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HOPE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
CONSTITUION
Index
Page
Preamble 2
Article I – Name 3
ARTICLE II – Affiliation 3
ARTICLE III – Confession of Faith 3
ARTICLE IV – Purpose 3
ARTICLE V – Membership 3
ARTICLE VI – Governance 3
ARTICLE VII – Officers 4
ARTICLE VIII – Congregational Business Meetings 4
ARTICLE IX – Property 4
ARTICLE X – Amendments 5
Presented to the 1st half Congregational meeting December 2009
To Be Acted upon 1st half Congregational meeting December 2010
Final copy January 2010
HOPE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
Crystal Lake, Illinois
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
(A historical statement from the Preamble of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Covenant Church adopted by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2001 and amended in 2003.)
The Evangelical Covenant Church is a communion of congregations gathered by God, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey the great commission. It affirms its companionship in faith with other church bodies and all those who fear God and keep God’s commandments.
The Evangelical Covenant Church adheres to the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation regarding the Bible. It confesses that the Holy Scripture, the Old and the New Testament, is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine and conduct. It affirms the historic confessions of the Christian Church, particularly the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, while emphasizing the sovereignty of the Word of God over all creedal interpretations.
In continuity with the renewal movements of historic Pietism, the Evangelical Covenant Church especially cherishes the dual emphasis on new birth and new life in Christ, believing that personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the foundation for our mission of evangelism and Christian nurture. Our common experience of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ continues to sustain the Evangelical Covenant Church as an interdependent body of believers that recognizes but transcends our theological differences.
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates two divinely ordained sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Recognizing the reality of freedom in Christ, and in conscious dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit, we practice both the baptism of infants and believer baptism. The Evangelical Covenant Church embraces this freedom in Christ as a gift that preserves personal conviction, yet guards against an individualism that disregards the centrality of the Word of God and the mutual responsibilities and disciplines of the spiritual community.
The Evangelical Covenant Church has its roots in historical Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, the biblical instruction of the Lutheran Church of Sweden, and the great spiritual awakenings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These influences, together with more recent North American renewal movements, continue to shape its development and distinctive spirit. The Evangelical Covenant Church is committed to reaching across boundaries of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and status in the cultivation of communities of life and service.
This document, which is in harmony with the above preamble, is the constitution and Bylaws of the HOPE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH of CRYSTAL LAKE, ILLINOIS.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this church shall be the HOPE EVANGELICAL COVANENT CHURCH OF CRYSTAL LAKE, ILLINOIS.
ARTICLE II
AFFILIATION
The church is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and its Central Conference and is pledged to work in harmony with the Covenant and its decisions and to support its programs, policies, and institutions.
ARTICLE III
CONFESSION OF FAITH
The church believes in the Holy Scriptures, the Old and the New Testament, as the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.
ARTICLE IV
PURPOSE
We covenant to cultivate a community of worship committed to prayer, preaching and study of the Word of God, the celebration of the sacraments, and fellowship across gender, race, age, culture, and class. In so doing, we covenant to equip loving, giving, growing Christians to reach out with the Good News of Jesus Christ -- leading persons into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, ministering to those in need, and seeking justice for the oppressed.
ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the church is granted on application to those who through faith in God's Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, have been born anew to a living hope, have been baptized according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to live a Christian life, and promise to support the total ministry of the church and to share its fellowship and obligations.
ARTICLE VI
GOVERNANCE
The authority of the government of this church is vested in its membership acting through duly called congregational meetings. The oversight of business and spiritual affairs are delegated by the congregation to appropriate leadership as delineated in the Bylaws. All elected leadership specified in the Bylaws shall be members of the church.
ARTICLE VII
OFFICERS
The officers of the church shall be a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary, a financial secretary, and a treasurer. All officers shall be members of the Church Council as delineated in the Bylaws. All elected officers specified in the Bylaws shall be members of the church. Where law requires action(s) by “trustees” the officers shall be known as “Trustees” and comprise the “Board of Trustees.”
ARTICLE VIII
CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
Section 1.
