Woodland, California
Adopted: May 2, 2004

Table of Contents
Preamble
Article I - Corporate Name
Article II - Purpose of this Organization
Article III - Policy
Article IV - Doctrine
Article V - Declaration of Faith
Article VI - Membership
Article VII - The Board of Elders
Article VIII - Church Staff
Article IX - Business Meetings
Article X - Church Year
Article XI - Rules of Order
Article XII - Amendments
Article XIII - Finances
Article XIV -Auxiliary Organizations
Article XV - Disposition of Church Property
Article XVI - Dissolution

PREAMBLE

ARTICLE I - CORPORATE NAME

This church was duly incorporated in 1924. This constitution was adopted in May 2004 under the laws of the State of California as the First Baptist Church of Woodland, herein called the church.

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ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The First Baptist Church of Woodland exists to: Celebrate the work of God, Cultivate personal growth in Christ, Care about one another and Communicate Christ to the world.

This purpose will be fulfilled through preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ after the pattern of I Corinthians 15:1-4 and Galatians 3, equipping believers as described in Ephesians 4:12-13, promotion of world-wide evangelism in accordance with Matthew 28:19-20, fellowship with true believers (1 John 1:7) and ministering to the sick and needy (Proverbs 14:31).

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ARTICLE III - GOVERNANCE

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation among evangelical Baptist churches and other Bible believing churches with whose doctrines and practices we agree.

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ARTICLE IV - DOCTRINE

This Church body holds the Bible as its authority in matters of faith and practice. This Church's understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord with historic Baptist distinctives as defined in Article V.

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ARTICLE V - DECLARATION OF FAITH

We believe that God's Word teaches...

A. Verbal Inspiration of the Bible.
We believe the Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, to be verbally inspired of God in the original documents, infallible and God-breathed, a perfect rule of faith and practice. (II Timothy 3:16-17, I Corinthians 2:13, II Peter 1:16-21)

B. The Trinity.
We believe in the Holy Trinity; that there are three distinct persons in one Godhead. The Trinity of God in His triune existence as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19, Matthew 3:13-17)

C. God the Father.
We believe that God is an eternal person, having no beginning and no ending, and that He is Creator of all, infinite and infallible. (John 4:24, Luke 3:22)

D. God the Son.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God the Son. (Matthew 3:16-17)

1. He is the only Savior of mankind.
(Acts 4:10-12, John 3:16)

2. He is God incarnate in human flesh.
(Romans 8:3)

3. He is the Creator, for whom and by whom, all things were created. (Colossians 1:16)

4. He is the mediator between God and men.
(I Timothy 2:5)

5. We believe in His virgin birth, (Matthew 1:18-25) His holy sinless life, (II Corinthians 5:21) His vicarious death, (Romans 3:25) and His bodily resurrection, (I Corinthians 15:3-4, 20).

E. God the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the very essence of God (Matthew 28:19); that He baptizes all believers into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13); that He indwells all believers (Romans 8:9); that He fills the obedient and is the believers guide into the truth (John 16:7-15); and that He furnishes the gifts of the Spirit for the edifying of the Body of Christ. We believe the Sign Gifts (Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17-18) and the Revelatory Gifts (I Corinthians 13:8-10) were temporary and are no longer given by the Holy Spirit.

F. Man.
We believe that man was created in the likeness and image of God (Genesis 1:27). Through the sin of Adam, man fell from his sinless state (Romans 5:12) is born totally depraved (Psalm 51:5) and is alienated from God (Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23).

G. Salvation.
We believe that man is justified by faith in the shed blood of Christ (Romans 5:1-19, Hebrews 9:22, I John 1:7); and that he is born again by grace through faith apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16).

H. The Devil, Satan.
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of this age, and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the judgment of eternal justice in the lake of fire. (Matthew 4:1-3, II Corinthians 4:4, Jude 6, Revelation 20:10)

I. Creation.
We believe the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. (Genesis 1 and 2, Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:3)


J. Heaven and Hell.
We believe that Heaven is a place prepared for all born-again believers (John 14:1-6). We believe also that Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41) and those who die in unbelief (Luke 16:19-3 1, Revelation 21:8).

