CONSTITUTION OF OUR SAVIOR'S BAPTIST CHURCH Federal Way, Washington As Approved by the Congregation on October 26, 2003 PREAMBLE Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, accepting the teachings of the Holy Bible as our sole and perfect rule of faith and practice, and identifying ourselves with the historic Baptist distinctives, we therefore voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the eternal Word of God, in the adoption and establishment of this constitution for our government and plan of worship and service. NAME AND ORGANIZATION The legal name of this organization shall be, "Our Saviour's Baptist Church," of Federal Way, Washington, going by the name of Our Savior s Baptist Church. ARTICLE I PURPOSE OF OUR SAVIOR S The purpose of Our Savior s Baptist Church is to glorify God by following the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and fulfilling the Great Commission [Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, the aim of our ministry activities is to make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ expressed through worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism.
ARTICLE II Page 2 CHARACTER AND GOVERNMENT 1. The government of this Church is vested in the body of its members under the leadership of the Elders. This Church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any denominational control. However, recognizing the benefits of cooperation with other churches, this Church shall voluntarily affiliate with the Columbia Baptist Conference and the Baptist General Conference. 2. The corporate directors shall be known as "Elders." ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP COVENANT New members will affirm their commitment to the following Covenant. Having been led by the Holy Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and to confess Him as Lord, and on confession of this faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another, as one body in Christ, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him. In recognition of the Church s purpose of making passionate disciples of Jesus Christ expressed through worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism, we the members of Our Savior's Baptist Church, willingly enter into covenant with one another that together we may fulfill this expressed purpose. We pledge, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to serve together in a spirit of Christian love, to work together for the advancement of our Church, to promote its spirituality and prosperity, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine, to contribute regularly to its ministry, and to support in every way the outreach of the gospel to all people. We pledge to lead lives that reflect Christ-like behavior and expectations, both in private and before the world. We pledge to maintain our devotional life; to instruct our children in the teaching of the Christian faith, to seek the salvation of our friends, family and acquaintances, to be honest in our dealings, faithful in our commitments, and to manifest a Christ-like spirit in our deportment. We also pledge to remember one another in prayer, to support one another in sickness and distress, and to cultivate a spirit of brotherly love and understanding in our relationships with one another. We further pledge that when we move to another community, we will unite with a local church where we can continue to serve Christ and His church in the spirit of this Covenant.
ARTICLE IV Page 3 OUR AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 1. THE WORD OF GOD We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (John 17:17; Romans 15:4; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:19-21) 2. THE TRINITY We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. (Matt.28:19; John 1:1-4; I John 5:7) 3. GOD THE FATHER We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of people, that He hears and answers prayer, that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.(John 3:16-17; John 4:24; John 17:5). 4. JESUS CHRIST We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (John 1:14; Isa. 7:14; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:2-3; I John 1:7) 5. THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. (John 14:26; John 16:7-15; Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 1:13-14) 6. REGENERATION We believe all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. (John 1:12-13; John 3:3,16-17; Acts 20:21; Eph. 2:1-9; Titus 3:5)
7. THE CHURCH Page 4 We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, service and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of making disciples of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 16:16-18; Acts 2:38-41; Eph. 2:19-22; Eph. 5:25-27) 8. CHRISTIAN CONDUCT We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others, the full stature of maturity in Christ. (II Cor. 9:6-8; Eph. 4:11-16; Phil. 2:14-16; Col. 3:17-23; I Thess. 5:17,18) 9. THE ORDINANCES We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41,42; Rom. 6:3-5; I Cor. 11:23-32) 10. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by an ecclesiastical of political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. 11. CHURCH COOPERATION We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with inter-denominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis. 12. THE LAST THINGS We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. (John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:1-15; II Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:31-46)
