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Bylaws - The Congregational Church in Limington
Limington, Maine - November 22, 1985 (Revised May, 2005)

Section 1 - Name - The name of this church is the Congregational Church in Limington. These bylaws are the expression in practice of the concepts and principles stated in the constitution of this church. They cannot take prominence over the constitution. The term “constitution” hereinafter refers to the constitution of the Congregational Church in Limington. The term “this church” hereinafter refers to the Congregational Church in Limington.

Section 2 - Purpose - The purpose of this church is realized as the members are led through the structure of this church to discover and develop the gifts God has given them, and to apply them by the power of God’s Spirit to the ministries of this church, whereby additional gifts may be discovered, developed, and deployed to the glory of God. The areas of ministry of this church include: the ministry of worship and prayer, the ministry of growth in grace, the ministry of mercy, the ministry of outreach, and the ministry of the congregational needs.

Section 1 - Usage - Since it is our doctrine that tells us who we are, and what our faith is built upon, it is important that it is woven into every part of our life, that we may know it, share it, and live closer to our God.

The use of our doctrine shall be divided into three categories: Training, instruction, and discipline

Section 2 - Training - The pastor and elders shall be trained in both the history of the Church

Universal and the doctrines of this church. The deacons and the director of education shall be familiar with all the doctrines of this church. The pastor and the elders shall give instruction such that candidates for those offices fulfill this requirement.

All candidates for teaching Sunday School, youth group, or a Bible study through this church shall be considered for approval by the pastor and the elders concerning their knowledge of the doctrines of this church so that the purity of the church is protected.

Instruction in teaching and evangelism shall be made available as the officers see the need.

Section 3 - Instruction - The pastor and elders have a responsibility for the growth of this church in knowledge and truth. They will see to it that both the history of the Church Universal and the doctrines of this church are taught in preaching, Sunday School classes and Bible studies. A church library shall be set up and made available to the congregation. In it shall be several translations of Scripture, a Bible concordance, Bible commentaries, a Bible dictionary, and an English dictionary, copies of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, the Cambridge Platform, books of church history, Christian living, missions and other educational and informational helps.

The elders shall have oversight as to the books included, and shall encourage the use of the library by the entire congregation.

All those considering communicant or voting membership in this church shall be instructed in our statement of faith. Acceptance of this statement shall be the only doctrinal requirement for such membership. Each time the sacraments are administered, instruction shall be given in the nature of these ordinances and in the responsibilities to God of those participating. Any member of this church intending to marry shall be counseled by the pastor or someone recommended by the elders as to their duties to God and to each other as taught in Scripture and outlined in our confession of faith. Such counseling shall take place at least one month before the ceremony to give the couple ample time for the consideration of their responsibilities. All those outside the church seeking to use this building for a marriage ceremony shall meet with the pastor or elders, who shall determine if the marriage is proper according to Scripture so that God’s name is not dishonored by the building’s use.

Section 4 - Discipline - All discipline administered by this church shall be carried out in the spirit of love, according to Matthew 18:15-17 and as stated in the doctrines of this church and according to these bylaws under Article III, Sections 7-10: Government.

Section 5 - Doctrinal Differences - Any member who disagrees with a doctrine of this church shall take as many of the following steps as necessary to resolve the difference.

First: He shall examine himself to see if his attitude is proper and if he is in the Spirit of the Lord.

Second: He shall prayerfully examine the Scriptures in a sincere attempt to know what God says.

Fourth: He shall take his disagreement to the elders and together they shall examine the Scriptures and the doctrines of this church.

Fifth: A congregational meeting shall be duly called to decide the doctrinal issue. The meeting called to decide a doctrinal issue shall be overseen by the elders, who shall call a representative from each viewpoint to present their positions, after which the elders shall present their position of the issue. The congregation shall then vote, by a simple majority to determine whether the difference is substantive, or of minor significance and therefore to be left to the dictates of Christian liberty. If the matter is considered substantive, the congregation shall then vote, by a simple majority, to determine of the Scriptures speak clearly to the issue, or if no definitive Scriptural position can be discovered, thereby leaving the matter to the dictates of Christian liberty

If the matter is determined by the congregation to be both substantive and clearly delineated in Scripture, the congregation shall then vote by a simple majority to determine the church’s understanding of the Scriptural position regarding the issue, which shall then become the church’s de facto position. This shall not become the official position of this church except by constitutional amendment.

