RATIFIED IN jANUARY OF 2006
Article I
Name
The
name of this church shall be
Article II
Purpose, Government, and Distinctives
1. 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.
2. Government. This church shall be
self-governing, and shall work in mutual cooperation with the Evangelical Free
Churches of America (E.F.C.A.) in carrying on home and foreign missions and
other Christian enterprises in E.F.C.A. churches and conferences. The church shall also assist as able by means
of financial aid in carrying on this mutual work.
Article III
Membership
The membership of this church shall be composed of individuals who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and who give evidence by their confession and conduct that they are living in fellowship with Him.
Article IV
Statement of Faith
1. We believe the Scriptures,
both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in
the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of
men, and the Divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
2. We believe in God, Creator
of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe that Jesus Christ
is true God and true man, having been conceived for the Holy Ghost and born of
the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a
sacrifice for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, and
ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is
our High Priest and Advocate.
4. We believe that the ministry
of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to
convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct, and
empower the believer for godly living and service.
5. We believe that man was
created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only
through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be
obtained.
6. We believe that the shed
blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only grounds for
justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as accept Jesus
Christ as their personal Savior are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become
children of God.
7. We believe that water
baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church
during the present age. They are,
however, not regarded as means of salvation.
8. We believe that the true
Church is composed of such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ
have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of
Christ of which He is the Head.
9. We believe that only those
who are thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the
local church.
10. We believe that Jesus Christ
is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that every local church has the right,
under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs.
11. We believe in the personal
and premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this
"Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service
of the believer.
12. We believe in the bodily
resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy
with the Lord; of the unbelievers to judgment and everlasting conscious
punishment.
Article V
Licensing and Ordaining
1. The term “Pastoral staff” in
the Constitution and Bylaws refers collectively to the Lead Pastor, Associate
Pastor(s), Ministry Directors, or other paid staff positions overseeing the
ministry of the church. Members of the
Pastoral staff other than the Lead Pastor are collectively referred to as
“Associate Pastor” in the Constitution and Bylaws.
2. 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.
3. An Associate Pastor who is
not credentialed may choose whether or not to be licensed or ordained. If an Associate Pastor chooses to be
credentialed, then he must do so through the Evangelical Free Church of
America. An Associate Pastor may choose
not to be licensed or ordained.
Credentialing shall not be required of any Pastoral staff member except
the Lead Pastor.
Article VI
Property Rights
1. 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.
2. 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 and Bylaws.
3. 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. The church shall be considered dissolved if
so decided by the membership, or when fewer
than six members remain.
Article VII
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws
Changes
to this Constitution and Bylaws shall require a three-fourths majority vote by
the active members present at a regular quarterly business meeting. Written notification of recommended changes
shall be provided no less than one quarterly business meeting prior to the
meeting for the vote for adoption.
Bylaws
Article I
Congregational Authority
1. Autonomy. There shall be autonomy of the
congregation (church members), with no person or organization above it except
Christ. 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 and Bylaws.
2. Pastoral staff. The church membership shall be
responsible for approving additional Pastoral staff positions, including job
description and pay range. The Elder
Board shall be responsible for setting procedures and guidelines for the search
and hiring of members of the Pastoral staff.
When a suitable candidate is found, the congregation shall be provided
with personal background information on the candidate along with written
opinions by the Elder Board. A special
meeting shall be called with the candidate present to allow the congregation to
question the candidate. The Elder Board
shall request the congregation’s feedback of the candidate, and give
substantial consideration to this feedback in its recommendation of the Lead
Pastor, or the hiring of an Associate Pastor.
3. Budget. The church budget shall be
approved by the church membership at the annual meeting. Expenditures outside of the church budget
exceeding $10,000 annualized will be disclosed to the congregation.
Article II
Membership
1.
Categories of Membership. The
active membership roster shall consist of those members who regularly attend
the services of the church. Exception shall be made for those physically unable
to attend.
2.
