DAYSPRING BAPTIST CHURCH Standard Operating Procedures

PREAMBLE WHEREAS the New Testament is the only perfect constitution for the doctrine, discipline, and government of the church, we accept it as our only rule of faith and practice. We acknowledge the Bible, the Word of God, as recorded by the apostles and prophets of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be authoritative over all creeds, confessions or articles of faith. These operating procedures exist only as a written understanding of how the principles of the New Testament shall be applied to the administration of this local congregation. If, at any point, these procedures are found to be inconsistent with, or contrary to, the Christian scriptures, whether in letter or spirit, they are, at that point, null and void. ARTICLE I. ­ PURPOSE (Why We Exist) DAYSPRING exists to bring pleasure to God and glorify His great name by lifting up Jesus Christ and following Him through obedience to the Scriptures. ARTICLE II. ­ STATEMENT OF FAITH (What We Believe) Christ is the Head and final authority of the Church. His Word, the Bible, is the binding and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We believe the Bible was inspired by God, is inerrant and infallible in the original autographs, and is preserved by God in such a way as to be authoritative and totally reliable today. We also believe that it is truth without any mixture of error in all realms of reality­historically, scientifically, doctrinally, and prophetically. We hold to the Baptist Faith and Message statement adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention, June 14, 2000 as our doctrinal understanding on primary issues. In the event of any conflict between the Baptist Faith and Message statement and this document, this document will prevail.

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ARTICLE III. ­ MEMBERSHIP (Who We Are) 3.1 Church Membership 3.1.1 Full Membership. Membership in DAYSPRING is granted to those who meet the following qualifications. The prospective member must:

(1) Have received Jesus Christ by faith. ( Acts 4:12; Acts 28:28; Romans 10:1; Romans 10:9­10; II Corinthians 7:10; Romans 6: 6,7; Acts 13:47; Acts 2:46, 47; Acts 2:46, 47; Luke 1:77; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8); (2) Have been baptized by immersion (Matthew 3:7; Acts 19:4; Romans 6:4);

(3) Be presented by the elders to the church (Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:17,28­31).

3.1.2 Child Membership. Membership and the privileges thereof is granted to children under the age of 14 as follows:

(1) A child who experiences salvation and baptism may be granted a child membership. (2) A child membership does not include voting rights. (3) Child membership does include partaking of the Lord’s Supper. (4) Child membership expires at age 14. (5) At the age of 13, a child membership may be exchanged for membership by completing the New Members Class. (6) At the age of 13, all youth are eligible to become full members.

3.2. Responsibilities of Church Members 3.2.1 Active Participation. Church members are responsible to obey the commands of God's Word in demonstrating a growing, maturing relationship with Christ, being actively involved in service to the Body with their respective gifts and abilities and aggressively seeking to minister to a lost world. 3.2.2 Faith & Practice. Church members also are responsible to abide by the consensus of the church body regarding matters of faith and practice as expressed in this document. Upon the adoption of this document, all church members on roll and all new members thereafter shall be deemed to have agreed to submit to the terms and conditions of this document and the Church Covenant (See Appendix A). (Romans 6:2b; Philippians 3:10; I John 1:5­8; Colossians 2:11, 12; Romans 12:2; James 2:14­17; James 4: 4; I Peter: 5­7; I Corinthians 12: 12 ­ 24; I Corinthians 15:22, 33; II Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 10:25; Romans 12:3­8; John 4: 36; Acts 2:42; II Corinthians 6:14; James 2:1­4; I Peter 2:12; I Peter 4:10; Matthew 5:16; James 4:17; I

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Timothy 3:11; II Corinthians 7:10; John 13:34, 35; Matthew 5:13­20; John 14:21; John 15:10, 14; Hebrews 13: 17; Ephesians 6: 1­5; I Peter 2:4­10)

3.3 Discipline of Church Members 3.3.1 Conduct. Church members who exhibit a continuing, unrepentant lifestyle of sin in regard to doctrine or conduct shall be dealt with according to the biblical process of church discipline. This is always to be done for the ultimate goals of glorifying God, purifying the church, and restoring the individual. 3.3.2 Discipline Process. The first step in this process shall be for fervent, continual prayer to be made on behalf of the sinning member, by the one who has knowledge of the sin (James 5:16­20). It shall also be the responsibility of any member of the church who has knowledge of a sinning member's heresy or misconduct to reprove and seek to correct and restore the sinning member in private (Matthew 18:15­18, Galatians 6:1). If said sinning member repents, the manner shall be consider resolved.

