Constitution & Bylaws!

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF (Church Name)

Amended this___________ day of _______, 20___.

Replaces and supersedes all previous versions of the Constitution and By-laws of ______________________________[SD1] ____________________________ *
[SD1]Church Name

....PREAMBLE....

For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of God, our heavenly Father; to provide for Christian fellowship, where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to the Word of God; to take our part in spreading the kingdom of God, through the gospel of Jesus Christ locally as well as globally; we whose names appear upon the assembly roster as of the date of adoption of these Constitution and By-laws, do recognize ourselves as a [SD2] local assembly in fellowship with and a part of the (denomination or fellowship name) headquartered in (city), (state). We adopt the following articles of church order as being biblical in principle and agree to comply with them.

* [SD2]This gives the church increased autonomy, even if it is affiliated with a denomination. If the church is independent, leave out this phrase, but keep the next sentence.
....CONSTITUTION....

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this church shall be:_________________________________, in the town of ________________________, in the State of __________________________.

ARTICLE II. PREROGATIVES

Section 1. This congregation shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament Scripture, [SD3] “...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace...till we all come in unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:3-13).
* [SD3] Again, this allows for greater autonomy, leading of the Holy Spirit and flexibility – yet stabilized and guided by the Word of God.

Section 2. In connection therewith, or incidental thereto, it shall have the right to purchase of acquire by gifts, bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes;[SD4] all in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.
* [SD4]This is absolutely a MUST for a local church to operate effectively and be able to acquire or dispose of property – especially when combined with a later part of this Constitution.

ARTICLE III. AFFILIATION

While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this assembly shall voluntarily enter into a mutual, full cooperative fellowship with____________________ church associated in the __________ Conference, with headquarters at (city), (state) ; and shall share in the privileges and assume the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.

ARTICLE IV. TENETS OF FAITH

We believe in:[SD5]
* [SD5]This is intentionally as broad and generalized as possible. Of course, it will probably need to be edited for purposes of specificity.

1) The Holy Trinity
2) The Deity of Christ
3) The Virgin Birth
4) The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
5) The Verbal Inspiration, Inerrancy and Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures
6) The Genesis Account of Creation
7) Justification by Faith
8) The Blood Atonement
9) The Necessity of Repentance and the New Birth
10) The Free Will of Man
11) The Necessity of Perseverance and a Holy Life
12) The Great Commission
13) The Second Coming of Christ
14) The Resurrection of the Body
15) The Eternal Bliss of the Saved in Heaven
16) An Eternal Hell for the Unsaved

ARTICLE V. ORDINANCES

Section 1. The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matt. 28:19) is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are to be baptized. This is a means of declaring to the world, the flesh and the devil that they have died in Christ and are raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Acts 10:47-48; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12).

Section 2. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly [SD6] as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19, 20; 1Cor. 11:23-26).
* [SD6] Leaves room for flexibility as the Spirit leads. Not limited to once a month or strictly morning services, etc.

ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. All those who give evidence of saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; who regularly attend and take part in the services and ministries; who are living consistent Christian lives; who support the church with the [SD7] complete tithe according to Scriptures; who give evidence of a cooperative, submissive, humble and Christ-like spirit as the Scriptures enjoin; and who are in agreement with the objectives of the assembly may be recognized as members, these being ones who God has added to the church (1Cor. 12:1-31; Mal.3:8-11; Matt. 23:23; 1 Tim. 5:1, 17-20; Acts 2:47).
* [SD7] If a person will rob God, he or she will probably steal from the church! A committed member should have no problem agreeing to do this. However, a disgruntled member usually begins to hold back from a complete tithe. That is one of the first indicators. SO, if a member is undermining the ministry or causing division in the church, he or she has probably also broken this part of his or her membership commitment.

Note: Regular attendance shall consist of attendance of at least of in a minimum of one quarter (1/4) of the scheduled services.[SD8]
* [SD8] Always define what “regular” attendance means to you. Here, for instance, where we may have Sunday School, Sunday Morning, Sunday Evening, Wednesday night, this literally means averaging at least one service a week.

You MAY want to have active membership require 60% of Sunday Morning services, equaling about 31 services a year . The evening and mid-week services may be used to “make up” for missed services. Again KEEP THIS or some version of it. We had a member several years ago who would come regularly and give regularly – about once every 90 days and give $10. But, this individual wanted to basically run all church business meetings. So, this requirement is actually a way of honoring those members who are faithful.

