Fellowship Bible Church is a loving community of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are eager each Lord’s Day to come together to worship God corporately through encouraging one another, singing biblically rich songs, and sitting under the preaching of the Bible. Our Lord’s Day worship begins with Sunday School at 9:30am open for both adults and children. During Sunday School we gather to study the Bible in an informal classroom setting.
Following Sunday School is our corporate Worship Service which begins at 10:30am. Our corporate worship service centers on the public reading and exposition of the Bible. We aim to sing biblically rich music and express our dependence on God through public prayer. We look forward to serving you and your family!
Masks are not required but we do have some on hand for those who so desire. Hand sanitizer is also available. We have coloring pages for the children as we do not yet have the nursery open.
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CONSTITUTION OF
Fellowship Bible Church
Adopted June 26, 2016
Amended January 20, 2019
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this church shall be Fellowship Bible Church of Newman Grove, NE.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this church is to be loving followers of Jesus Christ, living out the grace of God for the joy of all peoples. The objectives of this church are to worship God, preach and teach the Word of God, build up believers in the Christian Faith, educate the young and old in the precepts of the Bible and in the Christian faith and practice, administer the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and evangelize the world through the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
ARTICLE III. CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do, in the presence of God and this assembly, solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. Considering Galatians 5:16-25, which differentiates between the Fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh, and the acknowledgment expressed in Phil. 3:13-14 that we have not, individually and collectively attained these goals, we, like Paul, “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Remembering our redemption in Christ and our summons to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, we will endeavor:
To engage ourselves regularly in prayer, worship, and the study of Scriptures so we may grow in grace and in the likeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ;
To pray for one another and serve one another in Christian love; to forgive as we have been forgiven by God; to seek reconciliation, according to Christ’s command;
To serve this church with our time, our spiritual gifts, and our possessions; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines and give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; obey our leaders and submit to them for they watch over our souls; contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We also resolve to maintain family and private devotions, and to establish a proper example before our families at all times. We will obey the scriptural admonition to “train up a child in the way that he should go,” being as diligent in nurturing our children spiritually as we are in caring for them physically; To walk uprightly before the world with dignity, courage, and integrity so that the light of God may shine through our lives before all men and encourage them to seek Him Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; therefore, we shall not, with intent or deliberation indulge in those things (misuse of controlling substances, as one example) that might contribute to the moral or physical deterioration of ourselves, our fellowship, or our community.
Believing in a loving, sovereign God, and believing in the Deity of our Savior, His miraculous birth, peerless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, promised return to consummate history, and our essential oneness with others of like faith, we shall seek to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. May God help us in these resolves.
ARTICLE IV. STATEMENT OF FAITH
I. The Holy Scripture
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the verbally inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings. They were written by men controlled by the Holy Spirit. They tell us the way of salvation, and are the final authority in the life of the believer. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Prov. 30:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:23; Matt. 4:4)
II. The Godhead
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19)
A. God the Father
We believe in God the Father, creator of all things. He is Spirit. He is holy, righteous, loving, all-powerful, unchangeable, and continually hears the prayers of believers. (Gen. 1:1; Jn. 4:24; Lev. 11:44; Ps. 145:17; 1 Jn. 4:8; Jer. 32:27; Mal. 3:6; Jn. 5:14-15)
B. God the Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He became man without ceasing to be God, being conceived by the Holy Spirit and being born of a virgin. He came to earth to reveal God and to redeem sinful man. As a sinless sacrifice He redeemed man by voluntarily dying on the cross, thus satisfying God’s righteous judgment against sin. He finished this work by bodily rising from the dead, then ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes on behalf of the believers. He will return to take His people to be with Him. (Phil. 2:6; Jn. 1:1; Heb. 4:15, Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-20; Jn. 17:6; Is. 53; Rom. 5:8-10; Matt. 28:6-7; Lk. 24:51; Rom. 8:34; Jn. 14:3)
