BYLAWS The Mount 860 Keller Smithfield Road Keller, TX 76248 Adopted December 2, 2018
ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Qualifications The membership of this church shall consist of persons who: Have made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Have been baptized in believer s baptism. Have completed church membership orientation. Have entered into covenant with this church by signing the Church Covenant. Covenant members will then be added to the official church records. Section 2. Covenant Member Status In an effort to maintain accurate records and to provide responsible service to our members, membership shall be separated into two categories, those being Active and Inactive. Active- Active covenant membership status is maintained by regularly participating in and supporting the ministries of the church as stated in the Church Covenant. Inactive- Conversely, inactive membership status is demonstrated by a lack of regularly participating in and supporting the ministries of the church as stated in the Church Covenant. To protect the integrity of the body, inactive members shall have no voting rights. Removal from Membership Rolls To maintain order and accurate records, this church shall remove members from its membership rolls upon any one of the following: Resignation by member. Request from a church of like faith for a letter of recommendation to its fellowship. Verifiable notification that he/she has joined or is in regular, consistent attendance in another congregation. Church Discipline resulting in Withdrawal of Fellowship as outlined in Article I Section 3. The Mount ByLaws 1 of 13
Section 3. Church Discipline and Restoration Discipline This church shall have the right to discipline its members. This church shall administer discipline with a purpose, first, to maintain the New Testament standard of fellowship in the body of Christ and second, to provide a kindly endeavor for restoration and continuance in fellowship. Any member guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of this church, shall be subject to the discipline of this church according to the instructions of our Lord (Matthew 18:15-17) and the example of Scripture. Church discipline should only be contemplated after individual, private admonition has failed. Church discipline may include admonition by the elders, deposition from leadership roles, and withdrawal of fellowship. Should a request for letter be received from another church of like faith while disciplinary action is in progress, an elder shall advise the requesting church s leadership of the disciplinary action, stating that we are bound to withhold recommendation pending evidence of repentance. The ultimate purpose of such discipline should be for the: Repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined. Instruction in righteousness and the good of other Christians. Purity of the church as a whole. Good of our corporate witness to non-christians. Glory of God by reflecting His holy character. Withdrawal of Fellowship Membership may be terminated after careful and prayerful consideration of disciplinary action, by a recommendation from the Elder Council and a majority vote of the active covenant members. Restoration Any person whose membership has been terminated by disciplinary action may, upon evidence of repentance, have their membership restored upon recommendation of the Elder Council. The Mount ByLaws 2 of 13
ARTICLE II. CHURCH OFFICERS This church recognizes officers of this church as the elders, the deacons, the trustees, the church clerk and the treasurer. All persons filling these offices are recognized as officers of this church. All officers must be active covenant members of this church. All of this church's officers are held accountable to God, to each other and to the members of this church. ARTICLE III. ELDERS It is through God s providence and gracious gifts that we recognize biblically qualified men and call them to undertake this ministry. In turn, we must support them through prayer, beseeching the Holy Spirit to help the elders to grow in wisdom and to be sensitive to the judgment and needs of others. In accordance with Scripture (I Peter 5:1-4) elders, through the Elder Council, shall oversee all of the functions of this church. Section 1. Eligibility Any male active covenant member meeting the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 may be considered eligible to serve as an elder. Must be an active covenant member of the church for a minimum of one year prior to taking office unless being hired into an elder position. An elder s immediate family members may not be in the regular pay of this church. Section 2. Term Of Service Elders normally serve for three years. An elder notifying the Elder Council or this church of intentions to leave, will normally resign within 30 days. An elder may be affirmed for additional terms. Section 3. Process of Elder Affirmation Nomination - Call for nominations from this church annually or as needed. Preparation - The candidate will go through a process of preparation as defined in the Elder Policy. During this preparation period, the Elder Council continues to observe and evaluate the candidate. The Mount ByLaws 3 of 13
