El Camino Baptist Church By-Laws
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PREAMBLE
Having been led by the Spirit of God to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, having been baptized by immersion as a confession of our allegiance to Him, and having subscribed to the Confession of Faith and Covenant of this Church, we do hereby adopt for our government the following Bylaws:
ARTICLE I. NAME AND ORGANIZATION
The name of this Church is El Camino Baptist Church of Tucson, Arizona. It was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation without capital stock on September 16, 1976.
ARTICLE II. CHARACTER (back to top)
SECTION 1. Statements of Purpose
We believe our purpose as a New Testament church is to carry out the intent and spirit of the Scriptures in every facet of its life. The New Testament indicates that the aim of every local church is to present every man and woman mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28) with lives increasingly formed into the likeness of Christ. That Christlikeness is to be evidenced in four relationships of life.
1. Our relationship to God: a life of joyous worship and service. The church exists to exalt God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in the world. (1 Peter 2:9)
2. Our relationships in the home: a life of Biblical order, leadership, love, and discipline. The church exists to encourage the family. (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
3. Our relationships within the church: a life together of mutual love, service and encouragement. The church is equipped to build itself up in Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
4. Our relationships to the world: a life of following the Biblical patterns of citizenship, employment, and witness. The church exists to be salt and light, extending the kingdom of God locally and to all peoples. (Matthew 5:16; 28:18-20)
SECTION 2. Confession of Faith
The Bible
We believe that Scripture in its entirety originated with God, and that it was given through the instrumentality of God the Holy Spirit, that the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 10:34-35)
God
We believe that there is one true God, eternally existing in three equal persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the beginning God created all things out of nothing; thus manifesting the glory of His power, wisdom and goodness. By His sovereign power He sustains His creation. By His providence He operates throughout history to fulfill His redemptive purposes. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 1:16-18)
Salvation
We believe that the central purpose of God's revelation is to call a people into fellowship with Himself. Having been created to have fellowship with God, man sinned by defying God, and was thus alienated from God, suffering the corruption of his nature, and rendering him unable to please God. The fall took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals since have suffered the corruption of sin from birth and are in need of the saving grace of God. The salvation of mankind is wholly a work of God's free grace, not the result, in whole or in part, of human works or goodness. This salvation must be personally appropriated by repentance and faith. Once God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, He gives assurance in His Word that He will continue and complete it until the day of its full consummation. (1 Peter 2:9-10; Romans 5:12; Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:1-10; Philippians 1:6)
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, was united forever with a true human nature by a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and voluntarily made a blood atonement for the sins of men by dying on the cross as their substitute. By His death He satisfied divine justice and offers salvation for all who trust in Him alone. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. He ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the Father, where He, the only Mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. He shall come again to earth, personally and visibly, to establish His millennial kingdom and consummate history and the eternal plan of God. (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:19-21; Hebrews 7:25; John 14:1-3; Revelation 20:1-6)
The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, is fully God and to be worshiped and glorified along with the Father and the Son. He was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to apply to mankind the saving work of Christ.
He enlightens the minds of sinners, awakens in them a recognition of their need of a Savior and regenerates them. At the point of salvation every believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit. He permanently indwells each child of God and becomes the source of assurance, holiness and wisdom. He uniquely endows each believer with gifts for the building up of the body. A genuine saving relationship with Jesus Christ includes a call to a life-style that is increasingly distinct from the world and devoted to God in holiness.
The Christian life is a life of walking in the Spirit, under his instruction and enabling, according to his Word. It is by the Spirit we put to death the desires of the flesh and are made more and more like Jesus. (John 14:16; Acts 16:7-11; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:5-17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:16-23; Titus 2:11-14).
Human Destiny
We believe that death seals the eternal destiny of each person. For all mankind, there will be a resurrection of the body into the spiritual world, and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Unbelievers will be separated from God into eternal condemnation, which they will share with the devil and his angels. Believers will be received into eternal communion with God and will be rewarded for works done in this life. (Hebrews 9:27; John 5:25-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10; Matthew 25:21,30)
The Church
We believe there is one true church universal, comprised of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Moreover, the Scripture commands believers to gather together in local churches to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, and the observance of the ordinances of baptism and communion.
