CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

As Amended December 18, 2024
PREAMBLE
Drawn by a desire to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we as a congregation of baptized believers unite as Cornerstone Baptist Church.  Following the practices and teaching of Southern Baptists, we believe that God’s inspired Word is inerrant and that people must have faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.  The governance of our church activities will be conducted by the following articles.
ARTICLE I - NAME
This church shall be called Cornerstone Baptist Church, Inc.
ARTICLE II - POLICY
Section 1 - Government - The government of this church is vested in the body of baptized believers who compose it.  It is an independent, self-governing and democratic body.
Section 2 - Association - This church voluntarily associates with other churches of like faith, other Baptist churches, the Missouri Baptist Convention (May 28, 2002), and the Southern Baptist Convention (May 5, 2002).
Section 3 - Authority - Since all ministries are established and all officers are elected by the church they are instruments and servants of the church.  The final seat of authority in all matters is the church body.
The above stated authority in particular but not exclusively relates to:
a) The major acquisition, disposition, long-term rental or lease of church property will be by a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting
b) The adoption of the Annual Church Budget will be by a two-thirds vote.
Section 4 – In the event of the dissolution of Cornerstone Baptist Church, church properties and equities shall be delivered to the care of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
This church shall consist of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized by immersion, who take the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice.
ARTICLE IV - LEADERSHIP
Section 1 - Eldership - The leadership of the church is vested in the council of elders, who are responsible to preach the gospel, teach the scriptures, administer the ordinances, articulate a vision for the congregation, train and prepare leaders, equip the saints for the work of the ministry in order to evangelize the lost, care for the sick and bereaved, and in various other ways guide and advance the spiritual welfare of the church. The elders shall be equal in authority but may specialize in function and action. While being equal in authority the body of Elders shall be led by the “first among equals” as laid out in 1 Timothy 5:17. Elders shall be called by the church upon recommendation of the presiding council of elders as provided for in Article IV, Section 3-4.
Section 2 - Change of Relationship - It shall be the privilege of either the Church or an individual Elder to dissolve relations by giving one (1) month’s notice, or less where both parties are agreed.  The dismissal of an Elder shall be carried out by a two-thirds vote by secret ballot at an announced meeting of the Church for that purpose.  Previous notice shall be given at two preceding Sunday morning services.  Such a meeting may be called upon the request of the Council of Elders (a two-thirds vote of the Council of Elders is required).
Section 3 – Establishment of Elders
It shall be the duty of the Eldership, after seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to proceed to procure a prospective Elder whom they shall present to the Church for election. The number of Elders is determined through membership, additions will be on the basis of church election.
Section 4 - Election of an Elder – The Elder shall be elected by secret ballot at a special meeting of the Church called for that purpose.  Previous notice shall be given through church media at two previous Sunday morning services.  A vote of three-fourths of the active members present and voting shall be required to elect.  For the purposes of calling an Elder, a quorum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active membership shall be required.  
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
Section 1 - Church Officers - The officers of the Church shall be as follows:
The Moderator, the Treasurer, the Church Clerk, and the Trustees of the Corporation.  
Section 2 - Trustees of the Corporation - The Trustees of the Corporation shall be as follows:
1.  The church shall have a board of trustees, consisting of six members.  The initial board shall be elected for one, two, and three years.  At the expiration of their first term of office, they or their successors shall be elected for three years.
2.  The trustees will function as caretakers of the church property.  Trustees shall report to their chairperson any transactions, repairs, or costs carried on by them.  The trustees shall exact no obligation beyond the amount budgeted for church building and property in the annual church budget without first consulting with the Eldership.
3.  The Eldership shall nominate qualified replacements for the board of trustees.
4.  The Trustees of the Corporation shall represent the Church in all matters of equity and law.
ARTICLE VI - VOTING
Section 1 - Entitlement to Vote - Any active member in good standing who has reached the age of 18 shall be entitled to vote on all questions coming before the church
Section 2 - Secret Ballot - A secret ballot on any issue may be called for upon decision of the majority of those present and voting.
Section 3 - A Quorum - Ten percent (10%) of the active voting membership of the church shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  Unless otherwise stated in this Constitution or the By-Laws, a majority affirmative vote of all active voting members present and voting is required for matters coming before the church.
