EBC Constitution | Edgemont

Proposed BYLAWS

CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Pastor

A. Pastor Search Committee

Should the church be without a Pastor, a Pastor Search Team will be formed. This committee will consist of seven members. The team will consist of a representative from the Elder Team (ET), voted on by that body, the Chairman of Deacons, and 5 other duly elected church members that have been nominated by the church.

(1) All nominees must have been a member of Edgemont Baptist Church for at least one (1) year.

(2) Nominations will be received from the church body at large.

(3) Nominees will be screened in the following manner:

a. All nominees must give evidence to regular attendance in both Bible Study (i.e. Connect Groups) and Worship services.

b. All nominees must be regular givers through tithing.

c. A list of nominees who pass these qualifications will be voted on by the church body in a scheduled family meeting.

(4) The church body will assemble in a called family meeting for the purpose of electing the five remaining members of the Pastor Search Committee. This meeting must be announced in the church newsletter and from the pulpit at least one week prior to its occurrence. The votes for these five members will be taken by secret ballot and will be counted by the members of the existing Elder Team and the Chairman of Deacons.

(5) The five members selected will be composed of three men and two women. The three men will be the top male vote recipients and the two women will be the top female vote recipients.

(6) For every 100 people in membership above 100 people, another person will be added to the Pastor Search Team. Example: Church membership: 200=8 Pastor Search Team Members. Needed additions will start with a woman and then be rotated between men and women.

Upon selection, the Pastor Search Committee will select a chairman. Once the Pastor Search Committee is selected, it will proceed with the task of finding God’s man to serve as the church’s new Pastor. The Pastor Search Committee will also be responsible for recommending an interim Pastor or interim pulpit supply.

When the Pastor Search Committee is ready to recommend a prospective candidate to serve as the new Pastor, the church will receive sufficient notification to vote on their recommendation. The vote must take place during a Sunday service. The prospective Pastor must receive at least a 75% favorable vote for the active church membership to extend a call to him to become the new Pastor.

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SECTION 2. Pastoral Staff

A. Pastoral Staff

Every staff member is an extension of the Pastor’s ministry. Staff members are any persons whose services are utilized in the function of the church. Staff member positions may be either volunteer or paid positions. Under the Pastor’s supervision, in consultation with the Elder Team, with church approval, the church shall employ/utilize staff members as needed. All staff members will be supervised by and accountable to the Pastor. The Pastor, in consultation with the ET, has the authority to dismiss staff members if necessary.

B. Resignation

At the time of resignation at least two weeks’ notice will be given to the church. The Pastor, in consultation with the ET, will work out the details of final compensation for the resigning staff member.

SECTION 3. Non-Pastoral Staff

The Pastor will have the authority to employ or terminate the services of non-pastoral staff. The Pastor will employ such staff according to the guidelines of the church budget. During the budget planning portion of the year, the Pastor will meet with the ET to discuss the number and status of non-ministerial staff.

SECTION 4. Elders

A. Responsibilities and Duties

Guide the church in every way unto all faithfulness in Christ Jesus
Preach the word of God
Council the church in discipleship
Pray for the church
Administration of church ordinances (Baptism & Lord’s Supper)
Elders must maintain faithfulness to the Biblical standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4

B. Organization of Elder Team

The organization of the Elder Team will be such that the Pastor and all appointed Elders will work together equally, with mutual respect, to guide the church in every facet necessary for the function of the church.

C. Meetings of Elder Team

The Elder Team will meet at least once per month to discuss the administration and guidance of church affairs.

SECTION 5. Deacons

A. Responsibilities and Duties

A deacon will be assigned by the Pastor and Elder Team to lead ministry teams. Ministry teams that will be led by a deacon are as follows and can be added to as needed:

-Buildings & Grounds Team

3 of 4

-Care of those in true need (Sick/Shut-In/Widows).