K. Baptism and Communion.
We believe that baptism by immersion is the only Scriptural mode. We believe that baptism does not save. It is an act of obedience to the command of Christ and is a testimony to the world of the believer s faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:3-5, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 8:36-39)

We believe that communion (the Lord s Supper) is a symbolic ordinance, picturing Christ s body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us while looking forward to His coming (I Corinthians 11:23-28). It is to be observed by regenerate, obedient believers.

L. Eternal Security.
We believe that once a person is born again, he cannot lose his salvation, that he is eternally secure in the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 10:27-29, Romans 8:28-29, Colossians 3:3, Ephesians 4:30)

M. The Church.
We believe in the universal Church, the Body of Christ, which is composed of all born again believers of this age and that Christ is the only head of that Church. (Colossians 1:18, I Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:30)

We believe local churches are organized manifestations of the universal Church, (Galatians 1:2, I Corinthians 1:2). We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its overseeing body is the Board of Elders, hereinafter known as the Board, whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; and we believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity.

We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, and that the one and only Head is Christ; that it is scriptural for evangelical churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for furtherance of the Gospel; and that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation.

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, and that governors of states and nations should be obeyed when the civil laws they seek to enforce are not in conflict with the Bible. (Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 22:21, Acts 4:19-20)

On all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church is final. (Acts 2:41-42, I Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:11, 5:23-24, Acts 20:17-28, I Timothy 3:1-13)

N. Second Coming of Christ
We believe in the rapture followed by the second coming of Christ: that His return from Heaven will be personal, visible, and glorious, the time being unrevealed but always imminent; that when He comes He will remove from the earth His Church, then pour out the righteous judgments of God upon the unbelieving world, afterwards descend with His Church and establish His glorious and literal kingdom over all the nations for a thousand years. (John 14:3, Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 20)

O. Resurrection.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust. (John 5:28-29, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelations 20:11-15, Job 19:25-27)

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ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION A - QUALIFICATIONS
The membership of First Baptist Church shall be composed of those who have given personal testimony of having been born again by the Holy Spirit through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ and having been baptized by immersion as an act of obedience to Christ. Persons applying for membership will be reviewed and approved by the Board. They will have expressed agreement and commitment to the principles outlined in Section B.

SECTION B - RESPONSIBILITIES
Members of First Baptist Church will be responsible to maintain personal devotion to Christ, which includes regular participation in the worship and work of the church (Hebrew 10:24-25, Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:16, Ephesians 4:32). Members shall also pray for one another and be willing to aid spiritual brothers and sisters who are sick and in distress, endeavoring to bear each other's burdens and sorrows with tenderness and sympathy, forgiving others as God in Christ has forgiven them.

Members will promote holiness and godly living, and with God's help live carefully in this world. They shall seek to avoid the very appearance of evil that would bring reproach to Christ, praying for and seeking the salvation of the lost. (1 Peter 1:13-16 and Ephesians 5:15-21)

Members will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the work of the ministry of the church (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:7) and submit to the loving leadership of the Pastors and Board of Elders. (Hebrews 13:17) They will work together for the continuance of a faithful ministry at FBC, sustaining its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines. They will serve together in Christian love and seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Members appointed to teach shall teach in accordance with the Declaration of Faith (Article V).

SECTION C - STATUS

1. VOTING MEMBERS
Those 18 years of age and older meeting the qualifications and responsibilities noted in Sections A & B.

2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Associate Members will have all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of Voting Members except for the right to vote or hold a church office. They will meet the qualifications and expectations noted in Sections A & B including Board approval of their status as associate members.

