BY-LAWS:
PREAMBLE
Whereas, the Word of God demands that a Christian organization not only conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice (Ps. 119:105; Gal. 1:6-8; 2 Tim. 4:1-5), but that all things be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40) we, the elders of Grace Community Church, hereby set forth and establish the following BYLAWS by which our congregational affairs, spiritual and material, will be conducted.
ARTICLE I Name:
The name of this church will be “GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH”. The word “church” as used in these bylaws will refer to Grace Community Church, whereas the word “Church” will refer to the Body and Bride of Christ.
ARTICLE II Purpose:
The purpose of this church is to glorify God. It will seek to attain this end through the public worship of God, the preaching of the Scriptures, consistent Christian living by its members, discipleship, personal evangelism and missionary endeavor (Eph. 1:5-14; Col. 1:9-10; Mt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:9-12). Authority: The Board of Elders is the governing body of this church. Incorporation: To implement this purpose legally, the church is incorporated under the laws of the State of North Carolina, so that it may own, provide and/or maintain a place of worship (including suitable real estate and buildings), receive, hold and disburse gifts, bequests and funds, and/or do all sundry things necessary to carry on such purpose.
ARTICLE III Membership:
Anyone may become a member at Grace Community who 1) professes saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and 2) shows a willingness to abide by our Doctrinal Declarations and Bylaws and 3) is approved by the elders. I. Responsibilities of membership: The responsibilities of church membership are summarized as follows: A. To walk together in Christian love; B. To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another; C. To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows, and joys; D. To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness; E. To guard the spiritual and Scriptural purity and peace of the Church, and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus His Son; F. To assist, through the gifts of the Spirit, in the work of the Church and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus; G. To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the Church, the relief of the needy, and evangelism of all people; H. To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, and to establish family devotions where possible; I. To bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; J. To be above reproach in the world, to be honest in the sight of all men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in conduct, denying ungodliness and worldly lust; K. To endeavor to share our faith in Christ with others; L. To purpose that when we remove ourselves from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the responsibilities of being a part of the body of Christ. II. Discipline of Members: the motive of church discipline is love, the spirit in which it is carried out is humility and the purpose of church discipline is to effect a return to a Biblical standard of conduct and doctrine in a member who errs (Gal. 6:1), to maintain purity in the local church (1 Cor. 5:6) and to deter sin (1 Tim.5:20). Any member of this church who teaches or insists on holding false doctrine, and persistently conducts himself or herself in a manner inconsistent with Biblical teaching, or who persists in disturbing the unity or peace of the church will be dealt with as follows, according to Mat. 18:15-18: A. It is the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of an erring member’s false doctrine or misconduct to warn and correct the erring member in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration. B. If the erring member does not heed this warning, the warning member will again go to the erring member accompanied by one or two elders as witnesses to warn and correct, seeking repentance and restoration. C. If the erring member still refuses to heed the warning, the matter will be brought to the attention of the elders, who, upon careful and prayerful investigation, will tell it to the church encouraging the congregation to pray for repentance and restoration of the erring member. D. If the erring member refuses to heed the warnings of the elders and the church, he or she will be dismissed from the church pursuant to the Scriptures and treated as an unbeliever. There will be no appeal of the discipline process or the dismissal to any ecclesiastical or civil court. The congregation will be encouraged to pray for the repentance and restoration of the erring member. Unless the erring member repents, it is clearly understood that the discipline process will continue to conclusion whether the erring member leaves the church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership. III. Removal of Membership: Membership may be removed in one of four ways: A. By physical death. B. By transfer: When it is requested, the elders may grant to a departing member in good standing, a letter of transfer to the fellowship of another church. No such letter may be given to a member who is at the time under the corrective discipline of this church. The elders may refuse to grant a letter of transfer to any church which is in their judgment disloyal to the gospel (Jude 3). C. By exclusion: If a member habitually absents himself from the stated meetings of the church without valid reason, or if due to relocation he ceases to maintain a vital contact with the church, he may be removed from membership. If a removed member applies again for membership, the church will follow the process set forth by the elders. D. By dismissal as a final step of church discipline. The Board of Elders will only apply the above mentioned dismissal (see II.D) in strict accordance with the Scriptures.
