The purpose of this church shall be the advancement of the kingdom of God according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It shall seek to attain this end through public worship of God; proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ; consistent Christian living by its members; Christian education; personal and public evangelism; and, individual, community, national, and international missions.

Article III - Polity

Its government shall be vested in the body, which composes its membership. It shall, however, maintain affiliation and cooperation with the Fayette Baptist Association, the West Virginia Baptist Convention, and the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.

Article IV - Doctrine

We accept the following statement of faith and church covenant as a confession of our belief and practice.

Statement Of Faith

I. The Scriptures

The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. (Deut. 6:6-9, 17; Psalms 1:1-2; Psalms 119:9-11; Matthew 5:17-20; 2nd Timothy 3:14-17; 1st Peter 1:22-25)

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II. God

There is but one God, the maker, preserver and ruler of all things, having in and of himself, all perfection, and being infinite in them all; and to him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. (Genesis 1:1-2:2; Romans 1:18-20; Luke 10:25-28)

III. The Trinity

God is revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:7-10, 16,17)

IV. Providence

God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures. (Ephesians 1:9-12; Ephesians 2:10; Roman 8:29; Colossians 1:15-17)

V. Election

Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life not because of unforeseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. (John 6:44; John 12:32; Romans 8:26-30; Ephesians 1:3-6; Titus 3:5)

VI. The Fall Of Man

God originally created man in his own image and free from sin. Through the temptation of satan, man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness. His posterity inherited a nature, corrupt and wholly opposed to God and his law, and are then under condemnation. As soon as they are capable of moral action, they become actual transgressors. (Genesis 3:1-21; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-19)

VII. The Mediator

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered, and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only mediator, the prophet, priest and king of the church, and sovereign of the universe. (Matthew 3:13-17; John 3:16; John 14:6; Romans 5:15; 2nd Corinthians 5:21; Phillipians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:14-16)

VIII. Regeneration

Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and special grace alone. (John 1:12-13; John 10:14-16; 2nd Corinthians 5:17-18; Titus 3:5; Acts 2:37-47; Ephesians 2:8-10; Phillipians 2:12-13)

IX. Repentance

Repentance is an evangelical grace. A person being led by the Holy Spirit is made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin. He must humble himself with Godly sorrow in detestation and self

abhorrence of his sin. Then he will endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. (Acts 2:37-38; Acts 3:11-26; 1st John 1:8-10)

X. Faith

Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness. (Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 2:8-9)

XI. Justification

Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. They are justified from all sin, through the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:20-26; Romans 5:1-11)

XII. Sanctification

Those who have been justified are also sanctified by God's Word and the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is instantaneous and progressive through the supply of divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ’s commands. (Phillipians 2:12-13; Romans 6:12-23)

XIII. Perseverance Of The Saints

Those whom God has accepted in Jesus Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end. Although they may fall through neglect and temptation into sin, which causes grief of the spirit, reproach on the church, and temporal judgments on themselves; even so, they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (1st Corinthians 3:13; 2nd Timothy 4:1-8; Romans 7:14-25; Romans 8:18-25, 31-39)

XIV. The Church

The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church, which is composed of all His true disciples and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular churches; and to each of these churches He has given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He has appointed. The officers of the church are pastor(s) and deacons. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 5:23-25; 1st Corinthians 1:2; Galations 1:2; Phillipians 1:1; 1st Timothy 3:1-13)

XV. Baptism

Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ and an obligation upon every believer to be immersed in water in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a sign of fellowship with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, of remission of sins, and of giving oneself up to God to live and walk in newness of life. Baptism, when the individual is physically able, is a prerequisite to church membership. (Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7)

XVI. The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and fruit of the vine, and is to be observed by His church until the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge, and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship. (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; 1st Corinthians 11:23-31)

XVII. The Lord's Day

The Lord's Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and amusements, works of necessity and mercy only excepted. (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:10-11; Exodus 31:12-17; Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:13-45; John 20:19-22; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 20:6-7; 1st Corinthians 16:2)

