We Recommend:

First Baptist Church of Redmond Constitution

Adopted: January 1989

Statement of Purpose

Our purpose is to glorify God by conducting a Church in accordance with the Word of God. The result is to be:

The promoting of the worship of our God;
Edifying of believers;
The teaching of the whole counsel of God;
The administering of the ordinances;
Biblical discipline;
Seeking to win the lost to Christ through personal witnessing and the preaching of the Gospel;
To carry on a Biblical Missionary program around the world; and
To maintain a good testimony for Christ in our community by godliness and good works.

Preamble
Article I - Name
Article II - Purpose
Article III - Government
Article IV - Associations
Article V - Articles of Faith
Article VI - Church Covenant
Article VII - Membership
Article VIII - Officers
Article IX - Committees
Article X - Voting
Article XI - Meetings
Article XII - Church Year
Article XIII - Amendments

Preamble

The Meaning of Membership in the First Baptist Church of Redmond, WA.

Reposing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, and holding the historical Baptist belief that a New Testament Church is a fellowship of baptized believers meeting in some local place, sovereign and autonomous in deciding matters of Church policy and affiliation, and composed only of persons who profess to have been born again and have been immersed in water upon their confession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and believing in those great distinctive principles for which Baptists have ever stood, namely:

The pre-eminence and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The supreme authority of the Bible in faith and practice.
The right of private interpretation and the competency of the individual soul in direct approach to God.
A regenerate Church membership.
The absolute separation of Church and state.
The beautiful symbolic ordinance of immersion as believer's baptism.
The solemn obligation of majority rule, guaranteeing equal rights to all and special privileges to none.
Progressive sanctification.
The autonomy of the local Church.
The world-wide program of Missionary fervor and evangelism in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ

In this day of apostasy, worldliness and indifference, membership in this Church becomes deeply significant. Of His blood-bought ones, Christ said, "Ye are the light of the World," "Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me." These holy designations were not merely for the disciples of old but were intended for the Christians of this day, also. It becomes imperative, therefore, that we view both our individual Christian lives and our collective life as a local Church from these high vantage points of responsibility before our Savior and Lord.

Article I - Name

The name of this Church shall be The First Baptist Church of Redmond, located in Redmond, Washington, 98052.

Article II - Purpose

Our purpose is to glorify God by conducting a Church in accordance with the Word of God. The result is to be the promoting of the worship of our God, edifying of believers, the teaching of the whole counsel of God, the administering of the ordinances and Biblical discipline, seeking to win the lost to Christ through personal witnessing and the preaching of the gospel. It is further our purpose to carry on a Biblical Missionary program around the world and to maintain a good testimony for Christ in our community by godliness and good works.

Article III - Government

The final seat of authority in all matters is vested in the body of baptized believers who compose the Church. In the teaching of 1 Timothy 3:5b; 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 1:4-2:1ff; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 2 Peter 5:1-5, the advice or counsel of Elders (Pastors) should be given due consideration. The Church is an independent, self-governing body and as a result all officers, organizations, committees and other ministries are servants of and responsible to the Church.

Article IV - Associations

Section 1

A New Testament Church cannot join anything outside itself, but only affiliate for the purpose of fellowship only as these Biblical groups are in agreement with the Articles of Faith, Aims and Practices set forth in this Constitution.

Section 2

This Church may affiliate or withdraw affiliation by a 2/3 majority vote.

Section 3

This Church is affiliated for the purpose of fellowship with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, with the Northwest Regular Baptist Fellowship and may affiliate with others as authorized by the Church.

Article V - Articles of Faith

Section 1 - The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible is God's Word, verbally inspired, written by Spirit-controlled men, and therefore is true, trustworthy, and profitable. We believe the Bible to be the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions shall be tried, and thus is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 22:18.

We believe that the Holy Bible is God's Word, being verbally inspired and inerrant in all of its parts, having been written by Spirit-controlled men, and therefore is true, trustworthy, and profitable.

