SGBC Manual Manual
St. George’s Baptist Church
“Building Community”

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History
St. George's Baptist Church
The Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention assigned missionaries to
Grenada on August 9, 1975. Through a radio programme sponsored by the Southern Baptist
Convention, contact was made with a prisoner on death row at the Richmond Hill prison, Leon
Edwards. A Bible study at the prison and in St. George's became the focal points of the beginning
of Grenada Baptists.
Worship services began at the St. George's chapel on Tyrrel Street, on December 7, 1975.
Missionaries Manget and Elaine Herrin served the church from its inception to the time the first
local was installed as pastor in 1982. While pastor Herrin was on furlough in the United States in
1979, missionary, Kenneth Wellmon served the church as pastor.
In 1981, the church divided to give birth to the Grand Anse Baptist Church. A number of
persons from the Grand Anse area were being bussed every Sunday to church at St. George’s. As
the number of persons increased, it became difficult to bus everyone to service. A decision was
therefore made to start a congregation in Grand Anse with those who were being bussed and
living to the South of the Golf Course.
On June 15, 1982, Osbert James, a recent graduate of the Barbados Baptist College, and the first
local to be called by the St. George's Church, became pastor of the church. He was ordained by
the church in December 1983. In 1987, he resigned to go abroad to do further studies in the
USA.
The Church called Pastor Roystan Isaac, also a graduate of the Barbados Baptist College, to
become its pastor. He and his family served the church faithfully for six years. In 1993, he
resigned because of a sense of being called to new ministries.
By then the former pastor, Osbert James, had returned after completing studies at the
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the US. He was asked by the church to become its
pastor, and he began his ministry in June of 1993.
In 1994, the church began a church training programme called the discipleship hour. Each
Sunday evening for thirteen weeks members attended one of several classes offered. There were
2 terms each year.
In 1995, the church called Pastor James to full-time ministry; he became the fist fully paid
minister that the church had ever called. Though the missionaries who served the church were
full-time, their salaries were paid by the Southern Baptist Convention. The St. George’s Church,
in calling a full-time minister, made a leap of faith.
Deacons were elected for the first time in the Church’s History in 1995, and the deacon
family ministry plan commenced in 1996 with five districts. The first five deacons were
Clifton Griffith, Cosil McDonald, Jeremiah Williams, Elma Roberts and Judith Lett.
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Basic Baptist beliefs and/or Characteristics
Christian Distinctive
1. Orthodox doctrines of God and Christ -- Baptists subscribe to the affirmations of the
Apostles Creed and the Christological definitions of the early ecumenical councils.
Protestant Distinctive
2. Authority of the Scripture--Bible is inspired, authoritative, sufficient for all doctrine; each
Baptist has the right and responsibility to read and interpret the Bible for him/herself.
3. Justification by Faith-- result of God's grace, but person is responsible for exercising faith.
4. Priesthood of all Believers-- Every Christian has equal access to God and has the same
responsibility to minister in Christ's name--function may be different, but status is the
same.
5. Perseverance of the Saints-- since salvation is a gift of God, the recipient is eternally
secure (not all Protestants believe this.)
Ecclesiological Distinctive
6. Baptism is for believers only--since baptism is a symbol of faith, it is only for those who
have exercised faith, not infants.
7. Baptism is by immersion--Baptists believe this was a New Testament practice, and that it
best fits the symbolism of dying and rising with Christ.
8. Church is body of baptized believers--Baptists do not have territorial or society-wide view
of the church, although most Baptists do accept the idea of "invisible church", composed of
all believers, not just members of the local churches.
9. Local church is subject only to Christ, not to any earthly authority--no hierarchy; each
church, association and convention is independent {modified somewhat by some groups
and by practical considerations such as economics}
10. Baptists have "ordinances", not sacraments--Lord's Supper and Baptism are not means of
grace, but symbolic acts done as expressions of faith and in remembrance of the work of
Christ
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Item to Which Baptists Have the Strongest Claim
11. Religious liberty--throughout their history, Baptists have been among the staunchest
defenders of "Soul Liberty", freedom of conscience in matters of religion, and have argued
that faith cannot be coerced.
12. Separation of Church and State.
Baptists believe that the local temporal church is subject to no other authority except that
of its head, Christ. The government, therefore, is not to make laws dictating how the
church is run, who can be its officers or determine its fiscal policy.
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Brief History of Baptists
English Baptist, 17th Century
The Baptist denomination grew out of the Anglican church in England in the 1600's. When
Henry VIII (Act of Supremacy 1534) pulled the Church of England out of the Roman Catholic
fold, many people thought that maybe the spirit of reformation which had hit the continent
(beginning with the Lutheran Reformation) would transform the English church; however, the
church remained essentially Catholic in doctrine and practice.
It was Henry's son Edward, under the encouragement of his Protestant advisors, who first gave
the church a distinctive colouring of its own. As early as 1549, the church adopted a new prayer
book which guided worship liturgy, and in 1552 when it was revised, it prescribed an even more
Protestant style of worship. In addition the church adopted a new doctrinal standard
called the Forty Two Articles (later reduced to 39) which had a distinctive Calvinist colouring.
Puritanism
There were a number of people within the Church of England who felt the reformation had not
gone far enough. Eventually a distinct group emerged to advocate for a more complete reform.
They were called Puritans because they sought a "pure Church." What they wanted basically was
to simplify worship patterns, modify church government from the Episcopal type to more
Presbyterian type and to adopt more Calvinistic doctrines. They did not desire to leave the church
- only reform it. The changes they advocated were resisted.
Separatism
Not able to reform the church, a number of the Puritans eventually left to form their own
independent congregations. These people were called Separatists. There were two types: those
who separated out of pragmatism and those who separated out of principle1 The first type
(pragmatic) felt that though they would prefer to remain in the Church of England, they could
better promote reform from the outside of it. Those who left on principle had the deep conviction
that the church ought to be liberated of government connection - of this type Baptist are more
closely related.
Within the separatist movement there were people who were called non-separating separatists
who felt that they could bring change to the church from within, and the "independents." who
were borderline- semi-separatists; they worshipped within the Church of England but had
churches outside the Church of England.
McBeth Leon H. The Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness.
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English General (atonement) Baptists.
General Baptists believed that man has freedom to believe in Christ and that whomever believed
will be saved; they also held that no one was predestined to salvation or damnation, but that the
saved may renounce their faith and lose their salvation. They also believed that all the local
churches made up only one church.2
John Smythe . d. 1612.
Smythe was a well educated preacher and teacher. He was dismissed from the Church of England
for personal preaching. In 1606 he emerged as leader of a separatist congregation at
Gainsborough. The church split (intentionally) because it had become too large and thus,
conspicuous in a time when it was illegal to be outside of the Church of England. The church
split into two groups: one led by Smythe and the other by John Robinson which ended up in
America. The Smythe group went to Holland where there was more toleration for religious
dissenters. There Smythe baptized himself by affusion (pouring) and was thus called se-Baptist
or self baptized. Smythe then baptized the others.
About 1610 Smythe said he made a mistake about baptizing himself and sought membership
from the Mennonites (1611). There then arose a conflict between Smythe and Thomas Helwys
