Having been led, by the Holy Spirit of God, to receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and to confess Him as Lord, and on confession of this faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another, as one body in Christ, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him.

We promise by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to forsake the ways of sin and to walk together in

Christian love and in the paths of righteousness. With this in view, we engage to strive together for both the peace and purity of this church; to sustain its worship and steadfastly to cherish and hold its ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute, as faithful stewards, such time, talent and money, in the measure that God prospers each of us, that the responsibility for the work of

the local church and the world-wide ministry of spreading the Gospel be faithfully and effectively discharged.

We also engage to maintain family and private devotion; to teach the Bible to our children; to seek the salvation of our family and acquaintances; to be just in our dealings and faithful in our engagements; to be exemplary in our actions in the pursuit of sanctification; to combine zeal and knowledge in our efforts to advance the cause of our Savior; to make Christ first in all things, both spiritual and temporal.

We further engage to give and receive admonition with meekness and affection; to remember each other in prayer, and to aid each other in case of sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and, mindful of the Scriptures, to seek it without delay; to encourage one another in the blessed hope of our Lord's return.

We moreover engage that when we move from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some local church where we can carry out the spirit ofthis covenant and the principles of the Word of God.

PREAMBLE
 

We, the members of this church, realize that our church membership is based on mutual conditions and obligations for maintaining order, peace, and love within our fellowship. We believe that the Bible, the Word of God, written by inspired men of God, is the supreme standard for the teaching, faith and life of the church. Because we have put on Christ through baptism (Gal. 3:27), and thereby entered into a covenant with God (1 Peter 3:21), we maintain that, being partakers with God in Christ, we also have mutual duties and responsibilities one to another as well as to the church. Our rule is this: "Whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us

walk" (Phil. 3: 16), "contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude v. 3).

WHEREAS, we, a body of believers in Jesus Christ, organized under the laws of the State of Montana, for the purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the teachings and practices of His Church, deem it advisable that we have definite laws so that all things "may be done decently and in order"; and

WHEREAS, we, after prayerful consideration, feel that the present laws or Constitution previously adopted on November 29, 1966, are outdated and not sufficient for the careful maintenance of such Christian standards as we deem necessary for the propagation of the Gospel: therefore be it

RESOLVED, that beginning, February 2, 2003, we shall be governed by the following Constitution and By-Laws:

CONSTITUTION
 

ARTICLE I -- Name: The name of this church, organized on Apri127, 1897, now an incorporated body under the laws of the State of Montana, and under the date of September 28, 1934, shall be the "First Grace Regular Baptist Church of Anaconda, Montana".

ARTICLE II -- Confession: This congregation believes in the eternal, almighty triune God- Father, Son and Holy Ghost; and accepts the Word of God in its entirety as the only perfect rule offaith, doctrine and life (II Tim. 3:15-17; II Pet. 1:19-21; Acts 17:11).

ARTICLE III-- Aim and Purpose: The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain Christian character and fellowship worthy ofthe Name of Christ. The aim of this organization shall be to further the growth of believers in Christ, and to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

ARTICLE IV-- Ordinances: This church shall observe two ordinances.

Section 1-- The Ordinance of Baptism shall be by immersion of believers in Christ.

Section 2-- The Ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be open to all believers in Christ.

ARTICLE V -- Membership:

Section 1 -- Reception of Members. Any person wishing to become a member ofthis body shall express a willingness to abide by the Constitution which includes the Church Covenant and shall meet at least one of the following qualifications:
   a) By Baptism. Any person confessing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose life testifies to a true and genuine change of heart, who shares in the faith of the church with reference to the principal teachings of the Bible, can obtain membership in this church through baptism by immersion, after giving a confession of faith before the church congregation and Board of Deacons.

b) By Letter. Any person may become a member of this church by presenting to the church a letter of dismissal and recommendation nom any other Baptist church.

c) By Experience. Believers who are baptized by immersion, whether they belong to a Baptist church or not, may gain membership through their confession of faith in Jesus Christ before the congregation and Board of Deacons.

d) By Restoration. Any person who has been excluded from the membership of this church may be restored to membership by confession of his sin.