Congregational business meetings shall be held at stated intervals, but not less than semi-annually. An annual congregational meeting shall be held as near the first of the fiscal year as feasible but no later than 40 days following the end of the prior fiscal year. At the annual meeting, written progress reports shall be submitted by the pastor(s), officers, and elected leaders as delineated in the Bylaws. Officers and members of the Council for the ensuing year shall be elected by ballot. The church budget shall also be submitted for action.
Section 2.
Notice of all congregational business meetings shall be provided to members not less than two weeks prior to the meeting and shall include the date, time of the meeting, and an annotated agenda of business to be transacted.
ARTICLE IX
PROPERTY
Section 1.
The membership of the congregation shall hold title to its own assets.
Section 2.
In the event of schism within the church, from which we earnestly pray God to spare us, the title of all church property, real or personal, shall remain with the group which abides by this Constitution, as determined by the executive board of the Central Conference.
Section 3.
The church may be dissolved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the church. In the event of dissolution, the property and all assets of the church shall become and be the property of the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Central Conference.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
Amendments in harmony with this Constitution and the Model Constitutions for Local Covenant Churches and not in conflict with Covenant principles and policies may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting in an annual meeting of the church, providing the proposed amendment was presented in written form at the preceding annual meeting. Articles IX and X may be amended only with the approval of the executive board of the regional conference.
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HOPE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
BYLAWS
Index
Page
Article I – MEMBERSHIP 8
Section 1 – Purpose 8
Section 2 – Responsibilities and Behavior 8
Section 3 – Admission into Membership 8
Section 4 – Children 9
Section 5 – Discipline, Dismissal of Members 9
Section 6 – Withdrawal, Transfer, and Removal of Membership 10
section 7 – Non-Member Friends 10
ARTICLE II – PASTOR(S) 10
Section 1 – Qualifications 10
Section 2 – Duties 10
Section 3 – Duties of Additional Pastors and Ministry Staff Members 11
Section 4 – Cooperation 11
Section 5 – Call 11
Section 6 – Call of Additional Pastors and Credentialed Ministry Staff 11
Section 7 – Charges Against the Pastor(s) 11
Section 8 – Dismissal 11
ARTICLE III – OFFICERS 12
Section 1 – Duties 12
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF TRUSTEES 13
Section 1 – Purpose 13
Section 2 – General Duties 13
Section 3 – Composition and Specific Duties 14
ARTICLE V – BOARD OF SPIRITUAL LIFE 14
Section 1 – Purpose 14
Section 2 – Composition and General Duties 14
Section 3 – Responsibilities and Specific Duties of Ministry Group Directors 15
Section 4 – Responsibilities and Duties of a Ministry Coordinator 15
Section 5 – Responsibilities and Duties of a Ministry Team Leader 16
Section 6 – Responsibilities and Duties of a Ministry Volunteer 16
ARTICLE VI – LEADER QUALIFICATIONS 16
Section 1 – Church Officers, Board of Trustees, and Board of Spiritual Life 16
Section 2 – Ministry Coordinators / Team Leaders 16
Section 3 – Ministry Volunteers 16
INDEX – BYLAWS (Continued)
ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES and TASKFORCES 16
Section 1 – Standing Committees 16
Section 2 – Other Committees and Taskforces 18
ARTICLE VIII – TERMS of office and Elections 18
Section 1 – Nominations and Elections 18
Section 2 – Terms 18
Section 3 – Vacancies 19
Section 4 – Removal from Office 19
ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS 19
Section 1 – Public Services 19
Section 2 – Celebrating Sacraments 19
Section 3 – Congregational Business Meetings 20
Section 4 – Board Meetings and Committee Meetings 20
Section 5 – Ministry Team Meetings 20
Section 6 – Other Meetings 20
ARTICLE X – GENERAL PROVISIONS 20
Section 1 – Quorum 20
Section 2 – Rules of Order and Behavior 20
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS 21
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ministry Group Descriptions not yet included
2. Behavioral Covenant not yet included
HOPE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of membership is to join with other followers of Christ in building a community of worship committed to prayer, preaching, teaching, and study of the Word of God, the celebration of the sacraments, and fellowship across gender, race, age, culture, and class. In so doing, the membership covenants together to equip loving, giving, growing Christians to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ -- leading persons into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, ministering to those in need, and seeking justice for the oppressed.
