BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH BYLAWS

Transcription

1 BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH BYLAWS Article I Membership Section 1 ~ Qualifications: A. All applicants must profess a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him. B. A person s profession of faith shall be evident through his testimony, reputation and conduct. C. Every individual considering membership should accept, be in agreement with, and willingly submit himself to this Constitution and Bylaws. D. Following the command of Jesus, we require believers baptism by immersion of all membership candidates. E. The individual shall be willing to support Bethel Bible Church in attendance, prayer, monetary giving and serving in areas where his/her spiritual gifts can be used to minister to others. F. Each individual must be at least 14 years of age. G. An Associate Membership will be given to those individuals who are members of another church body and are temporarily living away from their home church for an anticipated length of over 6 months. These could be individuals such as students, interns, traveling business people, foreign visitors, and/or missionaries on furlough. The same qualifications as listed above and the rights and privileges as outlined in Section 4 of this article will be adhered to with the exception that the individual will not be extended voting rights. Section 2 ~ Procedure A. The individual considering membership will need to obtain and read a copy of this Constitution and Bylaws and enroll in the membership orientation class, when offered. B. The individual will need to obtain a membership questionnaire and submit the completed form to the Elder Board or any member of the pastoral staff. C. The Elder Board will contact the individual and schedule the interview meeting. This meeting is for the purpose of discussing, but is not limited to, the individual s testimony and evidence of his/her understanding of and agreement with this document in its entirety. This meeting shall be held at the convenience of the Elder Board and the individual once the questionnaire has been submitted. The majority of the Elder Board will need to be present for this meeting. D. Approval for membership shall be granted upon a satisfactory interview and the status of believer s baptism. E. Every new member shall be welcomed publicly at a regular Sunday morning service.

2 F. New members shall be added to the current membership roll. G. At the Annual Congregational Business Meeting, all members will be asked to reaffirm Bethel Bible Church s purpose and beliefs. Section 3 ~ Lifestyle A. Members are encouraged to live righteous lives according to Titus 2:1-8, and I Thessalonians 4:1-12. B. Members, as part of the body of Christ, are encouraged to get involved in activities that are beneficial in stimulating spiritual growth. These activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. spending time daily in the Word of God and in prayer (Psalm 119:9,11,18; Colossians 4:2; I Thessalonians 5:17-18) 2. spending time daily in personal and family devotions (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Colossians 3:16) 3. attending church services on a regular basis (Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:23-25) 4. getting involved in small group Bible studies (Acts 17:11; II Timothy 2:15) 5. serving in areas of ministry (Romans 12:1-12) 6. committing to teach, train and nurture people in spiritual growth (Proverbs 22:6; III John 4; I Peter 5.2) C. Members should encourage one another and speak in love for the purpose of building each other up. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Members should also support one another through prayer and be willing to help those who are in need. (Galatians 6:9-10) D. Members are encouraged to support Bethel Bible Church by giving a portion of their income. (I Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 8:3, II Corinthians 9:6-7) E. Members are encouraged to live a life that reflects Jesus Christ, striving towards Christ-like living. Spiritual growth of the individual should be evident through the fruit of the Spirit which is recorded in Galatians 5:22-23 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. F. Members are encouraged to be witnesses in their communities by carefully and consistently living in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ. (James 1:26-27) G. We believe that Scripture discourages Christians from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. God s church has all of the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. In seeking to reconcile differences, mediation and arbitration are to be sought rather than litigation. (I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32) Section 4 ~ Rights/Privileges A. The voting age of membership shall be 18 years of age.

3 B. Proxy and absentee voting is prohibited. C. Voting members are eligible to serve on any of the boards, subject to meeting the biblical qualifications outlined in Article III, Section 1-C, Section 2-C, and Section 5-B. D. Members are eligible to serve in any areas of ministry according to their gifts and qualifications. E. Voting members may submit nominations for board members. The selection process for the Elder Board and Deacon Board is outlined in Article III, Section 1-D of these Bylaws. Section 5 ~ Absence/Withdrawal A. Any member, absent for one year and from whom no communication has been received, may be removed from the membership list by a majority approval of the Elder Board. B. Anyone removed from membership shall be notified in writing by the Church Clerk. C. Any member who wishes to be removed from membership shall inform the Elder Board in writing. D. Letters of transfer will be granted upon request, to departing members who are in good standing at Bethel Bible Church. E. It shall be within the scope of the Elder Board to review the church membership whenever they deem necessary. Section 6 ~ Church Discipline A. Bethel Bible Church shall make every effort to adhere to the principles set forth in Matthew 18:15-17, If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would an unbeliever. B. The motivation behind discipline is love and ultimately restoration. 1. Do everything in love. (I Corinthians 16:14) 2. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (Romans 12:9-10a) 3. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20) C. If any member is found to consistently conduct himself in a manner that is in any way a direct violation of clear biblical commands, becomes divisive within this church body, and denies any of the doctrinal statements found in the

