OUR BELIEFS

         FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLAY CENTER, KS
                                  STATEMENT OF FAITH  

OUR BELIEFS

     The Bible:  All scripture, Old and New Testaments, is God’s word given to man.  It is completely
  without error, totally sufficient, as the only infallible source of truth.
              2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:21

  God:  God is Triune; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in one Triune God, who is sovereign, 
  infinite, and eternal in His being.  God created all things and is completely present within his creation
  as Upholder of all things. He is a personal God, desiring a relationship with His people.  God is self-
  existing, self-revealing, unchanging in character, perfect and Holy.  
              Gen. 1:1 26-27 3:22,  Matt. 13:16-17 28:19, Heb. 13:8, John 1:1-3, Rev. 4:11, James 1:17

  Jesus:  Jesus is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 
  Born of the virgin Mary, fully God and fully man.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself 
  up as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people for all time by dying on the cross.  He arose from 
  the dead by the power of God demonstrating His sovereignty over sin and death.  He ascended to 
  heaven, sits at the right hand of God as intercessor for the believer.  He will return one day to earth to 
  reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
             John 1:1-5 14: 10-30, Heb. 4:14-15 7:25 9:11-15, Rom. 1:3-4, Luke 1:27-35, 1Corth 15: 3-4
             1 John 2:1-2, Rev 17:4

  Holy Spirit:--The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of revelation and redemption.  He convicts the world 
  concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.  He anoints all who place their belief in the Living Triune 
  God.  He empowers, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and intercedes for believers who surrender themselves 
  to God.  
              John 16:7-15, 1 Cor. 2:12 3:16, Eph. 1:13

                                                               
  Mankind:  People are made in the spiritual image of God, according to His likeness. God created 
  mankind, male and female, for His Glory. All people are valued and loved by God.  God created people 
  to be in relationship with Him.  However that relationship was marred by disobedience toward God, 
  which is called sin.  All people have sinned.  Sin separates people from a holy God.  God in His great 
  love towards us reconciled us to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Gen. 1:27, Ps. 8:3-6, Isa. 53:6a, Rom. 3:23, Prov. 8:23, Isa 59:1-2, Rev. 4:11, John 1:12 John 3:16

   Salvation:  Salvation is God’s free gift to all people who believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  By trusting in Jesus and only in Him do we receive Salvation and are redeemed from the penalty of sin.  Once the believer is saved he has direct access to God and may present all prayers and supplications to Him.  Eternal life with God begins at the moment of salvation.
             Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8-9, John 4:16 1:12, Titus3:5, Gal. 3:26, Rom. 5:1, 1 Peter 2:29

  Eternal Life:  God offers the gift of eternal life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is 
  secured by the grace and power of God, not by any self-effort or works.  All those by faith who believe 
  in the Lord Jesus will not perish but have eternal life with God.
John 3:16 10:29, 2 Tim. 1:12, Heb. 7:25 10:10, 14, 1Peter 1:35

  Eternity:  Heaven and Hell: There is life after physical death, a bodily resurrection, and an eternal 
  judgement.  The souls of the saved go immediately to be with Christ in heaven.  The souls of the 
  unsaved at death go to Hades where they are kept until the final judgement. At that time they shall be 
  judged and cast into hell, a place of final and everlasting punishment in the absolute absence of God.
             Rom. 14:10-12, Matt. 25:46, Rev 20:1-15, John 10:29

  The Church:  The church is a body of Christian believers, of whom Christ is the head, which gathers 
  for worship, fellowship, and exhorting one another in the faith as patterned after the New Testament 
  Church.    The local church is independent and autonomous.
              Eph. 5:23-32, Acts 4:31-35, Rom. 12:1-21, Heb. 10:24

  Church Ordinances:  We practice two ordinances.  The first is baptism by immersion. This is an 
  outward expression of an inward change, a corresponding pledge of obedience, and a testimony the 
  believer has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection.  The second, Holy Communion, is 
  the symbolic remembrance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, while looking forward 
  to His triumphant return in glory.
              Matt. 28:19, Col.2:12, Acts 16:33, 1 Cor. 11:23-29, Rev. 19:11-16
















Constitution of First Baptist Church, Clay Center, KS
Revised: July 8, 2018

PREAMBLE
Whereas, being  convinced of the importance of having all things done properly and in order, we  believe that we may  more readily help each other in our service in God’s house by following definite rules. And whereas, we believe it is the sacred duty of every true follower of Christ to cultivate carefully a sense of responsibility to, and an active interest in, the church and its spiritual and temporal welfare. Therefore, with these ends in view,  we, the active members in good standing in the First Baptist Church of Clay Center, Kansas, do hereby ordain and establish the following constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves. We hereby rescind all previous action contrary thereto.

