(see also Additional Proposed "New" Constitution and By-Laws
Changes)
CONSTITUTION AND BY- LAWS
OF
KENOSHA BIBLE CHURCH
Approved January 20, 2008
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
We, the members of Kenosha Bible Church, in order to carry out
more effectively the commission given by Jesus Christ to His
Church, do ordain and establish the following Constitution to
which we voluntarily submit ourselves. ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this church shall be: "Kenosha Bible Church."
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to glorify God (Ephesians
1:11-12, 3:20-21; I Peter 2:9; I Corinthians 10:31)
- by worshipping, loving and obeying Him;
- by discipling the believer for the work of the ministry;
- by reaching out to the world with the gospel and good deeds.
This church will engage in such religious, educational, charitable,
and benevolent work as the Constitution and By-Laws of this organization
may determine, and own and maintain such buildings and equipment
as may be required to carry out the above stated purpose.
Biblical Rationale: The purpose of this church, as stated above,
reflects the biblical truth that the life and ministry of this
church focus on God, the believers and the world.
This church acknowledges God through worship, love and obedience.
Worship includes praise, thanks and petition (Psalms 146-150;
Hebrews 13:15; I Chronicles 16:4). Loving God, according to the
clear words of the Lord Jesus, is the greatest commandment (Matthew
22:36-38), manifesting itself in obeying Him (John 14:15). Confessing
one’s commitment to God is expressed in the ordinances
of baptism (Romans 6:1-7) and the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians
11:23-26).
This church ministers to believers by discipling them for the
work of the ministry (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 15:15-17). The
process of maturity and edification (I Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians
4:11-13) occurs as this church practices admonishment (I Thessalonians
5:12-15), fellowship (Acts 2:42b), financial support (Philippians
4:16-19; Hebrews 13:16), love and good works (Matthew 25:35-40;
James 1:27; 2:15-17; I Corinthians 8:1), prayer (Acts 6:4; I
Thessalonians 5:17), the study of God’s word (Acts 6:2-4,
2:42a) and the use of spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:1, 7;
14:12).
This church ministers to the world by reaching out to it with the gospel and
good deeds. The task is carried out as believers witness and preach the gospel
(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Luke 24:46-48), perform acts of kindness (Matthew
5:14-16; I Peter 2:12) and show love for one another (John 13:34-35).
As this church grows in these three ministries, it fulfills
its ultimate goal of glorifying the Lord God.
ARTICLE III - AFFILIATION
This church shall be affiliated with the Evangelical Free
Church of America through its Forest Lakes District Conference.
It shall send delegates to EFCA conferences, support EFCA home
and foreign missions and be united in all mutual efforts for the
furtherance of the gospel of Christ in the measure that this church
itself may officially decide.
ARTICLE IV - STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Statement of Faith for this church shall be the same
as that of the Forest Lakes District Conference and the Evangelical
Free Church of America, which reads as follows:
We believe in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to
be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings,
the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men
and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect
and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having
been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to
the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended
into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High,
He now is our High Priest and Advocate.
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify
the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, convict men, regenerate
the believing sinner and indwell, guide, instruct, and empower
the believer for godly living and service.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell
into sin and is therefore lost and only through regeneration
by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection
provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all
who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of
the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God.
We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances
to be observed by the Church during this present age. They are,
however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.
We believe that the true Church is composed of all such persons
who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated
by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ,
of which He is the head.
We believe that only those who are thus members of the true
Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church,
and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide
and govern its own affairs.
We believe in the personal, pre-millennial and imminent coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has
a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer
to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever
to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP
Membership in this church shall be open to all individuals
who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, give evidence by their confession
and conduct that they are His faithful disciples, and subscribe
to this Constitution and its By-Laws.
ARTICLE VI - PROPERTY
This church shall have the power to receive, either by
gifts or purchase, and to hold such real, personal, or mixed property
as is authorized by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, and deemed
necessary for the membership of this church, and shall have the
power to dispose of such property by mortgage, deed, or otherwise.
All such property shall be held in the name of this church.
In case of a division of this church (from which we pray God
by His mercy to preserve us), the property of this church shall
belong to those who abide by its Constitution and By-Laws.
In case of dissolution of this church, the property shall be
assigned to the Forest Lakes District Conference of the Evangelical
Free Church of America to enable said conference to renew the
work, or use the values thereof for further gospel enterprises.
