By-Laws

This Constitution and By-Laws supercedes any and all others adopted by this church including the one adopted when the church was organized.

I. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. This congregation shall be known as the Union Baptist Church of Griffin, Georgia, Inc.

Section 2. God has given to the church a unique assignment. The church as a body of believers in Christ and as the Family of God, has been charged to be the instrument God uses to carry out His redemptive purpose. Therefore, all who serve Him must have a clear vision as to their spiritual objectives. These objectives are guidelines to help keep Union Baptist at the task for which we have been chosen. Our objectives are:

1. Witness - To reach all people in our community with the Word of God; to make them aware that Christ loves them and that we care about them.

2. Worship - To worship in a reverent, meaningful atmosphere, seeking God’s will through loving devotion with all mankind.

3. Fellowship - To share needs, friendship, understanding and guidance to people inside and outside our community.

4. Train - To provide basic and advanced training that will develop principles of the Christian life.

5. Minister - To minister to the needs of the community, as led by the Holy Spirit, through the sharing of love and concern.

II. CHARACTER

Section 1. POLITY. 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 Southern Baptist churches. We agree to cooperate with and contribute through the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention in support of all our work and further agree to support and promote the work of the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Flint River Baptist Association.

Section 2. DOCTRINE. This church is a congregation of baptized believers in Christ, united by covenant for the worship of Almighty God. We are associated in faith and fellowship of the Gospel to practice its precepts, to recognize and receive Jesus Christ as our supreme Law-Giver and Ruler and to take the Bible, and the Bible alone, as the standard by which all matters of belief and conduct are to be tried.

Section 3. STATEMENT OF FAITH. The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. We subscribe to the doctrinal statement of the current edition of The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. We band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation with lost mankind. The ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (See pamphlet, The Baptist Faith and Message, published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention).

BY-LAWS

UNION BAPTIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN, GA, INC.
Incorporated under the Laws of the State of Georgia

I. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. ADMISSION. Those who come by:

Profession of faith and receive baptism.
Transfer of membership from another Baptist church.
Satisfactory statement regarding their profession of faith and baptism.

These shall be considered members of this church. Baptism is by immersion. The continuance of membership shall be subject to the principles of Southern Baptist churches and requires attendance in at least one (1) worship service every six (6) months. The membership list will be reviewed at the end of each church year (August) by the Church Clerk and at least two other members familiar with the membership and their attendance. Those found not in compliance with these requirements will be sent a letter advising them of intent and removed from the membership list. This does not include those who are sick or otherwise prohibited from attending.

Section 2. DISMISSION. Any member in good and regular standing who desires a letter of dismission and recommendation to another church of like faith and order is entitled to receive it upon request from that church. Letters will not be granted to individuals except in cases where they are to become charter members of a sister church being organized. Letters of dismission "without a recommendation" can also be granted upon their request or the request of another church. The church Secretary, with counsel of the Pastor, shall forward with the letter information on the activities of the dismissed member.

Members desiring to have their names excluded from the church roster may do so by personally appearing in any regular Conference and making such request. License and ordination papers of such persons will automatically be revoked and if they were issued by this church, the individual will be required to return same to the church office.

Section 3. RESTORATION. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense or reason may be restored by vote of the church upon evidence of their repentance and reaffirmation of faith, or if due to continued absence, upon satisfactory explanation.

Section 4. DUTIES OF MEMBERS. Members are expected to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life, to attend regularly the services of this church, to give regularly for its support and causes and to share in its organized work.

Section 5. VOTING RIGHTS OF MEMBERS. Every Active/Resident Member, eighteen (18) years of age and older, shall have the right to vote, and is entitled to one (1) vote, on matters brought before the church. An active member is one who attends the services of the church on a regular basis (weekly). Voting by proxy is prohibited.

II. MEETINGS

Section 1. PUBLIC WORSHIP. The regular meetings of the church for public worship shall be on Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. No other meetings shall be held during worship hours by any of the church organizations or auxiliaries except those approved by the church in Conference.

