OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH
MIDLOTHIAN, TEXAS
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We, the members of Oak Crest Baptist Church, 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 will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches. This constitution supersedes all previous constitutions and in no way affects the legal status of Oak Crest Baptist Church, Midlothian, as a non-profit corporation under the statutes of the State of Texas.
Article I – Name
This body of believers shall be known as Oak Crest Baptist Church of Midlothian, Inc., a non-profit Texas Corporation, located at 1701 South Fifth Street, Midlothian, Texas 76065
Article II - Purpose
Oak Crest Baptist Church exists in covenant community to bring glory to God by living out the gospel of Jesus Christ, passionately sharing His love and growing in His Word.
Article III - Statement of Basic Beliefs
The members of Oak Crest Baptist Church affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and the basis for our beliefs. The core convictions of Oak Crest Baptist Church are reflected in the 5 Theses of the Cambridge Declaration 1996:
Thesis One: Sola Scriptura
We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.
We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.
Thesis Two: Solus Christus
We reaffirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.
We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.
Thesis Three: Sola Gratia
We reaffirm that in salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
We deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature.
Thesis Four: Sola Fide
We reaffirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.
We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.
Thesis Five: Soli Deo Gloria
We reaffirm that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory and that we must glorify him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone.
We deny that we can properly glorify God if our worship is confused with entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem or self-fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the gospel.
Confessional statements are summaries, guides, and resources which generally reflect the commonly held convictions of the church. They are not binding on the conscience, nor do they ever rise to the authority of Scripture. This church affirms as a general consensus of belief the doctrinal statement of “The Oak Crest Baptist Confession of Faith.”(Appendix A) This confession is “The Second London Baptist Confession of 1689.” We affirm that the Oak Crest Confession is a standard of belief articulating our convictions to the world and the basic expectations of doctrine for the elders of Oak Crest. Other documents, written more recently provide additional clarification on various subjects. For a more elaborate statement on the inerrancy of Scripture, see “The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy 1978.” We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind to the glory of God alone. The ordinances of the church are believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Ordinances shall be understood as symbolic demonstrations of spiritual faith in Christ, not as instruments of salvific efficacy.
Article IV - Church Covenant of Oak Crest Baptist Church
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully, enter into this covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We covenant, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk in Christian Love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and compassion; to promote the church’s growth and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to promote consistent, cheerful, biblical tithing for the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also covenant to maintain family and personal devotions; provide religious education for our families; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk cautiously and wisely in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our commitments, and passionate in our efforts to spread the gospel for the sake of the kingdom of our Savior.
We further covenant to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to express Christian sympathy; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, honoring the teachings of our Savior.
Moreover, we covenant that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with another New Testament church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Article V- Affiliation
Oak Crest Baptist Church is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive, God-directed self-governance in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
Article VI - Organization
The work of Oak Crest Baptist Church will be Christ-Ruled, Elder-Led, Deacon-Served, and Congregationally-Affirmed. Individual committees and teams operate in accountability to the elders and Leadership Team.
Article VII - Amendments
This constitution of Oak Crest Baptist Church may be amended or rescinded by a 3/4 majority vote of church members present and voting at any regular or called business meeting. Copies of proposed amendments and voting date shall be mailed, emailed, or personally distributed to all church members at least two weeks prior to vote.
Article VIII - Bylaws
Bylaws may be added to the constitution of Oak Crest Baptist Church, as necessary, following the guidelines of Article VII of this constitution.
OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH MIDLOTHIAN, TEXAS
BYLAWS
I. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: General
Oak Crest Baptist Church is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself an exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
SECTION 2: Requirement for Membership
Any person desiring membership in Oak Crest Baptist Church, must repent and trust in Jesus Christ as his or her substitutionary atonement for the forgiveness of sins, having been born again. Any person, affirming conversion, may offer himself as a candidate for membership in Oak Crest Baptist Church. All such candidates shall be presented to the Church at any regular church service for membership in any of the following ways:
(1) By profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and for baptism by immersion according to the policies of this church;
(2) By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church;
(3) Statement of prior conversion and profession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord and baptism by immersion.
All persons seeking membership, whether by baptism, letter, or statement, shall be
presented as a candidate for membership, upon discussion with one or more elders. Upon successful completion of the orientation process, including participation in the Welcome Home Class, the candidate shall be received by majority vote of the congregation at a church service.
Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the elders for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A majority vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.
SECTION 3: Responsibilities of Members
In accord with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, 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 elders. 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 a vote.
SECTION 4: Rights of Members
(1) Every member of Oak Crest Baptist Church, age 16 and older, shall have the right to vote on the following matters: (a) the annual church budget; (b) the disposition all substantially all of the assets of the church; (c) the merger or dissolution of the church; (d) the acquisition of real property and the related incurring of indebtedness; (e) Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the church; (f) the calling or removing of elders and staff members; (g) other issues brought before the church at the discretion of the elders and Leadership Team; provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting. Voting by proxy is prohibited.
(2) Any member, who has been active in the church for six months, is eligible to serve in leadership positions. Leadership positions are teachers, committee and team chairperson and facilitators, directors, and members of the Leadership Team.
(3) Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.
SECTION 5: Termination of Membership
Membership in Oak Crest Baptist Church shall be terminated in the following ways:
(1) Death of the member;
(2) Transfer of membership to another Baptist Church, with majority vote of the congregation at any church members’ meeting;
(3) Erasure upon request by member’s statement of participation in another church;
(4) Termination by action of this church on the basis of church discipline as it relates to regenerate church membership and covenant membership, only after repeated attempts to restore them to fellowship.
SECTION 6: Discipline
(1) It shall be the practice of Oak Crest Baptist Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to restore them to covenant membership. The elders, other members of the church staff, and deacons, are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment as put forth in Matthew 18: 15-17.