Section 2. Responsibilities and Behavior
The members of this church do covenant together by God’s grace to live lives in a manner consistent with the standards of biblical teaching, including the support of this congregation in attendance, prayer, service and giving, to live lives in word and deed that are an encouragement to others to know and be like Jesus Christ, to reflect in all our relationships the servant love of our Lord, and to support the broader mission of Christ through the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Central Conference.
Section 3. Admission into Membership
Membership in the church is granted to those who through faith in God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, have been born anew to a living hope through the Holy Spirit, have been baptized according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to live a Christian life, promise to faithfully support the mission, ministries and policies of the church, and to share in its fellowship and obligations.
A. Application for Membership
A written application shall be placed with the pastor or the Board of Spiritual Life. Applicants shall complete a membership course of study, and shall subsequently meet with a committee comprised of members of the Board of Spiritual Life to give testimony to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Upon completion of such, the committee shall submit its recommendations on the applications to the Board of Trustees which shall notify members of the church of the recommendations. Any member objecting to or having concerns over the granting of membership to an applicant shall communicate in writing such objection or concern to the Board of Trustees within ten days after notification by that board.
B. Granting of Membership
Final action on applications for membership shall be taken by the Board of Trustees within 60 days of receiving the recommendations of the interview committee. Such action may be appealed by a member at the next congregational meeting where the action of the Board of Trustees may be overturned by a majority vote of members present and voting.
C. Transfer of Membership
Applicants from other Christian churches shall submit letters of transfer when available, to the pastor and/or the Board of Spiritual Life, who shall act upon the application according to the requirements of paragraph A. and B. of this section. Completion of a membership course of study may be waived at the discretion of the Board of Spiritual Life for transfers from other Evangelical Covenant churches.
D. Reception of New Members
Applicants who are received into the membership of the church shall be welcomed at a subsequent service and shall make public confession of their Christian faith, as outlined in the Covenant Book of Worship.
Section 4. Children
Children of the church and its constituency shall be nurtured under its spiritual care. After completing the confirmation course, normally using the confirmation/discipleship material of the Covenant, and on or after age 13, they shall be eligible for church membership according to the procedure stated in Section 3, paragraph A. of this Article. Completion of a membership course of study may be waived at the discretion of the Board of Spiritual Life if the applicant has completed the Confirmation Course not more than twenty-four months prior to application for membership.
Section 5. Discipline, Dismissal of Members
A. Discipline of Members
The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for admonishing members who willfully neglect their responsibilities to the church or err in doctrine or conduct.
B. Erring Members
Any member known to err in doctrine or conduct shall be counseled according to the procedure outlined in Matthew 18: 15-18 and Galatians 6: 1. Any member having knowledge of such error shall, in the spirit of Christian love, seek to restore the brother or sister. If he or she does not heed this counsel, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Trustees, which shall in meekness and gentleness seek to restore the member. If he or she fails to heed the counsel of the Board of Trustees, the error shall be brought before a congregational business meeting.
C. Dismissal of Members
After the above process has been completed, dismissal of a member remaining in gross error in doctrine or conduct may result by a two-thirds vote of all current Board of Trustees members. Such action may be appealed by this or any member to the congregation for consideration and reversal at the next congregational meeting.
D. Forfeiture of Rights
A member who has been properly dismissed from the church, or has withdrawn membership, has forfeited all rights and privileges of membership in the church.
Section 6. Withdrawal, Transfer, and Removal of Membership
Requests for change in membership status may be made in writing to the pastor or the Board of Trustees. (1) Letters of transfer for a member in good standing shall be issued by the pastor or the Board of Trustees if so requested. (2) Letters of withdrawal may be submitted to the pastor or the Board of Trustees. (3) Members who have become inactive, have had no communication with the local church, and have not expressed an interest in maintaining membership for a period of one year or more, shall be considered for removal from membership. The Board of Trustees shall send a letter of inquiry to members described as inactive in this section to ascertain their desire to continue church membership. Upon affirmative response, membership may be continued. If no response or a negative response is received, the Board of Trustees may remove such inactive members from membership. The names of those joining and terminating membership shall be duly recorded and reported to the next annual meeting.