In baptism by immersion in water, we are symbolically united with Christ in death and resurrection. In communion we are symbolically reminded of our forgiveness in Christ. Wherever God's people meet regularly in obedience to this command, there is the local expression of the church. Under the watch care of Elders and the supportive work of deacons and deaconesses, its members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the one ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:1-3)
SECTION 3. Confession of Faith. We believe this Confession of Faith to be an accurate summary of what Scripture teaches. All members shall refrain from advocating doctrines that are contrary to or not included in the Confession in such a way as to cause dissension.
SECTION 4. Teaching Statements. The Governing Board shall have the right to establish teaching statements as they deem necessary. All teaching statements shall be presented to the Church but are not binding upon the membership. They shall serve as guidelines for the oversight of the ministry.
SECTION 5. Covenant. Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and having publicly confessed our faith in word and in baptism by immersion, we now enter into covenant with each other as one body in Christ. We promise:
To follow the Scriptures as our only rule of faith and practice; seeking in all matters to "search the Scriptures daily," letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, that we might hear its teaching, rebuke, correction, and instruction in righteousness; that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
To live in the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the flesh, being transformed by Him into the likeness of Christ, with ever-increasing glory.
To devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful; asking God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ that the Word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, that we may advance in the fruit of righteousness, and that we may bear each other's burdens before the throne of grace.
To be completely humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love; to avoid all rumors, slander, backbiting, and excessive anger, being slow to take offense, and always ready for, and seeking reconciliation that we might preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
To serve one another in love, rather than turn our freedom in Christ into an opportunity for the flesh; to be sensitive to each other's conscience so that our actions would never become a hindrance to another's growth in Christ, seeking in all things to conform our lives to the spirit of Scripture in that it is "better not to eat meat or to drink wine or to do anything else that will cause our brother to fall."
To endeavor by word and action to present the truth of the gospel to those outside of Christ, being righteous and honorable in all of our life so that the gospel might be made attractive by our good works, working to be all things to all men that we might by all means save some.
To remember those who have the rule over us, who speak to us the Word of God; to submit to their leadership as to those who will give an account before God for our souls.
To give regularly and cheerfully, as God prospers, for the support of this ministry, for the relief of the needy, and the spread of the Gospel around the world;
To give of ourselves, our time and our gifts, for the service of Christ in this Church; each of us being careful to assume our share of the work, as faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
We pledge before God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to live and speak as those who are to give an account of the management of our lives under God. Relying upon the Grace of God, we will endeavor to make our walk conform to this covenant, and not to it alone, but to all of God's revealed will for holy living and service.
SECTION 6. Polity. This Church is independent and autonomous and is subject to the control of Scripture alone, not to any other ecclesiastical authority, body or organization.
SECTION 7. Affiliation. We, the members, declare our affiliation shall be with the following agencies and their schools, etc.
a. Conservative Baptist Association of America and its schools, mission societies and agencies.
b. Any other evangelical organization approved by the Church.
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ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP (back to top)
SECTION 1. Purpose of Membership. The New Testament presents a picture of definable groups of people who, once committed to the Lord, identified themselves with and committed themselves to one another as a local Church. In this God-ordained environment they function as one body, building themselves up in love according to the rule of Scripture. Membership is to be seen as a covenant between fellow believers under Christ.
In order to implement the principles of accountability and commitment to the local body of Christ, as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early churches, El Camino Baptist Church recognizes the need for formal membership. (Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 1:1; Acts 11:26)
Membership shall be practiced as a public and accountable commitment to join with this body of believers in obeying Christ, submit to its leaders, and support its ministries.
SECTION 2. Requirements. Membership of the Church shall consist of those who profess credible faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, have been baptized by immersion as a believer, who affirm the Confession of Faith and are prepared to live by the Covenant. They shall give clear evidence of a life consistent with their profession of faith.
