Session Photo Roster
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Nan's email will be available soon.
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Jane can be contacted through the church office by calling 225-387-0617
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Session Documents
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SESSION ROSTER – 2013
(RULING ELDERS)
CLASS OF 2013
Gerry Arnold
Chuck Barber
Kyle Beall
Pat Canfield
DJ Davis
Jason Lewis (2nd Term)
Lloyd Lunceford
Richard Setliff
Graham Thompson
Howard Tull CLASS OF 2014
Jackie Lee Airhart (2nd Term)
Nan Boydstun
Jane Cooper (2nd Term)
Ryan Dickerson
Steve Eagleton
Kevin Landreneau
Bill McDonald (2nd Term)
Jerry Stovall
Benn Vincent
Ella Rein Wheeler CLASS OF 2015 Will Adams
Scott Bardwell
Joy Butler
Brett Furr
Nick Garner
Chat Kleinpeter
Kathy Mullins
Tom Sawyer
Brett Sides
Dan Zito
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Please contact the church office, 387.0617.
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Catholic-Presbyterian Apartments, Inc.
Board members from First Presbyterian Church
Name Term Begins Term Expires
Rick Spiller 1/1/08 12/31/10
Pat Kerr 1/1/08 12/31/10
Evelyn Coco 1/1/09 12/31/11
Craig Gardner 1/1/09 12/31/11
Randall Goodwin 1/1/10 12/31/12
Bob Olsson 1/1/10 12/31/12
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Please contact the church office, 387.0617.
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Session Minutes 8/26/85
Revised 12/16/91;1/24/94 MEETING ATTENDANCE OF ELDERS AND DEACONS
Members of the Session and Diaconate will automatically be contacted by the Clerk of Session or Secretary of the Diaconate and asked to evaluate their participation on their board when:
1. Their attendance at stated meetings falls to 50% in a 12-month period and/or
2. They miss three (3) stated meetings unexcused in a 12-month period. The attendance record for the boards in the current and previous years will be given to the Congregational Nominating Committee at the beginning of its work by the Clerk of the Session and the Secretary of the Diaconate. Attendance records of previous years will be made available to the Congregational Nominating Committee at their request.
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Session Minutes 4/22/85
INTRODUCTION OF BUSINESS AT SESSION MEETINGS
All business matters brought before the Session are to be first reviewed by the proper committee. Only in unusual circumstances will there be exceptions to this rule and even then the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the appropriate committee shall be required to give his or her permission to bypass their committee.
Although it is the right of all Session members to introduce new business to the Session, if prior committee consideration has not taken place, no final action on the matter will be taken at the meeting in which it is introduced. Session Minutes 8/26/85
REPRESENTATION OF THE CHURCH
Any official representation of the First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge by any person or group of persons must be approved in advance by the Session or its appropriate committee.
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Session Minutes 8/25/86; 1/26/98 Music & Arts Productions
Motion:
"That all requests for permission to present Music and Art productions be referred to the Worship Committee; additionally, that after a review to determine the propriety of the presentation in our Church facilities, the Worship Committee shall make a recommendation to the Session for final consideration."
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Session Minutes 7/27/87 PHILOSOPHY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
First Presbyterian Church
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
January, 1987 I. PRE-SUPPOSITIONS:
The Philosophy of Christian Education for First Presbyterian Church is based on the following:
A. The belief that the scriptures are the final "authoritative rule of faith and practice" for our church.
B. The over all educational goals must be true to the scriptures and to the reformed faith as defined in our Confession of Faith.
C. Both the method and the message of Christian education in our church must be taken from Holy Scriptures. II. SYNOPSIS:
In searching the scriptures, the following conclusion was reached. In Matthew 22:36-39, our Lord was asked to give a summary of the teaching of the Law (the then known scriptures). In reply, Jesus stated: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." From this passage, it is clear that Jesus taught that the Bible is a book about relationships. Man's relationship with God, Man's relationship with others, and Man's relationship with himself. In further study of the New Testament, and certain Old Testament passages, God also teaches that man has a relationship with things as well. This is particularly brought out in the Sermon on the Mount and other of Jesus' teachings. One of these relationships may be emphasized above another. For example, many churches focus almost exclusively on man's relationship with God and become quite pietistic. This is often true of theologically conservative churches. Other churches focus more on man's relationship with his fellow man and tend to become humanistic. Other churches have focused in on man's relationship with himself and have lapsed into a sophisticated form of the "Human Potential Movement." Many churches have virtually ignored man's relationship to things. First Presbyterian Church's Christian Education Program should bring all four areas of relationship into proper balance so that all four areas are properly emphasized at appropriate levels of age and maturity and a sound theology developed for each. Curriculum should cover all four areas. Teaching and curriculum of our church should constantly be examined to see that we are maintaining such balance.