Section 7. Non-Member Friends
Non-member church friends shall be enrolled by the church as a part of its total constituency. The church and its pastor shall serve them in all their spiritual needs, and they shall be encouraged to consider this as their church home. They shall be kept informed of the activities of the church.
ARTICLE II
PASTOR(S)
Section 1. Qualifications
The pastor(s) of the church shall meet the qualifications for character, giftedness, and call set forth in the Holy Scriptures. The Senior Pastor shall be ordained, or in the process of being ordained, pastor(s) in good standing with the Evangelical Covenant Church. Other pastors shall be credentialed by the Evangelical Covenant Church as may be necessary and in accordance with their qualifications and duties. They shall by virtue of their call be members of the church.
Section 2. Duties
The pastor(s) shall devote themselves to the service of the church, preaching and teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, providing missional leadership, and faithfully giving themselves to pastoral work. They shall provide the church with an accurate record of their pastoral acts and present a written report to the congregational annual business meeting. They shall practice good administrative procedures and cooperate with the various church boards. The senior pastor shall be an ex-officio (no voting rights) member of all boards and ministry teams or committees of the church. When there is more than one Senior Pastoral Staff member, the duties set forth in this section shall be divided as agreed between them. All Senior Pastoral Staff members shall strive to establish and accomplish objectives and strategies in conjunction with the vision, mission and purpose of the church.
Section 3. Duties of Additional Pastors and Ministry Staff Members
Additional pastors and ministry staff members shall carry out specific areas of ministry under the direction of the Senior Pastor. They may be designated by the Board of Trustees to be the leader or member of one or more ministry teams.
Section 4. Cooperation
The pastor(s) shall, both in word and precept, work in harmony with the Covenant, the regional conference, and other Covenant ministers.
Section 5. Call
The pastor(s) shall be called at a regular or special congregational business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced two weeks in advance. The pastor(s) shall be nominated by a pastoral search committee established by the Board of Trustees and elected at congregational business meeting. It shall be representative of the congregation and have five (5) to nine (9) members and shall work closely with the regional conference superintendent. The pastor(s) shall be called by ballot with a two-thirds vote required for a call. The call shall be for an indefinite period of time with a minimum of six weeks notice required by the church or the pastor(s) for termination of pastoral duties.
Section 6. Call of Additional Pastors and Credentialed Ministry Staff
Additional staff members to hold ministerial credentials shall be called at a congregational business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced at least two weeks in advance. The meeting shall include the budget implications of the proposed position. The Board of Trustees will recommend one candidate for a call, and the vote shall be by written ballot, with two-thirds required for call. The Board of Trustees shall act as or establish a search committee for this purpose.
Section 7. Charges Against the Pastor(s)
Charges against pastor(s) shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Trustees, charging pastor(s) with indiscretion, immorality, doctrinal error, unethical behavior, or disloyalty to the Covenant (Matthew 18: 15-18). If in the judgment of the Board of Trustees there is substance to the charges, the case shall be referred to the regional conference superintendent. The superintendent shall confer with the Covenant executive secretary of the ministry. These two officers shall confer and determine the order of responsibility in pursuing the matter according to the Rules for the Ordered Ministry of The Evangelical Covenant Church regarding discipline, prior to further action by the church.
Section 8. Dismissal
The dismissal of a pastor or ministry staff member should be undertaken only after avenues of remediation have been pursued.