-Greeter/Usher Team

-Oversight of the financial affairs of the church

Deacons elected to the Active Deacon Body shall serve four consecutive one-year terms. Upon completion of a 4 year rotation, they must be nominated again and are eligible to be immediately elected at that time. One deacon will be nominated and affirmed each year so the body rotates one deacon per year, unless someone resigns, leaves the church or dies. At that time, two deacons will be affirmed that year and one will complete the balance of the term.

The deacons shall serve under the leadership of the Elder Team as servants of the church and of Jesus Christ. They shall be faithful in their attendance to all regular church meetings. They shall also be faithful to practice tithing. They shall seek to be peacemakers who preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in the body of Christ, adhering to the standards for Deacons set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

(Former Sec B. removed)

B. Meetings of the Active Deacon Body

Regular meetings of the Active Deacon Body shall be held monthly in the presence of the full consistory. Special meetings may be called by the Elder Team. Ample notice of these meetings shall be given. A quorum of not less than 50% of the Active Deacon Body must be present at any meeting for business to be transacted.

D. Election of Deacons

The Active Deacon Body shall be elected in the following manner:

The Elder Team will submit the names of recommended nominees to fulfill the role of deacon each year for confirmation. Nominees must meet the scriptural qualifications for nomination. The number of deacons serving on the Active Deacon Body will start with 2 and will add 1 for every 25 members over 50.

Prospective candidates will receive a questionnaire which must be completed and returned for review by the Pastor and Elder Team. All prospective candidates must be counseled with and approved by the Pastor and Elder Team prior to church affirmation. Non-ordained nominees that are affirmed by the church will then be ordained into the office of deacon.

II. PROPERTIES

The Church properties shall be normally used only for the recognized services of the church.

Special use of the buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds shall be under the authorization and supervision of the Elder Team.

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III. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the ET and then a 75% vote of the active membership.

IV. ADOPTION

The adoption of these constitutions and bylaws shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted rules which are not re-adopted herein.

Signed and certified to be effective immediately.

