Ministry Information: BY-LAWS of
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, CAPITOL HILL
ARTICLE I - NAME
This religious organization is designated as the First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill (FBCCH) and is located at 625 Rosa L. Park Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee. First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill began as the ?First Colored Baptist Mission? (January 1848) of the European American First Colored Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee. The mission was allowed its first Negro pastor, Nelson G. Merry, on November 29, 1853. On March 7, 1865, the First Colored Baptist Mission petitioned the First Baptist Church for independence, which was granted on August 13, 1865. On May 25, 1866, ?First Colored Baptist Church of Nashville? was granted a charter by the Tennessee General Assembly. In July 1887 the officers and the congregation published Rules and Regulations, Act of Incorporation of the First Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee. The original charter was re-filed and amended on April 5, 1895. After approval by the congregation on October 17, 1965, the charter for First Colored Baptist Church of Nashville was amended to change the name to ?First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill,? and approved by the Secretary of State of Tennessee on November 4, 1965.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
-Section 1. Covenant
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, hav-ing 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, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
Back to the Top
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 and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, dis-cipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputa-tion, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
Section 2. Mission. To advance the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior through preaching, teaching and equipping members to do creative ministries to serve human kind.
ARTICLE III - POLITY
This congregation recognizes Jesus Christ as the only head of the Church and therefore, seeks to know and understand the will of God in all matters of faith and practice. We hold that the authority to make decisions regarding the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church rests with the membership of the congregation. However, in carrying out the broader ministry of the Church, we shall hold membership in the American Baptist Convention, U.S.A. and its affiliates, the American Baptist Churches of the South, Area VI; the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and its affiliates; the Stones River District Association, Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention (including its auxiliaries the Tennessee Baptist Leadership Education Congress and the Tennessee Baptist Youth Encampment) and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. This church shall not resign or withdraw from any of these bodies except by duly adopted amendment to the by-laws of this church following a recommendation by the boards of trustees and deacons of this Church. This Church shall also support interfaith organizations and projects of Metropolitan Nashville and community. But no external, earthly authority may administer the affairs of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
-Section 1
-Admission of Members. Persons who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and adopt the views and practices of this Church can be received into its membership upon the recommendation of the board of deacons and affirmation of the church by any of the following methods:
A. By Baptism. Any person professing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and agrees with the doctrines and practices of the Church may be received into the congregation following baptism by immersion.
B. By Letter. Upon the receipt or pending receipt of a letter of commendation, members of other Baptist Churches may be received, after affirmation by members of the congregation present, as members of the Church.
C. By Experience. A believer who has been a member of a Christian church, who for a valid reason cannot present a letter from another church, may be received upon statement of his/her Christian experience following the recommendation of the deacons and affirmation by the congregation.
D. By Restoration. Any member who has lost his/her membership for any reason may be restored to membership following confession of previous baptism and confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and recommendation of the deacons and affirmation by the Church.
E. Associate. Persons who are members of other Christian churches in good standing making a request to come under the care of FBCCH shall be received after an affirmation by the members but not have a vote in the affairs of this Church. Associate membership does not imply concurrent membership—a category not authorized under the by-laws of FBCCH.
F. Watch Care. Persons who desire to affiliate with First Baptist Church for a limited time period may join as a Watch Care member with full rights of participation in all activities of FBCCH but not have a vote in the affairs of this Church. Watch Care membership does not imply concurrent membership—a category not authorized under the by-laws of FBCCH.
Back to the Top
Section 2
Removal of Members. Persons may be removed from membership by any of the following methods:
A. By Death.
B. By Letter. Any member in good standing may receive a letter of removal and recommendation to any other church, following the recommendation of the deacons and affirmation by the congregation. Named in the request shall be the church to which membership is being transferred and a letter sent to the pastor or clerk of that church. Such a letter shall be valid for only six months after its issue and stated in the letter.
