BYLAWS (Provisional) OF THE FATHER S HOUSE FAMILY OF CHURCHES DIOCESE OF RESTORATION, INC. Dated: Effective September 25, 2006 Preamble to the Bylaws The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. is comprised of churches that endeavor to be Churches of the Lord Jesus Christ as described, established, and mandated by the New Testament. The purpose of these Bylaws is to help us accomplish the task of this Diocese in a decent and orderly manner through the use of effective and efficient means of good stewardship of the body s time, gifts and resources. Our ultimate desire is to bring glory to God through the Church. These Bylaws are to provide general guidance on organization, governance and operation, based upon biblical principles and practices. However, the ultimate authority for The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. organization, governance and operation is the Bible. When a conflict or ambiguity exists with regard to these Bylaws, deference is to be given to the biblical reference to resolve the conflict or ambiguity. ARTICLE I Offices Section 1. The Name of the Corporation. The name of the Corporation is The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Diocese. Section 2. Principal Office. The principal office of the Diocese shall be 1505 East 20 th, Hutchinson, Kansas 67502. Section 3. Other Offices. The Father s House Diocese of Restoration, Inc. may have such other offices, either within or without the county of Reno, State of Kansas, as the Diocesan Council may from time to time determine. 1
Section 4. Registration. The Corporation is incorporated in the State of Kansas and is registered as a Kansas-based non-profit corporation. Section 5. IRS Exemption. The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. is qualified to receive tax-exempt donations as an IRS 501(c)(3) organization. Section 6. The Corporation. Not-For-Profit Association of Churches is the legal term recognized by the IRS for the legally registered and tax-exempt organization. The term Corporation refers to the legal status in the State of Kansas. The Officers, Bishop s Council and Diocesan Council may refer to The Father s House Diocese of Restoration, Inc. as an Organization. Section 7. Officers, Bishop s Council, and Diocesan Council. 1. Officers of the Corporation. The Officers are legal representatives for the non-profit Corporation for the purpose of registration with the State of Kansas. 2. Bishop s Council. The Bishop s Council is that group of persons vested with the spiritual affairs of this corporation. 3. Diocesan Council. The Diocesan Council is that group of persons vested with management of the secular affairs of this corporation. Section 8. Miscellaneous. The use of pronouns describing appointments is nonspecific and includes male and female gender. ARTICLE II Association with The Christian Communion International (a province of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches) The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. is in communion with the Christian Communion International (CCI), which is in itself a province of the larger Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC), for the purpose of maintaining the worship of God and preaching of the Gospel. We do 2
faithfully commit ourselves to conformity to the Bylaws and the Constitution and Canons of the CCI and, by extension, the CEEC The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. acts as the Diocese for associated and affiliated churches with The Father s House Family of Churches - Diocese of Restoration, Inc. By acceptance into membership of The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc., an affiliated missionary church and associated church agrees to abide by the Constitution, Canons, and Bylaws of The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. Disassociation with The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc., requires a concurring two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council of Elders and Church Council of the withdrawing church. ARTICLE III Tenets Of Faith And Doctrine The Diocese accepts the Scriptures as the revealed Will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts these fundamental Tenets of Faith and Doctrine. Section 1. The Scriptures Inspired. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the living, infallible, and everlasting rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason. (II Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12). Section 2. The One True Godhead. The triune Godhead is comprised of three (3) separate and distinct personalities: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, who are eternally self-existent, self-revealed and function as one entity. Jesus Christ, who is God manifested in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. (John 1:1-5, 10-14; Matthew 28:18-20). Section 3. Man, His Fall and Redemption. Man was created good and upright, for God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness. But, man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Genesis 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21). Section 4. The Salvation of Man. 3
(a)man s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:24; John 3:3). On the cross Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and divine healing for all mankind (Psalm 103:3), being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. For by grace we are saved through faith. (Ephesians 2:8). The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart; that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:8-10). (b)the Evidences of Salvation. The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. (Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:18-19, 24). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. You will know them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:16-20). (c)faith and Works. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works will determine the rewards in eternity. (Ephesians 2:8-10); Galatians 2:16; II Corinthians 5:10). Section 5. Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have truly repented and in their hearts have truly believed on Christ as Savior and Lord. In so doing, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:10; Romans 6:4; Acts 10:47-48). Section 6. The Lord s Supper. And when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (I Corinthians 11:24-25, 28). Section 7. The Promise of the Father. All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect and earnestly seek, the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38). With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. (Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 12:1-31). This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46; 11:14-16). 4
