STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES OF COOPERATION: DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
PREAMBLE
With a profound conviction of the Bible doctrines of church and ministerial equality, and with unbounded faith in God for leadership, protection, and blessing, and with unquestioning acceptance of the Word of God as our
all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, and with a strong desire for fellowship and cooperation with all Baptists of this belief, we prayerfully and heartily offer to all true Missionary Baptists who believe in the true Associational way of cooperation, the following Statement of Principles of Cooperation.
ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this cooperative work is the Baptist Missionary Association of Florida, Inc.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
II.Section 1. The purpose of this Association is to put into effect in a
cooperative way the will of the Lord as delivered to His churches.
II.Section 2. In compliance with the Master’s will, this Association will
Seek to promote interest in adequate support of missionaries,
Christian principles, and to provide a medium through which the
churches may cooperate in these enterprises.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
III.Section 1. This association is composed of regular missionary Baptist churches which are in sympathy with its efforts in providing this medium of cooperation. By regular missionary Baptist churches is meant those churches which hold tenaciously to the doctrines of the New Testament, believe in the principles of cooperation, fellowship, or association as taught in the New Testament, and as defined in the Doctrinal Statement.
III.Section 2. Any church which knowingly and habitually practices or upholds heresies or other human innovations which are not in harmony with the Word of God, such as open communion, alien baptism, pulpit affiliation with heretical churches, ecstatic speaking in tongues and other kindred evils arising from these unscriptural practices departs from the distinctive doctrines of this association and makes herself liable to exclusion from this association.
III.Section 3. The desire and willingness of any regular missionary Baptist church, as defined above, to cooperate will be expressed to the messenger body of this association in writing by January 31 of the calendar year. Presiding officers will make direct contact with each petitioning church for verification. The petitioning church will state that she has, in conference, duly adopted this
Statement of Principles of Cooperation and the Doctrinal Statement of the Baptist Missionary Association of America, and is ready to work in harmony and in fellowship with all other churches of this association contingent upon a positive vote of the messengers.
III.Section 4. This association reserves the right to withdraw associational fellowship from any church which may be found to be out of harmony with this Statement of Principles of Cooperation and/or Doctrinal Statement.
III.Section 5. Each church in this association is entitled to three (3) messengers chosen from 17 her own membership. The qualifications of messengers are determined by the church electing them.
ARTICLE IV - NATURE
IV,Section 1. This association is, in its very nature, is the joint cooperation and fellowship of the churches composing it. The cooperation may be expressed by means of messengers, letters, or contributions.
IV,Section 2. Each church in this Association shall have a voice in every enterprise sponsored by the Association, according to the principles of work agreed upon.
ARTICLE V - DOCTRINAL POSITION
V.Section 1. The Association shall recognize and respect the basic principles and practices of Missionary Baptists maintaining that they were originally given by the Lord Jesus Christ through His Inspired writers.
V.Section 2. That whatever expression of faith and practice as may be incorporated in this Statement of Principles of Cooperation is designed on as an interpretation of the will of the Lord to be effective in His churches.
V.Section 3. This Association recognizes that freedom of speech is essential to the highest achievement in its work and as a corollary to this freedom, this Association shall ever maintain the principle of separation of Church and State.
ARTICLE VI - POWERS The powers of this Association are limited to the expressed will of the churches composing it according to the teachings of the New Testament Scriptures, and the Association in its annual session will elect such officers as are necessary for the expediting of its deliberation and work,
and appoint such committees as are necessary, and transact any business as may be directed by the churches composing it.
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS
VII.Section 1. The officers of this Association are as follows: Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.
VII.Section 2. Officers of the B.M.A. of Florida are to be elected Annually to assume the duties at the conclusion of the annual session in which they are elected, whose term of office (excluding Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Clerk, Assistant Clerk) shall not exceed two (2) years each.
VII.Section 3. The Association will elect its officers during its Final session; said officers to be chosen by the messengers enrolled at the annual meeting. This does not include officers who make an annual report to the Association. These are to be elected after their reports have been made to and received by
the body.
