The CONSTITUTION

The Purposes of this Association shall be to: (1) to stimulate a greater fellowship and spiritual growth among the churches; (2) to encourage the preaching and teaching of God’s word, and the enlistment and training of church members to promote the Kingdom of God. (3) to cooperate with other like associations, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, and the Southern Baptist Convention in promoting the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth.

Article III. Authority

The Association has full authority for carrying on its work to fulfill the provisions of these By-laws, including the right to receive and disburse funds, own property, and carry on any other activities necessary for implementing its purposes and priorities.

The Bowen Baptist Association, as every other SBC Association, has no authority over any church or the right to interfere with the rights and autonomy of the churches, recognizing that each church is sovereign and independent in all its matters. Therefore, the Association is not responsible for individual decisions or actions of its affiliated churches. The basis for operation in the Association is in the sphere of voluntary cooperation in work and fellowship.

The Association is at liberty to consult with any of the churches on matters related to the work of ministry and missions.

The Association has jurisdiction over the seating of any and all Executive Committee members and may refuse to seat representatives from any church that it deems to be unsound in faith, practice, conduct, or that does not comply with qualifications stated in the succeeding By-laws.

Our Articles of Faith do not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself is the sole source of what we believe, which is the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind. For purposes of the Association’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Associational Missionary and Executive Committee are the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s application.

Article IV. Articles of Faith

As a Christian ministry, we believe that the Bible as God’s Word. Therefore, as our Articles of Faith, we adopt THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE 2000, and we affirm that God made all humans in His Image immutably as male and female, and that biological sex is part of God’s good design for each person that cannot be changed (Gen. 1:26-27).

Article V. Membership

SECTION 1: Membership - The membership of this Association shall be composed of cooperating Baptist churches, whose doctrinal beliefs are in line with the Articles of Faith of the Association and have been approved by the messengers at the Annual Meeting. Churches must complete the membership process described in Section 4.

SECTION 2: Messengers - Each church approved for membership shall be entitled to enroll a minimum of five (5) messengers including the Pastor, for its first one hundred members and one messenger for each additional hundred members, or fraction thereof, with no more than twelve (12) messengers for any church. Messengers must be active members of their Bowen church.Messengers may cast one vote per person at the Annual Meeting to be held the fourth Sunday evening of each year, or at another time determined by the Association. Proxy voting is not allowed.

SECTION 3: Uncooperative Messengers - The Association reserves the right to reject messengers from any Associational meeting who willfully and persistently will not cooperate with the spirit and the above-mentioned purpose of this Constitution, upon two-thirds vote of those present and voting.

SECTION 4: Membership Process - Any church wishing to unite with the Association shall petition the Association for membership using form found in the “Policies and Procedures Manual: Addenda” of the Association. The process shall be overseen by the Credentials Team of Bowen as noted in our “By-Laws, Article VI, Section 3, (c) Teams”. Any church petitioning to become a member of the Bowen Baptist Association must be uniquely Baptist and must agree to and support the literal wording of the “Baptist Faith and Message 2000”. The Credentials Team shall investigate and examine the beliefs of said church and then make a recommendation to the Executive Committee. (See Policies Procedures Manual “Addenda” for Church App. Form.)

If approved by the Executive Committee, the church will then be placed under the watch care of the Association for one year. At the end of the year, if the church and the Association are agreeable, then the church would be granted full membership in the Association at the Annual Meeting. During the one-year watch care, the church would not have voting privileges in the Association, nor the Georgia Baptist Mission Board or Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meetings.

SECTION 5: Membership Termination

Withdrawal - Any church who wants to withdraw from membership and fellowship with the Association shall communicate with the Associational Missionary about such a decision. If the church is determined to do so after counsel, the church is asked to vote on that decision in a church business meeting. Then, the church shall compose a physical letter signed by the church Clerk and Moderator (or similarly situated church officers with different titles) and mail it or take it to the Associational office, where it will be accepted in the next Executive Committee Meeting. The Executive Committee shall report all withdrawals to the Association at the next Annual Meeting.

