By-Laws

of the

Pine Hill Baptist Church

Tunnel Hill, GA

Adopted by the “Membership” on September 6^th, 2006

Article I – Membership

Section 1 – General

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the leadership of Jesus Christ.  The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of the Church.  The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this Church and the conditions of such membership.

Section 2 – Qualifications

To qualify for membership in this Church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been baptized by immersion, in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible.  Each member must agree to submit to the teaching of scripture as expressed in the “Articles of Faith”; see Church Member’s Handbook, and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook.  The Pastor shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership.  In making this determination, he may rely on a person’s professions of faith, or such other evidence, as he deems appropriate.

Section 3 – Admission of Members

To be admitted into Church membership, applicants shall be recommended by the Pastor for admission and accepted by vote of the members at any regular or special meeting of the members.

1. Applicants are eligible for membership upon:
   1. profession of faith in Christ and subsequent baptism;
   2. by letter from a Church of like faith or
   3. by statement of previous profession of faith in Christ, having been baptized by immersion.
2. Such applicants as are found to be in accord with the faith and practice of this Church, having been counseled by the Pastor, may be received into membership by a vote of the Church.
3. New members shall be provided with special instruction in Christian doctrine, Biblical faith and practice, and the ministries of this Church.

Section 4 – Duties and Privileges of Membership

In accord with the duties enumerated in the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the Church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God.  Only those shall be entitled to serve in the ministries of the Church who are members of this congregation; non-members may serve on an ad-hoc basis with the approval of the Pastor and Diaconate.  Notwithstanding, non-members may serve the Church for purposes of administration and professional consultation.

Under Christ this congregation is governed by its members.  Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters as may be submitted to vote.

See also, “The Meaning of Church Membership” in the Church Member’s Handbook.

Section 5 – Associate Membership

Students and others temporarily residing in the Tunnel Hill, GA area who is a member of an evangelical Church may apply for associate membership.  Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out above, except that home Church membership must be retained.  A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant’s home Church.

Duties and privileges of associate members are the same as for other members except that when absent from the Tunnel Hill, GA area for extended periods of time they are released from the responsibility to attend our Church services; and while they will be encouraged to participate in members’ meetings, they will not be eligible to stand for any office or to vote.

Section 6 – Dismissal by Letter

Letters of Transfer for members in good standing will be granted to Churches of like faith upon request of the Church.  A name may be removed from the Church roll upon written request of the member.

Section 7 – Discipline

The discipline of this Church is embodied in the Constitution and these By-Laws and in such Church policies as may be adopted from time to time by vote of the Church membership. Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the Church, shall be subject to the admonition of the Pastor and the discipline of the Church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and the example of scripture.  Church discipline, then, should ordinarily be contemplated after individual private admonition has failed.  If they will not be heard, then such a member shall be given an opportunity to appear before the Diaconate, which, after prayerful consideration, shall make recommendation to the Church for any disciplinary action.  The member shall have the right to appear before the Diaconate and to appeal any decision of the Diaconate to the Church.  The majority of the active Church members present and voting shall be required for dismissal.

Section 8 – Restoration

Any person who has been dismissed from membership of the Church, may, upon evidence of repentance, and on the recommendation of the Diaconate to the Church, be restored to membership by vote of the Church membership.

Section 9 – Inactive Roll

During each calendar year, the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Pastor and the Diaconate shall review the membership roll of the Church, making necessary recommendations to the Church for removal and removal shall be made by vote of the Church membership at the Annual Meeting.

Any member who has been absent from the Church for a period of one year without manifesting an interest therein by communication with the Church, shall, after reasonable attempts to contact the member in question, and on the recommendation of the Diaconate, be placed on the inactive roll by vote of the Church membership.  Persons so carried on the inactive roll shall not be permitted to participate in Church business meetings.

Any member who wishes may be reinstated by vote of the Church membership, upon the recommendation of the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Pastor and the Diaconate.

Section 10 – Removal of Members from Church Roll

After a period of at least one year, members on the Inactive Roll who have shown no evidence of a return to active membership shall be removed from the Church roll by recommendation to the Church membership, by the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Pastor and the Diaconate.  Final approval for removal shall be made by vote of the Church membership at the Annual Meeting.