VII.Section 4. All questions are to be decided by a majority of the messengers present, except the questions amending the Statement of Principles of Cooperation or as otherwise provided.VII.Section 5. The duties of the general officers are outlined as follows:
VII.Section 5.A. Moderator - The Moderator is to call the session of the B.M.A.of Florida into sessions for the purpose of conducting whatever business that comes before the Association. The Moderator is to set the agenda for the Associational meetings, including the reports from the National organizations. The Moderator is to preside over the business meeting of the Association. Robert’s Rules of Order are to be used as a guide for the conducting of Associational business. As the need arises, special meetings of the B.M.A. of Florida can be called by the Moderator. The Moderator shall appoint “ad hoc” committees not otherwise provided for. The Moderator shall vote only in case of a tie vote.
VII.Section 5.B. Assistant Moderator - The Assistant Moderator shall assist the Moderator during the session, preside in the absence of the Moderator, and serve as the “Sergeant-Of-Arms” during the session.
VII.Section 5.C. Clerk - The Clerk shall take all minutes of the business transaction during the session and maintain accurate records of all proceedings of each Associational meeting, put the minutes in printed form and distribute copies to the churches of the B.M.A. of Florida. The Clerk shall include an annual letter form in the printed minutes. No business of the B.M.A. of Florida can be conducted in the absence of a Clerk.
VII.Section 5.D. Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer - The Treasurer shall deposit all funds into the checking/savings accounts of the B.M.A. of Florida, and keep accurate records of all funds received and expended.
ARTICLE VIII - FUNDS AND PROPERTIES
VIII.Section 1. All funds of this Association will be raised by voluntary contributions secured solely upon the merits of the cause for which appeals for the gifts are made, and such funds as may be derived from property that may be made to the Association.
VIII.Section 2. Distribution of funds will be authorized by an act of this Association, or by an act of a properly authorized committee of the Association, but, in no event, will the Association or any committee of the Association use funds in violation of the expressed will of the donors.
VIII.Section 3. All funds of this Association will pass through the hands of the treasurer of the funds to which the funds properly belong in the manner herein provided. This includes money, deeds, or whatever may be entrusted to any committee to be used by said committee as directed by the Association.
VIII.Section 4. The Treasurer of this Association will hold all funds received between sessions of the Association subject to the order of the committee entitled to use.
ARTICLE IX - MISSIONS DEPARTMENT
IX.Section 1. Each church of the BMA of Florida shall be entitled to one (1) Missionary Committeeman. Said committeeman shall be elected and certified by the church to the annual Associational Meeting.
IX.Section 2. Duties of the Missionary Committee:
IX.Section 2.A. It is the duty of the Missionary Committee of the Association to act between sessions in carrying out the purpose and objectives of the Association; to fill vacancies which may appear in the Missionary staff, and attend to all other necessary business not otherwise provided for; and to render an annual report to the Association.
IX.Section 2.B. The Missionary Committee shall elect a moderator and a clerk
annually to serve in all meetings of said committee.
IX.Section 2.C. The Missionary Committee shall nominate annually to the
Association body, a Secretary of Missions whose duties shall be as follows: Be available to travel among the churches of the B.M.A. of Florida; coordinate the missions efforts of the local Associations within the state, promote the efforts of missions within the state by being available (within reasonable limits) to
visit other churches to speak on behalf of the B.M.A. of Florida Missions and promote a special “Missions Emphasis” month; visit the missions projects in the state and become familiar with the people and problems; to investigate new missions areas and make recommendations to the Missionary Committee; submit an annual report to the Association.
IX.Section 2.D. The Missionary Committee shall recommend to the Association
such missionary personnel as have made application, been screened by the Missionary Committee and endorsed by the church where membership is held.
IX.Section 2.E. The Missionary Committee shall make recommendations
to the Association on salaries, travel allowances and other benefits for missionary personnel, including the Secretary of Missions, and shall be responsible for the audit of all missions funds held and transacted by the Treasurer.
IX.Section 3. Application and Approval of State Missionaries
IX.Section 3.A. Applications from missionaries desiring to serve a mission in
the State of Florida should be submitted to the Secretary of Missions of the B.M.A. of Florida. Applications will be available to those who request them from the Secretary’s office.
