Living Stone Community Church An Evangelical Free Church of America In Washington Pennsylvania

Transcription

1 Living Stone Community Church An Evangelical Free Church of America In Washington Pennsylvania BY-LAWS ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS Any person who confesses faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who believes the Bible is the holy, infallible, and inspired Word of God, and whose character, conduct and reputation is in accord with their confession, who subscribes to the above confession of faith, who accepts the constitution of this organization, and who is willing to support the church in attendance, prayers, and offerings may become a member of this church. SECTION 2. ADMISSION A. All inquiries for membership shall be made to the elders. B. A person seeking church membership must faithfully attend church worship services for at least (3) three months. C. Each applicant for membership shall complete a membership class. This provision may be waived in the event of a transferal from another Evangelical Free church or other circumstances approved by the elders. D. The elders shall review all applications and interview each applicant. E. Upon approval by the elders, the applicant will be presented to the congregation at any regular worship service and welcomed into the church by voice vote of the membership. Upon approval, all members shall share in the recitation of the church covenant. SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP STATUS A. Active Members. All persons [18] eighteen years of age or older who have been admitted into membership, according to Sections 1 and 2 of Article 1, shall be active members. The pastoral staff and their spouses shall automatically become active members upon their employment by the church. B. Associate Members. Any member under the age of 18 or any member who by geographic location or through physical limitation is unable to actively participate in the ministry of the church, shall be an associate member. An associate member may not vote or hold a ministry office. C. Inactive Members. Any member, who does not regularly participate in the ministries of the local church for a period of (6) six months will be considered inactive by the elders. If continued no interest is displayed, upon recommendation of the elders, their name shall be presented to the membership for a vote of dismissal at the annual business meeting. Upon approval of the membership the inactive member shall forfeit their membership. D. Reinstatement of Members Individuals who have forfeited their membership may have their membership restored at the discretion of the elders and subsequent approval of the membership in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws. The provisions for reinstatement to be handled on a case by case basis. 1

2 E. Rescinding of Membership: Should any member desire to rescind their membership out of conviction, conscience, or convenience, they must submit a hard copy letter addressed to the Administrative Secretary of the church stating their desire. The letter must formally state that they are rescinding their membership from Living Stone Community Church. It must be signed and dated. Electronic communication such as s or texts will not be accepted as valid communication to rescind church membership. SECTION 4. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP COVENANT As we have come to Him, the Living Stone- rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him we also like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Having professed Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, relying only on the grace and strength God provides, and in His presence, solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another. (I Peter 2:4, 5) SECTION 5. RESONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS. A. To seek the acquisition of spiritual knowledge, constant progress in spiritual living consisting of external conduct and control and eradication of every unholy thought, deed, and temper. (1 Peter 1:13-16; 2 Peter 1:5-9) B. To set a high priority on ministry in their own home, caring for the needs of their own family. (1 Tim. 5:3-8) C. To exercise their spiritual gifts in the church through the leading of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the grace given by God, for the mutual benefit of the body of Jesus Christ. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11) D. To honor and esteem the pastor(s). To pray for and submit to them in the scriptural exercise of their official authority, to manifest a high regard for their reputation and to pay for their support in proportion to their ability. (1 Tim. 5:17, 18; Titus 2:15) E. To submit to the loving leadership of the elders. (1 Tim. 5:17) F. To cultivate and cherish unity and love to all members. (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:17, 18) G. To participate in the life of the church joyfully and faithfully and contributing to the church with offerings of time, materials, and finances. (Heb. 10:23-25, 2 Cor. 8:1-9; 9:6-15) H. To be careful in their dealing with those individuals who are not in Christ: fulfilling obligations and promises, and as opportunity and ability enable, commend the gospel of Christ to them. (Col. 4:5, 6; I Thess. 4:11, 12; I Tim. 3:7) I. To faithfully attend membership meetings, prayerfully participating in, and considering all matters submitted to the church body. 2

