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THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE

CHRISTIAN TRAINING INSTITUTE, INC.



INTRODUCTION

This institution was conceived in prayer as God placed the burden and vision for its existence upon the hearts of its founders. It came into being as a response to this burden and vision for the training of Christian workers for the work of the ministry. The first classes of the institute training program were held in the fall of 1993 at Salmons General Baptist Church; Franklin, Kentucky. The initial educational program was built upon the prescribed guidelines of the minimal education requirements for those preparing for the ordained ministry in the General Baptist denomination.

ARTICLE I: NAME AND AFFILIATION

The name of this institution shall be the Christian Training Institute, Inc., also known as CTI. While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this institution may voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship and agreements with other organizations and institutions for the benefit of fulfilling its purpose and the accreditation of its programs. Articles of Incorporation as a nonstock, nonprofit corporation in the Commonwealth of Kentucky were made and executed on December 18, 1995. The institution’s program of study is presently recognized and accredited through the Pastoral Ministries Department of the General Association of General Baptists in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and the office of the registrar of Oakland City University in Oakland City, Indiana.

ARTICLE II: STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND GOALS

The purpose of the Christian Training Institute is to provide Christian motivation and training for those desiring to be better prepared for the work of the ministry in and through the body of Christ and for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God on earth. It is the goal of the institute to equip Christian workers with basic knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to more effectively serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The goal is to provide the highest quality program of training possible within the proximity and the limited time and financial resources of prospective students. The institute shall provide a planned program of study for both clergy and non-clergy individuals leading to a level of training recognized through certificates, diplomas or degrees. This institution may also provide any ministry in any other form or format that is consistent with its stated purpose and goals and the articles of incorporation.

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ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF BELIEF

We believe that the Word of God is foundational and absolutely essential for true salvation from sin, spiritual growth and effective service in and through the body of Christ. Therefore, we advocate the following basic truths from Scripture as a foundation for establishing the fellowship and ministry necessary for fulfilling the stated purpose of this institution:

1. We believe that there is only one true, living, and eternal God and that the Godhead is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the Old and New Testaments; the inspired and infallible Word of God and therein is found the only reliable guide of Christian faith and conduct.

3. We believe that God created man in his own image to bring Him honor through obedience, and that when man disobeyed; he became a fallen and sinful creature, unable to save himself. We believe that infants are in the covenant of God's grace and that all persons become accountable to God when they reach a state of moral responsibility.

4. We believe that Salvation (regeneration, sanctification, justification and redemption) has been provided for all mankind through the redemptive work (life, death, resurrection, ascension and intercession) of Jesus Christ, and that this Salvation can be received only through repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

5. We believe that those who abide in Christ have the assurance of salvation. However, we believe that the Christian retains his freedom of choice; therefore, it is possible for him to turn away from God and be finally lost.

6. We believe that Christians should live faithfully by serving in and through the local church, praying diligently, witnessing earnestly, practicing tolerance, showing loving kindness, giving as God prospers, and conducting themselves in such a way as to bring glory to God

7. We believe that the Church Universal is the body of Christ the fellowship of all believers, and that its members have been called out from the world to come under the dominion and authority of Christ, its head. We believe that a local church is a fellowship of Christians, a part of the Body of Christ voluntarily banded together for worship, nurture, and service.

8. We believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances instituted by Christ to be observed by Christians only. We also believe that the Biblical mode of baptism is immersion and that participation in the Lord's Supper should be open to all Christians.
9. We believe in the sanctity of the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, and that this day ought to be observed by worshipping God, witnessing for Christ, and ministering to the needs of humanity. We believe that secular work on Sunday should be limited to cases of necessity or mercy.

10. We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ, and in the bodily resurrection of the dead. We believe that God will judge all mankind by Jesus Christ, that He will reward the righteous with eternal life in heaven, and that He will banish the unrighteous to everlasting punishment in hell.

ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Since the Christian Training Institute is an organization with the purpose of training individuals for Christian service in and through the body of Christ, all members of the Board of Directors, the administrative officers, the staff and the faculty must be exemplary Christians in membership and service in the local church and the body of Christ. They shall be individuals of the highest spiritual and moral value. They shall establish and maintain the spiritual tone of the institution and all its ministries. They shall wholeheartedly embrace the beliefs of the Christian Training Institute.

