BYLAWS
The Constitution and Bylaws of
Garden Ranch Baptist Church
Colorado Springs, CO
(Revised & Updated on 2/11/24)
Preamble
For the purpose of preserving and making secure the principles of our faith and to the end that this body may be governed in a biblical and orderly manner, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and for the freedom of action on this body with respect to relationships with other bodies of the same faith and order; we do declare and establish this constitution and bylaws.
Section 1. Name and Location
The corporate name of this body shall be Garden Ranch Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado, located at 3830 Van Teylingen Drive, 80917.
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose for which this Church exists is to glorify God by building one another up in the faith, and making mature disciples of Jesus Christ, both in our community and to the ends of the earth.
Section 3. Beliefs
The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (the Bible) is the foundation of our beliefs and the sole authority by which we live our lives, order our church, and accomplish our mission. We affirm that The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) is in agreement with the Scriptures and as such, we accept it as our Statement of Faith.
Section 4. Polity
4.1. Governance
The church recognizes Jesus Christ as the Head and ultimate Authority of this body. According to His Word the church shall be elder led, deacon served, and affirmed by the members of the body through democratic processes.
4.2. Cooperation
The church is subject to control of no other ecclesiastical body. The church does recognize and support opportunities for mutual counsel and cooperation among Southern Baptist Churches at the local (Pikes Peak Baptist Association), state (Colorado General Baptist Convention), and national level (Southern Baptist Convention, also known as Great Commission Baptists), and any other church or body with like faith and practice.
4.3. Order
All members’ meetings and elders’ meetings will generally follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
4.4. Elections
4.4.1 Principles
The process for church elections shall be carried out to fulfill the following principles: 1) Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of the election process; 2) Nominations should proceed with the recommendation of the elders; 3) All candidates for church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow members; and 4) The election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4.4.2. Election of Officers
The election of officers shall be held at a members’ meeting of the church. The elders shall be responsible for nominating candidates to serve as officers of the church, but should be open to seeking recommendations and involvement from the general membership in the nomination process. Names of nominees to serve as elders (staff and non-staff), deacons, clerk, treasurer, or trustees shall be presented by the elders at a members’ meeting, at least one month prior to the election, and the election shall proceed as directed by the moderator. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should express such concern to the elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to a candidate should express their objection to the elders as far in advance as possible before the relevant members’ meeting.
For the office of elder, the moderator shall declare elected all men receiving a vote of at least three-quarters of the members present and voting on the question. For all other offices, the moderator shall declare elected all persons receiving a simple majority vote of the members present. The persons elected shall assume their respective offices upon election, unless another date has been specifically designated. For Staff Elders, election shall also include election to membership for both the husband and his wife, if the staff member is married.
4.4.3. Calling of Staff Elders
In the calling of any man to the position of Lead or Associate Elder, the same process of calling an elder in Section 4.4.2 must be followed. In addition, however, the church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching gifts of any potential Lead or Associate Elder and, before being asked to express its judgment, must receive assurance from the elders that, having interviewed the man concerned, they are in no doubt as to his wholehearted assent to the Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and this Constitution and Bylaws. Notice of the nomination of a man to be elected to membership and called as Lead or Associate Elder (which shall include, if necessary, election to membership of his wife if he is married) must be given at all church services on two Sundays following the nomination, prior to the vote at a members’ meeting. A vote to call a man to serve in the position of Lead or Associate Elder may be certified by the elders as an ordination to ministry at GRBC.
4.5. Information
The church has the right and responsibility to restrict access to personal information of its members or other individuals.
4.6. Calendar
The church fiscal year is from January 1st to December 31st. The church ministry year is from September 1st to August 31st.
4.7. Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the church, the entire assets of the church will be turned over to the Pikes Peak Baptist Association.
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Section 5. Membership
5.1. Requirements for Membership
To qualify for membership at GRBC, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who has been baptized in obedience to Christ upon profession of faith and must at all times affirm the tenets of the Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and this Constitution and Bylaws, and must offer evidence, by their confession and conduct, that they are living in accord with their affirmations of these documents, and are actively pursuing and continuing in a vital fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith, or such other evidence, as the elders deem appropriate.
5.2. Admission to Membership
An applicant for membership shall be received as a member of the church upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent approval of a simple majority of the members present and voting on the question at any duly called members’ meeting. If an applicant is so received as a member, he or she shall not retain membership in any other church.
5.3. Termination of Membership
Termination of membership in this church occurs: (a) when the church, at a duly convened members’ meeting, approves the voluntary resignation of a member; (b) upon the death of the member; or (c) as an act of church discipline.
