I. Name

This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Sudbury, Massachusetts (successor in interests to the Calvary Baptist Church of Framingham, Massachusetts).

II. Affiliation

Said church shall be affiliated with the Greater Boston Baptist Association, the Baptist Convention of New England, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Article I. Membership

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of church membership is to follow the pattern witnessed in Scripture (Acts 2:41, 6:1–6) whereby the local body of Christ represents the universal body of Christ in purity (2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Ephesians 5:25–27) and witness (Matthew 28:18–20; Revelation 7:9–10).

Section 2: General

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves this exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

Section 3: Candidacy

A. Qualifications for Membership

To be eligible for membership in this church, one must have had personal experience of regeneration by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, confessed Him as both Savior and Lord, been baptized as a believer (practiced by immersion), expressed willingness to enter into the church covenant, and been accepted by vote of the church members.

B. Admission of Members

1. The Elders are responsible for meeting with and verifying each candidate’s qualification for membership, exercising discretion as appropriate. The Elders will rely upon the candidate’s profession of faith, witness of current members, witness of previous church affiliations, or any other pertinent information concerning the candidate.

2. All candidates will complete the orientation process.

3. All candidates who have completed the orientation process will be presented to the church members at the first possible membership meeting and voted upon. All candidates will be voted in as members by three-fourths majority vote.

4. Should any member dissent to any candidate prior to a vote, the membership vote will be tabled, and such dissent shall be referred to the Elders for investigation and the making of a recommendation to the church at the next regular membership meeting. The results of the investigation will be communicated to the members and a recommendation will be made to the members at the next regular membership meeting.

5. All candidates approved by the church members will be presented as new members at the first possible Sunday morning service.

C. Privileges and Duties of Membership.

1. In accordance with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church. Only members of this congregation shall be privileged to serve as leaders in ministry. Non-members may serve on an ad-hoc basis (in non-leadership roles or in support roles) after approval by the Elders, under supervision of the ministry team leader. Non-members may be contracted to serve the church for purposes of service, administration, and professional consultation.

2. Under Christ, this congregation shall be governed by the membership. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, decisions regarding membership status, and such other matters as may be submitted to a vote. Members 18 years of age or older may vote.

3. All members shall have the privilege of training, care, and counseling according to the Bible to promote their spiritual growth and to equip them for service.

D. Termination of Membership

The member will clearly communicate intent to depart from the covenant commitment of membership. Membership will be terminated under the following circumstances:

1. Membership will be terminated upon the death of a member.

2. Membership will be terminated by uniting with another church.

3. Membership can be terminated as an act of church discipline, following the procedure set forth in Article 1 Section 3.E.2.c.

E. Discipline

1. Scripture exhorts our membership to take every reasonable measure to assist any troubled member (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). The Elders, other members of the church, Deacons, and Staff are available for counsel and guidance. Redemption rather than punishment will be the guideline which governs the attitude of one member toward another. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.

2. In accordance with the Scriptures, any member who is absent from the church without response to communication from the church membership or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, or failing to fulfill duties of membership, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to church discipline. Church discipline can include admonition by any church member, suspension from communion for a definite period, deposition from office or service, or removal of membership. The above actions should be carried out within the context of the discipline process given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15–17 and detailed below:

   1. The process begins with a private, one-on-one restoration of the member through repentance of his/her offense. Depending on the nature of the offense, this same process may be repeated multiple times over a period of time.

   2. If the member refuses to repent during the one-on-one restoration, then the process will continue privately with two or three members restoring the member, calling him/her to repentance, perhaps many times. If the member still refuses to repent, then the offense will be brought before the church.

   3. At a membership meeting, the members will be informed of the name of the member and the offense for which he/she is being disciplined. The membership may vote to exclude the member from the communion or remove them from a position of leadership. If the member refuses to listen to the church’s call to repent, then at a subsequent members’ meeting there shall be a vote to remove the member from church membership. (Matthew 18:15–17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; 1 Timothy 5:19–20; 1 Corinthians 5:4–5; 2 Corinthians 2:5–11). The church may take this action by three-fourths majority vote of the members present at the meeting.