ARTICLE V Page 5 MEMBERSHIP SECTION I: General Membership in this Church shall consist of all persons who have met the qualifications for membership and are listed on the membership rolls. SECTION II: Qualifications for Membership 1. A personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. 2. Baptism by immersion as a testimony of salvation. 3. Completion of the church's membership class. 4. A commitment to abide by the Membership Covenant. 5. Acceptance into membership by the Elders of the church. 6. New members introduced to the church body. SECTION III: Designation of Membership In an effort to properly reflect the membership of the Church, three rolls shall be maintained. 1. Active/Resident Members: All members who reside within the Church's ministry area and are currently active in the Church. 2. Nonresident Members: Members who have become inactive as a result of more permanently moving out of the Church's ministry area, but who maintain contact with the Church, such as missionaries from the OSBC family, retirement home residents, etc. and have not joined another church. These shall not be included in quorum counts for voting nor have voting privileges. Those such as students and service personnel who are more temporarily away from the OSBC service area shall not be included in quorum counts when absent, but be counted and have voting privileges when present. 3. Inactive members: Members who have been absent from the Church for a period of one year without manifesting interest and have been placed on the "Inactive Roll," by the Elders. These have no rights of membership and shall be removed from the Church membership after one year of inactive status. Section IV: Voting Rights of Membership Every Active/Resident Member shall have the right to vote on the following matters: the hiring of pastors, removal of the Senior Pastor, the annual budget of the church, unbudgeted expenditures over 3% of the current year s budget, property acquisition/disposition, corporate dissolution, and constitutional and bylaws changes. Each member 18 years and older is entitled to one vote. Voting by absentee or proxy ballot is prohibited.
Page 6 SECTION V: Termination of Membership Members shall be removed from the Church roll for the following reasons: 1. Death. 2. Transfer of membership to another church. 3. By personal request of the member in writing. 4. Removal by Elders after one year on Inactive status. 5. Discipline by the Elders. In the case of an OSBC member (including elders and pastors) who persists in living contrary to the principles of Scripture and to the membership covenant, the Elders will seek restoration of the person according to the principles laid down in Scripture. This may eventually result in the dismissal of the person from membership. No public complaint or charge shall be made regarding the person until the proper Scriptural procedures have been followed. SECTION VI: Restoration of Members Members on inactive status may become active when they again become consistently involved in the church ministries. Former members who wish to reinstate their membership may do so through a process determined by the discretion of the current Elders. Members having been dismissed by the Elders for discipline may be restored by the Elders in accordance with the principles of Scripture, upon genuine repentance and recommitment to the Membership Covenant. ARTICLE VI STAFF RELATIONSHIPS SECTION I: Pastoral Staff The pastoral staff shall include the Senior Pastor and all others designated as pastors by the Board of Elders, salaried or unsalaried, involved directly in pastoral ministry such as evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, music, administration, youth, preaching and teaching. This includes both full-time and part-time people. Secretarial staff, custodial staff, interns, and summer help are not considered pastoral staff. Pastors of OSBC shall be sympathetic and cooperative with the Baptist General Conference and in agreement with the faith and practice of this church. SECTION II: Establishment of Pastoral Staff Relationship When a pastoral office vacancy occurs or addition to the pastoral staff is deemed prudent, the Elders will compose a Search Team made up either of themselves and/or other Church members to seek a person to fill the role. The Elders will make a recommendation to the congregation who shall issue a call, contingent on a 75% affirmation ballot vote at a business meeting following proper notice as defined in Article VIII, Section II.
