Bylaws

The bylaws of CrossRoads Church. They set out how the church is governed day to day: who may be a member, how the Board of Directors and the elders are constituted and act, the roles of officers, deacons, the pastor and staff, how committees are formed, how the church’s finances are handled, and how the bylaws themselves are amended.

Article 9 authorises this policy manual and says who maintains it. The constitution adopted alongside these bylaws is published separately at Constitution.

Article I – Church Membership

Section 1 – General

We exist as a church to honor and glorify God and submit ourselves under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right to exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who will be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

All present and new members of the entity known as CrossRoads Church will, upon meeting the requirements outlined below and by signing the Membership Covenant, become members of this incorporated church. No member of this Church, or any officer, nor any deacon or member of the Board of Directors will by virtue of such membership, office, or position incur or be subject to personal liability to any extent for any indebtedness, obligation, acts, or omissions of this corporation.

Section 2 – Qualifications & Process

There are 5 qualifications for a person to be considered for membership at CrossRoads Church:

• Explain to an Elder or Pastor their testimony and acknowledge their acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
• If not already accomplished, understand and fulfill the command to be baptized by immersion.
  • In special cases, membership will be granted to those who were baptized as infants or by another form of baptism who can explain to an Elder how that was significant in their personal faith journey.
  • In these instances, candidates will agree that the church teaches and preaches believers baptism.
• Understand and propose to fulfill the requirements of a member in this membership Section.
• Must agree to and sign our church Membership Covenant (in Constitution above).
• If not transferring membership from another church, candidates should have faithfully attended worship, and/or been involved in ministry for at least six months at Cross Roads Church. (May be amended with Elder approval)

Upon desire for membership, each applicant shall attend and complete the New Member’s Class (offered at least once a year). After satisfactory completion of the New Member’s Class, and being otherwise qualified for membership, the applicant shall be recommended for membership to the Board of Elders which shall vote on that recommendation. If approved by the Board, all prospective members will be presented to the congregation as new members at the next members’ business meeting.

Section 3 – Responsibilities

As outlined in the church membership covenant in Constitution above.

Section 4 – No Ownership Rights

Members of this church shall have no property rights and upon termination of membership, they shall be entitled to no interest in the assets. In the event of the dissolution of the corporation, the property assets of the church shall be distributed according to the vote of the majority of the membership in accordance with the Articles.

Section 5 – Types of Membership

• Active – Active members include both full and associate memberships at CrossRoads Church.
• Full- A member that (1) is in compliance with all the above membership requirements, (2) is devoted and committed to the vision and purposes of CrossRoads Church and the Christian life, and (3) has attended regular worship services at least three (3) times in the previous six (6) months. Active members may participate in the ministries of the church, hold office and exercise leadership and service, have a right to vote, and submit to accountability by church leadership.
• Associate– Associate members have all the responsibilities and privileges as an Active Member including the right to vote at Members’ Meetings. Associate Members are those people who are in transition (college students, military). We recognize that some people may continue an active membership in another church and also be a member at CrossRoads because of their geographic location. This membership is special to people who want to make CrossRoads their home church when they are in town, but want to keep another church membership active in what they consider their permanent home.

Inactive– Any member who does not satisfy the definition of an active member will no longer have any voting privileges or rights to participate in church discussions and leadership. Members will be moved to inactive status by the Elder Board. In making this decision, the Elder Board will consider a member’s attendance, giving, and serving in ministry areas of the church. Inactive members do not have any voting rights in the church. Upon written request by an inactive member stating good cause, the Board may reinstate the member to full active membership.

The Elder Board will review the membership roll on a yearly basis. For those who do not meet active membership status, a letter will be sent out informing them that they are an inactive member of the church.

Section 6 – Termination:

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

• Death of the member;
• Written resignation by the member;
• Written request by the member to transfer their membership to another church;
• Dismissal due to Church Discipline

Section 7 – Church Discipline and Restoration:

It shall be the practice of this church to pursue every reasonable measure for peace and reconciliation. Should one member sin against another member or the Body of members (the Church) by immoral or unbiblical conduct or biblical heresy, the aggrieved members shall follow the biblical model given by our Lord and Savior in Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14. The Pastors, Elder Board (or a committee appointed by the Board), and mature Members are available for counsel and guidance to the aggrieved members. The purposes of such discipline should be for:

• The repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined. (Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4 ; 1Timothy 3:4-5; Hebrews 12:1-11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5 ; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26-27; 18:15-17; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13-14; James 1:22)
• The instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them. (Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (note- this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders); 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24-25)
• The purity of the church as a whole. (1 Corinthians 5:6-7; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; 2 John 10; Jude 24 ; Revelation 21:2)
• The good of our corporate witness to non-Christians. (Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1-14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10)
• Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character. (Deuteronomy 5:11; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2:24; 15:5-6; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 7: 1; Ephesians 1:4 ; 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12)

Procedures shall be in harmony with Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1 as is appropriate. Differences that cannot be resolved will be handled by the Elder Board or its designees. The Church will look to the Board for the effective functioning and discipline of its members according to this Church Discipline and Restoration Policy. Only after good faith efforts by the Board to bring about repentance and reconciliation have proven futile, shall the accused member be subjected to further church discipline. All church discipline shall allow for the accused to know the charge(s) and have a right to repent and/or be heard before the board or its designees. If the church member does not repent and is disciplined by the Board it will be announced to the members to carry out the Biblical admonitions to bring about repentance and restoration of the disciplined member.

Members dismissed by the Elder Board shall be restored to full membership privileges by the elders according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 when their conduct is judged by the Pastor(s) and the Board to be in accordance with the Statement of Faith and Biblical repentance. Pastors will communicate such restoration to the Church in a timely manner.

Section 8 – Biblical Settlement of Disputes Within or Against the Church

In any dispute arising between or among Church members, pastors, or staff, the dispute may be resolved by the Church Board (or a duly appointed committee from the Church Board) under the Christian Conciliation Rules and Procedures published at www.hispeace.org. All employees, contractors and vendors of the Church should be asked to sign policies or contracts with the Christian Dispute Resolution clause in it.

Any dispute between a member and the church shall be resolved though Christian Conciliation. Christian mediation should be attempted but if it does not resolve the dispute then legally binding Christian Arbitration shall be employed by the Board or individuals selected by the Board in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation found at www.HisPeace.org. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Arbitrator seeking that which most glorifies God and regarding one another before himself.

Judgment upon an arbitration decision may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction. Jurisdiction and venue shall be the county and state where the church is located and Virginia law will apply to dispute. Members, pastors, staff or third party vendors/contractors shall understand that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising against the Church and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another or the Church for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision. In that case, judgment upon an arbitration award may be entered by any court having competent jurisdiction, in conformity with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Notwithstanding this above provision, to protect the church and its members and under its risk policy procedures, the church is required to maintain liability insurance. Therefore, this conflict provision is conditioned upon agreement by the church’s insurers that, in light of the particular facts and circumstances surrounding the disputed matter, this provision, and the process it establishes will not diminish any insurance coverage maintained by the church.

Section 9 – Voting Qualification and Privileges of Members

All Active Members meeting the qualifications and responsibilities above in this Section, are in good standing, and over the age of sixteen (16) have the right to vote on the following issues at a Regular or Special Business Meeting:

• The Church’s Annual Budget;
• Acquisition, transfer, and sale of real property and related indebtedness;
• Disposition of all or substantially all of the Church’s assets;
• Merger or dissolution of the Church;
• Call of a Pastor;
• Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, or Bylaws of the Church; and
• Any other major event or decision as designated by the Elders.

Section 10 – Church Meetings

Worship Services

The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, for the worship of the Almighty God. Prayer, praise, preaching, instruction, and evangelism shall be among the ingredients of these services. The pastor or whoever he assigns shall direct the services.

Special Services

Other church worship meetings essential to the advancement of the church’s objectives shall be placed on the church calendar (revivals, mission conferences, special emphasis days, etc.)

Regular Business Meetings

Regular business meetings will be scheduled once a quarter throughout the year. Notice of the time and place of the meeting, as determined by the Elders, will be given in a regular worship service two (2) weeks prior to the meeting, and will be listed in the Church bulletin for all two (2) consecutive weeks before the meeting, either of which method will be deemed to be a reasonable method of calling the quarterly business meeting.

Informational Meetings

Informational meetings may be called at any point by the elders.

Special Business Meetings

A special business meeting may be called to consider matters of significant nature. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting, as determined by the Elders, will be given in a regular worship service two (2) weeks prior to the meeting, and will be listed in the Church bulletin for all two (2) consecutive weeks before the meeting, either of which method will be deemed to be a reasonable method of calling the quarterly business meeting.

