Our Constitution and Bylaws

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith, and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches.

This body shall be known as the Montevallo First Baptist Church of Montevallo, Alabama, 35115.

The government of this church is vested in the body of baptized believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Shelby Baptist Association, the Alabama State Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Our objectives are:

• To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and responding in obedience to His leadership.
• To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world.
• To experience an increasingly meaningful relationship with God and other believers.
• To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and other humans.
• To be a church that ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and the world in Jesus' name.
• To be a church whose purpose is to be Christ-like in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the lordship of Christ.
  

The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963. We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost humankind. The ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of diving instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and ofjudgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning Man was innocent of sin and was endowed by His Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.

B. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

C. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is coordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the preeminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligations to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these are entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.

Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntarily and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itselfjustified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.

Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propaganda opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believer may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their grace and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgements on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.

This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name ofthe Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to 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 vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercise of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being exempted.

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

God in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth, the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal efforts and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

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 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 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 in prosperity and spirituality; 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 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 use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage, to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

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 offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the roles of our Savior 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 the covenant and the principles of God's Word.

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel for sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

Gen. 1:26-28•, 2:18-25; 3:1-20•, Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Josh. 24:15•, 1 Sam. 1 :26-28•, Ps. 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Prov. 1 :8•, 5:15-20•, 6:20-22•, 12:4•, 13:24; 14:1•, 17:6•, 18:22; 23:13-14•, 24:3; 29:15 17; 31:10-31; Eccl. 4:9-12•, 9:9•, Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9•, Mark 10:6-12; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4•, Col. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 2 Tim. 1 :3-5•, Titus 2:3-5; Heb. 13:4•, 1 Pet. 3:1-7.

(The Family: Amended Sept. 16, 2015)

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.

The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Any person may offer himself or herself as a candidate for membership in this church at any regular church service. Following pastoral counseling such candidate shall be presented to the church for membership in any of the following ways:

(a) By profession of faith and for baptism according to the policies of this church;

(b) By promise of a letter of recommendation; from another Baptist church of like faith and order; (baptism by immersion and congregational polity);

(c) By restoration upon a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism by immersion when no letter is obtainable. Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the pastor and the deacons for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.

Every resident member of the church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting. Section 4: Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

(a) By death;

(b) By a letter of recommendation of any member in good and regular standing granted by a majority vote to any Baptist church;

(c) A member's name shall be deleted upon his joining a church of another faith. A letter of dismissal will be sent to the church;

(d) Exclusion by action of this church.

All church officers must be members of the church. The officers of this church are as follows: Pastor, Church Staff, Deacons, Committee Members. Church employees are not officers of the church and may or may not be church members. Specific job descriptions are given below.

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

The pastor is the leader of pastoral ministries in a church. He is expected to abide by the decisions and directives of the church. He works with the deacons and church staff to (1) lead the church in performing its tasks, (2) lead the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry, and application, (3) proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and (4) care for the church's members and other persons in the community.

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week's public notice has been given. The pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church's request. He shall preside at meetings of the church except in those cases where the pastor or members of his family are involved. In such cases, a moderator pro tem shall be elected by the church to preside. The pastor shall give at least two weeks notice at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as pastor.

The pastor will not conduct more than two revivals in other churches per year. In addition, the pastor will be granted two weeks paid vacation annually, and two weeks for continuing education.

The pastor shall serve as an ex officio member of all committees.

The Minister of Music is responsible to the pastor for assisting the church in planning, conducting, and evaluating a graded music ministry. This person serves as a member of the church council coordinating the music program through the music committee with other program organizations and church emphasis. The Minister of Music works through the Budget/Finance and Nominating Committees for needed resources and leadership personnel.

The Minister of Music provides leadership training for all music leadership, providing dates and places for continuing educational conferences and seminars. Guidance is provided in literature and music needed for each unit or choir, rehearsal and performance schedules, appropriate attendance records, and absentee/outreach visitation.

With the Pastor and other staff, the Minister of Music regularly evaluates the worship services, developing and improving congregational singing and worship in general. This person will attend continuing educational conferences and seminars to keep up with current trends in worship, methods, and materials needed for the music ministry.

The Minister of Music will prepare and submit an annual music budget to maintain a music library, musical instruments, choir robes, and hymnals. This person shall keep appropriate records for maintenance and attendance.

The Minister of Music also serves as a member of the Youth Committee for the purpose of planning, conducting and evaluating a graded Youth Ministry. The Minister of Music will prepare and submit an annual budget to provide literature and financial assistance needed. The Minister of Music gives guidance and supervision to the Youth Minister Intern.