This church shall be considered dissolved if so decided by the
membership, or when this church has not held an annual meeting
for three years, or when less than six members remain.
ARTICLE VII – MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY
We believe that the only marriage sanctioned by God is
that which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union,
as delineated in Scripture.
We believe that any form of homosexuality or bisexual conduct,
bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, pornography or any
attempt to change one’s gender is sin and offensive to
God.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all
who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness
through Jesus Christ.
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love,
kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior
or attitudes, directed toward any individual, are to be repudiated
and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the
Church.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
A. Proposed amendments to the Constitution must be submitted
by:
1. The Board of Elders to the membership at a
membership meeting, or
2. A quorum of the membership to the Board of
Elders for review and then to the membership at a membership
meeting, or
3. A church member to the Board of Elders for
approval. If the Board of Elders does not approve the proposed
amendment, see 2 above.
B. This Constitution may be amended by:
1. A presentation of the proposed amendment at a membership
meeting of the church, provided that written notification of
the meeting, including the amendment agenda item, has been
made to the membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting.
At this meeting the proposed amendment may receive preliminary
acceptance by an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority
of the members present. If such vote is affirmative,it is to
be followed by:
2. A presentation of the same proposed amendment at a membership
meeting of the church, provided that written notification of
the meeting, including the amendment agenda item has been made
to the membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting.
This meeting is to be held at least three months, but no more
than six months, after the first vote on the amendment. At
this meeting the proposed amendment may receive final adoption
by an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority of the
members present.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – REQUIREMENTS AND ADMISSION
A. Membership in this church is open to all individuals who:
- have accepted by faith Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
- give evidence by testimony and conduct that they are his
faithful disciples,
- agree with this church’s Constitution and By-Laws,
and
- attend the church’s membership class.
B. A person seeking membership shall submit a signed application
to the Board of Elders. The application shall include the following
statement: I have read and agree with this church’s Statement
of Faith (Article IV in the Constitution). As God enables,
I will support this church by prayer, regular attendance, giving
and Christian service in appreciation to my Savior and His
Church. I promise to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws
of this church. If at any time I cannot do so, I will quietly
withdraw my membership.
C. Applicants for membership shall be interviewed by two or
more members of the Board of Elders, or their designated representatives,
regarding their faith in Christ and doctrinal belief. Upon
approval by the Board of Elders, new members will affirm publicly
at a worship service their commitment to this church and be
welcomed into the family and fellowship.
SECTION 2 - RESPONSIBILITY
Members of this church are expected to participate regularly
in the life of the church. With God’s grace and help, they
will:
A. endorse and promote the purpose of this church, as stated
in Article II of this Constitution;
B. attend church services, participate in its ordinances and
be involved in its fellowship;
C. develop consistent habits of studying the scriptures and
praying at home, in small groups and at church;
D. use their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities to advance
the mission and ministry;
E. support this church financially by giving regularly according
to the principles laid down in the Bible;
F. live godly lives, set public example and testimony, protect
the unity of the church body, and obey the teachings of the
scriptures in dealing with fellow believers and the world.
SECTION 3 - DISCIPLINE
A. The desired result of all discipline is restoration of
the erring member to a spiritually healthy condition and full
participating membership in the church.
B. Any member may be disciplined for unrepentant sin (e.g.:
a flagrantly immoral life [I Corinthians 5:1], a major doctrinal
departure from this church’s Statement of Faith [I Timothy
1:18-20], or a divisive spirit [Titus 3:10]). The Bible shall
be the guideline in such matters. Passages such as Matthew
18:15-17, Galatians 5:6, 6:1-5, I Corinthians 5:1-13, 13:1-8,
Hebrews 13:17, I Peter 5:3 shall compose some but not all of
the portions of scripture that may be used in such cases.
C. In progressing through these stages of church discipline,
ample time for repentance must be allowed at each step.
1. Private confrontation: The erring member should be directly
approached in private by one concerned and informed person
and confronted with his/her sin. If the erring member is
not repentant then step two shall be followed.
2. Private conference: If the erring member is unrepentant,
then he/she should be confronted about his/her sin by two
or three church members. If the erring member is not repentant
then step three shall be followed.
3. Board of Elders inquiry: After step two, the Board of
Elders should be made aware of the situation and should ensure
that the biblical ideals of discipline, love and concern
have been communicated to the erring member. If the erring
member is not repentant then step four shall be followed.