(2) Church discipline will be practiced when members consistently fail to practice covenant membership, and only after repeated attempts at restoration have failed, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17 ESV
(3) Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a hindrance to the witness and general welfare of the church, appropriate members of the church will follow Matthew 18: 15-17, in consultation with the elders and deacons, taking every reasonable measure to resolve the problem. Finding that the welfare of the church will best be served by the termination of the individual’s membership, the recommendation shall be brought before the church body in a members’ meeting. A majority vote of members present will determine the status of the individual’s church membership. A spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance shall pervade all such proceedings.
SECTION 6: Restoration of Membership
Dismissed members of Oak Crest Baptist Church may be restored by the church body according to the spirit of II Corinthians 2: 7-8, when their life styles are judged to be in accordance with the membership covenant. Restoration of an individual’s church membership will require a majority vote of members present at a members’ meeting.
“For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.” II Corinthians 2:7-8
II. ELDER MINISTRY
SECTION 1: General
No elder shall hold the office of deacon or committee member, but may serve in an ex officio capacity, during his tenure. Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6: 1–6 and I Peter 5: 1–4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock. The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders.
SECTION 2: Requirements
The elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in I Timothy 3: 1–7 and Titus 1: 6–9. Except in rare instances, the number of lay elders should exceed, or at minimum be equal to, the number of staff elders. An elder's term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal.
SECTION 3: Responsibilities
The elders shall share responsibility with the pastor to examine and instruct prospective members, work with the deacons and committees for the overall health of the church, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The elders shall assist the pastor in the practical daily and weekly decisions and direction of the church. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.
SECTION 4: Selection
The elders shall seek the Lord’s leadership regarding the number of additional elders needed to minister at Oak Crest Baptist Church. While the Bible does not give instruction as to the number of elders a church should have, it is recognized that there should be a plurality. A determination of the need for additional elders will be based upon the leadership of Christ among the existing elders and the congregation of Oak Crest Baptist Church. All candidates must have been a member of Oak Crest Baptist Church for at least one year, except in the case of called ministerial staff, before they are considered. A potential elder will be examined by the Elders in order to discover his calling and qualifications. If the Elders and the man are of like mind as to his giftedness and ability to serve, the Elders shall recommend him to the Church body to be affirmed as an elder. The appointment of a man to serve as an elder is a solemn and serious matter. Therefore, the selection of a new elder will follow the same standard as that of calling a ministerial staff member. After a time of congregational scrutiny of the candidate, to include a designated time of questions and testimony, and over a period of time not less than one (1) month and not more than three (3) months, an 85% vote of the Church is required for affirmation of the recommendation. The vote shall be taken at the conclusion of a regular Sunday morning worship service with proper notification to the church. After consultation with the elder candidate by the existing elders, the result of the vote shall be shared with the congregation in the evening worship service. (1 Tim. 5: 21-22)
SECTION 3: Dismissal
Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should jointly express such concern first to the elder in question, then to the elders. After investigation of the concern, if need be, the elders will take the concern to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18: 15–17 and I Timothy 5: 17–21. Any of the elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members at any members’ meeting of the Church. Therefore, the dismissal of a man to serve as an elder is a solemn and serious matter.
III. DEACON MINISTRY
SECTION 1: General
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall elect deacons using procedures that assure only biblically qualified men are chosen. As determined by the Pastor/elders in consultation with the Deacon body, an election shall be held to fill vacancies and to add to the deacons such numbers as church membership warrants and qualified men are available to serve. In case of death or removal or incapacity to serve, the church may elect a deacon to fill the vacancy.
A deacon is an elected officer of the local church based on the Biblical qualifications listed in Acts 6: 1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
SECTION 2: Requirements
A prospective deacon is to be tested, interviewed, and examined before being ordained as a new deacon or selected to serve as a deacon in Oak Crest Baptist Church. Therefore, a man nominated as a new deacon should have been an active church member for no less than twelve (12) months. Likewise, a new church member who is already an ordained deacon, or a deacon that is currently inactive, should be an active member of the Church for no less that six (6) months before serving as a deacon in the Church.
SECTION 3: Responsibilities
In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. Their task is to serve with the Pastor, elders, and staff, physically and spiritually, performing the pastoral ministry: proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers; caring for church members and other persons in the community; leading the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry and application of biblical principles.
SECTION 4: Rules of Operation for Active Deacons
(1) Called meeting of the deacons may be held and the date of the regular monthly meeting may be changed when deemed necessary. The meetings may be called or changed either by request of the pastor or the chairman of the deacons.
(2) The pastor/elders shall be notified of all regular and called meetings of the deacons and shall be eligible to attend all meetings.
(3) Every deacon shall be notified if a special meeting is called.
(4) A majority of the current deacons shall constitute a quorum.
SECTION 5: Deacon Emeritus
(1) An active deacon who has attained the age of 70, who has served as an active deacon for at least three years, and who has honored the office of deacon, may upon the individual’s own request, be classified as a Deacon Emeritus of Oak Crest Baptist Church.
(2) A Deacon Emeritus shall not be required to fulfill the responsibilities of an active deacon, but shall be entitled to assist in the serving of the ordinances and other regular ministries of an active deacon.
(3) A Deacon Emeritus may attend and participate in all meetings of the deacon body, but shall not be counted in determining a quorum at such meetings or entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the deacon body.
IV. CHURCH STAFF
SECTION 1: General
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall call or employ such staff members as the Church may authorize. Such staff members should consistently demonstrate characteristics in keeping with high moral integrity, godliness, and attributes of the Christian life. Personnel policies shall be maintained to provide the proper guidelines for staff members, including job descriptions, responsibilities, operating procedures, etc. New and revised personnel policies will be maintained and approved by the Personnel Committee and submitted to the elders and Leadership Team for review and kept current in the Church Operations Manual.
