By Laws for Operation and Ministry
Preamble
to the bylaws of Cross and Crown Baptist Church Cantonment, Florida 32533
Being led of God, it was the desire of Dr. Robert Hughes and Jerry Lucas of Lynchburg, Va. to start a church and seminary in Pensacola, Florida. Together, in October of 1980, with their families they began Cross and Crown Baptist Church, and Cross and Crown Theological Seminary. For a three years the church and seminary met in a number of locations until they were able to find an acceptable place to assemble. Although the seminary did not continue the church met for 17 years at 9263 Waring Road. Then in 1997 the church purchased a property and built a new sanctuary at 747 Neal Rd. Cantonment where they are currently located. Our Pastor is Dr. Joseph A. Davis. Pastor Davis came to Pensacola in 1983 to attend Pensacola Christian College and receive training for the ministry. It was in 1985 that he began to attend Cross and Crown as a young ministerial intern. Here he trained under Pastor Lucas (our founder) and met his wife Debbie Lucas (daughter of our founder). Pastor Davis served as our youth pastor for several years until Pastor Lucas resigned in August of 1990. It was then that Pastor Davis became our senior pastor. Cross and Crown Baptist Church is a church with a vision to reach the world for Jesus Christ and to train families to serve the Lord. It is through the Church that we believe that God does his greatest work in the world today. It is our desire to fulfill the Commission that Jesus left us and to be accounted as faithful until He returns. We live in a compromising worldly culture. We understand the challenges that a believer in Jesus Christ faces every day. That is why we desire to be a church that is a true sanctuary of rest and peace for the people of God. Bylaws Cross and Crown Baptist Church
Article 1:
The name of this church shall be CROSS & CROWN BAPTIST CHURCH OF PENSACOLA, INC.
Article 2:
The purpose of this Church shall be the worship of God and the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world, and the performance of such other endeavors as are generally associated with churches.
Article 3:
The membership of this Church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been baptized by immersion, who accept the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice, who give evidence of having been born again, and who agree to be governed by these By-Laws.
Section 1: Procedure for membership:
The membership of this Church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been baptized by immersion, who accept the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice, who give evidence of having been born again, and who agree to be governed by these By-Laws.
Section 2: Church Covenant:
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14) to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (Matt. 10:40; Gal. 4:14; I Thess. 2:13) and on the profession of our faith (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:37) having been baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19), 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 of Christ (I Cor. 12:13). We covenant, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit (John P.2 14:26; John 16:13) to walk together in Christian love (Eph. 5:2; I Thess. 4:9); to strive for the advancement of this Church (Eph. 2:21) in knowledge (II Peter 3:18), holiness (II Cor. 7:1), and comfort (I Thess. 5:14); to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship (Heb. 10:25; Jude 19), ordinances, discipline (II Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17), and doctrines (Acts 2:42; II John 9-11); and to contribute cheerfully and regularly (I Cor. 16:2) to the support of the ministry (Matt. 10:10; Gal. 6:6), the expenses of the Church (Acts 4:34, 35), the relief of the poor (Matt. 25:40), and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations (Acts 11:29). We also covenant to maintain family (Deut. 11:18, 20) and personal (Matt. 6:6) devotions; to educate our children toward godliness (Eph. 6:4); to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances (Mark 5:19); to walk circumspectly in the world (Matt. 5:16; Eph. 5:15); to be just in our dealings (Rom. 12:17), faithful in our engagements (Eph. 4:25), and exemplary in our conduct (Eph. 5:8); to avoid tattling (I Tim 5:13; Eph. 4:31), backbiting (II Cor 12:20), and excessive anger (Eph 4:26); to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage (Eph. 5:18; I Cor. 6:10); and to be zealous in our efforts to edify the Body of Christ. We further covenant to watch (I Thess. 5:14) over one another in brotherly love (Rom. 12:10); to remember each other in prayer (Eph 6:18; I Thess. 5:25); to aid each other in sickness and distress (Gal. 6:10); to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling (I Cor. 12:25, 26) and courtesy in speech (Titus 3:2); to be slow to take offense (Rom. 12:19); to be always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay (Matt. 5:23; Matt. 18:15-17). We moreover covenant that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Section 3: Procedure for membership:
a. Members in good standing may, at their own request, have their letter sent directly to the church with which they desire to P.3 unite. Members leaving the city remain members of this Church until they withdraw by letter or until their names are dropped from the roll.
