By-Laws and Constitution

(Reviewed by By-Laws Commission, January 18, 1995)
Members of the Commission: Dr. W.T. Snead, Sr., President & Chairman; Dr. Robt. E. Houston, Sr., Secretary; Dr. Bryant C. Wyatt, Sr., Dr. M.V. Wade, Sr., Dr. C.E. Gaines, Dr. J. Linzie Whitmill, Dr. Timothy J. Winters, Dr. Ray W. Williams, Dr. Tyree Toliver,

(Reviewed by Convention Pastors, January 19, 1995)

(Presented to & Approved by the Convention, January 20, 1995)

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this Convention will be "The California Missionary Baptist State Convention."

ARTICLE II - ARTICLES OF FAITH

I. THE SCRIPTURES: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; and it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

II. THE TRUE GOD: We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

III. THE FALL OF MAN: We believe that the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from the holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are sinners, not by constraint but choice; being the nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION: We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all sufficient Savior.

V. JUSTIFICATION: We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needed for time and eternity.

VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION: We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the great sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

VII. REGENERATION: We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH: We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.

IX: GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE: We believe the Scriptures teach that the election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the need; that is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable, that it utterly excluded boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

X. SANCTIFICATION: We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Healer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

XI. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS: We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith and salvation.

XII. THE LAW AND GOSPEL: We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good, and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, in one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XIII. A GOSPEL CHURCH: We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invited in them by His word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.

XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER: We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

XV. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH: We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both privates and public, and by preparation for the rest that remaineth the people of God.

XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT: We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

XVI. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED: We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteousness and wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME: We believe that the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

ARTICLE III - CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.

ARTICLE IV - OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1. This Convention will be affiliated with the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and its objectives.

SECTION 2. The California Missionary Baptist State Convention shall serve as an Agency of Christian Education, Missionary and Church Extension; and combine the efforts of Baptist Churches and Organizations in extending the gospel both at home and to the foreign fields; and propagate Baptist beliefs and distinctive principles throughout the world.

SECTION 3. To own and develop property for the objectives of this Convention.

SECTION 4. As a Bible Centered body, we agree to cooperate with other religious bodies that are in kindred with our Christian doctrine.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. The membership of this Convention shall be annual consisting of messengers from Orthodox Baptist Churches (see Articles II and III) and District Associations.

SECTION 2. Each Church shall register by paying the scheduled fees that shall be determined by the Executive Committee from time to time and upon registration shall be entitled to seven (7) messengers, inclusive of the pastor, who must be present at the time of voting. Only messengers who are present are eligible at the time of voting. The Secretary must certify all messengers by the close of the Tuesday Session. In an event of an extreme emergency, they must notify the President of the Convention to receive exemption from said stipulation.

SECTION 3. Each District Association shall register by paying the scheduled fees that shall be determined by the Executive Committee from time to time and upon registration shall be entitled to five (5) messengers.

SECTION 4. The minimum registration fee will be $100.00 for Annual Session and Board Sessions. The Executive Committee will determine the annual membership representation fees. Any church not registering with the minimum registration fee will be considered as a Contributor with no voting privileges.

SECTION 5. Only registered designated messengers shall be entitled to vote on business and other matters of this convention.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS

SECTION 1. The members, at every fourth annual convention, will select the officers of the convention who are to be a President, Vice President at Large, First Vice President (Vice President of Boards), Second Vice President (Vice President of Auxiliaries), Third Vice President (Vice President of Ecumenical Affairs), Fourth Vice President (Vice President of Financial Affairs), Treasurer, Financial Secretary, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Assistant Recording Secretary, Parliamentarian, Historian, Statistician, and Chairman of Social Action. There will be an Executive Committee composed of the President, the Vice President at Large, First Vice President (Vice President of Boards), Second Vice President (Vice President of Auxiliaries), Third Vice President (Vice President of Ecumenical Affairs), Fourth Vice President (Vice President of Financial Affairs), the Treasurer, the General Secretary, and the Corresponding Secretary. The President will be the Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will appoint an Administrative Officer, the Internal Auditor, and the Director of Public Relations. These officers will perform the traditional duties and responsibilities of a person holding said office and will perform such duties as are provided herein and as are charged from time to time by the Executive Committee. All officers elected by the convention will be elected for a term of four (4) years and may not succeed themselves more than twice (12 years). Members having been elected by the Convention to three (3) full or partial terms will not be eligible for election until at least one full four-year term has elapsed after serving said three (3) terms.

