1.0 NAME 2.0 MISSION. The mission of Christ the Rock is to connect people to the Love of God in Jesus Christ. (Amendment passed November 9, 2008)

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1 Constitution of Christ the Rock Lutheran Church October 31, 1991 Updated May 17, 1998 Updated May 14, 2001 Updated November 19, 2001 Updated May 18, 2008 Updated November 9, 2008 Updated November 18, 2012 Updated November 16, 2014 Updated November 15, 2015 Updated November 5, NAME The name of this congregation shall be Christ the Rock Evangelical Lutheran Church (commonly known as Christ the Rock Lutheran Church) of Rockford Township, County of Winnebago, State of Illinois. 2.0 MISSION The mission of Christ the Rock is to reach out to our communities with actions that impact God s Kingdom through Jesus Christ. (Approved November 5, 2017.) The mission of Christ the Rock is to connect people to the Love of God in Jesus Christ. (Amendment passed November 9, 2008) We at Christ the Rock firmly believe that Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives and the rock of our salvation. The Word of God as recorded in the Holy Bible is the center of our belief. As disciples of Christ we reflect the Good News and love of Jesus in our worship, our lives, and our community. (Section 2.0 was amended to read as follows on May 17, 1998) Our mission at Christ the Rock is to glorify God and help all God's people become active Christians through: Worship and Service. Opportunities to grow in a personal relationship with God. Providing support with fellowship, praise, prayer, and spiritual growth programs. Reaching out to those without a church home with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So that all God's people may be strengthened, uplifted, recharged and energized with the love of Christ. (Amendment passed May 17, 1998) (Amendment passed November 9, 2008) 3.0 CONFESSIONAL STANDARD This congregation accepts without reservation:

2 3.1 The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice; 3.2 All the Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement of exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Martin Luther, the Small Catechism of Martin Luther, and the Formula of Concord. 4.0 MEMBERSHIP 4.1 The membership of this congregation includes the following: Baptized members are all who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God and who are under the spiritual care of the pastor of this congregation, including the children who have not yet been confirmed Communicant members are those baptized members who have been confirmed in the Lutheran faith, accept the confessional standard of Section 3.0 of this constitution and are familiar at least with the contents of Luther's Small Catechism, and are not members of organizations whose principles and conduct conflict with the Word of God Voting members are as defined in the bylaws. 4.2 Reception of Members Baptized members are received through: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism Consent and affirmation by one or both parents or guardians where children have been baptized in other Christian congregations. Communicant members are baptized members who have been received by: Confirmation - A baptized member may be received into communicant membership after proper instruction and public confession of faith Transfer - A person presenting a letter of transfer from a congregation within our fellowship. 2

3 4.2.5 Profession of faith - A person coming from a church other than a congregation within our fellowship may, after consultation with the pastor, be received into communicant membership Reaffirmation of faith - A person who has fallen away from active membership in a Lutheran Church within our fellowship may, after consultation with the pastor, be received back into the communicant membership. Such reception shall be acknowledged by the Voters Assembly at the next validly called regular Voters Assembly meeting. 4.3 Privileges and Responsibilities of Membership In response to God's love members shall strive to live according to God's Word. To this end members are encouraged to: Make diligent use of God's Word and the sacraments by: Being an informed, enlightened and dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ Seeking a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." Acts 16: Accepting and providing prayers, forgiveness, care and encouragement to and from members of Christ the Rock Lutheran Church as we grow in the love of God Regular church attendance and participation in Holy Communion. "Let us not give up meeting together, but let us encourage one another." Hebrews 10:24-25 "Take and eat, this is my body..., Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant." Matthew 26: Regular Bible study, both individually, and with other Christians. "They received the message with great eagerness and searched the Scriptures every day." Acts 17: Exercise faithful stewardship of God's gifts by: Giving time, talents, and treasures to extend the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ through Christ the Rock Lutheran Church. "They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, they gave themselves first to the Lord." 2 Cor. 8:3-5 3

