​PREAMBLE

 

WHEREAS, it was the consent of a group of Baptist churches of several counties in the state of Arkansas, charged with zeal for missions and education to form the Consolidated Saint Marion Baptist District Association  (CSMBDA, Association, or District shall be used interchangeably  throughout this document). The Association unites and agrees upon certain Biblical principles and Baptist beliefs and practices. Its government and operation shall be presented in this document and subject to amendment as needed.

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ARTICLE I—OFFICIAL NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Consolidated Saint Marion Baptist District Association.

 

ARTICLE II—MISSION AND PURPOSES

 

SECTION 1. Mission

The mission of this Association is to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus

Christ through preaching, teaching, and reaching.

 

SECTION 2. Purposes

Purposes—the Consolidated Saint Marion Baptist District Association was

formed to unite district Baptist churches so as to fulfill the great Commission of

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through teaching, preaching, and reaching. To

encourage and support Christian Education and promote home and foreign

mission efforts. To provide direction and training in Christian education for

member churches in order to further the Association’s mission. To govern

district policy.

 

ARTICLE III—MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS

SECTION 1. Membership

Membership shall be effective upon payment of the representation fee

prescribed by the Executive Committee and approved by the body. The

Executive Committee shall make recommendations regarding the fee assessed

for membership as it deems a change in those fees necessary and proper. The

Executive Committee, with approval from the body, is empowered to enact by

recommendations and other assessments as it deems necessary to support the

Association’s programs and ministries.

 

SECTION 2: Church Membership Procedure

Any church desiring membership in this Association shall petition by letter

from the church to the District Moderator and the General Secretary which

will be reviewed by the Credentials Committee.

 

Section 3. Meetings

The annual session of the Association shall convene at a place designated by

the Moderator or his committee Monday through Thursday following the

third Lord’s Day in August with the Young people commencing on the

Saturday before the third Lord’s Day. The meeting shall officially open on

the third Sunday evening of that week and shall end at the close of the

Thursday evening meeting.

 

ARTICLE IV—OFFICERS

 

SECTION 1. Officers

The officers of this Association shall be as follows:

A. Moderator

B. Vice-moderator-at-Large

C. 1st Vice Moderator

D. 2nd Vice Moderator

E. 3rd Vice Moderator

F. Treasurer

G. Assistant Treasurer

H. General Secretary

I. Assistant Secretary

J. Parliamentarian

K. Congress President

L. Congress Dean

M. Women’s Auxiliary President

N. Young People’s Director

O. Laymen’s President

P. Any other officer the Association deems necessary

All officers, elected or appointed, must be a member of a Baptist Church that

is in good standing with the Association.

 

ARTICLE V—OFFICERS’ DUTIES

 

SECTION 1. Moderator

The moderator presides over all Association business meetings using

Roberts Rules of Order with the goal of maintaining the fellowship of the

Association.

A. Maintain the fellowship during business sessions.

B. Conduct orderly Association business. Work with the Association’s

Executive Committee and other key leaders (officers) to develop an

agenda for the business meeting.

C. Execute Association’s business in a timely manner.

D. Clarify Association’s business for later action.

E. Keep on course with the business meeting agenda.

F. Give an annual report of his stewardship during the Association’s

annual session.

G. Shall receive for his services a love offering at the annual session, funds to

attend and represent the Association by his appearance or his designee

when said funds are available.

H. Appoint other committees as he deems necessary.

 

SECTION 2. Qualification of the Moderator

The individual elected to serve as Moderator shall meet at minimum the following:

A. He shall be a born again believer in Jesus Christ.

B. He shall not be a novice in Christian Ministry.

C. He shall be a member in good standing with a member church in good

standing of the Association.

D. He shall be a pastor or have five (5) years or more of pastoral

experience.

E. He shall be a proven strong supporter of Christian Education.

F. He shall be able to support the work of the CSMBDA financially.

G. He shall have proven training in Pastoral Ministry and Christian

Education.

 

SECTION 3. Vice Moderator-at-large

The Vice Moderator-at-large presides in the absence of the Moderator and shall

succeed to the office of Moderator in the event of the death, incapacity, retirement,

resignation or removal from office the person serving as Moderator. Receives all

reports from Vice Moderators. Presides at the Annual session.

