PREAMBLE In order that the government of the Church shall function in a democratic and orderly manner, that the rights and privileges of each individual member shall be made secure, that the principles of our faith shall be protected and preserved, that the sovereignty and autonomy of our Church and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relations to other Churches of the same faith shall not be violated, we do declare and establish this Constitution and Bylaws:
I. NAME
This body (congregation) shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, Alabama.
II. MISSION
The mission of the First Baptist Church is to win the lost and to develop a strong, growing fellowship of believers in the Sylacauga community who celebrate God’s presence, communicate God’s Word, educate God’s people, and demonstrate God’s love. Our aim is to serve the needs of all people of our community through a New Testament Church characterized by uncomplicated and inspiring worship, a Bible centered, life‑related message, and genuine friendship and caring.
III. STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for our statement of faith. The Church subscribes to the articles of faith contained in The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. The Church is a body of baptized believers who are subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among the Churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.
IV. ORDINANCES
A. BAPTISM
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin; the burial of the old life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is the prerequisite to the privilege of Church membership. The Church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.
1. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
2. The Pastor, or whomever the Church shall authorize, shall administer baptism.
3. The Baptismal Committee shall assist in the preparation for, and the observation of, baptism.
4. Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any public worship service of the Church.
5. A person who professes Christ and is not baptized after six months may be deleted from those awaiting baptism.
B. THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby Christians memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
V. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
A. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any regular Church Conference or at any special Church Conference called for that purpose. A written notice of the proposed amendments, with a brief description of the proposed changes, shall be given to the members at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to said meeting. Written copies of the proposed amendments shall be made available on Sunday one week before the vote is cast.
B. AVAILABILITY
A copy of this Constitution shall be kept with the records of the Church Clerk and in the Church office. Any amendments or revisions shall be attached to the copies of the Constitution. Any resolution passed for the permanent or temporary government of the Church will also be placed with the Constitution. A written copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be available to all member through the Church office and shall also be posted on the Church’s primary internet website.
This Constitution and Bylaws will become effective immediately upon adoption by the Church.
