CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church of Moody, Texas, in order to preserve the principles of our faith and to set forth certain guidelines for governing our church in an orderly manner consistent with New Testament principles, do hereby establish this constitution.

ARTICLE I: 

NAME AND LOCATION

This corporation shall be called Liberty Hill Baptist Church of Moody, Texas, until and except this corporation shall trade or sell such property in order to re-establish itself in a more compatible and serviceable location.  It shall then be renamed by the action of Fellowship in regular or duly called Business Conference.  The present congregation shall be by two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present.

Its house of worship and principle place of business is located at 1155 Liberty Hill Road outside the City of Moody, TX in McLennan County, TX 76557.

ARTICLE II: 

Purpose and Affiliations

The nature of this church is that of a congregation of baptized, called out believers in Jesus Christ, voluntarily united to worship God, to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in this community, and to all ends of the earth, to live according to the precepts of the teaching of the Holy Bible under the leadership of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit – to openly acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to work together and live in harmony in carrying out the program of the New Testament of Jesus Christ.

This church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Waco Baptist Association, so long as it is compatible to the teachings of God’s Holy Word and is consistent with leadership of the Holy Spirit and does not harm nor intervene with the policies of this local congregation.

ARTICLE III: 

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, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another that we being many are one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity 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 purpose to maintain family and secret devotions; 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 deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage; 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 one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, 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 principles of God’s Word.

ARTICLE IV: 

Policy and Relationships

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 which are common among fundamental Baptist churches. In so far as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the association and state convention affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

All groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to the church.

ARTICLE V: 

Statement of Faith

I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by holy men of God set apart to write the inspired revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions must be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

        A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

        B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. The next event on the calendar of things to come is the rapture, which is the removal of all believers from the earth, followed by the tribulation. After seven years He will return in power and glory to establish His millennial Kingdom when He shall rule the earth, followed by the final Judgment. He now dwells in all believers through the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit as the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.

        C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He set apart holy men of old to write the inspired (God breathed) Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the obedient believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.

III. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment of sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.

IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

         A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is the cleansing of the heart, resulting in change, wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

        B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

        C. Sanctification is submitting to the authority of the Holy Spirit, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

        D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.

V. God's Purpose of Grace

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.

VI. The Church

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the universal Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.

VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.

VIII. The Lord's Day

The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.

IX. The Kingdom

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.

X. Last Things

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will receive His church (all Believers) in the air (the Rapture) preceding the tribulation of seven years, after which He will return to earth (Second Coming) with His army (Saints) to establish the 1,000 year reign (the Millennium) followed by the final Judgment and eternity..
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

XI. Evangelism and Missions

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit includes the Christ like of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

XII. Education

Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

XIII. Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others with the ultimate goal for them to be saved. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

XIV. Cooperation

Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.

XVI. Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the soon return of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.

XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

XVIII. The Family

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.

XVIX. Marriage

Marriage is a union ordained by God. It was first instituted by God in the early chapters of Genesis, codified in the Levitical law, the Old Testament prophets compared it to a relationship between God and his people, examples of it are in the historical narratives, and, the wisdom literature discusses the unique unity of this relationship. Jesus explained the original intention and core elements of marriage, and several New Testament Epistles give explicit instructions on this union. Marriage is a typology of Christ and the Church. As such, the Church views marriage as a profound spiritual institution established by God. Due to the importance of marriage in the biblical witness, this church adopts the following policy:

Clergy:
        1. Only duly ordained clergy shall officiate at marriage ceremonies conducted on church property.
        2. Clergy employed by the church shall be subject to dismissal and/or loss of ordination for officiating a same gender marriage ceremony.

Applicants:
        1. Applicants wishing to have a ceremony performed by a member of the clergy employed by the church, or to use the church facilities, shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith.
        2. Applicants shall receive eight (8) hours of premarital counseling by clergy or counselors employed by the church or other persons who, in the sole opinion of the pastoral staff of the church, have appropriate training, experience, and spiritual understanding to provide such counseling.

