By-Laws & Rules of Operation

By-Laws / Rules of Operation

(As amended December 14, 2025)

First Baptist Church of Gallatin, Missouri

(A Corporate Body)

Preamble

For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our Faith to the end that this body may be governed and function in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of the Southern Baptist Convention (S.B.C.), and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the Church and the freedom of the action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same Faith and order, we do declare and establish these “Rules of Operation”.

Name

This body shall be known as “The First Baptist Church” of Gallatin, Missouri.

Articles of Faith

This Church accepts and adopts as a statement of its Scriptural and Doctrinal Beliefs and “Articles of Faith” of “The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

First Baptist Church of Gallatin affirms God's original design to create two distinct and complementary sexes, male and female, to glorify Him (Gen. 1:27; Isa. 43:7; Matt. 19:4-6; Mk. 10:6). Marriage is the first divine institution, essentially rooted in the created order, uniting one man and one woman in an exclusive covenant commitment for their joint lifetime, for their good and for the good of any children who may be conceived and born into this union (Gen. 1:28, 2:19-24; Malachi 2:13-16; Mark 10:11-12).

The assignment of biological sex at birth is a gift of God and part of God's glory in creation. The Fall of Man into sin and God's subsequent curse have introduced brokenness and futility into God's good creation (Gen. 3:1-24; Rom. 8:20). We extend love and compassion to those whose experience of this brokenness includes a perceived conflict between their biological sex and their gender identity (Rom. 8:22-23). We affirm God's good design that gender identity should be determined by biological sex and not by one's self-perception -- a perception which is often influenced by fallen human nature in ways contrary to God's design (Eph. 4:17-18). We affirm distinctions in masculine and feminine roles as ordained by God as part of the created order, and that those distinctions should find an echo in every human heart (Gen. 2:18, 21-24; 1 Cor. 11:7-9; Eph. 5:22-23; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). We believe that efforts to live contrary to birth sex, whether by behavior, attire, cosmetics, or even medical or surgical therapy, are resisting or rebelling against the gift of God and a central dimension of His will for that person, and therefore such behavior is sinful. We condemn efforts to alter one's bodily identity (e.g. cross-sex hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery) to bring it into line with one's perceived gender identity. We love our transgender neighbors, seek their good always, welcome them into our congregations as they repent and believe in Christ, and spur them on to love and good deeds in the name of Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-20; Gal. 5:14; Heb. 10:24). We continue to oppose steadfastly all efforts by any court, or legislature of policymakers, to validate a transgender identity as morally good, right or praiseworthy (Isa. 5:20). We commit ourselves to make decisions about membership, personnel and other church matters based on this biblical perspective of human sexuality (see Policy and Procedures General Use of Building/Facility of First Baptist Church of Gallatin, MO).

Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of the Church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of its ministry, the expenses of the Church the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children, including such deeply held religious beliefs of our church concerning marriage and sexuality (see Statement of Faith); to see the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from intoxication; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech, to be slow to take offence, but ready always for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other Church, where we can carry out the spirit of the covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

Government

Its government is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Churches cooperating with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Membership

ADMISSION

Any person professing saving faith in Jesus Christ and accepting the views of faith and practices held by the Church may, after meeting with the pastors, completing the new membership process, being affirmed by a congregational 2/3 vote of the members present and voting, and lastly, upon baptism, be received as members
Members from cooperating Baptist Churches may be received upon their profession of faith, former believers’ baptism by immersion, communication of good standing from former church, meeting with the pastors, and completing the new membership process, and lastly, affirmed by congregational 2/3 vote of the members present and voting.
Persons from non-cooperating Baptist Churches and Churches from other denominations who give testimony of a personal conversion experience and who have experienced believer’s baptism may be received upon their profession of faith, former believers’ baptism by immersion, communication of good standing from former church, meeting with the pastors, and completing the new membership process, and lastly, affirmed by congregational 2/3 vote of the members present and voting..
Excluded members from the Church may be re-instated upon confession of their faults, evidence of repentance, meeting with pastors to request for re-instatement and 2/3 majority (66) percent of the members present and voting

DISMISSAL

A member in good standing will be removed from membership by a congregational 2/3 vote after receiving notice of their intentions to gather with another Baptist Church.
Members who unite with another like-minded denomination will be removed by a congregational 2/3 votes after receiving notice of their intention to gather with another church.
In all cases where there is unchristian conduct or a departure from the faith or doctrines as set forth in our Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, will be confronted by the steps outlined in Matthew 18, and if the member does not repent after individual, small group, and congregational feedback, they will be removed from church membership by a 2/3 vote.

