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“How We Function”
4808 Tallmadge Rd. Rootstown, OH 44272 330-325-7174
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS of
Grace Church of Rootstown Rootstown, Ohio
Adopted by the Congregation on January 15, 2006 to become effective April 1, 2006 As Amended effective January 28, 2007
Preamble
We, the members of Grace Church of Rootstown fka New Milford Baptist Church (hereinafter the “Church”), do ordain and establish the following Constitution and Bylaws to which we voluntarily submit.
Article I. Organization
The formal name of this local Church shall be Grace Church of Rootstown. The church was formerly known as New Milford Baptist Church. The meaning of our existence is to provide and maintain a place of worship (Acts 2:41-47), discipleship (Colossians 1:9-12). service (Ephesians 4:l1-13) and evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), as defined in Article II. In all matters, this Church shall be governed by the Doctrinal Statement, attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein by reference.
In all matters of Church polity and practice, we shall act upon our conviction that the New Testament local Church is not dependent upon the leading of any ecclesiastical or denominational organization but an autonomous, self governing fellowship, directly submitted to the authority of Christ as the Head of the Church, the agency of the Holy Spirit as the Helper, and the Word of God as conclusive in all matters of faith, fellowship and function.
In addition, we recognize the richness of our historic Baptist heritage and its great doctrinal distinctives: the authority of the Holy Scriptures, which is God breathed and no human endeavor or decree can override; the autonomy of the local Church in which the local Church is accountable to Christ as the Head of the Church and the mandates of Scripture; the priesthood of believers in which every believer has access to our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ: the ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the observance of the Lord’s Supper or communion; and, Church membership, which individuals who have a believable testimony in Christ and publicly identified oneself through believers baptism choose to fellowship with the local Church in which a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This Church will continue to hold fast to these doctrinal truths and the richness of our heritage; and in essence always be a church of historical Baptist Traditions.
Article II. Statement of Purpose
This Church exists to glorify God by bringing people to know intimately and bear witness to Christ through the proclamation of God’s Word, making of disciples, establishing and expanding congregations and strengthening the body of Christ.
Authority The Board of Elders is the governing body of this Church.
Incorporation
To implement this purpose legally the Church is incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, so that it may own, provide and/or maintain a place of worship (including suitable real estate and buildings), receive, hold and disburse gifts, bequests and funds, and/or do all and sundry things necessary or incident to carry on such purposes.
Section 1: Eligibility
Article III. Membership
Any person who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ and has been baptized as an act of obedience to Christ is eligible for membership (John 1:12; 3:16; 6:37; Romans 10:9-10; Titus 3:5).
Section 2: Procedure
All individuals who desire membership in this Church, must be interviewed by an Elder (or appointee), fill out and sign an application for membership, complete a short course of instruction about membership, and agree to abide by and adhere to the doctrinal practices of this Church as outlined in this Constitution and By-laws. The Elders will seek affirmation from the Congregation, as candidates for membership will be publicly presented as new members.
If, upon review of an application for membership or after meeting with prospective members, the Elders determine that the applicant does not confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, or lacks the evidence of a godly lifestyle, membership shall be denied. The decision made by the Elders at that time shall be final and binding upon all persons and there shall be no appeal to any court.
Section 3: Responsibilities
The responsibilities of all members in this Church are summarized in the following Church Covenant:
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we do now in the presence of God and this Church most solemnly and joyfully enter into this Church Covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We therefore engage by the aid of the Holy Spirit:
A. To walk together in Christian love (Ephesians 5:2, Colossians 3:14):
B. To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another (1 Corinthians 12:25. Galatians 6:1);
C. To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows, and joys (Acts 2:42, I Timothy 2:1, James 5:16, Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26):
D. To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and seek forgiveness (Ephesians 4:25.32: Colossians 3:13; Matthew 5: 23-24):
E. To guard the spiritual and Scriptural purity, peace, prosperity of the local Church, and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:13: 2 Timothy 1” 14; Matthew 18: 15-20; Ephesians 4:13: Matthew 5:16);
F. To assist, through the gifts of the Spirit, in the work of the Church, and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus (Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:7: 1 Peter 4:10);
G. Under the direction of the Lord, contribute to the financial support of this local Church, the relief of the needy, and the evangelism of all people (2 Corinthians 9:7: Deuteronomy 15:11: Galatians 2:10; Philippians 4:l5-l6):
H. To love and to pray for all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35: 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:16):
I. To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer (2 Timothy 2:15; I Peter 2:2: Matthew 6:6; James 1:5);
J. To bring up children as they are entrusted to our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4);
K. To walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Colossians 4:5; Titus 2:11-12, 3:8; 1 Peter 2:12; I Timothy 2:1-4);
L. To endeavor by example, by work, and by prayer to win others to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Timothy 2:14):
M. To commit to regularly pray for, loyally support and properly submit to the leaders of the work of this Church in the keeping of any and all principles of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 4:12-13; Hebrews 13:7,17); and
