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Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church 10310 Highway 43 North

Northport, Alabama 35473 BY-LAWS

ziongrovebc.org

These by-laws constitute complete agreement between

the members of Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church and

supersedes (for retroactive) all previous by-laws and rules

either oral or written, with the respect of the subject

matter hereof.

These by-laws may not be modified or changed in whole or

in part in any manner unless approved by the members of

Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Church Covenant

Articles of Faith

Article I – Name

Article II – Purpose

Article III – Membership

Section 1: Requirements for Membership

Section 2: Uniting with the Church

Section 3: Regular Attendance

Section 4: Inactive Membership

Section 5: Dismissal Church Membership

Section 6: Voting Age Membership

Section 7: Duties & Privileges of Membership

Section 8: Giving

Article IV

Section 1: Officers

Section 2: Eligibility of Officers

Section 3: Removal of Officers

Section 4: Duties of Officers

A. Pastor B. Deacons C. Treasurer D. Secretary E. Chairman of the Trustee Board F. Sunday School Superintendent

Article V- Congregational Meeting

Section 1: Regular Meeting

Section 2: Notice of Meeting

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Section 3: Number of Meetings

Section 4: Method of Calling Meeting

Section 5: Quorum of Transaction of Business

Article VI – Committees

Article VII – Church Corporation

Article VIII – Amendments

Appendix A –

Appendix B –

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our Church 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,

we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly

and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in

Christian love; 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 doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and

regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief

of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret 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

and the use of intoxicating drink as a beverage; and to be zealous in our

efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to aid each

other in distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, and courtesy in

speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and

being 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.

And now unto Him, who brought again from the dead, our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ, be power and glory forever.” AMEN

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ARTICLES OF FAITH

As Baptists, our beliefs are effectively outlined in the Articles of Faith (which are printed

in the back of our hymnbook). When you are in doubt about any doctrinal position on

which we stand as a church, you are obliged as a believer to examine the Articles of

Faith to determine if we are aligned with the Will of God. Here is your copy of the Articles

of Faith.

I The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a

perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation

for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the

principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the

end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by

which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

II. The True God

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true

God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and

Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and

worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the

Godhead, there are three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost –

equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct by harmonious offices in

the great work of redemption.

III. The Fall of Man

We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law

of His Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state;

in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by

choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God,

positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,

without defense or excuse.

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IV. The Way of Salvation

We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;

through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the

Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law

by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;

that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and uniting in

his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, he is in

every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and all sufficient Savior.

V. Justification

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing, which Christ

secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the

pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that

it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have

done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his

perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state

of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing

needful for time and eternity.

VI. The Freeness of Salvation

We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings, of salvation are made free to

all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial,

penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the

greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary

rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated

condemnation.

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VII. Regeneration

We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be

regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition

to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power

of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary

obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits

of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

VIII. Repentance and Faith

We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and

also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God;

whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the

way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession,

and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus

Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and

all sufficient Savior.

IX. God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God,

according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that

being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the

means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s

sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it

utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in

God, and active imitation of His free mercy; that it encourages the use of means

in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly

believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to

ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

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X. Sanctification

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which,

according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a

progressive work; that it is begin in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the

hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and

Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the Word of

God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

XI. Perseverance of Saints

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to

the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which

distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches

over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto

salvation.

XII. The Law and the Gospel

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and

unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good: and

that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts,

arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore

them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great

end of the Gospel, and the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of

the visible church.

XIII. A Gospel Church

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation

of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the

Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising

the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only

scriptural officers are bishops or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications,

claims and duties are defined in the Epistle to Timothy and Titus

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XIV. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water

of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son and Holy Ghost; to show forth

in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen

Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is

prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in

which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to

commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-

examination.

XV. The Christian Sabbath

We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day,

or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by

abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance

of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest

that remains for the people of God.

XVI. Civil Government

We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment,

for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be

prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed

to the Will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and

the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

XVII. Righteous and Wicked

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference

between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are

justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God,

are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and

unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds

among men both in and after death.

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XVIII The World to Come

We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at

the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave

for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked

will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and

that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on

principles of righteousness.

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Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church

By-laws of the Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church

We, as members of Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church, having professed our faith, received

baptism and having the desire to follow Jesus Christ into a maturity of our faith do approve

these by-laws for our guide to govern Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church. One Lord, one

faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).

Article I- Name

This church was organized in (???) as the Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Article II- Purpose of the church

The purpose of this church is to teach and proclaim the Gospel of Christ and the beliefs of the

evangelical Christian faith, to maintain the worship of God, and to inspire in all persons a love

for Christ, a passion for righteousness and a consciousness of their duties to God and their

fellow human beings. We pledge our lives to Christ and covenant with each other to

demonstrate His Spirit through worship, witnessing and ministry to the needs of the people of

this church and community. We are a church that is committed to Christ and His word.

Article III- Membership

Section 1: Requirements for Membership

Membership shall be extended to all who openly confess acceptance of Christ as their personal

Savior and Lord, be baptized, accept the doctrines of the church as taught by the Word of God,

and show willingness to practice the Church covenant. After baptism, they shall be entitled to all

the rights and privileges of the Church.

