Article I

Name and Organization

Section 1: Name

The name of this body of believers (organization) shall be Lee’s Summit Bible Church, Lee’s

Summit, Missouri.

Section 2: Organization

The church (organization) was organized by Charter Members May 23, 1982. Independent in its

organization and policy, it shall resemble other fundamental churches in all matters of discipline,

order, and policy. Fundamentally, it shall be a church that is standing true to Jesus Christ apart

from compromise. It shall have no affiliation or association with the National Council of

Churches or any other non-separated organization, group, or other professing evangelical

organization which denies the infallibility of Scripture and positions stated in the Lee’s Summit

Bible Church doctrinal statement.

Section 1: Incorporation

The articles of incorporation were applied for and then obtained on April 16, 1982, and we are

registered in the State of Missouri, City of Jefferson City, as Lee’s Summit Bible Church, Inc.

Section 2: Property

The control and ownership of all assets and real property shall not be given to any outside

organization but shall remain in the hands of the local constituency.

Section 1: Character

Its government is vested in Jesus Christ through the body of believers who compose it. It is

subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains voluntary

fellowship with other Bible-believing fundamental churches.

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of this church shall be 1) to witness to the unsaved by life and word, collectively

and individually, to the truth of the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ; 2) to edify the believers

through the teaching and preaching of the Word of God; 3) to worship God in praise, song, and

prayer; 4) to provide the fellowship of believers which the Lord requires and blesses; 5) to make

possible congregational good works to fellow believers and to all men; 6) to warn and to

strengthen the safeguards against apostasy from within and attacks from without; and 7) to

ordain or commission those in the assembly whom God has called into the pastoral, or

missionary, or other Biblical ministries.

are willing to subscribe to the doctrinal statement of this church, and 2) maintain doctrinal

positions consistent with and approved by Lee’s Summit Bible Church, for it is not consistent to

promote a missionary ministry that is out of harmony with the ministry of this local church.

Lee’s Summit Bible Church can, upon approval by the Elders, and by vote of the independent

body, approve or reject such missionaries or missionary proposals that are brought before the

church in a scheduled business meeting.

Section 1: Qualifications

Anyone professing faith in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord, having been baptized by immersion

after confession of faith, giving evidence of a change of heart, and declaring unity with the

principles, practices, and doctrines of this church is heartily invited to become a candidate for

church membership by reading and signing the Confession of Faith and completing the personal

data sheet.

Section 2: Reception of Members

Anyone desiring to unite with this church shall be examined by the Pastors and/or elders. The

Pastors and/or elders shall question and inform each candidate of the church’s qualifications and

prescribe any restrictions (see the qualifications of all elected officers) they may deem advisable

for the best interest of the church. Membership decisions shall not be made unilaterally. Upon

satisfactory examination by the Pastors and/or elders, the candidate shall be submitted to the

church for acceptance or rejection one week prior to the vote. Five (5) dissenting votes

constitute refusal of admission, but any member objecting will be required to present Biblical

grounds of their objection before the elders at a specially called meeting to handle the matter. A

total agreement from the elders shall overrule their objection and the name shall be submitted

once more before the church. After acceptance for church membership, the candidate shall be

given the “right hand of fellowship” (Galatians 2:9) by the church at a regular church service.

Section 3: Duties of Members

The duties of each member include…

A. The acquisition of Scriptural knowledge, constant progress in grace and spirituality,

     consistency of conduct, and control of an unholy temper. (John 15:12-14; I John 4:11; II

     Peter 3:8)

B. Bearing faithful testimony against all sin, to meet all obligations incurred, to live in a

     peaceful and neighborly manner, and to declare in every place the Gospel in life and

     conversation. (Titus 2:12, 13; Romans 13:8 Colossians 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20)

C. Demonstrating honor, esteem, and love for the pastors and elders; to pray fervently and daily

     for them; to support them in the Scriptural exercise of their Scriptural authority; to attend

     regularly upon their pastoral care; and to maintain a tender regard for their reputation.

     (Hebrews 13:7, 17-19)

D. To support the church in regular attendance, cheerful giving, and Biblical service. (Hebrews

     4:23; II Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 4:11-15)

Section 4: Voluntary Departure of Active Members

Upon request and upon recommendation by the Elders, a certificate of Christian faith shall be

granted to any member desiring to unite with another church.