XVIII. Liberty Of Conscience

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil governing authorities, being ordained of God, are to be yielded to in all matters of civil law unless it is contrary to Biblical teachings and statutes, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (Acts 4:18-20; Romans 13:1-7; Romans 14:1-12; Luke 20:19-26)

XIX. The Resurrection

The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God, the righteous to rest with Him: the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised. (1st Corinthians 15:1-58; 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 11:24; Revelation 20:4, 11-13)

XX. Judgment

God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous into everlasting "life". (1st Corinthians 3:10-15; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-13)

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Church Covenant

Since we are trusting Jesus Christ as Savior, and professing Him as our Lord, having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as members of the Fayetteville Baptist Church, we commit ourselves to the following understanding of Christian living:

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, His angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

Therefore, we, the members of the Fayetteville Baptist Church, do engage 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 the prosperity and spirituality of the church;

To sustain the ordinances, discipline, and doctrines of the church and the worship of God;

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;

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 conduct;

To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger;

To abstain from the sale and use of illegal drugs and intoxicating drinks as a beverage;

To be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior;

To watch over one another in brotherly love;

To remember each other in prayer;

To aid each other in sickness and distress;

To cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling with courtesy in speech;

To be mindful of the rules of our Savior, be slow to take offense and to be prepared to secure reconciliation without delay.

When we are removed from this place, we will unite with another church as soon as possible, where we can continue to carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.

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Article V - Membership

Section 1 Admission of members

Any candidate (defined hereafter as any person who has confessed the belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and who requests admission to the membership of the church) may be received into the fellowship of The Fayetteville Baptist Church by any of the following methods, subject in each case to a majority vote of affirmation by the church members present:

A. By Baptism - Any candidate who is baptized by immersion and who can fundamentally agree with and adopt the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant found in this Constitution may be received into the fellowship of the church.

B. By Letter - Any candidate who has been, or is willing to be, baptized by immersion, and who can fundamentally agree with and adopt the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant found in this Constitution may be received into fellowship of the church by receipt of a letter from another Baptist church.

C. By Experience - Any candidate who has previously been a member of a Christian church and who has been, or is willing to be, baptized by immersion; and, who can fundamentally agree with and adopt the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant found within this Constitution may be received into the fellowship of the church upon statement of experience. Additionally, a believer who has previously been a member of another Baptist church and who has been, or is willing to be, baptized by immersion; and, who can fundamentally agree and adopt the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant found within this Constitution may be received into the fellowship of the church upon a statement of experience.

D. By Restoration - Any candidate who has previously lost church membership for any reason may have his/her membership restored if he/she can fundamentally agree and adopt the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant found within this Constitution, and receives the recommendation of the Board of Deacons and a majority vote of affirmation by the church members present.

E. In ALL methods for membership admission listed above, a candidate requesting membership must first meet with the Pastor in a counseling session(s) in which the Pastor and the candidate shall discuss the method of admission desired, the responsibilities of church membership, and the Church's Constitution specifically addressing the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant. All candidates shall be given a copy of the Church's Constitution and shall be strongly encouraged to study said Constitution prior to the counseling session(s). After meeting with the candidate in the counseling session(s), the Pastor shall make a recommendation for accepting or rejecting the candidate for membership prior to the vote for admission by the Church.

F. In cases in which the Pastor feels convicted to recommend the rejection of a candidate's admission, the Pastor must first meet with a quorum of the Board of Deacons in order to discuss his recommendation for rejection. The Board of Deacons shall then vote to either accept or reject the Pastor's recommendation of rejection prior to the Pastor presenting his recommendation of rejection to the church membership. At the time the Pastor makes his recommendation of rejection of a candidate's admission to the church membership, the Pastor shall also present the results of the Board of Deacons' vote on the Pastor's recommendation of rejection.

G. In ALL cases, the church membership shall make the final decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of any candidate requesting admission. Upon receiving a majority vote of affirmation by the Church membership, a candidate shall immediately become a member of the church fellowship. In cases where baptism is necessary, the baptism shall take place only after the candidate has been accepted for admission by the church membership.