The Board of Directors, the administrative officers, the staff and faculty of the Christian Training Institute shall be subject to and promise to uphold the constitution and by-laws and the guidelines of this institution. If a board member or administrative officer feels that he or she can no longer abide by or cooperate with the policy and polity of the institute or can no longer fulfill his or her role or function in the organization, the individual should voluntarily offer a resignation to the Board of Directors. If a board member or administrative officer refuses to cooperate with the policy and polity of the institute or does not fulfill his or her role or function in the organization, he or she may be asked to resign by the Board of Directors. All resignations shall be tendered to the Board of Directors in writing.

A. Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors of the Christian Training Institute shall consist of nine regular members. Directors shall be elected for three-year terms, being so arranged that three members shall be elected each year at the annual meeting of the board. There shall be no limits as to the number of terms a person may serve on the board. In the event of a vacancy on the board, the members shall elect another person to fill the un-expired term, if the vacancy is for a period longer than one year.

2. The directors shall serve as the legal trustees and advisory board of the corporation. The board shall establish and maintain the polity and policy of the institute and shall advise and approve all the programs of training and functional guidelines for the institute’s ministries. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to appoint the administrative officers of the institute and evaluate the program of training on a semester basis.
3. Unless already on the Board of Directors, the persons serving in the administrative offices of president, vice-president and registrar of the institute shall become members of the board with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of directors during the term of their appointments. Upon the resignation of an administrative officer, the Board of Directors shall select a personnel committee to search for candidates. The personnel committee shall offer only one candidate per office at a time. The board will vote to reject or approve the appointment.

4. The executive committee of the Board of Directors shall consist of the president, vice-president, the registrar and two members of the board at large. The two at large members shall be selected yearly at the annual meeting of the board. It shall be the responsibility of the executive committee to recommend the planned curriculum of study, the faculty and textbooks and the guidelines for the faculty and students for each semester. These recommendations shall be presented to the board for approval in the regular meeting preceding their proposed implementation.


5. The Board of Directors shall meet twice a year following the fall and spring semesters of the planned program of training. The meeting following the spring semester shall be considered the annual meeting of the board. Special meetings of the board may be called by the moderator at the discretion of the executive committee or a majority of the board members. The secretary of the board shall notify all members of all regular and any called meetings of the board. The board may form standing or special committees or seek advice from outside sources as deemed necessary for carrying out their responsibilities and fulfilling the purpose and goals of the Christian Training Institute.

6. The Board of Directors should be in solidarity on every appointment made or issue adopted. It should be the heart of the board to work from a consensus or unanimity of the complete board. However, no appointment shall be made nor no motion adopted with less than a three-fourths majority vote of all board members.

B. Administration

The administrative officers of the Christian Training Institute shall serve by appointment of the Board of Directors. Appointments are considered indefinite unless otherwise stated. The officers so appointed shall serve so long as their responsibilities to the office and their relationship with others are satisfactory. A thirty-day notice by either the officer or the Board of Directors shall precede the vacancy of an office.

1. President

a. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the Christian Training Institute and the registered agent of the corporation. It shall be the duty of the president to see that the articles of incorporation of the state are kept current and that the state and federal tax-exempt status are intact and that any and all fees are paid.

b. The president shall be the official representative of the institute in all matters pertaining to its purpose and program unless otherwise decided by the Board of Directors. It shall also be the responsibility of this office to oversee all fundraising projects, public relations and student recruitment of the institution.

c. The president shall also serve as the principal of the faculty, student body and planned program of study. The president shall have meetings with the faculty previous to each semester for orientation and planning.

d. By virtue of office, the president shall serve on the Board of Directors and the executive committee of the board and shall preside as moderator of the meetings of the board and chairman of the executive committee.

2. Vice-President

a. The vice-president shall be available to assist the president and registrar in the performance of their duties. The vice-president may also serve as interim president or interim registrar in case the office of president or registrar becomes vacant.

b. The vice-president shall serve as the dean of students or student advisor. He or she shall be available to the student body during the orientation and registration process and during the course of each semester. The vice-president shall be available to counsel and advise students concerning grievances, finances and other problems pertaining to the institute’s program or policies.

c. By virtue of office, the vice-president shall serve on the Board of Directors and the executive committee of the board and shall preside as the moderator of the meetings of the board and chairman of the executive committee in the absence of the president.

