Constitution
& By-Laws
About Grace Church
Purpose and Mission
Grace Church of Harmony is a non-denominational church and is committed to exalting and honoring God through the faithful preaching and teaching of the inspired Word of God, by sharing the good news at home and supporting missions around the world, by encouraging worship from the heart and the discipline of prayer, by fostering the growth of believers to spiritual maturity through providing a caring fellowship for individuals and families, and by influencing society with lives of holiness and integrity.
Constitution & By-LaWs
Grace Church of Harmony
Harmony (Butler County), Pennsylvania
Preamble
We, the members of Grace Church of Harmony, Harmony (Butler County), Pennsylvania, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves:
Article I // Name
The name of the organization shall be Grace Church of Harmony.
Article II // Object
The object of this Church is the glorification of God in the salvation of souls, the edification of born again believers through the teaching of God's Holy Word - the Bible, the promotion of Godly worship, the worldwide proclamation of God's saving grace expressed in the shed blood and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary and His bodily resurrection; the preservation of a pure Church free from apostasy and compromise, and the earnest defense of "the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" [Jude 3], until the Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
Article III // Doctrine
Section 1. Articles of Faith
We believe in the Holy Scriptures and affirm belief in the historic Christian doctrines as expressed in the Apostles' Creed and declare these to be:
A. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, consisting of 66 books, as verbally inspired of God, infallible and inerrant in the original writing. The scriptures are the supreme, sole, and final authority in matters of faith, life, truth, morality and proper conduct of humanity. [2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17]
B. We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. [Genesis 1:1; John 10:30; Matthew 28:19]
C. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man. [Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Colossians 2:9]
D. We believe that man was created in the image of God, and that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death which is separation from God, and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature. [Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12; 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:22]
E. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood alone, apart from any human effort, work or contribution. [Acts 13:38; Romans 4:4-25; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9]
F. We believe that God commands His regenerate children to grow in grace and surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Through the lifelong process of sanctification, God will conform His children into the likeness of His Son. [John 4:10; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18]
G. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into Heaven, and in His present life there for us as High-Priest, Intercessor and Advocate. [Luke 24:1-43; Acts 2:32; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1]
H. We believe in the blessed hope, and the personal, bodily, visible, pre-tribulational, pre-millenial and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Following the tribulation, Jesus Christ will set up on earth a millennial kingdom in which He shall reign in righteousness and peace. [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 4:13-18; 5:1-11; Matthew 24:29; Jude 14-15; Revelation 19:11-21]
I. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ, are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and preserved unto the day of redemption. [John 3:5; 10:28; 1 Peter 1:23; Romans 8:35-39]
J. We believe Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances, that of believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that for the believer, baptism is an ordinance, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, signifies our engrafting into Christ. We believe Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's Supper to commemorate His death until He comes again. [Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Romans 6: 1-14]
K. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and in the conscious everlasting punishment for the lost. [John 5:28; Revelation 20:4-5]
L. We believe that all the saved are called into a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices, and are under obligation to all the world by life and word to the truth and proclamation of the Gospel. [Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 5:14-18; Acts 1:8]
M. We believe in the reality and personality of Satan. [Job 1:8-9; John 8:21-45]
N. We believe that the church in its invisible form is universal, the true body and bride of Christ. The church began at Pentecost and is completely distinct from Israel. All who are born again are members of the body of Christ regardless of organizational affiliation. [Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:21-23; Matthew 28:19]
O. We believe that divine, enabling gifts for service are bestowed by the Spirit upon all who are saved. The gifts of tongues, prophecy, and healing were given to the early New Testament church and are not in evidence in the church today. [Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40; Ephesians 4:11]
Section 2.
In subscribing to these Articles of Faith, we by no means set aside, or undervalue, any of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, all of which we believe to be God's own written word, given us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The knowledge and belief of the truth as stated in our Articles of Faith we deem necessary to sound doctrine, and therefore requisite for Christian fellowship.
Section 3.
