Pikeville PFWB Church Bylaws

Bylaws:

Constitution and By-laws
Of the
Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church,

Pikeville North Carolina.

Adopted by church
January 26, 2011

Article I

Section 1: Name

The name of this church shall be; Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, in Wayne County, in the State of North Carolina.

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of the church is to establish and maintain a place for the worship of Almighty God; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith, where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our responsibility and the privilege of propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by all available means both at home and in foreign lands; and to maintain a Christian standard and testimony in the midst of our generation, holding to the original Cardinal Doctrines of our Denomination and exercising a spirit of balance and moderation in all our decision and actions.

Section 3: Affiliation

This Church is indigenous and autonomous and shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the Bible, God’s Holy word. However, while maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this Church shall voluntarily remain in full cooperative fellowship with churches of like precious faith associated with the General Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Inc., headquarters at Dunn, North Carolina; and shall share in the privileges and assume the responsibilities enjoined by the affiliation. The Annual General Conference, being the highest tribunal, shall have final jurisdiction over the local churches.

Section 4: Tenets of Faith

This Church shall accept the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God and the all sufficient rule of faith and practice. For the purpose of maintaining general unity in doctrine and Governance it shall adopt the Manual of Faith and Practices of the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Inc.

We declare the following to be our statement of faith:

We believe in the verbal and plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures and that they are the complete and final propositional revelation from God to man. In a time of turns and tangents, the Bible remains complete without deletions or additions; it is the infallible Word of God.

We believe there is but one living and true God, everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; Maker and Preserver of all things, bother visible and invisible. And in the unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of one substance, of eternal being, and equal in holiness, justice, wisdom, power, and dignity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

We believe that the Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and manhood, were joined together in one person, whereof is one Christ, very God and perfect man, who actually suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried to reconcile us to the Father, and to make atonement, not only for our actual guilt, but also for original sin. We believe that Christ truly did rise again from the dead, that He ascend to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as our intercessor.

We believe that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is necessary for the forgiveness of sins.

We believe the justification is by faith alone, and that regeneration or the new birth through faith in the Blood of Christ is absolutely essential.

We believe that sanctification is subsequent to regeneration and is a second definite instantaneous work of grace; obtained by faith on the part of the fully justified believer.

We believe that the Pentecostal Baptism of the Holy Ghost is obtainable by a definite act of appropriating faith on the part of the sanctified believer, and the initial evidence of the reception of this experience is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This experience endues one with power to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ according to Acts 1:8.

We believe that the saved should receive water baptism by immersion, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a testimony to the world that he has accepted Christ as Saviour and Lord: that this is one of the three ordinances of the Gospel.

We believe in Divine Healing as provided for in the atonement. We believe in praying for the sick in the scriptural manner according to James 5:14, 15.

We believe in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as commemorating Christ’s death and anticipating His Second Coming. By it the believer expresses his love for Christ, his faith and hope in him, and pledges to Him perpetual fidelity. It is the privilege and duty of all who have spiritual unction with Christ thus to commemorate His death; and no man has a right to forbid these tokens to the least of His Disciples.

We believe in Foot Washing as a sacred ordinance of humility, instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ and enjoined upon His Disciples as a duty to be observed by them. In this He set the example.

We believe in the imminent, personal, premillennial second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living Saints; Second, to reign with His saints.

Article II
Membership

Section 1: Membership by Profession of Faith;

Any person who gives evidence of a change of heart, professes faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, has been immersed by a proper administration, who will voluntarily subscribe to the local Churches tenets of faith., and agree to be governed by its constitution and the by-laws as herein set forth, may present themselves as a candidate for church membership; after they have had a consultation with the Pastor, completed a membership class, Membership then granted by a unanimous vote from the local congregation during a regular worship service. When any member objects to the reception of an applicant, the matter is deferred until the church board can ascertain the nature of the objection. If, in the opinion of the Board, the objection is not a valid one, the applicant may be received. The hand of fellowship is extended to all who are received into the membership of the Church.

All current members at the time of ratification of these bylaws will be exempt from the membership class but are encouraged to take it.

Section 2: Standard of Membership;

The standard of membership of this Church shall be: (a) Evidence of genuine experience in regeneration (the new birth). (b) Evidence of a consistent Christian life. (c) To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the constitutional rules of order adopted by this Church and supported by the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Inc. (d) Willingness to contribute regularly to the support of the Church according to his or her ability and to regularly attend the services of our Church.