4 Statement of Faith, the principles found in Matthew 18 shall set the standard for the following steps taken to help restore the brother or sister: 1. Personally approach the member one on one to confront the sin. If the member shows true repentance, no further action shall be taken. If he/she is unwilling to repent, continue with Step 2. We are warned in Galatians 6:1, Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2. Confront the member a second time, bringing one or two other fellow members with you as witnesses. If the member shows true repentance, no further action shall be taken. If the member once again is unwilling to repent, continue with step The particular matter being addressed shall be brought to the attention of the Elder Board. The Board members shall meet with the member in question to confront him/her and to see if there has been any evidence of repentance. If the Board determines that the member is unrepentant, they shall present the matter at a called, member only, congregational meeting. This is in accordance with I Timothy 5:20, Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. If the member still refuses to listen to biblical counsel, then continue with step The Elder Board may remove the person from membership by a majority vote of the Board, and then provide the reason in writing to the individual. We are told in II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us... If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 5. The Elder Board shall disclose to the congregation, at any called congregational business meeting, the action taken regarding any person who was disciplined and removed from membership. D. Any member is subject to the steps outlined above and may be removed from any role of pastor, board member, trustee, officer, ministry leader or any other role of service until the disciplinary issue is resolved. The resolution could be reinstatement, probation, permanent removal or variations thereof. Article II Ordinances of the Church Section 1 ~ Communion

5 A. The Lord s Supper shall be practiced on a regular basis. B. All believers who profess a saving faith in Jesus Christ are invited to partake in communion. C. Prior to receiving communion, one should take time for personal self-examination and confession of sin before the Lord. In this way, each believer might partake in the Lord s Supper in a worthy manner. (I Corinthians 11:27-29) D. The Lord s Supper is observed as a reminder of Jesus sacrificial death, with the elements serving only as a symbol of His broken body and shed blood on the cross. Section 2 ~ Baptism A. Baptism by immersion shall be the mode practiced by this body of believers. B. Baptism by immersion, which is symbolic of Jesus death, burial and resurrection, shall serve as an act of obedience to the command of Jesus and as a public statement of faith. (Matthew 3:6; Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 3:21-22; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:11-12) C. Baptism by immersion is a requirement for membership into Bethel Bible Church. Article III Leadership Section 1 ~ Elder Board A. Purpose The purpose of the Elder Board is to provide the spiritual leadership of this church. This Board shall serve as overseers and shepherds of God s flock as commanded in I Peter 5:1-4, To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. B. Responsibilities 1. The Elder Board is accountable, first to the authority of Christ, who is the Head of the Church, and second, to the membership, as stated in Article II of the Constitution. They shall be responsible for teaching, encouraging and correcting this body according to scripture. (Titus 1:9) 2. The Board shall strive to stimulate the spiritual development of each individual, resulting in spiritual growth as a body of believers. (Ephesians 4:12-16)

6 3. The Elder Board shall hold regularly scheduled, monthly Board meetings. 4. The Elder Board shall be responsible for the interview and approval of prospective church members. 5. The Board shall provide spiritual leadership and direction in accordance with the purpose, mission and vision of this body of believers. 6. Members of the Board shall assist the pastor(s) during worship services when needed. This may include, but is not limited to, serving communion, performing baptisms, and leading services in the absence of the pastor(s). 7. The Board shall provide Elder Board liaisons to each member of the pastoral staff for the purpose of support, enhanced communication and accountability. 8. The members of the Elder Board shall determine the number of new Elder and/or Deacon Board members needed as determined by the size and needs of this congregation. No family members shall be elected to serve in a majority status on any church Boards. 9. The Elder Board shall review the Nominating Committee report and approve the candidates and the ballot before the annual meeting. 10. The Elder Board is responsible to conduct the annual meetings. C. Qualifications 1. The Elder Board shall be selected and approved based upon the qualifications listed in the following two passages of scripture. a. I Timothy 3:1-7, Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now, the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil s trap. b. Titus 1:6-9, An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God s work, he must be blameless not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, and who is selfcontrolled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the