______________________________________

Senior Pastor/President of Edgemont Baptist Church

or current Elder Team

Dated November 9, 2025

v
Proposed BYLAWS
CHURCH OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Pastor
A. Pastor Search Committee
Should the church be without a Pastor, a Pastor Search Team will be formed. This committee will consist of seven members. The team will consist of a representative from the Elder Team (ET), voted on by that body, the Chairman of Deacons, and 5 other duly elected church members that have been nominated by the church.
(1) All nominees must have been a member of Edgemont Baptist Church for at least one (1) year.
(2) Nominations will be received from the church body at large.
(3) Nominees will be screened in the following manner:
a. All nominees must give evidence to regular attendance in both Bible Study (i.e. Connect Groups) and Worship services.
b. All nominees must be regular givers through tithing.
c. A list of nominees who pass these qualifications will be voted on by the church body in a scheduled family meeting.
(4) The church body will assemble in a called family meeting for the purpose of electing the five remaining members of the Pastor Search Committee. This meeting must be announced in the church newsletter and from the pulpit at least one week prior to its occurrence. The votes for these five members will be taken by secret ballot and will be counted by the members of the existing Elder Team and the Chairman of Deacons.
(5) The five members selected will be composed of three men and two women. The three men will be the top male vote recipients and the two women will be the top female vote recipients.
(6) For every 100 people in membership above 100 people, another person will be added to the Pastor Search Team. Example: Church membership: 200=8 Pastor Search Team Members. Needed additions will start with a woman and then be rotated between men and women.
Upon selection, the Pastor Search Committee will select a chairman. Once the Pastor Search Committee is selected, it will proceed with the task of finding God’s man to serve as the church’s new Pastor. The Pastor Search Committee will also be responsible for recommending an interim Pastor or interim pulpit supply.
When the Pastor Search Committee is ready to recommend a prospective candidate to serve as the new Pastor, the church will receive sufficient notification to vote on their recommendation. The vote must take place during a Sunday service. The prospective Pastor must receive at least a 75% favorable vote for the active church membership to extend a call to him to become the new Pastor.
1
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SECTION 2. Pastoral Staff
A. Pastoral Staff
Every staff member is an extension of the Pastor’s ministry. Staff members are any persons whose services are utilized in the function of the church. Staff member positions may be either volunteer or paid positions. Under the Pastor’s supervision, in consultation with the Elder Team, with church approval, the church shall employ/utilize staff members as needed. All staff members will be supervised by and accountable to the Pastor. The Pastor, in consultation with the ET, has the authority to dismiss staff members if necessary.
B. Resignation
At the time of resignation at least two weeks’ notice will be given to the church. The Pastor, in consultation with the ET, will work out the details of final compensation for the resigning staff member.
SECTION 3. Non-Pastoral Staff
The Pastor will have the authority to employ or terminate the services of non-pastoral staff. The Pastor will employ such staff according to the guidelines of the church budget. During the budget planning portion of the year, the Pastor will meet with the ET to discuss the number and status of non-ministerial staff.
SECTION 4. Elders
A. Responsibilities and Duties
Guide the church in every way unto all faithfulness in Christ Jesus
Preach the word of God
Council the church in discipleship
Pray for the church
Administration of church ordinances (Baptism & Lord’s Supper)
Elders must maintain faithfulness to the Biblical standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4
B. Organization of Elder Team
The organization of the Elder Team will be such that the Pastor and all appointed Elders will work together equally, with mutual respect, to guide the church in every facet necessary for the function of the church.
C. Meetings of Elder Team
The Elder Team will meet at least once per month to discuss the administration and guidance of church affairs.
SECTION 5. Deacons
A. Responsibilities and Duties
A deacon will be assigned by the Pastor and Elder Team to lead ministry teams. Ministry teams that will be led by a deacon are as follows and can be added to as needed:
-Buildings & Grounds Team
3 of 4
-Care of those in true need (Sick/Shut-In/Widows).
-Greeter/Usher Team
-Oversight of the financial affairs of the church
Deacons elected to the Active Deacon Body shall serve four consecutive one-year terms. Upon completion of a 4 year rotation, they must be nominated again and are eligible to be immediately elected at that time. One deacon will be nominated and affirmed each year so the body rotates one deacon per year, unless someone resigns, leaves the church or dies. At that time, two deacons will be affirmed that year and one will complete the balance of the term.
The deacons shall serve under the leadership of the Elder Team as servants of the church and of Jesus Christ. They shall be faithful in their attendance to all regular church meetings. They shall also be faithful to practice tithing. They shall seek to be peacemakers who preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in the body of Christ, adhering to the standards for Deacons set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
(Former Sec B. removed)
B. Meetings of the Active Deacon Body
Regular meetings of the Active Deacon Body shall be held monthly in the presence of the full consistory. Special meetings may be called by the Elder Team. Ample notice of these meetings shall be given. A quorum of not less than 50% of the Active Deacon Body must be present at any meeting for business to be transacted.
D. Election of Deacons
The Active Deacon Body shall be elected in the following manner:
The Elder Team will submit the names of recommended nominees to fulfill the role of deacon each year for confirmation. Nominees must meet the scriptural qualifications for nomination. The number of deacons serving on the Active Deacon Body will start with 2 and will add 1 for every 25 members over 50.
Prospective candidates will receive a questionnaire which must be completed and returned for review by the Pastor and Elder Team. All prospective candidates must be counseled with and approved by the Pastor and Elder Team prior to church affirmation. Non-ordained nominees that are affirmed by the church will then be ordained into the office of deacon.
II. PROPERTIES
The Church properties shall be normally used only for the recognized services of the church.
Special use of the buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds shall be under the authorization and supervision of the Elder Team.
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III. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the ET and then a 75% vote of the active membership.
IV. ADOPTION
The adoption of these constitutions and bylaws shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted rules which are not re-adopted herein.
Signed and certified to be effective immediately.
______________________________________
Senior Pastor/President of Edgemont Baptist Church
or current Elder Team
Dated November 9, 2025

SECTION 1. Pastor

A. Pastor Search Committee

(1) All nominees must have been a member of Edgemont Baptist Church for at least one (1) year.

