Constitution (28) Updated 01/28/17 12:27 PM
CONSTITUTION FOR THE WALNUT CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
12062 North Lamar Boulevard Austin, Texas 78753
(Note: This copy of the constitution has been gleaned from an original copy found in 2011
and updated with a copy found by Bill Buford in 2013-05)
The object of this organization shall be the worship of the Almighty God according to the teaching of the Word of God, to practice the precepts and examples of the church of our Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament, and to sustain ordinances and doctrines, and to preach and propagate among all people the Gospel of God's salvation by personal faith in Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Lord.
ARTICLE 1: NAME
This corporation shall be know as the Walnut Creek Baptist Church, Austin, Texas
ARTICLE 2: OBJECT
The object of this organization shall be the worship of the Almighty God according to the teachings of the Word of God, to practice the precepts and examples of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament, and to sustain ordinances and doctrines, and to preach and propagate among all people the Gospel of God’s salvation by personal faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord.
ARTICLE 3: POLICY AND DOCTRINE
SECTION I: Government
The government of this Church shall be vested solely in the body of the believers who compose it as an autonomous group. It shall be subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but shall recognize and sustain the obligations of mutual consent and cooperation which are common among Baptist Churches.
SECTION II: Adopt standards and qualifications
The Church may adopt its own standards and qualifications and various auxiliaries, organizations and committees, as it may deem just and proper, consistent, however, with the principles and standards as reflected by the Word of God.
SECTION III: Member Responsibility
Every member of the Church who holds an office of responsibility in any phase of church life and activity shall be responsible to the Church and will hold the office only by the will of the Church and subject always to the vote of the Church; tenure of office shall be subject always to the will of the Church.
SECTION IV: Denominational Cooperation
As far as may be consistent with the principles and teaching of God's Word, this Church shall cooperate with and have representation in the denominational causes sponsored by Southern Baptists, including the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Austin Baptist Association, and other affiliated auxiliaries and causes of Baptist Churches of the City, County, State, Nation, and World. As many messengers or representatives as may be allowed this Church at any such convention, meeting or council, shall be elected by the Church at any regular meetings of the Church for worship or monthly conferences. Messengers or representatives shall represent our Church and shall enjoy privileges afforded them at such conventions or religious meetings. The Pastor at all times represents the Church at any such conventions or religious meetings, but cannot speak authoritatively unless such power has been given him previously by vote of the Church; it is a part of the duty and obligations of the Pastor to represent this Church in the promotion of Christ's Kingdom at all such meetings.
SECTION V: Doctrine of this Church
As to the Doctrine of this Church, in matters of faith and practice.
It shall receive the Scriptures as its authority It shall adopt articles of faith and a Church
Covenant as printed below, which shall be in essential accord with the belief of Baptist Churches, which shall reflect the true understanding of Christian truth as contained in the Divinely inspired word of God.
Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and, profession of our faith, having been baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, to the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other Church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
ARTICLE 4: RECEPTION AND RECOMMENDATION OF MEMBERS
SECTION I: Personal Faith
Any person confessing personal faith in the Lord Jesus, giving evidence of a regenerate heart and adopting the Covenant, and the views of faith and practice held by the Church, after being baptized, will be admitted into the fellowship and membership of the Church.
SECTION II: Previously Baptized
Those who have been baptized upon profession of faith, but who, in consequence of peculiar circumstances have no regular letter of recommendation, may be received into membership if they give satisfactory evidence of a regenerate heart, Christian conduct and scriptural faith. (NOTE: The word BAPTIZED is always used as meaning immersion in water).
SECTION III: Other Baptist Church Membership
Members from other regular Baptist Churches, holding the same faith, may be received into membership by letter of recommendation from their respective Churches.
SECTION IV: Erased From Church Roll
Any member whose name has been erased from the Church roll or who has been excluded from Church membership, may be restored by request, upon confession of any error committed, or giving satisfactory evidence to the Church of having maintained a Christian character.
SECTION V: Letter of Recommendation
No letter of recommendation will be granted to any individual, since it is a CHURCH LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from one church to another, for this Church cannot conscientiously recommend such practice since it would encourage unenlisted and unnurtured Baptists.
ARTICLE 5: CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND PROMOTION
SECTION I: Pastor
The Pastor is the under shepherd of Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, and thus the Pastor holds the primary responsibility to Jesus Christ for the Church in the realm of activity and the Kingdom’s promotion.
