Constitution

Constitution of Scranton Road Bible Church Cleveland, Ohio

(Changes were made to Article 4, sections 3 "&" 4 on February 11, 2001. Also, further changes to the structure of church government were made in February 2002. These changes are not reflected below.)

Covenant

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

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to 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 engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings; faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our conduct; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in 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 rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principle of God's Word. As a body of baptized believers, we band ourselves together and adopt for our church the following articles:

Article I - Name

Name: This church shall be known as the Scranton Bible Church, located at 3095 Scranton Road, Cleveland, Ohio on the corner of Clark Avenue.

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Article II - Object

Purpose: The purpose of this church shall be the inspiration and instruction of its members in Christian living through the ministry of the Word of God. It shall also seek to win the lost through personal evangelism on the home field and missionary efforts abroad.

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Article III - Membership

Section 1: Membership

Any person wishing to become a member of this church must first meet with the board of Deacons and upon the first recommendation be voted upon for membership; this may take place at any regular meeting.

Section 2: Qualification

Application for membership in this church must be preceded by a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ with visible evidence of a change of heart, before baptism by immersion. After baptism, a probationary period of up to six months for new converts will be required to observe their spiritual growth, giving careful attention that they attend Sunday school and regular church services, before they are finally accepted as church members. The Board of Deacons will interview these candidates before baptism and again before final acceptance for church membership. Probationary period may be shortened or waived at the direction of the Board of Deacons.

By Letter - Members from other Evangelical Christian churches which practice baptism by immersion, may be received by letters of transfer from their respective churches. These letters must be of recent date, and the person presenting the letter must have been in active relationship with the church through the correspondence, if non-resident, or financial support, or some visible evidence of Christian interest and devotion.

By Experience - Those who are unable to obtain letters of transfer by reason of non-resident or inactive relationship with the church may be received by a statement of faith, Christian experience, previous baptism by immersion, and pledge to observe the Covenant of this Church, given before the Board of Deacons, and recommended by this Board for membership.

By Restoration - Members who have been excluded from membership in this Church may upon confession of the faults, and by giving evidence of their sincerity and purpose of heart, be restored.

No person shall be received as a member of this church, to whose admission five members object.

Section 3: Duties of Members

By virtue of the Law of the State of Ohio, each member of the Church is a member of the Corporation and entitled to vote at all elections (See Article IV, Section 14, for exceptions) and all questions submitted to a vote.

The duties of the members themselves are: the acquisition of Scriptural knowledge; constant progress in spirituality; consistency of external conduct; and the control and eradication of every unholy temper.

It is the duties of the members to honor, esteem, and love their Pastor; to pray for him, fervently and daily; to submit to him in the Scriptural exercise of his authority; to attend constantly upon his ministrations; to manifest a tender regard for his reputation; and to contribute toward his support in proportion to their ability.

It is the duty of each member to cultivate and cherish brotherly love for all other members of the church; and to show this love by using all proper measures to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity.

It is the duty of member to be exact in fulfilling obligations and performing promises toward those who are not connected with the church; and as opportunity and ability may enable, to commend the Gospel of Christ unto them.

Section 4: Duties of the Pastor

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to be an example to the flock of God by keeping himself free from all worldly entanglements and above reproach in all matters of conduct and finance.

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to preach the Word; to exercise prayerfully and diligent oversight of the church, watching over the souls thereof as one who must give account; and to seek earnestly the salvation of the lost - that in all things be approved unto God.

It shall be the duty of the Pastor to visit the sick; to visit delinquent members; to counsel those who are in need; to conduct weddings and funerals; to administer ordinances. The Pastor shall be recognized as head of the church and shall be responsible for the public services and the general promotion of the church activities. It shall be his prerogative, with the approval of the advisory board, to arrange for all special meetings and to engage the necessary help for the same. It is recommended that mid-week Bible study and prayer service be under the supervision of the Pastor.

Section 5: Duties of Director of Christian Education

The duties of the Christian Education Director shall consist of assisting in children's work, youth work, secretarial work for the church, visitation, and work with the Sunday School in whatever capacity needed.

Section 6: Dismissal From Membership

Dismissal from membership will be handled in the following ways:

Letter of Dismissal - Any member in good standing shall be entitled to receive a letter of transfer to any Christian church after the application has been made to the Pastor and Deacons, and their recommendations is presented to the Church for its action.

Erasure - Any member not in regular attendance shall keep in touch with this Church. If, during a six month period, there is no interest or word from a member, his name shall be placed on the inactive list. If, after a period of six months on the inactive list, the member is still negligent, his name shall be automatically erased from the church roll. However, every effort by the Pastor and Deacons shall be made to restore such a one to good standing. A notice of dismissal shall be mailed to the member thirty days prior to such action.