Page 7 SECTION III: Dissolution of Pastoral Staff Relationship There shall be at least thirty days notice of resignation given unless the Elders shall agree otherwise. A pastoral staff relationship may be dissolved by the church as a result of grievances or because of the practical needs of the church such as financial reasons, but only after the Elders have made every effort to resolve the grievances and after careful consideration. In such a case, 100% of the Active Elders must vote on such an action and a minimum of 80% of the Elder Board must agree to the dismissal. The date of the dissolution shall be set by the Elders. Compensation shall continue for at least thirty days from the action. Removal of the Senior Pastor requires a majority by ballot vote of the church membership at a business meeting following proper notice. Quorum for such a vote shall be a minimum of 30% of the qualified voters. The date of the dissolution shall be set by the Elders. Compensation shall continue for at least thirty days from the action of the Elders. SECTION IV: Non-pastoral Staff All non-pastoral staff, including interns, shall be employed by action of the Elders or their designated representatives, on terms they shall establish. However, any non-budgeted compensation is subject to the same authorization procedures as all other proposed expenditures not included in the annual budget. Resignations shall be acted upon by the Elders or their designated representatives. In addition, Elders or their designated representatives may dissolve relationships, if necessary, after careful consideration and consultation. SECTION V: Ordination It is the privilege of the Church to ordain qualified persons to the Gospel Ministry. Ordination shall be granted by vote of the Church upon recommendation of the Board of Elders and shall follow the recognized procedure of the Baptist General Conference on examination and ordination. SECTION VI: Licensing License to preach shall be granted to qualified persons upon recommendation of the Board of Elders. SECTION I: OFFICERS ARTICLE VII GOVERNMENT: CHURCH LEADERS A. The officers of the church shall be: 1. Moderator or Chairman of the Board 2. Church Clerk or Corporation Secretary 3. Treasurer 4. Board of Active Elders
B. ROLES OF OFFICERS Page 8 1. Moderator The moderator shall, in cooperation with the Senior Pastor, appraise the work of the Elders and other church organizations on a regular basis to determine their effectiveness and to take steps as necessary to improve the performances in line with Church objectives. He shall serve as chairman of the Elders and shall serve as moderator of all church business meetings. In his absence another member of the Elder Board shall serve, at the direction of the chairman or the Elder Board. The moderator shall be a member of the Elder Board and selected by the Elders for a term of one year. 2. Church Clerk The church clerk shall see that minutes of business meetings and Elder Board meetings are kept. He shall give notice of all meetings as necessary. He shall oversee the maintenance of membership records, and prepare membership statistics for the Annual Report. He shall carry out other assignments as directed by the moderator and Elder Board. The Church Clerk shall be a member of the Elder Board, selected by the Elders for a term of one year. 3. Treasurer The treasurer shall be the custodian of all church monies and shall see that such monies are promptly deposited. His oversight shall include the weekly counting of giving and other receipts and the depositing of these receipts at the designated banks. The treasurer shall also be responsible for monitoring the financial activities of the Business Affairs Team working closely with the bookkeeper and the chairman of the Business Affairs Team. The treasurer shall be a member of the Business Affairs Team and undertake other duties as specified by the chairman of Business Affairs Team including coordination with church audits. He shall assist the bookkeeper in the preparation of the annual financial report. The Treasurer shall be a member of the Elder Board, selected by the Elders for a term of one year. 4. Board of Active Elders The active Elder Board, which is a subset of the total number of Elders of the church, has the ultimate responsibility of managing the ministries and activities of Our Savior s Baptist Church through prayer, teaching, and leading. Each Elder will be assigned the oversight of one broad area of the church s ministries called a Commission. While the number of such Commissions is not hereby specified, they include areas such as worship, connections, growth, service, outreach, children s
Page 9 ministries, youth ministries, and business. More than one Elder may be assigned to a Commission. These Elders may call on the services of others to assist in carrying out their duties. Specific duties of the active Elder Board in addition to those required of all Elders include the following: a. Have specific assignments of overseeing a Commission of the church. b. Develop the ministry strategy of OSBC. c. Ensure that the overall yearly budget supports the ministry strategy. d. Serve as officers required of a 501C Corporation President, Secretary, Treasurer e. Select Elders (through the process established in the bylaws.) f. Select Directors (through the process established in the bylaws) and support/monitor the ministries assigned to each Director. g. Nominate candidates for pastoral positions. h. Monitor the performance of the pastoral staff. i. Oversee hiring of non-pastoral staff j. Perform church discipline. k. Mediate disputes between members of the church l. Meet regularly in open meetings to pray, teach and lead the church. m. Ensure that current and future church leaders are developed n. Hold and lead congregational meetings. o. Model unity, grace and love before the church. Elders shall be selected for terms of three years on the active Elder Board. Each may serve two consecutive 3-year terms and then must become an Advisory Elder for a period of one year before serving more terms. If, after serving one complete term, one chooses not to continue on the active Elder Board, he becomes an Advisory Elder. For further criteria concerning elders qualifications, selection process, and responsibilities, see the Bylaws. 5. Advisory Elders Advisory Elders are not church officers, but are those men who have completed at least one term as Active Elders and who continue to remain actively involved at OSBC. Their counsel shall be sought out when the Active Elders face matters requiring broader consideration. They may again become part of the Active Elder Board through the process of congregational comment and Elder Board calling (such as described in the bylaws for Active Elders.) 6. Resignation and Dismissal of Officers and Elders 1. Resignation of any officer or Elder shall be submitted in writing to the Elder Board and will be effective on the date specified. Resignation from a specific office (e.g., Moderator) shall not necessarily entail resignation from the Elder Board. Likewise, resignation from the Elder Board shall not necessarily entail resignation as an Advisory Elder 2. Officers and Elders may be dismissed by action of the Elder Board as a result of grievances, but only after the Elders have made every effort to resolve the grievances and after careful consideration. A minimum of 80% of the Elder Board must agree to the dismissal of an officer or Elder.