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from the moment of conception. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life from the moment of conception through natural death. [Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 8:4-5; 139:13-14, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17]
Section 4.
We believe God has established marriage as an institution. Because God has established marriage and defined it as a covenant relationship with a man, a woman, and Himself, Grace Church of Harmony will only recognize marriages between one biological man and one biological woman. [Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matt 19:4-6]
Section 4.
We believe that all children are a blessing of God. Scripture teaches that parent(s) are to bring children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to discipline them in love and truth. Scripture strongly urges parents to compassionately instruct and train their children without provoking them to become rebellious. Parents are encouraged to publicly dedicate themselves to following these Biblical principles by presenting their children to the pastor and congregation in a ceremony of commitment and dedication. When parent(s) elect to take this public step they are also seeking the assistance of the church body to encourage them in parenting principles, supportive prayer and to act as allies in exposing the gospel to their children and training them in all Biblical truth. [Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Proverbs 13:24; 22:6; 29:17, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:15]
Section 6.
We believe in the autonomy of the local Church to determine its own doctrinal position and in its responsibility to uphold these doctrines and practices. As a result, the elders of consistory, in conjunction with our pastors, have final interpretive authority on the Bible's meaning and application in matters of faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline. [Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27]
Section 7.
The provisions of Article III shall be considered as fundamental, the basis upon which the Church is founded.
Article IV // MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Profession or Reaffirmation
A person desiring to unite with this Church upon Profession of Faith, Reaffirmation, or Letter of Transfer shall make application for such purpose to a Pastor or a member of the Consistory. A Pastor and a current or former Elder shall then meet with the applicant in regards to assurance of salvation, doctrinal belief, and Christian experience. Applicant agrees to be bound by the Constitution and By-Laws of this Church and the applicant's personal acceptance shall be voted upon by the Consistory at one of its meetings as described in the By-Laws.
Section 2. Youth
Young persons, having expressed faith in Christ and having completed the prescribed instruction shall, upon their request and he recommendation of the instructor, be considered by the Consistory for membership in the Church as prescribed in Section 1 of this Article.
Section 3. Procedure in Accepting New Members
A. When the Consistory is satisfied that an applicant is a Christian and has met the requirements for membership as provided in Sections 1-2 of this Article, the Consistory may then accept such person as a member of this Church, provided that such action by the Consistory shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote, a quorum being present, at the particular Consistory meeting.
B. A new member, having complied with Sections 1-2 of this Article, shall be publicly welcomed at a regular Lord's Day Service by the members of the Church.
C. The following Covenant, or another at the discretion of the pastor, shall be used for the purpose of publicly welcoming new members into the congregation:
"We, then, the members of this Church, do affectionately welcome you to this fellowship with us in the blessing of the Gospel, and covenant together, God helping us,
that as aliens and strangers in the world, we will abstain from sinful desires which war against the soul; [I Peter 2:11] that we will get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you; (Ephesians 4: 31-32) that as we have opportunity, we will do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers; [Galatians 6:10] that we will remember our leaders, who speak the word of God to us; [Hebrews 13:7] and that we will give as God has prospered us; (I Corinthians 16:2 KJV) not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7)"
(Then the Pastor shall give the right hand of fellowship to the new members.)
Section 2. Termination of Membership
Active Membership in this Church may be terminated by:
A. Transfer A Letter of Transfer shall be granted at the discretion of Consistory to any member who applies for it, provided that member is in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of an application. When such a letter has been granted, the relationship of the member to this Church shall be considered terminated.
B. Exclusion If members are habitually absent from the Communion and other gatherings for worship and fail to communicate with the Church for a period of one year and fail to reply to communications, such members will be properly notified and encouraged to resume regular fellowship. If at the end of the second year they fail to reinstate themselves, they shall be notified that they have been placed on the inactive roll. This action will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Consistory present and voting at such meeting. Reinstatement to the active roll and a member in good standing would require a person to follow the guidelines in Article V for Church conduct. Reinstatement would be by Article VI, Section 4.