SECTION 3. Admission. All who desire to align themselves with this local Church, its beliefs, its goals, and to submit to its leadership shall express such a desire verbally or in writing to one of the Elders of the Church. That person shall be interviewed by two of the Elders to discern their qualifications as set forth in these bylaws.
Those who meet those requirements or are prepared to do so shall be recommended to the Church two weeks prior to the Right Hand of Fellowship. Any member holding just cause of concern as to the reception of a new member shall follow the pattern of Matthew 18 to address the matter. No public discussion will be allowed until such process has been followed. New members shall be received publicly, as an act of the Church. A quarterly report concerning new members shall be given at each business meeting.
SECTION 4. Entrance into Membership. New members may be recommended in one of the following ways:
a. Baptism - Those to be immersed in water, following a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord.
b. Previous baptism by immersion and satisfactory testimony of their Christian experience.
c. Letter - Those transferring membership by letter from another church of like faith or order.
d. Watch care - (This is in lieu of formal membership with El Camino.) Watch care members shall include those Christian students, service personnel and others temporarily residing in our midst, who attend our worship services regularly, but desire to leave their membership in their home church. It shall also include those who cannot fully subscribe to the Confession of Faith, but who wish to commit themselves to the oversight of the Elders. Watch care members will not be eligible to hold a Church office or vote in the Business meeting.
SECTION 5. Membership and Families. For the purposes of oversight, the children of members shall be considered under the care of their parents and of the Elders. No child shall be allowed to participate in Church business by voting or speaking until they have:
1) satisfied the requirements of membership and
2) have reached 18 years of age.
SECTION 6. Privileges. All members of the Church 18 years of age or older, shall constitute the voting body of the Church. All members 21 years of age and older shall be eligible to hold office. As provided for in the Articles of Incorporation, members shall not have any pecuniary interest in any of the Church property or assets during its existence or upon its dissolution.
SECTION 7. Termination of Membership. Termination of membership shall be granted by action of the Governing Board. A quarterly report of all terminations shall be given at the business meetings.
a. Transfer of letter. Upon the request of a member in good standing, a letter of dismissal to unite with another Baptist Church may be granted. Letters of transfer shall be mailed to the requesting church .
b. Withdrawal. A person wishing to unite with other than a Baptist church may be furnished a letter of Christian character and standing. Upon their written request to be released from their covenant obligations, a member's request shall be honored and their membership terminated.
c. Dismissal by Deletion
1. Any member who has become a member of another church, or an associate of such church, shall be removed from the membership roll by recommendation of the Clerk to the Governing Board.
2. Following the death of a Church member, his name shall be deleted from the Church roll by the Clerk.
3. Any member who, for a period of one year, does not perform any of the duties of membership as described in the Covenant:
I. May be removed from membership at the member's request.
ii. May be removed from the membership role following one month's written notification by the Governing Board.
iii. May be placed on an inactive membership roll for a period of one year. Inactive members shall be notified of their status by the Governing Board and may not participate in business decisions of the Church. Termination or reinstatement of the member at the end of this period may be by Governing Board recommendation to the Church Clerk .
iv. May be placed on the inactive roll for one year if the member has moved out of the knowledge of the Church and has not reported to the Church.
SECTION 8 . Discipline. As a covenant community under Christ, it is the great responsibility of the church to intervene in the lives of each other when sin has become a determined pattern of life. God has given to the church a means of discipline whose goal is restoration through repentance and forgiveness.
a. Public offense. The responsibility of discipline in all cases of public offense shall rest with the Senior pastor and the Governing Board. During the vacancy of the Senior Pastorate, the Governing Board shall assume such responsibility.
b. Private offense. All cases of grievance between members shall be dealt with in accordance with the rules laid down in the 18th chapter of Matthew, and no public complaint shall be preferred until this course shall have been pursued. Charges, when made, shall be in writing, and shall be submitted to one of the pastoral staff or Governing Board for such action as is deemed proper.
c. Church Officers. All cases of grievance against officers of the Church shall be handled according to the rules laid down in the 18th chapter of Matthew. No accusations will be entertained where this has not been the case and where there is not the testimony of two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19). Grievances against Church officers shall be submitted in writing to either the Governing Board Chairman, Vice-chairman, or one of the pastoral staff. Church officers shall be considered as more accountable and where their sins are such as to undermine the trust of the flock, they shall be publicly censured in accordance with 1 Timothy 5:20.
d. Fair hearing. In all cases of discipline, if practicable, the persons accused shall be given an opportunity to be heard in defense, and no member, if absent, shall be censured or excluded at the same meeting at which the charge is preferred against him.
