In their most concise form, constitutions would consist of the following “Articles” which are fundamental to the existence of the organization, identifying and protecting its founding principles.
| ARTICLE I | NAME (and location) |
| ARTICLE II | PURPOSE (a broad statement with more emphasis upon who we are and for what we exist, than upon limited concepts as to how “we” will proceed, what is commonly called a “mission statement”) |
| ARTICLE III | MEMBERSHIP (who may be or is a member, not how one becomes) |
| ARTICLE IV | POLITY (the operating principle[s] and authority) |
| ARTICLE V | AFFILIATIONS (including association or area level, regional and national) |
| ARTICLE VI | AMENDMENTS (To Constitution only) |
It is recommended that amendments to the constitution be adopted by a vote of ¾ of the active members present and voting at a duly called meeting for such purpose, provided that such a proposed amendment is read upon the occasion of no less than ________ (state the time needed to announce the meeting and its purpose beforehand, such as, two regular quarterly business meetings or otherwise the equivalent of 6 – 12 months in time before the final vote. This will allow time for the amendments to circulate, be discussed in a proper forum and its implications understood by all the members. Some constitutions require the mailing or distribution of the proposed amendments in written form.)
Spell out how the organization is structured. They amplify and are consistent with the Constitution. They consist of the following articles:
ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1 – Admission of Members
Sec. 2 - Dismissal of Members
Sec. 3 – Responsibilities of Membership
Sec. 4 – Definition of “Active Members”
ARTICLE II – LEADERSHIP
Sec. 1 – The Pastor (including procedures for calling and dismissal)
Sec. 2 – The Officers of the Church (including descriptions of responsibilities)
Sec. 3 – The Boards (including descriptions of responsibilities)
ARTICLE III – RECOGNIZED TASKS
Sec. 1 – The Pulpit Committee
Sec. 2 – The Nominating Committee
Sec. 3 – Other
ARTICLE IV – AMENDMENTS (to Bylaws only)
It is recommend that amendments to the Bylaws be adopted by a 2/3 vote of the active members present and voting, at a duly called meeting for such purpose, provided that such a proposed amendment is read upon the occasion of no less than ______ (state the time needed to announce the meeting and purpose beforehand, such as, one regular, quarterly business meeting or otherwise the equivalent of 2 – 3 months in time. This will allow time for the amendments to circulate, be discussed in a proper forum and its implications understood by all the members. Some bylaws require the mailing or distribution of the proposed amendments in written form. Since bylaws are intended to provide some flexibility, it should be easier to change the bylaws than to change the constitution).
RULES OF PROCEDURE (OR ORDER)
These may be included with “Bylaws,” but as such are then subject to amendment by Bylaw requirements, unless otherwise specified.
Section 1 - Public Services (worship, mid-week, observance of ordinances, Sunday School, etc.)
Section 2 - Church Business Meetings (Annual, quarterly or monthly, special)
Section 3 - Rules of Order (quorum, required vote, guidelines, decorum, etc…)
Section 4 - Amendments (To Rules of Procedure)
It is recommended that changes to the rules of procedure be adopted by a majority vote of the active membership present and voting at a duly called meeting, provided notice to be given at no less than ______ (state the time needed to announce the meeting where the proposed changes to the Rules of Procedure will be adopted, such as, two public services of worship or otherwise the equivalent of 2 – 3 weeks in time).
OTHER MATTERS FOR CLARITY
1 – It is important to recognize that a new or revised Constitution negates and replaces all previous such Constitutions.
2- When acting upon a new or revised Constitution be sure to:
(1) abide by the present Constitutional requirements (until the new is approved)
(2) include a clear statement or motion as to when the new Constitution goes into effect
(3) include an enabling motion (so you are not left without officers)
3 – Be sure to date the Constitution, so as to avoid confusion years later as to which is the current constitution.
4 - Church Covenants, while often provided for in the Constitution are not part of the Constitution itself.
5 - Seek the assistance of a knowledgeable, neutral person to assist in the writing of proposed Constitutions and By-laws.
6 - General Reflections
(1) Constitutions are written to identify and protect the founding principles and interests of an organization but not to protect an operating structure. All operating structures need to be flexible in order to meet ever changing ministry needs and therefore may need to be changed more readily than the basic constitution.
(2) By-laws may be changed without revising a Constitution, but must not conflict with it.
(3) Revisions should not be made to gain power or political advantage over other individuals or groups in an organization. They are not a substitute for working out troublesome concerns.
(4) Revising a constitution is not the first step in bringing about change or renewal in a congregation. Constitutions and bylaws need to be changed to support changes or renewal in a congregation.
(5) Voting in a Baptist Church is not a matter of “winning” or “losing”, but the collective expressions of individuals (professing Christians) intent on seeking the will of God. The minority is to abide by the will (vote) of the majority, and the majority is to respect the feelings and positions of the minority. There are other ways of seeking the will of God which congregations need to explore as well.
(6) Not only is the outcome of the vote important to the life of the church, but also the way in which the decision is made may have far reaching effects.
(7) Absentee voting, the enlisting of otherwise inactive members to swing a vote, or the intimidation of the church by threats of withholding money, resigning positions, or withdrawing membership are totally inappropriate and not be to permitted.
(8) Many churches today are finding it important to define “active Members”, and limiting all church decisions to such persons. Some churches restrict the vote on some issues from minors, because they are not knowledgeable and tend only to multiply the vote of their parents. Other churches contend that if a person is old enough to be given membership, they should have all rights. Churches should decide on the rules before the game is played. Of course, this amplifies the need for good Rules of Procedure.
(9) Standing Rules are not equal to Constitutions, By-laws, and Rules of Procedure in importance, but should not only be recorded by Clerks in the minutes of business meetings, they should also be listed separately for easy reference and available at all called business meetings. Standing Rules are binding until rescinded or modified, but must not in any way conflict with the Church’s Constitution, By-laws, or Rules of Procedure.
Developed by John Wanamaker, Area Minister of the WVBC/c.1989—adapted by TVJ:12/2004