Pleasant Run Baptist Church
For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenants of Southern Baptist Churches and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body with resect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution.
I. NAME
This body shall be called the PLEASANT RUN BAPTIST Church, Parksville, Boyle County, Kentucky.
II. CHURCH CONVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord as our Saviour and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to 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 tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; and 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 each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules 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 this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
III. CHARACTER
Church Policy
The government of this church is vested solely in the body of believers who compose it. It shall be subject to control of no other ecclesiastical body, but shall recognize and sustain the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptists.
So far as may be consistent with the principles and teachings of God's Word, this church shall cooperate with and have representation in the denominational causes sponsored by Southern Baptists, including the Southern Baptist Convention, the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the South District Baptist Association, and other affiliated auxiliaries and causes. As many messengers or representatives as may be allowed this church at any convention, meeting, or council shall be elected by the church at any regular business meeting or, if necessary at a specially called meeting.
Unless otherwise specifically directed in the By-Laws, a majority vote of the members present for the transaction of business shall be declared the will of the church.
Doctrine. This church accepts the Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of the Baptist Churches as indicated in the Articles of Faith herewith.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I. QUALIFICATIONS
The membership of this church shall consist of such persons as having;
confessed Jesus Christ to be their Saviour and Lord and are Baptist into the fellowship, or
coming from other Baptist churches of like faith and order, shall be accepted upon receipt of letters of dismiss ion and recommendation from said former churches, or satisfactory substitutes thereof, or
coming upon statement of their Christian experience and having been previously scripturally baptized, shall be received as members.
Any person coming from a church other than a Baptist Church of like faith and order, will qualify for membership in this church as set forth in Item I above.
When a member of this church joins a church of a different faith and order, membership in this church shall terminate upon notification by person or church.
The Pastor shall be in charge of presenting to the church those who request membership in this church.
Members shall be received by 3/4 majority of votes cast.
SECTION 2. DUTIES
Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; to attend faithfully the services of this church; to give regularly for its support and it causes; to share in its organized work; and to extend a cordial welcome to all visitors at all times.
SECTION 3. RIGHTS
All members are equal in rank and privileges and may act and vote in the transactions of the church.
ARTICLE II. CHURCH OFFICERS
All church officers shall be members of this church. They shall take office Oct. 1, unless otherwise specified.
SECTION 1. PASTOR
Calling of Pastor. When a pastor resigns, a pulpit committee shall be elected. The committee shall bring only one name at a time for consideration to the church and no nomination shall be made except upon recommendation of a committee. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a pastor shall be chosen and called by the church when a vacancy occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, at least one week's prior public notice of said meeting having been given. An affirmative vote of 3/4 of the members voting will be necessary to call the candidate as pastor. If vote is favorable, Moderator may call for a unanimous vote. Should the committee report not be received by 3/4 vote, the Moderator shall declare the report rejected and refer the mater to the committee for further search. The meeting shall be adjourned without debate. The pastor thus elected, if he accepts the call, shall serve indefinitely at the will of the church until the relationship is terminated by mutual consent, both the pastor and the church seeking at all times to follow the will of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit in reference thereunto. If termination of pastorate is sought by either church or pastor, the other party is to be given a thirty-day advance notice. By mutual consent, the thirty-day notice may be dispensed with. the pastor shall be ex-officio member of all organizations, departments and committees. He shall be paid a salary mutually agreeable to him and the church. He shall be given one week vacation each year. He shall be permitted to hold revival meetings as mutually agreeable to him and the church.
SECTION 2. DEACONS
1. Qualifications
The basic requirements for a deacon are found in Acts 6:1-7 and Timothy 3:8-13. These are always to be considered essential over and above the specific requirements for the office of deacon of this church.
2. Duties
a. To be zealous to guard the unity of spirit within the Church in the bonds of peace goodwill.
b. To establish and maintain personal fraternal relationships with, and inspiriting oversight of, all the membership of the church.
c. To assist the pastor in administering the ordinances of Baptist and the Lord's Supper.
d. To exercise advisory power only. All matters must be taken before the church for action unless such authority is contained in these By-Laws or unless the church delegates to them specific authority to so act.
SECTION 3. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board shall consist of three members in accordance with the laws of the State of Kentucky and shall be elected for three-years terms and can be re-elected at the end of term.
The Board shall be entrusted with such responsibilities as civil law assigns the office, such as negotiating loans, execute mortgages, and signing legal papers.
SECTION 4. CLERK
The clerk of the church shall keep in a suitable book an accurate record of all of the actions of the church and regularly attend all business meetings.
The clerk shall be elected annually upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee or from the floor. It shall be the duty of the clerk to maintain an accurate record of all business transactions, to prepare the annual Associational letter and to notify all officers, members of committees and messengers of their election or appointment. The clerk shall issue letter of dismission as authorized by the church, preserve all papers and valuable letters and records that belong to the church and preserve a true history of the church. It shall also be the duty of the clerk to keep an accurate roll of the church membership with dates and methods of admissions and dismissions change in name. correct mailing addresses and other permanent record of church. All these items shall be delivered to the church upon the election of a successor.
SECTION 5. TEASURER
The treasurer shall be elected annually.
Receive, preserve and pay out all monies, or things of value, paid or given to the church, and report to the church monthly.
Keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.
SECTION 6. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
This committee shall be elected by the church during the June business meeting to permit time to make recommendations to the church in the September business meeting for the office of Trustee, Training Union Director, Sunday School Director, WMU Director. There shall be three elected persons from the church body to compose the Nominating committee shall be suggestive only.
ARTICLE III. MEETING
SECTION I. WORSHIP
Public services will be held on the Lord's Day (Sunday) and on some regular evening or evenings each week. Service can be dismissed on necessary occasions.
Occasional religious meeting may be called by the pastor or by the vote of the church.
The Lord's Supper shall be observed the 1st Sunday in each quarter.
SECTION II. BUSINESS
A regular business meeting will normally be held on the first Wednesday night of each mouth.
The Annual Business Meeting of the church will be held on the first Wednesday night of September.
At any regular meeting for worship the church may act upon the reception of members; upon the appointment of messengers to associations or conventions; but not upon matters of business. except upon direct vote of the church to do so.
The pastor may, and shall when requested by the deacons or trustees, call from the pulpit especial business meetings, the particular object of the meeting being stated in the notice.
At the Annual and all special meetings, tem percent of the resident members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE IV. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and accompanying By-Laws may be amended by a 3/4 vote of a quorum at any regular meeting of the church, or at any meeting specifically called for that purpose, the purposed amendment having been inserted in the call. In any case said proposed changes must be laid before the church in writing at business meeting not less than one mouth before the time of the proposed action and read from the pulpit on the Lord's Day next succeeding such proposal.
Rest to come soon
God Bless