about Smythe's seeking sanction from the Mennonites. In 1611, Helwys and a group returned to
England. Smythe and most of the group remained in Holland where all but Smythe were given
membership in the Mennonite church. This group ceased to be Baptist
Thomas Helwys
Helwys and his group returned from Holland to England and set up at a place at the edge of
England called Spitafield. This congregation was later called Baptist. They did not practice
baptism by immersion, thus some people do not call them Baptist. After Helwys death, the
leader was Thomas Murton. By 1644, there were five separatist General Baptist churches, and
they had adopted immersion.
Particular (atonement) Baptists
Particular Baptists were so called because they believed in a particular atonement - that Christ
died only for the elect whom he had predestined to be saved. They also believed that man was
totally depraved, responded to irresistible grace, and the saved were eternally secure.
Particular Baptists came from the independent separatist puritans. Their first church (JLJ) was
named for Jacob, Lathrop and Jessey who were pastors. The JLJ independent congregation had a
long history. About 1633, a group (A) left the congregation. By 1634, they were joined by
another group (B). Between 1633 -1638, this group (A+B) began to believe the proper subject for
baptism was the believer. Another group (C) left the JLJ congregation because they (C) believed
in believer's baptism; they joined the group of A+B. We must note that the JLJ church was not
Baptist.
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The First Baptist Church
By 1640, some members began to have questions about how baptism is to be done. The
particular Baptists heard about a group in Holland which practiced baptism by immersion, and so
they sent Richard Blount to Holland. When he returned he baptized the members by immersion
(1641). To some people this was the first Baptist church.
The Name Baptist
Baptist did not name themselves. The opponents of Baptists called them Anabaptist, but they
preferred to be called "Brethren," the "Baptized Churches" and the "Churches of the Baptized
Way." In 1644, in a book called The Anabaptist Foundations Found False the term Baptist was
used to describe Baptists. In 1654, a Baptist wrote using the word to describe Baptist: "a
moderate Baptist." The term “Baptist” therefore was a nickname given to those who “plung’d
over head and eares”3,
English Baptists - 1st and 19 cent.
The period 1689-1750 was a time of stagnation for English Baptists characterized by theological
tension. There were conflicts between the General and Particular Baptists primarily on the
doctrine of the atonement. Within each group there was also conflict: for example, among the
Particular Baptists there was conflict between Calvinist and Hypercalvinists, among the General
Baptists, hyperarminianism led to the rejection of all doctrines that seemed irrational.
LEADERSHIP PROBLEMS
When the Baptist work began they had pastors who were well educated, but with the restrictions
on education imposed by the state on those who were not of the state church, there developed the
problem of leadership. The Act of Toleration was passed soon after William of Orange and Mary
started to rule. Though the Act said that dissenters (among whom Baptists were numbered) could
worship, it prevented them from holding office or attending Cambridge and Oxford Universities.
Trend to Unite
In the 19th century there was among Baptists in England a trend towards unity. Smallness,
common goals made such unity desirable; however, the Baptist Union was not formed until
1831. After 1891, the General Baptists and Particular Baptists came together.
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The following section was adapted from Leon McBeth’s Pamphlet on Baptist Beginnings.4
The Baptist Association
Beyond the local congregation, the oldest form of organization in Baptist life is the association.
Very early in their religious evolution, Baptists entered into fellowship with other believers who
shared a common faith. As early as 1624 and again in 1630, several General Baptists churches in
London acted together in discussing doctrine and in corresponding with other believers. Though
not formally organised as an association, they sowed the seed for later development of the
organization called the Association, and by 1560 the Baptist association was well established.
The General Assembly
Each branch of English Baptists called its national organization the General Assembly. It was
composed of representatives from various churches and associations, and usually met in London.
The function of the General Assembly was to provide fellowship, counsel and comfort to
Baptists who lived during difficult days of persecution.
It must be noted, however, that General and Particular Baptists developed sharply different
concepts of the function and authority of the denominational meetings. General Baptists
considered a meeting of the general assembly to be a meeting of the “General Baptist Church”
with full authority to perform churchly acts. This gave the denomination a certain amount of
jurisdiction or control over local congregations.
Particular Baptists, on the other hand, never allowed an association or General Assembly to
become “the Church” or to do churchly acts (of this type is the St. George’s Baptist following
the Southern Baptist tradition through which we came). Particular Baptists leaned over
backwards to protect the freedom of the local church and prevent the denomination from
interfering in their affairs.
In their Second London Confession (1677), Particular Baptists dealt with how to deal with
problems that occurred in local churches:
In cases of difficulties or differences, ... it is according to the mind of Christ, that many
churches holding communion together, do by their messengers meet to consider and give
their advice in, or about that matter in difference to be reported to all the churches
concerned; howbeit these messengers assembled, are not entrusted with any church-power
properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves... or to impose
their determination on the churches or its officers.
This statement is an attempt to resist any attempt to derail the autonomy of the local church by
associational leaders.
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Baptist Beginnings in America
Baptists in America have almost no connection with Baptists in England - that is to say that no
overt attempt by Baptists in England to spread the Baptist witness in the American colonies was
attempted - although strictly speaking, there was some connection. One may say, however, that
the Baptist Church in America was formed by persons who had left England because of religious
persecution.
Roger Williams (1603-1683) was born in England, attended Cambridge and later became an
Anglican priest. However, he became critical of the church and subsequently left it. He arrived in
America and was offered a teaching job by the Massachusetts Puritans, but he declined since they
were not separatists. He joined the separatists, but later went to Salem, non-separatists puritans’
territory. He criticized the puritans and was banished from the colony but was told he could wait
until after winter to leave. However, he continued to talk and try to convert people, and so they
tried to send him back to England. He fled and would have died had it not been for the Indians
who helped him. From them he bought land on which he established Providence Plantation.
Williams used Providence Estate as the place where people who were suffering from the same
persecution as he could come. This place, Rhode Island, was the first colony with complete
religious liberty.
A church was founded at Providence in 1637. Roger Williams and Ezekiel Hollimand were
instrumental in the founding of the church. Hollimand baptized Williams and Williams baptized
Hollimand and the several others. Williams was probably not baptized by immersion. The church
became the Baptist Church of Providence; it is considered the first Baptist church in America.
Williams did not remain a member of this church; he withdrew and never belonged to a Baptist
or any other church.
Newport Church
John Clarke (1609-1676) was a company doctor from England. He founded a church in 1638.
There was little evidence that it was founded then and little evidence that it was not. It was
probably founded sometime between 1638-1644.
There is small evidence that there is a connection between this church and Baptist churches in
England. The name Lucan was on the roll; there was also a name of a man "Lucan" in a Baptist
church in England. By 1648, the Newport church practiced baptism by immersion.
There were a number of Baptists besides Particular and General Baptists.
Separate Baptists
This group came about as a result of the people being converted at the Great Awakening and did
not come directly from another Baptists group. They were generally very emotional and
evangelical, very much afraid of crippling institutions such like educational institutions, and had
a looser definition of doctrine (basically moderate Calvinist) and were loose about organizations. .