III. EDUCATIONAL GOAL:
As all four areas of man's relationships are taught and experienced, it is believed that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will begin to move toward our educational goal of producing "Maturing Christian Disciples in Community" (Koinonia). IV. RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. In light of the above philosophy and stated goal, we recommend instruction in the following four basic areas of theology:
1. Man's relationship to God -- We recommend studies in the following Doctrines:
General Revelation
Special Revelation
The Trinity
Predestination and Election
Creation
Providence
Man
Sin
The Incarnation
The Atonement
The Resurrection
Justification
The Holy Spirit
Sanctification
Glorification
The Church
Escatology 2.Man's relationship with others -- We recommend instruction and studies in the great biblical themes and stories that relate to:
Service to others
Social change
Husband/Wife relationships
Parent/Child relationships
Power and justice
Racism
Evangelism and Mission
Sex education from a Christian perspective
Other social problems 3.Man's relationship with self -- A holistic theology that studies biblical themes and truth relating to:
Guilt
Self worth and esteem
Self expression
One's own sexuality
Personal and ethical decision making
Autonomy and individuality 4.Man's relationship with things -- We recommend instruction in the Theology of Stewardship regarding:
Money
Possessions
Ecology
Nature
Affluence
Giving B.Every "Maturing Christian Disciple in Community" should develop a broadening knowledge of the Scriptures that include the following:
1. An overview of the Old Testament
a.The writings of the Pentateuch:
Creation
Age of the Patriarchs
Sojourn in Egypt
The Exodus
b.History of Israel:
Days of the Judges
United Kingdom of Israel
Kingdom of Israel
Kingdom of Judah
The Exile
The Restoration
c.Prophetic and apocalyptic literature
2. An overview of the New Testament
The life and teachings of Jesus
The beginning of the church
The life of the early church
3.Special biblical emphasis
The Lord's Prayer
The Beatitudes
The Ten Commandments
The Sermon on the Mount
The Great Commandment
The Golden Rule
The Shepherd's Psalm
I Corinthians, Chapter 13
Selected parables
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Session Minutes July 28, 2008 THE MISSION COMMITTEE POLICY
First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana I. Introduction
This Mission Policy is based on the beliefs that the mission of the church is the mission of Jesus Christ continued on earth through us. It is governed and informed by the Statement of Mission, endorsed by Session, which states that:
"We are a church committed to evangelism and to the conviction that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is the primary task we have been given by our Lord to carry out in the world, which God so loves.”
We are a church committed to growth and to the conviction that God has not only given to us a responsibility to witness to others, but that he longs to add to his church "day by day those who are being saved." (Acts 2:47, 9:31) We are a church committed to service and to the conviction that we, like Jesus, are called not to be served but to serve in this world, to love and help those in need as he did, to care about justice and freedom for those about us, and to be the salt of the earth in our community, our nation, and our world. We are a church committed to the world-wide mission of Jesus Christ and to the spread of the gospel of His love and redemption throughout the world. We believe that we must be ''world Christians" in the sense that we must be concerned not only for the spread of the gospel in our "Jerusalem," but to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8; Genesis 12:3) All projects that are supported by the benevolence budget of First Presbyterian Church must be consistent with this Statement of Mission adopted by the session. This Mission Policy has been developed for these reasons:
•To give the church membership an understanding of missions and consistent guidelines for conducting outreach activities;
•To help the Global and Local Missions Committees achieve a clear sense of direction;
•To develop a living accountability in our missions program;
•To avoid making important decisions on an emotional or haphazard basis (e.g. charisma of speaker, "connections" of those seeking support, the committee's mood at the time a decision is made);
•To insure that each mission dollar is spent as God would have it spent;
•To bring new committee members up-to-date, allowing them to familiarize themselves quickly with the issues to be faced and the general direction of our mission policy;
•To maintain consistency as committees change membership;
•To work in harmony with church-wide leadership. II. Committee Responsibility to the Church
The Committees’ specific responsibilities to the church will be to:
•Educate and inspire the congregation in the field of global and local missions;
•Help develop, send, and support candidates who carry out Christ's commission;
•Provide opportunities for the congregation to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of humankind;
•Stimulate the prayer concern of the congregation for world evangelism and for our missionaries;
•Administer the funds allocated to missions;
•Serve as a liaison between the church and its missions endeavors;