7 trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 2. All elders must be members of Bethel Bible Church. 3. All Pastors, once elected by the congregation, are automatically Elder Board members. D. Selection Process 1. The Elder Board shall establish a Nominating Committee each year for the purpose of creating a slate of candidates to fill positions that are vacant, or soon to be vacant. The Nominating Committee should consist of one elder, one deacon and three church members, but the actual size can be changed as needed, so long as the congregation is adequately represented. Efforts will be made to include some new Nominating Committee members in the process each year. Once selected, the Nominating Committee members shall be announced to the congregation and printed in the bulletin. At that time, the elders will also announce to the congregation that nominations for new Elder and Deacon Board members are being accepted. 2. The Nominating Committee shall accept confidential, written nominations which identify both the nominee and the nominator. Nomination forms will be provided by the Nominating Committee. Nominations will be closed 45 days before the annual meeting. 3. A member may nominate himself or be nominated by any member of the church. Those nominating someone shall receive prior consent and signature from the individual before submitting the nomination form to the Nominating Committee. 4. The Nominating Committee may interview the nominator of a candidate for the purpose of determining why he/she believes the nominee is qualified for the position indicated. The Nominating Committee shall review the names of the candidates being considered for the positions and conduct individual interviews of each prospective candidate to hear their testimony and to determine whether they meet the qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1: Each Nominating Committee member shall prayerfully consider each candidate. 6. If the Nominating Committee determines that a candidate is not biblically qualified for the position, he shall be informed confidentially by the Committee as to the reason. Out of consideration for the candidate, no details regarding this decision will be made public. 7. A proposed list of candidates and length of individual terms shall be presented to the Elder Board for consideration. Approval will be based on a majority vote of the current Elder Board members present at any one of their scheduled meetings.

8 8. The approved list of candidates shall be presented to the congregation no later than 30 days prior to the Annual Congregational Business Meeting, which shall be held on any Sunday during March. 9. Members will be asked to prayerfully consider each candidate, keeping in mind the qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus At the Annual Congregational Business Meeting, the candidates shall be presented to the congregation to give their testimonies before being voted on by written ballot. The ballot shall show each candidates name and length of term. Approval of the candidate(s) will be based on a majority vote of the voting members present. Actual vote count will not be announced. 11. Existing office holders will be required to publicly re-affirm their beliefs each year at the annual meeting. 12. A nominee or candidate may withdraw his name at any time during this process. 13. In the event of an unexpected vacancy, the Elder Board is responsible to evaluate the need of a replacement depending on the length of the remaining term. The Elder Board may make a temporary appointment if the remaining term is 3 months or less, or they may establish a Nominating Committee in order to fill a longer vacancy. E. Term/Removal Elder Board members shall be elected for terms of one, two or three years in order to maintain stability within the Board by minimizing the number of retirements each year. 1. A year of service shall be from annual meeting date to annual meeting date. 2. Elder Board members are limited to serving two consecutive terms followed by at least one sabbatical year. 3. A Board member may be removed from the Board by his own decision, or by a majority vote of the voting members present at any called congregational business meeting, only after adhering to I Timothy 5:19 and the steps outlined under church discipline. 4. All Elder Board members are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined under Article I, Section 6 of these Bylaws. Section 2 ~ Deacon Board A. Purpose

9 The purpose of the Deacon Board is to accomplish the work of Christian service in order that the elders may devote themselves to prayer and the teaching of the Word. The Deacon Board is responsible for serving the needs of this body of believers and conducting the caring ministries of this church body. The Deacon Board is accountable first to the authority of Christ, who is the Head of the Church, and second to the Elder Board, which represents the membership as stated in Article II of the Constitution. B. Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Conduct the benevolence ministry. 2. Visit the sick. 3. Visit the negligent members. 4. Be alert to the cares, concerns and spiritual needs of the people in this congregation, apprising the elders of these matters so that appropriate action may be taken. 5. Promote unity within this church body. 6. Assist in serving communion and assist with baptisms. 7. Oversee any and all church property. 8. Each deacon shall be responsible for a designated number of families determined by the size and needs of the congregation. 9. The chairman of the Deacon Board shall act as spokesman to the Elder Board and Pastoral Staff. 10. Meet at least once a month to conduct any necessary business. C. Qualifications 1. Deacons shall be selected and approved based upon the character qualifications listed in scripture: I Timothy 3:8-12, Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 2. Deaconesses shall be selected and approved upon the character qualifications listed in scripture: a. I Timothy 3:11, Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. (NASB) b. Titus 2:3-5, Older women likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. (NASB) 3. Deacon Board members must be willing to serve the body of believers: Acts 6:1-4, In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,