SECTION 2. OTHER CHURCH LEADERS Page 10 1. SENIOR PASTOR The Senior Pastor shall have primary responsibility to teach and preach the Word, lead the public church services, administer the ordinances, and give guidance to the elders as they lead the church. He shall be a member of the Elder Board, serving for an indeterminate term. He, and other He shall give day to day direction to the pastoral staff, providing counsel, encouragement and Christian discipline, so as to assist in the accomplishment of objectives for each pastoral staff member. All staff is responsible to the Senior Pastor either directly or through another staff member he shall delegate except as defined in Bylaws Section III Business Matters. He shall represent the staff to the Elder Board. Senior Pastor job description shall be maintained by the Elder Board. Elder Board will review the Senior Pastor s ministry effectiveness at least annually. 2. PASTORAL STAFF The pastoral staff shall carry out specific ministry responsibilities under the direction of the Senior Pastor. They will be called to serve indeterminate terms. Since associate pastoral staff are expected to have the qualities of those we expect of Elders and have been considered by the entire congregation, they will serve on the Elder Board as Active Elders. However, the entire pastoral staff may not represent more than 30% of the number of Active Elders, and no pastors will be allowed to vote within the Elder Board on decisions regarding their own compensation or employment. The Elder Board may realign pastoral staff responsibilities as is appropriate for the ministry needs of the church. Job descriptions shall be maintained by the Elder Board for all pastoral staff and shall include qualifications, responsibilities, and relationships. The Elder Board will review each of the pastors ministry effectiveness at least annually. 3. DIRECTORS Directors shall be male or female church members appointed by the Elder Board for unspecified terms. They will be assigned to work under the leadership of individual elders to oversee day to day operations of specific broader areas of church ministries. Directors will oversee the work of Ministry Team Leaders to ensure that those teams fulfill their ministry aims and shall have the authority to approve expenditures that fit within their ministry purview. For a more detailed description of their qualifications and responsibilities, see the bylaws. 4. TEAM LEADERS
Page 11 Team leaders shall be church members appointed by Directors for unspecified terms to run identified teams that do specific targeted ministries. For more detail description of their responsibilities, see the bylaws. SECTION I: Church Business Meetings ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS 1. The Annual Business Meeting of the Church shall be held following the second Sunday in January and before the first Sunday in February. 2. Special business meetings of the church may be called at any time by the Elders, the Pastor, or upon written request of a quorum of the membership. Such requests shall be submitted to the Moderator of the church. SECTION II: Quorum A quorum shall consist of at least 10% of the qualified voters. For the calling of a Pastor or dismissal of a Senior Pastor the quorum shall consist of at least 30% of the qualified voters. Members shall be notified in writing of a meeting involving the calling of/or dismissal of a pastor. SECTION III: Qualifications of Voters Only active resident members 18 years of age or older may vote on matters of church business. SECTION I: Division ARTICLE IX DISPOSITION OF CHURCH PROPERTY In case of organic division of the Church membership, the Church property shall belong to those members who abide by this Constitution. Should any controversy arise as to who is abiding by this Constitution, the question shall be submitted to the Overseers of the Columbia Baptist Conference, and their decision shall be final. SECTION II: Dissolution Should conditions arise when, for any reason, the church work cannot continue, the church property shall be transferred to the Columbia Baptist Conference. SECTION III: Consolidation
Page 12 Should conditions arise where a consolidation with another church of the same denomination be advisable, the Board of Elders shall be authorized by the church to negotiate the terms of such a consolidation in so far as the property is concerned. A report of such agreement must be made to the church and approval granted by the church before any legal papers are signed. ARTICLE X (PENDING) Article needed regarding errors and omissions, indemnity, legal responsibilities. ARTICLE XI PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The rules contained in Robert's Rules Of Order Revised shall govern the Church in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution or the special rules of order of this Church. ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS This Constitution may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds vote of those qualified, present and voting, provided a 10% quorum is present. Notice of such amendment shall have been given from the pulpit on two successive Sundays in advance, and a copy of the proposed amendment shall have been posted in a conspicuous place. Written notice shall be given two successive weeks prior to any vote. To change the Bylaws requires a simple majority vote at a called business meeting.
BYLAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF OUR SAVIOR S BAPTIST CHURCH The purpose of these bylaws is to explain how certain of the Constitutional provisions are carried out. ARTICLE I HOW THE STRUCTURE OF OSBC IS INTENDED TO WORK OSBC has a spiritual leadership core of Elders who ensure that the various ministries of the church accomplish the 5 key biblical purposes: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Evangelism to all segments of the ministry: adults, students, and children. The Congregation Who: Attenders and members of Our Savior s Baptist Church Roles: Individually: All are called and equipped to fulfill the 5 purposes for their lives through personal growth and involvement in the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12-16) on ministry teams under the leadership of ministry leaders. Churchwide Business: Give knowledgeable input to church leaders regarding men recommended to become elders and concerning matters of the church ministries. Affirm, pray for, and support appointed church leaders. Members vote in congregational meetings regarding: Hiring of Pastors, removal of Senior Pastor, annual church budget, unbudgeted expenditures over 3% of current year s budget, property acquisition/disposition, corporate incorporation/dissolution, and constitutional and bylaws changes. The Elders: Who: Biblically-qualified male members of OSBC who are called to lifetime service as elders. All Pastors of OSBC are elder. Terms: They fulfill assigned responsibilities on the active Elder Board for terms of three years (which may be renewed consecutively). When they are not currently on the active Board, they continue as Advisory Elders to give insight to the active board on significant matters of consideration. Role: As a Board, they carry the vision for and set the direction for the whole church through prayer, teaching, and leading. They call new elders and hire non-pastoral ministerial staff, and make decisions on matters not identified under congregation above. Their individual ministry will be to lead/equip/empower directors to see that the particular Commission where they have been given oversight fulfills its ministry aims. The Directors: Who: Qualified female or male OSBC members with character, gifts, and skills to meet leadership needs. Terms: Directors are selected and appointed by elders to ministry positions which will not have identified terms. Directors may be added or removed through the year, depending on the needs of current ministries. Role: Rather than functioning as a board, directors individually help ministry team leaders to fulfill the ministry aims, under the oversight of their elder. Directors have authority to make decisions regarding their areas of ministry, in consistent communication with their elder. They approve expenditures requested by Ministry Teams/Leaders.
Page 14 Ministry Team Leaders: Who: Male or female members of OSBC with the heart and skill to lead a ministry toward a particular target. Role: Such leaders are affirmed by directors or elders for an indefinite time to lead a team to fulfill an identified ministry. Their direct oversight and support is one assigned Director. SECTION I: Elders ARTICLE II QUALIFICATIONS, SELECTION, AND DUTIES OF OSBC LEADERS A. Qualifications for Elder Men who meet the following criteria may be considered for the office of Elder. 1. Calling An Elder must be a person with a genuine God-given passion for and commitment to the ministry of being an Elder at Our Savior s Baptist Church (1 Timothy 3:1). 2. Character An Elder must be a person who exhibits: a growing spiritual life demonstrated by a consistent devotional life and a growing application of the lordship of Christ in His life. There should be the sense that God is on his life. a teachable attitude demonstrated through his history of his interactions with people. an alignment with the personal qualities called for in an Elder in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. 3. Competence An Elder must have a demonstrated capability in ministry and an ability to lead, develop, motivate, and encourage other believers. He should have a solid grasp of the Scriptures and be able to apply them to real-life situations. He should be able to comprehend the big picture of practical issues that churches face and approach them with a godly perspective and wisdom. He should have a mindset of multiplication which drives him to see that the church makes more and better disciples. He shall have been a member of OSBC long enough to understand and appreciate its unique culture and mission. B. Selection process for Elders 1. Criteria for elders are defined above. 2. The current Elders will actively seek recommendations from the congregation regarding who might be considered. Self-nominations are acceptable (1 Timothy 3:1). In mid-september, a request for congregational recommendations for Elder will be communicated through the church bulletin and other appropriate methods. A job description and list of qualifications will be made available.
