New Constitution

Weekly Update – December 15th, 2022

During our September members’ meeting, there was a document introduced to be considered as our new constitution for First Baptist Church. This document was adopted last Sunday night at our December members’ meeting (You can view the new constitution HERE). Some of the major changes that this new constitution would entail included a plurality of elders and a sort of redefinition for our deacons. There was also some clarification given to how we receive members into our church as well as how any committees might function. Another major portion added to our constitution was a statement on Biblical sexuality. In fact, in the new year, I will take several weeks and walk through our statement on Biblical sexuality so that we are crystal clear as to what it is we affirm here at First Baptist Church. For now though, let me highlight what our new constitution will mean now that it is adopted.

First, over the next three months, we will begin the process of selecting and installing elders. I currently serve as the only elder of FBC, but our new constitution stipulates that we must have at least 3 elders, with one-third of them being a lay or nonpaid elder. Therefore, in January, I will ask the church to submit names of qualified men to be considered for elder. Out of those names, some will be selected for a three step process. The first step will be to fill out a lengthy questionnaire to address topics dealing with character and theology. Second, there will be a question and answer time before the church on a Sunday evening. Lastly, these men will be voted on by the church (Lord willing) at our March members’ meeting.

Second, deacons will be reorganized. This process will take a little bit longer. After elders are installed, the elders will then present to the church names of men to be considered for the role of deacon at FBC. These men will oversee functions related to the practical service of the church. Men will be selected and then presented to the church for a vote.

Third, there are now no “official” committees, with the exception of the finance committee. Does this mean that things will just not get done now? No, by no means. We still need the building cared for, meals organized and prepared, greeters, safety and security, nursery, etc. If you are serving in any of these areas, you will continue to serve in them. Areas of service will still exist and will still be greatly valued and needed, but they will do so under the care of our deacons.

Lastly, the congregation will still have the final say. Simply because elders will be installed and deacons will function differently, does not mean that the role of the church is now diminished. The church as a whole is still responsible for the direction it takes in terms of theology and practice. We will still have quarterly members’ meetings where all major decisions, including the budget will be voted on. The church will still be responsible in accepting and dismissing members, as well as installing elders and deacons. Under our new constitution, FBC will function as an elder led, deacon served, congregationally approved church.

It is an exciting new day at First Baptist Church. I’m thankful for the unity that is present among our body, the joy that is evident in the faces of those who serve, and the desire among our members to move forward in faith as we seek to speak and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that in every decision we make as a church, we will grow in seeing our vision fulfilled with our families, our community and our world transformed by the power of God.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
- 1 Timothy 4:12

Announcements:

Advent Devotionals: There are three options for Advent devotions available in our Welcome Center. The first one is free and it is titled, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. The second one is $10 and it is titled, Gifts of Grace. The last one is also $10 and it is titled, Come, Let us Adore Him. Feel free to check these out and get one for this Advent season.

Advent Music: Check out this playlist of 100 Advent songs put together by The Gospel Coalition: Spotify or Apple Music.

Ladies’ Brunch and Crafting:  Ladies of the church are invited to the Diaz home for a potluck brunch and crafting at 10am on Saturday, December 17th. More information can be found HERE and a signup sheet can be found on the bulletin board.

Christmas Caroling: On Wednesday, December 21st at 6:30pm, we will meet at the church to go out caroling to our shut-ins and our neighborhood.

Christmas Eve Service: Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on December 24th at 6:00pm. On this evening, we will read the Christmas story, sing Christmas Songs together and hear a short Christmas message. Make plans to join us and invite your family and friends.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve. There will be no nursery for our Christmas Day service.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over the world who are serving with the International Mission Board (IMB). Our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $10,000. If you haven’t already, will you consider partnering with us by giving, as we seek to support international missions? You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Lottie Moon.” Or you can give online HERE. Choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.

Men’s Retreat: On Saturday, January 21st, the men will head to Emporia, KS for a day long men’s conference. The cost is $40. There is a sign-up sheet in the hallway. For more information about this conference, go HERE.

Awana

There will be no Awana on Wednesday, December 21st.

Bible Study

Join us for Bible Study at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. Click HERE for more information.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups meet on the the first and third Sunday of each month. If you are interested in joining one, you can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.