Articles:
A written application for membership shall be placed with the pastoror member of the Board of Elders. The applicants shall complete a coursein the Inquirers’ Class (to include instruction in our Covenant heritageand the workings of this congregation, especially its governance and requirementsof its members), after which they shall appear before the Board of Elders(or in special cases, representatives of the Board of Elders) to give a confessionof their Christian faith, according to Article Vof the constitution. When the Board of Elders has reviewed their applicationsand received their testimonies favorably their applications shall be submittedto the next congregational business meeting for approval. New members shallbe accepted by unanimous vote at the business meeting. If a dissenting voteis cast, the application shall be referred back to the Board of Elders forfurther recommendation. A second recommendation for membership by the Boardof Elders to the congregation shall be accepted by no less than 90% voteat a business meeting.
Applicants who are voted into the membership of the church shall be welcomedat the next service of Holy Communion and shall make public confession oftheir Christian faith.
Children of the church family shall be nurtured under its spiritual care. When they have reached confirmation age, they shall receive special instructionby the pastor in the Word of God, Christian doctrine, and the history ofthe church; thereafter, upon personal manifestation of spiritual life and examination by the Board of Elders, they shall be received into membershipof the church, as outlined under Section 1, paragrapha.) of this article.
Associate membership is available to applicants who desire to retainmembership in another Christian church while temporarily residing in thelocal community for such reasons as study, employment, or health. Applicantsshall qualify for membership under Article V of the constitution and Article I, Section 1, ofthese bylaws. Associate members shall be entitled to participate in theprivileges and responsibilities of this church, to engage in its active service,and to hold office therein, but they shall be counted and reported only inthe membership of the church where they permanently reside.
All members shall assume the responsibilities and obligations placedon them by the Word of God and the church. They shall through their witnessby life and word, consecrated service, prayer, and financial support furtherthe cause of Christ in the local church, the denomination, and the world at large.
Members who willfully neglect their duties or fail to attend servicesof the church regularly or to contribute to its support according to theirmeans shall be admonished by the Board of Elders. If this admonition isnot heeded, they shall be dealt with as erring members.
A member known to err in doctrine or conduct shall be counseled accordingto the procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-18 and Galatians 6:1. A fellowmember having knowledge of such error shall in the spirit of Christian loveseek to restore the brother or sister. If he or she fails to heed this counsel, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders, whichshall in meekness and gentleness seek to restore the person. If he or shefails to heed the counsel of the Board of Elders, the error shall be broughtforth before a congregational business meeting. Discipline shall then be administered in the spirit of Christ with due regard for the welfare of theindividual as well as the church.
Dismissal of a member under paragraphs a.) and b.) of this section mustbe acted on by the church, which alone has the authority. A three-fourthsvote of those present and voting at a congregational business meeting isnecessary for such action.
Members who move to another community should soon thereafter identifythemselves with the local Covenant church or with some other evangelicalChristian church. Application for transfer of membership shall be madein writing to the pastor who shall issue the transfer to the church withwhich a member is uniting. Withdrawal of said membership shall be reported through the Board of Elders to the next congregational business meeting,where it shall be a matter of record.
Request for withdrawal from membership in the church shall be made inwriting to the pastor or the Board of Elders. After careful considerationthe Board of Elders shall report this request to the next congregationalbusiness meeting.
A member who has been properly dismissed from the church or has withdrawnmembership has forfeited all rights to any and all property of the church.
Nonmember parish friends shall be enrolled by the church as a part ofits total constituency. The church and its pastor shall serve them in alltheir spiritual needs, and they shall be encouraged to consider this theirchurch home. They shall be kept informed of the activities of the church
The pastor of the church shall meet the New Testament requirements ofthe office (I Timothy 3:2-7) and shall be a member in good standing in theCovenant Ministerium. Both pastor and spouse shall by virtue of the callbe members of the church. The pastor shall be an ex-officio member of theBoard of Elders and all standing committees within the church.
The pastor shall be devoted to the service of the church, preaching andteaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and faithfully attendingto pastoral work. Responsibilities shall include providing the church withan accurate record of pastoral acts and a written report to the annual congregationalbusiness meeting. first congregational quarterly meeting of the business year. The pastor shall practice good administrative proceduresand cooperate with the Board of Elders, and shall supervise all staff members.