Section 8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The full consummation of the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in public testimony and service. (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:2, 6; 1:8; Galatians 5:16-26). Section 9. The Church. The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the first born, whose names are written in Heaven. (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23). Section 10. Total Prosperity. (a)spiritual. III John 2; II Corinthians 5:17-21. (b)mental. II Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3. (c)physical. Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24. (d)financial. Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-15; Deuteronomy 28:1-14. (e)social. Proverbs 3:4; Luke 2:52; Esther 2:15. Section 11. Blessed Hope. Jesus is coming again to gather all His Saints to ever be with Him. (I Corinthians 15:51-52; I Thessalonians 4:16-17). Section 12. The Lake of Fire. Those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ will suffer eternal separation from the Godhead. The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and anyone whose name is not found written in the Book of Life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. This is the second death, the lake of fire. (Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15). Section 13. The Millennial Reign of Jesus. The Scriptures promise the return of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints from Heaven to rule and reign for one thousand years on earth. (II Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6). After this, there shall be a new heaven and a new earth. (Revelation 21). Section 1. General. ARTICLE IV Membership 5
The New Testament presents a picture of definable groups of people who, once committed to the Lord, identified themselves with and committed themselves to a particular local body. (Rom. 16:1; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 8:1; Phil. 1:1; Acts 11:26). In order to implement the principles of accountability and commitment as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early churches, The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. recognizes the need for formal membership. Membership in the Diocese shall consist of all churches who have applied and been accepted for membership in the Diocese. Section 2. Candidacy and Membership. Any church with members who have personally received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and who desires to be committed to The Father s House Family of Churches Diocese of Restoration, Inc. may become a member of the Diocese through the following procedures: Any church interested in becoming a member of the Diocese shall complete a request for membership form and submit it to the Diocese office. The church shall give clear evidence members have accepted Jesus Christ, live a consistent Christian life, and worship at the local Church on a regular basis, support the Diocese financially, and subscribe to the Tenets of Faith, as defined by the local church Bylaws. Section 3. Members. In an effort to properly reflect the membership of the Diocese rolls shall be maintained. These rolls shall be updated periodically. Section 4. Responsibilities of Active Membership. The responsibilities of membership include but are not limited to: Commitment to the Diocese Bylaws, Canons and Constitution. Nurturing of his or her personal walk with Christ. Commitment by local church members to regular participation in corporate worship and fellowship of the local church. Section 5. Termination of Membership. Members shall be removed from the Diocese roll for the following reasons: Transfer of membership to another Diocese. Any member of the Diocese may resign by notifying the Diocese office of their resignation. The Bishop s Council, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3), may suspend or expel membership in the Diocese for cause after an appropriate hearing. 6
Section 6. Reinstatement. A former member of the Diocese may submit to the Diocese office a request for reinstatement of membership. Membership may be reinstated upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Bishop s Council. Section 7. Code of Discipline. (a)cooperative Action. The members of the Diocese shall give consent to its forms of government, together with its past policies, and to the policy of fundamental unity and agreement, alike in doctrine, conduct, and action, and shall conform to the Scriptural injunctions that there be no division in the Body. They shall be subject to the Bishop s Council so that, as the Word of God plainly teaches, the principle of Christian fellowship may be kept inviolate and perpetuated. (b)attitude Toward Strife. Inasmuch as no Christian institution can comply with the plain teaching of Scripture unless unity and harmony predominate within its circle, no member of the Diocese may use means to incite or engender strife, but shall work in harmony with the other members of the Diocese, the Bishop s Council and the Diocese s officers, as did the early church. (Acts 2:42). If there is cause for dissatisfaction, it shall be called to the attention of the Presiding Bishop or a member of the