b. Any member who is guilty of serious misconduct as stated in Galatians 5:19-21, and who persists in the same after due admonition by the Pastor and Deacons, according to Matt. 18:15-17, may be excluded from the membership of the Church by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting at any business meeting.
c. Any member who initiates, organizes, participates in, or attends any secret meeting dealing with the affairs of the Church may, upon recommendation by the Pastor and Deacons, be excluded from the membership of the Church by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting at any business meeting.
d. Any member guilty of unjustifiable absence from the services of the Church for one year automatically places himself or herself on the Inactive Membership Roll. Inactive members may not participate by voice or vote on church matters in business meetings. Inactive members may be reinstated to active membership by the Church upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons.
Article 4:
The term for which this corporation shall exist shall be perpetual.
Article 5:
The officers of this Church shall consist of the following: a Pastor, who shall also be president and Moderator (Pastor may optionally delegate another as moderator if he wishes); a Secretary; a Treasurer; a Head Usher; Deacons; Trustees; and such other officers as the Church may decide are needed. No member shall hold more than three of the above offices at the same time. Auxiliary organizations and their respective officers may function only after approval by the Pastor.
Section 1: Qualifications of Pastors, Deacons, Teachers, and other Officers and Leaders:
a. Pastor and Pastoral Staff: must fulfill scriptural requirements as stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and must be in full accord with the Church’s ministry. The Pastor (and Associate Pastors) shall be a man. The Pastor and pastoral staff must not have ever been divorced, and the wife of the Pastor or a pastoral staff member must not have ever been divorced.
b. Deacons: must fulfill scriptural requirements as stated in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7; a Deacon must not have ever been divorced, and a Deacon’s wife must not have ever been divorced; must be in full accord with the Church’s ministry; must be willing to cooperate with the Pastor in the fulfillment of that ministry; must have been a member of this Church for one year prior to the election of officers, and must have been saved long enough to develop the spiritual maturity required of a Deacon.
c. Teachers and other Officers and Leaders: all teachers, other Officers and Leaders (whether elected, appointed, or volunteers) of this Church and any of its related ministries shall be saved, an active member of this Church, a tither, a soul-winner, loyal to the ministry of this Church, willing to cooperate with the Pastor, and living a separated Christian life.
Section 2: Officers and Teachers failing to meet the above requirements may be dismissed from their offices by the following procedure:
a. Teachers may be dismissed by the Pastor.
b. Any Deacon or any other Officer may be dismissed by the Church upon recommendation by the Pastor and Deacons and a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting at any business meeting.
Section 3: Term of All Officers, Expect Pastor and Decaons
The term of Office for all Officers, excepting the Pastor and Deacons shall be for one year.Officers may be re-elected to succeed themselves. Deacons are elected for a five year term. At the expiration of the five years, they are again eligible for election as Deacons. All elective and appointive Officers shall serve their respective offices until their successors are duly elected and installed.
Section 4: Time of Officer Election
The election of Officers shall occur at the Annual Meeting.
Section 5: Method of election of Officers.
a. Officers, except Deacons, are to be placed in nomination by the Nominating Committee. Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting.
b. The Church may elect up to seven Deacons until its membership exceeds two hundred; thereafter, the Church may elect one additional Deacon for every fifty additional members.
c. The first Deacons shall be selected in the following manner: The first deacons shall be appointed by the Pastor. The recommended minimum number of Deacons is three. The term of office of the first Deacons shall extend until the end of 1988.
d. Thereafter, Deacons shall be elected in the following manner:
1. The Pastor and Deacons will recommend to the Church those men having been members of this Church for the previous year, whom they believe to be scripturally qualified for service as Deacons. Prior to submitting these names to the Church, the Pastor shall read to the Church the scriptural qualifications for Deacons, as found in Acts 6:1-7, and in I Timothy 3:8-13. The Church shall then be given the opportunity to suggest names of any men whom they feel may be qualified to serve as Deacons. These men will be considered by the Pastor and Deacons, for possible inclusion in the list of candidates for election as Deacons.
2. All of those men who are to be considered for service as Deacons shall be interviewed by the Pastor, to determine whether they meet the scriptural requirements and are willing to serve.