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Section 2. Dismissal Of Members

A. By Death – Upon notification of the death of a member, the Clerk shall make a record of the member's death. This record should include (if possible) the date of birth, the date and place of death, and the place of burial. A file of deceased members shall be kept as a part of the church records.

B. By Letter – Any member in good standing who desires to transfer his/her membership to any other Baptist church may request and receive a letter of recommendation contingent upon a majority vote of affirmation by the church members present. The transfer request shall contain the name of the church to which membership transfer is requested and the letter of recommendation shall be sent directly to the Pastor or Clerk of that church. Additionally, when a member (resident or non-resident) joins another church, his name shall automatically be removed from our church roll.

C. By Exclusion – Should any member become an offense to the church and its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct or by a consistent breach of beliefs and practices as stated in the Church Covenant and/or Statement of Faith, the church may terminate his or her membership by a majority vote of members present at a Business Meeting. The dismissal of a church member shall occur only after due notice and a hearing before the Board of Deacons and only after all faithful efforts have failed to bring such member to repentance and amendment.

D. By Request – In cases where a member requests that his name be removed from the church roll, the Pastor and Deacons shall be informed. The Pastor and Deacons shall make all efforts to contact the member concerning his/her request. If the member still desires removal from the church roll, his/her request shall be made known to the church and shall be approved upon an affirmative vote of the church membership. The member requesting removal from the church roll shall be informed in writing of the church's decision.

Section 3. Contact Of Inactive Members

A. Resident Inactive Members – The church under the leadership of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons shall maintain regular contact with resident inactive members, encouraging them to be faithful to God and His work through His church.

B. Non-Resident Inactive Members – The church under the leadership of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons shall attempt to periodically contact non-resident inactive members, inquiring as to their church affiliation and encouraging them to move their membership to a church of their own choice if they have not done so.

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Article VI - The Pastor And Officers

Section 1 Those Eligible To Hold Offices And Responsibilities In The Life Of The Church

All, who hold any position of leadership in the life of the church, including auxiliary organizations, boards, committees, and Sunday School shall be professing Christians and members in good standing of the church.

Section 2 The Pastorate

A. Pastor - The Pastor shall preach the gospel; administer the ordinances; and, have in his charge the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the stated services of public worship. The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church and its auxiliary organizations.

B. Youth Pastor - The Youth Pastor shall be in charge of the spiritual welfare and development of our church’s children and youth. Organizing and leading a variety of youth-oriented Christian activities, the Youth Pastor will assist young people in decision making and discipleship for Jesus Christ, utilizing acceptable, evangelical pastoral methods. The Youth Pastor should be involved in the regular services of worship and shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Christian Education and the Church Advisory Council. This position shall be mentored by the Pastor, and shall report to, and receive direction from the Board of Christian Education.

C. Pastor/Congregation Relations Committee - An ad hoc committee made up of the Chairman of the Deacon Board, the Chairman of the Advisory Council, the Moderator, and the Chairman of the Board of Christian Education shall meet annually with the Pastor and the Youth Pastor for the following purposes:

- to provide input and positive feedback on his vision and direction for the church.

- to provide constructive feedback needed to assist the Pastor in his development.

- to provide constructive feedback needed to grow the relationship between the Pastor and the congregation.

- to receive and act upon feedback from the Pastor on his views of how the goals of the church can be better met.

These meetings shall take place before the August Business Meeting. All concerns and comments should be submitted in writing to a member of the Pastor/Congregation Relations Committee before this Business Meeting.

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Section 3 Moderator

A Moderator shall be elected at each annual meeting to serve for one year. The Moderator may serve consecutive terms. The Moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the church. In cases of the Moderator's absence, the church shall elect a temporary moderator to preside.

Section 4 Clerk

A Clerk shall be elected annually to serve for one year. The Clerk may serve consecutive terms. The Clerk shall keep a complete record of the transactions of all matters at the business meetings of the church. These shall be read for approval at each Quarterly Business Meeting and at other times upon request by the church. The Clerk shall keep a record of the names and addresses of members, with dates and manner of admission and dismission. The Clerk shall also keep a record of baptisms. The Clerk shall assist in preparing denominational and other reports. The Clerk shall deliver immediately to the Clerk's successor all books and records for which the Clerk has been responsible as Clerk.