Quorum and Procedure

The presence of twenty five percent (25%) of all active members at a duly called meeting will constitute a quorum of the membership for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not met at that meeting, then another meeting will be called with proper notice given. At the second meeting, a quorum will consist of those active members who attended the business meeting. All decisions of the members will be made by majority vote of those active members present and voting, except where otherwise specified in these Bylaws.

Minutes

Minutes of the regular and special meetings will be taken and kept in the records under the custody of the designated church secretary or clerk.

Parliamentary Rules

The Elder Board will establish an agreed upon set of Rules in which all business meetings of the church, the Board of Directors, and committees except where indicated otherwise in these Bylaws.

Article 2 – Board of Directors

Section 1 – Board Structure & General Powers

The corporate powers of the Church shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors (sometimes referred to herein as the Board). The Board will be comprised of the Elders, the Senior Pastor, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. The Chairman of the Elders will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer and Secretary shall be non-voting members of the Board, unless they are active Elders of the church.

The powers, business, and property of the Church will be exercised, conducted, and controlled by the Board for the purposes of overseeing the legal, business, financial, and administrative affairs of the Church with consensus agreement. If, in the course of the decision-making process, the Board cannot unanimously agree, then the decisions will be made by majority vote of the Board members.

Section 2 – Number, Qualification, Term, and Election

The Board shall consist of the active Serving Elders, who shall be elected individually by the current Elders as specified in the below Article on Elder Selection. The authorized number of Board Members shall be such number as may from time to time be authorized by the Elder Board, provided that such number is no less than three (3) and no more than (12). With the exception of the Senior Pastor, no Board Member shall serve for more than six (6) years without being requested to take one (1) year off before thereafter being reelected. The Directors will also appoint the Secretary and Treasurer of the Church.

Section 3 – Vacancies

A vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause will be filled using the same Elder Selection Process outlined below.

Section 4 – Resignation and Removal

Any Board member may at any time deliver to the President or Chairman a written notice of intent to resign which will be effective upon acceptance by the Board. Any Officer or Board Member may be removed at any time with or without cause when, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Board, it is determined by unanimous vote of the rest of the Board that such Board Member should no longer serve on the Board. In the event any Board Member is so removed, a new Board Member will be elected in accordance with the Elder Selection Process.

Section 5 – Duties and Specific Powers

Without prejudiced to the general powers set forth above, and subject to the same limitations, the Board will have the following duties and powers:

• Establish governing principals, policies, and determining practices for the church, including the creation and maintenance of policies and procedure manuals, which will contain all controlling policies and procedures governing any and all aspects of the Church’s affairs, including, but not limited to, committee task descriptions and policies for the handling of funds, use of facilities, and employment policies and practices;
• Exercising oversight of the Church financial, business, and property matters and providing counsel;
• Hearing and considering all reports and recommendations submitted by pastors, councils, committees, and staff;
• Recommending the borrowing of money and incurring indebtedness on behalf of the Church and the cause to be executed and delivered for the Church’s purposes and in the Church’s name, promissory notes, and other evidences of debt and securities;
• Conducting such other duties and activities as the Board may determine from time to time that are consistent with the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and these Bylaws, including those actions requiring a vote of the Members.

The Board may delegate some of its authorities and duties to individual Elders, pastors, staff, Deacons, ministry teams, and others as long as the delegation does not breach its fiduciary duties to the Church.

Section 6 – Quorum

A quorum for any meeting of the Board will be the majority of the Directors.

Section 7 – Place and Time of Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Board may be held at least quarterly and at any place that has been designated by the Board and at any time designated by the Board.

Section 8 – Notices

Notice of the time and place and in the case of a special meeting the purpose of every meeting of the Board will be in writing and will be duly sent, mailed, or otherwise delivered to each Director not less than ten (10) days before the meeting; provided that no notice of any regularly scheduled or adjourned meeting need be given.

Section 9 – Annual Organization Meeting

At each annual Board meeting, the Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting for the purpose of organization, election of officers, and the transaction of other business.

Section 10 – Special Meetings

The Senior Pastor as President or Chairman of the Board may call meeting of the Board for any purpose or purposes at any time. The transactions of any meetings of the Board of Directors however called and noticed and wherever held, will be as valid as though at a regular meeting.

Section 11 – Participation by Conference Telephone

Members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment whereby all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation by such means will constitute presence in person at such meeting. When such a meeting is conducted by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment, a written record will be made of the action taken at such meeting, noting participation of those who were present by means of such communication equipment.