3 SECTION 6. DISCIPLINE A. The local church is to be a community of grace, love, and forgiveness. Even though the church is to be such a community, sin is not to be ignored or condoned by the church. Sin left unchecked and uncorrected contaminates the individual and the church. (1 Cor. 5:6) With these truths in mind, members and those who attend regularly at LSCC are to have a keen desire to maintain a pure life. This will result in a church desiring to be pure before God and men. The benefits of discipline in the church: 1. It brings glory to God. (1 Cor. 5:6) 2. It edifies believers. (1 Tim 5:20) 3. It promotes healthy relationships. (Matt. 5:23; 18:15-16) 4. It promotes the spiritual welfare of the sinning believer. (Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 6:11) 5. It promotes the spiritual safety of the church (1 Cor. 5:9-13) Reasons for discipline in the church include conduct which: 1. Brings the Lord Jesus and/or the church body into disrepute. 2. Is hostile, offensive, or divisive in the church. 3. Is defiant to those seeking restoration and peace. 4. Is blatantly contrary to the Word of God and these by-laws. Important principles in the biblical process. 1. We are to be cautious in judging another member s life. (Matt. 7:3-5) 2. We are to be cautious in matters of freedom in Christ. (Rom 14, Col 3:16-23) 3. The goal of church discipline is to be restoration. (Matt. 18) B. The Biblical Process. 1. Self Discipline. Members of LSCC are to exercise self-disciple in accordance with God s Word. They are to seek forgiveness from God when sin has occurred, repent, and seek the forgiveness of anyone they have sinned against. When forgiveness is sought from a brother or sister, it is to be given in accordance with the measure that Christ has forgiven. (Gal. 5:22; Phil. 2:12-16; Matt. 5:23, 24; Col. 3:12-14) 2. One to One Discipline: Should an individual s sin be against another follower of Christ and it cannot be overlooked, it is the loving responsibility of the offended brother or sister to go to an erring brother or sister seeking his or her repentance and restoration. If an individual s liberty causes another brother or sister to stumble in to sin or is such that the exercise of freedom has seemed to turn in to mastery, it is the loving responsibility of any follower of Christ to go to the individual to lovingly correct and assist them out of bondage. (Prov. 19:11; Rom. 14:13-19; 1 Thess. 5:14, 15; Gal. 6:1-5; 1 Cor. 6:12). 3. Member Supported Discipline: If one on one discussion fails to bring about repentance and restoration, the offended individual shall again go to the offending individual, this time accompanied by one or two fellow members to assist in bringing restoration to the relationship. 4. Elder Supported Discipline: If supported discussions fail to bring about repentance and restoration, then the matter is to be brought to the attention of the elders. Should the elders determine there is unconfessed sin and a refusal to acknowledge that sin and bring restoration the elders shall call the erring individual to repentance. 3

4 5. Church Discipline If there is no repentance or restoration in response to the elder call, then the erring member shall be publicly called to repentance before the membership. If the individual refuses to repent, the membership shall vote by show of hands at a regular or specially called membership meeting to vote for removal of the erring individual from the church membership. A simple majority is required to remove a member from the membership rolls. 6. Restoration If after dismissal the individual demonstrates repentance and requests reinstatement, the elders may agree to reinstate. If reinstatement is recommended the repenting individual shall be presented to the church to state their repentance and the church shall vote for reinstatement. (1 Cor. 5:1-5; Titus 3:10; 2 Cor. 2:5-11) C. Other Provisions: 1. The elders may proceed immediately to Article 1, Section 6, Subsection B Paragraph 5, if the sin and refusal to repent have been openly offensive to the church or involves the teaching of doctrine contrary to the scriptures or doctrine of the church. (1Cor. 5) 2. Members of Living Stone Community Church agree that there shall be no appeal to any court or outside arbiter for any public statements made by the elders or pastors at the fifth stage of church discipline. This includes revealing names, the recounting of facts or circumstances of the offense or the actual dismissal from the church membership. (1 Cor. 6:1-6) 3. Members are to resolve issues of sin involving as few people as possible to limit the damage to relationship in the church. 4. If at any point in the process the offending individual asks forgiveness and shows repentance from his or her sin, forgiveness and restoration is to be given from the individual who has been offended, and the matter is to be dropped. (Luke 17:1-4; Matt. 18:21-35; Eph. 4:31-32) 5. Separate and apart from this process for the sake of the spiritual, physical, or emotional safety of the membership the elders may, in unanimity, notify any person regardless of membership status that he or she is not to be present on church property. The length and conditions of such a restriction to be at the sole discretion of the elders. 4