Section 1 - Business Meetings - The fiscal year of this church is January 1 to December 31. There shall be two regular meetings of this church scheduled every year. The first is the regular spring meeting held on the second Saturday of May each year. The primary purpose of the regular spring meeting shall be to elect officers. The second regular meeting shall be the regular fall meeting held on the second Saturday in September each year. The primary purpose of the regular fall meeting shall be to hear reports of the church’s treasuries and committees and to adopt a budget. Other business may be heard and acted upon at either regular fall or spring meeting, if that business is on the agenda. The agenda for the regular meetings of this church shall consist of topics for discussion and a separate list of articles or persons to be voted upon at that meeting. The board of elders has the responsibility to publish the agenda, which shall consist of items agreed upon by the board of elders as well as items submitted to them from the congregation at least 21 days prior to the meeting, and bearing the signatures of five voting members of this church. On the two Sundays immediately preceding a regular meeting, the time and place of such a meeting shall be announced from the pulpit, and the agenda for the meeting shall be made available in the church on those days. Special meetings may be called by the board of elders, or by five voting members of this church by petition in writing to the board of elders. The agenda for special meetings shall consist of articles or items to be considered at the meeting. Additional business, which does not appear on the agenda, may not be discussed or voted upon. The board of elders has the responsibility to publish the agenda, which shall consist of items submitted to them from the congregation at least 21 days prior to the meeting, and bearing the signatures of five voting members of this church. The agenda for the special meetings shall be made available to the congregation in writing concurrently with an announcement from the pulpit the Sunday prior to the meeting.

The pastor shall be moderator of all church meetings, unless he steps down, either voluntarily, or by request of a majority of the voting members present. In the pastor’s absence the role of moderator shall fall to the vice moderator of the board of elders, next, to another elder chosen by the board of elders, next, to a deacon chosen by the board of deacons, next, to a voting member elected by a majority of a quorum of, twenty-five percent of the voting members of the church. In extraordinary circumstances a majority vote of a twenty-five percent quorum of the voting members of this church may elect an approved visitor as moderator. No business meeting of this church shall convene without a quorum of twenty-five percent of the voting members. Quorum requirements for amendments and election of officers differ, and are given under their respective articles, as well as in Appendix E. All voting members present and no others shall be counted for a quorum except for election of elders and deacons. Only voting and communicant members if this church and approved visitors have the right to be recognized at church meetings. Only those voting members present may vote except for the election of elders and deacons. The moderator may vote only to break a tie, and shall not be considered in the calculation of the quorum. Guests of this church may acquire approved visitor status by majority vote of the board of elders. This status is ordinarily granted only to friends of this church and to proposed members. This status is valid for a single, explicitly stated meeting only, and may be reinstated by subsequent votes of the board of elders.

Roberts Rules of Order shall be used to conduct all business meetings of this church.

Nominations for elective offices shall be submitted to the clerk at least six weeks prior to the regular spring meeting. Nominations can be made only by voting members of this church. They must be in writing and signed.
The elders shall interview each nominee at least three weeks prior to the elections, concerning his qualifications for the office, and the responsibilities of the office. The elders shall pray for each nominee, encouraging him to seek the Lord’s will in his decision to stand for election.
The nominees shall indicate in writing to the elders at least two weeks prior to the regular meeting whether or not they are willing to stand for election.
The elders shall announce from the pulpit the slate of officers as soon as it is established and shall call the congregation to a day of fasting and prayer regarding the election which day shall be the Sunday preceding the elections.