10 the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Romans 16:1, I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea. (NASB) 4. Deacons/Deaconesses must be members of Bethel Bible Church. D. Selection Process The selection process for Deacon Board members is the same as for Elder Board members outlined under Article III, Section 1-D of these Bylaws. E. Term /Removal Deacon Board members are subject to the same term of position and removal from position as the elders as outlined in Article III, Section 1-E of these Bylaws. Section 3 ~ Church Council A. Purpose The Church Council shall be made up of the elders, deacons, trustees and officers for the purpose of meeting together to discuss and deal with any items of mutual interest or concern. B. The Church Council shall meet whenever they deem necessary. Section 4 ~ Church Chairman A. Purpose The purpose of the church chairman is to exercise guidance, direction and/or control during all church congregational and/or business meetings. B. Responsibilities The responsibilities of the church chairman include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. serve as chairman of the Elder Board 2. act as moderator/mediator at all church congregational and/or business meetings 3. serve as ex officio member of all church ministries and committees 4. fulfill additional responsibilities as determined by the Elder Board C. Qualifications

11 The church chairman must be an elder. The qualifications listed for an elder are outlined under Article III, Section 1-C of these Bylaws. D. Selection Process 1. Generally, the elder, who is in his last term year, is elected to this position. However, it is open to any non-staff member of the Elder Board willing to serve as church chairman. 2. The Elder Board shall vote and announce to the congregation the elder elected to be chairman of both the church and the Elder Board. E. Term/Removal 1. The position of church chairman should be for the duration of the last year of his term on the Elder Board. 2. The church chairman is subject to the term and removal clause of an elder as outlined under Article III, Section 1-E of these Bylaws. Section 5 ~ Pastoral Staff A. The pastoral staff shall include the senior pastor and associate pastor(s). B. Qualifications 1. Each member of the pastoral staff must meet the qualifications of an elder as outlined under Article III, Section 1-C of these Bylaws. 2. Each member of the pastoral staff must be in agreement with all articles of this Constitution and abide by this church s Bylaws. 3. He must uphold, maintain and defend this Constitution and Bylaws in its entirety. C. Responsibilities 1. The senior pastor and the associate pastor(s) shall serve as members of the Elder Board. 2. Each member of the pastoral staff shall be accountable to the Elder Board through its liaisons and to the congregation. 3. The responsibilities of the pastoral staff are the same as that of an elder as outlined under Article III, Section 1-B of these Bylaws. 4. The senior pastor shall also be responsible for the following: a. To teach and preach the Word of God to this congregation on a regular basis. b. To administer the ordinances of the church as outlined under Article II of these Bylaws. c. To communicate the purpose, and develop the mission and vision of Bethel Bible Church. 5. The Elder Board shall determine any additional responsibilities of the senior pastor and the associate pastor(s). 6. The pastoral staff may initiate new ministries. See also Article VI, Section 2-B of these Bylaws.

12 7. The pastoral staff shall be responsible to oversee any and all ministry leaders. D. Selection Process 1. A Pastoral Search Team shall be composed of members of this congregation. The Team may be composed of elders, deacons and other members of the congregation. No more than two elders/deacons may serve on the Pastoral Search Team. Positions on the Search Team are on a volunteer basis. The number of Team members shall be determined by the size and needs of the congregation. 2. The Church Chairman shall make an announcement to the congregation that a Pastoral Search Team will be forming. 3. Church members will be given two full weeks to volunteer for the Team. If an inadequate number volunteer, the Elder Board shall seek additional members. 4. On the third Sunday, after the first announcement is made, a printed ballot of Search Team candidates will be presented to the congregation for a vote. Acceptance will be based on a majority vote of the voting members present. 5. The Pastoral Search Team shall determine the best way to post the available position. The position can be posted in Christian circulars and/or Christian colleges, universities and seminaries. 6. The Pastoral Search Team shall have a chairman and secretary. The chairman shall serve as the one to guide, direct and moderate all Team meetings. The secretary is responsible for keeping minutes as well as any other documentation necessary for record keeping (i.e. job listings, questionnaires, resumes and letters). These records, if requested, shall be made available to the congregation. 7. The Team shall evaluate the candidates who have responded and shown interest in the position. The Team shall respond by sending questionnaires, as well as church and/or community information, to all qualified candidates. 8. If the Team receives returned questionnaires, they shall evaluate them and decide which candidate(s) they would like to pursue. 9. If no response is received in a timely manner, the chairman and/or secretary shall make follow-up phone calls to the potential candidates. 10. If it has been determined that a candidate seems suitable for the position, he shall be contacted by letter or and then by phone to schedule an interview meeting. It is also an opportunity to get to know the candidate, and if possible, his family as well, on a more personal level. 11. The Pastoral Search Team shall determine if any members of the Team need to travel to the candidate s hometown for the purpose of observing and gathering any information that may be pertinent to his candidacy.

