Constitution Preamble

We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and so that this body may be governed in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches of the same faith.

I. Name
This body shall be known as Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc.
II. Statement of Faith
A. This church is a congregation of baptized believers in Christ, united by and for the extension of His kingdom throughout the earth, associated in faith and fellowship of the Gospel to practice its precepts, to recognize and acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and to take the inspired Word of God, the Holy Bible, alone as the authority by which all matters of belief and conduct are to be decided and is the basis for any statement of faith. This church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.
III. Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
A. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male and female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
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B. Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant
relationship between a man, and a woman, and Himself, Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastor of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. shall only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. shall only host weddings between one man and one woman.
C. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of
one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in
Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy
to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other
(I Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that God has
commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a
marriage between a man and a woman.
D. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery,
fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and
use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matthew 15:18-20;
I Corinthians 6:9-10).
E. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. as a local body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model for Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc., in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; I Thessalonians 5:22).
F. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess
and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus
Christ (Acts 3:19-20; Romans 10:9-10; I Corinthians 6:9-11).
G. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing
behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated
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and are not in accord with Scripture nor doctrines of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc.
IV. Statement on the Sanctity of Human Life
A. We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image.
Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born
babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other
stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are,
therefore, called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Psalm 139).
V. Statement of Final Authority for Matters of Faith and Conduct
A. The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible
itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final
authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is
the sole and final source of all that we believe. For the purpose of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc.’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our pastor is Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc.’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
VI. Church Covenant
A. We have been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord
Jesus Christ as our Savior, and so on the profession of our faith having been
baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do
now, in the presence of God and this assembly, enter into this covenant
with one another as one body in Christ.
B. We, therefore agree, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the Bible,
the inspired Word of God as our guide, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church; to promote spirituality; to sustain its worship, discipline, and doctrine; to observe the church’s ordinance of baptism by immersion, and the Lord’s Supper as authorized by our local church; to contribute cheerfully and regularly of God’s tithes and
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offerings to the support of the ministry of our church and to the spread of the Gospel to all nations.
C. We agree to encourage personal and family devotions, to educate our
children according to our faith, to seek the salvation of the unbeliever, to
be just in our dealings, to be reliable in our responsibilities, and to be an example to those around us.
D. We also agree to abstain from the sale and use of alcohol, drugs, and other
substances harmful to our bodies, which are the temples of God; to use our influence to combat the abuse of all such harmful substances; and to work
untiringly for the advancement of the kingdom of our Savior by witnessing
in words and actions.
E. We agree to walk in Christian harmony and watchfulness; to give and to receive assistance with meekness and affection; to pray for one another;
to help each other in sickness and sorrow; to be slow to get angry; and to
always be eager for reconciliation, seeking it without delay.
F. We further agree that when we move from this area we will, as soon as
possible, unite with a Baptist church of like faith where we can carry out
the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
VII. Policy and Relationships
Section I. Policy
A. The government of this church is vested the body of believers who
compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it
recognizes and sustains obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation
which are common among Southern Baptist Churches. Insofar as is
practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Brevard Baptist
Association and the Florida Baptist Convention affiliated with the Southern
Baptist Convention.
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Section 2. Dissolution
A. In the event a part of this corporation should be persuaded to follow some
different purposes and objectives than as set forth in Articles II and VI of
this constitution, all property and assets of this corporation shall remain in
the custody of those remaining members, even if only a minority of the total membership, who maintain the original objectives and purposes of this corporation.
B. In event of the dissolution of this corporation, or in the event it shall cease
to carry out the objectives and purpose herein set forth, all property and
assets of this corporation shall go back to Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc.
C. The foregoing shall be considered a part of any and all instruments
transferring title to property to said church whether the same be set out in said deeds or not. If Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. should
fail or refuse to meet or adhere to the stated afore mentioned provisions,
then the title to the above-described property shall revert to and become
vested in the Florida Baptist Convention, or its successor, to be used for
church and mission purposes.