Premises:
        1. Any marriage performed on church premises shall be officiated by a member of the clergy.
        2. Clergy officiating marriage ceremonies on church premises, whether or not employed by the church, shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith.
        3. The clergy assigned by the church to implement the procedures contained in this Marriage Policy may, in his sole discretion, decline to make church facilities available for, and/or decline to officiate at, a ceremony when, in his judgment, there are significant concerns that one or both of the applicants may not be qualified to enter into the sacred bond of marriage for theological, doctrinal, moral or legal reasons.

Marriage is an ordinance instituted by God. This church defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in these Articles.

Human Sexuality:
        Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”) including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness.

Qualifications: (board members, employees, volunteers)
        Every minister, board member, employee, or volunteer shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith.

(Note: For employees, the above qualifications must be a part of a written employment contract, i.e., consideration is exchanged by the parties. “At will” employment relationships will seriously undermine the religious organization’s ability to enforce moral conduct requirements.)

ARTICLE VI: 

CHURCH POLICIES

        A.   The church year will begin October 1 and end on September 30.

        B.   The financial year will begin on October 1 and end on September 30.

        C.   A majority vote shall determine any matter voted upon, except as provided for in Article VII of this constitution, the election of a pastor, other staff members, or when deemed otherwise advisable.

        D.   The church shall govern itself through the principles of and by the methodology of the democratic business meeting of the membership.  The church business meeting will be held monthly at such time as appointed by the church.  Special business meetings may be called by the moderator (Pastor) or chairman of the deacons, with the approval of the church as to date and time.  In cases of emergency and/or where it seems advisable, the church can be called into Special Meeting by the majority vote of the present membership when in session on Wednesdays or Sundays.

        E.   Roberts’ Rule of Order will be the parliamentary reference for the conduct of business meeting of the church.  The present membership at the regular monthly Business Meeting shall constitute a Quorum, while ten percent (10%) of the active resident membership shall constitute a Quorum for a pre-dated Special Meeting.

ARTICLE VII: 

AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by a seventy-five per cent (75%) affirmative vote of membership present and voting in a regular, monthly business meeting of the church provided that the proposed amendments have been placed before the church in writing at a regular Business Meeting not less than one month before the amendment is to be voted on by the membership, and provided that a member of the intended vote to amend is publicly made from the pulpit on the Lord’s Day preceding the date of the intended vote.

ARTICLE VIII: 

REGULATIONS

The church shall adopt By-Laws in order to carry out and make effective the principles and declaration contained in this constitution.  The By-Laws adopted by the church shall be kept up-to-date and functional through revision rather than amendment.  The procedure for revising the By-Laws shall be the same as for amending the constitution and contained in Article VII of the constitution.

BY-LAWS

I.   MEMBERSHIP

        A.   General

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. His body shall be composed of persons who have confessed Jesus Christ as Savior (Phil 2:11, Romans 14:11), been scripturally baptized (Mark 16:16, Luke 7:29, Acts 19:4-5) and received into the fellowship of this church. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves the exclusive right, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

        B.    Candidacy

All candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular worship service for membership in any of the following ways:

                1.   Baptism:  Applicants for membership by baptism may be accepted at any service when they present themselves as candidates.  It is expected that they will be baptized soon afterwards.  They are not enrolled as members until after baptism.
                2.   Letter:  Applicants for membership upon promise of letter as evidence of good standing from a Baptist Church of like faith and order may be received.  Receiving members by letter “Absentia” shall be dependent upon the judgment of the pastor under advisement of those fully aware of conditions.  In the event of an unfavorable report, the church shall be notified by the moderator for appropriate action.
                3.   Statement:  When church letters cannot be obtained from a church of like faith and order, applicants may be received upon their statement affirming their faith, baptism, and church membership.
                4.   Restoration:  A member of this church who has been dismissed for cause, may be restored to membership upon application to and with the approval of the church.
                5.   By Watchcare: Anyone desiring affiliation without transfer of letter from his/her home church. This person could participate in every phase of the church except as a voting member. The intent of the watchcare program is to encourage those persons who are temporarily away from their home church, such as students, to fully participate in the ministry of Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