Section 2 - The True God

We believe that there is one, and only one living and true God, Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent, 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. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Genesis 1:1, 27; Matthew 19:26; John 3:16; John 10:28.

We believe that this one God eternally coexists as three Persons, who are coequal in the unity of the Godhead. these are revealed in the pages of Scripture as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Section 3 - Jesus Christ

We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal God and only begotten Son, absolute in His Deity, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of a Virgin, sinless in His life, making atonement through His blood for the sins of the world by His death. We believe in His bodily Resurrection, His Ascension, and that He is now at the Right Hand of God as our Mediator, Priest, and Advocate. We believe in His imminent, personal, and visible return to the world according to His promise. John 3:16; Hebrews 13:8; Micah 5:2; John 1:1; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21; Matthew 24:27, 36; Hebrews 9:24; Revelation 19:20-21.

Section 4 - The Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit, eternal Deity in all His attributes, who came forth from Heaven to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, of judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and comfort those who believe in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. As our indwelling intercessor, He bears witness to the truth of the Word of God. He seals, empowers, teaches, sanctifies, and helps the believer. John 14:17; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Acts 1:8; Genesis 6:3; 1 Peter 3:18; John 14:26, 15:26; Romans 8:26-27; John 16:7-11.

Section 5 - the Devil or Satan

We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of this age and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. Matthew 4:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.

Section 6 - The Creation

We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. Genesis 1 and 2; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17.

Section 7 - The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by nature but by choice, and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:1-6, 25; Romans 5:10-19; Romans 1:18, 32.

We believe that man was created in innocence being constituted a tri-part being, that is body, soul and spirit, under the law of his Maker. He by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by nature but by choice, and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.

Section 8 - The Atonement for Sin

We believe 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 and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust; Christ the Lord bearing our sins in His own body on the Tree; that having Risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven, and united in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with Divine Perfection. He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. Isaiah 53:4-7; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:7; Ephesians 2:8.

Section 9 - Faith and Grace in Salvation

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and sins is made a partaker of the Divine Nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. John 3:3-8; Acts 16:30-33; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-8; Colossians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 5:1.

Section 10 - Justification

We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification. This includes the pardon of sin, the gift of Eternal Life, the imputation of His Righteousness, all ours solely through faith in the Redeemer's Blood. Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1, 9; Romans 8:1; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 13:1.

Section 11 - The Church

We believe that the Scriptures teach the truth of both the universal Church which is heavenly and invisible, composed of all born-again believers, and the local Church, a visible congregation of born-again, baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism. We hold that the local Church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations, and that the one and only superintendent is Christ, directing by the Holy Spirit and by the Scriptures. Its officers are Elders (Pastors) and Deacons whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures, notably Timothy and Titus. Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 11:2; Acts 20:17-28; Acts 15:13-18.

Section 12 - The Ordinances

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water 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 a pre-requisite to the privileges of a Church relation. We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. John 3:23; Acts 2:41-47; Acts 8:26-39; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 2:12.

Section 13 - The Security of the Saints

We believe that all who are truly born-again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39.

Section 14 - Heaven and Hell

We believe in Heaven and Hell as actual places. Heaven is a place of eternal blessedness for the righteous, and Hell is a place of eternal suffering for the wicked, or unbelieving. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Revelation 20:1-15; 21-22.

Section 15 - The Lord's Day

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, and is to be primarily a day for the assembling of the saints for the purpose of Worship, Bible study and Fellowship. John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Hebrews 10:25.

Section 16 - the Future

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous dead, that Christ shall come for his own before the seven-year Tribulation period, which is followed by His return to earth for the Millennial period. Unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne and cast into the Lake of Fire where Satan and all the unholy leaders will spend eternity. 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 20:6-14; Matthew 24:25; Revelation 19-22.