The elected officers of this church shall be: pastor, ruling elders, deacon, trustees, clerk, auditor, treasurer of the board of trustees, members-at-large of the board of education.
All the elected officers of this church, except the pastor, shall normally be elected at the regular spring meeting.
If an elder or a deacon vacates his office in mid-term, no election need be held until the next regular spring meeting.
However, the elders shall arrange an election for the office of elder or deacon at the written request of twenty-five percent of the congregation. Such an election shall be held not less than seven weeks nor more than ten weeks from the date the elders receive a petition requesting such an election signed by twenty-five percent of the congregation. The procedure for such an election shall be the same as that followed in the regular spring election of officers.
Any other elective office, except that of pastor, vacated in mid-term shall be filled by special election according to the standard procedure used for election to such an office. The term of office shall be the same as if elected at a regular spring meeting with the fractional year preceding the subsequent regular spring meeting considered as a full year. An election to fill such a vacated office shall be held not less than seven weeks nor more than nine weeks from the date the office is vacated.
In the absence of duly elected elders this church has complete authority to govern itself under its constitution and bylaws. This church, for its own well being, shall make every effort not to allow the office of elder to remain vacant for an extended period of time.

The appointed officers of this church shall be: director of education and church treasurer.
The church treasurer shall be appointed by the board of deacons from among their number.
All other church offices shall be filled by appointment of the board of elders, normally at the regular fall meeting.
Any appointed office vacated in mid-term shall be filled by the appointing board of that office within four weeks of the date the office is vacated. The term of office shall be the same as if appointed at a regular fall meeting with the fractional year preceding the subsequent regular fall meeting considered as a full year.
Appointments to church offices shall be announced from the pulpit during the morning worship services in the two Sundays immediately following such an appointment.

The pastor shall serve until his death, resignation, or removal from office. Elders and deacons, trustees and treasurer of the corporation shall be elected to a three-year term. They may serve two consecutive terms. Other elected officers shall be elected to a four-year term.
No man other than the pastor shall serve as an ordained officer of this church for more than six consecutive years, after which he must take a one- year sabbatical.
The term of appointed officers except treasurer shall expire at the end of each regular fall meeting. The terms of elected officers and church treasurer shall expire at the end of the regular spring meeting. All offices should be filled; non-ordained offices by one individual, ordained offices, other than pastor, by at least two men.
To remove an officer from office, at least ten percent of the congregation must sign a petition requesting such removal and stating their reasons for making the request. The petition shall be presented to the board of elders who shall arrange a meeting with the petitioners not more than two weeks from the receipt of said petition. At least one-half of the signatories must be present at the meeting, or the request shall be dismissed.
The elders shall discuss the petition with the petitioners, after which the petitioners shall vote whether or not to proceed with the removal. If one half of the petitioners present vote affirmatively, the elders shall meet with the officer in question within two weeks to discuss the matter with him. The elders shall arrange a meeting with the petitioners and the officer in question within three weeks of their interview with said officer. The officer must be present at the meeting, unless providentially detained, or he shall be removed from office. At least one-half of the petitioners must be present or the petition shall be dismissed.
The elders shall discuss with the officer and the petitioners the substance of the petition, at the conclusion of which the officer shall state whether or not he will resign. If he does not choose to resign, the petitioners shall vote whether or not to present the petition to the congregation to be voted upon. If a majority of those present vote affirmatively, the elders shall call a congregation meeting within three weeks to vote on the matter. Said meeting shall be announced during the worship service on the two Sundays immediately preceding the vote.
The quorum and majority needed for removal from an office shall be the same as that needed for election to that office. If the vote is in favor of removal, the officer shall immediately be removed from office.

Each member of this church has a responsibility to be involved in the discipline of every other member of this church. Discipline begins with instruction, encouragement, guidance, and correction. We must all help each other live our lives in a way that pleases and honors God. Each step in the disciplinary process must be done out of love for God and the offender, in gentleness and humility, and with a sincere desire to help restore the offender to a closer walk with God. If gentle, persistent, loving attempts to help a person renounce a habitual, scandalous, or weighty sin are met with indifference or rejection, the matter becomes a subject for more formal action.
Charges leading to the institution of formal discipline shall be brought only with extreme care. Persons making such a charge without sufficient basis may subject themselves to the admonition of the church. (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, and I Timothy 5:19)