Section 4 - This constitution may be changed or amended by two-thirds affirmative vote of all active members present and voting.  Notice of such proposed change shall be published thirty days prior to the special business meeting called for the purpose of considering the amendment, and announced from the pulpit at least one Sunday morning prior to the special business meeting.  Proposed changes of amendments shall not conflict with the Articles of Incorporation of this Church.
BY-LAWS
PASSION AND PURPOSE
1.  The passion of this church is to make Jesus famous one life at a time.
2.  Cornerstone Baptist Church exists to know Christ Jesus and to make him known through the transformation of the next generation.
ARTICLE 1 - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Qualifications
1.1 This Church shall consist of baptized believers in Christ who take the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice.  Baptism is understood as the immersion of the believer in water, following confession of faith in Christ as Savior.
Section 2 - Admission
2.1  Persons are eligible for membership upon:
2.1.1 Profession of faith in Christ and subsequent baptism.
2.1.2 By letter from a church of like faith or,
2.1.3 By statement of previous profession of faith in Christ, having been baptized by immersion.
2.2  Such persons as are found to be in accord with the faith and practice of this church, having been counseled by an Elder, may be received into membership by a vote of the church at a regular scheduled business meeting.
2.3  After consultation with an Elder, new members shall be provided with special instruction in one or more of the following: Christian doctrine, Biblical faith and practice, the ministries of this church, or a New Members Class with instruction.
Section 3 – Responsibilities
3.1 Members are expected to demonstrate a positive Christian character and lifestyle consistent with the scriptures.  
3.2 Members are expected to be faithful in personal spiritual disciplines essential to the Christian life, regularly attend services of this church, contribute regularly for its financial support and benevolence, and share in carrying out the ministries of the Church.
Section 4 - Dismissal by letter 
4.1 Letters of Transfer for members in good standing will be granted to churches of like faith upon request of the church.  
4.2 A name may be removed from the church roll upon written request of the member.  
4.3 These names shall be presented by the church clerk for approval.
Section 5 - Discipline 
5.1 The discipline of this church is embodied in the constitution and these by-laws and in such church policies as may be adopted from time to time by vote of the church membership. 
5.2 In the event of the need for discipline of a church member, the Eldership shall follow the procedure given by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15-17 to seek repentance and reconciliation.  
5.2.1 Such person or persons will be spoken to by an Elder who has prepared himself with prayer for the purpose of bringing about repentance.  
5.2.2 If the one will not be heard, a second attempt should be made with one or two Elders, after much prayer for the purpose of bringing repentance that would lead to reconciliation.
5.2.3 If they will not be heard, then such member shall be given an opportunity to appear before the Council of Elders, which, after prayerful consideration, shall decide on appropriate disciplinary action. 
5.2.4 Should such action be dismissal from the Church body the majority of the active church members present and voting shall be required for dismissal.  
Section 6 - Restoration 
6.1 Any person, who has been dismissed from membership of this church, may, upon evidence of repentance, and on the recommendation of the Eldership, be restored to membership by vote of the church membership.
Section 7  - Member Status
7.1 Active Member  - shall be defined as a person who has been in attendance at one or more worship services and/or church activities within six months.
7.2 Inactive Roll - During each calendar year, the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Elders shall review the membership roll of the church, making necessary recommendations to the church at the Annual Meeting. Any member, who has been absent from the church for a period of six months without manifesting an interest therein by communication with the church, shall, after reasonable attempt to contact the member in question, and on the recommendation of the Eldership, be placed on the inactive roll by vote of the church membership. Persons so carried on the inactive roll shall not be permitted to participate in church business meetings.
Section 8 - Non-Resident Roll
8.1 The non-resident roll shall consist of those members who have moved from the sphere of service of this church and who continue to maintain communication with the church.
Section 9 - Removal of Members from Church Roll 
9.1 After a period of at least one year, members on the Inactive Roll who have shown no evidence of a return to active membership, shall be removed from the church roll by recommendation of the Church Clerk, in consultation with the Elders.  Final approval for removal shall be made by vote of the church membership.