4. Meeting: If after meeting with the erring member the
Board of Elders determines that the erring member is unrepentant
after being given ample warning and time, then the Board
of Elders shall place the erring member under discipline.
If the erring member is not repentant then step five may
be followed.
5. Public exclusion: After the Board of Elders and membership
have made consistent efforts to bring the erring member to
repentance without success, they may then disassociate the
erring member from church fellowship. The erring member will
thus lose his/her membership in the church and will be asked
to stay away from any church activity.
D. Any person removed from this church’s membership
for disciplinary reasons shall be notified of such action by
letter. This action shall be reported to the church at the
next membership meeting.
E. Any person who has been removed from this church’s
membership loses all rights and privileges of church membership.
F. The Board of Elders may restore a disciplined person to
membership upon repentance, confession to the Board of Elders
and aggrieved persons, and restitution, if applicable (II Corinthians
2:5-11). This action shall be reported to the church at the
next membership meeting.
SECTION 4 – TERMINATION AND WITHDRAWAL
The Board of Elders may remove a person from membership for
any of the following reasons:
- death;
- moving from the area;
- receipt of written request of withdrawal;
- lack of regular attendance for a period of more than one
year without an acceptable explanation;
- unresolved biblical discipline by this or another church.
The Board of Elders will report all terminations and withdrawals
at the next annual membership meeting.
SECTION 5 - PROPERTY RIGHTS
The private property of the individual members of this church
shall be exempt from corporate debt.
ARTICLE II – GOVERNMENT
The Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.
In that spirit, and based on our understanding of the pattern
of Scripture, we set forth the following on how this church will
be governed.
SECTION 1 - THE CONGREGATION
Under Christ, ultimate authority in the church shall reside in the members. Our
government shall be congregational in the sense that all leaders are accountable
to the membership. The members shall entrust the policy matters of church leadership
to the Board of Elders and day-to-day administration to the staff. The membership
reserves the right to review and modify any decision made by the Board of Elders.
The Board of Elders is empowered to make decisions in all matters except the
following, which must be brought before the members for approval at a membership
meeting.
A. The following decisions require a three-fourths majority
(¾) of members present:
1. Approval of staff positions (senior pastor and executive
staff);
2. Calling of senior pastor and executive staff;
3. Buying and selling real-estate;
4. Incurring cumulative unbudgeted expenditures in excess of
2.0% of the annual budget;
5. Changing the Constitution and By-Laws;
6. Approval of the annual budget;
7. Termination of a member of the Board of Elders.
B. All other decisions will be made by a simple majority
of the members present.
SECTION 2 - LEADERSHIP
A. BOARD OF ELDERS
1. Purpose: The purpose of the Board of Elders is to implement
the “Article II - Purpose of the Church” by
providing spiritual and operational leadership by being charged
with the following responsibilities:
- Praying
- for the church staff and
- for the congregation.
- Monitoring (overseeing) by
- providing scriptural direction for the church;
- stating clearly the responsibilities of the staff;
- ensuring that the senior pastor meets the responsibilities of his position;
- evaluating church programs in light of biblical principles and the church's
vision, values, purpose and mission;
- ensuring that all ministries and committees have a pastor assigned to shepherd
them;
- review ministry goals and strategies to ensure that they are consistent with
the Scriptures;
- determining the theological positions of the church;
- overseeing the church membership process;
- approving ministries as appropriate to advance the work of the Lord locally
and globally
- Deciding by
- providing policy guidance and overall governance to preserve
the unity of the church;
- administering confidential or sensitive matters of church
discipline;
- serving as the final council of appeal in any dispute;
- overseeing the finances of the church by establishing financial policies and
by preparing a detailed annual budget for approval by the membership;
- overseeing the Church Benevolent Fund;
- approving ministries for the care and maintenance of buildings, grounds and
equipment;
- appointing a nominating committee, pastoral search committee and other committees
as needed;
- determining senior pastor needs and executive staffing needs and responsibilities
of each position;
- reporting to the membership annually regarding its activity during the past
year and its plans for the upcoming year.
- Advising by
- providing encouragement, support and counsel for the
senior pastor as he provides spiritual leadership.