Section 5 Treasurer

A Treasurer shall be elected annually to serve for one year. The Treasurer may serve consecutive terms. The Treasurer shall have custody of the funds of the church and all deposits made in the name of the church. All transactions made from church funds will be made by check. Funds received for the support of the church and for the reduction of the church indebtedness shall be disbursed by the Treasurer: (1) as outlined by the adopted annual budget; (2) by direct order of the church; or (3) under direction of the Board of Finance, as outlined in this Constitution. The Board of Finance is authorized in this Constitution to make adjustments to the budget, on specific items, not to exceed $500.00 on each item. The Treasurer shall present to the church a detailed report of receipts and disbursements showing actual financial condition of the church at each quarterly business meeting including: all deposit balances, their location, and type of account. The Treasurer shall also make any other financial reports requested by the Pastor or by the church. It shall be the Treasurer's duty to furnish each member of the church with envelopes upon request for tithes and offerings; to collect all moneys contributed; to keep an accurate record of all contributions; to deposit all collections in the bank on the first business day following collection; and to keep information regarding any member’s contributions in strictest confidence. The Treasurer shall provide each member with a statement of his contributions at the end of each year.

The Treasurer shall present to the church a full report of finances for the year at the first Quarterly Business Meeting of the following year. Every member of the church, present at that business meeting, will receive a copy of this financial report.

In cases where the Treasurer is unable to disperse funds on behalf of the church, the Chairman of the Board of Finance is authorized to do so.

The Board of Finance will determine the need for any fiscal bonding and secure such bonding as necessary. The Board of Finance will assure that all church financial records are audited annually to protect the integrity of the Treasurer, the Board of Finance, and the church accounts.

When leaving office, the Treasurer shall deliver immediately to his/her successor all books and records pertaining to the church finance.

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Section 6 Board Of Deacons (1st Timothy 3:18)

There shall be a board of nine deacons, one-third of whom shall be elected annually from the membership of the church for a term of three years. No person who has served a full term shall be eligible for reelection for a period of one year following the expiration of the Deacon's term of membership on the Board. The Board shall choose annually a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a Secretary/Treasurer. The Board of Deacons shall meet regularly each month. The Chairman, Pastor, or any three members of the Board may call special meetings. All members of the Board of Deacons shall be notified of the time, place, and purpose of the special meeting.

At least one-half of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall in every way assist the Pastor in his work; cooperate with the Pastor in providing the pulpit supply and leaders for Prayer Meetings in the Pastor's absence; visit the members; and care for the sick, needy, and distressed members of the church. The Board shall constantly be concerned for the evangelistic emphasis of the church. The Board will help promote revival meetings, Bible conferences, and other needed experiences to keep all members aware of the great task of being a church that fulfills God's purpose. The Board shall promote Christian instruction and ministry to the church membership and aid in administering of the Lord's Supper. The Board shall make an annual report at the first Quarterly Business Meeting of the new year.

Section 7 Board Of Trustees

There shall be a board of six (6) Trustees, one-third of whom shall be elected annually for a term of three years. The Board shall annually choose a Chairman. Each year the newly elected Board of Trustees shall be registered with the County Clerk of Fayette County. The Church Clerk will do this and the church will pay the filing fee. No person who has served a full term shall be eligible for re-election for a period of one year following the expiration of the Trustee’s term of membership.

The Board shall meet monthly, or as necessary. The Chairman, Pastor, or any two members of the Board of Trustees shall call meetings. All members will be notified of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. More than half of members present shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall hold in trust all property belonging to the church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management, and upkeep. It shall be permitted to approve repairs and/or improvements, not to exceed Section 7 Board Of Trustees (Continued)

$1,000.00 in each case. Repairs and/or improvements in excess of $1,000.00 will be brought to the church for approval and action. The Board of Trustees shall approve the use of the church building for any purposes other than an official church function, but may always be overruled in this matter by a majority vote of the members present at a church business meeting. The Board shall have no power to buy, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a majority vote of the members present at a church business meeting called for the purpose to authorize such action.