Article VI - Church Covenant

Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, and thereby, according to the Scriptures (John 1:12) were born again, and upon profession of faith (Romans 10:8-10) were baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19), we do solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13).

We engage, therefore, by the aid of our Savior (Philippians 2:13), to walk together in Christian love (John 13:34-35); to strive for the advancement of this Church in the knowledge, spirituality, and outreach (Colossians 1:9-10); to promote its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines (Ephesians 4:12-16); to give the Church and our Lord the sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin (Colossians 1:18); we ought to contribute of our means cheerfully and regularly as God prospers to the support of the work of the Lord through this Church here and to the ends of the earth (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6) and to educate our children in the Lord; to seek the salvation and spiritual welfare of others (James 5:20); to walk circumspectly in the world (Ephesians 5:15); to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment (1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:12).

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love and to pray for one another (James 5:26); to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech (Ephesians 4:31-32); to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, mindful that Jesus taught we should seek it without delay. We moreover engage, hat when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with another Church of like precious faith where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

Article VII - Membership

The membership of this Church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been immersed and have acknowledged agreement with the Doctrinal Basis of Fellowship and have been interviewed by one or more of the Elders (Pastors) to determine that their profession of faith is credible.

Section 1 - Reception of Members

Any person, having confessed faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their life and thereafter having been immersed shall be eligible for membership.
All requests for membership shall be made to the Pastor/teacher or other Elder. Upon making such request, the person shall be given a Church Constitution and Doctrinal Basis of Fellowship. After becoming familiar with their contents, they will be asked to meet with the Pastor or other Elders (Pastors) for the purpose of an interview.
Upon recommendation of the interviewing Elder/s (Pastor/s), applicant's testimony shall be presented to the Church Board for the purpose of hearing testimony for the determination that a credible profession of faith exists. A unanimous agreement of acceptance is required. At the earliest possible service they will be presented to be received and given the right hand of fellowship in the assembly.

Section 2 - Dismissal of Member

A member shall be dismissed by the Letter of Good Standing to another Church of like faith at the request of that Church. Letters are not to be given to individuals.

Section 3 - Removal of Members

Any member who is not in regular attendance for six (6) months without communication with the Church and who is unresponsive to the earnest counsel of the Church Board shall be removed from membership by unanimous action of the Church Board.

Section 4 - Discipline of Members

Discipline shall follow the procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-18. When a member of this Church recognizes a brother or sister is erring in their Doctrine or Conduct, it is that believer's responsibility to lovingly contact the erring one for the purpose of resolving the matter. If the issue is not resolved by this individual contact, then the matter may be referred to the Elders (Pastors) for their consideration. If the Elders (Pastors), after investigation, determines by unanimous consent that further action is required, then representatives of the Board of Elders and the individual will contact the erring one. Every effort available should be used to reconcile the situation. A member at this stage of discipline is no longer considered to be in good standing until the matter is resolved. After the earnest counsel by one or two other members and the initial contact person, if the erring brother or sister has not been responsive, then the issue shall be taken to the Church for the Church's collective and public efforts to reconcile the situation. This will continue for a period of time considered appropriate by the Elders (Pastors), Church Board and/or Church, after which any member who willfully and continually violates a portion of the clear teaching of Scripture relating to doctrine or personal conduct and is unresponsive to earnest counsel shall be removed from membership.