A. Dismissal of Pastor(s)
Dismissal of a pastor, called by the congregation, shall be by congregational vote at a special meeting called for that express purpose. Such an agenda item cannot be a part of, or added to, the agenda of any other meeting. The congregational meeting for such a vote may be called by two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees, or through the request of the congregation accomplished by a petition for such a meeting signed by 20% of the membership. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 50% of the membership. The grounds for dismissal shall be presented. Members shall be allowed to speak to the matter. The pastor in question shall be allowed to speak to the matter. The vote shall be by written ballot. A majority vote of members present and voting is necessary to dismiss a called pastor. Further action by the church shall be subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this article, if applicable.
B. Dismissal of Additional Pastors and Ministry Staff
Additional pastors and ministry staff called by the Board of Trustees may be dismissed by two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees, subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this article, if applicable. A meeting to overturn the action of the Board of Trustees may be called through the request of the congregation, accomplished by a petition signed by 20% of the membership. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 50% of the membership. The grounds for dismissal shall be presented. Members shall be allowed to speak to the matter. The pastor or ministry staff member in question shall be allowed to speak to the matter. The vote shall be by written ballot. A majority vote of members present and voting is necessary to overturn the action of the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Officers of the Church include the Chair, Vice-Chair, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary. The church officers shall constitute the Executive Committee and shall additionally serve on both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Spiritual Life.
Section 1. Duties
A. Chair
The chair shall preside at all business meetings of the church, all meetings of the Executive Committee, all meetings of the Board of Trustees, all meetings of the Mutual Ministries Committee and in the absence of the Vice-Chair all meetings of the Board of Spiritual Life. Care shall be taken to confer with the senior pastor in preparing the agenda for such meetings and shall utilize the counsel that the pastor can give by virtue of his or her training, experience and calling. The chair shall be responsible for leadership of the church services in the absence of the pastor.
B. Vice-Chair
The vice-chair shall assist the chair, and during his or her absence, assume that office and its duties. The Vice-Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Spiritual Life. Care shall be taken to confer with the church chair, and/or senior pastor in preparing the agenda for such meetings and shall utilize the counsel that the pastor can give by virtue of his or her training, experience and calling.
C. Recording Secretary
The recording secretary (aka secretary) shall keep and preserve the minutes of all congregational business meetings of the church, all meetings of the Board of Trustees, all meetings of the Board of Spiritual Life, and all meetings of the Executive Committee, and shall conduct and preserve all official correspondence as shall be delegated to the recording secretary. The recording secretary shall also be responsible for the official seal and documents of the church.
D. Treasurer
The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds committed to him or her and shall make disbursements as authorized by the church or the Board of Trustees. The treasurer shall also present a written report of the receipts and expenditures to each regular meeting of the Board of Trustees and to each congregational business meeting.
E. Financial Secretary
The financial secretary shall receive, record, and transmit to the church treasurer all funds contributed to the church.
ARTICLE IV
Board of Trustees
Section 1. Purpose
The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for managing the overall administration and operation of the church. The Board of Trustees is the recognized legally responsible organization of the church by the State of Illinois.
Section 2. General Duties
The Board of Trustees in its administrative responsibility in cooperation with the pastor shall fulfill the functions defined by the Constitution and Bylaws, including but not limited to the following:
A. Supervise church membership, including recommendations relative to reception or removal of members.
B. Establish and oversee administrative and program policies in conformity with the spirit of the church Constitution and Bylaw; including all personnel issues concerning staffing, compensation, job descriptions, etc.
C. Evaluate the total church program on a continuing basis.
D. Plan and recommend the annual budget. Be responsible for overseeing the preparation and submission of a proposed budget for each fiscal year, to be presented to the membership at least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting and approved at that meeting. Upon approval of the budget by the membership, the Board of Trustees shall be responsible for seeing that the budget is carried out as approved. The Board of Trustees shall have the authority to appropriately adjust budget items and amounts where ministry objectives necessitate but in no event shall total expenditures exceed the total authorized budget without prior notification of the membership.
E. Act as the trustees of the church for the advancement and protection of its assets. The Board of Trustees shall designate those Board of Trustee members and any other members of the church who shall be authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the church.