Recommendation - With the preparation process complete, the candidate will be recommended to this church with a request for any feedback to be presented to the elders. Elder Council will research and investigate any negative feedback. Affirmation - If there is no valid negative feedback, the elder candidate will be presented for affirmation by this church. Section 4. Removal From Office An elder's service may be ended by his resignation, dismissal for cause by the Elder Council, completion of term, disqualification, or non-reaffirmation. Any two or more active covenant members, believing that an elder is unfit to serve, should express their concern to the Elder Council. The Elder Council shall hear and review the charges and, if necessary, present recommendations to this church. Any such action should follow the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17, and should not be taken lightly. (see 1 Timothy 5:19-20) ARTICLE IV. THE ELDER COUNCIL The Elder Council is the governing group for The Mount. The Elder Council derives its authority from this church and is accountable to this church, which retains ultimate authority, subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Elder Council oversees all functions of this church. Section 1. Responsibilities With understanding and humility, the Elder Council leads, guides, trains and equips the members to do His work (Ephesians 4:11-12 ), while promoting harmony and cooperation. The Elder Council: Sets the vision of this church. Protects the teaching of the doctrine. Maintains primary oversight for the employment and supervision of paid staff. Oversees and approves the selection of candidates for offices and positions. Oversees the ministries and resources of this church. Initiates or dissolves any ministry team or study group as needed. Interprets and resolves issues of conflict in The Mount s governing documents. The Mount ByLaws 4 of 13
Section 2. Structure The Elder Council shall be composed of both staff elder(s) and lay elder(s). Staff elders are those who receive regular compensation from this church. Lay elders are those who do not receive any regular compensation from this church. The Elder Council shall have a minimum of three elders but may vary with the size and demands of the congregation. The Elder Council strives for a consensus before moving forward on matters. In matters where there is an apparent conflict of interest, an elder shall withdraw from deliberations. Section 3. Vacancies Should the number of elders on the Elder Council fall below the minimum, The elders may appoint a temporary elder. That temporary elder would serve until the normal Process of Affirmation is complete. The Elder Council may appoint: A previously affirmed elder willing to serve. An eligible candidate. ARTICLE V. DEACONS We recognize men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service, to be deacons. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons. Section 1. Eligibility Any male active covenant member meeting the biblical qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-12 and Acts 6:1-7 may be considered eligible to serve as a deacon. Must be an active covenant member of the church for a minimum of one year prior to taking office. A deacon s immediate family members will not normally be in full-time pay of this church. Section 2. Term of Service Deacons normally serve for three years. A Deacon notifying the elder council or church of intentions to leave will normally resign within 30 days. A deacon may be affirmed for additional terms. The Mount ByLaws 5 of 13
Section 3. Process of Deacon Affirmation Nomination - Call for nominations from this church annually or as needed. Preparation - The candidate will go through a process of preparation as defined in the Deacon Policy. During this preparation period, the candidate will be observed and evaluated by both the Deacon Body and the Elder Council. Recommendation - With the preparation process complete, the candidate will be recommended to this church with a request for any feedback to be presented to the deacons. Deacons will report to the Elder Council and will research and investigate any negative feedback. Affirmation - If there is no valid negative feedback, the candidate will be recommended by the Elder Council for affirmation by this church. Section 4. Removal From Office A deacon s active service may be ended by his resignation, dismissal, completion of term, or non-reaffirmation. Any two or more active covenant members, believing that a deacon is unfit to serve, after attempting resolution, should express their concern to another deacon. The Deacon Body should seek resolution according to Matthew 18 and present the issue to the Elder Council. The Elder Council may dismiss a deacon following the principles of Matthew 18. ARTICLE VI. DEACON BODY The Deacon Body is the group of deacons leading in service to this church. They are accountable to the Elder Council. Section 1. Responsibilities Care for the temporal needs of members of this church especially the widows and widowers. Attend to the accommodations for public worship. Provide assistance to the Elder Council. Manage a process for benevolence. Section 2. Structure The Deacon Body shall be composed of all active deacons. The number of deacons serving on the Deacon Body will vary with the size and The Mount ByLaws 6 of 13
