE lA - ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
This category of membership is intended for students who reside in our area during their higher education or for missionaries on furlough. These individuals must meet all of the regular requirements for membership and be received through the same process as active members. They will not terminate their membership in their home church and they will have all rights and privileges of membership, service and fellowship except those of voting and holding elective office.
ARTICLE II - LEADERSHIP TEAM
Section 1 - Composition of the Leadership Team - The Leadership Team shall consist of the following:
1 Three persons recommended from the congregation at-large by the sitting Leadership Team and elected by the congregation.
2. Three persons recommended by and from the Deaconate and elected by the congregation, one of whom shall be the Leader of the Deaconate,
3. Three persons recommended by and from the Staff and elected by the congregation, one of whom shall be the Pastor.
4. The Church Treasurer and the Church Clerk shall attend meetings as requested.
Section 2 - Responsibilities
1 The Leadership Team shall serve as the administrative council of the church and shall be responsible for management of both the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church, subject to the authority of the church membership.
2. Included in the above general statement are such specific duties as the responsibility for program planning and coordination, approval of the annual church budget, appointment of special committees and ministry teams, final approval of the employment and dismissal of all church employees (with the exception of the Pastor), and the approval of all staff salary recommendations.
2 All ministry teams, ministry team leaders and auxiliary organizations shall be responsible to the Leadership Team
Section 3 - Appeals to the Leadership Team - Any member of the church may appeal to the Leadership Team, in writing, the action or decision of any officer, ministry team, or ministry team leader. It is also the prerogative of any member to appear before the Leadership Team to present an appeal or matter of business by prior arrangement with the Leader of the Leadership Team.
Section 4 - Reports - The Leadership Team shall report, in writing, the activities of all ministry teams, ministry team leaders and auxiliary organizations at the quarterly business meetings of the church.
Section 5 - Quorum - A quorum of two-thirds of the members of the Leadership Team must be present for the transaction of any formal business. A ministry teams leader, may present ministry team recommendations and reports to the Leadership Team, but may neither vote, nor be counted toward a quorum of the Leadership Team unless they are an elected member of the Leadership Team.
ARTICLE III
ELECTION AND TERMS OF OFFICE
Section 1 - Leadership Team Members
1. All Leadership Team members shall be elected for a term of 3 years and shall serve until their successors assume office. These members shall have demonstrated mature, spiritual leadership.
2. Recommendation for nomination shall be made by the sitting Leadership Team, Deaconate and Staff in consultation with the Pastor. Written recommendations will be requested and received from the congregation at least 45 days prior to the election of new Leadership Team members.
3. Following approval by the Leadership Team, the Pastor shall approach the Leadership Team's nominees to secure acceptance of the nominations.
4. Nominees shall be elected by the church membership at the Annual Meeting in November and shall assume the duties of office on the first day of January.
Section 2 - Ministry Team Leaders and Members - First Baptist Church of San Francisco is committed to maintain ongoing ministries and/or teams that address the following ministry priorities: Evangelism, Social Outreach, Missions, Worship, Membership Care, Discipleship, Leadership Development, Financial Management, Building and Grounds Maintenance and Mobilization of Lay Ministry.
1 Ministry Team Leaders can be appointed, at any time, by the Leadership Team
after prayerful consideration of the church's goals, evaluation of the proposed needs to be met, consideration of fiscal impact of the proposed ministry, evaluation of the impact on church staff and confidence in the leader's calling and abilities to enlist, mobilize, train and lead the members of the proposed team.
2 Ministry Team Leaders would have the authority to select team members with the approval of the Leadership Team.
3. Ministry Team Leaders must meet the requirements for leadership and ministry involvement as outlined in Article 3 Section 5.2 of the By-Laws.
4. Ministry Team Leaders will meet, as a group, with the Leadership Team regularly for direction and coordination.
5. The Leadership Team would provide a report at each quarterly business meeting concerning the appointment of Ministry Team Leaders and their team members.
6. Ministry Team Leaders shall prepare, on an annual basis, budget recommendations pertaining to their area of responsibility for Leadership Team approval.
7. Ministry Team Leaders shall oversee and approve budget expenditures within their area of responsibility.
8. Ministry Team Leaders shall present to the Leadership Team for approval, all policy recommendations pertaining to their area of responsibility.
Section 3 - Re-Elections and Vacancies
1. No Leadership Team member shall be eligible for re-election to the Leadership Team after serving for two consecutive terms, until at least one church year has elapsed. The pastor shall be exempted from rotating off of the Leadership Team.