Section 2: Uniting with the Church

a. By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal savior.

b. By letter of transfer from another church of like faith and practice having been baptized

by immersion subsequent to a professing faith.

c. Members may be received upon their affirmation that they have been active in another church, but cannot furnish physical evidence of their past church record (by Christian experience).

d. By restoration, if having been removed from membership roll for any other reasons. (ex: inactivity) excluding, (college, business travel military, nursing home, sickness )

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Section 3: Regular Attendance

All members who regularly attend and take part in the services and ministries, who support the church with tithes and offerings according to scriptures, who is cooperative and humble with a Christ-like Spirit as scriptures enjoin (instruct), and who are in agreement with the objectives of the assembly may be recognized as members who God has added to the Church. Regular attendance shall consist of at least 50% of Sunday morning services every quarter of a calendar year. This equals to approximately 3 Sundays each quarter (at least 1 Sunday a month) (Romans 12:1)

Section 4: Inactive Membership

Members who without good cause absence themselves from more than 60% of Sunday morning services (attending at least 1 Sunday a month). During the quarterly meeting, the membership roll shall be reviewed. Any member who has been absent from the church for the period of six months without manifesting an interest therein by communications (or contribution that is paying tithes and offering as in Malachi 3:8) with the Church, shall after reasonable attempts to contact the member in question, the member will be placed on the inactive roll. Persons on the inactive roll shall not be permitted to participate in Church business meetings. (Exception: sickness, military service, nursing home or other extenuating circumstances.)

Section 5: Dismissal from Church Membership

A. Name shall be dismissed in event of death.

B. Name shall be dismissed if member is inactive.

C. Name shall be dismissed if member unites with another church.

D. After a period of 6 months, members on the inactive roll who have shown no evidence

of a return to active membership shall be removed from the Church roll.

Section 6: Voting Age Membership

The names of members who are inactive shall lose all voting privileges after 3 months’ absence. Any member of the church 18 years of age or over and in good or regular standing shall have the right to vote on any question properly brought before the congregation.

Section 7: Duties and Privileges of Membership

In accordance with the duties enumerated in the “Church Covenant,” each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in the contribution of the ministry and the life of the Church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only those shall be entitled to serve in the ministries of the Church who are members of this congregation; non-members may serve on an ad-hoc basis (ad-hoc basic =

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associate membership) with the approval of the Pastor. Under Christ, this congregation is governed by its members. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters as may be submitted to vote.

Section 8: Giving

We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to Him, is obligated to financially support his local church. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis of giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. (Gen. 14:20, Prov. 3:9-10, Acts 4:34-37, 1 Cor. 16:2, 2 Cor. 9:6-7, Gal. 6:6, Ephes. 4:28, 1 Tim. 5:17-18, 1 John 3:17)

Article IV – Officers

Section 1: The officers of this church shall consist of the Pastor, Deacons, Treasurer, Secretary, Trustee Board Chairman, Choir President, Mission President and Sunday School Superintendent. The term church officers shall begin upon their election. Terms shall be arranged that all are completed at the same time, serving for one year. Other staff positions can be created by congregational vote.

Section 2: Eligibility of Officers. All officers, except the pastor shall be a member of the church before being placed in nomination. Officers’ lives must demonstrate their spiritual maturity and agreement with the Church Covenant. In addition, pastors’ lives must be characterized by the qualifications of 1Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6. An office will remain vacant if there are no qualified candidates.

Section 3: Removal of Officers. Complaints or offenses by any officers or conduct unbecoming an officer shall be presented in writing before the Pastor and Board of Deacons. The arraigned officer shall have amble opportunity to defend him or herself. If the charges preferred are found to be justified, the officer may be excluded by recommendation of the Board of Deacons and the vote of members present. In the event of the accused fails to appear at the Church, the Church will proceed with the vote.

Section 4: Duties of the Officers

a. The Pastor: The pastor shall be an ordained Baptist minister. It shall be the duty of the pastor to preach at the Church (in his absence he may appoint pulpit substitute) to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. He shall give comfort to the bereaved, pray for the sick, and be available for counseling. The pastor (or appointee by pastor) shall serve as moderator over all church business meetings. No church business meeting will be held without the presence of pastor. He will vacate the chair if he is under charges.

b. Deacons: (1 Timothy 3:8-12) The Board of Deacons shall work under the leadership of the Pastor and shall be responsible for the execution of all matters pertaining to the planning and conduct of church services, and other activities such as administering it's ordinances of the Lord’s Supper and baptism. The deacons shall have a monthly meeting. Any elected or appointee who may desire to resign may do so orally. However;

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it is preferable that a resignation be put in writing and presented to the pastor. The deacon shall maintain the scriptural qualifications.