IX.Section 3.B. All applications will be updated yearly. A background check
will be done only in the event the applicant is being considered for a field in the State of Florida. To be considered current, all applications must be received or updated since the last Associational meeting.
IX.Section 3.C. Applications for mission work sponsored by the B.M.A. of Florida for work outside the state will be accepted. Priority will be given to work inside the state.
IX.Section 3.D. All applicants will be interviewed by the Missionary Committee before being approved or disapproved by the Missionary Committee. In the event the Missionary Committee finds reason for the applicant to not be
approved the reason should be entered into the minutes and reported before the Missionary Committee at the time the applicant goes before them.
IX.Section 3.E. The Missionary Committee can approve the placement of a missionary on a field between annual sessions of The B.M.A. of Florida. (See Article IX. - Missions Department, Section 2, Paragraph D.)
Section 4. Missions Policies
IX.Section 4.A. Persons making an application during the Associational year to serve as missionary for the B.M.A. of Florida must follow the guideline as outlined in “Application and Approval of State Missionaries.” In addition, he must supply a formal letter of endorsement from the church where he holds membership before he goes on the field.
IX. Section 4.B. Missionary personnel will be allowed five (5) revival meetings each year, and be permitted to retain the proceeds from these meetings. In addition the missionary personnel will be allowed two (2) weeks paid vacation each year with a maximum of four (4) Sundays absence per year. The mission congregation will be responsible for payment of pulpit supply.
IX.Section 4.C. Moving expenses of the missionary will be paid by the B.M.A. of Florida under the supervision of the Secretary of Missions.
IX. Section 4.D. Each missionary is required to submit a weekly report form supplied by the Secretary of Missions. This report will be given the Baptist Custom for publication monthly. Failure to and in a weekly report will result in the withholding of the monthly check.
IX. Section 4.E. The base salary for full time missionaries will be set by the Association yearly. The Missionary Committee will make recommendations in its report to the Association. The Missionary Committee will counsel with the missionary prior to the annual Associational meeting. The time and place to be
announced by the Secretary of Missions.
IX. Section 4.F. Beginning with the fifth (5th) year, the Missions’ congregations will begin to assume a portion of the Missionary’s pay of $25 per month unless they are able to begin sooner. This amount will be increased by $25 each month until the conclusion of the eighth (8th) year unless the Mission organizes into a church prior to the conclusion of the eighth (8th) year. This amount should be added to the present level of support received by the State Treasurer monthly from the mission congregation and continue until such time as the mission congregation is able to assume full pastoral support. In the event of necessity,
the mission’s congregation may suspend this plan for 60 days upon approval of the Secretary of Missions, and if additional time is needed, they shall counsel with the Secretary of Missions and the Missionary Committee concerning their future plans.
IX. Section 4.G. Mission congregations will not organize into a church until such time as they are able to assume full financial responsibility for their building program and operation expensesof the church.
IX. Section 4.H. The benefit package will be set annually by the Association.
IX. Section 4.I. Upon investigation, if the Secretary of Missions finds any missionary’s work to be unsatisfactory, the Missionary Committee is to be notified and make a detailed study of the problem. A vote will then be taken
to retain or dismiss the missionary.
IX. Section 4.J. In the event circumstances require a change in these guidelines, those changes can be made by the Missionary Committee and the Secretary of Missions on an individual basis only. Any permanent changes must be approved by the Association in regular session.
IX. Section 4.K.(1) At the time it is determined that a pre-existing church, church or mission (see definitions in Paragraph L below) will receive funding from the B.M.A. of Florida, the pre-existing church, church or mission shall immediately execute deeds in favor of the B.M.A. of Florida for all improved and unimproved property owned by the mission. Said deeds shall be recorded in the public records in the county where the property is located.
IX. Section 4.K.(2) In the event that additional property is acquired by the pre-existing church, church or mission during the time support is being received, said property shall also be deeded to the B.M.A. of Florida. All taxes on property of a pre-existing church, church, or mission. Failure of the pre-existing church, church, or mission to pay taxes on the property shall be grounds for permanent forfeiture of the property to the B.M.A. of Florida,
at its sole discretion.