When a member of this church gives serious offense to another member, the offender must acknowledge his repentance to the offended member who is to forgive him and the matter will be pursued no further. (Matthew 5:23-24)
If the offender neglects or refuses to repent then the offended member must go to the offender and admonish him privately. (Matthew 18:15) He shall forgive him if the admonition does lead to repentance and the matter will be pursued no further. If the offender still will not heed his brother’s pleadings, the offended member must select one or two others to accompany him to meet with the offender. (Matthew 18:16)

At that meeting, the offender shall be confronted with the offense in the presence of the witnesses. If he repents, or if the witnesses consider the accusation to be unfounded or the matter to be resolved, the issue shall be pursued no further. If there is no repentance forthcoming, and the witnesses consider the accusation legitimate, they shall take the matter to the board of elder, who shall hear the testimony of the witnesses and the offender. If repentance is forthcoming or if they consider the issue to be without merit, the matter shall be pursued no further. If the board of elders considers the accusation to be legitimate, and after counseling with the offender he refuses to repent, the board of elders shall call a special congregational meeting, at which all parties to the matter shall be present. After hearing all pertinent testimony, the church shall decide the matter by a majority vote. If the offender repents at the special meeting, or if the church judges the arguments of the elders as having no merit, then the matter is ended and shall be pursued no further.

If the church judges the arguments of the elders as having merit, then the board of elders shall counsel with the offender in an effort to bring him to repentance. If no repentance is forthcoming, the elders shall commence the dispensation of appropriate admonitions and censures, at their discretion, but within thirty days of the hearing. However, excommunication shall be invoked only upon a majority vote of the congregation. The text of the admonition and censure shall be posted in a public place within the church’s buildings.
An elder charge with a private offense shall not participate on the board of elders during the processing of the charge.

The board of elders, upon becoming aware of a serious public offense, shall immediately investigate the nature and circumstances of the offense. If the offense is of a more heinous and criminal nature, then the board of elders shall immediately take whatever censures are needed to protect the church and the honor of Christ. In either of the two circumstances above a special meeting of this church shall be held within three weeks of the time the elders become aware of the offense. The church shall decide the case by a majority vote after hearing the testimony of both the elders and the offender. If the church judges that the elders’ arguments have merit then the church must attempt to persuade the offender to repent. If repentance is not forthcoming within 15 days the board of elders shall administer a public rebuke and appropriate censures. If the church judges that the elders’ arguments have no merit in church discipline then the matter is ended and will be pursued no further.
In circumstances where an offender is from a different church the matter shall be investigated by the board of elders who shall refer the matter to the offender’s church leadership and shall act for the offended party in any church discipline proceedings by that church.

Non-communicant membership can be attained by those children having at least one parent as a member of this church. Such a child must then be presented before the congregation for baptism, according to Appendix A of these bylaws, thereby entering into non-communicant membership. Upon conversion, non-communicant members are expected to take steps to become communicant members.
Communicant membership shall be granted to professing Christians under the age of 18 years who have appeared before the elders for instruction in the statement of faith of this church, have been baptized, have appeared before the congregation where they have given a credible profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, have affirmed their intention to live a godly and pious life, and to bear the responsibilities of membership.
Voting membership shall be granted to professing Christians 18 years of age or older who have appeared before the elders for instruction in the doctrine of this church, have given a credible profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, have affirmed their intention to live a godly and pious life, have taken the vows of membership (Appendix D) and have been received into membership by a majority vote of the congregation of this church.
Incoming members shall be provided by the elders with information regarding the ministries and government of this church.

Non-communicant members are expected to obey their parents in the Lord, as well as the adult members of this church. Their parents in the Lord are expected to be good examples as they instruct, discipline, and encourage them in their spiritual activity. (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Communicant members have all the responsibilities of non-communicant members. They are also expected to be active in the church: to make themselves and their gifts available for the work of the church, to pray regularly with and for the church, to be involved in the church programs as they are able, and to support and encourage their fellow church members.
Voting members have all the responsibilities of communicant members. They are also responsible to become knowledgeable about church issues, affairs, and candidates, to offer their insights and wisdom at church meetings, and to be present and vote at church elections.