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By-Laws
Article I Church Membership
Section I. General
A. This is a New Testament church subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The
membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government of all
phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership
reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this
church and the conditions of such membership as stated in these By-Laws.
Section II. Candidacy
A. Any person at least 16 years old may offer himself/herself as a candidate
for membership in this church. Candidates for membership and/or baptism
who are younger than 16 must have parental/legal guardian approval.
B. Upon a majority vote of the members present at any church service or
meeting, membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose life
evidences a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and
acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; who renounces sin;
who endeavors to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully
subscribes to the church’s Statement of Faith; who enters into the Church
Covenant; who agrees to submit to the authority of the church and its
leaders as set forth and in compliance with any one of the following
conditions:
1. By profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and baptism by
immersion in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2. By promise of letter from another Bible believing Baptist church of
like faith and practice.
3. By statement of prior conversion experience and baptism by
immersion in a church of like faith, when records of former church.
membership cannot be obtained.
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4. By restoration to membership of an excluded member upon the
majority of the membership present after the confession is made publicly
before the church membership of sin(s) involved, and satisfactory evidence
of repentance to the pastor and/or deacon(s).
C. Should there be any dissent as to any candidate, such dissent shall be
referred to the pastor and deacon(s) for investigation and making
recommendation to the church within thirty (30) days. A three-fourths
vote of those members present and voting shall be required to elect such
candidates to membership.
Section III. Church Membership
A. Requirements for Church Membership
1. Must meet or have met the candidacy requirement of Section 2.
2. Must sign church membership agreement.
3. Must remain in good standing in regards to membership agreement.
4. Must attend a minimum of two (2) worship services a month. The membership of any member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member in question has not met this requirement. Upon good cause
being shown to the pastor, this provision for termination may be waived in
case of any individual member at the discretion of the pastor.
Section IV. Rights and Responsibilities of Membership
A. Every active member, who is 16 years or older, who attends a minimum of
two (2) worship services a month and is physically present at a duly called
meeting of the church, shall be entitled to vote. There shall be no proxy or
absentee voting. Every member in good standing is eligible for
consideration by the membership as a candidate for elective office of the
church, except only men are eligible for election to the office of pastor or
deacon.
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B. No member of this church may hold membership in another church. The
membership of any individual shall automatically terminate without notice
if the member unites with another church.
C. Membership in this church does not afford any member with personal
control over property or contractual rights. Although the general public is
invited to all the church’s worship services, the church’s property remains
private property of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. The church has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on the church’s property: If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on the church’s property, may be treated as a trespasser.
D. Every active member, who is at least 16 years of age, should understand
the financial obligation to support the Lord’s work through this church with
tithes and offerings.
Section V. Discipline of a Member
A. Should any differences arise among members that hinders spiritual growth
and testimony, the aggrieved member should follow the rules given by our
Lord in Matthew chapter 18. Before he goes, he should first examine
himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the
goal of reconciliation.
B. If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the
pastor is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. The second
step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in the spirit
of humility with the goal of reconciliation.
C. If the manner is still unresolved after the previous steps, the matter should
be brought before the church. If the matter is still unresolved after the
previous steps have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and
be reconciled are to be removed from the membership of the church upon
a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the
purpose of considering disciplinary action.
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Section VI. Termination of Membership
A. Members, not under disciplinary process in Section 5, may request that letters of transfer be sent to another Baptist church of like faith.
B. A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written
statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation.
C. Death of a member
D. Exclusion by action of this church.
Article II Church Officers
Section I. Pastor
A. The man called to be pastor must meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-
7. The pastor is to coordinate the entire ministry of the church to serve as
the body of Christ in his community in seeking to win the lost and nurture
the saved. He is to spend the necessary time in study for the preparation of
messages and for personal enrichment. As pastor, he is to accept
responsibility in cooperative work of fellow churches in the association,
State Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention according to the
requests and proper demands of each task on his time.
B. A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy
occurs. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of
which at least one week’s public notice shall be given.
