Elder Candidates

A Word From Pastor Joel

One of the greatest joys of pastoring this church is seeing how God raises up leaders in His own timing. As I look at Mike Hendrix, Will Noe and Kirk Stallings, I see three men whose lives quietly preach the gospel long before their voices ever teach it. These are not new faces or untested servants—they are men whose faithfulness has been woven into the story of FBC Newnan for years.

When Scripture lays out the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, it speaks of character before competency, devotion before duty and faithfulness before leadership. These men embody that pattern. Their homes reflect Christ. Their reputations carry integrity. Their footsteps in this church have been steady and dependable. And their teaching has shaped hearts, classes and generations within our fellowship.

But beyond their résumés is something even more valuable: a shepherd’s heart. Each of them carries a quiet burden for people, a deep love for the Word and a desire to see every age group in our church thrive in Life in Christ. They pray. They listen. They encourage. They stand firm on Scripture while extending grace to those who need it most. In a season where God is strengthening our foundation and widening our reach, these three men represent the kind of leadership that helps a church flourish—not through force, but through faithfulness; not through personality, but through spiritual maturity.

I am deeply grateful for the wisdom, humility and steadiness they bring to this body. I believe their leadership will help us walk in unity, guard the truth of the gospel and shepherd this congregation toward the future God is preparing for us.

Joel signature
Pastor Joel

Elder Candidates

Mike Hendrix

Ann and I have been married for forty-five years, and we have been part of FBC Newnan for nearly that entire time. This church has shaped our lives, our family, and our walk with Christ. Over the years, I have served as a deacon, including serving as Chairman of the Deacons, and those years have given me a clear understanding of how our church operates and how important steady, faithful service is to its health. I have never seen leadership in the church as anything other than servant leadership, and that is how I would approach the role of elder.

One of the greatest blessings of my life has been working with students. I have taught Sunday School for many years, primarily serving teens, and God has given me a heart for young people. Investing in them, walking with them through their challenges, and watching them grow in Christ has been one of the most meaningful parts of my ministry. Those years have taught me patience, humility, and the importance of pointing people to Scripture in every season of life.

I believe the Bible is the inerrant and inspired Word of God, and it must be the foundation for everything we do as a church. Elders may not always see every issue the same way, but if we stay rooted in Scripture, pray together, and talk honestly, I believe the Lord will lead us to unity. My desire is always to make decisions that honor Christ and strengthen the church.

Unity matters to me. Not everyone thinking the same way, but everyone working toward the same mission. I believe FBC Newnan is moving in that direction. If I serve as an elder, I will work for transparency, clear communication, and decisions that build trust and keep us aligned with the vision God has given our church. My goal is simple: to serve Christ, love this church, and help us move forward together.

Will Noe

Joy and I have been part of FBC Newnan since 2002, and this church has been a constant blessing in our lives. The Lord allowed me to be ordained as a deacon in 1978, and over the years I have served as chairman of the deacons in New Jersey, Florida and Georgia. He has also given me the joy of teaching Sunday School for forty-seven years in couples, men’s and youth classes. I have served as church treasurer, sung in the choir and worked on the Finance, Personnel and Scholarship Committees. Joy has taught Sunday School for forty-seven years as well and has led several ladies’ Bible studies, beginning with a group of young military wives when we were newly married.

As I prayed about how God might use me further, I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to step forward when elder nominations were introduced. That leading was confirmed when several members shared that they had submitted my name. Joy and I prayed together and felt a deep peace that the Lord was calling us into this ministry. My desire is simply to serve with humility and to be a steady example of faithfulness to our church family.

I believe elder leadership will help every generation experience Life in Christ together. With the experience God has given me, I hope to mentor younger couples, encourage families and help people find places to serve. I am passionate about seeing believers grow in biblical understanding and spiritual maturity, and I trust that the Holy Spirit will open opportunities for ministry that we cannot yet see.

Joy and I covet the prayers of our church as we seek to serve in a way that honors Christ. My greatest hope is that our church will stay grounded in Scripture, united in purpose and bold in sharing the love of Jesus with our community.

Kirk Stallings

Kathy and I prayed together and separately, and we both came to the same conviction: God was leading me to this role. The experiences He has given me in both the secular world and the church have prepared me to help guide our congregation through this important season. I sensed that the church needed someone who could support a strong, steady start to adopting our new bylaws and make spiritually grounded decisions for the good of the body.

As elders, we must lead with the whole church in mind. Every age group matters. Our teaching, music, ministries and activities should serve the full congregation, not just one part of it. While some ministries focus on specific ages, we cannot overlook others. People of all ages can play meaningful roles in the life of our church, and we must be creative and bold as we reach both our community and our congregation.