If said sinning member does not repent, then the reproving member shall again go to the sinning member accompanied by one or two witnesses to reprove, correct, and restore. If the sinning member still refuses to heed this reproof, it shall be brought to the attention of the Pastors (Hebrews 13:17, see Article IV, Section 1C).

If after reproof from the Pastors, the sinning member still fails to repent, the Pastors shall tell it to the church (Matthew 18:17). If the sinning member still refuses to repent, the Pastors shall announce the sinning member's public removal from church membership and fellowship, and he or she is to be treated as an unbeliever (Matthew 18:15­18, I Corinthians 5:1­13, II Thessalonians 3:14­15). There shall be no appeal to any court from that decision. If after the removal of fellowship the sinning individual repents, he or she shall be joyfully restored back into fellowship (Luke 17:3­4, II Corinthians 2:6­9).

If during the process of church discipline the sinning member withdraws himself/herself from membership, but continues in his/her sin, the church shall still be responsible to seek the sinning individual's restoration through the process mentioned herein. These actions must be carried out with a gentle, loving, and humble attitude, with sensitivity to God's timing, and with the ultimate goals of glorifying God, purifying the church, and restoring the individual. 3.4 Removal from Roll

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3.4.1 Good Standing. The removal of a member from the church roll may occur because of any of the following circumstances.

(1) The death of the member; (2) Another church requests a transfer of membership and the transfer is approved by the Elders; or. (3) The member requests that his/her name be removed from the roll and the request is approved by the elders.

3.4.2. Removal of the member by action of the church or Elders. (See Section 3.3 ­ Discipline of Church Members). A member may be removed from the church roll if the member is absent from the general worship assemblies of the church for three months except for those who are providentially hindered from attending. It shall be the responsibility of all members to care for those who are noticeably absent from the ministry and service of the church (Hebrews 10:23­25). Attention shall be given to them in a spirit of loving concern and attempts made to determine the reasons for their absence and restore him/her into the active ministry and service of the church. ARTICLE IV..­ MINISTRY STRUCTURE (How we're structured) 4.1 Pastors/Elders 4.1.1 Responsibilities. The primary work of the Pastors shall be to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Their responsibilities shall include the following:

(1) General oversight of the flock (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17, I Thessalonians 5:12; Exodus 18:13­26, The Jethro Principle);

A. In practical matters (Acts 11:29­30, Acts 6:1­6) B. In matters of doctrine (Acts 15, Acts 16:4) C. In matters of discipline/character (Hebrews 13:17)

(2) Shepherding the flock ( I Peter 5:2­3, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17, James 5:14); (3) Equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11; Romans 12:1­8); (4) Teaching the flock (I Timothy 3:2, I Timothy 5:17, I Thessalonians 5:12; I Timothy 4:13­16; II Timothy 2:2; II timothy 3:16­17; II Timothy 4:12); (5) Exhorting in sound doctrine ( Titus 1:9); (6) Refuting those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; 2:15); and (7) Exampling the standard of godliness (I Timothy 3:1ff, I Peter 5:3; II Timothy 2:3­6; Luke 22:26)

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4.1.5. Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor/Teacher holds no greater authority than the remaining Pastors other than that of influence, but is to be regarded as the "first among equals." He shall be responsible for the primary preaching and teaching ministries of the church (Ephesians 4:11) and the general oversight of the body. 4.1.6. Pastor Qualifications. The essential element needed is that of godly character. A Pastor "must be" a man exhibiting the following characteristics (I Timothy 3:1­7, Titus 1:5­9):