3. A ballot listing the names of the men recommended by the Pastor and Deacons shall be provided to voting members. Members shall circle the names of those men whom they believe are best qualified to serve as Deacons. Each member may circle as many names as is prescribed at the time of election, in accordance with Section 5b above. The ballots shall be counted independently by two church members. This count is subject to review by the Pastor and Deacons. The men receiving the highest number of votes shall become Deacons. Vacancies occurring during the year may be filled by agreement between the Pastor and Deacons.
Article 6:
The names and addresses of each incorporator, who are also the initial Board of Directors, and who also are the initial officers, are shown below:
Jerry E. Lucas 10285 Sugar Creek Dr., Pensacola, Fl 32514 Pastor, President, & Dir. Howard T. Chunn 2233 Zane Grey Lane, Pensacola, Fl 32533 Sec., Dir., Regist. Agent Julius Thompson 3695 Highway 297A, Cantonment, Fl 3253 Dir. & Treasurer The street address of the initial registered office is 9263 Waring Road, Cantonment, Florida 32533, and Howard T. Chunn shall serve as the initial registered agent at that address. Howard T. Chunn evidences his acceptance of such designation as registered agent by his signature below.
Following the initial incorporation the Directors of this corporation shall be established as follows: The Pastor shall be one of the Directors of this corporation. The person elected by the Church (at the Annual Meeting, as set forth in ARTICLE VIII, Section 4 b) to serve as Secretary shall become one of the Directors of this corporation; the person elected to serve as Treasurer shall become one of the Directors of this Corporation. The Directors of this Corporation shall be limited to those three above named Church officers (Pastor, Secretary, Treasurer).
Article 7: Articles of Faith for this Church:
Section 1:
We believe in the Holy Scriptures, accepting fully the writings of the Old and New Testaments as the very Word of God, verbally inspired in all parts, the only infallible, inerrant and authoritative rule of faith and practice.
Section 2:
We believe there is one God eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Section 3:
We believe in the Deity of Christ; His virgin birth; His blood shed for our atonement; His physical, bodily resurrection; His physical, bodily ascension into Heaven there to be our Intercessor.
Section 4:
We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, makes believers children of God through the new birth, assures them of Heaven and, by His indwelling presence, enables Christians to live a godly life.
Section 5:
We believe that all men are by nature and by choice sinful and lost and have within themselves no possible means of salvation.
Section 6:
We believe in salvation by grace through faith; that salvation is the free gift of God and is received, not by any virtue or works of men, but only by humble repentance and personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; that all true believers possess the gift of eternal life, a perfect righteousness, sonship in the family of God, and the divine guarantee that they shall never perish.
Section 7:
We believe in the existence of Satan, the deceiver and prince of this present world; that he was defeated and judged at the Cross, and therefore his final doom is certain.
Section 8:
We believe in the Second Coming of Christ; that His return from Heaven will be personal, visible and glorious, the time being unrevealed but always imminent; that when He comes He will first, by resurrection of the righteous dead and the translation of the righteous living, remove from the earth His waiting Church, then pour out the righteous judgments of God upon the unbelieving world, and afterwards descend with His Church and establish His glorious and literal Kingdom on Earth over all the nations for a thousand years.
Section 9:
We believe that the spirits of the saved at death go immediately to be with Christ in Heaven; that at His Second Coming their works will be judged and rewards determined; that the spirits of the unsaved at death descend immediately into Hell until the final day of judgment, at which time their bodies shall be raised from the grave, judged, and cast into the Lake of Fire, the place of final and everlasting punishment.
Section 10:
We believe in the priesthood of all believers, that Christ is our Great High Priest and through Him every born-again person has direct access into God’s presence without the need of a human priest, and that the believer has the right and responsibility to study and interpret the Scriptures for himself, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Section 11:
We believe that the New Testament Church is an organized body of born-again, baptized believers practicing scriptural ordinances and actively engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Section 12:
We believe the two scriptural ordinances given to the local church are baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper.
Section 13:
We believe in the everlasting, conscious punishment of the wicked in Hell and the everlasting, conscious blessedness of the saints in Heaven.
Section 14:
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male and female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Sexual intimacy is God’s wedding gift. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and the use, sales, production, or distribution of pornography) is sinful and offensive to Almighty God. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of our church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church’s members and the community, it is imperative that this doctrine of marriage, gender, and sexuality be preached and defended in any circumstance. We believe that the pastor (or deacon, layman, etc.) of Cross and Crown Baptist Church has the right given by God Almighty and protected by constitutional, biblical, and natural law in any capacity to propagate this truth so long as he does not physically harm another human being. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of this local church.
