Vail Valley Baptist Church Constitution, Bylaws, & Member Covenant
Revised: March, 2021
CONSTITUTION
Section 1. Name
The name of this congregation shall be Vail Valley Baptist Church (Vail Valley or VVBC).
Section 2. Purpose
This church exists by the grace of God alone, for the glory of God alone, which shall be for the ultimate purpose in providing and maintaining a place of worship, edification, fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism for the glory of God. We take God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as the only authoritative rule of faith and practice.
Section 3. Affiliation
We, the members of Vail Valley, declare our affiliation shall be with the following agencies and schools: the Catalina Baptist Association of Southern Arizona, the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention, and any other evangelical organizations approved by the church.
Section 4. Declaration of Faith
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of the The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. We band together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. We believe the ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Any follower of Christ may partake of the elements of the Lord’s Supper and to the waters of baptism.
Section 5. Member Covenant
Since we have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and have experienced the acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption of God our Father, we covenant together as members of this church that with God’s help through the guiding presence of his Spirit:
BYLAWS
Section 6. Membership
6.1 Statement of Policy
Membership in this church is open to all persons who have publically testified to their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and have given evidence of that faith by following the Lord in believer’s baptism by immersion in water, and who are in agreement with the covenant and the statement of faith of this church.
6.2 Acceptance of Members
Membership in this church may be attained in one of the following manners:
Membership may be finalized after completing the following requirements:
6.3 Duties and Privileges of Membership
In accord with the duties listed in this church covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only members of this congregation shall be entitled to hold leadership roles in the church’s ministries, whereas non-members and members alike are encouraged to attend and participate in this church’s ministries. It is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such matters as may be submitted to a vote.
6.4 Discipline and/or Removal
Any member guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the admonition of the church leadership, and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and the example of Scripture. Church discipline should only be considered after individual private admonition has failed or in the case of egregious unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:5). This discipline’s purpose being:
6.5 Membership Termination
Membership in this church may be terminated in the following ways: death, transfer to another church, exclusion by action of this church, or by written request of the individual.
Section 7. Officers and Committees
7.1 Officers
All church officers must be members of this church in good standing. Officers of this church may include: senior pastor, associate pastors, deacons, clerk, secretary, and treasurer. This church shall employ or call officers, as needed, by the congregation and leadership.
7.2 Pastor
7.2.1 Pastor’s Qualifications: The pastor’s qualifications shall be consistent with those listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-3, and Titus 1:6-9. His training, skills, and experiences are needed in this area of leadership.
7.2.2 Pastor’s Responsibilities: These generally fall into the following areas: preaching, teaching, counseling, administration, planning, and shepherding the church to grow and fulfill its purposes. He shall lead the church, the organizations, and all leaders of the church in performing their tasks in worship, proclamation, education, and evangelism. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all church standing committees, except the pastor search committee. He shall secure pulpit supply in times of his absence.
7.2.3 Pastor’s Call: A pastor shall be chosen and called whenever a vacancy occurs. A pastor search committee shall be appointed by the church, with the approval of the personnel committee, to seek out a suitable pastor and this committee’s recommendation will serve as a nomination. The pastor search committee will recommend only one candidate at a time. The pastor’s election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least two week notice shall be given to the church members. An affirmative vote of three-fourths of those members present is necessary for a pastoral candidate.
7.2.4 Pastor’s Terms of Service: The chosen pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by either his request or that of the church. In either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given unless otherwise mutually agreed. There shall be a written, mutual contract/agreement between the pastor and the church.
7.3 Deacons
7.3.1 Deacon’s Terms of Service: The church shall appoint as many deacons as is wise and prudent to meet the needs of the congregation. Deacons shall be elected for a term of service of two years or until the term of office is terminated by either request of the individual or that of the church. After a deacon’s two year term, the deacon must not serve in the capacity of a deacon for a minimum of one year unless the church votes to extend the term of service. Deacons shall serve their terms on a rotational basis, such that the majority of deacons will not cease their terms at the same time.
7.3.2 Deacon’s Qualifications: A church deacon must meet the scriptural qualifications listed in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. A deacon shall demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family, and public life, and be a committed Christian servant of the church and a partner in ministry with the pastors, and be a supporter and promoter of the church’s faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
7.3.3 Deacon’s Election: When a deacon vacancy occurs, the pastors and personnel committee will enlist active qualified candidates whom they will recommend to the church. The duties, qualifications, and importance of the office of a deacon will be interpreted to the candidate. The leadership of the church will present the candidate to the church membership to be voted and appointed to the office of deacon.
