By-Laws

By-Laws of Immanuel Baptist Church
(updated 4-20-2008)

Article 1 - Name

This Church will be known as Immanuel Baptist Church.

Article 2 – Purpose

Section 1 – Purpose of the Church

This church exists by the grace of God, for the glory of God. The Glory of God will be the ultimate purpose of all that we do.

This Church glorifies God by loving Him and obeying His commands through worshipping Him;

Equipping the saints through Bible instruction and study;

Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching, personal evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teaching of Holy Scripture;

Encouraging, supporting, and participating in mission work, local, domestic, and international;

Administering the ordinances of believers’ baptism and communion;

Encouraging Biblical fellowship among believers; and

Mercifully serving other individuals, families, and churches by providing for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Section 2 – Purpose of the By-Laws

The purpose of these By-Laws is to guide the church in governing herself under the direction of the Holy Scriptures. These By-Laws are intended to liberate the church to move swiftly and safely in fulfilling her purpose in the world, and they are also intended to protect her from unbiblical and destructive abuses of power. Each individual article must be read in light of the whole set of By-Laws, and in light of our church Confession of Faith and Church Covenant.

Article 3 – Membership

Section 1 – Qualification for Membership

A. To qualify for membership in this church, a person must repent of his or her sins, confess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, give evidence of regeneration by means of living consistently with his or her profession, have been baptized by immersion following his or her regeneration, and wholeheartedly believe in the Christian faith as it is revealed in the Bible. Each member must not hold settled convictions that are contrary to the teaching of Scripture as expressed in the Confession of Faith, and each member must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant.

B. The elders will be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership by personal interview. In making their determination, they will rely on the person’s confession of repentance and faith, evidence of regeneration in his or her life, and, when possible, a letter from the person’s previous church.

Section 2 – Admission of Members

A. The admission of members will be by vote of the church upon recommendation of the elders. This vote may take place at any of the regular meetings of the church, and it will require a vote of 75% of the members present to admit a new member into the church. Once admitted, members will relinquish their membership in any other churches.

B. Baptism will be administered to a candidate for membership who is recommended to the congregation by the elders and who meets the above qualifications for membership (excluding baptism). At any regular church meeting, a vote of 75% of those members present is required for a candidate to be admitted to baptism. The candidate will then be baptized at the church’s earliest convenience and will become a member upon receiving baptism.

Section 3 – Duties and Privileges of Membership

A. A New Testament Christian is a minister. Membership is ministry. Each member is expected to be faithful to a New Testament Christian life as outlined in the Church Covenant and to recognize that he or she is the basic minister of the church. Therefore, each member will diligently seek to discover his or her gifts and areas of ministry in order to become equipped for and to fulfill that ministry.

B. Only members of this congregation will be entitled to serve in the ministries of the church; non–members may serve on an ad-hoc basis with the approval of the elders. Non-members may also serve the church for purposes of administration, maintenance, professional consultation, and construction, at the discretion of the elders.

C. It is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on any matters that may be submitted to a vote.

D. In the event that the members of Immanuel Baptist Church vote to dissolve as an organization, the members will determine by vote what will happen to the assets of the Immanuel Baptist Church. This vote will take place in the same meeting as the vote for dissolution.

Section 4 – Watch-Care Membership

A. Those who are living in the Louisville area temporarily may apply for Watch-Care membership. The qualifications are identical to those of full membership with the exception that the individual must retain membership in his or her home church. A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant’s home church. Watch-Care membership will immediately end upon the termination of residence in the Louisville area.

B. Disciplinary measures will be the same as those for full members except the home church will be notified of the actions taken. While Watch-Care members are encouraged to participate in meetings and ministry, they will not be eligible to vote or stand for any office.

Section 5 – Church Discipline

A. Formative Discipline – Is inherent in the preaching, teaching, and exercising of other ministries in the church through which the people are conformed to the image of Christ.

Corrective Discipline – Occurs when a member is found in sin, and the church seeks his or her repentance and restoration to obedience to Christ. Corrective Discipline may include individual confrontation and admonition, and it may possibly extend to excommunication from the membership of the church by recommendation of the elders and a vote of 75% of the congregation. Corrective discipline will be carried out under the authority and guidance of Scriptures pertinent to it including, but not limited to: Matthew 18:15-17, I Corinthians 5:1-8, Galatians 6:1-2, I Thessalonians 5:14. Corrective discipline is not to be entered into lightly.

B. The purpose and practice of Corrective Discipline should be:
• For the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the disciplined party (see Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; I Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4: I Timothy 3:4-5; Hebrews 12:1-11; Psalm 119:115, 141:5; Proverbs 17:10, 25:12, 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26-27, 18:15-17; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; I Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1-5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; I Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13-14; James 1:22);

• For instruction in righteousness and the good of other Christians as an example to them (see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; I Corinthians 5:11, 15:33-34; Colossians 3:16; I Thessalonians 5:14 [note that this instruction is written to the whole church, not just the elders]; I Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11-12; Hebrews 10:24-25);

• For the purity of the church as a whole (see I Corinthians 5:6-7; II Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; II John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2, 7-8);

• For the good of our corporate witness to non-Christians (see Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:10-14; Ephesians 5:11; I Timothy 3:7; II Peter 2:2; I John3:10); and

• Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (see Deuteronomy 5:11; I Kings 11:2; II Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; Romans 2:24, 15:5-6; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Ephesians 1:4, 5:27; I Peter 2:12).