Removal - When concerns arise concerning a church’s viability as a member of the Bowen Baptist Association, the Associational Missionary along with the Credentials Team, shall investigate such concerns and give a report to the Executive Committee for a decision.
1. Matters of Concern in a church which may warrant removal:
  1. Unscriptural conduct, including violation of the Articles of Faith.
  2. Unrepentant immoral conduct of a church, or church members subsequently sanctioned by the church.
  3. Alignment with a denomination along with, or other than the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. (Note: This does not include participating with other Christian agencies who are of like faith and purpose.)
  4. Churches which openly defy Scripture by ordaining/calling anyone to the Gospel Ministry or deacon/eldership other than men (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6).
1. Removal Process - Consistent with Matthew 18, desiring to reconcile whenever possible, the Association shall remove churches as follows:
  1. The Credentials Team shall report to the Executive Committee their work with the church on this matter for up to a year, and report to the Association at that year’s Annual Meeting.
  2. If after all efforts of the Credentials Team and the Associational Missionary to steer the church to Scriptural Accountability is unsuccessful, the following shall occur:
    1. The Credentials Team shall make a motion at the following Annual Meeting, after a minimum of six months consideration with the church in question, to remove that church from membership.
    2. Termination of the church’s membership in the Association shall require a two thirds (2/3) vote of the enrolled messengers.
1. Reinstatement - A church may re-apply for membership if they meet the qualifications at a future time.

Article VI. Associational Year

SECTION 1: The Fiscal Year - The associational year shall run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

Article VII. Support

The Bowen Baptist Association receives its financial support through the generous budgeted, freewill, and designated offerings of our member churches. The average percentage of our churches’ undesignated gifts to us is 3%. It is important to note that we do not receive

Cooperative Program funds. Through our accountable financial practices and the good stewardship of our staff and volunteer ministry leaders, we work diligently to be good stewards of all resources awarded to us. (Deuteronomy 15:9-10; Proverbs 3:6, 9-10; 21:20; Luke 16:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:10, 17; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 4:10).

The Thomas Jefferson Bowen Annual Offering. Bowen church members will have the opportunity in October of each year to participate in a special offering to provide additional support for Bowen Baptist Association ministries. All monies shall be used for mission and ministry, not for ministerial overhead (salaries, insurances, buildings, etc.). October is Associational Missions Month in the SBC. Rev. TJ Bowen was a Georgia native pastor who began many churches and associations in south Georgia and Alabama. He was a pioneer missionary into interior Africa, now known as Nigeria, and later to Brazil. This offering is named after him.

Please Note: At times, gifts are shared by individuals, other ministries, business leaders, and estate giving and those gifts are equally appreciated. Bowen does reserve the right to reject any gift which may arise from immoral sources.

Article VIII. Amendments

The Constitution may be amended by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Messengers present and voting at any Annual Meeting or Executive Committee Meeting. It is required that such proposed amendments be recommended after due study and preparation, by an Ad Hoc Committee, duly-called in a previously-held Executive or Annual Meeting. Proposed changes must be reported to the churches at least two weeks prior to the Executive Committee or Annual Meeting where the change(s) are to be presented and voted upon.

The By-Laws

Bowen Baptist Association, Inc.

“Partners in Gospel Proclamation”

All of our leadership and staff must be a church member of a church who has membership in the Association or otherwise agree to affirm and abide by the Association’s Articles of Faith.

Article I. Officers

SECTION 1: Incorporation - The General Officers of this Association shall be the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk, and the Treasurer. To comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 14-3-801, the Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, of the Corporation. However, except to the extent otherwise required by law, these officers shall continue to be known and referred to by their traditional titles. The Associational Missionary shall also serve as an additional Vice-President. No officer of the Corporation may sell, transfer or encumber property of the Corporation without the prior written consent of the Executive Committee. To comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 14-3-801, the Executive Committee shall constitute the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

SECTION 2: Election -The election of officers will take place at the Fall Executive Committee Meeting with the presentation of the Nominating Committee who shall work in tandem with the Associational Missionary and the Clerk/Ministry Assistant. (See “Article VI - Duties of Directors, Officers, and Teams”).

