SCBCD Constitution

Constitution of the

South Carolina Baptist Conference of the Deaf

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the South Carolina Baptist Conference of the Deaf (SCBCD), hereafter referred to in this document as “THE CONFERENCE.” The name is derived from the Southern Baptist Conference of the Deaf (SBCD).

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of the Conference shall be:

  • To promote spiritual growth, church services, and Christian fellowship among the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

  • To encourage and train Deaf and Hard of Hearing people for leadership in service to Jesus Christ and His Church.

  • It shall elect its own officers and committees, arrange its own meetings, and conduct its own business.

  • To enlist and train interpreters to serve and work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The Conference shall use the Holy Scriptures as its rule of faith and practice.

Article III: Membership

  • The membership of the Conference shall be composed of Deaf and Hard of Hearing and any others who are affiliated with the work among the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Southern Baptist Churches of the state.
  • All officers and committee chairpersons shall be active members of the Conference and their local Baptist churches.
  • Those who choose to come for the purpose of witnessing the proceedings shall be registered as visitors without membership privileges.

Article IV: Affiliation

The Conference shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the Southern Baptist Conference of the Deaf, the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and with all agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention, of which it is considered a part.

Article V: Administration

  1. The administration of the Conference shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board, which shall be composed of the five elected officers of the Conference and the South Carolina Baptist Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
  2. The elected officers of the Conference shall be:

    • President
    • First Vice President
    • Second Vice President
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer

Article VI: Committees

  1. The Conference shall the following standing committees, consisting of three (3) to five (5) members each:

    • Finance Committee
    • Nominating Committee
    • Missions Fund Committee

  2. The members of these committees shall be appointed by the President who is serving, subject to approval of the Executive Board.
  3. If circumstances require the services of additional committees, they shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Executive Board.

Article VII: Meetings

The regular session of the Conference shall be held once a year at a time and location selected by the Executive Board. The Conference may sponsor training sessions at other times and in other locations.

Article VIII: Amendments

  1. The Constitution shall be amended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at any regular meeting of the Conference.

  2. Such proposed amendments shall be in writing and in the hands of the First Vice-President at least thirty (30) days prior to the regular Conference meeting.  The First Vice-President shall forward a copy to each of the Executive Board members at least twenty (20) days prior to the regular meeting.

  3. The Executive Board will determine whether to present the proposed amendment to the Conference at the next meeting or withhold it for further study.

  4. The First Vice-President shall then prepare copies for distribution at the beginning of the Conference meeting on Friday afternoon.

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