Preamble
Established as a congregation in 1875, we, the members of Cave Spring Baptist Church, seeking to please God in all of life and promote the gospel among all people, having organized ourselves in accord with the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act, adopt this Constitution as our legal articles of governance. We incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia on April 1, 2003, hereinafter referred to as the “church.”
This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains mutual counsel and cooperation common among Baptist churches. The church shall be in friendly cooperation with the SBC of Virginia (SBCV) and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
Article 1 – Purpose
Vision: We are a people changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, who seek to please God in all of life and promote the gospel among all people.
Ministry and Purpose: We have five primary ministries and one ultimate purpose—the glory of God!
WORD & GOSPEL: We keep the ministry of the Word and the gospel of Christ central to all we do. Scripture defines our understanding of church, preaching, doctrine, ethics, cultural engagement, and mission. God’s Word brings us hope and gospel change—as we listen, read, delight in, meditate on, study, and obey it.
WORSHIP: The ministry of worship begins with a humble amazement of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Each Sunday, our worship habits include gathering, greeting, confessing faith, giving offerings, singing, praying, preaching, repenting, and when appropriate, observing the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper given to us by Jesus Himself, all for the glory of the triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit.
COMMUNITY: Our shared relationship with Jesus Christ defines our ministry and fellowship. We are a diverse people, united by one gospel. We have promised ourselves to God and to one another. By the Spirit, we love one another, serve together, bear one another’s burdens, share sin-struggles, grieve together, and pray for one another.
DISCIPLESHIP: The ministry of spiritual formation, or discipleship, includes any grace-driven effort we make to train ourselves in godliness. The most common habits of discipleship include Bible reading and meditation, praying, confessing sin, serving, fasting, and giving. Some of these habits prove most effective in the context of one-on-one discipleship pairings or small groups.
MISSION: The ministry of mission seeks to bring the gospel to unbelievers. Through local service projects, mission trips, disaster relief, personal evangelism, and church planting, we joyfully bring the gospel to our neighbors and the nations for the glory of God.
Article 2 – Statement of Faith
Our Statement of Faith summarizes what we believe as a church. It does not present a perfect expression of truth as only the Bible itself does, but it brings clarity to what we believe and how we live. It helps us to discern and embrace sound doctrine, avoid doctrinal error, mature in wisdom and grace, and demonstrate unity in Christ. We gladly stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the ages by affirming historic, time-tested Christianity.
Our Statement of Faith is a three-strand cord:
Together with the church in all ages, we confess The Apostles’ Creed.
Together with the historic Baptist tradition, we confess The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000.
Together with Cave Spring Baptist Church, we confess the Members’ Covenant.
Article 3 – Members’ Covenant
Since, by God the Father’s grace, we have repented and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, confessed our faith through baptism, and been affirmed through church membership, we invite the Holy Spirit’s presence as we renew our covenant with God and each other.
Motivated by God’s love toward us, we seek to please him above all else as we intentionally:
Devote ourselves to Jesus daily—through Bible reading and meditation, prayer, gratitude, contentment, self-control, submission, generosity, kindness and grace, and always serving others, as we follow the Lord Jesus in habits that characterized his earthly life (John 15:1–11; 1 Tim 4:8; 2 Peter 1:3–11).
Train the next generation of disciples—beginning with our own children and extending into the family of God. We will pray for and love well all the children entrusted to us. We will model repentance and faith as we seek to lead them to Jesus Christ, through the wisdom and instruction of the Lord (Prov 3:1–12; Eph 6:4).
Gather with the whole church for worship—to treasure and rehearse the gospel by: welcoming people, praying together, singing praise, reading Scripture, confessing sin, giving offerings, receiving baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and responding by faith because we cannot faithfully follow Jesus alone (Acts 2:42–47; Rom 15:7; 1 Cor 12:12–27; 2 Cor 8:1–5, 9; Heb 10:24–25; 2 Tim 4:1–2).
