CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE
We declare and establish this Constitution, to preserve and secure principles of faith, practice and individual liberties of church members established by the New Testament Church, that the body of Christ at Cornerstone Baptist Church will function in an orderly and biblical manner.

ARTICLE I NAME AND LOCATION

This body shall be known as the Cornerstone Baptist Church located on Highway 701 South of Four Oaks, North Carolina, established July 9, 2000.

ARTICLE II PURPOSE, VISION, MISSION, MOTTO, VALUES

1. Purpose
The purpose of the Church is to glorify God through the magnification of Jesus Christ in our 1 lives to reach the lost (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).

2. Vision
We are a family of people building bridges to a dynamic life in Christ.

3. Mission
We will meet people where they are with effective ministry that works to fulfill their needs by: Christ centered community focused outreach Biblically authentic worship in a vibrant setting Teaching proven principles to produce mature Christians Actively participating in missions at home and abroad
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All scriptural references and quotations are extracted from the New American Standard (NAS) biblical translation.

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4. Motto
Growing Christia ns... Growing Christians

5. Core Values
We are: Empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Gods love with all people. Proactive in reaching the needs of people through innovative ministry that works. Loyal to Christs purpose for the church. Loving to others because Jesus loves us. Committed to establishing authentic relationships that nurture wholeness and belonging. Committed to cultivate unity in the church essentials, diversity in the non-essentials and love as our goal.

ARTICLE III STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Church holds the following Statement of Faith as being a summary of Christian doctrine, its authority consisting only in its agreement with the Word of God.

1 .The Holy Scriptures

We believe the Bible is Gods written revelation to man. All Scripture is inspired by God being infallible (unfailing in its purpose) and inerrant (fully trustworthy, accurate, and free from any error) in its original manuscripts. The Scripture is comprised only of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is to be interpreted literally, which means normally, grammatically, historically, and contextually. We believe the Bible to be the center of true Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all other philosophies and activities must be measured. Therefore, we commit ourselves to regular reading and studying of Gods W ord with conformityto-godliness being the goal, so that we may be equipped to do all the work that God has for us individually, and collectively, to accomplish. 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Luke 24:44

2. The True God

We believe that one true God exists as a trinity of three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, but executing distinct, but harmonious offices. Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14 We believe in God the Father, perfect in holiness, abounding in love, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in all the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayers, and that He saves from sin and death all that come to Him through Jesus Christ, His Son.

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Isaiah 6:3; 1John 3:6; Psalms 147:5; Revelation 19:6; John 3:16 We believe in Jesus Christ, God the Son, pre-existent with the Father, begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, sinless in His nature and life; infallible in His teaching and making atonement for the sin of the world by His substitutionary death on the cross. W e believe in His bodily resurrection, His ascension into Heaven, His perpetual intercession for His people and His literal, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation return. John 1:1,14; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Peter 2:22; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Peter 3:1820; Ephesians 4: 9-10 We believe in the deity and the personality of the Holy Spirit. He is the agent of the New Birth, who at the time of salvation permanently indwells and seals the new believer, (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14) baptizes him into the body of Christ: interceding, (Romans 8:28), guiding (Romans 8:14), filling, (Acts 4:31), and imparting spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:11). We will maintain orderly services to the order of 1 Corinthians14:26-40.

3. Creation
We believe the Genesis account of creation. We believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. We believe that He spoke into existence all creation in six days, rested on the seventh day, and that the days of creation were, literally, 24 hour periods. Genesis 1; Genesis 2:7; Colossians 1:16-17

4. Angels
We believe God created innumerable sinless, spiritual beings known as Angels. They serve as Gods ministering messengers, advancing the cause of the kingdom of God Lucifer, a high-ranking angel, sinned through pride and rebellion. Becoming Satan, he led a great number of the angelic host to oppose God and to be expelled from Heaven. These fallen angels, now known as demons and evil spirits, join with Satan to thwart the program of God. Therefore, recognizing that the conflict of the ages is primarily spiritual, we focus our efforts on the victory found in Gods kingdom. Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 1:14

5. Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God with moral innocence and holiness, yet man fell into sin by voluntary transgression of Gods commands. As a result, all mankind are sinners and therefore under just condemnation. Man is totally depraved and unable to choose to do anything that pleases God until after salvation. Mans only remedy is the finished work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:3; Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:14; Romans 5:12

6. Salvation
We believe that man is destined for Hell because of his sin and that God cannot allow sin into Heaven. Therefore man must have the forgiveness for his sin in order to obtain eternal life. God offers eternal life, as a gift to man and that man can in no way contribute to this gift through good deeds or religious sacraments. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:23 Eternal life can only be received as a repentant person exercises saving faith in the

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substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead. Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 1:12 We further maintain that the new birth is the instantaneous impartation of life, not a process and that all those who are truly born again can never lose their salvation. They are eternally secure. John 10:27-29; 1 Peter 1:5; Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13-14

7. The Christian Life

We believe that those who personally receive Christ are called with a holy calling to walk not after the sinful nature, but after the righteousness of the Spirit of God within them. While believers are sanctified before God at the point of faith, it should be the Christians desire to advance progressively in personal growth as well. Growth can be enhanced as born-again followers of Christ practice the following: Daily study of Gods word and regular prayer, as well as the exercise of Spiritual gifts, the work of evangelism, and faithfulness and involvement in the church. Immediate confession of sin, as well as separation from the lure of sin. Avoidance of divisive or destructive speech, but rather, conversation that edifies. Have proper respect for other Christians and strive for unity in the Holy Spirit between you. Refraining from all substance abuse, which would serve to harm the body, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. A responsible family life, including abstaining from fornication, adultery, and homosexuality. Submission to human government, except where government is contrary to Biblical principle

8. The Church
We believe that the universal church is a New Testament institution, a spiritual organism, composed of all the regenerated people from the day of Pentecost to the Rapture, with Christ as its head. Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 4:13; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 We believe the local church is a congregation of immersed believers, having three offices; Pastor, Elder, and Deacon; and two ordinances; Baptism and the Lords Supper. Each local church is autonomous in polity (self-governing) and is banded together for edification, worship, and worldwide evangelism. Acts 2:40-42; Acts 6:3-4; Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 8:19 We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, identification with the crucified, buried, and risen Savior through whom we died to sin and rose to a new life. We believe that baptism is to be performed under the authority of a New Testament church and that is a prerequisite to the privilege of church membership unless prohibited by a physical impairment. Acts 8:36, 38-39; Romans 5:3-5 We believe that the Lords Supper is a commemoration of Jesus death until He comes and should always be a solemn self-examination. 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42 We believe in obedience to the biblical commands to separate ourselves unto God from worldliness, ecclesiastical apostasy (false teaching), and religious compromise. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 2 John 7:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Romans 16:17

9. Future Events
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We believe God has a plan and program for future events to the ultimate culmination of His divine purposes. Included for believers are the following: Rapture to Heaven Bema Seat judgment Marriage supper of the Lamb and union with Christ Return to Earth with the Lord The Millennial Kingdom The New Heaven and New Earth The future for those who reject Christ includes: Death and torment in Hell Seven year worldwide tribulation Final rebellion and crushing of Satan The Great White Throne Judgment The Lake of Fire

With the considering Gods future for mankind, it becomes the Christians responsibility to prepare himself by practicing purity and seeking the conversion of the world from the powers of darkness to the Kingdom of Gods light. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 10:25; Revelation 22:12-13

ARTICLE IV - COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our behavior; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs or alcohol, and the spread of pornography; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of the Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay. W e moreover submit that when members move from this place they will, as soon as possible, unite with another church where they can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of Gods Word.

ARTICLE V - AFFILIATION
The Church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any

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denominational control. Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches in world missions, this Church voluntarily affiliates itself with the Johnston Baptist Association, the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention and the church upholds the latest revision of the Baptist Faith and Message whose authority consists only in its agreement with the W ord of God.

ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
Changes to this constitution may be made at any regular business meeting of the church, provided that copies of each amendment have been presented in writing at the previous regular business meeting, that a written copy of the amendment has been published at least twice in the church bulletin prior to being voted on, and that written copies have been made available to the church membership. A two-thirds vote of all active members of the church present and voting shall pass amendments.

