CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
MAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
Doylestown, Pa.

We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles or our faith, and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body it its relationship to other churches.

HISTORY OF MAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
The building was purchased on Tuesday, June 13, 1967. The first Wednesday evening Service was on Wednesday, June 14, 1967 with 14 people. The first Sunday evening Service was on June 18, 1967. Reverend Robert L. Smith was the first Pastor and he started on June 1, 1967. There have been eight Pastors from 1967 to 1981. Pastor Jerry Schmoyer arrived in 1981.

I. NAME
This body shall be known as the MAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH of Doylestown, PA.

II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this church shall be the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It shall seek to attain this end through public worship, preaching the Gospel, teaching God's Word, consistent Christian living by its members, close loving fellowship, personal evangelism, missionary outreach, and Christian education.

III. STATEMENT OF FAITH
For Statement of Faith, see separate sheet.

IV. CHURCH COVENANT
For Church Covenant, see separate sheet.

V. MEETINGS
Section 1. The church shall hold regular meetings of worship, teaching, training, & fellowship.
Section 2. The church shall hold regular business meetings to discuss the material and spiritual life of the church and to project plans for the future. All business meetings shall be conducted according to ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, REVISED. The quorum shall consist of those who attend the business meetings, providing it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called.
Section 3. Other meetings of the church as a whole, or of authorized groups within the church, shall be set according to the needs of the congregation.

VI. ORDINANCES
Section 1 - Baptism: A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith; and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.
A. Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
B. Baptism shall be administered by the Pastor or whomever the church shall authorize. Fathers and husbands who are a part of the Body shall baptize those of their own family with assistance of the Pastor. The elders shall assist in the preparation for and observance of baptism.
Section 2. - The Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby those who know Christ as Savior, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His Second Coming.
A. The Lord's Supper shall be observed as the church may determine.
B. The Pastor and elders shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord's Supper.

VII. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: General - This is a sovereign Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The church retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in accordance with this constitution in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
Section 2: Candidacy - Any person, adult or child may offer himself or herself as a candidate for membership in this church. They must be in agreement with our Statement of Belief and willing to agree to the Church Covenant. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any regular church service for membership in any of the following ways:
1. By profession of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord and followed by Baptism by immersion.
2. By letter of recommendation from any Bible-believing Church stating the individual has made a public profession of faith in Christ and has been baptized by immersion. This must be supported by Church leaders making sure there has been a true conversion experience.
3. By restoration upon a testimony of prior conversion experience and baptism by immersion when no letter is obtainable.
Section 3: Termination of membership - Membership may be terminated in any of the following ways: (1) death (2) transferring to another Church (3) exclusion by action of this church (church discipline) (4) written request by the individual concerned (5) changing to another faith - those who unite with a church of another faith to which this church does not grant letters (6) lack of involvement in the life work of the church for a one (1) year period.
Section 4: Discipline - Should a member become an offense to the church and its good name or a bad example to other believers by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct or belief ( for example: disorderly conduct- II Thes 3:6-15; divisiveness- Rom 16:17-18; sexual immorality, drug abuse, greed, idolatry, slander or dishonesty- I Cor 5:11; worldly teachings- I Tim 4:6-7; teachings contrary to God's Word- II John 9-11; etc.), the church will seek by New Testament means to reclaim the individual to the cause of Christ and His Church. These steps are 1) being positive that there is sin that needs to be dealt with (I Tim 5:19), 2) praying for the person (Gal 6:1; Mt 5:23-24), 3) then talking to the person in private if the sin continues (Mt 18:15; Rom 15:14; II Tim 4:1-2), 4) taking a mature believer who the person will respect if the sin still continues and again challenging them to stop, trying in love to reclaim them to Christ (I Cor 6:1-6; Mt 18:16), 5) If it continues the church leadership should become involved, doing what they can do to reclaim the person. If all fails the church as a whole must be told about the problem (Mt 18:17a, I Tim 5:20) so others aren't misled by the person's sin and so all can pray for them. 6) If no repentance comes they are to be removed from the church fellowship temporarily or permanently (Mt 18:17b, I Cor 5:3-13). This is to show them the seriousness of the situation. They are to be prayed for and loved as anyone who lives like an unbeliever is loved and prayed for.
Section 5: Voting Rights of Members - Every adult (same as voting age in Government elections) member of this church is entitled to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present or provision has been made for absentee balloting.
Section 6: General Duties of Members - It shall be the duty of members of this Church to attend the meetings and services appointed by its authority, to cultivate personal holiness and family devotion, to sustain the public worship to Almighty God and the ordinances of the Gospel, to contribute for the support of the ministry, the necessary expenditures of the Church, the spread of the Gospel and the relief of the needy; to watch over and counsel one another in the spirit of brotherly love; to strive for the growth of the whole body in Christian knowledge and holiness, and to govern their actions, conversation and hearts by the precepts of God's Word.

