Living Word Missionary Baptist Church 8369 Princeton Road Liberty Township, Ohio 45044 CONSTITUTION & BI-LAWS Article I: Name Section 1: This church shall be forever known as the Living Word Missionary Baptist Church. A. If ever anyone shall attempt to change Living Word Missionary Baptist Church into any other denomination, above named church and all property shall be sold and the proceeds given to another Missionary Baptist Church of the same precious faith and order, to carry out all doctrine herein. B. Above named church shall keep the 18 Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, as entered into these by-laws, never to be changed.  They are to be preached, taught and obeyed as precious faith and doctrine.  Any false doctrine or heresies shall be excluded. Article II: Doctrine Section 1: This church receives the Scriptures as its authority in all matters of faith and practice.  The 1611 King James Version of God’s Holy Bible will be our guide. A. We DO NOT allow pre-millennial or post-millennial doctrine preached or taught in this church.  We are an Amillennial church and believe that Christ is reigning now and forever. B. We DO NOT accept into membership homosexuals, lesbians, or any other such pervertedness, which is against the King James 1611 Bible, even if the government accepts it as a lifestyle.  If a member is found to be living in such a lifestyle they are immediately and automatically excluded from the church. Article III: Policy Section 1: This church shall forever remain an autonomous Body with Christ as its Head and no other person or persons shall ever have authority over its action.  The will of Christ for this Church shall be determined from the Old and the New Testaments, which will be the only law of the Church.  THIS ARTICLE can never be amended or changed in any way so as to change the meaning herein conveyed. A. The government of this church shall be vested in its members and is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body. B. Membership of this church shall have and enjoy equal rights and privileges without partiality according to the Scriptures. C. The majority shall rule in all business that comes before the church, except one, namely receiving members. 1. The objection of three or more members who are in good standing can stop the receiving of any person or persons into the membership of the church, if they have a Bible reason. Article IV: Membership Section 1: Admission of members.  Membership may be obtained as follows: A. Profession of faith in Christ Jesus and Baptism. B. By letter of recommendation from a sister church of same precious faith and order. C. By statement – in case their church has been disbanded or in case they have been unjustly excluded. D. By restoration – Excluded members make their acknowledgement to the church. E. A person desiring to unite with this local church from another denomination must make a public confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and follow Him in Scriptural baptism and accepting the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant of this constitution. Section 2: Dismissal of members: A. By letter of recommendation to a sister church of same precious faith and order. 1. A letter cannot be granted to an individual directly. B. By exclusion; anyone living in an unchristian like manner, bringing reproach upon the church may, upon majority vote during a business meeting, be dismissed from membership as Scripturally provided in Matthew 18:15-17. 1. A member who does not keep the Church Covenant; as entered into these by-laws; shall be excluded from membership.  By non-attendance for a period of six (6) months; without legitimate reason; shall automatically be dropped from membership; without notice; at the end of the six (6) month period. C. By death. Article V: Officers Section 1: Ordained officers of the church shall be as follows: A. Pastor 1. Shall be recognized as the leader of the church. 2. Must be an ordained Baptist minister in the same precious faith and order. 3. Is elected for an indefinite period of time. B. Deacons 1. Must be proved by the Scriptures, I Timothy 3:8-13; and be ordained in the same precious faith and order and serve a life term while in good standing with the church. Section 2: Non-ordained officers will be elected, as the church deems necessary. A. Trustees 1. Shall be elected for a three (3) year term as required by law to help transact the business of the church. 2. Have charge of the church property. 3. Supervise the upkeep of the church building. 4. Other duties as required by the church. B. Church Treasurer 1. Shall be elected for a three (3) year term. 2. Shall receive the money received from the offerings and pay all current bills allowed and approved by the church. 3. Shall make a monthly report before the church, at business meeting of the financial condition of the church. 4. Shall make available the financial records to any and all members who make a reasonable request to see them. 5. The Treasurer’s books are to be audited once each year by the trustees and the deacons. C. Church Clerk 1. Shall be elected for a three (3) year term. 2. Shall keep an accurate record of all business meetings. 3. Shall receive and dismiss all letters of membership. 4. Shall provide an accurate roll of members. 5. Shall perform other activities as the church may assign. D. Sunday School Superintendent 1. Shall be elected for a one (1) year term. 2. Shall supervise all activities of the Sunday School. 3. Shall make sure all teachers are qualified and teaching sound doctrine. E. Sunday School Teachers 1. Shall be elected for a one (1) year term. 2. Must be faithful to the church, of its worship and support. 3. Shall keep classroom clean and neat in appearance. 4. May request assistance from Superintendent as needed. F. Song Leader 1. Shall be elected for a one (1) year term. 2. Shall start the worship service at the appointed time with Congregational singing, as led by the Spirit. Article VI: Meetings Section 1: Business Meetings A. Will be held monthly to transact business. B. Any man wishing to speak or make a motion must first stand to their feet and be recognized by the moderator. Section 2: Special Business Meetings A. Can be held only if the Pastor and the Church deems it necessary. B. In the absence of a Pastor, the Deacons shall serve as moderator until the Church convenes in a business meeting to elect one. 1. After a moderator is elected, then a committee must be appointed and voted on by the membership to seek out God’s man to fill the office of Pastor. 2. When this man has been proved in faith and doctrine, he shall be voted on at a business meeting. 3. The special business meeting to fill the office of Pastor shall be announced from the pulpit every service for two (2) weeks prior to the special business meeting. Section 3: Sunday School shall convene at 10:00 AM each Sunday, with Sunday Morning Worship to follow at 11:00 AM.  Evening services shall be as the Church so desires. Article VII: Support Section 1: The church shall be supported by freewill love offerings.  Bake sales, raffles, rummage sales and other money-making ventures are unscriptural, therefore they are unacceptable. Article VIII: Ordinances Section 1: Baptism A. Repentance and faith in Christ Jesus shall precede baptism. B. Baptism shall be by immersion. C. Baptism shall be administered by an ordained minister in the same precious faith and order. 1. Non-ordained men may assist if a Deacon is unavailable. Section 2: Communion – The Lord’s Supper A. The bread and the wine shall be administered by the Deacons assisting the Pastor. B. Foot washing is part of communion and is practiced in every communion service. C. Self-examination shall precede participation in the sacrament. Article IX: Amendments Section 1: The rules and regulations herein stated may be changed only by a majority vote at a duly notified special business meeting held for that purpose. A. Announcement of said meeting must be made from the pulpit at least twice, two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. B. Article III can never be amended or changed in any way so as to change the meaning therein conveyed.