The Board of Elders will pursue its purpose with an emphasis
on:
- vision, values, mission and strategic leadership rather
than administrative detail;
- encouragement of expression of viewpoints and open honest
discussion;
- collective rather than individual decisions;
- clear distinction of roles of Board of Elders and Senior
Pastor;
- proactive rather than reactive leadership.
2. Composition of Board of Elders: The Board of Elders shall
consist of ten (10) members: nine (9) men elected by the
members of the church, and the Senior Pastor.
The term of an elected Elder shall be three (3) years, with
one-third (1/3) of the board elected each year. In the event
of a vacancy, the Board of Elders shall appoint a qualified
member to fill the vacancy until the next election.
An elected Elder can be elected to no more than two consecutive
terms. A former elected Elder may be re-elected to the Board
of Elders through the normal process after being separated
from the Board of Elders for one year.
The Board of Elders shall annually appoint from within its
membership a chairman and a vice-chairman who shall also
serve as chairman and vice-chairman of the church. In the
absence of the Church Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall assume
all duties of the Church Chairman. The Board of Elders shall
appoint a secretary who shall record the minutes of the meetings
of the Board of Elders and keep them on file with the church.
3. Qualifications: An elected Elder shall have:
- been a member of this church for a minimum of the three
(3) years immediately prior to taking office;
- exhibited spiritual maturity and moral integrity as stated
in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1;
- demonstrated leadership qualities in ministries of the
church.
4. Meetings: The Board of Elders shall meet once every month
(unless otherwise agreed upon) as publicized at a public
service. No official business shall be conducted unless there
is a quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present.
Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called by
the Senior Pastor, the Chairman of Board of Elders, or any
three members of the Board. No meeting of the Board shall
be called without the knowledge of the Senior Pastor or the
Chairman of the Board of Elders.
All meetings shall be open to all members of KBC unless
the Board of Elders shall call for an executive session of
the Board.
5. Termination: An elected Elder may be removed from office:
- by his own decision, or
- by a three-quarters majority vote of the other members
of the Board of Elders, or
- by a three-quarters majority vote by members voting at
a specially-called membership meeting of the church
B. STAFF
1. The Senior Pastor
a. Qualifications:
- The Senior Pastor shall be a man of spiritual maturity
and moral integrity, qualified to preach and teach the
Word of God as described in I Timothy 3:1-7; II Timothy
2:15; and Titus 1:5-9. He must be in full accord with this
church’s Statement of Faith;
- The Senior Pastor shall have EFCA ordination or transfer
current ordination to the EFCA.
b. Responsibilities:
The Senior Pastor shall:
- preach and teach the Word of God;
- provide overall leadership to this church and its mission;
- provide spiritual leadership to the Board of Elders
- oversee worship;
- shepherd and equip the church family and ministry teams;
- lead, shepherd, supervise and evaluate all executive
and support staff;
- be an ex-officio member of the Board of Elders and all
committees;
- fulfill other responsibilities as determined in the ministry
description as approved by the Board of Elders;
- oversee the hiring of all support staff.
c. Accountability:
The Senior Pastor is accountable to the membership of this church. He shall report
to, and be evaluated annually by the Board of Elders.
d. Call:
The Senior Pastor shall be called by an affirmative three-fourths
(3/4), paper ballot vote of members present at a membership
meeting. He shall be called for an indefinite period of time.
Upon acceptance, the senior pastor and his wife (if married)
are automatically members of the church.
e. Resignation and Termination:
A two-month written notice of resignation is required of
the Senior Pastor unless changed by mutual agreement with
the Board of Elders.
Termination shall require a three-fourths (3/4) vote of
the Board of Elders, followed by a simple majority of the
voting members present at a membership meeting. A two-month
notice of termination shall be given to the Senior Pastor
unless he is being terminated for misconduct.
2. Executive Staff
a. Qualifications:
The staff must consist of individuals of spiritual maturity
and moral integrity. All staff members must be in full accord
with this church’s Statement of Faith.
The staff shall consist of those who are called of God to
dedicate their lives to vocational ministry. They shall give
servant leadership to the area of ministry in which they
have been called to serve. The title given to each staff
member shall be approved by the membership based on the nature
of the person’s ministry, training and background.
b. Accountability
The staff will work under the direction of the Senior Pastor.
Staff members shall report to, and be evaluated annually
by the Senior Pastor.
c. Call
Staff members shall be chosen by a three-fourths (3/4) majority,
paper ballot vote, of members present at a membership meeting.
