Constitution
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PREAMBLE
For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner, consistent with the accepted tenets of the Baptist denomination, we, the undersigned, do hereby declare and establish this Constitution.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this church shall be Farmdale Baptist Church of Frankfort, Incorporated.
ARTICLE II: CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, 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 advance of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; 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 throughout all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret 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 out deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to ensure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principle of God’s Word.
ARTICLE III: POLICY AND DOCTRINE
The government of this church shall be vested in its membership. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body. However, the church recognizes and sustains the privileges and obligations of mutual council and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist churches. It may adopt such by-laws as it may deem necessary and advisable, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution.
The Holy Scriptures shall be our authority and guide in matters of faith and practice. The Articles of Faith shall be those adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in session in Orlando, Florida, June 14, 2000, and set forth in the “Baptist Faith and Message” published by the LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
ARTICLE IV: ORDINANCES
The ordinances shall be Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and shall be administered by authority of this church.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
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 the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership, as provided in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE VI: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE
The church shall be a non-profit incorporated organization, formed as a mutual endeavor for religious, educational and charitable purposes.
ARTICLE VII: DURATION
The duration of this organization shall be perpetual.
ARTICLE VIII: PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office of the church shall be at it’s premises on Hwy. 127, in Franklin County, Kentucky.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENT
This Constitution may be amended by a two-third’s vote of the members present and voting at any meeting specially called for that purpose, the proposed amendment being inserted in the call. The proposed change shall be laid before the church in writing at a business meeting not less than one month before the time of the proposed action.