Marriage Policy
Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Cross and Crown Baptist Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and biological woman. Further, the Pastor and staff of this church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one biological man and one biological woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Cross and Crown Baptist Church shall only host weddings between one man and one woman, being the said sex from natural birth. Members of Cross and Crown Baptist Church also reject polygamy in any form.
Section 15:
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that claims it is acceptable to abort a pregnancy in cases due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, threat to the mother’s life or mental wellbeing, birth, or population control.
Section 16:
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members or a member(s) with the church. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.
Article 8: The following provisions are established for conducting the affairs of this Corporation:
Section 1: Paid Employees:
a. Pastor’s Associates and Helpers:
1. Employees of the Church, including Associate Pastors, Minister of Music, secretaries, etc., shall be under the Pastor’s supervision and direction with the exception of those specified in subsection b, Other Employees.
2. The Pastor (or one whom he designates) shall investigate the background, training, and moral character of each employee under his supervision.
3. The salaries and terms of employment for these employees shall be approved by the Church.
4. The Pastor shall have the responsibility for employing and dismissing employees under his supervision.
b. Other Employees:
1. The Church custodian and other personnel responsible for the Church’s property are to be employed and supervised by the Trustees.
2. Positions, salaries, and terms of employment for all such personnel shall be approved by the Church.
Section 2: Duties of Officers:
a. Duties of the Pastor: The Pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly, administer the ordinances, act as Moderator of all business meetings of the Church (unless he delegates this responsibility), and supervise the preaching, teaching, and special ministries of the Church. He shall have the general oversight of the spiritual life of the Church. He shall appoint the members of the Nominating Committee, Finance, and other special committees. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and auxiliary organizations of the Church. It shall be his duty to inform newly elected officers of the particular functions and responsibilities of their respective offices. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the Church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to his position. The Pastor shall consider and decide upon pulpit supply.
b. Duties of the Deacons: The Deacons will assist the Pastor in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Church and in conducting its worship services. They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances, serve the elements of the Lord’s Supper, and, with the Pastor, consider unusual cases surrounding church membership. They shall assist the Pastor in home visitation, other personal work, and other evangelistic efforts of the Church. They shall cooperate with the Finance Committee and the Trustees in financial matters necessary to maintain and advance the work of the Church. They shall cooperate with the Pastor in providing pulpit supply during his absence. When the Church is without a Pastor, the Deacons shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Pastor which are set forth in this document. The Deacons, however, will in no way be construed to be the ruling, or governing body, or final authority of the Church. Following their election, the Deacons shall, from their own number, elect a Chairman and a Secretary.
c. Duties of the Trustees: The Trustees shall consist of five or more members whose duties shall be to acquaint themselves with the laws of the state pertaining to churches and church property, and to see that the Church faithfully complies with said laws. They shall exercise general oversight for all Church property and shall make recommendations to the Church concerning major repairs. Minor repairs are to be made whenever needed. Trustees are wholly subject to the will of the Church regarding Church property. Following their election, the Trustees shall, from their own number, elect a Chairman and a Secretary.
d. Duties of the Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive all funds coming into the Church and deposit same in a federally insured bank. The Treasurer is authorized to disburse monies by check as ordered by the Church. All checks shall be supported by written documents (bills, statements, vouchers, certified itemized lists, etc.) and shall bear the signatures of two authorized members of the Church. Records of the tithes and offerings of individual members shall be maintained under the supervision of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall present a monthly and an annual financial report.
e. Duties of the Head Usher: The Head Usher in counsel with the Pastor shall appoint a sufficient number of assistants to care for the work of ushering and to extend the hospitality of the Church to its members and visitors.
f. Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary shall transcribe and file as permanent records the minutes of the business proceedings of the Church. These minutes shall be made available upon request. See also Section 6, Legal Documents.
g. All officers may be required to make a written report of their work at the monthly business meeting. They shall file all records in their possession with the Secretary at the close of their term of office. All records are the property of the Church.
h. An installation service in which all newly-elected Officers are to be dedicated to their respective offices shall be held at a church service following their election.