5 ARTICLE II LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP A. The legislative and legal governing body of the church shall be the membership and shall consist of voting members of the congregation. B. The membership shall have authority to approve or disapprove: 1. The appointment of elders and deaconate 2. The calling or dismissal of its senior pastor. 3. The annual budget of the church. 4. The sale or purchase of property or the taking on of debt. 5. Changes to the constitution or these by-laws. SECTION 2. LEADERSHIP AND OFFICERS A. ELDERS: 1. Qualifications: Each elder must be an active member of this church for at least two years. He must also have a thorough understanding of the church doctrinal statement and have attended the elder led theology and leadership classes. The elder, his spouse, and minor children must faithfully attend Sunday school, worship, bible studies and groups as appropriate- taking part in the life of the church family. He must also possess the biblical qualifications in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. a. Above reproach or blameless. b. The husband of one wife. c. Temperate, sober, vigilant. d. Sober-minded, prudent. e. Of good behavior, orderly, respectable. f. Given to hospitality. g. Able to teach. h. Not given to much wine. i. Not violent but gentle. j. Not a lover of money. k. Manage his own family well. l. Not a recent convert. m. Not self-willed n. Just and fair. o. Possess a good reputation with outsiders. p. Lover of the good. q. Hold firmly to the message received r. Defender of the faith. Their wives must: a. Be worthy of respect. b. Not be malicious talkers c. Temperate and trustworthy in everything. 2. Leadership Philosophy: a. Elders have the God-given responsibility to oversee the church, they are to be servant leaders. 5

6 b. An elders public ministry is to flow from their private lives and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. c. Elders will lead in a spirit of love, being on guard for the congregation and themselves. d. Elders should actively teach and live by the Word of God, exhorting the congregation in sound biblical doctrine and correcting those who contradict or do not understand it. They are to be the primary leaders in Christian education and discipleship. e. Elders are under-shepherd of Jesus, they are to have the manner of a loving, compassionate shepherd toward Christ s flock and protect the flock from spiritual danger. 3. Number, Selection, and Term: a. Nominations for the role of elder may be received by the nominating council from the membership at any time as the church may have need. Elders will generally be affirmed at the annual election and budget membership meeting but can be affirmed by the membership at a special membership meeting if need arises. b. The number of active elders serving shall be no more than seven (7) including the senior pastor who will also be an active voting member of the elders. c. Elders must receive a vote of 2/3 affirmation by the membership of the church before being confirmed by the laying on of hands and prayer. d. Elders shall serve three-year rotating terms, with a required one-year sabbatical after two successive terms (6 years). e. Each year the elders shall select a lead elder to conduct and coordinate the elder meetings with the senior pastor. f. In corporate matters, the Senior Pastor shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the church. In the event the church does not have a Senior Pastor, the Lead Elder shall serve as Chief Executive Officer. 4. Meetings: a. The lead elder will work with the senior pastor to conduct and coordinate all elder meetings. b. Each year, a recording secretary shall be selected from the elders to keep minutes of the meetings as an official record. Copies of these minutes to be supplied to the administrative secretary annually. c. Elder decisions will be made in the spirit of unity and unanimity through prayer, waiting and searching God s Word. d. In the event of an emergency, meetings of the elders may be held via conference call or video. All elders must be notified in advance of said meeting and agree to take part in such forms of communication. 5. Responsibilities: a. They shall be men given to prayer and the word. b. They shall be the final authority in the interpreting of scripture. c. They shall oversee all ministries to insure they are scriptural in intent and practice. d. They shall be the primary educators of the church, actively involved in teaching. e. They shall be the official body when communicating with outside organizations. f. They shall represent the church in all legal matters. g. They shall appoint two elders to serve on the nominating council. h. They shall appoint two elders to serve on the budget council. i. They shall conduct annual reviews of all paid pastors and staff and forward recommended salaries for each new year to the budget council. j. They shall review the church membership roll annually. They shall have the right to spend up to 5% over budget on up to 3 line-items annually. k. They shall interview and approve or reject all prospective members for recommendation to the membership. 6

7 l. They shall mentor and disciple individuals with potential of future leadership. m. They shall attend elder retreats and fellowship when scheduled from time to time. n. They shall maintain and compile a policy/ministry manual to direct the day to day ministries in their various function. These policies may be revised by the elders from time to time as desired or needed. 6. Discipline: a. An elder may be asked to resign by his brother elders if he is found to be unable to fulfill his role, chooses to not faithfully attend meetings for 3 consecutive months or fails to perform his duties to the best of his ability. Any resignation must be in writing addressed to the elders and the membership. Should said elder refuse to resign the matter will be brought to the church in a special called membership meeting. B. DEACONATE b. In the case of a moral or family failure, or the intentional teaching of false doctrine, the elders may immediately remove the elder from serving. When an elder is removed it shall be accompanied by a public rebuke and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation at a regularly scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Tim. 5:20. c. In the event the elders have become unfaithful or unscriptural in their role as a body or are governing the church in a way that is in violation of these by-laws and if they refuse to call for a membership meeting, the deacons may call for a church membership meeting to discuss and remedy the pertinent issues. 1. Qualifications: Members of the deaconate must be members of this church for 1 year. They must attend an elder lead leadership class and theology class and must meet the qualifications stated in 1 Tim. 3:8-13. Deacons must: a. Be worthy of respect b. Be sincere c. Not indulge in much wine d. Not pursue dishonest gain. e. Keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. f. First be tested. g. Be faithful to his wife. h. Manage his children and household well. Deaconesses must: a. Be worthy of respect. b. Not be malicious talkers. c. Be temperate and trustworthy in everything. 2. Expectations and Commitment: a. Attend regular team meetings as well as the yearly planning meeting. b. Support and carry out the mission and vision of the church. c. Serve in a way that supports the pastoral staff and elders. d. Live their lives following the pattern of Christ. e. They, their spouse, and minor children must faithfully attend Sunday school, worship, bible studies and groups as appropriate- taking part in the life of the church family. 7

