Constitution and Bylaws
of the
Greater East Texas Baptist Association (GETBA)
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
To preserve and make secure the fundamental principles of our faith, to protect our doctrinal integrity and denominational unity, to ensure that the affiliated bodies of this body conduct their business in an orderly and democratic manner under the Lordship of Christ and set forth the relationship of the affiliated bodies of this association with one another and other bodies of like faith and order, we do hereby establish this Constitution and Bylaws.
We do moreover declare that whereas the Bible is the only perfect constitution for the defining rules of faith and practice that should be inherent in a Bible-based organization, the Constitution and Bylaws exist merely as a written document that provides a foundation and a framework for the application of these rules to the administration of this body. If in any point they are found to be inconsistent with or contrary to the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God, they are, in that point, null and void.
Article I. Name
This body shall be known as Greater East Texas Baptist Association. (GETBA)
Article II. Mission Statement
The GETBA exists to build a bond of unity and fellowship with the Pastors and churches we serve and assist them in carrying out the Great Commission. This includes keeping missions and evangelism as the major priority in our finances, prayers, and calendars.
Article III. Doctrinal Statement
The GETBA adopts as its own expression of faith the Baptist Faith and Message as amended in the 2000 annual session of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). We affirm the authority of the Bible, God’s inspired, infallible, inerrant word, to the glory of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Article IV. Affiliation
Section 1 Affiliation Qualification
An affiliated individual or church must agree with the foundation beliefs of the GETBA set forth in its Constitution and Bylaws. Affiliated individuals and churches must actively cooperate with the work of the GETBA through regular participation and financial support.
Section 2 Method of Affiliation
- Any church desiring affiliation with this body shall complete an affiliation form indicating agreement with the doctrinal position of the GETBA and make an initial contribution to the GETBA.
- All individuals and churches having submitted an affiliation form shall be examined by the Credentials Team of the association as to their qualifications. If found acceptable, the Credentials Team will recommend affiliation status to the association.
- All individuals and churches receiving an affirmative majority at an Executive Board Meeting shall be welcomed to the GETBA.
Section 3 Representation at Meetings of this Body
Each affiliated church shall be entitled to send messengers to the annual meeting of this body. Each affiliated church shall be entitled to two messengers and one additional messenger for each fifty resident members, provided that no church shall have more than ten messengers.
Section 4 Termination of Affiliation
Any affiliate individual or church may withdraw from this body at its discretion. This body may revoke an individual’s or church’s affiliation should said individual or church conduct itself contrary to the GETBA Constitution and Bylaws. Such termination will be accomplished by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Article V. Relationships
Section 1 General Relationships
The GETBA declares that it fraternally cooperates with the supports the work of both the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention (SBTC), and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and its agencies. As a demonstration of the cooperation, the GETBA promotes giving to the Cooperative Program through the SBTC.
Section 2 Individual Relationships
The GETBA welcomes individuals who are member of non-affiliated churches to attend any of its general meetings. These individuals must meet the same eligibility criteria and Executive Board review as stated in Article IV. Such individuals may attend without voting privileges. This provision will allow individuals in non-affiliated churches to participate in the GETBA while seeking to lead their church to affiliate or seeking God’s leadership to join an affiliated church.
Article VI. Meetings and Proceedings
The GETBA shall meet at least annually at a time and place designated by the Executive Board. Additional meetings may be called by an affirmative majority vote of the Executive Board.
Article VII. Officers
Section 1 Elected Officers
- The elected officers of this association shall be a moderator, a vice-moderator, a recording secretary and treasurer.
- The officers shall be elected annually by the messengers of the association and shall hold their respective offices until the end of the annual session at which their successors are elected.
- No person may serve in any elected office of the association for more than two (2) consecutive years.
- In the event of the resignation, removal, death or a disability that would hinder the moderator from fulfilling the responsibilities of the office, the vice-moderator shall automatically become moderator.
Section 2 Executive Officer and Other Employees
- The chief executive officer of the association shall be the Director of Missions.
- He shall be employed upon the recommendation of the Executive Board and receive remuneration as recommended by the Executive Board.
- He shall supervise and administer all of the affairs of the association and all of its activities and shall represent and carry out the policies of the association and its Executive Board.
- The executive Board shall have the authority to elect or employ other personnel as deemed necessary by the body.