C. By Exclusion. The congregation may vote to terminate the membership of a person who becomes an offense to the Church and to its good name because of UN-Christian conduct and or actions, or by persistent breach of his covenant vows. Such action should be taken only after due notice and a hearing before the boards of deacons and after faithful efforts have been made to bring about repentance.
D. By Suspension or Erasure. The Board of Deacons, through the members’ service committee and the church clerk, shall on an annual basis prepare a list of members who have for a period of one year failed to participate in the worship services or the financial support of the church without valid reasons. The Finance Secretary and the Finance Committee shall assist in this task. If they are convinced that these individuals cannot be reclaimed, they shall recommend to the Church that the names of these delinquent members be erased from the membership roll. Following a vote by the congregation said members thereafter shall cease to be members of this Church.
E. By Concurrent Membership. After the member has achieved full membership status at another church, his/her membership at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill may be terminated, following a vote by the congregation.
Back to the Top
Section 3
Duties. Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life and also to attend regularly the services of the Church and to give regularly for the support of its programs and outreach.
-Section 4
Membership Status. Persons who have been admitted to membership in FBCCH shall be presumed to be members of standing until their membership standing has been made an issue in writing signed by the individual(s), committee chair, or ministry chair raising the issue of the member’s standing. The writing shall set out specific reasons why the member is deemed to not be in good standing. The writing will be filed with the Secretary of the Church who will notify the member and present the writing to the congregation at a Church meeting. The congregation will listen to any explanation the member cares to make in answer to the writing. Thereafter, the congregation will decide by a majority of the members present and voting the issue of the member’s standing. Upon a finding by the congregation that the member is not in good standing, a sanction of six (6) to twelve (12) months will be imposed during which time the member will lose voting rights and shall not be eligible to hold any Church office. At the end of the first six (6) month period, the member will be reassessed by the congregation to determine if restoration in good standing is warranted. If the member fails to appear or declines to offer an explanation, the writing or basis for the removal from the rolls shall be approved and the person shall be removed from the membership of the Church.
ARTICLE V – CHURCH ORGANIZATION
As ours is a faith ?based generally upon the competency of each individual in matters of faith,? efficient and spirit-filled leadership is vital to the church. Officers of the Church will be full members of FBCCH, and display spirituality, loyalty, honesty, and diligence to their duties, full participation in church affairs and events, and financial support for the Church. Officers of the Church are as follows:
MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP MANAGEMENT
Section I.
Pastor. The Pastor shall perform those duties that usually pertain to the office of Pastor including preach the gospel; teach the word; administer the ordinances and have charge of the worship services including directing the spiritual welfare of the church, according to the Baptist Polity (see Art. III). He or she shall coordinate general church administration; provide oversight and supervision of all the interests and activities of the Church; visit the sick and shut-ins; provide spiritual counsel and support for members; shall be a full-time Pastor with no outside job unless approved by the Boards and the congregation. The Pastor shall appoint Assistant or Associate Ministers, and shall appoint officers in conjunction with the Church Nominating Committee to complete the term of vacated offices when needed. The Pastor shall act as Moderator in all congregation meetings for the transaction of church business, except when that business pertains to the pastor. In such cases the Chairman of the Board of Deacons or Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall act as moderator. The Pastor shall be an ex officio member of all boards, committees and auxiliary organizations of the Church, and perform any other duties that the Pastor and the Board of Deacons and the Joint Board agree upon as incumbent upon the office.
Section 2
Assistant Pastor. The Assistant Pastor also shall be an ordained minister. The Pastor and the Joint Board shall nominate the Assistant Pastor for approval by the congregation. The Assistant Pastor reports to the Pastor, and receives assignments from the Pastor, who reports to the Joint Board and the congregation. The Assistant Pastor shall take an active part in all phases of the Church program and will act as Pastor and deliver sermons in the absence of the Pastor.