Moving from the local church - Letters of dismissal to evangelical churches, valid for one year, shall be granted by an elder upon request to a member not under formal discipline. Moving members will be aided by the elders in locating an evangelical church.
Age – Non-communicant and communicant members who have not become voting members by their 22nd birthday shall be contacted, if possible, by the elders, and counseled regarding their relationship with the Lord and with His church. If they cannot be contacted, or if they do not become voting members by their 23rd birthday, the elders shall remove them from membership.
Inactivity – Each year following the regular spring meeting the board of elders shall review the church membership roll to determine those members who have been regularly absent from worship services during the previous year. If after personal consultation and counseling with these members (if reasonably practicable), they indicate no desire to fulfill their obligations as members, then the elders shall consider the following steps toward their removal from membership:

The institution of formal disciplinary procedures.
In the case of a communicant member, removal from membership by action of the board of elders.
In the case of a voting member, a recommendation that the congregation vote to remove them from membership.
Excommunication – The circumstances leading to excommunication are detailed in these bylaws: Article III, Section 7, 8 and 9.
Death

The ordained officers of this church shall be: pastor; ruling elders; and deacons.
The non-ordained officers of this church shall be: clerk, auditor, trustees, treasurer of the corporation, treasurer of the church, and director of education.
Other offices may be established as the need arises.
The board of elders may establish an office and appoint an officer to fill it, which act must be announced from the pulpit at Sunday morning service the two subsequent Sundays after the appointment.
At the next regular fall meeting the congregation must vote to either continue the office for one year until the next regular fall meeting, establish the office as a continuing part of the church, or discontinue the office.
The permanent offices of this church are: pastor, ruling elder, deacon, clerk, auditor, trustee, treasurer if the church, and director of education.
All other offices are temporary and must be confirmed by the congregation at the expiration of each term, or the office shall be discontinued.

The elders shall regularly visit the members of his church and their families, especially those who are sick, or invalid, or shut in. Each member of the congregation shall be visited by an elder annually.
The elders shall counsel and advise members of this church as needed, especially in spiritual matters.
The elders shall pray for the members of this church regularly and diligently. They shall become knowledgeable about the members of this church, their lives, their work, their families, and their gifts, so that the prayers and counsel they offer may be informed and germane.
The elders shall encourage the members of this church to discover and develop their gifts, and assist and advise them in using their gifts for God’s glory.

The elders shall endeavor, by God’s grace, to live lives of piety and reverence. They shall be faithful in their attendance, support and participation in church functions and meetings. They shall greet church visitors cheerfully. They shall be regular in prayer and study. They shall be zealous to encourage and support the flock, with a kind word and a gentle touch, firm direction and godly counsel. They shall treat their wives and children with love and respect, and see they are instructed in the ways of the Lord. They shall see that their children obey them and respect them. They shall be ready to confess their sins without hesitation and to ask for forgiveness when necessary. They shall be quick to forgive and eager to be reconciled to those they have offended or that have offended them. They shall be temperate in food and drink. In all things they shall strive to show forth the grace of God in their lives.

The elders of this church shall provide for the education of the flock in all areas of Christian life. They shall assess the needs and desires of the congregation regarding education in the areas of marriage, finance, child rearing, and in all other appropriate subjects. Together with the director of education, they shall make such instruction available.
The elders shall provide suitable instruction for those considering membership, church office, a teaching position, or marriage. Because church membership is the biblical standard for God’s people, the elders shall strongly encourage those who worship regularly with this church to become members of this church.
The elders shall take advantage of informal encounters to instruct the flock in doctrine and godly living so that the integration of faith and life may be clearly seen.
The elders shall encourage all parents in this church to instruct their children in the ways of the Lord especially through the catechism of the church. The elders shall make available to the parents Christian books, recordings, and other material to assist them in this endeavor.