Section 5: Removal of Inactive Members

Members failing to support the church by their regular attendance for six (6) months of a year,

unless providentially hindered (which shall be defined by the Elders) will be placed on the

Inactive List by voice vote of the Elders and so lose their right to franchise. Persons continuing

on the Inactive list for one (1) year will be removed from the church roll by decision of the

Elders.

Section 6: Discipline of Members

The matter of discipline of the membership shall be in the hands of the elders assisted by the

Pastors. Upon unanimous agreement by the Pastors and Elders, Biblical disciplinary action shall

be taken and the church shall be informed of the action. No member shall be expelled until

every effort has been made, including, if physically possible, personal visits to restore the

individual to fellowship with Christ and the church. (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:1-8)

Section 7: Dissolving of Real Estate Rights

Any member or group of members withdrawing from or in any other way losing their active

membership in the congregation, thereby forfeit all rights and privileges to any and all properties

belonging to the congregation.

Section 1: Spiritual Meetings

A. Worship services shall be held regularly each Sunday morning and evening, time being

     recommended by the elders and by agreement of the church.

B. Mid-week Bible study and prayer services shall be held regularly each week, time being

     recommended by the elders and by agreement of the church.

Sections 2: Business Meetings

A. The annual business meeting shall be held in December.

B. Business meetings shall be held as needed and posted a minimum of three services prior to

     the meeting date.

C. The fiscal year of the church shall begin on the first day of January of each year and shall end

     on the last day of December of each year.

D. The Senior Pastor or his appointee shall serve as moderator of the business meetings. If the

     church is without a Senior Pastor, the Elders shall appoint one of their number to serve as

     moderator.

E. In general, only the election of officers, appointment of employees, establishment or

     modification of major policies, and other questions of major interest and importance, need to

     be decided at a congregational meeting as described in Article VI, Section 2, Paragraphs A

     and B. Matters of lesser importance may be handled by the Pastors, elders, deacons, or other

     officers in accordance with their prescribed responsibilities. However, in the event of doubt

     arising concerning the proper disposition of such matters, the congregation always shall have

     the responsibility to request a formal review of the matter(s) before the Advisory Council.

Section 3: Special Meetings

A.     It shall be the prerogative of the Senior Pastor or the Chairman of the Elders or Chairman of

        the Deacons to call a special meeting at their own discretion having prior approval of said

        committee. Notification and purpose for such a meeting shall be posted a minimum of three

        (3) services prior to said meeting. Such business transactions shall be for that specific

        purpose only.

B.    Special business meetings for the purpose of: 1) calling a pastor; 2) a vote of confidence for

        the Senior Pastor, any Associate or Assistant Pastor, Elder, any elected officer, or committee

        member, or staff member; 3) any amendment or alteration of the Constitution, shall be called

        three (3) weeks prior to date of such meeting and notices shall be posted on the bulletin

        board.

C.    A request for a vote of confidence for a change of Senior Pastor, any Associate or Assistant

        Pastor, Elder, any elected officer, committee member, or staff member may be secured when

        15% of the recorded voting members present a written petition to the elders. Reason or

        reasons must be presented to the elders for consideration of said petition, which in turn shall

        be brought before the church body for vote only upon unanimous agreement of the Elders.

        Such a meeting shall be called three (3) weeks prior to the meeting date and said petition

        shall be posted on the bulletin board for this three (3) week period.

Section 4: Quorum

A.    15% of the recorded voting members shall constitute a quorum for all spiritual or business

        transactions, with only a simple majority vote required, except as stated in Paragraph B of

        this section.

B.    40% of the recorded voting members will be required to constitute a quorum, with a 3/4

        majority vote, for all business items mentioned under Article VI, Section 3, Paragraphs B and

        C.

Section 5: Voting Qualification of Membership

Any active member 16 years of age or older is qualified to vote at any called business meeting.

The floor is always open for discussion to all ages. A Christ-like attitude must always prevail in

all discussions.

Section 2: Senior Pastor

A.Qualifications

    1.     The Senior Pastor shall be a man who meets the spiritual qualifications as set forth in I

            Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

    2.     The Senior Pastor shall give wholehearted approval to the Covenant, Confession of Faith,

            and Constitution, as set forth in this document.