The Minister of Music will not conduct more than two revivals in other churches per year. In addition, the Minister of Music will be granted two weeks paid vacation annually, and two weeks for continuing education.

Section Ill: Minister of Education

Principal Function: The Minister of Education is responsible to the Pastor and church for providing staff leadership to the entire church educational program. This person serves as an enabler to program organization leaders in planning, conducting, and evaluating the church program.

Responsibilities:

1. The Minister of Education provides staff leadership to lead the church in planning, conducting, and evaluating a comprehensive program of Christian Education.
2. The ME serves as an educational resource person and advisor to all committee chairpeople and leaders of the following church program and service organizations: Sunday School, Discipleship Training, WMU, Brotherhood, and Church Library Services, and Youth Ministry. The ME also coordinates and unifies the various organizations to avoid conflict, duplications and overlapping.
3. The ME works with the church nominating committee to select, enlist, and train qualified leaders for all church leadership positions.
4. The ME develops special education and training projects such as camps, retreats, and study seminars for various age groups in the church.
5. This person also studies church needs for educational curriculum, and counsel with church leaders regarding available curriculum. The ME is also responsible for ordering church literature.
6. The Minister of Education coordinates the visitation ministry of the church through existing organizations, special emphasis, and other methods. With the help of existing organizations, the ME will maintain an up-to-date prospect file and make quick contacts and definite assignments for follow-up throughout the church program organizations.
7. The ME will supervise the production of informational and public relations materials, such as church publications and news releases.
8. The ME is responsible for overall management of church office. This includes:
9. Church Calendar
10. Church Records
11. The Minister of Education serves as a non-voting member of all church committees.
12. The Minister of Education also assists the Pastor in Pastoral Ministries as needed and requested.
13. Any matters not covered in this job description will be handled by the Pastor and Personnel Committee, subject to approval of the church.
    

Section IV: Youth Activities Minister

A permanent part-time position for the summer months beginning May 1, 1991, and ending August 31, 1991, after which time an evaluation will take place for the purpose of pursuing a one year contract agreement beginning when school starts and ending at the end of Summer, September 1 through August 31.

1. Requirements of this position are as follows:
2. The Youth Activities Minister will be a mature college student or young married couple interested in a career youth ministry or a related field.
3. This person shall be available for full time availability during summer months (not a summer school student).
4. This person shall have the ability to relate well to youth.
5. This employee will report directly to the Minister of Music and Youth and responsibilities will be as follows:
6. Serves as a member of the church council.
7. With the supervision of the Youth Minister, the intern Youth Minister plans, organizes, directs, and promotes a graded ministry for the Youth of Montevallo First Baptist.
8. Coordinates Sunday Night Ministries: Choir, Bible Studies, and special Youth studies and programs.
9. The Intern Ministry is part-time during school term and full time during summer months.

Section V: General Secretary

Principal function: The General Secretary is responsible to the Pastor for performing duties related to the ministry of the Church.

1. Prepare, arrange, type, fold, and mail weekly church newsletter.
2. Prepare, type, and fold weekly bulletin for Sunday worship.
3. Type correspondence for all staff.
4. Serve as receptionist to all Staff, receive visitors, and answer telephone.
5. File correspondence and other assigned materials.
6. Miscellaneous typing as assigned.
7. Maintain Sunday School and Discipleship Training records and files; compile and type reports as requested.
8. Operate copier and other office machines.
9. Maintain church mailing lists.
10. Maintain study course files for Discipleship Training programs.
11. Perform other responsibilities, as needed.
12. The General Secretary will serve as the Financial Secretary.
    

Section VI: Financial Secretary

The financial secretary will keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and render to the church at each regular business meeting an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding month and a cumulative quarterly summary. The church books will be audited annually by an auditing committee. The financial secretary will render to the church an audited report of all receipts and an itemized statement of all disbursements for the previous fiscal year at the regularly scheduled February business meeting. (At the time of the adoption of this revision, the financial secretary and the general secretary were one position.)

The General Secretary, as is true for all full-time hourly employees will receive one (1) week paid vacation after one year, two (2) weeks after two years. In addition, the following Holidays will be paid:

• New Years Day
• Memorial Day
• July 4
• Labor Day Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Good Friday
  

Full time hourly employees also will receive three (3) days sick leave to accumulate annually.