        C.   Termination of Membership

                Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

                1.   Death,
                2.   Transfer of Letter to another Baptist Church of like faith,
                3.   By personal request
                4.   Erasure upon affiliation with a church of another faith and denomination,
                5.   Exclusion by action of this church.*
       * In case a member is guilty of conduct unbecoming a Christian so that the church and the name of Christ is brought into disrepute, it will be the duty of the pastor and the deacons to confer with such a person in the hope of restoring him or her to the church (Galatians 6:11, Matthew 18:15-17); and if he or she will not hear the church, it will then be the duty of the church to withdraw membership from the guilty member.
        In case a member fails for a reasonable length of time to show any interest in the church’s program and progress, either by attendance of its services, or by giving some financial support to its program, and/or shall become critical or non-cooperative in the work, it will be the duty of the pastor and the deacons to visit or investigate such a person with the view of winning him back to whole-hearted support of the church program.  In the event such a visit or investigation is not satisfactory, the deacons shall make recommendations to the church and appropriate action shall be taken.  If any member should join another denomination, his name shall be automatically dropped from the church roll.  The church clerk shall inform the church of this action.

II.    PASTOR

        A.    Responsibilities:
           
The Pastor is responsible for leading the church in functioning as a New Testament church. The Pastor will provide supervision to the church and its organizations in performing their tasks. The Pastor is the leader in worship, outreach and evangelism, education, and ministry. He should lead by example and active participation. The Pastor should also preside at business meetings, except in matters dealing with his own office. (Titus 1:5-7. Acts 20:28)

        B.    Calling

A Pastor shall be chosen by the church whenever a vacancy occurs, according to the following steps:

                1.    A pulpit committee will be formed in accordance with the church’s method of creating committees.

                2.    The pulpit committee will then seek out and present to the church the candidate for Pastor. Only one candidate should be presented to the church at a time. His presentation should be considered a nomination. The candidate should lead in three consecutive services (including a Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night), before the congregation is asked to vote.

        C.    Benefits

                1.    Vacation:  The pastor will be given two (2) weeks paid vacation each year.  The vacation is earned at the rate of one day per month.  If any vacation time is taken in advance it shall be done only upon approval of the deacon body.  After five (5) years of continuous service, the ratio shall increase to two (2) days per month. (four weeks per year).  Pastoral supply during the pastor’s vacation will be provided at church expense.  Sick leave shall be provided deemed necessary by the church.

                2.    Work Week:  The only required workdays are Wednesday evenings and Sundays.  Any other days are at the discretion of the pastor.  The pastor’s presence is also desirable at established times of church activities.

                3.    Conventions:  The church will pay the expense of the pastor to various conventions, board meetings, and training conferences, in keeping with the amount allocated in the church budget.

                4.   The pastor shall not hold over three (3) revivals a year, with this stipulation, two Sundays will be granted by the church at church supply expense, the remaining Sunday will be at the expense of the pastor.

        D.    Termination

                The Pastor will serve as called until:

                1.    He offers his resignation at least two weeks prior to termination of his responsibilities, or

                2.    The church requests his termination by three-fourths vote of those present in a specially called meeting announced one week prior. The church should also give due notice to the Pastor of this action.

                  3.    The pastor shall be given thirty (30) days notice of termination.  This is in addition to any vacation time due him.

                  4.    In the event of any unusual hardship imposed upon the pastor by termination action, the church shall be considerate of his needs and attempt to rectify the hardship through compassionate concern and action.

         E.    Interim

Should the church deem it necessary to elect an interim Pastor, an Interim Committee should be appropriately formed, which would bring one candidate at a time before the church for consideration. In a business meeting called for the purpose and announced at least one week ahead of time, a three-fourths vote of those present would constitute a calling. The candidate would then serve as interim Pastor until a permanent replacement was found.

III.    Staff

The church shall call or employ staff members as the church shall need. A job description shall be written by the Pastor when the need for a staff member is determined.

There are two methods for nominating a candidate for a staff position. First, after consulting the finance committee and upon approval of the church, a search committee shall be formed by the nomination of the church. The search committee shall interview candidates. The search committee shall have a full job description and salary package in its possession to help in the task. The search committee shall recommend one candidate to the church for a vote. Second, the Pastor and Deacons may present a candidate to the church for a vote if there is no need for a search committee.

An affirmative three-fourths secret vote of those present will constitute a call. All staff members (excluding interim) shall be members of this church, except those approved by the church. All support staff shall be employed and terminated under the jurisdiction of the Pastor.