8 3. Number and Composition: This shall be determined by the elders based upon the needs of the church. Nominations for the roll of deacon or deaconess may be received by the nominating council from the membership at any time as the church may have need. The members of the deaconate will generally be affirmed at the annual election and budget membership meeting but can be affirmed by the membership at a special membership meeting if need arises during the year. 4. Responsibilities: a. They shall coordinate the day-to-day functions of the teams on which they serve. b. Each year they shall select a recording secretary from each of their ministry teams to keep minutes of their meetings to report quarterly to the elders. c. They shall submit an annual report to the administrative secretary containing the yearly activities of the teams they lead. d. They shall work within the budget prescribed by the membership of the church. e. They shall administer the deaconate fund as a group to meet needs of the financially hurting in the church, the names of recipients being kept in strict confidence within the deaconate. 5. Deaconate Meetings: a. Each year the deaconate will select a male deacon to serve as the lead deacon for the year. This individual will have the responsibility of leading and planning the deaconate meetings. b. The deaconate shall appoint a recording secretary from the deaconate to keep minutes of deaconate meetings. c. The deaconate must meet as a group at least 9 times a year for collaboration and communication and review of financial reports. d. The deaconate must meet with the elders at least 9 times a year for collaboration and communication between the two groups. Generally, this meeting is intended to be a brief stand-up type meeting before the groups separate for their own meetings. e. All issues of consideration by the deaconate shall be approved through a simple majority vote. f. In the event of emergency, meetings of the deaconate, conference calls or internet conferencing may be utilized to carry out business. All deaconate members must be notified and willingly agree to take part in such forms of communication. 6. Discipline: a. A deacon or deaconess may be asked to resign by the elders if they are found to be unable to fulfill their role, chooses to not faithfully attend meetings for 3 consecutive times or fails to perform their duties to the best of their ability. Any resignation must be in writing addressed to the elders and the membership. A refusal to resign will result in removal by the elders. b. In the case of a moral failure, or the intentional teaching of false doctrine the elders may immediately remove the deacon or deaconess from serving. When a deacon or deaconess is removed it shall be accompanied by a public rebuke and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation at a regularly scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Tim. 5:20. 8

9 C. ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY 1. Qualifications a. Must be an active member of the church. b. Must be knowledgeable or be willing to be trained to take meeting minutes. 2. Selection and Term: The Administrative Secretary shall be selected by the Nominating Council and affirmed by the church membership. They may serve indefinitely in this role but must be reaffirmed by vote each year at the budget and election meeting. 3. Responsibilities a. Keep accurate and permanent minutes of the regular and special meetings of the church. b. Train others as needed in the discipline of minute taking. c. Keep a complete roll of members and contact information. d. Under the direction of the elders, issue membership certificates, baptismal certificates, or letters of membership dismissal. d. At the direction of the elders conduct all official correspondence, preserve, and file all official letters, reports and other documents pertaining to his or her office. e. In corporate matters, he or she shall be the secretary of the corporation. D. CURRENT EXPENSE TREASURER. 1. Qualifications a. must be an active member of the church. b. must have a demonstrated ability and competence in financial organization. 2. Selection and Term: The treasurer shall be selected by the Nominating Council and affirmed by the church membership. They may serve indefinitely in this role but must be reaffirmed by vote each year at the budget and election meeting. 3. Responsibilities: a. The treasurer shall serve as the custodian of all monies contributed for the expenses of the church. b. They shall also be the treasurer of all savings, trusts, or endowments. c. They shall prepare a monthly financial report for distribution to the finance team, elders, and church body at large. This report to include an itemized report of receipts and disbursements showing the actual financial condition of the church. d. They shall present all records to be audited at the end of the fiscal year, or more often if so requested by the church. e. They shall deliver immediately to their successor all books and records pertaining to this office. f. They shall be a member of the finance team and budget council. 4. Removal or resignation: The Current expense treasurer may be asked to resign by the elders if they are found to be unable to fulfill their role, choose to not faithfully attend meetings for 3 consecutive months or fails to perform their duties to the best of their ability. Any resignation must be in writing addressed to the elders. A refusal to resign will result in removal by the elders. 9