demands of the congregation. The Deacon Body will organize to utilize giftings and talents of the active deacons. That organization may change based on the gifts and talents of the active deacons. Section 3. Vacancies The Deacon Body shall absorb the duties left by the vacancy or may recall a previously affirmed deacon from this church. ARTICLE VII. TRUSTEES The trustees are entrusted with the responsibility as signatories on legal corporation documents such as real estate deeds. Trustees are considered legally liable for actions taken on behalf of this church. Section 1. Eligibility Must be an active covenant member of the church for a minimum of one year prior to taking office. Section 2. Term of Service Trustees normally serve for three years. A Trustee notifying the elder council or church of intentions to leave will normally resign within 30 days. A Trustee may be affirmed for additional terms. A Trustee may end their service by their resignation, dismissal for cause by the elder council, completion of term, or non-reaffirmation. Section 3. Nomination Process Nominated by this church Approved by the Elder Council Affirmed by simple majority vote of active covenant members. The Mount ByLaws 7 of 13
ARTICLE VIII. Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees are accountable to the Elder Council. Section 1. Responsibilities To hold in trust all church real estate and other church property. To sign legal documents that are higher in value or longer in the term where signatures of church corporate representatives are required. Review and recommend changes to our property and liability insurance and recommend to this church any necessary changes. Obtain legal counsel when needed. Section 2. Structure The board of trustees shall be composed of at least one trustee elected at large and one elder. The size of the Board of Trustees may vary based on the size and needs of this church but should be no less two. The Board of Trustees will organize to utilize giftings and talents of the trustees. That organization may change based on the gifts and talents of the trustees. Section 3. Vacancy Positions are filled through the Nomination Process except in the case of dismissal or unexpected resignation. In such a case the Elder Council may appoint a temporary Trustee. ARTICLE IX. CHURCH CLERK For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State of Texas, the clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation. The Church Clerk is accountable to the Elder Council. Section 1. Responsibilities Records the results of all votes. Records the minutes of all business meetings of this church. Ensures that dated copies of the most recent revision of the constitution and bylaws shall be available to this church. The Mount ByLaws 8 of 13
Section 2. Eligibility An eligible candidate cannot be an active elder, a trustee, or The Treasurer. Section 3. Term of Service The Church Clerk normally serves for three years. The Church Clerk notifying the Elder Council or this church of intentions to leave will normally resign within 30 days. The Church Clerk may be affirmed for additional terms. The Church Clerk may end their service by their resignation, dismissal for cause by the Elder Council, completion of term, or non-reaffirmation. Section 4. Nomination Process Nominated by this church Approved by the Elder Council Affirmed by simple majority vote of active covenant members. Section 5. Vacancy The Position is filled through the Nomination Process except in the case of dismissal or unexpected resignation. In such a case the Elder Council may appoint a temporary Church Clerk. ARTICLE X. TREASURER For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the State of Texas, the treasurer shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as appropriate. The Treasurer is accountable to the Elder Council. Section 1. Responsibilities Ensures adequate controls to guarantee that all funds belonging to this church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent of this church. Ensures regular reports of the account balances, revenues and expenses of this church. Ensures that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to this church. The Mount ByLaws 9 of 13
