YATES BAPTIST CHURCH BYLAWS

Transcription

1 October 17, 2007 Effective January 1, 2008 Amended July 24, 2013 YATES BAPTIST CHURCH BYLAWS PREAMBLE To preserve and make secure the principles of our faith, to provide for the orderly government of this body, to preserve the inherent liberties of each individual member of this church, and to set forth the relationships of this body to other bodies of the same faith, we do declare and establish these Bylaws. (1 Corinthians 14:40 1 ; Ephesians 4: ) I. NAME AND LEGAL STATUS Established in 1878, the name of this body shall be Yates Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina. Our legal status is a corporation named Yates Baptist Church. The Articles of Incorporation were signed on July 10, 1996, and were filed with the State of North Carolina on July 22, II. FAITH Yates Baptist Church accepts the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as our rule of faith and practice. (2Timothy 3: ) The church affirms the doctrinal positions set forth in The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in III. PURPOSE Yates Baptist Church is a community of believers who seek to bring people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and encourage each other toward spiritual maturity. (Colossians 3: ; Matthew 28: ) IV. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIPS The government of Yates Baptist Church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. The church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical or political body or bodies. We recognize there is mutual helpfulness in the association of churches who are in agreement in faith and practice that encourages the spirit of fellowship and good will. We Page 1 of 18

2 also recognize that there have been devised, through the voluntary cooperation of churches of like faith and order, organizations whose purpose is to implement the missionary, educational, and benevolent interests and obligations of the individual Christian and his* church family. Therefore, we choose to associate ourselves with organizations that help us implement and fulfill our purpose. Section A. Requirements V. MEMBERSHIP Any person who has made public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and has been baptized by immersion, or who offers himself for believer s baptism by immersion, may request membership in the church. (John 3:16 6 ; Acts 2:38 7 ) Persons shall be received into membership by a majority vote of members present. On the recommendation of the Pastor, the requirement for believer s baptism by immersion as a condition for membership may be suspended in cases of physical inability or severe hardship. Section B. Bases of Candidacy Candidates shall be presented for membership to the church at any regular church service by any of the following ways: 1. By profession of faith and for believer s baptism by immersion. 2. By promise of letter of recommendation from another Baptist church, if the candidate has experienced believer s baptism by immersion. 3. By faith statement of prior conversion experience with believer s baptism by immersion when no letter is obtainable. 4. By becoming a candidate for believer s baptism by immersion if coming as a Christian from another denomination. Section C. Duties of Members The members of Yates Baptist Church are bound together by a Covenant and are expected to live up to their covenant obligations to the best of their abilities. * All personal pronouns used in these bylaws shall be gender neutral Page 2 of 18

3 Section D. Rights of Members 1. Except as provided otherwise herein, all members shall be permitted to vote on all matters brought before the church. (Acts 1:24 8 ) 2. Except as otherwise set forth herein, every member of the church is eligible for elective office in the church. 3. Members shall have access to the principal records of the church, including minutes of business meetings and financial records. These rights shall not include the right to inspect individual donor records or personnel files. Section E. Termination of Membership Membership in the church shall be terminated in the following ways: 1. The Church Clerk shall remove the name of any member from the church roll upon the death of that member. 2. Upon request, a letter of recommendation may be granted for any church member to any church of like faith and order. When letters are granted, membership in this church shall be terminated. 3. When a member joins a church of different faith and order, membership in this church shall be terminated. 4. In accordance with the teachings in the New Testament, the church may terminate the membership of a person whose behavior is habitually and vitally harmful to the witness and mission of the church. This shall be done by a threefourths majority vote of members present at a business meeting, based upon a unanimous recommendation of the Deacons. The ultimate goal throughout the process is the full restoration of the person to the church body. (Matthew 18: , Galatians 6:1 10 ) 5. A member may request that his membership be terminated, and such termination shall be effective as of the date the request is received. Section F. Watchcare Persons who are Christians and desire to be under the spiritual care and nurture of this church may make a public witness of their commitment to Christ by requesting to come under the Watchcare of the church. Watchcare members benefit from the responsibilities and privileges of membership with the exception of voting in church business meetings, serving as deacons, and serving on administrative committees. Watchcare members may assist administrative committees as needed. (Romans 16: ) Page 3 of 18