C. Excommunication See Article VI, Section 3 of his Constitution.) It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures to exclude from this fellowship any person who holds false and heretical doctrine or who lives inconsistently with a Christian profession; or who violates the law or public morals; or who disturbs the unity and peace of the Church.
Article V // Conduct
Section 1.
All public and private means of grace, such as regular attendance at the services of God's House (including the ordinance of the Lord's Supper), the daily reading of the Bible, private and family prayer, personal and public testimony, and the winning of others to Christ, shall be urged upon the membership. [Ephesians 2:21-22; 4:12-13; in 2 Peter 1:5-8; 3:18]
Section 2.
Giving is a distinct and positive command in the Scriptures. The membership is urged to contribute systematically toward the support of the Church as commanded in the Word of God. [Luke 6:38; Proverbs 3:9-10; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:6-7]
Section 3.
The place of each member in the Church as set forth in I Corinthians 12:12-27 should be clearly understood. Only by obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ can a member grow spiritually and that person's talents be used for the glory of God. A member to be considered in good standing shall attend services regularly, commune at least once each year and contribute according to the member's means.
Article VI // Church Discipline
Section 1.
The discipline of the Church shall be entirely entrusted to the Pastors and the Consistory. All members of the Church are subject to its doctrine, government, and discipline.
Section 2. Corrective Discipline
Corrective discipline has for its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the Church, and the restoration and spiritual growth of the offender. Corrective discipline implies imperfection and a tendency to sin and to cause offense. The censure, in the judgment of the Consistory, may be suspension for a period from the Lord's Table, erasure from the roll, or excommunication. Every effort shall first be made to clear up difficulties and remove offenses before Church action is taken. No offense should be brought to the Church until the instructions of Christ have first been followed. [Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15]
Section 3. Excommunication
In all cases of conduct or heretical doctrine so opposed to the Church's life and faith as to destroy the possibility of fellowship, the procedure shall be as follows:
The accused person shall first be interviewed as directed in Matthew 18:15-18. If this does not lead to restoration of fellowship, charges shall be filed with the Consistory and placed in the hands of the accused person who shall be summoned to meet the Consistory at a later date not sooner than one week nor later than two weeks from the time the charges are served. This person, on being notified, may immediately select any member of the Consistory (or any member of the congregation in good standing) to assist or represent the accused in the examination. The President of the Consistory shall appoint one of the Consistory members to represent the Church. If after a fair and impartial hearing of all the witnesses accessible and all the facts ascertainable, two-thirds (2/3) of the Consistory believes the accused person guilty, the name of the said party shall be stricken from the roll of the Church, unless notice of appeal is given in writing to the Secretary of the Consistory within five days. If appealed, a special meeting of the congregation shall be convened for the purpose of electing a Council of Appeal, as provided for in Article VII of this Constitution, but unless a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at the congregational meeting is secured, the decision of the Consistory shall stand. If the case is to be reviewed by the Council of Appeal, its decision shall be final.
Section 4. Restoration of Excluded Members
The right to exclude persons or the withdrawal of fellowship [II Thessalonians 3:6] is in harmony with the teaching of the New Testament [Matthew 18:16-17]. The Apostolic Church also had the right to restore excluded members who gave satisfactory evidence of being penitent [II Corinthians 2:6-8]. The object of the exclusion or suspension having been accomplished, the Consistory shall have the right to restore the penitent member to full membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Consistory present and voting at such meeting.
Article VII // Council of Appeal
Section 1.
Any matter may be taken to the Council of Appeal for decision if it involves any controversy within the Church, within the Consistory, between the Church congregation and the Consistory, or between the Church congregation or the Consistory and a Pastor, which controversy threatens to cause dissension resulting in probable injury to the welfare of the Church and which has not been decided by the Consistory in such a manner as to allay dissension.
Section 2.
The members of this Council, identified by Consistory, shall consist of three Elders, three members in good standing, and the Senior Pastor who shall act as chairman thereof. All the members of this Council shall be approved by the congregation at a regularly called congregational meeting. This council shall be established only at the request of the Consistory, or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the regularly called congregational meeting.