Section 3: Principles of Membership;

We take the position of maintaining an affinity and a defense of Historic Christianity in the language of the Word of God.

We pledge ourselves to forward the great teachings of the word of God in our own time, giving ourselves too much prayer and study in and around the great principles of truth. When we teach and preach these principles of the Bible we must likewise demand ourselves that we practice and live these principles.

We pledge ourselves to keep faith with our Biblical past. There can be no substitute for consistence of character. The man, the message, the mission, the means and the methods must all be sanctified; there is no room for a double standard.

We believe in separation and consecration; these are still the motives for evangelism, for without true spirituality there can be no true witness in soul winning.

We maintain an appearance and dress code that may not always be in keeping with out present generation. We shall avoid immodest styles and fashions and abstain from all appearance of evil.

We should not indulge in anything that is inconsistent with the teaching of the Holy Scriptures and morally wrong. We should be temperate in all things that are permissible.

The standards of quality and moral influence must be maintained, and the problem of unwholesome commercialized amusements largely avoided.

Section 4: Active Members;

All members who meet the scriptural standard for membership shall constitute the legal voting membership of the church. The voting age is 16 years of age or over; members should be in good standing and attend regularly the services of the Church; and should be living consistent Christian lives in agreement with our distinctive testimony.

Section 5: Inactive Members;

Enrolled members who, without good cause, absent themselves from the services of the church for a period of six (6) consecutive months or more shall be consulted by the Board and Pastor and if found without good cause be considered as inactive members and shall lose their voting privileges until they have been restored to the fellowship. The pastor and board shall be authorized to review the church role periodically.
Inactive members are received again only when they show an interest in attendance as evidenced by six (6) months of regular attendance.

Section 6: Dismission of Members;

Members in good standing, who may wish to sever their relationship with this Church with a desire to be transferred to some other congregation, may apply to the Pastor for a letter of transfer. This letter shall be granted upon approval of the Pastor and church Board.
Any member desiring to withdraw from our local congregation without intentions of joining another, shall put in writing this request and present it to the Pastor and Church board to delete that name.

Article III
The Pastor

Section 1: The Pastor's Code of Ethics;

The Pastor should be conscientious in giving full time and strength to the work of his church., engaging in avocations and other occupations in such a way and to such a degree as not to infringe unduly upon that work, unless some definite arrangements for part-time service is made with his church.

Part of the minister’s service as a leader of his people is to reserve sufficient time for serious study in order thoroughly to apprehend his message, keep abreast of current thought, and develop his intellectual and spiritual capacities.

It is the minister’s duty to keep physically and emotionally, as well as spiritually fit for his work.

As a public interpreter of divine revelation and human duty the minister should tell the truth as he sees it and present it tactfully and constructively.

As an ethical leader in the community, the pastor should be scrupulously honest, set high standards of speech and conduct, endeavor to live within his income, pay his bills promptly, and be careful in the incurring of financial obligations.

The Pastor should be careful not to bring reproach on his calling by joining in marriage improper persons. The minister is not under obligation to marry every couple that comes to him to be married. The power of refusal, however, should be exercised with great discretion.

The minister should never speak disparagingly of his church or his profession.

It is unethical for the minister to use sermons prepared by another without acknowledging the source form which it comes.

The Pastor should not break his contract with the church he serves without the consent of the responsible leaders of the congregation and /or congregation at large, and only after consultation with the General Superintendent of his denomination.

As a professional man the minister should make his service primary and the remuneration secondary. His efficiency, however, demands that he should receive a salary adequate to the work he is expected to do and commensurate with the scale of living in that parish which he serves.

It is unethical for the minister to engage in other lines of remunerative work without the knowledge and consent of the church or its official board.

The Pastor should always place service above profit, avoiding the suspicion of an inordinate love of money, and never measure his work by his salary; however, he should personally see that all ministers who render services in his church are amply compensated for the same, either by the congregation or himself.

The minister should remember that he is pastor of all his people. He should avoid the display of preferences, and the cultivation of intimacies within the parish which may be construed as evidence of partiality. He should not attach himself to any social set either in the church or in the community. He should not allow personal feelings to interfere with the impartial nature of his ministrations.