IV.    Deacons

         A.    Qualifications:

A Deacon should meet the qualifications given in Acts 6:1-4 and 1 Tim. 3:8-13.  A Deacon should be an active, faithful, supportive member of the church (Acts 6:1).  A Deacon should be willing to settle disputes in a Christian manner (Acts 6:1-4).  A Deacon should live a sanctified, Christian life bringing no reproach by his conduct to the cause of Christ (1 Tim. 3: 8-9).  A Deacon should be the head of a well-ordered Christian home (1 Tim. 3:11-12).

         B.    Nomination:
           
Nomination shall be made by membership at large using a secret ballot. The Deacons shall screen and interview the top nominees and produce a list of candidates.

         C.    Election:

    The church shall vote on the candidates individually.  A three fourths majority secret ballot vote shall constitute election.

         D.    Ordination:

      Upon election the Deacons shall be ordained by the church as soon as conveniently possible.

         E.    Duties:
                  1.    The Deacons shall serve the Pastor and staff in Pastoral ministries, administrative functions, and the administration of church ordinances (Acts 6: 1-3). Each Deacon will be responsible for prayer, visitation, discipleship, and ministry for the glory of God. A Deacon must at all times be a servant, peacemaker, and an example for the church. The Deacon Fellowship shall elect its own officers and committees annually.
                  2.    They shall be faithful in attendance of the church services and Deacons’ Meeting and shall cooperate fully with the whole program of the church.
                  3.    They are to be zealous to guard the unity of the Spirit within the church in bonds of peace.
                  4.    They shall serve as an advisory council and confer with the pastor in all matters pertaining to the welfare and work of the church.
                  5.    With the pastor, they are to consider and formulate plans for the constant efforts and progress of the church in all things pertaining to the winning of the lost, the development of Christians, and the extension and growth of the Kingdom of God.
                  6.    Especially, are they to seek to know the physical needs and the moral, spiritual struggles of the members, and to serve the church in relieving, encouraging, and the developing all who are in need.
                  7.    They shall constitute a committee before whom all matters of discipline shall be presented.
                  8.    They shall act as a benevolence committee (to receive), concerning requests for assistance.

         F.    Termination:

A Deacon may resign from active service and become inactive by making his request to the Deacon Fellowship in writing.

A Deacon may be asked to resign or be terminated from being an active Deacon upon the recommendation and subsequent three fourths vote of the church for conduct deemed to be grossly immoral, divisive, or dissentient. This should only occur as a last resort. (Matt. 18: 15-17)

The Deacon Fellowship may remove a Deacon from the active Deacon Fellowship when they deem it necessary.

         G.    Reinstatement:

A Deacon who has requested in writing, to become inactive may be reinstated by making his request known to the Deacon Fellowship in writing.

A Deacon who has been asked to resign or terminated, under the conditions stated in the termination section, may not be reinstated at any time.

The Deacon Fellowship may reinstate an inactive Deacon to the Active Deacon Fellowship when they deem it necessary.

          H.   Retirement

The church, at its discretion, may promote to life honorary membership any deacon who by reason of age or infirmities, shall, after honorable service, be no longer able to render active service.

          I.    Ordained Deacons from Other Churches

This church is under no obligation to activate ordained Deacons from another church who join this church. If there is a need on the Deacon Fellowship the church may activate such a Deacon by a three fourth majority secret ballot vote of those present at a called business meeting of the church.

IV.    Officers

        A.    Treasurer

The Treasure shall see that all church funds, either special or budgeted are properly disbursed and accounted for as outlined in the budget.

The Treasurer shall have the responsibility for preserving and pay out upon receipt of vouchers of approved items as outlined in the church budget, and the responsibility to render to the church at each regular business meeting an itemized report of the receipts and disbursements for the preceding period.

These records shall be audited annually by the Finance Committee. After auditing and acceptance by the church, the church clerk or church secretary shall keep and preserve the accounts as part of the permanent record of the church.

        B.     Trustees

Three trustees shall be church members in good standing, recommended to the church by the Deacons and approved by the church body. They shall be elected to serve until their successors are elected. They will hold in trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property without specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the functions of the trustees to affix their signature to legal documents where the signatures of the trustees are required.