The elders shall examine and evaluate all films, seminars, books, recordings, speakers, and any other material used in preaching to or teaching of the flock. No presentation shall be made at any activity under the administration of this church without prior approval of the board of elders.
The elders shall advise the pastor in his selection of appropriate topics and texts for sermons, although he shall be given the freedom to prepare and deliver his sermons according to his own style and perspective. Elders shall be sensitive to the needs of the flock, so that they may provide informed assistance to the pastor in his teaching ministry.
The elders shall consult with the pastor concerning any of his teachings that are contrary to the doctrinal standards of this church. If he persists, he may be barred from access to the pulpit by a majority vote of the board of elders. Such a vote shall automatically call for a congregational meeting within ten days to consider the matter, at which meeting the congregation shall decide how to proceed.
The elders shall monitor the activities of all organizations and groups affiliated with this church to ensure that they are being properly conducted, are keeping adequate records, and that they comply with the standards of this church, that they reflect a commitment to Christ and the Scriptures, and that they reflect positively on the ministry of this church in the community.
The elders shall examine and evaluate all teaching materials used in the programs of this church, including Bible studies, youth organizations, and Sunday school classes. The approval of the elders is required before any teaching may be used.
The elders shall examine and evaluate all prospective teachers regarding their suitability for the position. The approval of the elders is necessary before an individual may take a position in the church involving teaching.
The elders shall be alert to unhealthy and dangerous influences in the community, and warn the flock against them.

The elders shall examine and evaluate all prospective members and shall make recommendations to the congregation regarding their readiness for membership.
The elders shall examine and evaluate all prospective officers, and shall make recommendations to the congregation regarding their suitability for office.
The elders shall provide continual oversight of all groups, organizations, teachers, and officers of this church: advising, teaching, encouraging, and praying for them. They shall also assist them in developing and maintaining proper records, policies, and procedures. The elders shall provide continual oversight of all programs of this church, developing and initiating new programs as needs become evident, evaluating current programs as to their propriety and effectiveness, and eliminating old programs as needs change. Any such program changes shall be reviewed by the congregation at the subsequent regular fall meeting to be either sustained or nullified.
The elders shall provide letters of transfer to members so requesting, who are not under formal discipline.
The elders shall call the congregation together for worship and business meetings. They shall determine the time and location of all meetings of this church, including worship and Sunday school. They shall determine the order of worship. They shall also see to the keeping of church records.
The elders shall administer the sacraments of the church (Appendix A).

The board of deacons shall be responsible for the material aspects of the ministry of this church, including arrangements for worship and administration of the sacraments.
They shall oversee the maintenance of all church property, including, but not limited to: the parsonage and grounds, the church building and grounds, and the church equipment and supplies.
Twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall, the deacons shall organize a workday. The entire congregation will be encouraged to participate in the cleaning, painting, repair, and maintenance of the church buildings, grounds and equipment.
They shall oversee disbursement of the funds of the church as directed by the congregation through the annual church budget. Any expenditure for a single item totaling more than $1000.00, not specifically mentioned in the budget, or any expenditure beyond that which is included in the budget, must be authorized by the congregation.
Any expenditure for a single item totaling more than $200.00, not specifically mentioned in the budget, must be authorized by the board of deacons. Other expenditures may be administered directly through the treasurer under the general oversight of the deacons.
They shall be responsible for the material outreach of this church.
They shall investigate and evaluate all missionaries with whom we may be involved.
They shall oversee the disbursement of funds to missionaries both domestic and foreign.
They shall investigate and evaluate all opportunities for material ministry in the community.
The deacons shall examine annually the financial records of all organizations and groups affiliated with this church. They shall provide training in the institution and maintenance of proper financial procedures and records.
Election to office of deacon constitutes election to the board of trustees of the corporation of this church.

The pastor of this church shall discharge all the duties of a ruling elder. He shall also discharge those duties of a teaching elder, listed below, that are peculiar to his office.
The pastor shall prepare and deliver a sermon during the morning worship service each week, except: as providentially detained through illness or circumstances, during his vacation, or as special guest preachers are scheduled.
The pastor shall take leadership and general oversight of the morning worship service and the evening service, although he may delegate specific functions to members and guests as seems appropriate.
The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and boards of this church.
The pastor shall moderate all congregational meetings of this church according to Article III, Section 1, Paragraph 5 of these bylaws. The pastor shall moderate all meetings of the board of elders of this church. In his absence the senior active elder shall serve as moderator. The moderator may vote only to break a tie.