Section 12 – Action without Meeting

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board Members may be taken without a meeting, if all of the Board Members, individually or collectively, consent in writing to the action. Such action by written consent will have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Board Members. Such written consent or consents will be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board Members.

Section 13 – Transactions with Interested Parties

A contract or other transaction between the Church and one or more of its Board Members, Deacons, or family members thereof (hereinafter “Interested Party”), or between the Church and any other entity, of which one or more of the Church or its Board Members or Deacons are also Interested Parties, or in which the entity is an Interested Party with a financial interest – will be voidable at the sole election of the Church unless all of the following provisions are satisfied:

The Church entered into the transaction for its own benefit; the transaction was fair and reasonable as to the Church, or was in furtherance of its exempt purposes at the time the Church entered into the transaction; Prior to consummating the transaction, or any part, the Board authorized or approved the transaction, in good faith, by a vote of a majority of the Directors then in office, without counting the vote of the interested Director or Directors, and with knowledge of the material facts concerning the transaction and the Interested Parties’ interest in the transaction; and Prior to authorizing or approving the transaction, the Board, in good faith, determined, after reasonable investigation and consideration, that either the Church could not have obtained a more advantageous arrangement, with reasonable effort under the circumstances, or the transaction was in furtherance of the Church’s tax-exempt purposes.

Common or interested Board Members may not be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board (or a committee thereof) that authorizes, approves, or ratifies such contract or transaction. Notwithstanding the above, no loan shall be made by the Church to any of its Board Members, Deacons or Members.

Section 14 – Conflicts of Interest Policy

The Board will adopt a Conflicts of Interest Policy that will provide for full disclosure of material conflicting interests by Board Members, Deacons, Officers, Directors or employees. This Policy will permit the Board to determine whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair and reasonable to the Church.

Section 15 – No Compensation for Directors

No salary or compensation will be paid to any member of the Board in his capacity as Member of the Board, but nothing herein will be construed to preclude any Board Member from serving the Church in any other capacity and receiving reasonable compensation. Moreover, the Board Member may receive reasonable reimbursement for travel and other approved expenses upon request and written documentation.

Article 3 – Officers

Section 1 – President

The Senior Pastor shall serve as the President of the Corporation and will be the Chief Executive Officer with all the rights and powers attributed thereto and which the Board sets unless he delegates some of the duties to other Elders or staff.

Section 2 – Secretary

The Board will elect annually a Church Secretary. The Secretary is a member of the Board but may or may not be an Elder. The Secretary will record and preserve the minutes of all Board meetings. The Secretary will also serve as Clerk of the Members and will record and preserve the minutes of all Members’ meetings, maintain an up-to-date Church Roll of Members, and prepare and forward membership letters. The Secretary will be charged with the duty of giving proper notice to the Church and Board Members of their respective Board and Member meetings.

Section 3 – Treasurer

The Board will elect annually a Church Treasurer. The Treasurer is a member of the Board but may or may not be an Elder. The Treasurer will be responsible for all monies collected and distributed by the Church and will make financial reports to the Board. The Treasurer will ensure that a financial report is made available for Members at the annual Members’ meeting and such other Members’ meetings wherein a financial report is deemed necessary. A copy of the financial records will likewise be available to the Members on a monthly basis. Proper records and books concerning incoming and outgoing funds will be kept and such records and books will be made available for auditing and inspection.

Article 4 – Elders

Section 1 – Overview

The New Testament speaks of the rulers in the church by the designations of elders, overseers, and shepherds. While these different terms are used, they all refer to the same office: that of the elder. Cross Roads Church is an elder governed church. Serving Elders shall also serve as the Board of Directors to exercise the corporate powers of the Church (see Article 2, Section 1 – Board of Directors).

Cross Roads is ruled by a plurality of elders. The apostles ordained “elders in every church” to carry out the normal government of the churches (Acts 14:23; cf. Titus 1:5). The Bible places the government of a congregation into the hands of a group of elders who rule in a joint capacity. Since the elders rule collectively, no single individual makes the binding decisions of the church.

Section 2 – Qualifications

Elders must meet biblical qualifications to serve in this office in the church as found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Elders also must be members of the church.