4 VI. MEETINGS Section A. Worship This church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training, and fellowship. (Hebrews 10:25 12 ) The regular worship services of this church shall be held on Sundays. The Lord s Supper shall be observed at least quarterly. (Psalm ) Section B. Business Meetings 1. The annual business meeting shall be held in November at a day and time set by the church for the purpose of electing church officers and committees. 2. Regular business meetings of the church shall be held quarterly during the months of January, April, August, and October at a day and time set by the church. 3. At the regular business meeting in August, the church shall elect individuals to assume leadership positions in Sunday School, music and missions. 4. Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor, Chair of the Deacons, a majority of the Directors, or petition from five percent of the membership or any 20 members, whichever is less. The time and place of a special business meeting, and matters to be considered, shall be stated in the call, and notice shall be given as required by Paragraph 8 of this section. Only the business matters announced in the call may be considered at the special meeting. 5. The Chair of the Deacons shall serve as Moderator. In his absence, upon his request, or on any motion concerning matters in which he is personally involved, the Vice Chair of the Deacons or his appointee shall preside. 6. Unless otherwise stated, the church shall decide upon matters of concern by majority vote of members present at a duly constituted business meeting. Members who cannot be present for a business meeting because of their assigned supervisory ministry to the church elsewhere, or for reasons of health, may be provided proxy ballots upon request. The use of proxies shall be in accord with the policies and procedures set forth in the Policy Manual. Only one proxy shall be held by any one member present. Wherever used in these bylaws, members present shall include proxies. Unless otherwise provided, voting by absentee ballot shall not be permitted. a. In the case of a vote to call a new Pastor, a 90 percent majority vote of members present shall be required for a decision. b. In the case of a vote to amend the Bylaws or to call an Interim Pastor, a two-thirds majority vote of members present shall be required for a decision. 7. A quorum shall consist of the members of the church present at a business meeting. 8. Except where otherwise stated, any requirement of notice for a meeting or item of business to be presented shall be satisfied by: a. announcement to the church during a Sunday morning worship service at least seven days prior to the meeting or Page 4 of 18

5 b. notice provided in any regular publication or newsletter mailed ten days in advance of the meeting. 9. Any motion brought before a business meeting on the following topics shall require notice in accordance with Paragraph 8 of this section and a summary of the subject and nature of the motion: a. the purchase or sale of real property b. the employment terms or salaries of church staff c. the removal of church staff or other persons in leadership positions d. modification of the budget exceeding $1000 e. the affiliation relationships of the church. 10. Robert s Rules of Order shall be the rule and guide in matters of procedure in all business meetings of the church. 11. The minutes of all business meetings shall be the property of the church. They shall be kept in the church office and available therein for inspection by all members. 12. The church year shall begin on January 1 and end on December In the event of an emergency, the Pastor or Chair of Deacons, with the consent of two-thirds of the Deacons, may call an emergency business meeting without notice to the members. All possible notice shall be given to the church, and action shall be limited to the issues requiring the emergency meeting. Section A. General VII. CHURCH LEADERSHIP Church leadership positions shall include Pastor, Associate Ministers, Deacons, Teachers, Clerk, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and others as the church shall determine. (1 Peter 5: ; 1 Timothy 3: ) For all such leadership positions, the church shall establish and set forth in the Bylaws or Policy Manual the means of selection and duties of each leadership position. All persons holding leadership positions shall serve at the pleasure of the church. (Romans 12: ) Section B. Pastor 1. Whenever the services of a new Pastor are needed, the Interim Pastor Search Committee shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church at a business meeting. The committee shall consist of six to eight members representative of the various ages of the adult membership of the church. The committee shall elect its own chair. The committee shall bring a recommendation to the church on the type of Interim Pastor the church should have. During the period of time required to call a Pastor, the committee shall be responsible for securing supply preachers and/or interim pastors. At a special called business meeting, the committee shall present the name of the proposed Interim Pastor to the church for approval. Members of this committee shall not serve on the Pastor Search Committee. Page 5 of 18