Duties

Members are expected to believe and uphold sound doctrine as outlines in our articles of faith, lead exemplary Christian lives; to attend habitually the services of this Church; to give regularly to its support and its causes; and to share in doing its organized work as outlined in our church covenant.
Members removing from the vicinity of this Church shall expect to unite as soon as possible with a Church of like faith and order in their new community as outlined in our church covenant.
Members who no longer attend our church and do not unite with another church as outlined in our church covenant can be removed by 2/3 vote by members present and voting.

Corporate Officers

Statement

Officers of the Corporation shall be the Chairman (Chairman of Trustees)
Vice-Chairman (Vice-Chairman of Trustees)
Secretary (Church Clerk)
Treasurer (Church Treasurer)

Scriptural Church Officers

Statement

Scriptural Church Officers shall be Pastors and Deacons

PASTOR

The lead or senior Pastor of this Church shall be an ordained minister from a likeminded gospel preaching church.
The duties and qualifications of the Pastors/elders/overseers shall be such as are prescribed and exemplified in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 4:11-14). The Pastors are responsible to lead the church in its services and mission, and equip the congregation for the work of the ministry, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach the Biblical revelation, to engage in pastoral care ministries. To provide administrative leadership in all areas of church life, to act as the chief administrator of the paid church staff, and have immediate, cooperative supervision of all ministry staff, both lay and paid ministers and departments heads. (Acts 20:28, I Timothy 3:5, 5:17, Hebrews 13:7, 17)
The lead/senior Pastor is to act as moderator at Business Meeting (except where he shall wish to be relieved) and shall be ex-officio member of all committees.
The lead/senior Pastor shall be called for an indefinite term.
Marriage and Funerals: The pastors or other church leaders have the authority and right to accept or deny any request regarding marriage and funerals. The pastors have the right to ask for participation in marriage counseling before conducting a wedding (see Wedding Policy for First Baptist Church of Gallatin, MO, as amended).
The pastoral relationship may be terminated at any time by mutual consent of Pastor and Church Any resignation by a pastor of this Church will be made at a meaningful members meeting.and he must give 60 days notice before leaving. In case of a vacancy in the pastor office, a pulpit committee elected by the Church shall present nominees which may be voted upon by the church in any regular or called members meeting provided announcement of such meeting and its purpose has been made at least one week previously. A ninety percent majority of those present and voting shall be necessary only for the election of a lead Pastor.
If the congregation decides to pursue the removal of a pastor (1 Timothy 5:19-22), a special members meeting must be called for the purpose of voting on his removal and notice must be given to the congregation at least one week previously and he will be removed upon 2/3 membership vote.

DEACONS

The congregation will vote to affirm qualified deacons to serve the church by a 2/3 vote.
The duties and qualifications of the Deacons shall be such as are prescribed and exemplified in the New Testament. The Deacons shall serve the church in all ways needed, support the pastors so they can devote themselves to oversight, prayer, and the ministry of the Word, and to promote unity amongst the congregation by their godly example, work, and words (1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-6).
Deacons shall re-organize each year in September, electing a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. (The chairman is to act as Church Moderator in the absence of the pastor.)
Deacons shall meet as needed to support and serve the ministry of our church.
A deacon can be made inactive by a 2/3 vote of deacons present.
If the congregation decides to pursue the removal of a deacon, a special members meeting must be called for the purpose of voting on his removal and notice must be given to the congregation at least one week previously and he will be removed upon 2/3 membership vote.

OTHER CHURCH OFFICERS

Statement – Any other officers whom the Church may deem it wise to designate and elect. All elected officers, and leaders of the Church and its organizations, except the Pastor and those otherwise designated in the Rules of Operation shall begin their term of service on September 1 each year.

CLERK

Shall be identified as Secretary of the corporate body and shall perform those duties required of this corporate office in conjunction with corporate affairs.
Shall record faithfully all proceedings of all members meetings
Keep safely and up to date, all books and records pertaining to the office of Church Clerk.
Prepare the annual letter to the Association.

TREASURER

As Treasurer of the corporate body shall perform those duties required of this corporate office in conjunction with corporate affairs.
Shall receive all monies received by the Church, and as soon as practicable, deposit in the proper account.
Shall obtain receipts for all disbursements.
Shall keep itemized accounts subject to inspection by any member.
Shall render to the Church at each monthly finance meeting, in conjunction with the Finance Committee, a written itemized report of all receipts and disbursements and distribute a copy thereof to each member present.
The Treasurer is elected annually.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Shall receive the empty collection envelopes and checks after the money for the Church has been counted and from these shall give each contributor individual credit.
Shall also be responsible for mailing an Annual report of their contributions to each contributor.
The Financial Secretary is elected annually.