Section 2. Voting Membership. The voting membership shall consist of all those who meet the Scriptural standards for membership whose names have been added to the roster of this assembly, provided they are 18 years of age or over.

Section 3. Associate Membership. Associate Membership may be available for persons who, for various reasons, must have limited involvement in the church for a time, as well as for those under eighteen years of age (Junior Membership) who meet the Scriptural standards of membership established by this assembly.

Section 4. Inactive Membership. [SD9] Members who without good cause absent themselves from more than 75% of the services, or cease to support the assembly with the complete tithe, or who are out of harmony with its teachings, or its ministries, or who shall be under charges of misconduct, or who have fallen under condemnation through sinful practices, shall be considered as inactive members and shall forfeit their voting privileges until they are restored to the fellowship, their standing to be settled by the definite action of the assembly through its Pastor and Leadership to whom such responsibility is designated.
* [SD9]Keep this, or some version of it! You’ll need it!

ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of this church shall consist of the Pastor, Elder(s), a Corporate Secretary, a Treasurer, Deacons, Deaconesses, and such other officers as the church may deem advisable (Rom. 11:13, 12:4; 1 Tim. 3:10, 3:13; Eph. 4:11; Eph., Phil., and Col. subscripts). These shall be known collectively as the Leadership. The Corporate Secretary may also serve as Treasurer.

Section 2. An Elder is one who is active in one or more of the five fold ministries as listed in Eph. 4:11-14, and is qualified in accordance with 1 Tim. 3:1-16, 2:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-7. From among the Elders, one shall be recognized as presiding Elder or Pastor. The Pastor shall have the responsibility for the oversight of the church. The Elders shall be responsible for the delegated ministries in the church. They shall function with special regard to spiritual matters and thus will delegate responsibilities to the Diaconate as required. The Pastor, an Elder and Corporate Secretary shall also act as Trustees.[SD10]
* [SD10]This makes for a smooth running and competent as well as biblical set up. It keeps the leadership from being held back from following the leading of God, by a handful of trustees, for whom the work of God is little more than a spiritual hobby.

Section 3. Functional support for managing church affairs shall be provided to the Pastor and Eldership by the Deacons under the chairmanship of the Pastor and under the guidance of the Elders. The ministry of Deacon (1 Tim. 3:8, 12) and Deaconess (Rom. 16:1) is the ministry of Servant [SD11] or Attendant. Deacons shall be recognized (Acts 6:3) from the voting membership of the church. These will have first been proven ( 1Tim.3:10) to have the heart for and evidences [SD12] of being servants in the assembly. The tenure for Deacons shall be open [SD13] , and reviewed annually for as long as each maintains the scriptural qualifications and has the heart for the ministry of Deacon.
* [SD11]Important! The Deacon is a servant, not a manager! The Deacon does not rule over the Pastor, who is an Elder. The deacon serves the things of God to the people of God at the pleasure of the Pastor and Elders.
* [SD12]EVIDENCES of being servants – not evidences of having the desire to control the church and run ministry. Like a Server in a restaurant, the deacon represents the Leadership to the members and the members to the leadership. A deacon has roughly the authority (which is delegated from the Leadership) of a server in a restaurant.
* [SD13]If a person has a heart for serving, why should he or she be limited to a 3 year term? And, if he or she LOSES heart for serving, why should he or she continue having the title of Deacon?
* [SD14]Each should have at least a year of EVIDENCE of a faithful and serving lifestyle. You don’t put them in office and then expect them to live up to the standard. First they live it, then they get the title and office. “Let these first be proved…”

Section 4. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be responsible for recording and maintaining the official records of the church and dispersing the finances of the church as directed by the Pastor and the Leadership entrusted with the responsibility for the appropriation of money.

Section 5. Designated Elders, two Deacons, and two lay members of the congregation, with the Pastor as chairman, shall act as the Nominating Committee. At least three weeks prior to the annual business meeting, they shall meet and select those whom they have recognized as giving evidence over the previous year as being of proven heart and character [SD14] for the offices open. A list of qualified candidates which will be presented to the members for recognition will be assembled. Recognition shall be established when two-thirds of the body is in agreement as to the gifting and calling of the person presented for the office in question.
* [SD14]Each should have at least a year of EVIDENCE of a faithful and serving lifestyle. You don’t put them in office and then expect them to live up to the standard. First they live it, then they get the title and office. “Let these first be proved…” The Pastor or a designated Elder shall ascertain the willingness of each nominee to be recognized as being in each position. Names may be submitted for consideration of the Nominating Committee by any voting member of the church.