N. To unite, as soon as possible, with a Church of like faith, should we leave this Church for any reason.
There shall be an annual renewal of membership. Such renewal procedures shall be as adopted and approved by the Board of Elders from time to time.
Section 4: Status of Membership
The members of this Church shall be classified as follows:
A. Active Member — An Active Member is one who is actively involved in the worship and service of the Church and who is entitled to all membership privileges including the holding of office and affirmation of (I) the appointment of Church Officers, (II) the calling and appointment of a new Pastor-Teacher and (III) affirming upon any and all amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Church. Only Active Members constitute the basis for establishing a quorum at any official meeting of the Church.
B. Associate Member — An Associate Member is one who is actively involved in the worship and service of the Church. Such a member is entitled to all the membership privileges of the Church except the (I) holding of office and affirmation of the appointment of Church officers, (II) the calling and appointment of a new Pastor-Teacher or (III) affirming any and all amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Church. An associate member desiring active status may be promoted by unanimous decision of the Elders. Examples of associate members are baptized believers who have not reached the age of eighteen, and/or students or persons who have temporarily relocated to our area for school or employment purposes and who wish to keep their active membership with their “home” Church.
C. Non-Active Member — A non-active member is a former active or associate member who has not been and/or is currently not active in attendance. Such a member is entitled to all the membership privileges of the Church except the (I) holding of office and affirmation of the appointment of Church officers, (II) the calling and appointment of a new Pastor-Teacher or (III) affirming upon any and all amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Church. An active or associate member may be transferred to non- active member status by request or by action of the Elders. A non-active member may be promoted to active or associate status by unanimous decision of the Elders. Examples of non-active members are missionaries, military personnel, shut-ins, or members temporarily displaced due to work or school and who expect to return as active or associate members in the future.
The Board of Elders will remove any person from Membership whose status does not reflect one of the above categories during the annual renewal contemplated in Section 3 above.
Section 5: Discipline and Restoration
The purpose of Church discipline and restoration is to affect a return to a Biblical standard of conduct and doctrine in a member who errs (Galatians 6:1), to maintain purity in the local Church (1 Corinthians 5:6) and to deter sin (1 Timothy 5:20). Any member of this Church who teaches or insists on holding false doctrine, and persistently conducts himself or herself in a manner inconsistent with Biblical teaching, or who persists in disturbing the unity or peace of the Church shall be dealt with as follows, according to Matthew 18: 15-18:
A. It is the duty of any member of this Church who has knowledge of an erring member’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct the erring member in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
B. If the erring member does not heed this warning, the warning member shall again go to the erring member accompanied by one or two other members as witnesses to warn and correct, seeking repentance and restoration.
C. If the erring member still refuses to heed the warning, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Elders, who, upon careful and prayerful investigation, shall make an appropriate report to the Church encouraging the congregation to pray for repentance and restoration of the erring member.
D. If the erring member refuses to heed the warnings of the Elders and the Church, he or she shall be dismissed from the Church pursuant to the Scriptures and treated as an unbeliever. The congregation shall be encouraged to pray for the repentance and restoration of the erring member.
It is clearly understood that the discipline process will continue to conclusion whether the erring member leaves the Church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership. There shall be no appeal of the discipline process which shall be final and binding upon all persons.