IX. Section 4.K.(3) The property shall be administered by five (5) trustees, [three (3) of whom shall constitute a quorum) appointed or elected by the Association and in accordance with the will and direction of the Association. The Trustees shall be recommended to the Association by the Missionary Committee yearly or as needed. Only by direction and approval of the Association shall the pre-existing church, church or mission property be sold.
If the Association approves the sale of any pre-existing church, church, or mission property, then all proceeds of the sale shall go to the Association.
IX. Section 4.K.(4) The Treasurer of the B.M.A, of Florida will maintain records of the support provided to each and every pre-existing church, church, or mission. In the event that the congregation of a pre-existing church, church or mission ceases to be affiliated with or ceases to actively support the associated work of the B.M.A. of Florida, or deviates from the Articles of Faith
and Doctrine as set forth by the Association, the Treasurer of the B.M.A. of Florida shall provide the pre-existing church, church or mission with an accounting of all financial support provided to said pre-existing church, church or mission. The pre-existing church, church or mission shall then be required to repay to the B.M.A. of Florida, or make arrangements satisfactory to the B.M.A.
of Florida to repay the funds, with interest (at a rate of ten (10) percent per annum running from the time the support was received until the support is repaid) within one (1) month of receipt of the accounting. Should the pre-existing church, church or mission fail to repay said support, or fail to make satisfactory arrangements to repay the support within one (1) month of
receipt of the accounting, then the property of the pre-existing church, church or mission shall be forfeited to the B.M.A. of Florida. Should the pre-existing church, church or mission meet their obligation to repay the support, with interest, the B.M.A. of Florida will then deed the property back to the pre-existing church, church or mission.
IX. Section 4.L. A pre-existing church is one that has been organized under its own constitution and by-laws and is autonomous. If a pre-existing church goes back to a Mission church, it will operate under the authority of another church.
ARTICLE X - PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT
Section X.1. The messengers of the churches in annual session shall elect a Publication Committee consisting of three (3) members, two (2) of which constitute a quorum.
Section X.2. - Duties of the Publication Committee:
X.2.A. This committee shall nominate annually, to the Association, an Editor of the Baptist Custom, the official publication of the B.M.A. of Florida.
X.2.B. This committee shall serve in advisory capacity to the editors of The Baptist Custom, in matters related to management, circulation, and financial transaction; and shall be responsible for the audit of all funds held and
transacted by the editor of The Baptist Custom.
X.2.C. This Committee shall make recommendations to the Association concerning salaries and other compensation for the editor of The Baptist Custom.
X.2.D. This committee shall promote the use and support of sound Christian publications among the churches of the Association.
Section X.3. - The Publication Committee shall elect a Moderator and a Clerk to serve such time as the committee may be in session.
ARTICLE XI - TRUSTEE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The messengers of the church in annual session will
elect a Trustee Committee consisting of five (5) members,
three (3) of whom shall constitute a quorum. The trustees shall
be recommended to the association by the Missionary Committee
with no more than one (1) Trustee from any church. Trustees shall
be elected as follows: one for one year, one for two years, one for
three years, one for four years, and one for five years. Once their
term expires, they are eligible for election.
Section 2. The Trustee Committee shall act in its field as
executive of this Association between sessions, perform said committee by the Association.
Section 3. The Trustee Committee shall act in its field of
work as Trustees of any and all properties which may be
acquired and owned at any time by the Association.
Section 4. The Trustee Committee will elect its own officers
required for the efficiency of its work, including a treasurer
who shall furnish bond for the due protection of the Association.
This committee shall make an annual report to the Association.
ARTICLE XII - APPOINTED COMMITTEES
ARTICLE XII. Section 1. Enrollment Committee.
XII.1.A. The Committee on Enrollment shall consist of two (2) members appointed by the moderator prior to the annual session.