Section 6 – Termination of Membership

Termination of membership will be recognized by the church following the death of a member or upon his or her transfer of membership to another church. Membership may be terminated as an act of Corrective Discipline upon the recommendation of the elders and with the vote of 75% of the members present during such vote.

Article 4 – Church Government

Section 1 – General Statement

A. The Biblical offices in the church are elders and deacons. In addition to these offices, our church will recognize the administrative offices of clerk and treasurer, whose responsibilities will be outlined in these By-Laws. All officers must be members of this church prior to taking office or assuming their responsibilities. No one may hold more than one of these four offices in the church at the same time. For the purpose of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Kentucky, either elders or deacons will serve as directors of the corporation.

B. Any officer of the church who is Correctively Disciplined will also be removed from the office that he or she holds at the discretion of the elders.

Section 2 – Elders

A. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-7 (the role of the twelve), 20:28-31; I Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14; and I Peter 5:1-4, the elders will oversee the ministry and the resources of the church. They will seek the mind of Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as they shepherd the flock of God. They will be given to prayer, study, and teaching of the Word; they will gladly and honorably shepherd the flock, teach and exhort, refute those who contradict the truth, pray for the sick, and care for the souls of the church members. Elders will also be responsible for interviewing candidates for membership, examining and recommending all prospective candidates for offices, overseeing the work of the deacons, conducting worship services, administering baptism and the Lord’s Supper, equipping the members for the work of the ministry, encouraging sound doctrine, overseeing Church Discipline, and mobilizing the church for world missions.

B. The elders will be no less than three men who meet the qualifications of the office as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9. Only men can serve as elders in accord with I Tim. 2:12, 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9, and following the example elsewhere set forth in Scripture. All elders must be wholeheartedly in agreement with the Confession of Faith and Church Covenant. Elders may or may not be in the regular pay of the church. These men will be recognized by the church as gifted and willing to serve in this calling, and they will be received as gifts of God to the church and set apart as elders. If an insufficient number of qualified men are available then the church is not required to have three elders and should seek the leadership of a biblically qualified preaching elder, Titus 1:5.

C. An elder’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or dismissal. Any member with reason to believe that an elder ought to be dismissed should express such concern to the elders, and, if need be, only afterwards to the congregation. Any such action ought to be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and I Timothy 5:17-21. Any elder may be dismissed by a vote of 66% of the members at any members’ meeting of the church.

D. The elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities without congregational approval. They may propose paid staff positions and will present a job description for such positions for congregational approval. The elders have the primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, evaluation, and termination of staff members, any of which they may delegate to others. Should the need arise, the elders may appoint a member to an “acting office,” excluding the office of elder. This appointment would then be subject to a congregational vote at the next members’ meeting.

E. The elders will elect a chairman who will chair all elders meetings and act as moderator in members’ meetings. In his absence, the elders will appoint another to fill his place. For the purpose of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Kentucky, the chairman of the elders will serve as the president of the corporation.

F. From time to time the church may grant to an elder an appropriate sabbatical, which must be passed by a vote of 75% of the members present at any members meeting.

Section 3 – The Preaching Elder(s)

A preaching elder will fulfill all the above criteria but be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to full time ministry of preaching and teaching the Word of God. In his absence the elders will assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated.

Section 4 – Deacons

A. In keeping with the principals set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7, deacons will be given to serving the temporal needs of the church (so that the elders can be given to prayer and the ministry of the Word) and guarding the unity of the body. Only men may serve as deacons in accordance with I Timothy 2:12, 3:8-13, and Acts 6:1-7. These men will be received as gifts of God to the church and set apart as deacons.

B. The deacons will care for the temporal needs of the church: mercy ministries, accommodations for public worship, overseeing the financial activities and properties of the church. The deacons may be organized by the elders in the most fitting way to accomplish their mission to the church. At the recommendation of the elders, the church may recognize deacons to serve in other specific capacities as needs arise in the church.

C. A deacon’s term of office may be terminated by resignation, discipline, dismissal, or when the elders judge that a particular deacon’s area of ministry is no longer needed. In the absence of a needed deacon, the elders may appoint an “acting deacon.” This appointment will be subject to a congregational vote, requiring 75% for approval, at the next members’ meeting.

Section 5 – Clerk

The clerk will record the minutes of all regular and special members’ meetings, to keep an accurate membership role, to keep record of any significant events in the life of the church, and to be in charge of keeping the Articles of Faith, Covenant, and By-Laws updated and available for members. The clerk will serve a one year term. In the absence of the clerk, the elders will appoint an “acting clerk” to fulfill these duties. This appointment will be subject to a congregational vote, requiring 75% for approval, at the next members’ meeting. For the purpose of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Kentucky, the clerk will serve as the secretary of the corporation.