SECTION 9 . Conflict Resolution. In matters of conflict between members of the Church or between members and leadership, it is understood that the Church is not to take its cases before unbelievers (1 Corinthians 6:1-8), but rather to appoint godly and wise mediators. In the event of conflicts which cannot be resolved between the parties involved, a written request shall be made that the Governing Board appoint a mediation council to bring reconciliation. That Council shall be made up of elder-qualified believers of common faith though not necessarily members of El Camino. It shall have three members, one appointed by each of the two parties in conflict and one selected by the two members so selected. Said Council shall have authority to make binding recommendations to the parties involved.
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ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS (back to top)
SECTION 1. For the purposes of the life of this body of believers under the headship of Christ we recognize that certain individuals in the NT church were set apart to official responsibilities within the church.These individuals were servants of the church, following the pattern of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:26-28). The officers of this Church shall be those indicated in the New Testament (NT): Elder, Deacon and Deaconess.
a. Elders - also called pastors and overseers (Acts 20:16-32; Titus 1, I Timothy 3). They are responsible to lead and feed the flock, protect from doctrinal error, exhort and refute those who contradict doctrine, be a godly example, and disciple others (1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:7-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Matthew 28:18-20) They are ultimately accountable to the Lord for the oversight of the members in Christ (Hebrews 13:17). Members of the flock are called to honor and yield to their leadership. All Elders shall meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
1. The office of Elder is open to any member of El Camino who is recognized by the body for their spiritual maturity, ability to teach Scripture and live by the same, and gifts and skills needed for the general oversight of the flock.
2. The Elders shall recommend to the Church the needs to be addressed and the number of deacons and deaconess needed in ministry.
b. Deacons and Deaconesses - both men and women in the NT church were set apart for specific works of mercy and service, primarily to assist the Elders in such works of caring that might otherwise consume the priority ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:1-6).
The office of Deacon and Deaconess shall be open to any member of El Camino who is recognized by the body for their spiritual maturity and particular gifting in ministries of mercy and administration. They shall work with and under the direction of the Elders. They are partners in ministry with the Elders.
SECTION 2. Pastoral Staff: When the Church deems it necessary for a particular task to be given full-time Elder attention, they shall call qualified men to the position of pastoral staff.
a. Qualifications. All who serve in the positions of Pastor shall be ministers who freely subscribe to the Confession of Faith and covenant of the Church. Pastoral Staff members are to be elder qualified. (I Timothy 3: 1-7)
b. Senior Pastor. For the purposes of administrative efficiency and accountability there shall be a pastor who shall function as Senior Pastor. He shall be responsible to insure the oversight of the total flock and the smooth operations of the Church and staff.
c. Associate Pastors. Associate pastors shall be called as deemed necessary by the Senior Pastor, Governing Board, and the Church. They shall share in the total oversight of the flock. They shall also carry specialized responsibilities as deemed necessary.
d. Pastoral Vacancy. In the event of pastoral vacancy, the Governing Board shall recommend to the Church a Pulpit Selection Committee of seven persons, at least three of whom shall be elected elders. This committee shall present only one candidate at a time for consideration of the Church body. Upon recommendation of the Governing Board, the candidate shall be called at a special meeting of the Church. Notice of the special meeting shall have been given from the pulpit and in the bulletin at least two Sundays prior thereto. The call of pastors shall be determined by ballot: and to be declared called, the candidate must receive 85% or more of the votes cast.
SECTION 3. Selection and Term of Office.
a. Elders. All Elders shall meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus I and said qualifications shall be affirmed by the congregation.