- The DOM is an ex officio member of all GETBA teams and the Executive Board.
Article VIII. Boards, Trustees, Agencies and Committees
- The Executive Board shall have the authority to elect and empower such boards, trustees, agencies and teams as may be deemed necessary for handling the association’s business.
- All such boards, trustees, agencies and teams shall be nominated to the association and elected in the annual session.
- The Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution and Bylaws of the association shall govern them.
Article IX. Parliamentary Authority
The parliamentary authority of the GETBA shall be Robert’s Rules of Order (latest revised edition). The convention moderator, in conference with the vice-moderator shall, select a chief parliamentarian and assistant parliamentarians, as necessary, to advise the presiding officers of the association of matters of parliamentary procedure.
Article X. Amendments
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the messengers present at any session of any regular annual meeting, provided the proposed amendment was recommended by the Executive Board and published in the association newsletter three months prior to the annual convention session.
Article XI. Quorum
The quorum for conducting business during the annual association meeting of the GETBA shall consist of the enrolled messengers present in the session.
BYLAWS
Article I. Elected Officers
Section I Moderator
- The moderator shall be an ex-officio member of all GETBA committees, boards and agencies.
- The moderator may call special meetings with the concurrence of the majority of the other officers of the GETBA and a majority of the Executive Board.
- The moderator, in conference with the vice-moderator, shall select a chief parliamentarian and assistant parliamentarians, as necessary, to advise the presiding officers of the GETBA on matters of parliamentary procedure.
- The moderator, assisted by the vice-moderator, shall preside over the annual session of the GETBA.
Section 2 Vice-Moderator
- The vice-moderator, may in the absence of the moderator or when requested by the moderator, preside over the GETBA and shall perform other duties requested by the moderator, in so doing may act in his stead with the full privileges of his office.
Section 3 Recording Secretary
- The recording secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings of the GETBA. These records shall be stored in fireproof safes, vaults, or files.
- The recording secretary shall receive copies of reports and recommendations to the GETBA from all committees, boards and agencies, three months prior to the annual meeting for publication in the annual book of reports.
Section 4 Treasurer
A. The Treasurer shall oversee the receipt of all income and deposit in into the bank.
B. The Treasurer shall pay all expenses that are due in a timely fashion.
C. The Treasurer shall keep accurate records of all income and expenses.
D. The Treasurer shall give a report to the Executive Board for income and expenses.
Article II. Executive Board
Section 1 Membership
- The Executive Board of the association shall be composed of the senior pastor, and staff and one (1) member per fifty of church membership up to maximum of five (5) members from each affiliated church.
- The Director of Missions of the GETBA and the officers of the association shall be considered ex-officio members of the Executive Board.
Section 2 Term of Office
The term of office for the members of the Board shall be perpetual as long as they are properly approved by their church to serve as an Executive Board member, and continue to support the constitution and bylaws of the GETBA.
Section 3 Meetings
The Board shall hold regular meetings and any other such special meetings as the Director of Missions and Moderator of the association may deem necessary provided due notification has been given to all the members of the Board.
Section 4 Quorum
A quorum shall consist of the membership fo the board present, provided due notification has been given as stated in Section IV.
Section 5 Organization
The Executive Board shall organize itself to carry out the work of the association, as it deems necessary.
Section 6 Duties
- The Executive Board shall be the fiduciary, fiscal and executive agency of the association in all of its affairs not specifically committed to another board, agency or committee of the association.
- The Board is empowered to act for the association in all areas of the association’s work between annual meetings of the association, but may not act contrary to or reverse any action of the association.
- The Board shall make a full report of the work of the association at its annual session.
- The Board shall recommend to the association the annual program of the work of the association along with its supporting budget and calendar.
Section 7 Officers
The Executive Board shall be led by the officers listed in Article One of the Bylaws of the GETBA.
Section 8 Termination
- Should any member miss two consecutive meetings of the board without giving advance notification to the office of the Director of Missions, the member shall be considered to have resigned.
- Any member may also be removed for any of the following reasons:
- Failure to adhere to and uphold the principles set forth in the doctrinal statement as laid out in this constitution and bylaws.
- Immorality, use of illegal drugs, or drunkenness.
- Conviction of any felony or other crime involving moral turpitude.
- Any other indiscretion that would bring public reproach upon the GETBA.