SECTION 3: Moderator - The Moderator shall be elected for a term of one year and shall not be eligible to succeed himself until he takes a sabbatical for at least one term. A Vice-Moderator shall be elected to serve one-year concurrent with the Moderator, then serve as Moderator the following year, under normal circumstances.

SECTION 4: Clerk - The Clerk of the Association will be the Ministry Assistant who will be an employee of the Association. The M.A. shall be called by a Search Committee, overseen by the Associational Missionary, and work in tandem with the Treasurer and the Associational Missionary. He/she shall report to the Associational Missionary and to the Association.

Article II. Executive Committee

SECTION 1: This committee shall be composed of the:

Pastor of each church,
Two lay members from each church who shall be selected by his/her church,
The chairman of each standing team, and
The Director of each organization within the Association.
The Committee shall meet quarterly. To comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 14-3-801, the Executive Committee shall constitute the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

However, except to the extent otherwise required by law, this governing body shall continue to be known and referred to as the “Executive Committee”.

SECTION 2: The Officers of the Association shall be the Officers of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 3: The duties of the Executive Committee are to act on behalf of the Association in between its Annual Meetings, and carry out the business as authorized by the Association.

SECTION 4: The Executive Committee shall be authorized to borrow money as necessary for (1) the maintenance of real property, (2) The completion of work authorized by the Association, and (3) emergencies that may arise for the furtherance of Associational work. Legal Documents requiring signatures, will be signed by the Moderator, Clerk, and the Associational Missionary. In certain circumstances, the Associational Missionary may sign those documents with the permission of the Moderator and the Clerk. (Examples: Purchase of insurances, acceptances of beneficial gifts, but not the borrowing of monies or the cooperation with any entity not agreed upon by the Association.)

SECTION 5: A member of the Executive Committee may be removed by a recommendation from the floor of the meeting after stating the reason for such motion, then a three-fourth’s ¾ vote of those present. A violation of the Articles of Faith may be cause for removal.

Article III. Associational Missionary

(a.k.a. Director of Missions, Associational Missions Strategist)

Please see “Policies and Procedures Manual”, PART II: Procedures

SECTION 1: There shall be a man called the Associational Missionary (“A.M.”) who is qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-11, etc. to lead the Association in its ministerial efforts. He shall be called and employed by vote of the Association’s Executive Committee upon recommendation of the Associational Missionary Search Team.

SECTION 2: He shall be sought and called by an “Associational Missionary Search Team” created by The Moderator and the Administrative Team. If the previous A.M. still serves, he may assist in creating such Team.

SECTION 3: He shall provide responsible leadership for the work of the Association through performing such basic functions as (1) administration, (2) counsel to churches, (3) interpretation of information, (4) friendship with pastors, (5) good public relations, (6) and the planning and correlation of programs, (7) program services, (8) and ministries of the Association.

SECTION 4: He shall oversee the Association’s day-to-day operations. Unless otherwise delegated, and consistent with the Articles of Faith, he shall oversee all staffing decisions and be responsible for creating ministry policies. For further explanation, see “Policies and Procedures Manual”, PART I: Policies.

SECTION 5: The Associational Missionary may be removed by the Biblical process noted in the Policies and Procedures Manual, Part 2 “Procedures”, Article 2: “Removal of Called and Hired Staff.”

Article IV. Annual Reports

SECTION 1: The churches affiliated with this body shall furnish annually to this body the information requested by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board in the Annual Church Profile.

SECTION 2: The Associational Missionary, Program Directors, and Team Leaders shall make an annual report of their team or committee’s activities and present it to the Associational Clerk no later than the January Annual Meeting to be included in the Annual Reports.