Walk together in love as brothers and sisters—a family of sinners saved by grace. We rejoice in each other’s happiness and bear each other’s burdens and sorrows; we encourage frequently, admonish gently, and receive correction humbly (Rom 12:10, 15; Heb 3:13; Gal 6:1–2; Eph. 4:15, 29–31).
Practice transparency and honesty with each other—resisting the temptation to hide our weaknesses and sins from each other so that we may experience grace through the care of his saints. (Rom 15:7; 1 John 1:6–10; James 5:16)
Pursue peace with every member—by listening well, avoiding gossip and sarcasm, making charitable judgments, exercising patience and forbearance, being slow to take offense, outdoing one another with honor, and freely forgiving as Christ has forgiven us. (Matt 5:9; 18:21–35; Rom 12:9–21; Eph 4:1–3, 32)
Give faithfully, gladly, and generously—of our money, time, skills, and gifts. We will contribute to the annual budget, which enables our church ministries and missional partnerships to spread the gospel from Cave Spring, Virginia to the ends of the earth. (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 2:44–45; 2 Cor 8:1–9:15)
Serve the Lord and his church—to express our love for Jesus Christ, to affirm God’s creative arrangement of the members of this church body, and to embrace the Spirit’s endowment of our acquired skills and spiritual gifts. We will also serve wherever we are needed. (Matt 25:14–30; Rom 12:11; 1 Cor 12:12–27)
Tell others what Jesus has done for us—beginning with our own families, friends, and co-workers, we will prayerfully and gently steer conversations toward the gospel, in the power of the Holy Spirit, leaving the results to God. (Mark 1:17; 2 Cor 5:18–20; 1 Peter 2:9; 3:15)
Multiply disciples and churches—as Jesus modeled and taught, saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” We plant and revitalize churches to multiply disciples and advance the kingdom of Christ, following the Spirit-led pattern of the apostles. (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 1:17; Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23)
Actively participate in healthy church life—by engaging in 1) Sunday worship, 2) a Bible study class and/or small group, and 3) Members’ Meetings (to show interest in the plans, decisions, and health of our church). We also understand that a healthy church practices redemptive church discipline among its leaders and members to please God, to promote reconciliation, and to live with integrity. We are God’s holy and beloved people. (Matt 18:15–20; Eph 3:20–21; Col 3:12; Heb 10:25; 13:17)
If we leave this congregation, we will join another gospel-preaching church, as soon as possible. Through life, whatever opposition may come, we will live for the glory of God, who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. (Heb 10:24–25; 13:17; Matt 5:11–12; James 1:2; 1 Peter 2:9)
Article 4 – Polity
The church has two biblical offices: elders (also called pastors or overseers) and deacons. Final earthly authority is vested in the assembled congregation. The government of this church, then, is ordered as follows: ruled by Jesus, directed by the Bible, governed by the congregation, led by the elders, served by the deacons, and edified by each member.
Section 1– Members
Membership in the local church is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility rooted in the gospel. The church is not merely a gathering of individuals but a unified body (1 Cor 12:12–27), a spiritual family (Gal 6:10), and a temple where God dwells by His Spirit (Eph 2:19–22). Those who belong to Christ belong to one another (Rom 12:5), and church membership is a tangible expression of such belonging to this church. Through membership, believers commit to love, serve, and hold one another accountable (Heb 10:24–25; Matt 18:15–20), follow godly leadership (Heb 13:17), and participate in the mission of God (Matt 28:18–20). Church membership is a covenant to live out our shared identity in Christ—for the good of the church and the glory of God.
Qualifications:
Church members are individuals who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, give evidence of regeneration, have been baptized by immersion in obedience to Christ following their conversion, and wholeheartedly affirm the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible.
Each member must also agree to submit to the teaching of Scripture as summarized in the church’s Statement of Faith (Baptist Faith & Message, 2000) and commit to uphold the responsibilities outlined in the Members’ Covenant (see Article 3).
The elders are responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may consider a person’s profession of faith and any other evidence they deem appropriate to affirm genuine belief and alignment with the church’s membership requirements.