C. The church shall appoint a pulpit committee and provide specific guidelines
for the selection of a suitable pastor, and their recommendations will
constitute a nomination, though any member has the privilege of making
recommendations to the pulpit committee. The committee shall bring to
the consideration of the church only one man at a time. Election shall be
by ballot, an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present being
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necessary for choice. The pastor, thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by his request or the church’s request. He shall reside at meetings of the church at his discretion. He may also serve as the corporate president/director of the corporate entity of the church. The pastor shall give two weeks’ notice at the time of resignation before terminating his responsibilities as pastor.
D. The pastor’s salary and benefits shall be established on an individual basis,
but generally following the guidelines commensurate with his age, family
size, and experience. The pastor shall be given two (2) weeks of personal
leave (titled vacation) each year. The personal leave shall be based on
Sundays absent plus not more than two (2) additional Wednesdays. In
addition to the personal leave, the pastor shall be allowed two (2) weeks
per year for conducting Evangelistic Revival meetings at other churches,
and two (2) weeks for personal education advancement and training at
seminars, conventions, or conferences. The times which are taken by the
pastor shall follow the prudence in the light of church activities, and special
emphasis services, so as to allow visitors the opportunity to meet and hear
the pastor during services when the number of visitors is expected to be
higher than usual. Additional personal time may be granted by the church
for special circumstances such as, but not limited to, illness or death in the
family.
E. The pastor may be terminated and the pastorate declared vacant in the
following ways:
1. Death
2. Personal request – The pastor may submit his resignation at any regular meeting of the church. He shall, unless mutually agreed upon to do otherwise by the pastor and the church, give the church a two (2) week notice.
3. Request of the church – Should the pastor become an offense to the
church and its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breach of the covenant of this church, the church shall terminate his pastorate by three-fourths (3/4) vote of those members
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present and voting, but only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful
efforts have been made to bring him to repentance and amendment as set
forth in Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1.
4. Once the church has declared the pulpit vacant, the effect shall be immediate, but the church, in keeping with the teachings of her Lord, Who said we are to do to others as we would want done to us, and in Christian consideration of the needs of the pastor and his family, who have no unemployment compensation or severance pay, will be decided at the time of termination.
Section II. Church Staff
A. This church may call or employ such staff members as the church may
need. A job description shall be written when the need for staff members
is determined. Vocational staff members other than the pastor shall be
recommended to the church by a special committee and employed by
church action.
Section III. Deacon(s)
A. The number of deacons to be elected shall be determined by the church
according to the need. They shall be elected upon the basis of qualifications
as set forth in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:843. To qualify for the office, the
following qualifications should be met: He needs to be a male who is a
faithful member in good standing who has and will continue to practice the
standards of the church covenant. He should prove his quality over time in
the ordinary activities of life and ministry. He needs to be an individual
who has earned the respect of the membership and the community. He
should not be an individual who has divorced and remarried. He-should be
capable of managing his own home. His wife must meet these standards
too. She should be worthy of respect, not a slanderer, and faithful in all things. He is to be honest, not double tongued nor a habitual hypocrite.
He is not to be a user of alcoholic beverages or a greedy chaser of dishonest
wealth.
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Most importantly, he must be a man of spiritual depth who understands
and holds fast the deep truths of his faith in Christ. There must be nothing in his conduct that is inconsistent with his professed faith in Christ. He must display a spiritual maturity before being placed in a role of responsibility.
B. The qualifications for the office of deacon are almost as stringent as
the pastor’s. The reason for this is the public profile in the church and the
servant nature of his work requires strong qualities of maturity and piety.
The deacon is to be a servant of the church. The task of deacon is to carry
out, under the direction of the pastor, the menial tasks of the church’s
Ministry, freeing the pastor for prayer, study, and teaching of God’s Word.
A deacon is to deal with the practical business of church administration
which includes mingling with the membership and with understanding and
freedom determine and relieve the needs of the needy in the membership
and in the community. The office of deacon can also assist with the Lord’s
Supper, baptism, receiving the offering, and teaching God’s Word.