ARTICLE II - ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Definition and Roles
1.1 This category of membership is intended for students who reside in our area during their higher education or for missionaries on furlough.  These individuals must meet all of the regular requirements for membership and be received through the same process as active members.  They will not terminate their membership in their home church, and they will have all rights and privileges of membership, service, and fellowship, excluding voting privileges.
ARTICLE III - OFFICERS
Section 1 - The Moderator
  1. An appointed Elder will serve as Moderator as laid out in Article 2 Section 1.5 of the By-laws.
  2. Shall be Moderator at all business meetings of the Church.
  3. Shall observe Roberts’ Rules of Order in conducting business meetings.
Section 2 - The Church Clerk
2.1 Shall keep the minutes of all business meetings of the church and shall present the same to the church for its approval.
2.2 Shall record all members, maintain the church membership file and conduct correspondence of the church relating to the receiving and removing of members as directed by the Eldership when approved by the Church.
2.3 Shall make all official reports required by the church and denomination affiliations.
2.4 The Church Clerk shall be recommended by the Eldership and elected by the congregation at large.
Section 3 - The Church Treasurer
3.1 Shall keep a full and faithful account of all money received and disbursed, including the purpose of expenditures and income, and shall submit a Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Report in writing to the Eldership for review and approval.  Upon the approval of the Eldership, the treasurer shall present Quarterly and Annual reports to the church membership for acceptance at the regular business meetings of the church.
3.2 Shall make available within 7 days any record requested by the Eldership or by vote of the Church membership.
3.3 Shall disburse funds within the limits of the Annual Budget, unless amended by vote of the church membership.
3.4 Shall disburse non-Budgeted and Designated funds in keeping with the policies and procedures established by the Eldership and the church membership.
3.5 Shall, with the approval of the Financial Team, ensure that funds are securely invested.
3.6 Shall insure that all Corporate, Federal, State, and Local reporting requirements are met.
3.7 In the absence of the Treasurer for extended periods of time, such as vacation or disability, an individual assigned by the Eldership shall conduct ordinary, daily business of the Treasurer.
3.8 The Church Treasurer shall be recommended by the Eldership and elected by the congregation at large.
Section 4 - Trustees of the Corporation
 4.1 Shall function as caretaker of the church property.
 4.2 Shall represent the Church in all matters of equity and law. 
 4.3 Shall serve on a three-year term.
 4.4 Shall be nominated by the Eldership and voted on by the membership of the church.
 4.5 Shall report to their chairperson any transactions, repairs, or costs carried on by them.
4.6 Shall exact no obligation beyond the amount budgeted for church building and property in the annual church budget without first consulting with the Eldership.
Section 5 - Eligibility for Office
5.1 Members shall be eligible for election to the Church Treasurer, Church Clerk, and Trustees of the Corporation after being a member of the church for at least one year.
5.2 Members shall be eligible for nomination to all other elected and appointed offices after being a member of the Church for at least one year.
5.3 Members to remain eligible for office must maintain a healthy demonstration of financially contributing to the local church.
ARTICLE IV - ELDERSHIP
Section 1 - Roles and Responsibilities
  1. Shall be responsible to preach the gospel, teach the scriptures, administer the ordinances, articulate a vision for the congregation, train and prepare leaders, equip the saints for the work of the ministry in order to evangelize the lost, care for the sick and bereaved, and in various other ways guide and advance the spiritual welfare of the church.
  2. Elders shall be equal in authority to each other but may specialize in function and action.
  3. Shall nominate members to serve on all church committees and teams for a vote of the membership.
  4. Shall carry out the task of church discipline and restoration as outlined in Article 1 Sections 5 and 6 in the by-laws.
  5. Shall appoint an Elder to moderate church business meetings.
  6. Shall appoint an Elder to serve as a representative member for each team and the trustees of the corporation.
  7. Shall be responsible for management of both the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church, subject to the authority of the church membership.
  8. Included in the above general statement are such specific duties as the responsibility for program coordination, approval of the annual church budget, appointment of special ministry teams, final approval of the employment and dismissal of all church employees and the approval of all staff salary recommendations.
  9. Shall be added and dismissed according to the rules outlined out in Article IV Sections 2 through 4 of the church constitution. 
  10. Shall among many ways be responsible for modeling sacrificial service and regularly contributing financially to the local church.