A person shall be considered a candidate for membership when one of the following conditions has been met:
Public profession of faith in Jesus Christ expressed in believer’s baptism
Letter of transfer confirming the proposed member is in good standing with a like-minded Baptist church
Statement of faith and baptism by immersion in a church of like faith and practice.
Affirmation and Admission:
For admission into church membership, an elder recommends believers, and members affirm them at a worship service. Upon acceptance, new members relinquish previous membership of any other church.
Duties and Privileges:
Members share duties and responsibilities to one another as outlined in the Members’ Covenant (see Article 3).
Under the Lordship of Christ, the elders will lead this congregation, which its members will govern. All members are expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and according to the gifts, time, and resources entrusted to them by God.
Only members may serve as elder, deacon, and committee member. The church elects members to serve on various committees: Constitution, Financial Review, Missions, Nominating, Personnel, Benevolent, and Stewardship. Church members must lead all Serve Teams.
Members will actively participate in healthy church life by attending Members’ Meetings. They will discuss and vote on the following items:
Election and/or removal of elders and deacons
Decisions regarding membership status, including church discipline and inactivity of members
Approval of annual budget, significant capital expenditures, and transactions involving real property
Matters, including new business, brought to the congregation from Committees
Matters, including new business, submitted to the elders, who then decide if it needs to be brought to the congregation
Amendments to the Constitution
Committee members and Serve Team leaders
Church Discipline:
Church discipline starts with cultivating a community of worshippers where grace and truth abound, sin is taken seriously, and spiritual growth flourishes—for the good of the individual and the health of the whole body. When a member persistently neglects his or her responsibilities or engages in conduct that dishonors Christ and harms the church, the church may bring him or her under the loving discipline of the church (Gal 6:1–5).
The formal process of discipline begins according to Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Corinthians 5:1–13 and proceeds in a spirit of humility, patience, and grace. The church should ordinarily pursue discipline only after making personal efforts towards restoration. The goal is always redemptive—seeking repentance, healing, and renewal for the individual; protection of church unity and witness; and above all, the glory of God.
The next steps may include:
Private or public admonition by the elders or congregation
Removal from leadership or ministry roles
Suspension or termination of membership
Other corrective steps deemed wise and loving by the elders and congregation
Finally, if these efforts do not result in repentance after a period of adequate time and patient pursuit, the member may be removed by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of members present at a Members’ Meeting.
If a member under discipline repents, the church will joyfully restore him or her to full fellowship and membership. This restoration will be guided by the elders and carried out in the spirit of forgiveness, healing, and love, reflecting the mercy we have received in Christ (Gal 6:1; 2 Cor 2:6–8). The aim is not only to affirm repentance but to reaffirm our unity in the gospel and renew the bonds of Christian fellowship.
Separation:
Members may be removed in the following ways:
By written request of the member
By transfer to another church, upon request and with the approval of the elders. Transfers will not be granted for members currently under church discipline
By death
By the biblical process of church discipline (see Article 4, Section 1D)
By inactivity. The elders will review membership annually, giving special attention to those who have been noticeably inactive for reasons other than health for a year or more and who have not responded to reasonable efforts to re-engage.
In the case of church discipline or inactivity of members, the church votes on membership removals at Members’ Meetings.
Section 2 – Elders
Elders oversee the pastoral ministry of the church according to God’s Word. Their primary work is fourfold:
Care of souls: shepherd and guide (John 10:7–18; 1 Peter 5:1–5; Jas 5:14).
Word and prayer: preach, teach, and counsel (Acts 6:1–6; 2 Tim 4:1–5).
Making of disciples: mentor and equip (Matt 28:18–20; Eph 4:11–16; 2 Tim 2:2).
Leadership: vision, organization, and administration (Acts 20:17–38; Titus 1:5–9).
Calling and Qualifications:
Elders, also called pastors and overseers, are men called of God who aspire to serve and whom the church elects. Their ministry of example includes personal integrity, family life, and sound doctrine, according to 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. The church assists prospective elders to discern their calling and affirm a life that reflects the character and maturity of elders.