Separate Baptists are more likely to stress emotional conversion than Regular Baptists.

United Baptists
A union of Regular and Separate Baptist occurred. Initial attempts at union were delayed for a
number of reasons.5 This union did not occur in the same place and all at once - one of the first
places was Kentucky. Quite often, the three terms separate, regular and united - were used. The
name "United Baptists” never really stuck. Although some groups were “united” many people
continued to use their old names. The joined Baptists had increased interest in missions.
Baptists Organized for Mission
Baptist and other non-Roman Catholics were not always involved in Foreign Missions before the
time of William Carey who is considered the father of protestant missions. When Carey was sent
to the Indians, various branches of the Eastern Church, especially the Nestorians and the Eastern
Orthodox, Celtic and Roman Catholics had been sending missionaries for over 1500 years. The
way Baptists and other Protestant groups have done Missions was modelled after the Roman
Catholic.
Carey was by no means the first Protestant missionary or the first to advocate missions. He was
influenced by Moravian missionaries. William Carey and others organized the Baptist
Missionary Society in England. A missionary society was different from a missionary association
or convention. It was a parallel denominational group (then of Men) who believed in foreign
missions and provided the resources - financial and otherwise, for the support of the mission
enterprise.

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Baptists Associations organized for missions
The Philadelphia association (1707) was the first association in America. Other associations were
in time started after the Philadelphia model. These were organized for mutual support,
fellowship, the preservation of pure doctrine, and later, the ordination of men to the ministry.
William Carey quickly attracted the attention and support of Baptist in America.
The breakthrough for Baptist missions in America came from the Second Awakening. The
energy from this phenomenon was channelled into benevolent societies of which the mission
effort was one. The Haystack meeting of 1808 saw young men committing themselves to the
mission endeavour. Among these were Luther Rice and Adoniram Judson.
In 1810 the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was formed. In1812 Judson
and his wife, Anne Hasseltine, sailed for the mission field - India.
Baptist in The USA organized for Missions.
William Carey wrote many Baptists in America for the support of the mission effort and
suggested that American Baptists start an independent mission effort. Although Carey and Luther
Rice were commissioned and sent by the Congregational missionary society, about $3,000 of
their support was provided by American Baptists. In Boston in 1812 a Baptist Missionary society
was formed for the propagation of the gospel.
Rice had returned from India to raise funds. He went throughout America trying to get Baptists to
support the mission effort. Thirty-three men met in the 1st Baptist church of Philadelphia and
formed the Triennial convention on May 18, 1814.
Among Baptists there were two types of missionary societies
1. Baptist Missionary society. The society was project oriented. One became a member by
giving financial contribution.
2. Associational. This type worked through churches rather than individuals and its support
came from the churches.
Triennial conference
The Triennial Convention attempted to include both types in its organization and was successful
for a while. In 1826, the dissolution of the triennial convention began. At a meeting of which 2/3
of the people were from Massachusetts and New York, the decision was taken to become only a
Foreign Missionary society and transferred the staff from Washington D.C. to Boston.
Relationship between the Baptists in the North and Baptists in the South was rocky and reached
its darkest point with the Southern Baptists forming their own regional organization.
The following are some of the causes of division:
-Regionalism
-The control of the Foreign Mission apparatus by the Baptist from Boston
-Fundamental disagreement about how missions ought to be done
-The question of Slavery
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Formation of the Southern Baptist Convention
Causes of Separation
Slavery - every single institution that had strong ties both in the North and South split over the
issue of slavery: Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterian.
Slavery was endemic to the South. It was a vital part of its economy. The fortunes of Slavery
fluctuated in the South. Although there were Southern churches which opposed slavery, with the
invention of the cotton gin, cotton picking by slaves became extremely profitable and many of
these churches became “hoarse” on the issue of slavery.
Abolitionist sentiment (the desire for the abolition of slavery) - back in the cities, abolitionist
sentiment was growing.
Arguments for slavery
It was argued that slavery was instituted by God who perpetuated the institution when he made it
part of the institution of Israel. In addition, it was argued that Paul supported slavery see A
Scriptural Defense of Slavery by Storton Stringfellow. Richard Furman, the first president of the
Southern Baptist Convention also supported Slavery.
Dissatisfaction with the ABHMS
People in the South felt they were not getting enough for their money.
Southern Baptists felt that although they made substantial financial contributions to the
American Baptist Home Missions Society they did not receive their fair allotment of home
missionaries.
Ecclesiological differences
Some people felt the society method was better for doing missions; others felt a thoroughly
organized, efficient system would ensure a better job is done. In addition Baptists in the South
had problems attending the meetings in the North to conduct the organization’s business and
therefore were usually poorly represented at those meetings.
The Southern Baptist Convention was born in Augusta, Georgia in 1845. Today it works through
several agencies /boards: The Foreign Mission Board, the Home Mission Board, the Sunday
School Board, and Annuity Board. There are some 6 Seminaries.
In 1975, Southern Baptist Missionaries, Manget and Elain Herrin arrived in Grenada; this was
the genesis of Grenada Baptists.
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Historical Background
  Baptists have existed in various Islands/territories of the Caribbean since the 1780's. For reasons
  of colonialism, deeply rooted in Caribbean history which contributed to insularity rather than
  unity, there was very limited opportunity for meeting each other and working with each other.
  At the eleventh Congress of the Baptist World Alliance held in Miami, Florida, USA in June
  1965, and at the insistence of the Reverend Dr. Ruben Lopez of Brazil, a proposal to launch a
  five-year programme of evangelism in the Americas and the Caribbean was accepted.
  The "Crusade of the Americas" served to bring Baptists of the Caribbean region closer together
  and revealed the need as well as the opportunity and possibility for a closer working relationship.
  At the invitation of the Jamaica Baptist Union, a meeting was held at the Baptist Conference
  Centre in Duncans, Trelawny, Jamaica, June 1-3, 1969, with thirty-seven representatives of
  fourteen island/territories voting to recommend the formation of an organization to be known as
  the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship.
  The organization was formally constituted at a meeting at the Conference Centre of the Florida
  Baptist Convention, Lake Yale Florida, USA, on April 3, 1970, comprised of the following
  thirteen member bodies: Bermuda Baptist Mission, Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and
  Educational Convention, Jamaica Baptist Union, Puerto Rican Baptist Association, St. Kitts
  Baptist Work, Guadeloupe Baptist Mission, the Guyana Baptist Mission, Haitian Baptist
  Convention, Cayman Islands Baptist Mission St. Thomas Baptist Association (U.S.V.I.),
  St. John's Baptist Association (U.S.V.I.), The Baptist Union of Trinidad and Tobago and the
  Trinidad Baptist Mission.
  Application sent to the Baptist World Alliance Executive Committee for recognition of the
  Caribbean Baptist Fellowship as a regional entity in that body was formally approved at its
  annual meeting in Tokyo, Japan in July 1970.
Purpose and Function
  [The following are the purposes and functions of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship]:
  1) Promote fellowship, cooperation and service among Baptists throughout the Caribbean, by
  means of correspondence, called meetings, study and the promotion of appropriate
  activities for the development of Christian maturity, ministry and witness.
  2) Produce and promote the use of appropriate and culturally relevant literature and media
  materials for the spiritual nurture of our people and the growth of our churches.

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Purpose and Function (continued)
3) Encourage and coordinate efforts in evangelism, mission and church development designed
to result in the strengthening of existing churches and the planting of new congregations.
4) Serve as a channel of communication, understanding and cooperation among Baptists
within the region.
5) Seek as far as possible to come to the speedy assistance of persons in need both at regional
and international levels.
6) Advance the study of Baptist beliefs, polity and practices.
7) Actively pursue the safeguarding of human rights including religious liberty, justice and
individual freedoms.
8) Be faithful to the biblical prophetic role and the historic Baptist tradition in addressing
moral, social, economic and political issues as they affect human life and well-being.
9) Serve as the regional expression of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), encourage
participation in its programmes and ministries and be a channel of communication between
the BWA and the member bodies of the CBF.
10) Undertake such additional functions as the CBF may decide from time to time.