The director of education shall be responsible for the administration of all educational ministries of this church, including, but not limited to: the Sunday school program, youth programs, Bible classes, membership classes, officer training, and special seminars and conferences.
He shall recruit and provide training for Sunday school teachers, including substitutes, youth group leaders, and other teachers and supervisors as needed.
In conjunction with the deacons, he shall arrange for adequate facilities, supplies, and equipment for the various educational ministries of this church.
In conjunction with the elders, he shall review all instructional material to be used in any educational ministry of this church, which must receive his approval prior to use.

The elders shall appoint the time and place for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which shall be done at least once a month. Notice shall be given to the congregation, a week prior to the administration of this sacrament, with instructions on preparing for it.
The Lord’s Supper shall always be preceded by the preaching of the Word. Afterwards, the words of institution shall be read, either from one of the accounts in the Gospels or from I Corinthians 11. The table shall be fenced, instructing all those present to examine themselves, inviting those professing the true faith and having confessed their sin to participate, and warning those who have not committed their lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to refrain from participation.
The elders shall oversee the distribution of the elements, ensuring that it is done decently and in order, making sure that any suspended from the table for disciplinary reasons do not participate. They shall also see to the proper disposition of the elements following the service.

The elders shall examine parents requesting the baptism of their children to determine their commitment to Christ and to rearing their child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. At least one parent of the child must be a professing Christian and both parents must give assent to the baptism. The elders shall instruct the parents in the meaning and obligation of baptism, and on the godly instruction of children in a Christian home. Because baptism is the biblical standard for the infant children of God’s people, the elders shall strongly encourage members to have their children baptized. Children to be baptized shall be presented with their parent(s) before the congregation. The elder shall instruct those present regarding the institution, nature, use and end of this sacrament. In the case of the baptism of an infant the elder shall read the covenant promises such as those found in: Acts 2:39, Genesis 17:7, and Acts 16:31.
An elder shall then propose the following questions:

Do you acknowledge your child’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?
Do you claim God’s covenant promises in (his) behalf, and do you look with faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for (his) salvation, as you do for your own?
Do you now unreservedly dedicate yourself to God, and promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before (him) a godly example, that you will pray with and for (him), that you will teach (him) the doctrines of our holy religion, and that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring (him) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?
To the congregation: Do you, as a congregation, undertake the responsibility of assisting the parents on the Christian nurture of this child?

Then an elder will pray for a blessing to attend this ordinance, after which, calling the child by name, he shall say: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
As he pronounced these words, he will baptize the child with water, by pouring or sprinkling it on the head of the child, and will then conclude with a prayer.
Those requesting baptism based on a profession of faith shall be examined by the elders to determine whether proper grounds for such a baptism exist. The elders having been satisfied, shall present the candidate to the congregation asking him to answer to the following questions:

Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving his displeasure, and without hope, save in His sovereign mercy?
Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the gospel?
Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?
Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the Church, and will you endeavor to maintain its purity and peace?

Then an elder will pray for a blessing to attend this ordinance, after which, calling the person by name, he shall say: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
As he pronounces these words, he will baptize the person with water by pouring or sprinkling it, or by immersion of the person and will then conclude with prayer.

The elders shall administer the ordination of the elders and deacons of this church, duly elected by the congregation and shall set the time and place for such ordination.
On the day of ordination the board of elders shall convene in the presence of the congregation, and a sermon shall be preached after which the presiding elder shall state in a concise manner the warrant and nature of office of ruling elder, or deacon, together with the character proper to be sustained and the duties to be fulfilled. Having done this, he shall propose to the candidate, in the presence of the church, the following questions, namely:

Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as originally given, to be the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?
Do you sincerely receive and adopt the confession of faith and the catechisms of this church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further promise that if at any time you find yourself out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine, you will, on your own initiative, make known to this church the change which has taken place in your views since the assumption of this ordination vow?
Do you approve of the form of government and discipline of this church as being in conformity with the general principles of Biblical polity?
Do you accept the office ruling elder (or deacon, as the case may be), in this church and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof, and to endeavor by the grace of God to adorn the profession of the gospel in your life, and to set a worthy example before the church of which God has made you an officer?
Do you promise subjection to your brothers in the Lord?
Do you promise to strive for the purity, peace, and unity of the church?