(2) Nominations will be received from the church body at large.

(3) Nominees will be screened in the following manner:

a. All nominees must give evidence to regular attendance in both Bible Study (i.e. Connect Groups) and Worship services.

b. All nominees must be regular givers through tithing.

c. A list of nominees who pass these qualifications will be voted on by the church body in a scheduled family meeting.

(5) The five members selected will be composed of three men and two women. The three men will be the top male vote recipients and the two women will be the top female vote recipients.

2 of 4

SECTION 2. Pastoral Staff

A. Pastoral Staff

B. Resignation

SECTION 3. Non-Pastoral Staff

SECTION 4. Elders

A. Responsibilities and Duties

Guide the church in every way unto all faithfulness in Christ Jesus
Preach the word of God
Council the church in discipleship
Pray for the church
Administration of church ordinances (Baptism & Lord’s Supper)
Elders must maintain faithfulness to the Biblical standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4

B. Organization of Elder Team

The organization of the Elder Team will be such that the Pastor and all appointed Elders will work together equally, with mutual respect, to guide the church in every facet necessary for the function of the church.

C. Meetings of Elder Team

The Elder Team will meet at least once per month to discuss the administration and guidance of church affairs.

SECTION 5. Deacons

A. Responsibilities and Duties

A deacon will be assigned by the Pastor and Elder Team to lead ministry teams. Ministry teams that will be led by a deacon are as follows and can be added to as needed:

-Buildings & Grounds Team

3 of 4

-Care of those in true need (Sick/Shut-In/Widows).

-Greeter/Usher Team

-Oversight of the financial affairs of the church

(Former Sec B. removed)

B. Meetings of the Active Deacon Body

D. Election of Deacons

The Active Deacon Body shall be elected in the following manner:

II. PROPERTIES

The Church properties shall be normally used only for the recognized services of the church.

Special use of the buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds shall be under the authorization and supervision of the Elder Team.

4 of 4

III. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the ET and then a 75% vote of the active membership.

IV. ADOPTION

The adoption of these constitutions and bylaws shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted rules which are not re-adopted herein.

Signed and certified to be effective immediately.

______________________________________

Senior Pastor/President of Edgemont Baptist Church

or current Elder Team

Dated November 9, 2025

Proposed BYLAWS

CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Pastor

A. Pastor Search Committee

(1) All nominees must have been a member of Edgemont Baptist Church for at least one (1) year.

(2) Nominations will be received from the church body at large.

(3) Nominees will be screened in the following manner:

a. All nominees must give evidence to regular attendance in both Bible Study (i.e. Connect Groups) and Worship services.

b. All nominees must be regular givers through tithing.

c. A list of nominees who pass these qualifications will be voted on by the church body in a scheduled family meeting.

(5) The five members selected will be composed of three men and two women. The three men will be the top male vote recipients and the two women will be the top female vote recipients.

2 of 4

SECTION 2. Pastoral Staff

A. Pastoral Staff

B. Resignation

SECTION 3. Non-Pastoral Staff

SECTION 4. Elders

A. Responsibilities and Duties

Guide the church in every way unto all faithfulness in Christ Jesus
Preach the word of God
Council the church in discipleship
Pray for the church
Administration of church ordinances (Baptism & Lord’s Supper)
Elders must maintain faithfulness to the Biblical standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4

B. Organization of Elder Team

The organization of the Elder Team will be such that the Pastor and all appointed Elders will work together equally, with mutual respect, to guide the church in every facet necessary for the function of the church.