ARTICLE IV Qualifications of church leaders:
All persons who hold any position of leadership (a position deemed necessary by the elders) must meet and maintain the following spiritual qualifications for leadership: I. Has demonstrated a repentant attitude towards their own sin and accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. II. Is a member of Grace Community Church. (Non-members may be invited to teach on a temporary basis; special speakers, guests, etc.). III. Teaches no doctrine contrary to the Holy Scriptures or as outlined in the “Doctrinal Declarations” of Grace Community Church. IV. Provides systematic spiritual, financial, and physical support to Grace Community Church ministry. V. Is known for a dedicated Christian life according to the standards of God’s Word, and will purpose to put any sin, including doubtful conduct and conversation, out of his/her life so that the resulting influence is helpful rather than a hindrance.
ARTICLE V Pastor/Teacher, Elders and Pastoral Staff:
God has provided various forms of leadership for His Church. At Grace Community Church we recognize and seek to channel this leadership focus through a variety of positions including pastor(s), elders, and staff. Those who serve and minister in these roles shall collectively and individually oversee, provide for, and encourage the spiritual life, welfare, and total ministry of the congregation in order to ensure the proper equipping of the saints. As God’s servants and stewards, these leaders will be persons: – Who meet the Scriptural qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:19-25; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:3-6); – Who adhere to the doctrinal basis of this church; – Whose character and ability to serve has been examined and approved by the elders; – Who will therefore be respected as they carry out their duties (Heb. 13:17). I. Duties of Pastor/Teacher: As an elder of this church the Senior Pastor will: A. Give himself to prayer and the study of the Word of God; B. Preach and expound the Word of God; C. Administer the Ordinances in accordance with the Word of God; D. Share in the pastoral care of the congregation along with the other elders and members of the pastoral staff; E. Perform the marriage ceremonies at his discretion in accordance with the laws of God; F. Officiate at funerals of members of the church and non-members at his discretion; G. Together with the other elders maintain church discipline; H. Participate in the installation of newly designated elders; I. Perform other Scriptural and general pastoral duties. The Pastor/Teacher will be free to accept invitations to preach the Word of God to other groups or organizations, provided such engagements do not interfere with the work of the church. Before accepting invitations to speak for other groups which require his absence from the church and its activities, the Pastor/Teacher will consult with the Board of Elders and obtain its permission. II. Duties of Elders: A. To be devoted to prayer and the study of God’s Word and sustain a caring ministry for the flock, which involves: 1. Serving as partners with the Pastor(s) for the church’s spiritual growth; 2. Praying for the sick and visiting the congregation; B. To teach and exhort as well as refute those who contradict the truth, which involves: 1. Ensuring that instructors, Bible study leaders and youth leaders are properly qualified; 2. Arranging for pulpit supply during the Pastor/Teacher’s absence. C. To lead by Christ-like example, which involves: 1. Consistently modeling spiritual character, attitudes, values, and behavior among the congregation; 2. Providing and inviting the opportunity for frequent and on-going contact with members of the congregation; 3. Conducting the affairs of the church in an atmosphere of openness and mutual sensitivity, focusing as much on nurturing one another as on decision-making. D. To oversee the affairs of the church, which involves: 1. Being responsible for the employment, terms of employment, direction, and termination of employment of pastoral staff; 2. Installing the duly elected Pastor and/or Pastors; 3. Approving all subordinate organizations of the church; 4. Approving all applicants for church membership; 5. Maintaining the legal status of the church; 6. Being responsible for securing funds necessary to meet the current expenses of the church; 7. Conducting the Annual and special business meetings of the church; 8. Submitting the approved budget to the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting of the church; 9. Approving nominations for the Board of Elders for the Annual Business Meeting of the church. 10. Communicating to the congregation on a regular basis concerning the activities and concerns of the elders. 11. To perform other Scriptural and general duties of oversight. III. Duties of Pastoral Staff: To perform such duties as are outlined by the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE VI Nomination and Selection of Pastor/Teacher, Pastoral Staff and Elders:
The Pastor/Teacher and Pastoral Staff: When a pastoral position becomes vacant, it will be the duty of the Board of Elders to provide for the vacant position and (if necessary) provide for a pulpit ad interim. They will seek a man who meets the requirements of 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 along with all other requirements set forth in these articles. In carrying out this process, the Board of Elders will directly, or through a search committee, communicate to the congregation regularly, and at reasonable intervals. We encourage that all church members who desire to suggest the name of an individual for a pastoral position do so in writing to the secretary of the Board of Elders. The filling of a pastoral position will be as follows: A. The Board of Elders will search out and screen all candidates, keeping the congregation informed of its progress. B. Unanimous consent of the elders is needed to invite a candidate for “in person” contact with the elders, deacons and the congregation. C. When the conditions in steps A and B have been met, voting members of Grace Community Church, at a properly called Membership meeting, will be asked to affirm the candidate. D. Unanimous approval from the elders is required to call a candidate to any position of Pastor.
The Elders: There will be no set number of elders. Each elder will hold office as long as he is faithful to his calling and has the confidence of his brethren and the congregation. An elder, like pastors, must meet the requirements of 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The initial selection of elders will be based upon appointment by the Pastor/Teacher (Titus 1:5). After the initial selection the process for selecting elders will be as follows: A. The elders will be personally involved in making disciples. Within the context of making disciples a group of men will be selected by the elders for further development as potential future elders. B. The elders may at any time during the year present a candidate or candidates for the possibility of being ordained an elder. In no case should a man be presented as a candidate without his knowledge and prior consent. The presentation of a potential elder/elders will occur at least six months before they are presented as a candidate. During these six months’ questions from the members of the congregation concerning the candidate should be addressed directly to the elders in private no later than one month prior to his presentation as a candidate. C. At a special worship service, the current elders will present the candidate for elder to the congregation for public ordination and installation. The elders will appoint a chairman and secretary from its members. The chairman of the Board of Elders will preside over the meetings of the elders, the annual meeting or any special congregational meeting. An elder may resign his office without prejudice if for good and valid reasons he finds he is no longer able to discharge the duties required. In recognition that the task of eldership is significant and is accomplished while continuing care of family and work responsibilities, we understand that individual elders may need to take leave of some of the responsibilities of eldership for periods of time. Such sabbatical times will be arranged through mutual consent of the elders. Mutual accountability among the elders safeguards against the continuation in office of an elder who has rendered himself unqualified for future participation.
ARTICLE VII Termination of Pastor/Teacher, Pastoral Staff and Elders:
The Pastor/Teacher, an elder or any Pastoral staff will be removed by a unanimous vote of the elders. When any pastor resigns to accept another call, or for reasons of his own choosing, he should give the Board of Elders a 1-month notice in writing of his intention to do so.
ARTICLE VIII Deacons:
The Role of Deacon The role of a deacon is to serve the Church by assisting the elders. The authority and responsibility of the deacons will be set forth in guidelines established by the elders. The Selection of Deacon The need for deacons will be determined by the elders. Candidates for deacon will be submitted by the church body to the elders. The elders will examine their character and abilities according to 1 Tim. 3:8- 13. Upon the approval of the elders, a candidate will be presented to the congregation for ordination. The Term of Deacon A deacon will serve for as long as he/she is able to perform the tasks assigned to them. A deacon will be dismissed in accordance with the same procedure as used for elders (see Article VII).