The ruling elder or deacon elect having answered in the affirmative, an elder shall address to the members of the church the following questions:

Do you, the members of this church, acknowledge and receive this brother as a ruling elder (or deacon), and do you promise to yield him all that honor, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord to which his office entitles him, according to the Word of God and the constitution of this church?
The members of the church having answered this question in the affirmative, by show of hands, an elder shall proceed to set apart the candidate, with prayer and the laying on of the hands of the board of elders, to the office of ruling elder (or deacon). Prayer being ended, the members of the board of elders (and the deacons, if the case be that of a deacon), shall take the newly ordained officer by the hand, saying in words to this effect: “We give you the right hand of fellowship, to take part in this office with us.” The elder shall then say: “I now pronounce and declare that ____________________________ has been regularly elected, ordained, and installed a ruling elder (or deacon) in this church, agreeable to the Word of God, and according to the constitution of this church, and that as such he is entitled to all encouragement, honor, and obedience in the Lord: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” After which he shall give to the ruling elder (or deacon) and to the church an exhortation suited to the occasion. Amen.

The elders of this church shall call a congregational meeting within ten days of the death, resignation, or removal of the current pastor. At this meeting a pulpit committee shall be elected by the congregation. The pulpit committee shall consist of one elder, one deacon, and three other voting members of this church. The elder shall convene the first meeting of the committee within 15 days of its formulation, at which time the committee shall elect a chairman and secretary from among its members.
The responsibilities of the pulpit committee are as follows:

Adopt a salary package range, vacation time, sick time, health insurance and other personal items as needed.
Adopt a committee budget and guidelines for expenditures in the following areas: clerical, travel, postage, telephone, etc.
Develop and adopt a descriptive statement of this church to be sent out to all candidates. As a minimum the following must be included in the statement:

Constitution and bylaws
Current membership list
Current attendance at all weekly services
History of this church
Estimate of growth potential
Physical description of the area

Develop a list of sources for potential candidates.
Develop a list of qualified candidates of no fewer than six men.
Request of each candidate the following minimum information:

An autobiographical and professional resume
A personal theological statement
Four current references; two personal and two professional

Develop a list if questions to be used in evaluating the candidates. At the minimum there should be questions on the purpose of the church (local and universal), the role of the pastor, as well as his wife and family, his position regarding local cultural situations, and questions on the degree of commitment needed to be a pastor in a local, rural church. Answers to the questions should be scored numerically in order to rule out bias.
The committee shall eliminate candidates for reasonable cause and must make their decision known to the candidate in question within one week.
The committee shall interview each man under final consideration either in person or by telephone. They shall also hear him preach at least one sermon, either in person or on tape or videocassette.
The committee shall select one man to candidate formally for the pulpit ministry of this church. The man, along with his wife, shall be invited to spend a minimum of four days, including a Sunday in which he preaches a sermon at this church. The schedule is to be planned so that the maximum number of members of this church has an opportunity to meet this candidate.

A pastor shall not be called to serve this church except by congregational approval at a meeting called for this purpose. Such a meeting must be held within ten days of the candidating sermon. A quorum for this meeting shall consist of fifty percent of all voting members of this church and the majority needed for election shall be seventy-five percent on the first ballot.
If the vote is affirmative, the candidate shall be formally notified by the chairman of the pulpit committee within one week. The candidate shall be expected to reply in writing within seven days of his notification.
If the vote is negative, the candidate shall be formally notified within one week by the chairman of the pulpit committee. The pulpit committee shall return to its work immediately and may reconsider those candidates previously considered.

Do you believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the Word of God, and its doctrine of salvation to be the perfect and only true doctrine of salvation?
Do you confess that because you abhor your sinfulness, you humble yourself before God, and that you trust for salvation not in yourself but in the Lord Jesus Christ alone?
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord and do you promise, in reliance on the grace of God, to serve Him with all that is in you, to forsake the world, to mortify your sinful nature, and to lead a godly life?
Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?
Do you pledge to share in the regular function and financial responsibilities of this church according to your individual ability?