All elders should annually affirm the CSBC Statement of Faith (Baptist Faith & Message, 2000) and renew their promise to live according to the Members’ Covenant. No elder should serve as a deacon during his term.
Particular Responsibilities:
Elders share responsibility and authority over the following tasks:
Teach and preach the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16–17; 4:1–2)
Shepherd the flock through member care, discipleship, counseling, peacemaking, baptisms, weddings, and funerals (1 Peter 5:2; 1 Thess 5:14)
Coordinate, plan, and lead worship services, including the ministry of baptism and Lord’s Supper (Psalm 95; Col 3:16–17; Rom 6:3–4; 1 Cor 11:23–26)
Oversee the service or ministry of deacons (1 Tim 3:8–13; Acts 6:1–6)
Oversee, in concert with the Stewardship Committee, the church budget and finances (2 Cor 8:1–15)
Manage, in concert with the Personnel Committee, the employment, supervision, and evaluation of all paid staff (Col 3:23–24; Eph 4:11–13)
Consider and present prospective members (Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor 12:12–27)
Equip the saints for the work of ministry including elders, deacons, committees, and serve teams (Eph 4:11–16; 1 Peter 5:1–5)
Mobilize the church for missions (Matt 28:19–20; Rom 10:14–15)
Shepherd and restore members through church discipline (Matt 18:15–17;
1 Cor 11:27–32).
Roles:
Lead Pastor: an elder with the responsibility to impart vision and unifying direction. He is recognized by the church as gifted and called to the ministry of the Word (preaching and teaching). He serves as a “first among equals” and leads the elders in the teaching ministry of the church. This is a paid position.
Pastor: elders who practice pastoral ministry in a church-wide context and oversee particular ministry areas (e.g., worship, students, etc.). Position descriptions are established by the elders working in concert with the Personnel Committee. This is a paid position.
Lay Pastor: elders who practice pastoral ministry in a church-wide context and may also provide leadership to ministry areas based on their gifting, interests, and availability. This is a non-paid position.
Organization and Decisions:
The elders of the church include both paid and unpaid pastors. They organize themselves as an Elder Council, with unpaid pastors making up the majority. The council will choose a lay pastor as moderator, assign ministry areas, and collaborate with deacons, committees, and Serve Teams in fulfilling their responsibilities. If unpaid elders are not the majority, a paid elder(s) will remove himself on matters requiring vote. Decisions among the elders are made by consensus.
Nomination and Election:
Should the need for elders arise, the church, through prayerful consideration and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, nominates and elects qualified elders.
Lead Pastor or Pastor
The Lead Pastor or Pastor is nominated by a Pastor Search Committee of seven (7) members, selected by the Personnel Committee and the elders. The Personnel Committee and elders will present the Pastor Search Committee in a Members’ Meeting, and the church must approve of this committee.
This committee includes the following members:
Two (2) current pastors (lay or paid)
Two (2) members of the Personnel Committee
Two (2) volunteers from an appropriate ministry area
One (1) at-large church member
The Pastor Search Committee compiles a list of qualified candidates based on character, ability, and beliefs (see Section A). The Search Committee recommends a preferred candidate to the elders who interview him. With consensus, the Search Committee and the elders present him to the congregation. The elders may choose not to move forward with a candidate if they discern he is not a good fit for the role or the church.
The candidate will have an opportunity to preach, teach, lead, or otherwise display his gifting during a Sunday service. He will have an opportunity to meet the congregation at times announced at least two (2) weeks in advance. Only one (1) candidate will be presented at a time. A three-fourths (3/4) majority vote by written ballot at a Members’ Meeting is required to confirm a pastor.
Lay Pastors
If the church needs additional elders, church members may nominate qualified men who are called, gifted, and willing to serve. Nominees must be church members who have actively served in the church for at least two (2) years before being considered.
