This summary highlights the principal revisions reflected in the current draft of the Constitution of The First Baptist Church of Glenarden International. The revisions modernize terminology, clarify doctrinal commitments, strengthen governance language, and align officer and pastoral provisions with the church’s current leadership structure and biblical authority framework.

The full text of the Constitution and a feedback form are at the bottom of this page.

Church Identity and Naming
The Church's official name is revised to First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, and terminology is updated throughout the document for consistency.

Purpose and Covenant Updates
Revisions update wording in the church’s purpose and covenant sections, including refinements to language concerning outreach, Christian conduct, and participation in another church upon relocation.

Quick Reference: Members in good standing section has expanded – Article V. Sec 3. - pages 11&12; Church services/meetings are held twice a year. Removed the specific months - Article VI. Sec 2. - pages 12 & 13

Expanded Articles of Faith
The Articles of Faith are expanded from 13 to 16 doctrinal statements and are identified as essential beliefs for participation in the ministry of the Church. Additional scriptural references are included to provide greater doctrinal support. Three new Articles of Faith establish the Church's biblical position on sexuality, marriage, and the sanctity of life.

Quick Reference: Expanded Articles of Faith re: sexuality, marriage, and the sanctity of life - Article II. Sec 2. Added Articles 14, 15, 16 - pages 3 & 4

Biblical Authority and Governance
A new section establishes final authority for matters of belief and conduct. It affirms the Bible as the inspired, infallible, and final authority concerning truth, morality, doctrine, practices, policies, and discipline, while assigning the Council of Elders final interpretive authority for the church’s application of Scripture.

Quick Reference: Biblical authority and governance: the council of elders is the final authority on Biblical interpretation and application - Article II. Sec 3. - page 4

Officer Structure and Pastoral Role
Article III revises references from “officers” to “offices” in several places and clarifies the scriptural offices of Pastor and Elders.  Our previous constitution was silent on the role of ministers in our church.  This proposed revision introduces the role and responsibilities of ministers in FBCGI.

Also, the role of deaconess is added along with existing references to deacons, to formalize the church’s vision to bring parity in the two roles within FBCGI.

Quick Reference: Officers: the qualifications and role for church officers have been expanded - Article III. Sec 1. A. - page 4; The council of elders has oversight of the discipline of the church – Article III. Sec 3. C. - page 6; Deaconess added to the section previously referencing only deacons – Article III.  Sec 5. - page 7; Ministers added – Article III. Sec 6. - page 8; The Treasurer may serve either in conjunction with or as the CFO – Article III. Sec 8.  - page 10; The necessity for Budget and Audit committees no longer exists due to increased staffing within the Finance Department. Article IV. - page 10.

The Pastor Section
Revised to emphasize the Pastor as God-appointed leader and shepherd, set in place to oversee the church, provide spiritual nourishment and guidance, and meet qualifications grounded in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5.

Quick Reference: The Pastor has charge of the pulpit in consensus with the elders - Article III. Sec 1. B. - page 4

Overall Impact
Collectively, the revisions strengthen the Constitution by modernizing terminology, expanding doctrinal statements, increasing scriptural support, clarifying biblical authority, and formalizing the Church’s elder-led governance model. The changes reinforce accountability, doctrinal consistency, and alignment with the Church’s current leadership and ministry structure.