Section 2. Officers may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee in the event of cause; with cause being defined as a conflict of interest, disloyalty to the organization, bringing ill repute or public embarrassment to the organization, conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, or similar grounds. The procedure will be as follows: any member of the Executive Committee may make a written motion for the removal of an officer and said motion will state generally the grounds for said motion. Said motion must be seconded. The President will then appoint a committee to investigate said matter and report to the officers at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. At the next Executive Committee meeting the committee will make its report and the challenged officer may make any appropriate response at that time. Then, after discussion, the challenged officer will be removed from office in the event that two-thirds (2/3) vote of the registered members of the California Missionary Baptist State Convention supports the motion for removal.

SECTION 3. The President will preside at all meetings of the Convention, appoint all committees, such as: Enrollment, Finance, Orthodoxy, Publication, Place, Permanent Organization, Revision of Constitution, etc., and all others that shall become necessary. The President shall be sent to all denominational meetings. The President will be the presiding officer; authorize the calling of all regular and special meetings of the Committees, Boards, Auxiliaries or Commissions; sign all orders, drafts, checks and all other negotiable instruments drawn on the Treasury; will appoint Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer of all boards: the Educational Board, Home Mission Board, Evangelical Board and Foreign Mission Board; will appoint the Ushers Auxiliary, Brotherhood Auxiliary, Women's Missionary Union, Matrons Auxiliary, Junior Women's Auxiliary, Nurses Corp Auxiliary, Youth Convention Auxiliary, Ministers Conference, all for four (4) year terms. All officers elected by the convention will be elected for a term of four (4) years and may not succeed themselves more than twice (12 years). Every Board and Auxiliary shall select their officers and submit their names to the Nominations Committee for recommendation to the President for presentation to the Convention for election. The President will appoint or cause to be appointed all committees and commissions not elected by the General Body or Executive Committee or otherwise provided for herein, shall be the chairman of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 4. The Vice President at Large: At the request of the President or in case of resignation, death, or inability of the President to discharge the power and duties of said office, the Vice President at Large shall thereon become the President and serve the unexpired term.

Section 5. The First Vice President (Vice President of Boards): The Vice president of Boards will be the liaison with the Evangelical Board, Home Mission Board, Educations Board and Foreign Mission Board.

Section 6. The Second Vice President (Vice President of Auxiliaries): The Vice President of Auxiliaries will be liaison with the Women's Missionary Union, Matrons Auxiliary, Junior Women's Auxiliary, Brotherhood Auxiliary, Ushers Auxiliary, Nurses Auxiliary, Youth Convention Auxiliary, and Ministers Conference.

Section 7. The Third Vice President (The Vice President of Ecumenical Affairs): The Vice President of Ecumenical Affairs will be liaison with the Congress of National Black Churches, National Council of Churches, Baptist World Alliance, Chaplaincy for Armed Services, and Orthodoxy at the discretion of the President.

Section 8. The Fourth Vice President (The Vice President of Financial Affairs): The Vice President of Financial Affairs will be liaison with the Benevolence Commission, the Annuity Commission and the Budget Commission.

Section 8. In the event of the death, removal or resignation of the Vice President at Large, First Vice President, Second Vice President, or Third Vice President the next Vice President in secession will ascend to the next position. Any vacancy in the Fourth Vice Presidency will be filled at the next annual session.

Section 9. The Treasurer: The Treasurer will receive all finance of the Convention and pay or appropriate it as required by the Convention or the President. He shall sign all orders, drafts, checks and all other negotiable instruments drawn on the Treasury. He shall keep his records to preserve perpetually for reference and for both internal and external auditors and report receipts and disbursements at every Executive Committee and Convention session, The signature of the President, General Secretary and Treasurer are authorized to negotiate all checks, drafts, orders or other negotiable instruments. Any two (2) signatures of the President, General Secretary and Treasurer will be required on all checks, drafts, orders or other non-negotiable instruments.