The minister is the recognized leader of the parish, but he should not assume authority in church affairs which is not expressly granted to him by the terms of his contract, or the usage of his office, or the vote of his church.

The minister should respect his deacons and other elected officials of his church and give careful attention and respect to their counsel and advice, never forgetting their authority and the fact we should work with, not over each other.

The minister is the servant of the community and not only of his church, and should find in the opportunity for general ministerial service a means of evidencing the Christian spirit.

The minister recognizes himself to be the servant of the community in which he resides. Fees which are offered should be accepted only in the light of this principle.

The confidential statements made to a minister by his parishioners are privileged and should never be divulged without the consent of those making them.

In the case of parish controversy, the minister should maintain an attitude of good will to all, even when he himself is the subject of controversy.

It is unethical for a minister to interfere directly or indirectly with the parish work of another minister; especially should he be careful to avoid the charge of proselytizing from a sister church.

Except in emergencies it is unethical for a minister to render professional services within the parish of another minister, or to occupy another minister’s pulpit, without the consent of that minister whenever obtainable, and this consent should be given readily.

The minister rightfully controls his own pulpit, but he should not invite persons into it who are not generally acceptable to the parish, and he should be ready to accommodate all reasonable request by responsible church officials for its use.

The pastor should not make overtures or consider overtures from a church whose pastor has not yet resigned. He should refuse to enter into unfair competition with other ministers in order to secure a pulpit or place of honor.

The pastor should always speak with good will of another minister, especially of the minister who preceded or followed him in a parish. It may be his duty, however, to bring to the attention of the responsible officials of the fellowship any instance of gross professional or personal misconduct that may injure the good name of the ministry.

The pastor should be courteous to any predecessor of his when he returns to the field or to any successor when he has on occasion to return to the field, always calling on him while there. However, he should refrain from frequent visits to the former field. If, in exceptional cases, he is called back for a funeral or wedding, he will request that the incumbent minister be invited to participate in that service.

A minister should be very careful to protect his brother ministers from imposition of unworthy applicants for aid, and should refer such cases to establish charitable agencies rather than to send them to other churches.

The minister should be very generous in responding to reasonable requests for assistance from his brother ministers and his denominational officials remembering that he is one of a larger Fellowship.

It is his duty to show a friendly and cooperative interest in his brethren, attending the group meetings of the minister's, assisting his brother ministers with labors of love, defending them against injustice, and following them with kindly concern in their hours of distress.

He should never except from a Brother Minister fees for professional services, at christenings, weddings, and funerals.

A minister should be scrupulously careful in giving endorsements to agencies or individuals unless he has a thorough knowledge and approval of their work least such endorsements be used to influence others unduly.

The pastor should endeavor not to gossip about other ministers of his fellowship and should hold insincere respect any minister whose work is well done, regardless of size or nature of his field or service.

The pastor should dress moderately, or that which is in good taste to his profession.

The minister's responsibility to the state is that of a citizen. He should therefore, being faithful to his public obligations, and should respond to reasonable requests for assistance in community work.

As members of the same profession and brothers in the service of a common master, the relation between ministers should be one of frankness, of comradeship, and of cooperation.

The pastor should at all times recognize that he is a part of a cooperative fellowship that has granted their license to minister and has made large contributions to the local church he serves, to him personally, and to his ministry. In view of this fact he should acknowledge a debt of loyalty to his denomination and should strive to fulfill his obligations by cooperating in its efforts and programs to extend the kingdom of God.

Section 2: The Duties of the Pastor;

It is the pastor's duty to faithfully preach the word, to be the general superintendent of the Church, to be himself an example to the flock, to visit the members, especially the sick, as he has opportunity, and to do all in his power to promote the religious interests of the Church which he serves, and to advance the cause of Christ among men. He should properly represent the program and policies of The Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church to his congregation and should use his influence to get the congregation to cooperate with the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Inc.

The pastor shall be considered as the spiritual overseer of the church; he shall be the head of the organization and shall act as the chairman of all the business meetings of the Church and of the board of deacons. He shall be an ex officio member of all committees or departments. He shall help provide for all the services of the church and shall help arrange for all special meetings, conventions, or revival campaigns, in cooperation with the board of deacons or any committee that might be designated for that specific purpose. No person shall be invited to speak, preach, or sing on the church property without the approval of the pastor and board. The pastor shall appoint committees as is necessary for the continued operation of this church.