•Administer and evaluate the missions program;
•Update the missions program;
•Interpret the church's statement of faith to missionaries and agencies;
•Set goals which are measurable but which involve a step of faith and which are consistent with the purpose of mission and the needs of the congregation. III. The Global Missions Committee Membership
The Global Missions Committee will consist of at least six voting members. Members should be committed on a year-to-year basis. Vacancies will be filled through appointment by the chairperson, subject to Session oversight. Membership will reflect the diversity of the church. There will also be a liaison person seconded from the Women in Ministry and the Diaconate. The Associate Pastor for Mission will serve as an ex officio member and staff resource person. (Travel experiences for the Associate Pastor will be covered for mission trips and conferences through a separate line item rather than out of the Global Mission Budget). IV. The Local Missions Committee Membership
The Local Missions Committee will consist of at least five voting members. Members should be committed on a year-to-year basis. Vacancies will be filled through appointment by the chairperson, subject to Session oversight. Membership will reflect the diversity of the church. There will also be a liaison person seconded from the Women in Ministry and the Diaconate. The Associate Pastor for Mission will serve as an ex officio member and staff resource person. V. Responsibilities of the Committee Member
It is expected that each committee member make a commitment to missions in the following ways:
•Attend the meetings;
•Be actively involved with the planned missions program;
•Maintain a regular prayer life, Bible study, and other aspects of Christian spiritual maturity;
•Pray for the missionaries and mission projects that are supported on a regular basis;
•Maintain communication with supported missionaries;
•Be engaged in a continuing program of study on missions;
•Bear the burdens of other Missions Committee members in supportive fellowship;
•Be familiar with the Missions Policy of the church. Continued service on the Global or Local Missions Committee is contingent upon a committee member's active commitment to the above responsibilities. The ideal committee member is one who:
•Practices a faithful, personal relationship with Jesus Christ;
•Has a deep interest in mission;
•Someone who has a “Heart for the City” or a “Heart for the World”;
•Is committed to missions as having a primary role in the life of the church;
•Desires to learn more about missions;
•Has a willingness to work hard in a missions capacity;
•Is willing to undergo initial training and to learn this Mission Policy. VI. Committees Officers and Duties
The Committee Chairperson is a Session member assigned by the Session to lead the Mission Committee. The Chairperson has the following responsibilities: •Schedule, coordinate and facilitate the Mission Committee meetings, (the Chairperson will notify the Church Staff Support of meeting dates – Church Staff will send meeting notices to Committee Members),
•Administer the programs by delegating workload,
•Oversee the Mission Committee budget,
•Motivate and evaluate committee members,
•Encourage volunteers,
•Keeps Committee members up-to-date on current status of missionaries and mission projects,
•Be knowledgeable about the entire missions program at the church and missions in general,
•Serve as the key contact person and liaison for other church committees, missions’ agencies, and other churches unless otherwise designated. The Committee Secretary is a member of the Committee appointed by the Committee Chairperson. The Secretary has the following responsibilities:
•Take minutes of meetings and distribute copies shortly afterwards,
•Keeps the records for the Committee actions, decisions, and communications,
•Inform Church Staff Support of
• Act as the primary source for publicizing the Missions Program. The Missions Conference Coordinator is a member of the Committee appointed by the Committee Chairperson with the responsibility of acting as the primary organizer (with help of entire committee and others) of the Annual Missions Conference. VII. Committee Meetings
The Global and Local Missions Committee will meet separately on a regular basis and as needed. Joint meetings of both committees will take place as needed. Subcommittees may be formed to fulfill specific needs and meet as often as is dictated by these needs. VIII. Participation in Conferences and Mission Trips
Committee member attendance at other churches' or organizations' mission conferences is encouraged, but not required. The Missions Committee will pay part of the expenses of those committee members or specially chosen delegates who attend regional or national mission conferences, especially in cases of financial need. In addition, the Global Missions Committee will supplement the cost of sending Committee members on trips approved by the Committee. (This is usually one third of the total cost of the trip but is not limited to that amount if the Committee approves.) IX. Mission Committee Budget
The session has defined benevolence dollars as:
"Money spent in support of a ministry to a group composed of people primarily outside of this church or in support of an individual whose ministry is or will be primarily outside of this church, and is freely given with no expectation of benefit." Funding for Mission Programs is accomplished through the general church budget, with the exception for special projects and appeals approved by the Session (e.g. Missions Conference). The Missions Committee will prepare an annual missions budget, subject to evaluation and approval by the session and approval by the congregation at the annual meeting. The presented budget will outline expected expenditures. Money will only be spent as it is available. Unobligated expenses will be paid on a priority basis, determined by the Missions Committees. The Mission Committees will strive to establish a balance in budgetary items between an emphasis on evangelism and emphasis on ministering to physical needs. The emphasis of the Global Missions Committee will be on supporting people with the option to consider support of worthwhile agencies and projects. In evaluating support, the Committee will strive to ensure that at least 90% of all the money that the agency receives goes for the missionary or cause. The emphasis of the Local Missions Committee will be on support of projects and agencies that reflect the commitment of the church to witness and service in the local community. The budget will provide funds to support and encourage the participation of church members in Global Missions (short-term mission trips, conferences, etc.). The Global Missions Committee will determine which denomination projects to support as well as church involvement with independent faith missions boards. The goal is to first consider support of evangelical missions-sending agencies created within or affiliated with our denomination to increase the mission emphasis and outreach. Criteria for Evaluating Mission Projects:
The Mission Committees will use the following criteria in considering and prioritizing decisions about utilizing the Missions Budget for mission projects.
•Does the project have a desire to win people to Jesus Christ?
•Does the project have a concern for the people’s most critical and urgent needs?
•Does the project have a desire to cooperate with biblically committed Christians to extend Christ’s Kingdom?
•Does the project have a concern for Jesus’ emphasis on caring for the poor and the oppressed? Criteria for Evaluating Personal Support:
The Mission Committees will use the following criteria in considering and prioritizing decisions about utilizing the Missions Budget for personal support:
•Previous active service in a church.
•Evidence of past commitment and dedication to following God's will.
•Appropriate training or education.
•Information or recommendation from the denominational source or sending body.
•Members will be accepted and receive priority over non-members.
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Session Minutes 5/23/2011
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE
GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE
MISSIONS TRAVEL First Presbyterian Church’s Global Missions Committee desires that our missionaries will be as safe as reasonably possible. We would never send anyone or any group into a location or situation where we ourselves would be unwilling to go. That said, there are no absolutely safe places in the world, and many parts of the world are subject to political instability and crime. Before you depart, we ask that you pray for confirmation that your participation in this trip conforms with God’s will for your life, and that you reference and research news reports and the Department of State’s website for any current travel warnings. You may also consider registering in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Please satisfy yourself that whatever risks are identified are risks you are willing to take. We are happy to discuss with you any concerns that may arise. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND HOLD HARMLESS
I have read the above statement, and based on my own research I am willing to accept the risks inherent in travel to and from my chosen destination and in mission work there. I recognize that First Presbyterian Church has not performed any independent research regarding the locations involved in the trip described below, nor made any assurances to me that the travel to and from and work in these locations will be safe and secure. I agree that I am solely responsible for my health, safety and well-being during my trip. I hereby release First Presbyterian Church, its officers, staff and members from liability for any harm that may befall me as a result of participating in the trip described below.
Destination:
FPC Trip Leader:
Dates:
Name:
Signature/Date:
Signature of Guardian (if minor):
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE
GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE
MISSIONS TRAVEL USEFUL LINKS & INFORMATION The following information is provided to help you research health, political and other risks prior to departing on an international mission trip.
U. S. Department of State provides travel warnings for specific nations. These can be found at the link below.
travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
In addition, the U.S. Department of State offers a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, through which they provide updates on issues of concern and embassy contact information in the event that concerns arise during your trip.