Article V. Annual Meetings

SECTION 1: Time and Place - The Association shall meet annually at such place and times as recommended by the Associational Missionary, Moderator, and Vice Moderator. The Annual Meeting is to be the fourth Sunday evening of January, unless an alternate time is deemed necessary and rescheduled by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 2: Meeting Planning -The following will plan and implement the business and the order of worship. The Moderator of the year preceding the meeting, and the Moderator for the year of the meeting, the Associational Music Director, the Host Pastor, the Host Music Director, the Associational Clerk, and the Associational Missionary.

SECTION 3: Brief Reports - The Annual Meeting shall be a time for the Associational Directors to make brief reports of their ministry during the preceding year, for brief denominational reports, and for the Associational Missionary’s annual report.

SECTION 4: Business - The only business to be transacted at this meeting will be specific work which the whole association should decide, such as membership decisions as described in Article V of the Constitution and specific decisions not made during Executive Committee Meetings.

SECTION 5: Worship - Following the completion of reports and the business of the Association, the focus of the time will be on worship. A keynote preacher shall be selected by the Associational Missionary and the Administrative Team for the evening message.

SECTION 6: Parliamentary Procedure - Unless otherwise noted in these Constitution and Bylaws, and consistent with Scriptural admonishments for Christian decorum and order (1 Cor. 14:40), the Association shall recognize the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order as its guide for parliamentary procedure.

Article VI. Duties of Officers, Directors, and Teams

SECTION 1: Associational Officers

a. MODERATOR

The Moderator shall:

1. preside over all meetings of the Association,
2. serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee,
3. appoint special committees in consultation with the Associational Missionary at the direction of the Association or at his discretion,
4. serve as ex-officio member of all committees.

b. VICE-MODERATOR

The Vice-Moderator shall:

1. serve in the absence of the Moderator, and
2. assist the Moderator in whatever manner needed.

c. CLERK/MINISTRY ASSISTANT:

The Clerk shall:

1. take accurate minutes of all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee meetings,
2. assist the credentials committee in the certification and registration of messengers at the Annual Meetings,
3. be responsible for the preparation and printing of a Book of Reports for use in the Executive Committee Meetings, and for the preparation and distribution of any other reports that are requested, and
4. the employment of a Ministry Assistant shall encompass the Clerk’s work, and financial management in tandem with the Treasurer, plus other duties as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual or requested by the Associational Missionary.

d. TREASURER

The Treasurer shall:

1. work closely with the Ministry Assistant who receives and deposits financial gifts, receives bills and prepares checks for bill-payment to be approved and signed by the Treasurer,
2. approve and sign checks presented by the Ministry Assistant, for all funds,
3. give a quarterly financial report to the Executive Committee, and an annual summary of our financial status at the January Annual Meeting, and
4. serve as ex-officio member of the Finance Team.

SECTION 2: Directors

ALPHA PREGNANCY CENTER DIRECTOR
1. The “Director of Services” is an employee of our non-profit ministry in Donalsonville, “called” to serve this ministry by a joint agreement between the Director of Services of the Alpha Pregnancy Center Albany, GA (Sherwood Baptist Church) and Bowen’s Associational Missionary (with agreement of the Associational Council).
2. She shall oversee the staff and the volunteers of the center, which includes securing and keeping-current each person’s training.
3. She answers to the APC “Director of Services” for the APC network, and to the A.M.
4. She is assisted in her work by the APC Team.
5. She is to make a written report at each Executive Committee Meeting and a written report at the Annual Meeting for the Minutes.
6. She is to work in tandem with the Finance Committee to create yearly budgets for APC.
7. For more on this partnership, see the “Policies and Procedures” Manual at the end.
8. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
BAPTIST COLLEGIATE MINISTRY DIRECTOR
1. There shall be a Director of this ministry who may be either Volunteer or Paid Staff.
2. He shall serve the Spiritual needs at the main campus of Bainbridge College, now called ABAC/SRTC.
3. He shall develop and implement a sharing strategy that gives on-campus students an opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.
4. He shall build and maintain positive relationships with students, college faculty/staff, local BBA churches and pastors, and current and potential ministry partners.
5. Develop and implement a small-group discipling strategy for students.
6. Develop and implement a semester or summer missions project as possible.
7. He shall have a Team of BCM volunteers selected by a joint collaboration between the Director and the Associational Nominating Team who shall be available to work with him to fulfill the purposes noted in numbers 2-6.
8. He shall answer directly to the Associational Missionary.
9. Participate in the BCM network offered through the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
10. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
EDUCATION & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR
1. This Director shall assist the churches of the association in training of Sunday School/ Life Groups/Bible Study/Discipleship teachers and leaders.
2. To assist with the planning and organization of training events to better equip our teachers and leaders within the Association.
3. He is to work with the Administrative Team and Missionary to help formulate plans for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God.