Section 3: The Election of the Pastor;

All voting; expression, elimination, and/or election is to be done by secret ballot.

EXPRESSION BALLOT

The minister or board of deacons may request an expression ballot no more than one time in a conference year. When he desire such a ballot he should make his intentions known to the deacon board 1st, and then set the date himself for the vote he shall give the voting membership of the church not less than a 10 day notice nor more than 30 days. Regardless of the outcome of the balloting, the pastor will remain until otherwise relieved or he may be elect to resign. Let it be understood that an expression ballot when so stated is not an elimination or election ballot as such but merely an expression to help the pastor and board of deacons know where the pastor stands with his people in terms of acceptance. The outcome of this vote is to be shared between the pastor and the board and should be received and counted by the pastor and the board representative. The ballot should read "yes, I prefer to keep our present pastor; no, I prefer a change."

ELIMINATION AND/OR REELECTION BALLOT

If and when the church, in the opinion of the responsible leaders, should make a change; the deacon board will meet with the pastor to discuss the matter. . The board of deacons has the power to ask for his resignation at any of the board’s business meetings. If the minister does not resign, the deacon board will set a time not less than 10 or more than 30 days from the date of the meeting with the minister for the church membership to vote on the issue. This will be a yes or no ballot for the purpose of eliminating the incumbent or continuing his service for another indefinite period. If the balloting reveals a majority no votes, then the minister will terminate his official pastor duty 60 days from the date of the balloting unless immediate termination is deemed in the best interest of the church by the deacon board. This vote may be taken anytime during the conference year. No other minister can be nominated to run against an incumbent pastor and no pastor should give an interview to a deacon board until the incumbent is eliminated. If a majority of yes votes are received, the Minister may continue to serve the church for another indefinite period or until the above procedure is repeated. The church may not instigate the above procedure closer than 60 days together.

If and when the pastor desires to resign, he may do so at any time during the conference year; but he must give the church 60 days notice. The days will, from the time said notice is delivered to the vice-chairman of the deacon board in writing. The Minister must not terminate immediately unless there is a satisfactory agreement respecting immediate termination reached between the minister and the deacon board. There are rare situations when immediate termination would be in the best interest of the pastor and church. When this is considered by both parties to be the case, the deacons may agree to pay the Minister 60 days salary in advance and allow his services to end officially and immediately.

ELECTION BALLOT

Notwithstanding that an elimination ballot may result in a reelection, there will still be times when a pulpit is emptied by elimination ballot or by the resignation of the pastor. At any rate, if and when a pulpit is vacant the following procedure shall be followed.

The deacon board shall automatically become the nominating committee. The services of the general superintendent are available upon request to assist the deacon board in locating potential candidates for pastor. They shall interview various acceptable and eligible ministers. They may invite one or more to be heard by the members. Members may suggest certain potential candidates to the deacon board for them to interview and/or invite to speak to the congregation. Individual members may not personally interview candidates nor invite them to give a trial message. This must be done through the nominating committee. All persons considered for pastor must either be ordained by the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church or have the approval of the general superintendent and or ministerial Council as a potential candidate for ministerial recognition, having already applied or having agreed to apply. All candidates must be in good standing with the denomination.

When the deacon board has settled on a candidate they will announce a meeting of the members giving not less than 10 nor more than 30 days notice. At said meeting the deacons will nominate one candidate at a time. Nomination may be made from the floor by individual members provided the candidate they nominate has been presented by someone to the nominating committee and candidate interviewed by the committee prior to the actual meeting held for voting when the nomination is made. If there are no nominations from the floor, a yes/no ballot will be cast and if the nominee is elected, balloting will be over. If the nominee is not elected the deacon board may either project another name for a 2nd balloting or postpone the matter to a later meeting to be called.

If there are nominations from the floor, in keeping with above stated procedure, the ballot will be cast and the members are free to vote on either of the names projected. The ballot should read as follows if there is one nominee: "yes, I cast my vote for the nominee. No, I feel we should consider another candidate."

If there are nominations from the floor the ballot should read as follows: (name of the deacon board nominee): I cast my vote for the named nominee of the nominating committee

(Write-in name of nominee from the floor you prefer to vote for.): I cast my ballot for the name nominated from the floor written in here.