4 Discovering, developing, and using personal spiritual gifts in the ministry of this church Being readily available for service in the kingdom of Christ within and beyond the congregation by: Praying for Christ the Rock Lutheran Church's pastor(s) and members, and for the proclamation of the Gospel Encouraging friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who do not have a regular church home to worship with Christ the Rock Give the pastor(s) honor, love and obedience in his ministry of God's Word. To this end: 4.4 Termination of Membership Help in the discharge of his duties with willing readiness and peaceable conduct, and in every other way possible Provide for his maintenance according to the ability of the congregation. Membership in this congregation is terminated through one of the following means: Transfer to a congregation within our fellowship Death Joining a congregation outside the fellowship of this congregation Self-request Whereabouts unknown Self-exclusion Excommunication. 5.0 PASTORS AND CHURCH WORKERS 5.1 The right of calling pastors and professional church workers shall be vested in the Voters Assembly and shall not be delegated otherwise. 4

5 5.2 The Office of Pastor is established by the congregation following the procedures established in the bylaws. Such pastor(s) shall profess and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in Section 3.0 of this constitution. Such pastor(s) shall be endorsed by and be a member of the Synod to which Christ the Rock Lutheran Church belongs. 5.3 Professional church worker(s) position(s) may be established by the Voters Assembly through job description, following the procedures established in the bylaws. The position(s) shall be conferred on such person(s) that adhere to the confessional standard set forth in Section 3.0 of this constitution. 5.4 The employment of church employees may be established by the Voters Assembly through the boards following the procedures established in the bylaws. 6.0 AUTHORITY OF THE CONGREGATION 6.1 The final authority of the congregation, subject to the Word of God and to the limiting provisions and regulations of this constitution and its bylaws, is expressed through the Voters Assembly. The Voters Assembly consists of those voting members present at a validly called Voters Assembly meeting. Empowerment of pastors, employees, officers and boards to conduct and administer the affairs of the congregation may be conferred, modified, or withdrawn accordingly as described herein. 6.2 The establishment and conduct of all organizations and societies within the congregation or related directly to it shall be subject to the approval and supervision of the Voters Assembly. 6.3 Any pastor, other called professional church worker, officer or board chairman of this congregation may be removed from office by action of the Voters Assembly by a two- thirds majority vote at a regular or special Voters Assembly meeting duly called and conducted under the provisions of this constitution and bylaws and conducted in Christian and lawful order. Justifiable causes for removal are persistent adherence to false doctrine, leading an offensive or scandalous life, or willful neglect of his official duties. 6.4 The congregation through the Church Council may request the resignation of any pastor, called professional church worker, officer or board chairman in the case of prolonged incapacity or inability to perform the functions of their office. 6.5 For dealing with the following matters a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present at a regular or special Voters Assembly meeting called under the provisions of this constitution and bylaws shall be required: Real estate transactions Building construction. 5

6 6.5.3 Capital fund drives in support of and above Calling of pastor(s) and professional church workers Removal of pastor(s), called professional church worker(s), officer(s), or board chairmen. 7.0 OFFICERS, BOARDS AND CHURCH COUNCIL This congregation shall have the following officers and boards in addition to any which the Voters Assembly may authorize from time to time. All officers, board members and committee members shall be members of Christ the Rock Lutheran Church. 7.1 Officers President - The President conducts meetings of the Church Council and Voters Assembly, and oversees the administrative functions of the church Vice President - The Vice President assumes the responsibilities of the President in his absence and oversees boards and activities as directed by the Church Council Financial Officer - The Financial Officer is responsible for the financial activities of the congregation and oversees the activities of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer Secretary - The Secretary shall record the minutes of the Voters Assembly and Church Council meetings and perform other duties as assigned by the Church Council and Voters. Assembly. 7.2 Boards A Board of Elders, consisting of no less than three members, which shall assist the pastor in the spiritual life of the congregation A Board of Trustees, consisting of a chairman and no less than one other member, which shall be responsible for the physical properties of the congregation A Board of Education, consisting of a chairman and no less than one other member, which shall be responsible for providing educational opportunities to nurture growth in Christ through the use (study) of God's Word A Board of Stewardship, consisting of a chairman and no less than one 6