Section 2. LORD’S SUPPER. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed quarterly and as deemed appropriate by the pastor. All members of the church and all who belong to the Body of Christ may participate therein. The ingredients to be used are unleavened bread and pure, unsweetened and unfermented grape juice (fruit of the vine).

Section 3. CHURCH CONFERENCE. The regular business meetings of the church shall be held on Wednesday following the first Sunday of the months of September, December, March, June, and August, except when postponed by vote of the church. The pastor shall preside as moderator. In his absence, the Chairman of Deacons shall serve as moderator and in his absence any member elected by the church.

Section 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS. A special Conference may be called by the Pastor, the Deacons or by petition of not less than ten (10) percent of the resident membership of the church, provided the day and hour named is for a regular service of the church. The object of the meeting must be stated when called and only this business may be considered. Notice of such special conference shall be read at both public services on the Lord’s Day immediately prior to the meeting.

Section 5. ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE. The church year and the financial year shall be from September 1^st through August 31^st. The regular conference of the church in September shall be the Annual Business Meeting.

III. CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1. TRUSTEES. A board of Trustees, consisting of three (3) members, shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected each year. The Trustees are the officers of the corporation. The correlation of offices between the Trustees and the corporation is:

Chairman of Trustees – President of Corporation
Vice-Chairman of Trustees – Vice-President of Corporation
Secretary/Treasurer of Trustees – Secretary/Treasurer of Corporation

The Duties of the Trustees are:

Perform all duties required as officers of the corporation.
Secure proper legal protection of all properties of the church.
Ensure that all properties of the church are properly insured.
Advise the church on all legal matters.
Receive bequest and administer such temporalities of the church subject to the will and direction of the church.
Oversight of the cemetery with the exception of ground upkeep.
Maintain secure custody of all legal papers of the church.

Section 2. CLERK. The Clerk shall be elected annually. The Clerk shall:

Attend the business meetings of the church and keep complete and accurate minutes of all proceedings of such meetings. These minutes shall be kept in a well bound book.
Keep a register of church members with dates of admission, baptism, dismission, and death.
Request letters for new members when transferring from another Baptist church.
Issue letters of dismission as approved by the church.
Ensure that Church Letter is prepared and returned to the association in a timely manner.
Give legal notice of all meetings where necessary.

Section 3. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be elected annually. Additional responsibilities for the Treasurer are located in the Church Policies booklet under “Pay Policies.” The Treasurer shall:

     1.  Receive and deposit all contributions and gifts to the church.
     2.  Disburse the above monies according to the direction of the church.
     3.  Pay promptly all bills and vouchers authorized by the church when properly presented.
     4.  Send money authorized by the church for missions at least monthly.
     5.  Give a financial report to the church at each regular Church Conference and other occasions as needed.
     6.  Prepare the annual financial report as part of the annual church letter sent to the association.
     7. Ensure that the names of persons with credit card authorization are current with the card issuing
           authority.
     8. Maintain all financial records of the church in an accurate and current manner.
     9. File Federal and State withholding taxes and other tax forms as required.
  10. Maintain required federal and state tax forms for all church employees.
11.   Prepare and submit W-2 tax forms for all church employees.
12.   Prepare and submit 1099-MISC business tax forms as required

Section 4. ASSISTANT TREASURER. The Assistant Treasurer shall be elected annually. The Assistant Treasurer shall:

     1.  Assist the Treasurer.
     2.  Perform the duties of the Treasurer when the Treasurer is absent.
     3. Be present with the Treasurer when offering monies are counted.

Section 5. FINANCIAL SECRETARY. The Financial Secretary shall be elected annually. The Financial Secretary shall:

Keep confidential records of all contributions by individuals using offering envelopes and other information provided by the Treasurer.
Provide a copy of contribution records to each individual in January for income tax purposes.

IV. COMMITTEES

Section 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE (5 members).