TRUSTEES

There shall be six trustees, elected for a period of three years with terms staggered so that two are elected annually.
The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Trustees shall be appointed selected by the Trustees annually, who are in turn identified as Officers of the Corporation and shall perform those duties required in conjunction with corporate affairs. They shall meet as needed to conduct their ministry to the church.
The trustees shall hold in trust all legal documents such as titles, mortgages, insurance papers, certificates of deposit, etc., for which a safety deposit box shall be provided, and shall transact all legal affairs as the Church requests.
The trustees shall make an annual report to the Church in the August members meeting.
They shall have actual care and maintenance of the Church property, real and personal, within the scope of the Trustee’s budget, with the exception of emergency needs which may be handled at the discretion of the Trustees.
They shall communicate any future budgeted suggested needs to the Finance Committee for the necessary funds to cover items in the budget relating to buildings, grounds, equipment and insurance.

ADMINISTRATOR

The pastor shall be the administrator.
He shall have oversight of paid church staff and shall have immediate, cooperative supervision of all ministry staff, both lay and paid ministers and department heads.

CHOIR DIRECTOR

Shall be responsible for developing Church choir, or choirs, for use in the regular and special services of the Church.
Shall cooperate with the Special Music Committee in arranging desired “special numbers”.
Shall be consulted on purchase of all music materials, and on propriety of all music programs.

ORGANIST AND PIANIST

Shall preside at their instruments at the direction of the choir director and Special Music Committee.
Shall arrange for substitute when unable to be present.

HEAD USHER

Shall, together with such assistants as shall be necessary, greet and seat members and visitors at all services.
Passing of the offering plates shall be under his supervision.
Shall choose his assistants, and shall arrange well in advance for their dates of service.

LIBRARIAN

Shall see that all books, literature and supplies of the Church and its organizations are kept in their proper place.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Assist the Pastor in the planning, conduct, and evaluation of the Sunday School program.
Direct the recruitment, training, and work with the nominating committee to assign workers in the Sunday School; establish contingency plans for absent workers.
Provide assistance alongside pastors in selection of curriculum materials;
Schedule and conduct periodic workers training meetings alongside the pastor; solicit participation in denominational, state, and associational training programs.
Recommend budget requirement for the Sunday School.
Recommend and coordinate efficient space utilization.
Become familiar with the resources pertaining to Sunday School work.

ASSOCIATIONAL BOARD MEMBER

Shall be elected annual, as the Association By-Laws are prescribed, and shall faithfully represent the church.

HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS

Sunday School Director, Nursery Coordinator, Children’s Ministry Director, Youth Pastor, Women’s Missionary Union Director, and Brotherhood Director and all must be members of this Church.
Shall be regular in attendance on the stated services of the Church and faithful in supporting the entire program of the Church.
Canmake a report of the Department Activities to the Church at each meaningful members meeting.
Shall have immediate, cooperative supervision of all other workers in their departments.
May be removed from office by a 2/3vote of the Church members at any members meeting after the matter has been addressed according to Matthew 18.

OTHER DEPARTMENT WORKERS

Shall be elected annually.
Shall serve at the direction of the Department Head.
Shall faithfully support the general Church program.

INSTALLATION: All officers and workers shall be publicly recognized and installed on the last Sunday in August, or at another time set by the Church.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Statement – All Standing Committees (except the Nominating Committee) shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee, elected annually, and begin service on September 1. The Committee Chairman shall be named at the time of election.

Nominating Committee

At the regular members meeting in May, the Church shall elect two members to the Nominating Committee. These two along with the four other members of the committee shall constitute a committee of six. They shall be elected by 2/3 vote. In the event that someone resigns from the committee, nominations shall be made for someone to fill the unexpired term.
Those elected shall take office immediately and serve for a period of three years. The chairman shall be appointed by the moderator. The committee shall elect their own secretary.
This committee shall present candidates for Sunday School Director, WMU Director and Brotherhood Director at the May meaningful members meeting. When elected, these three shall then work with the Committee in presenting at the August members meeting candidates for the following places of service; Clerk, Treasurer, Music Leader, Organist, Associational Board Member, Vacation Bible School Director, Children’s Church Director, Keenagers Ministry Director, and Department (or age groups) Director and Leaders of the Sunday School, This committee shall present at the August members meeting candidates for the remaining places of service in the entire Church program.
The Nominating Committee shall present names to fill all vacancies occurring during the year.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee shall consist of seven members elected for three year terms. The Church Treasurer and any member of the Trustees shall serve as ex-officio members. No member shall serve consecutive terms. The chairman shall be appointed by a decision made by the Finance Committee.
The Finance Committee shall consult with pastors and deacons, and all chairman of standing committees, the Directors of WMU and Brotherhood, Sunday School Director, Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of Trustees, and all other Department Heads, and even seek congregational feedback as the church will be voting on the budget, as to anticipated financial needs of the Church and shall thereafter prepare a Church Budget to present it to the congregation in December for a vote.
The Finance Committee shall have supervision over the expenditures of the Church.
All expenditures shall be made upon the authority of the Church after recommendation by the finance committee, save that the Church may give general authorization to the Committee for normal supplies and also for general items such as stated salaries.
The Finance Committee shall present a monthly financial statement to the Church as to the financial condition of the Church. The Finance Committee shall promote a plan of systematic financial stewardship.
The Finance Committee shall provide for an annual audit of all books and accounts of the Church.
The Finance Committee has the approval to make minor modifications (not exceeding $50.00 per line item) within the Church approved budget with the consent of the affected Department Head or Church Officer having control over the applicable budget items. All other non-budget expenditures must be approved by the congregation prior to actual expenditure, emergency repairs being the only exception.