7.3.4 Deacon’s Duties: Elected deacons shall elect the chairman of their body. Deacons serve as a body of counsel to assist the pastors concerning the progress and welfare of the church. They assist the pastors in ministering to the needs of the congregation, seek to resolve any fellowship problems and conflict of the church, and assist the pastors in administering the church ordinances. In the absence of the pastors, the chairman of the deacons shall serve as an advisory member to all departments and committees of the church.
7.3.5 Deacon’s Ordination: When the leadership of the church recommends the ordination of deacons, the ordination service shall be scheduled as led by the pastor. The ordination of deacons shall be by and for the service of the local body of Vail Valley Baptist Church alone.
7.4 Trustees
7.4.1 Trustee’s Terms of Service: There shall be at least three trustees serving at the same time within the church. Trustees shall be elected for a term of service of three years or until the term of office is terminated by the individual request or that of the church. After a trustee’s three year term, the trustee must not serve in the capacity of a trustee for a minimum of one year, unless wisdom dictates otherwise and the church extends the term of service.
7.4.2 Trustee’s Qualifications: A church trustee shall demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family, and public life, be a committed Christian leader and partner of the pastors, and a supporter and promoter of the church’s faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
7.4.3 Trustee’s Election: When a trustee vacancy occurs, the pastors and personnel committee will enlist active qualified candidates whom they will recommend to the church. The duties, qualifications, and importance of the office of a trustee will be interpreted to the candidate. The leadership of the church will present the candidate to the church membership to be voted and appointed to the office of trustee.
7.4.4 Trustee’s Duties: Elected trustees shall elect the chairman of their body. Trustees serve as a body to hold trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action. It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any and all legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of church property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of the trustees for and on behalf of the church.
7.5 Committees
Through the cooperative efforts of the pastors and the personnel committee, all church committees shall be formed as needed. Each committee shall consist of at least a chairperson who is a member in good standing. The only permanently standing committees of this church shall be the personnel and finance committee.
7.6 Personnel Committee
The personnel committee, in cooperation with the church leadership, shall be responsible throughout the year for nominating and filling various positions of service in the church, both new and vacated. Also this committee shall aid in the development of new church committees. The personnel committee shall have the number of members as is prudent and wise with one member ideally serving as a deacon. The terms of service will be three years or until the term of office is terminated by the request of the individual or that of the church. After a three year term, the member must not serve on the personnel committee for a minimum of one year, unless wisdom dictates otherwise and the church votes to extend the term of service.
7.7 Finance Committee
The finance committee shall have the responsibility of assuring that the adopted budget is adhered to. It shall recommend financial policies to the church and shall foster and promote programs of stewardship. In consultation with the church leadership for the new church year, it shall draw up and submit to the church an annual budget during the month of November for the next calendar year. This committee shall be responsible for an annual audit of the treasurer’s books. The finance committee shall have the number of members as is prudent and wise. The terms of service will be three years or until the term of office is terminated by request of the individual or that of the church. After a three year term, the member must not serve on the finance committee for a minimum of one year, unless wisdom dictates otherwise and the church votes to extend the term of service.
Section 8. Church Ordinances
8.1 Believers' Baptism
Believers’ baptism is the immersion in water of any person who has believed in Jesus Christ as personal savior, who has confessed said belief publically, and who has indicated a commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. The pastor, or whomever the church leadership shall authorize, may baptize, at a regular or special worship service, any person fulfilling the above requirements.
8.2 Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is the symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the Body of Christ, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and anticipate his second coming. The pastor, or whomever the church leadership shall authorize, may administer the Lord’s Supper as wisdom dictates.
Section 9: Church Meetings
9.1 Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday for the worship of God, for preaching, instruction, and evangelism. 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 or designated person in the absence of the pastor.
9.2 Members’ Meetings
A Member’s Meeting may be called by the pastor, and with other church officers, or by action of the church to consider special matters of significant nature. A two week notice must be given for the called business meeting.
9.3 Meeting Etiquette
Meetings shall be conducted in a Christlike manner, to the glory of God.
9.4 Church Items Requiring Vote
The following items require vote by the church membership:
Section 10. Amendments
The church constitution and bylaws may be amended upon the condition that the proposed amendment has been made available to each member in writing, allowing two weeks prior to voting on said amendment. A two-thirds majority vote shall be necessary to effect a constitution amendment.