Section 3
Clerk. It shall be the duty of the Church Clerk to keep an accurate record of all business transacted by the Church and to be prepared to read before the Church the minutes of the meetings. The Clerk shall keep a record of names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal or death and records of baptisms. He or she shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the Church and keep records of all official reports. The Church Clerk should give notice of all meetings where such is required by the by-laws and shall perform additional duties as assigned by the Pastor and or the Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He or she shall work together with the Board of Deacons to conduct an annual membership survey.
Section 4
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be bonded, and receive contributions, pay bills as approved by the Finance Committee. He or she shall make reports at Church meetings of contributions and expenditures. All checks shall be written and countersigned by at least two (2) of the following persons: the Treasurer, Chairman of Finance, Vice-Chairman of Finance, Financial Secretary, and the Church Administrator.
Back to the Top
Section 5
Financial Secretary. The Financial (Corporate) Secretary shall prepare and maintain all financial records, including financial statements, audits, invoices, membership contribution records, quarterly and year-end contribution statements. The Financial Secretary also shall perform such other duties as designated for the office.
Section 6
Church Administrator. The Church Administrator shall be a full-time employee whose primary responsibility shall be the management of personnel, finances and maintenance of the church facilities under the supervision of the Pastor and Chairs of the Board of Trustees and Deacons. (See First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill Handbook.) The Church Administrator shall belong to a national organization of church administrators, and engage continuing education related to the administrator’s duties and responsibilities. It shall be the duty of the Church Administrator to manage the business affairs and administer the day-to-day operations of the Church and all its affiliates including its outreach activities. The Church Administrator shall prepare all reports on the business aspects of the Church and its affiliates for the Church, the Pastor, the Board of Deacons, the Trustees and the Finance Committee when required. (See FBCCH, Handbook).
Section 7
Board of Deacons. There shall be a Board of Deacons comprised of at least seven (7) individuals but not more than twenty (20) possessing the qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons are approved by the congregation following recommendations by a nominating committee of the Deacon Board, by the Pastor, and/or by the congregation. The board shall choose annually a chairman (the Corporate President), a vice-chairman and secretary. The Board of Deacons shall meet monthly on a day determined by the Deacons. The Chairman or secretary of the Board of Deacons, who shall notify other board members, may call special meetings. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. It shall be the duty of the Deacons to assist the Pastor in the administration of the ordinances; to visit the sick and shut-ins; to provide spiritual counsel and support to members; to support the Pastor in the performance of his duties. Deacons shall have, with the Pastor, supervision over the temporal and spiritual life of the Church and to promote collegiality, unity, and Christian love within the congregation. The Deacons and the Assistant Pastor will supply the pulpit in the absence of the Pastor. The Board of Deacons and the Joint Board shall have the authority to call a special meeting of the Church, including in the absence of a Pastor or when the business of the church meeting pertains to the Pastor.
Section 8
Board of Trustees. There shall be a Board of Trustees of at least fifteen (15) members but not more than twenty (20) recommended by the Board of Trustees, approved by the Pastor, and recommended to the Church Nominating Committee and then to the congregation for approval. The Trustees shall act as legal custodians of all properties of the church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management and maintenance. When encumbering Church property, a Church resolution is required from the Joint Board designating the Trustees authorization to sign on behalf of the Church. All powers and duties of the Trustees to be conformable with the laws of the State of Tennessee with reference to Church property. The Trustees shall meet monthly on a day designated by the Trustees. They shall choose a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary. The Board of Trustees shall determine the use of the Church building by outside groups and shall determine suitable charges to be made for such use. It shall transact all legal matters on behalf of the Church. Trustees shall supervise janitorial services, additional service help, and building supplies. All repairs exceeding $1,000 and up to $50,000 must be approved by the Trustees. The congregation shall approve all major repairs that exceed $50,000. But in case of an emergency, the Joint Board of Trustees and Deacons will act in the best interest of the Church.
Back to the Top
Section 9
The Joint Board. The Joint Board (Corporate Directors) shall consist of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees, and should meet at least three times per year.