The Board of Trustees, when so instructed by the church, shall secure the services of a caretaker at such a salary as is authorized by the church. The Board shall insure that the church receives acceptable service from the caretaker. The Board shall perform other duties, as given by the church and the state.

Section 8 Board Of Finance

There shall be a Board of Finance, consisting of three members, one-third of whom shall be elected annually for a term of three years. The Board shall annually choose a Chairman, and shall meet when necessary with the meeting being called by the Chairman or the Pastor. All members will be notified of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting . More than one-half of members present shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall assure that the annual budget adopted by the church is followed. In the event that the Pastorate is vacant, and an Interim Pastor has been duly selected, the Board of Finance shall be responsible and empowered to establish the compensation package for the Interim Pastor. The Board of Finance is authorized to make any other necessary and required transfer or adjustment of funding; as long as this transfer or adjustment does not represent a deviation from the church budget of more than $500.00. The Board of Finance will work constantly with the Treasurer in these matters. The Treasurer shall be informed of any meetings of this Board and shall be present at each meeting. The Board shall oversee ways and means of raising the necessary funding for the support of the church. The Board shall be responsible for preparation of the proposed budget each year after consulting all other boards and committees regarding needs and financial goals. The Board shall present the proposed budget to the church at least two Sundays before the annual business meeting so that a draft of the final budget can be presented to the church for action at that meeting. This Board shall also educate and encourage church members in the consideration of the church in their wills, establishment of trusts for the benefit of the church, and donation of special gifts to the church.

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Section 9 The Board Of Christian Education

There shall be a Board of Christian Education composed of seven members including: (1) a General Chairman; (2) a Chairman for Children's Ministry; (3) a Chairman for Children’s Outreach; (4) a Chairman for Youth Ministry; (5) a Chairman of Leadership Development and Adult Ministry; (6) the Sunday School Superintendent or the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent; and (7) the Missions Coordinator (who is also the Coordinator of Missions for ABWM). The Youth Pastor shall serve as an ex officio member of this board. The first five members listed above will be elected by the membership. The last two members listed above will be appointed to the board based on the positional requirements as defined above. At least one, and no more than two, of the elected members shall be elected annually for a term of three years. No person who has served a full three-year term shall be eligible for reelection to the same position following the expiration of that term of membership on the Board with the exception of the Sunday School Superintendent/Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. However, that person may serve on the Board in another capacity.

Section 9 The Board Of Christian Education (Continued)

A. General Chairman – The General Chairman shall preside over meetings, appoint a Secretary, oversee and facilitate the work of the members, and present an annual report of the Christian education programs and activities for the upcoming year.

B. Chairman of Children’s Ministry - The Chairman of Children’s Ministry shall be responsible for coordination of Children’s Church, the Nursery Program, and Children’s Sermonettes.

C. Chairman of Children’s Outreach - The Chairman of Children’s Outreach shall be responsible for coordination of Vacation Bible School, the AWANA program, and the Summer Ministry.

D. Chairman of Youth Ministry - The Chairman of Youth Ministry shall coordinate and encourage attendance at West Virginia camps and conferences, and work as a liaison with the Youth Pastor to promote and support the youth ministry of the church.

E. Chairman of Leadership Development and Adult Ministries – The Chairman of Leadership Development and Adult Ministries shall promote and encourage attendance at leadership development training workshops, plan and implement training of Sunday School teachers and others for the purpose of leadership within the church, and be responsible for coordination of adult ministry.

F. Missions Coordinator - The Missions Coordinator shall be responsible for informing, promoting, and encouraging mission support and stewardship of the four (4) ABC offerings. The Mission Coordinator shall inform and educate the church body about mission activities and opportunities. The Mission Coordinator shall be the liaison between the church auxiliary groups, and their individual missions projects and activities, and assist in coordinating their activities. The Mission Coordinator shall communicate to the church the work of the auxiliary groups.