The pastor shall, both in word and precept, work in harmony with theCovenant, the regional conference, and fellow ministers.
The pastor shall be called at a regular or special congregational businessmeeting, the purpose of which shall be publicized on not less than two consecutiveSunday mornings prior to the meeting. The call shall be determined by aclosed ballot with a 75% vote in favor required of those present and voting(abstentions do not count as a vote.) It shall be for an indefinite periodof time, with a minimum of six weeks notice required by the church or thepastor for termination of pastoral duties. When the church receives aidfrom the conference and/or the Covenant through subsidy or loans, a call tothe pastor shall be extended jointly by the church and the local regionalconference, subject to approval by the executive secretary of Covenant HomeMissions.
Charges against the pastor shall be submitted in writing and shall notbe considered unless supported by the testimony of two or more witnesses. If in the judgement of the church the pastor has erred in doctrine or conduct,the Board of Elders shall admonish him. If the problem persists, the caseshall be referred to the committee on ministerial standing and disciplineof the local regional conference prior to further action by the church. If dismissal of the pastor for error in doctrine or conduct is necessary,it shall be made by action of the congregation at a duly called congregationalbusiness meeting, and shall require a simple majority vote of those presentand voting.
The officers of the church shall meet the qualifications for elders asstated in Article IV, Section 1, of these bylaws.
The chairman shall preside at all business meetings of the church andof the Board of Elders and be an ex-officio member of all administrativetask forces with voting privileges. Care shall be taken to confer with thepastor in preparing the agenda for such meetings, and to utilize the counselthat the pastor may give by virtue of training, experience, and calling. The chairman shall be responsible for leadership of the church servicesin the pastors absence
The vice-chairman shall assist the chairman and during an absence assumethat office and its duties.
The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds committed to him orher and shall make disbursements as authorized by the church or the Boardof Elders. The treasurer shall also present a written report of the receiptsand expenditures to each regular meeting of the Board of Elders and to eachregular congregational business meeting.
At the annual business meeting of the church the chairman, vicechairman, secretary, and treasurer shall be elected for terms of one year and, withthe exception of the treasurer, shall serve not more than three consecutiveterms. The treasurer may serve six consecutive terms. Any officer who has served the term limit will be eligible for re-election to that office aftera lapse of one year.
a.) An elder shall be a man or woman whose membership is in good standingand who is active in the support of the total ministry of the church, financiallyand otherwise. An elder shall engage regularly in personal Bible readingand prayer, and participate in the spiritual nurture of the congregation.
b.) Members of the Board of Elders who miss more than two (2) monthlymeetings without good cause during the business year or who conduct themselves insuch a way as to violate their qualifications as elders may be dropped fromthe Board of Elders and their offices declared vacant by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire board.
c.) An elder’s attitude of service shall be in harmony with I Peter 5:1-4:"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of thesufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly,not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in yourcharge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifestedyou will obtain the unfading crown of glory."
d.) Because the Board of Elders shall serve as the diaconate, the followingqualifications shall also apply to Elders: "Deacons likewise must be serious,not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for gain; theymust hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let thembe tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them serveas deacons. The women likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate,faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husband of one wife, and letthem manage their children and their households well; for those who servewell as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 3:8-13).
a.) The Board of Elders shall consist of thirteen (13) members.
b.) Those thirteen (13) members shall include:
Following the Annual Congregational Business Meeting the Board of Eldersshall convene to appoint from its own number chairmen for the administrativetask forces. Church officers may be appointed to administrative task forcesas the Board of Elders deems necessary.