Section 3.
Should it ever occur that the Senior Pastor is the defendant or so involved as to make it unwise for him to preside over the Council, the President of the Consistory shall preside over the meetings of the Council of Appeal. The Council shall convene at the call of the chair.
Section 4.
The decision of the case before the Council of Appeal must be reached by at least a 5 to 2 vote with the chair voting. Voting shall be by ballot. When the final decision of the Council of Appeal, with the reasons therefore, is announced to the congregation, that decision is final and the case ended.
Article VIII // Government
Section 1.
This Church acknowledges only the Lord Jesus Christ as its Head; the Holy Scriptures as the only infallible guide in matters of faith, discipline and order; the Holy Spirit as its teacher and the autonomy of the local Church as inherent and modifiable only by is own action.
Section 2.
The government of the Church, the conduct of business, the management and control of all its property, real and personal, the supervision of its general work, its organizations, and branch works shall, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, be vested in the Consistory, which shall consist of the Elders and Deacons, who shall be elected as provided for in the By-Laws of the Church, and the Pastor(s).
Section 3.
The Consistory, within a reasonable period after the annual election, shall meet and elect among themselves a President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer, who shall serve for one year or until their successors are elected. The Consistory may also appoint/elect individuals from the Church membership to other positions as may from time to time be deemed necessary.
Section 4.
The necessary quorum and manner in which the Consistory shall be convened shall be provided for in the By-Laws; but no meeting of the Consistory shall ever be called during the absence of the Senior Pastor without his knowledge and consent; except that in cases of emergency in the Senior Pastor's absence, the Consistory may act, but only by the consent of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Consistory present and voting at such meeting.
Section 5.
The Consistory shall have the power to delegate to either individuals or committees the right to transact any of its business or exercise of such powers. The transaction of such business or the exercise of such powers, however, shall be subject at all times to the supervision and control of the Consistory.
Section 6.
Without in any manner limiting the authority of the Consistory, but solely for the purpose of enumerating some of its powers, the Consistory shall have power to:
A. Call congregational meetings for any purpose which it deems necessary or proper, provided that notice of such a meeting shall be given as may be provided in the By-Laws.
B. Receive, consider, and dispose of any grievances, suggestions, or recommendations by any member or organization of the Church.
C. Accept persons into Church membership, discipline them and terminate their Church membership in the manner herein provided.
D. Exercise all powers and duties which belong to the sole governing body of the Church, congregation and corporation, which includes the oversight of all auxiliary organizations, fellowship groups, etc.
Section 7.
When the Church is without a Pastor, it shall be the duty of the Consistory to supply the pulpit with men whose Christian character and teaching are in accord with the Object and Articles of faith of this Church, and who will subscribe to these without mental reservation.
Article IX // FInances
Section 1.
The Consistory shall not encumber with loan, or transfer, or sell or purchase any real estate for the Church except by the express authorization conveyed through a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present and voting at a constitutionally called congregational meeting. No obligation shall be incurred to spend over 5% of the annual budget on one item without special vote of the congregation, unless said item already appears in the adopted budget.
Section 2.
All auxiliary organizations, fellowship groups, etc., are responsible to, and under the jurisdiction of, the Church, through the Consistory.
Article X // Elders & Deacons
Section 1.
Elders to be elected by the Church shall be ten (10) in number or less if there are not ten (10) qualified and willing to serve.
Section 2.
Any vacancy in the office of Elder shall be filled by appointment of the Consistory until the next annual congregational election, at which time the Congregation shall elect an Elder to serve the unexpired term.
Section 3.
Elders shall be elected for a period of two (2) years: their terms of office shall be so arranged that approximately one-half (1/2) of the Elders' terms of office shall expire each year. After the completion of a term, an Elder may be re-elected for a second two-year term. After his second two year term, he shall not be eligible for re-election to the Consistory until a full year has elapsed.
Section 4.