The Pastor and the Called Staff Ministers shall not hold positions for any definite term, but shall serve in these respective positions at the will of the majority of the church members. Subject to the rights of employment with the Church, the Pastor and the Called Staff Ministers shall only be removed by the affirmative two/thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of the Church present and voting at a special business meeting called by the Leadership Team. Copies of proposed agenda, voting date, and the name of the person who will moderate the meeting, shall be announced from the pulpit and mailed to all church members at least one week prior to the date of the vote.
SECTION 2: Pastor
(1) Among the elders is one designated: Pastor. He is the first among equals within the eldership. In keeping with the role of elder, the Pastor is expected to be a man of God whose principal tasks are:
(a) Prayer (Acts 6:4)
(b) The ministry of the Word: preaching, teaching, evangelism (Acts 6:4; I Timothy 5:17; Peter 5:2);
(c) Equipping the saints (all Christians) for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13);
(d) Oversight and leadership of the congregation (Acts 20:17, 27-28; I Timothy 5:17; I Thessalonians 5: 12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17; I Peter 5:2);
(e) Administration of discipline (Acts 5:1-10; 15:1-13); and
(f) The fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20).
(2) The Pastor along with the elders shall have charge of the welfare and oversight of Oak Crest Baptist Church. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and teams, and he may call a special meeting of the deacons or any committee or team according to procedures, which may be set forth in the Bylaws. He shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to members of the church and community, and perform other duties that usually pertain to the Pastor’s office. He shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church. He, in consultation and cooperation with the elders, shall provide for pulpit supply when he is absent and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other special services. In the instance of the pastor’s inability to secure pulpit supply, the elders, shall provide or secure pulpit supply. The Pastor, shall preside at all meetings of the church except as otherwise provided by the Bylaws. He shall be administrative head of the church.
(3) The Pastor of this church shall be called by an 85% majority of church members voting on a Sunday morning upon the recommendation of a duly elected Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee.
(4) A Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee of seven (7) shall be elected in the following manner. The Eldership and Deacon Ministry shall select three (3) church members who shall constitute their nominees to the church for a Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee. The Personnel Team shall then select three (3) church members who shall constitute their nominees to the church for a Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee. Any church member shall have the opportunity of placing in nomination from the floor any other church member for election to the one “at large” position on the committee. The church member receiving the most nominations from the floor will fill the seventh at-large position. These seven (7) church members shall be presented to the church for election. The Committee shall choose a chairperson. The elders shall serve in an advisory capacity throughout the search process. Additionally, the existing elders may be considered for the role of pastor. Any elder who desires consideration for the role of pastor would recuse himself from the advisory capacity to the committee.
(5) When the special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee is ready to make its recommendation of a prospective pastor, the church shall be notified at least one (1) week in advance that the Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee will present its recommendation on the following Sunday. In making such recommendation, only one name at a time shall be considered. After the committee has made its recommendation, the vote shall be taken.
(6) Should the first Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee resign, or should the church deem it necessary to appoint a new committee due to failure of the first committee to obtain a pastor, a new committee shall be appointed in the same manner as the first and shall proceed according to the directions until a pastor has been called. In no event will a nomination be considered except through a duly constituted special committee.
(7) At such times when there is no pastor, the elders shall assume his responsibilities, continuing to supply the pulpit, until such a time as the church elects a new pastor.
SECTION 3: Called Staff Ministers
Called Staff positions shall be jointly considered by the Elders and the Leadership Team and the Personnel Committee, and authorized by Oak Crest Baptist Church. Any full-time called staff must meet the qualifications of elder. Any full-time called staff will be an elder.
(1) A Called Staff Minister is expected to be a man of God whose principal tasks are:
(a) Prayer (Acts 6:4);
(b) The ministry of the Word: teaching and evangelism (Acts 6:4; I Timothy 5:17; I Peter 5:2);
(c) Equipping the saints (all Christians) for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4: 11-13); and
(d) The fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20).
(2) A Special Ad Hoc Search Committee shall be constituted and elected by the church upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee. The Special Ad Hoc Search Committee shall be comprised of seven members, three derived from the Personnel Committee and four derived from the congregation. The elders shall serve in an advisory capacity to the committee.
(3) Called Staff shall be recommended to the church by the elected Special Ad Hoc Search Committee at the approval of the Pastor/Elders.
(4) The recommendation of prospective Called Staff shall follow the same guidelines as required of the Pastor as outlined in Article IV, Section 2, 5-7 of these Bylaws.
SECTION 4: Support Staff Members
(1) These staff members shall consist of the office secretaries and financial secretaries, organists, pianists, coordinators, custodial personnel, nursery workers and such others as may be required to administer the programs of Oak Crest Baptist Church.
(2) These staff members shall be selected by the Personnel Committee with the approval of the Pastor/Elders and other Called Staff who are responsible for the employee.
(3) Each staff member shall be ultimately responsible to the Pastor in carrying out his or her duties. The Pastor may delegate supervisory responsibilities. The Pastor/Elders may consult the Personnel Committee in resolving any personnel problems.
(4) Each Support Staff member shall serve until the relationship is terminated at the request of the individual or deemed necessary to terminate by the Pastor/Elders in consultation with the Personnel Committee.
SECTION 5: Interim Staffing
The elders and Personnel Committee shall be responsible for filling vacancies in called and/or support staff on a temporary basis until a permanent replacement has been made in accordance with these Bylaws.