Associate Members requesting status change to Voting Membership must agree to the principles of membership commitment in Article VI, Sections A and B and be approved by the Board. Associate Members include the following classifications:

a. Youth: Those individuals 14 to 17 years of age who would become eligible for full membership when they have attained the age of 18 at which time they will be able to participate in the full obligations and benefits of church membership upon approval by the Board.

b. Out-of-Area Members: Individuals who by virtue of temporary assignment away from Woodland (such as missionaries, those in military service, or other familial or employment obligations) may be limited in their ability to participate in the worship and work of the church.

c. Homebound Members: Individuals who by virtue of physical impairment may be limited in their ability to participate in the worship and work of the church but have expressed a desire to maintain their association with First Baptist Church of Woodland.

d. Temporary Assignment: Persons living in the area temporarily but maintaining membership in a home church elsewhere (i.e. students, those in military service, those working in the area temporarily, missionaries, etc.) desiring formal affiliation and accountability with First Baptist Church.

3. INACTIVE MEMBERS
When members no longer fulfill the responsibilities of membership as defined in Article VI, Section B for six (6) consecutive months, designated representatives of the Board and/or the Pastoral staff will communicate with them personally, if possible. If the member does not display renewed interest or give satisfactory explanation for not fulfilling his or her membership responsibilities, the Board shall place that member's name on the Inactive membership roll.

Inactive members are not eligible to vote, hold office or serve on any committee within First Baptist Church ministries.

Inactive Members requesting status change to Voting Membership must agree to the principles of membership commitment in Article VI, Sections A and B and be approved by the Board.

SECTION D - DISMISSAL FROM MEMBERSHIP
A member who is not fulfilling the expectations of membership will be contacted by a Pastor or Elder. If the matter is not corrected the member may be dismissed from membership by action of the Board.

After six (6) months on the Inactive roll, a person's name may be removed from the Church Membership roll by action of the Board.

Members may also be dismissed from membership at any time by action of the Board through the exercise of church discipline as outlined in Article VI, Section G.

SECTION E - MEMBERSHIP PREROGATIVE
Any church member may submit suggestions, compliments, questions, or concerns to the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman may respond, or delegate others to respond, as needed. If the member wishes to be heard further, he or she may request to have the topic placed on the agenda and be heard within 60 days of the request at a scheduled meeting of the Board.

SECTION F - GRIEVANCES BETWEEN MEMBERS Grievances or disputes between members shall be handled in accordance with the principles found in Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 2:1-4, Galatians 6:1, 2, Matthew 18:15-20, and 1 Corinthians 6:1-11.

SECTION G - CHURCH DISCIPLINE

1. The Principle of Discipline
"For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives." (Hebrews 12:6). Discipline, will be issued as an act of Love, in accordance with God's ordained pattern.

Members of First Baptist Church willfully engaging in teaching or conduct that violates scripture, as determined by the Board of Elders and Pastoral staff, will be subject to church discipline up to and including dismissal from membership in accordance with Matthew 18:15-19 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, unbiblical belief or doctrinal error, immorality, divisive or factious behavior, divisive teaching, unethical behavior (Galatians 1:8, I Timothy 6:3-5, I Timothy 6:20-21, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Titus 1:9, Titus 3:10-11, Matthew 18:15-17, Galatians 6:1-5, I Corinthians 5:1-13).

2. The Purpose of Discipline

a. To maintain order and proper church government. (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5)

b. To maintain the purity of the Church, including worship and ordinances. (I Corinthians 5:6-8, I Corinthians 11:27)

c. To maintain the honor of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:9, 17)

d. To reclaim and restore the offender. (Matthew 18:15, 1 Corinthians 5:5, Galatians 6:1)

e. To deter others from sin. (1 Timothy 5:20)

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ARTICLE VII - THE BOARD OF ELDERS

Appointment of members to the Board of Elders (Board) shall be affirmed by the Voting Members of the church. This appointment shall take place at the May Annual Business Meeting subject to the process outlined in Section D. The Board of Elders, consisting of no less than seven (7) members, shall consider all matters of importance to the church and provide leadership within the church. Exceptions to the minimum number must be approved by the Voting Membership.