10 E. FINANCIAL SECRETARY: 1. Qualifications a. They must be active members of the church. b. They must have a demonstrated ability and competency in financial organization.. 2. Selection and Term: The financial secretary is selected by the Nominating Council and affirmed by the church membership. They may serve indefinitely in this role but must be reaffirmed by vote each year at the budget and election meeting. 3. Responsibilities a. They shall receive all monies given to the church for local expenses, missions and or any specific designation through the regular and special offerings, except for monies received in the deaconate fund. b. They shall deposit in the appropriate accounts all money on hand for all accounts except for the deaconate fund to the current expense treasurer. c. They shall prepare a monthly financial report for distribution to the finance team, elders, and church body at large. This report to include an itemized report of receipts. d. They shall present all records to be audited at the end of the fiscal year, or more often if so requested by the church. e. They shall be a member of the finance team and budget council. f. They shall deliver immediately to their successor all books, records, computer equipment pertaining to this office. 4. Removal or resignation: The Financial Secretary may be asked to resign by the elders if they are found to be unable to fulfill their role, chooses to not faithfully attend meetings for 3 consecutive months or fails to perform their duties to the best of their ability. Any resignation must be in writing addressed to the elders. A refusal to resign will result in removal by the elders. F. AUDITORS. 1. Qualifications a. They must be active members of the church and possess competency in finances. c. They cannot be a member of the finance team. 2. Selection The auditors shall be selected by the Nominating Council and affirmed by the church membership. 3. Number and term: The auditing team must have at least three members who may not serve more than three consecutive years. 4. Responsibilities a. They shall annually audit the financial books of all financial accounts held by the church. b. The audit shall be completed for the annual meeting in February. c. When the audit is complete an official letter on church letterhead with signatures of each auditor attached shall be composed revealing the results of the audit. This letter shall be presented to the elders for publication to the church and all interested parties. 10

11 G. BUDGET COUNCIL 1. Qualifications: Must be active members of the church. 2. Composition and number: The budget council shall consist of 5 members. The finance team. An elder representative selected by the elders. The Senior Pastor shall serve as a non-voting advisor on the budget council. 3. Term: The council may serve indefinitely but must be reaffirmed in accordance with other provisions found in these bylaws. 3. Responsibilities: a. The finance team lead deacon shall be the chairperson within the council to lead the meetings. b. The council shall have the exclusive task of preparing a budget to be presented to the membership at the annual election and budget meeting. c. All line items must receive 4 out of 5 votes (or over 80% affirmative) to be approved d. Salary recommendations for the senior pastor and all other staff shall be made by the elders. These recommendations shall be given to the budget council by the second Sunday in November. Salary recommendations are not subject to budget council approval and are to be presented to the church as recommended by the elders, unless there is a salary increase of more than 6% over the previous year for any one individual. If the salary increase is over 6% the overage must have budget council approval before being recommended to the church for vote. d. As a help for their task, the council is to follow the guidelines supplied by the elders in the ministry handbook under Budget Council Guidelines and Procedures. H. NOMINATING COUNCIL 1. Qualifications: Must be active members of the church. 2. Composition and number: The nominating council shall consist of 4 members. 1 Elder representatives selected by the elders. (Not the Senior Pastor) 1 Deaconate representative selected by the deaconate. 2 at large church members elected by the church membership. *The Senior Pastor shall serve as a non-voting advisor. 3. Term: No member of the council may serve more than three years consecutive years, irrespective of how they are appointed to the council, unless there are not enough elders or deaconate members to rotate off the council. 3. Responsibilities: a. The Nominating Council shall select a chairperson within the council to lead the meetings. b. The council shall have the exclusive task of qualifying, interviewing and recommending to the church membership individuals to serve as elders, deaconate or other officers as defined by these bylaws. c. All nominations must have unanimous support within the council to be recommended to the church membership. 11