 

Section 2 -- Classification of Members.

a) Active Members. An active member shall be one who attends church services regularly.

b) Inactive Members. An inactive member shall be one who absents himself&om church services for a period of six months.

 

Section 3-- Care of Members.

a) For Non-Attendance. If sufficient reason does not appear, inactive members shall by their inactivity automatically remove themselves nom the membership.

b) For Failure to be Reconciled. After fair consideration of all circumstances, members who have fallen into sin and who have not sought reconciliation or forgiveness shall by their failure to do so automatically remove themselves nom the membership. Reconciliation should be sought by a confession of sin and an asking of forgiveness. The rule for confession shall be: private sin, private confession; personal sin, personal confession; public sin, public confession. The rule for forgiveness shall find its guidelines in I John I: 9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us nom all unrighteousness" and in Col. 3:13, "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye". It is important too that the one seeking forgiveness shall forgive himself also.

 

Section 4-- Dismissal of Members. Any member in good standing may on application receive a letter of dismissal to any other Baptist church where he may receive proper spiritual care. In such a case, the letter shall be sent directly to the church to which his membership is to be transferred. All letters of dismissal shall include a request for aclmowledgement. Such acknowledgement shall terminate membership in this church.

 

Section 5 -- Division of Members. In case of division within the membership, the real estate and chattels of the corporation shall belong to the group that adheres to the Constitution of this church. The deciding body shall be the Board of Trustees ofthe Columbia Baptist Conference. Our prayer shall be that we may "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).

 

ARTICLE VI -- Officers, Board and Committees

 

Section 1-- Officers of the Church.

a) Chairman

b) Vice-Chairman

c) Clerk

d) Assistant Clerk

e) Financial Secretary

t) Assistant Financial Secretary

g) Treasurer

h) Assistant Treasurer

i) Sunday Bible School Superintendent

j) Assistant Sunday Bible School Superintendent

k) Head Usher

1) Building Fund Treasurer

m) Memorial Fund Treasurer

 

Section 2-- Board of the Church. There shall be only one church board which shall be known as the Board of Deacons. For legal purposes, the Board of Deacons shall function as Trustees.

 

Section 3-- Committees of the Church. a) Finance

b) Christian Education

c) Property

d) Music

e) Social

t) Reception

g) Nominating

 

Section 4 -- Other Committees. Other committees shall be appointed by the Chairman or by the church for specific purposes.

 

Section 5-- Organization of Board and Committees. Upon election, the Board of Deacons and each committee shall meet and select a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary.

 

ARTICLE VII -- Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year.

 

ARTICLE VIII-- Meetings.

 

Section 1-- Meetings for Business. There shall be at least three quarterly and one annual business meetings each year. Other business meetings shall be held as designated in the By-Laws.

 

Section 2 -- Meetings for Public Worship. The regular meetings of the church for public worship shall be Sunday morning, Sunday evening and one evening during the week. Exceptions to this shall be authorized by the Board of Deacons.

 

Section 3-- Meetings for the Observance of Ordinances.

 

a) The Ordinance of Baptism shall be observed as necessary.

b) The Ordinance of Lord's Supper shall be observed monthly, except as authorized by the Board of Deacons.

 

ARTICLE IX-- Pastoral Relations

 

Section 1-- Establishment of Relationship. The pastor shall be called by the affirmative vote of 75% of the members present at a business meeting. Notice of said meeting shall be given by posting and announcement at least one week prior to said meeting. The voting shall be by closed ballot.

 

Section 2 -- Dissolution of Relationship. The question of dissolving a pastoral relationship shall be considered by the church at any business meeting by one of the following means:

a) On the presentation to the pastor's resignation.

b) By recommendation of the majority of the Board of Deacons.

c) By a petition signed by at least 5% of the members of the church.