Exclusion - Members Who Disregard Their Covenant Obligations; It shall be the duty of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Deaconess's to seek to reclaim those members who disregard their Covenant obligations. When in any case they are satisfied that the members cannot be reclaimed, they shall present to the Church a recommendation that the name of the delinquent member be erased from the membership roll. Upon such action being taken by the Church, said member shall thereafter cease to be a member of this Church.

Request for Erasure of Name - When a member requests that his or her name be erased from the Church roll, and no charges have been preferred against such member, the Board of Deacons and the Board of Deaconess's shall investigate, and if they are satisfied that said member cannot be reclaimed, they shall present to the Church a recommendation that the name be removed from the membership roll. The Church may immediately act upon such recommendation.

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Article IV - Officers of the Church

Section 1:

Church officers shall consist of members of the Church in good standing, men or women, except Pastor who must be a man, in the total number officers required to administer the affairs of the Church. No one under 18 shall be elected to office.

Section 2:

The officers of this church shall consist of the following: a Pastor, a Board of Deacons, a Board of Deaconesses, a Board of Trustees, a Board of Missions, a Board of Christian Education, a Moderator, a Vice Moderator, a Clerk, a Church Treasurer, a Financial Secretary, a Sunday School Superintendent, a Choir Director, and such other officers as circumstances may require.

Section 3:

The Board of Deacons and Deaconesses shall be elected to a three-year term and be rotated so that 1/3 are elected each year. In order to maintain a full Board of Deacons (Deaconesses), one or more Deacons (Deaconesses) may be elected each year for unexpired terms which result from exclusion, resignation, moving, or death. Deacons (Deaconesses) shall be ineligible for reelection to this office after having served a full term, however, they are eligible to serve the Church in other offices. After the lapse of one year they may again be elected to office of Deacon (Deaconess).

Section 4: Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall be elected to a two-year term and be so rotated that one-half are elected each year. Trustees shall be ineligible for election for a period of one year after having served two consecutive terms, however, they are eligible to serve the Church in other offices.

Section 5:

The Pastor shall be a believer in, and a preacher of the Gospel and the basic doctrine of faith as held by the Baptist denomination. He shall cooperate as much as possible with local organized work of the denomination, with the American Baptist Convention and the Czechoslovak Baptist Convention. The Pastor shall be elected and extended a call by the congregation and shall not be subject to annual election. The Pastor should not be present when problems regarding his personal benefits are discussed; however, he may be an ex-officio member of all boards (if he so desires).

Section 6:

All officers shall be elected by written ballot at the annual meeting of the Church, for a period of one year, or until their successors are elected, except the Pastor, the Board of Deacons, and the Board of Trustees, who shall be elected for a term of years. The Board of Trustees, the Board of Deacons, plus the officers of the church shall be divided into committees. Each committee shall elect its own chairman and shall add to its numbers such members as deemed necessary. These committees plus the Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees must report at regularly called business meetings.

Section 7:

Temporary Committees shall be appointed by the moderator. (See Article V, Section 7.)

Section 8:

Resignation of officers shall be in writing to the Church, and be effective on the date specified in the resignation.

Section 9:

Any officer who, for a period of six months, shall fail to faithfully perform the duties pertaining to his office, thereby automatically vacates said office. The church has the power, for good and sufficient cause, to remove from office any officer or committeeman.

Section 10: Method of Voting

All officers are elected by ballot.

Section 11: Time of Election

All officers shall be elected at the annual business meeting of the Church.

Section 12: Quorum

Twenty percent of the membership of the Church shall be required as a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 13: Vote required

For the election of Deacons and Trustees, candidates receiving most votes will be elected. All other officers may be elected by a simple majority of the cast ballots. Two-thirds of the ballots cast are required for the election of a new Pastor.

Section 14: Age of voters

Only members eighteen years of age or over are eligible to vote.

Section 15: Vacancies

In the event that any vacancy should arise in any committee or board, or office, said vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, either by appointment or election, as the Constitution requires.

Section 16: Nominating Committee

All nominations for election of officers shall be made by a Nominating Committee whose members shall be as follows:

One Deacon appointed by the Board of Deacons; one Trustee appointed by the Board of Trustees; one Sunday School Teacher or Officer appointed by the Sunday School teachers and officers; and two members-at-large appointed by the Moderator. Any member of the Church shall have the right to make nominations for any office or board from the floor when elections are held.