C. God the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the Divine Person whose ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts men of sin, brings men to repentance, regenerates (brings new life to) believing sinners, and places (baptizes) them into the Body of Christ, the Church. He indwells them permanently, seals them until the day of redemption, gives them spiritual gifts, and controls (fills) those who are yielding to Him. He guides, instructs, and empowers the believer for godly living and service. He is the Inspirer and Interpreter of Scripture. (Jn. 16:14; Jn. 16:8-11; Jn. 3:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:13; Jn. 14:16-17; Eph. 4:30; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; Eph. 5:18; Jn. 16:13; 2 Tim. 3:16)
III. The Condition of Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, innocent and without sin. He lost his innocence and fellowship with God through Adam’s sin, thus bringing physical and spiritual death upon himself. Man cannot be saved by good works because all have sinned, and only through Christ’s redeeming work can man be brought back into fellowship with God. (Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12, 15-17; 1 Cor. 15:21-22; Eph. 2:8-9)
IV. Salvation and Assurance
We believe salvation is freely offered to all who will repent of their sins and put their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Salvation cannot be gained by good works, but by receiving God’s grace (underserved favor). All who trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ are forgiven of their sins and are born into the family of God by the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, they receive eternal life. (Acts 3:19; Jn. 1:12; Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8-9; Eph. 1:7; Acts 2:38; Jn. 3:36; Jn. 5:24)
We believe all the saved (those who have put their trust in the finished work of Christ) are kept by his power, and are, therefore, secure in Christ forever. This assurance does not give the freedom to sin, because God in His holiness cannot tolerate continual sin in His children. In His infinite love He corrects them. True faith in Christ is expressed by a fruitful, God-pleasing (holy) life. (Jn. 10:27-29; Rom. 8:28-39; 1 Jn. 5:13; Heb. 12:6; Matt. 7:20; 1 Pet. 1:15-16)
V. The Church
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, made up of all persons who have trusted Jesus Christ for salvation. The Holy Spirit places believers into this body, of which Christ is the head. Scripture teaches that groups of redeemed individuals are to gather in local churches for worship, instruction, fellowship and service. (Heb. 10:24-25; Eph. 1:22-23)
The Great Commission of the Church is to preach the gospel, both here and to the ends of the earth. Prayer and tithing are two supporting arms of the Church in its proclamation of the gospel. (1 Cor. 12:12-13, 27; Col. 1:18; Acts 2:42; Acts 13:12; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mal. 3:8-10; 2 Thess. 3:1; 1 Thess. 5:17)
VI. The Ordinances
We believe our Lord Jesus Christ gave the Church two ordinances for all believers to observe until his return–believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-26) Neither is to be considered as a means of salvation, but as an act of obedience to Christ’s desire for fellowship with Him.
A. Baptism
We believe baptism to be a one-time, outward expression by a believer of an inward confession of trusting Christ as Savior, thus identifying the person with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5). We believe that baptism should be by immersion (which best pictures that truth) unless the person is physically unable. Through baptism, the person is testifying that he or she is a child of God, and a member of His family, the Church.
B. The Lord’s Supper
We believe the Lord’s Supper is a time for believers to remember Christ’s death, resurrection and His coming again (1 Cor. 11:23-26). The bread symbolizes Christ’s body which was given for us (Luke 22:19). The cup symbolizes the shed of blood of Christ and the new covenant which made possible the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:20; Heb. 9:22). It is an act of thankful dedication to Him and serves to unite His people until He returns (Matt. 26:20, Mark 14:26, 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
VII. Last Things
A. The Rapture
We believe that the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy is the Rapture of the Church. This event is the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the air to gather to Himself believers who are alive (translation: 1 Thess. 4:13-18) and believers who have died (resurrection: 1 Cor. 15:51-58). We believe that this event is the “blessed hope” for which we should be constantly looking (Titus 2:11-14).
B. The Tribulation
We believe that the Rapture of the Church will be followed by the Tribulation. The Tribulation is the fulfillment of Israel’s seventieth week, seven actual years (Dan. 9:21-27; Rev. 6:1- 19:21), during which the Church, the Body of Christ, will be in heaven. The last three and one-half years of this period (Dan. 9:26-27; 12:7-11) will be the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7) which our Lord called the great tribulation (Matt. 24:15-21). The entire period of Israel’s seventieth week will be a time of the outpouring of the wrath of God on the earth (Rev. 6:16-17) to purify and prepare Israel and the whole world for the second coming of Christ to establish His millennial kingdom.