Page 15 This active seeking will continue for a one month period. During this time, the current Elder Board will also develop a list of potential candidates for elder. 3. Current Elders will consider all candidates. a. Written profile Each candidate will be given a questionnaire to fill in that seeks to assess HIS qualification for elder. One portion of the questionnaire will be for the wife (if there is one) to complete. b. Due consideration Current elder board will prayerfully consider each of those who return completed questionnaires. c. Congregational input sought on preliminary list The dossier of those whom the current elder board believes may be qualified to serve will be published to the congregation for input concerning the individuals from the congregation. We won t seek to dig up dirt, but we will ask the congregation to offer personal input concerning the people. The elders will follow up on and seriously consider all concerns raised in this process before deciding who will be become Elders. 4. New elders will be announced by current elders. 5. New elders will be affirmed through the laying on of hands by the congregation at a public meeting C. Primary Roles and Responsibilities of Elders: Praying, Teaching, and Leading 1. Praying Elders will be expected to: Develop and maintain an active, intimate personal relationship with our Heavenly Father Join in regular, frequent corporate prayer with other elders Maintain regular interaction with an identifiable cross-section of the church to gain insight and understanding of needs and to minister through prayer Pray with other elders for individuals specific needs Promote, by example and encouragement, the habit of prayer throughout the whole life of the church 2. Teaching Elders will be expected to: Have a good understanding of major Bible doctrines Grow as an active, obedient student of the Word Actively and fruitfully passing on scriptural truth to others in the church Possible venues include: Classroom, One-to-one situations, Small groups Worship service, Seminars, Informal discussions, etc.
3. Leading Page 16 Oversee Biblical accuracy of church teaching Elders are not presumed to be the only teachers in the church, but they have the responsibility to ensure that what is taught through OSBC ministries aligns with Scripture. They do this by: -Defining, with other elders, scriptural boundaries and standards (what the church accepts and follows) -Maintaining awareness of what is being taught in various venues -Intervening, when necessary, to ensure accurate teaching Elders will be expected to: Have a good understanding of major Bible doctrines Discern and communicate the overall church vision Define and communicate the values of the church Take actions to ensure that the vision and values of the church are understood and that they are central in all church ministries Define and implement church strategy by: Maintaining a long-term view of church ministry Initiating seasons of special focus Considering staffing needs Overseeing the capital and overall ministry budget Tracking broad ministry scheduling Provide final approval for major church policies Identify, develop and train current and potential church ministry leaders Oversee the effectiveness of all church ministries by: Maintaining close relationship with various ministries Evaluating ministry effectiveness Making recommendations for possible improvements Recognizing and encouraging effective ministers Take the lead in resolving conflicts and administering church discipline Serve as church corporate officers Interview and approve membership candidates SECTION II: Directors
A. Qualifications for Directors Page 17 Directors will be selected from among the male or female church members by the Elders according to the following criteria: 1. Calling A Director must be a person with a genuine passion for and commitment to the particular ministry. 2. Character A Director must be a person who exhibits: a growing spiritual life. a teachable attitude. the general character qualities such as would expected in the scripture of a deacon, subject to elders discretion. 3. Competence A Director must have a demonstrated capability in ministry and an eagerness to lead, develop, motivate, and encourage ministry leaders in the particular area of ministry where they are asked to serve. B. Selection process for Directors 1. Criteria qualifications for Directors are defined above. 2. The Board will actively seek recommendations from the congregation regarding who might be considered. When the Elder Board believes a Director is needed, it will make the need known to the congregation for recommendations. A job description and list of qualifications will be made available. The Elder Board will also develop a list of potential candidates to fill the need. 3. Consideration of candidates a. Written profile Each candidate will be given a questionnaire to complete that seeks to assess their qualification for the role of Director. One portion of the questionnaire will be for the spouse (if there is one) to complete. b. Due consideration Initial consideration of whom to select for a particular Director role will be made by the elder overseeing the area in which the Director would be working. His recommendation will be reviewed and confirmed by the active Board of Elders. 4. New Directors will be publicly announced to the congregation. C. Primary Roles and Responsibilities of Directors