C. An ordination service shall be conducted as soon as possible by the
pastor and deacon(s) for elected men not previously ordained.
D. A deacon may be terminated from service by:
1. Death
2. Personal request
3. Moving out of commuting distance
4. Gross misconduct, upon the majority vote of church members present at a called meeting but only after the church has sought the restoration of the deacon according to Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1.
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5. When a deacon is not able or is unwilling to carry on his
responsibilities, his resignation may be requested by the church
body.
Section IV. Moderator
A. The pastor shall serve as moderator. In his absence, an acting moderator
shall be elected.
Section V. Clerk
A. The church shall elect annually a clerk as its clerical officer and who shall
serve as the church historian. The clerk shall be responsible for keeping a
suitable record of all official actions of the church. The clerk shall be
responsible for keeping a register of names of members, with dates of
admission, dismissal, death, or erasure, together with a record of baptisms.
The clerk shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church, preserve on
file all communications and written official reports and give required notice
of all meetings where notice is necessary as indicated in these By-Laws.
The church clerk may also serve as the secretary of the corporate entity of
the church.
Section VI. Treasurer
A. The church shall elect annually a church treasurer. It shall be the duty of
the treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, all money, or things of
value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account
of all receipts and disbursements for the preceding month. Upon rendering
the annual account at the end of each fiscal year, and its acceptance and
approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to
the church clerk who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the
permanent records of the church. The church treasurer may also serve as
the treasurer of the corporate entity of the church.
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Section VII. Financial Secretary
A. The financial secretary shall be elected by the church when the position
needs to be filled. The financial secretary shall receive empty collection
envelopes after the money has been removed and counted by the proper
persons selected by the church to serve in turn as counters; and from these
he shall give donors individual credit. He shall keep the envelopes for
reference for a period of three (3) years. He will fill out the sheet for the
monthly balance, which will indicate receipts from envelopes, plate, or
loose, and miscellaneous or special offerings. He shall also be responsible
for preparing and mailing records of contributions to all contributing
members.
Section VIII. Trustees
A. Three trustees shall be elected annually. The trustees are responsible
for managing the legal affairs of this church corporation upon approval of
and pursuant to the members in a regular or special business meeting of
the church. It shall be the duty of the trustees to accept and hold in trust
for the church title to the properties of the church and to make such
contracts, conveyances, and encumbrances affecting or relating to such
properties, or any part thereof, as may be in conformity with the provisions
of the Articles of Incorporation and as authorized by the membership of
this church during a regular or special business meeting. The trustees shall,
before purchasing, selling, conveying, or encumbering any of the real
property, cause notice of such proposed action to be published in at least
two (2) issues of the church bulletin immediately prior to the date of the
business meeting at which the vote of the membership is taken on the
matter. If seventy-five percent (75%) of the membership present and voting in the business meeting vote in favor of the proposal, the same shall stand
approved and the trustees shall proceed as authorized and instructed.
B. The trustees shall establish and maintain comprehensive insurance
protection for the church property and liability insurance, and such other
insurance as the church may be legally obligated to maintain.
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C. The trustees shall be custodians of all official legal documents of the
church, all which shall be stored in the church’s safe deposit box. The
trustees shall be the custodian for any safe deposit box(s) reserved for or
by the church. They shall ensure that resolutions authorizing access
thereto require the presence of two authorized persons for such access, and that such resolutions are kept current.
Article Ill Program Ministry
Section I. General
A. All organizations of the church shall be under church control; all officers
being elected by the church and reporting regularly to the church shall be
under church control. It is understood that the pastor is an ex-officio
officer of all the organizations named, and his leadership is recognized in
them.
Section II. Sunday School
A. There shall be a Sunday School, divided into departments and classes for
all ages and conducted under the direction of a general director, for the
study of God’s Word. Sunday School is to be conducted each Sunday
morning. The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the biblical
revelation; lead in reaching all prospects for the church; lead all church
members to worship, witness, learn, and minister daily; provide and
interpret information regarding the work of the church and the Southern
Baptist Convention. Southern Baptist literature shall be used for all ages.