Section 3: Committees:
a. Pulpit Committee: When the Church is without a Pastor, the Deacons shall serve as the Pulpit Committee and the Chairman of the Deacons shall act as Chairman of the Pulpit Committee. The Pulpit Committee’s duties shall be to contact prospective Pastors and to investigate their character, training, doctrine, and agreement with these Articles of Incorporation. A recommended Candidate for Pastor shall be presented to the Church and voted on by the Church before another candidate may be presented.
b. Finance Committee: A Finance Committee composed of two Deacons, two Trustees, two members at large from the Church membership, and the Treasurer who is Chairman by virtue of his position, shall be appointed by the Pastor following the Annual Meeting. This Committee shall, in consultation with the Pastor, plan for the funding of the Church. At the November business meeting, the Finance Committee shall present to the Church a proposed budget for the ensuing year. In the course of the year, this Committee may bring to the Church recommendations for adjusting the budget. The Treasurer shall arrange payment of honoraria to visiting speakers during the Pastor’s absence from the pulpit.
c. Nominating Committee: A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Pastor. This Committee shall prepare a list of candidates for the various offices to be filled. This list shall be presented to the Church at the November business meeting. Other nominations may be made from the floor at the time of election.
d. Missions Committee: A Missions Committee composed of three or more members shall be appointed by the Pastor. This Committee shall present a proposed missions budget annually to the Church. This Committee shall also recommend other non-regular missionary projects or support.
e. All Committees shall be appointed by the Pastor unless otherwise provided for in these Articles of Incorporation.
Section 4: Meetings:
a. Meetings for worship: Unless otherwise provided, the Church shall meet each Sunday for public worship, both morning and evening, and at least once each week for Bible study and prayer. The Church will endeavor to observe the Lord’s Supper at least once every three months. The Lord’s Supper shall be offered to baptized believers who believe themselves to be in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
b. Meetings for Business: A monthly business meeting shall be held on Wednesday following Prayer Meeting after the third Sunday of each month except in December. The December meeting shall coincide with the Annual Meeting, which is to be held on or about December 15. The regular business of the Church shall be transacted at these meetings. The buying, selling, or mortgaging of Church property requires a prior announcement as per the special meeting requirements stated below. The reception or dismissal of members by their own request may be transacted at any regular meeting of the Church. All Church business shall be decided by members eighteen years old or older.
c. Special Business Meetings: The Pastor or the majority of the Deacons may call for a Special Business Meeting. Special Business Meetings shall be announced no later than the preceding regular church service prior to the Special Business Meeting.
Section 5: Calling or Dismissing of the Pastor:
a. Calling the Pastor. A special meeting for the election of a Pastor may be called by the Pulpit Committee for any regular meeting of the Church. The Pulpit Committee may only present one candidate at a time. A three-fourths affirmative vote of those members present and voting shall authorize the Pulpit Committee to extend a call on behalf of the Church.
1. The moving expenses, salary, and benefits for the Pastor shall be fixed at the time of the call. The salary and benefits may be changed by vote of the Church at any business meeting upon a joint recommendation from the Finance Committee and the Deacons.
2. The Pastor shall be entitled to an annual vacation with full pay as follows: fourteen days per year during the first two years of service; twenty-one days per year for the next five years; thirty days per year during the eighth year of service and each succeeding year thereafter. The Pastor will use discretion in conducting revivals, Bible Conferences, etc., so as not to bring detriment and hurt to this Church because of extended absences.
b. Dismissing the Pastor:
1. The relation between the Pastor and the Church shall be a permanent one until it is severed at the option of either the Pastor or the Church. This option may be exercised by either party giving the other party a one month’s notice. Shorter notice is acceptable if by mutual consent.
2. The severance of the relation between the Pastor and the Church may be considered at any business meeting of the Church provided an announcement to that effect has been given from the Pulpit to the Church at least two Sundays prior to said business meeting. The Pastor must have written notice of the proposed action two Sundays prior to said business meeting. A majority of the members present and voting shall be sufficient to decide the matter
Section 6: Legal Documents:
The Pastor as President and the Secretary shall have the authority to execute deeds, mortgages, contracts, leases and all other legal documents on behalf of the Corporation. Authorization for the execution of any such documents shall be deemed to have been given said Officers by the members at any business meeting upon a favorable vote of two thirds of the members present and voting.
Section 7: Church Facility Use Policy:
Statement of Purpose.