SECTION A - QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS
A member of the Board of Elders shall be a Voting Member in good standing and be at least 21 years of age. He shall maintain a radiant Christian testimony and shall give evidence of meeting the requirements of an Elder/Overseer as outlined in Titus 1:5-9 and I Timothy 3:1-7. A member of the Board shall declare full agreement with the FBC Declaration of Faith and shall have been a Voting Member for at least two (2) years at the time of appointment.

SECTION B - OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS The Board will appoint its officers at the first scheduled Board meeting following the May Annual Business Meeting. The officers and their duties are described below:

1. Chairman of the Board
The Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Board and shall be the official moderator of the church. The Chairman shall be ex-officio member of all committees. The Chairman shall be the President of the Corporation. The term of office shall be one (1) year.

2. Vice Chairman of the Board
In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman will assume his responsibilities. He will also serve as Vice President of the Corporation and Chairman of the Nominating Committee. In the absence of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman the Board shall appoint another Board member to act in their place. The term of office shall be one (1) year.

3. Secretary of the Board
The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings and matters of business at Board and Congregational meetings. He shall also be the Secretary of the Corporation and the Church Clerk. The term of office shall be one (1) year.

SECTION C - RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS
A majority of Board members must be present to comprise a quorum. Church business and issues are decided by a simple majority vote of this quorum.

1. The Board of Elders shall provide spiritual leadership by way of example, counsel, teaching, and caring for the membership as presented in Acts 20:28-30, I Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17, Titus 1:9-11, James 5:14-15, I Peter 5:2-3.

2. The Board of Elders shall be the legal trustee of all church owned property and shall serve as the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

3. The Board of Elders shall establish committees and positions as they deem necessary and appoint qualified personnel to these various committees. The Board of Elders shall appoint the chairman for each committee.

4. The Board of Elders is responsible for developing and maintaining a Policy and Procedure Manual stating the policies, procedures and purpose for each committee and position as they relate to the ministries and work of the church. The Policy and Procedure Manual shall be reviewed at least annually, and revised as needed by the Board in cooperation with church staff and committee chairpersons.

5. The Board of Elders shall have the following financial oversight responsibilities:

a. Preparation and presentation of the annual operating budgets for church approval at the August annual meeting.

b. Administration and monitoring of the annual budget.

c. Expenditures of up to $10,000 in addition to the approved annual budgets to meet unforeseen needs during the church fiscal year.

d. Approval of the annual missions goals and budgets.

e. Recommendation to the church body of any resolution for church indebtedness.

6. The Board of Elders shall appoint five (5) members, at least two (2) of which shall be from the membership at large, to serve as a Board Member Nominating Committee. Appointments to this committee will be made no later than January 31st for a period of one year.

7. The Board of Elders shall execute its duties and responsibilities directly or by delegation and assignment as it deems appropriate. 8. The Board of Elders shall have the authority to ordain, license, or commission pastoral staff members.

SECTION D - APPOINTMENT OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

1. The term of office shall be for two (2) years. A year is from July 1 through June 30. Members may be appointed for consecutive terms. After serving for four (4) consecutive years, a member is not eligible to serve for at least one year. Exceptions must be approved by the Voting Membership.

2. Board of Elder nominations may be submitted by members of the congregation in writing to the Nominating Committee during the first two weeks of February. The Nominating Committee will consider all nominations in conjunction with the Board and Pastors and will publish a list of recommended candidates to the Church three weeks prior to the May Annual Business Meeting. The number of recommended candidates shall not exceed the number of open positions as designated by the Board of Elders.

3. A minimum 75% affirmative vote of Voting Members present and voting shall be required for the appointment of each candidate subject to the provisions of Article IX.

SECTION E - REMOVAL OF A BOARD MEMBER
Should a member of the Board of Elders no longer meet the Scriptural qualifications or no longer be willing to perform the duties of that office, the Board and/or the Senior Pastor shall follow the procedures set forth in Galatians 6:1 and 1 Timothy 5:19-20. Should the disqualified Board member be unwilling to voluntarily resign his office, he shall be removed upon a unanimous vote of the remaining members of the Board.