12 d. The council shall present to the membership a slate of nominees for the annual election and budget meeting. e. As a help for their task, the council is to follow the guidelines supplied by the elders in the ministry handbook under Nominating Council Guidelines and Procedures. I. MINISTRY TEAMS 1. Qualifications: Ministry team members must be active members of the church. Teams shall consist of the finance team, facilities team, and fellowship team. Teams may be led by a deacon or deaconess. 2. Responsibilities: Teams are to function as the ministry facilitators in the everyday life of the church. a. Finance Team. 1. The finance team shall consist of the following voting members: The deaconate team leader of finance, the current expense treasurer, financial secretary and 1 at large church member. 2. In contrast to the other teams of the church, the finance team may not be disbanded by the elders. 3. It s number, selection, term, and responsibilities may not be altered by the elders but only through amendment to these bylaws 3. The finance team shall meet monthly to review the previous months financial reports and present a report to the elders and deacons to be made available to the church membership at large. 3. Other responsibilities for this team are outlined in accordance with the roles of the treasurer, financial secretary, and budget council. 4. Procedures for carrying out these responsibilities not outlined in these bylaws shall be compiled in a ministry policy handbook developed in concert between the deaconate and elders. 5. Finance Team members may be disqualified to serve should they fail to fulfill their ministry commitments including attending meetings. This dismissal is to be at the discretion of the elders in consultation with the deacon or deaconess leading the team. 3. Number, Selection, and Term. General qualifications for all teams: a. With exception to the finance team, composition and responsibilities shall be determined by the elders consulting with the appropriate deaconate members. b. Additional teams may be created, subdivided, combined, or disbanded at the discretion of the elders based upon the needs of the church. c. Team members may serve indefinitely and shall be directly accountable to their deaconate leader and ultimately to the elders. d. Team members may be disqualified to serve should they fail to fulfill their ministry commitments including attending meetings. This dismissal is to be at the discretion of the elders in consultation with the deacon or deaconess leading the team. e. An active church member may serve on more than one team if they so choose. 12

13 4. Meetings a. Teams shall meet with their deaconate leader at least 9 times per year for collaboration and planning. b. Issues of significance such as spending of budget monies or approving of reports shall be voted on by the team members at a regular or special called meeting. A simple majority being necessary for passage of any issue. SECTION 1. SENIOR PASTOR A. Calling the senior pastor: ARTICLE III SENIOR PASTOR AND STAFF 1. A basic compensation package for a senior pastor must be approved in the budget process through regular or special meetings of the budget council and church membership before a search commences for a candidate. Specifics of the compensation package including salary and benefits shall be determined by the elders. 2. A pastoral search shall be conducted by the elders, assisted by the EFCA district superintendent. The candidate must agree with the constitution, bylaws, and position papers of the church and the statement of faith of the EFCA. 3. The pastoral candidate must, upon recommendation by the elders, be approved by the membership of the church at its annual meeting or at a special membership meeting by a 3/4 majority of all votes cast. 4. The elders may only present and recommend one candidate for the role of senior pastor at a time to the membership of the church for a vote. 5. The initial call of the pastor shall be for a term of three years. Any subsequent call may be for an indefinite time. 6. Specifics of the compensation package including salary and benefits shall be determined by the elders and confirmed in the interview and negotiating process with the candidate. B. Duties of the senior pastor: 1. The senior pastor should be a man of prayer and the word. 2. He shall serve as an elder and supervise the day to day work of the pastoral/ministry staff. 3. He shall be responsible for the oversight, direction, vision, and spiritual welfare of the church. 4. The elders shall determine specifics of job description and scope of ministry. 5. In the absence of other pastoral staff or an assigned elder, the Senior Pastor shall serve as the leader of the education and outreach teams of the church. C. Terms of call: 1. The elders and prospective senior pastor shall negotiate the terms of the call with final approval given by the church membership. 2. The senior pastor shall be reviewed annually including a discussion of compensation and benefits for the new year. 3. All resignations from the position of senior pastor shall be in writing and addressed to the elders and church membership. D. Termination of pastoral relationship: The elders have the right to call for a vote of no confidence in the senior pastor if he has: 1. Failed to fulfill the duties of his office, 2. Failed to provide proper vision or spiritual oversight. 3. Exhausted his potential to lead the church. 4. Committed a biblically defined moral, marriage, or family failure. 13