Section 3. Composition and Specific Duties
The Board of Trustees shall be comprised of not less than 5 no more than 8 voting members consisting of the following:
A. The elected officers of the church as specified in Article III
1. Church Chair
2. Church Vice-Chair
3. Recording Secretary Church
4. Treasurer
5. The Church Financial Secretary
B. Additional elected At-Large members as appropriate and desired. At Large-Members of the Board of Trustees shall serve in capacities as needed and determined by the Board of Trustees for its effective functioning. At-Large members shall also serve as ombudsmen in representing the cares and concerns of the congregation to the Board of Trustees.
6. Member at large
7. Member at large
8. Member at large
The Board of Trustees may appoint/remove other non-called pastors or staff by 2/3 vote.
ARTICLE V
Board of Spiritual Life
Section 1. Purpose
The Board of Spiritual Life shall be responsible to the congregation for maintaining, nurturing, and overseeing the spiritual welfare of the church according to Biblical standards. The Board of Spiritual Life shall oversee, give guidance, and coordination to all ministry directors, coordinators, team leaders, volunteers, and those seeking membership and/or involvement with various church ministries.
Section 2. Composition and General Duties
The Board of Spiritual Life shall be comprised of no less than five (5) members with such additional Directors of Ministry Groups as necessary to facilitate and coordinate effective church wide ministry efforts. Review ministry groups annually to recommend retention, restructuring, or elimination. Ministry Groups shall be established or disbanded as necessary by the Board of Trustees with the advice, request, and recommendation of the Board of Spiritual Life. The Board of Spiritual Life will, with the approval of the Board of Trustees, present annually to the Congregation, at an appropriate business meeting, the then current list of Ministry Groups. Such list shall be maintained current as an attachment to these Bylaws.
A. Permanent members.
· Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chairs the Board of Spiritual Life
· Chair of the Board of Trustees assists Vice Chair and fills in as necessary
· Secretary Recording Secretary of the Board of Trustees
· At-Large Member
· At-Large Member
B. Ministry Directors minimum of three – as established and empowered
Two at-large members will serve, as determined by the Board of Spiritual Life, as the ombudsman for the congregation.
Section 3. Responsibilities and Specific Duties of Ministry Group Directors
A. Coordinate and determine the composition of ministries teams, team coordinators, team leaders and volunteers under the Ministry Group
B. Present new Ministry Team charters, coordinators, leaders, and volunteers to the Board of Spiritual Life for approval by Board of Trustees
C. Review each Ministry Team charter annually to recommend retention, restructuring, or elimination
D. Work with each Ministry Team to ensure it meets its charter goals
E. Champion and support the Ministry Teams by:
1. Seeking resources for the ministries
2. Promoting and publicizing the ministries
3. Serving as liaison between the teams, Board of Spiritual Life
4. Create and propose the group’s annual budget to the Board of Spiritual Life for approval by the Board of Trustees
5. Approve Ministry Team expenditures
6. Represent the Ministry Group by attending Board of Spiritual Life meetings and coordinating with other ministry directors
7. Meet with ministry team leaders as necessary to facilitate effective ministry
Section 4. Responsibilities and Duties of a Ministry Coordinator
The Ministry Coordinator provides leadership for a specific ministry within the Ministry Group.
1. Oversee and coordinate the ministry of the Ministry Team
2. Maintain communication with the Ministry Group Director
3. Create a team budget in coordination with the Ministry Group Director for submission to the Board of Spiritual Life and approval by the Board of Trustees.
Section 5. Responsibilities and Duties of a Ministry Team Leader
Within a specific ministry there may be support ministries. In such instances, the Ministry Team Leader provides leadership for the support-ministry.
1. Oversee and coordinate the support ministry
2. Maintain communication with the Ministry Coordinator
3. Consult on a support ministry budget with the Ministry Coordinator
Section 6. Responsibilities and Duties of a Ministry Volunteer
Ministry Volunteers give of their time, talent, giftedness, and resources supporting the Ministry Team in its daily activities.