Bishop s Council. At their discretion, necessary adjustments may be made. (Acts 6:1-7; Matthew 18:15-17). (c)financial Support. As the Lord shall prosper them, churches affiliated with the Diocese shall provide financial support to the Diocese, (Malachi 3:10; I Corinthians 16:1,2; II Corinthians 9:6-9), thereby acknowledging that the Diocese can serve God fully only as its members accept their responsibility to support and maintain the Diocese financially. (d)discipline of Members. The purpose of discipline is to glorify God by maintaining (1) purity in the Church (1 Cor. 5:6), (2) protecting believers by deterring sin (1 Tim. 5:20), and (3) promoting the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to biblical standards of doctrine and conduct (Gal. 6:1). Furthermore, upon joining this Diocese, all churches affiliated with the Diocese have affirmed their commitment to the philosophy of ministry of the Diocese. 7
The responsibility of administering discipline in the Diocese is that of the Bishop s Council. Some grounds for exercising discipline, suspension, or expulsion from membership in the congregation are as follows: (1) There shall be an annual membership renewal for all churches within the Diocese. Failure to renew will result in automatic removal from membership in the Diocese. (2)Any church in the Diocese who shall cease to fellowship with the Diocese and its associate and affiliate churches shall be temporarily removed from active membership in the Diocese. The Bishop s Council may inquire whether the temporarily removed church desires to continue membership in the Diocese. (3)Unscriptural conduct, failure to maintain membership requirements, or doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith, shall be considered sufficient grounds upon which any church may be disqualified as a member. The Bishop s Council shall prayerfully administer such discipline according to Scriptures. (Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 5:9-13; II Thessalonians 3:6). (4)The Bishop s Council shall be empowered to place on the inactive list those churches that have been disqualified as provided for in these Bylaws. The Bishop s Council shall also have the authority to restore to active membership in the Diocese those, who in the opinion of the Bishop s Council, are not at fault and those who, although at fault, have through repentance re-qualified for membership in the Diocese. (5)The Bishop s Council shall recognize its duty to interview and encourage a proper attitude on the part of those who have been placed on the inactive list. It shall proceed carefully to press for a final decision in each case. The decision of the Bishop s Council shall be final. Process. Members of the Diocese who err in biblical doctrine or conduct shall be subject to discipline according to Matthew 18:15-18. (Such church/person hereafter will be referred to as an Erring Person. ) Before such discipline reaches its final conclusion: It shall be the duty of any member of the Diocese who has knowledge of the Erring Person s unbiblical beliefs or misconduct to warn and to correct such Erring Person in private, seeking his, her, or their repentance and restoration. If the Erring Person does not heed this warning; then, The warning member shall again go to the Erring Person accompanied by one or two witnesses to warn and correct such Erring Person, seeking his, her, or 8
their repentance and restoration. If the Erring Person still refuses to heed this warning; then, The allegations shall be brought to the attention of the Presiding Bishop. (It is understood that this process will continue to conclusion, whether the Erring Person leaves the Diocese or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership to avoid the discipline process.) The Bishop s Council will appropriately investigate any allegation brought by one member against another. If these allegations are warranted, two or more members of the Bishop s Council will contact the Erring Person and seek his/her/their repentance and restoration. If the Erring Person refuses to be restored, the matter will be presented to the entire Bishop s Council, who will act to protect the Church by removing the Erring Person s membership and notifying the Diocese and Affiliated Church in accordance with Matthew 18. However, even at this point, the Diocese will continue to pray for restoration. All claims or disputes, which cannot be resolved in accordance with Matthew 18 principles, shall be settled by biblically based and legally binding arbitration. Section 8. Regular Worship Services. The members of the local churches shall meet for regular worship services. The local church s Council of Elders and Church Council shall establish the day(s) of the week and time(s) for each regular worship service. Section 9. Voting Rights. There shall be three (3) classes of members of the Diocese. The Bishop s Council shall have voting rights in the spiritual matters of the Diocese and the amending of the Bylaws, Constitution and Canons of the Diocese. The Diocesan Council shall have voting rights in the management of the Diocese. General members of the Diocese shall have no voting rights. Section 10. Schools, Seminars, and Conferences. Instruction in the Word of God may be provided at schools, seminars, and conferences for members of the Diocese. ARTICLE V Bishop s Council Section 1. Scope. The Diocese is committed to the teachings of the Bible. No other authority or tradition is to guide the means, faith, or structure of the Lord Jesus Christ s Church. 9