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Grenada Baptist Association7
The Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention assigned missionaries to
Grenada on August 9, 1975. Through a radio broadcast sponsored by the Southern Baptist
Convention, contact was made with Leon Edwards who was a prisoner at the Richmond Hill
prison. A Bible study at the prison and also in St. George's became the focal points of the
beginning of ministry in Grenada for Grenada Baptists.
Worship services began at the St. George's Chapel on Tyrell Street on December 7, 1975. From
these beginnings the Baptist witness grew. Missionaries sponsored by the Jamaica Baptist Union
began cooperative efforts with Southern Baptists Missionaries already here.
Throughout the years Grenada Baptists have sought to live by the Motto "Serving the Whole
Man." This has been evidenced by the Grenada Baptist Dental Ministry, by local projects
designed to meet spiritual, social and physical needs, and by the consistent proclamation of the
Word of God. Grenada Baptists were the first to respond to the needs of residents affected by the
1983 intervention by United States Forces by replacing or repairing roofing material and window
glass. Regular ministries to hospitals, homes for the aged and orphanages are means of reaching
out to people with the love of Jesus Christ.
The Grenada Baptist Association, incorporated by an act of parliament on the 30th of November
1984, is the voluntary coming together of member Baptist Churches for fellowship, training and
development of church members. Each member church engages faithfully in regular programmes
of Bible Study, Fellowship and Worship for all members.
Regular services are held at 9:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Sundays and at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday
in all member churches.
The Grenada Baptist Association is affiliated with the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship and the
Southern Baptist Convention. The members of the Grenada Baptist Association are Emmanuel
Baptist Church (1977), Grand Anse Baptist Church (1981), Grand Bacolet Baptist Church (1982)

The history of the beginning of the Grenada Baptist Association is similar to that

of the St. George's Baptist Church as the St. George's Baptist Church is evolution of
the first efforts of the pioneer missionaries Manget and Elaine Herrin. Baptist work
in Grenada began with the efforts out of which the St. George's Baptist church was
born.

Constitution & Bylaws
St. George’s Baptist Church
Preamble
We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to
govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each
individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches.
I. Name
This body shall be known as the St. George's Baptist Church of Grenada, located at the
intersection of the Springs and Belmont roads, St. George's.
II. Objectives
To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many
people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world.
To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and
responding in obedience to His leadership.
To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers, showing
through our love for one another that we are Christ's disciples.
To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man.
To be a church which ministers lovingly to persons in the community and the world in Jesus
name.
To be a church whose purpose is to be Christ-like in our daily living emphasizing total
commitment of life, personality and possessions to the lordship of Christ.
To be a community saturated in and permeated by Christ's love - involved in the lives of each
other, being supportive and helping in times of need, and sharing in each others joy in times of
celebration.
III Statement of Basic Beliefs
1. The Scriptures
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only
sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.
2. God
There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all
perfection, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence
and obedience.
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III Statement of Basic Beliefs (Continued)
10. Faith
Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning
Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life. It is
wrought in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving
graces, and leads to a life of holiness.
11. Justification
Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sins,
through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them,
but on account of obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His
righteousness by faith - a faith He gives them.
12. Sanctification
Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. This
sanctification is progressive through the supply of divine strength, which all saints obtain, pressing
after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands. In the process of sanctification,
the believer takes upon him/herself certain attributes of Christ given at the time of salvation in the
Fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22)
13. Perseveranceofthe Saints
Those whom God has accepted in the beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor
finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end. The New
Testament teaching is not that a man shall persevere regardless of what he is in character; rather, it
asserts that the justifying and regenerating grace of God so revolutionizes his character that he can
never again be what he was before (2 Cor. 5:17, 1 John 3:9). And though he may fall through
neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby he grieves the Spirit, impair his graces and comforts,
bring reproach on the church, and temporal judgements upon himself, yet he shall be renewed again
unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God.
14. The Church
The Lord Jesus is the head of the Church which is composed of those who have accepted Him by
faith and are His disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. To do
his work locally and because of certain distinctive, Christians have banded themselves into peculiar
bodies and to the individual members of his Church he has given gifts to exercise in the building up
of his body.
15. Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, obligatory on every believer, wherein he is
immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of
fellowship in His death and resurrection, of remission of sins and of his giving himself up to God to
live and walk in newness of life. Baptism is a post-salvation experience and imparts no saving
grace. It is only a symbol.
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III Statement of Basic Beliefs (Continued)
16. TheLord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ to be observed by His churches till the end of the
world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm faith in
His saving work and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of believers' communion with Him and their
church fellowship. Though the church may determine its frequency of observance, whenever it is
observed, it should be a memorial of His death and a sign of His new covenant.
17. TheLord's Day III Statement of Basic Beliefs
The Lord's Day is a Christian institution of regular observance and should be employed in the
exercises of worship and spiritual devotion - both public and private. Christians generally observe
the Lord's Day on the first day of the week because that is when Jesus rose from the dead, and
because that is the day on which the New Testament Christians met for worship.
18. Libertyof Conscience
God alone is the Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and
commandments of men which are contrary to His word. Civil magistrates, being ordained of God,
subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not
because of fear of punishment, but because it is what Christ would have us do.
19. The Resurrection
The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits depart immediately to God -- the
righteous to a place of bliss; the wicked to a place of torment. The condition both of bliss and
torment is not complete. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both righteous and wicked, shall
be raised and each assigned to its eternal abode -- the righteous to eternal life; the wicked to eternal
torment.
20. Judgement
God has appointed a day when he will judge the world by Jesus Christ - a time when everyone shall
receive according to his deeds his reward. For all practical purposes, the destination of each person
is determined by him/her through his/her decision either to accept or reject Christ while alive. The
judgement, in addition to being a time of reward-giving, shall be a time of assigning each person to
his/her eternal abode.
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III. Church Covenant
Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and
Saviour and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the father, and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly
and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
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 comfort; to promote its prosperity and
spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and
regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and
the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children in the way of the
Lord; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to
be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid
being quarrelsome and overly critical (all tattling and backbiting) and excessively angry; to abstain
from the sale or use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to use our influence to combat the abuse
of drugs, abuse of children, the spread of pornography and the destruction of the environment; and
to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly and sisterly 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 offence, but always ready for
reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we move from this place we will as soon as possible unite with
some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's
Word.
V. Polity and Relationships
The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly
received by the members of this church shall constitute its membership. (See Article I of the
Bylaws).
All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable only to
the church, unless otherwise specified by church action.
This church is subject to no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations
of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among Baptist churches. Insofar as is
practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Grenada Baptist Association, the
Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
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The church may delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to an assistant church
secretary who will assist the secretary. All church records are church property and shall be
kept in the church office when an office is maintained.
(5) Church Treasurer
The church shall elect annually a church treasurer as its financial officer. It shall be the duty
of the treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers approved and
signed by authorized personnel, all money or things of value paid or given to the church,
keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. It shall be the
duty of the treasurer to render to the church at each regular business meeting an itemized
report of the receipts and disbursements of the preceding month. The treasurer's report and
records shall be audited annually by an auditing committee or public accountant.
Upon rendering the annual account at the end of each fiscal year and its acceptance and
approval by the church, the records shall be delivered by the treasurer to the church
secretary, who shall keep and preserve the account as a part of the permanent records of the
church,
(6) Trustee
The church shall elect three or more trustees to serve as legal officers for the church. They
shall hold in trust the church property. Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each
action, they shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any of the church
property. When the signatures of trustees are required, they shall sign legal documents
involving the sale, mortgage, purchase or rental of property, or other legal documents
related to church-approved matters.
Trustees shall serve on a rotation basis, with one new trustee being elected every three
years.
Section 2. Committees
The committees of this church shall be a nominating committee, a finance/stewardship committee,
a building and grounds committee, an usher committee, an ordinance and flower committee, a
fellowship and bus committee, a missions/evangelism committee, a church ministries committee, a
media services committee, and such other regular and special committees as the church shall
authorize. Additional regular committees shall be added by the amendment procedure prescribed
within these bylaws. All church committee members must be recommended by the nomination
committee and elected by the church unless otherwise specified within these bylaws.
Committee members shall serve on a three-year rotation basis, with one third to be elected each
year. (Detailed job descriptions and responsibilities will be found in the Church Operations
Manual).
III. Church Program Organizations
The church shall maintain Bible Teaching (Sunday School), Church Training, Baptist women,
Baptist Young Women, Baptist Men, Baptist Young Adults, and Baptist Youth work. The leaders
of church groups shall be nominated by members of the groups, and such nomination made known
to the nominating committee. The leader will be elected by the church at its annual election.
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IV. Church Program services
The church media centre (library) will be the resource centre for the church. Its personnel will seek
to provide and promote the use of printed and audiovisual resources. They also will provide
consultation to church leaders and members about printed and audiovisual resources.
V. The Church Council.
The church council shall serve the church by leading in planning, coordinating, conducting and
evaluating the ministries and programs of the church and its organizations.
The primary functions of the church council shall be to recommend to the church suggested
objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate ministry and program plans recommended by
church officers, organizations and committees; to recommend to the church the use of leadership
calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate achievements in
terms of church objectives and goals.
Regular members of the church council shall be the pastor, presidents/chairpersons of church
programs, organizations and committees; media centre director/librarian, and chairperson of
deacons.
All matters agreed upon by the church council which call for action not already approved, shall be
referred to the church for approval or disapproval.
VI. Church Ordinances.
Section 1. Baptism
This church shall receive for baptism any person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour by
personal faith, who professes him publicly in any worship service, and who indicates a commitment
to follow Christ as Lord.
(1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water
(2) The pastor or whomever the church shall authorize shall administer baptism. The deacons
shall assist in the preparation for, and observance of baptism.
(3) Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the
church.
(4) All persons desiring baptism shall be counselled by the pastor or other person so authorized.
Section 2. The Lord's Supper
The church shall regularly observe the Lord's Supper quarterly, the first Sunday of the quarter.
Unless otherwise scheduled by the church, the observance shall generally alternate between
morning and evening services of worship. The pastor, assisted by the deacons, shall administer the
Lord's Supper. (The above not withstanding the ordinance may also be observed on any other day of
the week or time as the church decides). The ordinance committee shall be responsible for the
physical preparation for the supper.
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VII. Church Meetings
Section 1. Worship Services
The Church shall meet regularly each Sunday Morning, Sunday evening, and Thursday evening
for the worship of almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instructions, fellowship and evangelism
shall be among the ingredients of these services. The pastor shall direct the services for all the
church members and for all others who may choose to attend.
Section 2. Special Services.
Revival services, crusades and any other church meetings essential to the advancement of the
church's objectives shall be placed on the church calendar.
Section 3. Regular Business Meetings.
The church shall hold regular business meetings bi-monthly on the last Sunday evening of the
month in which it falls.
Section 4. Special Business Meetings
The church may conduct called business meetings to consider matters of special nature and
significance. A one-week notice must be given for the specially called business meeting unless
extreme urgency renders such notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, the date, and
the time and place, and it must be given in such a manner that all resident members have
opportunity to know of the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum.
The quorum shall consist of those members who attend the business meeting provided it is a stated
meeting or one that has been properly called.
VII. Church Finances
Section 1. Budget.
The Finance/stewardship committee, in consultation with the church council, shall prepare and
submit to the church for approval an inclusive budget, indicating by items, the amount needed and
sought for all local and other expenses. Offering envelopes will be provided for members’ use.
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church
and its causes with regular, proportionate gifts. Annually there shall be opportunities to secure
worthy commitments of financial support from the church members.
Section 2. Accounting procedures
All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer, or
financial secretary, and be properly recorded on the books of the church.
A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of funds shall be the
responsibility of the finance/stewardship committee.
Section 3. Fiscal Year
The church fiscal year shall run concurrently with the church year which begins on January 1 and
ends on December 31.