13 12. Once this interview meeting has been held, it shall be determined if the Team feels that this is the best qualified candidate. The candidate may be presented to the Elder Board after a majority vote of the Pastoral Search Team at any of the Team s meetings. 13. Once the candidate has been presented to the Elder Board, they may determine if additional interviews and/or meetings need to be scheduled. 14. The candidate shall be approved by a majority vote of the Elder Board. Members of the pastoral staff are ineligible to vote, due to the possibility of a conflict of interest. 15. The candidate shall be presented to the congregation by the Pastoral Search Team and Elder Board. The Pastoral Search Team shall schedule the candidate to speak at regular Sunday worship service(s). He may also be asked to speak at other church functions and/or gatherings. He shall be required to give his testimony publicly. He may also be scheduled to speak at an informal congregational meeting for the purpose of a question and answer session. 16. The vote for a new member of the pastoral staff shall take place only after he has met the requirements outlined above. Approval of a candidate for the pastoral staff is based on a three-fourths majority vote of voting members present at a called congregational business meeting as outlined in Article IV of these Bylaws. E. Term/Removal 1. The term of pastor shall begin once he has been publicly affirmed and presented to the congregation as a member of the pastoral staff. 2. A pastor automatically becomes a member of Bethel Bible Church upon public affirmation and presentation to the congregation. 3. A member of the pastoral staff may serve for an indefinite term. 4. A pastor may resign from his position by his own decision. A letter of resignation must be received by the church chairman no later than thirty days prior to his last day serving on staff. If sin is involved and a setting aside from ministry is required, the resignation is effective immediately. 5. A pastor may be removed by a three-fourths majority vote of the voting members present at any called congregational business meeting of church members, only after adhering to I Timothy 5:19 and the steps outlined under church discipline in Article I, Section 6 of these Bylaws. 6. All members of the pastoral staff are subject to the disciplinary procedures outlined under Article I, Section 6 of these Bylaws. 7. At the discretion of the Elder Board, a severance package may be allowed. It shall consist of a minimum of one month s salary and benefits, but shall not exceed six months.

14 Section 6 ~ Officers and Trustees A. Officers The officers of Bethel Bible Church shall be the church clerk and church treasurer. They are accountable to the Elder Board as are all deacons. 1. Purpose The purpose of each of these positions is to establish order within the business of the church. 2. Selection Process The candidates for the positions of church clerk and treasurer shall be selected by the Nominating Committee as delineated in Article III, Section 1 D 1 through Eligibility a. The above mentioned officers are required to be members of Bethel Bible Church who are at least twenty-one years of age. b. The church clerk and treasurer should meet all qualifications required of deacons/deaconesses but shall attend the regular Deacon Board meetings only as requested. c. The offices of church treasurer and church clerk shall be available to all qualified men or women. 4. Duties and Responsibilities a. Church Clerk The church clerk is responsible for: 1. Recording the minutes and keeping accurate records of actions taken at all congregational business meetings. These records shall then be submitted for approval at the next congregational business meeting. 2. Keeping all records of the church, and maintaining accurate records of the elders, deacons, officers and church membership rolls. These records shall include, but are not limited to, information pertaining to the elections and approvals or removals of the members of this body of believers. 3. Completing any and all records and/or reports that may be required by county, state or federal laws. 4. Fulfilling any other duties or responsibilities that the Elder Board may deem necessary. b. Treasurer (Executive Financial Officer) The treasurer shall be responsible for: 1. Forming a financial team, based on the magnitude of the task and the approval of the Elder Board. 2. Overseeing the disbursement and receipt of funds of the church according to the annual budget.