Procedure. Prospective members shall complete a membership
orientation class, the curriculum of which shall be outlined by the Pastoral
staff and Elder Board. Prospective members shall then meet with two members of
the Elder Board who shall ascertain the candidates' commitment to Christ and to
the church's statement of faith. Prospective members shall give their testimony
in a regular business meeting or in their small group.
3.
Discipline. Membership may be suspended or removed for
conduct unbecoming a Christian. Members
or nonmembers attending may be excluded from the fellowship of the church for
any cause that promotes discontent or injures the unity and effectiveness of
the church. The responsibility of
discipline for public and private offense shall rest with the Lead Pastor and
the Elder Board when the Lead Pastor is in attendance. The goal shall always be restoration of the
offending individual according to Matthew 18.
Persons accused shall be given an opportunity to be
heard. In the event the person fails or
refuses to appear the Elder Board may proceed and determine the course of
action in the person's absence, unless fairness and justice require otherwise.
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 that individual from fellowship. Such an individual would be
referred back to their 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 had occurred.
Article III
Church Meetings
1.
Procedure. The Elder Board Chairman shall preside at
Church business meetings. In his
absence, the Elder Board Vice Chairman shall assume his duties.
2.
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 and Bylaws. Withdrawal of members from any meeting shall
not cause failure of duly constituted quorum at that meeting.
3.
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 and Bylaws.
4.
Voting. Voting on issues shall typically be by voice
vote. Written ballots shall be used at
the discretion of the Chair or upon the approved motion of any member.
5.
Minutes. Minutes shall be taken and kept on file for
all business and special meetings of the church.
6.
Annual Meeting. The annual business meeting of the
congregation shall be held after April 30 and on or before the third Sunday in
May. The agenda of this meeting shall
include the presentation of an annual 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.
7.
Regular Meeting. Regular business meetings of the congregation
shall be held every quarter; one of these shall be the annual business
meeting. Public notice shall be given a
minimum of two weeks in advance along with the agenda.
8.
Election Meeting. The annual election of church officers shall
be held on or about April 1. Public
notice of the election shall be given two weeks prior to the meeting.
9.
Special Meetings. 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.
Article IV
The Elder Board
1.
Structure. The Elder Board shall consist of seven male
members, including the Lead Pastor. Not
more than 50% of the members shall be a member of the Pastoral staff, or other
paid employee of the church, or an employee's spouse. Each member of the Elder Board shall have one
vote.
2.
Elder Board Chairman. The Elder Board shall select a Chairman and
Vice Chairman from among their number.
A paid employee of the church cannot serve as the Chairman or Vice
Chairman. The Elder Board Chairman shall
preside at all church business meetings.
In his absence, the Elder Board Vice Chairman shall preside.
3.
Responsibilities and
authority. In their role as leaders of the church, the
Elders shall:
A. Set vision and purpose for
the church and ensure that all ministries support the vision of the church.
B. Oversee the spiritual life
of the church, including preaching and teaching in the various ministries of
the church. (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
C. In consultation with the Pastoral
staff, review and modify Deacon responsibilities and job descriptions as
needed.
D. Review and adjust church
budget prior to its distribution to the congregation.
E. Shepherd the members of the
church, serving in humility, striving to guide direct, guard, and protect the
members of the body, assisting them in their spiritual development. (Acts
20:28; I Peter 5:1-3)
F. Act as scriptural role
models for the members, seeking to glorify God.
(I Peter 5:1-3)
G. Pray for the spiritual and
physical well being of the members. (James 5:4)
H. Discipline members who teach
doctrinal error or who live in contradiction to biblical standards. (Acts 20:5-31; Titus 1:9)
I.
Review and recommend applications for new members.
J. Hire members of the Pastoral
staff.
K. Evaluate the job performance
of the Pastoral staff.
i. The
Lead Pastor shall be evaluated exclusively by the Elders.
ii.
Associate Pastor(s) shall be evaluated by the Lead Pastor, and reviewed
by the Elder Board.
L. Coordinate supply for the
pulpit in the absence of the Lead Pastor.
4. Qualifications. See Article VII.
5. Term of Office. Elders, with the exception of
the Lead Pastor, shall be selected annually, as necessary for a two year term.