6 2. The Pastor Search Committee shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church at a business meeting. The committee shall consist of eight to ten members representative of the various ages of the adult membership of the church. Approximately four weeks prior to the business meeting called to vote on the slate of nominees, each resident church member shall be invited to make up to ten nominations for the Pastor Search Committee. Nominations shall be made in writing and returned to the church at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. The Nominating Committee shall consider the nominations and prepare a slate of nominees with representation from each of three adult age groups (young, median, and senior adults). Only one immediate family member may serve on the committee. Present employees of the church are not eligible to serve. The committee should be half men and half women. The slate of nominees shall be made available to the membership at least three days prior to the election at the called business meeting. The committee shall elect its own chair. 3. The person considered for Pastor shall meet the minimum qualifications as specified in the current Job Description for Pastor. 4. The Pastor Search Committee shall consider available prospects and recommend to the church a well-qualified person for a call by the church, including a clear statement of the conditions of the call. The church shall not consider more than one person for Pastor at a time. The Pastor Search Committee shall recommend a candidate at a special called business meeting for that purpose. A 90 percent majority vote of church members present shall be required to call a pastor. The vote shall be by secret ballot. The church shall call the Pastor for an indefinite period of time. 5. The duties of the Pastor shall be as specified in the Job Description and the Covenant between the church and the Pastor. 6. The Pastor is called to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of the Pastor or the church. a. The Pastor must resign in writing and shall normally provide at least two weeks notice before the termination of his services. The written resignation shall be presented to the church and shall be effective and binding when accepted by majority vote of members present at a business meeting. b. In the case of disagreement between the Pastor and the church on personnel or administrative matters, it shall be the duty of the Personnel Committee to mediate the differences and seek a harmonious solution. If a harmonious solution cannot be reached, the matter shall be referred to the Deacons. In the case of disagreement between the Pastor and the church on spiritual, theological, doctrinal, or ethical matters, it shall be the duty of the Deacons to mediate the differences and seek a harmonious solution. If the issues still are not resolved, it shall be the duty of the Deacons to bring the issues before the church at a special called business meeting. At that time, the Pastor shall be given the opportunity to express himself on the issues. Page 6 of 18

7 c. A Pastor may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a properly called special meeting. (VI, B, 9). The Pastor shall be given the opportunity to be heard at any such meeting before the members present vote on removal of the Pastor. Such a vote may be initiated by the recommendation of the Deacons or by other motion adopted by the church to call for such a meeting and vote. d. Removal shall be effective immediately upon the adoption of a motion terminating the Pastor. Any future salary and benefits shall be determined by the terms of the contract or by the church. Section C. Associate Ministers 1. With the recommendation and approval of the church, associate ministers can be called to work with the Pastor in the spiritual ministry of the church. (1Timothy 4:12b ) An Associate Minister Search Committee shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church at a business meeting. The Associate Minister Search Committee shall consist of at least five church members to consider available prospects and recommend to the Pastor and staff a qualified candidate. Upon approval by the Pastor and ministerial staff, the Associate Minister Search Committee shall recommend the candidate at a special called business meeting for that purpose. A two-thirds majority vote of members present shall be required to call an Associate Minister. The vote shall be by secret ballot. The church shall call an Associate Minister for an indefinite period of time. 2. The Search Committee shall consider the qualifications of the candidate in light of the duties required of the minister. 3. Duties of the Associate Ministers shall be established by the church in the form of a written job description. 4. The Associate Minister shall be called to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the minister or the church. Written resignations shall be effective and binding when accepted by majority vote of members present at a business meeting. An Associate Minister may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a properly called special meeting. Section D. Deacons 1. A Deacon Nominating Committee (DNC) shall be elected by the church each year to serve for a one-year term. Members are not eligible for reelection the next year. Members of the DNC shall be ineligible for nomination to the Deacon body while serving on the committee. The ballot shall list the eligible active Deacons and provide spaces for church members to vote for two eligible active Deacons and four church members at large. Absentee ballots shall be made available upon request. The Chair of the Deacons shall serve as the Chair of the DNC. Members of the DNC must be at least 21-years-old, and only one immediate family member will be eligible to serve. Page 7 of 18