V. CHURCH OFFICERS
SECTION 1: General
The Biblical offices in the church are elders and deacons. In addition, our church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk, treasurer, trustee, and moderator. All officers must be members of Oak Crest Baptist Church prior to assuming their responsibilities. Except for the elders, deacons, and moderator, they shall all be presented to the church annually at year’s end business meeting by the recommendation of the Leadership Team for election. The term of service for clerk, treasurer, and trustee shall begin January 1st and end December 31st of the same year. The office of treasurer shall not be held for more than two consecutive years.
SECTION 2: Church Clerk and Assistant Church Clerk
(1) Oak Crest Baptist Church shall elect annually a Church Clerk and Assistant Church Clerk as its clerical officers. The clerks shall be responsible for keeping a suitable record of all official actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The clerks are responsible for keeping a register of names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptism. The clerks shall issue letters of dismissal as approved by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give required notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these Bylaws.
(2) The Personnel Committee may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary who will assist the elected clerks. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office.
SECTION 3: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
(1) Oak Crest Baptist Church shall elect annually a Treasurer and an Assistant Treasurer as its financial officers. It shall be the responsibility of the Church Treasurer to oversee the receipts of the church, maintain an appropriate accounting system and cause the timely disbursement of church funds for approved purposes.
(2) The Church Treasurer, assisted by the Financial Secretary, shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and shall render a report to the church membership at each regular business meeting and such other times as requested by the church; a copy of such reports are to be preserved by the church secretary. The church Treasurer’s reports shall include, as a minimum, a summary of receipts and expenditures and a statement of assets and liabilities for each separate fund. The expenditures of the general fund shall be summarized by budget account classification and expenditures of other funds shall be summarized to indicate the purpose of such expenditures. The Church Treasurer shall also be responsible for submitting required financial or related reports to city, county, state, or federal offices.
(3) The Church Treasurer and Financial Committee shall be responsible for properly safeguarding the cash and other property received by the church and shall establish internal controls in the areas of receiving, holding, disbursing, and accounting for church funds. The books and records kept by the Church Treasurer shall be the property of the church and shall be available at all reasonable times for review by the church membership and/or such auditors as the church may designate.
(4) The Church Treasurer and Assistant Church Treasurer shall be ex-officio members of the Financial Committee.
SECTION 4: Trustees
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall annually elect three (3) or more trustees to serve as legal officers for the church. They shall hold in trust the church property. Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each action, they shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any church property. When the signatures of trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property, or other legal documents related to church-approved matters.
SECTION 5: Moderator
The Moderator shall be the Pastor of Oak Crest Baptist Church. In the absence of the Pastor, an elder designee shall preside. In the absence of both, the Clerk shall call the church to order and preside for the election of an acting moderator.
VI. LICENSE AND ORDINATION OF MINISTERS
SECTION 1: License
(1) When a member announces to Oak Crest Baptist Church the experience of the call of God to the ministry, the elders shall consider the request for licensing and if so merited shall recommend to the church that the candidate be licensed.
(2) The church, by majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgment of his call to the ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it.
(3) The Church Clerk may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credentials.
(4) It is understood that state law shall govern the performance of civil duties by the member.
SECTION 2: Ordination
In the event that Oak Crest Baptist Church has been requested to ordain a member who has been called as a staff member of a Baptist church or to the chaplaincy, the following procedure shall be followed:
(1) The elders shall consider the request for ordination and if so merited shall recommend to the church that the candidate(s) be ordained.
(2) The church will express its approval by a vote of three/fourths (3/4) of the members present at any regular or special business meeting of the church.
(3) The church may invite appropriate ordained men to serve on the ordaining council helping examine the candidate(s) and report to the church.
(4) In the event the report of the committee is favorable, the church shall proceed with the ordination.
VIII. CHURCH ORDINANCES
SECTION 1: Baptism
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.
(1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
(2) The Pastor/elder, or whomever the church shall authorize, shall counsel the baptismal candidate and administer baptism, the ordinance of Jesus Christ as an act of worship
SECTION 2: The Lord’s Supper
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall observe the Lord’s Supper at least once every quarter. The observance may alternate between the morning and the evening services of worship. The Pastor/elder and deacons shall administer the Lord’s Supper, the deacons being responsible for the physical preparation.
IX. OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH MEETINGS
SECTION 1: Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, discipleship, and evangelism shall be among the characteristics of these worship services. The Pastor/elder shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend.
SECTION 2: Regular and Special Members’ Meetings
The church shall hold quarterly members’ meetings. The church may conduct called members’ meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance. A one-week notice must be given for the specially called members’ meeting. The notice shall include the subject, the date, time and place. The information must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. The elders in consultation with the Leadership Team have authority to represent the church in emergency circumstances.
SECTION 3: Quorum
The quorum consists of those members who attend the members’ meeting, provided it is a regular, quarterly meeting or one that has been properly called.
SECTION 4: Parliamentary Rules
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all members’ meetings of the church.
X. OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH FINANCES
SECTION 1: Budget
The Financial Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed for all expenses.
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts.
SECTION 2: Accounting Procedures
A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Financial Committee.
SECTION 3: Fiscal Year
The church fiscal year shall begin on January 1st and end on December 31st.
XI. OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH POLICY MANUAL
The church shall develop and maintain a Church Policy Manual to include personnel policies, church policies and procedures, and organizational charts depicting lines of responsibility in the administration of the church. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available for use there by any member of the church.
XII. AMENDMENTS
Changes in these Bylaws may be made pursuant to Article VII of the Oak Crest Baptist Constitution.
MIDLOTHIAN, TEXAS
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We, the members of Oak Crest Baptist Church, 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 will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches. This constitution supersedes all previous constitutions and in no way affects the legal status of Oak Crest Baptist Church, Midlothian, as a non-profit corporation under the statutes of the State of Texas.