I am excited because I truly believe our people are excited about the direction God is taking us. As elders, we have an opportunity to strengthen that enthusiasm by leading with confidence and clarity. Our calling is to ensure that the church remains faithful to Scripture in every ministry and every decision. The truth of God’s Word must guide us, and it must never be ignored, minimized, or compromised.

Our members should pray that the elders remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, seeking His wisdom for every area of church life. At the end of the day, God is our Leader, and we are His servants.

My greatest hope is that our church will boldly reach the lost in our community and show them the love of God and the forgiveness that comes through faith in Jesus. I also hope that our congregation stays united in heart and purpose, walking together as we pursue the mission God has entrusted to us.

Kirk Stallings

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
TITUS 1:5

Schedule of Events

Saturday, December 6
Meet and Greet with Candidates and Wives
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Welcome Center

Wednesday, December 10
Meet and Greet with Candidates and Wives
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Historic Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 17
Churchwide Prayer Meeting
6:00 PM | Historic Sanctuary

Sunday, December 21
Special Called Conference and Vote by
secret ballot in both morning services

bylaws

Section 1 - Membership

The members of First Baptist Church shall consist of all persons who have met the requirements for membership and are listed on the membership roll.

The requirements for membership in the Church are as follows:

  • A personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and Baptism by immersion as a believer as a symbol of salvation or and order.
  • By transfer of letter or statement of faith from another Baptist church of like faith

All new members must complete the Church membership class and be interviewed by the Senior Pastor or his delegate, after which their membership must be approved by a majority vote of the church body at the next Regular or Called Church Conference.

The responsibilities of membership are described in the addendum Church Membership Covenant, “Life Together at First Baptist Church.”

Every member of the Church shall have the right to vote on all matters presented to the Church for consideration in Church conferences. Each member is entitled to one vote. Voting by proxy is prohibited.

Members shall be removed from the Church membership roll for the following reasons:

  • Death
  • Transfer of membership to another church
  • Personal request of the member
  • Exclusion by the action of the Church when the member’s life and conduct are not consistent with the Scriptures in such a way that the member hinders the ministry influence of the Church in the community
  • Removal from the Church roll during a review of the membership roll initiated at the discretion of the Elders

Procedures for dismissal of a member shall be according to Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-2. All matters of Church discipline shall be guided by a concern for redemption, reformation, and reconciliation rather than punishment. All matters of Church discipline shall be referred to the Elders before presentation to the Church. If the Elders determine that disciplinary action is required, a motion to exclude may be presented by the Elders at a Church conference and shall require a majority vote of the members present and voting for adoption.

Members dismissed by action of the Church shall be restored by action of the Church (a majority vote of the members present and voting at the next Church Conference) upon the recommendation of the Elders in the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 and upon evidence of the excluded person’s repentance and reformation.

Preamble

The First Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia, Inc. (the “Church” or “First Baptist Church”) exists to bring Life in Christ to Every Generation by Making, Maturing, and Multiplying Followers of Jesus Christ.

The Church affirms the Holy Bible as the sole and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. In addition, the Church accepts the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as a summary of biblical doctrine that reflects historic Christian orthodoxy, upholding the five fundamentals of the Christian faith: the inerrancy of Scripture, the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, substitutionary atonement, and bodily resurrection.

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of people related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one natural-born man and one natural-born woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, protect, and lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation. Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

God’s Word defines two distinct offices in the church: elders and deacons. Elders are entrusted with spiritual authority and responsibility for teaching, shepherding, protecting unity, and providing oversight of the church. Deacons are tasked with serving the church’s practical needs, supporting its ministries, and promoting unity within the body. These roles are distinct yet complementary, ensuring the church is both led with spiritual wisdom and served with care. Terminology used throughout these Bylaws: the use of “Elders” denotes the Senior Pastor and the Lay Elders acting as a body; the use of “Lay Elders” denotes the Lay Elders acting as a body exclusive of the Senior Pastor; and the use of “Deacons” denotes the elected Deacons acting as a body.

Lordship: We submit every area of our lives to the authority of Jesus Christ, recognizing true freedom is found in following His will above our own. “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

Teaching: Grounded in the truth of Scripture, we are committed to faithfully teaching God’s Word to equip and transform lives for Christ. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

Worship: We respond to the glory of God with awe, surrender, and joy, offering our lives as a declaration of His worth and supremacy. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” — Psalm 95:6-7

Prayer: We believe in the power of prayer to align our hearts with God’s purposes and invite His kingdom to move in and through us. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16

Fellowship: We grow stronger together by sharing life in Christ, encouraging one another and building authentic relationships through the Holy Spirit. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24

Stewardship: We reflect Christ’s love by humbly serving others, using our gifts and time to meet the needs of our church, community and world. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45

Evangelism: We are passionate about sharing the Gospel, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need of salvation. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19

All the provisions of this Preamble guide and govern all areas of our fellowship and practice as believers. When terms found in this Preamble are used in any Church document, contract, procedure, guideline, notice, announcement (written or oral), ministry, service, meeting, event or excursion of the Church; and also when pertaining to any usage of Church facilities, properties and ministries; or in the engagement of Church personnel, they shall have the meaning stated in this Preamble. In addition, the Church reserves the right to refuse use of all Church facilities and properties to any group, couple or individual that affirms and/or embodies anything contrary to our core values and anything contrary to the provisions of this Preamble.