Section 6: Termination
Membership may be terminated in one of four ways:
A. By physical death;
B. By transfer. When it is requested, the Elders may grant to a departing member in good standing, a letter of transfer to the fellowship of another Church. No such letter may be given to a member who is at the time under the corrective discipline of this Church. The Elders may refuse to grant a letter of transfer to any Church which is in their judgment disloyal to the gospel (Jude 3);
C. By exclusion: If a member habitually absents himself or herself from the stated meetings of the Church without valid reason, or if due to relocation that member ceases to maintain a vital contact with the Church, that member may be excluded from membership. If an excluded member applies again for membership, the procedures set forth will again be followed;
D. By dismissal as a final step of Church discipline. The Board of Elders shall only apply the above- mentioned dismissal in strict accordance with the Scriptures.
Article IV. Church Polity
The officers of this Church shall be Elders and Deacons. All Church officers must be Active Members of the Church.
The government of this Church, the conduct of its business, the supervision of its general work, its organizations and its spiritual life, shall, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, be vested with the Elders.
Section 1: Elders:
Qualifications of Elder
An Elder must be a man who is above reproach and meets the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 and be an active member of this Church. He shall be desirous of serving in that office (1 Timothy 3:1) and shall be:
A. Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7); B. Husband of one wife: a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6): C. Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2): D. Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8):
E. Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2); F. Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2: Titus 1:8): G. Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2: Titus 1:9):
H. Not given to strong drink (1 Timothy 3:3: Titus 1:7);
I. Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7);
J. Patient, moderate, forbearing, and gentle (1 Timothy 3:3);
K. Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7);
L. Not covetous; not a lover of money: not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3. Titus 1:7);
M. Ruleswellhisownhouse;hischildrenarefaithful,notaccusedofrebelliontoGod(lTimothy3:4:Titus 1:7);
N. Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6); O. Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7); P. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7); Q. A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8); R. Just, fair (Titus 1:8); S. Holy, devout (Titus 1:8); and T. Self-controlled (Titus 1:8).
Duties of an Elder As overseers of the local church, and, specifically, this Church, it shall be the duty of the Elders to:
A. Be devoted to prayer and the study of God’s Word and sustain a caring ministry for the flock, which involves serving to help facilitate the Church’s spiritual growth and praying for the sick and visiting the congregation (Acts 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 5:14; Acts 20:28, 20:35; Hebrews 13:17);
B. Teach and exhort as well as refute those who contradict the truth, which involves insuring that all instructors, Bible teachers, children’s teachers and student ministry leaders are properly qualified (John 2 1:17: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 4:13, 5:17: Hebrews 13:7);
C. Lead by Christ-like example, which involves: (1) consistently modeling spiritual character, attitudes, values. and behavior among the congregation, (2) providing and inviting the opportunity for frequent and ongoing contact with members of the congregation, and (3) conducting the affairs of the Church in an atmosphere of openness and mutual sensitivity, focusing as much on nurturing one another as on decision-making. (1 Peter 5:1-3: Hebrews 13:7; 1 Timothy 4:6-16; 2 Corinthians 2:4);
D.
E.
Oversee the affairs of the Church (Acts 20:28, l5:22; 1 Timothy 3:1.4-5, 4:14, 5:17; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:1-2), which involve:
Maintaining the legal status of the Church;
Being responsible for the direction of all disbursements and securing of all funds necessary to meet the current expenses of the Church;
Exercising legal care and biblical stewardship of all Church property and assets;
Conducting the Business and Congregational Meetings of the Church;
Presenting the approved budget to the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting of the Church;
Recommending, approving and appointing officers of the Church at an appropriately deemed meeting of the Church;
Approving all candidates for Church membership and develop a procedure of annual renewal; Appointing the duly affirmed Pastor-Teacher; Calling, hiring and appointing any and all other Elders to meet the needs of the congregation;
Being responsible for the hiring, employment, terms and compensation of employment, assignment of responsibilities, direction, oversight and termination of employment of all Church staff (Elders and Administrative) as deemed necessary;
Approving all subordinate ministries, organizations. and counsels of the Church; and,
Communicating to the congregation on a regular basis concerning the activities, vision and concerns of the Elders.
Perform other constitutional, Scriptural, and general duties of oversight (Acts 20:28, l5:22ff; 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-l3).
The Church, and the Elders, shall recognize among themselves those who are set aside for the working at teaching and preaching, termed Vocational Elders, and those who function as Non-Vocational Elders (1 Timothy 5:17). The Vocational Elders are those who are employed Pastors of the Church, with one man designated as the Pastor-Teacher.