SECTION F - ADDITION AND REPLACEMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS
Should there be a need to add or replace Board members at any time, the Board will charge the Nominating Committee to follow the nomination/appointment process outlined in Sections D (1) and D (2). The recommendation of the committee shall be posted in the Church office three weeks prior to a special business meeting held subject to the terms of Article IX.

SECTION G - LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
No officer, Board member, or member of any committee appointed by this church shall be personally or individually liable for any error, act, or omission for, or on behalf of this church, occurring within the scope of his or her duty, excepting his or her own willful misconduct or violation of law.

SECTION H - AUTHORITY
No statement, except as otherwise contained herein, shall be construed to limit the authority of the Board of Elders in conducting the business of the Church.

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ARTICLE VIII - CHURCH STAFF

The church shall have a Pastoral staff consisting of a Senior Pastor, and any number of associates the Board may so approve. The Board may also authorize other paid staff positions. The Board will establish staff policy and position descriptions and include these in the Policy & Procedure Manual.

SECTION A - SENIOR PASTOR

1. Qualifications
The Senior Pastor shall be an ordained minister, called of God, who meets the qualifications of "overseer" as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He shall declare full agreement with the FBC Declaration of Faith (Article V).

2. Duties
The Senior Pastor shall preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances, and function as an ex-officio member of the Board of Elders, and be available as counselor to all committees. He shall tenderly watch over the membership and spiritual interest of the church, organize and develop its strength for the best possible service, and serve as executive officer of the staff. He shall perform other duties as directed by the Board.

3. Call
The Board of Elders, after due prayer and consideration shall recommend to the church body a qualified candidate to be considered for calling to serve as Senior Pastor.

The Senior Pastor shall be called for an indeterminate term by secret ballot at the special meeting of the membership. The membership shall be notified of this special meeting at minimum two weeks prior to the date of the special meeting. Notification shall be made during the Sunday Morning Worship Services at the two Sundays immediately preceding the date of this special meeting.

A 75% affirmative vote of the church body present and voting will constitute a call to the pastorate.

4. Termination

a. Resignation
At least 45 days notice of resignation shall be given unless otherwise agreed upon by the Board of Elders. Such resignation shall be submitted to the Board. If the Board accepts the resignation, they will inform the church body of such action and its plans for seeking a replacement.

b. Dismissal
Should the Senior Pastor fail to perform his duties effectively or meet the qualifications of that office as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, the Board will follow the procedures set forth in Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1. No public complaint shall be heard until this course and the process of I Timothy 5:19 has been applied.

Any time during this process, the Board may at its discretion, place the pastor on administrative leave. Should 80% of the Board favor dismissal, the matter will be presented to the church body to consider dismissal.

A simple majority of the Voting Members present and voting at a special meeting called for this purpose and obtained through a secret ballot, subject to the provisions of Article IX, shall constitute dismissal.

SECTION B - ASSOCIATE PASTORS AND OTHER STAFF

1. Qualifications
Associate Pastors shall be ordained, licensed or commissioned ministers, called of God, who meet the qualifications of "overseer" as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. They shall declare full agreement, with the FBC Declaration of Faith (Article V). Other staff members shall exhibit exemplary Christian conduct but need not be licensed or ordained.

2. Duties
The Senior Pastor will direct or delegate direction of duties of the Associate Pastors and Staff. Specific talents and spiritual gifts shall be considered as well as ministries needing to be performed. Duties to be performed shall be in accordance with Board approved position descriptions.

3. Call
The Senior Pastor shall recommend to the Board qualified candidates to be considered for calling to serve as Associate Pastors. Upon approval by the Board, the Associate Pastor shall be called to minister for an indeterminate term.

4. Termination

a. Resignation
An Associate Pastor or other Staff member shall give at least 30 days notice of resignation unless otherwise agreed upon by the Senior Pastor. Such resignation shall be submitted to the Senior Pastor who will in turn notify the Board. If the Board accepts the resignation, they will inform the church body of such action and its plans for seeking a replacement.

b. Dismissal
Should an Associate Pastor fail to meet the qualifications of that office as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, the Senior Pastor will follow the procedures set forth in Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1. No public complaint shall be heard until this course and the process of I Timothy 5:19 has been applied.