IX. Church Operations Manual
A special committee of the church shall develop a church operations manual to include church
policies and procedures, job descriptions, and organization charts depicting lines of responsibility in
the administration of the church. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available
for use there by any member of the church. The church secretary shall maintain the manual. The
church council or a special committee shall review the manual at least annually, with authority to
recommend changes for the church to consider. Any church member or church organization may
initiate suggested changes in the manual.
Additions, revisions, or deletion of church policies require: (1) recommendation of the church
officer or organization to whose area of responsibility the policy relates, (2) discussion by the
church council, and (3) approval by the church.
Procedures may be added, revised, or deleted by: (1) recommendation of the church officer or
organization to whose area of responsibility the procedure relates, (2) discussion by the church
council, and (3) approval by the church.
X. Amendments
Changes in the constitution and Bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church
provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous business meeting and
copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to every member present at the earlier
meeting. Amendments to the constitution shall be by two-thirds vote of church members present.
Amendments to the bylaws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and
voting.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART -- ST. GEORGE’S BAPTIST CHURCH
CHURCH IN CONFERENCE
Pastor
Associate Minister
Church Council
Deacons Church Programme Committee
Officers Leaders Chair persons

The following are the basic programmes of the St. George's Baptist Church and their tasks:
Bible Teaching or Sunday School
1. Reach persons for Bible study
2. Teach the Bible
3. Witness to persons about Christ and lead persons into church membership.
4. Minister to Sunday School members and non-members
5. Lead members in participating in and appreciating worship
6. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Church Training
1. Equip church members for discipleship and personal ministry
2. Teach courses that will make members aware of their responsibilities as Christians,
church members, Baptists, family members and citizens of both a temporal and
supernatural state. The curriculum should include Christian theology, Baptist doctrine,
Christian Ethics, Christian and Baptist history, and Church Polity and Organization.
3. Equip church leaders for service
4. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Music Ministry
1. Provide musical experiences in congregational services
2. Develop musical skill, attitudes and understandings
3. Witness and minister through music
4. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Men's Work
1. Assist in the spiritual and personal growth of men.
2. Provide meaningful opportunities for church and community service.
3. Provide meaningful activities which meet the developmental, recreational, educational,
and social needs of men.
4. Be a conduit through which other men may become Christians and church members.
5. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Women's Work
1. Assist in the spiritual and personal growth of women.
2. Provide meaningful opportunities for church and community service.
3. Provide meaningful activities which meet the developmental, recreational, educational,
and social needs of women.
4. Be a conduit through which other women may become Christians and church
members.
5. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
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Baptist Young Women
1. Assist in the spiritual and personal growth of young women.
2. Provide meaningful opportunities for church and community service.
3. Provide meaningful activities which meet the developmental, recreational, educational,
and social needs of young women.
4. Engage in mission activities
5. Lead the church in praying for and giving to missions
6. Be a conduit through which other young women may become Christians and church
members.
7. Work closely with the missions committee
8. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Young Adult
1. Assist in the spiritual and personal growth of young adults.
2. Provide meaningful opportunities for church and community service.
3. Provide meaningful, challenging activities which meet the developmental, recreational,
educational, and social needs of young adults.
4. Be a conduit through which other young adults may become Christians and church
members.
5. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Youth
1. Assist in the spiritual and personal growth of youths.
2. Provide meaningful opportunities for church and community service.
3. Provide meaningful, challenging activities which meet the developmental, recreational,
educational, and social needs of youths.
4. Be a conduit through which other youths may become Christians and church members.
5. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.
Pastoral Ministries
1. Lead the church in the accomplishment of its duties
2. Proclaim the Gospel to believers and unbelievers
3. Care for church members and others in the community
4. Interpret and undergird the work of the church and the denomination.