Article I – Name
This body of believers shall be known as Oak Crest Baptist Church of Midlothian, Inc., a non-profit Texas Corporation, located at 1701 South Fifth Street, Midlothian, Texas 76065
Article II - Purpose
Oak Crest Baptist Church exists in covenant community to bring glory to God by living out the gospel of Jesus Christ, passionately sharing His love and growing in His Word.
Article III - Statement of Basic Beliefs
The members of Oak Crest Baptist Church affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and the basis for our beliefs. The core convictions of Oak Crest Baptist Church are reflected in the 5 Theses of the Cambridge Declaration 1996:
Thesis One: Sola Scriptura
We reaffirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.
We deny that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.
Thesis Two: Solus Christus
We reaffirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.
We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.
Thesis Three: Sola Gratia
We reaffirm that in salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
We deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature.
Thesis Four: Sola Fide
We reaffirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.
We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.
Thesis Five: Soli Deo Gloria
We reaffirm that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory and that we must glorify him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone.
We deny that we can properly glorify God if our worship is confused with entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem or self-fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the gospel.
Confessional statements are summaries, guides, and resources which generally reflect the commonly held convictions of the church. They are not binding on the conscience, nor do they ever rise to the authority of Scripture. This church affirms as a general consensus of belief the doctrinal statement of “The Oak Crest Baptist Confession of Faith.”(Appendix A) This confession is “The Second London Baptist Confession of 1689.” We affirm that the Oak Crest Confession is a standard of belief articulating our convictions to the world and the basic expectations of doctrine for the elders of Oak Crest. Other documents, written more recently provide additional clarification on various subjects. For a more elaborate statement on the inerrancy of Scripture, see “The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy 1978.” We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind to the glory of God alone. The ordinances of the church are believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Ordinances shall be understood as symbolic demonstrations of spiritual faith in Christ, not as instruments of salvific efficacy.
Article IV - Church Covenant of Oak Crest Baptist Church
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully, enter into this covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We covenant, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk in Christian Love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and compassion; to promote the church’s growth and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to promote consistent, cheerful, biblical tithing for the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also covenant to maintain family and personal devotions; provide religious education for our families; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk cautiously and wisely in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our commitments, and passionate in our efforts to spread the gospel for the sake of the kingdom of our Savior.
We further covenant to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to express Christian sympathy; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, honoring the teachings of our Savior.
Moreover, we covenant that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with another New Testament church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Article V- Affiliation
Oak Crest Baptist Church is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive, God-directed self-governance in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
Article VI - Organization
The work of Oak Crest Baptist Church will be Christ-Ruled, Elder-Led, Deacon-Served, and Congregationally-Affirmed. Individual committees and teams operate in accountability to the elders and Leadership Team.
Article VII - Amendments
This constitution of Oak Crest Baptist Church may be amended or rescinded by a 3/4 majority vote of church members present and voting at any regular or called business meeting. Copies of proposed amendments and voting date shall be mailed, emailed, or personally distributed to all church members at least two weeks prior to vote.
Article VIII - Bylaws
Bylaws may be added to the constitution of Oak Crest Baptist Church, as necessary, following the guidelines of Article VII of this constitution.
OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH MIDLOTHIAN, TEXAS
BYLAWS
I. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: General
Oak Crest Baptist Church is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself an exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
SECTION 2: Requirement for Membership
Any person desiring membership in Oak Crest Baptist Church, must repent and trust in Jesus Christ as his or her substitutionary atonement for the forgiveness of sins, having been born again. Any person, affirming conversion, may offer himself as a candidate for membership in Oak Crest Baptist Church. All such candidates shall be presented to the Church at any regular church service for membership in any of the following ways:
(1) By profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and for baptism by immersion according to the policies of this church;
(2) By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church;
(3) Statement of prior conversion and profession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord and baptism by immersion.
All persons seeking membership, whether by baptism, letter, or statement, shall be
presented as a candidate for membership, upon discussion with one or more elders. Upon successful completion of the orientation process, including participation in the Welcome Home Class, the candidate shall be received by majority vote of the congregation at a church service.
Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be referred to the elders for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A majority vote of those church members present and voting shall be required to elect such candidates to membership.
SECTION 3: Responsibilities of Members
In accord with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, 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 elders. 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 a vote.
SECTION 4: Rights of Members
(1) Every member of Oak Crest Baptist Church, age 16 and older, shall have the right to vote on the following matters: (a) the annual church budget; (b) the disposition all substantially all of the assets of the church; (c) the merger or dissolution of the church; (d) the acquisition of real property and the related incurring of indebtedness; (e) Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the church; (f) the calling or removing of elders and staff members; (g) other issues brought before the church at the discretion of the elders and Leadership Team; provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting. Voting by proxy is prohibited.
(2) Any member, who has been active in the church for six months, is eligible to serve in leadership positions. Leadership positions are teachers, committee and team chairperson and facilitators, directors, and members of the Leadership Team.
(3) Every member of the church may participate in the ordinances of the church as administered by the church.
SECTION 5: Termination of Membership
Membership in Oak Crest Baptist Church shall be terminated in the following ways:
(1) Death of the member;
(2) Transfer of membership to another Baptist Church, with majority vote of the congregation at any church members’ meeting;
(3) Erasure upon request by member’s statement of participation in another church;
(4) Termination by action of this church on the basis of church discipline as it relates to regenerate church membership and covenant membership, only after repeated attempts to restore them to fellowship.
SECTION 6: Discipline
(1) It shall be the practice of Oak Crest Baptist Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to restore them to covenant membership. The elders, other members of the church staff, and deacons, are available for counsel and guidance. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment as put forth in Matthew 18: 15-17.