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/index.aspx
The Center for Disease Control provides current notices, health information and recommended and required inoculations for the areas you will be visiting.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx
The East Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit provides many of the inoculations you will need at minimal cost to you – typically much less than a doctor’s office. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to seek counseling from a licensed physician prior to departing the country. World Outreach Missions Manual 2010 (The following is from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s missions arm’s policy. We refer to these policies as guidance regarding our own missionaries in the event that unforeseen situations arise)
309.4 Responsibility to the National Government
Field leadership shall seek to establish and maintain such official status as the national government may require or permit.
Both the field organization as a whole and individual missionaries shall diligently avoid as much as possible difficulties in relating to the national government. They shall be constantly mindful of scriptural injunctions to support and obey lawful authorities, and remembering their status as guests of the government, shall make no demands of it.
309.5 Responsibility to the U.S. Embassy
Each missionary shall always be registered with the U.S. Embassy and shall inform it of any change of address.
310.1 Aid to Missionaries
In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, the Director has the authority to send funds as needed, as approved by the WOC.
310.2 Abduction, Ransom and Terrorism
Policy regarding actions to be taken by EPC missionaries during periods of civil unrest, terrorism, imprisonment, threats to their life, or expulsion from their host country. A. We all recognize that there have been periods in world history and there are and will be times when lives and property may be at risk. Missionaries and their families are fully aware that they are under God’s protection. They understand the danger and trials which they may face, and after prayerful consideration, they have accepted God’s challenge and God’s call to minister outside the United States. While acknowledging God’s sovereignty, missionaries must also be alert and cautious regarding their own safety and acknowledge their fears and frailties. We urge missionaries, when the time arises, to see counsel of the US Embassy in their host country, their fellow team members, local Christians to whom they are ministering, and the sending agency or the Director of World Outreach as to possible options.
B. In times of civil unrest, and/or life threatening events, missionaries must respond in a reasoned manner and be able to evacuate quickly with a minimum of personal property. In the event that imminent loss of mission by violence endangers the life or well-being of any missionary, the property shall be considered spendable after all reasonable precautions for its retention have been taken. After reaching safety, missionaries should contact the sending agency and the Director of World Outreach for instructions.
C. In the event of terrorism, kidnapping, or imprisonment by the host government, missionaries should understand that negotiation including the paying of ransom, is not feasible, nor appropriate, and the policy is not to accede to such demands. However, the proper authorities in the host country and the US government must be notified immediately. Every effort will be made to secure the release of missionaries and their families. Unless publicity would prejudice the efforts all members of the EPC will be advised of the effort and encouraged to pray for their safety and their return.
D. In the event of expulsion by the host government missionaries and their families should proceed to the nearest safe haven and contact their sending agency and thje Director of World Outreach for instructions.
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Session Minutes 2/18/91
Revised 5/13/91; 12/16/91; 1/26/98
Monthly Communion: 1/24/94
Weekly 7:45 A.M. Service: 2/26/96
Weekly 11:15 AM Service11/28/11 WORSHIP GUIDELINES
COMMUNION SCHEDULE First Service: Each Sunday Second Service: First Sunday of the month Third Service: First Sunday of the month Fourth Service Each Sunday Maundy Thursday Easter Sunday Wednesday Noon Service Christmas Eve Called Session Meeting when participants of Discovery Classes are received for church membership.