Section III – Roles Within The Church

The Senior Pastor is responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the Church body for leading the Church, feeding the Church, and praying for the Church so that it accomplishes its Biblical purpose. The Church Staff is comprised of Vocational Ministers, Ministry Directors, Staff Associates, the Church Clerk, and the Church Treasurer, who serve under the Senior Pastor in fulfillment of his leadership, vision, and stewardship responsibilities for the Church.

1. Senior Pastor

a. Qualifications

The Senior Pastor shall be a man called of God into the gospel ministry, orthodox in theology as defined by the Statement of Faith of the Church and committed to living and serving in a manner consistent with the standards set forth in Scripture for such leaders.

b. Selection

In the selection of the Senior Pastor, a committee of seven voting members and three alternates, to be known as the Pastor Search Committee, shall be nominated by the Lay Elders and elected at a regular or called Conference of the Church. This committee shall be composed of seven members from the Church at large, at least one of which must be an active Lay Elder, along with three alternates from the Church at large. Such committee shall proceed with diligence to select a Senior Pastor candidate whose gifts, character, and calling fit him for the office to be filled.

The Pastor Search Committee shall make a recommendation to the Church to fill a vacancy in the office of Senior Pastor. The committee’s recommendation and all pertinent information shall be provided to the Church according to the notice requirements for all other Conferences of the Church.

The election of the Senior Pastor shall occur at a Church Conference called specifically for that purpose. No name shall be considered or nominated except that recommended by the Pastor Search Committee and approved by the Lay Elders. The vote shall be by secret ballot and shall require a three-fourths vote of the members present and voting for election. If the recommendation does not receive three-fourths of the vote, the Pastor Search Committee shall present another recommendation to the Church as soon as practical.

c. Term

The Senior Pastor will serve at the pleasure of the Church and under continuing call until the Church or the Senior Pastor requests otherwise. Where possible, the Lay Elders shall work with the Senior Pastor to determine an appropriate transition period when retirement or resignation is contemplated. Termination of the Senior Pastor will require a three-fourths vote of those members present and voting when the action to dismiss is brought before the Church by the Lay Elders at a regular or called Church Conference.

d. Responsibilities

The Senior Pastor is called by the Church to lead the Church to understand, embrace, and accomplish its mission as defined by the primary biblical purposes of worship, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, and ministry. The Senior Pastor leads the Church through his primary biblical roles of overseer, shepherd, preacher/teacher, and equipper, as explained in Section III.B.1.

The Senior Pastor models the practice of personal evangelism incumbent on every believer and ensures that the Church is challenged and equipped to be obedient to the command of the Lord Jesus to “make disciples” locally and globally (Matthew 28:19).

2. Vocational Ministers

a. Qualifications

Vocational Ministers are those men, ordained to the gospel ministry and employed by the Church, who lead, coordinate, and direct functions, programs, and Ministry Teams in accordance with their specific areas of responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

b. Selection

Vocational Ministers serve under the direction and leadership of the Senior Pastor and shall be called upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and Lay Elders, after consultation with the Personnel Committee, with approval by three-fourths of the members of the Church in attendance at a conference called for that purpose.

c. Term

Vocational Ministers serve a continuing call under the direction and supervision of the Senior Pastor, and termination of their employment requires the approval of the Elders after consultation with the Personnel Committee. Where possible, the Elders shall work with Vocational Ministers to determine an appropriate transition period when retirement or resignation is contemplated.

3. Ministry Directors

a. Qualifications

Ministry Directors are individuals employed by the Church, who lead, coordinate, and direct functions, ministries, and programs, in accordance with their specific areas of responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

b. Selection

Ministry Directors serve under the direction and leadership of the Senior Pastor and shall be called upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and the Lay Elders, after consultation with the Personnel Committee, with approval by three-fourths of the members of the Church in attendance at a conference called for that purpose.

c. Term

Ministry Directors serve under the direction and supervision of the Senior Pastor, and termination of their employment requires the approval of the Elders after consultation with the Personnel Committee. Where possible, the Elders shall work with Ministry Directors to determine an appropriate transition period when retirement or resignation is contemplated.

4. Staff Associates

Staff Associates shall consist of any other staff members (not including Senior Pastor, Vocational Ministers, or Ministry Directors) employed by the Church. They shall provide support to the Senior Pastor, a designated Vocational Minister, Ministry Director, or other Staff Associate, and as such, shall be under direct supervision of that individual. The specific responsibilities and selection of each Staff Associate shall be determined by the designated Vocational Minister, Ministry Director or Staff Associate and approved by the Senior Pastor.