This committee shall be elected at the June Conference to serve one (1) year. This committee shall nominate all church officers, directors, and standing committees, with the exception of Staff and Deacons. These nominations shall be presented to the church at the August Conference and, if approved, these nominees will begin service September 1^st. Prior to their nomination each person shall be made aware of the duties of the office/position involved and be willing to serve in that capacity. As vacancies occur or new positions are created during the year, this committee shall meet and submit to the church nominations for these positions.

Section 2. FINANCE COMMITTEE (5 members).

This committee shall consist of the Treasurer and four other members nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. This committee, working with the Pastor, shall provide leadership in financial matters of the church. They shall do this through prayerful consideration of the vision for ministry the Lord has given this church, recognizing that this is God’s work and we are each stewards of His provisions.

They shall prepare the annual budget for the church, taking into consideration salary and new staff recommendations by the Personnel Committee, budget request from Program Directors, Staff, and Committee chairpersons. This committee should be keenly aware of plans and goals for growth and expansion of both programs and the physical plant and factor this into the budget as appropriate and feasible. The Treasurer will make available to each member a report of expenses and income for the past church year, as well as income trends and projections.

Using this information the committee shall assess the needs and resources and prepare the annual church budget. This proposed budget shall be presented to the church for approval at the August Conference. The newly approved budget shall be effective on September 1^st. If a significant change of staff, goals and/or resources should occur during the church year, the committee may elect to revise or restructure the budget and submit it to the church for approval.

Section 3. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (5 Members). This committee is responsible for administrative matters related to all employed personnel with the exception of the Pastor. Additional guidelines for this committee are included in the “Personnel Policies” section of the Church Policies booklet under “Employment Procedures.” This committee shall:

      1.     Recruit and interview candidates for each vacant position.
    2.    Ensure that current position descriptions are up-to-date and develop position descriptions for newly established jobs.
     3.     Give a report of activities of the committee in church conference.
     4.     In conjunction with the Pastor, review annually the salary and benefits package for each employee and make recommendations to the Finance Committee by June 15^th of each year.
     5.     Work with the Pastor in determining when a staff termination is necessary.
     6.     Develop church policies and procedures relating to staff personnel.

Section 4. CHURCH COUNCIL. The Church Council shall have as regular members: Pastor, Staff members, Treasurer, Chairman of Deacons, Program Directors, Committee Chairpersons, Church Clerk, and heads of other ministry areas.

The primary function of the Church Council is to guide the congregation in defining objectives, identifying priorities, setting goals, developing plans, and coordinating calendar time to achieve those objectives. This committee should review and evaluate all program actions adopted by the church. Additional responsibilities for the Church Council are included in the “Personnel Policies” section of the Church Policies booklet under “Employment Procedures.”

Section 5. PULPIT COMMITTEE (5 Members). This committee shall be responsible for seeking a Pastor when a vacancy occurs. This is not a standing committee and shall be formed only when needed and will be disbanded when a Pastor is called and reports to this church field for service. This committee shall consist of the Chairman of Deacons, who shall serve as chairman, and four other members selected by the church.

This committee has a dual responsibility that shall be accomplished in the following order:

Secure an Interim Pastor
Secure a permanent Pastor.

A. Procedure for selecting an Interim Pastor:

The Pulpit Committee shall seek out qualified candidates for interim Pastor.
Interviews and background checks will be performed.
A salary package shall be submitted to the Finance Committee for approval.
When the committee is ready to make a recommendation of a candidate to the church, notice shall be given at both public worship services on the Lord’s Day one week before voting.
A vote, by written ballot, shall be taken the following Sunday morning during the morning worship service.
Those members present and voting shall constitute a quorum and an affirmative vote of seventy five (75) percent is necessary to elect.
If an affirmative vote is received, a call shall be issued to the candidate to serve as Interim Pastor.