1. Lay Elders: Lay Elders shall serve for a period of three years and may serve two consecutive full terms after which they must take a year's sabbatical. Removal of an Elder from office shall be considered only with support of two or three witnesses. Based upon that testimony, if an Elder is to be removed from the office of Elder, his removal will then be brought before the congregation (I Tim 5:19-20).
2. Pastoral Staff Elders: All Pastors shall serve for an indefinite period of time.
i. The termination of the tenure of the Senior Pastor shall be upon not less than thirty days notice by the Pastor, sixty days notice by the Church, or less by mutual consent. The question of dissolving the pastoral relationship may be considered by the Church upon recommendation of the Governing Board in accordance with Scriptural directives as indicated in Article III, Section 8. Notice of the same shall have been given from the pulpit and in the bulletin at least two Sundays prior thereto. The dissolution of the pastoral relationship shall be determined by ballot and the motion therefore must receive a majority of the votes cast.
ii. The termination of the tenure of Pastoral Associates shall be upon not less than 30 days written notice by the Pastoral Associate or 60 days by the Governing Board. Said termination by the Governing Board shall be upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and two-thirds vote by ballot of the Governing Board.
b. Deacons and Deaconesses. Deacons and Deaconesses shall meet the requirements of 1 Timothy 3 and said qualifications shall be affirmed by the congregation at the time of officer selection. Their responsibilities shall be designated by the Governing Board and they shall serve as needed. Their service, giftedness, dedication and character shall be recognized by the congregation and affirmed by the Elders.
c. Legal Governing Board. The Legal Governing Board of El Camino with its officers shall be Lay Elders. It is desirous that the Governing Board consists of at least 12 members. The Elders shall be selected for a period of three years. One-third of said Governing Board shall be selected each year. Any Elder who has completed two consecutive three-year terms shall not be eligible to hold a position on the Governing Board within one year thereafter. Any Elder receiving compensation from the Church shall abstain from voting on any financial issues pertaining to his area of responsibility. Compensation and employment issues for Elders receiving direct compensation from the Church shall be addressed by executive session of the Governing Board.An executive session of the Governing Board shall consist of those elected who do not receive direct compensation from the Church. The executive session may request attendance of whomever the Governing Board deems necessary.
Governing Board Selection. The selection of the Governing Board for the Church shall be considered a responsibility and activity for the entire membership. A Nominating Committee shall be formed which shall solicit from every member of the congregation individuals for consideration. There will be no anonymous nominations. Said process shall take place during the second quarter of the fiscal year. The names shall be presented to the Governing Board for consideration. Subsequently, all candidates shall be interviewed to describe the responsibilities of the office, and to ascertain whether they meet the qualifications given in the Scriptures (I Tim 3, Titus 1). The Nominating Committee shall present as many qualified candidates as are willing to serve. The list of candidates shall be published in the Church bulletin on the four Sundays prior to the annual selection of officers. Any member holding just grievance against a candidate shall follow the principles of Matthew 18 in addressing the matter. The selection of officers shall be considered to be an affirmation of character and a statement of the congregation's confidence in the individual. It shall take place by ballot, and an individual shall assume office if they receive at least 75% of the total votes cast.
d. Other Offices.
1. Church Clerk. The Church Clerk shall be appointed by the Governing Board for a one year term and be affirmed by the congregation at the time of officer selection. The clerk shall be a member of El Camino.
2. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Governing Board for a one year term and be affirmed by the congregation at the time of officer selection. The Treasurer is a legal representative of El Camino. The Treasurer shall be a member of El Camino.
e. All officers of the Church must be at least 21 years of age and members of this Church in good standing.Those selected from within the Church body shall have been members for a minimum of one year.
f. For legal purposes of the Corporation the officers of the Church shall consist of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary of the Governing Board and Treasurer.
g. Vacancies in Elective Offices. In the event of a vacancy in any elective office other than pastoral, the same may be filled at any regular business meeting of the Church.