Section VIl: Church Custodian

Principle Function: The custodian is responsible for maintaining clean facilities and for proper arrangement and care of equipment needed to aid in cleaning. He/she is supervised by the pastor.

Responsibilities:

1. Know the facilities and equipment and the purpose of their use.
2. Follow the policies and schedules established by the church for use of and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
3. Sweep, mop, buff, and clean and wax floors according to schedule.
4. Vacuum carpet, rugs, clean, dust, and arrange auditorium facilities and furnishings according to schedule.
5. Clean rest rooms regularly and replenish tissue and towels according to need and to schedule.
6. Turn heat and cool according to schedule.
7. Prepare baptistery for use as requested -- Pastor or Committee in charge.
8. Set up tables in dining room as requested -- pastor or committee designated to tell.
9. Request cleaning supplies, maintenance supplies, and tools as needed for carrying out work. This request will be made to the Supervisor and proper church channels.
10. Check with church office daily for adjustments in schedule.
11. Prepare facilities for special use as requested. See item 10.
12. Unlock and lock doors to building according to schedules.
13. Report burned out lights to building committee immediately.
14. Turn lights on and off according to meeting schedules.
15. Prepare facilities for Vacation Bible School, Revivals, Funerals, and other special meetings.
16. Assist when facilities needed for weddings.
17. Clean windows periodically.
18. Under certain conditions, the custodian may request additional help through his supervisor.
19. Assist as requested.
20. The church custodian, as is true for all full time hourly employees will receive one (1) week paid vacation after one year, and two (2) weeks after two years. In addition, the following Holidays will be paid:

• New Years Day
• Memorial Day
• July 4
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Good Friday
  

Full time hourly employees also will receive three (3) days sick leave to accumulate annually.

Section VIll: Church Organist and Pianist

The church organist and pianist are responsible to the Minister of Music and Youth for assisting in the development of the music program in the church; for serving as instrumentalists and accompanists for all church services, rehearsals, and other occasions as requested. Regular duties will be:

1. Serve as members of the church music council.
2. Play for all services of the church, both regular and special.
3. Serve as accompanists for choirs, ensembles, and soloists in regular and special services.
4. Play for weddings, funerals, special occasions and other events upon invitation or by request and approval of the Minister of Music and Youth.
5. Serve as accompanists for soloists and special groups for appearances outside the church upon invitation or by request and approval of the Minister of Music and Youth.
6. Assist in planning worship services, choir rehearsals and special music events. 7. Assist in appraising and selecting music and in preliminary study of new materials and compositions for use.
7. Maintain a regular schedule of practice and study.
8. Assist the Minister of Music and Youth in rehearsal activities and duties.
   

Section IX: Paid Preschool Workers

1. All paid workers shall be Christians and demonstrate Christian love to the children and adults with whom they come in contact.
2. All paid preschool workers shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older and in good health.
3. As evidence of good health, an annual chest x-ray and blood test must be made and a note from the doctor stating the results shall be filed in the church office.
4. All workers must be approved by the church preschool committee.
5. The church will pay the expenses of paid preschool workers for church related activities as specified by the preschool committee.
6. Paid preschool workers will sign in and out on forms provided for this purpose by the preschool committee. (These forms will be kept in the preschool area at all times.)
7. If unable to work at her assigned time, a worker should contact the church office or a member of the preschool committee as soon as possible.
8. Workers will meet the physical and social needs of the children in their care and offer Christian training appropriate to child's level of development.
9. All paid workers shall be required to read and study Guiding Preschoolers.
10. Each preschool worker will be responsible for keeping toys and/or beds clean and/or sterilized in her area or room.
11. Workers are expected to be in their departments fifteen (15) minutes before meetings and fifteen (15) minutes after.
12. Children will be kept in the Nursery until called for by their parents or other responsible person.
13. Workers will be notified at least 24 hours before they are expected to work for special activities.
14. Work during the weekly Sunday School and Discipleship Training hours shall be without pay on a volunteer basis but paid workers are expected to participate.
15. Paid workers shall receive pay on an hourly basis. Rate to be determined annually in church budget.
16. Pay checks will be distributed monthly for work performed since the last pay period.
17. The Preschool Committee will supervise and determine the workload, number of children per worker, the need for paid workers and rotation system for workers as needed.
18. Preschool committee shall appoint nursery coordinator.
    

Section X: Church Food Service Worker

Principal Function: The food service Worker is responsible for kitchen and meal preparation of Wednesday Night Supper. She is responsible to the Pastor.