Article II – Officers and Workers

Section 1 – Principles

The process for Church elections shall be interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles:

1. substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of the election process;
2. nominations should proceed with the support of the Pastor and Diaconate;
3. all candidates for Church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow members; and
4. the election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Officers and workers are in positions of respect and example.  All those elected or appointed to offices or positions as workers must conscientiously endeavor to live faithfully to the Lord.  All officers and workers must be Church members living in dedication to the Lord.  They shall:

1. Abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs;
2. Abstain from worldly practices and amusements that hinder their own spiritual life and testimony or that set a poor example for young Christians;
3. Be faithful in personal Bible study and prayer, soul-winning efforts, stewardship responsibilities and attendance at all regular Church services unless providentially hindered and
4. Set the example in all matters of Christian conduct as set forth in, but not limited to, the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook.

The officers and workers of the Church shall be installed when the need arises and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Section 2 – Election and Terms (unless otherwise specified)

1. All Church officers and workers shall be elected for a one (1) year term and shall serve until their successors assume office.  These members shall demonstrate mature and spiritual leadership.
2. Recommendation for nomination shall be made by the Nominating Committee; see Article V, Section 2.  Written recommendations will be requested and received from the congregation at least three (3) weeks prior to the election of new Church officers.
3. Following approval by the Diaconate, the Pastor shall approach the nominees to secure acceptance of the nominations.
4. Nominees shall be elected by the Church membership at the Annual Meeting in November and shall assume the duties of office on the first day of January.

Section 3 – Vacancies

1. In case of resignations or vacancies that require an election prior to the Annual Meeting, a regular Business Meeting or Special Meeting may be called for the purposes of this election.  The procedures of election shall follow the steps outlined in Article II, Section 1.  The nominee shall assume the duties of office immediately following the vote of the Church membership. 
2. In the event that there is no active Pastor and/or Deacon, the Trustees, in conjunction with the remaining members of the Church Council, shall assume the responsibilities hereby given to the Pastor and/or Deacon until a Pastor and/or Deacon is elected.

Section 4 – Eligibility for Office

1. Members shall be eligible for election as Treasurer or Church Clerk after being a member of the Church for at least a year.
2. Members shall be eligible for nomination to all other elected and appointed positions after being a member of the Church for at least six months. 

Section 5 – Pastor

1. Qualifications; see Article VI, Section 1 of the Constitution.
2. Call; see Article VI, Section 3 and Section 4 of the Constitution.
3. Responsibilities
   1. The Pastor, as under-shepherd responsible to Jesus Christ, shall preach the Word of God (KJV 1611) and administer the ordinances of the Church.  He shall be the spiritual leader of the Church and shall advance the spiritual life of the congregation.  He is the overseer of all phases of the Church work.  He is at liberty to schedule special gathering such as Bible conferences, revivals, missionary conferences and special guest speakers as he is led of the Lord and in consultation with the Diaconate.
   2. The Pastor is the ex officio member of every committee and organization of the Church.
   3. See also Article VI, Section 1 of the Constitution.
4. Salary
   1. The Pastor’s salary and allowances shall be set prior to the time of election and may be changed at any business meeting of the Church (special or regular).  The amount to be voted on shall have been determined and approved by the Diaconate; and be effective at the time of next Monthly Business Meeting or as determined by Church membership.
5. Leaving the Field
   1. The pastor shall be entitled to an annual vacation of two (2) weeks after one (1) year of service; three (3) weeks after three (3) years; and four (4) weeks after five (5) years. 
   2. More time may be arranged at the discretion of the Diaconate and approved by the Church membership. 
   3. The pastor shall consult with the Diaconate regarding being absent from any of the regular services of the Church for purposes such as speaking at special services and conferences elsewhere.
   4. Consideration shall be given to him for missionary trips and attendance at conferences that benefit him and the Church.
   5. As funds are available, the Church shall assist in paying for such professional expenses.
   6. Any other absences also need to be arranged with the Diaconate so that the Church functions continue properly.
6. Tenure
   1. Having been properly elected, the Pastor shall serve until he resigns his office or the Church requests him to do so by a three-fourths (3/4) vote called for that purpose and announced in advance.
   2. See also Article VI, Section 2 of the Constitution.
7. Diaconate Recommendation of Termination for Cause
   1. Upon submission of evidence of immorality, apostasy, heresy, unfaithfulness to his duties, departure from the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook, “Articles of Faith”; see Church Member’s Handbook, Constitution and By-Laws, or if he no longer agrees with the uncompromising stand of this Church, by three (3) witnesses (the Diaconate shall accept no accusation against the Pastor without three (3) witnesses, I Timothy 5:19.) to the satisfaction of three-fourths (3/4) of the Diaconate, the Diaconate shall make a determination to recommend the Pastor’s termination to the Church membership.
   2. After making such determination, the chairman of the Diaconate shall notify the Pastor to cease pastoral duties immediately.
   3. Upon receipt of such notice, the Pastor shall immediately cease such duties; and any salaries and allowances shall be forfeited.
   4. Thereafter, the procedure for terminating the Pastor’s tenure shall be the same as set forth in Article II, Section 5, and Paragraph 6 called “Tenure” of the above By-Laws.