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ARTICLE V. ORGANIZATIONS (back to top)
SECTION 1. All organizations formed to carry out any activities of the Church are regarded as integral parts of the
Church. The Pastors and Governing Board will have general oversight of such organizations, which will submit to the Governing Board a brief, written annual report one month prior to the Annual Business meeting. These organizations shall comply with the spirit, policies and teachings of the Church.
SECTION 2. Officers of all organizations of the Church, Sunday School departmental superintendents, teachers, adult class officers, sponsors and leaders of the children's and youth activities shall be active members of the Church unless approved by the Governing Board.
SECTION 3. The Governing Board or their designee shall approve the use of Church facilities by outside organizations or individuals.
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ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS (back to top)
SECTION 1. Meetings for Worship. Unless otherwise provided, the Church shall meet each Sunday for public worship, regularly for public prayer, and at other times as considered necessary by the Pastors and Governing Board. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall normally be observed on the first Sunday of each month, except under unusual circumstances.
SECTION 2. Meetings of the Governing Board. The Governing Board shall meet at least ten times each year or at a special meeting whenever called by the Chairman or the Pastor. A quorum for the Governing Board shall be a simple majority. A quorum for Committees of the Church shall be a simple majority.
SECTION 3. Business Meetings. Quarterly meetings for the transaction of business shall be held in the months of January, April, July and October. Special business meetings may be called with the approval of the Governing Board. The annual business meeting shall be the first meeting in the fiscal year. The selection of officers shall be held at least two months prior to the annual business meeting. All proposed matters of business shall be presented to the Governing Board at least three Sundays in advance of any business meeting for consideration as proper items to be added to the agenda. A quorum for the transaction of Church business shall be 10% of the voting body. Questions of parliamentary practice not specifically provided for herein shall be determined according to the latest edition of Roberts' Rules of Order.
a. Notice of Business Meetings. Notice of regular and special business meetings of the Church shall be given in the Sunday bulletin of the regular Church services on the Sunday preceding the date of the meetings, except in cases where the Bylaws may require additional notice. Matters of business dealing with the discipline of members may be presented at any regular service without prior notification to the membership.
b. Voting. A majority vote shall be adequate for all matters of Church business, including action of all boards, except as specified elsewhere in the Bylaws. On any matter of business, a ballot vote shall be held if called for by any member present who is eligible to vote.
ARTICLE VII. MISCELLANEOUS (back to top)
SECTION 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Church shall begin July 1 and end June 30.
SECTION 2. Audit. An audit of the financial records of the Church shall be conducted regularly in such a manner as shall be determined by the Governing Board. The auditor's report shall be filed in the Church office and shall be subject to inspection by any member of the Church.
SECTION 3. Financial Policy. Necessary finances for conducting the Church programs and its missionary outreach shall be obtained through voluntary gifts. No money-making projects shall be conducted by the Church. Auxiliary organizations may conduct certain money raising projects upon the approval of the Governing Board.
SECTION 4. Operational Policy. The Governing Board shall have the authority to establish the operational policies of the Church.
SECTION 5. Messengers and Representatives. The Governing Board may select from time to time such messengers as the Church is entitled to send to association, regional or national meetings. The congregation shall be given two weeks' notice on such appointments. It is understood that such representatives shall duly represent the policy and attitude of the Church.
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ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS (back to top)
These Bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the members present and entitled to vote at any business meeting of the Church, provided that the amendments do not conflict with the Articles of Incorporation and that notice shall have been given in the regular Church announcements on the two Sundays preceding such business meeting. No changes shall be made which effect the theology, philosophy of ministry, or government without the approval of the congregation.
Revised: Governing Board/Congregational Approval, August 9, 1998
Addendum to Bylaws
Recommendation of Bylaws committee regarding Transition of Governing Board from Deacons to Elders. After the revised bylaws are passed, a period of teaching shall take place. Any existing Deacons desiring selection to the Governing Board as Elders will be presented along with any other candidates. Any Deacon that is affirmed to be an Elder shall complete his original term. Additional candidates will be affirmed for a period of one, two or three years. After the transition takes place, this recommendation will become null.
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