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Session Minutes 2/18/91; 3/25/91
Revised 5/13/91; 9/23/91
Amended 10/28/91; 1/22/96 BYLAWS
BOARD OF GOVERNORS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH COUNSELING CENTER ARTICLE I - NAME 1. The name shall be the "Baton Rouge Christian Counseling Center," a ministry of the First Presbyterian Church," hereinafter referred to as "The Counseling Center." ARTICLE II - COMPOSITION 1. The Counseling Center shall have a Board of Governors, which shall be composed of at least twelve (12) members appointed by the Session of the First Presbyterian Church. Each member shall serve for a term of office of three years, except that the first Board shall divide itself into three equal classes, with one class serving a 1-year term and a second class serving a 2-year term. Members may be re-appointed to the Board at the discretion of the Session. For the purposes of these Bylaws, a year is defined as the calendar year; however, the 1-year term shall begin on 1990 and end on December 31, 1991; the 2-year term shall begin on May 1, 1990 and end on December 31, 1992; and the 3-year term shall begin on May 1, 1990 and end on December 31, 1993. 2. Three members of the Board shall be Elders of the First Presbyterian Church, two members shall be deacons, one member shall be a representative of the Presbyterian Women, and six members shall be from the congregation. The division of the first Board shall maintain this ratio in the three classes: Elders Deacons Pres. Women Congregation
1-year Term 1 1 2
2-year Term 1 1 2
3-year Term 1 1 1 2 3. Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by the Session for the unexpired term of office, maintaining the above ratios of Elders, Deacons, etc. 3. Should an Elder or a Deacon become inactive after being appointed to the Board, or should the Presbyterian Women's Representative or a Congregational Representative be elected to the Session or the Diaconate after being appointed to the Board, they shall continue as members of the Board until the expiration of their term. However, they shall be eligible for re-election to the Board only as representatives of their new status (e.g., an inactive elder would be eligible as a representative from the Congregation). ARTICLE III - OFFICERS 1. The officers of the Board of Governors shall be a Chairman, appointed by the Session, and a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary, elected by the Board. All officers shall serve in their respective offices for one year, and all may be re-appointed or re-elected for additional terms. 2. The election of the Vice-Chairman and the Secretary shall take place at the January meeting of the Board. A majority of the votes cast is necessary for the election of each officer. ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS 1. The Board of Governors shall meet quarterly on the second Tuesday of the months of January, April, July and October; however, for good reason and with at least two weeks notice, the Chairman may change the date of the quarterly meeting to another day in these months. Additional meetings may be held at the call of the Chairman, or in his absence, at the call of the Vice-Chairman. A quorum for the conduct of business shall be a majority of the Members of the Board ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES 1. The Board of Governors shall function through the following Standing Committees: A. The Executive Committee which shall be composed of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Secretary, and the Chairmen of the Budget & Finance Committee, the Personnel Committee and the Long Range Planning & Facilities Committee. The Executive Committee shall exercise control over the operation of the Counseling Center in the intervals between Board Meetings in such matters as are delegated to it by the Board. The actions of the Executive Committee are subject to ratification by the entire Board of Governors at the next Board Meeting. B. The Budget & Finance Committee, which shall be appointed by the Chairman. The Committee shall prepare the annual Budget, in consultation with the Counselors and Staff, for approval by the Board of Governors and the Session and shall review the monthly financial reports, prepared by the Staff, making such comments to the Board as are appropriate for the understanding of the financial condition of The Counseling Center. C. The Personnel Committee, which shall be appointed by the Chairman. The Committee shall evaluate the performance of the Staff and shall make recommendations to the Board regarding the number of staff personnel, the compensation to be paid, and other matters that affect the personnel operating The Counseling Center. This Committee shall be responsible for soliciting applications, and for screening and interviewing applicants for professional positions on the staff, and for making recommendations to the Board for the terms of employment of professional counselors. D. The Long-Range Planning and Facilities Committee, which shall be appointed by the Chairman. The Committee shall periodically survey the facilities used by the Counseling Center for adequacy, and shall, in conjunction with the other Church departments, make recommendations for changes in facilities. The Committee shall also have responsibility for seeing that insurance coverage for the Counseling Center is satisfactory. The Committee, with input from the staff and others, shall develop a five-year plan, which shall be updated at least annually and which shall forecast future needs in facilities, staff, equipment, financial resources, etc., presenting the plan to the Board of Governors at the first regular meeting in each calendar year. 2. The Chairman shall appoint all Committee Chairmen, and may appoint such Ad Hoc Committees as are necessary for the conduct of the business of the Board of Governors and the Counseling Center. ARTICLE VI - RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Board of Governors shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Counseling Center from the standpoint of facilities, finances and other factors affecting its success from a business point of view. The Board is also responsible for establishing the policies and broad parameters as a Christian Counseling Center, within which the professional Counselors shall operate; and the Board shall assure itself that the Counseling staff does, in fact, operate in the prescribed manner. However, the Board is not responsible for the individual counseling provided to each client, this being the sole responsibility of the Counseling staff, and the Board and individual Board members shall not interfere with the Counseling staff in the exercise of its counseling function. 2. In consultation with the Counselors and the First Presbyterian Church staff, the Board shall set the fees charged by the Counseling Center and may make provisions for assisting those clients unable to pay the full schedule of fees. The objective of the Fee schedule is to cover the expenses of the Center on a non-profit basis. 3. The Board of Governors is empowered to review and approve employment contracts between the Counseling Center and individual counselors, and to request the Board of Trustees of First Presbyterian Church to sign said contracts on behalf of First Presbyterian Church, the Board of Governors and the Counseling Center." ARTICLE VII - REPORTS 1. The Board of Governors shall make an Annual Report to the Session of the First Presbyterian Church at the third Stated Meeting of the Session in each calendar year. Such other reports as the Session may require or, the Board of Governors may deem appropriate, shall be made from time to time. ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS 1. These Bylaws may be amended from time to time by a two-thirds vote of members of the Board of Governors present at any quarterly meeting, or at any meeting called for this specific purpose, provided that copies of the proposed amendments are sent to each Board Member at least two weeks in advance of the date of the meeting. All Bylaws adopted by the Board will become effective when approved by the Session of the First Presbyterian Church.