        C.    Director of Music

                1.   Election:  The director of music shall be elected annually by the church, unless he or she is a paid part-time or full-time employee of the church, then he or she shall be elected, or called by the church for an indefinite period of time upon the recommendations of the pastor and deacons.
                2.   Duties:
                        a.    The Music Director shall be responsible for the musical program of the church, encouraging and training of departmental musicians.
                        b.    The Music Director shall cooperate with and be under the supervision of the pastor.
                        c.    The Music Director shall have supervision of all accompanists such as organist and pianist.
                        d.    The Music Director serves as chairman of the Musical Council (if there is one active) and presides over the meetings.
                3.    In the event the church appoints a paid Music Director:
                       Benefits:
                        a.    The Music Director will receive a two (2) weeks paid vacation.
                        b.    The Music Director may have as many as two (2) Sundays each year for revival at church expenses, but any additional time taken for revival will be at his own expense for his supply, and with the approval of the Pastor and/or deacons.

V.    COMMITTEES

All committees are formed and elected for the administration of the church ministries.

There are two types of committees, standing and special. A standing committee is a permanent committee and may only be disbanded by three fourths vote of the church. The tenure of standing committee members will be one year with annual re-election concurrent with the church fiscal year.

A special committee is a committee elected by the church for a specific purpose and for a specific time. After a special committee has completed its task it shall automatically be disbanded. The tenure of special committee members shall be set by the church.

The Pastor is an ex-officio member of all committees. All committee actions that affect church policy, finances, or church spirit must be brought before the church body for approval. All committee members must have been a church member for a minimum of six months and be active in the normal scheduled activities of the church. Committee chairmen will be members qualified as spiritual leaders in the church by their personal character and commitment to and involvement in the ministries of the church.

All committees shall consist of at least three (3) and not more than five (5) members and shall be elected at the September Business Meeting for a one year term of service effective October 1st..  Each committees shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman. 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The committee shall be elected at the June Business Meeting for a one year term of service effective upon election.  Members shall be recommended by the pastor with the approval of the deacons, but other nominations shall be permitted from the floor before the vote is taken.  The committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman.  The committee shall nominate all elected workers of the various committees. 

STANDING COMMITTEE:

Support (Property & Space, Finance)

The purpose of this committee is to ensure the provision of necessary means to support the ministries of the church. This committee will provide the church with long range planning of facilities and services to adequately serve the future needs of the church, assist the church in the care of all properties and buildings, study and recommend the use of space and furnishings as it relates to church programs and activities, and study the need for and recommend the acquiring and creating of space. The committee shall regularly provide the church a report on the status of present and future projects.

This committee will also serve as the focal point of all financial matters of the church. This committee will have oversight of any church funds or the responsibility of spending monies allocated by the Church Budget. They shall use common sense, good business practices, and sound judgment in such oversight or expenditures.  They shall be limited only by the church budget, whether it be a monthly or annual allocation.  They shall administer their responsibilities in the strictest cooperation with the church treasurer as to the availability of funds.  In the event of need, committees may request increased allocations, but all requests for increased allocations shall be channeled through the Finance Committee.  Committees shall keep the church informed of their actions and stewardship by giving a report to the church at a regular monthly business meeting.

Members of Standing Committee shall be elected for a one (1) year term of service to begin October 1 each year.  Each committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman as soon as possible after taking office to assure the effective functioning of the committee.  The following are considered Standing Committees:

A.    Finance Committee:  The committee shall consist of at least three (3) and not more than five (5) members to include at least one deacon and the treasurer.
         1.    Duties:
                 a.    Promote the financial program of the entire church, including authorized financial reports.
                 b.    Prepare the church budget each year and submit to the church for final approval at the December Business Meeting.
                 c.    Recommend adjustments in conjunction with other committees.
                 d.    Recommend the amount to be paid guest speakers from regular church funds if not otherwise specified.
                 e.    Periodically review the issuance of purchase orders, invoices, and posting to the treasurer’s records and make recommendations whenever needed. 
                 f.     If directed by the church, this function can be handled solely by the Treasurer.