Article VI
Leader Qualifications
Section 1. Church Officers, Board of Trustees, and Board of Spiritual Life
Any member of the church in good standing and demonstrating Christian maturity in stewardship of both time and financial resources, and personally demonstrating a steady commitment to the Church and its Lord, plus the spiritual giftedness for the particular area of ministry, may be nominated and elected to the Board of Trustees, the Board of Spiritual Life, or as a Church Officer. The spiritual qualities and character specified of leaders in I Timothy 3:1-13 shall be expected of them as those charged with the oversight of the congregation.
Section 2. Ministry Coordinators / Team Leaders
Any member of the church demonstrating particular passion and giftedness for the specific area of ministry, and willing to accept and develop Christ honoring leadership skills shall be eligible for appointment as a Ministry Coordinator or Team Leader.
Section 3. Ministry Volunteers
Any congregant having a desire and passion to discover how God has gifted them for service, and is willing to commit to the team ministry and goals shall be eligible for appointment to a Team Ministry.
ARTICLE VII
COMMITTEES and TASKFORCES
Section 1. Standing Committees
A. Executive Committee
The Executive committee, consisting of the church chair, the vice chair, treasurer, financial secretary, and the recording secretary, together with the senior pastor of the church, shall strive to provide vision, promote effective working relations and communications in the church. The committee shall have no legislative power, but shall function in an advisory capacity to all boards, unless specific responsibilities shall have been assigned to it by Board of Trustees or the church.
B. Nominating Committee
1. Composition
The Nominating Committee shall consist of one (1) At Large member of the Board of Trustees designated by the Board of Trustees, one (1) member of the Senior Pastoral Staff or staff member designated by the Senior Pastoral Staff, and at least three (3) members At-Large elected by a majority of the members voting at a congregational meeting. The At-Large members will have previously served at a Ministry Team Leader level or higher.
2. Responsibilities
The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for nominations to fill all elected positions of the church, the Church Officers, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Spiritual Life, the at-large members of the Nominating Committee, the at-large members of the Mutual Ministry Committee, and any other positions assigned to it either by the Board of Trustees or the congregation. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a ballot for the election at the appropriate congregational business meeting, and shall distribute the ballot to members at least two (2) weeks prior to the election.
3. Procedure
Any member of appropriate character, giftedness, and call, as specified in these Bylaws may be considered for any position. One or more candidates may be nominated for any position. All such nominated candidates will have been contacted to determine their willingness for service before nomination is made public.
C. Mutual Ministries Committee
1. Composition
The Mutual Ministry Committee shall be made up of the Chair of the church (who shall chair this committee), and three at large members from the congregation. The At-Large members will be elected by the congregation at a congregational meeting called for that purpose. The At-Large members will have previous service in at least the ministry team level.
2. Responsibilities:
The Mutual Ministry Committee shall work toward a vital, healthy, mutually beneficial relationship between the congregation and the pastors and ministry staff. The Mutual Ministry Committee shall have five main areas of responsibility:
i. Care and encouragement for the pastors, ministry staff, and their families;
ii. Receiving the perspectives and concerns of each pastor and ministry staff member relative to the congregation and ministry;
iii. Communicating the perspectives and concerns of the congregation to each pastor and ministry staff member relative to that person’s ministry;
iv. Working toward the resolution of conflicts among the congregation or between the congregation and the pastors and ministry staff as they relate to the ministry of the church;
v. Periodic review of personal and professional goals of the pastors and ministry staff.
Section 2. Other Committees and Taskforces
Special committees or task forces for specific purposes may be appointed by congregation or by the Board of Trustees according to need, but shall be terminated upon completion of its task or inability to fulfill its task as determined by the body which formed it.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMS of office and Elections
Section 1. Nominations and Elections
A. Nominations
Unless specified elsewhere in these Bylaws, the Church Officers, the Board of Trustee, the Board of Spiritual Life, the Mutual Ministries, and Nominating Committee members are nominated by the Nominating Committee. The congregation may make nominations from the floor. Candidates so nominated must (1) meet the qualifications, as referenced in these Bylaws, for the position they are being nominated for, and (2) be present at the congregational meeting call for the purpose of elections in order to confirm their willingness to serve.