VIII OFFICES OF THE CHURCH
1. PASTOR- TEACHER:
A. This church fully recognized that God has called certain men to the responsibility of exercising the prime leadership with the body of Christ to function in the ministry of a Pastor and, in obedience to our Lord, shall willingly, humbly, and lovingly submit ourselves to the leadership of the Pastor of this Church in the Lord (Heb. 13:17). He is an elder, meeting their qualifications but is the "elder" of the elders of the whole body.
B. The Pastor- teacher shall by virtue of his office, discharge all the functions of the pastoral and teaching ministry in cooperation with the body of elders of this church. This Church regards the body of Christ as composed of an equal brotherhood the members of which, though having different functions & responsibilities, all "regards not the person of a man." (I Cor 12:12-31)
C. The Pastor- teacher shall be a male member of this Church and in his life measure up to the scriptural standard of conduct for a pastor. (I Tim 3:1-11; Titus 1:7-9; I Peter 5:1-4).
D. By virtue of his office, the pastor- teacher shall be ex-officio member of all Church committees, and shall be a member of the Board of Elders.
E. The Pastor- teacher shall be called by the Church in accordance with action taken in a business meeting an thereby receive his authority to administer his office. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the vote cast shall constitute a choice.
F. In case the Pastor-teacher errs in the doctrine as established in "The Statement of Faith" or conduct as above (I Tim 3:1-11; Titus 1:7-9; I Peter 5:1-4), the body of elders shall warn him and seek to correct him. If he fails to heed their warding and continues his error, the body of elders shall refer the matter to the Church for action. If he refuses to heed the warning from the Church, he shall forthwith be discharged by 2/3 vote at the special called business meeting. In all other cases, there shall be a two (2) months notice of termination from either the Pastor or the Church. The Pastor shall vacate the parsonage 90 days after notice of termination.
G. In event the pulpit is vacant (no pastor, for whatever reason), the elders should first look among the body of elders to find an interim and/or pastor-teacher. If none is available or qualified look to the body of elders of like-minded, fellowshipping church in our areas-those who are familiar with our local body and its philosophy of ministry. We believe the first priority should be to look within the local congregation for those God is training for all areas of leadership and ministry.
H. 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 notice to the body of elders has been given. A pulpit committee of at least five members shall be chosen by the body of elders with elders comprising as many members as possible-preferably all five. 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 voting being necessary for a choice. The pastor thus elected, shall serve until the relationship is terminated by the request of either the church or the pastor.
2. ELDERS
In the New Testament church, Christ has provided men called elders whom He has enabled and commissioned to govern with pastor-teachers in His church.
Men who bear this office share equally with the ministers the authority in and responsibility for the life of the church.
Those who fill this office should be examples to the flock of their sound faith, life, conduct, and their wisdom and discretion. I Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9; I Peter 5:1-4.
Elders are to be chosen by the existing body of elders and pastor, recognizing those God has pointed out as being spiritual leaders in the church. A training program shall be provided to held them develop their skills/gifts that fit into our local ministry. The church shall vote the final approval of those chosen to be elders, a 3/4 majority being necessary for them to be elected.
The number shall be adequate to deal with those currently involved in the Body here in a personal, close way, in as much as there are qualified men to serve in this position.
Special jobs may be designated for some by the Body of Elders, Youth Work, Christian Education, Counseling, etc.