Section 17: Delegates to Conventions

Delegates shall be appointed by the church at any called business meeting.

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Article V - Organization and Duties of Boards and Officers

Board of Deacons:

This board shall consist of a minimum of one Deacon for every twenty-five members.

The duties of the Board of Deacons shall be:

General Supervision of the work of the church
Assist the Pastor in the performance of his duties
Visit the sick
Distribute the elements of the Lord's Supper
Welcome men visitors at the services
Interview all persons desiring to unite with the church
This Board shall have full charge of the collection and distribution of the Benevolence Fund.
Meetings shall be once a month and also whenever occasion requires at the call of the Pastor or the Chairman.

Qualifications:

A Deacon must be the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good character, not covetous, an abstainer from the use of alcohol and tobacco. (Read 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1:5-9.)

Board of Deaconesses:

This board shall consist of a minimum of one Deaconess for every fifty members.

The duties of the Board of Deaconesses shall be:

Visit the Sick
Prepare the Lord's Table
Welcome women visitors at the services
Make personal calls
Assist in all work which is peculiar to ministry among women
Give other assistance as the Pastor may require
Aid in interviewing all persons desiring to unite with the church
Direct and advise Flower Committee in sending flowers
This Board shall be under direct supervision of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
The Board of Deaconesses shall meet with the Board of Deacons.

Qualifications:

A Deaconess must be an abstainer from the use of alcohol and tobacco.

Board of Trustees:

This Board shall consist of a minimum of one Trustee for every fifty members.
It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to supervise the financial affairs of the church.
The Board of Trustees shall have full charge of all property of the church.
It shall meet quarterly, at the call of the pastor, or the chairman, or any two members of the board.
The Board of Trustees may incur no debt to exceed five hundred dollars, except by vote of the church.
No mortgage may be placed on the property nor shall any portion of it be sold without special vote of the church.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall authorize all payments for purchases under the above stated amount; in the absence or the inability of the Chairman, the Assistant Chairman shall authorize payments.
The Board of Trustees shall hire the Janitor and supervise his work.

Board of Christian Education:

This Board shall consist of the Sunday School staff.
This Board shall be responsible for the entire Sunday School program.
The Board will prepare a report of the year's Christian Education program and activities for presentation at the annual meeting of the church.

Organization of Boards:

All Boards shall organize within one month after the annual business meeting of the church and elect a chairman and secretary for the year.

The Advisory Board:

The Advisory Board shall meet at least once every three months, prior to the time of the quarterly business meeting of the Church.The Moderator shall be the Chairman of the Board, and the Church Clerk shall be the Secretary.

The Advisory Board shall consist of the Moderator, Pastor, the Clerk, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Director of Christian Education, Chairman of the following boards and organizations: Board of Deacons, Deaconesses, Trustees, President of Women's Missionary Societies, Sunday School Superintendent, President of the Youth Group, and President of the Men's Organization.
The function of this Board shall be advisory in its nature, except as otherwise provided by this Constitution and Bylaws, or by special vote of the Church. Whenever it shall deem it advisable, it shall make suggestions to any department of the Church or any organization with a view correlating projected programs and in the interests of efficient church work. This Board shall make such recommendations to the Church at the annual and other business meetings as it may deem advisable.
All recommendations from any organization or group of the Church, except those relative to the reception and dismissal of members shall be approved by the Advisory Board before being presented to the Church.
Two-thirds of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum.
The Advisory Board shall appoint all permanent committees of the Church, except those otherwise appointed by this Constitution.
The Advisory Board shall approve the committees appointed by the Moderator.

Moderator and Vice Moderator:

It shall be the duty of the Moderator to conduct all church business meetings and the Advisory Board meetings. Powers of the Moderator are second only to the Deacons in spiritual matters. He may be an ex-officio member of the Board of Deacons and the Board of Trustees (if he so desires). In the event of emergencies, the Moderator may appoint special committees and secure approval of the Advisory Board at a later date. The Vice Moderator shall assume the duties of Moderator in his absence.

Church Clerk (Recording Secretary):

It shall be the duty of the Church Clerk to keep a correct report of the proceedings of the Church, to keep a record of attendance (Roll Call) at business meetings, to take charge of church records, keep an accurate register of the membership of the Church, and to carry on all church correspondence.

Financial Secretary:

The Financial Secretary shall record accurately all monies received from all sources for church and missionary purposes. He shall make a quarterly and annual report to each member or when called upon by the Board of Trustees.