7 other member, which shall be responsible for promoting an attitude of good stewardship in all members regarding first fruit giving of time, talents, and treasures for the work of Christ's Kingdom A Board of Outreach, consisting of a chairman and no less than one other member, which shall lead the congregation in outreach to others in our community, our country, and our world A Board of Inreach, consisting of a chairman and no less than one other member, which shall be responsible for the social ministries of our congregation and the assimilation of new members into the congregation. (Amendment passed May 18, 1997.) A Board of Christian Pre-School, consisting of a chairperson and no less than three other members, which shall provide a nurturing Christian pre-school program for young children of the congregation and the community. (Amendment passed May 18, 1997.) A Board of Youth, which shall consist of a chairperson and no less than one other adult member, and with no less than two (2) youth members to represent the youth body; which shall be responsible for Junior and Senior High youth ministry within the congregation. one Senior High and one Junior High member; which shall be responsible for Junior and Senior High youth ministry within the congregation. (Amendment passed May 18, 2008; Amendment passed May 14, 2001.) 7.3 Church Council The Church Council shall consist of the elected officers and the chairmen of all boards. The pastor and all called workers will be ex-officio members to the Church Council. The Church Council shall oversee the affairs of the congregation, including employees. 8.0 SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP Christ the Rock Lutheran Church shall be a member of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod as long as the Synod conforms to the congregation's confessional standards set forth in Section 3.0 as determined by a majority vote of the congregation at a meeting called for that purpose. 9.0 PROPERTY RIGHTS/DIVISION 9.1 If at any time a division should take place on account of doctrine, the property of the congregation and all benefits connected therewith shall remain with those 7

8 communicant members 18 years of age or older who continue to adhere in confessional practice to Section 3.0 of this constitution, as determined by the adjudication procedures of the Synod. 9.2 If division takes place for any other reason, the property shall remain with the majority of the communicant members 18 years of age or older who continue to adhere in confession and practice to Section 3.0 of this constitution, as determined by the adjudication procedures of the Synod. 9.3 In the event the congregation should dissolve, the property and all rights connected therewith shall be transferred to that district of the Synod in which the congregation held membership at the time of dissolution MEETINGS 10.1 Regular meetings of the Voters Assembly will be held as determined in the bylaws. Announcement of these meetings will be made in services the two Sundays preceding the meeting date Special Voters Assembly meetings require notification by mail and announcement in services the Sunday preceding the meeting date. Only such matters as are specifically designated in the announcement shall be considered at such meetings QUORUM All voting members present at a validly called Voters Assembly meeting shall constitute a quorum LIMITATIONS ON HOLDING OFFICE Women who have reached the age of 18 may hold voting membership in the Voters Assembly and serve as officers and as members of boards and committees as long as these positions are not directly involved in the specific functions of the pastoral office (preaching, public administration of the sacraments, church discipline) and as long as this service does not violate the order of creation (usurping authority over men). Accordingly, they shall not serve as pastor, as a member of the Board of Elders, as President or Vice President of the congregation, or as chairman of the Board of Elders. Men and women who have reached the age of 18 may hold voting membership in the Voters Assembly and serve as officers and as members of boards and committees. Women may hold the offices described herein, as long as these positions are not directly involved in the specific 8

9 functions of the pastoral office (preaching, public administration of the sacraments, church discipline) and as long as this service does not violate the order of creation (usurping authority over men). Accordingly, they shall not serve as pastor, as a member of the Board of Elders, as President or Vice President of the congregation, or as chairman of the Board of Elders AMENDMENTS 13.1 Amendments to the constitution may be made providing they do not conflict with the standards in Section 3.0 of this constitution Proposed alterations, changes, or additions to this constitution, except Sections 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, and 13 must be presented in writing to the Church Council. The proposal shall be presented at the next two regularly scheduled Voters Assembly meetings. The proposal shall be read in the first of these meetings and acted upon in the second. Prior to the second Voters Assembly meeting it shall be made known to the entire congregation by mail. The proposal shall be clearly stated and reasons for its adoption shall be given. A two-thirds majority of the voting members present is required for passage In addition to the above requirements, proposals to amend Sections 3, 6, 8, 9, 12, and 13 shall require that previous notice of such amendment and discussion of same shall be presented at two regular meetings of the Voters Assembly before the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to receive action. Due notice of the fact that a vote will be taken shall be given to all voting members of the congregation. Any changes in these sections shall not destroy the essential meaning of same. Whether or not this has occurred shall be decided, if challenged, by a decision of the Commission of Adjudication of the synodical district in which the congregation holds its synodical membership The revised constitution shall, as a condition of continued membership in good standing in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, be submitted to the president of the district for review by the district s constitution committee and favorable action by the district s board of directors in conjunction with being adopted by the congregation. (Amended November 5, 2017.) 9