The Board of Elders in its administrative responsibility, in cooperationwith the pastor and the pastoral staff, shall fulfill the functions definedby the constitution and bylaws, including the following:
a.) Supervise church membership, including recommendations relativeto reception or removal of members.
b.) Assist the pastor in nurturing the spiritual life of the church,in shepherding and caring for the members and nonmember friends.
c.) Assist the pastor in the worship life of the church, including administrationof the sacraments as planned by the pastor.
d.) Establish administrative and program policies in conformity withthe church constitution.
e.) Encourage the evangelistic outreach of the church, and give guidanceto the church’s discipling ministry.
f.) Organize, coordinate, and control the financial operations of thechurch, including the planning and recommendation of the annual budget andstewardship opportunities for the church. Review salaries.
g.) Oversee the proper care and maintenance of church grounds and facilitiesand review insurance needs
h.) Call the church to obedience in the area of biblical social action.
i.) Provide biblically-based Christian education ministries for children,young people and adults.
j.) Foster interest in and support of World Missions.
k.) Approve all major unbudgeted expenditures up to $2000.00.
l.) Review and approve the schedule of the church activities and personnel.
m.) Evaluate the total church program on a continuing basis.
n.) Appoint members to the administrative task forces as defined by Article IV, Section 5, of these bylaws. Determine thesize of the administrative task forces and the frequency of their meetings.
o.) Act on all vacancies of elected members and appoint a successorto serve the balance of the calendar business year.
p.) Appoint, compensate, and discharge employees of the church, excludingthose called by the congregation.
q.) Secure congregational approval for the following: (1) call of allfull-time ministerial staff; (2) the annual budget; and (3) non-budgetedexpenditures exceeding $2000.00.
Implementation of policies and programs established by congregationalor Board of Elders action may be accomplished through the following administrativetask forces:
a.) Worship and Music Task Force.
b.) Evangelism and Discipleship Task Force.
c.) Membership and Visitation Task Force.
d.) Stewardship and Properties Task Force.
e.) Christian Education Task Force.
f.) Publicity and Promotion Task Force.
g.) Social Action Task Force.
h.) World Missions Task Force.
Appointments to these administrative task forces shall be for a termof one year, subject to renewal. Members of the Board of Elders who arenot serving as church officers (with the exception of the vice-chairman)shall serve as chairmen of the task forces to which they are appointed andassume responsibility for directing all congregational activities which fallwithin that functional category, in cooperation with the pastor.
The financial secretary shall receive, record, and deposit all fundscontributed to the church and shall transmit to the church treasurer a recordof the same. The position shall be filled by annual appointment by the Boardof Elders at their final meeting of the business year and reported to the annual business meeting of the congregation first congregational quarterly meeting of the next business year.
The Sunday school superintendent shall direct the work of the Sundayschool in cooperation with the Christian Education Task Force, and shallsubmit a written report of its activities to the annual business meetingof the churchfirst congregational quarterly meeting of the business year.. The superintendent shall serve as a member of the ChristianEducation Task Force. The position shall be filled annually by election atthe annual business meeting.
The assistant Sunday school superintendent shall assume the duties ofthe Sunday school superintendent in the absence of the latter, and shalloversee and supervise the Children’s Church ministry. The assistant superintendentshall be a member of the Christian Education Task Force. The position shallbe filled annually by election at the annual business meeting.
The head usher shall supervise the ushering ministry for all public servicesof the church and shall serve as member of the Worship and Music Task Force. The position shall be filled by election at the annual business meeting.
Two people shall be elected to serve with the church chairman on thepastoral relations committee in accordance with ArticleVI, Section 3, of these bylaws. One shall be a member of the Board ofElders; the other shall be selected from the congregation at large. Bothshall be elected by the congregation at its annual business meeting.
Two auditors shall be elected by the congregation at its annual business meeting to examine the financial records of the church at the conclusionof the fiscal year and to provide an auditor’s report at the annual businessmeeting.first congregational quarterly meeting of the immediately following business year.
One conference liaison shall be elected by the congregation at its annualbusiness meeting to attend the Conference annual meeting as a delegate fromthe church and to lead the church’s other delegates; to report to the churchregarding Conference ministries, events, prayer concerns and financial requests; to report to the Conference regarding the ministry, leadership, and needsof the church; and to meet periodically with representatives from otherchurches.
The executive committee, consisting of the church chairman, vice-chairman,secretary, and treasurer, together with the pastor of the church, shall striveto promote effective working relations and communication in the church. The committee shall have no legislative power, but function in an advisorycapacity to the Board of Elders, unless specific responsibilities shall havebeen assigned to it by the Board of Elders or the church.