    3.     The Senior Pastor and his wife shall become members of this church upon his acceptance

            of pulpit ministry.

    4.     The Senior Pastor shall not be divorced or married to such.

B. Election and Term

    1.     The Senior Pastor shall be called at a designated business meeting for this specific

            purpose, only after the recommendation of the Pulpit Committee (Article VIII, Section 1).

    2.     The Chairman of the Pulpit Committee shall present the name from the pulpit and have

            said name posted on the bulletin board three weeks prior to the calling of the Senior

            Pastor. Only one candidate shall be considered at a time.

    3.     The church body shall hold a general discussion regarding the candidate at a designated

            business meeting prior to the calling of the Senior Pastor. Such meeting shall be under

            the supervision of the Elders.

    4.     Election procedures are covered under Article VI, Section 3, Paragraphs B and C and

            Section 4 Paragraph B.

    5.     The Senior Pastor shall be called for an indefinite time and shall serve until the office is

            terminated either by written resignation or by failing to obtain a vote of confidence, in

            accordance with Article VI, Section 3, Paragraph C, if such is presented to the church

            body. Termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of written

            resignation or immediately upon failure to obtain a vote of confidence with uninterrupted

            salary a minimum of thirty (30) days. It shall be the responsibility of the elders to fulfill

            all obligations of said termination to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, if possible.

            Failing to accomplish this, the elders shall automatically declare the office vacant.

C. Duties

    1.     Such duties as are customarily associated with this office shall be performed by the

            Senior Pastor, and at all times to be to the best of his ability. He shall have the oversight

            of the spiritual growth of the individual member and the total complex of the church

            body according to the New Testament teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    2.     The Senior Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

    3.     The Senior Pastor is to live a separated life, and to avoid questionable things that would

             hinder his testimony or cause him to be a stumbling block to others.

    4.     The Senior Pastor will have two weeks out of the calendar year to hold or attend Bible

            Conferences, evangelistic services, or other meetings of his preference with his present

            salary uninterrupted. Any other meetings and expenses must have 100% Advisory

            Council approval.

    5.     The Senior Pastor shall have the prerogative to select and approve all speakers, preachers,

            and teachers.

Section 3: Pastoral Staff

A. Qualifications

    1.     All Pastoral staff, including Pastoral Interns, must be men who meet the spiritual

            qualifications as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

    2.     The Pastoral staff, including Pastoral Interns, shall give wholehearted assent to the

            Covenant, Confession of Faith, and Constitution, as set forth in this document.

    3.     The Pastoral staff, including Pastoral Interns, and their wives shall become members of

            this church upon their acceptance.

    4.     The Pastoral staff, including Pastoral Interns, shall not be divorced or married to such.

B. Election and Term

    1.     Upon recommendation of the Advisory Council and with the approval of the

            congregation, the elders will seek the needed personnel. Having prior approval of the

            Senior Pastor and the Advisory Council, the name will be presented to the congregation.

            The election procedures of Article VI, Section 3, Paragraphs B and C will be followed.

    2.     Pastoral staff and Pastoral Interns shall be directly responsible to the Senior Pastor who

            shall be responsible for monitoring their performance.

    3.    Pastoral staff and Pastoral Interns shall be called for an indefinite period of time and shall

            serve until the office is terminated either by written resignation or by failing to obtain a

            vote of confidence, if such is presented to the church body. Termination shall become

            effective thirty (30) days after the date of written resignation or immediately upon failure

            to obtain a vote of confidence with uninterrupted salary for thirty (30) days. It shall be

            the responsibility of the Elders to fulfill all obligations of said termination to the

            satisfaction of all parties concerned, if possible. Failing to accomplish this, the Elders

            shall automatically declare the office vacant.

C. Duties

    1.     A designation of responsibilities will be prepared by the Senior Pastor and approved by

            the Advisory Council, and will be issued at the time of calling.

    2.     All Pastoral Staff and Pastoral Interns shall be members of the Advisory Council.

Section 4: Non-Pastoral Interns

A. Qualifications

    1.     All non-pastoral interns must be believers who set the proper example of the believer

            according to I Timothy 4:12-16.