10 Bylaws 1.0 VOTING MEMBERS 1.1 Voting members are communicant members who have reached the age of 18 years and have signed the constitution of Christ The Rock Lutheran Church on or before any validly called Voters Assembly meeting. 2.0 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP 2.1 Transfer of Membership - Communicant members in good standing may be transferred to a congregation within our fellowship immediately upon their request for such release. Members who move out of the community and thereby become inactive shall be encouraged to transfer their membership to a congregation within our fellowship near them. 2.2 Death - Names of communicant members who have died shall be removed from membership. 2.3 Joining a Congregation Outside Our Fellowship - Communicant members who join congregations with whom we do not share fellowship, terminate their membership. 2.4 Self-Request - Any communicant member who no longer wishes to be a member of this congregation may make his/her wishes known to the pastor and, upon his recommendation, the Voters Assembly may remove him/her as a member. The Voters Assembly may refuse to grant this request if the individual is being dealt with under section 2.7 of the bylaws. 2.5 Whereabouts Unknown - Communicant members whose whereabouts cannot be established for a period of 12 months may be removed from membership upon the recommendation from the Board of Elders and the pastor of the congregation. At least three separate documented attempts shall be made to contact the individual including at least one in writing prior to initiation of termination procedures per the constitution. 2.6 Self-Exclusion - The absence of any communicant member from worship services or the Lord's Supper, without valid reason, for a period of twelve months, may lead to removal from membership upon the recommendation of the Board of Elders and the pastor. At least three separate documented attempts shall be made to contact the individual including at least one in writing prior to initiation of termination procedures per the constitution. 2.7 Excommunication - Communicant members who conduct themselves in an unchristian manner shall be admonished according to Matthew 18: If they remain impenitent after proper admonition, they shall be excommunicated upon the 10

11 recommendation of the pastor and the Board of Elders. Each case shall be presented individually to the Voters Assembly for a decision. If such members deliberately absent themselves from the meeting(s) at which their case is discussed, they shall be regarded as having terminated their membership in the congregation. Upon excommunication, the member's name shall be forwarded to the Outreach Committee. 2.8 All membership terminations shall be reported to and approved by a majority vote of the Voters Assembly. 3.0 PASTORS, PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKERS, EMPLOYEES 3.1 Calling a pastor/professional church worker When a pastor or other professional church worker is to be called, every voting member of the congregation shall have the privilege of making one or more nominations. The calling committee shall also ask the president of the Synodical District for recommendations In the case of the calling of a pastor, the Board of Elders shall establish a calling committee consisting of a minimum of three people. The chairman of the Board of Elders shall be the calling committee chairman In the case of the calling of a professional church worker (as defined in the most recent Synodical Handbook) the appropriate board, as determined by the Church Council's evaluation of the position to be filled, shall serve as the calling committee. The chairman of the said board shall be the calling committee chairman The Calling Committee shall submit all names to the respective district president for information and evaluation. After receiving such information, the Calling Committee shall prayerfully evaluate the nominees and then present to the congregation, by means of a public announcement, a list of recommended candidates and biographical sketches. This shall be presented at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled Voters Assembly meeting or special Voters Assembly meeting called for that purpose At the Voters Assembly meeting, the Calling Committee shall present the list of recommended candidates. This list may be amended by means of a twothirds hand or voice vote of those voters present. The Voters Assembly shall adopt a minimum list of three candidates. The voters shall elect one of the proposed candidates by secret ballot. The candidate receiving a two thirds majority of ballots shall be issued the call. Once a two thirds majority vote is achieved, it is advisable to make a call by acclamation. A call by acclamation is a 11