The Pastoral Ministries of this church includes the ministry of the pastor and the Deacons;
their job descriptions follow:
Pastor
Principal Function: The pastor is responsible to the church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, to teach the biblical revelation, to engage in pastoral care ministries, to provide
administrative leadership in all areas of church life, and to act as chief administrator of all other
paid staff.
Responsibilities:
1. Plan and conduct the worship services; prepare and deliver sermons; lead in the
observance of the ordinances (Baptism and Lord Supper).
2. Lead the church in an effective programme of witnessing and in a caring ministry for
persons in the church and community.
3 Visit members and prospects.
4. Conduct counselling sessions; perform wedding and dedication ceremonies; conduct
funerals.
5. Serve as chairman of the Church Council to lead in planning, organising, directing, co-
ordinating and evaluating the total programme of the church.
6. Work with the deacons, church officers, and committees as they perform their assigned
responsibilities; train and lead deacons in a programme of family ministries.
7. Act as moderator of church business unless the church decides otherwise.
8. Co-operate with associational, regional and international Baptist leaders and local
missionaries in matters of mutual interest and concern; keep the church informed of
denominational developments; represent the church in civic matters.
9. Serve as chief administrator of any paid church personnel and supervise the work of
assigned paid staff workers.
10. Provide the church annually with a report of the past year’s ministry.
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Deacons
Qualifications and Duties:
1. A deacon shall be at least 21 years of age as of January 1st of the year in which the
election for deacons is held.
2. He or she shall have been a member of this church at least one year as of the date of
the election.
3. He or she shall measure up to the requirements in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3.
4. He or she shall live a consecrated Christian life, bringing no reproach by his/her conduct
upon the church or cause of Christ.
5. He/she shall regularly attend church Sunday morning and Sunday night, prayer meeting
on Thursday evenings, be involved in the discipleship programme of the church either as
a discipler or disciple, and attend all special church meetings unless hindered by
circumstances beyond his/her control.
6. He/she shall be a tither, contributing systematically his tithes and offerings for the work
of the Lord through this congregation
7. He/she shall be interested in the salvation of his fellowman and understand the urgency of
sharing the gospel though his life and word.
8. He/she should have been demonstrating and continue to demonstrate a cooperative spirit
with the church and its leaders and working toward the spiritual advancement of the body.
9. He/she shall be a man/woman who refrains from destructive criticism of the church's
leaders and the church, willing to settle all difficulties in a quiet and Christian manner,
without hurting the cause of Christ and his church.
10. He/she shall be able to keep in confidence those things which should not be discussed
with others.
Terms of Service:
Deacons shall serve on rotation basis. Each year the assigned term of office of one third of the
number of deacons shall expire, and election shall be held to fill vacancies and to add to the
deacons such numbers as the church size warrants. In case of death or removal or incapacity to
serve, the church may elect a deacon to fill the unexpired term. After serving a term of three
years' assignment, a deacon shall be eligible for re-election only after the lapse of at least one
year. There shall be no obligation to constitute as an assigned deacon one who has been a deacon
in another church; but in such instances as one might be chosen by this church for assignment as
a deacon, his previous ordination by another church of like faith and order shall suffice for this
church.

Duties:
In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice in the New Testament, deacons are
to be servants of the church. Their task is to serve with the pastor and other leaders in performing
the pastoral ministries tasks of (1) leading the church in the achievement of its mission, (2)
proclaiming the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and (3) caring for the church's members and
other persons in the community.
CHURCH OFFICERS
Moderator
Principal Function: The chief responsibility of the moderator is to make preparation for and to
preside at church business meetings, that is, to coordinate and facilitate productive business
meetings in an orderly, efficient manner.
Duties
1. Develop church business meeting agenda in cooperation with appropriate persons. Copies
should be shared with pastor if different from moderator, chairperson of deacons and
others included on the agenda prior to each session, if possible.
2. Help members stay informed and involved in church business by promoting attendance
and participation in business meetings.
3. Preside over all business meetings.
4. Clarify matters voted for later actions and follow up on these.
5. Evaluate each business session and its activities.
Relationships
1. Work with the church secretary in the preparation of agenda before business meetings and
in preparation of minutes after meetings.
2. Consult with committee chairpersons and program organization directors and other
responsible persons in preparation of the business meeting agenda and in evaluation of
each session and its activities.
3. Follow up after each meeting with responsible persons, committees, officers and others to
ensure that decisions are executed.
4. Be in touch with as many members as possible to know the spirit and mood of the
congregation
5. Serve as an active member of the Church Council.
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Church Secretary
Principal function: The church secretary is responsible for recording, processing and
maintaining accurate records all church business meetings transactions and for minutes of the
church council. The secretary is also responsible for maintaining all official church membership
records and communications.
Duties
1. Assist in the preparation of the agenda for church business meetings.
2. Keep an accurate record, in the form of minutes, of all business transactions made and
approved in church business meetings.
3. Present minutes of prior business meetings at each business meeting for official church
approval. The same is to be done for church council meetings.
4. Provide clerical assistance during the invitation period of worship services for new
members, rededications and other decisions.
5. Maintain accurate member records. This includes: adding new names and pertinent
information to the chronological membership roll and dropping other names as necessary
through transfers, inactivity, or death; and correcting records for change of address or
phone number.
6. Request letters by transfer from other churches for new members, forward letters to other
churches requested by members, and notify persons when their names are removed from
the church roll for reason other than transfer of membership by letter.
7. Prepare and mail all official church correspondence.
8. Preserve records for present and future use.
9. Prepare the annual letter to the association, submit for church approval and send to
association.
Relationships:
1. Work with the moderator in preparation of the agenda before meetings and in preparation
of the minutes after meetings.
2. Provide statistical information on church membership as requested.
3. Work with the trustees in the preparation of legal documents.
4. Work with pastor, appropriate committee chairpersons, and program/organization leaders
in preparing the annual church letter to the association.
5. Serve as an active member of the church council.
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Treasurer
Principal Function: The church treasurer is responsible for the proper receipt, accounting, and
disbursement of church funds within policies established by the church for adequate financial
control.
Duties:
1. Keep accurate records in appropriate financial journals of all monies received and
disbursed.
2. Reconcile monthly bank statements and correct ledgers as needed.
3. Sign cheques in accordance with church policies and procedures, always verifying
supporting data for each cheque request.
4. Make monthly and annual reports to the Finance committee and to the church at all
regular business meetings or special business meetings for which a financial report is
necessary.
5. Suggest possible investment opportunities; advise about bond purchasing.
6. Assist in instilling and preserving high financial morale throughout the congregation.
7. Submit accurate financial records for annual audit according to church policy.
Relationships:
1. Serve as ex-officio member of the Finance Committee. Confer with this committee in:
a. Recommending and establishing policies related to the receiving,
accounting, and disbursing of church monies.
b. Developing the annual church budget and coordinating the annual
stewardship campaign.
c. Preparing and presenting a financial report to the church at regular
business meetings.
d. Providing a continuing program of stewardship education for the church.
2. Receive and deposit monies from counting personnel of the Finance committee and
maintaining adequate record of the same.
3. Work with officers, and organizations in administering financial details of church
projects, for example, as receipts fall below or above budgeted funds.
4. At the request of the finance committee, serve as advisor to various requesting
committees in preparing and maintaining their budgets.
5. Be available to help individual church members plan personal and family budgets.
6. Serve as an active member of the church council. Advise the council and various
committee chairpersons, organization/program leaders about available funds and
budgeted funds.