15 3. Establishing a procedure for handling all tithes and offerings, which shall be received, counted and tallied in the presence of a staff member, finance team member or church officer. 4. Preparing a proposed annual budget that shall be presented to the Elder Board for approval. 5. Presenting the proposed budget to the congregation no later than four weeks prior to the Annual Congregational Business Meeting. 6. Maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions of the church and annually reporting the financial standings to the congregation, and as additionally needed. 7. Preparing accurate financial statements, posting receipts and disbursements of each account, and making these statements available to the membership. 8. Supplying all records that may be required by any governmental authorities. 9. Performing any additional duties or responsibilities that the Elder Board may deem necessary. 5. Term/Removal a. The church clerk and treasurer shall each serve for a term of three years. These positions are limited to serving two consecutive terms. Once completed, they will not be eligible to serve in any other office for one year. b. The year of a term shall be from the end of one Annual Congregational Meeting to the end of the next. c. Members serving in each office are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined under Article I, Section 6 of these Bylaws. d. Members serving as officers may be removed from office by his/her own decision, with a letter of resignation submitted to the church chairman, or by a majority vote of the voting members present at any called congregational business meeting, only after adhering to all the steps outlined under church discipline. B. Trustees 1. The position of trustee shall be composed of a minimum of two members of the congregation. 2. The responsibility of the trustees is to maintain church property. 3. Trustees shall be appointed by the Elder Board, supported by the Deacon Board, and approved by a majority vote of church members present at a congregational business meeting.

16 4. Trustees should be of sound business judgment and spiritual discernment. They should have experience in such areas as property maintenance, insurance and/or business administration. 5. Additional duties and responsibilities of the trustees shall be determined by the Deacon Board. 6. Trustees are subject to the same terms of position as outlined for an officer in Article III, Section 6-A-5. Article IV Meetings Section 1 ~ Congregational Business Meetings A. Congregational meetings serve the purpose of keeping the congregation informed about the business of the church. These meetings also allow the congregation to communicate with its leadership. B. The Annual Congregational Business Meeting shall be held during the month of March. This meeting shall serve the purpose of presenting all annual reports from committee chairmen and ministry leaders, voting on the annual budget and new board members, and any other church business that may need to be communicated to the congregation. C. A congregational business meeting shall be granted by the Elder Board upon a written request signed by at least twenty-five percent of the voting members of this church body, and shall be held within thirty days of the request. The request shall include a statement of the purpose of the meeting and the action proposed. D. Official minutes of all congregational business meetings shall be recorded and kept by the church clerk. Minutes from the previous business meeting shall be read and approved. E. The church chairman shall conduct meetings based upon Robert s Rules of Order, when applicable. Section 2 ~ Notice A. The notice of a scheduled congregational business meeting shall be given for the three consecutive Sundays prior to the date of the meeting and shall include a statement of the nature of the scheduled meeting and the action proposed. B. The notice shall be given by announcement from the pulpit and shall be printed in the bulletin for the three consecutive Sundays prior to the scheduled meeting.

17 Section 3 ~ Quorum A quorum for congregational business meetings shall consist of at least 51 percent of the church membership. Section 4 ~ Voting A. All members, ages eighteen years and older, have the right to vote at any business meeting. Matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present, except when otherwise stated in these Bylaws. B. Each member receives one vote per voting issue, including the church chairman. C. Proxy and absentee voting are prohibited. D. Actions requiring a quorum for voting: 1. The election of board members. 2. The borrowing of money by the church. 3. Approval of compensations for salaried staff members. 4. Approval of the annual budget. 5. Amendment or ratification of the budget. 6. Expenditure of church funds in excess of five percent of the total church budget. 7. Purchase or sale of church property. E. Actions requiring a quorum and three-fourths majority vote of the members present: 1. The election of a pastor. 2. Amendment or ratification of these Bylaws. Article V Finance Section 1 ~ Annual Budget A. The proposed annual budget, prepared by the treasurer, shall be presented first to the Elder Board for approval and then to the congregation. B. The proposed annual budget shall be available and presented to the congregation the Sunday prior to the Annual Congregational Business Meeting. C. Approval of the annual budget is subject to a majority vote of the voting members present at the Annual Congregational Business Meeting. This action shall be taken by written ballot. D. The fiscal year shall begin January 1 st and end December 31 st. Section 2 ~ Quality Assurance The review and evaluation of any and/or all financial records of Bethel Bible Church shall be completed by an independent accounting firm when the Elder Board deems it necessary.