ARTICLE VII - ADOPTION

Section 1 This constitution shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and
when two thirds of the members present and voting a regularly scheduled business meeting at which the vote is taken shall vote in favor of it. This vote shall not be taken until the next regularly scheduled monthly business meeting after formal presentation of the constitution to the church.

Section 2 This constitution abolishes, supersedes, and takes the place of any
constitution, rules and bylaws and amendments that preceded it.

Section 3 A copy of this constitution and bylaws shall at all times be kept with other church
documents stored at the church. All amendments and revisions shall, after passage by vote of the church, be prepared by the church clerk, incorporated in the constitution and bylaws, and made available to church members on request.

Section 4 The church clerk shall maintain the historical Constitution and By-Laws with all
amendments and revisions noted and properly catalogued. The clerk shall maintain possession of a current copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. The original constitution and bylaws will be stored with other church documents in a safety deposit box where the church holds its primary checking account.

ARTICLE VIII CHURCH YEAR

The church year shall be from September 1 - August 31. The elders, deacons, general officers, organizational officers, and standing teams shall abide by the church year. The Church financial year shall be from January 1 - December 31.

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Cornerstone Baptist Church: Bylaws

ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Members
This church is comprised of persons who profess a personal faith and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, have received baptism in a Southern Baptist Church or a church of like faith and order according to the New Testament, and actively follow the Lord Jesus Christ in discipleship.

Section 2. Reception
Anyone desiring to join themselves to and support in cooperation the ministry of Cornerstone Baptist Church shall be received into the churchs Watch-care program. The Watch-care Program: This program consists of four steps that are to be completed in order to be received into the membership (with full voting rights) of Cornerstone Baptist Church. The Watch-care program lasts for a period of six months and shall begin upon the satisfactory completion of the New Member Orientation Class.

1. New Member Orientation Class: All watch-care candidates must successfully complete the New Member Orientation Class. This class is approximately 2 hours in length and will be offered quarterly. At least a two week notice shall be given prior to scheduling the class. The class will generally be offered during months that contain five Sundays. At the completion of this class, the candidate will be given the opportunity to formally request membership into Cornerstone Baptist Church by one of the following four methods. A person may be received for membership by any of the following ways: A. Profession of faith: A person publicly confessing personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidences of a regenerate heart and adopting the covenant and the articles of faith and practices held by the church, shall, upon baptism completion of new converts class and new members class, be admitted into the fellowship of the church. B. By statement: Any person who has been baptized upon profession of faith in a Southern Baptist Church or a church of like faith and order but who, because of loss of records or similarly unavoidable circumstances, has no regular letter of dismissal, may be received into membership after giving satisfactory evidence of a regenerate heart, Christian conduct and scriptural faith. Any person presented for membership who has been baptized by immersion in a Southern Baptist Church or church of like faith and order shall be received by statement upon completion of new members class. C. By letter: Any person from another Southern Baptist Church or church of like faith and order may be received into membership upon receipt of letter of transfer from that respective church upon completion of new members class.

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D. By baptism from another denomination: Any person who professes a personal faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and actively follows the Lord Jesus Christ in discipleship but has been baptized by any method other than immersion in another church must be immersed to become a member of this body. 2. Baptism: After the candidate has completed the New Member Orientation Class, He or she shall exercise obedience to the Lords command and follow through with Believers Baptism by immersion. Baptisms are generally conducted during months that contain five Sundays, and are usually scheduled for the fifth Sunday. Outdoor baptisms may be performed per special request. 3. New Convert Class: Any person joining Cornerstone Baptist Church as a New Convert will be required to complete a six week New Convert Class, to be taught by the pastor and/or church staff (for those candidates transferring their membership from another church, this step may be waived at the discretion of the pastor & deacons).