Each Elder shall thereafter commit to serving in two year increments, for a
maximum of eight years, if willing. Each
Elder shall notify the Elder Board of his intentions to serve at least two
months prior to the election meeting, and be confirmed by the congregation by a two-thirds vote.
6. Exceptions to Term of Office. An Elder may
be appointed to fill a vacancy: first, by the other candidates from the
election, second, from a member they deem qualified.
7. Meetings. The Elder Board shall meet at
least once per month.
8. Discipline. Disciplinary action for Elders
shall be the same as for any member of the congregation and will automatically
remove the member from the Board. . The
goal shall always be restoration of the offending individual.
9. Quorum and Unanimity. A quorum for
the Elder Board shall be five individuals.
In the case of an unfilled vacancy, a quorum shall be four. Since the role of the Elder Board is to
discern the Lord's will and oversee the ministries of the church for the
congregation, Elders shall work toward unanimity in spirit and consensus in
decision. (Philippians 1:27; Ephesians
4:2-6)
Article V
Deacons
1.
Positions and job
descriptions. The responsibilities of each Deacon position
shall be established by the Elder Board in conjunction with the Pastoral staff,
and adjusted as necessary. Deacons shall
design and carry out their specified ministry area in collaboration with the
Pastoral staff member overseeing that area. Deacon positions may include such
areas as: finance, administration, music, worship, children’s and youth ministry,
missions, discipleship, small groups, evangelism, social concerns, and
congregational care.
2. Deacon Qualifications. See Article
VII.
3. Term of Office Service. The Deacon
term of service shall be two years initially, with the option to commit to serve
in two year increments, for a maximum of eight years, if willing. Each Deacon shall be confirmed by the congregation by a two-thirds vote.
4. Vacancies. The Elder Board may appoint
a member they deem qualified to fill the vacancy until the next election.
5.
Discipline. Disciplinary action for Deacons shall be the
same as for any member of the congregation.
It shall mean automatic removal from their position. The goal shall
always be restoration of the offending individual.
ARTICLE VI
The Treasurer and Financial Secretary
1.
Positions and job
descriptions.
A. The church Treasurer will be
entrusted with the documentation, care and disbursement of funds.
B. The church Financial
Secretary will receive the church offering envelopes, receipts and other
evidences of money received and summary of receipts for posting to individual
member's records.
2. Qualifications. See Article VII.
3.
Meetings. The Treasurer and Financial Secretary will
serve with the Deacon of Finance on a church finance committee.
4.
Discipline. Disciplinary action for Treasurer and
Financial Secretary shall be the same as for any member of the congregation. It
shall mean automatic removal from their position. The goal is always
restoration of the individual.
5.
Term of Office. Each position will be elected for a two-year
term of service.
6.
Vacancies. When a vacancy occurs, the
Elder Board may appoint a member whom they deem qualified to fill the
vacancy.
Article VII
Qualifications for Elders, Deacons, Treasurer and Financial Secretary
Service
in the leadership of the church is a serious responsibility. Officers of the church shall be members in
good standing. Members considered for
such service shall be evaluated, and shall evaluate their own fitness for
leadership, based upon the spiritual and lifestyle standards found in Scripture
as outlined below. While Elders and
Deacons fulfill distinct roles in the life and ministry of the church, the
standards for leadership are the same.
Thus, those aspiring to leadership shall be generally characterized by the
following traits.
1.
Must be of good reputation
in the community.
A.
Blameless (Titus 1:6-7)
B.
Above reproach (I Timothy 3:2)
C.
Respectable (I Timothy 3:2)
2.
Must be of spiritual
maturity.
A.
Holy (Titus 1:8)
B.
Not recent converts (I Timothy 3:6)
3.
Must manage their family
well.
A.
Manage their household well (I Timothy 3:4)
B.
Faithful to spouse (Titus 1:6; I Timothy 3:2)
C.
See that children obey with proper respect (I Timothy
3:4)
D.
Have children who believe (Titus 1:6)
E.
Have children not open to the charge accused of being
wild and disobedient (Titus 1:6)
4.