Section 10. Secretaries: The General Secretary, the Recording Secretary, the Assistant Recording Secretary, the Corresponding Secretary and the Financial Secretary: The General Secretary shall be the keeper of records for this Convention including the membership list, the Executive Committee records and minutes. He shall serve as Chairman of the Registration Committee. The Recording Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all Parent Body sessions and shall submit same to the General Secretary. There shall be as many assistant recording secretaries as will be necessary, and these shall help in all areas as deemed necessary, supplement the work for the Recording Secretary and be under his supervision. The Corresponding Secretary shall do all the Convention and Executive Committee correspondence and other duties as directed by the President of the Convention. The Financial Secretary shall help the Treasurer in recording the Financial activities of the Convention.

Section 11. The Internal Auditor: The Internal Auditor shall audit all records of the Executive Committee and the Treasurer of the Convention; each of which shall be examined at least thirty (30) days before the Annual Session.

Section 12. The Historian: The Historian will keep a correct history of the Convention, report annually, and preserve the history for future reference. The Historian will also publish achievements of African-Americans in the Baptist Churches of California.

Section 13. The Statistician: The Statistician shall compile records of church membership and read same to the convention. He shall turn over all data to the Recording Secretary to be published in the minutes of the Convention.

Section 14. The Parliamentarian: The Parliamentarian will help maintain parliamentary order during all meetings and official business of the Convention.

Section 15. The Social Action Chairman: The Social Action Chairman will be in charge of keeping the convention abreast regarding legal, political, civic activities and will keep the President abreast of these issues at all times.

ARTICLE VII - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The committee on nomination of officers shall make its report during the first two days of the annual session. The election of officers will be held during the business session of the annual session, with new officers assuming their responsibilities upon the close of said session.

Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall receive all nominations for candidacy for Parent Body positions within this Convention. All candidates seeking to contend for parent body positions shall submit their names for nomination no less than thirty (30) days before the Summer Board Session. The Nominating Committee will make said nominees known.

Section 3. Auxiliaries are to submit their recommended slate of officers to the Nominating Committee who shall in turn, present them to the President for final approval.

Section 3. The election of Officers will be made by roll call of churches and District Associations. (Per Article 5).

Section 4. The Executive Committee will set the time and procedure for election in each fourth annual session and listed in the printed program.

Section 5. Only registered designated messengers shall have the privilege of voting in the election of officers in the California Missionary Baptist State Convention.

ARTICLE VIII - FUNCTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The Executive Committee will transact the business of the Convention during the interim. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be ratified by the Convention at its Annual Session or its Winter Board Meeting or its Summer Board Meeting. The official convention sessions will be: the Annual Session (October), Winter Board meeting (January), and Summer Board Meeting (August). No other meetings of the Convention shall be recognized as an official Convention meeting. The President will have the authority to convene the Executive Committee.

Section 2. The Executive Committee shall arrange regional meetings and conferences as may be deemed necessary.

Section 3. If any chosen site for any session is found unsatisfactory, the Executive Committee under the direction of the President will select the place for the next Annual Session or board meeting of the Convention to meet elsewhere.

Section 4. The President of the Convention will be reimbursed for his expenses incurred in connection with his official duties. Any other reimbursements to other officers and officials must be included in an approved budget for each specific Board, Auxiliary or Committee.

Section 5. In no event will expenses of Auxiliaries exceed 50 percent of their total annual income.

Section 6. The Executive Committee shall be the custodian of the Convention's real property, to execute, supervise, and direct operations. This Board will be the authorized agents for buying, selling or otherwise disposing of the Convention's property according to the Convention's order.

ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

SECTION 1. Annual meetings shall be Monday through Friday following the fourth Sunday in October each year, at the place voted by the Convention or fixed by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 2. The Executive Committee meetings will be fixed by the President or committee members.

SECTION 3. All meetings of the Convention shall open with prayer and regular devotion; the Bible will be studied during meetings and shall be taught by prepared ministers.

ARTICLE X - FINANCES

SECTION 1. All money reported in this Convention at the Annual Sessions or Executive Committees shall be paid out according to the Constitution or by special act of the Convention. When the Convention is not in session, the Executive Committee shall give the authority to pay out same.

SECTION 2. All money raised by auxiliaries will be prorated as follows: 50 per cent (50%) for general expenses, remaining 50 percent (50%) turned over to Parent Body; All monies that auxiliaries wish to be classified as designated monies, including public offerings must be pre-approved by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 3. The Standing Committee on finance shall be the General Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and as many as will be necessary.