4, Waiting Period: A period of six months shall elapse before the candidate will be voted on by the congregation. Upon completion of all requirements and by recommendation of the pastor and deacons, the person(s) shall be brought forward during the next scheduled business meeting for approval by the congregation. Once the person has been successfully voted upon, that person shall have full voting rights and shall be considered a member in good standing at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Section 3. Rights of Members

Every active member of the church who has reached the age of 16, is entitled to vote in all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present. No provisions shall be made for proxy voting. An active member is defined as a member of the church that attends at least two bible studies or two worship services per month unless the member has been prohibited from regular attendance due to health reasons, military obligations, or missionary service. The ushers will keep an attendance record on Sunday morning. As ushers issue nametags, another usher will record names of attendees. An attendance record will be kept at all Bible studies. The facilitator or an assigned person taking the class will maintain the record at all times. These records will be submitted to the church clerk on a monthly basis to validate active membership status.

Section 4. Termination of Membership

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways: death, transfer by letter to another church of like faith and order, or upon receipt of written letter of resignation to the church clerk submitted by the member desiring to terminate membership. A letter of resignation does not require a church vote of approval but shall be accepted as read and entered in the minutes and the members name shall be removed from the membership. Matthew 18:15-17

Section 5. Discipline
Members of this church, and other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this

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church, who err in doctrine, who cause disruption or disunity, or who willfully engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal in accordance with Matthew 18: 15-19 and 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15. The discipline procedure is a four-step process intended to bring about repentance and restoration to the disobedient. The first step involves a private reproof of wrongs committed. If the matter can be resolved in step one no further discipline is needed. Step two expands the rebuke to include the Pastor, the Elders, and the Deacons who will serve as witnesses to the rejection of the loving confrontation in step one. If the matter can be resolved in step two no further discipline is needed. Step three involves the entire church that is called in conference to pursue the unrepentant sinner and urge him to be obedient to Christ. If the matter can be resolved in step three no further discipline is needed. The final step of discipline requires immediate termination of membership for failure to repent of sin(s), which are a reproach to Christ and His church. Such sin may include, but is not limited to, doctrinal error, disunity, and immoral behavior (1 Cor. 5:11;1 Tim. 5:22, 2 Tim.3:5; Titus 3:10). The final decision on all matters of discipline shall be determined by a majority vote of the Church, the governing body with whom Gods authority in such matters rests (Matt. 18:18-19).

Section 6. Restoration to Membership

Any person whose membership has been terminated for any condition which has made it necessary for the church to exclude them may upon their request be restored to membership by a majority vote of the members present at a regular business meeting and upon evidence of their repentance, reformation, and recommendation of the pastor(s), elder(s), and deacons.

ARTICLE II CHURCH STAFF AND OFFICERS

The officers of this church are the pastor(s), elders, ministerial staff, deacons, clerk, trustees, and treasurer. General Requirements: 1. All church officers must be active members of the church for at least one year (except for the pastor and ministerial staff who will be required to join the church after they have been called to serve in this church), not a recent convert, and at least 21 years old. A recent convert shall be defined as a person that has been a Christian less than three years. It is imperative that officers be mature in the faith and experienced (references: 1 Timothy 3:6,10; 5:22). The one-year membership requirement for officers (excluding the pastor and ministerial staff) shall be effective one year after this Constitution and Bylaws has been ratified. Constitution and Bylaws were ratified October 10, 2001. 2. No church officer may serve on more than two teams concurrently, or hold more than two offices unless specifically approved by a majority vote of the members present at a regular business meeting or as otherwise stated in these bylaws 3. All elected offices (excluding the pastor and ministerial staff) will be filled in August. Newly elected officers will assume their offices September 1. This requirement shall be effective one year after this Constitution and Bylaws has been ratified. Constitution Bylaws were ratified October 10, 2001.