Responsibilities:

1. Plan and prepare the meal on Wednesday Night.
2. Plan the menu
3. Purchase the food.
4. Supervise the storage of food and cleaning of food service facilities/equipment.
5. Plan and prepare other scheduled meals that are approved by the church when available.
6. Assist the Hostess and Food Service Committee in determining the costs for food services.
7. Assist the Hostess and Food Service Committee in making policy changes necessary for efficient food service.
   

Other duties:

The Wednesday Night Food Service Worker should be trained in church food service. Therefore, she should attend an annual workshop hosted by the state Baptist Association of Ilike institution.

Maintain the kitchen pantry and supply closet. This will include the ordering of paper products, pantry food, and supplies, etc. Any orders should be channeled through the Church Office.

Section XI: Deacons

In accordance with the meaning of the Word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. They shall serve as a council of advice and confer with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church. They shall serve as a general committee to supply for the pulpit in the absence of the pastor and will arrange for temporary ministry when the church is without a pastor. The active deacons shall be organized as a unit for the consideration of all larger problems and general policies. they may organize themselves into such committees as their wisdom may direct for efficiency in service. Should unhappy circumstance arise within the membership -- staff or church members -- the matter(s) shall be referred to the deacons for considerations and recommendation made to the church for resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. He must be a man who has experienced a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through which he has received a new and meaningful life. This new life, we call being "born again" or "being saved," comes to reality through repentance of sin toward God, implicit faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a personal commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
2. He must be a member of our church in good standing, giving full support and active support to the total program of our church.
3. He must be honest, of good character, sincere, temperate in all things, slow to anger, exercising orderly and self control.
4. He must serve in Christian love and example as head of a happy and obedient Christian family. His wife must be honest, of good character, not a gossiper, sober and faithful in all things.
5. He must be a man well grounded in the Christian faith as defined and embodied in our Christian Constitution.
6. He must be a man who is committed to the Holy Spirit, living a spirit filled life, full of love and compassion.
7. He must not be a new convert, but a man who has proved himself through faithful service through his church.
8. He must be a man who is willing to continue to train and grow toward maturity in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9. He must set a good example in Christian stewardship of time, talents, and possessions.
   

ELECTION

At any given time, there shall be a sufficient total number of active deacons to adequately serve the membership and the ministries of the church, as determined by the Pastor and the active deacon body. For any given deacon election, the Pastor and the active deacons shall determine the number of deacons that should be elected to meet the needs of the church.

Once elected, each deacon shall serve on a rotational basis for a period of three years. Each year the term of office for one-third of the deacons will expire. After serving a term, a deacon will take a one-year sabbatical before being eligible for reelection.

Deacons will be nominated and elected in two Sunday morning worship services by ballot voting during August of each year and take office in September. On one Sunday morning, candidates' names for deacon shall be submitted by members of the church fellowship. Once nominated, a candidates' name shall only be placed on the final ballot after it has been confirmed that they meet the qualifications to serve as a deacon and after their consent to serve has been secured. On a subsequent Sunday morning, after written notification to the membership, the deacon election shall take place via written ballot. The vacancies in the deacon body will be filled by those nominees receiving the highest number of votes from the church fellowship. In reporting the newly elected deacons, their names will be given in alphabetical order with no vote counts given. Should additional vacancies occur during the year, they will be filled by those nominees receiving the next highest number of votes. There is no obligation to elect as an active deacon a brother who comes to Montevallo First Baptist Church from another church where he has served as a deacon.

No staff member shall serve as an active deacon.

MEETINGS

Deacons shall meet regularly once a month at a chosen time best determined by the active body. Deacons shall elect their officers to a one-year term. There shall be no succession to the same office.

SERVICES

Deacons shall serve in the role of Pastoral Ministries. Their four basic tasks are committals:

1. To proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers;
2. To care for our church members and other persons in the community;
3. To lead our church in a fellowship of worshipping, educating, witnessing, and ministering;
4. To direct our church in performing its mission to achieve what we believe Christ intended when He established His church.
   

Deacons shall serve with the pastor to correlate these tasks. Pastoral ministries have deep spiritual overtones, and those who execute these tasks must possess skill and Christian maturity. The term "pastoral" reflects the Biblical symbolism of a loving shepherd watching over his flock.

Deacons share in the intimate spiritual experiences as well as the crises in the lives of church members. In all these experiences, deacons represent Christ. Deacons shall continue in further training in an effort to discover, develop, and use their many skills, talents, gifts, and resources to minister to the needs of our church members and other persons in the community.