(2) Church discipline will be practiced when members consistently fail to practice covenant membership, and only after repeated attempts at restoration have failed, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17 ESV
(3) Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a hindrance to the witness and general welfare of the church, appropriate members of the church will follow Matthew 18: 15-17, in consultation with the elders and deacons, taking every reasonable measure to resolve the problem. Finding that the welfare of the church will best be served by the termination of the individual’s membership, the recommendation shall be brought before the church body in a members’ meeting. A majority vote of members present will determine the status of the individual’s church membership. A spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance shall pervade all such proceedings.
SECTION 6: Restoration of Membership
Dismissed members of Oak Crest Baptist Church may be restored by the church body according to the spirit of II Corinthians 2: 7-8, when their life styles are judged to be in accordance with the membership covenant. Restoration of an individual’s church membership will require a majority vote of members present at a members’ meeting.
“For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.” II Corinthians 2:7-8
II. ELDER MINISTRY
SECTION 1: General
No elder shall hold the office of deacon or committee member, but may serve in an ex officio capacity, during his tenure. Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6: 1–6 and I Peter 5: 1–4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock. The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders.
SECTION 2: Requirements
The elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in I Timothy 3: 1–7 and Titus 1: 6–9. Except in rare instances, the number of lay elders should exceed, or at minimum be equal to, the number of staff elders. An elder's term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal.
SECTION 3: Responsibilities
The elders shall share responsibility with the pastor to examine and instruct prospective members, work with the deacons and committees for the overall health of the church, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The elders shall assist the pastor in the practical daily and weekly decisions and direction of the church. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.
SECTION 4: Selection
The elders shall seek the Lord’s leadership regarding the number of additional elders needed to minister at Oak Crest Baptist Church. While the Bible does not give instruction as to the number of elders a church should have, it is recognized that there should be a plurality. A determination of the need for additional elders will be based upon the leadership of Christ among the existing elders and the congregation of Oak Crest Baptist Church. All candidates must have been a member of Oak Crest Baptist Church for at least one year, except in the case of called ministerial staff, before they are considered. A potential elder will be examined by the Elders in order to discover his calling and qualifications. If the Elders and the man are of like mind as to his giftedness and ability to serve, the Elders shall recommend him to the Church body to be affirmed as an elder. The appointment of a man to serve as an elder is a solemn and serious matter. Therefore, the selection of a new elder will follow the same standard as that of calling a ministerial staff member. After a time of congregational scrutiny of the candidate, to include a designated time of questions and testimony, and over a period of time not less than one (1) month and not more than three (3) months, an 85% vote of the Church is required for affirmation of the recommendation. The vote shall be taken at the conclusion of a regular Sunday morning worship service with proper notification to the church. After consultation with the elder candidate by the existing elders, the result of the vote shall be shared with the congregation in the evening worship service. (1 Tim. 5: 21-22)
SECTION 3: Dismissal
Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should jointly express such concern first to the elder in question, then to the elders. After investigation of the concern, if need be, the elders will take the concern to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18: 15–17 and I Timothy 5: 17–21. Any of the elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members at any members’ meeting of the Church. Therefore, the dismissal of a man to serve as an elder is a solemn and serious matter.
III. DEACON MINISTRY
SECTION 1: General
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall elect deacons using procedures that assure only biblically qualified men are chosen. As determined by the Pastor/elders in consultation with the Deacon body, an election shall be held to fill vacancies and to add to the deacons such numbers as church membership warrants and qualified men are available to serve. In case of death or removal or incapacity to serve, the church may elect a deacon to fill the vacancy.
A deacon is an elected officer of the local church based on the Biblical qualifications listed in Acts 6: 1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
SECTION 2: Requirements
A prospective deacon is to be tested, interviewed, and examined before being ordained as a new deacon or selected to serve as a deacon in Oak Crest Baptist Church. Therefore, a man nominated as a new deacon should have been an active church member for no less than twelve (12) months. Likewise, a new church member who is already an ordained deacon, or a deacon that is currently inactive, should be an active member of the Church for no less that six (6) months before serving as a deacon in the Church.
SECTION 3: Responsibilities
In accordance with the meaning of the word and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. Their task is to serve with the Pastor, elders, and staff, physically and spiritually, performing the pastoral ministry: proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers; caring for church members and other persons in the community; leading the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, witness, education, ministry and application of biblical principles.
SECTION 4: Rules of Operation for Active Deacons
(1) Called meeting of the deacons may be held and the date of the regular monthly meeting may be changed when deemed necessary. The meetings may be called or changed either by request of the pastor or the chairman of the deacons.
(2) The pastor/elders shall be notified of all regular and called meetings of the deacons and shall be eligible to attend all meetings.
(3) Every deacon shall be notified if a special meeting is called.
(4) A majority of the current deacons shall constitute a quorum.
SECTION 5: Deacon Emeritus
(1) An active deacon who has attained the age of 70, who has served as an active deacon for at least three years, and who has honored the office of deacon, may upon the individual’s own request, be classified as a Deacon Emeritus of Oak Crest Baptist Church.
(2) A Deacon Emeritus shall not be required to fulfill the responsibilities of an active deacon, but shall be entitled to assist in the serving of the ordinances and other regular ministries of an active deacon.
(3) A Deacon Emeritus may attend and participate in all meetings of the deacon body, but shall not be counted in determining a quorum at such meetings or entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the deacon body.
IV. CHURCH STAFF
SECTION 1: General
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall call or employ such staff members as the Church may authorize. Such staff members should consistently demonstrate characteristics in keeping with high moral integrity, godliness, and attributes of the Christian life. Personnel policies shall be maintained to provide the proper guidelines for staff members, including job descriptions, responsibilities, operating procedures, etc. New and revised personnel policies will be maintained and approved by the Personnel Committee and submitted to the elders and Leadership Team for review and kept current in the Church Operations Manual.