14 Procedure for removal of senior pastor: 1. A 14-day notice must be given to the church membership to hold a meeting to remove the senior pastor. During these 14 days, the elders may suspend the pastor with pay at their discretion until the matter is resolved. 2. A ¾ majority of the voting members present for the meeting is required to remove the senior pastor from office. 3. In the absence of unemployment benefits paid by the church, should the Senior Pastor be removed he shall be compensated 1 month s severance pay for each full year of service, up to 4 months. 4. In the case of biblically defined moral, marriage or family failure, termination can be immediate with no severance pay. Should the elders desire to provide a severance in these conditions, the amount of severance pay must be within the parameters of #3 above. SECTION 2. THE PASTORAL STAFF A. Calling the pastoral staff: 1. Before a search commences, a basic compensation package for any pastoral staff must be approved in a regular or special meeting of the budget council and membership meeting. Specifics of the compensation package including salary and benefits and terms of employment shall be determined by the senior Pastor and elders and confirmed in the negotiating process with the candidate. 2. For a need or a vacancy, the elders and the senior pastor shall conduct a search. The elders may appoint a special search team to conduct the initial stages of their search. 3. The candidate must agree with the constitution, bylaws and position papers of the church and the statement of faith of the EFCA. 4. Pastoral staff shall be hired upon approval of the elders and senior pastor. The membership shall be informed concerning the process and may be provided a time to meet and greet the candidate. If a meet and greet is arranged, only one candidate shall be presented to the membership at a time. After receiving input from the membership of the church, final approval to hire shall be at the sole discretion of the elders and senior pastor. 5. The initial call of pastoral staff will be for 1 year. Any subsequent call may be for an indefinite time. B. Duties of the pastoral staff: The senior pastor and the elders shall determine the duties of pastoral staff. C. Terms of call: The elders and the senior pastor shall determine the terms of call. D. Termination of pastoral relationship: Termination of employment may proceed should the senior pastor determine staff member has: 1. Failed to fulfill the duties of his office, 2. Failed to provide proper vision or spiritual oversight. 3. Exhausted his potential to minister in the church. 4. Committed a biblically defined moral, marriage, or family failure. 14

15 Procedure for removal of pastoral staff: 1. If the elders agree with the senior pastor and the staff member has had adequate time to correct failures in ministry performance, that staff member shall be asked to resign. 2. Resignations shall be in writing and addressed to the senior pastor and elders. 3. If the staff member refuses, the elders and senior pastor shall terminate the employment relationship. 4. In the absence of unemployment insurance paid by the church, should the pastoral staff member be removed, the staff member shall be compensated 1 month s severance pay for each full year of service, up to 3 months. 5. In the case of biblically defined moral, marriage or family failure, termination can be immediate with no severance pay. Should the elders desire to provide a severance in these conditions, the amount of severance pay must be within the parameters of #4 above. There is no appeal to the membership of the church afforded to the dismissed pastoral staff person granted in these bylaws concerning the dismissal from employment itself or the presence or absence of a severance package. SECTION 3. OTHER STAFF A. Employment. 1. Before a search commences, a basic compensation package for any staff must be approved in the budget process through regular or special meetings of the budget council and church membership. Specifics of the compensation package including salary and benefits shall be determined by the senior pastor and elders. 2. All staff shall be hired upon mutual consent of the elders and the senior pastor. 3. The elders and the senior pastor shall determine duties. 4. The elders and the senior pastor shall determine salary, benefits, and other terms of employment. B. Termination of staff employment: Termination of employment may proceed should the senior pastor determine staff member has: 1. Failed to fulfill the duties of their position. 2. Exhausted their potential to work in the church. 3. Committed a biblically defined moral, marriage, or family failure. Procedure for removal of staff: 1. If the elders agree with the senior pastor and the staff member has had adequate time to correct the problem with no success, that staff member shall be asked to resign. 2. Resignations shall be in writing and addressed to the senior pastor and the elders. If the staff member refuses, the elders and senior pastor shall terminate the employment relationship. 3. In the absence of unemployment insurance paid by the church the elders may authorize 1 month s severance pay for any employee terminated that has been employed more than two years. 4. The presence of a severance package to be determined at the sole discretion of the elders and senior pastor. 5. There is no appeal to the membership of the church granted in these bylaws concerning the dismissal from employment or the presence or absence of a severance package. 15