Section 10
Finance Committee. The Church shall operate under a unified and balanced budget. All funds collected for the Church shall be turned over to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall advise the Church on business affairs, which include preparation of the annual budget for adoption by the Church. Other responsibilities include the receipt and custody of funds, payment of obligations of the church in accordance with the adopted budget, maintenance and production of financial reports, monthly review of fiscal affairs of the Church, and counsel on financial matters for the Church.
Section 11
The Ministry Council. There shall be a Ministry Council composed of the Pastor and the ministry chairpersons. The Council's chairman shall be the Chairman of the Board of Deacons and the Vice-Chairman shall be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. All other council members are chairpersons of the ministries of the Church. The Council shall meet quarterly. The duties and responsibilities shall be to coordinate and make a calendar of all Church activities of the ministries and provide training on Church procedures and policies, Church protocol and budgetary information for all ministries. It shall serve as a liaison group to disseminate information and materials, and facilitate open communication within the Church.
Section 12
Nominating Committee. The Church Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) deacons including the Chair of the Deacon Board. Other members include the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the Chair of American Baptist Men, the Chair of American Baptist Women, the Chair of the Young Adult Fellowship, and the Chair of the Youth Department. It shall be the duty of this committee to propose a slate of officers to the Church on an annual basis. This committee shall also make nominations during the year as vacancies occur.
The duties and responsibilities of the following ministries and committees [Loyalty, Worship, and Evangelism Committees; Outreach Ministry; Ministry of Discipleship; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Social Concerns; Ministry of Fellowship and Amenities; and Ministry of Communications] shall conform with the Church’s by-laws and are referenced and defined in the official Church Handbook of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill.
Section 13. The Loyalty Committee.
Section 14. The Worship Committee.
Section 15. The Evangelism Committee.
Back to the Top
OUTREACH MINISTRY
Section 1. Youth Outreach.
Section 2. Education Outreach.
Section 3. Prison Ministry.
Section 4. Shepherds Ministry.
MINISTRY OF DISCIPLESHIP
-Section 1. American Baptist Men.
-Section 2. American Baptist Women.
-Section 3. Family and Singles Enrichment.
-Section 4. Young Adult Fellowship.
-Section 5. Fellowship of Retirees.
-Section 6. Recreation Committee.
-Section 7. Children’s Department.
-Section 8. Youth Department.
-MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
-Section 1. Sunday Church School.
-Section 2. Scholarship Committee.
-Section 3. New Members Committee.
-Section 4. Children’s Church.
-Section 5. Sunday Nursery.
-MINISTRY OF SOCIAL CONCERNS
-Section 1. Counseling Service.
-Section 2. Health Care.
-Section 3. Benevolence Committee.
-Section 4. Law and Justice Committee.
-Section 5. Social and Political Action Committee.
-MINISTRY OF FELLOWSHIP AND AMENITIES
-Section 1. Hosting Committee.
-Section 2. Floral Committee.
-Section 3. Ushers Committee.
-Section 4. Transportation Committee.
-MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
-Section 1. Public Relations.
-Section 2. Archives Committee.
-Section 3. Handbook Committee.
-Section 4. The Torch.
-Section 5. Calendar Committee.
-Section 6. Pictorial Directory.
-Section 7. Tape Ministry.
-MINISTRY OF MUSIC
Section 1
The Minister of Music. The congregation shall elect, for a period of three (3) years, the Minister of Music, who may succeed themselves with the approval of the Pastor and the congregation. The Minister of Music shall provide worshipful music for all services of the Church through an organization of Choirs as approved by the congregation. The Minister of Music works with the Pastor in selecting suitable music and in planning and preparing appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed. The Minister of Music is responsible to the Church and shall serve as consultant on all matters pertaining to the music of the church, giving advice and suggestions on such matters to the official boards of the Church when they shall receive such matters before them.