ARTICLE XI - AUTHORITY

Section 1. This convention shall act only as advisor to churches without pastors when called upon by the church.

Section 2. This convention will act only as advisor to churches with pastors upon request of the pastor.

ARTICLE XII - AUXILIARY ELECTIONS

SECTION 1. Each Auxiliary will have all the necessary officers and shall meet with Convention and Executive Committee and make reports to same.

SECTION 2. Each Auxiliary shall have its own constitution to govern its body; Constitution must be adopted by Parent Body and in perfect harmony with Constitution of Parent Body. The Executive Committee shall help auxiliaries in making up Constitution, if they require help.

SECTION 3. All officers of the Parent Body and all auxiliaries and departments shall be elected every fourth session by the Convention in its annual session.

ARTICLE XIII - HEADQUARTERS

SECTION 1. There will be a designated headquarters, where business of the Convention can be looked after. This shall also be the office of the President, and all help needed to carry on the work of the Convention, and will be supplied at Convention's expense.

SECTION 2. All information concerning the Convention shall be given through this office; all reports during the year from the field are to be made through this office. This office shall always be located where the President resides.

ARTICLE XIV - HONORARIUMS

The President's honorariums and honorariums for all officials will be considered at respective meetings. The President will select a Disbursement Committee from within the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XV - AUXILIARIES

SECTION 1. The following auxiliaries shall be a part of the Convention: Brotherhood, W.M.U., Matrons, Junior Women, Ushers, Nurses Corp, Youth Convention, and Congress on Christian Education.

SECTION 2. These auxiliaries will meet with the Parent Body in opening sessions, during welcome programs, President's Night and at annual addresses of Presidents.

SECTION 3. These auxiliaries shall have all the necessary officers.

SECTION 4. Each auxiliary president will become a part of the President's Advisory Committee.

SECTION 5. No auxiliary shall incorporate.

ARTICLE XVI - CONVENTION BOARDS AND THEIR DUTIES

Section 1. This Convention shall have the following Boards: Home Mission, Foreign Mission, Evangelical and Educational.

Section 2. Officers: Each Board will have a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary-Treasurer, and Recording Secretary. The Convention President will appoint all Boards Chairmen and Secretary-Treasurers. Each Board shall elect its remaining officers to be submitted to the President for final approval.

Section 3. Duties of Officers: The Chairman of the Board will preside at all Board Meetings. The Recording Secretary of each Board shall keep a true record of the proceedings of the Board.

Section 4. The Secretary-Treasurer of each Board shall be responsible and do all the correspondence of the Board being subject to all its rules and regulations. The Secretary-Treasurer will receive, hold, and disburse funds based upon the rules and regulations of the Convention. These boards will represent this Convention financially at the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America.

Section 5. Executive Committee: The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary-Treasurer, Recording Secretary shall constitute the Executive Committee of each Board. Each Board will be subject to the Convention in all it does during the meeting of the Convention and during the interim.

Section 6. Reports of Boards: Each Board shall make an annual report to the Convention.

Section 7. Each Executive Committee will recommend any compensation of any officer and/or employee of any Board.

Section 8. All expenses of each Board are subject to the approval of the Convention and thus must be presented to the Convention Executive Committee for proper authorization.

Section 9. Duties of Boards: The Home Mission Board shall seek to keep alive Churches experiencing spiritual and/or financial difficulty, and seek to extend the work of the Kingdom in newly settled or densely populated areas in the domains of the Convention. The Foreign Mission Board will be in harmony in supporting the work of the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America Foreign Mission Board. The Educational Board will give encouragement to those institutions endorsed by the Convention and shall attempt to build and influence so that the pulpit and leadership of the church will be more efficient. The Evangelical Board will carry the program of Evangelism approved by the Convention.

SECTION 10. No Board shall incorporate.

ARTICLE XVII - RULES OF ORDER

This Convention will be governed by the Bible and in instances where it is deemed necessary there will be the usage of Robert's Rules of Order.

ARTICLE XVIII - PUBLIC OFFERING

All public offerings at Annual Sessions will be disbursed at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XIX - REVISION OF CONSTITUTION

A two-thirds majority vote of designated voting delegates may amend this Constitution during the annual session of the Convention. Any revision of this Constitution is effective immediately upon passage.