Preamble
WHEREAS, it is the express purpose of God our Heavenly Father to call out of the world a saved people who shall contribute to the Body of Christ, built and established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone.
WHEREAS, the members of the Body of Christ are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we recognize ourselves a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the state of Texas we may exercise all the rights and privileges granted to religious bodies.
Language
The masculine gender stated within this document shall refer to both men and women.
Article I Name
The name of this corporation shall be Pillar Church Conroe.
Article II Purpose
The specific purpose for which the corporation is initially organized is to establish and oversee places of worship, teach and preach the gospel to all people, conduct evangelistic and humanitarian outreach, license and ordain ministers of the gospel, support missions, and to also engage in activities which are necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of that purpose, or which are incidental thereto or connected therewith which are consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code.
Article III Statement of Faith
I. The Scriptures
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.
II. God
There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.
III. The Trinity
God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.
IV. Providence
God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.
V. Election
Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life-not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ-in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.
VI. The Fall of Man
God originally created Man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.
VII. The Mediator
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law; suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the Universe.
VIII. Regeneration
Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God’s free and special grace alone.
IX. Repentance
Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things.
X. Faith
Saving faith is the belief, on God’s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness.
XI. Justification
Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith.
XII. Sanctification
Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by God’s word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ’s commands.
XIII. Perseverance of the Saints
Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XIV. The Church
The Lord Jesus is the head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches He hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are Bishops or Elders, and Deacons.
XV. Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord’s Supper.
XVI. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and wine, and to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship.
XVII. The Lord’s Day
The Lord’s Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and amusements, works of necessity and mercy only excepted.
XVIII. Liberty of Conscience
God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
XIX. The Resurrection
The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God- the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.
XX. The Judgment
God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life.
Article IV Ordinances
Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord’s Supper.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and wine, and to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship.
Article V Membership
Section 1 Membership Process
Prerequisites for being eligible for membership are: The individual must give evidence of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, voluntarily subscribe to Pillar Church Conroe‘s tenets of faith, read and agree to be governed by the Bylaws of this church, have been water baptized, agree to attend a membership seminar, agree to strive to conduct himself in accordance with Biblical practices.
This church is a fellowship of believers participating in the labors of the Holy Spirit in this community. An individual seeking to become a member of this church must submit in writing, that they wish to become a member. The applicant must include the following information with their request:
The name of the applicant must be listed.
There must be a statement attesting that the member meets all prerequisite requirements.
The corporate membership will then vote whether or not the applicant will be accepted at the next membership meeting at which new members are accepted.
Section 2 Termination of Membership
The Board of Elders reserves the right to remove, without warning, any member which is deemed to be harming the flock or to be in purpose and willful contention with the church. Reasons for removal include:
Voluntary withdrawal from membership
Deceased
Propagation of doctrines and practices contrary to the Tenets of Faith (Romans 16:17,18; Galatians 1:8,9; Titus 3:9-l 1; II Thessalonians 3:6).
Living in sin or in a manner which is inconsistent with Biblical standards of holiness (I Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 12: 14).
The Board of Elders shall be authorized to revise the membership roll of the corporation as needed.
Any person who may have been terminated as a church member shall be notified of this action in writing by the church secretary.
The corporate membership may restore to membership any person previously excluded, upon request of the excluded person, and upon evidence of the excluded person’s repentance and reformation. This should be done in the Spirit of forgiveness and love (II Corinthians 2:6-8).
Section 3 Voting Rights
This is a voting membership church. Each corporate member shall be entitled to at least one vote as a member of this church. Voting in this corporation is limited to those individuals that have been fully accepted into membership and whose status as a corporate member is active.
Binding decisions made by this corporation shall be by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.
Article VI Government Section 1 officers
There shall be a Lead Pastor/President.
There may be a Vice President.
There shall be a Secretary.
There shall be a Treasurer.
Other officers shall be added as needed.
Section 2 Official Board and Voting Power
The official Board of Elders shall consist of individuals listed above. The majority of the Board of Elders shall serve without remuneration. The majority shall also not be comprised of one group whose members are related by blood, business or marriage.
The Lead Pastor/President shall be chairman of the Board of Elders.
The Board of Elders shall have no voting authority within this organization. All decisions shall be made by the voting members of the congregation and carried out by the Board of Elders.
Article VII Official Functions
Section 1 Lead Pastor/President Qualifications
The Lead Pastor/President shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment.
Duties
The Lead Pastor/President shall be the leader of the church as provided by the Holy Scriptures.
The Lead Pastor/President shall be chairman of the corporate membership and preside over all corporation meetings.