16 ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS A membership meeting may proceed with a quorum of 20% of all active members. Rules of order for membership meetings unless stated elsewhere in this document: 1. All meetings of the membership including the items of business for the meeting require a fourteen-day notice to the membership of the church. 2. A special membership meeting must have the approval of the elders. 3. The administrative secretary shall take minutes at all membership meetings. 4. All items of business must have been discussed and approved by the elders. 5. Proxy voting is not permitted for membership meetings. 6. The senior pastor and/or lead elder shall lead the members meetings 7. Unless otherwise stated in these bylaws a simple majority shall serve to pass any item. 8. All voting shall be by show of hands or secret ballot at the discretion of the elders. 9. Any active member of the church may contribute to the discussion. Non-members are not permitted to address the church unless by special, preauthorized permission of the elders. 10. All participants in the meeting are expected to be respectful of others and not dominate the conversation. Should it be found individuals are dominating the conversation at the expense of others, the lead elder or senior pastor may restrict that individuals input. 11. In the event the elders are being unresponsive to matters concerning the church and refuse to call a special business meeting- The deaconate may call a church membership meeting to address the issues. The deaconate must have a ¾ approval within the deaconate to call the meeting. The Lead Deacon shall lead the members meeting. In the absence of the lead deacon, the senior most deacon in years of service at LSCC shall lead. In this case, the deaconate may authorize nonmembers to speak in an advisory role. The congregation shall meet regularly to consider business three times each year: 1. The annual meeting. The annual meeting shall be held no later than the last Sunday in February. The specific date, time, and location to be determined by the elders. For the meeting a type-written annual report shall be presented detailing the previous year s finances, activities, and ministries. This report shall be submitted to and compiled by the administrative secretary. At minimum the following individuals are required to submit an annual report. a. The lead elder. b. The lead deacon. c. The senior pastor. d. Assistant pastors or ministry leaders e. The deaconate leaders from each ministry team. f. The auditing team. 2. The mid-year meeting. The mid-year meeting shall be held in July. The specific location, date, and time to be determined by the elders. This meeting shall serve to review the finances of the church for the first 6 months of the year. Other business may be considered at this meeting as recommended by the elders 3. The election and budget meeting. The election and budget meeting shall be held in December. The specific location, date, and time determined by the elders This meeting shall be held to vote on the budget and officers for the new year. Other business may be considered at this meeting as recommended by the elders. 16

17 ARTICLE V. FINANCES The Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, has afforded each of us a great privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to provide financially for His church. Our giving need not be about amounts, or about percentages. Rather, as we are directed in the New Testament and by the Holy Spirit, our giving should always be centered on our heart attitude and our willingness. All monies given to the cause of Christ are to be offered freely and joyfully by the giver and at times sacrificially. (2 Cor. 8-9) 1. All funds received in the name of the church for the support of the church and its ministries shall be given voluntarily and shall be obtained solely through free-will grace giving. 2. All gifts in money and/or property given to the church shall become property of the corporation and shall be complete and irrevocable by the donor. 3. Non-cash charitable contributions of over $ must have the approval of the finance team and elders before being received by the church. This would include publicly traded securities, real estate, vehicles, etc. 4. All giving to the church is to be kept in strict confidence by the financial officers of the church. There is never to be released to the church body or public at large the amounts that are given by donors without the donor s expressed permission. 5. No designated monies will be received by the church if the designation is represented in the church budget. 6. All monies received by the church, unless designated into an approved account, shall be deposited into the general expense fund. 7. All special offerings or fund-raising efforts must have the approval of the elders. The only exception to this is the collection of love offerings received for established, budget supported, visiting missionaries or for guest speakers. Should a love offering be received, it shall be counted by an appropriate financial officer of the church and a church check for the received amount be issued to the missionary, speaker, or mission board, whichever the individual prefers. 8. With exception to visiting missionaries, ministries, or guest speakers, the church will not serve as a pass-through for individuals to designate monies to another individual or entity. 9. All expenditures must be approved through appropriate channels as outlined in these by-laws. 10. All individuals who have been appointed by the membership to oversee budget line items have the expressed approval from the church membership to freely spend monies within the parameters of the church budget and these bylaws. This freedom is to accomplish the tasks or ministries for which they and/or their teams have been chosen to accomplish unencumbered by another team or individual within the church. 17

18 ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS Amendments to these by-laws may be presented at a regular or specially called membership meeting for a vote when said proposed amendments have been reviewed and approved by the elders and presented to the membership in writing. Amendments must be posted for membership review at least one month prior to the membership meeting. A 3/4th majority of members in attendance for the meeting is required for passage. ARTICLE VII. ADDENDUMS In addition to the by-laws of the church, an addendum section will contain statements of position on various issues of concern in orthodoxy or orthopraxy. These position papers, composed by the elders or an agent of the elders and approved by the membership of the church shall define our stance on various issues. Position papers may be added from time to time as needed to direct and advise the church body in the future. These addendums must be recommended by the elders and approved by simple majority of the membership at a regular or specially called membership meeting. ARTICLE VIII. DISSOLUTION In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Act 55 of November 26, 1997 (known as the Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act). LSCC prohibits the use of any surplus funds for private inurement to any person in the event of sale or dissolution. Should Living Stone Community Church dissolve and cease to exist, all assets will be distributed equally between the Allegheny District of the Evangelical Free Church of America and all independent missionaries or organizations the church is supporting on their current budget at the time of dissolution. ******************** -Approved by membership vote May 6,