Article I
 NAME
 The name of this organization is “The First Baptist Church of Clay Center, Kansas, Incorporated”, a religious corporation.

Article II
 AFFILIATION
 This church shall be unaffiliated.

Article III
PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to promote the interests of the Kingdom of God, at home and abroad, by evangelizing the unsaved and seeking the spiritual improvement of its members through the Gospel as set forth in the New Testament. This Church also recognizes the Old Testament as the inspired Word of God and fit for instruction.

Article IV
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1.  Persons professing the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their life, accepting the entire Bible as the inspired Word of God and after baptism by immersion (except in cases of medical limitation), may upon recommendation by the Pastor and the Deacon Board, and a favorable vote of church members, be received into membership of the church.
Sec. 2.  On acceptance by the Pastor and Board of Deacons, those immersed members of other churches, holding the same profession of faith in Jesus Christ, may be received by letters of recommendation and dismissal from their respective churches.
Sec. 3.  On acceptance by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons, immersed believers, in which no regular letters of dismissal are available, may be received by giving satisfactory testimony of a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of their life.
Sec. 4.  On recommendation by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons and a favorable vote of the church, members excluded per article IX in this Constitution, may be restored to membership.
Sec. 5.  A letter of transfer to another church body of like faith may be granted to a member upon acceptance of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.  A church letter will be issued to those in good standing and who desire to unite with another church.
Sec. 6.  Every member of the church is expected to attend its meetings and labor for its welfare in such ways as conviction or church appointment may indicate.  They are expected to contribute regularly and according to their ability to its treasury for expenses and benevolences and to keep the clerk informed as to their place of residence.
Sec. 7.  Resident members may be placed on the inactive roll or removed from membership by the Board of Deacons.  This shall be determined based on a lack of any church attendance or participation in church activities for at least 12 consecutive months
Sec. 8.  Members that have been placed on the inactive roll under the guidelines of the previous Section, may be restored to active member status by the Board of Deacons.  The criteria for resumption of active membership is based on a return to active participation in the life and ministry of our church, including regular attendance when possible.

Article V                                                   
 PREAMBLE TO ARTICLES VI, VII
 The lives of all staff members, officers, committee members, and teachers shall be in conformity with the general rules of Christian conduct and character as revealed in the Scriptures. They shall be of good report, conscientious, consecrated to the Lord,  dedicated to the work of the church, regular in their attendance of church services (unless providentially hindered), and  faithful in their support of the church. All those in leadership positions shall continually subscribe to the adopted church Covenant, Doctrinal Statement, and Constitution.  Persons holding a leadership position in this church shall exemplify a Christ honoring life.  Paid staff shall not be eligible to serve on any board or committee which is responsible for their supervision.  All officers, members of boards, standing committees, church school officers and teachers shall be selected from the active resident membership.
Article VI                                                                                
THE CHURCH OFFICERS
PASTOR
Qualification.
Sec. 1.a. Any candidate for pastor of the church shall meet the requirements as set forth in1 Timothy 3:1-6 and Titus 1:5-9 as well as the     qualifications set forth in the preamble to Article VI. It shall be the duty of the pastor to preach the Word of God, to administer the ordinances of the church, to watch over the membership, to have in his charge the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the stated services of public worship and to perform the various duties incumbent upon his office. He shall be a non-voting ex-officio member of all boards and committees.  
 Sec.1.b.   A pastorate may be concluded in one of the following  manners:
a.       Resignation. 
The Pastor shall provide a signed “Notice of Resignation” to the Board of Deacons at least 30 days prior to the final date of his employment. The term of notice may be shortened or lengthened by mutual agreement between the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
b.        Termination.
A pastorate may be terminated by majority vote of the persons attending any regular or special business meeting. Written notice of this meeting shall be sent to all active church members at least two weeks prior to said meeting. The Pastor shall then receive a written “Notice of Termination” signed by the church Moderator and the Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Issue of the notice shall be at least 60 days prior to the final date of his employment. This term may be shortened or lengthened by mutual agreement between the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.                    