SUPPLY MINISTER

If in the transition a pulpit is vacant for an extended period the church may select a supply Minister to serve until a pastor is elected. The church may select the supply or they may request the general superintendent to appoint a supply Minister.

The services of the general superintendent are available upon request to assist the deacon board in locating potential candidates for pastor or supplied.

Article IV
Other Officers

Section 1: Board of Trustees;

There shall be a Board of Trustees of 3 men in good standing with the Church, who should qualify for the office according to the laws of the state. They shall be elected by the members. The trustee shall serve for life, or as long as he is a member of the church and is physically or mentally able to perform the functions of this office. If a trustee should fall out of good standing with the church the deacon board will ask for his resignation if he refuses they will call for a meeting of the members, giving not less than 10 nor more than 30 days notice, for the purpose of his removal by majority vote.

It shall be the duty of the trustees to hold in trust all properties or portions of property deed to the local church. In the case of outside interference, the trustee shall ask the deacon board of the local church to meet with them for assistance. If the problem becomes more acute, the trustees shall seek the aid of the trustees of Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Inc., in Dunn, North Carolina. They should see that all deeds, legal certificates, and records are deposited in a place for safekeeping.

Section 2: Board of Deacons;

The board of deacons, shall consist of not less than 5 men for up to 500 members, 7 for 750 members or more, and 9 for 1000 members or more, who are members in good standing with the Church, shall be elected for a period of 3 years by the church members. They may be elected for two terms within a 9 year period. This board shall act in an advisory capacity with a pastor in all matters pertaining to the church in its spiritual life and in the ministry of its ordinances. It shall act in the administration of the discipline of the Church.

At various times they shall serve as a nominating committee or have the power to appoint certain members to a particular ministry in the local church. The pastor shall be the chairman of the deacon board and be present to preside at all its meetings except when the meeting concerns the pastor himself, and he should be present then if the board so desires. 80% present at any meeting of the board of deacons shall constitute a quorum provided all the members have been notified to be present. In the event the church is temporarily without a pastor, or the pastor is unable to be present, the board of deacons shall call upon the Vice Chairman of the Board to transact business for the church. If this is not feasible, then the director of the district in which the church is located may be called in to perform this duty.

The Vice Chairman of the Board shall be elected from the board members themselves.

Section 3: The Clerk;

The clerk shall be a member in good standing with the local church, and shall be elected by the members for a two-year period of time. It is the duty of the clerk to keep a church book, and in it record the church covenant, the names of the members, and all the proceedings of the Church, in the exercise of its discipline and management of its temporal affairs. The books and records of the clerk shall be open to the pastor and the board of deacons at any given time, upon request by the same.

The assistant clerk is elected in same manner, will serve in conjunction with the clerk, and will assume this office and responsibility if and when necessary.

Section 4: Deaconesses

The wives, who are members in good standing of the local church, of the elected deacon shall serve as the deaconesses for the church. They shall hold this office for the same length of time in which their husbands are deacons. They should be women distinguished among the female members of the church for piety and benevolence. They assist the deacons in visiting the sick, and collecting funds, and distributing among the needy, and enforcing proper discipline among the female members.

Section 5: The Treasurer;

The office and duties of the treasurer spelled out under Article V, section 2, the general church treasurer.

Article V
Church Finances

Section 1: Receiving Money into the Church;

Funds for the operation, improvements, and maintenance of the church shall be provided for by the voluntary tithes, offerings, and contributions from the members and friends of this organization. This church will not accept money under any circumstances in the form of bribery. We will not accept contributions if there are any strings attached that would cause us to violate the principles of our beliefs or be inconsistent with this constitution and bylaws. This church will not encourage the continued soliciting funds for the operation of the church through social functions. All offerings will be received with dignity and honor with reverence to God, our provider and sustainer. Only those in the proper authority will receive the offerings at the appointed times.

This church will never place undue pressure on its members or friends in the matter of finance. We believe that all members should be tithe payers and we appreciate the contributions of our friends and visitors from time to time. We will never engage in dishonest and unscrupulous means and methods of raising funds for the continuation of this work. We guard against the spirit of competition among our departments in selling items for the purpose of raising funds.

Section 2: The General Church Treasurer;

There shall be one treasurer and one assistant treasurer, each member in good standing with the local church and elected for a two-year period of time, and maybe reelected any given number of times.