B. Procedure for selecting a Pastor:

The Pulpit Committee shall seek out qualified candidates for Pastor.
Interviews and background checks shall be preformed.
A salary package shall be submitted to the Finance Committee for approval.
The committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time.
When the committee is ready to make a recommendation of a candidate to the church, notice shall be given at both public worship services on the Lord’s Day immediately prior to the meeting of nomination.
The recommendation of a candidate to the church by the committee shall constitute a nomination and shall be made during the Sunday morning worship service the Sunday immediately after notice is given.
A vote, by written ballot, shall be taken the following Sunday morning after the nomination during the morning worship service.
The quorum for the meeting to elect a Pastor must be twenty five (25) percent of the resident church membership and an affirmative vote of seventy five (75) percent of those present and voting is necessary to elect.
If an affirmative vote is received, a call shall be issued to the candidate to serve as Pastor.
If the candidate accepts the call as Pastor, he shall continue in office so long as both parties are agreed to the relationship of Pastor and people.

Section 6. OTHER COMMITTEES. This church shall have such standing and special committees as will be helpful in the distribution of responsibilities. All committee members shall be members of this church. Terms shall be for one (1) year and committee members may be nominated and elected to serve consecutive terms.

V. DIRECTORS

Section 1. OVERVIEW: The Nominating Committee shall nominate a Director for each directorship organized ministry area and for each Program Organization, with the exception of Music Ministry. All Directors shall be members of this church. The term for Directors shall be one (1) year and they may be nominated and elected to serve consecutive terms. Each Director shall:

Be responsible and accountable to the church for their ministry area.
Select workers, as needed, to accomplish the ministry.
Organize the workgroup as needed.
Manage their budget. If additional monies are needed, the Director will need to justify the request in Church Conference.
If an emergency arises and additional monies are needed quickly, the Director, along with the Pastor and Chairman of Deacons shall seek to resolve the matter.
Prepare a budget request for the following year for consideration by the Finance Committee. This shall be submitted to the Finance Committee by June 15^th.
Give a report of the activity of their ministry area in regularly scheduled Church Conference.

Section 2. BUILDING AND GROUNDS DIRECTOR. Areas of responsibility:

The general care, upkeep, and repair of the church building, other structures, and the grounds around the church.
Ensure that mechanical equipment is adequate, safe, and usable.

Section 3. FELLOWSHIP DIRECTOR. Areas of responsibility:

Supervise the purchase of supplies and equipment for the kitchen.
Assist the church in planning, preparing and serving of meals.
Supervise the overall activities of the kitchen.
Organize and oversee the Wednesday Night Fellowship Meal.
Ensure kitchen area is clean after use.
Organize benevolent food

Section 4. CHILDREN’S CHURCH DIRECTOR. Areas of responsibility:

Manage the overall operation of Children’s Church
Recruit, train, and schedule workers
Obtain a replacement if scheduled worker is absent
Maintain a worker’s schedule and notify workers in a timely manner of their schedule
Select and purchase appropriate videos and other curriculum (appropriate to content, age, etc.)
Ensure room is prepared and ready for use each Sunday morning (select video, make copies, etc.)
Chair Children’s Church meetings

Section 5. NURSERY DIRECTOR. Areas of responsibility:

Manage the overall operation of the Nursery
Recruit, train, and schedule workers
Obtain a replacement if scheduled worker is absent
Maintain a worker’s schedule and notify workers in a timely manner of their schedule
Select and purchase appropriate, age related toys, books, videos, etc.
Ensure Nursery is prepared and ready for use each church event as appropriate
Chair Nursery meetings

Section 6. SENIOR ADULT DIRECTOR. Areas of Responsibility:

Plan activities for the Senior Adults
Make reservations, arrangements, etc. as required for speakers, trips, outings, and other events
Promote the Senior Adult ministry
Has overall responsibility for decisions during Senior Adult activities

Section 7. BAPTISMAL DIRECTOR. Areas of responsibility:

Ensure that the baptistry is ready for use by cleaning, filling, and heating water as required.
Assist the candidates for baptism before and during the baptismal service.
Drain and ensure baptistry is clean.