Section 6 – Diaconate

1. Qualifications
   1. Deacons shall be male and shall meet the scriptural qualifications of the office set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13, having been active members of the church for at least six (6) months.
2. Election and Tenure
   1. The Diaconate, in consultation with the Pastor, shall present a list of nominees for the office to the congregation at “The Annual Meeting” in November.
   2. The congregation shall elect the deacons by ballot.
   3. Deacons shall serve a term of three (3) years, and may be reelected after being out of office one (1) year.

                                                              i.      If there are no qualified members willing to accept the role of a deacon, the “out of office one (1) year” can be voided for the next qualified term of three (3) years upon vote of Church membership.

4. The needs of the Church and the number of men scripturally qualified to serve shall determine the number of deacons.
5. New deacons shall be installed during a dedication service following their election.
2. Responsibilities
   1. The Diaconate shall counsel with the Pastor concerning the spiritual interest of the Church as is illustrated in Acts 6.
   2. They shall from time to time consider the financial condition and policies of the Church and make recommendations to the Church.  Their recommendations shall not be binding, unless ratified by the Church membership.
   3. Under the supervision of the Pastor, they shall distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper. 
   4. With the Pastor, they shall constitute the Discipline Committee of the Church. 
   5. They shall meet monthly at such times as they may agree upon and may meet in special session at the call of the chairman, or Pastor, or one-third of the members.
   6. They shall elect a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary annually in November.  The secretary shall keep complete records of their actions and reports.  All recommendations from the Diaconate shall be written or typed and a copy given to the Church Clerk before monthly Business Meetings, Special Meetings or our Annual Meeting.
   7. The Pastor shall be the moderator for all Diaconate meetings.
   8. No Diaconate meetings may be held without the Pastor’s presence or his consent to meet without him (unless no Pastor has been elected).
3. Dismissal
   1. Upon submission of evidence of immorality, apostasy, heresy, unfaithfulness to his duties, departure from the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook, “Articles of Faith”; see Church Member’s Handbook, Constitution and By-Laws, or if he no longer agrees with the uncompromising stand of this Church, the Pastor with the concurrence of three-fourths (3/4) of the Diaconate shall recommend to the members that the errant deacon be dismissed from his position as a deacon at a special business meeting.  At the Pastor’s sole discretion, a special election may be called to fill the dismissed deacon’s position.

Section 7 – Trustees

1. Election and Tenure
   1. The Diaconate, in consultation with the Pastor, shall present a list of nominees for the office to the congregation at “The Annual Meeting” in November.
   2. The congregation shall elect the trustees by ballot.
   3. Trustees shall serve a term of three (3) years, and may be reelected after being out of office one (1) year.

                                                              i.      If there are no members willing to accept the role of a trustee, the “out of office one (1) year” can be voided for the next qualified term of three (3) years upon vote of Church membership.