8 2. During a two-week period, the Deacon Nominating Committee will receive recommendations for Deacons from the church. This procedure will be publicized to the church at least one week prior to receiving the recommendations. The DNC will select the number of persons needed to maintain the full complement of Deacons as determined by the Deacon body each year. The DNC shall be guided by the qualifications listed in the Deacon Handbook. About one-third of the active Deacons will rotate off active service at the end of each year. A body of 12 Deacons and a Chair will be considered the minimum number of Deacons required. The DNC will recommend its nominees for election by the church at the November business meeting. In the case of an unexpired term, the DNC is authorized to elect a replacement. Only one immediate family member is eligible to serve as an active Deacon. 3. The three-year term of service for new Deacons begins the first Sunday of January following the election. The ordination and installation service for new Deacons shall be conducted as soon as possible after the term begins. After a Deacon completes his term of service, he shall not be eligible to serve again until one year has elapsed after his term of service. 4. The Deacons shall elect officers as provided in the Deacon Handbook. Officers shall serve a one-year term. The Vice Chair shall be responsible for performing the duties of the Chair in case of his absence or disability. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings and report to the church at the regular business meetings any actions approved by the Deacons that should be acted on by the church. 5. The Deacons are servants of the church and shall organize to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Deacon Covenant as set forth in the Deacon Handbook. (Acts 6: ) A majority of the total Deacon body will constitute a quorum. All recommendations of the Deacons must be passed by a majority of the Deacons present, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws. 6. The Deacons comprise the Board of Directors of Yates Baptist Church, Inc., and they are charged with the responsibility of carrying out actions that pertain specifically to the corporation by law and practice. The Directors shall not have power to purchase, sell, or encumber any real or personal property; to install or remove staff; to amend the Bylaws; or to bind the corporation to any contract, except as expressly authorized by the church. 7. Whenever required by law or practice, the Chair of the Deacons shall serve as President of Yates Baptist Church, Inc. The President of the Corporation shall be subject to the same limitations as a director, having only such powers to act for the Corporation as may be expressly granted by the church. The Vice Chair of the Deacons shall be authorized to act as the Vice President of the Corporation, subject to the same limitations. 8. A person may be removed from the office of Deacon for conduct unbecoming a Christian or for consistent failure to attend meetings or perform the required duties of a Deacon. A Deacon may be removed from office only upon the recommendation of the Deacon body and by a two-thirds majority vote of members present in a business meeting. Page 8 of 18

9 Section E. Church Clerk 1. The Clerk shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church annually. 2. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to: a. attend, or be represented at, all church business meetings b. keep copies of minutes and attachments for all business meetings c. keep a copy of the current bylaws. The Clerk shall have other such responsibilities as may be set forth in the current Committee Handbook. All church records are church property and shall be kept on file in the church office as stated in the Policy Manual. 3. The Clerk shall serve whenever required by law or practice as the Secretary of the Corporation. Section F. Church Treasurer 1. The Church Treasurer shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church annually. 2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer, with any help designated by the church, to receive, keep in a bank, and disburse by check upon proper authority all money received by the church. The Treasurer shall have such other responsibilities as may be set forth in the current Committee Handbook. The Treasurer shall keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and shall render a quarterly account to the church. 3. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee. Section G. Parliamentarian The Parliamentarian shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church annually. The Parliamentarian shall advise the Moderator, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure in business meetings in accord with Robert s Rules of Order. Section A. Ministries VIII. MINISTRIES AND LEADERSHIP The church shall establish such ministry organizations as it deems necessary to fulfill the purpose of the church. Such organizations and statements of their purpose and duties shall be approved by majority vote of members present at a business meeting. Section B. Leadership The church shall establish such positions of leadership for its work as it deems appropriate. (Romans 12: ; Ephesians 4: ) The eligibility, nomination, election, duties, and Page 9 of 18