Pastor-Teacher is a gifted man for the purpose of perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, and edifying the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:l1-12). His primary responsibilities are the systematic teaching and preaching of the Word of God (1 Timothy 4:13) and to labor in the Word and in doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17). As an Elder, the Pastor-Teacher of this Church shall:
Give himself to prayer and the study of the Word of God;
Preach and expound the Word of God;
Administer the Ordinances in accordance with the Word of God;
Share in the pastoral care of the congregation along with the other Elders and members of the pastoral staff;
Perform marriages as he may deem appropriate at his discretion in accordance with the laws of God and the State of Ohio;
Officiate at funerals of members of the Church and non-members as he may deem appropriate at his discretion;
Together with the other Elders maintain Church discipline; Participate in the installation of newly designated Elders; Perform other constitutional, Scriptural, and general pastoral duties.
Section 2: Deacons
The Deacons shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. shall be a man of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to strong drink, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, first tested and found above reproach.
The Deacons shall assist the Elders in the shepherding of the saints, aid in the general spiritual care of the Church, work in the upkeep of the Church’s facility and perform such other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders.
A Deacon shall be called from among the Active Members by the affirmation of the Active Members of the local church.
Section 3: Selection and Dismissal of Officers and Pastoral Staff
A. Elders
An Elder shall be called from among the male, Active Members by a unanimous decision of the present Elders, with the affirmation of the Active Members of the Church. Elder candidates for this position must desire to serve (1 Timothy 3:1), be qualified to serve (1 Timothy 3:1-6; Titus 1:7-9), be examined and affirmed (1 Timothy 3:10, 5:22) and maintain themselves in a manner worthy of their calling and congruent with the moral and ethical standards of the Word of God, both in the administration of their office and in their personal lives (1 Timothy 5:18-20).
The Elder’s tenure shall also be for an indefinite period of time, subject to his ability and availability to serve. An Elder who is unable to carry out regular assignments, may at the direction of the other Elders, be required to step down from the office of Elder for a period of time, until he is able to once again fulfill his calling.
A Deacon
An Elder may be removed from office, based upon a decision by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the other remaining Elders, at any time based upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:1-6; Titus 1:7-9) or failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of the office of Elder. All Elders are subject to the biblical process of Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20) and if unresponsive to the correction of the Church will be publicly rebuked in the presence of the entire congregation (1 Timothy 5:19-20).
The Board of Elders shall consist of men meeting the qualifications of scripture and appointed as needed in the ministry of the Church. The Board shall consist of a maximum number of 16 persons plus all Pastors.
B. Pastor-Teacher (Senior Pastor)
In the event that a new Pastor-Teacher is needed to serve at the Church, the Elders may serve as or appoint a search committee to pursue a suitable Pastoral candidate. The Pastoral candidate must gain unanimous approval from the Elders before recommendation to the congregation for affirmation. The Elders may recommend only one Pastoral candidate to the congregation at a time. The Pastoral candidate shall be affirmed by the active membership at a properly convened meeting of the Church, notice of which shall have been given from the pulpit two successive Sundays preceding this meeting. An affirmation of the Active Members to the Elders shall be necessary to call and appoint the Pastoral candidate. The Pastor-Teacher shall be free to resign as he discerns God’s will, but shall give a thirty-day written notice to the Church, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon with the remaining Elders.
The Pastor-Teacher’s tenure shall be for an indefinite period of time, subject to his ability and availability to serve. In the event the Pastor-Teacher is unable to carry out his regular assignments, he may at the direction of the other Elders, be required to step down from service for a period of time, until he is able again to fulfill his calling.
The Pastor-Teacher may also be removed from office, based upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority decision of the remaining Elders, at any time based upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:1-6; Titus 1:7-9) or failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of the Pastor-Teacher. The Pastor-Teacher is subject to the biblical process of Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20) and if unresponsive to the correction of the Church will be publicly rebuked in the presence of the Congregation (1 Timothy 5:19-20).
C. Other Pastoral Staff — Additional and qualified Pastoral Staff may be added at any time by the unanimous decision of the Elders based upon the identified needs and necessary operation of the Church.