C. The Second Coming of Christ
We believe that the Tribulation will end with the Second Coming of Christ. The Second Coming of Christ is the bodily return of the Lord Jesus in power and great glory to establish the millennial kingdom. (Rev.19:11-21)
D. The Millennial Kingdom
We believe that the Millennial Kingdom is the one thousand year period of time during which the Lord Jesus Christ will rule over the Earth from Jerusalem (Is. 2:3; Rev. 20:1-10). We believe that the Millennial Kingdom will be characterized by:
- The binding of Satan in the abyss (Rev. 20:1-3);
- The lessening of the effects of the curse of the fall;
a. Animal life is docile (Is. 11:6-9)
b. Longevity is restored (Is. 65:20)
c. Productivity of the earth is restored to pre-fall levels (Is. 35:1-2; cf. Is. 30:23; 35:7) - The fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel (Deut. 30:1-10; Ez. 37:15-28; Amos 9:11-12);
- The universal knowledge of God (Is. 11:6-9).
VIII. The Eternal State
We believe that at the end of the age, Jesus Christ will judge all men. Those who have trusted Christ for their salvation will go to be with the Lord in Heaven. Those who remained unbelievers will spend eternity separated from the Lord in Hell. (Phil. 1:23; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 20:11-15; Luke 16:19-26)
IX. The Charismatic Movement
We are a non-charismatic fellowship, and we must ask that neither members or attenders propagate the teaching and emphasis of the modern-tongues-speaking movement within our fellowship. We should rather seek the more excellent way of love and be zealous about the more useful and edifying gifts. (1 Cor. 12:13-14)
X. Gender:
We believe that God created two genders, male and female, in His own image. While different in some roles, men and women are equal in dignity as bearers of the image of God. Male headship in marriage and the leadership of men in the church are intended by God for the good of man and woman, family, church, and society. Headship, and all authority, is to be modeled on Christ’s loving service for the church. We are to refer to God as we are taught in Scripture. Jesus was a man, and He teaches us to refer to God as “our Father”. (Gen. 1-2; Matt. 6:9-13; Eph. 5: 22-33; 1 Cor. 11:1-3)
XI. Marriage:
We believe that the biblical standard for marriage is between one man and one woman.
And any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, pedophilia, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sin and violate God’s gift of sex to humanity. As Christians we must exhibit compassion to all those whose sexual behavior the Bible describes as sinful, but we cannot endorse any public policy or view that legitimizes such sinful behavior as an alternative or appropriate lifestyle.
Therefore, Fellowship Bible Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastor(s) of Fellowship Bible Church will only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Fellowship Bible Church will only host weddings between one man and one woman.
(Gen. 19; Lev. 18; Romans 1; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:1 I John 3:4; James 4:13-17; Romans 1:22-25; 1 John 2:15-17.)
ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this church consists of believers in Jesus Christ, at least 18 years of age, and who are in agreement with it’s faith, practice and covenant, and have been received into the membership and fellowship by regular action of the church as outlined in the bylaws.
ARTICLE VI. Church Government
Section A. Government. The government of this church is vested in its membership. No ecclesiastical body outside itself shall dictate its policies.
Section B. Officers. The officers of this church shall be Lead Pastor/Elder, Elders and Deacons, and the bylaws shall determine their selection, term of service, duties and succession. The church shall select or cause to be appointed such officers as shall be deemed necessary and proper for the furtherance of the ministry. In all cases, leadership shall be vested in persons whose personal and spiritual qualities conform to Scriptural standards, and who are members of the church in good and regular standing.
ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS
Section A. Types of Meeting: Meetings for worship, prayer, fellowship, business and special purposes shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.
Section B. Weekly Meetings. Regular public worship and praise services shall be held on each Lord’s Day. Additional Bible study and prayer services shall be part of the regular schedule as appropriate.
Section C. Business Meetings. An annual business meeting that includes the affirmation of leaders shall be held at or near the conclusion of the fiscal year. Other meetings shall be held to conduct the business of the church as set forth in the bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
This constitution, with the exception of Articles III, IV, and V, may be amended at any regular business meeting of the church by a sixty-six (66) per cent vote of the voting members present, providing that notice of such meeting and the purpose of said changes shall have been published in a conspicuous place at least two weeks prior to the meeting, and announced publicly from the pulpit at least two Sundays prior to the meeting. Articles III, IV, and V may be amended or changed only at the annual meeting of the church, and that by a seventy-five (75) per cent vote of the voting membership present.