Within First Baptist Church, the office of Elder is filled by the roles of the Senior Pastor and Lay Elders in an active elected term. To serve as an Elder, an individual must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, be called by God to this specific role, and be affirmed by the church body. Elders are appointed for the leadership of the local church in accordance with the Biblical model.

1. Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor has responsibility for the spiritual leadership of the Church as an Elder, with the assistance and support of the Lay Elders, and his specific responsibilities may be outlined in terms of his primary biblical roles as follows:

a. Overseer/Elder

As overseer (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1), the Senior Pastor is the principal administrative leader and vision-caster of the Church. In this role he gives general oversight to the planning, budgeting, staffing, coordination, and implementation functions of the various ministries of the Church.

b. Shepherd

As shepherd (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4), the Senior Pastor models the heart of the Chief Shepherd and ensures that the Church is well led, fed, protected and
cared for.

c. Preacher/Teacher

As preacher/teacher (Acts 6:4, Ephesians 4:11, 2 Timothy 4:1-4, Titus 1:9), the Senior Pastor is a principal communicator of God’s Word in public worship and ensures that the Church is growing to maturity in Christ through the Spirit-anointed teaching of sound doctrine as outlined in the Statement of Faith.

d. Equipper

As equipper (Ephesians 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:2), the Senior Pastor partners with other leaders to empower and equip maturing members for significant service and ministry by discovering, developing, and deploying their spiritual gifts.

2. Lay Elders

A Lay Elder’s role is to protect the unity, fellowship, and integrity of the Church and to provide counsel to the Senior Pastor in the work of the ministry. Lay Elders provide guidance and counsel to the Senior Pastor, guarding and supporting his leadership. They will provide counsel in his oversight of the overall health and direction of the church, in his personal life (Acts 14:23, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:1-3), and to pursuing unity within the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-3).

a. Qualifications

Each Lay Elder shall be selected from the adult male members of the Church and shall meet the qualifications and high standards of the Word of God prescribed for their office. They shall endeavor by God’s grace to live and serve in a manner consistent with the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Following their nomination and prior to their election Lay Elders shall attend training to prepare them for their role. A Lay Elder may not serve on any other Standing Committee while actively serving as a Lay Elder.

b. Number

There shall be six Lay Elders.

c. Term
Lay Elders shall serve three-year terms on a rotating basis beginning January 1 of each year and shall not succeed themselves in office for one year.

d. Responsibilities
The principle responsibilities of the Lay Elders shall be to ensure the spiritual and financial integrity of the Church, to resolve conflict, to guard against false teaching, to provide counsel and support to the Senior Pastor, and to set policies on behalf of the Church, as follows:

i. Spiritual Integrity

The Lay Elders are accountable to the Church for ensuring the integrity of all spiritual activities of the Church. Lay Elders have the responsibility to follow biblical procedures and principals for confronting intentional, ongoing sin in the church. Lay Elders are to confront in love where there is evidence of ongoing sin.

ii. Resolving Conflict

The Lay Elders must take the initiative in resolving conflict in the Church to protect the health of the Church.

iii. Guarding Against False Teaching

The Lay Elders will warn against harmful influences and guard against false teachers and therefore must be mature in their faith and understanding of the doctrine of the Christian faith.

iv. Senior Pastor Counsel

The Lay Elders shall provide advice and counsel in the planning, budgeting, staffing, coordination, and implementation functions of the various ministries of the Church as requested by the Senior Pastor. The Lay Elders shall provide annual written evaluation and feedback to the Senior Pastor in terms of the primary biblical purposes of the Church and the primary biblical roles of the Senior Pastor.

v. Financial Integrity

The Elders are responsible for maintaining the integrity of all financial matters
of the Church. Specific financial responsibilities of the Elders are specified in Section V.

vi. Policy

The Elders shall set such policies and procedures as are necessary for the effective and orderly functioning of the Church.

e. Officers

The Lay Elders shall elect a Chairman and other officers as they see fit from among the Lay Elders on an annual basis.

f. Meetings

The Elders shall meet no less than monthly on such dates and at such times as they deem appropriate.

The Elders shall decide issues before them by a simple majority. Should there be dissenting Elders in a decision, they shall be bound by the vote and shall not indicate their dissension to anyone outside of the Elders.

The Senior Pastor shall not vote on matters related to his compensation, annual evaluation, or tenure.

Finance

The Finance Committee shall report to the Elders and is entrusted with the sound financial management and oversight of the business operations of the Church, as delineated in section V.

Nominating

The Nominating Committee shall report to the Elders and is entrusted with vetting and nomination of candidates to fill various positions as defined in Section IV.