The nominating committee shall consist of five (5) members, two of whichshall be members of the Board of Elders, who shall be elected at a congregationalbusiness meeting at least three (3) months prior to the annual business meeting. The pastor and the financial secretary shall be ex-officio members of the committee. After being convened by the church chairman, committee membersshall elect their own chairman and secretary. The responsibility of thecommittee shall include the following:
a.) Prepare a ballot for the annual congregational business meetinglisting at least one qualified candidate for each office to be filled.
b.) Confirm the willingness of candidates to serve before listing theirnames on the ballot.
c.) Distribute sample ballots to the membership at least two (2) weeksprior to the election.
d.) Other candidates for office may be added by a petition signed bytwo (2) or more active members of the church and filed with the nominatingcommittee at least two days prior to the election.
e.) Present the ballot to the annual congregational business meeting.
The pastoral relations committee shall meet at least once a year withthe pastor to evaluate the relationship between the pastor and the congregation. The pastoral relations committee shall consist of three (3) members: thechurch chairman, another elder, and one member from the congregation at large. The latter two shall be elected by the congregation at its annual businessmeeting. See Article V, Section 5, of these bylaws.
The Adeney House residence committee shall consist of three members tobe appointed by the Board of Elders. The pastor shall be an ex-officio memberof the committee. The Board of Elders shall designate one committee member(not the pastor) to chair the committee. The committee chair shall alsobe known as the apartment manager. The committee shall manage the residence(s)in the Adeney House in a manner to be specified by the Board of Elders.
Special committees for specific purposes may be appointed by any dulyconstituted congregational business meeting or by the Board of Elders, accordingto need, but shall be automatically terminated at the next annual meetingunless specifically extended by said annual meeting. Ad hoc committees maybe appointed by the chairman of the church.
Public services shall be conducted regularly on Sundays for worship,fellowship, preaching and teaching of God’s Word and prayer. These willbe supplemented by small group meetings on weekdays for Bible study, discipleshiptraining, mutual caring, and prayer.
The sacrament of Holy Communion shall be conducted regularly as determinedby the Board of Elders and the pastor. The sacrament of baptism shall beconducted in keeping with Covenant principles and according to the needsof the constituency.
Regular business meetings shall be held quarterly each calendar business yearas specified in Article VIII of the constitution. Special business meetings may be called by the chairman of the church inconsultation with the pastor or by the Board of Elders.
Regular meetings of the Board of Elders shall be held once each monthat a time specified. Administrative task forces and special committees shallmeet not less than at a frequency specified by the Board of Elders. Specialmeetings of the Board of Elders, the executive committee, the administrative task forces and special committees may be called by their respective chairmen.
Meetings and activities of the organizations of the church shall be clearedby the Board of Elders and/or the pastor.
The purpose of the auxiliary organizations is to implement programs andactivities and provide services as approved and overseen by the Board ofElders. The auxiliary organizations shall work in harmony with the purposesof this church and shall support its programs and policies.
Auxiliary organizations of the church shall be recognized and initiatedonly upon the approval of the Board of Elders. Authorization may be grantedupon approval of a statement of purpose, organizational plan, or operationalguidelines, and personnel and budget needs.
Auxiliary organizations shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. Their organizational plan or operational guidelines shall be in harmonywith the constitution and bylaws of the church.
Only members of the church in good standing or persons approved by theBoard of Elders may serve as officers.
Auxiliary organizations shall cooperate with the total church program. Their meetings shall not conflict with the scheduled meetings of the churchunless approved by the Board of Elders.
a.) Twenty-five percent of the membership, attending a business meetingproperly called, shall constitute a quorum.
b.) The quorum for the Board of Elders, committee, and task force meetingsshall be a majority of its membership.
Robert's Rules of Ordershall govern matters not specifically mentioned in these bylaws.
Amendments to these bylaws not in conflict with the constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) voteof the members present and voting, at a congregational business meeting,providing that such amendments have been presented in writing to the Boardof Elders and at a preceding congregational business meeting at least twomonths prior.