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Trustees
The church shall elect three or more trustees to serve as legal officers for the church. They shall
hold in trust the church property.
Duty: Upon a specific vote of the church authorizing each action, they shall have the power to
buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any of the church property. When the signatures of trustees
are required, they shall sign legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase or rental of
property, or other legal documents related to church-approved matters.
Trustees shall serve on a rotation basis, with one new trustee being elected every three years.
Only persons who have been members of the St. George's Baptist Church for at least 3 years are
eligible to become trustees.
COMMITTEES
Duties of a Committee Member
1. Know the purpose, duties and members of the committee.
2. Be present and on time for meetings.
3. Participate in discussions
4. Contribute to the planning and achievement of all activities/projects.
5. Complete assignments as agreed upon.
6. Keep the committee chairperson informed about progress on assignments; report at
committee meetings.
Duties of a Committee Chairperson
1. Know the purpose, duties and members of the committee.
2. Request and administer committee budgeting
3. Serve as an ex officio member of the church council
4. Plan the agenda for each meeting of the committee
5. Conduct meetings
a. Each meeting should have a purpose
b. Each meeting should have an agenda
c. Each meeting should be recorded.
6. Supervise the work of the committee secretary.
7. Assign responsibility to committee members for follow-through actions.
8. Lead the committee to:
a. Identify and schedule some activities/projects
b. Develop a sequence of actions
c. Prepare a timetable
d. Determine the resources needed
e. Complete activities/projects.
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Duties of a Committee Chairperson (Continued)
9. Report committee action(s) as appropriate to the church council and/or the church
business meeting. An annual report to church is mandatory.
10. Collaborate, as necessary or desirable, with church officers, church council, deacon
council, church program directors and other committees.
Church Nominating Committee
Principal function: To lead in the staffing of all church elected positions filled by volunteers,
including vacancies which occur during the year.
Duties of committee:
1. Select, interview, and enlist church program leaders, committee chairpersons and
members, and general church officers.
2. Approve volunteer workers before they are invited to serve in church-elected leadership
positions.
3. Assign leaders to position of service according to church needs.
4. Present volunteer workers to the church for election
5. Nominate special committees as assigned by the church.
6. Work with the church training committee to ensure that pre-service and in-service
training are provided for church leaders and other volunteer workers.
7. Inform prospective leaders/workers of responsibility at time of enlistment.
8. Work with the pastor in organizing orientation sessions for newly elected
committee/program leaders and members.
9. Review job descriptions periodically and make recommendations to church re needed
amendments.
Finance and Stewardship Committee
Principal function: To plan and promote stewardship education in all areas of church life and to

lead the church in budget planning, promotion, subscription and administration

Responsibilities and Relationships
With Councils
1. Committee chairperson serves as ex officio member of Church council.
2. Develop and recommend to the Church Council an overall
education/information plan.

With Committees
1. Review with committee chairpersons periodically the expenditures of committees to
ensure correspondence with budget allocations and budget adjustments.
2. Consult with the chairperson of each committee annually to determine the financial
resources needed by each committee for its work during the following year.

With church Officers:
1. Committee chairperson informs moderator of reports to be made in church business
meetings.
2. Committee chairperson gives to church secretary a copy of any reports made during
church business meetings for permanent record in the minutes of the church.
3. The church treasurer serves as an ex officio member of the Finance Committee.
With Church Program Organization chairpersons/presidents/director
1. Review with each president/chairperson/director periodically the expenditures of the
organization in terms of budget allocations and budget adjustments.
2. Consult with each president/chairperson/director annually to determine financial
resources needed by each organization for its work during the next year.
With Church Business Meetings
1. Make periodic reports on the work of the finance committee
2. Answer questions about the work of the finance committee
3. Recommend financial policies and procedures to be practiced by the church.
4. Make personnel policy recommendations to the church and administer such policies as
determined by the church.
5. Make recommendations concerning proposed expenditures not included in the current
budget.
6. Recommend an annual church budget.
In relation to personnel matters
1. Develop and budget salaries schedule and benefit provisions for minister(s).
2. Consult with Building and Grounds committee in budgeting for additional hired
personnel.
3. Chairperson keeps the church treasurer informed regarding budgeted salary and benefit
provision for paid ministers and other workers.
4. Prepare and update job descriptions as needed.
5. Negotiate salaries schedule and benefit provisions annually
6. Recommend personnel policy to church.
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With Custodian/builders
1. Work with the Stewardship and finance committee in developing a job description for
custodian/cleaner.
2. Ensure that the job description is followed.
3. In consultation with the finance/stewardship committee, hire or dismiss cleaners/workers.
4. Be responsible for ensuring that persons working on building have supplies and are paid
when its appropriate for them to be paid.
With Church Business meeting:
1. Make periodic reports on the building and grounds committee
2. Answer questions about committee work
3. Recommend policies and procedures regarding the use of space, equipment and
properties.
Church Usher Committee
Principal Function: To assist the congregational members, visitors and worship leaders before,
during and after congregational services.
Duties:
1. Greet and seat people at services
2. Provide information about church services, programs, and room locations.
3. Receive offering when not assigned
4. Be attentive to the needs of persons during the service.
5. Assist in ensuring that orderliness prevails and the minimum of distractions occurs during
services.
6. Restore auditorium to physical orderliness after services.
7. Be sure all lights are turned on or off as necessary, and all doors and windows are opened
before service and securely locked after service.
8. Work with music committee to ensure chorus sheets/hymnals are available to
congregation.
9. Work with pastor and other committee chairpersons to ensure necessary equipment are in
place prior to service.
10. Inform Building and Grounds committee about physical conditions which might hinder
ushers' job performance.
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The Church Flower and ordinance committee
Principal Function: (1) to provide appropriate flowers and related decisions to enhance the
congregational worship services and special services held in the church auditorium, (2) to assist
candidates in preparing for the act of baptism, (3) assist the congregation in the observance of the
Lord's Supper through the preparing of the elements and serving as an advisory group to the
pastor in the planning of the Lord Supper observances.
Duties:
1. Recommend policies and procedures for obtaining, arranging, and disposing of flowers
for congregational services.
2. Recommend policies for providing flowers for sick and bereaved members and for those
celebrating anniversaries or at the birth of a child. The committee should coordinate these
activities with the fellowship committee.
3. Secure appropriate containers/utensils for the display of arrangements during services.
4. Work with the pastor in determining the date for baptism and notifying the candidates
well in advance.
5. See that all support services/equipment are in place prior to the beginning of the service.
6. Provide information about changing rooms; make sure all candidates have appropriate
change of clothing and bath towels.
7. Ensure Bibles are purchased and given to newly baptized members.
8. Ensure that record is made of those being baptized and that certificates are given.
9. Maintain an adequate inventory of materials and supplies used for the Lord’s Supper.
10. Determine equipment needs and make recommendations to the church concerning those
needs.
11. Ensure that all equipment and materials are available and in place prior to each
observance of the Lord's Supper.
12. See that all equipment and materials are available, gathered, cleaned and properly stored
after each observance of the Lord's Supper.
13. Work with the pastor in determining the dates when the observance will be observed
throughout the year and decide whether the Lord's Supper will be celebrated in the
morning or evening worship period.
14. Work with the finance/stewardship committee in determining a budget for flower and
ordinance needs.
15. The chairperson of this committee is an ex-officio member of the church council.