SECTION II: Duties of Pastor
The duties of the Pastor are four-fold: as Preacher, to teach the Gospel; as Bishop, to superintend the work of the Church; as Pastor. to counsel and shepherd the flock; as Minister, to serve the people for Jesus Christ's sake.
SECTION III: Office and Paid Staff
The Pastor is responsible to the Church for the PAID STAFF as to their efficiency and responsibilities.
SECTION IV Deacons and Their Responsibilities
There shall be an active group of Deacons consisting of the necessary number of qualified members, each of whom shall be an active member of the Church and able to participate in the affairs of the Church. Additional deacons may be elected at the will of the Church as the need may arise.
It shall be pertinent for the Church to promote to honorary life membership any Deacon who by reason of age or infirmities shall, after honorable service, be no longer able to render active service.
The Deacons have the authority to present to the Church, the name or names of those to be elected to serve as Deacons.
(See Article V, Section K, ORDINATION AND LICENSING COMMITTEE for procedure).
In electing Deacons, the Church shall elect men who are honorable, who are true servants of God, and who conform with the meaning of the Word and practice of the New Testament as reflected by the principles set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13. They shall be servants of the Church, and zealous to guard the unity of the spirit within the Church in the bonds of peace.
They shall be men who are willing to serve in such capacity, who are fully conscious of the Divine purpose and duties of the work of the deacons when needed, serving at all times as the counsel of advice in conference with the Pastor on all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Church and its members.
They shall seek to know the moral, physical, and spiritual needs and burdens of the members of the Church, and shall serve the whole Church in relieving, encouraging and developing all who are in such need.
They shall lead the members of the Church in the spiritual stewardship of their lives, talents and tithes.
They shall serve at the Lord's Table.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
In the event of illness, temporary absence, death or resignation of the Pastor, they shall care for the supply of the pulpit until a pulpit committee shall have been chosen by the church.
They shall hold meetings monthly or more often to transact such business as pertains to their office and to make recommendations to the Church for approval.
They shall assist the Pastor in being responsible for the sick of the membership.
They shall visit new members, seeking to be a brother and constant source of strength to them. The new member should at all time have faith in and be eager to call upon the deacon or deacons for any kind of watchcare.
They shall be in charge of church benevolence and if necessary have a financial account for the help of the needy.
They shall lead the Church to be mission-minded and feel free to be a missionary in the activity of carrying the gospel to groups or communities of people that need a Church or such spiritual care.
They shall lead the member of the church in the spiritual stewardship of their lives, talents and tithes.
They shall serve the Lord’s Table
SECTION V: Trustees
To serve as the legal committee of the Church.
On the authority of the Church, to be responsible for executing deeds, notes contracts and other legal documents, and to be responsible for consummating and fulfilling the obligations attached thereto:
Lead the Church in the acquisition and purchase of real estate.
Be responsible for selling any Church equipment no longer needed by the Church.
Be responsible for purchasing and administering all the Church insurance as directed by the Church.
To project an annual budget encompassing debt retirement and insurance and submitting it to the Finance Committee.
SECTION VI: Church Council -
The Church Council shall be the primary planning and promotional body for the integration of the total Church program.
The Council shall be composed of: Pastor, Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, Training Union Director, Woman's Missionary Union President, Treasurer, Brotherhood President, President of the Youth Council, Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, Church Clerk, Chairman of the Ushers, Layman-Moderator, and Music Director.
The Council Members shall meet on the last Sunday of each month to promote the work and integrate all Church activities.
Any member of the Council that is absent without cause or deliberately at the regular monthly meeting for three (3) months in succession or does not have a representative to speak on his behalf automatically by such conduct of indifference to the Lord's work, offers his resignation. The Council shall be then charged with the responsibility of appointing one to fill the vacancy. This appointment presented to the Church for approval shall be presented at a regular business meeting by the secretary of the Church Council.
Each Committee shall be responsible to the Church for all activities within the designated phase and area of responsibility that is so outlined and specified by this document.
The Chairman of each committee and appointed head of each organization shall be ready to give a report to the Church at the regular Church Conference. The committee or organization shall then proceed as the Church authorizes. These reports may be requested by any of the Church or by the Pastor.