The Pastor and the Called Staff Ministers shall not hold positions for any definite term, but shall serve in these respective positions at the will of the majority of the church members. Subject to the rights of employment with the Church, the Pastor and the Called Staff Ministers shall only be removed by the affirmative two/thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of the Church present and voting at a special business meeting called by the Leadership Team. Copies of proposed agenda, voting date, and the name of the person who will moderate the meeting, shall be announced from the pulpit and mailed to all church members at least one week prior to the date of the vote.
SECTION 2: Pastor
(1) Among the elders is one designated: Pastor. He is the first among equals within the eldership. In keeping with the role of elder, the Pastor is expected to be a man of God whose principal tasks are:
(a) Prayer (Acts 6:4)
(b) The ministry of the Word: preaching, teaching, evangelism (Acts 6:4; I Timothy 5:17; Peter 5:2);
(c) Equipping the saints (all Christians) for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13);
(d) Oversight and leadership of the congregation (Acts 20:17, 27-28; I Timothy 5:17; I Thessalonians 5: 12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17; I Peter 5:2);
(e) Administration of discipline (Acts 5:1-10; 15:1-13); and
(f) The fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20).
(2) The Pastor along with the elders shall have charge of the welfare and oversight of Oak Crest Baptist Church. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and teams, and he may call a special meeting of the deacons or any committee or team according to procedures, which may be set forth in the Bylaws. He shall conduct religious services on stated and special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to members of the church and community, and perform other duties that usually pertain to the Pastor’s office. He shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church. He, in consultation and cooperation with the elders, shall provide for pulpit supply when he is absent and arrange for workers to assist in revival meetings and other special services. In the instance of the pastor’s inability to secure pulpit supply, the elders, shall provide or secure pulpit supply. The Pastor, shall preside at all meetings of the church except as otherwise provided by the Bylaws. He shall be administrative head of the church.
(3) The Pastor of this church shall be called by an 85% majority of church members voting on a Sunday morning upon the recommendation of a duly elected Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee.
(4) A Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee of seven (7) shall be elected in the following manner. The Eldership and Deacon Ministry shall select three (3) church members who shall constitute their nominees to the church for a Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee. The Personnel Team shall then select three (3) church members who shall constitute their nominees to the church for a Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee. Any church member shall have the opportunity of placing in nomination from the floor any other church member for election to the one “at large” position on the committee. The church member receiving the most nominations from the floor will fill the seventh at-large position. These seven (7) church members shall be presented to the church for election. The Committee shall choose a chairperson. The elders shall serve in an advisory capacity throughout the search process. Additionally, the existing elders may be considered for the role of pastor. Any elder who desires consideration for the role of pastor would recuse himself from the advisory capacity to the committee.
(5) When the special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee is ready to make its recommendation of a prospective pastor, the church shall be notified at least one (1) week in advance that the Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee will present its recommendation on the following Sunday. In making such recommendation, only one name at a time shall be considered. After the committee has made its recommendation, the vote shall be taken.
(6) Should the first Special Ad Hoc Pastor Search Committee resign, or should the church deem it necessary to appoint a new committee due to failure of the first committee to obtain a pastor, a new committee shall be appointed in the same manner as the first and shall proceed according to the directions until a pastor has been called. In no event will a nomination be considered except through a duly constituted special committee.
(7) At such times when there is no pastor, the elders shall assume his responsibilities, continuing to supply the pulpit, until such a time as the church elects a new pastor.
SECTION 3: Called Staff Ministers
Called Staff positions shall be jointly considered by the Elders and the Leadership Team and the Personnel Committee, and authorized by Oak Crest Baptist Church. Any full-time called staff must meet the qualifications of elder. Any full-time called staff will be an elder.
(1) A Called Staff Minister is expected to be a man of God whose principal tasks are:
(a) Prayer (Acts 6:4);
(b) The ministry of the Word: teaching and evangelism (Acts 6:4; I Timothy 5:17; I Peter 5:2);
(c) Equipping the saints (all Christians) for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4: 11-13); and
(d) The fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20).
(2) A Special Ad Hoc Search Committee shall be constituted and elected by the church upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee. The Special Ad Hoc Search Committee shall be comprised of seven members, three derived from the Personnel Committee and four derived from the congregation. The elders shall serve in an advisory capacity to the committee.
(3) Called Staff shall be recommended to the church by the elected Special Ad Hoc Search Committee at the approval of the Pastor/Elders.
(4) The recommendation of prospective Called Staff shall follow the same guidelines as required of the Pastor as outlined in Article IV, Section 2, 5-7 of these Bylaws.
SECTION 4: Support Staff Members
(1) These staff members shall consist of the office secretaries and financial secretaries, organists, pianists, coordinators, custodial personnel, nursery workers and such others as may be required to administer the programs of Oak Crest Baptist Church.
(2) These staff members shall be selected by the Personnel Committee with the approval of the Pastor/Elders and other Called Staff who are responsible for the employee.
(3) Each staff member shall be ultimately responsible to the Pastor in carrying out his or her duties. The Pastor may delegate supervisory responsibilities. The Pastor/Elders may consult the Personnel Committee in resolving any personnel problems.
(4) Each Support Staff member shall serve until the relationship is terminated at the request of the individual or deemed necessary to terminate by the Pastor/Elders in consultation with the Personnel Committee.
SECTION 5: Interim Staffing
The elders and Personnel Committee shall be responsible for filling vacancies in called and/or support staff on a temporary basis until a permanent replacement has been made in accordance with these Bylaws.
