Constitution and Bylaws of the Congregational Christian Church of North Manchester

Transcription

1 Constitution and Bylaws of the Congregational Christian Church of North Manchester 310 N. Walnut Street North Manchester, IN November 2001 Revised April 29, 2007 Revised & Affirmed by Cabinet September 6, 2011 Affirmed by Congregation October 16,

2 Constitution of the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church, Inc. (NMCCC) Article I Name, Mission Statement and Covenant The name of this church shall be the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church, Inc. Our Mission is to be a Bright Light for Christ, as we fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20 We Covenant with the LORD and one with another to walk together in all God s ways, following the Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed through the Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible. Article II Guiding Principles and Core Values of the NMCCC We adopt the following principles as expressive of our faith and doctrinal attitude. 1. The Holy Bible, our only rule of faith and practice. 2. The Lord Jesus Christ, the only head of the Church and our only Savior. 3. Christian, a sufficient name for Christ s followers. 4. Christian character or life, the only true test of fellowship. 5. Individual interpretation, the duty, right and privilege of all Christians. 6. The union of all the followers of Christ that they shall all be one even as Christ prayed. 7. All the Offices of this Church are open to qualified men and women. 8. The Local church is complete in all the giftedness needed for governance. Article III Purpose and Plan The purpose of this church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We will do this as we gather for worship, grow in wisdom, give with love and go to serve We will welcome seekers, train Christians and empower believers to share and serve Jesus Christ who is the bright light of God s love.. Article IV Government This church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head, and finds in the Holy Scriptures interpreted by the Holy Spirit through reason, faith and conscience, its guidance in matters of faith and discipline. The government of this church is vested in its members who exercise the right to govern in all its affairs, except in legal matters when it shall be subject to the laws of the state of Indiana. The Church acknowledges and accepts the equally important obligations of mutual counsel, courtesy and cooperation involved in the free fellowship of churches, and pledges itself to safeguard and to share their common aims and work. Article V Membership Persons shall be received into membership in this church upon public acceptance of the Mission, Covenant, Principles and Core Values of this church. Article VI Officers The legal officers of the church shall be the Moderator, the Deacon Chair, the Trustee Chair, the Treasurer and the Clerk. They shall have only the authority and approval given them by the consent of the active voting members of the church. Article VII - Bylaws A supplement to this constitution known as the BYLAWS shall state the qualifications, duties, and provisions for selection of church leaders, officers, staff and volunteers in ministry. The Bylaws shall also include statements and procedures necessary for explaining and implementing the work of this Church. Article VIII -- Amendments This Constitution and these Bylaws may be amended by a vote of the membership as set forth and called together according to the Bylaws for the consideration of such business. Article IX Adoption 2

3 This Constitution becomes effective upon the adoption by the membership and all previous editions become null and void. Bylaws of the Congregational Christian Church Preamble to the Bylaws: We adopt the following Bylaws as the plan of organization whereby we will help fulfill the five functions of the Church, as drawn from the Bible: Evangelism, Worship, Teaching/Learning, Fellowship, Missions. Article I -- Membership 1. The Deacons Ministry will oversee membership. Persons may be received into membership of this church in one of the following ways: A. By confessions of faith and baptism; (or) B. On recommendation of the Deacons Ministry when external baptism is waived because of conscientious refusal by the applicant; (or) C. On presentation of satisfactory letters of transfer from other churches or if letters are not available, by reaffirmation of faith or approval of the Deacons Ministry 2. Duties: Members shall support the church by prayerful and godly lives, attend the meetings of worship and business and they shall work in harmony with the plans and spirit of the church Article II Church Cabinet 1. All church officers and ministry chairs shall be members in good standing of the Congregational Christian Church of North Manchester, Indiana. 2. The Church Cabinet (formerly Council): Shall be comprised of 11 voting members: Moderator, Vice- Moderator (votes in absence of Moderator), Clerk, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and the Chairs of the ministries of Deacons, Trustees, Christian Education, Worship & Welcome, Missions, Dorcas, and Laymen s. Pastoral staff persons are ex-officio members of this Cabinet and should attend all meetings. All other ministries and committees of the Church, shall have representation on the Cabinet through the ministries to which they report and are responsible. A. It shall be the function of the church Cabinet to visualize the entire task of the church, to advise the minister on the general direction of the church s activities and to cooperate with him/her in the formulation of a well-rounded program. B. The Cabinet may act for the church in minor matters, always assuming that any action should occur with practical unanimity; otherwise confirmation of the church as a whole should be asked. The Cabinet shall submit to the annual meeting a comprehensive program involving the chief objectives of the church for the coming year. The Cabinet will also present the forthcoming year proposed budget and servant leaders at the annual meeting for approval. C. All officers, ministries, and committees shall present their policies, procedures, plans, programs and proposed items for donation to the church Cabinet for confirmation. All auxiliary organizations, members, congregants and community members shall present their plans, programs and proposed items for donation to the church Cabinet for confirmation D. The church Cabinet shall oversee the work of the Personnel Committee, made up of the Moderator, Deacon Chair and Trustee Chair. 3