C. Meetings of Elder Team

The Elder Team will meet at least once per month to discuss the administration and guidance of church affairs.

SECTION 5. Deacons

A. Responsibilities and Duties

A deacon will be assigned by the Pastor and Elder Team to lead ministry teams. Ministry teams that will be led by a deacon are as follows and can be added to as needed:

-Buildings & Grounds Team

3 of 4

-Care of those in true need (Sick/Shut-In/Widows).

-Greeter/Usher Team

-Oversight of the financial affairs of the church

(Former Sec B. removed)

B. Meetings of the Active Deacon Body

D. Election of Deacons

The Active Deacon Body shall be elected in the following manner:

II. PROPERTIES

The Church properties shall be normally used only for the recognized services of the church.

Special use of the buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds shall be under the authorization and supervision of the Elder Team.

4 of 4

III. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the ET and then a 75% vote of the active membership.

IV. ADOPTION

The adoption of these constitutions and bylaws shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted rules which are not re-adopted herein.

Signed and certified to be effective immediately.

______________________________________

Senior Pastor/President of Edgemont Baptist Church

or current Elder Team

Dated November 9, 2025

CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Pastor

A. Pastor Search Committee

(1) All nominees must have been a member of Edgemont Baptist Church for at least one (1) year.

(2) Nominations will be received from the church body at large.

(3) Nominees will be screened in the following manner:

a. All nominees must give evidence to regular attendance in both Bible Study (i.e. Connect Groups) and Worship services.

b. All nominees must be regular givers through tithing.

c. A list of nominees who pass these qualifications will be voted on by the church body in a scheduled family meeting.

(5) The five members selected will be composed of three men and two women. The three men will be the top male vote recipients and the two women will be the top female vote recipients.

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SECTION 2. Pastoral Staff

A. Pastoral Staff

B. Resignation

SECTION 3. Non-Pastoral Staff

SECTION 4. Elders

A. Responsibilities and Duties

Guide the church in every way unto all faithfulness in Christ Jesus
Preach the word of God
Council the church in discipleship
Pray for the church
Administration of church ordinances (Baptism & Lord’s Supper)
Elders must maintain faithfulness to the Biblical standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4

B. Organization of Elder Team

The organization of the Elder Team will be such that the Pastor and all appointed Elders will work together equally, with mutual respect, to guide the church in every facet necessary for the function of the church.

C. Meetings of Elder Team

The Elder Team will meet at least once per month to discuss the administration and guidance of church affairs.

SECTION 5. Deacons

A. Responsibilities and Duties

A deacon will be assigned by the Pastor and Elder Team to lead ministry teams. Ministry teams that will be led by a deacon are as follows and can be added to as needed:

-Buildings & Grounds Team

3 of 4

-Care of those in true need (Sick/Shut-In/Widows).

-Greeter/Usher Team

-Oversight of the financial affairs of the church

(Former Sec B. removed)

B. Meetings of the Active Deacon Body

D. Election of Deacons

The Active Deacon Body shall be elected in the following manner:

II. PROPERTIES

The Church properties shall be normally used only for the recognized services of the church.

Special use of the buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds shall be under the authorization and supervision of the Elder Team.

4 of 4

III. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the ET and then a 75% vote of the active membership.

IV. ADOPTION

The adoption of these constitutions and bylaws shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted rules which are not re-adopted herein.

Signed and certified to be effective immediately.

______________________________________

Senior Pastor/President of Edgemont Baptist Church

or current Elder Team

Dated November 9, 2025

EDGEMONT BAPTIST CHURCH

EDGEMONT, SOUTH DAKOTA

Proposed

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner. We do declare and establish this constitution to preserve the liberties of each individual member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches. We do establish this constitution in a manner consistent with the principles and accepted tenets of the Southern Baptist denomination.