BYLAWS OF
Fellowship Bible Church
PREAMBLE
These by-laws are adopted, ordained, and established for our church government and plan of ministry. Since by-laws are meant to implement the provisions of the Constitution, no by-laws shall be effective that are contrary to the Constitution. It is not intended that a code of church by-laws be permanent and unalterable. From time to time, a revision may be necessary. In these by-laws the church is giving expression of Divine government as a basis for closer Christian fellowship and a clearly defined statement of procedure for biblical leadership and ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. All biblical references in this document are from the English Standard Version of the Bible.
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
Section A. Receiving Members
- Qualifications. The membership of this church consists of believers in Jesus Christ, at least 18 years of age, and who are in agreement with it’s faith, practice and covenant. People may be received into membership by their confession of faith in Christ, or restoration from church discipline, or transfer of letter from another assembly of like faith and doctrine. Baptism is not a requirement for membership but it is essential for all who desire to serve as teachers or leaders. Members who travel, can hold dual membership in another church of like faith and practice.
- Procedure. People wishing to unite with the church will upon completion of the prescribed membership class present themselves to the Elders for confirmation. Upon the Elders recommendation, they shall be extended the right hand of fellowship and received into the church’s membership by voice affirmation at any regular meeting of the church.
Section B. Voting
All active members who are 18 years of age and over, and are in good standing in the church may vote in all church business meetings. Good standing means that members have shown a pattern of faithfulness in attendance, service and giving.
Section C. Dismissal of Members - Death. Members are removed from the church roll at death.
- Transfer. Members in good standing will be granted a letter of referral to another church of like doctrine and practice. The church to which the member is transferring must request the letter.
- Attendance. Any member residing in the Newman Grove vicinity who is absent in their attendance, service and giving to the church, without cause, for the period of six months shall be removed from membership upon recommendation from the Elders and communicated to the congregation at the next regular business meeting of the church.
Section D. Church Discipline and Reconciliation - Purpose. Discipline is that procedure including Christian teaching; training, admonition, and rebuke, both private and public with the view to helping a person grow in grace and mature in the faith. Reconciliation and restoration of fellowship is always the goal, even in the midst of discipline. If a Christian refuses to receive such help, it will be necessary to exclude him or her from membership.
- Procedure. The Elders and congregation will follow the guidelines in Matthew 5:23-24,18:15-18; Galatians 6:1 and other related scriptures.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS
Section A. Pastor/Elder
- Qualifications. A man (1 Timothy 2;11-15) who meets the guidelines listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
- Duties. He is to oversee, shepherd, protect, equip, pray for, and exhort the church. He is also to do the work of an evangelist. (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:17, 29-29; Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 6:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:1-5
- Selection. In calling a pastor, the Elders shall gather a list of available candidates and may form a Search team to assist in the process. The Elders will select a candidate to present to the congregation. During this process the Pastor shall not serve on the Board of Elders unless invited to by the Elder Board. The Elders recommendation and an approval of seventy-five (75) per cent of a voting quorum at a business meeting of the Church are necessary to call a Pastor. Notice of such a meeting shall be announced at church services at least two Sundays in advance.
- Term. The Pastor shall serve for an undesignated period of time. He shall give sixty (60) days notice to the church or shall be given sixty (60) days notice by the church whenever severance of the pastoral relationship is deemed necessary by the elders. By mutual consent of the Pastor and Elders, this period may be changed. The Pastor will be removed from the pulpit immediately if he violates his office by misconduct, dereliction of duties, or false teaching as determined by a majority decision of the Leadership Team. In such cases, his removal from the pulpit and potential termination will be recommended
to the church congregation for a vote at a special meeting called by the Elders. Any charges
against the Pastor must be in accordance with Matthew 18:15-16 and 1Timothy 5:19.
Section B. Elders
- Qualifications. These men (1 Timothy 2:11-15) shall meet the guidelines listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9;
- Duties. The elders, together with the Lead Pastor, provide oversight in all matters concerning the spiritual life of the church (1 Peter 5:1-5; Acts 6:1-4). The Elders shall act as corporate officers of the church and serve as trustees, as required by corporate documents filed with the State of Nebraska. But their fundamental responsibility is to devote themselves to prayer and the Word, teaching the whole counsel of God, mobilizing the Church for world mission and providing vision and leadership for God’s people. The responsibilities of the Elders shall include: examining prospective members, overseeing the process of church discipline, overseeing the Deacons, and all church ministries, overseeing the disbursement of all church funds, administering communion and baptism, and equipping the membership for the work of ministry.
