The CONSTITUTION
of the First Baptist Church of Palacios, Texas
PREAMBLE: We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly way. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches. The Scriptures are our supreme authority in faith and practice and nothing in this constitution shall be deemed to take precedence over Scriptural principles.
ARTICLE I – NAME: This body shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Palacios, Texas, located in Matagorda County, Texas. This church is authorized under warrant of the Holy Scriptures and is incorporated under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act and by virtue of the laws of the State of Texas. The official seal of the church shall be circular in form and have inscribed therein the words “First Baptist Church of Palacios, Texas.”
ARTICLE II – MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of First Baptist Church is to be the loving, ministering body of Christ. As baptized believers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ and teach the essentials of the Christian life as revealed in God’s Word. We will nurture Christian growth and service through prayer, worship, teaching, training, and fellowship. In cooperation with other Christians, we will minister to the community and reach out to the whole world.
ARTICLE III – POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS: The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership (see the ByLaws). It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Southern Baptist churches. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the association, the state conventions, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
ARTICLE IV – STATEMENT OF FAITH: The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963 and revised in June 2000.
ARTICLE V – CHURCH COVENANT: Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 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.
For the Advancement of This Church … 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 ministry; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines,
As Christian Stewards … We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of this ministry, the budget of the church, which includes world missions, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
Alone and at Home … We also engage to maintain family and personal devotion, to educate our children religiously, to seek the salvation of kindred and acquaintances.
Before the World … We purpose to walk purposefully in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, exemplary in our behavior and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
Toward One Another … We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; and, mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.
When We Move … We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with another church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of the Word of God.
Last Revised January 2017
If you would like a copy of our By-Laws and Operations Manual, contact the church office.