Section 11. Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of this organization, all unencumbered properties and finances shall be given to the Catalina Baptist Association. All such decisions regarding this matter would be made by the majority vote of the remaining members of this corporation prior to final dissolution.
Section 12. Statement on the Covenant of Marriage, Family and the Sanctity of Life
We believe that all humans are created in the image of God and thus every person is of inestimable worth. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. 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. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Vail Valley as the local Body of Christ, it is imperative that all members of VVBC, including persons employed by VVBC in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on the Covenant of Marriage, Family and the Sanctity of Life. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and unloving behavior or attitudes that are directed toward any individual or groups are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of VVBC. As a congregation of covenant members we reserve the right to operate according to the guiding principles of Scripture and these foundational documents.
Vail Valley Baptist Church
14840 E. Colossal Cave Road, Vail, AZ 85641
Revised: March, 2021
CONSTITUTION
Section 1. Name
The name of this congregation shall be Vail Valley Baptist Church (Vail Valley or VVBC).
Section 2. Purpose
This church exists by the grace of God alone, for the glory of God alone, which shall be for the ultimate purpose in providing and maintaining a place of worship, edification, fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism for the glory of God. We take God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as the only authoritative rule of faith and practice.
Section 3. Affiliation
We, the members of Vail Valley, declare our affiliation shall be with the following agencies and schools: the Catalina Baptist Association of Southern Arizona, the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention, and any other evangelical organizations approved by the church.
Section 4. Declaration of Faith
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of the The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. We band together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. We believe the ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Any follower of Christ may partake of the elements of the Lord’s Supper and to the waters of baptism.
Section 5. Member Covenant
Since we have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and have experienced the acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption of God our Father, we covenant together as members of this church that with God’s help through the guiding presence of his Spirit:
- We will walk together in brotherly love.
- We will show loving care for one another and encourage, counsel, and admonish one another.
- We will assemble faithfully for worship and fellowship, and will pray earnestly for others and ourselves.
- We will endeavor to bring up those under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
- We will seek, by Christian example and personal effort, to win others to Christ and to encourage their growth toward Christian maturity.
- We will share one another’s joys and endeavor to bear one another’s burdens and sorrows.
- We will oppose all conduct which compromises our Christian faith and will uphold high standards of Christian morality.
- We will voluntarily submit ourselves to one another and to the discipline of the church.
- We will prove the reality of our conversion by living godly, fruitful lives.
- We will maintain a faithful ministry of worship, witness, education, fellowship, and service.
- We will be faithful stewards of our resources and abilities in sharing the gospel with all nations.
- We will seek to earnestly live to the glory of God who brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
- We will regularly celebrate this covenant together within our fellowship gatherings.
BYLAWS
Section 6. Membership
6.1 Statement of Policy
Membership in this church is open to all persons who have publically testified to their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord and have given evidence of that faith by following the Lord in believer’s baptism by immersion in water, and who are in agreement with the covenant and the statement of faith of this church.
6.2 Acceptance of Members
Membership in this church may be attained in one of the following manners:
- By scriptural baptism by immersion after profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
- By transfer of church letter from another Baptist Church.
- By testimony of their prior experience of conversion and scriptural baptism by immersion in another evangelical church of like faith and practice.
- By restoration to the church membership after the reconciliation process of church discipline.
Membership may be finalized after completing the following requirements:
- Successfully completing Vail Valley’s membership class.
- Signing Vail Valley’s member covenant.
- Being voted into membership by the current members of Vail Valley.
6.3 Duties and Privileges of Membership
In accord with the duties listed in this church covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only members of this congregation shall be entitled to hold leadership roles in the church’s ministries, whereas non-members and members alike are encouraged to attend and participate in this church’s ministries. It is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such matters as may be submitted to a vote.
6.4 Discipline and/or Removal
Any member guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the admonition of the church leadership, and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and the example of Scripture. Church discipline should only be considered after individual private admonition has failed or in the case of egregious unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:5). This discipline’s purpose being:
- Love for the individual and a desire for God’s best in his or her life (Matthew 22:39, John 13:35).
- For the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (Proverbs 15:5; 17:10; 25:12; 27:5, 1 Corinthians 4:14; 5:5, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Timothy 1:20; 3:4-5, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalms 119:115).
- For the instruction and good of other Christians, as an example to them (Proverbs 13:20, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thesalonians 5:14, 1 Timothy 5:20, Titus 1:11, Hebrews 10:24-25).