 

SECTION 4. First Vice Moderator

The First Vice Moderator is assigned to the Women’s Auxiliary as a consultant.

Presides at the January Board Meeting, shall perform other such duties as directed

by the Moderator, presides in the absence of the Moderator and Vice Moderator-at

-large, and shall succeed to the office of Moderator in the event of death,

incapacity, retirement, resignation, or removal of Moderator and Vice Moderator-

at-large.

 

SECTION 5: Second Vice Moderator

The Second Vice Moderator is assigned to the Laymen’s Auxiliary in a consultant’s

role. Presides at the April Board Meeting and other duties as assigned by the

Moderator. He shall preside in the absence of the Moderator, Vice Moderator-at-

large, First Vice Moderator or as appointed by the Moderator.

 

Section 6: Third Vice Moderator

The Third Vice Moderator is Assigned to the Young People’s Auxiliary in a

consultant role. Presides at the October Board and other duties as assigned by the

Moderator. He shall preside at all meetings of the Association in the absence of the

Moderator, Vice Moderator-at-large, First and Second Vice Moderator or

appointed by the moderator.

 

SECTION 7. General Secretary

The General Secretary shall keep records of all business proceedings of the

Association and the Executive Committee, maintain a register of member-

ship, take care of correspondence as authorized by the Moderator, record

minutes of all business meetings, and serve in any other secretarial capacity

when authorized by the Moderator.

 

SECTION 8. Assistant Secretary

The assistant secretary shall serve as assistant to the General Secretary and

perform such duties as directed by the General Secretary.

 

SECTION 9. General Treasurer

The treasurer/finance committee chairperson shall receive and deposit all

monies of the Association, issue receipts when necessary, pay all obligations

regularly as directed by the Moderator and present a quarterly and annual

report regarding the receipts and disbursements. All monies paid out shall

be by check and signed by the treasurer, and Vice Moderator-at-large or au-

thorized signatories. The treasurer’s books shall be open at any designated

time for inspection by any member church of the Association per written re-

quest to the Executive Committee. All funds requested by Auxiliaries shall

be accompanied by a requisition form. This form must be filled out by the

Auxiliary leader on behalf of the requesting auxiliary. No allocation of funds

will be granted without the Requisition form. Request for funds must be sub-

mitted to the General Treasurer no later than one month in advance of the

need when possible. The General Treasurer is the chairperson for the finance

committee.

 

SECTION 10: Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer performs duties as the General Treasurer in the Gen-

eral Treasurer’s absence.

 

SECTION 11. Parliamentarian

The parliamentarian shall advise and assist the Moderator regarding Associ-

ation policy, procedure, and such matters as the Moderator may direct. Shall

provide each Auxiliary and department leader with a simple outline for con-

ducting meetings. Shall develop and implement a class for district auxiliary

Parliamentarians to be held once a year.

 

SECTION 12: Congress President

The Congress President unifies, supervises, and promotes all educational in-

terests of the Association.

 

SECTION 13. Congress Dean

The Dean develops a comprehensive, unified Christian Education program

that is consistent with the mission and objectives of the Baptist denomina-

tion. Responsible for making sure that all schools are certified through the

Sunday School Publishing Board in a timely manner. Assures that all Con-

gress teachers are from churches in good standing in the district.

 

SECTION 14. Women’s Auxiliary President

The Women’s Auxiliary President helps women grow in their knowledge

of scripture and become better equipped to use their spiritual gifts in king-

dom building. Promotes the gospel of Jesus Christ, supports missionary

work, Christian education, and helps in the enlistment of young people in

Christian work in the district churches.

 

SECTION 15. Laymen’s President

The Laymen’s President serves as a primary promoter of teaching and in-

formational outlet for men in areas relating to Christ-centered living, social

and community activism and dedication to his local church family.

 

SECTION 16. Young People’s Director

The Young People’s Director develops and trains young people to effective-

ly lead in church ministry and equip them with the necessary tools needed

to meet the challenges facing their generation.

 

Section 17: Auxiliaries Queries

When questions or concerns arise each auxiliary leader will follow their

established chain of command.

 

ARTICLE VI—ELECTION OF MODERATOR

 

SECTION 1.

Any pastor wishing to seek the office of Moderator shall make it known in

writing to both the Moderator and the secretary on or before January 15th

of the election year.