Section Xll: Clerk

The clerk, elected annually by the church, will keep in a suitable book, a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. He will keep a register of the names of members with dates of baptism, admission, dismissal, or death. He will issue letters of dismissal voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meeting where such notice is necessary as indicated in these bylaws. The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary. All church records are church property and copies should be filed in the church office.

Section XIII: Treasurer

The church will elect annually the church treasurer. The treasurer will serve as a chairman of a teller committee and will be responsible for all funds received. The Treasurer will disburse funds as defined by the Stewardship and Finance Committee.

Check Signatures: The church may designate any person or persons to sign checks. The Church Treasurer will provide a recommendation to the Church for these individuals. They will be presented to the Church annually with the Nominating Committee's position recommendations. Checks must be signed by two approved signers to provide for dual control and insurance requirements..

Section XIV: Trustees

Three trustees will be elected by the church to serve three years; one member rotating off each year. The trustees will hold in trust the church properties. They will have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action. It will be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents where the signatures of trustees are required.

Section XV: Children's Minister

GENERAL DUTIES

Extended Session: Preschool

• Supervise Extended Session Coordinator as she directs and staffs extended session (threes through fives) and the nursery area each week.
  

Children's Worship

• Develop curriculum suitable to aid children's worship ("Young Disciples Sheets"). Conduct training for parents in helping children to worship.
  

Facilitate Ongoing Activities

• Act as a resource person for all children's ministries (example: consultation on curriculum, discipline, enrichment, etc.). Be familiar with existing programs. Coordinate outreach/visitation among existing programs.
• Get to know children. Help children feel welcome in church.
• Attend own Sunday School class. Will not fill in for other teachers. Report to church once a month on children's activities, occasionally during the worship hour. Attend workshops to further training, as financed and approved by the church body.
  

Initiate Special Events

• Work with the Children's and Preschool Committees for special events or outings in addition to summer plans.
  

Oversee Summer Camps Arrangements

Plan Vacation Bible School

• Act as principal (not director; director would be lay volunteer) of Vacation Bible School, ensuring that staff is placed in time for spring workshops.
  

Additional Summer Responsibilities

Sunday School

• Plan and coordinate special Sunday School emphasis in the Children's department. Work with the children's committee, Sunday School director, and teachers for special activities associated with Sunday School.
  

Special Activities

• Work with the Children's and Preschool Committees for two special summer activities for each department.
  

Section 1 : General

All church committee members will be recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. Their term of office will run from September 1 through August 31. All committees are responsible to the church and will report to the church as necessary. No committee will conduct business without a quorum of its membership present following proper notification to all its members. A quorum will consist of a simple majority.

1. Each committee will consist of at least three members unless otherwise specified. A number may be increased as the need arises.
2. Each committee will elect its own chairman annually.
3. All church committee members will serve on a rotational basis for a period of three years and will not be elected to serve on more than three concurrent committees.
4. After a service term of three years, a church member will be eligible for re-election to the same committee only after a lapse of at least one year.
5. Each year, one-third of the committee will rotate off its committee.
6. Church committees will perform functions assigned and may request others to help do the work if the work requires special skills.
   

Section 2: Church Council

The Church Council will be composed of the members of the church staff, chairman of the Deacons, treasurer, and directors of all church organizations.

The primary function of the Council will be to recommend to the congregation suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate program plans recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the congregation 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 agreed upon by the council calling for action not already authorized will be presented to the church for approval.

Section 3: Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee will consist of five members. The members are to be at least 21 years of age, resident members of the church for at least one year, and actively involved in the work and programs of the church.

Subsequent committee members will be nominated in the same manner as nominees for other committees.

The Nominating Committee nominates persons for all volunteer positions within the church and will make every effort to complete this task by August business meeting of each year. The committee will be responsible for nominating persons to fill all vacancies as they occur during the year.

The Sunday School Church Training, Brotherhood and WMU Directors will become a part of the committee after being elected by the church.

Section 4: Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will consist of three members. It will assist the church in matter related to all employed personnel. It will be responsible to the church for initiating and maintaining the church approved program of salary and employee benefits of all vocational staff members and will restudy salaries annually before preparation of the annual budget.

Section 5: Building and Properties Committee

The Building and Properties Committee will consist of seven members, five men and two women. The Building and Properties Committee will be responsible for maintenance and minor improvements to all church properties. This committee will be responsible for the supervision of work on church property grounds including custodial services and outside grounds keeper. No purchase of materials for maintenance or improvements will be made without authorization from the committee. Any work exceeding $300 will first be approved by the church. No use of church-owned equipment or tools will be made without authorization from the building and grounds committee and/or the deacons and pastor.