Personnel

The Personnel Committee shall report to the Elders and is entrusted to provide counsel and support to ensure wise and effective staffing practices, including but not limited to, serving in an advisory role to the Senior Pastor and Elders regarding staff hiring, mentoring, development, and transition.

Properties

The Properties Committee shall report to the Elders and is responsible for campus development, maintaining and updating the campus physical master plan, and the maintenance and repair of all Church buildings, grounds, and equipment.

1. Qualifications

Members of standing committees must be active members of the church for at least one year, demonstrate spiritual maturity and Christian character, affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, and support the mission and vision of the Church. They should be faithful stewards, committed to unity, and able to serve with integrity and discretion.

Additionally, Standing Committee members preferably will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to competently fulfill their responsibilities, with subject matter expertise relevant to their committee’s focus—such as finance, properties, personnel, or nominations—to ensure sound and informed decision-making.

2. Term

Members shall serve a three-year term. No person shall serve on more than one Standing Committee at any time. Upon completion of a term of service on any Standing Committee, a person must wait a year before serving on any other Standing Committee.

3. Meetings

The Standing Committees shall determine a regular schedule at which they shall meet to perform their prescribed responsibilities and duties. In addition, any Standing Committee can be called to meet at the discretion of the Senior Pastor or the Lay Elders.

Standing Committees shall elect a committee chair at the start of each Church year. The committee chair shall provide regular reports as requested by the Elders. The committee chair shall also ensure that adequate records are maintained of the meetings and actions of the committee.

4. Policies and Procedures

Standing Committees shall develop and maintain a Policy Handbook that documents all policies and procedures pertaining to their area of responsibility within the Church. The initial version and any subsequent changes to these handbooks must be approved by the Elders.

A Deacon serves the members and ministries of the Church. Their role is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the Church so the Elders can concentrate on their primary calling. This distinction is based on the pattern found in Acts 6:1-6.

1. Qualifications

The Deacons shall be composed of men who are exemplary in their conduct, discreet in judgment, of honest report, full of faith, and conscious that they shall set worthy examples of cooperation, love, and loyalty for all members of the Church, abiding by the principles set forth in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3. They shall promote peace, harmony, and a spirit of unity and cooperation among the membership.

Following their nomination and prior to their election Deacons shall attend training to prepare them for their role.

2. Number

The number of Deacons shall be determined annually by the Elders, at a minimum no less than 20.

3. Term

Deacons shall serve three-year terms on a rotating basis beginning January 1 of each year.

4. Responsibilities

The Deacons shall serve the Church in the following areas:

• Preparing and serving of the Lord’s Supper, which shall be conducted no less than four times each year on a regular basis

• Instructing and assisting candidates for Believer’s Baptism

• Ministering to those with material and financial needs by administering the benevolence funds of the Church

• Providing service in the form of visitation, outreach, missions, and witness to the body of the Church and beyond

• Providing support for and an example of evangelism in our community

• Providing support for new or existing ministries as requested by the pastoral staff and consistent with their giftedness and calling to ministry

• Performing such other duties as may be requested by the Senior Pastor and the Lay Elders

At the discretion of the Chairman of the Deacons, inactive deacons may be called upon to assist in the service ministries of the Deacons.

5. Meetings

The Deacons shall meet no less than quarterly on such dates and at such times as the Chairman of the Deacons deems appropriate.

6. Officers

The Deacons shall elect a Chairman of Deacons at their first meeting after the start of the Church year. The Chairman of Deacons shall report to the Elders and shall provide regular reports to them as requested.

The Deacons may elect other officers in support of their service as they feel called. Any such officers will report to the Chairman of Deacons.

The Elders may, as they see fit, create Ministry Teams to serve the needs of the Church. The Elders shall determine the number of members for each Ministry Team and the responsibilities assigned to each team. All Ministry Team members shall be elected for a three-year term on a rotating basis beginning on January 1. Election of members to these teams shall be managed as defined in Section IV.

If the Elders determine that a Ministry Team is no longer necessary to serve the needs of the Church, its service may be discontinued at the end of the calendar year.

The Elders may, as they see fit, create Ad Hoc Working Groups to assist them as needed. These groups shall report to the Elders. Members of these groups shall be appointed at the discretion of the Elders. The responsibilities of these groups shall be determined by the Elders.

Working Groups shall automatically disband at the conclusion of the year in which they were created unless explicitly retained by the Elders for the subsequent year.

The Elders shall ensure that the positions of Church Clerk and Church Treasurer are maintained under their direction, and the individuals serving in these roles shall be approved by a majority vote at a Church conference.

1. Corporate Officers

Corporate officers are defined by Georgia state law addressing corporations as they apply to the Church and have no relation to any biblical office. Corporate officers exist solely to satisfy any legal requirements placed upon the Church by the State of Georgia.