    2.     All non-pastoral interns shall give wholehearted approval to the Covenant, Confession of

            Faith, and Constitution, as set forth in this document.

    3.     All non-pastoral interns and their spouses shall become members of the church upon

            acceptance of their position.

Section 5: Staff

A. Employment

     Upon recommendation of the Advisory Council and with the approval of the congregation,

     the deacons will seek the needed personnel. Employment will be granted only after

     obtaining approval from the Senior Pastor and the Advisory Council.

B. Duties

    All staff members, unless specifically stated in their designation of responsibilities, shall be

    directly responsible to the Senior Pastor who shall be responsible for monitoring their

    performance. Dismissal of any staff member may be tendered by the Advisory Council with

    the advice and consent of the Chairman of the Elders and Chairman of the Deacons. Staff

    members include secretarial personnel, maintenance personnel, custodial personnel, and

    other such non-pastoral staff as may become necessary. A designation of responsibilities

    will be prepared by the Senior Pastor and approved by the Advisory Council, and will be

    issued at the time of employment.

Section 6: Elders

A. Qualifications

    1.     The elders shall be men who meet the spiritual qualifications as set forth in I Timothy

            3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

    2.     Each must be a church member for one year before nominations can be made. This may

            be waived if deemed necessary.

    3.    The elders shall not be divorced nor married to such.

B. Election

     The Elders shall consist of members who shall be elected by the church as set forth in

     Article VII, Section 1, Paragraph B.

C. Duties

    1.     The Elders and Senior Pastor shall hold regular monthly meetings. Special meetings may

            be called at any time by the chairman of the Elders or the Senior Pastor. A simple

            majority shall constitute a quorum, but total agreement must be obtained upon the matter

            at hand.

    2.     It shall be the responsibility of the Elders with the assistance of the Senior Pastor, to

            fulfill any and all needs regarding the spiritual welfare of the church body. These

            obligations shall be performed in a manner befitting New Testament teachings.

    3.     They shall visit the sick, the needy, the distressed, and especially those within the

            community who are lost and without Christ. They shall promote and maintain a

            constructive missionary and evangelistic Bible teaching program in the performance of

            their duties, as required or requested.

    4.     It shall be the responsibility of the Elders to assist the Senior Pastor in receiving all new

            church members and help in all matters of discipline of members.

    5.     The Elders shall automatically act as a nominating committee for all church officers of

            the church body except, that of the Senior Pastor (see Article VIII, Section 1).

    6.     It is the Elder’s responsibility to shepherd the flock, to care for the spiritual welfare of

            God’s people, and to demonstrate love and service through their life to the Glory of God.

    7.     A chairman shall be elected from the Elders beginning each fiscal year.

Section 7: Deacons

A. Qualifications

    1.     The deacons shall be men who meet the spiritual qualifications as set forth in Acts 6:3

            and I Timothy 3:8-13.

    2.     Each must be a church member for one year before nominations can be made. This may

            be waived, if deemed necessary.

    3.     The deacons shall not be divorced nor married to such.

B. Election

     The Deacons shall consist of the Treasurer and members nominated by the Elders and agreed

     upon by the church to serve, as set forth in Article VII, Section 1, Paragraph B.

C. Duties

    1.     The Deacons and Senior Pastor shall meet as agreed upon by the parties. Special

            meetings may be called at any time by the chairman of the Deacons or the Senior Pastor.

            A simple majority shall constitute a quorum, but total agreement must be obtained

            concerning the matter at hand.

    2.     They shall set the example in godly conduct and see that all things be done in decency

            and in order.

    3.     They shall seek to serve wherever needed, especially within the church.

    4.     The Deacons shall have complete custody and supervision over all tangible and real

            property owned or leased or rented by the church.

    5.     They shall secure and maintain adequate insurance of every nature (fire, theft, liability,

            etc.) covering all tangible and real property.

    6.     They shall maintain all necessary repairs or replacements and attend to the purchasing of

            all new equipment as requested by the various committees or the church body.

    7.     They shall coordinate the purchase of all necessary supplies for maintenance and upkeep

            of the building and grounds. They shall also coordinate the purchase of all necessary

            supplies for the operation of the church body, such as classroom supplies, Sunday School

            supplies, fellowships, special events, etc., as requested by heads of departments and

            chairmen of committees.