Staff members shall be called for an indefinite period of
time. Upon acceptance, staff members and spouses (if married)
are automatically members of the church.
d. Resignation and Termination
A one-month written notice of resignation is required of
all staff members.
Termination shall require a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the
Board of Elders, followed by a simple majority of the voting
members present at a membership meeting. A one-month notice
of termination shall be given to the staff member unless
the staff member is being terminated for misconduct.
3. Support Staff
Support staff is defined as all employees of KBC who are not part of the executive
staff.
C. CHURCH OFFICERS
The officers of the church have vested in them all the powers and
authority usually ascribed to a Board of Directors in a corporation
and will have authority to use these titles when necessary in handling
corporate or civil matters involving the church. The church is
incorporated under the laws of the State of Wisconsin as a non-profit
religious organization, and the officers of the corporation are
stated as follows:
1. Chairman shall:
- be a member of the Board of Elders;
- be appointed by the Board of Elders;
- be the Chairman of the Board of Elders;
- preside over membership meetings of the church;
- ensure that all decisions of the church are fully carried
out;
- be empowered to sign checks and all legal documents.
2. Vice-Chairman shall:
- be a member of the Board of Elders;
- be appointed by the Board of Elders;
- fill the role of Chairman in the Chairman's absence;
- be empowered to sign checks and all legal documents.
3. Treasurer shall:
- be elected by the membership;
- have been a member of this church for a minimum of one
year;
- be elected for a term of three (3) years, not to exceed
two consecutive terms and shall qualify for re-election after
a one year break in service;
- be in charge of accurate recording and reporting of church
funds;
- submit a monthly written report to the Board of Elders
and at all regular membership meetings;
- be empowered to sign checks and all legal documents.
4. Clerk shall:
- be elected by the membership;
- have been a member of this church for a minimum of one
year;
- be elected for a term of three (3) years, not to exceed
two consecutive terms and shall qualify for re-election after
a one year break in service;
- keep an accurate record of the proceedings and decisions
at all membership meetings of the church, such records to
be approved at the following membership meeting.;
- do secretarial correspondence connected with this church
at the instruction of the Board of Elders or membership;
- preserve in a safe place all church records, including
records as may be required by the State of Wisconsin.
5. Financial Secretary shall:
- be elected by the membership;
- have been a member of this church for a minimum of one
year;
- be elected for a term of three (3) years, not to exceed
two consecutive terms and shall qualify for re-election after
a one year break in service;
- ensure the proper receipting of all money received by the
church;
- keep proper records of the source and the purpose for the
money given;
- submit a monthly written report to the Board of Elders
and at all regular membership meetings
D. COMMITTEES & MINISTRY TEAMS
All committees shall report their activities to the Board of Elders. All ministry
teams shall report their activities to the appropriate pastors.
1. Nominating Committee
- The nominating committee shall consist of two
(2) elected Elders appointed by the Board of Elders,
the Senior Pastor, and two (2) church members,
elected by the members at a membership meeting
held at least two (2) months prior to the election.
The committee will elect its own chairman.
- The committee will form a ballot for the open elected
positions of Board of Elders member, Treasurer, Clerk
and Financial Secretary.
- The committee shall present the ballot to the membership
two (2) weeks prior to the Annual Membership Meeting.
- A nomination form shall be included in a November
communication to all church members. Nominations
may be submitted in writing by members to the nominating
committee for review. These nominations must be submitted
no less than three weeks prior to the Annual Membership
Meeting and must be signed by the requester and nominee,
indicating his or her willingness to serve if elected.
- No nominations for elected office will be received
from the floor during the Annual Membership Meeting.
2. Pastoral Search Committee
- When it is necessary to call a Senior Pastor or
other Staff, the Board of Elders shall appoint a
Search Committee of five (5) members of the church,
including two (2) elected Elders. The Search Committee
shall prayerfully investigate and recommend to the
Board of Elders a possible candidate for that position.
Upon approval by a three-fourths (¾) majority
of the Board of Elders the candidate shall be presented
to the membership for consideration.
- Each person who is considered a candidate shall
be voted upon by the membership before another candidate
is considered.
3. Auditing Committee
- The Board of Elders shall establish an Auditing
Committee that will be responsible to the Board of
Elders for monitoring financial management reporting
and internal controls.