In order to assure the diversity of ministry, The Diocese requires a sufficient number of qualified members to serve on the Bishop s Council. The Bishop s Council shall consist of a team of active members of the Diocese including: 1) the Presiding Bishop who will serve as a member of the Bishop s Council, and 2) appointed ordained presbyters (elders) who have been qualified to oversee the ministry of the Word and Sacraments and are under the direct spiritual authority of the episcopate, who are qualified to bring spiritual leadership to the Diocese. Each member of the Bishop s Council must meet specific moral and spiritual qualifications before they can serve. Selection will be based on biblical directives such as: character (1 Tim. 3:1-10), giftedness (1 Cor. 12:12-31), function (Rom. 12:3-8) and results (Eph. 4:11-16). They must publicly installed into office (1 Tim. 5:22; Acts 14:23). They must be motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do their works of ministry (Acts 20:28). After review, examination, and appointment, as described in this Section, individuals affirmed to serve on the Bishop s Council shall constitute the Bishop s Council. To effectively perform their duties, the Bishop s Council needs the prayers and support (1 Tim. 5:17-18) of members of the Diocese (Heb. 13:17). The Diocese is called upon to honor their Bishop s Council and to protect them against false accusations (1 Tim. 5:19). Finally, if a member of the Bishop s Council falls into sin, and continues in sin, the member may be publicly rebuked (1 Tim. 5:20). The Presiding Bishop shall appoint the members of the Bishop s Council. Section 2. Qualifications and Discipline. An overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, and free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping children under control with all dignity and not a new convert, he must have a good reputation with those outside the Church, so he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Tim. 3:2-7) If a man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion above reproach as God s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just devout, self-controlled, holding fact the faithful word that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict. (Titus 1:6-9) 10
An overseer, hereafter referred to as Elder, must be blameless, presenting no patterns of scriptural disobedience or grounds for accusation. Elders, if married, must be devoted spouses. Elders must be self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses. Elders must be sober, sensible, wise, balance in judgment, not given to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking. Elders must demonstrate a well-ordered life and good behavior. Elders must be unselfish with their personal resources. They must be willing to share blessings with others. Elders must be able to communicate the truth of God and exhort sound doctrine in a non-argumentative way. (2 Tim. 4:2 & 2:24) Elders must be free from addictions, and must be willing to limit their liberty for the sake of others. Elders must be gentle and characterized by forbearance and tenderness not having a quick temper. Elders must not be given to quarreling or selfish arguments. Elders must not be stingy, greedy or out for sordid gain. They should not be preoccupied with amassing material things, but rather should be a model of giving. Elders must have a well-ordered household, a healthy family life, and well-behaved children. (Pertains to those children still under the authority of the parents.) Elders must not be new believers. They must have been Christians for long enough to demonstrate the reality of their conversion and the depth of their spirituality. NOTE: Suggested guideline at least two years since conversion and at least twenty-five years of age. Elders must be well respected by unbelievers, and must be free from hypocrisy. Elders must not be stubborn, insensitive or prone to force opinions on others. They must be more interested in service than pleasure. Elders must be able to exercise self-control and patience in difficult situations. Elders must desire the will of God in every decision. Elders must be fair and impartial. Their judgments must be based on scriptural principles. Elders must be reverent, continually desiring to be separated from sin. They must be devoted to prayer, the study of Scripture and the guarding of their own spiritual walk. (Acts 20:28) Elders must be stable in the faith, obedient to the Word of God, continually seeking to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Seeking maturity and like-mindedness within the congregation, Elders must make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3, 13) It is the Bishop Council s responsibility to discipline or remove any member of the Diocesan Council who no longer fulfills the qualification, who fails to fulfill his or her responsibilities, or who violates the intent of these Bylaws. Discipline or removal shall be by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all the Bishop s Council (except the individual being disciplined or removed). Section 3. Duties of the Bishop s Council. It is the Bishop s Council members duty to exercise personal holiness. They shall oversee, lead, shepherd, and care for the spiritual condition of the Diocese, associated churches, and affiliated missionary churches, as set forth in scripture (1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:9; 1 Peter 5:1-2). 11
Specific list of responsibilities: 1) The Bishop s Council shall be responsible for casting the vision of the Diocese. 2) The Bishop s Council shall oversee of the spiritual life of the Diocese and shall have a fiduciary obligation to the Diocese. They must be people who can rule well. (1 Tim. 5:17) 3) The Bishop s Council shall give spiritual support to the Presiding Bishop of the Diocese. This includes, but is not limited to, discipling new converts, praying for the sick (James 5:14), encouraging and developing spiritual gifts and ministries in the Body, and assisting in the administration of the ordinances of the Church. Their number and term of office shall not be pre-determined. 