 

SECTION 2.

No pastor shall be elected Moderator whose church is not in good standing

with the Association. In all instances, a member church must have repre-

sented with the Association four (4) of the past five (5) years prior to the

election in order for the members to cast votes during the election of a

Moderator. Must have represented three out of four times each year.

 

SECTION 3.

A church shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each year of representation not

to exceed five (5) votes. The person casting the vote for the church is left to

the discretion of the individual church.

 

SECTION 4: Casting of Votes

Casting of votes shall be by voice, show of hands, standing, electronic means or

paper ballot. Voting for Moderator shall be by secret ballot.

 

SECTION 5. Ratification of Other Officers other than Moderator

Upon election, the Moderator-Elect shall appoint all other officers for

consideration and confirmation by the Association as a whole. No person shall

be appointed by the Moderator or otherwise serve in any office who is not a

member in good standing with an active church of the Association.

 

SECTION 6. Tenure of Moderator

Each Moderator shall be elected for a five-year term, and shall not be eligible to

serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office. After being out of

office for one term, he may seek and be eligible for re-election to that office. No

other office has term limits.

 

ARTICLE VII—EXCUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

SECTION 1. The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of all officers listed in Article IV, Section

1 except the Parliamentarian. The Executive Committee shall in the absence of

the Association manage all business for the Association in emergency/non-

emergency situations.

 

SECTTION 2. Quorum

A quorum shall constitute those members present at the Executive Committee

for purposes of transacting business. Meetings shall be conducted according to

Roberts Rule of Order.

 

ECTION 3. Executive Committee Meetings

The Executive Committee shall meet three (3) times per year; January, April,

and October or call meetings by the Moderator.

 

SECTION 4.

During the August annual Association, the Executive Committee shall adopt a

line item budget of operation for all departments of the district projecting

income and expenditures of each department.

 

ARTICLE VIII—FINANCE

 

SECTION 1.

The Association shall operate on an annual line item budget.

 

SECTION 2.

Each member church will be required to pay a representation fee of $167.00,

$125.00, or $75.00 per quarter. This amount will remain in effect until such time

the Executive Committee makes an adjustment that is ratified by the body.

 

SECTION 3.

All monies collected shall be used for Christian education, Christian

mission, and Christian benevolence after deducting a designated budgeted

amount for operating expenses except for love offerings.

 

SECTION 4.

Expenses incurred by the Association shall be paid from funds raised by

the Association. If a deficit occurs, the remainder of the deficit shall be paid

out of the general funds maintained by the Association. Prudence and

sound judgment shall be taken to ensure the association’s continued

support of Arkansas Baptist College, Consolidated Missionary Baptist State

Convention of Arkansas, and the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., Inc.,

Home and Foreign Missions.

 

ARTICLE IX—DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AUXILIARIES

 

SECTION 1.

Each Auxiliary of this Association shall submit to the Executive

Committee annual budget planning meeting a detailed statement of its

source of income, and a line item budget of proposed expenditures for the

ensuing year. When received and adopted by the Association, these

budgets shall become the basis for the operation for the ensuing

Association year. At the end of the Association’s year, a date, time, and

location of the Executive Planning Committee will be announced. Each

Auxiliary must present a report in the April meeting for inclusion in the

August’s General Session.

 

SECTION 2.

It shall be the duty of all auxiliaries to provide the Moderator with a

program for approval prior to the program being submitted to the press.

The Moderator’s signature shall attest to this approval.

 

SECTION 3.

The Auxiliaries of this association shall be: Congress of Christian

Education, Home and Foreign Missions, Women’s and Laymen’s

Department, Young People’s Department, Public Relations, Ushers, and

Health Ministry. Other Auxiliaries and Departments may be added as

necessary by the Moderator and ratified by the Association.