4. The Pastor and Diaconate shall determine the number of trustees according to the need of the Church.
5. The Trustees may also be Deacons.
   
1. Responsibilities
   1. The Trustees shall sign all legal papers as the Church directs and the Secretary of the Trustees shall be Custodian of all legal papers.
   2. They shall be responsible for the maintenance and safekeeping of the Church’s legal papers and valuables located in a safety deposit box.
   3. The entry into the Church’s safety deposit box must be specifically authorized by the Pastor and Diaconate and shall require at least two (2) trustees to be present.
   4. The trustees must maintain proper records of the contents of the safety deposit box.
   5. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property without a specific vote of the Church membership authorizing each action.

Section 8 – Church Clerk

1. Shall keep the minutes of all business meetings of the Church and shall present the same to the Church for its approval.
2. Shall record all members; maintain the Church membership file in consultation with the Pastor and Diaconate.
3. Shall conduct correspondence of the Church relating to the receiving and removing of members as directed by the Pastor and Diaconate when approved by the Church membership.
4. Shall make all official reports required by the church and denominational affiliations.

Section 9 – Church Treasurer

1. Shall keep a full and faithful account of all money received and disbursed, including the purpose of expenditures and income.
2. Shall submit a Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Reports in writing to the Pastor, Diaconate and Church Council (when requested) for review and shall present the same to the Church for its approval.
3. All items to be charged must be approved by the Treasurer, Pastor or Chairman of the Diaconate.
4. Keep the books and pay all the bills.
5. No one can sign checks except for the Treasurer.
6. In the absence of the Treasurer for extended periods of time, such as vacation or disability, an individual assigned by the Church Council shall conduct ordinary, daily business of the Treasurer.

Section 10 – Sunday School Superintendent

1. The superintendent shall be a male member.
2. Is the Director of the Sunday school and shall with the Pastor’s counsel and supervision carry out his responsibilities.
3. He is charged with appointing and training teachers, assistant teachers, and other Sunday school workers.
4. He shall lead the teachers meeting under the supervision of the Pastor.
5. He shall order and distribute the Sunday school literature.
6. He shall supervise Sunday school visitation, placement of pupils, collection of Sunday school offerings, and keeping of Sunday school records.

Section 11 – Upkeep Manager

The Upkeep Manager shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of all Church property.  The Upkeep Manager shall have the authority to spend not more than two-hundred and fifty (250) dollars for any item within a thirty (30) day period following a Monthly Business Meeting, without a vote of the Church membership.

Section 12 – Other Offices, Staff and Workers

Others whose duties are not previously mentioned are expected to fill their offices as practiced by Churches of life faith.

Article III – Ministries

All ministries, departments, organizations, classes, and groups of the Church are subject to and shall function in harmony with the members, the Pastor and the Diaconate.  The Pastor, Diaconate and members may add ministries to the Church as the need and opportunity arise.  None shall be promoted without the recommendation of the Pastor and Diaconate and the approval of the members at a business meeting properly called.  All workers in these ministries must meet and adhere to the standards set forth in Article II – Officers and Workers.  See also Appendix II – Class Policies for more information.

Article IV – Church Council

Shall be composed of:  Pastor, Chairman of Diaconate, Trustees, Treasurer, Church Clerk, Upkeep Manager, Information Officer, Missions Director and Sunday School Superintendent.

The duties of this council shall be in cooperation with the Pastor to study the organizations of the Church, to keep informed on the best methods for improving the entire Church program and make such recommendations to the Church membership.  They shall meet quarterly when called by the Pastor.

Article V – Committees

Section 1 – Budget Committee

The budget committee shall consist of the Pastor, two (2) deacons, and one (1) trustee, along with the elected officers need by virtue of their office.  The budget committee shall prepare a recommended Church budget for the ensuing year and submit it to the members for adoption at the Annual Meeting in November.

Section 2 – Missions Committee

The missions committee shall consist of the Pastor, Diaconate and the Missions Director.  They shall screen all missionary applicants and make recommendations to the members for support and for the withdrawal of support.

