Southwest Chinese Baptist Church (SWCBC)

Constitution and Bylaws

Constitution

PREAMBLE

ARTICLE 1: NAME

This body shall be known as the Southwest Chinese Baptist Church.

ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES

This church, with Jesus Christ as her head, shall follow biblical principles to establish the New Testament Church, to lead people to Christ, to build up believers to be His disciples, and to unite and mobilize members in order to fulfill His Great Commission.

ARTICLE 3: STATEMENT OF FAITH

This church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963.

1. We believe that the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired and infallible Word of God, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of man, and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
2. We believe in the one, true, eternal, and living God, self existing in three distinct persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
3. We believe God is the creator and sustainer of all creation.
4. We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary; that in Him perfect humanity and deity is found in person; that He is the only mediator between God and man; that He was crucified on the cross and His blood was shed for the sins of all mankind to fulfill the requirement of God and of the Law; that He was bodily-raised from the dead, ascended into heaven and will return to earth imminently and bodily according to His promise, to judge the living and the dead.
5. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, who is of one substance, equal in power, and coexistent with the Father and the Son; that His ministry is to convict men of their sins, lead them to a saving faith in Christ, regenerate and indwell believers at the point of salvation, and continue to indwell, guide, teach, discipline, comfort and empower for godly living and service.
6. We believe that man was created in the image of God; that in Adam all men have fallen into sin, and as sinners men are in need of God's salvation from the eternal punishment of hell.
7. We believe that salvation of mankind depends solely on the finished work of Christ on the cross once and for all as the atonement for the sins of men; that by God's Grace penitent sinners who place their faith in the saving work of the risen Christ are regenerated and justified.
8. We believe that there shall be a bodily resurrection of the just to eternal life, and of the unjust to eternal punishment.

ARTICLE 4: ORDINANCES

This church shall observe the only two ordinances taught in the New Testament:

1. Baptism: This is the total immersion in water to identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior can be baptized as an outward, public testimony of the inward change.
2. The Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the wine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming.

ARTICLE 5: CHURCH COVENANT

Since we have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and have experienced the acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption of God our Father, we covenant together as members of this church that with God's help through the guiding presence of His Spirit:

1. We will walk together in brotherly love.
2. We will show loving care for one another and encourage, counsel and admonish one another.
3. We will assemble faithfully for worship and fellowship, and will pray earnestly for others as well as for ourselves.
4. We will endeavor to bring up those under our care "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
5. We will seek, by Christian example and personal effort, to win others to Christ and to encourage their growth toward Christian maturity.
6. We will share one another's joys and endeavor to bear one another's burdens and sorrows.
7. We will oppose all conduct which compromises our Christian faith and will uphold high standards of Christian morality.
8. We will prove the reality of our conversion by living godly, fruitful lives.
9. We will maintain a faithful ministry of worship, witness, education, fellowship, and service
10. We will be faithful stewards of our resources and abilities in sharing the gospel with people of all nations.

As a result of this covenant relationship, we will seek earnestly to live to the glory of God who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Bylaws

1.0 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

This is a sovereign and democratic baptist church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership of the Southwest Chinese Baptist Church shall be composed of the persons who are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and are listed on the church rolls. The membership shall be referred to as the church. The church also reserves the right to terminate the membership of those who deviate from the beliefs and covenant of this church body as set forth in this Constitution and Bylaws.

1.2 ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBER

Any person attaining the age of twelve (12) will be eligible for admission into the church by any one of the following ways:

(1) By Baptism:

1. Anyone who expresses faith in Jesus Christ as his/her savior, and who accepts the doctrines and purpose as stated in the constitution of the church, may be received as a candidate for baptism. After baptism, he/she automatically becomes a member of the church.
2. Anyone from another denomination who has not been baptized by immersion, who comes acknowledging his/her faith and accepting the doctrines and purpose as stated in the constitution of the church, may be received as a candidate for baptism. After baptism, he/she automatically becomes a member of the church.

(2) By Letter:

Members from other churches of like faith and order, who have been baptized by immersion, and who accept the doctrines and purpose as stated in the constitution of the church, may be accepted by letter of transfer.

(3) By Statement:

Anyone who has been a member of a church of like faith and order, baptized by immersion, but whose membership has lapsed, or lost, and who accepts the doctrines and purpose as stated in the constitution of the church, may be received as a member by a statement of faith.

1.3 PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION

1. Submit in writing a membership application form.
2. Attend the baptismal or membership orientation class.
3. The pastor and the deacons will arrange a counsel session with the individual applicant.
4. Upon recommendation by the pastor and the deacons, the applicant will then be accepted into the church by baptism or by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any membership meeting.