The tenure of the Pastoral Staff shall be for an indefinite period of time, subject to their ability and availability to serve. In the event that any of the Pastoral Staff are unable to carry out regular assignments. they may by the decision of a majority of Elders, be required to step down from service for a period of time, until they are able to once again fulfill their calling.
Any Pastoral Staff may be removed from office and/or service, based upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority decision of the remaining Elders, at any time based upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:1-6; Titus 1:7-9) or failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of that designated Pastoral Staff position. All Pastoral Staff will be subject to the biblical process of Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20), including any holding the office of Elder (Vocational Elder), and if unresponsive to the correction of the Church will be publicly rebuked in the presence of the Congregation (l Timothy 5:19-20).
D. Officers
The officers of the Church shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary and a Treasurer to fulfill the corporate duties as legislated by the State of Ohio in Section 1702.34 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Church may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Elders, other officers as may be from time to time appointed by the Elders in accordance with the provisions of this article.
The Chairman, a member of the Elder Board, shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Church and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Elders, have general supervision, direction and control of the activities and officers of the Church. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8 and shall preside at all Business and Congregational meetings. He shall be an ex officio member of all standing committees, if any are appointed, and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders.
The Vice-Chairman, a member of the Elder Board, in the absence or disability of the Chairman, shall perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed for him by the Board of Elders.
The Secretary, a member of the Elder Board, shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes, at the principal office or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Board, its committees and all Church meetings described in Article V, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office the original and a copy of Constitution of this Church, as amended to date. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of required by these Constitution to be given, shall keep the seal of the Church in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Church a membership register, showing the names of Church members and their addresses.
The Treasurer, a member of the Elder Board, shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Church. “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration … for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). He shall select “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to implement and accomplish this responsibility and shall oversee their work. The Treasurer shall ensure that all financial activities and transactions of the Church are consistent with this Constitution and By-Laws as well as the laws of the State of Ohio. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Church. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Elder and the Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Elders. He shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed the funds of the Church as may be ordered by the Board of Elders, shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Church, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders.
The officers of this Church, shall be chosen annually by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Elders. Each officer shall hold his office until he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his successor shall be elected and qualified. The Board of Elders shall determine the beginning and length of term of service of all officers.
Any officer may be removed from office and/or service, based upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority decision of the remaining Elders based upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:1-6: Titus 1:7-9) or failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of the designated office or position. All Church officers will be subject to the biblical process of Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20), including any holding the office of Elder and if unresponsive to the correction of the Church will be publicly rebuked in the presence of the congregation (1 Timothy 5:19-20).
Any officer may resign at any time without prejudice to the rights, if any. of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party, by giving written notice to the Board of Elders, or to the Chairman, or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause shall be filled in the manner as determined by the Board of Elders through the duration of the current term. In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Corporation and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Board of Elders may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer whom the Board of Elders may select.
E. Deacons
The men who hold this office are to be approved by the Elders and recommended to the Congregation for affirmation during a service or meeting at any point during the year. Each person who will hold this office shall be put before the congregation for affirmation of his service and commitment to the Church and then at the proper time appointed by the Elders.
A deacon shall serve an indefinite period of time, subject to his ability and availability to serve. A deacon who is unable to carry out regular assignments, may at the direction of the Board of Elders, be required to step down from the office of Deacon until he is able to once again fulfill his calling.
A Deacon may be removed from office, based upon a three-fourths (3/4) majority decision of the Elders based upon moral, doctrinal, or other biblical disqualification (1 Timothy 3:7- 13) or failure to fulfill the biblical responsibilities of the office of Deacon. A Deacon will be subject to the biblical process of Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20).
There shall be no limit to the number of Deacons.
Article V. Meetings
Section 1: Types of Meetings
There shall be three types of designated meetings of this Church: A. Annual Business Meeting
It shall be held annually during the first quarter of the year or any such other time during the year as the Elders may determine. The Elders shall be responsible for the selection of the date on which the Business Meeting will be held. Notice of the date of the Business Meeting along with an agenda shall be given from the pulpit two successive Sundays prior to the date. Items to be covered in this meeting shall include, but shall not be limited, to a current financial statement and such other matters as may come before the Congregation. At the time Notice of the meeting is given to the Congregation, the Congregation shall also be asked to submit any other appropriate matters to be discussed at the annual Business meetings. Such matters shall then be addressed at the meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority votes of the Active-Members present at such a meeting shall constitute approval of the matters addressed by that vote.