The Board shall meet monthly. The General Chairman, or Pastor may call special meetings, at any time. A quorum shall consist of at least one-half of the members. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of the meetings and pass these on to the new Secretary when appointed. The Board shall prepare a report of the year's Christian education programs and activities, to be presented at the first quarterly business meeting of the new year. The Board shall be responsible for the organization and administration of the entire educational program of the church. It shall be responsible for studying the educational needs of the church and for making decisions concerning educational use of rooms and equipment, and the elimination or addition of classes or organizations. It shall be responsible for discovering, enlisting, training, and appointing all church educational workers and for evaluating and supervising the curriculum materials used. Adult classes may recommend a preferred teacher and curriculum for Board approval. Other teachers will be appointed entirely by the Board. The Board shall show specific interest in related training programs such as leadership education, school or missions, and Vacation Bible School, and provide such programs. The Board shall annually prepare a budget that covers educational needs for the Finance Committee.

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Section 10 The Sunday School

The purpose of the Sunday school shall be to bring children, young people and adults to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ; to teach the word of God and the principles of the Baptist faith, doctrine, and history; to seek an increased spirituality among its members; and to cause stimulation in the scriptural knowledge and in Christian service.

All teachers shall be professing Christians and in good standing of our church. All officers and teachers should attend worship services regularly as well as worker's conferences which are established for their development. All teachers shall serve for a period of one year and should contact their assistant teacher or the Superintendent in cases of absence. In cases of resignation the Board of Christian Education shall be contacted. Problems should be brought to the Superintendent, Pastor, Board of Christian Education and/or worker's conferences for discussion and solution.

Section 11 The Officers Of the Sunday School

The Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent, the Secretary, and the Assistant Secretary shall be elected annually for a term of one year and these positions may serve consecutive terms. The Superintendent shall be the executive head of the Sunday School following the general directives and policies of the Board of Christian Education. The Assistant Superintendent shall aid the Superintendent in carrying out his/her duties.

The Sunday School Secretary, with the assistance of the Assistant Sunday School Secretary shall keep all records of the Sunday School and will be responsible for ordering church school supplies. The Sunday School offering shall be one of the regular offerings of the church and shall be turned over to the Treasurer as a part of the church budget.

A worker's conference for all Sunday School teachers and officers shall be arranged by the Superintendent and the Chairman of Leadership Development at least annually.

Section 12 Auxiliary Groups

Auxiliary groups in the church shall include the following:

A. American Baptist Women’s Ministries - This group shall emphasize and promote the concern of missions in the life of the church. It shall select its own officers, determine its goals and establish times and places of meetings. In all these matters, it shall work in accord with the total program of the church.

B. American Baptist Men’s Ministries - This group shall provide for opportunities of fellowship and service on the part of the laymen of the church and should point out the responsibility of laymen in the ministry of the church. It shall also select its own officers, determine its goals and establish times and places of meetings, all being in accord with the total church program.

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Section 12 Auxiliary Groups (Continued)

C. American Baptist Youth - This youth organization shall provide opportunities for fellowship and leadership development among the youth of the church. Adult Youth Leaders shall be selected and approved by the Board of Christian Education with input from the Youth Pastor and the Pastor. It shall select its goals and establish times and places of meetings, all in accord with the total church program.

D. American Baptist Girls/Boys - These groups shall provide opportunities for development of leadership among the young ladies/men of the church to prepare them to be responsible Christians. They shall elect their own officers, determine their goals and establish times and places of meetings, all being in accord with the total church program and the American Baptist Women’s/Men Ministries.

Section 13 The Church Advisory Council

There shall be an Advisory Council consisting of a maximum of nineteen (19) voting members (The Pastor and Youth Pastor are ex-officio members). Voting members include the following:

Moderator Pres. Amer. Bapt. Men Chairman/Deacons

Clerk Pres. Amer. Bapt. Women Chairman/Trustees

Treasurer Chairman/Ushers Chairman/Bd of Finance

SS Superintendent Chairman/Food Cmt Chairman/Flower Cmt

Chairman/Music Cmt Chairman/Nominating Cmt Chairman/Communion Cmt