Section 8. FLOWER DIRECTOR.   Areas of responsibility:

     1.      Ensure flowers are placed in the church for worship services and other occasions as appropriate
    2.     Ensure flowers are sent for hospitalization and bereavement according to the policy of the church regarding flowers
     3.     Oversee the decorating of the church for seasonal events

Section 9. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR (VBS). Areas of responsibility:

Manage the overall VBS program
Recruit and train teachers and workers
Obtain VBS materials
Promote and publicize the VBS
Organize commencement program
Ensure facilities are restored to normal condition and ready for regular use after VBS ends

Section 10. VAN DIRECTOR. Areas of responsibility:

Ensure van is in good mechanical condition and safe for operation.
Maintain a regular interval for fluid and filter changes.
Organize and secure drivers for "Bus Ministry."

Section 11. PROGRAM ORGANIZATION DIRECTORS: (SUNDAY SCHOOL, BROTHERHOOD, and WMU). Areas of responsibility:

Manage the overall program organization
Recruit and train teachers and workers as needed
Adhere to the overall principles and guidelines for each organization as listed in VII. PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS of these By-Laws in leading that program.

VI. DEACONS

Section 1. OVERVIEW. In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice of the New Testament, the Deacons are to be servants of the church. Additional responsibilities for the Deacons are located in the Church Policies booklet under “Personnel Policies.”

Section 2. DUTIES. The duties and tasks of the Deacons are:

Undergird and assist the Pastor and staff in performance of pastoral ministries
Proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers
Care for church members as appropriate and others in the community as feasible
Lead the church to engage in an active fellowship of worship, witness, Christian education and ministry
Perform such tasks as directed by the church
Conduct an annual review of the pay and benefits package of the Pastor and make recommendations to the Finance Committee by June 15^th

Section 3. RESPONSIBILITIES. The Deacons shall:

Work in harmony with other church officers and committees.
Set an example for all the church in tithing and attendance.
Exercise leadership and guidance of the church subject to the authority and approval of the membership in Conference.
Participate in the "Deacon Family Ministry Plan" and apportion the membership of the church among themselves.
Perform acts of benevolence to those in need. Examine each need presented and evaluate its validity and the scope of help to be provided.

Section 4. Number and Term. The church shall have up to nine (9) active Deacons, each serving for a term of three (3) years. After serving a three year term, that Deacon shall be eligible for another three year term.

In the case of death, removal, or incapacity to serve, the church shall in regular Conference, select a previously ordained Deacon to fill the unexpired term. After completing an unexpired term, that Deacon shall be eligible for a full three year term.

No person shall serve as a Deacon until they have been a member of a Southern Baptist church for at least two (2) years and been a member of this church for at least one (1) year. To be elected a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.

Section 5. ELECTION: NEW TERM. Deacons shall be chosen to replace those retiring each year in the following manner:

The active Deacons shall seek out qualified candidates to fill the upcoming vacancies. Using Acts 6:3-6 and I Timothy 3:8-13 as guidelines, this body shall interview and examine prospective deacons and shall submit these nominations to the church at the June conference. When possible there should be two (2) names submitted for each vacancy.
After nominations are made by the Deacons, church members shall be invited to nominate others by writing in the name(s) of qualified and worthy candidates. Any person so nominated shall be examined by the Deacon body and if found qualified shall be added to the list of Deacon nominations.
The election of Deacons shall be held at the last Sunday morning worship service in July and shall be by written ballot.
Newly elected Deacons shall begin service on September 1^st.

Section 6. ELECTION: UNEXPIRED TERM. Deacons shall be chosen to fill an unexpired term in the following manner:

All ordained Deacons who are active in the church shall be placed in nomination for the vacant position(s).
These nominations shall be announced at least one worship service prior to voting. The election shall be at any Sunday morning worship service or Church Conference.
The newly elected Deacon(s) shall begin service immediately.

Section 7. MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATION. The Deacons shall meet monthly and a majority of Deacons shall constitute a quorum. The officers shall be elected annually at the regular meeting of Deacons in September. The chairman should have served at least one (1) year as a Deacon, past or present, in this church. If an active Deacon fails to attend the monthly Deacons’ meetings for three (3) consecutive months, unless providentially hindered, he shall be placed on the inactive list and the church shall elect a Deacon to fill that unexpired term.