It is the treasurer's duty to receive all the money belonging to the Church, and pay out the same by order of the Church through the assistance of the finance committee and/or the deacon board and pastor. The treasurer should deposit the money in a local convenient bank and keep a correct amount of all receipts and expenditures and make a full statement of the same to the church upon request. The treasurer’s books may be reviewed by the finance committee, the deacons, and the pastor periodically or when thought necessary.

Section 3: The Finance Committee;

The purpose of the finance committee is to execute the financing of the church in harmony with the financial programs as passed by the Gen. Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, Inc., The District Conferences of said church, and a financial program approved by the local church and board. All major disbursements such as: pastor’s salary, special speakers, other salaries, significant repairs and maintenance, etc. must be approved jointly by the finance committee and the Board of deacons. Capital Improvements must be approved by a simple majority at a full church meeting.

Incidentals and expenditures may be transacted by the pastor or someone of official capacity in the church. Any committee involving major finances should consult with the finance committee before it takes any action.

Section 4: Department and Committee Treasures;

The ladies ministries maintain their own bank account and all monies from these departments are channeled through their own treasurer.
All other department monies are to be accounted for and dispersed by the general church treasurer.

Article VI
Church Meetings

Section 1: Regular Worship Services;

Meetings for public worship shall be held on a full-time basis on Sunday and during the week, as may be provided for under the direction of the pastor and/or the deacon board.

Section 2: Revivals and Special Services;

Any evangelist must be a man of like precious faith, a member or friend of our denomination, and of the understanding that he is there to preach the Word and pray for a revival. In the event the evangelist is preaching serious undermining errors in belief and doctrine, it is the pastor duty to reprove, rebuke, exhort with long-suffering and, after meeting with the board, immediately dismiss this evangelist from our church meetings. The same rule shall apply to any guest speaker at any time, in any of our services. The pastor and board of deacons will have the prerogative to select, or approve of the evangelist and all special speakers. This church shall endeavor to have a youth weekend revival during the national youth week; a missionary conference once a year; a vacation Bible school once a year; an annual homecoming; and other eventful days during the course of the year. These services are planned by the pastor board of deacons and/or the properly appointed committees.

Section 3: Business Meetings;

There shall be business a meeting of the church held the last Wednesday of January. At this meeting the member shall be presented the reports of the departments and committees. Also in this meeting the church shall transact all business necessary to the progress of the work in general. This meeting shall be held without other notice than these bylaws, an announcement from the pulpit, or in a church bulletin, postcard, or newsletter.

            Special business meetings of the church may be called when necessary, after proper notice has been given by the pastor or by the clerk of the church, provided the meeting has been agreed upon by a majority of the board of deacons.

            Business of the church cannot be transacted during any regular service of the church unless this time has been designated by the pastor or the board of deacons as a special meeting and proper notice has been given.

Section 4: The Church Quorum;

No record of any special or regular business meeting of the church shall be made unless 1/2 or more active members shall be present to constitute a quorum, and no business shall be conducted.

Section 5: The board meetings;

Pastor should meet with the board of deacons, for the transaction of routine business of the church as often as is necessary. The time and place of the meeting is to be designated by the pastor. The pastor should be the chairman of the deacon board and be present to preside at all its meetings except when the meeting concerns the pastor himself, and he should be present then if the board so desires. If and when this is the case he should ask the vice chairman of the board to preside.

Any member of the board of deacons can request the pastor call a meeting of the board and it is the duty of the pastor to call such a meeting within 30 days. In the event that the pastor refuses to call such a meeting then the vice chairman of the board would have the right to call the meeting provided that each member of the board along with the pastor is notified and being sure that it is to the convenience of the greater number of the board. The Vice Chairman of the Board shall then preside.

If the majority of the board of deacons request that the church be called into session other than the regular appointed times it becomes the duty of the pastor to call such a meeting. In the event the pastor refuses than the board can notify the church (being sure that each member is notified) of the meeting and the Vice Chairman shall act as moderator. The pastor in the case of the latter should also be notified.

That at the request of a majority of the board of deacons or at the request of the pastor, the Board of Directors of the conference or a committee from this group shall meet with the local church try to work out any problem.

Section 6: Order of Business for Regular Business Meetings;

The following shall be the general order of business with "Robert's rules of order" used as a guide in parliamentary procedure.

Opening devotional exercises.

Roll Call of members.