Church members submit written nominations to the Nominating Committee at least two (2) weeks prior to a Members’ Meeting. The Nominating Committee confirms each nominee’s willingness to serve and informs the elders of their interest.
The Nominating Committee reports these names to the church at a Members’ Meeting.
Prospective lay pastors, sensing God’s call and who aspire to serve, should consider a season of preparation: mentorship with an active elder, opportunities in preaching and teaching, and involvement in member care and hospitality.
The elders receive these names and evaluate each nominee based on calling, biblical qualification, doctrinal alignment, ministry philosophy, gifting, and availability. Through prayerful agreement, the elders recommend a nominee to the congregation for each vacancy (e.g., If the church needs three (3) elders, the elders present three (3) names). The elders present a final list of nominees thirty (30) days before a Members’ Meeting.
The congregation votes on each nominee by written ballot at a Members’ Meeting. A nominee must receive at least three-fourths (3/4) majority vote to become an elder. If all positions are not filled, the elders may choose to present additional name(s) to vote on at future Members’ Meetings.
Ordination and Training:
Examination and Ordination
Ordination publicly affirms the work of the Holy Spirit in setting apart a man for pastoral service and the church affirmation in that calling. The elders oversee the examination and ordination process.
The ordination service confirms the calling with the laying on of hands by the elders and prayer of dedication and blessing.
Training of the lead pastor and pastors may look different based on experience, training, and education. Onboarding of pastors will follow all procedures found in the Employee Handbook. All pastors regularly engage in continuing education and professional development.
Training of Lay Pastors
The elders determine the training needs of new lay pastors based on ministry experience, prior service as an elder, areas of responsibility, etc.
The elders may conduct the training themselves or involve others based on availability and needs.
Term and Duration:
Lead Pastor and Pastors
Pastors employed by the church serve at the pleasure of the congregation.
Employment at CSBC is considered “at will.” Regarding the term of employment for the lead pastor or pastor, he may decide when it is best to separate or retire unless the church decides otherwise. No notice is necessary unless a contract states otherwise.
Pastors are eligible for sabbatical based on the years of service completed. They must meet the eligibility requirements and follow the guidelines set forth in the Employee Handbook.
Lay Pastors
The term of office for a lay pastor is three (3) years.
An elder may serve two (2) consecutive terms before taking a required year of absence from service.
After each term, an elder must be affirmed by the elders and approved by the congregation with a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote at a Members’ Meeting.
After a required year of absence, the church may approve the elder to serve again with a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote after following the selection process outlined in Section E.
Resignation, Unanticipated Vacancy or Dismissal
An elder may resign at any time.
If the church needs to dismiss an elder, dismissal should occur with humility and prayer, according to 1 Timothy 5:19–20.
If two (2) or more elders have concern that an elder is no longer fit to serve, they should present their concerns to the elders.
If any member believes a pastor (lay or paid) is no longer fit to serve, they may present those concerns to an elder, and/or the Personnel Committee chair.
At least two (2) elders with the committee chair will bring this matter to the church as needed. Resolution of the matter will be communicated to the party concerned.
Following these steps, an elder may be dismissed by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of members present at a Members’ Meeting.
In the cases where an elder begins serving outside of term, the term will be clearly defined in the recommendation to the church.
Section 3 – Deacons
Deacons serve and support the ministries of the church (Phil 1:1; Rom 16:1), care for the members of the church (Acts 6:1–7), and uphold the unity of the body (Eph 4:1–6).
Calling and Qualifications:
Deacons sense a call to serve the church and receive affirmation from the elders and deacons and confirmation by the church body. Our doctrinal statement, The Baptist Faith & Message, states, “Both men and women are gifted for service in the church.” Their ministry of example includes personal integrity, family life, sound doctrine, and a pattern of service and peace-making (1 Tim 3:8–13; Acts 6:1–7). A deacon shall be a church member for at least one (1) year.
Particular Responsibilities:
Deacons support and assist the elders with the spiritual and practical needs of the church by ministering in the following areas:
Member Care: Minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of members, particularly the sick, grieving, widowed, and those in need (Acts 6:1–4; Gal 6:10).