In either "b" or "c" the pastoral relationship shall be dissolved by closed ballot vote of a majority of the members present, provided at least 20% of the total members are present at the business meeting. The notice and purpose of said meeting shall be given to members by posting and announcement at least one week prior to said meeting.

 

ARTICLE X -- Organizations of the Church.

 

Section 1-- Approval of Organizations. All organizations to be affiliated with this church must secure approval for organization from the church and be responsible to the church.

 

Section 2 -- Officers of Organizations. The officers of organization of the church shall be members of the church.

 

Section 3-- Dissolution of Organizations. If for any reason an organization of the church ceases to function, all monies and properties of said organization shall become the property of the church.

 

ARTICLE XI -- Affiliations. This church shall be affiliated with the Columbia Baptist Conference and with the Baptist General Conference.

 

ARTICLE XII -- Rules of Order. Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern procedure at all business meetings.

 

BY-LAWS

 

ARTICLE I -- Officers, Board and Committees.

 

Section 1 -- Procedure of Elections.

    a) The Nominating Committee shall present the ballot at the annual meeting.

 

b) Additional nominations may be made from the floor.

c) Elections shall be by closed ballot, with the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes for an office being elected to that office.

d) Absentee voting shall be accepted under the direction of the Deacon Board.

e) Notice of the annual meeting shall meet the legal requirements for election of trustees. t) Voting members shall be 18 years of age or older.

 

Section 2-- Terms of Office.

a) Officers of the church shall be elected for a term of one (1) year.

b) Board of Deacon members shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, with one-third of said Board members being elected each year.

c) Committee members shall be elected for terms of one (1) year.

 

Section 3 -- Vacancies. A vacancy in any office shall be filled for the un-expired term by vote of the church. The Nominating Committee shall present nominations to the church for such elections.

 

Section 4-- Composition of the Board of Deacons. The Board of Deacons shall, according to the number of qualified members available to serve in this capacity, strive to maintain a membership of at least seven (7) men with a maximum of one deacon per ten (10) church members.

 

Section 5 -- Composition of Committees.

a) The Finance Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least two elected at large.

b) The Christian Education Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least two elected at large.

c) The Property Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least two elected at large.

d) The Music Committee shall consist of a minimum of four (4) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least three elected at large.

e) The Social Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least two elected at large.

f) The Reception Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least two elected at large.

g) The Nominating Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members: one deacon, appointed by the Board of Deacons, and at least two elected at large.

 

ARTICLE II -- Calling a Pastor.

 

Section 1-- Election of Call Committee.

    a) The church shall elect a Call Committee of seven (7) members at a business meeting held

    within thirty (30) days after a vacancy occurs in the pastorate.

    b) Notice of this election shall be given to the members by posting and announcement at least

    one (1) week prior to the business meeting.

    c) Nominations shall be from the floor.

     d) Voting shall be by closed ballot.

      e) Vacancies on the committee shall be filled by election at a business meeting of the church. Nominations shall be from the floor.

 

Section 2 -- Recommendations of the Call Committee.

    a) The recommendation of the Call Committee shall be presented to the church at a business

    meeting, notice of which shall be given to the members by posting and announcement at

    least one week prior to said meeting.

    b) One candidate shall be recommended at one time.

    c) No other recommendation shall be presented until the church has voted on the candidate

    recommended.

    d) Voting will be by closed ballot. Absentee votes will be accepted under the direction of the

    Deacon Board.

 

Section 3-- Terms of the Call. The Call Committee shall recommend the terms of the call to the church, which terms shall have been previously approved by the Board of Deacons.

 

ARTICLE III-- Duties of Pastor, Officers, Deacons and Committees.

 

Section 1-- Pastor. The Pastor shall preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances, exercise a general watchcare over the spiritual interests of the church and of its members. He shall be in complete agreement with the Constitution of the church. He shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Deacons and committees.