4 3. Church Moderator/Vice-Moderator: Each shall serve a term of one year. The Moderator shall oversee Cabinet meetings and congregational meetings. The Moderator shall be an ex-officio and advisory member of all ministries and committees of the church. The Moderator shall serve on the Personnel Committee. 4. Church Clerk/Assistant Clerk: The Clerk shall be responsible for keeping a faithful record of the proceedings of the church. 5. Financial Secretary/Assistant Financial Secretary: Shall keep an accurate account of all monies received by the church. 6. Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer: Shall have custody of all papers relating to the property or finances of the church, shall pay all bills of the church in a timely manner, and shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements. 7. Deacons and Deaconesses: (Hereafter the word deacons shall refer to deacons and deaconesses): MISSION STATEMENT of the Deacons Ministry is to partner with the pastoral staff in fulfilling the Mission Statement, Covenant, Guiding Principles and Core Values and fulfill the Purpose and Plan of the church. The Deacons Chair shall serve on the Personnel Committee. 8. Trustees: MISSION STATEMENT: The Trustees Ministry have the care and custody of the property of the church and administrate its financial affairs, always subject to regulations prescribed by the laws of the state and the church constitution. The Trustee Chair shall serve on the Personnel Committee. 9. Worship and Welcome Ministry: MISSION STATEMENT: The Worship & Welcome Ministry seeks to use the gifts and talents of all to enhance the worship experience and welcome those who come. 10. Missions Ministry: MISSION STATEMENT: The Missions Ministry guides our church in carrying out Jesus' command to spread the gospel to the world and lead the mission work of the congregation at the local, national and international levels. It will seek to educate, encourage and direct mission giving and service. 11. Christian Education Ministry (CEM): MISSION STATEMENT: The Christian Education Ministry exists to further the spiritual formation of children, youth and adults. 12. Dorcas Ministry: MISSION STATEMENT: The Dorcas Ministry will encourage growth through fellowship and service opportunities for women. 13. Laymen s Fellowship Ministry: MISSION STATEMENT: The Laymen s Fellowship Ministry will encourage growth through fellowship and service opportunities for men. 4

5 Article III: Employees: The church shall employ staff as needed to fulfill the functions of the church. Article IV Organizations & Individuals: All groups, organizations and individuals using church facilities and equipment are under the church s general oversight and regulations. Article V Services and Meetings A. Congregational Meetings Shall be held at least annually. B. Special Meetings May be called by the ministers, chairs of the Deacons, Trustees, Cabinet or shall be called by the Clerk on a written request of five adult members of the church. C. Voting There shall be no absentee vote. Active members eighteen years of age and older may cast a vote. A simple majority vote will be taken at all meetings except when voting for the Minister, Associate Minister or amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws; then two-thirds of the votes cast by active members present shall be required. A simple majority is defined as one vote cast over half of all active members present and voting at that meeting. D. Communion The Open Communion Service shall be observed at least quarterly. Article VI Amendments: These Bylaws may be amended by two-thirds of the votes cast of active members present at any regular or special meeting, provided notice specifying the time and purpose of such a meeting and the substance of the proposed amendment shall have been given on two Sundays immediately preceding the said meeting. Article VII -- Rules of Order: The rules of parliamentary procedure as described in Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall govern this church in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Article VIII -- Effective Date: These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon their adoption by twothirds of the votes cast of the active members present called together for the consideration of such business. 5