(1) Above reproach (blameless) (2) Husband of one wife (a one­woman man, with no history of divorce with remarriage) (3) Temperate (sober, vigilant) (4) Prudent (sober­minded, sensible) (5) Respectable (orderly, of good behavior) (6) Hospitable (7) Able to teach (can exhort believers and refute false teaching) (8) Not given to wine (9) Not pugnacious (non­combative) (10) Gentle (moderate, forbearing, patient) (11) Uncontentious (not soon angry, not quarrelsome, leaning away from strife) (12) Free from the love of money (not covetous, not greedy of gain) (13) Manages his own house well (his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God) (14) Not a new convert (15) Has a good reputation with outsiders (16) Not self­willed (17) A lover of good (men and things) (18) Just (fair) (19) Devout (holy) (20) Self­controlled

4.1.7. Number. The desire shall always be to have a plurality of Pastors with no set limit (Acts 14:23, Philippians 1:1). In such case as a plurality of pastors is not possible the lone pastor will serve alone in pastoral duties until such time that God provides additional pastor(s) to assist.

4.1.8. Selection.­ The elders shall determine when the church would be benefited by the appointment of additional elders. This determination may be based on growth of the congregation, decrease in number of existing elders, and/or availability of qualified elder candidates. Church members may at any time recommend a potential elder to the elder body. The elder body in accordance with the elder selection process will consider recommendations. In selecting new or additional elders the following process shall be followed:

(1) The elder body shall identify qualified candidates for the office of elder.

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(2) These candidates are contacted and interviewed by the elders. (3) If, upon unanimous approval by the elders, a candidate is found qualified and available to serve as an elder, his name is presented to the church. (4) The church is given a period of three weeks for the purpose of affirmation using the following process.

A. The church is to pray. B. The church expresses to the elders any concerns, objections or support regarding the suitability of a candidate to be appointed as an elder. C. The elders consider all concerns, objections and support expressed by the congregation in order to determine the suitability of the candidate and the degree of church's support. D. After due consideration of all input, and upon the elders continued unanimous support of the candidate, he will be appointed as an elder at the next elder's meeting.

4.1.9. Term. Pastors will serve continuously as long as they possess the character qualities and fulfill the standards of leadership and service described herein. Any member of the church body may and should initiate church discipline against a sinning Pastor who is not exhibiting the character of fulfilling his responsibilities as a Pastor. An accusation against a Pastor should not be received "except on the basis of two or three witnesses" (I Timothy 5:19). 4.1.10. Termination, Resignation or Removal. Any Pastor may resign by written notification to the remaining Pastors. Any Pastor(s) may be removed from office by the unanimous decision of the remaining Pastors* for any of the following reasons:

(1) Physically incapacitated; (2) Spiritually or morally unqualified or fails to fulfill his responsibilities or meet the qualifications outlined in this article; or (3) Doctrinally unqualified by failing to agree with the doctrinal statement outlined in this document (Statement of Faith.

If a Pastor(s) is unqualified, but refuses to resign, he may, at any time, be removed by unanimous decision of the remaining Pastors. If his removal is because of sin and he refuses to repent, he is to be dealt with as outlined under Section 3.3 (Discipline of Members) and is to be "rebuked in the presence of all, so that the rest may be fearful of sinning" (I Timothy 5:20). *In such case where only 2 pastor/elders are in place the “remaining pastor” can and should seek counsel from advisors both inside and outside of the church.

4.2. Deacons.

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4.2.1. Responsibilities. Each Deacon shall serve under the general oversight of the Pastors and shall relate functionally to a particular Pastor(s) assisting him in his area of responsibility. The Deacons are not responsible for the general oversight of the church, but rather for particular and specific areas of ministry, help, and service as designated and under the oversight of the Pastors. The Deacons shall not meet separately as a group unless it is under the direction of the Pastors and essential for fulfilling the task(s) assigned. Their responsibilities shall be as follows:

(1) To assist the Pastors so that Pastors may be released to be devoted to "prayer and the service of the Word" (Acts 6:2­4); (2) To be "in charge of" (administrate) any practical tasks assigned by Pastors (Acts 6:3); and (3) To be an example of servant hood to the church Body. (Acts 6:2­4, Matthew 23:11, I Timothy 3:13)