Section 8. PASTORAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. In the event of a temporary absence or inability of the Pastor, the Deacons shall serve as a general Pulpit Committee and provide for pulpit supplies. This shall be done in counsel with the Pastor when possible. In case of a Pastor vacancy, this body shall provide pulpit supply until a Pulpit Committee can be elected by the church.

Section 9. CHAIRMAN. The Chairman of Deacons shall:

Serve as chairman of the Deacon body.
Serve as chairman of the Pulpit Committee.
Assume the leadership responsibilities of all church affairs when the church is without a Pastor.
Serve as moderator in church conference in the absence of the Pastor.
Conduct investigation, either alone or with Pastor, into sexual harassment complaints (see Church Policies, sexual harassment policy)

VII. PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1. BIBLE STUDY (Sunday School)

Administered by the Sunday School Director
Reach people for Bible study
Teach the Bible
Witness to people about Christ and lead them into church membership
Lead members to worship

Section 2. MUSIC MINISTRY

Administered by the Minister of Music
Provide music and musicians for the congregational services and the organizations of the church.
Provide church music education
Lead the church to witness and minister through music
Assist the church programs in use of and training related to music

Section 3. BROTHERHOOD/MEN’S MISSION PROGRAM

Administered by the Brotherhood Director
Engage in mission activities
Teach missions
Support missions
Develop personal ministry

Section 4. WOMAN’S MISSIONARY UNION/WOMEN’S MISSION PROGRAM

Administered by the WMU Director
Teach missions
Engage in missions and personal witnessing
Support missions

All programs are expected to interpret and undergird the work of this church and the Southern Baptist Convention, Georgia Baptist Convention, Flint River Baptist Association and any other groups with which the congregation cooperates in mission and ministry efforts.

VIII. DISCIPLINE

Section 1. Should any differences arise between members, excluding the Pastor and church Staff, the aggrieved member shall follow in a tender spirit the rules given by our Lord in Matthew, chapter eighteen. Should the issue not be resolved after accomplishing verses fifteen and sixteen, the following procedure shall be followed:

1. A body consisting of the following members shall meet and seek to resolve the issue(s):

Active Deacons
Pastor or acting Pastor
The director under whom the aggrieved serves. If they do not fall under a director’s ministry, then the Sunday School Director will sit on this body.
If the aggrieved serves under the ministry of a staff member, then that staff member will sit on this body.

This body shall meet when the most members can attend. Those members unable to attend shall be allowed to submit their views on the matter to the body, in writing, to be read at the meeting.

2. If that is unsuccessful, this body will meet with the Church Council and together they will attempt to resolve the issue(s). This group shall meet when the most members can attend. Those members unable to attend shall be allowed to submit their views on the matter to the body, in writing, to be read at the meeting.

3. If that is unsuccessful, the original body may take the matter before the church in conference and the church will decide the issue(s).

Section 2. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance. Should an adverse decision be reached, the church will fulfill its responsibility to God and man and continually seek to lead the offender back to a proper relationship with God through prayer and love.

Section 3. In case of grave difficulty the church may seek the advise of an acceptable counsel from the associational Director of Missions, the Associate Director of Missions, or neighboring sister churches.

IX. CONDUCT

Section 1. CONDUCT ON CHURCH PREMISES.

1. It is the policy of Union Baptist Church that conduct of all persons, while on it’s premises, is expected to be, at the minimum, in compliance with the laws of the United States of America, the State of Georgia, Spalding County, and/or any political jurisdiction created by law to govern the land area in which this church is located.

Where such laws are violated by persons on church premises, the church, acting through the Pastor, active Deacon body and/or Trustees, may seek to resolve the matter, if possible, prior to any legal action. If legal action is taken by one of the parties, the church acting through the above named church officers, shall cooperate fully with any investigations and legal proceedings conducted by law enforcement authorities.