Elders shall be men who are regular members in full communion of the Church, of mature judgment and unquestioned Christian character, loyal to the Word of God and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the spiritual welfare of the Church. [1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9]
Section 5.
After they have been elected, but before they may assume office, they shall be installed as Elders by the Senior Pastor through appearing before the congregation and responding affirmatively to the following questions, or others at the discretion of the pastor:
"Do you believe the Scriptures as written in the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God and accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and practice?"
"Have you accepted the Object, Doctrine, practice and rule of this Church?"
"Will you be cheerfully governed by the Constitution and By-Laws of this Church, and promise to study its purity, unity, and peace?"
"Do you accept the Office of (Elder or Deacon) and promise to perform faithfully all the duties of the Office according to the New Testament?"
(Then the question shall be put to the congregation as follows)
"Do you, the members of this Church, acknowledge and receive these brothers as Elders and Deacons, and do you promise to pray for them that they may be Spirit-filled and Spirit-guided men, and will you yield to them that honor and obedience in the Lord to which they are entitled according to the Word of God and the Constitution of this Church?"
(The members will answer in the affirmative by raising their right hands, and the Senior Pastor shall proceed to consecrate the candidates to their office, by prayer, as the Elders-elect and Deacons-elect devoutly kneel) (Those who have not previously been ordained to office shall be ordained by the Senior Pastor laying his right hand on the head of each one in succession and saying)
"take the authority to execute the office of (Elder or Deacon) in the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord which office I now solemnly commit unto you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen."
"By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Lord Jesus Christ, I hereby declare you to be regularly elected and duly installed Elders and Deacons in Grace Church of Harmony."
Section 6.
It shall be the duty of the Elders to be diligent and faithful in attendance at the Consistory meetings and at the regular services of the Church; they shall assist the Pastor(s) at the Lord's Table, as needed, and in the ministry of visitation among the members of the congregation; they shall pray for and encourage the Pastor(s) and assist him (them) in the spiritual oversight of the Church.
Section 7.
Sections 1-3 of Article X of the Constitution shall also apply to the Deacons. Their particular responsibility shall be to look after the needy members of this Church, as provided for in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:1-13; and they shall hold themselves in readiness for Church visitation, ushering, and other duties, when requested to do so.
Section 8.
Deacons shall be men elected and installed in the same manner as Elders, as provided for in Sections 1-5 of Article X of the Constitution and in the By-Laws.
Article XI // Pastors
Section 1.
The Pastor(s) of the Church shall be chosen by the congregation for an indefinite period, by ballot, upon the recommendation of the Consistory after prayerful investigation and consideration. Only such men shall be recommended who can and will conscientiously affirm and subscribe to the Doctrine stated in Article III. The selection of the Pastor(s) shall be voted upon at a meeting of the congregation specially called for that purpose. Notice of such meeting shall be given at the morning Church service(s) on the two consecutive Lord's days preceding the meeting called for such election. A majority of at least 80% of the voting membership present and voting shall be necessary to elect a Pastor.
Section 2.
The Pastor(s) shall perform all duties of the ministry, and shall, with the prayerful support of the Consistory, oversee all spiritual affairs of the Church.
Section 3.
The Senior Pastor and the Consistory shall consider and decide upon all pulpit supplies and special pulpit features.
Section 4.
If at any time a Pastor shall make application to be released from the pastorate, or if the relations between a Pastor and the Congregation become such as to be detrimental to the welfare of the Church, the relationship may be terminated by the congregation in sixty days from the date of the notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time, if it be mutually agreed upon. The Consistory shall have authority to consider this matter, and make recommendations to the congregation, but it shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present and voting at a constitutionally called congregational meeting to dismiss a Pastor.
Article XII // Ammendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation present and voting at any regular congregational meeting or special meeting called for the purpose, providing in either case, that such amendment shall be distributed in written form to the membership at least two weeks in advance.
By-LaWs
Article I // Meetings
Section 1.
The fiscal year of the Church shall coincide with the Calendar Year.
Section 2.
