Approved April 15, 2010
The name of this church shall be Grace Community Church, an Evangelical Free Church.
Purpose. The purpose of this church, in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, is to glorify God by working together for the unity, edification, discipline, and encouragement of the members of this church and the children of God in general, thus growing in faith and holy conduct, and seeking to win the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Government. This church shall be a member of the Great Lakes District Association (GLD) and shall thereby be affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America (E.F.C.A.). This church shall be self-governing and work in mutual cooperation with the Evangelical Free Churches of America (EFCA) in carrying on home and overseas missions and other Christian enterprises in EFCA churches and conferences. The church shall also assist as able by means of financial aid in carrying on this mutual work. The congregation shall govern the church through the Elder Board; while the ultimate authority is vested in the members of the church, the members delegate to the Elder Board the authority to make decisions except where specifically limited by this Constitution.
God. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.
Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
The Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips, and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
The Bible. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and our ultimate authority. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
The Human Condition and Salvation. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled, and transformed. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world.
The Church. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world. In obedience to Christ’s commission, the church’s mission is to go into all the world and make disciples, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed while looking forward to Christ’s return and eternal reign.
The membership of this church shall be composed of individuals who have responded by faith to God’s merciful and gracious gift of salvation and are faithful Grace attendees who reflect God well in our community. Members recognize that Christ not only died for them personally, but also for His Church, and respond to God’s command to selflessly give of their resources in order to build up the Church.
Procedure. Once prospective members have become familiar with our family and our beliefs (attending Grace for a minimum of 6 months), they may initiate the process of becoming members by attending a membership class, the curriculum of which shall be outlined by the Pastoral Staff and Elder Board. Those who wish to proceed with membership shall affirm that they have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, that they are in agreement with the Statement of Faith as set forth in ARTICLE III, and that they embrace a membership covenant, compiled by the Pastoral Staff and Elder Board. After completing the class, potential members shall meet with representatives of the Elder Board in order to share their spiritual journey and discuss their membership covenant. Once affirmed by our leadership, new members will be publically commissioned at one of our celebration services.
Discipline. Members may be suspended or removed for willful, unrepented sin that injures the unity and effectiveness of the church. The responsibility of discipline for public and private offenses shall rest with the Elder Board. The goal shall always be restoration of the offending individual according to Matthew 18.
The Elder Board, in keeping with the spirit of unity in the greater body of Christ, may choose to recognize the authority of another church and exclude from fellowship an individual who is under discipline at that church. When it is determined that the discipline of the previous church is valid, such an individual may be referred back to the previous church for the goal of repentance and restoration to the body of Christ. The hand of fellowship would be extended upon receipt of a letter stating that repentance and restoration has occurred.
Elders are male leaders of the church, also referred to in the New Testament as pastors, bishops and overseers (1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, 14:34-36). The Lead Pastor is both an authority over the Elder Board and accountable to them, and provides leadership, vision and direction. Only men of the finest character are fit for leadership in God’s church.
Selection. Elders are called by God (Acts 20:28). In order to be considered for the office of elder, a man must first fulfill the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-17. He then needs to have a personal desire to accept the work and responsibility of eldering and be nominated by elders or other members, or submit himself as a candidate for elder (1 Tim 3:1) to the Elder Board.
Once a man has been nominated to the elders as an elder candidate, a formal process of testing his calling (for at least 3 months) must be undertaken. This process should include a discussion of his family, his financial giving to the church, performance at work, relationship with people outside the church, service in the church, spiritual gifts, ministry passions, attitude toward authority, work ethic, leadership gifts, humility and any other issues related to his conversion, calling, character, courage, and competency. During this process of testing, the elder candidate shall be trained in the roles of an elder.
If the man is unanimously confirmed as called and qualified by the other elders, he will then be brought before the church as an elder candidate at least 3 months prior to a confirmation vote, so that the people in the church have an opportunity become acquainted with his gifts in ministry and to raise any questions or concerns. This confirmation vote may occur during any official congregational meeting.
The Elder board should consist of no fewer than 5 male members including the Lead Pastor. This number may be increased when there is a greater need in the congregation.
Quorum. A quorum of the Elder Board shall be 2/3 of the board or greater.