Section 3 – Role of Elders

The Elders shall govern the affairs of the church including, but not limited to, assisting the Pastor and otherwise serve the Church; Elders will assist in commemorating the ordinance of communion, will oversee all receipts and expenditures of funds; will care for and dispense the charities of the Church; and will be responsible for the maintenance of scriptural discipline within the Church and its membership. The authorized number of Elders shall be such number as may from time to time be authorized by the Elders, provided that such number is no less than three (3) and no more than twelve (12). The Elder Board will elect a Chairman from among the Elders who shall serve a one-year term, but may be re-elected, as long as an active Elder, for up to three consecutive annual terms.

Section 4 – Serving Elders

• Must be appointed through the ‘Elder Selection Process’ (see below)
• With the exception of the Senior Pastor, a Serving Elder can only serve a maximum of two three-year terms consecutively.
  • After the first term (3 years) the Serving Elder can decide to 1) continue to serve a second term, 2) become an Elder at Large, or 3) step down from the Board.
• After a second term, an Elder must step down from the board or serve as an Elder at Large.
• Following one year, if former Elder desires to be brought back onto the Board he must notify the Elder Chair before July 1st. The current Elder Board must reaffirm the Elder as a serving elder by a 2/3rds vote.
• A rotational matrix will be established to assure continuity of leadership on the Board.
• Elders on the Board will be responsible for overseeing appointed areas of the church
• Must maintain Elder standards reflected in Scripture.

Section 5 – Chairman of Elders

A chair will be selected by the lay Elders to run the Elder Board. The following are responsibilities of the Elder Chair:

• Schedule Elder meetings
• Set agenda for Elder meetings
• Manage timelines and goals set by Elders
• Meet with Pastor twice a month to set agenda and talk about church-related issues.

Section 6 – Elder at Large

An elder at large is considered an Elder, however they cannot vote at Elder meetings and their responsibilities are limited to:

• Serves a 1 year term that is renewable every year
• Responsible to attend 4 meetings a year (once a quarter)
• Serves as an advisor on special issues
• Serves on the discipline committee
• Each year should notify the elder chair as desire to stay on the elder board by July 1st.
• Must maintain elder standards as reflected in Scripture.

Section 7 – Elder Selection Process

• Current Elders will spend time praying about future candidates for Elder
• Identification of Elder Candidates (hereafter “Candidates”):
  • Individual Members are nominated for consideration by either recommendation of current Elders or from staff/ministry leaders with at least one Elder endorsing their recommendation.
  • The current Elder Board either affirms or denies recommendation for Nominees. Nominees can be eliminated by 2 ‘no’ votes from the current Board or the removal of support by the member who recommended them as a nominee.
  • This part of the process is highly confidential. Candidates should not know they are being considered.
  • Affirmed Nominees will go through a process of discerning the call of Eldership.
• Nomination of Elder Candidates
  • Elder Candidates then are approached by the Elder(s) who recommend him to the Board: - Determine interest - Explain process - Explain Biblical Qualifications - Explain the responsibility
• Screening and Assessment
  • After being approached, Candidates who are interested in becoming an Elder spend time in a personal season of prayer
  • Candidates meets with the Board for consideration:
    • Discussion of gifts and passions
    • Walk with God
    • Motive for Eldership
    • Family Issues – relationship with wife
• If Board and Candidate sense God’s leasing to move forward then the Candidate’s name is brought before the Church Members as a testimony of his character.
• If Board needs to meet with candidate again they will.
• Elder Board votes on candidate for eldership.
  • If 2 Elders vote ‘no’ – the Candidate is eliminated
  • The Chairman is responsible for notifying Candidates of the Board’s decision
  • Newly appointed Elder(s) will be presented to the Church Members during the following worship service, which will include time for prayer and the Elder’s commissioning.

Section 8 – Vacancies

A vacancy on the Elder Board because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause will be filled using the same Elder Selection Process outlined above.

Resignation and Removal

Any Elder may at any time deliver to the Chairman a written notice of intent to resign which will be effective upon acceptance by the Elder Board. Any Elder may be removed at any time with or without cause when, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Elder Board, it is determined by unanimous vote of the rest of the Elder Board that such Elder should no longer serve on the Board. In the event any Elder is so removed, a new Elder will be elected in accordance with the Elder Selection Process.

Article 5 – Deacons

Section 1 – Overview

New Testament Deacons serve the Lord by conducting the caring ministry of the church-doing the benevolence work, visiting the sick, being alert to the spiritual needs of the congregation-for the purposes of freeing the pastoral staff to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, promoting unity within the church, and facilitating the spread of the gospel.