Section III. Music Ministry
A. There shall be a music ministry under the direction of the minister of
music. Such officers and organizations shall be included as needed. The
music tasks shall be to teach music and hymnody; provide music and
musicians for the congregational services and the organizations of the
church; lead persons to participate in hymn singing; train persons to lead,
sing, and play music; provide organization and leadership for special
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projects of the church; provide and interpret information regarding the
work of the church and the Southern Baptist Convention.
Article IV. Church Meetings
Section I. Worship Services
A. The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning and evening for
preaching, instruction, evangelism, and for worship of the Almighty God
and on Wednesday evening for prayer and Bible Study. These meetings will
be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and
shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.
Section II. Regular Business Meetings
A. Regular business meetings shall be held monthly on a designated Wednesday night. Should there be any unusual business or matters of
unusual interest to be brought before such regular monthly meeting, notice
shall be given the membership one week prior to meeting.
Section III. Notice of Called Meetings
A. Notice of all specially called business meetings of the church shall be given
by announcement one week prior to the meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable.
Section IV. Quorum
A. The quorum consists of those members who are in attendance at the
business meeting, provided it is a regularly scheduled meeting or a special
one that has been properly called. Majority rules except where By-Laws
so state.
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Section V. Parliamentary Rules
A. The moderator shall determine the rules of procedure according to his
sense of fairness and common sense, giving members a reasonable
opportunity to be heard on a matter. The moderator is the final authority
on questions of procedure, and his decision is final and controlling.
Section VI. Fiscal Year
A. The fiscal year of the church shall begin September 1 and end on August
31. The church year will begin September 1 and end on August 31.
Article V Amendments
Section I. Constitution and By-Laws
A. Changes in this constitution may be made at any regular business
meeting of the church, provided that the proposed amendment(s) have
been presented in writing at a previous regular meeting and copies
furnished to each member present. Amendments to the constitution
require a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the members present and
voting.
B. Changes in the By-Laws may be made at any business meeting of the
church, provided they have been made in writing at a previous meeting and
copies presented to each member present. There shall be a minimum of
seven (7) days between these meetings. Changes in the By-Laws require a
majority vote of the members present and voting.
Article VI General
Section I. Special Offerings
A. Special offerings shall be recognized and promoted as regular mission
and ministry activities of our church program and may include, but not
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limited to:
1. Foreign Missions (Lottie Moon)
2. Home Missions (Annie Armstrong)
3. State Missions (Maguire)
4. Mother’s Day Offerings (Florida Baptist Children’s Home)
5. Other special offerings may be taken for guest speakers and special
programs as the pastor shall determine.
B. Designated contributions from time to time the church, in the exercise of
its spiritual, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various
funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their
contributions, but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than
mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of
the pastor, deacon(s) and trustees. No fiduciary obligation shall be created
by any designated contribution made to the church other than to use the
contribution for the general furtherance of any purposes stated in
Constitution and By-Laws.
Section II. Use of Church Facilities, Assets, and Resources
A. The church’s leadership shall oversee implementation of a church policy
regarding the use of church facilities, assets, and all other resources. Such
policy will ensure that all facilities, assets, and resources of Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. are to be used in a manner which is consistent with the Holy Scriptures and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. The use of any or part of the church grounds or facilities, whether by members or outside interests or entities, will be done in a manner consistent with our beliefs as a church. Moreover, any and all use of church property shall be sufficiently documented and memorialized so as to protect the church from unnecessary exposure to liability.
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B. The pastor has the sole authority to approve or disapprove and/or perform all ceremonies at Jesus Loves You Love Him Back, Inc. (weddings, funerals, or any other services or activities).
C. Movable items such as grounds equipment, furniture, office equipment,
will not be removed from church property except for approved functions.
Approval shall be received prior to removal from church property. A church
facility and property use policy form must be filled out by interested parties
and approved by church leadership before church facility and property use.