Pastor(s) and Elders are ex-officio members (in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order) of all church ministries and committees. - Selection. Upon desire and recognized qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7) the Elders will present to the congregation nominees for eldership. Affirmation of members at a business meeting is necessary for an appointment to the Elder Board. The congregation can also submit candidates to the Elders for appointment.
- Term. Elders shall be elected for a term of not less than three (3) years. There shall be a sufficient number of qualified Elders to care for the affairs of the church.
Section C. Deacons
- Qualifications. These men shall meet the guidelines listed in 1Timothy 3:8-13 and
Acts 6:1-4 - Duties. They serve under the oversight of the Elders fulfilling the practical matters of spiritual life, including physical and financial needs of the church. The duties are stated in Acts 6:1-6. Their responsibilities shall include: care for the needy, greeting/visitation, assistance in communion and baptism, assisting at fellowship gatherings of the Church and other ministries as directed by the Elders and under their oversight. Deacons are authorized to collect, manage, and distribute a benevolent fund in the course of their service. Fund transaction and balances can be discretely disclosed to the congregation at a business meeting.
- Selection. Guidelines are listed in Acts 6:1-6. The need is recognized by the congregation and brought to the attention of the Elders; the congregation finds spiritually qualified men and brings them to the Elders for approval. The Deacon serves the specific need under the authority of the Elders. Affirmation of members at a business meeting is necessary for a deacon to serve.
- Term. A Deacon shall serve to meet the specific need for two (2) years. There shall be a sufficient number of Deacons to meet the practical needs of the ministry
Section D. Treasurer
The treasurer shall be selected by the Elders, must be a member in good standing, and be under their authority, receiving and disbursing all funds of the church as they direct. The treasurer shall make monthly reports to the Leadership Team and annual and quarterly reports to the church. The Treasurer will be approved by affirmation of members at a business meeting and will serve for one (1) year.
Section E. Clerk
The church clerk may be appointed by the Elders, must be a member in good standing, approved by affirmation of members at a business meeting and will serve for one (1) year. The church clerk shall keep record of the church membership and such vital statistics as births, deaths, baptisms, and weddings; receive all applications for church letters and issue them under the authority delegated by the Elders; keep minutes of all regular or special business meetings of the church; and be clerk of the Elders if needed.
Section F. Employed Staff
- Staff Positions. The church may, when the need is apparent, employ staff for the purpose of meeting the needs of a growing ministry. These staff positions can include: office support personnel, youth pastor, associate pastor, music minister and any other staff the church deems necessary.
- Selection.
A selection committee consisting of the pastor, and at a minimum, a representative of the elders and deacons, shall be involved in the interview process.
At the time of their recommendation, they shall also present a working agreement. The congregation shall vote on all recommendations. Seventy-five(75) per cent of members at a business meeting is necessary to hire a staff person. - Working Agreement. Employed staff shall serve under a written working agreement prepared by the Elders and approved by the church. All employees report directly to the Lead Pastor and are under the oversight of the Board of Elders.
No paid staff, excluding the Pastors, shall be an Elder or Deacon. Pastors shall remove themselves from participating in decisions that present a conflict of interest in regard to their paid positions. - Termination of Church Officers and Employed Staff
Any officer shall be removed immediately if he/she violates their office by misconduct,
dereliction of duties, or false teaching as determined by a majority decision of the Elders
and the Leadership Team. Any charges brought against an officer or the Leadership
Team must be in accordance with Matthew 18:15-16 and 1Timothy 5:19. Employed staff of the church shall serve until the end of the period stipulated in the written
agreement. By mutual agreement with the Elders and the Leadership Team this period
may be shortened. The term of office of any employed person shall terminate automatically and immediately if he/she violates their position by breach of contract, misconduct, or false teaching. The Leadership Team recommends dismissal to the congregation in the spirit and practice of Matthew 18:15-18 and related disciplinary scripture.
ARTICLE III. LEADERSHIP TEAM
Section A. Membership.
Regular MINISTRY LEADERSHIP meetings that shall consist of the Pastoral Staff, Elders, Deacons, and specific Ministry Leaders will be held for the purpose of discussion, evaluation, and planning of church-wide ministries.
The Board of Elders shall consist of the Pastoral Staff and Elders. In all decisions the leadership will strive to be unanimous. Unity is the goal. An issue lacking unity may be tabled until after a season of prayer. It will then be brought back for discussion and action. Unity in a church must begin with the leadership.