Section 2 – Qualifications

Deacons are to meet biblical standards as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-15

Section 3 – Terms and Appointment

• Deacons are appointed by Elders and serve no longer than a 2 year term.
• The serving term of a deacon will begin on August 1 of every year.
• A chair of the deacons will be elected to lead and facilitate the office.

Section 4 – Resignation and Removal

Any Deacon may at any time deliver a written notice to the Elder Board of intent to resign which will be effective upon acceptance by the Elder Board. Any Deacon may be removed at any time with or without cause when, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Elder Board, it is determined by unanimous vote of the Elder Board that such individual should no longer serve as a Deacon. In the event any Deacon is so removed, a new Deacon will be elected by the Elder Board for the remainder of that ter..

Article 6 – Pastor

Section 1 – Identity and Qualifications

The Church will have a Senior Pastor, and may have one or more Assistant Pastors as deemed necessary and appointed by the Members. Both the Senior Pastor’s and Assistant Pastor’s qualifications should measure up to those set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7.

Section 2 – Role of the Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor is leader of pastoral ministries in the church. The pastor is also a Serving Elder and allowed to vote at Elders’ Meetings. As such, the Pastor works with the Elders and church staff to:

• Lead the church in the achievement of its mission,
• Proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers, and
• Care for the church’s members and other persons in the community.

Section 3 – Election and Term

A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. The election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose of which at least two weeks’ public notice has been given and three quarters (3/4) of the members present and voting at any duly called meeting.

A pastor selection committee (nominated by the Elders) shall be elected by the church to seek out a suitable pastor. The pastor selection committee’s recommendation will constitute a nomination. Upon election, the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor(s) will hold office until his successor has been appointed or until his earlier resignation, death, or removal.

Section 4 – Compensation

The Senior Pastor and any Associate Pastor will be paid a salary and any allowance and benefits as established from time to time by the Board of Directors

Section 5 – Resignation

Any Pastor may resign at any time upon written notice to the Board of Directors. Unless a future effective date is specified, such resignation will be effective immediately.

Section 6 – Removal

Any person who has a grievance against the Pastor should bring the matter before the Elder Board. If the conduct of the Pastor is immoral or egregiously improper, he may be terminated upon unanimous vote of Elders, excluding the Pastor(s). For other reasons, any Pastor, including the Senior Pastor, may be terminated upon unanimous decision of the Elders. This is established to prevent disunity within the congregation.

Article 7 – Other Staff

Section 1 – Non-pastoral Staff

Non-pastoral staff, including office staff, functions as servants in coming alongside of the pastoral staff and Church body to support them in ministry. It is the Pastor’s responsibility to lead ministry staff in the direction that helps the church accomplishes its goals.

Section 2 – Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities for all staff position will be formulated and approved by the Elders.

Section 3 – Selection

Selection and approval of non-pastoral staff will be the responsibility of the Elders, with recommendations by the pastoral staff.

Section 4 – Resignation and Termination

Any staff member may at any time resign by submitting written notice to the Senior Pastor or an Elder. Any non-pastoral staff member may be terminated upon recommendation by a supervising staff member and approval by the Elders. Such terminations of staff may be reported to the Members, but does not need Membership approval.

Article 8 – Teams and Committees

Section 1 – Special Committees

The Elders may appoint Special Committees (Standing or Advisory) for such purposes as it deems necessary for carrying out its responsibilities. The Elders will designate the purpose, membership, and duration of each special team upon its inception. A special team may not exist beyond the duration of one year without reauthorization of the Elders.

Section 2 – Ministry Committees and Committee Leaders

The Elders may establish such other committees, for example finance, stewardship, personnel, and any others needed to assist them in the performance of their responsibilities, and the Elders will select capable people as committee leader or chairperson to oversee and run such ministry committees in the church. The Elders may also terminate any committee which is no longer necessary or effective for ministry. If the Elders do not appoint a chairperson, then a chairperson will be selected by the members of that committee and approved by the Elders.

Article 9 – Church Policy and Operation Manual

Section 1 – Development of Church Policy and Operation Manual

The development of a church policy and operation manual shall be overseen by the Board of Directors or their designees with professional consultation and review. This manual shall include all church policies, procedures, job descriptions and organization charts depicting lines of responsibility in the administration of the church. The manual shall be kept in the church office and made available for use by any member. The church secretary shall maintain the manual. The Board or their designees shall review the manual at least annually, with the authority to recommend changes for the church to consider and vote on.