The corporate officers of the Church shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the 501(c)(3) entity of First Baptist Church of Newnan. The office of President shall be filled by the Chairman of the Elders. The office of the Vice President shall be appointed from among the Lay Elders. The other corporate officers shall be appointed by the Elders from among the members of the Church.

2. Ordination and Installation

The Church shall license or ordain men into the vocational ministry under qualifications and requirements adopted by the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor shall recommend to the Lay Elders those men he is satisfied are called to the vocational ministry. The Lay Elders, after examination of the men, may recommend the men to the Church for ordination at any Regular or Special Conference.

Likewise, the Elders shall recommend men for installation as Lay Elders and Deacons after the men have been recommended by the Nominating Committee for approval by the members following the process defined in these Bylaws.

Once the candidates for ordination are determined, the Senior Pastor will determine the process and set a date for ordination of Vocational Ministers, Lay Elders, and Deacons.

The Church may discipline or revoke ministers holding credentials issued by the Church under the church discipline processes defined elsewhere in these Bylaws.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Neither the Senior Pastor nor the Lay Elders may be related to other Elders, Church Staff, or members of any Standing Committee, and no two related persons shall serve on Standing Committees during overlapping terms. For the purposes of these potential conflicts of interest, “related” and “related to” includes relation by blood, adoption, or marriage.

No employee, contractor, or member of the Church Staff shall serve on a Standing Committee without the prior written approval of the Elders.

The Senior Pastor, Vocational Ministers, and other Church Staff shall not serve as Lay Elders.

Section II - Church Conferences

Church Conferences shall be held at 15 West Washington Street, Newnan, GA 30263, or such other place as may be designated by the Elders.

Regular Church Conferences shall be held in April and October at a date and time to be determined by the Elders.

The following specific actions shall be conducted at the specified Regular Church conference:

  • Election of Standing Committee members shall only occur in the April Church Conference
  • Election of Ministry Team members shall only occur in the October Church Conference
  • Election of Lay Elders and Deacons shall only occur in the October Church Conference
  • Approval of the annual budget shall only occur in the October Church Conference

Beyond these specific items, any other business matter can be addressed in any Regular Church Conference.

The Elders shall convene the Church in Conference whenever it is deemed expedient or when requested in writing by not less than 100 members of the Church.

Notice of all regular and called conferences of the Church shall be provided to members not less than two (2) weeks prior to the Conference. Notice shall include a general description of any business to be transacted as well as the quorum required to conduct business. Notice shall be given in the following manners:

  • Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at Sunday services
  • Oral announcement to the congregation in attendance at Sunday services

• Announcement in all regular Church publications, physical and electronic

In conducting all Church Conferences, the Church shall be guided by Roberts’ Rules of Order, current edition, except in cases especially provided for in these Bylaws.

The moderator of all Church Conferences shall be the Chairman of the Elders. In the absence of the Chairman of the Elders, the Senior Pastor shall serve as moderator. In the absence of both, the Chairman of the Elders shall designate the moderator.

A number of members not less than 20% of the average in-person Sunday worship attendance of the 12 weeks prior to a Church Conference shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business at that Conference.

Section V - Finance

The Finance Committee is accountable to the Elders for maintaining the financial integrity of all the financial activities of the Church. The Finance Committee shall establish operating and reserve funds that are adequate to operate the Church efficiently.

The Finance Committee shall create and maintain a Finance Policies and Procedures Handbook that shall document the financial policies and procedures for the Church.

The Senior Pastor, in collaboration with the Finance Committee, shall present the annual Church budget to the congregation prior to approval.

The Elders are responsible for ensuring good stewardship of the Church’s finances and shall report the prior year’s financial results annually to the Church. If anticipated receipts are less than the annual budget, then the Elders will work with the Finance Committee to make the necessary changes in the budget to operate within the anticipated receipts.

The Elders shall approve the initial version and any subsequent changes to the Finance Policies and Procedures Handbook as proposed by the Finance Committee.

No business activity shall be conducted using the facilities, resources, or staff of the Church without explicit approval and oversight of the Elders.

The Elders shall receive and approve detailed monthly financial statements from the Finance Committee on all Church financial activities.

The Church shall approve, by simple majority:

• The annual budget during the regular conference in October

• Non-budgeted expenditures exceeding 2.5% of the annual budget

• All budget reallocations exceeding 5% of the annual budget

• Any acquisition of land, construction of new buildings, borrowing of funds, and the sale of any real property

The Church shall receive written financial reports on a regular basis.

The Senior Pastor is responsible for managing the financial activities of the Church according to the financial policies and procedures established by the Finance Committee and the implementation of the annual budget approved by the Church.

The Senior Pastor shall prepare an annual budget for approval by the Lay Elders and the Church.