3. Registrar

a. The registrar shall serve as the official communication, registration and purchasing agent of the Christian Training Institute. The registrar shall also function as the secretary and treasurer for the corporation.

b. The registrar shall be available at each semester orientation and registration to register students and receive payment of fees, tuition and supplies. The registrar shall also be available to receive payment from students and answer any questions pertaining to credit on courses and requirements for completion of their program of study. The registrar shall be responsible for sending all official notices to the faculty and student body.

c. The registrar shall establish and maintain all records of student registration and tuition payment. The registrar shall receive all grades from the faculty and student progress reports and shall send a semester grade report to the all students concerning credit for courses and tuition paid.

d. By virtue of office, the registrar shall serve on the Board of Directors and the executive committee of the board and shall be the secretary and treasurer of the corporation. As secretary, the registrar shall record the minutes of all board meetings. As treasurer, the registrar shall establish and maintain the financial accounts of the institute under the direction of the board of trustees, function as the purchasing agent and make a financial report to the Board of Directors at the regular meetings. All minutes and financial reports shall be presented in written form to each member of the board. The secretary shall be responsible for sending all official notices to the Board of Directors informing them of meetings and other concerns of the board or institution.

e. Compensation shall be provided for the office of the registrar. The amount shall be set by the Board of Directors and evaluated at each annual meeting.


ARTICLE VI: THE PLANNED PROGRAM OF STUDY

A. Program of Study

1. The Board of Directors shall provide, maintain and periodically evaluate a planned program of study that shall offer a curriculum that, if successfully completed, shall fulfill the minimal educational requirements for ordination in the General Baptist denomination. The school calendar, curriculum of study, textbooks, tuition and fees shall be determined and approved by the Board of Directors of the institute.

2. The Christian Training Institute shall be based on a three-year program of study. The curriculum is built around a core of courses aimed at providing knowledge and training in areas that are basic to one’s Christian life and service. Satisfactory completion of each course will earn credits toward a Diploma in Christian Ministries for laymen and a Diploma of Pastoral Ministries for ministers. Certificates shall be awarded for successful levels of completion within the three-year program of study.

3. The Executive Committee and the Board of Directors shall award all certificates and diplomas at a graduation ceremony following the spring semester of the academic year in which they are earned. The time of graduation shall be planned in the school calendar of events for the year.


B. Faculty

1. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall make recommendations of all course instructors for approval by the board. Regular members of the faculty shall hold an earned college degree. The minimum requirement shall be an associate degree. Instructors may be considered who hold no college degree, but who have a recognized expertise in a particular field of study or who are graduates of CTI and, through years of experience in ministry, have become recognized leaders exhibiting an exceptional interest and ability as a teacher.

2. All instructors shall be present to teach at the appointed times and available to their students for consultation. If an instructor finds it necessary to miss a class, he or she shall notify the president in sufficient time for the class to be covered.

3. Instructors shall be provided with classroom aides and a copy of the textbooks for the course being taught. Instructors shall receive an appropriate honorarium at the end of the semester in which they teach as compensation for expenses. The amount of the honorarium shall be recommended by the executive committee and approved by the Board of Directors before each semester.


C. Students

1. The Christian Training Institute shall not discriminate as to race, sex, nationality or denominational affiliation in the admission or evaluation of students. All applications for registration must be submitted, with the appropriate fees, to the office of the registrar. The application must then be approved by the executive officers in order for an individual to be classified as a student of CTI.

2. To receive credit for a course, a student must complete the following requirements:

a. Must own a copy of the required textbooks for the course.
b. Attend at least 8 of 12 of the regular classes during a course.
c. Take the final exam for the course.
d. Have a combined total score of 70% or higher on the following:

(1) Attendance – counts 50% of the total score
(2) Assignments – counts 30% of the total score
(3) Final Exam – counts 20% of the total score.

3. A student whose total combined score is less than the 70%, the student will receive an “I” or “Incomplete” for the course and will not receive credit until his or her status is upgraded to “Complete.” A student will not receive credit for a course until the bill is paid in full for that course.
ARTICLE VII: EVENT OF DISSOLUTION

In the event that the Board of Directors should decide that it is no longer feasible for the ministry of the Christian Training Institute to continue, the corporation shall be dissolved, all debts resolved and all tangible and liquid assets of the institution shall be dispersed by order of the Board of Directors. All funds shall be dispersed proportionately to the treasurers of the Associations of General Baptists who are actively supporting the institute program. The funds shall be given as designated gifts to be used solely as an educational fund to defray the tuition of those who are taking courses aimed at preparing themselves for the work of the ministry. The designated funds received by the Associations shall be managed by those appointed to do so by the Associations and shall be given as grants-in-aide to those deemed worthy by the respective Associations.

ARTICLE VIII: METHOD OF AMENDMENT

It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Christian Training Institute to periodically evaluate and revise the constitution and by-laws by which it exists. This document may be revised or amended at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors by a three-fourths majority vote of its members. Any proposed change must be presented in writing to all board members at least four weeks prior to the meeting set for the consideration of any said revision or amendment.



Note: Revisions and amendments to this document should be noted and copies attached or added to this document until the next revised printing is made available.