A. Section 1 - Pastor  

1. Qualifications  

The pastor shall be a male, called of God to preach, and meeting the Scriptural demands set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-1l. He must believe and adhere to the articles of faith and practice of the church, and be uncompromising in the preaching and exercise of these truths. 

2. Call  

A pulpit committee, composed of the deacons and two additional male members in good standing and selected from the congregation, shall recommend a qualified man to the church when the need arises. After hearing him preach and allowing sufficient time for proper interviewing, research and prayer, the membership shall vote on his taking the pastorate. He shall be elected by a 75% vote (as amended July 14, 1996) of those members present, providing there is a quorum. Voting shall take place at a regular or special called business meeting, and shall be done by secret ballot. 

3. Tenure  

Having been properly elected, the pastor shall serve until such time as he voluntarily resigns his office or is requested by the church to resign upon a 75% vote of the membership present in a special meeting called for that purpose and announced in advance, providing there is a quorum. It shall be understood that sixty days notice shall be given by either party in case of desired separation. The sixty days may be dispensed by mutual consent of the pastor and the church, or by the church in cases of pastoral dismissal. The deacons will be at liberty to recommend to the church the dismissal of the pastor when he demonstrates a failure to meet Scriptural qualifications, unfaithfulness in or violation of his Scriptural obligations, departure from the articles of faith, or for any reason no longer agrees with the stand and position of the church. 

4. Responsibilities  

The pastor, as under shepherd responsible to Jesus Christ, shall preach and teach the Word of God and administer the ordinances of the church. He shall be the spiritual leader of the church and shall advance the spiritual life of the congregation. He is the overseer of all phases of the church's work and ministries, and shall be at liberty to schedule special meetings, revivals, missionary conferences, etc., as he deems necessary and appropriate. The pastor is an ex officio member of every committee and organization of the church. He shall moderate all church business meetings or appoint a moderator to take his place. All employees of the church shall be under the supervision of the pastor. 

B. Section 2 - Deacons  

1. Qualifications  

Deacons shall be males and shall meet the Scriptural qualifications of the office as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6. They shall have been active members of the church for at least five years prior to their election to office. 

2. Election  

There shall be a minimum of ten active deacons at any given time, providing qualified men are found to fill the offices. Nominations for the available positions of deacon will be made at the annual meeting of the church or as vacancies need to be filled. The pastor and active deacons will comprise the nominating committee, considering names submitted by the church congregation. Nomination forms for such purpose will be distributed to the congregation approximately one month prior to the election. Screening of nominees will be carried out by the nominating committee, who will then present a final ballot to the church for vote. The deacons shall elect annually from their midst a chairman to moderate deacons meetings and to represent the deacons before the congregation. 

3. Responsibilities  

Deacons shall assist the pastor in carrying on the work of the church in accordance with the Scriptural precedent for the office. They shall assist in the administration of the ordinances and shall be actively involved in the ministries of the church. Along with the pastor, they may make recommendations to the church in matters of church business. In the absence of a senior pastor, the deacons shall be responsible for carrying out the duties of the pastor. A deacon who is remiss in his actions will be accountable to the church, and in cases of flagrant violation of his qualifications or responsibilities may be recommended to the church by the pastor and deacons for dismissal. 

C. Section 3 - Records Secretary  

The church records secretary shall be elected annually and shall be present at all church business meetings to keep an accurate record of all business transactions, including the membership roll and its activity. He/she shall also issue letters pertaining to church membership as authorized by the church. An assistant may be elected as necessary.

D. Section 4 - Treasurer  

The treasurer shall be elected annually for the purpose of receiving, banking, and disbursing funds of the church in accordance with the policies and actions of the church. He/she shall keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and shall prepare a reporting of these to the church at regular intervals. An assistant may be elected as necessary. 

E. Section 5 - Trustees  

The church trustees shall consist of three men elected for an indefinite period term, one of whom must be the chairman of the deacons. They shall, as provided by law and the action of the church, hold in trust the titles to all property of the church and shall represent the church in all matters of legal responsibility regarding the purchase, improvement, and disposal of church property. They shall, however, have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the church without two thirds vote of the church authorizing such action, providing there is a quorum. They shall execute all legal papers as the church shall direct. The trustees shall work with the pastor, as they deem necessary, to do an annual audit of the records kept by the secretary and treasurer of the church. 

F. Section 6 - Church Staff and Workers  

In order to meet the needs of the congregation and ministries, the pastor is at liberty to fill church positions unsalaried and salaried with personnel who are equipped for the task and meet the Scriptural qualifications for their positions. Salaried personnel may only be hired after the congregation has allocated the funds for that position and consultation has been made with the deacons and church. The pastor is entrusted with the responsibility of dismissing staff members and workers who flagrantly violate their qualifications or responsibilities. 

G. Section 7 - Eligibility  

1. Eligibility for continuance in office: All officers shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and Practice.

2. Only church members are eligible for election or appointment to any church office or position at the discretion of the Pastor.

3. A member must be 18 years of age or older to hold an elected office in the church.

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