Must relate well to other
people.
A.
Not violent (I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
B.
Not quarrelsome (I Timothy 3:3)
C.
Not overbearing (Titus 1:7)
D.
Hospitable (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
E.
Gentle (I Timothy 3:3)
F.
Upright (Titus 1:8)
5.
Must exhibit self-control.
A.
Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
B.
Temperate (I Timothy 3:2)
C.
Disciplined (Titus 1:8; I Timothy 3:2)
D.
Not quick-tempered (Titus 1:7)
E.
Not given to drunkenness (I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
6.
Must have a proper set of
values.
A.
Not lovers of money (I Timothy 3:3)
B.
Don't pursue dishonest gain (Titus 1:7)
C.
Love what is good (Titus 1:8)
7.
Must be capable handlers of
the Word.
A.
Hold firmly the trustworthy message (Titus 1:9)
B.
Able to teach (I Timothy 3:2)
C.
Encourage by sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)
D.
Refute those who oppose (Titus 1:9)
8.
Christian Conduct. In all matters of Christian conduct nominees
shall be characterized by sensitivity to the spiritual consciences of those
around them, and shall seek to exemplify the highest standards of Christian
leadership. Such persons shall seek at
all times to preserve the unity of the church, to avoid causing other
Christians to fall into temptation, and to live an exemplary life.
Article VIII
Selection of Candidates for Office
1.
Selection of candidates for
office. The Elder Board shall select 3 members of the
congregation to be a nominating committee for open positions at the next
election. They should first consider members who are actively serving in the
ministry area with an open position.
2.
Interview process. The interview process shall follow guidelines
created by the Elder Board.
3.
Congregational presentation. After Elder Board review, the slate shall be
made public to all church members two weeks prior to the election, giving the
membership an opportunity to review the proposed list of candidates. Information provided shall include personal
background, a record of prior service in the church, personal testimony, and
qualifications for the position to be filled.
Any objections to the candidates shall be directed to the Elder Board
before the elections.
Article IX
Election of Officers
1.
Annual election. The annual election of officers shall be held
between April 1st and 15th of each year.
2.
Selection. The
goal is to have a minimum of two candidates for each position. The names
approved by the congregation by a two-thirds vote shall be declared nominated.
One name shall be drawn for each position. The next name drawn shall become the
alternate who shall fill a vacancy in the position for the balance of the term.
3.
Special Election. If no candidate has been approved by the
congregation for a particular position the Elder Board will appoint a member
that they deem qualified.
4.
Counting of ballots. Two members of the congregation shall be
called upon to count ballots except an individual whose name appears on the
slate of candidates.
5.
Drawing of names. Paper ballots with the names of approved
nominees on them shall be randomly drawn to determine the nominee to fill the
position.
Article X
The Pastoral Staff
1.
Lead Pastor.
A. Job description. The job description for the
Lead Pastor, who shall be male, 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.
B. 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 recommend the individual for confirmation to the full church
membership at a business meeting. A
three-fourths majority vote by ballot shall constitute a call.
C. 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.
2.
Associate Pastor(s). As the need arises, the church membership may
choose to employ other individuals for the purpose of carrying out full or part-time
ministry.
A. Positions. The membership of the church
shall approve the addition of the Pastoral staff. The Elder Board shall be responsible for
identifying and hiring individuals for approved staff positions and determining
salary.
B. Resignation. When an Associate Pastor
submits his or her resignation, it is recommended that 60 days notice be given
unless waived by mutual agreement with the Elder Board.
3.
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.
C.
Article XI
Miscellaneous
1.
Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the church shall extend
from May 1 through end on April 30 of each year.
2.
Delegates to Conference. The Elder Board shall approve delegates to
represent the church at District and National Conferences.
3.
Annual Audit. There shall be an independent audit of the
financial affairs of the church at least every three years.
4.
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, the church Treasurer as the treasurer and the
Deacon of Administration as the secretary.
5.
Annual Budget. The annual budget committee shall consist of
the church finance committee (Deacon of Finance, Treasurer and Financial
Secretary), the Elder Board Chairman.