1. The Director may use the monies as provided by the budget subject to the approval of the Associational Missionary.
2. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
EVANGELISM DIRECTOR
1. The Director is responsible for planning and coordinating Evangelistic activities through the association for the purpose of reaching the lost such as Prayer Walks; Crossovers; Block Parties; Crusades, “How to Share Your Faith” training, and etc.
2. The Director is to serve on the Administrative Team to help formulate plans for the work in the Association.
3. The Director may select and recruit team members from within the Association to serve with him in these Evangelistic efforts.
4. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
MEN’S MISSION DIRECTOR
1. The Director should plan activities for the men of the Association including a quarterly meeting. Meals are provided by each church and are underwritten by participant donations.
2. There will be a joint meeting with the Ladies Ministry November. (See “Policies and Procedures Manual”, PART II: PROCEDURES Article 1: Reoccurring Meeting Scheduling.)
3. The Director is to serve on the Administrative Team to help formulate plans for the Association in Furtherance of the Kingdom of God.
4. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting
MISSIONS OUTREACH DIRECTOR
1. The Director is responsible for planning outreach efforts beyond the Association such as Mission trips, projects, etc.
2. The Director should work in tandem with the Associational Missionary on all plans and present them to the Executive committee for approval.
3. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
1. The Director is responsible for coordinating the music at each Annual Associational Meeting, and for other special events within the Association where requested, such as Crusades, Executive Committee Meetings, etc.
2. He is available to lead music in other ministries and meetings for groups in the association as necessary.

1. The Director is to serve on the Administrative Team to help formulate plans for the work in the Association.
2. The Director is available to help improve music ministries in our churches through the use of seminars, individual help, pairing with GBMB leaders for help, etc.as requested.
3. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
SENIOR ADULTS DIRECTOR
1. It is the responsibility of the Director to plan quarterly meetings. (See “Policies and Procedures Manual”, PART II: PROCEDURES Article 1: Reoccurring Meeting Scheduling.) The cost of the Luncheons shall be underwritten by participant donations.
1. The Director works with the Administrative Team to formulate plans concerning the Senior Adult Activities within the Association.
2. This ministry shall elect its own officers other than the Director.
3. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR
1. The Director is to plan and coordinate a VBS training session to help each church regardless of which publisher’s material is used to help in preparation for the ensuing associational year. The director may secure help from Bowen churches.
1. The Director shall contact each church in order to prepare a list of dates and times of scheduled VBS’s.
2. The Director is to serve on the Administrative Team in formulating plans for the work in the Association.
3. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.
WOMEN’S MISSION MINISTRY DIRECTOR
1. It is the Director’s responsibility to coordinate, promote and carry out the Women’s activities within the Association, in relation to GBMB, and SBC opportunities.
1. The Director plans events such as Prayer Retreats, Prayer Walks, Training Sessions, and any WMU events of note.
2. There shall be Quarterly Women’s Ministry meeting. (See “Policies and Procedures Manual”, PART II: PROCEDURES Article 1: Reoccurring Meeting Scheduling.) There is a joint meeting in the Fall with the Men’s Mission Ministry.
1. The Director is part of the Association Council, which helps to formulate plans for the Association.
2. The Women’s Ministry elects its own officers.
3. The Director may use the monies provided in the budget for its ministry.
4. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting.