1.4 TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

(1) Adult member:

Any person who is eighteen (18) or over will be classified as an adult member.

(2) Junior member:

Any person who is under eighteen (18) will be classified as a junior member. A junior member will automatically become an adult member when he/she attains the age of eighteen. A junior member has no right to vote.

1.5 DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

1. All members are expected to be faithful to Christ and the church in worship, witness, fellowship, ministry, financial support, and participation in membership meetings.
2. All adult members are entitled to vote in all elections and on all agenda items in all membership meetings in person.
3. All adult members of at least one year of membership are eligible for consideration as candidates for elective offices.
4. All adult members who have been absent from corporate worship for 12 consecutive months will be precluded from voting in any membership meeting.

1.6 DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

1. It shall be the practice of the Southwest Chinese Baptist Church to encourage her members to take every reasonable measure to assist any troubled member. The pastor, other ministerial staff, and deacons are available for counsel and guidance. Redemption rather then punishment should be the guideline which governs the attitude of one member toward another.
2. Should some serious conditions exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the pastor and by the deacons to resolve the problem. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. But, finding that the welfare of the church will best be served by the exclusion of the member, the church may take this action by a three-fourth vote of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose; and the church may proceed to declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.
3. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude him/her may upon his/her request be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of his/her repentance and reformation.

1.7 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership may be terminated by any one of the following ways:

1. By death.
2. By letter of recommendation to transfer membership to another church upon request of the member.
3. By a three-fourth vote of the members present at any membership meeting upon recommendation by the board of deacons.

2.0 THE BOARD OF DEACONS

The church will have two or more deacons. Deacons are to be recognized as the servants of the church and associates of the pastor. The number of deacons elected will be determined by the need of the church. There will be approximately one deacon for every 20 church families.

2.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS

1. Assist the pastor and the ministerial staff in performing pastoral ministries.
2. Proclaim the Gospel to unbelievers.
3. Engage the church in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, and ministry.
4. Care for the church members and other persons in the community.
5. Guard the unity and harmony of church members.
6. Assure the faith and spiritual welfare of church members.
7. The Board of Deacons will serve as the membership committee.

2.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

1. Must meet the requirements of Biblical teaching (I Timothy 3:8-13).
2. Must be a member of this church for at least three years.
3. Has served as a council member for at least one year.

2.4 PROCEDURES FOB ELECTION OF DEACONS

1. Nomination of a candidate shall be made in writing, co-signed by five members to the Board of Deacons. All nominations shall be submitted to the Board of Deacons at least two months prior to the annual membership meeting.
2. The pastor and the deacons will interview the candidates. Upon unanimous recommendation by the Board of Deacons, the candidates shall be presented to the congregation at a regular worship service two weeks prior to the annual membership meeting.
3. The deacons shall be elected by a three-fourth majority of the members present at the annual membership meeting.
4. The elected deacons will be installed by a committee of pastors.

2.5 TERMS OF OFFICE

1. Each deacon shall serve a three-year term.
2. Deacons will be elected on a rotation basis. Each year one-third of the Board of Deacons shall be replaced.
3. In case of death or removal or incapacity to serve, the church may elect a deacon to fill the unexpired term if it is longer then one year.
4. A deacon who has served one term will have to retire for at least one year before he is eligible for re-election.
5. Husband and wife cannot serve as deacons in the same term.

2.6 MEETING

The Board of Deacons shall hold meeting on a regular basis or as often as necessary.

3.0 CHURCH STAFF

All church staff must be members of the church.

3.2 PASTOR

The pastor is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. The pastor will lead the congregation, the Church Council, and the church staff to perform their tasks.

The pastor is the leader of pastoral ministries in the church. As such he works with the deacons and church staff to: (1) lead the church in the achievement of her mission, (2) proclaim the gospel to believers and non-believers, and (3) care for the church members and other persons in the community.

His responsibilities include the following:

1. Provide leadership for congregational services, and lead in conducting the church ordinances (Baptism and the Lord's Supper).
2. Officiate wedding ceremonies and funeral services.
3. Work closely with the deacons in their training and performance in their work of proclamation, caring and building up of the church fellowship.
4. Serve as chairman of the church council and provide administrative leadership for the total church program. Be an ex-officio member of all organizations, departments and committees.
5. Supervise church staff according to the plan of staff organization, and provide for staff training and development.
6. Make himself available for counsel to church members in private and scheduled visitation.