18 Section 3 ~ Purchase or Sale of Real Estate Property A. The trustees or a membership-appointed Building Committee shall have the authority to propose in writing, the purchase or sale of real estate property for the church. B. The proposal shall be presented to the Treasurer for financial evaluation and then to the Elder Board. A majority vote of the Elder Board present at a called Board meeting shall constitute Board approval of the proposal. C. The purchase or sale of real estate property shall require approval of the members of the congregation by a majority vote at a called congregational business meeting before the sale can be completed. Article VI Church Ministries Section 1 ~ Purpose Church ministries shall be planned and designed to accomplish one or more of the aspects found in our purpose statement. Section 2 ~ New Ministries A. Approval from the congregation is not needed to start a new ministry. B. Any member or group of members may propose a new ministry by submitting a brief written explanation and plan to the Elder Board for approval. The pastoral staff may also initiate new ministries. A proposal from the pastoral staff shall be submitted to the Elder Board for approval. Approval of a new ministry shall be based on a majority vote. C. A ministry leader may be recommended by the Elder Board. D. Ministry leaders shall be accountable to the Elder Board. Section 3 ~ Ministry Evaluations The Elder Board shall conduct annual evaluations of the pastoral staff and all ongoing ministries. A. Evaluations may also be conducted whenever the Elder Board deems it necessary. B. The Elder Board shall provide each pastor and ministry leader with a written evaluation of their performance in meeting the purpose goals set forth in Article III of the Constitution.

19 Article VII Hired and Operational Staff Hired and operational staff may consist of janitors, secretaries and any other position the Elder Board may deem necessary. The hiring of new staff members shall be allowed if funds have been properly budgeted and made available for this purpose. New staff members are hired by and are accountable to the Elder Board. Article VIII Resolution Clause of Unbiased Compensation We agree that all lay-members in positions such as Elder, Deacon/Deaconess, Treasurer, Church Clerk, and Trustee will be non-salaried. In addition, the salaried individuals cannot vote on their own compensation. That compensation will be recommended by the Elder Board and then determined by vote of the congregation. Article IX Dissolution Clause (Required by law) Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more tax exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to state or local government for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized or operated exclusively for such purposes. Article X Amendments Section 1 ~ Procedure These Bylaws of Bethel Bible Church may be amended at any called congregational business meeting provided that the following have been adhered to: A. Amendment(s) may be proposed by: boards, officers, committees, group ministries or members of the congregation. A written proposal must be submitted to the Elder Board for approval. B. After approval, the proposed amendment(s) shall be published by letter to the membership and in the bulletin.

20 C. The congregation will be notified, in the bulletin and from the pulpit, of the time and place of the scheduled meeting on the three consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting. D. Voting on the amendment(s) shall be by secret ballot. E. Approval of the amendment(s) shall be by a three-fourths majority vote of the members present at the called congregational business meeting. Section 2 ~ Exclusions As long as this Constitution is edict, neither this Article X nor the Statement of Faith shall ever be amended. This document, in its entirety, has been officially ratified and adopted by the members Bethel Bible Church on the 29th day of October in the year Article XI Ad Hoc Clause to this Constitution and Bylaws for Temporary Interim Government A temporary Elder Board will be established to oversee this church for a time period from the approval and acceptance of this constitution and the agreement to the joint merger by the congregations of Bethel Bible Church and Faith Ministries Community Church until the scheduled annual business meeting in March of This board will consist of the existing Governing Board of Bethel Bible Church (presently 5) and the Elder Board of Faith Ministries Community Church (presently 4). This Ad Hoc Board will operate under the constraints of this constitution, specifically Article III Leadership Section 1- Elder Board. Members of Faith Ministries Community Church will automatically become members of Bethel Bible Church. Nine (9) Faith Ministries have been identified for continuation at Bethel Bible Church. The first regular congregational business meeting will be held in March of 2007 for the purpose of status reports, the approval of the annual budget, and the approval of any proposed amendments to these by-laws. After the regular congregational business meeting of March 2008, this article will become null and void and record of this Ad Hoc Clause will be filed with the Church Clerk.