 

Section 2 -- Officers.

a) Chairman. The Chairman shall be the administrative head of the church. He shall preside at business meetings and shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Deacons, committees, and organizations.

b) Vice-Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman in his absence. He shall represent the Chairman as an ex-officio member of the Board of Deacons or committees designated by the Chairman. In the event the Pastor is Chairman, the Vice-Chairman will be an ex-officio member of the Board of Deacons and committees. c) Clerk.

1. The Clerk shall keep the minutes of all business meetings of the church and shall

    maintain a membership list, along with addresses.

2. The Clerk shall keep a record of all persons baptized, with date of baptism and age

of person baptized, and a record of all admissions and dismissals. 3. The Clerk shall keep a record' of the members attending each business meeting.

    4. The Clerk shall conduct all official correspondence in the name of the church.

d) Assistant Clerk. The Assistant Clerk shall assume the duties of the Clerk in his absence.

e) Financial Secretary.

      1. The Financial Secretary shall receive and count all church offerings, record the dates and amounts, as well as monies from organizations, before deposit in a local bank in the name of the church.

2. The Financial Secretary shall submit a report monthly to the Finance Committee. f) Assistant Financial Secretary shall assume the duties of the Financial Secretary in his absence.

    g) Treasurer.

1. The Treasurer shall keep careful accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the church.

2. The Treasurer shall pay by check all approved obligations of the church and shall make detailed reports of the financial transactions of his office at each quarterly business meeting and at the annual meeting of the church.

3. The Treasurer shall obtain authorization from the Board of Deacons to pay for items not included in the budget.

4. The Treasurer shall submit a report monthly to the Finance Committee.

5. The treasurer shall submit his books for inspection to the church auditors when requested.

h) Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall assume the duties of the Treasurer in his absence.

i) Sunday Bible School Superintendent shall direct, supervise and coordinate all activities ofthe Sunday Bible School and shall work with the Christian Education Committee to improve the effectiveness of the Sunday Bible School.

j) Assistant Sunday Bible School Superintendent shall assist the Sunday Bible School Superintendent and assume the duties of the Sunday Bible School Superintendent in his absence.

k) Head Usher shall work with the Board of Deacons in providing ushers for all public meetings.

1) Building Fund Treasurer.

1. He shall keep careful accounts of all Building Fund receipts and disbursements.

2. He shall pay by check all bills for the construction of buildings and the purchase of equipment, when such construction and equipment purchases have been approved by the church, and shall make detailed reports of the financial transactions of his office at each quarterly business meeting and at the annual meeting of the church.

3. He shall obtain authorization from the Building Committee for all expenditures. If there is no Building Committee, he then shall obtain authorization from the Board of Deacons.

4. He shall submit a report monthly to the Finance Committee.

    5. He shall submit his books for inspection to the church auditors when requested.

m) Memorial Fund Treasurer.

1. He shall keep a careful accounts of all receipts and disbursements, noting by date from whom money is received, for what purpose money is received, and what memorials were purchased, and shall make detailed reports of the financial transactions of his office at each quarterly meeting and at the annual meeting of the church.

2. He shall submit a report monthly to the Finance Committee.

3. He shall submit his books for inspection to the church auditors when requested.

 

Section 3-- Board of Deacons.

 

 a) It shall assist the pastor in fostering the spiritual growth of the members of the church. It shall share with him the responsibility for the ministry of worship, prayer and evangelism. It shall cooperate with him in the work of visitation and in the care of the sick and needy. It shall assist him in administering the ordinances.

b) It shall seek to maintain high Christian principles in all activities of the church and its organizations.

c) It shall perform the duties set forth in Article V of the Constitution in matters pertaining to membership.

d) It shall cooperate with the Pastor in providing pulpit supply during his absence. It shall secure pulpit supply when a vacancy occurs in the pastorate.