3. The purpose of such discipline should be for:

   1. The repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (see Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:4–5; Hebrews 12:1–11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26–27; 18:15–17; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13–14; James 1:22).

   2. The instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 [note: this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24–25).

   3. The purity of the church as a whole (see 1 Corinthians 5:6–7; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; 2 John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2).

   4. The good of our corporate witness to non–Christians (see Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13–16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1–14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10).

   5. Ultimately, for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (see Deuteronomy 5:11; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 40, 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2: 12–24; 15:5–6; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12).

4. Any person whose membership has been terminated by the congregation may, upon personal request, be restored to membership by a vote of the church upon evidence of repentance and reformation.

Article II. Officers & Duties

Section 1: Officers of the Church

The Biblical offices in the church are Elders and Deacons. All Elders shall be considered pastors of the congregation.

Section 2: Elders

A. Qualifications

1. Elders will be men who meet the qualifications for the office of Elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

2. The Elder body will include Staff Elders (Article II. Section 3).

3. Elders will give wholehearted assent to the Statement of Faith and Church Covenant.

4. Elders, excluding Staff Elders, must be a member of First Baptist Church of Sudbury for at least six months in order to be eligible for nomination.

B. Responsibilities

1. The Elders will:

   1. Devote their time to prayer, teaching, guarding sound doctrine, and shepherding God’s flock, in keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1–6 and 1 Peter 5:1–4.

   2. Oversee the development of the church’s vision and mission.

   3. Meet regularly with the Deacon body to promote communication and collaboration across ministry teams within the church.

   4. Lead in setting budget priorities working together with the Deacons and Staff.

   5. Assess and equip members for the teaching ministry of the church. This function may be delegated to Deacons, Staff or members of the church as determined by the Elders.

   6. Oversee church discipline as appropriate and in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Article 1 Section 3.E.

   7. Meet with prospective members as set forth in Article 1 Section 3.

   8. Lead the church, within the framework of authority and accountability set forth in Scripture, this Constitution, and congregational church government.

   9. Oversee Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

   10. Oversee local, regional, and global missions.

   11. Hire, evaluate and dismiss Staff as outlined in the constitution.

   12. Keep a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together with a record of baptisms and shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church.

2. In compliance with the laws of the State of Massachusetts, one of the Elders will serve as the Clerk of the corporation.

C. Guiding Principles Regarding Numbers

1. The majority of the Elders will be non-Staff Elders. Additional Elders may be elected as needed.

D. Term

1. Elders, excluding Staff Elders, will serve one term and may be re-elected for a second term, but will take at least one year off following two consecutive terms.

2. Terms shall be three years, except when filling an unexpired term. Serving an unexpired term of more than one year shall constitute a regular term.

3. With the exception of Staff Elders, no more than approximately one-third of the Elders shall be up for election in any given year.

E. Resignation or Removal

1. An Elder’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or removal.

2. Any two members (1 Timothy 5:19) in good standing with reason to believe that an Elder should be dismissed should express this concern to the Elders. If warranted the Elders will present the issue to the congregation at an appointed congregational meeting. The Elder may be dismissed by a three-fourths vote of those present and voting.

Section 3: Staff Elder(s)

A. Summary

1. The Senior Pastor and Associate Pastors are considered Staff Elders.

2. The Staff Elder(s) will perform the responsibilities described above (Article II. Section 2.B.), but are also recognized and called by the church to the ministry of shepherding, teaching, and oversight occupationally.

3. The Staff Elder(s) may preach on Sundays and perform other duties as outlined in the Constitution, in their job descriptions or as determined by the Elders.

B. Responsibilities

1. The Staff Elder(s) shall serve under the conditions of their call as mutually agreed by the church and the Staff Elder(s). The conditions of call shall be stated in the form of a written job description.

C. Resignation or Removal

1. Each Staff Elder will serve under a continuing call until the relationship is dissolved at the request of the Elder or of the church, or according to the removal procedure for Elders described in Article II Section 2.E.

2. The Staff Elder must give at least eight (8) weeks advance notice in writing to the Elders of his intention to resign his position, unless otherwise mutually agreed. The written notice shall be presented to the church.