In all decisions the Deacons will strive to be unanimous. Unity is the goal. Application of ministry needs prayerful unity. Any unresolved issues should be first bathed in prayer and then, if need be, brought to the Elders for resolution. The Deacons, at their discretion, can organize separately to meet the needs of ministries led by and for the women of the church.
Section B. Officers.
Both the Elders and Deacons may elect a Chair to preside at their meetings, a Vice-Chair to preside in the Chair’s absence, and Secretary (can be Church Clerk) whose job it is to keep minutes of each meeting.
Section C. Accountability.
The Board of Elders shall be accountable to the congregation and shall make reports to the church at each business meeting and make available the minutes of each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.
The Elder Board, excluding those members who are paid staff, shall formulate and submit salary proposals for determination by the Leadership Team and then by the congregation as prescribed in Article VI Sec A.
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION
Section A. Business Meetings
- An annual meeting to approve the budget, review reports and approve candidates for leadership positions shall be held as soon as possible within the first month of the new fiscal year. In all meetings we will strive for unity. The fiscal year ends December 31.
- Special meetings can be requested by the Elders or written petition of thirty-three (33) per cent of members in good standing in the church.
- A quorum of sixty-six(66) per cent of the Elder/Deacon leadership and thirty-three(33) per cent of the local membership is necessary to approve business at congregational meetings.
- Regular Business Meetings will be scheduled as needed to communicate reports, special business, or deal with urgent ministry and congregational needs. The congregation may submit items for the agenda prior to each Business Meeting of the church. Agenda items are to be submitted two weeks in advance of the scheduled meeting.
Section B. Notice
Notice of all regular or special business meetings for the congregation shall be given at regular Sunday service of the church at least two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL MINISTRIES
- Ministries. All ministries shall be under the authority of the Board of Elders. As God’s people recognize needs, sense God’s call for them to serve and lead, they will be affirmed and equipped by the Elders. The organization of needed ministries is the responsibility of those who lead and participate in them.
- Policy Manual. A Policy Manual shall be created to deal with the details of ministry organization and operation so that actions may be carried out in a consistent and prudent manner. The manual may be amended by the Leadership Team at any regular meeting.
ARTICLE VI. PROPERTY & FINANCES
Section A. Budgetary Approval and Changes
The annual budget must be approved by affirmation at the annual business meeting.
Budget line items may be amended by affirmation at any regular business meeting.
Section B. Church Property
Church property whose aggregate value does not exceed $10,000 can be sold or disposed of by the Deacons. Funds derived from the sale of such items will be allocated by the Deacons.
Any property whose aggregate value exceeds $10,000 may only be sold or disposed of by action of the Congregation. Funds derived by the sale of such items will be allocated by the Congregation.
Section C. Borrowing
The Elders, or the Leadership Team, cannot obligate the church by borrowing funds without Congregational approval.
ARTICLE VII. ORDINATION AND LICENSING
- Candidates. The church shall ordain or license those men to the ministry who, after examination by the Pastor and Elders, meet the conditions of scripture for full-time Christian Service.
- Procedure. Licensing: The church may issue a license to preach to all suitable candidates who are not ordained. Such a license may be renewed yearly at the request of the licensee and at the discretion of the church.
- Ordination. Before ordaining a suitable candidate, the church shall call an ordination council that includes the Elders and Pastors of churches of like faith and practice.. The council shall examine the candidate and recommend that the church either proceed with the ordination or refuse ordination. The right to ordain or to refuse to ordain is ultimately the prerogative of the church.
ARTICLE VIII. DISTRIBUTIONS AND DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or if, for any reason, the Corporation shall become defunct or no longer be in existence, all assets remaining after all liabilities and obligations of the Corporation have been paid, satisfied, or discharged or adequate provision made therefor, shall be distributed to one or more organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes which are similar to those of the Corporation or for other purposes as shall at the time qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.
Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be distributed by the District Court of the county in which the principal office of the Corporation is then located, to such exempt organization or organizations as said Court shall determine, to be used in such manner as in the judgement of said Court will best accomplish the general purposes for which the Corporation was organized. In no event shall any of such assets or property be distributed to any director or officer of the Corporation or any private individual.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended or changed by affirmation of the members at a business meeting, provided a notice of the proposed changes has been published in a conspicuous place at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting and announced publicly at least two (2) Sundays prior to the meetings.