Mission/Evangelism Committee
Principal Function: (1) to assist the church to reaching the unsaved, unchurched (2) to identify
areas of ministry in the community and (3) to recommend to the church areas for mission
establishment.
Duties:
1. Consult with and assist the pastor in developing and presenting to the church an
aggressive and perennial program of evangelism.
2. Identify the church's evangelistic opportunities and work to sensitize members to these
opportunities.
3. Work with program organizations and other committees to enlist and equip members to
become effective witnesses for Christ.
5. Request and secure calendar time and finances to implement church approved plans of the
evangelism committee.
6. Work with the Sunday School to establish and maintain an up-to date prospect file of
non-christian persons.
7. Develop and conduct periodic surveys to determine evangelism/mission opportunities.
8. Plan and coordinate other committee plans for evangelism month.
9. Work with pastor in planning a crusade/revival to be held during the month designated
for evangelism.
10. Keep the church abreast with evangelism information emanating from the association.
11. Work with the Baptist Young women in the planning and executing of mission projects
and seek to involve other programs/committees in supporting and undergirding these
projects.
12. Provide administration and support services for church mission projects; i.e., Bible
studies, preaching points, missions etc.
13. Provide for church possible areas for mission involvement, for example, social ministry,
immigrants, church extension, interfaith witness, convalescence, children and elderly
homes.
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The Church Fellowship Committee
Principal Function: Promote a spirit of fellowship, care and Christian love among members.
Duties:
1. Plan, coordinate, and administer fellowship activities such as dinner, games
evenings/days, prayer breakfasts, quizzes and any other activities which promote a spirit
of sharing and enable members to get to know each other better. Two activities are
expected each year:
(a) A church-wide Christmas Fellowship Dinner
(b) A New Year's morning prayer breakfast
2. Compile a list of birthdays, anniversaries of members and send cards, on behalf of the
church, to them.
3. Be aware of, and inform the church of any special event/happening in the lives of
members such as engagements, marriages, birth of baby, graduation, etc, and recommend
to the church ways in which these might be acknowledged.
4. In the event of a death of a member or of a member of his/her immediate family or close
relatives, the committee should organize and coordinate the delivery of food to the
bereaved. In addition, as far as is possible, the committee should attempt to organize the
church membership so that visits to the bereaved are spread over a period of days.
5. In the event of hospitalization of members, work with the flower committee to provide an
arrangement for the sick, and encourage members to visit (a schedule of visitors may be
set up so that visits of members are spread over a period of days).
6. Organize and administer a big brother/sister, adopt a child/parent/grandparent programme
in the church.
7. Be responsible for the kitchen and fellowship area establishing policies for their use.
8. Be responsible for all purchases of equipment, utensils used in the kitchen.
9. Request budgetary support for the activities of the committee.
The Church Transportation Committee
Principal Function: See to the transportation needs of the congregation for church-wide
activities.
1. Ensure that a bus is provided for congregation-wide activities and terms of payment be
determined beforehand.
2. Work with members and the bus drivers to ensure members arrive at church activities on
time.
3. Provide the treasurer with a monthly statement of bus expenses, indicating the number of
times the bus ran and the cost for each trip. A separate statement should be made for each
bus serving the church.

4. Advise and recommend to the church, after adequate study, the best way to meet the
church transportation needs.
5. Work with the mission committee to determine the transportation needs of the committee
when there is a mission station in existence.
6. Request budgetary support for the activities of the committee.
Church Ministries Committee
Principal function: to assist in providing relief for members who have come upon hard times and
ensure that the church is made aware, tactfully, of the ways it can minister to the
economic/physical needs of its members.
Duties:
1. Develop guidelines for the work of the committee
2. Compile and keep updated a list of all the members of each family of the church noting
the various ages and employment status of each member.
3. Study the need for assistance in the church membership
4. Survey and determine community agencies which can provide needs of members that the
church cannot, and recommend such to members; a list of these agencies should be
compiled and made available to members.
5. Investigate and administer ministry resources as needed
6. Recommend budget request for monies needed for ministering to members.
7. Report (not names but numbers and types of services) to church of members helped.
8. Work with other groups/committees in the church which might have ministry projects to
members.
9. Work with the church media library in organizing a yearly book exchange for school-age
members.
10. Work with the Mission/Evangelism to provide ministry for non-church members.
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Church Music Committee
Principal function: to be the music education, training and performance organization of the
church.
Duties:
1. The chairperson serves as an active member of the church council.
2. Teach music, i.e., provide training in the fundamentals of music to develop skills,
understanding, and appreciation of music in the church and offer music learning
opportunities for members of the congregation. It shall provide training for the following:
A. Choir members
B. Song leaders and instrumentalists
C. The congregation
3. Recruit persons for the music program of the church
4. Develop a music library consisting of sheet music, audio tapes, records, compact discs
and other implements of music.
5. Work with the music director in teaching the congregation new hymns/songs and compile
a booklet of songs/choruses regularly sung but which are not in the Baptist Hymnal.
6. Survey and recommend to the congregation the music needs of the church and request
budgetary support for the same.
7. Develop and administer policies for the use of the church's music and musical
equipment/instruments.
8. Work with the choir director in planning special music events for the church.
9. Evaluate the music program/activities of the church.
10. Supervise and evaluate the work of song leaders.
11. Cooperate with and promote associational music endeavours.
12. Quarterly, enlist and compile a list of persons to do special music.
13. Plan and administer the church's talent night held on each fifth Sunday evening.
14. The choir director is an ex-officio member of the music committee. His/her duties
include:
A. Assisting the pastor in planning congregational services and being responsible for
the selection of music.
B. Select songs and lead the choir in providing music for church services.

The Church Training/Discipleship Committee
The training program of this church is concerned with the equipping of all members for the work
of Christian service, to build up the body and so enable it to perform its ministry in this temporal
realm.
Principal Function(s): to help members to grow in Christian discipleship; understand and apply
biblical doctrine; to live according to biblical teachings; to know and participate in the life of the
church; to build up the church through witness, worship, ministry and learning; and to develop
leaders for the work of the church.
The basic tasks of the Church discipleship committee are as follows:
1. Develop a curriculum of study and determine (with church approval) times for classes.
2. Reach persons for discipleship training
3. Orient new church members for Responsible church membership
4. Equip members for discipleship and personal ministry
5. Teach Christian theology and Baptist doctrine, Christian ethics, Christian and Baptist
History, church polity and organization, and any other subject which will enhance the
Christian's ability to live and minister in Christ's name.
6. Train Leaders for ministry.
Fund-raising Policy for the St. George's Baptist Church.
1. All fund-raising undertaken by the church as a whole, or the groups which compose it
must be done to benefit either capital expenditure or special ministry needs.
2. Fund-raising must not be done to take care of the ongoing needs of the church such as
utilities, salaries, program materials, etc.; it must be done only to assist in taking care of
special projects and ministries the church believes it is imperative to undertake.
3. All fund raising activities, prior to the fund-raising event, must have a designated project
to which the funds will go. All proceeds must go towards the designated project. In the
event of surplus, the church council will determine to what project the surplus will be
applied.
4. All financial proceeds must be immediately lodged with the treasurer and proper
accounting (gross, net, etc) given to the finance committee. The committee(s)
administering the project to which the funds are to be applied, must apply to the finance
committee/treasurer for the funds which shall be used only as designated (some
exceptions to the use may be considered).
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5. All fund-raising events must be properly planned and administered. Evaluation of the
event must be done as soon as possible after the event.
6. No fund-raising event must in anyway go against or be perceived to go against sound
Christian principles and the policies and the practices of the St. George's Baptist Church.
7. Fund-raising puts church members in contact with the general public in a situation in
which the church is host and they the guest. All church representatives must act at all
times in ways that positively present Christ to the public.
8. All fund raising events must be approved (as to its appropriateness) and cleared (as to its
schedule) by the church council which shall be the administrator of the fund-raising
policy.
9. A. The fund-raising activities of the St. George's Baptist Church must never appear
to be an activity of the GRENADA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, and pains must be taken
in advertising and promoting the event to avoid the above. All promotion must
specifically state "the ST. GEORGE'S BAPTIST CHURCH" with no mention being
made that it is a "GRENADA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION" event lest persons hearing the
advertisement think that it is put on by the Grenada Baptist Association.
B. No funds or anything derived through the funds, or any other proceeds from our
fund-raising events will used to benefit the Grenada Baptist Association in any way. In
addition, income from fund-raising events must not be considered in computing the 10%
contribution from this church to the Grenada Baptist Association.
10. All fund-raising efforts must be done within the spirit of Christian stewardship (Psalm
24:1-2; Matt. 25:14-30). Fund raising activity must in no way cause the relinquishing of
members responsibility to contribute a minimum of one tenth of their earnings to the
work of this church.