Section 6 – Treasurer

The treasurer, who will not be a paid staff member, will be sure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as designated by the church. The treasurer will also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any agents of the church. The treasurer will be under the authority of the deacons and will report to them as they see fit. The treasurer will render to the elders, the deacons, and the church annually, or whenever they may require it, an account of all transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the church. The treasurer will serve a one year term. In the absence of the treasurer the elders will appoint an “acting treasurer” to fulfill these duties. This appointment will be subject to a congregational vote, requiring 75% for approval, at the next members’ meeting. For the purpose of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Kentucky, the treasurer will serve as the treasurer of the corporation.

Article 5 – Meetings

Section 1 – Worship Meetings

Worship services will be held each Lord’s Day, and may be held throughout the week as the church determines. Communion will be served during regular worship services at the elder's discretion and only immersed believers will be invited to partake. The preaching elder may cancel any worship service on a specific occasion, due to inclement weather or other like occurrence, if he sees fit.

Section 2 – Members’ Meetings

A. In every meeting together, members will act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. In special circumstances, when it is deemed necessary by the elders, non-members will not be allowed to attend members’ meetings.

B. Regular Members’ Meetings- Will be held at least once a quarter and at a time agreed upon by the elders and acceptable to the church. An annual members’ meeting will be held for the election of the offices of clerk and treasurer and approval of the new year’s budget at least one month prior to the new year. The chairman of the elders will moderate members’ meetings. In his absence the elders will appoint a moderator. The date, time, and purpose of all members’ meetings must be announced at Sunday services for at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

C. Special Meetings- May be called by the elders or by a written request to the elders by 10% of the members. If a special meeting is called for by 10% of the members, this meeting will take place within one month of the request. The date, time, and purpose of all special meetings must be announced at Sunday services for at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

D. Emergency Meetings- May be called by a majority of the elders. All resolutions passed at emergency meetings are subject to review at the next regular members’ meeting.

E. Resolutions adopted by the elders will be reported to the church at members’ meetings and may be reversed by the church by a majority vote of the members present.

F. Meetings will be run according to Robert’s Rules of Order. On any matter that is brought to vote, a vote of 66% is needed for it to pass (unless these By-Laws specify otherwise). Abstentions will not be considered as votes cast.

Article 6 – Election of Officers

Section 1 Principles

The election of officers ought to be undertaken with substantial prayer both individually and corporately, and the process ought to express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Section 2 – Selection of Officers

A. The elders should seek input and nominations from the membership. These nominations for any office within the church will go to the elders for their approval. Only elder-approved nominees will be presented to the congregation.

B. The elders will present to the church a list of nominees for offices at least two weeks prior to voting. Any member with reason to believe a candidate nominated by the elders is unqualified for an office should express this concern to the elders as soon as possible.

C. The chairman of the elders will declare elected all persons receiving a 75% majority of all votes cast for any office. The persons elected will assume office at the beginning of the fiscal year unless another date has been specifically designated. Elections to fill any vacancies that may occur during the course of the year may be held at any members’ meeting upon the recommendation of the elders. In order to insure the smooth flow of ministries and to ease the creation of new ministries, the elders may appoint a member to an “acting position” until the congregation can vote on this decision.

Section 3 – Calling of a Preaching Elder

In calling a man to this position, the same basic process outlined for calling an elder must be followed. In addition, the church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching gifts and Biblical soundness of any candidate. Before voting, the church must receive assurance that the candidate undoubtedly is qualified and gifted for the position and is wholeheartedly in agreement with the Confession of Faith and Church Covenant. Only one man may be recommended at a time to the church for a given position. Following a candidate’s being nominated to serve as a preaching elder, which will constitute his election to membership, notice of a pending church vote must be given at two Sunday morning services prior to the vote at a members’ meeting. A preaching elder must receive a vote of at least 75% of the members present to be elected.

Article 7 – Indemnification

Section 1 – Mandatory Indemnification

If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, or agent of the church, the church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c) in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 2 – Permissive Indemnification

At the discretion of the elders, the church also may indemnify any person who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church’s best interest and not unlawful.

Section 3 – Procedure

If a quorum of the elders (51% of the elders) is not available for an indemnification determination because of the number of elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by special legal counsel appointed by the membership.

Article 8 – Dispute Resolution

Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian Church (Matthew 18:15-20; I Corinthians 6:1-11), the church will require its members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblical principles without reliance on the secular courts. When consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church will encourage the use of biblical principles and the avoidance of suits of law to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or non-Christian and whether individuals or corporate entities. The elders will adopt policies and procedures to effect these requirements and aspirations.

Article 9 – Amendments

Section 1 – Confession of Faith and Church Covenant

The Confession of Faith and Church Covenant may be amended by a vote of 75% of the members present and voting at a regular members’ meeting (not a special members’ meeting), provided that the amendment had been offered in writing at the regular members’ meeting in the previous quarter, and had been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such a vote.

Section 2 – By-Laws

These By-Laws may be amended by a vote of 75% of the members present and voting at a regular members’ meeting provided that the amendment had been offered in writing at the regular members’ meeting in the previous quarter, and had been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such a vote.