If an Associate Pastor or Staff member is not performing his or her duties satisfactorily, the Senior Pastor shall counsel with and attempt to assist the individual in making needed adjustments. If after counsel, sufficient change is not evident, the Senior Pastor may recommend dismissal to the Board. A majority vote of the Board shall effect a dismissal. The Senior Pastor or the Board may place an Associate Pastor or staff member on administrative leave for a reasonable period of time for investigation or until the Board has had time to consider dismissal.

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ARTICLE IX - BUSINESS MEETINGS

SECTION A - REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS

1. May Meeting
The purpose of the May Annual Business Meeting is to:

a. Review the previous year Written reports will be presented by the Staff, The Board, and Committee Chairmen. Oral reports will be given as appropriate.

b. Confirm Board Member appointments Board members shall be appointed by the process described in Article VII, Section D.

c. Approve the Missions Budget The Board shall recommend an annual Missions budget for church approval. The Missions budget year is for the term June 1 through May 31.

d. Consider other Church business when necessary

2. August Meeting
The August Annual Business Meeting is for the approval of budgets for the Church, Woodland Christian School, and the Preschool. These budgets will be for the year September 1 through August 31. Other church business may be considered.

SECTION B - SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
Special business meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor or the Board of Elders. The membership will be notified of this special meeting stating in general terms the business to be transacted, at minimum one (1) week prior to the date of the special meeting. This notification shall be made during the Sunday Morning Worship Services immediately preceding the date of this special meeting.

SECTION C - VOTING QUALIFICATIONS

1. Only Voting Members as defined in Article VI, Section C are eligible to vote.

2. Voting by proxy is not permitted.

SECTION D - QUORUM AND VOTE

1. The quorum for all Annual and Special Business meetings is 20% of Voting Members as defined in Article VI, Section C.

2. The vote required for business is a simple majority of Voting Members present and voting.

3. The vote required for appointing a Board Member is 75% of Voting Members present and voting.

4. The vote required for calling a Senior Pastor is 75% of Voting Members present and voting.

5. The vote required for amending any article or section of this Constitution is 75% of Voting Members present and voting.

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ARTICLE X - FISCAL YEAR

The Church fiscal year shall be September 1 to August 31, except for the Missions Budget which shall be June l to May 3l.

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ARTICLE XI - RULES OF ORDER

Roberts Rules of Order, as last revised, shall be the parliamentary manual for Church business meetings.

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ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS

Any article or section of this constitution may be amended by vote of 75% of the Voting Members present at any business meeting. The membership will be notified of such amendment a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting. This notification shall be made during the Sunday Morning Worship Services at the two Sundays immediately preceding the date of this special meeting.

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ARTICLE XIII - FINANCES

Finances for the church, its programs and missionary out-reach, shall be obtained through voluntary tithes and regular offerings. Additionally, the Church may accept gifts, bequests, grants, property, leases, trusts or any tangible and valuable considerations, which may be designated to the Church. The Board may, at their discretion, take free will offerings as deemed necessary. Fees may be collected as appropriate for use of facilities or services provided. Any proposed entertainment, dinners, musical programs, or any other projects to be held for fund raising will require prior approval of the Board of Elders.

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ARTICLE XIV - AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS

No organizations shall be formed or considered a part of Church activities before its sponsors have submitted their plans to the Board of Elders for sanction, and approval has been granted.

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ARTICLE XV - DISPOSITION OF CHURCH PROPERTY

In case of organic division of the Church membership, the Church property shall belong to the majority of Voting Members who abide by this constitution and remain members as of the final date of the division.

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ARTICLE XVI - DISSOLUTION

Should conditions arise where, for any reason, the church work cannot continue, the Church property shall be sold and the money given to another like-believing institution or mission agency. All church property is irrevocably dedicated for Christian purposes.