Terms. Elders may serve up to six years before taking a mandatory seventh Sabbath year. After this Sabbath year, an elder may share his desire to rejoin the Elder Board. When the remainder of the Elder Board has determined that there is a need, this elder may rejoin the board following an evaluation and a confirmation vote by the membership of the church.
Elders may step down from the Elder Board at their discretion or the discretion of a majority of the Elder Board. An elder who has stepped down may share his desire to rejoin the Elder Board. When the remainder of the Elder Board has determined that there is a need, this elder may rejoin the board following an evaluation and a three month congregational notification before a confirmation vote by the membership of the church.
Members of the Elder Board will select the Elder Board Chairman and Vice Chairman annually. Both the Chairman and Vice Chairman shall be members of the Elder Board other than the Lead Pastor.
According to the model set forth in the Book of Acts, it is the responsibility of the elders of the church to devote themselves to prayer, Bible study and the spiritual care of the flock. However, the church must also address the physical needs of the members. It is therefore appropriate for the elders to appoint godly, mature servants, known as deacons, to tend to these needs, as was done in Acts 6:1-7. Each deacon shall have a particular area of focus, as determined by the Elder Board. The number of deacons and their areas of focus may be adjusted according to the needs of the congregation, except that there shall always be a Deacon of Finance. Deacons may continue in the role to which they have been called for as long as they are able or there is a need. Deacons will be appointed after a testing period and a confirming vote by the Elder Board.
In addition to the deacons, there shall be two financial officers of the church: the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary. These officers are not deacons, but the qualifications for these offices shall be the same as those for the office of deacon, along with the additional specialized skills required for handling financial matters. Each of these will serve for two-year terms, after a confirming vote by our church membership. Whenever possible, the terms of these two officers should start in alternate years, in order to have the greatest possible continuity and security. The Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Deacon of Finance together with at least one elder will constitute the Finance Committee.
Deacons are servants of the church, male or female, qualified for the ministry of overseeing and caring for God’s people by criteria that are nearly identical to those for elders except for the teaching and preaching abilities.
Job description. The job description for the Lead Pastor shall be established and reviewed by the Elder Board. He shall be the spiritual leader, preach and teach God's Word, participate as a member of the Elder Board in all its activities and functions, guide and advise various church organizations and ministries, direct and supervise other members of the Pastoral Staff in their duties, and represent the church in the community and in the regional and national affairs of the Evangelical Free Church of America.
Replacement. As the need arises to call a new Lead Pastor, the Elder Board may act as a search committee for the purpose of identifying and interviewing potential candidates. After identifying a candidate, the Elder Board shall provide the congregation with written opinions and call a special meeting with the candidate to allow the congregation to question the candidate. The Elder Board shall request the congregation’s feedback and give substantial recommendation to this feedback in its recommendation of the candidate. The Elder Board may then recommend the candidate for confirmation to the full church membership at a business meeting. A three-fourths majority vote by ballot shall constitute a call.
Resignation. When the Lead Pastor submits his resignation, it is recommended that 60 days notice be given unless waived by mutual agreement with the Elder Board.
Removal from Office. The Lead Pastor may be removed from office on the recommendation of the Elder Board with a ratifying vote consisting of no less than three-fourths of the membership present at a church business meeting.
As the need arises, the church membership may choose to employ other Pastoral Staff in addition to the Lead Pastor for the purpose of carrying out full or part-time pastoral ministry. Examples would include an Associate Pastor or Youth Pastor. Members of the Pastoral Staff shall meet the qualifications for elders, but they are not voting members of the Elder Board. However, they may attend the board meetings as non-voting members.
Positions. The membership of the church shall approve the addition of Pastoral Staff positions. The Elder Board shall be responsible for identifying and hiring individuals for approved staff positions and determining salary. The process of recommending and voting on a candidate for a Pastoral Staff position shall be the same as that for replacement of the Lead Pastor.
Resignation. When a Pastoral Staff member submits his resignation, it is recommended that 60 days notice be given unless waived by mutual agreement with the Elder Board.
Removal from Office. A member of the Pastoral Staff may be removed from office on the recommendation of the Elder Board with a ratifying vote consisting of no less than three-fourths of the membership present at a church business meeting.
As the need arises, the church membership may choose to hire other individuals for the purpose of carrying out full or part-time ministry. Examples would include a Director of Children’s Ministries or Worship Director. Members of the Ministry Staff shall meet the qualifications for deacons.