3. BODY OF ELDERS
A. The Body of Elders are recognized as being that body of God ordained men appointed by the church body, to whom God has given the responsibility and gifts for exercising the spiritual rule and watchcare (oversight) of the flock. Their qualifications are stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and I Timothy 5:17.
B. The Body of Elders shall be composed of the pastor and all the active elders of the congregation.
C. The pastor shall serve as chairman of the Board of Elders.
D. The Body of Elders shall have the general oversight of the spiritual life and work of the church including the worship, preaching, teaching, ordinances, evangelism, visitation, discipline. They shall oversee the work of the deacon board also.
E. Because they are "undershepherds" and not "lords" the elders shall rule the congregation according to the direction of Christ, the Chief Shepherd, as expressed in the Scriptures and the needs of the membership. They shall conduct at least one congregational meeting per year to report the status of the work to the congregation; and when they deem advisable, present recommendations to the congregation. They have the final say in matters of spiritual nature.
F. The Body of Elders shall in every way cooperate with the Pastor in the work of the ministry, and they shall in no way conduct themselves in the spirit of Diotrephes. (III John 9, 10)
G. The Body of Elders shall promote Christian instruction and shall maintain the ministry to the church membership, providing for the Lord's Supper and aiding in its administration, considering all applicants with the Pastor for church membership and all requests for letters of dismissal, cooperating with the Pastor in providing leadership of the meetings in his absence, and maintaining a ministry of spiritual training for new leaders and other discipleship training.
H. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be chosen annually by the Body of Elders from within their own Body, or someone well qualified which they choose.
I. All church literature shall be designated or approved by the Body of Elders in cooperation with the Pastor.
J. The Body of Elders shall meet regularly for training and considering the ministry and business of the church.

4. CHURCH SECRETARY
A. The Church Secretary shall be elected annually by the Body of Elders.
B. He shall be responsible for the keeping of complete records of transactions of all business meetings of the church. This shall be read for approval at the next following business meeting.
C. He shall keep a record of names and addresses of members with dated manner of admission and dismissal, also a record of baptisms and a list of those suspended. He shall issue letters of dismissal and recommendation voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such is required by this constitution.

5. DEACONS
A. The office of deacon is presented in the Scriptures as an office of service. A deacon should be a man of deep spiritual life, exemplary conduct and sound judgment (I Tim 3; Acts 6:1-8). His office is one of sympathetic service to the church and to the distressed, friendless or sick, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Board of Deacons shall be composed of all deacons duly elected by and from the congregation, and who meet the qualifications of the Scriptures. They shall be mature men who demonstrate spiritual wisdom and compassion so that they might serve the needy in a Christ-like and merciful manner.
B. Women can be chosen by the deacons, with the elders approval, to assist these deacons in their ministry to women and children (I Tim 3:11).
C. Deacons are to be chosen by the Body of Elders with the approval of the Body of Deacons and are under the authority and oversight of the Body of Elders. The church Body must vote approval by a 3/4 majority vote.
D. The number shall be determined by the needs of the availability of qualified men to fill the role.
E. The general responsibility of the Deacons is one of sympathetic and benevolent service to the church, the distressed, friendless and sick, showing the mercy and concern of the church for the material and natural needs of others. The Deacons shall assume the responsibility to care for such specific benevolent and material services as directed to them by the Board of Elders. They are responsible for the church finances, buildings, properties and possessions. The function of the Deacons is to see that the material and natural needs of the church constituency are met so that the Elders can give freely of their time and concern to the spiritual needs of the congregation.
The Body of Deacons shall visit the sick, needy and distressed members of the church, using such benevolence funds as needed. The Body of Deacons shall hold in trust all property belonging to the church and shall take all necessary measures for its protection, management and upkeep. They shall not contract any indebtedness, or expend more than one hundred dollars (100.00) except as directed by the Official Board or by a majority vote at any regular meeting of the Church. They shall not have power to mortgage, lease or transfer any property without specific vote of the church authorizing such action. They shall, acting as trustees imposed by the state, perform such other duties as are imposed upon them by the church and state.

6. LEADER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP
The Director of Music shall, with the Pastor-teacher, be responsible for the choir, congregational singing, and the scheduling of special music for regular and special services.

7. PIANIST-ORGANIST(s)
The Pianist-Organist(s) shall, with the Music Director, be responsible for playing for all regular and special church services, including preludes and postludes, offertories, choirs, congregational singing, special musical numbers, and be responsible for beginning all services promptly on time.

8. USHERS
A. The Church Ushers shall be appointed from among the membership of the Church by the Official Board.
B. The duties of an Usher will be to serve during the regular and special services of the church, performing such tasks as designated by the Pastor or Official Board of the Church.
C. Officers- The Board of Elders shall designate and present to the full body for acceptance other officers as many as may be required and shall determine their duties and terms of office.

IX DISSOLUTION PROVISIONS

Upon the dissolution of Main Street Baptist Church of Doylestown, PA, the Elder Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the church, dispose of all of the assets of the church to such organizations which are operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization under section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Elders of the church shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Please of the county in which the church is then located, exclusively for such purposes as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

December 9, 1989

Dissolution provision approved May 2, 2004