(Adopted _____________)
Section 1. Name
The name of this corporation shall be ____________________ Baptist Church (“the Church”).
Section 2. Purpose
The Church is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Its purpose is to glorify God through:
1. Worship of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the lost.
3. Nurturing believers through discipleship, fellowship, and prayer.
4. Serving the community and the world in love and justice.
5. Sending and supporting missionaries in obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20).
The Church affirms the Holy Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God and adopts as a general statement of faith the Baptist Faith and Message (2000), or any successor document adopted by vote of the Church.
Section 1. Qualifications
Membership shall be open to any person who:
1. Has professed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Has been baptized by immersion as a believer.
3. Affirms the Church’s Statement of Faith and agrees to support its mission.
Section 2. Reception of Members
Members may be received by Baptism, Letter, or Statement of Faith.
Section 3. Responsibilities of Members
Members are expected to maintain a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, participate regularly in worship, fellowship, giving, and service, and seek to live a life consistent with biblical teaching.
Section 4. Termination of Membership
Membership may end by death, transfer, personal request, or discipline for conduct inconsistent with the Church’s faith after due process and restorative effort.
Section 1. Autonomy
The Church is autonomous and self-governing under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. No external authority controls its affairs.
Section 2. Congregational Authority
Final authority rests with the congregation at duly called meetings.
Section 3. Officers
The officers of the Church shall include Pastor, Deacons, Church Clerk, Treasurer, and other officers as deemed necessary.
The Pastor shall serve as the spiritual leader and overseer of the Church, responsible for preaching, teaching, administering ordinances, and leading the congregation.
A Pastor shall be called by at least a three-fourths (¾) majority vote of members present at a duly called meeting.
The Pastor shall serve for an indefinite term. Termination may occur by mutual agreement, resignation, or a congregational vote of two-thirds (⅔) majority.
Deacons assist the Pastor and minister to the congregation through service and support.
Deacons must meet the biblical standards of 1 Timothy 3:8–13.
They shall serve staggered terms of three (3) years, with one-third rotating off each year.
The Church Clerk maintains membership and minutes. The Treasurer manages finances and provides reports.
The Church may form ministry teams or committees (e.g., worship, missions, discipleship, finance) as needed.
The Church shall hold regular worship services each Lord’s Day and at other times as determined.
Regular business meetings shall be held quarterly. Special meetings may be called with one week’s notice.
A quorum shall consist of twenty-five percent (25%) of active members. Each active member aged sixteen (16) and above shall have one vote.
The Church operates as a nonprofit, supported by voluntary contributions. The congregation approves an annual budget.
Financial records shall be open to members and reviewed annually. No part of the income shall benefit any individual except for reasonable compensation.
Baptism symbolizes faith in Jesus Christ, administered by immersion.
The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s death and resurrection, open to all baptized believers.
The Church cooperates voluntarily with the local Baptist Association, the state convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention for missions, education, and fellowship—without compromising autonomy or doctrine.
In the event of dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Church:
1. The congregation shall determine by vote to dissolve the corporation.
2. All debts and obligations shall be satisfied.
3. Remaining assets and property shall be transferred to the local Baptist association (or its legal successor), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
4. No assets shall benefit any individual.
5. The transfer shall be consistent with the Church’s religious and charitable purposes.
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of members present and voting at a meeting, provided written notice has been given at least thirty (30) days in advance.
These bylaws were adopted by the congregation of ____________________ Baptist Church on this ___ day of __________, 20__.
__________________________ Church Clerk
__________________________ Pastor