Section 4: Deacons

A. Qualifications

1. Deacons will be men and women who meet the qualifications for the office of Deacon set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 and Acts 6:1–7.

2. Deacons will give wholehearted assent to the Statement of Faith and Church Covenant.

3. Deacons must be a member of First Baptist Church of Sudbury for at least six months in order to be eligible for nomination.

B. Responsibilities

1. The Deacons are faithful servants of the church tasked with:

   1. Assisting the Elders in any area of service that shall support and promote the ministry of the Word, new and existing ministries of the Church, and the physical care for the members of the congregation.

   2. Administering the benevolence fund.

   3. Assisting with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

2. The Deacons will recruit, train, and equip members of the church to help serve along side the Deacons in their particular ministry teams.

C. Guiding Principles Regarding Numbers

1. There may be six (6) active Deacons for the first one hundred church members. Additional Deacons may be elected as needed. This quota need not be maintained if sufficient persons meeting the qualifications are unavailable to serve.

2. Deacons are responsible for leading ministry teams including, but not limited to:

   1. Hospitality - Welcome members and visitors during worship services, organize and be responsible for set-up and clean-up before and after congregational meetings.

   2. Finance - Receive, preserve, and pay out all monies or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. Payment of bills for local work and expenses shall be made promptly, and all funds received for denominational or other causes shall be remitted at least monthly. An annual financial report shall be prepared, and presented to the church for approval. All books, accounts, and records shall be considered the property of the church. The books shall be open to inspection at all times, and at reasonable hours, by any member of the church. This team requires a minimum of two (2) Deacons.

      1. In compliance with the laws of the State of Massachusetts, the church shall elect a Treasurer and an Assistant Treasurer to serve on the Finance team. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer may or may not be Deacons.

      2. The Treasurer will maintain regularly updated backup information with account names and numbers, passwords, etc. in a confidential and secure location that may be accessed by the Assistant Treasurer and/or the elders in an emergency. This information will be maintained so that church business may be conducted without interruption in the event that the Treasurer is unexpectedly unable to carry out these duties.

   3. Facilities - Entrusted with the care and maintenance of all church real and personal property. They shall be responsible for maintaining the property in good repair, making such alterations as may be voted by the church, and for keeping the property and contents insured. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without church approval by a three-fourths vote of those present and voting at an appointed congregational meeting. This team requires a minimum of two (2) Deacons.

      1. In compliance with the laws of the State of Massachusetts, the Deacons of Facilities will serve as the Trustees of the corporation.

   4. Moderator - The Deacon Moderator shall preside at congregational meetings, adhering to Robert’s Rules of Order. In the absence of the Deacon Moderator, an Elder shall preside. The Deacon Moderator shall call congregational meetings to order; call on persons to speak in meetings; move meetings forward to the next item on the agenda as appropriate. The Deacon Moderator will recruit team members to regularly record minutes during congregational meetings.

      1. In compliance with the laws of the state of Massachusetts, the Deacon Moderator will serve as the Moderator of the corporation.

D. Term

1. Deacons will serve one term and may be re-elected for a second term, but will take at least one year off following two consecutive terms.

2. Terms shall be three years, except when filling an unexpired term. Serving an unexpired term of more than one year shall constitute a regular term.

3. No more than approximately one-third of the Deacons shall be up for election in any given year.

E. Resignation or Removal

1. A Deacon’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or by removal.

2. A Deacon’s term of office may be terminated by an act of church discipline, following the principles set out in Article I Section 3.E.2.c

Section 5: Selection of Church Officers

The election process will express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A. Nominations for Elders

1. At least once a year, the elders will request nominations to fill Elder openings. Nominations will be accepted for at least 14 days.

2. The Elders will review all nominations from the membersof the congregation and assess the qualifications of each nominee.

3. Qualified nominees who have not previously served as an elder will complete six (6) months of Elder training.

4. The list of qualified nominees who have completed the Elder training will be published at least two weeks prior to election.

5. Nominees shall be elected by three-fourths vote from the members present and voting at the appointed congregational meeting.

Elders will be commissioned before the church.

B. Nominations for Deacons

1. At least once a year, the Elders will request nominations to fill Deacon openings. Nominations will be accepted for at least 14 days.