  11. The Eldership shall assume responsibility for oversight of staff, including hiring, evealuations, and dismissal, in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the church. The Elership shall continue its existing responsibility for the oversight of pastoral staff.
Section 2 - Appeals
2.1 Any member of the church may appeal to the Eldership, in writing, the action or decision of any officer, ministry team, ministry team leader, or Elder.  It is also the prerogative of any member to appear before the Eldership to present an appeal or matter of business by prior arrangement with one of the Elders.
Section 3 - Report
 3.1 The Eldership shall work with all Ministry Teams, team leaders, committees, and auxiliary organizations to present in writing reports at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE V - STANDING MINISTRY TEAMS
Section 1 - Diaconate
  1. The Diaconate shall consist of a group of laymen called forth from the active membership of the congregation who are not serving as full-time Cornerstone Baptist Church staff members.
  2. The Deacons shall assist the Eldership in the spiritual and physical nurture and growth of the congregation.
  3. The Deacons shall nominate qualified replacements and additions. The election of such members shall be approved by the membership. Following the election of the deacon, the church may as soon as deemed advisable recommend his ordination according to scripture.
  4. Deacons shall meet the demonstrated qualification of scripture (Acts 6:1-7, Timothy 3:8-12) as well as the proven ability to minister to and serve the needs of the local church body after having been Cornerstone Baptist Church members for a minimum of one year.
  5. Duties: these duties shall be carried out primarily through leadership and/or attendance and significant involvement in the life of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Sedalia.
    1. Shall sustain a strong prayer ministry.
    2. Shall support the pastoral Ministry of the Word.
    3. Shall assist the Eldership in matters relating to counseling and grievance.
    4. Shall provide the Church Clerk with information regarding the church rolls, and maintain regular contact with church membership.
    5. Shall strive for the unity of the body.
    6. Shall with the Eldership and staff develop and be responsible for the observance of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
  6. Accountability: Every deacon needs to submit himself and his ideas to other mature believers who shall hold him accountable to the Eldership who shall be immediately accountable to the Body, the Church.  This function shall be maintained in the spirit of the scripture (See Matthew 18:15-17).  Deacons who do not maintain these standards of conduct and accountability can be immediately suspended from the Diaconate by the Eldership. Upon suspension the Eldership will adhere to Article 1 Section 5 for church discipline. Upon restoration the Deacon(s) may be unsuspended by the Eldership and restored to service.
ARTICLE VI - MINISTRY TEAMS
Section 1 - Ministry Teams
  1. Cornerstone Baptist Church of Sedalia is committed to maintaining ongoing ministries and/or teams that address but are not limited to the following ministry priorities: Teaching, Hospitality, Worship, Care Giving, and Outreach.
Section 2 - Ministry Team Leaders
 2.1 Ministry Team Leaders can be appointed, at any time, by the Eldership after prayerful consideration of the church’s goals, evaluation of the proposed needs to be met, consideration of fiscal impact of the proposed ministry, evaluation of the impact on church staff and confidence on the leader’s calling and abilities to enlist, mobilize, train and lead the members of the proposed team.
 2.2 Shall appoint from their respective Ministry Teams, assistant leaders who shall assume the duties of the leaders in their absence.
 2.3 Have the authority to select team members with the approval of the Eldership.
 2.4 Shall be responsible for the convening and direction of their respective Ministry Teams.
 2.5 Ministry Team Leaders must meet the requirements for leadership and ministry involvement as outlined in Article 3 Section 5.2 of the By-Laws.
 2.6 Ministry Team Leaders will meet, as a group, with the Eldership regularly for direction and coordination.
 2.7 Ministry Team Leaders shall prepare, on an annual basis, budget recommendations pertaining to their area of responsibility for Financial Team approval.
 2.8 Ministry Team Leaders shall oversee and approve budget expenditures within their area of responsibility.
 2.9 Ministry Team Leaders shall present to the Eldership for approval, all policy recommendations pertaining to their area of responsibility.
ARTICLE VII - TEAMS
Section 1 - Finance Team
 2.1 Roles and Responsibilities
 2.1.1 Shall be responsible for overseeing expenditures of the church.
 2.1.2 Shall monitor each line item of the approved budget on a regular basis.
 2.1.3 Unexpected and unbudgeted needs will be brought to the team for consideration as they arise and may be approved by the team without a vote for such purchases.