The Pastor shall serve as Moderator of the Council. If the Pastor is absent, the Layman-Moderator shall preside. In the absence of the Pastor and the Layman-Moderator, the Chairman of Deacons shall preside.
DUTIES SPECIFIED:
The Church Council shall serve the Church, in the realm of promoting only. It has no authority except that which is given by the Church, being outlined and specified in this document.
The Church Council shall integrate all Church activity. Each Committee or member will clear through the Council before presenting anything to the Church for authorization.
The Church Council shall appoint these committees:
SECTION V: Annual Nominating Committee:
A committee of three shall be appointed by the Council. Each person appointed must be approved by the Church. If the Church does not approve all of the Committee (They shall be voted on separately), the Council shall to appoint until the Church approves.
The committee of three, approved by the Church, shall nominate the Sunday School Superintendent and the Training Union Director. Those elected by the W.M.U. and the Brotherhood as their President respectively, shall become a part of this committee. If these nominations carry, these four shall complete the committee of seven for nomination of all Church officers to the Church for the fiscal year.
SECTION VII: Annual Committees and Their Duties
BAPTISM COMMITTEE
To assist the Pastor in helping baptismal candidates prepare for the ordinance of baptism.
To prepare baptistery, including properly heated water, robes. They shall assist the candidates in their personal preparation for baptism.
To be responsible for the purchase, maintenance, and upkeep of all equipment necessary to baptize candidates.
To submit a detailed budget each year to the Building and Grounds Committee, requesting equipment needs for the coming year.
BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE
To be responsible to the Church for providing to the families of our Church, and others deemed worthy, during time of severe sickness and/or death.
To arrange and plan necessary meals.
To wait upon families who are not members of our Church, but who may live in our community or who are related to our Church in some manner, only as they deem proper.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
To be responsible to the Church for all visionary planning, raising of money to build, and the construction of and equipping of the proper building for the housing of the Church in its worship and its educational and other needs.
To be responsible for the maintenance of all Church-owned real property and improvements.
To be responsible for the purchase of all new Church and office equipment approved in the annual Church budget.
To submit an annual detailed budget for maintenance, utilities, and
new equipment to the Finance Committee. Included in this budget will
be the requests for all other areas of our Church ministry for equipment, including requests from: Baptism Committee, Lord's Supper Committee, Music Committee, Social Committee, Usher Committee, and Church Staff.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE
To be responsible for care and maintenance of Walnut Creek Baptist Church Cemetery and all that pertains to the Cemetery Trust.
To secure and maintain a trust fund to provide for perpetual care for the cemetery. Not in Bills copy
Need to add the relationship between the church and the cemetery
COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
To nominate annually all Standing Committee members and Special Church groups, and appoint the chairman of all standing Committees and Special Church groups.
To replace any committee members who move from Walnut Creek Baptist Church and/or who are inactive for one year on their respective committees.
To nominate special committees as the need arises
Ordination and License Committee
Pulpit Committee
Evangelism Committee
EVANGELISM COMMITTEE
To promote evangelism as the heart and motive of the total Church program.
To assist the Pastor in securing evangelists for evangelistic campaigns.
To cooperate with other committees in the promotion of and the provision for evangelistic campaigns.
To promote an atmosphere of soul-winning by example and influence.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
To be responsible for the supervision and promotion of the Church's financial activities and programs. This committee shall be responsible to the Church to be the Comptroller of the Church and thus to be responsible for seeing that all Church funds are spent as outlined in the Church budget, and approved by the Church or by special approval in Church Conference.
To constitute the Budget Planning Committee which will receive requests from all areas of our Church. The Budget Planning Committee shall be composed of the Church Council and Chairman of Committee on Committees. When the budget has been received, compiled, adjusted and approved by the Finance Committee, it shall be submitted to the Deacon body and then to the Church for final discussion and approval.
To know at all times the financial condition of the Church.
To lead the Church in special emphasis of fund-raising. Whenever necessary the Finance Committee may appoint sub-committees, outside their own committee members, to handle special stewardship campaigns and special Church offerings.
To be thoroughly acquainted with the Church budget.
To approve, reject, or postpone purchase orders, and give reasons for rejection or postponement of purchase orders.
To assist in stewardship training of entire membership, and to provide tracts on stewardship.
To promote the budget throughout the year.
To make decisions of payment of bills when called upon by Treasurer.
To supervise care of all offerings, counting, depositing, recording, and reporting.