- For the purity of the church as a whole (1 Corinthians 5:6-7, 2 John 1:10, 2 Corinthians 13:10, Ephesians 5:27, Jude 24, Revelation 21:2).
- For the good of our corporate witness to non-believers (Proverbs 28:7, Matthew 5:13-16, John 13:35, Acts 5:10-14, Ephesians 5:11, 1 Timothy 3:7, 2 Peter 2:2, 1 John 3:10).
- And supremely for the glory of God by reflecting his holy character (Deuteronomy 5:11, 1 Kings 11:2, 2 Chronicles 19:2, Ezra 6:21, Nehemiah 9:2, Isaiah 52:11, Ezekiel 36:20, Matthew 5:16, John 15:8, Romans 2:24; 15:5-6, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Ephesians 1:4; 5:27, 1 Peter 2:12).
6.5 Membership Termination
Membership in this church may be terminated in the following ways: death, transfer to another church, exclusion by action of this church, or by written request of the individual.
Section 7. Officers and Committees
7.1 Officers
All church officers must be members of this church in good standing. Officers of this church may include: senior pastor, associate pastors, deacons, clerk, secretary, and treasurer. This church shall employ or call officers, as needed, by the congregation and leadership.
7.2 Pastor
7.2.1 Pastor’s Qualifications: The pastor’s qualifications shall be consistent with those listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-3, and Titus 1:6-9. His training, skills, and experiences are needed in this area of leadership.
7.2.2 Pastor’s Responsibilities: These generally fall into the following areas: preaching, teaching, counseling, administration, planning, and shepherding the church to grow and fulfill its purposes. He shall lead the church, the organizations, and all leaders of the church in performing their tasks in worship, proclamation, education, and evangelism. The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all church standing committees, except the pastor search committee. He shall secure pulpit supply in times of his absence.
7.2.3 Pastor’s Call: A pastor shall be chosen and called whenever a vacancy occurs. A pastor search committee shall be appointed by the church, with the approval of the personnel committee, to seek out a suitable pastor and this committee’s recommendation will serve as a nomination. The pastor search committee will recommend only one candidate at a time. The pastor’s election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least two week notice shall be given to the church members. An affirmative vote of three-fourths of those members present is necessary for a pastoral candidate.
7.2.4 Pastor’s Terms of Service: The chosen pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by either his request or that of the church. In either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given unless otherwise mutually agreed. There shall be a written, mutual contract/agreement between the pastor and the church.
7.3 Deacons
7.3.1 Deacon’s Terms of Service: The church shall appoint as many deacons as is wise and prudent to meet the needs of the congregation. Deacons shall be elected for a term of service of two years or until the term of office is terminated by either request of the individual or that of the church. After a deacon’s two year term, the deacon must not serve in the capacity of a deacon for a minimum of one year unless the church votes to extend the term of service. Deacons shall serve their terms on a rotational basis, such that the majority of deacons will not cease their terms at the same time.
7.3.2 Deacon’s Qualifications: A church deacon must meet the scriptural qualifications listed in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. A deacon shall demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family, and public life, and be a committed Christian servant of the church and a partner in ministry with the pastors, and be a supporter and promoter of the church’s faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
7.3.3 Deacon’s Election: When a deacon vacancy occurs, the pastors and personnel committee will enlist active qualified candidates whom they will recommend to the church. The duties, qualifications, and importance of the office of a deacon will be interpreted to the candidate. The leadership of the church will present the candidate to the church membership to be voted and appointed to the office of deacon.
7.3.4 Deacon’s Duties: Elected deacons shall elect the chairman of their body. Deacons serve as a body of counsel to assist the pastors concerning the progress and welfare of the church. They assist the pastors in ministering to the needs of the congregation, seek to resolve any fellowship problems and conflict of the church, and assist the pastors in administering the church ordinances. In the absence of the pastors, the chairman of the deacons shall serve as an advisory member to all departments and committees of the church.
7.3.5 Deacon’s Ordination: When the leadership of the church recommends the ordination of deacons, the ordination service shall be scheduled as led by the pastor. The ordination of deacons shall be by and for the service of the local body of Vail Valley Baptist Church alone.
7.4 Trustees
7.4.1 Trustee’s Terms of Service: There shall be at least three trustees serving at the same time within the church. Trustees shall be elected for a term of service of three years or until the term of office is terminated by the individual request or that of the church. After a trustee’s three year term, the trustee must not serve in the capacity of a trustee for a minimum of one year, unless wisdom dictates otherwise and the church extends the term of service.