5.4. Church Discipline
Any member consistently neglectful of his or her Scriptural duties as embodied in the Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, or this Constitution and Bylaws, or who is otherwise guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored shall be subject to the discipline of the church. Any such action shall be be done in accordance with God’s Word (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, and 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, etc.). If the biblical process for reconciliation and restoration fail, then a simple majority vote at any duly called members’ meeting shall result in the termination of membership for the individual under consideration.
Section 6. Meetings
6.1. Worship Services
The church shall meet together for public worship each Lord’s Day morning (Sunday), and at other times throughout the week as the church may determine.
6.2. Members’ Meetings
The church shall hold members’ meetings as deemed necessary by the elders. The church, duly assembled in a members’ meeting, may; elect officers, receive applicants into membership; recognize termination of membership due to death or voluntary resignation; exercise church discipline; approve a church budget; hear reports from the elders and/or others; and take any other action they deem necessary or desirable.
Members who are eligible to vote shall be given a 14 days notice of the called meeting, unless otherwise stated in this document. A quorum shall consist of those members who are present at a duly called members’ meeting and eligible to vote. A simple majority vote will be sufficient unless otherwise stated in this Constitution and Bylaws.
A member who has forsaken the gathering for a period of one month or has been formally engaged in the church discipline process for failing to live out his or her faith in accordance with Section 5.1 shall not be eligible to vote. When the individual begins to uphold the requirements for membership again their right to vote shall be restored.
Section 7. Officers
The Biblical offices of the church are elders, who are to be men who meet the qualifications given in Scripture, and deacons, who are to be men or women who meet the qualifications given in Scripture. In addition to the biblical offices of the church we recognize the office of clerk, treasurer and trustees. Those holding any office must be members of this church body.
7.1. Elders
Oversight of the ministry and resources of the church shall be vested in the elders, who are men that satisfy the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The church shall select elders according to the provisions of Section 4.4. As stated in 1 Timothy 2 and 3, only men may serve as elders. The number of elders may vary, but the biblical ideal is to maintain a plurality of elders. The title of pastor is equivalent to the biblical title of elder.
7.1.1. Duties and responsibilities
In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1–6 and 1 Peter 5:1–4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, to the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and to shepherding God’s flock. Moreover, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church as required by 1 Timothy 5 and with the concurrence and approval of the congregation.
Since Scripture charges the elders with the responsibility to shepherd and oversee the congregation (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3), the elders shall serve as the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application as it pertains to church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline. See also Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 4:1-2. In accord with that duty, the elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and recommend prospective members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the deacons and appointed church agents and committees (ministry teams), conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for missions. Additionally, the elders shall determine who may or may not use the church facilities, and may adopt policies for this purpose.
The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share the fundamental convictions of GRBC. The elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders may also propose the establishment and funding for paid support staff positions as described in Section 8.3.
7.1.2. Elders’ meetings
The elders shall elect a chairman of elders’ meetings by a majority of elders present. Meetings of the elders shall be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws and any procedures adopted by the elders. Unless otherwise required by the Constitution and Bylaws or any procedures adopted by the elders, the act of the majority of the elders present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the elders. A quorum of elders shall consist of two thirds of the elders of the church.
Elders may participate in a meeting of the elders or any committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment whereby all persons participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. When such a meeting is conducted by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment, a written record shall be made of the action taken at such meeting, noting participation of those who were present by means of such communications equipment.
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the elders may be taken without a meeting, if a majority of the elders, individually or collectively, consent to the action. Such action shall have the same force and effect as a vote of the elders at a regular meeting.
7.1.3. Term
An elder’s term of office may end by resignation, expiration of term, or by dismissal.
Except in the case of staff elders, an elder shall hold office for a term of three years. An elder’s term may be reaffirmed by the church after the third year by a vote of at least three-quarters of the members present and voting on the question. If the church fails to reaffirm its recognition of an elder, such elder’s term of office shall terminate as of the third anniversary of his election as elder. After an elder, other than staff elders, has served six consecutive years, he must take a sabbatical of at least one year before he is eligible to be reelected to the office of elder, unless three or fewer elders would remain in his absence.
Any two members with reason to believe that an elder, including the Lead or Associate Elders, should be dismissed should express such concern first to the elders and thereafter to the congregation at any members’ meeting. Dismissal requires a members’ meeting specifically called for that purpose and a vote of at least three-quarters of the members present and voting on the question.
7.1.4 Plurality
Should the number of elders drop below three, the remaining elders (or other office holders if there are no elders) should seek the advice of godly members when making significant decisions. This could include forming a temporary council or search committee to aid in making recommendations to the church for consideration.
7.2. Deacons
Particular service to the church shall be provided by deacons the number of which shall vary as the church has need, and who shall satisfy the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The church may recognize members as deacons and elect them according to the provisions of Section 4.4. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6, the office of deacon is not a position of spiritual authority.