To keep an accurate record of all expenditures, and submit monthly financial reports to the Church.
FLOWER COMMITTEE
To be responsible for providing floral arrangements in the Church auditorium and in other portions of the buildings as the Church indicates.
To provide flowers for preaching service, special services, Church-wide banquets. To arrange for flowers for Church members who are ill in the hospital and for funeral wreaths for Church members.
To submit budget to Finance Committee.
LORD'S SUPPER COMMITTEE
To prepare the elements to be used in the serving of the Lord's Supper and care for the necessary service equipment used periodically in the observance of the ordinance.
To submit equipment requests to the Building and Grounds Committee.
The committee shall prepare an annual list of equipment needs to be given to the Building and Grounds Committee who will incorporate it their annual equipment request.
To provide a sufficient number of bread and cup trays to care adequately for the congregation.
To provide an attractive and serviceable container to be used in filling the individual cups in preparation of the Lord's Supper.
To provide two white cloths for covering the service set on the Lord's Supper Table.
Following each observance of the ordinance, to see that cups and trays, as well as linens used, are carefully cleaned and stored.
To see that the Lord's Supper Equipment is kept clean and neat.
MUSIC COMMITTEE
To help the Minister of Music in planning, promoting and supervising the total Church ~fusic Ministry.
To work closely with the Minister of Music coordinating the activities, projects, and programs of the Music Ministry.
To be responsible for making policy decisions concerning the activities, projects, and programs of the Music Ministry.
To formulate and recommend the annual Music Ministry Budget to the Building and Grounds Committee.
To make recommendations to the Personnel Committee concerning personnel changes and policies in the Music Ministry.
To project and recommend equipment and property needs of the Music Ministry to the Building and Grounds Committee.
ORDINATION AND LICENSING COMMITTEE
To be responsible for investigating and recommending to the Church the licensing and ordaining of the ministers of the Gospel, and the ordination of deacons.
To recommend to the Deacon Body men suitable to be ordained as Deacons.
To use the following procedure in ordaining new Deacons:
The Committee on Committees will make recommendations for for planning and supervising all The Church Hostess shall be chair- new Deacons.
The Ordination and Licensing Committee will carefully evaluate the names submitted.
The rule of judging prospective Deacons will be the scriptural requirements set forth in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:1-13.
After prayer, investigation, and deliberation, the committee will recommend the desired number of prospective new Deacons to the present Deacon body for approval.
The men approved by the Deacon Body will be recommended to the Church.
Upon approval by the Church the Deacon prospects will be ordained.
Members to visit Deacons who transfer to Walnut Creek Baptist Church and inform them regarding our standards for Deacon service. If mutually agreeable to the committee, the Deacon's name will be presented to the Walnut Creek Baptist Church Deacon Body, and then to the Church. If elected by the Church, they will become active members of Walnut Creek Baptist Church's Deacon Body.
To seek to inform the youth of Walnut Creek Baptist Church regarding the opportunities for Christian vocational service. The committee will do everything possible to encourage our youth who have committed their lives to Christian vocational service.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
To assist the Pastor and Church in matters related to personnel administration and management. The assigned areas include such areas as employment, salaries, benefits and personal services.
To be responsible for recruiting, interviewing and recommending to the Church all staff members except the Pastor. These staff members will be called upon the approval of the Church.
To be responsible for recommending all Church personnel salaries to the Finance Committee.
To formulate policies relative to vacation, holidays, sick leave, for Church employees. To continually study such items as retirement, pension plans, Social Security, hospitalization, insurance, vacation. holidays, etc.
To render decisions pertaining to the Church staff work-day and work-week.
To serve as the committee to which any grievance regarding Church employees is referred.
PULPIT COMMITTEE
To be composed of five (5) persons, nominated by the Committee on Committees, who must meet individual approval of the Church and whose duties shall be to invite ministers to come before the Church in view of a Pastoral call.
To have a supply of ministers for each of the regular Church services when the Church is without a minister.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
To be responsible to the Church Church-Wide social activities. man of this committee.
To work in cooperation with the Church Staff in all Church-Wide Social activities.
To arrange and supervise lodging and meals for guest evangelists, singers, and other workers here at the invitation of the Church.
To supervise the kitchen and dining rooms and provide for their care and upkeep. To work in conjunction with our Church leadership in hosting guests visiting our Church.