Section 1. New Testament Church Officers

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1. Pastor Basic Function: The pastor is the spiritual, shepherding, evangelistic and administrative leader of the church (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). He will lead the church to determine its vision and mission and to strategically move toward the attainment of that mission by using his gifts and skills of proclamation, leadership, and ministry to equip the body of members for ministry and witness. Organizational Relationship: The Pastor is accountable directly to the church. The sole procedure for addressing serious questions concerning the pastors leadership will be the following scriptural steps; (Matt. 18: 15-17; 1 Thes. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 5:19; Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:29). Cornerstone Baptist Church as a body and as individual members will follow these scriptural principles in the pursuit of peace and a Christ-like fellowship. When conflict arises within the church these guidelines will be adhered to thus promoting harmony within the fellowship: A. The pastor shall meet with the elders & deacon officers and seek a Holy Spirit directed solution. B. If the situation is not resolved by the meeting of the elders, deacon officers and pastor, it will be brought to the full deacon body to seek resolution. C. If the situation continues to be unresolved, by a simple majority vote of all active deacons it may be brought before the church in a special duly called business meeting with the purpose along with the notice of the meeting being specified. D. If resolution and reconciliation is not achieved through the meeting of the church, the pulpit may be declared vacant by the majority vote of members present at a duly called business meeting with the purpose along with the notice of the meeting being specified. E. In such case the Deacons Team will negotiate a severance package with the pastor. It will provide a one-time payment of an amount equal to a minimum of one twelfth of his annual compensation. Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:19; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:29

Spiritual Qualifications: The Pastor must exhibit attributes provided in 1 Timothy 3: 1 Timothy 3:1-7: It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so

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that he will not fall into reproach. Vs. 2, 4, 5: His character must be unassailable, He should lead his family well so as to develop stability, his judgment sound, not an extremist, but balanced in his physical, moral and mental tastes and habits. He must exercise self-control and discipline, be caring toward others opening the door of his heart and home to those in need and be prepared to teach others.

Vs. 3: He abstains from the sale and use of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs. He shall not be abusive toward others either physically or verbally, but shall exercise patience. He shall not be motivated by greed. He shall practice the discipline of tithing through this church. Vs. 6-7: He must be mature, not a beginner in the Faith. He must maintain a wholesome reputation in the community. The pastor and pastoral staff shall be spiritual role models with stable, godly homes and shall give evidence of exemplary lifestyles within the church and within the community at large. They shall give evidence of a spirit of generosity in giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). They shall be committed and consistent tithers who practice storehouse tithing through their local church (Malachi 3:10; Hebrews 7:8). Specific Responsibilities: a. Serve as spiritual and administrative leader of the church, its staff, and its organizations. b. Proclaim the gospel and lead church members to witness and saturate the community with the gospel. c. Lead the staff and church members in a caring ministry for persons in the church and community. d. Preach at all worship services or arrange for someone else to preach. Provide leadership for congregational services and lead in conducting the church ordinances. . f. Recommend all ministerial staff members to the church in consultation with and concurrence of the deacons. Assign ministerial staff duties: all staff shall be accountable to the pastor. He may delegate the supervision of any staff to another person. The pastor shall have the authority to terminate staff in consultation with the deacons. He shall enlist the assistance of the church officers as needed, and the church officers shall offer counsel to the pastor as needed. g. Conduct funeral services and wedding ceremonies, as he is able, sharing and delegating to other staff responsibilities in this area. h. Counsel with and assist in training key leaders for their responsibilities. i. Serve as chairman of the Church Vision Team. j. Serve as ex-officio member of all teams.

Method of Selection: In the event of a vacancy in the Pastorate, the Executive Board consisting of the deacons shall nominate a Pastor Search Team, subject to ratification by the membership at a special business meeting called for that purpose. The team shall consist of five persons (three men and two women) and two alternates selected from the membership of the church, and representing so far as is practicable,

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the principal age and interest groups within the church. The two alternates selected (one male and one female) will attend all meetings with full participation but will have no voting rights. An alternate would become active and have voting rights if one of the five is unable to fulfill his or her duties. It shall be the duty of this team to seek out and investigate the qualifications of possible candidates, to submit to the Executive Board for its approval, the salary to be paid and the terms and conditions of employment to be discussed with qualified candidates, and to select and recommend to the church the candidate to whom a call should be extended. The team shall present to the church as a candidate only a person who has given indication of seriously considering a call by the church. The team shall provide an opportunity for the church and the candidate to worship together and to meet and discuss mutual concerns before a vote of the membership is taken. In the event a candidate so selected and recommended fails to be called by the church or declines to accept such call; the team shall proceed to select another candidate or candidates until the vacancy is filled. Only one candidate shall be under consideration by the church at any time. Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of 80 percent of those present being necessary for a choice. The pastor may relinquish the office as pastor by giving a notice of at least 30 days to the church at time of resignation.

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