2 In the event of a vacancy, the - Leadership Team shall follow the steps outlined in Article Ill, Sections 1 and 2. The nominee shall assume the duties of office immediately following the vote of the church membership.
Section 4 - Other Officers and Workers
Church Treasurer and Church Clerk. The procedures established in Article Ill, Sections 1 and 3 for Leadership Team members shall be followed for the election of the Church Treasurer and the Church Clerk.
Section 5 - Eligibility for Office
1 Members shall be eligible for election to the Leadership Team member, Church Treasurer, or Church Clerk, after being a member of the church for at least one year.
2 Members shall be eligible for nomination to all other elected and appointed positions after being a member of the church for at least six months.
ARTICLE IV - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1 - The Moderator
1. Shall be Moderator at all business meetings of the church.
2. Shall annually recommend to the Leadership Team a nominee for Vice-Moderator as Moderator in the absence of the Moderator.
Section 2 - Ministry Team Leaders
1 Shall be responsible for the convening and direction of their respective Ministry Teams.
2 Shall, when requested, represent their respective Ministry Teams in Leadership Team meetings and submit regular written reports of Ministry Team activities to the Leadership Team and to their appropriate staff liaison person.
3 Shall appoint from their respective Ministry Teams, Assistant Leaders who shall assume the duties of Leader in their absence.
Section 3 – The Church Clerk
1 Shall keep the minutes of all business meetings of the church and shall present the same to the church for its approval.
2 Shall record all members, maintain the church membership file in consultation with the Deaconate and conduct correspondence of the church relating to the receiving and removing of members as directed by the Deaconate when approved by the church.
3 Shall make all official reports required by the church and denominational affiliations.
Section 4 – The Church Treasurer
1. Shall keep a full and faithful account of all money received and disbursed, including the purpose of expenditures and income, and shall submit a Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Report in writing to the- Leadership Team for review and approval. Upon the approval of the Leadership Team, the Treasurer shall present Quarterly and Annual reports to the church membership for acceptance at the regular business meetings of the church.
2. Shall supervise the Church Bookkeeper, the Church Giving Records Clerk, and the Church Counting Committee in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Leadership Team.
3. Shall make available within 7 days any records requested by the, the Leadership Team or by vote of the Church membership.
4. Shall disburse funds within the limits of the Annual Budget, unless amended by vote of the church membership.
5. Shall disburse non-Budgeted and Designated funds in keeping with the policies and procedures established by the Leadership Team, and the church membership.
6. Shall with the approval of the Leadership Team ensure that funds are securely invested, and at the direction of the church membership by vote, shall arrange loans.
7. Shall insure that all Corporate, Federal, State, and Local reporting requirements are met.
8. In the absence of the Treasurer for extended periods of time, such as vacation or disability, an individual assigned by the Leadership Team shall conduct ordinary, daily business of the Treasurer.
Standing Teams shall be as follows:
Deaconate
School
All standing ministry teams shall consist of at least three members and a leader. These teams shall convene on call of the Team Leader or the Pastor.
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF STANDING MINISTRY TEAMS
Section 1 - All Standing Teams
1. Shall prepare, on an annual basis, budget recommendations pertaining their area of responsibility for Leadership Team approval.
2. Shall oversee and approve budget expenditures within their area of responsibility.
3. Shall present to the Leadership Team for approval, all policy recommendations pertaining to their area of responsibility
Section 2 - The School Ministry Team.
1. Shall establish and maintain a weekday school, the name of which shall be, The First Baptist Church International Christian School, with educational goals consistent with the evangelical purpose of the church.
2. Shall develop personnel policies (subject to Leadership Team approval) pertaining to compensation and benefits, including insurance and retirement considerations, holidays and vacations for all school employees. Those policies, which affect the School Principal, shall be made in consultation with the Congregation/ Leadership Team.
3. Shall develop job descriptions for all school employees.
4. Shall interview and recommend to the Leadership Team for final approval, all prospective supervisory staff, including the school Principal and preschool Director.
5. Shall compile the operating budget of the school for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30, for approval by the Leadership Team, and final approval by vote of the church membership at the January Quarterly Meeting.
6. Shall promote school activities both within the church and the community.
Section 3 - Deaconate
1. The Deaconate shall consist of a group of lay men and women called forth from the active membership of the congregation who are not serving as full-time First Baptist Church staff members.
2. Through the Small Groups Ministry the Deacons shall assist the Pastor and the congregation in the spiritual nurture and growth of the congregation.