The Lead Pastor/President shall hold the Ecclesiastical Authority and be responsible for the day-to-day decisions.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Lead Pastor/President shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited.
Lead Pastor/President Successor
The Lead Pastor/President may nominate a successor at any time. The nominee shall be confirmed by simple majority vote of the corporate membership, after the nomination is made. This person will assume the role of the Lead Pastor/President if the Lead Pastor/ President retires, passes away unexpectedly or is otherwise incapacitated.
No Successor Appointed
Should the Lead Pastor/President fail to appoint a successor, the following shall serve as an order of succession:
1. Vice President 2. Secretary
3. Treasurer
If the retirement, passing, removal or incapacity of the Lead Pastor/President leaves the Board of Elders unbalanced or without a quorum, then the first motion of the person who assumes the role of the Lead Pastor/President through this section, shall be to nominate prospective Board of Elder members. The nominee(s) shall be confirmed by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.
The successor will automatically and immediately become the Lead Pastor/President. In the event the successor is not prepared to assume both the role of the Lead Pastor and that of the President, the corporate membership can move to separate the roles of the Lead Pastor and President by a simple majority vote. Such action would require an amendment to the Bylaws. The Board of Elders will begin the search for the replacement Lead Pastor and the successor will assume the role of the President. The Board of Elders may select an interim Lead Pastor until a permanent replacement is found.
Section 2 Vice President Qualifications
The Vice President shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment.
Duties
He will serve as chief advisor to the Lead Pastor/President.
He shall carry out the responsibilities that the Lead Pastor/President delegates to him.
Manner of Appointment
The Vice President shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Elders and appointed by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Vice President shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. Should the Vice President be found in violation of the Bylaws the corporate membership may dismiss him by a simple majority vote.
Section 3 Secretary Qualifications
The Secretary shall be a spiritually minded person and of sound judgment. He must be administratively minded with the ability to multi-task.
Duties
By virtue of his office, the Secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings, including business meetings of the corporation. He shall perform clerical duties, and shall be the custodian of all legal documents.
Manner of Appointment
The Secretary shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Elders and appointed by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Secretary shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. Should the Secretary be found in violation of the Bylaws the corporate membership may dismiss him by a simple majority vote.
Section 4 Treasurer Qualifications
The Treasurer shall be a spiritually minded person, and of sound business judgment. He shall be capable of doing the accounting required to maintain the corporation books.
Duties
By virtue of his office, the Treasurer shall keep, in a business-like manner, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements of moneys committed to his trust and shall make reports to be presented during the official board meetings. He shall deposit and make withdrawals in a manner prescribed in Article XVIII.
Manner of Appointment
The Treasurer shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Elders and appointed by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Treasurer shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. Should the Treasurer be found in violation of the Bylaws the corporate membership may dismiss him by a simple majority vote.
Section 5 Elders Qualifications
All Elders must qualify by exemplifying the following in their lives:
Above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
The husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Tim. 3:2)
Sober-minded, prudent (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Tim. 3:2)
Hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9)
Not a drunkard (1 Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:7)
Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Not a brawler; not contentious, not quick tempered (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy for money (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Rules his own house well; his children are faithful (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6)
Not a new convert (1 Tim. 3:6)
Well thought of, has a good reputation with outsiders (1 Tim. 3:7)
Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
A lover of good (Titus 1:8)
Just, upright (Titus 1:8)
Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
DutiesThe Elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God's Glock. The Elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective Members, equip the Membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The Elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions. They shall work closely with the Lead Pastor and church leadership to ensure a healthy spiritual atmosphere within the fellowship.
Manner of Appointment
Elders shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Elders and appointed by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.
Term of Office
The term of office of all Elders shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that Elders may serve is unlimited. Should an Elder be found in violation of the Bylaws the corporate membership may dismiss him by a simple majority vote.
Article VIII Meetings
Section 1 Church Services
In any established place of worship the appointed Lead Pastor/President will be responsible for regular church services.
Section 2 Corporation Meetings
The corporation year shall coincide with the calendar year beginning on January 1st, and running through December 31st.
The Lead Pastor/President will call the official corporate meeting to discuss the direction of the corporation. The Lead Pastor/President shall set dates and times for corporate meetings. The corporate membership may have invited guests present at any meeting so long as the Lead Pastor/President has approved it.
Binding decisions made by this corporation shall be by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership present at any corporate meeting, unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.
The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of the minutes that were discussed at any corporate meeting. He then must submit them at the next corporate meeting for discussion and approval by the corporate membership. Upon approval by the corporate membership, the minutes shall be adopted, and all policy and procedure in them will continue to be enforced.