The church’s facilities were provided through God’s benevolence and by the sacrificial generosity of church members. The church desires that its facilities be used for the fellowship of the Body of Christ and always to God’s glory. The facilities shall not be open to the public. Facilities may not be used for activities that contradict, or are deemed by the pastor as inconsistent with, or contrary to the church’s faith and moral teachings. The By Laws, or an official designee, is the final decision maker on whether a person or group is allowed to use church facilities. This restricted facility use policy is necessary for two important reasons. First, the church may not in good conscience materially cooperate in activities or beliefs that are contrary to its faith. Allowing its facilities to be used for purposes that contradict the church’s beliefs would be material cooperation with that activity and would be a grave violation of the church’s faith and religious practice. See 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:22. Second, it is very important to the church that it presents a consistent message to the community, which the church staff and members conscientiously maintain as part of their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To allow facilities to be used by groups or individual persons who express beliefs or engage in practices contrary to the church’s faith would have a severe negative impact on the message that the church strives to promote. It could also be a source of confusion and scandal to church members and the community because they may reasonably perceive that by allowing use of our facilities, the church is in agreement with the beliefs or practices of the persons or groups using church facilities. Therefore, in no event shall non-members use any church facility. Nor may facilities be used in any way that contradicts the church’s faith. This policy applies to all church facilities, regardless of whether the facilities are connected to the church’s sanctuary, because the church sees all of its property as holy and set apart to worship God. See Colossians 3:17.
Article 9:
The By-Laws of the corporation shall be made and may be altered, suspended or amended at any business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting.
Article 10:
Amendment(s) to the Articles of Incorporation may be proposed and adopted in the following manner: Any proposed amendment(s) to the Articles of Incorporation must be in writing and must be presented to the Church membership at a business meeting at least 90 days prior to calling for a vote on any amendment(s). The proposed amendment(s) shall be voted upon and the matter decided. The proposed amendment(s) shall pass if a three-fourths majority of the active members voting are in favor of the amendment(s). This is the only situation in which members not present may vote by absentee ballot.
Article 11:
Upon the dissolution of Cross and Crown Baptist Church Corporation, the active members shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the church, dispose of all of the assets of the church exclusively for the purposes of the church in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Approved Users and Priority of Use :
The pastor or official designee must approve all uses of church facilities. Priority shall generally be given to members of the church, their immediate families, and organized groups that are part of the ministry, organization, or sponsored activities of the church. Church facilities and equipment will not be made available to non-members or outside groups. A member seeking facility use must submit a signed “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form. If it is a sudden request made by a non-member to use a church facility (such as using the restroom, etc.) immediately then the person or group must obtain permission from the pastor, or official designee, and the decision of approval is completely under his discretion and authority. The group or person seeking facility use must be willing to take responsibility for the facilities and equipment used and must agree to abide by the church’s rules of conduct for facility use, as stated below and as described in any additional instructions by church staff and they must understand it is required that a representative of the church will be present. Facility Use Hours Facilities are available between the hours of ______ a.m. and ______ p.m. Use outside these hours may be approved by the pastor or official designee. Scheduling Events Requests for facility use may be made to the pastor or official designee by submitting the “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form. The event will be reserved and placed on the church calendar only when the pastor, or official designee, gives the final approval for the use.
Facility Use Guidelines
1. No alcohol or other intoxicating beverages may be used, brought, or served in church facilities or anywhere on its property.
2. No smoking in church facilities or anywhere on its property shall be permitted.
3. Groups or persons are restricted to only those areas of the facility that the group or individual has reserved.
4. Food and beverages in classrooms and auditorium are not allowed without lid or proper container.
5. Church equipment, such as tables and chairs, must be returned to original placement, unless arranged otherwise prior to the event.
6. All lights must be turned off and doors locked upon departure.
7. Cleanup shall be the responsibility of the group or person using the facility. Cleanup shall consist of but is not limited to: tables and chairs returned to original placement, all leftover food or drinks removed, floors swept (if needed mopped), trash bins switched out with fresh bags.
8. Abusive or foul language, violent behavior, drug or alcohol abuse, use of pornographic materials, homosexual behavior, and other immoral acts or behaviors are strictly prohibited while using church facilities and its property. Any person exhibiting such behavior will be required to leave the premise.
9. Any person or group must sign the “Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement” form prior to reservation of church facilities. Church Facility Reservation Request and Agreement.