BE IT RESOLVED that we recognize ourselves as a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the State of South Dakota we may exercise all the rights and privileges granted to religious bodies.

I. NAME

This body shall be known as Edgemont Baptist Church.

II. VISION

To carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:10-20, Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8) and to disciple Christians in fellowship and with growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

III. MISSION STATEMENT

To evangelize our community and make disciples of Jesus in Bible-based, relational small groups and in the setting of corporate worship time.

IV. POLITY, RELATIONSHIPS AND DOCTRINE

SECTION 1. Polity

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Southern Baptist churches.

SECTION 2. Doctrine

This church receives the Scriptures as its sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in general accord with the belief of Southern Baptist churches as indicated in The Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.

V. CHURCH ORDINANCES

SECTION 1. Baptism

The church will receive for baptism those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior, have professed Him publicly at a worship service or at other evangelistic opportunities provided by the church, and indicate a commitment to follow Christ as Lord.

A. Baptism shall be by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as a symbol of the person’s salvation.

B. The Pastor, Elder Team or whomever they authorize shall administer baptism.

SECTION 2. The Lord’s Supper

The church shall observe the Lord’s Supper at least quarterly as a symbolic reminder of the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. The church shall observe open communion. Open communion is defined as the practice that any believer in Jesus Christ is welcome to participate in this ordinance.

VI. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Qualifications

To become a new member of Edgemont Baptist Church, a person must be saved and scripturally baptized (see section 1A under Church Ordinances). The church will receive a person to be a member in good standing after that person is examined by the Elder Team. The church will receive a person for membership who:

(1) Accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and experiences scriptural baptism or

(2) Transfers membership from another Southern Baptist church or

(3) By statement affirms that he/she has been saved and scripturally baptized.

SECTION 2. Rights

All church members may act and vote in the transactions of the church. Parents are expected to use discernment in allowing children who are members voting privileges. Letters certifying membership in this church shall be granted only to Southern Baptist churches of like faith and order, upon request from these churches, and not to individuals.

SECTION 3. Termination of Membership

Membership will be terminated by:

(1) Death of the member.

(2) Transfer to another Southern Baptist church.

(3) Exclusion by action of this church.

a. Upon no contact for three consecutive months, including visits by church leadership, an official letter from church, a member will be placed in an inactive membership status. An individual is not eligible to vote as inactive. Their status can become active again after 3 consecutive months of active attendance. After one year of inactivity, a member will be removed from the church rolls.

(4) Erasure upon request or upon membership in a church of another denomination

SECTION 4. Church Discipline

Every reasonable measure will be taken to minister to any troubled member. The Pastor, Elder Team (ET), deacons, and members will seek redemption rather than punishment.

Should a serious problem arise regarding the conduct or activities of a member which would cause that member to become a liability to the welfare and interest of the church, the Pastor, ET, and deacons will seek to resolve the problem according to Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, and Galatians 6:1

VII. CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Church Structure

The church structure will consist of the Pastor and elders. The Pastor is the primary spiritual leader of the church. The Pastor will provide oversight of the staff. The Pastor and Elder Team provide leadership and equipping to help the church to fulfill its vision and mission.

The church will have an Elder Team (ET)/Board of Directors. The ET will provide leadership and guidance for personnel issues, finance issues, long-term planning, and anything else needed to help the church to fulfill its purposes. This team will consist of two members of the congregation that meet and have served as deacon previously as well as the pastor.

The Deacons will serve as an extension of the pastoral ministry.

Summary of basic church structure:

Elder Team led
Deacon served
Congregationally approved

SECTION 2. Pastor

A. Pastor

The Pastor, under Jesus Christ, is God’s primary leader for the local church. His main duties include prayer, preparation, and delivery of biblical sermons, and giving leadership to the overall church program.

B. Resignation

The Pastor is asked to give at least two weeks’ notice to the church at the time of resignation. Upon resignation of a Pastor, the Elder Team will work out the details of the final compensation for the resigning Pastor in a manner consistent with the church budget or upon special approval of the church.