 

B.   Ordinance Committee:  (Baptism and Lord’s Supper)
         1.    Notify baptismal candidates as to the time of baptism, the proper clothing to wear, and accessories needed.
         2.    Prepare the baptistery and dressing rooms prior to baptismal service and clean and restore the facilities following the service.
         3.    Assist the pastor in any other needful ways in the conduct of the ordinance.
         4.    Prepare and set up the Memorial Table for the observance of the Lord’s Supper; clean and restore these facilities following the service.

C.   Flower Committee:  The church will elect two (2) or three (3) members of the church to serve on the flower committee.  The committee shall:
         1.    Care for the Memorial Table decoration and floral arrangement.
         2.    They shall maintain and up-date the floral calendar if there is one in operation.
         3.    Supervise the sending of flowers to families of deceased members; to the church members and their immediate family in the hospital.

D.   Publicity Committee:  The committee shall consist of two (2) or three (3) members.  It shall:
        1.    Recommend and promote publicity of all churchwide activities both special and regular.
        2.    Seek ways to favorably advertise the church and its program through every available news media.
        3.    Care for the publicity of revivals.

E.   Fellowship Committee:  This committee shall consist of three (3) members who will plan fellowship meetings of a church wide nature, enlist sponsors for fellowship meetings for the various age groups, and plan fellowship suppers and programs.

F.   Usher Committee:  The number of ushers shall be determined by the church as needed.  This committee shall have three (3) members; these shall then determine the number of ushers to be used and shall be responsible for the seating of those attending services, receive offerings, and see to the comfort of the worshipers.

G.    Building and Ground Committee:  This committee shall consist of five (5) members.  The committee is to be alert to the need of the building and shall assume the responsibility of keeping all things in proper working order.  They shall make general recommendations to the church concerning needs, long range planning, and methods of procedure.
        1.     Duties:  The committee shall:
                a.    Have general supervision of the upkeep of the grounds, church plant, to include:
                        (1)    Improvement and beautification of grounds and buildings.
                        (2)    Maintenance of building – keep in good state of repair.
                        (3)    Making of minor alterations as needed.
                b.    Care of church equipment – to include:
                        (1)    Maintenance of equipment.
                        (2)    Purchase of new equipment.

H.   Nursery Committee:  This committee shall consist of three (3) members.  They shall be responsible for the oversight of the church nursery for all church related activities.  This shall be personnel, provision of supplies, equipment, and facilities.  The committee shall determine and effect the policies needed to properly govern the nursery services.

I.    Missions:  The missions committee is charged with creating and encouraging awareness of and activity in missions in the congregation through emphases, offerings, publicity, and other appropriate means.

J.   Discipleship: This committee will provide plans and equip members with the necessary means, tools and training to be makers of disciples, enabling the church to carry out its ordained purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. The establishment and growth of new members and converts is this committee’s first priority.

K.   Special Committees:
        A.    Special Committees shall be elected, or appointed as needed and directed by the church.  At the time the church authorizes a special committee it shall set forth:
                1.    The method of appointment or election including who shall nominate or appoint the members.
                2.    The term of appointment or election.
                3.    The number to be on the committee.
                4.    Committee duties and instructions.
                5.    Financial support for the committee if needed.

        B.   Examples – special committees that may be needed and could be authorized are:
                1.    Pulpit Committee
                2.    Supply Committee

CONCLUSION

The above stated Constitution and Bylaws have been written in an effort to assist in the governing, daily operations, and ministry of Liberty Hill Baptist Church, SBC, Moody, Texas. Should future policy, doctrinal, or operational issues arise, it is the purpose of this document to assist in pointing the way to the scriptural answers to those issues. Also while personal beliefs may vary slightly among individual members of this assembly as to the interpretation of chosen scripture passages, those doctrines specifically stated in this document will stand as the foundational doctrinal beliefs of the church as a whole, with no exception. Any person who has questions concerning any of the material or statements contained in this document should be directed to the Pastor or Deacon Fellowship for clarification or guidance.

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any regular or called Business Meeting of this congregation by the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present, a quorum being present, and proper notice having been duly given.

APPROVE THIS __12th__ DAY OF NOVEMBER, A.D., 2008 AT A REGULAR CALLED
BUSNESS MEETING.