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Sunday and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor. Revivals, missionary services, conferences and other special services shall be planned by the Pastor in conjunction with the Eldership as needed.

Section 2. There shall be an annual business meeting, the specific date set by the Pastor and Leadership. The annual business meeting may be postponed, for a valid reason, or for a period not to exceed 30 days, by action of the Pastor and the Leadership. Business meetings shall be governed by the accepted rules of parliamentary procedure in keeping with the spirit of Christian love, courtesy, and fellowship.

Section 3. Special business meetings of the church may be called when the Pastor or a two-thirds majority of the Leadership [SD15] deem it necessary, provided notice of the meetings are given to the assembly on the two Sundays immediately prior to the date of the said meeting. Special business meetings may also be called by petition, signed by not less than twenty-five percent of the voting membership of the church [SD16] . The petition shall be placed in the hands of the Pastor or the Secretary of the church. However, before the right of petition is exercised, the church must request the counsel and assistance of the Conference [SD17] .
* [SD15]Pastor and 2/3 majority of LEADERSHIP, not when a handful of negative and disgruntled individuals who decide to divide the body.
* [SD16]Gives rights to the membership, if sufficient concern is there.
* [SD17] Or bishop, Superintendent, or other oversight.

Section 4. Notice of all annual and special business meetings shall be published by announcement on the two consecutive Sundays prior to such meeting.

Section 5. A quorum shall consist of those members who are entitled to vote who are present at any regular or specially called business meeting.[SD18]
* [SD18]Most Important! Otherwise, if you have a voting membership of 60, with a traditional 2/3 quorum, you’ll need 40 members at a meeting in order to conduct business. Suppose there will always be a few who just can’t make it, or forget, or even trust the church SO much, that they don’t really feel the need to go to a business meeting. Now, further suppose you have just 10 or 12 antagonistic members who decide to boycott the meeting. This dozen or fewer people can keep the church from conducting any business or purchasing or disposing of property indefinitely, as long as they keep you from having a quorum. This could go on for a year or more! But not anymore, once you have this definition of a quorum.

ARTICLE IX. DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES

Section 1. All departments and committees shall be subordinate to the assembly and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. They shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and Elders. The Pastor shall be an ex-officio [SD19] member of all departments and committees. A Department Head shall be appointed by the Pastor and Elders to direct each department in its routine operations. Department Heads shall be active members full of the Holy Spirit as illustrated in Acts 6. Departments may have sub-departments at the discretion of the Pastor and Eldership.
* [SD19]People need to be reminded that “ex-officio” does NOT mean “not official” or “non-voting” member. It means “by virtue of office” as Pastor. Pastor IS a member of all committees, and as Overseer has input and say-so as well as “veto” powers, after conjunction with the elders, if a committee decides to do something that is unbiblical, unethical or is not in line with the vision of the eldership.

Section 2. As need arises, departments or committees may be established at the discretion of the Pastor and Elders.

ARTICLE X. FINANCES

Section 1. All funds and gifts received shall be used to promote the work, ministry and needs of the assembly (Ezra 7:18) [SD20] . Departments of the church may receive offerings and raise funds at such times and in such ways as agreed upon by the Pastor and the Leadership. No monies shall be collected by individuals or Departments of the church for any cause (including school, sports and civic fund-raisers) [SD21] without the consent of the Pastor.
* [SD20]Important. Keep it. You’ll need it!
* [SD21]This keeps it from being “personal” when you have to tell the kids and their parents to stop accosting church members with fundraisers from schools etc. People can get “giver’s fatigue” quickly if you have a large amount of school aged children.

Section 2. The Pastor and Staff shall be given regular and adequate financial support, the amount and manner of which shall be determined by agreement between the Pastor, Staff and the Leadership [SD22].
* [SD22]The Elders see to the salaries and other compensation of the Pastor. This is not left to the most miserly and tightfisted people in the church! Often, the wealthiest people in the church think the Pastor should be literally living on faith – alone! Also, there are those who have no idea of the amount of time, energy, expertise and intrusions that the ministry involves. The church’s financial responsibility to the Pastoral Staff shall be reviewed annually, or when deemed necessary.