12 call for a motion to make the decision unanimous and allow the body to align behind one candidate It shall be the duty of the President of the congregation to see that notice of the pastor's/professional church worker's election is delivered promptly to the candidate. in whatever manner the Voters Assembly shall direct. 3.2 Church Employees Called Ministry Staff The Voters Assembly may create various positions requiring church employees. These positions will be identified by the Church Council when developing a plan of ministry for the congregation. The church employee will perform assigned duties in accordance with the Word of God under the supervision of the pastor(s) and in conjunction with the appropriate administrative board. When positions requiring the addition of church employees called ministry staff arise (are necessary, are required, are determined), said positions shall be identified by the Church council in the course of the development of a plan of mission and ministry for the congregation The responsible administrative board shall be empowered to develop a list of qualified candidates on behalf of the membership. Any voting member retains the right to submit to said board, additional candidates. The administrative board, after thorough evaluation of all candidates and consultation with the Northern Illinois District, when applicable, shall submit its recommendation to the Church Council for approval. 3.3 The Pastoral Office The Pastoral Office carries with it the authority conferred upon pastors by God through a call of the congregation to exercise through the Pastoral Office the common rights of spiritual priesthood on behalf of the congregation from which all other offices of the congregation issue. However, the congregation may establish as many auxiliary offices as its needs require and determine what work is to be assigned to such offices Upon being installed, the pastor is authorized and obligated to proclaim to the congregation, jointly and individually, the Word of God in its full truth and purity as contained in the writings per Section 3.0 of this constitution. To this end: Administer the sacraments in accordance with their divine institution Discharge the functions of a minister and care for the souls of all members in an evangelical manner, in particular visit the sick and the dying and admonish indifferent and erring members. 12

13 Provide spiritual leadership and oversight in leading the congregation in its mission to reach those who do not have a church home or have Christ as their Savior Provide spiritual leadership and oversight in the educational programs and the various adult and youth organizations within the congregation Guide the congregation in applying the divinely ordained discipline of the church Serve as an example of Christian conduct and do all that is possible for the building up of the congregation and for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. By reason of his position the pastor is not only a servant and steward of God, but also of the congregation The pastor(s) shall have the authority and responsibility for supervising the musical portion of all worship services in conjunction with the Board of Elders so that it is at all times in harmony with the doctrine and practices as outlined in Section 3 of this Constitution In calling a pastor to preach the Word of God and to administer the sacraments on their behalf, the members of the congregation exercise their Godgiven rights (their royal priesthood as priests of the King, 1 Peter 2:5 & 2:9) and by no means relinquish them. 3.4 Removal of Pastors, Professional Church Workers, Officers and Board Chairman Sufficient grounds for deposing a pastor, professional church worker, officer or board chairman shall be persistent adherence to false doctrine, leading a scandalous life, and willful neglect of Official duties or evident and protracted inability or incapacity to perform functions of their office. Charges on any of these counts shall be carefully investigated by the responsible administrative board. Should such charges be substantiated by clear evidence, the individual involved shall first be given an opportunity to resign his/her position in the congregation. In the case of pastors and professional church workers, such opportunity having been given and declined, the Church Council, after consultation with the appropriate offices of the Northern Illinois District where applicable, shall notify the voting membership of the situation, and shall submit the matter for action at a regular or special meeting of the Voters Assembly. A two thirds majority of votes as defined in section 6.3 of this constitution, shall be required to depose a pastor or professional church worker. 13

14 4.0 AUTHORITY OF THE CONGREGATION 4.1 The Voters Assembly confers approval and supervision of the affairs of the congregation to the Church Council. This includes all employees called and non-called workers, boards and committees of the congregation. Excluded from this authority are the items identified in the constitution as requiring voters approval. 4.2 Additional boards or officers established by the Church Council shall be approved by the Voters Assembly and incorporated in the constitution as an amendment. The establishment of the board or officer may precede constitutional amendment as necessary. 5.0 OFFICERS AND BOARDS 5.1 The officers of the congregation, as well as each board, shall be responsible for developing and maintaining a procedure manual containing their job descriptions, meetings and board procedures. Such procedures and descriptions shall conform to this constitution and its bylaws and be subject to the approval of the Church Council. File copies will be kept at the church office. 5.2 Financial Responsibilities The financial activities of the church are the responsibilities of the Financial Officer, the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary. Responsibilities for each position are as follows: Financial Officer - This elected official has the overall responsibility of the financial activities of the church. Responsibilities include: appointing the Treasurer and Financial Secretary (with assistance from the Board of Stewardship), overseeing their activities, preparing the monthly bank reconciliations, presenting the financial information to the Church Council and the Voters Assembly, ensuring that all government forms are filed on a timely basis, and overseeing the budget process Treasurer - The major responsibilities of this appointed position include disbursing the funds for the church operations and preparing the monthly financial statements Financial Secretary - The major responsibilities of this appointed position include collecting and summarizing the weekly offerings and other gifts, depositing the offerings and gifts, communicating the offering and gift amounts to the treasurer and financial officer and ensuring that the individual offering statements are accurate and sent out in a timely fashion The appointments of the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary require Church Council approval. Operating procedures, including authorized spending 14