Article IX Quorum
A simple majority of the board members (including the Lead Pastor/President) at an official board meeting constitutes a quorum.
A simple majority of the corporate membership (including the Lead Pastor/President) at an official corporate membership meeting constitutes a quorum.
Article X Ecclesiastical Authority
This church is theocratic in government. In any growing congregation, there will be people at all stages of spiritual growth and maturity. For that reason, it is not proper to submit the affairs of the church to a democratic vote, for the purpose of the church is not to do the will of the majority, but the will of God.
Any disputes that arise over the interpretation of these Bylaws, doctrine, or matters of faith, shall be deferred to the highest ecclesiastical authority of this church. In this case it would be the Lead Pastor/President, with the advice of the Board of Elders.
In Watson v. Jones, the court ruled that: “Whenever the questions of discipline, or of faith, of ecclesiastical rule, custom, or law have been decided by the highest church judicatory to which the matter has been carried, the legal tribunals must accept such decisions as final, and as binding on them . . .”
Article XI Mutual Interest
The behavior of anyone in fellowship with this church is of common interest to the Board of Elders and membership. (Gal. 6:1) This church requires every Board of Elders member and Congregational member to adhere to a Lifestyle that is consistent with the doctrines of this church as taught in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this church reserves the right to refuse service to any individual, whether member or not, that is not submitting their Lifestyle to this Scriptural mode of conduct. This refusal would include services, benefits and any use of church assets.
Article XII Prohibited Activities
This church is prohibited from engaging in activities which violate its written doctrines. This church is also prohibited from condoning, promoting or allowing any of its assets to be used for activities that violate its written doctrines.
Article XIII Founder's Vision
In establishing effective leadership within church, the vision of the founding Lead Pastor/ President will be represented and carried out. It is the responsibility of the founding Lead Pastor/President to clearly articulate to the Board of Elders and the members of the congregation the vision and mission of the church. In the event of retirement, passing, removal, or incapacity of the Founding Lead Pastor/President, his successor shall carry on the vision and mission for the life of the Church.
Article XIV Ministry of Helps
To help ensure the protection, security and safety of congregants, guest and volunteers during church functions, this church recognizes the Ministry of Helps. The Board of Elders may establish teams and committees who are trained in the policy and procedures of the church to carry out this ministry.
Article XV Review of Church Records
Section 1 Requests Made by Congregant
To ensure the trust of the congregants and to also ensure that a public interest is being served, church records and basic financial information may be available for congregational inspection and review. At no time may information be supplied that would violate Section 4 of this Article or Article XVII. Any questions by any congregant shall be addressed to the treasurer either in writing or by scheduled appointment.
Section 2 Required Provisions of the Request
The request must state the name of the individual, the reason for the request and that the information shall in no way be made public or shared with any other congregant in a way that will jeopardize the church.
Section 3 Required Fee
This corporation may require a reasonable per page fee for any copies that are required in order to accommodate approved records requests.
Section 4 Confidentiality
In order to keep the records of the church confidential, records shall not be released to any outside agency, person or entity unless due process has been served and a certified subpoena has been personally delivered. This includes the IRS, except under the provisions of Section 7611 which shall be limited only to information deemed to be relevant to the inquiry being made. At all times the IRS will be expected to comply with all of the provisions of Section 7611.
Section 5 Denying a Request
The Board of Elders reserves the right to deny such a request for any of the following reasons:
The request is considered by the Board of Elders and deemed to be frivolous;
The individual making the request has a history of being divisive;
The individual does not adequately provide the required information on the request as stated in this Article;
The person making a request is not a regular attendee or tither.
Article XVI Privacy
This church shall diligently watch to keep private all records concerning polity, doctrine, counseling and information on individuals in fellowship with this church. This church must not disclose any records that may compromise information about a member’s attendance, membership status, giving and counseling records.
Article XVII Order
For the purpose of conducting business, the Lead Pastor/President shall, in an orderly manner, preside over all of the affairs of the corporation.
Article XVIII Finances
Section 1 Audit
The Treasurer and or other Board of Elders appointed person shall complete an internal audit. This audit of all financial records shall be made after the close of the calendar year, prior to the end of February.
Section 2 Checks, Payments and Withdrawals
The Board of Elders of Pillar Church Conroe shall adopt a Corporate Expenditures Policy detailing the procedure for properly executing checks, payments and withdrawals.
Section 3 Salaries
All salaries shall be determined in the following manner:
A compensation committee may be formed which will consider each candidate and create a compensation package that shall be forwarded to the corporate membership for approval.
The Board of Elders may appoint members of the committee.
The corporate membership shall consider the recommendation of the compensation committee and shall vote on the package.