2. The Elders will review all nominations from the members of the congregation and assess the qualifications of each nominee.

3. The list of qualified nominees will be published at least two weeks prior to election.

4. Nominees shall be elected by three-fourths vote from the members present and voting at the appointed congregational meeting.

5. Deacons will be commissioned before the church.

C. Staff Elder(s)

1. The Elders or their designees will:

   1. draft a job description and present it to the congregation for their approval.

   2. determine appropriate procedures for seeking a candidate, congregational approval. When the church is without a Senior Pastor, the elders will convene a Pastoral Search Team, with congregational approval.

   3. publicize the church’s interest in filling this position if needed.

   4. present a candidate for consideration in person to the congregation prior to a congregational vote.

2. Candidates shall be elected by three-fourths vote from the members present and voting at the appointed congregational meeting.

Article III: Staff

A. Summary

1. In addition to Staff Elders and Deacons, the church may employ additional personnel.

B. Responsibilities

1. Staff will serve at the will of the church under an agreed job description.

2. Staff will serve under the general direction of the Elders.

C. Hiring

1. The Elders, or their designees, will be responsible for crafting a written job description detailing the duties of such personnel, with the approval of the church.

2. Candidates shall be elected by three-fourths vote from the members present and voting at the appointed congregational meeting.

D. Resignation or Removal

1. A Staff member’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or by removal.

2. A Staff member’s term of office may be terminated by an act of church discipline, following the principles set out in Article I Section 3.E.2.c

Article IV. Audit Committee

A. Members

The audit committee shall consist of three (3) members elected annually for a one (1) year term. The members of this committee shall be nominated from the church floor at an appointed congregational meeting.

B. Duties

The audit committee will audit the financial records of the church before the end of the fiscal year and submit a written report with any recommendations to the church. The report should include a statement of the adequacy of the recording and disbursement system as well as the accuracy of the records.

Article V. Indemnification

In performing their duties, the Church’s officers, directors, and committee members shall be insulated from liability as provided for under Massachusetts law and as otherwise provided by the Constitution. Officers, directors, and committee members shall discharge their duties in a manner that the officers, directors, and committee members believe in good faith, to be in the best interest of the Church, in accordance with Biblical principles and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances. Officers, directors, and committee members are entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, prepared or presented by others.

A. Liability

1. The Church’s officers, directors, and committee members shall not be liable for any mistake of judgment, negligent or otherwise, or for any action taken or omitted in such capacities, except for their own individual willful misfeasance, malfeasance, misconduct, or bad faith. The officers, directors, and committee members shall have no personal liability with respect to any contract or other commitment made or action taken in good faith on the Church’s behalf.

B. Indemnification

1. The Church shall indemnify every present and former officer, director, and committee member against all damages and expenses, including counsel fees and expenses, reasonably incurred in connection with any action, suit, or other proceeding (including settlement of any suit or proceeding, if approved by the then appropriate Church body) to which he or she may be a party by reason of being or having been an officer, director, or committee member, except that the Church shall have no obligation to indemnify any individual against liability or expenses incurred in connection with a proceeding:

   1. brought by or in the right of the Church, although it may reimburse the individual for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined, by the court or in the manner provided above, that the individual met the relevant standard of conduct; or

   2. to the extent that the individual is adjudged liable for conduct that constitutes:

      1. appropriation of funds, in violation of his or her duties, of any business opportunity of the Church; or

      2. intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law or Biblical principles;

      3. an unlawful distribution to members, officers, directors, and committee members; or

      4. receipt of an improper personal benefit.

The Church shall, as a budgeted expense, maintain adequate general liability and officers’, directors’, and committee members’ liability insurance to fund this obligation, if such insurance is reasonably available. The Church may indemnify an employee, trustee, accountant, attorney or other agent of the Church against all liability asserted against such person by reason of serving, or having served, in his or her capacity for the Church in the same manner as above.

Article VI. Property

All property is owned by the First Baptist Church of Sudbury, Massachusetts. If the church is dissolved, the property ownership shall be assumed, in its entirety, in succession by The Greater Boston Baptist Association, The Baptist Convention of New England, and the Southern Baptist Convention.