XII.1.B. The duties of the Enrollment Committee:
XII.1.B.(1) To enroll the messengers and visitors at the regular or called sessions of the Association;
XII.1.B.(2) To report to the messenger body the number of messengers enrolled. The first report to be given immediately after the moderator announces the messengers are ready for permanent organization
or earlier if the body so orders;
XII.1.B.(3) A report shall be given any time after the committee is ready with a report by request of any presiding officer or messenger;
XII.1.B.(4) A final report shall be given at the closing of the Association.
XII.1.C. Any time the number of votes exceeds the number of messengers enrolled, the motion shall be suspended until the irregularity is checked and corrected.
XII.1.D. In the event any irregularity in voting cannot be corrected otherwise, a roll call of the churches shall be taken and the number of messengers from each church voting shall be ascertained.
XII.1.E. The Enrollment Committee shall compile an obituary list to be included in its annual report.
XII.1.F. The Enrollment Committee shall report all income to the Association received at the annual session for minutes and Clerk hire, and other offerings, and deliver said monies to the Treasurer for proper disposal.
The Enrollment Committee may begin functioning as soon as convenient after arriving at the place of an annualor called session.
XII.Section 2. Resolution Committee. This committee shall be appointed by the moderator and serve throughout the annual session to present resolutions and recommendations to the Association.
ARTICLE XIII - OTHER COMMITTEES The Association shall elect the following committees to report at the annual meeting:
Section 1. Bible Conference Steering Committee. This committee shall be elected by the Association body and shall include the pastor of the host church at which the Mid-Year Bible Conference shall be held. It shall be responsible for the securing of speakers, the raising of funds for the expense of the conference and care of the speakers. It shall prepare a program to be printed by The Baptist Custom, advertising the meeting, and report to the next annual session.
Section 2. The B.M.A. of Florida shall create any committee necessary to assist in the work of the Association.
ARTICLE XIV - MEETINGS The annual meeting shall be held at such time and place as the messenger body may elect. The Missionary Committee may call an extraordinary session in case an emergency arises. The Association shall sponsor a Mid-Year Bible Conference. The planning of this conference shall be provided by a Steering Committee elected during the annual session. Time shall be provided during the conference for reports from Missions. The Baptist Custom and various field representatives. Expense for speakers shall be provided by special offerings and from the Mission Fund.
ARTICLE XV - SALARIES The Clerk will be paid for his/her services as the messenger body may direct. The Secretary of Missions and other salaried employees will be paid such salaries as are commensurate with their duties.
ARTICLE XVI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. This Statement of Principles of Cooperation may be amended by two thirds (⅔) majority vote of the messengers present at any regular session of the Association. When an amendment is desired, it will be offered in writing on the first day of a regular session, its adoption moved and seconded and freely discussed, then lay over until a subsequent day when the
vote shall be taken without any discussion.
Section 2. In case the question of amending this Statement of Principles of Cooperation is referred to the churches composing the Association, and the churches send their vote by letter, or by instructed messengers, and a majority of the churches thus reporting express a desire for the amendment,
the amendment shall pass. No particular form shall be required for the churches voting by letter.
ARTICLE XIV - MEETINGS The annual meeting shall be held at such time and place as the messenger body may elect. The Missionary Committee may call an extraordinary session in case an emergency arises. The Association shall sponsor a Mid-Year Bible Conference. The planning of this conference shall be provided by a Steering Committee elected during the annual session. Time shall be provided during the conference for reports from Missions. The Baptist Custom and various field representatives. Expense for speakers shall be provided by special offerings and from the Mission Fund.
ARTICLE XV - SALARIES The Clerk will be paid for his/her services as the messenger body may direct. The Secretary of Missions and other salaried employees will be paid such salaries as are commensurate with their duties.
ARTICLE XVI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. This Statement of Principles of Cooperation may be amended by two thirds (⅔) majority vote of the messengers present at any regular session of the Association. When an amendment is desired, it will be offered in writing on the first day of a regular session, its adoption moved and seconded and freely discussed, then lay over until a subsequent day when the vote shall be taken without any discussion.
Section 2. In case the question of amending this Statement of Principles of Cooperation is referred to the churches composing the Association, and the churches send their vote by letter, or by instructed messengers, and a majority of the churches thus reporting express a desire for the amendment,
the amendment shall pass. No particular form shall be required for the churches voting by letter.