Section 3 – Nominating Committee

The nominating committee shall consist of the Pastor and the Diaconate.  They will provide a list of the offices to be filled and post the list in a prominent place in the Church three (3) weeks prior to the election of officers.  Members may suggest qualified persons by submitting their names to the committee.  The committee will review all names submitted and add the names of any persons they wish to recommend.  The committee shall contact all persons nominated to determine their qualifications and their willingness to serve if elected.  The committee will then recommend all qualified and willing persons to the Church for a vote.  No nominations will be made from the floor.

Section 4 – Usher Committee

The usher committee shall consist of male members.  They shall provide for the welcoming of all who attend church, especially visitors; the orderly seating of the people; keeping quiet and order during the services; and the receiving of the offerings at the regular services in which offerings are to be received.

Section 5 – Flower Committee

The flower committee shall consist of at least two (2) members.  They shall be responsible for the decoration of the church for all meetings and services, and for ordering flowers for the death or illness requiring hospitalization [exceeding twenty-four (24) hours; not “Day Surgeries”] of members, for death of a member’s immediate family (spouse, parent, child, sibling) or as the Church may direct.

Section 6 – Benevolence Committee

The benevolence committee shall consist of the Pastor and Diaconate.  They shall screen all benevolent issues and make recommendations to the members for support and for the withdrawal of support.

Section 7 – Christian Fellowship Center Committee

The Christian Fellowship Center committee shall consist of the Pastor and two (2) members.  See Appendix III – Policies for the Christian Fellowship Center, which was adopted of February 15^th, 1991 for more information.

Section 8 – Other Committees

All other committees shall be appointed by the Pastor and Diaconate, who shall determine committees’ responsibilities and qualifications.  Any appointed committee chairman shall assist in selecting other committee members.

All committees are responsible and answerable to the Pastor and the Church members for carrying out their appointed responsibilities.

Article VI – Meetings

Section 1 – Worship Services

1. Shall be held any day or time as needed to meet the needs of those we are called to reach.  Currently, our Worship Services are as follows:
   1. Sunday School at 10:00a.m.
   2. Sunday Morning Worship Service at 11:00a.m.
   3. Sunday Evening Prayer Room at 6:15p.m.
   4. Sunday Evening Worship Service at 6:30p.m.
   5. Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting at 7:00p.m.

All of the above services and times shall be approved by the Church membership.

2. At least one service each quarter shall be set aside for the observance of the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
3. The Church shall maintain activities and services during the week for prayer, praise, testimony, Bible Study, Revivals and outreach.

Section 2 – The Annual Meeting

1. Shall be held on Wednesday following the first Sunday in November.
2. Shall be convened for the election of officers, approval of the annual budget, updating membership rolls and other appropriate Church business.

Section 3 – Monthly Business Meetings

1. Shall be held on Wednesday following the first Sunday of each Month.
2. Shall be convened for all appropriate Church business.

Section 4 – Quarterly Church Council Meetings

1. Shall be held each January, April, July and October for the preceding three-month period.
2. Shall be convened in order to conduct the “Financial Health” and other business of the Church, and to receive reports from Church Council members on other health indicators of the Church.
3. The January meeting shall include the annual financial report for the previous year.
4. The October meeting shall include the presentation of the proposed annual Church budget which shall be approved at the Annual Meeting in November.

Section 5 – Special Business Meetings

1. May be called by the Pastor or the Diaconate at any regular meeting of the Church whenever a special need arises. 
2. Major items of business such as property, finance, or staffing will require advance notice of one week.