Section 6: Stewardship and Finance Committee

It is understood that membership in this church involves financial support to the church and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts. At least annually, plans will be put into operation for promoting personal stewardship.

The Stewardship and Finance Committee will be composed of the treasurer, chairman of the Deacons, and four members at large from the church membership. This committee is responsible for receiving budget requests from all departments of the church and will prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget itemizing amounts needed and sought for. The fiscal year of the church will run concurrently with the calendar year.

The Stewardship and Finance Committee will:

1. Oversee all budget spending to assure maximum benefits from resources available; 2. establish and implement a system for purchases and spending to insure:
2. budgeted or approved expenditures. The church must approve non-budget expenditures exceeding $300;
3. sufficient money is available;
4. appropriate approval of committee or organization responsible for the expenditure;
5. establish and implement a system to insure that conditions of 1 and 2 above are met prior to payment by the church treasurer;
6. meet as frequently as necessary to discharge assigned responsibilities in keeping with the needs of the church and good financial transactions;
7. review and approve all monthly financial reports prior to submission to the church at the regular monthly business meeting;
8. cooperate with the audit committee as it performs its duties and responsibilities.
   

Section 7: Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will consist of three members elected by the church to serve three years; one member rotating off each year.

The committee will audit or review the procedure for receiving, disbursing, and recording all church funds, both capital and operating, and make recommendations to the church for any improvements deemed necessary.

The Audit Committee will make as many audits as they feel necessary, but at least one complete audit of the financial records each year. The annual audit will be done so that an audited financial report can be presented by the financial secretary at the regular business meeting in February.

Section 8: Mission Action Committee

The Mission Action and Benevolence Committee will be responsible for local mission action projects, share findings with church program organizations and serve the church in establishing and conducting such mission action projects as may arise.

Section 9: Hostess and Food Service Committee

The Hostess and Food Service Committee will be responsible for looking after the kitchen to see that it is kept clean. It will report any repairs that may be needed to the Building and Properties Committee. It will be responsible for setting up, serving, and clean up of the church meal on Wednesday night. The committee will be responsible for keeping a check on all kitchen equipment and furnishings, lending any kitchen furnishings, and seeing that the kitchen is clean after each authorized function.

Section 10:

Groups or individuals that would like to use the kitchen should coordinate dates and times through the church office. When using the kitchen facilities, it is that group or individual's responsibility to serve and clean afterwards.

Section 1 1: Ushers

The ushers will be led by an usher chairman selected by the nominating committee. The ushers are to greet people as they enter and leave the church, seat people at the proper time, provide bulletins and/or other materials at the time of seating. The ushers will be attentive to the needs of the congregation and the pastor.

Section 12: History Committee

The History Committee will preserve the historic records of the church. The committee will be especially concerned with gathering and preserving available church records, recording full and accurate records, and using the records to help members understand and appreciate their heritage and mission.

Section 13: Flower Committee

The Flower Committee will be responsible for securing, arranging, and disposing of floral arrangements for church services. Flowers may be provided by individuals, classes, or organizations.

Section 14: Music Committee

The Music Committee will be responsible for the overall formulation and coordination of music program goals, policies, and requirements in cooperation with the minister of music and pastor. It will consist of a chairman and at least two other members. The minister of music and pastor will serve as ex-officio members.

Duties of the committee will be:

1. To aid the Minister of Music in planning and presenting the annual budget; 2. To assist in securing and maintaining musical instruments, choir robes, and song books, including recommended actions concerning the purchase, disposal, care and upkeep, and use of same;
2. To cooperate with the Pastor and Minister of Music in promotion of special music for seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter;
3. To promote fellowship with choir members and assist the Minister of Music in enlisting prospects with musical talent;
4. To aid in securing volunteer leadership such as Sunday School Music directors and accompanists and graded choir workers;
5. To assist in securing help as needed for robing, transporting, chaperoning, etc
   

Section 15: Preschool Committee

The Preschool Committee will study and propose in cooperation with the Preschool Coordinator and teaching staff, educational, recreational activities, space needs, and supplies relating to the church's minister to preschool age children and their parents.

Section 16: Children's Committee

The Children's Committee will study and prepare in cooperation with the Children's Coordinator and children's teaching staff, educational, recreational, space needs, and supplies relating to the church's ministry to children and their parents.