2. The physical property that constitutes Union Baptist Church serves a Holy purpose. Therefore, it is both desirable and expected that conduct of all persons, but more especially those who are members of this church or its organizations, while on its premises, shall be of the highest moral principles. In particular, it is of utmost importance that all persons on the premises during hours of activities scheduled by the church in business conference shall be in attendance at those activities unless performing duties in the Nursery or fulfilling responsibilities as a member of a church committee.

It shall be the responsibility of the Pastor, active Deacon body and/or Trustees to ensure that the church’s character and mission is not harmed by conduct on its premises detrimental to its spiritual well-being. In fulfilling this responsibility, these officers may take action severally or jointly from time to time as deemed appropriate. Matters not resolved satisfactorily as determined by the active Deacon body shall be referred to the church in Business Conference.

3. Neither the Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, nor the church acting on its own behalf shall seek to establish a written code of conduct. Rather, each incidence and circumstance shall be considered and dealt with in compliance with the purposes as described in this Article and within the context of these By-Laws.

Section 2. CONDUCT AWAY FROM CHURCH PREMISES.

1. The purposes, desires, expectations and provisions of the above Section 1 shall apply equally when church sponsored activities occur away from its premises.

2. Undesirable conduct in activities away from the church premises can increase physical danger to the group, lessen or eliminate any positive benefits to the group’s spiritual growth and result in damage to the character and reputation of innocent persons. Because of the added risks, conduct in violation of laws or of an undesirable nature shall be dealt with swiftly and surely. Upon the written recommendation of two members of this church, age twenty one or above, who have personal knowledge of the incident, and with the approval of a majority of the active Deacon body, such person(s) guilty of such conduct may be denied participation in further church sponsored activities away from the premises.

X. THE CORPORATION

Section 1. UNION BAPTIST CHURCH OF GRIFFIN, GA., INC. was organized under the laws of the state of Georgia on January 10, 2001 as a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation. The By-Laws were adopted by Resolution of the Initial Board of Trustees of the Church, and became effective on January 11, 2001. The Corporation Number is 0102728.

Section 2. The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Trustees who shall act in accordance with the By-Laws of Union Baptist Church of Griffin, GA., Inc. The Corporation shall, at all times, have at least three (3) Trustees.

Section 3. The Organization and Officers of the Corporation shall be as follows:

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall be the President of the Corporation
The Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall be Vice-President of the Corporation
The Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees shall be the Secretary and Treasurer of the Corporation.

Section 4. The Officers of the Corporation shall have the full power and authority to act on behalf of Corporation. Any combination of two (2) officers of the Corporation shall have the authority to execute promissory notes and security instruments for the Corporation.

XI. GENERAL RULES

Section 1. QUORUM. Those members present and voting shall constitute a quorum unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws.

Section 2. ELECTIONS. No person shall be elected to an office without receiving a majority of the votes cast. When two or more persons are being considered for the same office, election shall be by ballot.

Section 3. OFFICERS. All church officers shall be members of this church. Additional officers may be elected as the church feels they are needed.

Section 4. TERMS OF OFFICE. Except for Deacons and staff, terms for office shall be one (1) year. Persons may serve successive terms in an office if nominated and elected by the church.

Section 5. RULES. We accept Robert’s Rules of Order as our parliamentary procedure. Any item not included in this Constitution and By-Laws shall be dealt with according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 6. AMENDMENTS. This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present and voting at any Annual Meeting or Church Conference. The proposed changes shall be read to the church in Conference at least one (1) month prior to voting.

Section 7. TEACHERS and DIRECTORS. All teachers, organizational and program directors shall be members of this church.

Section 8. CHURCH STAFF. This church shall call or employ Staff members as the church shall need.

Section 9. BOOK of POLICIES. There shall be a Book of Policies (Church Policies), separate from this Constitution and By-Laws and it shall be the official guide for church and personnel policy. This document:

Shall contain all Personnel Policies, Staff Job Descriptions and related items
May be amended in Church Conference, called or scheduled, as a normal item of business by a majority of vote of those present and voting. No advanced notice or reading is required to amend in a regularly scheduled conference.
A copy of the Book of Policies shall be given to every new staff member when hired.