Only uncompensated individuals of the corporate membership shall vote on any recommended compensation package.
All salaries shall be reviewed each year during the last meeting of the calendar year.
Article XIX Property Rights
All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred or conveyed in the corporation’s name.
No real or chattel property of the corporation shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated without authorization of the Lead Pastor/President.
The Lead Pastor/President of the corporation shall certify in such conveyances, leases, or mortgages.
Article XX Dissolution
In the event that the corporation ceases to exist, all assets of this church shall, at the discretion of the Board of Elders be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the principal office of the church is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such church or church, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Article XXI Ministers of the Gospel
The Lead Pastor/President of this ministry shall by virtue of his office automatically be recognized as an ordained minister.
Section 1 Classes of Ministers
This ministry shall have a set number of classes of ministers, as set forth below. Each class of minister will have distinct rights and privileges; they are listed below:
Commissioned Minister:
This recognition is automatically given to all believers in fellowship with this ministry. They are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services, but primarily assist others in the Body of Christ. Individuals in this category may include, but are not limited to: teachers, worship leaders, instructors, hospital and jail visitation, ministerial assistance, and lay persons.
Chaplain:
This recognition is for ministers of the gospel that are called by God and recognized by the Lead Pastor/President and Board of Elders to minister primarily in prisons, hospitals and government agencies.
Minister’s Apprentice:
This recognition is given by the Lead Pastor/President and Board of Elders of this ministry. This recognition is for those who are starting out in the ministry, but need extensive training. They are to work closely with a licensed or ordained minister. Such persons are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services.
Licensed Minister:
This recognition is given by the Lead Pastor/President and Board of Elders of this ministry. This recognition is for those who are somewhat seasoned in the ministry, but need further experience. Many of these are individuals that have been working in their chosen vocation, but for some reason or another have never entered full-time ministry, or have only been in full-time ministry for less than three (3) years. Such persons are authorized to perform the following religious functions:
Conduct religious worship
Religious instruction
Administer communion
Provide spiritual counseling
Serve on the Board of Elders of a church
And other sacerdotal functions including
Conduct baby dedication ceremonies
Perform baptisms
Perform weddings
Conduct funerals
Visit the sick and shut-in
Minister in prisons
However, this person is not in charge of a congregation. Limited authority is granted to run the affairs of the ministry.
Ordained Pastor/Minister:
This recognition is given by the Lead Pastor/President and Board of Elders to those persons who have an "established" or "proven" ministry. Ordained ministers are authorized to perform all functions of the Christian ministry and religious functions, and must be capable of doing so. Ordained ministers are authorized to perform all religious functions:
Conduct religious worship
Religious instruction
Administer communion
Provide spiritual counseling
Serve on the Board of Elders of a church
Ministry administration
And other sacerdotal functions including
Conduct baby dedication ceremonies
Perform baptisms
Perform weddings
Conduct funerals
Visit the sick and shut-in
Minister in prisons
He must be capable, as determined by the Lead Pastor/President and Board of Elders to take charge of a congregation.
Section 2 Lead Pastor/President’s Authority
The Lead Pastor/President of this ministry shall have ecclesiastical authority to decide who, how or if a person will be licensed by this ministry to hold any of the classes mentioned above (Matt. 16:13-19).
Section 3 Deacons Qualifications
The office of Deacon is described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7. The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men/women who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as Deacons.
Duties
Deacons shall care for the temporal needs of members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration.
Manner of Appointment
The Board of Elders shall nominate and the corporate membership shall confirm Deacons.
Term of Office
The term of office of each Deacon shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that a Deacon may serve is unlimited. Deacons are subject to removal at any time in accordance with the Removal section below.
Removal
Should a Deacon be found in violation of the Bylaws the corporate membership may dismiss him/her by a simple majority vote.
Article XXII Indemnification
This church shall, to the extent legally permissible, indemnify each person who may serve or who has served at any time as an officer, elder, or employee of the church against all expenses and liabilities, including, without limitation, counsel fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes, penalties and settlement payments, reasonably incurred by or imposed upon such person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which he or she may become involved by reason of his or her service in such capacity; provided that no indemnification shall be provided for any such person with respect to any matter as to which he or she shall have been finally adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such action was in the best interests of the corporation; and further provided that any compromise or settlement payment shall be approved by a majority vote of a quorum of elders who are not at that time parties to the proceeding.
Article XXIII Other Considerations
Anything that has not been discussed in these bylaws shall be discussed and decided upon at a corporate membership meeting.
Article XXIV Amendments
Amendments to the Bylaws may be made by a simple majority vote of the corporate membership.