Treasurer:

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to have custody of all monies of the Church, including the Benevolence Fund, and to pay out the same as authorized by the Board of Trustees (or Deacons in the case of the Benevolence Fund), or the vote of the Church. He shall keep full and accurate account of all transactions as Treasurer, and shall report at each quarterly business meeting in writing, and whenever called upon to do so by the Board of Trustees. He shall be bonded for a sum not to exceed proposed Church budget for his period in office.

Sunday School:

The Sunday School shall be managed by the Board of Christian Education. The Superintendent shall be the Chairman of the Board. The school Board shall consist of the Superintendent, Departmental Superintendents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Teachers. The Superintendent shall have the oversight of the Sunday School, preside at all meetings of the School Board, make appointments to fill vacancies during the fiscal year, shall supervise in the purchase of supplies, and appoint for the duration of his term such other officers as circumstances may require. The Teachers shall have oversight of their respective classes, and shall advise the Superintendent as to the course of study. The Secretary shall keep record of the members of the Sunday School, of attendance, and of all meetings of the Board. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the funds of the Sunday School, giving reports at business meetings, as directed by the Superintendent. At the annual meeting of the Church, a report shall be given of the School's financial transactions through the year. Promotions and grading of the Sunday School must be authorized by the Board at regular meetings. A member unduly absenting himself from regular meetings of the Board, and evidencing lack of interest, shall be deemed as having withdrawn from the Board and so be considered.

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Article VI - Meetings of the Church

Section 1

Devotional Meetings
The church shall meet regularly each Lord's Day, morning and evening, for worship and preaching the Gospel.
The Church shall meet for the observance of the Lord's Supper upon the first Lord's Day of the month, or at such other times as the Pastor and Board of Deacons may decide.
The Church shall meet at least once a wee for prayer, testimony, and conference.
Special Meetings may be called by the Pastor, or by the Board of Deacons, or upon request of five members of the Advisory Board, subject to the approval by the Church. Evangelistic services should be held at least once a year.

Section 2 - Business Meetings

General:
1. Quarterly business meetings shall be held upon the third Sunday of January, April, July, and October. The annual meeting of the Church shall be held upon the third Sunday in January unless otherwise arranged by the Advisory Board.
2. The meetings of the Church for business may be changed at any time upon the recommendation of the Advisory Board and vote of the Church.
3. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, Moderator, or by a majority of the Advisory Board.
Procedure:
1. Prayer
2. Roll Call
3. Reading of the minutes of previous meetings
4. Treasurer's report
5. Unfinished business and new business
6. Adjournment by prayer
The members are not allowed to tell strangers of any business of the church.
Non-members are excluded from quarterly business meetings.
In all other business meeting non-members may be excluded at the discretion of the Moderator or a vote of Church members attending.

Section 3 - Duties of Committees

Pulpit Committee: This committee shall supply a preacher in the absence of the Pastor and during the interim between pastorates. It shall also appoint a member to assist the Pastor in the preliminary morning worship service.
Music Committee: The Music committee shall cooperate with the Pastor and Choir Director in the selection of an organist and pianist and arranging the musical part of the church services. It shall incur expense only as authorized by the Church.
Missionary Committee: It shall be the commission of this committee under direction of the Holy Spirit to educate, enlighten, and advise the members of the church in missionary endeavors and availing themselves of every opportunity of evangelizing the work of our Lord in all mission fields.
Usher Committee (Elected by the Church): It shall be the duty of this committee to attend to the seating of the congregation and to the receiving of the offering except as otherwise provided.
Auditing Committee: This committee shall audit all financial records of the church quarterly and shall make report in writing to the church at the quarterly meetings.
Flower Committee: This committee shall be under direction of the Board of Deaconesses and shall order and arrange flowers for Church services and special Church occasions.

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Article VII - Auxiliary Organizations

Section 1:

The officers of all Adult and Young People's auxiliary organizations shall be members of this Church in good standing, elected by their respective organizations subject to ratification by the Church.

Section 2:

The Constitutions of auxiliary organizations shall be drawn so as not to conflict with the Constitution of this Church.

Section 3:

Meetings of Auxiliary organizations may be held at such times as will not conflict with the meetings of the Church and shall be subject to oversight of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.

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Article VIII - Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on the first day of January and close on the last day of December.

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Article IX - Amendments

The Constitution may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting provided a quorum is present and voting, and that notice of such amendment stating the proposed change shall have been given from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays.

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Article X - By-Laws

All legal papers and other documents relating to the property of the Church or monies, or to the charter of the Church, shall be placed in a safety deposit vault in some reputable bank. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall be held responsible for the care, preservation, and safety of said documents and papers.

The church and its organizations shall at all times endeavor to conform to the laws of the State as stated in the Statute Books of the State of Ohio.

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