Back to the Top
ARTICLE VI - THE PASTORATE
-Section 1
Calling a Pastor. When the pastorate is vacant, the Board of Deacons shall appoint a Pastoral Search Committee consisting of three (3) deacons, two (2) trustees, and one (1) representative from the American Baptist Women, the American Baptist Men, the Youth Ministry, the Young Adult Fellowship, the Ministerial Staff, a lay member, the Ministry of Music and the Ministry of Education. This committee shall take the necessary steps to secure names of prospective pastors, working in consultation with the American Baptist Churches Convention, U.S.A. Executive Minister and in accordance with the procedural guidelines of other Baptist Churches. When a suitable person is found for the pastorate, the committee shall recommend the person to the Church for consideration.
The call of a Pastor shall be considered by the Church at a meeting specifically called for such purpose, after having been announced on two (2) successive Sundays in the church newsletter and from the pulpit. The Pastor shall be elected by an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members present and qualified to vote. Only one (1) candidate shall be presented to the church at a time. After recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee, as provided by Article VI, Section 1, the Pastor shall be elected by the Church, and issued a contract.
-Section 2
Termination of Pastorate. The Pastor thus elected shall continue to serve until mutual agreement, resignation, or violation of contract or conduct unbecoming of a minister terminates the relationship.
The majority of the members of the congregation present and qualified to vote, at a called business meeting after notice of such meeting and its purpose having been announced in the Church newsletter and at both worship services on two (2) successive Sundays, may elect to terminate the Pastor’s contract. (See Article VIII, Section 4).
-ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS
-Section 1
Terms. No member of the Church shall be eligible to hold more than two (2) church-elected offices. No officer (except Deacons, Trustees, and the Minister of Music) may serve more than three (3) years, and cannot be elected to that office until one year has passed since the person last held that office. The Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Trustees shall hold no other elected office in the Church.
-Section 2
Voting. On all matters, members in good standing are entitled to vote.
-Section 3
Procedures. The Church Nominating Committee receives and reviews nominations from the church ministries with the exception of the Ministry of Stewardship Management and the Boards of Deacons and Trustees. Additionally, this committee selects nominees for the chairperson of the Loyalty, Worship, Delegate Coordinating, Transportation, Evangelism, New Member, Fellowship and Amenities and Finance Committees, the lay member of the Finance committee, Church School Board Chair, Sunday School Superintendent, Minister of Music, Ministry of Communications Chair and Church Clerk. After review, nominations are submitted to the Board of Deacons and Joint Board for presentation to the membership at the duly constituted meeting of the congregation. (See Article V, Section 12 and Handbook.)
-Section 4
Vacancies. The Church Nominating Committee in consultation with the Pastor may fill vacancies occurring during the year for the remainder of the term. The names shall be presented to the congregation at the next Church meeting for approval.
-ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS
-Section 1
Worship Services. There will be a regular meeting of public worship each Sunday at 8:00 A.M., 10:55 A.M., and at other times, which the congregation may approve. The Sunday church school shall hold weekly meetings at 9:30 A.M. or at a time fixed by the Board of Deacons and Pastor and approved by the church. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of each month, or at such other times as the Church may determine. Other religious meetings may be approved by the Pastor and Board of Deacons or by the vote of the Church.
Back to the Top
Section 2
Prayer Meeting. There will be one devotional meeting known as the Prayer and Bible Study Meeting which will meet every Wednesday evening, taking precedence over any other meetings at that time.
-Section 3
Church Business Meeting. Major Church meetings held annually include:
(1) The Program Adoption Meeting. The meeting is held in July for the adoption of proposed programs and budgets by various organizations and ministries and to approve the proposed officers/leaders for the new church year.
(2) The Annual Report. The Annual Report meeting is held in the month of October (October 1 – September 30) for the purpose of receiving summarized reports of the year’s activities/programs, etc. from the finance committees, organizations and ministries.
(3) The Mid Year Church Report. The Mid Year Report meeting is held during the month of April and includes organizational/finance reports for the first 6 months of the year (October 1 - March 31).