 

SECTION 4. Officers of Each Auxiliary

A. Officers of Congress of Christian Education shall be

1. President

2. First Vice President

3.. Second Vice President

4. Secretary

5. Dean

6. Assistant Dean

 

B. Officers of the Women’s Auxiliary shall be:

1. President

2. First Vice President

3. Second Vice President

4. Secretary

5. Assistant Secretary

6. Treasurer

7. Chaplain

8. Parliamentarian

 

C. Officers of the Young People’s Auxiliary shall be:

1. Young People’s Director

2. President

3. Vice President

4. Secretary

5. Assistant Secretary

6. Treasurer

7. Assistant Treasurer

8. Chaplain

9. Parliamentarian

 

D. Officers of the Laymen’s Auxiliary shall be:

1. President

2. Vice President

3. Secretary

4. Assistant Secretary

5. Treasurer

6. Chaplain

7. Parliamentarian

 

E. Officers of the Ushers’ Auxiliary shall be:

1. President

2. Vice President

3. Secretary

4. Assistant Secretary

5. Treasurer

6. Chaplain

7. Parliamentarian

 

SECTION 5. Webmaster/Webmistress

The Webmaster/Webmistress shall be appointed by the Moderator to develop

and maintain a webpage.

A. The Webmaster/Webmistress shall maintain and keep the website

current.

B. Any church in good regular standing may post information.

C. Any auxiliary or department of the district association may post

information.

D. All postings must be approved by t he Webmaster/Webmistress.

 

SECTION 6. Public Relations Director

The Public Relations Director shall be appointed by the Moderator. Duties

include:

A. Post on social media all public events of the association, auxiliaries,

and departments.

B. Send to local newspapers press releases regarding all public events

of the association, auxiliaries, and departments.

C. The association leaders will notify the Public Relations Director in a

timely manner of their desire to post or publish events.

D. The Public Relations Director will determine the appropriateness of

each article that is to be placed on social media, local newspaper,

and the district’s website

E. The Public Relations Director shall work with the Moderator and all

district auxiliaries and department leaders to ascertain that press re-

leases (public information) are forwarded to appropriate media

sources in a timely manner for publication.

 

SECTION 7: Authority

All auxiliary bodies of this association, and those created hereafter shall

function in accordance with the established protocol as stipulated by the

Constitution. They shall report annually to the parent body. All funds not

otherwise designated and approved by the Association, shall be turned

over to the General Treasurer/Finance Chair.

 

SECTION 8. District Association Queen Contest

The Women’s Auxiliary may sponsor a District Association annual Queen

Contest to raise funds for Arkansas Baptist College. Each contestant shall

be a member in good standing of a church in good standing in the district

association. Each contestant shall raise her own funds. The contestant who

raises the most funds shall be named Queen of the Consolidated Saint Mar-

ion Baptist District Association. All funds, less expenses, must be turned in

to the General Treasurer to be submitted to Arkansas Baptist College. The

winner will represent the district at the Lillie A. Haynes Banquet during the

state convention in November.

 

SECTION 9. Annual Consolidated Saint Marion Eva M. Dickerson Banquet

The Women’s Auxiliary may promote and sponsor an annual Spring Ban-

quet. The funds shall be allocated to a cause to be determined by the Wom-

en’s Auxiliary. Tickets may be sold for this event. After expenses, all re-

maining funds shall be reported to the General Treasurer.

 

ARTICLE X—MEMBER CHURCH DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

According to the objectives as set forth in this constitution, the Association shall give ad-

vice to the churches upon request. Where difficulties arise and fellowship is broken, this

Association shall endeavor to restore peace and order upon request, and shall give guid-

ance to any church that may be regarded by this Association as unsound doctrinally or in

practice.

 

ARTICLE XI—ORDINATION PROCEDURES FOR MINISTERS

 

SECTION 1.

At the request of a member church, the District Moderator shall convene a

seven member ordaining council. This council shall have the responsibility

of passing or rejecting the ordination of the candidate.

 

SECTION 2.

Notice shall be given by the church requesting to ordain said minister within

thirty (30) days of anticipated ordination. The Moderator shall convene said

council within one (1) week of notice being rendered. The Applicant shall be

notified that said council is so convened, and the date of formal ordination/

examination shall be established. The applicant will be examined by the

council before the date of ordination.

 

SECTION 3.

If the applicant satisfies the requirement, then the ordination certificate, duly

signed by the Moderator and the council, shall be formally presented at the

ordination service.

 

SECTION 4.

If said applicant is found unqualified, a course of study shall be provided by

the Congress of Christian Education of the Association for the applicant to

study and the re-examination date rescheduled within ninety (90) days.

 

ARTICLE XII—GRIEVANCE AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

SECTION 1.