The annual meeting of the congregation shall be announced on two successive Sunday mornings prior to the meeting, and shall be held the 2nd Sunday in November in the Church building, for the approval of the budget, for the reception of reports, and for the transaction of such business as may be properly brought before the meeting. The President of Consistory or his appointee shall act as presiding officer at all congregational meetings.
Section 3.
The Recording Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted at the congregational and Consistory meetings, and carry on all necessary correspondence as directed by the Consistory.
Section 4.
Special meetings shall be called by the Consistory, or if they fail to act, then by the Pastor, when such a meeting is required under the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws, or when written request to call such a meeting shall be signed by 25% of the members of the Church in good standing and be presented to the Secretary of the Consistory. Notice of such meeting shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 thereof.
Section 5.
The Consistory shall arrange all the details of the congregational meetings and see that all possible preparation for their successful conduct is made.
Section 6.
Any person whose name appears on the active roll of the Church, who is not under discipline, shall be presumed to be a member in good and regular standing.
Section 7.
Any member of the Church in good standing (Article V, Section 3), shall have the right to vote on all issues properly brought to the congregational meeting. The Consistory members shall have the right to vote on any matter as individuals, even when their action on the Consistory has been called into question.
Section 8.
The voting members present at any congregational meeting called in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution and By-Laws, shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 9.
All congregational meetings, unless otherwise specified by this Constitution and By-Laws, shall be conducted according to Robert's Revised Rules of Order.
Article II // The Consistory
Section 1.
The Consistory shall hold regular monthly meetings.
Section 2.
The Consistory shall consist of those properly elected or appointed as Elders and Deacons and the Pastors. A quorum shall be one-half (1/2) of the Consistory plus one. The Consistory shall meet at the call of the resident, Senior Pastor or at the request of one-third (1/3) of the Consistory.
Section 3.
Special meetings of the congregation may be called by the Consistory at any time, provided that notice of the time, place and purpose thereof, shall be announced on two successive Sunday Mornings prior to such meeting.
Section 4.
The Treasurer shall coordinate the deposit of all Church funds in a bank account(s), which shall be opened and maintained in the name of the Church, and shall oversee the disbursement of the same at the direction of the Consistory. He shall make a monthly written report to the Consistory and an annual written report to the congregation. He shall submit the church’s books for an audit as directed by the Consistory. He shall coordinate the count and records of all regular offerings of the church.
Section 5.
All persons who handle funds of the Church or its organizations shall, if so required by the Consistory, furnish a bond in the amount required by the Consistory, the cost of which shall be paid by the Church.
Section 6.
All persons who handle funds of the Church or its organizations shall, when so required by the Consistory, furnish the organization’s books, legible and balanced, for inspection or audit.
Article III // Nominations and Elections
Section 1.
At its October meeting, the Consistory shall nominate individuals for vacancies in the office of Deacon and Elder. The names of all nominees shall be published during at least one regular service prior to the annual meeting, noting those who have chosen to accept the nomination.
Section 2.
At the annual congregational meeting, no more than 2 additional names for elder and 2 additional names for deacon shall be submitted for nomination by church members in good standing. The person(s) nominated must be present and be willing to accept the articles of the Constitution and By-Laws of this Church.
Section 3.
Serious consideration shall be given to personal qualifications and spiritual perception of all whose names are submitted for the office of Deacon or Elder.
Section 4.
All Deacons and Elders of the Church shall be elected by ballot of the voting membership of the Church at the meeting called for such purpose. The five nominees for Elder and the five nominees for Deacon receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. In case of a tie for fifth place a written ballot shall determine the elected individual.
Article IV // Ammendments
Section 1.
In case of dissolution of the local Church, the entire residue of money in the treasury will be disbursed among fundamental missions at the direction of the last officers.
Section 2.
These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation present and voting at any regular congregational meeting or special meeting called for the purpose, provided that such amendment shall be distributed in written form to the Church membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting.
Consistory Approved: July 10, 2018
Congregation Approved: October 21, 2018