10 procedures for these positions shall conform to the requirements and specifications set forth in the current Committee Handbook. Persons to fill such positions shall be presented by the Nominating Committee and its staff liaison and be elected by the church by majority vote of members present at the August business meeting. Section C. Committees 1. The church shall establish such committees as it deems necessary to support and facilitate the various programs of the church. The eligibility, nomination, election, duties, and procedures for committee members shall conform to the requirements and specifications set forth in the current Committee Handbook. 2. Administrative committees shall study, advise, and make recommendations regarding church governance. The administrative committees shall include: Finance, House and Grounds, Nominating, Personnel, and Weekday Early Education. The members of administrative committees shall rotate every three years (with the exception of a member filling a one-year unexpired term). When possible, no one may serve more than four consecutive years on the same administrative committee. 3. Each committee shall elect its chair by majority vote. When possible, no member shall serve as chair of a committee for more than two years in succession. A staff member, appointed by the Pastor, shall serve as liaison for each committee. 4. The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for suggesting the establishment of needed committees and shall nominate members to fill positions on all committees. The Nominating Committee shall consist of a minimum of 12 members, plus the designated staff member as liaison. Members of the Nominating Committee shall be approved by the Deacons. 5. The Nominating Committee shall present to the church a list of qualified nominees to serve on church committees for the following year and shall fill committee vacancies as they occur. Church members are encouraged to volunteer for committees, and recommendations for committees may be submitted to the Nominating Committee prior to September of each year. Members of all committees shall be elected by a majority vote of members present at the November business meeting. 6. The Finance Committee shall consist of a minimum of 12 members, and the Church Treasurer shall serve as an ex officio member. The Finance Committee shall lead and encourage the church in stewardship matters. Financial policies and guidelines shall be recommended by the Finance Committee to the church for approval. The Finance Committee shall prepare an itemized annual budget that includes the Child Development Center budget and submit it to the church for approval. The annual budget shall be submitted to the church for approval by majority vote of members present at the November business meeting. During the year, the Finance Committee shall provide oversight of budgeted expenses. 7. The House and Grounds Committee shall consist of a minimum of 12 members. In accordance with the current Committee Handbook, the House and Grounds Committee shall provide oversight for the acquisition, care, maintenance, and Page 10 of 18

11 upkeep of all church property, including church buildings, grounds, furniture, and equipment. 8. The Personnel Committee shall consist of a minimum of seven members. The Personnel Committee shall establish and administer church personnel policies and practices. The committee shall assist in addressing staff performance issues, administer staff recognition programs, facilitate the communication of feedback to church staff, and develop recommendations for new or restructured staff positions in accordance with the Committee Handbook. 9. The Weekday Early Education (WEE) Committee, in cooperation with the Pastor, shall serve to find and to recommend to the church a person who is qualified to be Director of the Child Development Center. The committee shall oversee the operation of the center and make policy recommendations concerning worker qualifications, pay rates, student selection, tuition, and facility improvements. The WEE Committee shall have such other responsibilities as may be set forth in the current Committee Handbook. Section D. Councils Councils may be established by the church to initiate or oversee specific programs and ministries. Each council will be assigned a church liaison. Membership is open; however, council members must be elected by the church. Members of all councils shall be elected by a majority of members present at the November business meeting Councils are not recognized by Robert s Rules of Order. A recommendation by a council requiring a church vote must be made by an individual church member (may be a council member) or the appropriate standing committee. Section E. Child Development Center Director 1. The Child Development Center (CDC) shall be a ministry of the church. (Matthew 19: ) The Director of the CDC shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the CDC and coordinate such operation and activities with the church staff to ensure the effectiveness of this ministry as part of the church s outreach program to the community. The Director shall be responsible for operating these facilities according to sound business practice and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The duties of the CDC Director shall be established by the church in the form of a written job description. The Director shall be responsible for selecting, hiring, supervising, and terminating all employees of the CDC. 2. The Director shall be responsible to the Pastor and Weekday Early Education (WEE) Committee. Page 11 of 18

