SUSPENSION/ PROBATION GUIDELINES

The leadership at BTI is committed to doing everything possible to see that each member is made aware of their full potential in Christ. It is our desire that everyone be used in the service of the Lord, and in the capacity that He desires. However, there must be accountability. There are times when we are in need of leadership with the wisdom and spiritual insight to guide us back in the right direction. Accountability is part of our son training.

The guidelines below were developed with these principles in mind. The following is a list of reasons one might be placed on probation or suspended from active ministering. However, the reason or cause for one to be placed on suspension or probation is not limited to the following.

1. A refusal to deal with iniquity and other negative mindsets.

2. Excessive lateness to meetings. It is the responsibility of each member to phone the President and/ or secretary when running late or when unable to make a scheduled meeting or service.

3. Excessive absences from meetings and services.

4. Lack of seriousness and faithfulness to the Deacon Board.

5. Lying

6. Stealing

7. Insubordination

8. Disrespectful

9. Not performing duties of appointed position.

Probation

During the probationary period the members conduct, and character will be monitored by the board president and the senior pastor. This is the member's opportunity to redeem misconduct. If the member has been given specific instructions (verbal or written) to follow during the probationary period, leadership will be watchful as to whether those instructions are being obeyed and the attitude in which they are obeyed, as this will play a part in determining the course of action the leader will take, with the member, after the probationary period. Guidelines during the probationary period are as follows:

1. Probation duration will be determined by the board president (i.e., 30 days; 60 days or 90 days).

2. Member must still attend scheduled meetings, prayer session and shut-ins, unless, specifically, told not to.

3. Member is still expected to perform all the duties of their appointed position. For instance, if you are the treasurer, you must still perform your duties as treasurer.

4. Dues must still be paid on time.

Suspension

According to Webster’s dictionary one of the definitions of suspend is to come to a stop, usually temporarily; to cease from operation for a time.

This is exactly what we mean when a member of the board is suspended. You cease to carry out the responsibilities of your appointed position. During this time, the members conduct, and character will be closely monitored by the board president and the senior pastor. If the member has been given specific instructions (verbal or written) to follow during the suspension period, leadership will be watchful as to whether those instructions are being obeyed and the attitude in which they are obeyed, as this will play a part in determining the course of action the leader will take, with the member, after the suspension period. Guidelines during the suspension period are as follows:

1. Suspension duration will be determined by the board president (i.e., 30 days; 60 days or 90 days).

2. Member is still expected to attend scheduled meetings, prayer sessions and shut-ins unless, specifically, told not to.

3. Member will not be allowed to minister in the following areas: In the service (prayer, offering, communion). Ministering the Word (preaching, teaching, exaltation). Duties of their appointed position. In other words, if they are the secretary or treasurer someone else must be appointed to fill this position until they are re-instated.

4. Dues must still be paid on time.

Dismissal guidelines The following actions warrant automatic dismissal from the Deacon Board.

1. Two or more suspensions and/or probations, regardless of the reasons, within a 1 year period.

2. Insubordination - Not submissive to authority: DISOBEDIENT.

3. Lying - (Lie: A false statement purposely put forward as truth: FALSEHOOD. Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.

4. Stealing - Taking what is not yours.