15 limitations of the Financial Officer, Treasurer and Financial Secretary also require Church Council approval The Council President shall appoint a Financial Review Audit Committee from the voting membership to audit review all books of the church. The audit review must be completed by the end of the second quarter of each year. A written report shall be submitted and approved by the Church Council. (Amended November 15, 2015.) 5.3 The Board of Elders shall consist of at least three members. Additional members shall be elected to maintain a minimum ratio of one elder for each twenty families in the congregation. Following each election the Board of Elders shall elect one of their members as Chairman of the Board. The basic responsibilities of this board are: Supervision of everything pertaining to congregational worship. To assist them in this task the Board of Elders shall establish a Worship Committee The spiritual welfare of the pastor, his family, and individual congregational members Provision for assistance in the administration of the sacraments Maintenance of church discipline within the congregation according to Matthew 18: The Board of Trustees is responsible for all real and personal property of the congregation; maintaining all buildings, equipment and properties. 5.5 The Board of Christian Education shall give particular attention to the continued spiritual growth of the congregation. This shall include all congregational education programs, and Bible study groups and youth programs. 5.6 The Board of Stewardship is responsible for promoting and managing the Christian stewardship of the congregation. This responsibility includes the care and administration of the time, talent, and treasure of the individual members of Christ the Rock Lutheran Church. This board will also be responsible for the communications and public relations of the congregation. 5.7 The Board of Outreach is generally responsible for the external interaction with people in the community who are not members of our congregation. This responsibility includes maintaining an on-going program with visitors and prospective members, congregational evangelism, and community and world missions. 15

16 5.8 The Board of Inreach is responsible for the social ministries of the congregation including member to member care, fellowship and recreation, and the assimilation of new members into the congregation. (Amendment passed May 17, 1998.) 5.9 The Board of Christian Pre-School shall be responsible for providing efficient management and operation of the pre-school by developing school policies, reviewing curriculum, supervising faculty, and providing financial management. (Amendment passed May 18, 1997.) The Board shall insure that the school policies and curriculum adheres to the Confessional Standard of this congregation as set forth in Article 3.0 of the Constitution of this congregation. (Amendment passed May 17, 1998.) 5.10 The Board of Youth shall be responsible for organizing and promoting activities for Jr. and Sr. High Youth. (Amendment passed May 14, 2001.) 6.0 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS 6.1 By the first Sunday in February the Church Council will appoint a nominating committee, consisting of at least three members. The pastor shall serve as an advisor to the committee. 6.2 The Nominating Committee is charged to select qualified candidate(s) for each office, board chairmanship and elders up for election. Candidates are nominated to a specific position based on their spiritual gifts, and their ability to perform the tasks of that position. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and a member of the Voters Assembly. A member may not be nominated without his/her consent. 6.3 The Nominating Committee shall publish a list of proposed candidates and mail it to the communicant membership at least three weeks prior to the election. Following the publication of the list, any voting member may submit to the Nominating Committee additional names for inclusion on the list. The names shall be added to the proposed list provided the names are received by the nomination committee at least two weeks prior to the election, and provided the proposed candidates consent to the nomination. The Nominating Committee shall post conspicuously the list of candidates one week prior to the election. Nominations from the floor will be accepted upon consent of the nominee. 6.4 Officers, board chairman and elders shall be elected at the May Voters Assembly meeting by majority ballot. If a majority is not achieved on the first ballot, voting shall continue after removing the candidate with the lowest number of votes in the first and/or succeeding ballots. 6.5 Board chairmen, with the assistance of the pastor and Board of Stewardship, shall appoint the minimum required number of members to their boards within six weeks of their election. Additional members, or replacement members may be appointed at any time. 16