To supervise, in consultation with the Church Hostess, the selection and preparation of all meals in which the Church is involved financially.
To approve all purchases of kitchen and dining room supplies.
To submit an annual budget to the Building and Grounds Committee for food preparation, kitchen help, and kitchen and dining room equipment.
To formulate policies for the use of kitchen and dining room facilities.
To do everything possible to meet the needs of guests visiting our Church.
15) STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
To lead the Church in a stewardship emphasis during the month of October or November each year, or as recommended by the Church.
To work with the Pastor in planning and executing stewardship drive and testimonies for the Church.
16) USHER COMMITTEE
To be responsible to the Church for the general conduct, seaging arrangements, ventilation, and order in all worship services. To be responsible for securing ushers to help during all the Church worship services.
To serve as a fellowship group in greeting and welcoming all who come to the Church for worship.
To arrange the best possible seating of the congregation of all the worship services.
To adjust and adapt heat and ventilation to the needs of the congregation.
To be ready and available at all times during worship services to meet any emergencies which may arise, such as accidents, sudden illness, and misbehaviour.
To train the Church ushers.
To be certain that the speaker system is properly operating and is being controlled during the service.
To appoint and supervise activity of small committee to patrol the Church buildings and parking lots during Church services, Sunday School, and Training Union, for the purpose of maintaining proper Church decorum.
To submit annual budget to the Building and Grounds Committee.
SECTION VIII: Special Church Groups and Their Responsibilities
1) SECRETARY AND CHURCH CLERK -
To record and keep a typed file of Church Conference Minutes.
To read the minutes of the previous Church Conference at each Church Conference.
To see that the Church minutes are kept systematically and filed in the Church office.
To assist the Pastor in completing application forms for Church membership.
To attend any other secretarial duties as directed by the Pastor.
2) HISTORIAN-
To keep an accurate record of the history of the Church.
To clip, file and chronologically arrange newspaper articles relating to the life of the Church and her members.
To file and maintain programs, bulletins, weekly Church papers, and items of special interest relative to the history of the Church.
To write a comprehensive history each year of that year's Church history. To give a copy to the Church's Secretary to be typed and filed with the Church minutes as a part of the permanent Church history.
3) LIBRARIAN-
To supervise the Church Library.
To purchase and/or secure books that become a part of the Church Library.
4) TREASURER-
A)To be responsible for the receiving, counting, and depositing of all Church funds.
B) To be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.
C) To sign all Church checks, being certain that expenditures are made in accordance with the approved Church budget.
D) To see that monthly financial reports are distributed to the Church in monthly Church Conference and filed with the Church Secretary as part of the permanent Church records.
SECTION IX: Qualifications for Office
(Only those members shall be considered for eligible for to any office in the Church, or of the above named organizations and committees)
Who have a good report both within and from without the Church.
Who attend regularly the services of the Church.
Who show willingness to cooperate with all the officers of the Church in the execution of its program.
Who regularly and systematically support the financial program of the Church to the best of their ability,
For the office of Pastor and Deacon: Only those who meet all the scriptural requirements contained in I Timothy 3:10-12 shall be eligible.
SECTION X: Removal from Office
(It will be the policy of this Church to ask for the resignation of any officer of the Church or either of the above mentioned committees and organizations for the following or any of the following reasons)
For conduct unbecoming a Christian.
For unbrotherly or destructive criticism of other fellow officers or other Church members with the intent of doing them harm.
For unfaithfulness in the performance of his duties and responsibilities of his office.
For failure to cooperate with the whole program as adopted by the Church.
ARTICLE 6: BUSINESS MEETINGS
SECTION I: Times Of Meetings
1) The Church shall hold a regular business meeting on Wednesdays after the first Sunday of each month.
The Church shall hold an annual business meeting for the purpose of electing officers and hearing reports, and approving the annual letter to the Association, electing messengers, members of Executive Board, and for the consideration of such other matters as may properly claim attention.
Business meetings of the Church may be adjourned to meet at any designated time. Special business meetings may be called at the insistence of the Pastor or Deacons, or by vote of the Church. The proceedings of any called meeting shall be subject to revision at the next regular business meeting.
SECTION II: Order Of Business
The Layman-Moderator shall preside at all business meetings of the Church. In the event of his absence, the Pastor shall preside. In the event of the absence of the Layman-Moderator and the Pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons shall preside.