Section 6 – Parliamentary Rules

1. In the absence of the Pastor, the chairman of the Diaconate will serve as moderator.
2. A member being absent from Church a period of thirty days prior to any meeting without a reasonable excuse will not be able to participate.
3. A move, motion and second shall be carried on by adult male members in good standing.
   1. Definition of “Good Standing”:  attending at least two services a month and not under Church discipline.
4. All dealings in gospel order shall be brought up and acted on.  All decisions shall be final and in all cases, a majority of the members present shall determine any question, except the election of a Pastor, and it shall be the duty of the minority to abide by the decision, but the majority shall not trample on the rights of the minority.
5. Every move, motion, and second shall come under the observation of the conference and shall be put to a vote except it be withdrawn by the member which made it, or a motion and second to table.
6. Every member who shall speak in debate shall rise from his seat and address the moderator and he shall not be interrupted while speaking, except he departs from the subject under consideration.
7. Any member shall speak no more than three times on the same subject without permission of the moderator.
8. There shall not be any talking or whispering in time of a public speech, nor reflections cast on the speaker.
9. Should any member break the rule of this conference, he shall immediately be reproved by the moderator.
10. “Roberts’ Rules of Order”; see Appendix I, shall be used in all circumstances not specifically covered in the above.

Section 7 – Order of Meetings

1. Prayer
2. Reading of last minutes.
3. Treasurers report.
4. Acknowledgements
5. Report of organizations and committees.
6. Old business.
7. Diaconate recommendations.
8. New business.
9. Adjourn
10. Prayer

Article VII – Financial Plan

Section 1- Financial Support

1. Shall be through the regular tithes and free-will offerings of the members and friends of the Church.
2. Shall be encouraged through ongoing financial emphasis wherein members are encouraged to pray and commit to the Lord their support to the budget of the Church.

Section 2 – Financial Year

1. Shall be from January 1^st – December 31^st

Section 3 – Worship Service Offerings

1. Members and visitors shall be giving an opportunity at each Worship Service to contribute towards the support of the Church.
2. All contributions shall be directed to the “General Treasury” of the Church unless otherwise stated in the Constitution of By-Laws of this Church.

Section 4 – Wednesday Night Prayer Service Offerings

1. All contributions shall be directed to the “Mission Fund” of the Church to support our local, national and international missionaries and other “Mission Fund” expenses as deemed necessary by the Church membership.

Section 5 – 5^th Sunday Offerings

1. All contributions shall be directed to the “Building Fund” of the Church to support “Building Fund” expenses deemed necessary by the Church membership. 

Section 6 – Special Offerings

1. Special offerings or fund raising may be sought by the Church upon recommendation to and approval of the Church membership.
2. This shall not preclude individuals from making special offerings for missions or benevolent causes of the Church at any time as the Spirit of God may move them.
3. However, the Church shall not receive or disburse, as gifts to the Church, funds which are designated by the donor to be used for anything foreign to the work of the Church.

Section 7 – Expenditures

1. No contract for supplies, materials, or service in excess of the regular budget total whereby the credit of the Church is pledged, shall be made except by the express approval of the Church membership.
2. All non-budget items must receive prior Church membership approval.

Section 8 – Operating Account

1. All receipts for the Church budget shall be kept in an operating account under the responsibility of the Church Treasurer. 

Article VIII – Problem Resolution

1. Should any unhappy difference arise between two members, the aggrieved member shall follow with a tender spirit the rules given by our Lord in the eighteenth (18) Chapter of Matthew.
2. Should any case of gross breach of covenant of public scandal occur, the Pastor and Diaconate shall endeavor to remove the offense and if such effort fails, shall report the case to the Church membership.
3. If the Church votes to entertain the complaint, it shall require the same to be in writing, and shall appoint a reasonable time and place of hearing and notify the person in question thereof furnishing him a copy of the charges.
4. At such hearing, the accused member shall be treated in all fairness and equity and shall be permitted to call to his aid any member of the Church as counsel.  If he shall not present himself at the time appointed, or fail to give satisfactory reason for his failure to do so, the Church may proceed in his absence.
5. All such proceedings shall be guided by the Spirit of prayer and 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 a member of the Church and remove his name from the membership roll.
6. In case of grave difficulty, the Church will be ready, if requested, to ask the advice of mutual counsel.

