Structure and Organization of First Baptist Church Pensacola

First Baptist Church Pensacola, under the headship of Jesus Christ, is a Pastor-led, staff-directed, deacon-served, committee advised and ministry team-organized body of believers. Part of operating effectively to accomplish the mission of the Church is structure and organization. Elements of this structure and organization have been addressed at various times over the Church’s history, most recently in 2010 with adoption of the current Administrative Council structure and deacon service model. In early 2021 a team of past deacon chairs, staff advisors and one member at large were approved by the Administrative Council to review all existing documents related to the Church’s operation, make recommendations for updates as needed and prepare consolidated documentation of the Church structure and organization for the benefit of current and future leadership.

The resulting proposed Structure and Organization of First Baptist Church memorializes these efforts by consolidating various policies and procedures into one document and provides guidance on important matters of the Church. The FBCP Structure and Organization clarifies membership, selection and responsibilities of the pastor, updates the deacon service model, Leadership Team responsibilities and membership, Committee Leadership and membership selection, and adds specific criteria for church facility use.

The primary changes reflected in the Structure and Organization document are:

1.     An updated model for deacon service. Currently FBCP has a maximum of 36 “active” deacons with up to 12 deacons elected each year to serve 3 year terms. FBCP currently has over 100 ordained deacons who remain on “inactive” status in this model. The proposed model eliminates the cap of active deacons and provides all ordained deacons an opportunity to serve through an annual renewal process. This model continues the annual church member nomination process for new deacons who have not previously been ordained.

2.     Clarifying and updating the name of Administrative Council to Leadership Team. This is the primary policy and decision-making body of the church and Leadership Team better reflects their purpose. Also adds an Executive Committee of the Leadership Team to advise the pastor on matters as needed.

3.     Clarifying and updating role of Committee on Placement to recommend all committee & leadership placements and new deacons to congregation for approval.

4.     Revising the approval thresholds for unbudgeted expenditures for the Leadership Team and Congregation to $25,000 and $75,000 respectively.

5.     Revising the quorum for congregational meetings to a minimum of 75 members of FBCP.

The full text of the Structure and Organization document can be found by clicking the below button, or by requesting a copy from the church office.