-Section 4
Quorum. In all business meetings, twenty-five (25) members shall constitute a quorum, except in case of meetings for important business such as in calling a Pastor, terminating a Pastor, sale or purchase of property exceeding fifty thousand dollars in value or the assumption of a large financial responsibility not budgeted, in which event fifty (50) percent of the members but not less than one hundred (100) members shall constitute a quorum. In the latter cases, proxy votes may be used. A majority of the members present shall decide all questions in business meetings, except as provided in Article VI.
-Section 5
Notice of Meetings. Notice of business meetings shall be given in the Church bulletin and announced at both morning services at least two (2) Sundays preceding the meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Joint Board, or upon the written request of not less than fifteen (15) members, providing notice of the purpose and time of such meeting is announced in a regular worship service not less than one (1) week in advance of such meeting.
Section 6. Rules of Order. The following Rules of Order shall govern all official meetings of this Church congregation.
A. The Pastor, Chair of the Deacon Board or Chair of the Trustee Board shall preside as Moderator at all congregation meetings. In their absence, any member of the Church who may be invited to do so by the Deacons shall preside as Moderator.
(1). The Moderator shall conduct all meetings properly, observing parliamentary procedure (Robert’s Rules of Order) tempered with the courtesy that is representative of a Christian body.
(2). The Moderator shall preserve order, state and put all questions that come before the Church, take the vote and shall cast a vote in case of a tie.
(3). In all cases of order, the Moderator shall decide but an appeal may be made to the Church, and a majority of two-thirds (2/3) may reverse the decision.
B. Only one member may rise from his/her seat and speak at a time, and the preference shall be given to the member first addressing the Moderator.
(1). Every member wishing to speak shall rise from his seat and respectfully address the Moderator, who may designate a time limit for each speaker.
-ARTICLE IX - GRIEVANCES
-Section 1. Procedures.
Back to the Top
A. Should any unhappy differences arise between members, the aggrieved members shall follow, in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord and Savior in Matthew (18:15-17).
B. In the case of gross breach of covenant, or scandal, the Deacons shall endeavor to remove the offence; and if such efforts fail, shall report the case to the Church.
C. If the Church votes to entertain a complaint, which must be made in writing, it shall appoint a reasonable time (within fifteen working days) and place of hearing and notify the person in question thereof, furnishing him or her with a copy of the charges.
D. At such hearing, the accused member may call to his or her aid any member of the Church as counsel. If he or she shall not present himself or herself at the time appointed, or give satisfactory reasons for their neglect to do so, the Church may proceed despite the absence.
E. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the Church may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the Church.
F. In cases of grave difficulty the Church, according to decision by the Joint Board and/or the congregation, will ask the advice and council of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. Convention.
-ARTICLE X - FINANCES
Finances of the Church shall be operated on the unified, balanced budget plan.
-ARTICLE XI - CHURCH YEAR
The fiscal year of the Church shall be from October 1 - September 30.
-ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended at a regular or called meeting of the Church by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting, providing that a quorum is present. It shall also be necessary for the congregation to be notified by letter of the meeting and of the proposed amendment at least one month prior to the time when action is taken on the proposal.
-PROLOGUE
The by-laws reflect the articles of the Covenant, the rules, regulations, procedures, codes of discipline for members, and materials from the Church Handbook as adopted by the Church organization at various times since 1865 chiefly for the governance of its members and the regulation of Church affairs. The Charters and amended Charters of the Church serve as the Constitution for the Church and the corporation. Original Charters are on file with the Secretary of State of Tennessee. Copies of the Charters, the Church history, and minutes of the by-laws committee are filed in the archives of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill.
The Committee on the Constitution and By Laws
Appointed by the FBCCH Church Congregation (1999)
Robert Greene (chairman)
James Barbee
Calvin Calhoun
Mona Hayes
Etheleen Hill (ex-officio)
Bobby L. Lovett (Secretary)
Charles McGruder
Vernell C. Neely
Sherman Webster
(Date: 4-19-2000)
Back to the Top