e) It shall hear the testimony of members who are candidates for the ministry and bring recommendations to the church for licensing or ordination.

f) It shall promote and coordinate missions, submitting a missions budget to the Finance Committee.

g) It shall function as trustees to represent the church in all legal matters. It shall hold in trust all property belonging to the church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management and maintenance. It shall be authorized to expend up to $300.00 per year above budgeted amounts on repairs, improvements and equipment for church property without church consent.

h) It shall have the responsibility of selecting and recommending qualified persons to the church staff to fill vacancies in the custodial personnel and shall prescribe their duties and supervise their performance.

i) It shall have the power, when authorized by the church, to borrow money and to execute the promissory notes of the corporation and to secure the payment thereof by mortgages upon the corporate property, for the purpose of constructing, finishing, altering, or repairing the buildings owned by this corporation.

j) It shall recommend to the church the salaries of all paid workers.

k) It shall cooperate with the Head Usher in providing ushers for all public meetings.

1) It shall appoint church auditors.

m) It shall authorize the payment of bills for items not included in the budget which do not exceed $75.00.

 

Section 4 -- Committees.

a) Finance.

1. It shall prepare the annual church budget and present it to the church for approval.

2. It shall supervise the raising of funds and encourage giving of tithes and offerings.

3. It shall counsel the financial secretaries and treasurers as to the records to be maintained. 4. It shall report to the Board of Deacons monthly on the progress of meeting the budget.

b) Christian Education Committee.

1. It shall promote a comprehensive and Christ-centered program of Christian education. 2. It shall coordinate educational interests and youth activities of the church.

3. It shall cooperate with the Sunday Bible School Superintendent in the appointment of

teachers for the Sunday Bible School. It shall approve Sunday Bible School materials.

    4. It shall appoint teachers and counselors for Daily Vacation Bible School and youth

activities.

   5. It shall promote training of workers in the field of Christian Education.

    6. It shall recommend a budget to the Finance Committee for the Christian Education program.

    c) Property Committee.

    1. It shall inspect the church building and parsonage at least once a year to determine needs. 2. It shall make a list of all needed repairs, improvements and equipment.

    3. It shall secure cost estimates of said needs.

    4. It shall secure authorization fiom the Board of Deacons to meet said needs, and shall carry out said authorization.

d) Music Committee.

    1. The Music Committee, in cooperation with the Pastor, shall be responsible for the ministry

of music of the church.

    2. It shall have the responsibility of selecting and recommending qualified persons to the staff

    of musicians and shall prescribe their duties and supervise their performance.

    3. It shall assist the Choir Director in the selection of choir members.

4. It shall recommend to the Finance Committee a budget for the music program.

e) Social Committee. It shall be responsible for the preparing and serving of dinners and of refreshments at church socials.

f) Reception Committee.

    1. It shall greet and welcome all strangers in the congregation, and try to get names and

addresses and give this information to the Pastor.

    2. It shall arrange for meals and lodging for all guest speakers.

g) Nominating Committee. It shall prepare a ballot and present it at the annual meeting, nominating at least one person for each position to be filled. It shall also nominate persons to fill vacancies at such times as they may occur during the year.

 

ARTICLE IV-- Meetings.

 

Section 1-- The annual meeting of the church shall be held in the month following the fiscal year ending. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

 

Section 2 -- Business meetings of the church shall be held at least once each quarter.

 

Section 3-- Special business meetings of the church shall be held at any time by order of the Chairman of the church or by the petition of 10% of the members.

 

Section 4-- 10% of the members shall constitute a quorum at any business meeting of the church. Section 5 -- Notice of business meetings shall be given at one public service before the meeting.

 

ARTICLE V -- Ordaining and Licensing.

 

Section 1-- Ordination. It shall be the privilege of this church to ordain a member to the Gospel ministry. Ordination shall be granted by vote of the church and shall follow the recognized procedure of the Baptist General Conference on examination and ordination.