Positions. The membership of the church shall approve the addition of Ministry Staff positions. The Elder Board shall be responsible for identifying and hiring individuals for approved staff positions and determining salary.
Resignation. When a Ministry Staff member submits his or her resignation, it is recommended that 30 days notice be given unless waived by mutual agreement with the Elder Board.
Removal from office. A member of the Church Staff may be removed on the recommendation of the Elder Board.
As the need arises, the elders may choose to hire full or part-time church workers.
Positions. The Elder Board shall be responsible for identifying and hiring individuals for approved staff positions and determining salary.
Removal from office. A member of the Church Staff may be removed on the recommendation of the Elder Board.
Lead Pastor. The Lead Pastor shall be licensed or ordained through the Evangelical Free Church of America or an organization with a similar Statement of Faith. A new Lead Pastor not credentialed shall work toward such certification, completing the process no more than three years from the date of first employment.
Pastoral Staff. Additional Pastoral Staff who are not credentialed are encouraged to become licensed or ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America. Pastoral staff decisions regarding credentialing must be approved by the Elder Board.
Annual. The annual business meeting of the congregation shall be held in April. The agenda of this meeting may include the presentation of an annual “state of the church” report and the budget. Copies of the proposed budget shall be made available to the membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Notice of the annual meeting shall be made a minimum of two weeks in advance along with the agenda.
Regular Business. Regular business meetings of the congregation shall be held in the fall and winter in addition to the April annual business meeting. Public notice shall be given a minimum of two weeks in advance along with the agenda.
Confirmation. The confirmation of elders shall be held at a regular business meeting or special meeting. Public notice of the election shall be given two weeks prior to the meeting.
Special. Special business meetings may be called with a minimum notice of two weeks. The notice will state the items of business to be presented and only those items will be considered. In the case of extreme emergency (e.g. fire), advance written notice shall be waived.
Procedure. The Elder Board Chairman shall preside at Church business meetings. In his absence, the Elder Board Vice Chairman shall assume his duties.
Quorum. Twenty-five percent of the active membership shall constitute a quorum at a business meeting of the church. All votes shall be decided by a simple majority, except where otherwise noted in this Constitution. Once a quorum has been duly constituted, it is not nullified by the departure of members from the meeting.
Rules. Standard rules of parliamentary procedure as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order shall be the basis for conducting all meetings of the church unless otherwise noted in this Constitution.
Voting. Voting on issues shall typically be by voice or hand vote. Written ballots shall be used at the discretion of the Chair or upon the approved motion of any member.
Minutes. Minutes shall be taken and kept on file for all business and special meetings of the church.
Ownership. This church shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and to hold such real, personal, or mixed property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Illinois and as is deemed necessary for the business of the church, and shall have the power to dispose of such property by mortgage, deed, or otherwise. All such property shall be in the name of the church.
Division. In the case of a division of the church, the property of the church shall remain under the control of that party which abides by this Constitution.
Dissolution. Should the church ever be dissolved, the equity interest property shall be assigned to the Great Lakes District Conference of the Evangelical Free Church o America. The church shall be considered dissolved if the membership decides that it is unreasonable to expect the church to function with the number of members remaining.
Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the church shall extend from May 1 through April 30 of the following calendar year.
Audit. There shall be an independent audit of the financial affairs of the church at least once every three years.
Church Officers. For legal purposes, the officers of the corporation shall be as follows: The Elder Board will function as a Board of Directors; the Elder Board Chairman will function as the president; the Deacon of Finance as the vice-president; and the church Treasurer as the treasurer.
Budget. The annual budget shall be put together by the church Finance Committee, which consists of the Deacon of Finance, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and at least one elder. The Elder Board may add up to two other members that they deem qualified. The Elder Board shall examine the budget as submitted by the Finance Committee and may request modifications. The Elder Board shall approve the budget to be submitted to the congregation for their approval. The Elder Board may approve expenditures outside of the church budget up to $10,000 annually. Amounts exceeding $10,000 will be discussed and affirmed by the congregation, except during an emergency.
Changes to this Constitution shall require a three-fourths majority vote by the active members present at a regular business meeting. Written notification of recommended changes shall be provided at a business meeting or a special meeting at least one month prior to the meeting in which the vote to adopt the changes will be taken.