Bylaws
INTRODUCTION
THE OHIO BAPTIST NETWORK BY-LAWS & CONFESSION OF FAITH
The Ohio Baptist Network is a fellowship of pastors and churches that are baptistic in doctrine and structure. Participating churches are independent, therefore, no article in these bylaws shall ever be interpreted in such a way as to infringe upon or jeopardize the absolute sovereignty of any and all local churches, including the property rights, the local ministries, practical policies, and ministry philosophies of Ohio Baptist Network Churches.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this body shall be known as “The Ohio Baptist Network.”
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of this network shall be: (1) to provide fellowship for pastors and staff in Ohio, (2) to promote planting new Baptist churches in Ohio, (3) to provide for church revitalization efforts in Ohio (4) to defend and promote orthodox doctrine.
ARTICLE III: FELLOWSHIP
SECTION 1 – Basis of Fellowship
The basis of fellowship shall be that participating pastors must believe in and subscribe to the Confession of Faith as adopted by the Ohio Baptist Network and to these bylaws. Furthermore, participants must be committed to work together in the common cause of church planting and church revitalization in Ohio.
SECTION 2 – Definition of Participation
Recognized participation in Ohio Baptist Network assumes acceptance of Section 1, Article III, as well as regular attendance at the network meetings and being actively engaged in its purpose, principles, and responsibilities.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS
The Ohio Baptist Network shall have regularly scheduled meetings hosted by supporting churches as approved by the officers.
To maintain statewide participation, the majority of meetings will be held in regions that are easily accessible to every participating pastor. There will be a business meeting conducted at each network meeting.
ARTICLE V: VOTING RIGHTS
Each supporting church will have one vote. The vote will be cast by the church’s pastor, or in his absence, by the church’s authorized alternate.
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS
SECTION 1 - Qualifications
All officers shall be pastors of churches that provide regular financial support to the Ohio Baptist Network.
All officers shall be pastors who faithfully attend Ohio Baptist Network Meetings.
All officers shall accept, believe, and practice the Confession of Faith of the Ohio Baptist Network and support these bylaws.
SECTION 2 - Officers
A. Officers shall consist of a Chairman and a Vice Chairman. B. Duties, Functions, and Terms of Office
The general duties will be to attend each monthly network meeting and each officer’s meeting while providing leadership and direction to fulfill the agreed-upon goals of the Ohio Baptist Network.
Each position is held for one two-year term and voted upon each in May for the coming year. An officer may serve two consecutive two-year terms and cannot be re-elected to serve again without a one-year absence from service. Additionally, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman terms are to be offset so as to not change both offices during the same year. The specific duties of each office are:
Chairman
The chairman shall be responsible for planning regular network meetings and overseeing church planting and communication for the Ohio Baptist Network. He may, at his
discretion, appoint directors to assist him in fulfilling his obligations. He shall also prepare and present a status report at the annual business meeting (see, Article 8, Section 3).
Vice Chairman
The vice chairman shall be responsible for church revitalization and finances for the Ohio Baptist Network. He may, at his discretion, appoint directors to assist him in fulfilling his obligations. He shall also prepare and present a status report at the annual business meeting (see, Article 8, Section 3).
ARTICLE VII: NETWORK COMMITTEES
As the need arises, committees may be appointed by the Chairman or Vice Chairman to assist the network in the accomplishment of its goals. These committees shall be specific in nature and their duties shall be confined to the purpose for which they were created.
ARTICLE VIII: NETWORK BUSINESS
SECTION 1 - Monthly Directors meeting
The Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Directors shall meet regularly to discuss old and new business and act on any necessary business. If a vacancy has occurred in any office, the chairmen will recommend a replacement until the next election of that position. All motions passed by the chairmen and directors shall be recommended to the body for vote.
SECTION 2 - Monthly business meeting
A business meeting shall be held at each monthly network meeting. Requests for financial support will be presented and voted upon at this time.
SECTION 3 - Annual business meeting
The annual business meeting of the network will be held during the May meeting of the Ohio Baptist Network. During the annual meeting reports concerning the business and ministry of the network will be presented by the Chairman and Vice Chairman. Elections will be held during the annual meeting and other network business shall be discussed and decided upon. New officers elected during the annual meeting will assume their new duties August 1st.
SECTION 4 - Financial Support
In accordance with Article II of this constitution, the network will endeavor to provide money to support church planting and church revitalization. Pastors and churches receiving financial support will be required to submit monthly reports to the directors to provide accountability and for evaluation.
Forms are available on the Ohio Baptist Network website and must be completed in a timely manner as agreed.
SECTION 5 - Church Planting
Ohio Baptist Network pastors and churches are passionate about planting new independent, baptistic church in Ohio. Therefore, we agree to partner together to fulfill this urgent and important task.
SECTION 6 - Church Revitalization
Ohio Baptist Network pastors and churches realize the need to assist struggling Baptist churches in revitalization efforts. Therefore, we agree to partner together to support pastors who are committed to leading dying churches back to health and vitality.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended at any meeting, provided that the document has been provided to all pastors for review and the vote is announced one month in advance. A two-thirds majority of supporting pastors is required for passage.
ARTICLE X: CONCLUSION
This document shall supersede all previously adopted documents and previous floor actions. This is a guideline for procedure and shall not override the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the body of the network.