Elder Support: Care for the elders as partners in ministry by actively praying for them, offering encouragement, assisting with practical needs, and standing with them in unified gospel ministry (Rom 16:1–2; Phil 1:1).
Peacemaking: Serve as agents of peace, maintain harmony, and build unity within the church body (Rom 12:18; Eph 4:1–3).
Benevolence: Cooperate with the Benevolent Committee to assess needs and determine appropriate responses to requests for financial or material assistance (Acts 6:1–4; Gal 6:10).
Prayer and Example: Pray for the church, support the church’s mission, and encourage others to serve (Col 4:2, 1 Thess 5:16–18).
Organization and Leadership:
Deacons organize themselves, determine leadership, and model service to fulfill their responsibilities. They meet to pray, plan, and discuss church needs.
Nomination and Confirmation:
Church members recommend qualified persons to any elder (see Article 4, Section 2A) or deacon (see Article 4, Section 3A). The elders, along with deacon leadership, interview nominees to assess spiritual maturity, qualification, and readiness to serve. The congregation votes on the nominees at a Members’ Meeting for confirmation. The nominees must receive at least three-fourths (3/4) majority vote.
Commission and Training:
The church publicly recognizes and commissions these individuals for service. Deacons shall receive ongoing biblical and practical training on the responsibilities, and expectations of deacon ministry under the guidance of elders.
Term and Duration:
Deacons serve for three (3) years and may serve for two (2) consecutive terms, followed by at least one (1) year off before being eligible to serve again. Deacons may step down from service due to personal or family needs by notifying deacon leadership.
A deacon emeritus denotes a deacon who has served faithfully but because of personal limitations cannot continue. The elders and deacons may recommend this honorary designation to the church to recognize a legacy of service.
Article 5 – Committees & Serve Teams
Committees and Serve Teams are the church at work—the means by which members serve, exercise gifts, and fulfill their calling (1 Cor 12:1–31; Eph 4:1–6). They serve with a spirit of prayer, humility, and unity, always seeking the Lord’s guidance. They support the ministries of the church by working with elders and deacons to provide spiritual, administrative, and practical leadership. They serve under the authority of the church and in alignment with its vision, ministries, and ultimate purpose.
Qualifications:
Committee members must be church members for at least one (1) year prior to being affirmed by the congregation. Membership is not required for Serve Team members; however, Serve Team leaders must be church members for at least one (1) year.
Responsibilities:
Each committee shall have a chairperson (recommended by the Nominating Committee) and an ex-officio elder. Decisions shall be made by consensus or by simple majority vote of members present. All committees shall keep records of meetings and decisions and report as requested to the church.
Benevolent Committee: This committee manages the distribution of the benevolence funds in response to requests for financial or material assistance. They cooperate with the elders and deacons to assess needs and determine appropriate responses. They maintain confidentiality and handle requests with compassion and discernment. They provide updates to the church body and church leadership as appropriate.
Constitution Committee: This committee reviews and recommends amendments to the church’s constitution. They ensure that governing documents remain consistent with Scripture, legal requirements, and the church’s Statement of Faith. They work with the elders to guide the church through any constitutional revisions, including communication and recommendations. They work with the elders to manage the Policy and Procedures Manual and report changes as needed to the church.
Financial Review Committee: This committee reviews financial records, internal controls, and financial policies of the church annually. They ensure that stewardship practices accurately reflect both biblical standards and legal requirements. They oversee external and internal financial reviews as needed and presents its findings and recommendations to the church.
Missions Committee: This committee promotes missions churchwide, maintains connection with mission partners, prays for the mission work of the church, and oversees the distribution of the Mission Fund—including supported ministries and mission trips.
Nominating Committee: This committee seeks and discerns qualified individuals for service on church committees. They also communicate with Serve Team leaders to ensure continuity, and prayerfully consider recommendations submitted by the congregation. For Serve Team leaders, the Nominating Committee in concert with the supporting elder, shall determine suitability for the team and notify the volunteer so service can begin immediately. The committee presents nominations for church approval at designated members meetings and encourages diversity of gifts, experience, and generations in committee member selections.