 2.1.4 Shall be responsible for presenting a proposed budget to the Eldership in October for approval by the membership at the fourth quarter business meeting.
 2.1.5 The budget will be created from information the ministry team leaders of the church provide the Team.
 2.1.6 Shall be responsible for the analyzing and compiling of information on insurance, purchase of assets (especially if not budgeted), building needs, and any long term need.
 2.1.7 Shall report directly to the Eldership and will present a monthly report via the treasurer to the Eldership for review.
 2.2 Election and Terms of Office
 2.2.1 The Finance Team shall consist of six members and one representative elder.
 2.2.2 The Chairmen shall be selected by the team.
 2.2.3 Members shall serve a three-year term.
 2.2.4 Team members must be a member of the church in good standing for one year before being eligible to serve.
2.2.5 No Finance Team member shall be eligible for service for one church year after serving two consecutive terms.
2.2.6 The Church Treasurer shall serve as a member of the Fiance Team, perticipating in all meetings and discussions without term limitations. The Treasurer will contribute to financial oversight and reporting as outlined in Article III, Section 3 of the By-Laws.
Section 2 - Special Committees
3.1 The Eldership may recommend to the membership the formation of a special committee as needed to fill a special need or purpose for a reasonable period of time.  If the need develops for additional standing Committees, the Eldership shall bring the need to the church as a recommended amendment to these by-laws as set forth in Article XI.
ARTICLE VIII - FINANCIAL PLAN
Section 1 - Financial Support

  1. Shall be through the regular tithes and free-will offerings of the members and friends of the church.
  2. Shall be encouraged through ongoing financial emphasis wherein members are encouraged to pray and commit to the Lord their support to the budget of the church.
Section 2 - Financial Year
 2.1 Shall be from January 1 through December 31.
ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS
Section 1 - Worship Services

  1. Shall be held any day or time as needed to meet the needs of those we are called to reach.  At least one service of each quarter shall be set aside for the observance of the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
  2. The church shall maintain activities and services during the week for prayer, praise, testimony, Bible study  and outreach.

Section 2 - The Annual Meeting
 2.1 Shall be held the third Wednesday of January.
 2.2 Shall be convened for the election of officers, approval of the annual budget, updating membership rolls, and other appropriate church business.
Section 3 – Bi-Annual Meeting
 3.1 Shall be on the third Wednesday of July.
 3.2 Shall be convened in order to conduct the financial and other business of the church, and to receive reports from the Ministry Teams, officers, and staff.
Section 4 - Special Business Meetings
 4.1 May be called by the Eldership at any regular meeting of the church whenever special need arises. Major items of business such as property, finance, or staffing will require advance notice of one week.
ARTICLE X - RELATIONSHIP
Section 1 - Alignment
1.1 Cornerstone Baptist Church of Sedalia is aligned with the Missouri Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention in accordance with Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution of this church.
1.3 The selection of curriculum for Sunday school classes and other activities shall be in accordance with what is best suited for the purposes of this church and shall not necessarily be limited by denominational affiliation.
1.4 This church will actively promote attendance at the annual area, state, and national denominational gatherings.
ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1 - Standards
1.1 These by-laws may be changed or amended at any business meeting of the church by a two-thirds affirmative vote of all members present and voting provide that:
1.1.1 Notice of such proposed change shall be provided in writing at least one month before scheduled vote.
1.1.2 Notice from the pulpit is given at least two Sundays before voting, and 
1.1.3 Alteration shall not conflict with the Constitution or the Articles of Incorporation of the Church.
ARTICLE XII - SUSPENSION OF THE BY-LAWS
Section 1 - Standards
  1. These by-laws, or any portion thereof, may be temporarily suspended at any regular business meeting, provided two-thirds of the members present and voting approve of such suspension.
ARTICLE XIII - RULES OF ORDER
Section 1 - Standards
1.1 The rules contained in Roberts’ Rules of Order as last revised shall govern the business proceeding of this church in all cases where they are not inconsistent with these by-laws, Constitution, or Articles of Incorporation of the Church.