B. Elections
Unless specified elsewhere in these Bylaws, elections will be held annually at a congregational meeting called for that purpose. The elections will be by ballot and such ballot will be distributed to the membership two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled election. Should there be need to change the normal schedule of annual elections, the Board of Trustees shall give the Congregation thirty (30) day notice of a meeting called for the purpose of explaining the rational and methodology to achieve such change and to have the Congregation vote on the proposed change.
Section 2. Terms
Except as specified elsewhere in these Bylaws:
A. Elected Positions
All elected positions, except for the At-Large members of the Nominating Committee and the Mutual Ministries Committee shall serve for elected terms of two (2) years, not to exceed two (2) consecutive two (2) year terms. Church Officers, The Board of Trustee, and the Board of Spiritual Life members shall have staggered terms for purposes of filling vacancies and continuity of programming and leadership. Upon completion of a term(s) in office, a member may not serve in any capacity on the same Board for a period of one year.
The At-Large members of the Nominating Committee and the Mutual Ministries Committee shall serve non-repeating terms of three (3) years. These positions shall also be staggered with at least one person being elected yearly to each committee.
B. Appointed Positions
All appointed positions shall serve terms of duration determined by the appointing authority.
Section 4. Vacancies
A. Elected Positions
All elected positions may be vacated for several reasons including, but not limited to resignation or removal from office. In the case of such vacancy, the Board of Trustees shall be called upon to appoint, by a two-thirds vote, a new person to fill the remaining term of the vacated office. Being appointed to fill a vacated term shall not be counted as a qualifying term for purposes of re-election.
B. Appointed Positions
All appointed positions may be vacated for several reasons including, but not limited to resignation or removal. In the case of such vacancy, the responsible appointing authority with approval of the Board of Trustees shall appoint a new person to that position.
Section 5. Removal from Office
All persons elected to positions by the congregation may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of congregational members voting at a meeting called for that purpose. Such a meeting for that purpose may be called either by a two-third vote of the Board of Trustees or by petition from the congregation with the signatures of 20% of the membership.
ARTICLE IX
MEETINGS
Section 1. Public Services
Public services shall be conducted regularly for worship, the preaching and teaching of God's Word, and prayer.
Section 2. Celebrating Sacraments
The sacrament of Holy Communion shall be celebrated monthly or as determined by vote of the church. The sacrament of baptism shall be celebrated in keeping with Covenant policies and according to the needs of the constituency.
Section 3. Congregational Business Meetings
Congregational business meetings shall be held regularly not less than two times per calendar year, as specified in Article VIII of the Constitution. Special congregational business meetings may be called by the chair of the church in consultation with the senior pastor, or by the Board of Trustees.
Section 4. Board Meetings and Committee Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board of Spiritual Life shall be held not less than monthly. Standing committees, all other committees, and task forces shall meet at a frequency which may be specified by the Board of Trustees. Special meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Spiritual Life, Standing Committees, all other committees, and task forces may be called by their respective chair.
Section 5. Ministry Team Meetings
Meetings and activities involving the ministries of the church shall be coordinated with and under the oversight of the Board of Spiritual Life.
Section 6. Other Meetings
Use of the church facilities for any meetings or activities by organizations not created by the church councilor by action of a congregational business meeting shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees. A church policy governing such meetings shall be maintained and made available in the church office.
ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Quorum
A. Ten percent of the membership, but not less than twelve (12) members, present and voting at a congregational business meeting properly called shall constitute a quorum.
B. The quorum for the boards, committees, task forces, and ministry team meetings shall be a majority of their respective memberships.
Section 2. Rules of Order and Behavior
Personal behavior at all meetings of the church shall be in accordance with a behavioral covenant which has been approved by vote of the congregation and has been added as an attachment to these Bylaws. Additionally, all business meetings of the church shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
Amendments to these Bylaws not in conflict with the constitution may be adopted in the following manner:
1) Amendments must be presented in writing to the Board of Trustees at a Board of Trustee meeting;
2) Then must be presented in writing to the membership two weeks prior to the next congregational business meeting;
3) And finally, they may then be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at that congregational business meeting.