The Senior Pastor shall prepare monthly financial reports for approval by the Lay Elders.

The Lay Elders shall recommend annual salary and benefits for the Senior Pastor as part of the annual budget. The Church will not act on salary and benefits for the Senior Pastor without the benefit of a recommendation from the Lay Elders.

In the event of a declared national or state emergency that would preclude following these prescribed procedures to conduct the financial business of the Church, the Elders and the Finance Committee are empowered to collectively make all necessary financial decisions regarding Church business without further approval of the membership.

During such an unusual time, the Elders and the Finance Committee must make every effort to keep the membership informed of their actions.

These emergency powers shall remain in place until the declared state of emergency has been lifted by the appropriate controlling authority.

Section IV - Elections

1. Selection

The Nominating Committee shall request recommendations for Lay Elders from the congregation. Members of the Nominating Committee may also submit recommendations of candidates. All nominees must meet the biblical qualifications for elders as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. The following procedures will be followed for the initial selection and in all future selections:

• Pastoral Involvement: The Senior Pastor shall provide spiritual and practical guidance throughout the selection process, working closely with the Nominating Committee to ensure that all nominees align with the church’s vision, doctrine, and biblical qualifications for elder leadership.

• Interviews: The potential nominees and their wives shall be interviewed by the Senior Pastor and any existing Lay Elders to evaluate their spiritual maturity, doctrinal alignment, leadership capabilities, and readiness for the role.

• Teaching Ability: Nominees shall have demonstrated or be willing to demonstrate their ability to effectively teach the Word of God.

• Congregational Review: Members shall have an opportunity to hear each nominee’s testimony and meet with them prior to being voted on by the Church.

• Candidate Information: The Nominating Committee shall submit information to the congregation about each nominee (picture, biographical sketch, testimony, etc.) at least two weeks before the election. One nominee will be submitted for each vacant Lay Elder position.

2. Election

The election of Lay Elders shall be held during the regular Conference in October. Voting will be by secret ballot with a “Yes” and “No” by each nominee’s name. Lay Elders shall be elected individually, with three-fourths of all ballots cast required for election. If a nominee is not elected, the Nominating Committee will submit another nominee to the Church as soon as practical.

1. Selection

The Nominating Committee shall request recommendations for Deacons from the congregation. Members of the Nominating Committee may also submit recommendations. Once the committee has selected the potential nominees, the following procedures will be followed:

• The potential nominees shall be interviewed by the Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Deacons. Additional interviews may be conducted as determined by the Lay Elders.

• The Nominating Committee shall submit information to the congregation about each nominee (picture, biographical sketch, testimony, etc.) at least two weeks before the election. One nominee will be submitted for each vacant deacon position.

2. Election

The election of Deacons shall be held during the regular Conference in October. Voting will be by secret ballot with a “Yes” and “No” by each nominee’s name. Deacons shall be elected individually, with a simple majority of all ballots cast required for election. If a nominee is not elected, the Nominating Committee will submit another nominee to the Church as soon as practical.

1. Selection

The Nominating Committee will meet annually to consider the need for nominations for the Standing Committees and Ministry Teams. The potential nominees shall be interviewed by the members of the Nominating Committee. Potential nominees may not be interviewed by family members.

2. Election

All Standing Committee members shall be elected on a rotating basis beginning on May 1. The election of Standing Committee members shall be held during the regular Conference in April. Voting will be by secret ballot with a “Yes” and “No” by each nominee’s name. Standing Committee members shall be elected individually, with a simple majority of all ballots cast required for election. If a nominee is not elected, the Nominating Committee will submit another nominee to the Church as soon as practical.

The election of Ministry Team members shall be held during the regular conference in October. Voting will be by secret ballot with a “Yes” and “No” by each Ministry Team’s slate of nominees. Ministry Team members shall be elected as a single slate of candidates, with a simple majority of all ballots cast required for approval. If a Ministry Team is not approved, the Nominating Committee will submit another slate of team members to the Church as soon as practical.

1. Rotating Terms

Certain groups defined by these Bylaws may be elected using rotating terms. For these groups, elections shall be divided as follows:

• The members of the group shall be divided into three equal subgroups. No single subgroup shall be more than one person in size larger than any other subgroup.

• Each subgroup shall serve together in a single three-year term.

• The terms of the second subgroup shall begin one year after the start of the term of the first subgroup. The term of the third subgroup shall begin one year after the start of the term of the second subgroup.

• As the term of a subgroup expires, the positions associated with that subgroup within the group shall become vacant and are eligible to be filled by election, as specified for the group elsewhere in these Bylaws.

2. Removal Of Elected Positions

Removal of any Lay Elder prior to the normal expiration of their term will require a three-fourths vote of those members present and voting when the action to dismiss is brought before the Church by the Lay Elders at a regular or called Church Conference.