Article IX – Licensing and Ordination

Any male giving evidence of a Divine call to the gospel ministry and manifesting the gifts and grace belonging to the ministry may be licensed or ordained, or both, to the ministry of this Church.  He must first state that he accepts without reservation the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook and the “Articles of Faith”; see Church Member’s Handbook of this Church and must be recommended by the Pastor of this Church.  The ordination council, composed of ordained ministers (which may be members) selected or approved by the Pastor, shall thoroughly examine the candidate in regard to his doctrinal soundness, moral and spiritual qualifications, and personal fitness for the ministry.  After satisfactory examination by the council, he shall be recommended to the Church for ordination.  The candidate’s ordination shall require ratification of the recommendation of the council by the members.

Article X – Property, Buildings and Equipment

Decisions relative to the acquisition or sale of real property shall require a two thirds (2/3) vote of the members at a properly called business meeting.  All buildings, property, and equipment shall be used only by permission of the Pastor and Diaconate.  They shall be principal for the use of this Church, its functions and its related activities.

Article XI – Financial Support and Policy

The financial needs of this Church shall be met by the voluntary tithes, offerings, and contributions of its members and friends.  The Pastor and Diaconate must approve any other method of fund raising for the Church or its auxiliary ministries.  No sales or bazaars shall be permitted in the name of this Church.  The Pastor and Diaconate may approve special offerings to be taken apart from those received in the regular services.  No Church support shall be given to persons or groups that do not subscribe to the biblical stand set forth in the “Church Covenant”; see Church Member’s Handbook and “Articles of Faith”; see Church Member’s Handbook.

Article XII – Relationship

Section 1 – Dual Alignment

1. Pine Hill Baptist Church of Tunnel Hill, GA is aligned with the Catoosa Baptist Association in accordance with Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution of this Church.
2. This dual alignment, in and of itself, shall in no way commit the property or facilities of this Church to the Catoosa Baptist Association.
3. The selection of curriculum for Sunday school classes and other activities shall be in accordance with what is best suited for the purposes of this Church and shall not necessarily be limited by denominational affiliation.
4. This Church will actively promote attendance at the annual area and state denominational gatherings.

Article XIII – Rules of Order

The rules contained in “Roberts’ Rules of Order”; see Appendix I, as last revised shall govern the business proceedings of this Church in all cases where they are not inconsistent with these By-laws and Constitution of this Church.

Article XIV – Inurement

There shall be no monies, properties, or other valuables to inure to the personal benefit of any member of this Church.

Article XV – Disbandment

In case the disbandment, the property, or the net proceeds thereof in case of sale, shall be used for non-profit Christian missionary effort as voted by the Church, remembering insofar as possible the Christian organizations of like faith and practice.

Article XVI – Nondiscriminatory Policies

It is the official policy of this organization and all of its auxiliary organizations, including Sunday school, youth groups, etc.; that all faiths, creeds, races, and both sexes will be given equal consideration upon individuals meeting the standards which are required by those organizations.

Article XVII – Miscellaneous

Section 1 – Translations

The Church believes that the measures of the value of a translation is its faithful adherence to and clear communication of the words of the original text.  Therefore, we hold to the Authorized King James Version 1611 version of the Word of God.  We hold that the exaltation of one translation to the disallowance of others for reasons besides these is misled, heretical, and divisive.

Section 2 – Charismatic Movement

We reject the charismatic movement because it has made experiences rather than obedience to the Word of God the basis for and test of spirituality.  Further, the tongues movement has become the rallying point for the ecumenical church, which unholy alliance we absolutely appose.

Section 3 – Neo-Evangelicalism

We oppose the Neo-Evangelical movement because of its weak stand on the inspiration of the Word of God and its belittling of Biblical separation.

Article XVIII – Suspension of the By-Laws

These By-Laws, or any portion thereof, may be temporarily suspended at any regular business meeting, provided two-thirds of the members present and voting approve of such suspension.

Article XIX – Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended at any business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present, provided that such amendment in writing, shall have been read and approved by the Pastor and Diaconate and read at the regular services on two consecutive Sundays preceding said meeting and posted for two weeks immediately preceding the meeting in a conspicuous place with the Church building.

All revisions and changes made to these By-Laws up to September 6^th, 2006 are included.

Article XX – Adoption

Let it hereby be resolved that upon acceptance of the Constitution and By-Laws, that all other Constitutions and By-Laws of this Church be declared void and invalid.