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Session Minutes 12/14/92 DISCIPLESHIP DEPARTMENT POLICY STATEMENT
Criteria for Adult Sunday School Teachers In establishing criteria for teaching adult Sunday School, two extremes should be avoided. One extreme is requiring adherence to too rigid an orthodoxy by requiring all would-be teachers to sign a protracted or unduly specific doctrinal statement. It is generally recognized that within the framework of the historic doctrines of the Christian faith men and women of goodwill have reasonably differed on certain issues. The other extreme is just the opposite, of requiring no meaningful religious test at all. In our respect for individual freedom of conscience we should take care not to retreat from standing firm on the great truths of the Bible. Accordingly, the Discipleship Department adopts the following path, believing it to be an appropriate middle course. Before an invitation is extended to teach adult Sunday School, those having responsibility for a particular class, or responsibility for adult education in general, should be satisfied that the would-be teacher:
1.Is a Christian, in the sense that he or she has responded to God’s invitation of forgiveness and reconciliation through faith in Christ alone, and at some point has made an affirmation of his or her faith therein; 2.Is not young in the Faith, and is growing in his or her relationship with Christ; 3.Acknowledges the authority of Scripture in all that it affirms; and 4.Subscribes to the essential tenets of the Bible, as encapsulated in the Apostles’ Creed. Each Sunday School class is free to draw from within its ranks those teachers the class leadership believes fulfills the above criteria and are best suited to the class’s needs and desires. Each Sunday School class has traditionally enjoyed the freedom to independently bring in an outside speaker for a brief one or two regular, recurring teaching (or video series) is contemplated, prior approval from the staff, working together with the Session’s Discipleship Department, is customarily necessary.
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Session Minutes 5/13/91 MEMORANDUM CF UNDERSTANDING Between the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge and the Board of Governors of the Counseling Center, as of May 13, 1991:
1.The Counseling Center will begin operations on July 1, 1991, with two full-time Counselors (Dr. Dee Adams and Mr. Brandt Hardy). The Center will operate on a self-supporting, fee-for- service basis.
2.Other than the funds received through the FoundatIon Income Allocation CommIttee, the BRCCC will receive no income from the Church. (Possible future exception: a benevolence line item to support those unable to pay the full counseling fee.)
3.The BRCCC will use the five rooms on the north end of the second floor hall (I.e., E-11, E-12, E-13, E-14, and E-1E), and will be permitted to remodel those rooms as needed at BRCCC expense. Rooms E-11 and E-15 will continue to be available as Sunday School classrooms, as needed.
4.To establish offices for Lindy Weiner and Craig Vanbiber, BRCCC will provide a telephone jack and temporary dividers at the south end of the Lecture Room, if no other space is available.
5.BRCCC will pay no rent or utility costs (other than telephones), but will pay an annual custodial charge of two percent (2%) of the Sexton's ”Total Cost to the Church.”
6.BRCCC will provide telephones, telephone lines, furnishings and necessary office equipment at its own expense.
7.Employees of the BRCCC will be given keys to the Church and security system codes, as needed.
8.BRCCC will handle its own finances (e.g., billing, requisitions, etc.) and will not use the Church bank accounts, with this exception: the Church will pay a full-time secretary in order to gain pension/medical coverage for this employee, with BRCCC fully reimbursing the Church for this expense on a quarterly basis.