4) The Bishop s Council shall shepherd the flock. Serving in all humility, elders are to guide, direct, guard and protect the members of the body, seeking to meet their needs and assist in any way possible, warning against harmful influences and guarding against false teachers. (Acts 20:35) 5) The Bishop s Council shall lead through example. Elders are to provide a scriptural role model and are to set a pattern before the flock of a rightly ordered life with a single purpose, to glorify God. (1 Tim. 3:4-5; 5:17) 6) The Bishop s Council shall teach and exhort. Elders are to see that the flock is fed through insightful and accurate Biblical instruction and admonition. Teaching will be centered on equipping the members of the Body to perform works of ministry. (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9-16; John 21:17) 7) The Bishop s Council shall refute those who contradict Truth. Elders are to confront those who are teaching what they should not teach or who are continuing in a pattern of behavior contradictory to Biblical truth. Thus, elders are to keep closing potential entrances for Satan so that the truth of Christ will remain credible to both the congregation and the community. (Acts 20:17, 28-31; 1 Thess. 5:12) 8) The Bishop s Council shall pray for the sick. Elders are to pray for the spiritual and physical well being of members of the Diocese. (James 5:14-15) 12
9) The Bishop s Council shall have no individual authority but must act together as a Council to represent the best interest of the Diocese. All Bishop s Council actions must be authorized by the entire Council. The Bishop s Council shall have any other duties and responsibilities that are described in these Bylaws. Section 4. Number, Term, and Qualifications. The number of members of the Bishop s Council shall be no less than three (3) and shall have no maximum number. The Presiding Bishop shall appoint the members of the Bishop s Council with the confirmation of the Bishop s Council. Section 5. Council Decisions. An act of a majority of the Bishop s Council present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the entire Bishop s Council, unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by these Bylaws. The Bishop s Council and/or Diocesan Council has authority to override a decision of the Church Council of affiliate missionary churches not in line with the vision of the Diocese and affiliate missionary church. The Bishop s Council, Diocesan Council, Diocese, and officers and directors of the Diocese shall not be liable for the decisions of the Council of Elders of the associate churches and affiliate missionary churches, and shall be indemnified by the applicable associate church(es) and/or affiliate missionary church(es). Section 6. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Bishop s Council shall be held annually. The Bishop s Council may provide by resolution the time and place for holding additional meetings without notice. Additional meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Diocese in the absence of any contrary designation in the resolution. Section 7. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Bishop s Council may be called by or at the request of any two (2) members of the Bishop s Council, and shall be held at the principal office of the Diocese or at such other place as may be determine. Section 8. Notice. Notice of the regular meeting of the Bishop s Council shall be given to each member of the Bishop s Council at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The attendance of a Bishop Council member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Bishop Council member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. 13
Section 9. Quorum. Any and all present members of the Bishop s Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Bishop s Council. Section 10. Vacancies, Additions, and Removal. Any vacancy occurring on the Bishop s Council shall be filled by the Presiding Bishop with the advice and consent of a majority of the remaining Bishop s Council. A member of the Bishop s Council may be removed by an act of unanimous movement of the Bishop s Council at any regular or special meeting. Grounds for such action shall be: a)immorality (scripturally defined) b)departure from the teachings of God (heresy) as set forth in the Holy Bible. If Bishop s Council, after due examination, shall determine that a member of the Council no longer fulfills the requirements, he shall be removed from his position. An accusation regarding a member of the Bishop s Council will only be received in the context prescribed by Scripture (I Tim. 5:19-20) following the reconciliation guidelines of Matthew 18. The primary goal is to bring to repentance, not removal. 1) Take it to him alone if he will not hear you, 2) Take it to the Presiding Bishop with at least one other Elder present. 3) The Presiding Bishop will determine any further course of action. 4) Should the Presiding Bishop be the one in question, a majority of all other members of the Bishop s Council would determine the further course of action. Removal can only be done according to Section 10, a) and b) above. Section 11. Compensation. Bishop s Council members shall not receive any salary or other compensation for their services as a member of the Bishop s Council but may receive salary or other compensation for services as officers or employees of the Diocese. The Diocese may reimburse members of the Bishop s Council for substantiated expenses reasonably incurred by a member on behalf of the Diocese. Section 12. Presiding Bishop. (a)general. The Diocese finds its headship under the Lord Jesus Christ, in its bishop, referred to herein as the Presiding Bishop. The Presiding Bishop shall be a continuing member of the Bishop s Council and Diocesan Council and an ex-officio member of all committees. He shall have oversight and 14