17 6.6 The terms of the officers and board chairmen shall be two years. Terms will begin on June 1 and end on May 31 two years following. The officers and board chairmen shall be elected in even and odd numbered years as follows: Even numbered years: President (Amendment passed May 18, 2008) Vice President Financial Officer Board of Elders (½) Board of Inreach Chairman Board of Christian Preschool Chairman Board of Youth Chairman (Amendment passed Nov. 19, 2001.) Odd numbered years: President (Amendment passed May 18, 2008) Board of Trustees Chairman Board of Elders (½) Secretary Board of Stewardship Chairman Board of Christian Education Chairman Board of Outreach Chairman 6.7 All officers and board members shall be placed into office in a public service of the congregation as soon as possible after their election or appointment. 6.8 In case of vacancy in an elected office, the Church Council shall appoint a member to fulfill the duties of that office until the next regularly scheduled election, at which time that office will be up for election. 7.0 PROPERTY RIGHTS 7.1 All bequests shall be placed in a general memorial fund unless contrary to the instrument of the bequest. Acceptance of bequests is at the discretion of the Church Council. 7.2 The Financial Officer shall maintain a separate bank account for the General Memorial Fund, and shall include its status with his/her report. 7.3 Memorial funds for the improvement of the church and property shall be at the direction of the Church Council in order to insure uniformity of fixtures, etc. 7.4 General memorial funds may be used to assist the congregation in a financial emergency, but the funds must revert to their original purpose within six (6) months. 17

18 Such use of general memorial funds must be authorized by special resolution of the Voters Assembly. 7.5 Congregational Endowment Fund This congregation shall have a congregational endowment fund. The Fund shall be known as the Christ The Rock Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, and all assets of the Fund will be held in this name The purpose of this Fund shall be to receive contributions and to use them for the mission and ministry of Christ The Rock Lutheran Church. Bequests in wills, assignments of life insurance, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder and other trusts, assignments of certificates of deposit and transfers of property (e.g., cash, stocks, bonds, real estate) can be given to the Fund. The income from unrestricted contributions to the Fund are to be used for the uses, projects and programs consistent with the mission statement of the congregation and recommended by the Endowment Committee, Board of Stewardship and Church Council, including, but not limited to: (1) education of church pastors(s), staff, teachers and members, (2) operating costs of new church programs or special events and (3) mission outreach. The principal from contributions to the Fund shall be invested by the Endowment Committee. The principal shall not be distributed to the congregation's operating budget or otherwise disbursed except as set forth hereinafter The Endowment Committee shall consist of four voting members of the congregation. The Board of Stewardship shall select and appoint (by simple majority vote) the members of the Endowment Committee. At least one member, and no more than three members, of the Board of Stewardship shall be a member of comprise the Endowment Committee. Endowment Committee members shall be appointed to serve staggered year terms, which may be renewed by no more than two consecutive year terms. After a lapse of one year, former committee members may be re-elected. appointed. The senior pastor and president of the congregation shall be non-voting advisory members of the committee. The Board of Stewardship may also request other members of the congregation to serve as non-voting advisory members. A quorum of the Endowment Committee shall consist of three appointed members, and a vote of three appointed members is required to carry any motion. In the event the committee becomes dead-locked on any motion, any appointed member may bring such motion before the Board of Stewardship for action. The Endowment Committee shall be responsible for managing the assets of the Fund, accepting contributions and making recommendations for any and all disbursements. 18

19 The Endowment Committee shall have the power to hold, sell, exchange, rent, lease, transfer, convert, invest, reinvest, and in all other respects manage and control the assets of the Fund, including stocks, bonds, debentures, mortgages, notes or other securities, as in their judgment and discretion, they deem wise and prudent The Endowment Committee shall also recommend any and all disbursements to the Board of Stewardship, which shall in turn make a recommendation (by simple majority vote) to the Church Council for approval. All disbursements from the Fund shall be approved (by simple majority vote) by the Church Council. All disbursement checks from the Fund's accounts shall be signed by a designated member of the Endowment Committee and co-signed by the Church Treasurer The Endowment Committee may allocate, subject to approval (by simple majority vote) by the Board of Stewardship and Church Council, what undistributed income is carried forward and what undistributed income becomes principal The Endowment Committee shall develop and maintain a policy regarding the acceptance of contributions of non-liquid assets such as real property. In addition, the committee shall develop a program to inform members of the congregation and other prospective donors of the opportunities and methods available for making contributions to the Fund. The committee shall also develop and maintain an investment policy which shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Stewardship on an annual basis The Endowment Committee shall meet at least quarterly twice a year, or more frequently as deemed by it in the best interest of the Fund. Complete and accurate minutes of all meetings shall be kept and maintained. The committee shall also work with the Church Treasurer and Church Financial Officer in maintaining and coordinating accurate accounts for the Fund and in submitting reports to the Church Council. The Endowment Committee financial officer shall report at least quarterly to the Church Council and, at the first voters assembly meeting following January 1 of each year, render a full and complete account of the administration of the Fund for the preceding year. The financial records of the Fund shall be audited reviewed (November 15, 2015) with all other church accounts in accordance with and as provided by the church constitution and bylaws Members of the Endowment Committee shall not be liable for any losses which may be incurred upon the investments of the Fund's assets except to the extent such losses are the result of bad faith or gross negligence. No member of the committee shall be liable as long as he/she acts in good faith and with ordinary prudence. Each member shall be liable only for his/her own willful 19