Section 17: Youth Committee

The Youth Committee will be composed of the Junior and Senior High Department Directors, the Minister of Youth, the Minister of Education, and three elected members. The Committee will study and propose educational and recreational activities for Youth grades 6-12. This committee will also plan Summer Youth activities and propose the youth budget accordingly.

Section 1 8: College Committee

The College Committee will study and propose activities, fellowship, and outreach to UM students and other students. This committee will also coordinate the church's ministry with Baptist Campus Ministries, and coordinate the church's student adoption program.

Section 19: Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee will be composed of three couples. The ordinance committee will assist the congregation in the observance of the Lord's Supper through maintaining materials and suppliers, preparation of elements, and serving as an advisory group to the pastor in planning the Lord's Supper.

The Ordinance Committee also insures the provision of appropriate, well maintained facilities, equipment, and materials necessary for baptism. Member of the committee will assist baptism candidates in preparing for their baptism, and assist the pastor in administering the ordinance.

Section 20: Teller Committee

The Teller Committee will be responsible for counting all church receipts and depositing them in a timely fashion in the local bank.

Section 21: Van Committee

The Van Committee will be responsible for the use, upkeep, and general care of the church vans. This committee will see that the vans are safe, in proper running order, maintain regular service, tires, and other maintenance concerns. The van committee will also review van rules and assist the church's van ministry by developing appropriate guidelines as needed.

Section 22: Carillon Committee

The Carillon Committee will be responsible for the church carillon bells. This committee will insure that the carillon player is in good working order. The carillon committee will regularly check the time to insure the bells are playing at the desired times.

Section 23: "Silver Club"

The "Silver Club" is the name adopted by the Senior Adult fellowship of the church. The fellowship is open to anyone 55 or older. The "Silver Club" plans and promotes activities, trips, and spiritual events for senior adults in the church and community.

The "Silver Club" also maintains the church bus. They are responsible for maintenance, and care of the bus. Only drivers holding a "Commercial Drivers License" with the "Passenger" endorsement, and having provided copies of the license to the church's insurance carrier, will be allowed to drive the bus.

The Silver Club determines their own schedule of meeting and events, these are published in the church newsletter.

Section 24: Audio Visual Committee

The Audio Visual Committee is a five-member committee in charge of the upkeep of the sound system and the hearing devices, etc.

Section 25: Special Events/Fellowship Committee

The Special Events and Fellowship Committee will consist of five members, three women and two men.

It will be responsible for the planning and promotion of church-wide and community events that have been scheduled on the church calendar. They will work closely with the Pastor, church leadership, and at times seek the assistance of the Food Service Committee.

Section 26: Bereavement Committee

Job Description:

The Bereavement Committee will consist of five people serving on a three-year rotating basis. The Committee will be responsible for coordinating food and needed services in cases of the death of a church member or a church member's immediate family (defined as mother, father, husband, wife, and children).

In the event of death:

1. The church office will contact the committee
2. The committee will contact the family
3. The church office will send a Calling Post message to the church family.
   

The church will provide ham, chicken, rolls and tea for a meal for the family, and the committee will coordinate getting other needed food items.

A donation of $50.00 will be given to the Baptist Children's Home in memory of the deceased.

Section 27: Constitution and Bylaws Committee

Job Description:

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee will consist of not less than five people serving on a three-year rotating basis. The Committee will elect a chairman.

The duties of the Committee will be to insure that all changes to the 1992 bylaws are researched and the bylaws are brought up to date. The committee will then study the bylaws and make recommendations to the church of any needed changes. On an ongoing basis, the committee will continue to monitor the content of the bylaws and recommend changes as needed.

All changes will be furnished in writing to church members at least two weeks before being brought to the church for voting.

The committee will coordinate with the church office to insure that printed copies of the most current bylaws are available.

Section 1 : General

All organizations of the church will be under church control, all officers being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church.

Section 2: Sunday School

There will be a Sunday School divided into departments and classes for all ages and conducted under the direction of the Sunday School director for the study of God's Word.

The tasks of the Sunday School will be to teach the biblical revelation; strive for spiritual growth; reach persons for Christ; win to church membership; perform the functions of the church within its constituency.

Section 3: Discipleship Training

There will be a Discipleship Training program, divided into departments for all ages and conducted under the direction of a general director. The Discipleship Training program will be to orient new church members; train church leaders; teach Christian theology; Christian ethics; Christian history; and church policy and organization; provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and denomination.