Page 18 1. Coordinate with elder to define the particular ministry and ensure its accomplishment 2. Develop and manage annual ministry budget for the ministry team which they oversee. 3. Organize, equip, and develop ministry team leaders. Recruit ministry team leaders Ensure that ministry team leaders receive appropriate training and instruction on an ongoing basis Provide for additional support necessary to maximize ministry team leaders success. SECTION III: Business Matters The Business Affairs Commission shall be led by the treasurer and responsible for the business affairs of OSBC, including all properties and receipt and expenditure of all funds. Duties shall include: 1. Establishing and implementing controls on the receipt and disbursement of all OSBC moneys including the preparation of monthly, annual and other periodic reports as needed for the sound management of these moneys. Business Affairs shall provide the foregoing reports to the Elder Board, and the congregation as appropriate, in conjunction with oral summaries and/or briefings including statements of need for corrective action if warranted. 2. At least two months prior to the end of the fiscal year, present a proposed overall preliminary budget to the Elder Board for its use in shaping the next year s ministry budget. 3. Preparing, submitting, and presenting an annual financial report to the Church. 4. Annually submitting major maintenance and capital improvement objectives, as reflected in Business Affairs proposed budget for the next fiscal year. 5. Undertaking emergency repairs and/or damage preventive actions, as determined by Business Affairs to be necessary, involving up to a maximum expenditure of $5,000 per incident above the amount contained in the annual OSBC operating budget. For emergency repairs and/or damage preventive actions that exceed this limit prior approval will be obtained from the Elder Board. 6. Managing use of church facilities for all non-church sponsored activities, including the establishment of church facility usage and charge policy and appropriate use fee schedule. 7. Making and reviewing proposals for the purchase and sale of OSBC real property and submitting such proposals and/or reviews to the Elder Board for its consideration. Business Affairs will execute all Elder Board and congregation approved actions regarding the sale and/or purchase of real properties. 8. Maintaining all OSBC properties including lands, structures, interior furnishings, equipment, etc. 9. Providing all necessary insurance.
10. Administering all trust and other accounts. Page 19 Staffing responsibilities: 1. Hiring and overseeing the work of a part time Business Administrator 2. Hiring of the custodian and for periodically reviewing performance against the job description. Business Affairs will also be responsible for establishing the wages and benefits for this position. The custodian shall report to the Business Administrator. Additional part-time help may be hired by Business Affairs to assist the custodian. The custodian will supervise such help. The Senior Pastor will give daily assignments to the custodial staff in the absence of the business administrator. 3. Hiring and overseeing the work of a bookkeeper, which shall be a paid part-time employee of OSBC reporting to Business Affairs. 4. Appointing a financial secretary who shall keep an accurate account of all moneys received by the church and provide members with annual statements of giving to each contributor. 5. Appointing other subordinate ministry teams as needed. 6. Retaining, with Elder Board approval, other staff personnel as needed, who shall carry out duties as assigned by Business Affairs. ARTICLE III FINANCES Finances necessary for supporting the mission of the church shall be obtained through voluntary tithes and offerings. Additional appeals for funds budgeted or non-budgeted may be made as deemed advisable by the Elders. ARTICLE IV NEW MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS To ensure that all new ministries are on track with OSBC s mission, they must receive official approval by the Elders. Each ministry team will be clearly assigned a line of authority through an Elder s Commission.