ARTICLE XI. PROPERTY RIGHTS

Section 1. All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred, or conveyed in the corporate name of the church. Section 2. Authorization for purchase of real property shall be given by a two-thirds vote of a quorum present and voting [SD23] at a regular or special business meeting called for that purpose.
* [SD23]Note: “present AND voting”

Section 3. The sale, lease, mortgage or alienation of the real property of this church shall be authorized by a two-thirds vote of members present at a regular or special business meeting called for that purpose.

Section 4. Property shall not be sold, purchased, leased, mortgaged or alienated in the interim while the church has no Pastor, unless negotiations had begun before the vacancy occurred. In all cases during this period, guidance of the (denomination or affiliation) must be sought.

Section 5. In the event of its dissolution, the President of the corporation and Secretary are hereby authorized and instructed to convey title to all of its property and assets to a 501(c)3 organization of the congregation’s choosing.

ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the members at any regular or special business meeting called, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made on at least two consecutive Sundays immediately prior to the time of such meeting. Any proposed amendment must be presented to the Pastor and Eldership in writing one month before such business meeting. Any changes will be on the basis of Scriptural [SD24] evidence which would bring the Constitution more closely in accordance with the Word of God.
* [SD24]Scriptural evidence, not personal preference. The standard is the Word of God, not the opinions, tastes, traditions and commandments of men.

....BY-LAWS....

ARTICLE I. OFFICERS AND DUTIES

Section 1. The Pastor shall be the spiritual overseer of the church and shall direct all of its functions. He shall be the President and the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation and as such, shall act as chairman of all the business meetings of the assembly and of all boards. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and departments. He shall provide for all the services of the church and shall arrange for all special meetings, conventions and revival campaigns. No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the church without his approval. The Pastor is directly responsible for the church as its administrative head or overseer. He shall be able to [SD25] efficiently execute the fiduciary responsibilities that become his as Chief Executive Officer of the corporation.
*[SD25]The Pastor needs to be able to operate efficiently financially, avoiding being “cheap” as well as being lavish with the Lord’s money.

At no time shall the Pastor or any other officer initiate an account in his name or in anyone else’s name, under the covering of the account name of the church. No board, committee, group or individual may supersede the authority vested by Scripture in the office and duties of the Pastor, or interfere in the relationship between the Pastor and the congregation [SD26] . Conversely, the Pastor shall not in any way abrogate the Constitution and By-Laws of this assembly. As the Chief Executive Officer and President of this corporation, he shall insure that all decisions made by himself or the leadership are in harmony with the Constitution and By-Laws.
* [SD26]Keep this in, and avoid church mutiny.

The Scriptural meaning of the word “pastor” being shepherd (Eph. 4:11); bishop (1 Tim. 3:1, Phil. 1:1, Titus 1:7); overseer (Acts 20:28, 1 Tim. 3:5, Heb. 13:7 & 17, 1 Peter 5:2); and being of divine appointment, these prerogatives shall not be delegated to those who are not in the Eldership, as this is contrary to the divine method.

[SD27] The Pastor shall endeavor to represent the church in the (name of appropriate area) Conference. The church shall accept its financial responsibilities, as far as is possible, for the Pastor’s attendance at the Conferences.
* [SD27]This paragraph is only if the church is a member of a denomination or association of churches.

Section 2. Elders shall be persons of mature Christian experience and knowledge - set in the Body for building the body of saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-16). They shall be persons known to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 6 and who meet the requirements as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 in light of the principles established in Exodus 18:13-26. Elders must have been members of the assembly at least three years [SD28] . They shall function with special regard to spiritual matters and thus will delegate responsibilities to the Deacons as necessary. They shall fulfill New Testament functions as generally specified in 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-11, Romans 16:12 and Titus 1.
* [SD28]This protects the church from the “charmer” ordained or otherwise who comes into the church in order to usurp authority or to steal the hearts of the congregation. This has happened more than enough, when a charming individual comes in and steals the hearts of the people and then tries to take the Pastor’s position and salary!

In particular, Elders shall:

a. Take careful oversight of the congregation’s spiritual condition and both advise the Pastor of any matters requiring his attention and assist him in addressing them.
b. Work with the Pastor as needed to bring all believers in the assembly to maturity in Christ and to equip them for service.
c. Strive to preserve the unity [SD29] of the body.
* [SD29]No Elder or other leader would criticize another leader or Elder to a church member who is not also an Elder. Criticism is to flow UP, not down.
d. Administer spiritual discipline in keeping with New Testament standards.
e. Act in examination of applicants for membership.
f. Direct and oversee the activities of the Board of Deacons. Elders shall be appointed by the Pastor and after the approval of the Leadership shall be brought before the body for recognition. Functional Support for managing church affairs shall be provided to the Pastor and Elders by the Deacons, under the chairmanship of the Pastor and the guidance of the Elders.