7.2.1. Duties and responsibilities
Subject to the direction and oversight of the elders, deacons serve the congregation by caring for members, tending to the accommodations for public worship, and assisting the elders as needed. In addition, they may assist in the maintenance of properties, administer benevolence funds, and perform other duties prescribed by the elders.
The deacons shall not meet together regularly as a decision-making body, though, if necessary, they may meet together to coordinate ministry tasks under their purview. Each diaconate position shall serve a particular need of the church and shall be created or dissolved upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent approval of a majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting.
7.2.2. Term
A deacon’s term of office may end by resignation, dismissal, dissolution of position, or end of term. A deacon shall hold office for a term of three years. A deacon’s term may be reaffirmed by the congregation after the third year by a majority vote. If the church fails to reaffirm its recognition of a deacon, such deacon’s term of office shall terminate as of the third anniversary of his election as a deacon. After a deacon has served six consecutive years, he or she must take a sabbatical of at least one year before he or she is eligible to be reelected to the office of deacon.
Any two members with reason to believe that a deacon should be dismissed should express such concern first to the elders and thereafter to the congregation at any members’ meeting.
A deacon may be removed from office upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of a two thirds majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting.
In the event a diaconate position becomes vacant, the elders may appoint a person to fill that position and assume its responsibilities, until such time as some person can be duly recognized by the church as a deacon pursuant to Section 4.4.
7.3. Clerk
A church clerk shall be elected annually, keep accurate records on membership, be at business meetings to record the proceedings and to keep such records available for reference. Upon termination of his/her service, the Clerk shall return to the office all journals, ledgers, and other materials relative to the business of the church.
The Clerk may be removed upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of a simple majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting.
7.4. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be elected by the church annually, shall oversee the management of all monies of the church, make payments by check for authorized items only as described in the church Financial Procedures, and give a monthly accounting report to the church for all receipts and disbursements. Upon termination of his/her service, the Treasurer will return to the church all office journals, ledgers, and other materials relative to the business of the church.
The Treasurer may be removed upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of a simple majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting.
7.5. Trustees
Trustees shall be chosen and elected by the Church annually; a minimum of three trustees shall be selected to serve at all times. These people should be elders and/or members who are spiritual and invested in the work of the Church. The trustees shall serve as the legal representatives of the church. They shall be empowered to sign legal documents, with exceptions stated in the church financial procedures, and perform only such other duties and have only such powers as specifically authorized by the Church.
A trustee may be removed upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of a simple majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting.
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Section 8. Staff
8.1. Lead Elder
Primary responsibility for preaching and teaching the Scriptures in public meetings of the church may be vested in a Lead Elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 7.1 and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time (or part-time) ministry of preaching and teaching. His term of service shall not be subject to the triennial reaffirmation or to the term limitation for elders described in Section 7.1.3. The Lead Elder shall be elected according to the provisions of Section 4.4. He shall preach on the Lord’s Day, oversee the administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and perform such other duties, any of which may be delegated to the other elders. Since our use of the title pastor is equivalent to the biblical title of elder the Lead Elder may be referred to as the Lead Pastor, or simply pastor.
8.2. Associate Elders
The church may select additional staff elders whose relationship to the Lead Elder is that of associate. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 7.1 and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time (or part-time) ministry of preaching, teaching and equipping. His term of service shall not be subject to the triennial reaffirmation or to the term limitation for elders set out in Section 7.1.3. An Associate Elder shall be elected according to the provisions of Section 4.4. He shall assist the Lead Elder in the performance of his regular duties and shall perform any other duties as usually pertain to the office of elder, or as set forth in the Constitution, or which may be specifically assigned to him by the elders.
8.3. Support Staff
The Church may create or dissolve paid support staff positions upon the recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of a majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting. Support staff will serve under the supervision of the elders. The elders are responsible for developing ministry descriptions and lists of qualifications for each position. All support staff positions shall be filled by members of this church body. Support staff may be terminated upon recommendation of the elders and the subsequent agreement of a simple majority of the members present and voting on the question at any members’ meeting.
Section 9. Amendments
Copies of an intended amendment and the article to be amended shall be made available at a public worship service and/or mailed, or e-mailed to the membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting to amend. This meeting date and the intention to amend the Constitution and Bylaws shall be announced from the pulpit on two consecutive Sundays immediately preceding the meeting to amend.
A quorum shall be necessary to amend this Constitution and Bylaws. A quorum shall consist of those members who are present at a duly called members’ meeting and eligible to vote. A two-thirds majority of the members present and eligible, and voting favorably shall be necessary to amend the Constitution and Bylaws.
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