supervision over all the officers. He shall preside at all meetings of the Bishop s Council. (b)recruitment and Confirmation. In the event the Presiding Bishop dies or is removed, a special committee shall be appointed by the Diocesan Council to recruit and present a candidate to the membership of the Diocese for Presiding Bishop. This process shall be spiritually directed and accomplished as expeditiously as possible. (i) (ii) Presentation. Upon recommendation of the special committee, the pastoral candidate shall be presented to the Diocesan Council for their approval and recommendation. Final Approval. In the event a candidate for Presiding Bishop is approved by the Bishop s Council, said candidate shall be presented to the Diocese for their review. ARTICLE VI Diocesan Council Section 1. Scope. The Diocese is committed to the teachings of the Bible. No other authority or tradition is to guide the means, faith, or structure of the Lord Jesus Christ s Church. In order to assure the diversity of ministry, The Diocese requires a sufficient number of qualified members to serve on the Diocesan Council. The Diocesan Council shall consist of a team of active members of the Diocese which may include: 1) the Presiding Bishop who will serve as a member of the Diocesan Council; 2) ordained presbyters (elders) who have been qualified to oversee the ministry of the Word and sacraments and are under the direct spiritual authority of the episcopate; 3) ordained deacons may be assigned to the Diocesan Council; and 4) lay elders, ordained for service, who while not being clergy, are equally qualified to bring spiritual leadership to the Diocese. Each member of the Diocesan Council must meet specific moral and spiritual qualifications before they can serve. Selection will be based on biblical directives such as: character (1 Tim. 3:1-10), giftedness (1 Cor. 12:12-31), function (Rom. 12:3-8) and results (Eph. 4:11-16). They must publicly installed into office (1 Tim. 5:22; Acts 14:23). 15
They must be motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do their works of ministry (Acts 20:28). After review, examination, and appointment, as described in this Section, individuals affirmed by the Diocese to serve on the Diocesan Council shall constitute the Diocesan Council. To effectively perform their duties, the Diocesan Council needs the prayers and support (1 Tim. 5:17-18) of members of the Diocese (Heb. 13:17). The Diocese is called upon to honor their Diocesan Council and to protect them against false accusations (1 Tim. 5:19). Finally, if a member of the Diocesan Council falls into sin, and continues in sin, the member may be publicly rebuked (1 Tim. 5:20). The members of the Diocesan Council shall be selected as provided in the Articles of these Bylaws. The Diocesan Council will be established and granted authority specifically to oversee legal and financial matters and provide for the care and maintenance of all properties owned by the Diocese. As necessary, further delineation of responsibilities shall be determined jointly by the Diocesan Council. Section 2. Qualifications and Discipline. An overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, and free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping children under control with all dignity and not a new convert, he must have a good reputation with those outside the Church, so he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Tim. 3:2-7) If a man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion above reproach as God s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just devout, self-controlled, holding fact the faithful word that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict. (Titus 1:6-9) An overseer, hereafter referred to as Elder, must be blameless, presenting no patterns of scriptural disobedience or grounds for accusation. Elders, if married, must be devoted spouses. Elders must be self-controlled, enslaved to nothing, free from excesses. Elders must be sober, sensible, wise, balance in judgment, not given to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking. Elders must demonstrate a well-ordered life and good behavior. Elders must be unselfish with their personal resources. They must be willing to share blessings with others. Elders must be able to communicate the truth of God and exhort sound doctrine in a non-argumentative way. (2 Tim. 4:2 & 2:24) Elders must be free from addictions, and must be willing to limit their liberty for the sake of others. Elders must be gentle and characterized by forbearance and tenderness not having a quick temper. Elders must not be given to quarreling or selfish arguments. Elders must 16
not be stingy, greedy or out for sordid gain. They should not be preoccupied with amassing material things, but rather should be a model of giving. Elders must have a well-ordered household, a healthy family life, and well-behaved children. (Pertains to those children still under the authority of the parents.) Elders must not be new believers. They must have been Christians for long enough to demonstrate the reality of their conversion and the depth of their spirituality. NOTE: Suggested guideline at least two years since conversion and at least twenty-five years of age. Elders must be well respected by unbelievers, and must be free from hypocrisy. Elders must not be stubborn, insensitive or prone to force opinions on others. They must be more interested in service than pleasure. Elders must be able to exercise self-control and patience in difficult situations. Elders must desire the will of God in every decision. Elders must be fair and impartial. Their judgments must be based on scriptural principles. Elders must be reverent, continually desiring to be separated from sin. They must be devoted to prayer, the study of Scripture and the guarding of their own spiritual walk. (Acts 20:28) Elders must be stable in the faith, obedient to the Word of God, continually seeking to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Seeking maturity and like-mindedness within the congregation, Elders must make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3, 13) It is the Bishop Council s responsibility to discipline or remove any member of the Diocesan Council who no longer fulfills the qualification, who fails to fulfill his or her responsibilities, or who violates the intent of these Bylaws. Discipline or removal shall be by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of all elders (except the elder being disciplined or