B. Congregational Meetings
May be called at any time deemed necessary by the Elders. Notice of the date of any Congregational Meeting along with an agenda shall be given from the pulpit two successive Sundays prior to the date, unless the Elders shall determine that such advance notice is not practicable.
C. Elder Meetings
The Elders shall meet on a regular basis throughout the year. There will be accurate minutes recorded and approved of each Elder Meeting. Non-confidential portions of the recorded and approved minutes shall be made available upon request for Congregational review.
Section 2: Quorum
The presence in person or by absentee ballot of thirty percent of the Church Active Members (See Section 4) who are eligible to affirm shall constitute a quorum at any Church Business or Congregational meeting except for meeting to consider Constitutional or By-Laws amendments, which shall require a quorum of forty percent. The Secretary shall be responsible for determining the number, which accurately represents the total Active membership of the Church. For purposes of determining a quorum, those members who are present and those who are absent but have submitted absentee ballots shall be counted.
Article VI. Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws
The Elders shall upon unanimous agreement recommend proposals to alter, amend, or rescind any provision of this Constitution and By-laws at a duly held meeting of the Active Members of the Church. The Active Members shall be given notice from the pulpit two successive Sundays prior to the date of such a meeting along with an agenda of the revisions recommended by the Elders for affirmation. At all times, the Holy Scriptures are to be the basis for any decision herein.
Any proposal to alter, amend, or rescind any provision of this Constitution and By-laws shall be submitted by any active member of the Church to the Elders. The Elders shall duly consider any such proposal. If such proposal is approved unanimously by the Elders, it will be presented to the active members for affirmation of the constitutional change at an appropriate meeting date determined by the Elders.
Article VII. Corporate Records and Reports
Section 1: Records
The Corporation shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of business in the State of Ohio, as fixed by the Board of Elders from time to time.
Section 2: Inspection of Books and Records
Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of this Church, and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any.
Section 3: Fiscal Year of the Corporation
The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.
Article VIII. Confidentiality of Church Records
Except as provided herein, all members shall have the right, upon adequate notice made to the Elders, to inspect Church records in the presence of one or more Elders.
No member shall have the right to inspect Church records as to (i) the disciplining of any member (ii) the hiring or firing of any employee, (iii) the need or problems of any member or employee, (iv) the financial contributions of any member, or (v) any other records which the Board of Elders may determine in its sole discretion to be in the best interests of the Church to keep confidential.
Article IX. Finance
The Church shall be supported by tithes, offerings, bequests and other gifts given by the congregation and friends and in such other manners as the Board of Elders may determine. In addition, the Church’s missions program shall be supported through gifts given over and above the normal tithes and offerings.
Article X. Settlement of Disputes
In any dispute arising between Church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices. Church finances, or title to property purchased with Church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by a majority decision of the Board of Elders. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Article XI. Indemnification
The Church shall indemnify and hold harmless to the maximum extent permitted by and according to applicable law any and all officers, Elders, Deacons, and Administrative Staff for any expenses and liability actually and necessarily incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding against said persons. This indemnification shall include costs and attorney fees. The indemnification shall occur as the expenses are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceedings, on receipt of the indemnified person’s promise: (1) to repay the amount advanced it if proved by clear and convincing evidence in court that the officers’, Elders’, Deacons’, or Administrative Staffs’ conduct involved a deliberate intent to injure the Church’s best interests, (2) and that person’s cooperation with the Church in connection with the action, suit or proceeding.
This indemnification shall be available to any of the above-named persons who is made or thereafter to be made a part to any action, suit or proceeding because of the person’s relationship with the Church.
Article XII. Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of this Church, after all debts and obligations are satisfied, no portion of the assets of the Church shall accrue to the personal benefit of any individual. In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets of the Church shall be transferred to such other church or other religious organization as shall be determined by the Board of Elders, so long as such body is a non-profit entity with similar purposes and is an appropriate entity under applicable laws.
ADOPTED AS OF THE DATE SET FORTH ABOVE.