Any written complaint(s) levied against an officer or member of the Execu-

tive Committee of the Association shall be heard within thirty (30) days after

notification to the respondent in writing by a body consisting of the Modera-

tor and a quorum of the Executive Committee. If after a hearing of this offi-

cial body the member is found guilty, the committee shall govern by Mat-

thew 18:15-21 and render its determination to the offender in writing within

ten (10) days after such official hearing, and such member shall be divested

of all present duties within the Association. If the member is found not guilty

he/she shall continue in office.

 

ARTICLE XIII—DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF LICENSED AND ORDAINED DISTRICT MISSION-

ARIES OF THE CONSOLIDATED SAINT MARION BAPTIST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION

 

SECTION 1. Qualifications

A District Missionary shall be at the time of his appointment, a licensed and

ordained minister whose church is in good standing with the Consolidated

Saint Marion Baptist District Association. He must be a born again believer in

Jesus Christ. He shall be appointed by the Moderator and approved by the

CSMBDA. The District Missionary shall serve for an indefinite period of time

providing his services rise to and maintain the standards and qualifications set forth

by the CSMBDA Constitution. Circumstances under which he may be removed are

but not limited to: moving outside the district association’s boundaries, engage in

immoral turpitude, or become physically or mentally incapacitated to where he can

no longer serve. He or his designee shall notify the Moderator of his circumstances

as soon as possible.

 

SECTION 2. Duties

A. The District Missionary’s prime role is to use every opportunity available to

serve as a “witness” for Christ.

B. He makes missionary visits to his assigned churches two (2) times per year.

C. He will make initial contact with the pastor of each of his assigned churches to

seek an opportunity from the pastor to visit his assigned churches.

D. Give the pastor a card with the missionary’s identifying information upon ar-

rival.

E. During the visit the District Missionary will share information about the dis-

trict association. Thank the pastor for the opportunity to come and speak to

the congregation. The missionary shall state the name of the association, name

of the Moderator, mission statement, upcoming events, various auxiliaries and

departments. He shall keep his presentation limited to fifteen (15) minutes or

less.

F. Give the pastor any printed material he may have in his possession concerning

the association. The District Missionary may be asked to provide training to

churches in his assigned area and to teach common beliefs and practices held

by the Baptist church. The goal is to ensure that the missionary’s work and

training efforts continue after the missionary has left.

G. The District Missionary’s responsibilities shall cease if he is called to pastor a

church during his tenure.

 

SECTION 3. Reporting

The District Missionary shall submit a written report of his visits to the Third

Vice Moderator who is assigned to shepherd the District Missionaries. Said

reports will be due using the designated form within two (2) weeks of his vis-

its. The Third Vice Moderator will submit all copies of these reports to the

General Secretary on a quarterly basis. The General Secretary will maintain

copies of these reports in the district’s association office. The Third Vice Mod-

erator shall maintain oversight of these efforts.

 

SECTION 4. Compensation

The District Missionaries shall be compensated at an amount set forth by the

Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE XIV—MEETINGS

This Association shall convene in board meetings, annual sessions and/or special sessions as

set forth in the Constitution. The Association shall convene in August, at a time to be set by

the Executive Committee and ratified by the parent body.

 

ARTICLE XV—CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT

This Constitution supersedes all other constitutions, amendments, by-laws, memorandums

of understanding, and shall be enforced upon adoption. This Constitution may be amended

at any regular meeting of the Association by a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates pre-

sent and qualified. A written notice of the proposed amendment with a written statement ex-

plaining the rationale for the proposed amendment should be on file with the General Secre-

tary on or before the first day of the meeting of the Association. A copy shall be submitted to

the Moderator and Executive Committee. The Moderator and the Executive Committee shall

determine whether the proposed amendment shall be presented to the Association.

Each adopted amendment to this Constitution shall take effect upon adoption and have effect

from the time of adoption forward.

 

ARTICLE XVI—CONSTITUTION AND CREDENTIAL COMMITTEE

The Constitution Committee and the Credentials Committee shall be one and the same with

the Credential Committee having responsibility along with the Moderator in determining

eligibility of any church seeking membership in the Association. The foregoing Constitution and By-Laws of the Consolidated Saint Marion Baptist District Association have been recommended for approval 

by the Constitution Committee on October 22, 2017_,

and have been duly adopted by the Membership of the Association on October 22, 2017.