7.4.2 Trustee’s Qualifications: A church trustee shall demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family, and public life, be a committed Christian leader and partner of the pastors, and a supporter and promoter of the church’s faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
7.4.3 Trustee’s Election: When a trustee vacancy occurs, the pastors and personnel committee will enlist active qualified candidates whom they will recommend to the church. The duties, qualifications, and importance of the office of a trustee will be interpreted to the candidate. The leadership of the church will present the candidate to the church membership to be voted and appointed to the office of trustee.
7.4.4 Trustee’s Duties: Elected trustees shall elect the chairman of their body. Trustees serve as a body to hold trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing such action. It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any and all legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of church property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of the trustees for and on behalf of the church.
7.5 Committees
Through the cooperative efforts of the pastors and the personnel committee, all church committees shall be formed as needed. Each committee shall consist of at least a chairperson who is a member in good standing. The only permanently standing committees of this church shall be the personnel and finance committee.
7.6 Personnel Committee
The personnel committee, in cooperation with the church leadership, shall be responsible throughout the year for nominating and filling various positions of service in the church, both new and vacated. Also this committee shall aid in the development of new church committees. The personnel committee shall have the number of members as is prudent and wise with one member ideally serving as a deacon. The terms of service will be three years or until the term of office is terminated by the request of the individual or that of the church. After a three year term, the member must not serve on the personnel committee for a minimum of one year, unless wisdom dictates otherwise and the church votes to extend the term of service.
7.7 Finance Committee
The finance committee shall have the responsibility of assuring that the adopted budget is adhered to. It shall recommend financial policies to the church and shall foster and promote programs of stewardship. In consultation with the church leadership for the new church year, it shall draw up and submit to the church an annual budget during the month of November for the next calendar year. This committee shall be responsible for an annual audit of the treasurer’s books. The finance committee shall have the number of members as is prudent and wise. The terms of service will be three years or until the term of office is terminated by request of the individual or that of the church. After a three year term, the member must not serve on the finance committee for a minimum of one year, unless wisdom dictates otherwise and the church votes to extend the term of service.
Section 8. Church Ordinances
8.1 Believers' Baptism
Believers’ baptism is the immersion in water of any person who has believed in Jesus Christ as personal savior, who has confessed said belief publically, and who has indicated a commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. The pastor, or whomever the church leadership shall authorize, may baptize, at a regular or special worship service, any person fulfilling the above requirements.
8.2 Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is the symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the Body of Christ, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and anticipate his second coming. The pastor, or whomever the church leadership shall authorize, may administer the Lord’s Supper as wisdom dictates.
Section 9: Church Meetings
9.1 Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday for the worship of God, for preaching, instruction, and evangelism. 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 or designated person in the absence of the pastor.
9.2 Members’ Meetings
A Member’s Meeting may be called by the pastor, and with other church officers, or by action of the church to consider special matters of significant nature. A two week notice must be given for the called business meeting.
9.3 Meeting Etiquette
Meetings shall be conducted in a Christlike manner, to the glory of God.
9.4 Church Items Requiring Vote
The following items require vote by the church membership:
- Calling of pastors and paid officers.
- Adoption of the annual budget.
- Real property purchases.
- Accepting or the occurrence of indebtedness.
- Pastor’s and paid officer’s salaries and compensations.
- Adoption and/or amending the church constitution and by-laws.
Section 10. Amendments
The church constitution and bylaws may be amended upon the condition that the proposed amendment has been made available to each member in writing, allowing two weeks prior to voting on said amendment. A two-thirds majority vote shall be necessary to effect a constitution amendment.
Section 11. Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of this organization, all unencumbered properties and finances shall be given to the Catalina Baptist Association. All such decisions regarding this matter would be made by the majority vote of the remaining members of this corporation prior to final dissolution.
Section 12. Statement on the Covenant of Marriage, Family and the Sanctity of Life
We believe that all humans are created in the image of God and thus every person is of inestimable worth. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. 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. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of sexual immorality is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Vail Valley as the local Body of Christ, it is imperative that all members of VVBC, including persons employed by VVBC in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on the Covenant of Marriage, Family and the Sanctity of Life. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and unloving behavior or attitudes that are directed toward any individual or groups are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of VVBC. As a congregation of covenant members we reserve the right to operate according to the guiding principles of Scripture and these foundational documents.
Vail Valley Baptist Church
14840 E. Colossal Cave Road, Vail, AZ 85641