3. The Pastor along with this group shall nominate qualified replacements and additions as needed from among Small Group Leaders and Small Group participants, based upon written recommendations from Small Group Members no less than 45 days prior to the annual meeting. The election of such members shall be approved by the congregation. No Deaconate member shall be eligible for re-election to the Deaconate after serving for two consecutive three year terms, until at least one church year has elapsed.
4. Deacons shall meet the demonstrated qualifications of scripture (Acts 6:1-7, 1Timothy 3:8-12) as well as the proven ability to minister to and serve the needs of the local church body after having been First Baptist Church of San Francisco members for a minimum of one year.
5. Duties: these duties shall be carried out primarily through leadership and/or attendance and significant involvement in the life of a Small Group sponsored by First Baptist Church of San Francisco.
(a) Shall sustain a strong prayer ministry
(b) Shall support the pastoral ministry of the word;
(c) Shall assist the Pastor in matters relating to membership discipline, counseling and grievances.
(d) Shall administer and establish policies for the Benevolence Fund
(e) Shall assist the Pastor in shepherding the congregation and shall oversee the spiritual needs of the church membership and shall establish ministries for the spiritual care of individual members.
(f) Shall provide the Church Clerk with information regarding the church rolls, and maintain regular contact with all members of the church.
(g) Shall strive for the unity of the body in all matters including discipline.
(h) Shall with the Pastor and staff develop and be responsible for the observance of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Accountability: Every deacon needs to submit himself/herself and his/her ideas to
The Leadership Team may appoint a special committee or as needed to fill a special need or purpose for a reasonable period of time. If the need develops for additional standing Ministry Teams, the Leadership Team shall bring the need to the church as a recommended amendment to these by-laws as set forth in Article XI.
ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS
Section 1 – Worship Services
1. Shall be held any day or time as needed to meet the needs of those we are called to reach. At least one service of each month shall be set aside for the observance of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.
2. The church shall maintain activities and services during the week for prayer, praise, testimony, Bible study and outreach.
Section 2 - The Annual Meeting
1. Shall be held during the week following the second Sunday in November.
2. Shall be convened for the election of officers, approval of the annual budget, updating membership rolls, and other appropriate church business.
Section 3 - Quarterly Meetings
1. Shall be held each January, April, July, and October for the preceding three-month period.
2. Shall be convened in order to conduct the financial and other business of the church, and to receive reports from the Leadership Team, officers, and Staff.
3. The January meeting shall include the annual financial report for the previous year and the approval of the International Christian School budget.
4. The October meeting shall include the presentation of the proposed annual church budget which shall be approved at the Annual Meeting in November.
Section 4 - Special Business Meetings - May be called by the Pastor or the Leadership Team at any regular meeting of the church whenever a special need arises. Major items of business such as property, finance, or staffing will require advance notice of one week.
ARTICLE IX - FINANCIAL PLAN
Section 1 - Financial Support
1. Shall be through the regular tithes and free-will offerings of the members and friends of the church.
2. Shall be encouraged through ongoing financial emphasis wherein members are encouraged to pray and commit to the Lord their support to the budget of the church.
Section 2 - Financial Year - Shall be from January 1 through December 31.
Section 3 - Benevolent Offerings - Shall be received on a regular basis to serve the needs of the members.
ARTICLE X - RELATIONSHIP
Section 1 – Dual Alignment
1. First Baptist Church of San Francisco is aligned with the American Baptist Churches U.S.A. and with the Southern Baptist Convention in accordance with ARTICLE II, Section 2 of the Constitution of this church.
2. This dual alignment, in and of itself, shall in no way commit the property or facilities of this church to the Southern Baptist Convention, nor to the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.
3. The selection of curriculum for Sunday school classes and other activities shall be in accordance with what is best suited for the purposes of this church and shall not necessarily be limited by denominational affiliation.
4. This church will actively promote attendance at the annual area and state denominational gatherings.
ARTICLE Xl - AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be changed or amended at any business meeting of the church by a two-thirds affirmative vote of all members present and voting provided that:
1. Notice of such proposed change shall be read at a previous business meeting of the church,
2. Notice from the pulpit is given at least one Sunday morning before voting, and
3. Alteration shall not conflict with the Constitution or the Articles of Incorporation of the Church.
ARTICLE XII - SUSPENSION OF THE BY-LAWS
These by-laws, or any portion thereof, may be temporarily suspended at any regular business meeting, provided two-thirds of the members present and voting approve of such suspension.
ARTICLE XIII - RULES OF ORDER
The rules contained in Roberts' Rules of Order as last revised shall govern the business proceedings of this church in all cases where they are not inconsistent with these by-laws, Constitution, or Articles of Incorporation of this church.
Adopted April 25, 2001