SECTION 3. Elder Team

A. Elder Team/Directors

The Elder Team (ET) will consist of the pastor and two other men. An additional man shall be added to the Elder team for every 25 members exceeding 50 total members (I.E. 50 members = 2 Elders, 75 members = 3 Elders). A person cannot serve as an active deacon and an ET member. The ET members will serve four-year terms and must meet the qualifications and have previously served as a deacon. As it relates to our incorporated status, the ET will serve as the Board of Directors with the Chairman of the Elder Team serving as the President and chief executive of the corporation.

When the time comes to elect new members, the current ET and the Deacon body will both nominate one name each to serve.

(1) All nominees must have been a member of Edgemont Baptist Church for at least one (1) year, with exception to a called pastor.

(2) Nominees will be screened in the following manner:

a. All nominees must give evidence to regular attendance in both Bible Study (i.e. Connect Groups) and Worship services.

b. All nominees must be regular givers through tithing.

The ET will also function as trustees/Board of Directors of the church. They are charged with the duty of executing such legal documents as may be required by law and such documents as they may be empowered and directed by the church to enforce and administer.

The ET will provide leadership and guidance for personnel issues, finance issues, long-term planning, and anything else needed to help the church to fulfill its vision. They will be the final approval for all policies and procedures for the church and operate within those approved policies. He, or his designee, shall be the Moderator of all family meetings. The Pastor is the supervisor of the staff and is an ex-officio member of all committees. In the event of the Pastor’s inability to perform those duties, another member of the Elder Team will serve in these capacities.

SECTION 4. Deacon Body

Deacon Body/Servants

The Deacon Body will consist of 2 men per the first 50 members and will add 1 man for every 25 members over 50. The men shall be selected by the Elder Team and existing Deacon Body (I.E. Consistory) and shall exhibit qualifications as stipulated in Holy Scripture and maintain membership in good standing within the congregation.

The scope of the Deacon body is to be concerned with the serving of the physical needs of the body of believers within the Edgemont Baptist Church. This includes, but is not limited to, the care of those in need, the building/grounds, and the finances of the congregation.

The Deacon body will report to the Elder Team, and together under the headship of Jesus Christ they will guide the church into all faithfulness.

VIII. FAMILY MEETINGS

The Elder Team may call the church into conference at any regular service to dispose of any necessary business. The church will have quarterly family meetings and a regularly scheduled annual business (budget) meeting. The following matters shall be voted on at a special meeting at the conclusion of a Sunday worship service called 2 weeks prior:

(1) Calling a ministerial staff member.

(2) Amending the Constitution or Bylaws.

(3) Major expansion and expenditures (anything that exceeds 3% of the annual budget).

(4) Discipline of a member.

(5) Approval of the annual church budget.

75% of members present constitute a quorum.

These matters shall be decided by a 75% quorum except for the calling of a Pastor, which shall require a 75% (three-fourths) majority vote of active membership. Notification of the above matters shall be printed in the church bulletin and announced from the pulpit at least 2 weeks in advance.

In conducting family meetings, matters arising other than the above shall be conducted under “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

IX. Mutual Interest

The behavior of anyone in fellowship with this church is of common interest to the Elder Team and membership. (Gal. 6:1) This church requires every Elder Team member and Congregational member to adhere to a lifestyle that is consistent with the doctrines of this church as taught in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this church reserves the right to refuse service to any member that is not submitting their lifestyle to this Scriptural mode of conduct. This refusal would include services, benefits and any use of church assets.

X. Prohibited Activities

This church is prohibited from engaging in activities which violate its written doctrines. This church is also prohibited from condoning, promoting or allowing any of its assets to be used for activities that violate its written doctrines.

XI. Amendments

Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the ET and then a 75% majority vote of the active membership.

Dated November 9, 2025