Section 4: Women's Missionary Union

There shall be a Women's Missionary Union with a director elected by the church. The WMU shall be organized to carry out its tasks to teach missions; engage in mission action; support world missions through outreach of the church and the denomination.

Section 5: Baptist Men

There shall be a program for Baptist Men with such organizations as needed. This program shall be implemented for a director who shall be elected by the church. The tasks are to teach missions; engage in mission action; support world missions through praying and giving; provide and interpret information regarding the mission outreach of the church and the denomination.

Section 6: Media Library

There shall be a Media Library with a Director and staff elected by the church.

The general tasks of the media library are:

1. To operate the Media Center and put forth the best effort to preserve and enlarge the center as well as the collection of media and equipment.
2. To purchase materials as needs arise.
3. To provide consultation and training to church leaders and members in the use of printed and audio-visual resources.
4. To make a regular report to the church at its business meetings.
   

Section 1: Baptism

A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith; who professes Him publicly at any worship service; and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, will be received for baptism.

Baptism will be by immersion in water.

Baptism will be administered as an act of worship during any worship service.

Baptism will be administered by the pastor or whomever the church authorizes. The deacons will assist in the preparation and observance of baptism.

A person professing Christ and failing to be baptized after a reasonable length of time will be counseled by the pastor and/or staff and deacons. If negative interest is ascertained, this name will be deleted from the list of those awaiting baptism.

Section 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 fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate his second coming.

The Lord's Supper will be observed quarterly, preferably the first Sunday of the quarter, or as otherwise scheduled.

The pastor and deacons will be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.

Section 1: Worship Services

The church will meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for the worship of Almighty God. These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and will be conducted under the direction of the pastor.

Section 2: Special Services

Revival services and any other church meetings which will be essential in the promotion of the objectives of the church will be placed on the church calendar.

Section 3: Regular Business Meetings

Regular business meetings will be held monthly on a designated Wednesday night.

Section 4: Special Business Meetings

A specially called business meeting may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. A one-week notice of the subject, date, time, and location must be given for the specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.

Section 5: Quorum

The quorum consist of those who attend the business meeting, provided it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.

Section 6: Parliamentary Rules

Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church.

Section 1 : Use of Facilities for Weddings and Related Events

Montevallo First Baptist Church recognizes the changing opinions of our society and of our legal system. We, also, recognize the unchanging nature of our faith as expressed in the Holy Bible presented by the inspiration of God. We recognize that the biblical definition of marriage, as defined by numerous scriptures of the Holy Bible (Genesis 2:18-25, Leviticus 18:22, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:6-8, Romans 1:18-27, Ephesians 5:22-23, Hebrews 13:4), remains as the union of one man and one woman, and that God sanctions only the union in marriage of a man to a woman. We further recognize that the function of our church, and its facilities, are for the purpose of furthering the message of God as interpreted by the Holy Bible. Therefore, we present our facilities only for weddings, receptions and other wedding related activities which conform to the biblical definition of marriage between one man and one woman. All activities will conform to our Statement of Faith in the Constitution, specifically Section 3 entitled The Family. All other guidelines for use of our facilities for weddings, etc., shall be governed by previously adopted actions of our church body.

Section 2: Ministers Performing Weddings at Montevallo First Baptist Church

Only the pastor or ministers employed by or licensed by Montevallo First Baptist Church shall conduct a wedding ceremony on the Montevallo First Baptist Church premises. However, ministers who are not employed or licensed by Montevallo First Baptist Church may perform a wedding ceremony that is in alignment with our Statement of Faith, Section 3 entitled The Family. Additionally, all ministers must meet the requirements listed in the Church Wedding Guidelines of Montevallo First Baptist Church and receive the approval of the Montevallo First Baptist Church pastor or a designee.

Marriages entered into at Montevallo First Baptist Church shall only be between a man and a woman. The pastor or ministers performing marriages at Montevallo First Baptist Church may only perform marriages between a man and a woman.

The pastor or a minister employed by Montevallo First Baptist Church who participates in a same sex wedding ceremony shall be promptly terminated consistent with the Montevallo First Baptist Church Constitution and Bylaws.

(Wedding Policy Amended Sept. 16, 2015)

Changes in this constitution and bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church, provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous meeting, and copies of the proposed amendment be furnished to each member present. Amendments to the constitution shall be by two-thirds vote of all members of the church present entitled to vote; amendments to the bylaws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.

Revised/Amended: September 16, 2015