removed). Section 3. Duties of the Diocesan Council. It is the Diocesan Council members duty to exercise personal holiness. Specific list of responsibilities: 1) The affairs of the Diocese shall be managed by the Diocesan Council and shall have a fiduciary obligation to the Diocese. They oversee the life of the Diocese with the assistance of other godly leaders. They must be people who can rule well. Qualified individuals are to be selected to assist the Council in the ministry of the Diocese. (1 Tim. 5:17) 2) The Diocesan Council oversees the affiliate missionary churches until such time as the affiliate missionary church is no longer deemed to be a missionary church by the Diocese. The Diocesan Council oversees the affiliate missionary churches to see that all decisions are in line with the vision of the Diocese and affiliate missionary church. The Diocesan Council has authority to override a decision of the affiliate missionary 17
churches not in line with the vision of the Diocese and affiliate missionary church. The Diocesan Council, Bishop s Council, Diocese, and officers and directors of the Diocese shall not be liable for decisions of the affiliate missionary church and shall be indemnified by the affiliate missionary church. 3) The Diocesan Council may choose representative Elder(s) of affiliate missionary churches to sit on the Diocesan Council of the Diocese. 4) The Diocesan Council shall have no individual authority but must act together as a Council to represent the best interest of the Diocese. All Diocesan Council actions must be authorized by the entire Council. The Diocesan Council may also establish various advisory committees to assist them in both administrative and ministry matters. The Diocesan Council shall have any other duties and responsibilities that are described in these Bylaws. Section 4. Number, Term, and Qualifications. The number of members of the Diocesan Council shall be no less than three (3) and shall have no maximum number. The Presiding Bishop shall appoint the members of the Diocesan Council. Section 5. Diocesan Council Decisions. An act of a majority of the Diocesan Council present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the entire Diocesan Council, unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by these Bylaws. The Diocesan Council has authority to override a decision of the affiliate missionary churches not in line with the vision of the Diocese and affiliate missionary church. The Diocesan Council, Bishop s Council, Diocese, and officers and directors of the Diocese shall not be liable for the decisions of the associate churches and affiliate missionary churches and shall be indemnified by the applicable associate church(es) and/ or affiliate missionary church(es). Section 6. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Diocesan Council shall be held annually. The Diocesan Council may provide by resolution the time and place for holding additional meetings without notice. Additional meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Diocese in the absence of any contrary designation in the resolution. Section 7. Special Meetings. 18
Special meetings of the Diocesan Council may be called by or at the request of any two (2) members of the Diocesan Council, and shall be held at the principal office of the Diocese or at such other place as may be determine. Section 8. Notice. Notice of the regular meeting of the Diocesan Council shall be given to each member of the Diocesan Council at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The attendance of a Diocesan Council member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Diocesan Council member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Section 9. Quorum. Any and all present members of the Diocesan Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Diocesan Council. Section 10. Vacancies, Additions, and Removal. Any vacancy occurring on the Diocesan Council shall be filled by the Bishop s Council with the advice and consent of a majority of the remaining Diocesan Council. A member of the Diocesan Council may be removed by an act of unanimous movement of the Diocesan Council at any regular or special meeting. Grounds for such action shall be: a)immorality (scripturally defined) b)departure from the teachings of God (heresy) as set forth in the Holy Bible. If the Diocesan Council, after due examination, shall determine that a member of the Council no longer fulfills the requirements, he shall be removed from his position. An accusation regarding a member of the Diocesan Council will only be received in the context prescribed by Scripture (I Tim. 5:19-20) following the reconciliation guidelines of Matthew 18. The primary goal is to bring to repentance, not removal. 1) Take it to him alone if he will not hear you, 2) Take it to the Presiding Bishop with at least one other Elder present. 3) The Presiding Bishop will determine any further course of action. 4) Should the Presiding Bishop be the one in question, a majority of all other members of the Diocesan Council would determine the further course of action. Removal can only be done according to Section 10, a) and b) above. 19