YOUTH DIRECTOR
1. The Director is responsible for planning youth events and mission opportunities (Grades 7-9) in the Association.
2. The Director is to serve on the Associational Council to help formulate plans for Association.
3. Events scheduled with outside leadership/organizations may only be done when they are of Southern Baptist affiliation.
4. A brief report is to be submitted to the Clerk in writing, and presented at each Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and each Annual Meeting

SECTION 3: Teams

Note that the Associational Missionary and the Moderator are Ex-Officio for all teams and pursuits.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

SECTION 1: The program of the Association shall express itself through approved organizations and leaders within the Association, such as the Alpha Pregnancy Center, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Clerk, Disaster Relief, Education, Education/Discipleship, Evangelism, Men’s Mission Ministry, Missions Outreach, Music, Senior Adults, Treasurer, Vacation Bible School, Women’s Mission Ministry, and Youth Ministry. This group, along with the Associational Missionary, shall be called the “Administrative Team”.

SECTION 2: The Director of each of these shall be nominated by the Nominating Team at the Fall Executive Committee Meeting and approved by a ¾ majority in that meeting. Substitutions can be offered from the floor, as noted in Robert’s Rulers of Order.

SECTION 3: The leaders in each of these areas shall give a report at each Executive Committee Meeting, and at the Annual Meeting, of their activities. They will make up the Administrative Team along with the Associational Missionary, and will formulate plans for each year to accomplish the goals of the Association.

SECTION 4: Further Duties

1. This Team is to assist the Associational Missionary in planning the ministries and direction of the Association. He may also call them together for the purpose of helping handle emergency situations that may arise in the Association. These situations could be financial, staff, and/or church related.
2. The Administrative Team shall serve as a personnel team to advise and provide accountability to the Associational Missionary regarding staffing decisions.
3. They will search for and “call” support-staff in cooperation with the Associational Missionary. NOTE: they may have input on the calling of Alpha Pregnancy Center staff, but the final calling is a joint work of the APC Albany Director and the Bowen A.M.

1. They shall provide accountability to assist the A.M. in the termination of staff to ensure that the compassionate direction of Matthew 18 is followed. However, the Associational Missionary and/or Executive Committee shall be authorized to immediately suspend or remove a staff member for egregious moral misconduct.
2. They do not “call” the Associational Missionary. That process is carried out by a special “A.M. Search Team” created for that purpose by the association, and the candidate being offered to the Association for a vote.
3. The Team should meet with the Associational Missionary at the beginning of the Associational year to plan and coordinate the activities of the Association for the coming year and for long-range planning, that the Association might be able to accomplish more in the Lord’s work.
4. They shall accept other duties as deemed necessary by the Association and/or the A.M.
BAPTIST COLLEGIATE MINISTRY TEAM
1. This Team shall be composed of three members with at least one man.
2. They shall be considered on the “Board” of the BCM Ministry as noted in the “Constitution” of the SRTC/ABAC BCM (see Policies and Procedures Manual).
3. They shall assist the BCM Director in whatever means he deems necessary.
4. They are to communicate with him to assure him of their praying over the ministry.
5. They shall help seek support and participation from our churches.
6. They shall give a report at Executive Committee Meetings of their work.
CREDENTIALS TEAM
1. This team shall be composed of three members, at least one of which must be a currently serving Bowen senior/lead pastor.
2. They will help with the petition of any church that desires to be affiliated with the Bowen Baptist Association. It is their responsibility to examine the beliefs and practices of said church to assure they are in agreement with the Constitution and By-Laws and Policies and Procedures Manual of the Association, and the “Baptist Faith and Message, 2000”. They may then present or choose not to present a recommendation to the Executive Committee in accordance with the By-laws of the Association.
3. In the event of a doctrinal issue with a church within our association, it will be the committee’s responsibility to investigate the situation and report back to the Executive Committee concerning their findings, along with a recommendation.
1. They will also be available to examine eligibility of messengers voting at any Associational meeting.
2. They will also be available to provide orientation to new pastors who are not of Baptist background.
3. They will carry out the registration of the Annual Meeting messengers.