4.2.2. Qualifications. The essential element needed is that of godly character. A Deacon "must" exhibit the characteristics as listed in I Timothy 3:8­13 and Acts 6:3. Deacons must also be willing to make the necessary time commitments to fulfill their responsibilities. 4.2.3. Number. There shall be no specified number of Deacons. The number will be determined by the number qualified and the need of the church (Acts 6:3). 4.2.4. Selection. When necessary, the Pastors shall call for nominees for potential Deacons (Acts 6:1­5). These nominees shall proceed through the following process:

(1) Nominees shall be submitted to the Pastors for review. Those nominees not meeting the necessary qualifications (Section 4.2.2) shall not be considered further. (2) Elder approved nominees will be publicly posted for a period of three weeks for the purpose of consideration by the church body through the following means:

A. Prayer by the church body; and B. Any further question/comment by the church body regarding any nominee. (Such questions should be directed to a Pastor.)

(3) If, upon investigation by the Pastors, any question/comment by any member of the Church Body reveals a nominee does not sufficiently meet the qualifications of a Deacon, the nominee shall not be consider further. (4) Pastors shall designate the number of Deacons to be selected in relation to the need of the church (Acts 6:2­3). (5) The Church shall vote on the list of nominees (Acts 6:5). (6) The Pastors shall conduct a final interview with the nominees selected by the church. If any selected nominee does not meet the qualifications, the nominees shall not be consider

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further. If the qualifications are met, they shall be approved and thus appointed and presented to the church (Acts 6:6).

4.2.5. Term. Deacons will serve continuously as long as they possess the character qualities and fulfill the standards of ministry and service described above. Any member of the church body may and should initiate church discipline against a sinning Deacon who is not exhibiting the character or fulfilling the responsibilities of a Deacon. 4.2.6. Termination, Removal or Resignation. Any Deacon may resign by written notification to the Pastors. Any Deacon(s) may be removed from office by the unanimous decision of the Pastors for any of the following reasons:

(1) Physically incapacitated; (2) Spiritually or morally unqualified or fails to fulfill their responsibilities or meet the qualifications outlined in this document under 4.2.2 (Deacon Qualifications); or (3) Doctrinally unqualified by failing to agree with the doctrinal statement outlined in this document under Article II ­ "Statement of Faith".

If a Deacon's removal is because of sin and they refuse to repent, they are to be dealt with as outlined under Section 3.3 (Discipline of Church Members).

4.3 Ministry Staff. 4.3.1. Staff Responsibilities. The Pastors shall determine Ministry Staff responsibilities/job descriptions. Ministry staff are responsible to serve under the general oversight of the Pastors. 4.3.2. Qualifications. Every individual on the Ministry Staff should be striving to the goal of the character qualifications of a Pastor or a deacon (I Timothy 3:1­13, Titus 1:5­9). The Senior Pastor/Teacher must have these qualities and serve as a Pastor. Other Staff members may become Pastors or Deacons as they go through the selection process. Ministry Staff members may be salaried or non­salaried. 4.3.3. Number. The Pastors shall prayerfully determine size of the ministry staff. 4.3.4. Selection. The Pastors shall act as a search committee or designate a committee as they see fit for all ministry staff positions. This committee shall, after prayerful consideration and unanimous consensus, present the prospective ministry staff member to the church. A two­thirds vote of members present shall constitute selection. 4.3.5. Termination, Removal or Resignation. Any Ministry Staff member may resign by written notification to the Pastors. At least two weeks notice is to be given regarding their

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resignation, unless the Ministry Staff member and Pastors mutually agree upon a shorter time. Any Ministry Staff member may be removed by the unanimous decision of the Pastors for any of the following reasons:

(1) Physically incapacitated; (2) Spiritually or morally unqualified or fails to fulfill the responsibilities or meet the qualifications outlined in this document under 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 (Ministry Staff Responsibilities and Qualifications); (3) Doctrinally unqualified by failing to agree with the doctrinal statement outlined in this document under Article II ­ "Statement of Faith". (4) Continued employment is not in the best interest of the church.