V. CHURCH OFFICERS
SECTION 1: General
The Biblical offices in the church are elders and deacons. In addition, our church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk, treasurer, trustee, and moderator. All officers must be members of Oak Crest Baptist Church prior to assuming their responsibilities. Except for the elders, deacons, and moderator, they shall all be presented to the church annually at year’s end business meeting by the recommendation of the Leadership Team for election. The term of service for clerk, treasurer, and trustee shall begin January 1st and end December 31st of the same year. The office of treasurer shall not be held for more than two consecutive years.
SECTION 2: Church Clerk and Assistant Church Clerk
(1) Oak Crest Baptist Church shall elect annually a Church Clerk and Assistant Church Clerk as its clerical officers. The clerks shall be responsible for keeping a suitable record of all official actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. The clerks are responsible for keeping a register of names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptism. The clerks shall issue letters of dismissal as approved by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give required notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these Bylaws.
(2) The Personnel Committee may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a church secretary who will assist the elected clerks. All church records are church property and should be filed in the church office.
SECTION 3: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
(1) Oak Crest Baptist Church shall elect annually a Treasurer and an Assistant Treasurer as its financial officers. It shall be the responsibility of the Church Treasurer to oversee the receipts of the church, maintain an appropriate accounting system and cause the timely disbursement of church funds for approved purposes.
(2) The Church Treasurer, assisted by the Financial Secretary, shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and shall render a report to the church membership at each regular business meeting and such other times as requested by the church; a copy of such reports are to be preserved by the church secretary. The church Treasurer’s reports shall include, as a minimum, a summary of receipts and expenditures and a statement of assets and liabilities for each separate fund. The expenditures of the general fund shall be summarized by budget account classification and expenditures of other funds shall be summarized to indicate the purpose of such expenditures. The Church Treasurer shall also be responsible for submitting required financial or related reports to city, county, state, or federal offices.
(3) The Church Treasurer and Financial Committee shall be responsible for properly safeguarding the cash and other property received by the church and shall establish internal controls in the areas of receiving, holding, disbursing, and accounting for church funds. The books and records kept by the Church Treasurer shall be the property of the church and shall be available at all reasonable times for review by the church membership and/or such auditors as the church may designate.
(4) The Church Treasurer and Assistant Church Treasurer shall be ex-officio members of the Financial Committee.
SECTION 4: Trustees
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall annually elect three (3) or more trustees to serve as legal officers for the church. They shall hold in trust the church property. Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each action, they shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any church property. When the signatures of trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property, or other legal documents related to church-approved matters.
SECTION 5: Moderator
The Moderator shall be the Pastor of Oak Crest Baptist Church. In the absence of the Pastor, an elder designee shall preside. In the absence of both, the Clerk shall call the church to order and preside for the election of an acting moderator.
VI. LICENSE AND ORDINATION OF MINISTERS
SECTION 1: License
(1) When a member announces to Oak Crest Baptist Church the experience of the call of God to the ministry, the elders shall consider the request for licensing and if so merited shall recommend to the church that the candidate be licensed.
(2) The church, by majority vote, may license him as an acknowledgment of his call to the ministry and encouragement to make preparation for it.
(3) The Church Clerk may furnish the member with a copy of the minutes or a certificate of license as his credentials.
(4) It is understood that state law shall govern the performance of civil duties by the member.
SECTION 2: Ordination
In the event that Oak Crest Baptist Church has been requested to ordain a member who has been called as a staff member of a Baptist church or to the chaplaincy, the following procedure shall be followed:
(1) The elders shall consider the request for ordination and if so merited shall recommend to the church that the candidate(s) be ordained.
(2) The church will express its approval by a vote of three/fourths (3/4) of the members present at any regular or special business meeting of the church.
(3) The church may invite appropriate ordained men to serve on the ordaining council helping examine the candidate(s) and report to the church.
(4) In the event the report of the committee is favorable, the church shall proceed with the ordination.
VIII. CHURCH ORDINANCES
SECTION 1: Baptism
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.
(1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
(2) The Pastor/elder, or whomever the church shall authorize, shall counsel the baptismal candidate and administer baptism, the ordinance of Jesus Christ as an act of worship
SECTION 2: The Lord’s Supper
Oak Crest Baptist Church shall observe the Lord’s Supper at least once every quarter. The observance may alternate between the morning and the evening services of worship. The Pastor/elder and deacons shall administer the Lord’s Supper, the deacons being responsible for the physical preparation.
IX. OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH MEETINGS
SECTION 1: Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening for the worship of Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, discipleship, and evangelism shall be among the characteristics of these worship services. The Pastor/elder shall direct the services for all the church members and for all others who may choose to attend.
SECTION 2: Regular and Special Members’ Meetings
The church shall hold quarterly members’ meetings. The church may conduct called members’ meetings to consider matters of special nature and significance. A one-week notice must be given for the specially called members’ meeting. The notice shall include the subject, the date, time and place. The information must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. The elders in consultation with the Leadership Team have authority to represent the church in emergency circumstances.
SECTION 3: Quorum
The quorum consists of those members who attend the members’ meeting, provided it is a regular, quarterly meeting or one that has been properly called.
SECTION 4: Parliamentary Rules
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all members’ meetings of the church.
X. OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH FINANCES
SECTION 1: Budget
The Financial Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed for all expenses.
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts.
SECTION 2: Accounting Procedures
A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Financial Committee.
SECTION 3: Fiscal Year
The church fiscal year shall begin on January 1st and end on December 31st.
XI. OAK CREST BAPTIST CHURCH POLICY MANUAL
The church shall develop and maintain a Church Policy Manual to include personnel policies, church policies and procedures, and organizational charts depicting lines of responsibility in the administration of the church. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available for use there by any member of the church.
XII. AMENDMENTS
Changes in these Bylaws may be made pursuant to Article VII of the Oak Crest Baptist Constitution.