DISASTER RELIEF TEAM
1. This team is to be ready to participate in any disaster relief activity within the Association and wherever else they are needed.
2. The Director is responsible for providing training opportunities for the team members and may recruit new members as they are needed and trained.
3. The team members should take the training necessary to meet the required standards as set by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board Disaster Relief Ministry.
FINANCE TEAM
1. It is the responsibility of this team to plan an Annual Budget along with the Treasurer, the Ministry Assistant, and the Associational Missionary for the Association and its ministries based on present and future needs.
2. They are to consider the requests that have been submitted by each department for the coming year.
3. They are to meet at a time early enough to assure that the budget is ready to be presented at the Fall Executive Committee Meeting the first Thursday of November.
4. If needed, the Committee is to help with financial emergencies that may arise during the year.
5. The Associational Missionary will communicate with this committee in preparation of and in the oversight of the budgeting process
HOST/HOSTESS TEAM
1. This team is responsible for decorations, planning, etc. of any special activities for the Association. Examples: Special recognition receptions, retirement receptions, etc.
2. They shall work with a host church’s fellowship group to carry-out these events with hospitality and quality, if held in a hosting church.
NOMINATING TEAM
1. This committee shall be created by the previous year’s NOMINATING TEAM, and is responsible for meeting before the Fall Executive Committee Meeting for the purpose of nominating members of our churches within the Association to serve in various non-staff positions, including officers, administrative positions, and ministry teams.
2. They shall present a proposed slate of nominees for all open positions to the Fall Executive Committee Meeting.
3. The Committee should only consider people that are active members in a church of good standing in the Bowen Baptist Association.
4. The Committee should endeavor to enlist people from as many of the churches as possible.

PASTORS EMERGENCY FUND TEAM
1. This team consists of the Moderator, Associational Missionary, and one Pastor to be rotated each year.
2. They are responsible for evaluating the needs of Associational Pastors in times of emergency situations; death in the family, sickness, disaster, sudden termination, etc. They are permitted to give up to $500 one time from the Pastor’s Emergency Fund without going before the Administrative Team. Any amount above this should be brought before the Administrative Team.
PROPERTY AND MAINTENANCE TEAM
1. It is the responsibility of this team to look after the upkeep of the Association’s physical property.
1. For any needed repairs, the team may proceed with needed repairs that don’t exceed the budget.
1. This work will cover the Associational office, Alpha Pregnancy Center building, and any buildings and properties owned/operated by Bowen.
2. To recommend any repairs, the costs of which exceed what is budgeted shall be presented to the Finance Team for approval.
3. This work also covers construction needs as necessary and financing shall be appropriated to the Finance Team.
AD HOC TEAMS

The Associational Missionary, Moderator, Administrative Team, Executive Committee and/or the Association at an Annual Meeting can create short-term additional ministry teams. When its work is completed, the team is dissolved. Examples would be: Associational Missionary Search Team, Legal Documents Team, etc.

Example: MISSIONS DEVELOPMENT TEAM

1. This team helps to formulate plans with churches in the association, of mission efforts and new church plants throughout the Association.
2. Remembering this that churches start churches. The Association is an advisory and equipping body for any church who is led to begin a new work.
3. This team gives recommendations to the Executive Committee of the plans/partnerships with local churches, for their approval.
4. They assist in planning On-Mission Celebrations, and promote other mission efforts of the Association, partnering with Women’s and Men’s Missions Ministry, and the Missions Outreach Director.
5. They shall report their work at the appropriate Executive Committee Meeting, and submit a written report for the Annual Meeting to be included in the Minutes.
6. When a new church plant is recommended by this team and is approved by the Association, they are responsible for overseeing the distribution of any funds set up for the purpose of starting New Works within our Association.

Article VII. Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of either the enrolled messengers at any Annual Meeting or a two-thirds (2/3) vote at an Executive Committee Meeting. It is required that such proposed amendments be recommended after due study and preparation, by an Ad Hoc Committee, duly-called in a previously-held Executive or Annual Meeting. Proposed changes must be reported to the churches at least thirty days prior to the Executive Committee or Annual Meeting where the change(s) are to be presented and voted upon.