Constitution of First Baptist Church, Temple, TX

CONSTITUTION

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH - TEMPLE, TEXAS

Amended September 9, 2001

PREAMBLE

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

ARTICLE I

NAME

This church shall be known as FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Temple, Texas. Its primary location is in Temple (Bell County), Texas. It is duly incorporated as a church under the laws of the State of Texas and is qualified as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

ARTICLE II

MISSION

The First Baptist Church of Temple exists to bring glory to God as we:

Exalt God through worship,

Extend God’s Kingdom through evangelism,

Expand God’s Kingdom through discipleship,

Express God’s Kingdom through ministry,

Experience God’s Kingdom through fellowship.

ARTICLE III

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired word of God and the basis for our beliefs. This church subscribes to the statement of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963. A copy of this statement is attached to the back of this constitution. Additional copies may be obtained from the church office or from the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 North Washington Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75246. We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to share the good news of salvation to lost mankind and to minister to all. The ordinances of the church are Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The ordinances will be administered by the Pastor or authorized designee.

ARTICLE IV

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through 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 personal devotions; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; endeavoring in purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith. We pledge as a church and to each other to take a stand against deeds of the flesh and to live according to the fruit of the Spirit according to

Galatians 5:19-26.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to exhort and encourage each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other’s reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other’s joys; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay; to seek to live to the glory of God who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.

ARTICLE V

POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

This church is an autonomous congregation. The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership (see Article I of the Bylaws).

All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action.

This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it enjoys mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is practicable, this church will, as it chooses, cooperate with and support other associations of Baptists.

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENTS

Changes in the constitution may be made at any business meeting of the church provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting. Written or printed notice of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be provided to the church membership at least seven (7) days prior to the voting. Such written notice shall be deemed sufficient if incorporated in the regular church publications and the exact language of the proposed amendment or amendments is set forth. Amendments to the constitution shall be adopted by two-thirds (2/3rd) vote of church members present.

ARTICLE VII

EFFECTIVE DATE

This constitution is hereby adopted as the constitution of this church and shall be effective as of the date of passage. All prior constitutions are superseded by the constitution as of such effective date.

The undersigned, being the duly elected and qualified trustees of the church, hereby, certify that the foregoing constitution of the church was duly adopted by the church on September 9, 2001.