THE MODERATOR
Sec. 2.  A moderator, other than the pastor, shall be elected at each annual business meeting to serve for one year. It shall be their duty to preside at all business meetings. They shall not hold the position of an officer within any other board or committee during the current tenure as Moderator. In case of their absence, the moderator shall be succeeded, in order, by the chairman of the following boards: Deacons, Trustees, and Board of Christian Education. The moderator shall be the legal officer of the church.                                                                                                       
 
THE CLERK
Sec. 3.  The clerk shall be elected annually and shall keep a correct record of the proceedings of the church at all meetings, keep a registry of the membership, issue letters of transfer and certificates of Christian character as directed by the church and preserve all documents, papers and letters received during their term of office, delivering the same to a successor.





THE TREASURER
Sec. 4.  There shall be elected annually a treasurer of the church whose duty shall be to receive all monies raised for home expenses, for mission and philanthropic purposes and to pay out the same as ordered by the church.
 -There shall be elected annually an assistant treasurer to perform the treasurer’s duties in the absence of the treasurer.
-The treasurer shall be a non-voting ex- officio member of the Board of Trustees, and the Finance Committee.


THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Sec. 5. There shall be elected annually a financial secretary who shall:
 - Receive and keep a record of all monies received for current   expenses,  benevolence  and all special funds of the church and shall
deliver them to the church treasurer.
- Maintain a record of contributor monies and their designation.
- Render statements to contributors annually.
- Report to the church at its regular business meetings.
- There shall be elected annually an assistant financial secretary to perform the financial secretary’s duties in their absence.
- The Financial Secretary shall be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.

THE LIBRARIAN
 Sec. 6.  There shall be elected annually a church librarian who shall be in charge of the church library.
 
THE HISTORIAN
 Sec. 7.  There shall be elected annually a church historian who will keep a historical record of the church.                                  

HEAD USHER
Sec.8  There shall be elected annually from the church membership a head usher to oversee the services rendered by the ushers.  Ushers shall be approved annually and in such numbers as the nominating committee determines adequate.  Ushers may be selected from those regularly attending worship services.

VACANCIES
 Sec.9. If a vacancy should occur on an elected board or committee, the affected board or committee shall then recommend a successor to be presented to the church for a vote.  Vacancies may be filled at any regular business meeting or at any special meeting provided two week notice has been given of such meeting.

TERM OF OFFICERS
Sec.10. No member of the church who is elected for more than a one year term shall be re-elected to the same office until after the lapse of one year except as provided in Article VII, Sec.1 and 2.  No member  who has been elected for a four year term may hold two, four year offices at the same time.

SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICERS
Sec.11. The church shall elect annually a general superintendent of the Sunday school, an assistant superintendent and an assistant. The Board of Christian Education shall nominate Sunday school teachers annually and present their names to the church for election at a regular business meeting. Election shall be for a term of one year, starting the Sunday following the beginning of the public school session. Those who teach in the morning cannot be leaders of the same group at night. The church school secretary shall keep attendance records for the church school.

Article VII                                                               
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
THE DEACONS
 Sec .1. a. Qualifications
 The Deacons shall be men whose character shall reflect the requirements as stated in1 Timothy 3:8-13.  The church shall have a minimum of six Deacons serving a three year term, two of whom shall be elected annually. Deacons, if re-elected, may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. This shall be followed by the minimum of a 1 year interval prior to being considered for re-election to the Deacon Board. An adjustment in the number of active Deacons in excess of six shall be by a majority vote of church members at any regular business meeting.  It shall be the duty of the Deacons to call upon the sick and the needy, to distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper, to procure supplies for the pulpit in the absence of the pastor or in case of his illness, and to cooperate with and assist the pastor in the performance of his duties. No permission shall be given to any outside individual or organization to solicit funds from the pulpit, without the authorization of the Board of Deacons. It is the responsibility of the Deacons to provide for the secretarial staff deemed necessary by the Deacons and the Pastor.