Ensures an account of the financial condition of this church annually and other transactions as required by this church. Section 2. Eligibility An eligible candidate must be an active covenant member of this church for a minimum of one year prior to taking office. An eligible candidate cannot be an active elder, trustee or the Church Clerk. Section 3. Term of Service The Treasurer will normally serve for three years. The Treasurer notifying the Elder Council or this church of intentions to leave will normally resign within 30 days. The Treasurer may be affirmed by the active covenant members for additional terms. The Treasurer may end their service by their resignation, dismissal for cause by the Elder Council, completion of term, or non-reaffirmation. Section 4. Nomination Process Nominated by this church Approved by the Elder Council Affirmed by simple majority vote of active covenant members. Section 5. Vacancy The Position is filled through the nomination process except in the case of dismissal or unexpected resignation. In such a case the Elder Council may appoint a temporary Treasurer. ARTICLE XI. MEETINGS Section 1. Business Meetings A business meeting shall be conducted on at least a semiannual basis with two weeks notice being given to the active covenant members. Business meetings may be requested by any active covenant member of the church. Business meeting will be called upon the approval of the elder board and with due notice being given to The Mount ByLaws 10 of 13
the church, consisting of a notification at the preceding normal service time(s). The business meeting may span over multiple time frames and days in order to accommodate multiple services over multiple days. This procedure may be suspended by the elders only if an unexpected item arises that requires immediate action or communication. Section 2. Quorum All active covenant members present or voting on a matter constitutes a business meeting and shall together constitute a quorum, and are empowered to transact business. Section 3. Moderator Any elder of The Mount shall moderate business meetings of the church. In the absence of an elder, a member of The Deacon Body shall moderate. In the absence of both, The Church Clerk shall preside pro tem and call for the election of a moderator by quorum. Section 4. Voting on Business Voting may happen in multiple forms (e.g. electronic, paper, voice, etc.) and may be open for a period of time to allow for prayer and absentee voting. Section 5. Recording Minutes will be taken by the Church Clerk for all business meetings. In the absence or inability of the Church Clerk The Moderator will appoint a person designated to take minutes. Minutes of all business meetings shall be kept by the church office. All business meeting minutes are available to any member of the church. ARTICLE XII. FISCAL POLICY Section 1. Finances We believe in the scriptural doctrine of tithing as the minimum responsibility of Christian stewardship, and that we are obligated by Scripture to teach and encourage each other to practice the doctrine in our lives, in terms of both time and money. Therefore: The Mount ByLaws 11 of 13
The financial needs of this church, our organizations, and any causes we adopt, shall be funded by the tithes, offerings, voluntary gifts, and other income. All money shall be paid into, and disbursed from, the church treasury. This church shall operate on a budget proposed annually and approved and adopted by a vote of a simple majority. The budget and up to a 10% variance shall be considered as authority to disburse available funds. All proposals for fundraising must be approved by The Elder Council. The Treasurer shall be custodian of all church funds and shall ensure written statements of income and disbursements be provided to the church. This church shall establish procedures for accounting and auditing of all finances. All books, records, and supporting documents, except for personal giving and benevolence fund recipients, shall be open to active covenant members with a legitimate reason for access, at place of keeping and during regular business hours. Section 2. Property All property, both real and personal, all monies, and all equities and the like shall be held and controlled by this church. Section 3. Fiscal Year This church fiscal year shall run from January 1 through December 31. ARTICLE XIII. ORDINANCES Section 1. Baptism The ordinance of Baptism shall be administered on the authority of the congregation, in obedience to the command of Christ. An elder shall oversee the ordinance of Baptism. Section 2. The Lord s Supper The ordinance of The Lord s Supper shall be observed with such frequency as this church may determine. An elder shall oversee the ordinance of the Lord s Supper. The Mount ByLaws 12 of 13
ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS These Bylaws as adopted by this church in accordance with the previous constitution and in a business meeting held on December 2, 2018 shall supersede all prior resolutions, precedents, and actions of the church not in harmony with its provisions. Section 1. ByLaw Amendments The ByLaws may be amended by a majority vote of the this church. The amendments shall have been offered at least thirty (30) days prior to the voting. The date of consideration must be announced at the time of offering. Section 2. Recording Amendments are to be recorded after the affirmative final vote. Two complete official copies of the Bylaws, together with all amendments shall be kept: one by The Church Clerk and one in the church office. The Mount ByLaws 13 of 13