20 misconduct or omissions, and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any other member. No member shall engage in any self-dealing transactions with the Fund in which the member has a direct or indirect financial interest, and each member shall at all times refrain from any conduct in which his/her personal interest would conflict with the interest of the Fund Subject to any donor restrictions applicable to any contributions of the Fund, the income of the Fund need not be disbursed annually if the particular uses have not been recommended by the Endowment Committee and approved by both the Board of Stewardship and Church Council or if, in the judgment of the Endowment Committee, total annual disbursement of income is not recommended Subject to any donor restriction applicable to any contributions of the Fund, the principal of the Fund shall not be disbursed unless the following conditions are satisfied: The Church Council, if it deems it to be in the best interest of the congregation and upon a two-thirds majority vote, recommends such action to the congregation; and The congregation, upon a two-thirds majority vote, approves of such action in two voters assembly meetings separated by no less than thirty days Contributions to the Fund may be made upon special terms or conditions or containing limitations or directions as to the investment or use of the contribution, use or accumulation of income, provided that such restrictions are acceptable to Christ The Rock Lutheran Church The Board of Stewardship shall submit a recommendation to the Church Council, which shall vote (by simple majority vote) on the acceptability of such a contribution In the event such a contribution is accepted, the Endowment Committee, Board of Stewardship and Church Council shall abide by the applicable restrictions in their management and use of the contribution Duration - The Fund shall continue in existence and be used as herein above provided, unless revoked, so long as Christ The Rock Lutheran Church shall continue to exist. In the event of a division, the Fund shall continue in existence in accordance with Articles 9.1 and 9.2 of the church constitution. If Christ The Rock Lutheran Church should dissolve, disposition or transfer of the Fund (including both restricted and unrestricted contributions) shall be in 20

21 accordance with Article 9.3 of the church constitution Amendments - Any amendment to this Article which will change, alter or amend the purpose for which the Fund is established or used shall be adopted only if approved by the congregation by a two-thirds majority vote at two voters assembly meetings convened no less than 30 days apart and in accordance with Articles 8.0 and 9.0 of these by-laws. Any other amendment to this Article may be adopted by a simple majority vote at a voters assembly meeting in accordance with Article 9.0 of these by-laws. (Amendment passed April 19, 1998.) 8.0 ASSEMBLY MEETINGS In addition to the principles laid down in Scripture, the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed. 8.1 The Voters Assembly shall meet no less than semi-annually and must meet the first weeks of the months of May and November. Among other agenda items, May shall include the elections and November shall include the budget approval. 8.2 All regular Voter Assembly meetings require an agenda describing the topics to be voted upon. The agenda shall be prepared by the Church Council based on input from the congregation, boards and committees. The agenda shall be mailed distributed to all members no less than two Sundays prior to the meeting. 8.3 Topics not included on the agenda of a regular Voters Assembly meeting may not be voted upon at that meeting. 8.4 There shall be no voting by proxy. 8.5 The President shall be empowered to call special meetings of the Voters Assembly as needed. He shall be required to call a special meeting when so requested by a majority of the Church Council, the pastor, or written request of 10% of the current voting membership. 8.6 Any topics other than that stated as the purpose of a special Voters Assembly Meeting may not be considered in that meeting. 9.0 AMENDMENTS 9.1 These bylaws may be amended in a properly convened meeting of the Voters Assembly by a majority of those present, provided the proposed change has been announced in a previous Voters Assembly meeting or has been submitted in writing to all voting members at least two weeks prior to the Voters Assembly meeting in which a vote is scheduled. 21

22 9.2 The revised bylaws shall, as a condition of continued membership in good standing of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, be submitted to the president of the district for review by the district s constitution committee and favorable action by the district s board of directors in conjunction with being adopted by the congregation. (Amended November 5, 2017.) This Constitution adopted by the congregation on November 10,