Sec 1.b.Authority
The entire church is subject to the Lordship of Christ, it’s Head. Deacons are expected to cooperate with and assist the pastor in his duties. The Deacons fulfill responsibilities granted to them by the congregation through this constitution or by special action of the church body and are accountable to the congregation. Authority is given to Deacons to perform the duties of overseers in line with Biblical principles and serves to render the operation of the church more efficient while preserving the New Testament teaching concerning church government. Five Deacons are required for quorum at all Deacons meetings.

Sec 1.c. Ministry  Staff
According to the needs of the church and within the limits of an approved budget, the Senior Pastor may search for and recommend additional staff members to assist in various aspects of the church’s ministry. The Deacon Board has the responsibility to approve or reject these recommendations with at least a 75% board consensus. If approved the addition of staff must be voted upon by the church body at a quarterly business meeting. Unless otherwise designated, the staff shall be responsible directly to the Senior Pastor and he shall assign their duties. Persons considered shall hold to the adopted covenant, doctrinal statement and constitution of the First Baptist Church of Clay Center.         


THE DEACONESSES
 Sec. 2.  There shall be elected six Deaconesses serving three years, two being elected annually.  Deaconesses, if re-elected, may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. This shall be followed by the minimum of a one year interval prior to being considered for re-election to the Deaconess Board. They shall prepare the elements of the Lord’s Supper, assist the pastor and Deacons in the visitation of church members. They shall support the spiritual life of the church fellowship through prayer and encouragement.

 THE TRUSTEES
 Sec .3.  The church shall have eight trustees serving four years, two of whom shall be elected annually. They shall have charge, care and control of the meeting house and other property. They shall make or cause to be made all necessary repairs and secure the funds to maintain the property of the church when authorized to do so. They shall not give a mortgage upon the church property or purchase any additional property without approval in each separate instance, voted by the church at a special meeting of which a two week notice has been given. They shall approve all bills and order payment of same. They shall meet whenever necessary. They shall also provide for the church’s necessary custodial services. 

THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sec. 4.  The Board of Christian Education shall consist of a Chairperson, Chairperson of Leadership Education, Chairperson of Mission, Chairperson of Children / Youth Education, Chairperson of Adult Education, and one AT - LARGE member. If the Sunday school superintendent serves in a Chairmanship on this board, an additional AT - LARGE member may be added for a one-year term. Two shall be elected each year for a three year term. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a member ex-officio with voting privileges.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
 Sec. 5.a.  The Finance Committee shall consist of three members, elected annually by the church. The Finance Secretary and the Church Treasurer shall be an ex-officio voting members of this committee. The duties of the committee shall be to review the separate budgets of the church boards and committees and then determine the approximate budget for the upcoming church year. It is their responsibility to determine and organize the actions necessary for the collections required to fulfill the proposed budget needs.
Sec. 5.b.  Audit – The elected members of the Finance Committee shall conduct annually an audit of the financial records of the church.  Additional audits may be requested by any of the following:  the Pastor, Moderator, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees or a minimum of seven active adult members of the church.  The results of the audit shall be reported to the church membership at the next regular or special business meeting.

THE PULPIT COMMITTEE
Sec.6. In the event of a vacancy in the pastorate because of death, formal notice of termination or resignation, the church shall, at the earliest date, elect a pulpit committee of five members. This committee shall choose a chairman from among it’s number. They shall be provided adequate funds as authorized by the Trustee Board. This committee shall investigate prospective candidates and shall make its recommendation to the church. No pastor shall be called except at a meeting held for that purpose, of which a two week notice be given. The vote shall be by ballot and at least three-fourths of the membership present and voting shall be necessary for a call.

THE MUSIC COMMITTEE
Sec.7. The Music Committee shall consist of three members who shall be elected by the church at the annual business meeting, for a term of one year. It shall, in cooperation with the pastor, make arrangements for music in connection with public worship. This committee, in cooperation with the pastor, shall be responsible for the selection of the choir director and any accompanist which may be deemed necessary.
THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE
 Sec. 8.  The outreach Committee shall consist of six members who shall be elected by the church at the annual business meeting for a term of one year. It shall plan and administer a program of outreach for the church.   

THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
 Sec. 9.  The Nominating Committee shall consist of five members, consisting of one deacon, one trustee, one Deaconess, one from the Board of Christian Education, and one Sunday School teacher. These board members shall be selected by their respective boards and the teacher by the current Sunday School teachers. The nominating committee shall be called at least three months prior to the annual meeting. This committee shall present at the annual business meeting of the church a list of nominees for all officers of the church and church schools for which an election shall be due under the terms of this constitution. Nominations that supplement the committee recommendations may be made from the floor at the time of the election provided such nominees shall have consented to serve.

THE KITCHEN COMMITTEE
Sec. 10.  The Kitchen Committee shall be elected annually and will have charge of supplies and equipment necessary to maintain the kitchen.

Article VIII
MEETINGS
THE LORD’S DAY
Sec. 1. The church shall meet regularly on each Lord’s Day (the first day of the week) for public worship.

THE PRAYER MEETING
Sec. 2. Once each week the church is encouraged to meet for prayer and meditations.

 THE LORD’S SUPPER
Sec. 3. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed the first Sunday of each month, unless otherwise designated by the Board of Deacons.        

 MEETINGS FOR TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS
 Sec. 4.   All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. Twenty members shall constitute a quorum. All active adult church members, 18 years and older, shall be eligible to vote. Once each quarter the church shall meet to discuss such matters of importance as might be necessary. It shall meet early in April, July, October and January, at times designated by the Moderator.

THE ANNUAL MEETING
Sec. 5.  The Annual Business Meeting of the church shall be held within the month of January on a day designated by the Church Moderator and the Church Treasurer. This meeting shall consist of reports from all boards and standing committees, the nomination and election of church officers, and any other necessary or pertinent church business. In the case where there is more than one nominee for an office, election shall be by ballot.
                  
SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
Sec. 6..Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor, Moderator, Deacon Board, Trustee Board or at the request of any seven adult members of the church. Notice of such meeting and the purpose for which it is called, shall be given at the regular Sunday morning service immediately preceding the time of said meeting. 

Article IX                                                                           
DISCIPLINE
a. Purpose. It shall be the practice of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption and restoration rather than punishment. (Gal. 6:1)
b. Procedures. Discipline against a disorderly member shall be according to the New Testament method as set forth in Gal. 6:1-5, 1 Corith. 6:1-8, Matt. 18.15-17, Tit. 3:10, 2 Thess. 3:6.

Article X  
MISSIONARY STEWARDSHIP AND BENEVOLENCES
Sec. 1. The church shall make a yearly budget for missions, the funds to be forwarded regularly to the individuals and organizations designed and approved by the congregation through the budget process.
Sec. 2.   An offering may be taken at each communion service and placed at the disposal of the Board of Deacons to be used at their discretion.
Sec. 3. Other action to raise benevolent or mission funds may be taken upon a recommendation of the Deacon Board in cooperation with the Mission Chairman of the Board of Christian Education. These recommendations must be voted upon by the church membership.

Article XI                    
AMENDMENTS
 These articles may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any business meeting of the church. Notice of such meeting and the purpose for which it is being called shall be given at two regularly scheduled Sunday Morning Services immediately preceding the said meeting. The adoption of these Articles shall supersede and render null and void all previous rules and regulations of the church not in accordance with their provisions.



Article XII                                                                                                  
This constitution shall be in full force and effect upon its  adoption by the church.  This constitution may be reviewed and amended as required upon the recommendation of the Deacon Board. A committee made up of the Moderator and one each from the Deacon, Trustee, Board of Christian Education and Deaconesses, chosen by their respective boards, shall serve as the review/revision committee. The Pastor shall be an advisor to the committee.  No changes shall occur without a minimum seventy -five percent ballot approval by a quorum of active adult church members. Said vote shall occur not less than one week after an announcement from the pulpit at the two previous morning worship services.  Any bylaws adopted by the church shall be in concert with this constitution and shall not supersede this constitution in any way.


Article XIII
CHURCH COVENANT
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 by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We pledge, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to promote its prosperity and spiritually; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; 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. We all pledge to maintain family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our relatives and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to be truthful, edifying, loving, and peaceable in all our speech; to abstain from all forms of activity which dishonor our Lord Jesus Christ, cause stumbling to a fellow believer, or hinder the winning of a soul to Christ, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the work of our Savior. We further pledge 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 and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the commandments of our Savior to secure it without delay. We moreover pledge that when we move 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.