Article VIII - Officers

Section 1 - Elders, Deacons, and Church Board

Elders (Pastors) - General
1. The Elders (Pastors) shall be men chosen from among the membership of the Church who exhibit the characteristics of the Scriptural qualifications of Bishop (i.e. Elders, Pastors) as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The number of Elders will be determined by the existing Church Board in response to the needs of the Church body (For clarification: these men are often referred to as assistant or associate Pastors).
  Elders or Pastors with gifts deemed expedient for the Church may be sought outside the current membership as needs arise that cannot be met within the current membership.
2. The duties of the Elders (Pastors) shall be to give general oversight to the ministries of the Church in the following areas: Worship, Education, Watchcare, Facilities, Missions, Business Affairs, Outreach and other areas as is deemed necessary and approved by the Church.
3. Elders (Pastors) may be supported financially full or part-time as deemed expedient by the Church. Termination shall be in accordance with Article VIII, Section 1, B, 2.
Pastor-Teacher
1. One member of the Elders (Pastors) shall be the Pastor/Teacher who shall possess convictions and training for Biblical leadership and exhibit the characteristics of the Scriptural qualifications listed above for Elder (Pastor) as set forth in John 21:15-17; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 5:17-19; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:7, 17; and 1 Peter 5:1-11.
2. The Pastor/Teacher shall be called to the pulpit of this Church for an indefinite term, this relationship to be dissolved by mutual agreement after at least thirty days notice. The call of the Pastor shall be presented to the Church by the Pulpit Committee at a duly called business meeting for that purpose. The members shall have been notified in writing at least one week in advance and notice given from the pulpit at all services on two consecutive Sundays preceding the called meeting.
3. The Pastor/teacher shall have an annual vacation at least two weeks with full salary, the time to be worked out with the Church Board. His salary shall be determined by the Church.
4. His regular duties shall include: teaching the Word of God, administering the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Table, and shepherding the congregation. He also shall serve as an Ex-officio member of all committees.
Deacons/Deaconesses
1. Deacons and Deaconesses shall be chosen from among the membership of the Church who exhibit the Scriptural qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1 and Titus 1. The number and specific service function of these will be determined by the Church Board.
2. The general function of Deacons/Deaconesses shall be to assist the Elders in meeting the day-to-day practical, physical and spiritual needs of the Church.
3. Deacons/Deaconesses shall serve until the Church deems otherwise.
Church Board
1. The Church Board shall be composed of all active Elders (Pastors) and Deacons.
2. The Church Board shall be the legal representatives of the Church and shall hold in trust all properties of the Church. They shall secure an audit of the Church books each year.

Section 2 - Appointed Officers

All appointed officers shall serve for a one-year term and may be reappointed. They shall be appointed by the Church Board.

General Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall keep the Church financial record, keep accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and pay all the obligations of the Church. All obligations are to be paid from the Church checking account and not directly from any cash offerings. This record shall be presented to the Church Board each month as soon after the first of the month as possible. This report is to be made available to the entire constituency each month.
2. The Treasurer shall be a signator on all bank accounts established by the Church and its auxiliary groups.
3. The Treasurer and Financial Secretary shall verify the amount of each offering as recorded in the offerings ledger. In case of absence of one or both, the Treasurer shall procure others to do it.
4. The Treasurer's records are to be turned over to the Church Board each year near the Annual Business Meeting.
5. The Treasurer shall assign to the Missions Treasurer and Bond Fund Treasurer such funds as are designated by the Church budget and by individual donor designation.
6. The Treasurer must be a member of the Church Board.
Financial Secretary
1. The Financial Secretary shall verify the count of the offerings, assisted by the Treasurer, see that the receipts are deposited in the bank as soon as possible, and verify deposits with the Treasurer.
2. The Financial Secretary will keep records of all identified contributors and furnish each identified contributor with a record of such contributions, yearly, for income tax purposes.
Missions Secretary/Treasurer
1. The Missions Secretary/Treasurer maintains a record of all Missionaries and agencies supported by the Church, corresponds as necessary and disburses such funds as are turned over from the General Treasurer.
2. Funds designated as Missions Funds but with no specific designation shall only be disbursed upon action by the Church Board and/or Church.
3. The Missions Treasurer shall keep the General Treasurer informed as the status of the Missionary Fund and shall submit the records to the Church Board for audit each year.
Bond Fund Treasurer
1. The Bond Fund Treasurer shall receive from the General Treasurer such funds as designated for the Bond Fund by the Church budget and individual donors and disburse such funds in accordance with the Bond Interest and Principal repayment schedule.
2. The Bond Fund Treasurer shall maintain records of all bonds issued and holders of such bonds.
3. The Bond Fund Treasurer shall calculate the amount required each year to pay the interest and principal due that year and submit that amount to the Church Board for inclusion in the Annual Church budget.
4. The Bond Fund Treasurer shall keep the General Treasurer informed as to the status of the Bond Fund and submit the records to the Church Board each year for audit.
The Church Clerk
1. The Church Clerk shall keep a true and complete record of the proceedings of the Church, including a record of all business meetings.
2. The Church Clerk shall send notifications of membership and Letters of Good Standing, and keep an up-to-date registry of all members.
3. The Clerk shall give notice of Church business meetings, announce offices to be filled at the Annual Business Meetings and perform all such other duties as may be requested by the Church.
Christian Education Director(s)
1. The Director(s) will provide oversight and supervision to the various teaching ministries of the Church; i.e. Morning Bible Study Hour, Youth Fellowship Hour, Junior Church and such other ministries as recommended by the Church Board and authorized by the Church.
2. The Director(s) are responsible to insure the Word of God is presented to all ages so that there is effective outreach of the gospel and training in the Word at the various learning levels.
3. The Director(s) will administer the area of responsibility given, appointing assistants and helpers as required and working closely with the Church Board, including the Pastor-Teacher, to accomplish the goals of the Church.
The Music Director
1. The Music Director shall be responsible for the development of the music program of the Church.
2. The Music Director shall appoint accompanists, supervise the Special Music Program and provide for the direction of the choir.
3. The Music Director shall work with the Pastor-Teacher to assure a high standard of Spiritual excellence in the Music Program.
The Head Usher
1. The Head Usher shall select and train men to usher, to care for the orderly greeting, seating and safety of guests and the receiving of offerings.
2. The Head Usher shall be responsible for seeing that each offering is counted by at least two people who will record the amount in a ledger and initial it. He will then see that the offerings and ledger are given to the Financial Secretary for recording and deposit in the bank.

Section 3 - Removal from Office

It is expected that the officers of this Church shall maintain the highest possible standards of Christian conduct and service. There may be an occasion when an officer does not perform his duties or when his conduct is unbecoming concerning the testimony of Jesus Christ. It is in these instances that the procedure for removal must be exercised.

Any appointed officer may be removed by the unanimous recommendation of the Church Board and approval of the Church at any Regular Business Meeting.
Any elected officer may be removed by the unanimous recommendation of the Church Board and the approval of the Church at a Business Meeting called for this purpose. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 must be observed when considering the discipline of those holding the office of Pastor.
Any officer recommended for Church discipline and thus not in good standing automatically forfeits his office until the matter is properly resolved.

Section 4 - Resignation from Office

Any officer may present a letter of resignation to the Church Board at any time. It is the Church Board's responsibility to bring the letter to the attention of the Church for its acceptance. In cases of resignation or removal, the Church Board shall recommend the individual who will fill the office. This recommendation must be approved by the Church.

Article IX - Committees

The Committees of the Church shall be: Missions Committee, Pulpit Committee, Budget Committee, Nominating Committee and Hospitality Committee. The Church Board may establish other committees as it deems necessary with approval of the Church.

Section 1 - Missions Committee

The Missions Committee shall consist of five (5) individuals, including at least one member from the Church Board and the Missions Treasurer. The remaining members are to be selected by the Church Board.
The Missions Committee shall be responsible to interview all Missionary candidates, to coordinate correspondence with all supported Missionaries on a regular basis and to cultivate and promote an active Missions program in the Church.
The Missions Committee shall recommend to the Church Board action regarding any Missionary or Missionary candidate.