Such termination shall be by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Article III. Ministry Teams
The ministry of the GETBA will be led by Ministry Teams. These teams shall be instituted as needed by the approval of the Executive Board.
Article IV. Financial Considerations
Section I Treasurer
The Executive Board of the GETBA shall elect a Treasurer as outlined in Article One of the Bylaws.
Section 2 Funds
- All funds contributed to the GETBA shall be placed in their respective accounts. Either designed or undesignated, under the general oversight of the Treasurer, Director of Missions, and the Executive Board for accounting, receipt and disbursement.
- The formula for disbursement shall be governed by the annual budget approved at the annual session.
Section 3 Compensation
All of the paid staff positions shall have a reasonable compensation package recommended by the Executive Board and approved at the annual session.
Section 4 Reimbursements
All officers and members of the committees, boards, trustees, and agencies of the GETBA will serve on a volunteer basis and therefore will not be compensated for their service.
Section 5 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the GETBA shall begin January 1st and end December 31st of each year.
Section 6 Audit
An annual audit of the financial records of the association of the preceding year shall be done by someone approved by the Executive Board of the GETBA.
Article V. General Provisions
Section I Association Year
The association year will begin and end at the closing of the annual session each year.
Section 2 Equal Rights, Privileges, and Responsibilities
- Every affiliated church or individual in the GETBA shall have equal rights, privileges and responsibilities under the authority of its Article of Incorporation Constitution and Bylaws.
- Recognizing the autonomy of other bodies, the association will exert no authority over any church, association, or convention.
- Should any of these bodies depart from the doctrine or practices of the association, the association may rescind their affiliation from the GETBA after due consideration and attempts at reconciliation.
Section 3 Historical
The association shall provide for collection and storage of historical documents and other articles to chronicle the startup and operation of this body.
Article VI. Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the messengers present at any session of any regular annual meeting provided the proposed amendment was submitted in writing one year before being voted on, or provided the amendments was recommended by the Executive Board and published in the association newsletter three months prior to the annual meeting.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
GREATER EAST TEXAS BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (GETBA)
ARTICLE ONE
The name of the corporation is Greater East Texas Baptist Association. (GETBA)
ARTICLE TWO
The corporation is a non-profit corporation.
ARTICLE THREE
The period of its duration is perpetual.
ARTICLE FOUR
(1) The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized is to receive and maintain a fund or funds of real or personal property, or both, and, subject to the restrictions and limitations hereinafter set forth, to use and apply the whole or any part of the income there from and principal thereof exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes either directly or by contributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.
(2) No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any Director of the corporation, officer of the corporation or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the corporation affecting one or more of its purposes), and no Director or officer of the corporation, or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution of the corporation. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publication or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
(3) The corporation shall distribute its income for each taxable year at such time and in such manner as not to become subject to tax on undistributed income imposed by Section 4942 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.
(4) The corporation shall not engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in Section 4941 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.
(5) The corporation shall not retain any excess business as defined in Section 4943 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.
(6) The corporation shall not make any investments in such manner as to subject it to tax under Section 4944 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding provisions of any subsequent tax laws.
(7) The corporation shall not make any taxable expenditures as defined in Section 4945 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.
(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation, the corporation shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted to be conducted or carried on by an organization exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended, or by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.
(9) Upon dissolution of the corporation or the winding up of its affairs, the assets of the corporation shall be distributed exclusively to charitable, religious, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational organizations which would then qualify under the provisions of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.
ARTICLE FIVE
The mailing address of its initial registered office is P. O. Box 2603, Longview, Texas 75606 and the name of its initial registered agents at such address is Ronnie Starr, Charles Hunt, Leland Crawford, Gary Post and Ray Tenpenney.
ARTICLE SIX
The corporation will have members.
ARTICLE SEVEN
Management of the affairs of the corporation shall be vested in the members of the corporation.
ARTICLE EIGHT
The names and addresses of the incorporators are:
Ronnie Starr
302 Chickasaw
Longview, TX 75605
Gary Post
307 Hawley Street
Marshall, TX 75670
Charles Hunt
1220 San Salvador
Longview, TX 75602
Ray Tenpenney
6622 FM 2685
Gilmer, TX 75645
Leland Crawford
P. O. Box 144
Jonesville, TX 7565
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