Personnel Committee: This committee assists in the recruitment, evaluation, discipline, and support of church staff. They recommend personnel policies, job descriptions, and salary structures while maintaining confidentiality. The committee also serves as a resource for both staff and church members on personnel matters. They collaborate with the elders to manage the Policy and Procedures Manual and the Employee Handbook.
Stewardship Committee: This committee oversees the preparation and administration of the church budget and promotes biblical stewardship within the congregation. They work with ministry leaders to ensure financial resources are allocated in alignment with church priorities. The committee also monitors giving trends and financial health and provides updates to the church body and church leadership as appropriate.
Serve teams and their duties shall be outlined in the Cave Spring Baptist Church Policy and Procedures Manual.
Nomination, Selection, and Affirmation:
Committees: Nominating Committee members shall be nominated by the elders and affirmed by a vote of the congregation. All other committee members shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and affirmed by a vote of the congregation. No member shall serve on more than one (1) committee concurrently.
Serve Teams: Serve Teams may be established by church staff or the congregation, with oversight by the elders, to fulfill various ministries not covered by committees and shall be terminated by church vote. All Serve Teams are responsible to the church, and the Nominating Committee will present members to the church at the September Members’ Meeting. No church vote is required to approve Serve Team members or to fill vacancies when they occur throughout the year.
Term:
Committee Members shall serve a term of three (3) years before a required one (1) year break. Mid-term vacancies on committees shall be filled following the same process as original nominations. Partial terms do not count toward term limits. Membership on these committees shall rotate on a three (3) year cycle with one third (1/3) of the members being elected each year and one third (1/3) of its members returning annually. Committee chairs must serve on a committee at least one (1) year prior to being elected chair and shall serve as chair no longer than two (2) consecutive years.
Serve Team members and leaders serve with no specified term and have no required rotation. Team members can serve as often and on as many teams as they choose. They can serve for long or short duration and should notify the team leader when no longer available to serve. Serve Team leaders are selected in concert with the Nominating Committee and supporting elder. Leader service will begin immediately once the volunteer is notified.
Article 6 – Church Gatherings
Worship:
The church shall gather regularly for public worship on the Lord’s Day and at other times as determined by the elders. These services shall be centered on the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, prayer, congregational singing, ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and the fellowship of believers. All worship shall be conducted in reverence and in accordance with the teachings of Scripture, seeking the glory of God in all things (John 4:24, Acts 2:42, 1 Cor 14:40).
Other Gatherings
Regular opportunities for spiritual formation and Christian fellowship shall be provided for all ages under the oversight of the elders. These may include Bible study classes, midweek gatherings, discipleship groups, small groups, or other gatherings designed to encourage spiritual growth and maturity. All teachers and leaders must be members approved by the elders, and all teachings must be consistent with the church’s Statement of Faith (2 Tim 3:16, 1 Peter 2:2, Eph 4:13).
Members’ Meetings:
Regular Members’ Meetings shall occur in November, January, March, May, and September, with the date and time announced publicly at least two (2) weeks in advance. An appointed moderator or assistant moderator shall preside over these meetings. The meetings shall serve to inform the congregation of ministry matters, financial stewardship, membership updates, and other church business, including matters to be voted on by the congregation. (See Article 4, Section 1C). A quorum shall be declared by the moderator at the beginning of each Members’ Meeting, dependent on a reasonable number of members present. All votes shall be decided by a simple majority except as otherwise specified in this document.
The elders may call special Members’ Meetings. Notice of special meetings shall be given in writing and by announcement at the regular Sunday service at least seven days prior to such a meeting. No business shall be transacted outside of the stated purpose of the meeting.