ARTICLE IX Property and Assets:
I. The church will have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and so hold such real, personal, or mixed property as is authorized by the laws of the State of North Carolina and is deemed necessary for the functioning of the church, and will have the power to dispose of such property by mortgage, bill of sale, deed, or otherwise. All property will be held in the name of the church. II. In case of division of the church caused by conflict (from which we pray God by His mercy to preserve us), all property and assets of the church will belong to those who abide by its bylaws. III. In case of dissolution of the church organization, the property and all assets will be sold, either through private or public sale. From the proceeds, firstly all current and long term obligations of the church will be paid. Secondly, all remaining funds will be directed to one or more Christian organizations qualified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for the benefit of the church’s supported missionaries and/or such other Christian endeavors as the elders will determine. The church will be considered dissolved if so decided by the elders. IV. Any sale or other disposition of the main Grace Community Church facility will be approved by majority vote of voting members of the Congregation. All other real estate transactions will be approved by majority vote of the elders.
ARTICLE X Business Meetings:
There will be two types of business meetings of the church: The Annual Business Meeting and special business meetings. I. The Annual Business Meeting will be held during the month of January. The Board of Elders will be responsible for the selection of the date on which the Annual Business Meeting will be held. Written notification to each church member will be mailed at least one month prior to the meeting. The notice of the Annual Business Meeting will include an agenda of matters to be discussed and/or presented. All reports required by the Board of Elders for the annual business meeting must be written and submitted to the secretary of the Board of Elders by the first Monday in January. These reports will include but not be limited to a current financial statement and recommendations and comments as to past, present, and future matters relating to the congregation. Matters of church discipline will not be included within the annual reports. II. Special business meetings may be called by the Board of Elders. Notice of a special business meeting will be mailed to each church member at least ten business days in advance of the special business meeting, except that no mailing will be required to those members who will have picked up their written notices at Grace Community at least ten business days in advance of the meeting. This notice will include the agenda of the business to be conducted or considered at said business meeting. In the event that a condition or situation arises which is deemed an emergency by the Board of Elders, the advance notice regulation may be waived.
ARTICLE XI Amendments:
Amendments to the Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation or Doctrinal Declaration of Grace Community Church may be amended by a unanimous vote of the elders.
ARTICLE XII Raising Funds:
It will not be the policy of this church to promote suppers, parties, or engage in the sale of products and/or services for the purpose of raising funds. Any exception to this general policy must have the prior approval of the elders.
ARTICLE XIII Indemnification:
Grace Community Church will indemnify and hold harmless any and all officers, directors, elders, ministers, pastors, deacons and business administrators for any expenses actually and necessarily incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding against said officers, directors, elders, ministers, pastors, deacons and business administrators. This indemnification will include costs for attorney fees. The indemnification will occur as the expenses are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, on receipt of the officers, directors, elders, ministers, pastors, deacons or business administrators’ promise: (1) to repay the amount advanced it if proved by clear and convincing evidence in court that the officers’, directors’, elders’, ministers’, pastors’, deacons’, and business administrators’ conduct involved a deliberate intent to injure the corporation’s best interests, (2) to reasonably cooperate with the corporation in connection with the action, suit or proceeding. This indemnification will be available to any officer, director, elder, minister, pastor, deacons and/or business administrator which is made or thereafter to be made a part to any action, suit or proceeding because of the person’s relationship with the corporation. Persons who are officers, directors, elders, ministers, pastors, deacons and/or business administrators at the time of being made a party, or threatened with being made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, or were officers, directors, elders, ministers, pastors, deacons and/or business administrators will be allowed indemnification. Indemnification will also be available in criminal actions only if it is found that the officer, director, elder, minister, pastor, deacons or business administrator had no reasonable cause to believe that the subject acts were unlawful.
ARTICLE XIV Effectual Power of the Bylaws:
The Bylaws will take effect immediately upon its ratification by a unanimous vote of the elders.
ARTICLE XV Confidentiality of Church Records:
No member will have the right to inspect the church records as to (i) the disciplining of any member, (ii) the hiring or firing of any employee, (iii) the need or problems of any member or employee, (iv) the financial contributions of any member, or (v) any other records which the Board of Elders may determine to be in the best interests of the church to keep confidential.