Removal of any Deacon or Standing Committee member prior to the normal expiration of their term will require a majority vote of those members present and voting when the action to dismiss is brought before the Church by the Lay Elders at a regular or called Church Conference.

Notice of a motion to remove a Lay Elder, Deacon, or Standing Committee member must be included in the notice provided to the Church for the conference in which the motion will be made.

3. Vacancies In Elected Positions

Upon the occurrence of a vacancy of any Lay Elder or Deacon position, the Elders, after conferring with the Nominating Committee, shall present for approval at a Church Conference an individual qualified to fill the position for the remaining term, following the percentages for election set forth in this section.

Upon the occurrence of a vacancy in a Standing Committee or Ministry Team, the position may be appointed by the Elders for the remaining term, after conferring with the Nominating Committee.

Section VII - Miscellaneous

In the event of dissolution of First Baptist Church due to any cause, the assets will be distributed as follows:

• All debts will be paid in full.

• Real and personal property owned by the Church will be sold or donated upon the recommendation of the Elders and approval by the Church.

• If sufficient funds remain, Church employees will be considered for a severance package as recommended by the Elders and approved by the Church.

• Remaining funds will be distributed upon the recommendation of the Elders and approval by the Church to one or more organizations which qualify as an exempt organization as described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or the corresponding provision of any prior or future law.

Section VI - Records and Reports

The Church Clerk shall securely maintain the following records and reports:

• A system of financial records with accurate and detailed information on receipts, disbursements, balances, and the financial condition of the Church, to be supplied by the Finance Committee

• Written minutes of all Church Conferences

• A listing of fixed assets shall be maintained in sufficient detail to account for items of significance, to be supplied by the Properties Committee

• A record of the members of the Church setting forth the names and addresses of all members

• Contribution statements and contributors

• The annual audit of the Church’s financial records for the close of each fiscal year, to be provided by the Finance Committee

All such records should be kept at the Church’s main office.

Addendum

We, the members of First Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia, Inc., affirm that to be a member of the Church family of faith is to be committed to developing a growing relationship with Christ and growing relationships with other members of the Church. In the context of these relationships, we commit to God and to one another that we will earnestly endeavor to do the following under the leadership of the Holy Spirit:

Unity: We will prize and protect the unity of our Church family

• by acting in love toward other members

• by refusing to gossip and stir up dissension

• by honoring and following the leaders

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19).

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
(Ephesians 4:2-3).

Have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart
(1 Peter 1:22).

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs (Ephesians 4:29).

There are six things the Lord hates, … a man who stirs up dissension among brothers (Proverbs 6:16, 19).

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17).

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17).

Ministry: We will participate in the ministry of our Church family

• by attending faithfully and giving regularly

• by discovering our gifts and talents

• by committing to serve

• by developing a servant’s heart

• by providing constructive feedback to our leadership

Let us not give up meeting together, . . . but let us encourage one another
(Hebrews 10:25).

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income (1 Corinthians 16:2).

Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you (1 Peter 4:10).

It was [God] who gave some … to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who … [took on] the very nature of a servant (Philippians 2:4-7).

Mission: We will be a partner in the mission of our Church family

• by praying for its health and growth

• by inviting the unchurched to attend

• by warmly welcoming those who visit

• by sharing Christ as we have opportunity

I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:4-5).

We have not stopped praying for you and asking God … that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10).

Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full’ (Luke 14:23).

So, warmly welcome each other into the Church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified (Romans 15:7).

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15)

Section VIII - Adoption and Amendment of Bylaws

These Bylaws shall be adopted if two-thirds (2/3) of the members present vote to adopt them at the Church Conference at which they are submitted for adoption.

These Bylaws may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at any properly called Church Conference. Any proposal to change these Bylaws shall be referred to the Elders for approval prior to its presentation to the Church.

A copy of these Bylaws, as revised, shall at all times be kept with the records of the Church and all amendments to or alterations to thereof shall be attached to the copy of the Bylaws so kept. This also shall apply to any resolution passed for the permanent or temporary government of the Church.

Download Bylaws

Please plan to be present on Wednesday, April 2 in the Historic Sanctuary at either 6:00PM or 7:00PM for a presentation regarding the proposed bylaws, followed by a time of prayer.  A brochure and copy of the proposed bylaws will be distributed, and those materials and additional information also will be available on the church website after the presentations that evening on this page. If you are not able to attend on April 2, the next opportunity to view the presentation will be on Sunday, April 6, in the Fellowship Hall.  Visit the Fellowship Hall anytime between 8:30AM and 11:30 AMthat is convenient for you that day to view the presentation, pick up a brochure, and ask questions.  There will be multiple other opportunities on Sundays and Wednesdays during April to view the presentation, ask questions, and have conversations about the proposed bylaws.  Visit this page beginning April 2 for a schedule of opportunities and more details.