Rules:
All official meetings of the church, whether for worship, business, or study, shall be conducted in the spirit of unity, humility, and mutual submission under the Lordship of Christ. The rules of procedures for Members’ Meetings shall be based on the principles of Robert’s Rules of Order and the moderator’s sense of fairness and common sense, giving all members a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a matter. The final authority for conduct and decision-making is Scripture as interpreted by the elders and affirmed by the congregation where applicable (Phil 2:4, Eph 5:21, 1 Cor 14:33). The moderator shall only vote in the case of a tie in the motion under consideration.
Article 7 – Administrative Matters
Board of Directors:
Cave Spring Baptist Church exists legally as a non-profit religious organization. As such, it will designate a Board of Directors to oversee the legal affairs of the church. Members of the Board of Directors shall be as follows: three (3) elders, which shall include the Lead Pastor, Administrative Pastor, and one (1) lay elder; and the chairs of the Personnel, Stewardship, and Constitution Committees. All these positions shall serve as directors of the corporation. The Board of Directors shall meet, minimally, on an annual basis. Two (2) weeks’ notice will be given to the church before the Board of Directors meeting.
Elected Lay Officers:
All elected lay officers serve from October 1 through September 30. The elected lay officers of the church may consist of, but not be limited to, the moderator, assistant moderator, clerk, and assistant clerk.
Moderator: Nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually, the moderator presides at all member meetings of the church.
Assistant Moderator: Nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually, the assistant moderator serves in the moderator’s absence.
Clerk: Nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually, the clerk attends all member meetings and transcribes accurate minutes of the meetings. The clerk maintains records of minutes that have been approved by the church in the church office. Records are available on request.
Assistant Clerk: Nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected annually, the assistant clerk serves as a substitute in the event of the clerk’s absence.
* If both the moderator and assistant moderator are absent at a member meeting, an elder may serve as moderator.
Records:
Cave Spring Baptist Church will keep 1) adequate and correct books and records of accounts, 2) written minutes of member meetings, and 3) an accurate listing of the membership. In accordance with the Virginia Nonprofit Corporation Act, the request to inspect church records must 1) come from a current member of the church, 2) be exercised at a reasonable time, and 3) be for a proper purpose. All such requests should be made in writing to the Elder Council. If approved, it is expected that the member will agree to exercise confidentiality regarding any information obtained from the inspection of the records.
Dispute Resolution:
The Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the local church (Matt 18:15–20, 1 Cor 6:1–8). Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church shall encourage the use of biblically based principles and the avoidance of suits of law or equity to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or secular and whether individuals or corporate entities. The elders shall adopt policies and procedures to affect these requirements and aspirations.
Indemnification:
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the church shall indemnify and hold harmless any elder, officer, employee or agent of the church against any and all liabilities, expenses, and claims incurred in connection with their good faith performance of their duties for the church. This includes legal defense costs, settlements, and judgements, provided that the individual acted in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church, and did not engage in willful misconduct, gross negligence, or criminal activity.
The church may purchase and maintain insurance to cover such indemnification obligations.
Adoption and Amendments:
This Constitution shall be considered adopted and in effect upon approval by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the members present and voting at a called member meeting. Notice of the meeting and a full copy of the proposed Constitution must be made available to the congregation at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled vote. Upon adoption, this Constitution shall supersede all prior governing documents, rules, and policies previously adopted by the church that conflict with it.
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by the elders or committees. A proposed amendment in full must be distributed to the congregation at least thirty (30) days prior to the Members’ Meeting at which it is to be considered. Adoption of an amendment shall require a three-fourth (3/4) majority vote of the members present and voting at a called member meeting.
Amendments to the Policy and Procedure manual are managed by the elders, the Personnel Committee and the Constitution Committee. These groups work together to ensure alignment with the CSBC Constitution. The Policy and Procedures may be amended or altered by the elders and/or the Personnel Committee, then reviewed by the Constitution Committee to ensure alignment with the CSBC Constitution. The Constitution Committee will then report necessary amendments to the church at a Members’ Meeting.
Dissolution:
Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the officers shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such a manner, or to such organizations (organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organizations) under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, as the officers shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.