c. Treasurer: The treasurer shall receive and deposit all church funds in the bank account opened and maintained in the name of Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He/she shall disburse the same at the direction of the Pastor, with the agreement chairman of the deacon board and the president of the trustee board. He shall make quarterly reports and an annual report to the congregation at the annual business meeting. The treasurer shall be primarily responsible for all offerings received by the church being counted and then an accurate record of all monies is maintained and deposited in the bank within 72 hours (by Wednesday following the Sunday of collection.) The treasurer is responsible for making any and all reports required by taxing authorities, should be bonded at the expense of the church in an amount large enough to protect the church from loss. The treasurer shall be permitted to pay all expenses of the church (i.e utilities, charities, etc.) If expenditures exceed the amount allocated for any particular item, the church must approve the expenditures. The secretary shall assist the treasurer in these duties so that proper checks and balances are maintained.

d. Secretary: It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep an accurate register of the business meetings of the church, to keep an accurate register of the membership of the church, to record the date and manner of admissions and dismissals of members, assist the treasurer with keeping a financial record of monies taken in and disburse as a means of checks and balance, and to carry on all necessary and related correspondence of the congregation.

e. Chairman of the Trustee Board: It is the responsibility of the chair person of the trustee board to make reports when necessary to the church concerning conditions of the church property and also recommending improvements. The trustees shall have authority to spend up to 100.00 at a time without church approval for maintenance and upkeep, or purchase of a necessity. He shall also assist the Treasurer and Secretary in the collection and counting of all church offerings. The board of trustees shall take necessary measures concerning the church’s protection including arranging for adequate insurance. The trustee shall be responsible for the execution of all matters pertaining to the maintenance and upkeep of the church buildings and properties. Trustees are to appoint and direct the work of the church caretaker and represent the church legally whenever necessary.

f. Sunday School Superintendent: The superintendent of Sunday school shall be responsible for the order of service of Sunday school, for the routine administration of all Sunday school classes and in charge of opening (closing) of Sunday school each Sunday morning. Order of Sunday School supplies.

Article V – Congregational Meetings

Section 1 – Regular Meeting- Regular Sunday services and Sunday school shall be maintained. There shall be a regular midweek bible study on Thursdays. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed in connection with regular services of the church at least once a month, preferable on the first Sunday morning. Five regular business meetings are required throughout the year. Additional business meetings shall be called when necessary and announced at least 1 week in advance. Four of the five business meetings required will be quarterly meetings and shall be held in months of January, April, July and October. The fifth meeting shall be for the election of officers and shall be held during the month of

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December. (Newly elected officers shall assume their responsibilities at the beginning of the calendar year.)

Section 2 – Notice of Meetings. Notice of all congregational meetings shall be given at regular worship services on two successive Sundays immediately prior to the meeting. In an emergency, a meeting may be called on shorter notice by notifying each local member by phone of the time, place and purpose of the congregational meeting.

Section 3 - Number of Meetings. Congregational meetings shall be held quarterly for the reception of reports and the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. A congregational meeting shall be held in December and shall be called the Annual Meeting. (four regular+ 1annual = 5)

Section 4 – Method of Calling Meeting. It shall be responsibility of the pastor to call all congregational meetings. Except with the discretion related to the pastor, a written request to call a congregational meeting, stating clearly the purposed signed by five members of the church in good and regular standing and presented to the secretary, shall require the deacon to call a meeting. When special congregational meetings are called, there must be a notice given to the congregation as to the purpose.

Section 5 – Quorum of Transaction of Business. The voting members present at a called congregational meeting shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business. (Quorum - the minimum that must be present) (Any odd number above one)

Article VI – Committees

1. Missions committee: their duties shall include leading the church into supporting and participating in responsible missionary activities and efforts.

2. Advisory committee: I.E. the advisory committee shall include the department head of each auxiliary (head usher, deacon board chairman, youth department director & church secretary). The advisory council shall meet as needed when called by pastor to discuss and give progress reports from each department.

3. Finance committee: see duties of Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairman of Trustee Board.

Article VII – Church Corporation

In compliance with the laws of corporation not for profit, the church shall from its members in good standing elect 3 (but not more than 7) people to serve as trustees of the corporation. Those elected shall select a president, vice president and secretary for the purpose of carrying out their required services.

Article VIII – Amendments

Amendments to the bylaws may be adopted by a majority of the members present and voting at a congregational meeting provided that such amendments have been distributed by deacon, secretary or trustee in written form at least two weeks prior to the congregational meeting.

All bylaws are retroactive from inception of the church circa (January 1-2017).

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Church Responsibilities to Members

1- No cost for use of building for weddings 2- No cost from pastor for weddings 3- No cost of fellowship hall for weddings 4- No cost for use of building for funerals 5- No cost for from pastor for funeral 6- Church will provide one hundred (100) pieces of chicken for repast 7- Church will provide one hundred (100) soft drinks for repast 8- Pastor (or appointee) will provide all counseling for no cost 9- Under no circumstances will the church perform same sex marriages (according to

church by-laws as well as district by-laws)

Ministries

1- Deacons 2- Ministers 3- Trustees 4- Missionary Society /Minister &Deacon Wives 5- Choirs 6- Ushers 7- Youth 8- Sunday School 9- Matrons 10- Video/sound 11- Media 12- Benevolent 13- Finance 14- Nurses Guild 15- Decoration 16- Nursing Home 17- Activity