Section 2 - Pulpit Committee

The Pulpit Committee shall consist of the Church Board (others from the congregation may participate upon approval of the Church) and become active in the event of a vacancy of the Pastor-Teacher office.
The Pulpit Committee shall be responsible to provide leadership and direction in filling the office. It is advisable for the Committee to consider first those within the Church who are qualified for the office of Pastor-Teacher. If this office cannot be filled by one from within, it is then their responsibility to look outside the Church.

Section 3 - Budget Committee

The Budget Committee shall consist of the Church Board.
The Committee shall prepare before the Annual Business Meeting a proposed Church budget.

Section 4 - Nominating committee

The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Church Clerk and at least three (3) individuals selected by the Church Board.
The Committee shall review all nominations submitted by the congregation, determining the individual's qualifications and then their willingness to serve.
The Committee shall submit the proposed slate of nominees to the Church Board for their consideration and review. A nominee may only be removed from the list upon the unanimous action of the Church Board.
The list of nominees shall be posted at least two (2) weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting. After the list has been posted and not less than five (5) days before the Annual Business Meeting, any member may submit any additional nominations to the Church Board for their consideration.

Section 5 - Hospitality Committee

The Hospitality Committee shall consist of at least four (4) individuals appointed by the Church Board who shall give general oversight of the Church's hospitality and all Church social functions.
The Committee shall be responsible for seeing that those who are sick or hospitalized receive a card and/or flowers, to see that floral arrangements and other appropriate decor is provided for Church services, to care for housing and meals for guest speakers and to plan and coordinate periodic all-Church social functions.

Article X - Voting

Section 1 - Voting Members

Sixteen (16) years of age and over, and in good standing.

Section 2 - Quorum

Twenty percent (20%) of the members in good standing, sixteen (16) years of age and over shall constitute a quorum for the following purposes:
1. Purchase or sale of the Church real property.
2. To authorize a building program.
3. To call or dismiss a Pastor.
4. Affiliate or withdraw affiliation from any fellowship.

Section 3 - Majorities of Those Present and Voting

A simple majority of those present and voting will elect (approve) Church officers and consent to ordinary Church business.
A two-thirds (2/3) majority of members present and voting in good standing shall be necessary for the following:

To purchase or sell Church real property.
To authorize a building program.
To affiliate or withdraw affiliation from any fellowship.

A three-fourth (3/4) majority of members present and voting in good standing shall be necessary to call or dismiss a Pastor.

Section 4 - Ballot Procedure

Election of officers shall be by ballot.
Purchase or sale of Church property or authorization of a building program, or the call or dismissal of a Pastor-Teacher shall be by ballot with provision provided for absentee ballot as follows:
1. All absentee ballots must be submitted on an official pre-numbered ballot which is signed by the one voting. This ballot must be received by the Church clerk prior to the meeting called for the vote.
2. Absentee ballots will be provided upon request for those who are ill, out of town, or are working at the time of the meeting.

Article XI - Meetings

Section 1 - Business Meetings

The Annual business Meeting shall be held in January for the purpose of electing officers, adopting the Church Budget, giving of annual reports by officers, Boards, and auxiliary organizations and the transaction of any other necessary business. An appropriate program will be presented.
Quarterly Business Meetings shall be in March, June, and September.
Special Business Meetings may be called at any time by the Church Board or by written request submitted to the Church Clerk by ten (10) voting members. It is preferable if notice can be given in advance.
Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed at all Business Meetings.

Article XII - Church Year

The Church Year shall begin on the first day of January and shall close on the last day of December.

Article XIII - Amendments

The Constitution may be amended at any regular or called Business Meeting of the Church by a 3/4 vote of the members in good standing present and voting provided the proposed amendment(s) has been filed with the Clerk and posted at least one (1) month prior to the meeting and distributed to the membership at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting to amend the Constitution and has been read from the pulpit on two consecutive Sunday; and provided also that such changes do not conflict with the Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of Washington.