3.3 CALLING OF PASTOR

The pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever the vacancy occurs. A pastor selection committee shall be appointed by the church to seek out the pastor, and its recommendations will constitute a nomination. The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one name at a time. Election shall be by ballot in a meeting called specifically for that purpose, of which at least one week's advanced notice should be given. Affirmative vote of three-fourth of those present is required for approval. The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church's request. The pastor shall give an advance notice of at east three months at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as pastor.

3.4 OTHER MINISTERIAL STAFF

The church shall call or employ such staff members as the church shall need. A job description shall be written when the need for staff members is determined. Such staff members shall be recommended to the church by the Personnel Committee and approved by the church. At least four weeks advance notice at the time of resignation should be given.

3.5 OTHER VOCATIONAL STAFF

The secretaries and custodians shall be employed as needed and likewise be recommended to the church by the Personnel Committee and approved by the church. At least two weeks advance notice at the time of resignation/termination should be given.

3.6 TERMINATION OF PASTOR AND MINISTERIAL STAFF

The pastor and other ministerial staff can only be terminated upon the following grounds:

1. (a). breach of faith - no longer observes the Constitution, the Statement of faith and the Covenant of this church, or
   (b). break-down of personal integrity;
   and
2. three-fourth approval vote of those present in a membership meeting called specifically for that purpose.

4.0 CHURCH COUNCIL

The function of the Church Council shall be to recommend to the church suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate program plans recommended by church staff and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements in terms of church goals and objectives. All matters recommended by the Church Council are subject to approval by the church membership.

The Church Council shall be made up of the following members:

1. Pastor and ministerial staff.
2. Chairman of the Board of Deacons.
3. Chairmen of all standing committees.
4. Chairmen of all ad hoc committees.

The chairman of the Church Council shall be the pastor of the church. The vice-chairman and secretary shall be elected by the Church Council. No two Church Council members shall be husband and wife. No Church Council member shall represent more then one standing or ad hoc committee. No vocational staff shall serve in the Church Council.

4.2 STANDING COMMITTEES

General

Church standing committee members shall be nominated by the Nomination Committee and elected by the church. The committee members shall serve on a three year term. A retired committee member is required to wait one year before he/she is eligible for re-election to the same committee.

Each committee shall be consisted of a chairman plus two or more members. The Nomination Committee shall recommend the number of committee members for each committee.

No one shall serve simultaneously in more than two standing committees.

Objectives of Standing Committees

The objectives of each standing committee shall be as follows:

Evangelism Committee

1. To plan and organize evangelistic outreach programs.
2. To encourage and train the church to win lost souls.
3. To promote spiritual growth.

Finance Committee

1. To manage all church finances, receipts and disbursements.
2. To be responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and issuing financial reports.
3. To teach and promote stewardship.

General Business Committee

1. To provide supporting services to all church programs and activities.
2. To maintain church properties.

Literature Committee

1. To provide and encourage the church to read spiritual literature.
2. To publish church magazines and newsletters.
3. To evangelize with literature.

Mission Committee

1. To support and promote mission organizations.
2. To train the church for mission work.
3. To establish missions.

Music Committee

1. To provide music and musical education for the church.

Personnel Committee

1. To assist the church in matters related to employed personnel administration.
2. To determine staff needs, employment, salary, benefit, and performance.

Sunday School Committee

1. To organize and to run the church Sunday School and Children Worship.
2. To plan and to organize teacher training programs.

Training Fellowship Committee

1. To train the church proper service to the Lord on the basis of sound biblical principles.
2. To encourage corporate fellowship for the spreading of the gospel.

4.3 ELECTION OF STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Nomination Committee is responsible to identify potential candidates and to submit their names to the Church Council for discussion and approval. The Nomination Committee shall study the needs of the church and recommend the number of members for each committee. The church can nominate additional candidates by a majority approval vote during a membership meeting. The committee members shall be elected by a majority ballot in a membership meeting.

4.4 AD HOC COMMITTEES

The Church Council shall recommend ad hoc committees be set up to serve special needs of the church. The Church Council shall clearly state the objectives, responsibilities, and term of duration for each ad hoc committee. The election of the committee members shall be similar to that for the standing committee, except that the candidates shall be nominated by the Church Council and the church. At the end of the term, the committee shall be dissolved, unless otherwise recommended by the Church Council and approved by the church.

4.5 QUALIFICATIONS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

A committee member:

1. Should be an adult member of the Church for a minimum of one year at the beginning of his/her term of serving as a committee member.
2. Should attend Sunday Worship and Sunday School regularly.
3. Should participate in offering regularly.

4.6 ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Each newly elected committee shall meet and elect the chairman of the committee. The chairman should previously have served the committee for a minimum of one year. The chairman will be a member of the Church Council representing the committee.

Amendments of Constitution and Bylaws

The Baptist Faith and Message