    8.     The Deacons must operate within budgetary constraints.

    9.     They shall handle all physical and monetary matters pertaining to the church body.

   10.    They shall be responsible for all monies coming into the church and turn such amounts

             over to the treasurer.

   11.    A chairman shall be elected from the Deacons beginning each fiscal year.

Section 8: Clerk

A. Qualifications

    1.     The clerk shall live a separated life and avoid questionable things that would hinder his or

            her testimony causing him or her to be a stumbling block to others.

    2.     He or she must maintain an active part as a member of the church.

B. Election

     The clerk shall be nominated by the Advisory Council and approved by the church at a

     business meeting called for this purpose as set forth in Article VI, Section 2..

C. Duties

    1.     The clerk shall keep minutes and accurate records of all church business meetings.

    2.     The clerk shall keep an up-to-date register of all members begin received or dismissed

            from the local membership.

    3.     The clerk shall automatically serve as the church historian and compile any and all

            historical items of importance to the church body and file same for a permanent record.

Section 9: Treasurer

A. Qualifications

    1.     The Treasurer shall live a separated life and avoid questionable things that would hinder

            his testimony causing him to be a stumbling block to others.

    2.     The Treasurer must be an Elder or Deacon in accordance with the attend qualifications

            and election.

B. Election

     The Treasurer shall be nominated by the Advisory Council and approved by the church at a

     business meeting called for this purpose as set forth in Article VI, Section 2.

C. Duties

    1.     The treasurer shall be responsible for the custody of all monies, make all deposits, pay all

            expenditures and shall keep accurate records of same, including special funds, such as

            missionary, building, etc.

    2.     The treasurer shall be bonded if this is deemed necessary by the Advisory Council and

            church body.

    3.     The treasurer shall keep accurate weekly records of all members’ contributions to the

            church. Such records shall be kept confidential. Details of individual contributions shall

            not be discussed at any time except by request of the Senior Pastor or Elders.

    4.     Accurate annual individual records shall be mailed or presented to each member at the

            close of the calendar year.

    5.     Monthly and annual reports shall be prepared as stated in Article VI, Section 2, Paragraph

            A.

    6.     The treasurer shall cooperate at all times with any information required by the Advisory

            Council or Senior Pastor regarding the financial situation of the church.

Section 10: Confidentiality

All matters pertaining to the spiritual life and/or welfare of the local body, including private

meetings, conversations, counseling, and discussions within and outside of meetings, shall be

kept confidential. This pertains to Pastors, Pastoral staff, Elders, Interns, Deacons, Treasurers,

clerks, and other staff members.

Section 1: Pulpit Committee

A. A Pulpit Committee shall be formed for the sole purpose of calling a Senior Pastor

B. The Pulpit Committee shall consist of five (5) members:

    1.     The Chairman of the Elders, who shall serve as chairman.

    2.     The Chairman of the Deacons.

    3.     One Elder and one Deacon selected by their respective boards.

    4.     One member selected by the Pulpit Committee Chairman from the congregation having

            Advisory Council approval.

C. The duties of the Pulpit Committee shall be to fill the vacated office of the Senior Pastor.

     They shall seek a suitable candidate for the pastorate and present his name to the church

     body, having first secured the sanction of the Advisory Council.

D. It shall be the responsibility of the Pulpit Committee to collect resumes and interview the

     prospective candidates. Having fulfilled this responsibility, they shall unanimously agree on

     one candidate. He shall be presented to the Advisory Council for unanimous approval and

     then to the church body for their approval or disapproval in accordance with Article VI,

     Sections 2-5. If the candidate fails to obtain necessary votes, the committee shall continue the

     same procedure.

Section 2: Other Committees

The Advisory Council shall appoint other committees as they, deem necessary. All other

organizations or committees in the church, including the mission board, youth groups, ladies

groups, men’s groups, and any other group, are subject to the Constitution and Advisory Council

in their activities.

The power to alter, amend, or repeal this Constitution or to adopt a new Constitution shall be

only by a vote of the independent body; having been first submitted by the Advisory Council.

(See Article VI, Section 3, Paragraph B and Section 4, Paragraph B.)

Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern any business of any nature by the church body not covered