9.While It Is hoped that the Director of BRCCC will be a member of the First Presbyterian Church, this is not a requirement. Indeed, for all employees of BRCCC, full or part-time, membership in FPC is optional; however membership in some Christian church IS required.
I0.BRCCC will add full and/or part-time staff when and as needed, including interns from recognized university counseling programs. All staff applicants will be interviewed by the appropriate Board Committee and approved by the Board of Governors prior to hiring, as per the Bylaws.
11.The Executive Director of the BRCCC will be paid a stipend of $12,000.00 per annum by the Center as compensation for administering the Center.
12.All full or part-time employees of BRCCC, other than the secretary, will be employed on a contractual basis. Except for the Executive Director, all counselor's will contribute a percentage of their fees to the general support of the Center, said percentage for each counselor beln9 set by the Board of Governors.
13.All counselors, Including the executive Director, will:
a.Set aside a certain portion of their counseling hours for counseling on a less-than-full-fee basis, that portion to be recommended by the Executive Director and approved by the Board of Governors.
b.Teach Wednesday evening classes and lead support groups in the Church periodically.
c.Work in consultation with a supervising PsychIatrist(s).
14.All full-tIme counselors will be licensed in the State of Louisiana or be on track for licensure.
15.The Staff of the BRCCC will:
a.Have a regular meeting, probably monthly, with the program staff of the Church and the PCDC DIrector, to establish rapport wIth all of the Church's activities.
b.Be available to consult, at no charge, wIth the program staff of the Church on an informal basis as their schedules permit.
16.Members of the First Presbyterian Church will be given priority in obtaining counseling appointments.
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Session Minutes 3/22/04, 6/28/04, 1/25/10 (revised) ‘SALE OF ITEMS’ POLICY
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE Since Sunday morning is traditionally the time the body worships and gathers for education, it is important to preserve that focus. Therefore, different policies are in place for different times of the week due to the nature of the events being held in the facility. This policy is for any event where money is exchanged on Sunday morning from 7:30 a.m. until Noon on Church property. Any items to be sold on Sunday morning must meet the following requirements, unless granted special Session permission: - Items to be sold must be for Christian edification purposes at cost, or for profit, when the profit goes toward furthering the mission of the Church. Only ministries of First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge can sell items on Sunday morning.
This policy includes registrations for conferences or the purchase of items to be delivered at a later time. Registrations for events that will not require monetary exchange are allowed above and beyond this rule. Money exchanged for Sunday School curricula are excepted provided they take place in the classroom. - No raffles or money raising on the basis of gambling or chance is allowed in the Church.
- Any all-church solicitation of funds from the pulpit or by special mailing must be approved in advance by the Session.
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Session Minutes 6/28/04 SESSION APPROVALS POLICY I.Items requiring Session approval in advance.
(Protects staff and departmental committees.)
Hiring of an external auditor.
Borrowing money in the Church’s name.
Official representation of FPCBR by any person or group of persons.
Use of the Sanctuary or Chapel other than for weddings, funerals, Session meetings, or internal classes and worship services.
Church-wide solicitation of funds.
Annual operating budget and departmental allocations.
Additions, deletions, or modifications of church policies.
Establishment or discontinuance of “special Funds.”
Expenditure of funds for “Session-only” approval.
Book of Order requirements for Session action.
Employee lay-offs. II.Items requiring departmental (by chair or committee) approval in advance: (Protects staff)
Creation of non-budgeted staff positions. (Personnel)
Termination of any employee for cause. (Personnel)
Non-budgeted capital expenditure (does not include replacement or repair of existing equipment under $250.00) (Support)
Sale or disposition of any asset with a value over $100. (Support)
Contract obligating the church financially. (Support)
Non-recurring expenditures from Church budget over $100. (Dept. with Oversight Responsibilities)
Non-church-wide solicitation of funds for special Church programs or courses. (Dept. with Oversight Responsibilities) III.Items to be reported to Session before or after the fact:
Facilities use by outside group approved by clerk.
Significant problems in the Church.
Diaconate minutes.
Periodic departmental, task force, and committee reports (normally not minutes)
Staff additions.
Theft of funds.
Solicitation of funds. IV.All other matters need not be approved by or reported to the Session.
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