Section 3. The office of Deacon is first mentioned in Acts 6:1-7. The primary purpose of the office is service (1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-7). Deacons are the assistants to the Pastor and Eldership.[SD30]
* [SD30]The role of the Deacon must be regularly clarified. They do not rule over the Pastor or other Elders. They serve strictly in an advisory and serving capacity. Deacons never rule. They serve.

Those selected as Deacons shall already meet scriptural qualifications for the office (1 Timothy 3:3-13). The Deacon/Deaconess must have an established track record of serving the Body of Christ.
a. The Deacons shall act in an advisory capacity to the Pastor and Elders in all matters pertaining to church life.
b. They shall assist in the examination of applicants for membership when called upon to do so.
c. They shall assist in the administration of discipline of the membership when called upon to do so.
d. They shall assist in the ministry of the church ordinances as needed.
e. They shall serve as a visiting committee in bedside ministry to the sick and for the spiritual uplift of the membership, and in all other ways requested by the Pastor in carrying out duties pertaining to the life of the church.

The Deacon is the Pastor’s advisor, helper and prayer partner as well as a loyal supporter to the Pastor, assisting him to fulfill the vision and goals God has given him for the local church. The Deacon shall promote goodwill in the congregation and shall strengthen the people’s confidence in their Pastor and his leadership [SD31].
* [SD31]A Deacon is ALWAYS supportive and loyal, edifying the Pastor and leadership. A disloyal, subversive Deacon is a misnomer.

Section 4. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the annual and all special business meetings of the church. The Secretary shall keep a record of the membership of the church and perform any other administrative work necessary to the proper discharge of the duties of that office and the effective functioning of the Pastor and Eldership. The Secretary shall be the custodian of all legal documents, and be in possession of the Articles of Incorporation. The Secretary shall be one of two signatories to every legal document executed by the church corporation. The Secretary may also serve as Treasurer.

Section 5. The office of Treasurer may be combined with that of Secretary, or may be filled by a separate individual. The Treasurer shall be the steward of the finances of the church. The Treasurer shall keep an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements. e/She shall present an itemized report at the regular meetings of the Leadership and a detailed report to the church at its annual business meeting.

Section 6. The Leadership shall consist of the Pastor, the Eldership and at least five Deacons and at least three department heads. A Deacon may also be a department head and in such a case this will count towards the required number of department heads.

ARTICLE II. VACANCIES

Section 1. Should a vacancy occur for any recognized office other than the Pastor, the vacant position will be filled as deemed necessary by appointment of the Pastor and Eldership. The appointed person will serve until the next annual business meeting. The position will then be filled by normal annual nominating and recognition processes.

Section 2. Any of the offices named in this Constitution may be declared vacated [SD32] by the Pastor in the event of resignation, transfer, disability, death or unscriptural conduct.
* [SD32]The Pastor has the right to declare an office vacant when the individual is no longer living up to his or her commitment to the office or to the Lord.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership shall be recognized for all those whom the Lord has joined to this body (Acts 2:47; Acts 5:13; 1 John 2:19). These have given evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and agree to comply [SD33] with the Constitution and By-laws as herein set forth.
* [SD33]“agree to comply.”

Section 2. Persons desiring to become members of the church shall make the fact known to the Pastor, who with the designated Leadership, shall evaluate the applicant according to the standards of membership. The applicant shall then be given a membership application. All persons who shall have met the membership requirements shall be received publicly during any of the regular services. Their names shall be added to the church roster.

Section 3. [SD34] In times of misunderstandings or strained relationships, members are to take the role of peacemakers, thereby manifesting the blessing of God on their lives (Matt.5:9). This is in compliance with the Scriptural injunction that there be no divisions in the body (Rom.16:17). If there is cause for dissatisfaction with the operation of the church Body, it shall be called to the attention of the Pastor and Eldership. At their discretion, necessary adjustments shall be made (Acts 6:1-7; Matt.18:15-18).
* [SD34]This spells out how a true Believer will operate in the Body. It is important to have a section like this in the Constitution and By Laws, to be able to apply it when a person begins to get divisive and negative.