Section 2 – Compilation and Maintenance of the Manual

The Board of Directors and any of its designees shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining a policies and procedures manual for the day-to-day administrative functions of the Church not covered in the constitution and bylaws. Subjects covered may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Personnel policies and procedures not covered in the bylaws;
• Church property policies and procedures;
• Church discipline procedures and policies;
• Christian conciliation and dispute resolution policies and procedures;
• Child protection policies and procedures; and
• Other policies and procedures as needed.

These policies and procedures manuals shall be available at the Church office for members to review. Any suggested changes shall be recommended to and approved by the Board.

Article 10 – Church Finances

We believe the Bible plan for support of our church is “tithes and offerings,” and we adopt this as our financial plan. We further believe that the Bible teaches that all our tithes are to be brought into one treasury and that all disbursements are to be made out of this treasury.

Section 1 – Budget and Audit

The Finance Committee will prepare and submit to the Church for approval at the Annual Business Meeting in December of every year. At the meeting an inclusive budget will be presented indicating the amount needed and sought for all local and other expenses with an annual strategic plan. The Finance Committee will conduct or arrange for an annual review or audit of a type and nature they deem appropriate. Every five (5) years, the Church will conduct either a review or audit by an outside auditor.

Section 2 – Accounting Procedures

All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church treasurer and be properly recorded on the books of the church. A system of accounting for handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Finance committee.

Section 3 – Deposits

The Board will select banks, trust companies, or other depositories in which all funds of the Church not otherwise employed will, from time to time, be deposited to the credit of the Church.

Section 4 – Fiscal Year

The Board, in consultation with the necessary committees, will have the power to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Church. Accurate records will be kept by all organizations of the Church and report made on the fiscal year basis. All funds handled by any and all organizations will be reported to the Board.

Section 5 – Contracts

The president and Chairman can sign contracts to bind the church once approved by the Elders or according to its procedures. However, the Board may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Church, in addition to these two officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the Church, including real estate transactions once approval has been sought and obtained.

Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. All contracts for major services or expenditures should be reviewed by a competent attorney.

Section 6 – Endowments

The Board may establish on behalf of the Church any endowments for the general purposes or for any special purposes of the Church.

Section 7 – Designated Contributions

The Church may accept any designated contributions, grant, bequest, or devise consistent with its general tax exemption purposes, as set for in the Articles of Incorporation. As so limited, donor designated contributions will be accepted for special funds, purposes, or uses as approved by the Board, and such designations generally will be honored. However, the Church reserves all rights, title, and interest in and to and control of such contributions, as well as full discretion as to the ultimate expenditure or distribution thereof in connection with any funds (including designated contributions) to assure that such funds will be used to carry out the Church’s tax exempt purposes.

Section 8 – Benevolent Fund

The Board will establish procedures to receive and disburse by check all funds allocated to them in the Benevolence Fund. It will be the duty of the Board or its designees as a Benevolence Team to determine needs of the congregants or others in the community. The Board or its designees will examine the need of the recipients of these designated funds.

Section 9 – Partnerships, Joint Ventures, LLC’s, and Auxiliary Corporations

The Board may authorize in writing any officer(s) or agent(s) of the Church to enter into any partnerships or joint ventures or create auxiliary corporations or limited liability companies that the Board determines will advance the religious purposes and goals of the Members as described herein and not violate the Church’s tax exempt status.

Section 10 – Purchase or sale of property and borrowing

Neither officers nor agents of the Church may purchase or sell real or personal property on behalf of the Church unless authorized by the Board and in cases of real property, the Members according to these Bylaws.

Any borrowing of money must be approved by the Board and the Members according to these Bylaws.

Article 11 – Indemnification

Any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal by reason of the fact that he or his testator is or was a Director, Elder, Deacon, Officer, employee, or agent of the Church, may be indemnified by the Church, and the Church may advance his related expenses, to the full extent permitted by law. The Church may purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify: (a) itself for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification specified above; and (b) its Directors, Elders, Deacon, and officers.

Article 12 – Amendments to Bylaws

Changes in these Bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the Church, provided all such amendments have been presented in writing at a previous meeting, that notice of the proposed amendment is included in the Church bulletin at least two (2) successive worship services prior, and copies of the proposed amendment be provided in writing to each member present. Amendments to the Bylaws will be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members of the Church present entitled to vote.