12 Section F. Staff The church may employ such staff as the church may deem necessary. The church shall establish job descriptions and means of selection, supervision, accountability, and termination for all such positions as set forth in the Personnel Manual. Section A. License IX. LICENSE AND ORDINATION The church by majority vote of members present at a business meeting may license a member to preach. This vote serves as an acknowledgment of the call to the ministry and encouragement for preparation. The church shall issue the certificate of license. It is understood that the performance of civil duties by a member shall be governed by state law. Section B. Ordination In the event that the church is requested to ordain a member who has been called to fulltime Christian ministry, the following procedure shall be followed: 1. The Pastor shall submit the candidate s request to the Deacons. 2. The deacons shall select an Ordination Council consisting of deacons and nondeacons. 3. The Ordination Council shall examine the preparedness of the candidate for ordination. 4. Upon satisfactory examination of the candidate, the Ordination Council shall make a recommendation to the church during a business meeting regarding the ordination. Approval shall require a two-thirds majority vote of members present. 5. Following a vote of approval as outlined, the planning process for the ordination service may begin. (1 Timothy 4:12b ) Section A. Policy X. FINANCES Financial policy shall be recommended by the Finance Committee and voted upon by the church. (1 Corinthians 4:2 23 ) Section B. Budget The Finance Committee shall prepare and submit to the church for approval an inclusive itemized budget with the amount needed and sought for all expenses of the church. Page 12 of 18

13 Offering envelopes will be provided by the church for members use to make contributions to the church. Section C. Accounting Procedures Monies shall be properly counted by the Teller Committee, accounted for and deposited by the Church Treasurer, and administered in keeping with the instructions of the church. Monies shall be properly recorded in the financial books of the church. A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the Finance Committee. Section D. Teller Committee The Teller Committee shall consist of a minimum of six members, with one member serving as Chair. The committee shall open offering envelopes, verify the amounts contained therein, count the monies received, and work with the Treasurer to prepare the monies for bank deposit. Members shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church. The Teller Committee shall have such other duties as may be set forth in the current Committee Handbook. Section E. Expenditures and Receipts of Funds No funds shall be disbursed without the express authorization of the church as provided for in the budget or separate authorization. No designated funds shall be received except where the church has approved the expenditure of funds for the designated cause. Separate accounting shall be maintained for all designated gifts and funds. Section F. Examination The financial records shall be examined at least annually or as prescribed by the church. The Finance Committee shall conduct or arrange for an examination of the type and nature they deem appropriate. Section G. Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the church shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31. XI. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The leadership and the appropriate church committees shall assure the creation and maintenance of a Committee Handbook, Personnel Manual, Policy Manual, and other documents that contain all currently controlling policies and procedures governing the affairs of the church. Page 13 of 18

14 XII. ADOPTION OF THE BYLAWS Adoption of these Bylaws requires the following: A. A copy of these Bylaws must be submitted to the Clerk and the church at least 30 days prior to a vote. B. After this requirement is met, a vote to adopt the Bylaws will be scheduled for the next regular business meeting. A two-thirds majority vote of members present is required for adoption. XIII. AMENDMENTS Proposed modifications of these Bylaws by amendments, whether by addition or by deletion, require the same procedure as stated in Article XII. Adoption. Copies of current Bylaws will be kept on file in the church office and with the Church Clerk. Page 14 of 18

15 SCRIPTURE ADDENDUM 1 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NIV)... [E]verything should be done in a fitting and orderly way Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 3 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 4 Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 5 Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. 6 John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 7 Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 8 Acts 1:24 (NIV) Then they prayed, Lord, you know everyone s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen. 9 Matthew 18:15-20 (NIV) If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Page 15 of 18

16 I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. 10 Galatians 6:1 (NIV) Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 11 Romans 16:1-2 (NIV) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 12 Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 13 Psalm 100 (NIV) Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations Peter 5:1-6 (NIV) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time Timothy 3:1-15 (NIV) Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil s trap. Page 16 of 18

17 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth Romans 12:3-8 (NIV) For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully Timothy 4:12b-16 (NIV)...[S]et an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 18 Acts 6:1-4 (NIV) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gather all the disciples together and said, It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word Romans 12:3-8 (NIV) 20 2 Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) 21 Matthew 19:13-15 (NIV) Page 17 of 18

18 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there Timothy 4:12b-16 (NIV) 23 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. Page 18 of 18