The presiding officer shall decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Church.
The minutes of the previous meeting, regular or called, shall be read by the Church Clerk.
All business meetings or conferences shall be opened with prayer.
A report from the Treasurer shall be given.
Reports from all committees and organizations whose reports may be properly scheduled for such meetings shall be given.
Unfinished business shall be considered.
SECTION III: RULES OF PROCEDURE
All resolutions presented for action shall be in writing, and shall be read in the hearing of the Church; and, upon motion and second, shall be open for discussion. A resolution containing two or more distinct propositions shall, upon request, be divided and the parts voted on separately.
All persons speaking in the meeting shall arise and address the Moderator.
3Any motion regularly made and seconded shall be open for discussion and following the discussion, shall be put to a vote unless withdrawn by the mover or otherwise disposed of in a parliamentary way.
No member shall speak more than twice on anyone subject until all others have had an opportunity to express their views, except by special consent of the Church. When an anendment is offered. the speaker shall confine his remarks to the statement.
Members having occasion to speak shall do so in a spirit of proper Christian courtesy.
ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER shall be followed. Note: These rules on the order of business and procedure may be suspended at any regular business meeting by a majority vote of those present.
ARTICLE 7: CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
Section 1
We believe in the principle of religious freedom and the free moral agency of each individual; that salvation is a personal matter between each individual and God without the interference of State, Church, or Clergy; that Church membership is voluntary on the part of each person; that the ground of Church fellowship rests upon loyalty and obedience to Christ, the Head of the Church; in the voluntary principal of cooperation among Church members and that the only law which binds us in this union is the law of love. We, therefore, recognize all members to be in good standing and fellowship with the Church:
Who loyally attend the regular services of the Church
Who willingly and voluntarily support the financial obligations of the Church, as the Lord may prosper them;
Whose attitude and behavior evidence the most cordial spirit of willing cooperation toward the execution of the whole program of the Church as it may be set forth from time to time;
Whose conduct, both privately and publicly, is worthy of their profession of faith and honoring the name "Christian" which they bear.
ARTICLE 8: FINANCIAL SUPPORT
SECTION I: Unified Budget
The Unified Budget Plan includes all the expenditures for all the objects fostered by the Church and denomination. The budget shall be made up each year, item by item. and submitted to the Church for its consideration. The budget may be adjusted in part. or as a whole, at any time up to the recommendation of the Finance Committee. This procedure does not in any way change the status of the special offerings fostered by the W.M.U. for State, Home and Foreign Missions.
SECTION II: Single Treasury Amended See below
All funds collected by the Church shall go into the ----- treasury-of the-Church and shall be disbursed by the treasurer as herein provided. This has been amended!!!
SECTION II: Treasury
For FDIC and/or FSLIC coverage the appropriate trustees shall manage the Church treasury with any needed accounts bearing a required identification on all accounts being ‘WALNUT CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH’ as the name and with the Federal EIN as 74-1680518.
[Change approved by church vote 05/14/2012]
SECTION III: Individual Giving
The Church has no assessment plan nor compulsory method of Christian giving. We believe in following steadfastly the teaching of I Corinthians 16:2 and Malachi 3:10:
"Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gathering when I come." (I Corinthians 16:2)
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3: 10) .
Based upon the above scriptural instruction, the Church expects;
Every member to give to the support of the Church.
Every member to give his support regularly and systematically upon the first day of the week.
Every member to give in proportion to his or her ability.
ARTICLE 9: CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments or changes shall be read in a regular business meeting one month prior to being voted on. The day it is read, the proposed amendment or changes and date of vote on same shall be posed on a bulletin board in a prominent place in the Church auditorium and shall remain there until voted on.
This constitution can be changed or amended by 2/3rds vote of members present at regular business meetings.
This constitution was adopted by the Church in regular business conference on the twelfth day of April, 1967.
Euel A. Smith, Chairman
Mrs. Lola Wehring
Mrs. Emma Lawrence Elmer Israel
I. F. Knick
Steve Stephens
Gene Massey
Jim Swann
Jack E. Beck, Pastor
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Admendments
Marriage — Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as described by Scripture. We believe biblical marriage can only occur between one man and one woman. This church recognizes that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Accordingly, this church’s pastors and staff will not officiate in same-sex unions or same-sex marriages, nor will its property or resources be used for such purpose.
Passed in Conferfence on ??