If the Ministry Staff member to be terminated is a Pastor, he shall not participate in the decision regarding his termination. If the Ministry Staff member's removal is because of sin and they refuse to repent, they are to be dealt with as outlined under Section 3.3(Discipline of Church Members). 4.4. Other Paid Employees The Pastors shall oversee all church employees or may delegate such authority. This oversight includes, but is not limited to, employment, designation of responsibilities, supervision, and termination. Employees are responsible to the Pastors unless otherwise designated. 4.5. Trustees 4.5.1. Selection, Number and Term. Trustees serve the body of Dayspring under the direction of the elders’ leadership. Names of potential trustees are presented to the body for a season of prayer and consideration before the body votes to approve trustees at the time set by the elders. Concerns about a trustee candidate should be expressed to the elder body before the church body vote occurs. The Pastors may not be trustees. At least three (3) church members in good standing shall be so selected and designated as trustees. Trustees shall serve an indefinite term. 4.5.2. Duties. Trustees shall hold trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any, and all legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of church property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of the trustees for and in behalf of the church. Trustees shall assist the elders in formation of annual budget and meet quarterly to review operating budget of the church. Trustees can be called upon for other duties as assigned by the elders on an “as needed” basis.

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4.5.3. Termination, Removal or Resignation. Trustees may be terminated, removed or resign in the same manner as a ministry staff member (Section 4.3.5). 4.6. Committees/Ministry Teams The Pastors shall organize, or delegate the authority to organize, committees/ministry teams for any reason deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the church. These committees/ministry teams shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties, powers, and length of tenure specifically delegated to them. ARTICLE V. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE (How we Function) 5.1. Decision­Making. The Pastors are responsible to lead and shepherd the church body in all decision­making matters. This means that at times the Pastors will gather the entire congregation for open discussion, proposals, information, and prayer, and/or voting (Acts 6, Acts 15). At other times, decisions will be made solely by the Pastors (Acts 6, Acts 15, and Hebrews 13:17, I Timothy 5:17, I Thessalonians 5:12). Church votes will be taken on such matters as the affirmations of deacons and trustees as selected by elders, affirmation of the annual church budget, the selection of full­time ministry staff, the selection of messengers to the annual Southern Baptist Convention and state convention, any acquisition or disposition of real estate, and the incurring of any indebtedness (other than current operating expenses). The Church shall meet as necessary to conduct the business of the church upon call of the Pastors. Provided however that the church body shall meet in church conference not less than once annually 5.2. Financial Accountability. The Pastors are responsible to oversee and promote a high level of financial accountability through such means as the presentation of the annual budget. All financial records shall be available and open to any member during normal business hours, except individual giving records of other members. Salaried Pastors shall not make decisions regarding salaries. Trustees will provide an “in house” audit of financial records as kept by church treasurer at least once annually.

5.3. Communication. At all times, church members are responsible to exercise their God­given privilege to communicate their thinking on any issue to the Pastors for the purpose of together discovering the truth as revealed in God's Word. At all times, the Pastors are responsible to help promote and develop an educated, involved, and sufficiently informed congregation. In this manner, all members of the church body participate, although not all lead. ARTICLE VI. ­ AMENDMENTS/CHANGES TO THIS DOCUMENT

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The Pastors shall review this document as needed to ensure that it remains current. Amendments can be made only by the unanimous consent of the Pastors and affirmation by the church. Proposed amendments/changes will be posted publicly for a period of two weeks for the purpose of consideration by the church body through the following means:

1. Prayer by the church body. 2. Any further question/comment by the church body regarding the proposed amendments/changes. (Such questions should be directed to a Pastor.). 3. A vote shall be taken regarding the proposed changes. A two­thirds vote of members present shall constitute adoption of the proposed changes.

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Appendix A 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 advancement 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 through 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 our deportment; to avoid all tattle, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to shun pornography; 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 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.

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 principles of God’s Word.

CHURCH ORDINANCES

The two ordinances of the church are Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Both depicting the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. A new believer is to follow the Lord’s command to be baptized (Matthew 28:19) as his first step of obedience. All members are expected to examine themselves before partaking of the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:28) and to abstain from partaking if there is any known sin or any broken or unreconciled relationships.

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