Section 4. Members will recognize and comply with the delegated authority that God has given to the Eldership as is stated in the Word of God, (Heb.13:7-17) that the principle of Christian fellowship may be kept inviolate and perpetuated, recognizing its fundamental importance.

Section 5. Scriptural standards of unity and conduct mandate that there are certain conditions that require the recognition of a loss of fellowship as members. Discipline shall be exercised by the Pastor and Elders together with input from others in Leadership. Some grounds for exercising discipline or declaring a loss from fellowship shall include the following:[SD35]
* [SD35]This makes it clear that there may be other grounds for loss of fellowship, and that the following list are just samples.
a. Absence from the services of the church for an extended period (90 days) without reasonable cause. (Heb. 10:24-25)
b. Failure and neglect to support the work of this Body through the complete tithe. (Malachi 3:8-11; Matt. 23:3, 1Cor. 16:2)
c. Being out of harmony with the teachings or ministries of the church. (Romans 16:17; Heb.13:7 and 17; 1 Cor.11:18)
d. Causing or encouraging division, strife, discord or disunity. (Romans 16:17, Prov. 6:19; 1 Cor.1:10)
e. Falling under condemnation through sinful or carnal practices. (Romans 8:6-8; Gal. 6:8; Heb. 12:14)

These acts and practices bring reproach upon the Name of Christ, His people and the ministry. Moreover, they jeopardize the spiritual well-being of the offender. It is a responsibility of the Eldership in such cases to reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 5:20; 1 Tim.1:20; 1 Cor. 5:3-5, 13). The goal of all church discipline is repentance and restoration. (Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Cor. 2:6-8).

ARTICLE IV. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The Christian Education Director shall be appointed by the Pastor and Elders for a period of two years and shall be responsible for the routine administration of the Christian Education Department. This includes the planning, organizing, staffing, directing and evaluating of all programs to ensure the department’s purposes and goals are accomplished. Selection of names for possible appointment to this office shall be done by the designated Leadership coincident with and in the same manner as the selection of Deacons and Deaconesses. The Pastor and Elders, after prayer and fasting, shall then make an appointment from this list and announce the final selection at the annual business meeting.

ARTICLE V. DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES

All departments shall be conducted as branches of the church and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole church body. They shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and Elders. Functional supervision and support shall be supplied to all departments and committees by the Leadership. If a vacancy shall occur in a department or a committee, the designated Leadership shall act to fill the vacancy. All financial activities of any department or committee shall be conducted under the supervision of the church Treasurer, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the church. Committees may be appointed to serve the church as the need may arise.

ARTICLE VI. PROPERTY RIGHTS

Section 1. All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred or conveyed in the corporate name of the church.

Section 2. The Pastor with the Eldership are authorized to initiate contracts in the name of the corporation [SD36] . Final authorization for purchase of real property shall be given by a two-thirds vote of a quorum present and voting at a regular or special business meeting called for that purpose.
* [SD36]Failure to have this sentence has cost more than one church the opportunity to obtain new premises or other real property, due to the fact that the church cannot do any business whatsoever without at least two or more week’s notice. With this sentence, the Pastor and a majority of Elders may “lock in” a piece of property, contingent on congregational final approval.

Section 3. The sale, lease, mortgage or alienation of the real property of this church shall be authorized by a two-thirds vote of a quorum present at a regular or special business meeting called for that purpose.

Section 4. Property shall not be sold, purchased, leased, mortgaged or alienated in the interim while the church has no pastor, unless negotiations had begun before the vacancy occurred. In all cases during this period, guidance of the Conference must be sought.

Section 5. In the event of its dissolution, the President of the corporation and Secretary are hereby authorized and instructed to convey title to all of its property and assets to a 501 (c) (3) organization of their choosing.

ARTICLE VII. ORDER OF BUSINESS

The regular order of business for the annual meeting of the assembly shall be as follows:

1.) Devotional

2.) Roll Call

3.) Reading of previous Minutes by the Secretary

4.) Report by the Pastor

5.) Report by the Treasurer

6.) Unfinished Business

7.) Appointment of Officers

8.) New Business

9.) Adjournment

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS

These By-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the members at any regular or special business meeting called, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made on at least two consecutive Sundays immediately prior to the time of such meeting. Any proposed amendment must be presented to the Pastor and Eldership in writing one month before such business meeting. Any changes will be on the basis of Scriptural evidence which would bring the By-laws more closely in accordance with the Word of God.

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