Reading of the minutes of the last meeting.

Confessions.

Censures.

Unfinished business.

Receiving of reports.

New business.

Miscellaneous business.

Adjournment.

Article VII
Committees

Section 1: Finance Committee;

The finance committee is discussed under article V, section 3 of these bylaws.

Section 2: Building Committee;

The building committee shall consist of the chairman with at least 3 members serving with him. Each of these is to be appointed annually by the Pastor and Board of Deacons. The purpose of this committee is to maintain our church buildings as necessary. They will act as advisers to the board of deacons, pastor, the finance committee and the entire membership in the area of construction and maintenance.

Section 3: The Ushers;

The committee for the ushers shall 1 chairman. They shall have as many assistants as needed. Their purpose is to make visitors and members feel welcome and comfortable in God's house and to lend spiritual dignity to the entire church service. Their overall goal is to promote better and more friendly relations between the church and people who attend. The very nature of this committee demands that the persons be able to alleviate himself of other duties elsewhere in most cases to serve. This committee shall be appointed by the Pastor and Board of Deacons annually.

Section 4: The Program Committee;

This is an Ad Hoc committee appointed by the Pastor and Board of Deacons to evaluate programs as needed.
If a program is for deletion or restructure this committee will solicit department heads and all membership of the effected department for opinions and bring conclusions to the Deacon Board for a final decision. Any new program will be evaluated by the program committee with the appropriate information (to be defined by the committee and deacon board with a standard set of core questions) from all effected sources and report to the deacon board for a final decision.

Section 5: Curriculum Committee;

This committee will consist of the educational department heads. They will be responsible for ordering need program materials and supplies. They will evaluate curriculum for additions and changes, then report to the board of deacons.

Section 6: Other Committees;

All other committees shall be appointed by the pastor and have their duties defined at the time of their appointments.

Article VIII
Departments and Programs

Section 1: Programming and Departments;

Programs and Departments will be added, deleted and restructured as outlined in Article VII, Section 4 and will be listed in Appendix 1

Section 2: Governance;

Each program will be responsible for its own governance except for educational programs that will have their leadership appointed by the Pastor and Board of Deacons.

Section 3: Under Supervision of the Church;

All departments and committee shall be subordinate to the church and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. They shall be under the general supervision of the pastor and the board of deacons, and the pastor shall be an ex officio member of all departments and committees. To avoid later confusion, any questionable activity or policy of any department or committee should receive the approval of the pastor and/or the board of deacons before it is enacted.

Article IX
Property Rights

Section 1: Purchase or Acquiring Property;

The church shall have the right to purchase or acquire (by gift, bequest, or otherwise, either directly or as trustees) and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattel as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes; all in accordance with the Constitution and bylaws, or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended in accordance with the rules and regulations the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church Inc.

Section 2: Property Deed;

This church building shall be deeded to the Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, and held by the elected trustees or their successors in office. All property shall be in the name of Pikeville Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

Section 3: Disposal of Property;

No property of the church shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of without the consent of at least 2/3 of the quorum of the church.

Section 4: Transaction of Property;

All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the name of the church.

Section 5: Transaction Certification;

The pastor, the trustees, and the clerk of the church shall certify in such conveyance, lease, or mortgage, that the same has been duly authorized by the vote of the membership. Such certificate shall be held to be conclusive thereof.

Section 6: Use of Church Property;

All church property shall be used and handled for the glory of God and according to the purpose for which it was intended. We shall work together to preserve our property and to see that we have something of lasting benefit to pass on to the coming generations.

No property shall be loaned or rented without the general consent of the board and pastor. And the pastor will serve as the coordinator when properties are used for some purposes other than our regular schedule services and functions.

Article X
Amendments

These bylaws may be amended or changed by a two thirds vote of the membership of the church from the quorum of the church body, at a meeting called for that purpose or a regular business meeting, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been given by announcement and bulletin at least 2 weeks in advance.

Appendix 1: Departments and Programs;

Sunday School Learn Groups

Women’s Ministries

SALT

Royal Rangers

Girls for Christ

Bible Study

Vineyard

Men’s Fellowship

Care Groups

Sunday Worship

Worship Service

The Road

Children’s Church

Drama

ACTS 1:8

WITS

Next Generation

Prayer Warriors

First Impressions

Divorce Care and Divorce Care for Kids