- Members of this committee will be selected annually
by the Board of Elders based on experience and expertise,
and will be independent of, and unrelated to any
elected Elder, the Church Treasurer, Financial Secretary
or any paid staff member.
- The Audit Committee will be responsible annually
for examination and evaluation of financial procedures
and records.
- At least once every three years, this examination
shall be performed by a certified public accounting
firm selected by and reporting to the Board of Elders.
The scope of the examination will be determined by
the Auditing Committee, and at a minimum include
an evaluation of the church’s internal financial
controls.
4. Additional Committees
The Board of Elders shall have the power to establish committees as needed to
facilitate the proper and efficient functioning of this church.
5. Ministry Teams
Ministry teams shall be formed to implement the ministries
of the church that are in agreement with its purpose,
vision and values.
Ministry teams may be established by:
- the Board of Elders;
- the staff;
- members of the church in consultation with staff.
Each ministry team will annually write a Covenant
Statement which will be submitted to the staff and
the Board of Elders for approval. This Covenant Statement
will include the purpose of the ministry team, a description
of the ministry, the team’s leadership structure
and guidelines for selecting team members.
Each ministry team will be under the oversight of
the staff for the purposes of counsel, encouragement,
training, resources and coordination with other ministries
of the church. The team leader of each ministry team
shall be a member of the church.
The duties of each ministry team shall be to:
- develop its Covenant Statement for approval by
the staff and the Board of Elders
- recruit and train ministry team members
- define and provide materials necessary for ministry
- meet as required to plan and execute ministry objectives
- review annually its Covenant Statement, and submit
proposed changes to the staff and the Board of Elders
- submit annually to the Board of Elders a report
of its activities and accomplishments and objectives
for the coming year
- submit annually its proposed budget for the coming
year.
Examples of ministry teams include, but are not limited
to, the following:
- Children’s Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Adult Ministry
- Music & Worship
- Outreach & Evangelism
- Social Concerns
- Missions
- Buildings
- Grounds
- Transportation
SECTION 3 - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
A. The Annual Membership Meeting of the church shall
be held in January each year. At this meeting, annual
reports shall be received, elected offices shall be
filled, annual budget shall be approved and other necessary
business shall be transacted. Notice of this meeting
shall be given by announcement at the regular Sunday
services of the church at least two weeks prior to
the date of the meeting.
B. The fiscal year shall end December 31.
C. A regular membership meeting of the church shall
be held in June.
D. Special membership meetings may be called by the
Senior Pastor, Chairman of the Board of Elders, or
by a request signed by a quorum of church members.
Notice of a special meeting shall be given by announcement
at the regular Sunday services of the church at least
two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.
E. The Church Chairman shall conduct the Annual Membership
Meeting and other membership meetings. The rules of
order contained in Robert’s Rules of Order (latest
revision) shall govern this organization when those
Rules are consistent with the church’s Constitution
and By-laws.
F. Twenty percent (20%) of the membership shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business.
G. All members who have attained the age of 18 years
have the right to vote in all matters coming before
membership. All matters shall be determined by majority
vote (one more than one-half of all the votes cast),
except when otherwise specified in these By-Laws.
H. Election
Officers and members of the Board of Elders shall be
elected at the Annual Membership Meeting and shall
begin serving upon election.
ARTICLE III – AMENDMENTS
A. Proposed amendments to the By-Laws must be submitted by:
1. The Board of Elders to the membership at a membership
meeting, or
2. A quorum of the membership to the Board of Elders for
review and then to the membership at a membership meeting,
or
3. A member to the Board of Elders for approval. If the
Board of Elders does not approve the proposed amendment,
see 2 above.
B. These By-Laws may be amended or altered by:
1. A presentation of the proposed amendment at a membership
meeting of the church, provided that written notification
of the meeting, including the amendment agenda item, has
been made to the membership at least two weeks prior to such
meeting. At this meeting the proposed amendment may receive
preliminary acceptance by an affirmative vote of three-fourths
(3/4) majority of the members present. If such vote is affirmative,
it is to be followed by:
2. A presentation of the same proposed amendment at a membership
meeting of the church, provided that written notification
of the meeting, including the amendment agenda item has been
made to the membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting.
This meeting is to be held at least three months, but no
more than six months, after the first vote on the amendment.
At this meeting the proposed amendment may receive final
adoption by an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority
of the members present.
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