Section 11. Compensation. Diocesan Council members shall not receive any salary or other compensation for their services as a member of the Diocesan Council but may receive salary or other compensation for services as officers or employees of the Diocese. The Diocese may reimburse members of the Diocesan Council for substantiated expenses reasonably incurred by a member on behalf of the Diocese. ARTICLE VII Officers of the Corporation(Diocese) Section 1. Corporate Officer Positions and Responsibilities. The officers of the corporation (Diocese) shall be a President, a secretary, a treasurer, one or more vice-presidents, and such other officers as may be elected in accordance with the provisions of this Article. The Presiding Bishop shall serve as a exofficio member. The Bishop s Council shall elect or appoint such other officers, including one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers, as it shall deem desirable, such officers to have the authority and perform the duties prescribed, from time to time, by the Bishop s Council. Two or more offices may be held by the same person, except that the offices of President and Secretary may not be held by the same person. They shall have the same duties and responsibilities as the same officials in a corporation formed for profit. Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of the Diocese shall be appointed annually by the Bishop s Council at the regular annual meeting of the Bishop s Council. If the election of officers is not held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as is convenient. New offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Bishop s Council. Each officer shall hold office until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Section 3. Removal. Any officer, with the exception of the Presiding Bishop of the Diocese, appointed by the Bishop s Council may be removed by the Bishop s Council by a majority vote. Section 4. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office, except that of Presiding Bishop, because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, may be filled by the Presiding Bishop for the unexpired portion of the term. In the event the vacant position being filled is that of the Presiding Bishop of the Diocese, the Bishop s Council shall fill said position pursuant to these Bylaws and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese. Section 5. Powers of Officers. 20
(a) The President: He shall preside at all meetings of the Diocesan Council and see that all orders and resolutions of the Diocesan Council is carried into effect, subject, however, to the right of the Bishop s Council and/or Diocesan Council to delegate to any other officer or officers of the Diocese any specific powers, other than those that may be conferred only upon the Presiding Bishop. He shall execute in the name of the Diocese all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other documents authorized by the Diocesan Council except where otherwise provided. No person shall be invited to speak, teach, or minister in the Diocese without his approval. He shall have the authority to appoint and approve any assistants that would be necessary to carry on the work of the Lord properly. (b) The Vice President: The Vice President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of his temporary absence from the office of the Diocese, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be granted or imposed by the Bishop s Council and/or Diocesan Council. He shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Diocesan Council. c)the Secretary: The Secretary shall attend all sessions of the Diocesan Council held at the office of the Diocese, act as clerk thereof and record the Minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall perform like duties for the Committees when required. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of meetings of the Diocesan Council. He shall have custody of the seal to all authorized documents requiring a seal. He shall keep the membership rolls of the Diocese, and in general perform the duties usually incident to the office of Secretary and such further duties as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Council. d)the Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep full and accurate account of the receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Diocese, shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Diocese in such banks and depositories as may be designated by the Diocesan Council, but shall not be personally liable for the safekeeping of any funds or securities so deposited pursuant to the order of the Diocesan Council. He/she shall disburse the funds of the Diocese as may be ordered by the Diocesan Council and shall render to the Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Council at the regular meeting of the Diocesan Council, and whenever 21
they may require, accounts of all his/her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Diocese. He/she shall perform the duties usually incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Council. e)delegating Powers to Other Officers: In case of the absence of any officer of the Diocese, or for any other reason that may seem sufficient to the Diocesan Council, the Diocesan Council may delegate his duties and powers to any other officer, or to any Bishop. ARTICLE VIII Committees Section 1. Committees. Committees may be designated by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Diocesan Council. Except as otherwise provided in such resolution, members of each such committee shall be members of the Diocese. The members of the committee shall be appointed by the Diocesan Council. A committee member may be removed by the Diocesan Council whenever in their judgment the best interests of the Diocese shall be served by such removal. ARTICLE IX Affiliate Missionary Church Section 1. Definition and Affiliation. An affiliate missionary church is a bishop-led missional ministry in canonical relationship with the Diocese. The affiliate missionary church is one under development; it is thus non self-supporting and dependent upon either Diocesan or other outside support. The Bishop is the Senior Pastor of a mission church. The Bishop may appoint such clergy, as he deems necessary to fulfill the needs of the Mission Church. In the organization of mission Church, the below listed Article of Association and Conformity shall be signed by at least ten (10) persons of adult age who meet the following qualifications: 1. They must have been those who have been duly examined by the Bishop, or some presbyter of his appointment. 2. They have given evidence of personal faith in a manner conformable to that expected of a member of a current CCI church by means of (a) public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or (b) by proof of Confirmation by a bishop. 22