Auditing Committee

Shall consist of two members.
Shall audit all financial records of the church once each year (or more often if the Church requests), and make a written report of its findings to the Church in business session during February following each financial year.

Flower Committee – Shall consist of two or more members who shall encourage and superintend flower decoration in the church and carry out the Church’s wishes relative to flowers for ill or deceased members.

Social Committee – Shall consist of three or more members who shall plan and supervise the general social affairs of the Church.

Lord’s Supper Committee – Shall consist of a Chairman and other persons to assist her in preparing the elements and arranging for observance of the Lord’s Supper.

Baptismal Committee – Shall consist of two or more persons who shall assist the custodian and pastor in preparing for and completing baptismal services.

Church Nursery Correlating Committee – A Committee of Church members to deal with nursery problems as they arise. This committee to be made up of the nursery coordinators, cradle roll superintendent, one deacon, a father and mother of nursery age children (not in the same family). The Pastor and Sunday School Director will serve as ex-officio members of the committee and will recommend to the Church names of persons to serve on this committee. The Nursery Correlating Committee will meet as needed.

Funeral Serving Committee – Shall consist of a General Chairman who shall in turn notify the teams in charge of serving. Their duty shall be to carry out the Church’s wishes regarding serving family’s dinner the day of the funeral.

Temporary Committees

The Church in meaningful members meetings, shall elect, or ask the Moderator to appoint any additional committees deemed necessary in carrying out the Church’s wishes and obligations.

Meetings

Unless the Church, , shall determine otherwise, the regularly scheduled meetings of the Church shall be:

Morning worship on the first day of each week.
Monthly evening prayer service the first Sunday of the month.
Sunday School preceding morning worship.
Five Scheduled Meaningful Members Meetings in March, May, August, November, December.

Special or Called Meeting

The Church shall arrange for any special meetings deemed necessary to its best interests.
The Pastor and a majority of active deacons may call for a members meeting of the Church after any morning worship service for the transaction of business considered urgent, in need of immediate attention, and not in opposition to prescribed treatment elsewhere in these Rules of Operation.
The regular members meeting in August shall be known as the Annual Members Meeting. At it shall be read all annual reports and letter of annual report to the Association.

Miscellany

The Lord’s Supper shall be observed monthly.
The administering of Church Ordinances shall be led by the pastors.
The Church “financial year” shall be January 1 to December 31.
Delegates may be elected or appointed by the Church to represent the Church in Local, Associational, State and other Church Councils and Conventions whenever the Church shall deem it advisable.
A majority of the members present and voting at any members meeting shall be sufficient to determine action except on matters described in these Rules of Operation as demanding different procedure. No vote by proxy shall be allowed. Only members may vote.
Any major financial expenditure of $5,000 or more shall be submitted to the Church Body thirty (30) days in advance of the vote on said issue and the vote to be decided by 2/3 of members present and voting. Such action hereby is intended to exclude previous commitments and budgets.
Parliamentary procedure used by this Church shall be prescribed in “Kerfoot’s Parliamentary Law and Roberts Rules of Order.”
These “Rules of Operation” may be amended at any regular or called members meetingby a 2/3 majority of members present and voting, provided that one month’s notice of the proposed amendment shall have been presented to the church and posted on the bulletin board.
These By-Laws-Rules of Operation, along with the Certificate of Corporate Records and Articles of Agreement attached thereto, constitute the two formal written instruments which govern the operation and conduct of the affairs of the Church.

Glorifying God by Building up and Reaching out

511 West Richardson

Gallatin, Missouri 64640

First Baptist Church