Bylaws of Monmouth Chinese Christian Church (also known as Monmouth Community Christian Church)

MCCC Bylaws Page 1 of 11 Bylaws of Monmouth Chinese Christian Church (also known as Monmouth Community Christian Church) Article 1 PRINCIPLES 1.1. NAME: Monmouth Chinese Christian Church, also known as Monmouth Community Christian Church (abbreviated as MCCC or this Church hereafter). 1.2. PURPOSE: To unite Christians in worshiping God, proclaiming the Gospel, witnessing Christ, glorifying God the Father, and edifying each other. To work toward fulfilling the great commission entrusted by Jesus Christ. 1.3. AFFILIATION: This Church honors Christ as the head of the Church; it is independent and non-denominational. 1.4. STATEMENT OF FAITH: (for detail exposition of our statement of faith please consult the Baptist Faith and Message Southern Baptist Convention 1925, revised 2000) 1.4.1. We believe that the Bible is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The original Bible Scripture is inerrant and serves as the principles of a Christian s faith and conduct. 1.4.2. We believe in the triune God that is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:29). He is the one and only one God. He is the Creator and the Lord of the universe (Genesis 1; Acts 17:24). 1.4.3. We believe that Jesus Christ is God s only begotten Son, our Lord (John 3:16). Conceived by the Holy Spirit, He was born by Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18-25). The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:11, 14). Crucified on the cross for the redemption of our sins, He was buried and resurrected on the third day (Matthew 27, 28; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:9). He is now sitting at the right hand of God, praying for all believers (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 1:3). He will return to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15). 1.4.4. We believe that Holy Spirit abides with believers. The Holy Spirit inspires, intervenes, counsels, and comforts. The Holy Spirit leads sinners to repentance, believers to holiness (1 John 4:13; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:30). 1.4.5. We believe that God created mankind in His image, in His likeness. Sin entered the world through one man, and death came to all because all sinned. We cannot be justified by works (Romans 3:20). In order to be saved, we must repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord (Acts 4:8-12, 2:38, 4:12; Romans 10:9; Galatians 3:24). We are saved by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our salvation includes the resurrection of our bodies in the end time (Philippians 3:20).

MCCC Bylaws Page 2 of 11 1.4.6. We believe that the Church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:23) and the house of the eternal God (1 Timothy 3:15). Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). In Christ, Christians form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:11-16). 1.4.7. Our blessed hope is the return of Jesus Christ at which time we receive our resurrected bodies and will forever be with the Lord (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). 2.1. REQUIREMENTS: Article 2 MEMBERSHIP 2.1.1. A born-again, baptized believer over 18 years of age who regularly attends this Church s activities for at least a period of three (3) months (however, new ministers and their spouses can become members upon call into the church ministry), and 2.1.2. Is willing to fulfill a member s duties (see 2.2 on Duties), and agrees to the Bylaws of this Church, may apply for MCCC membership. The application procedure is as follows: 2.2. DUTIES: 2.1.2.1. The applicant fills out a Membership Application Form. 2.1.2.2. Upon interview by two or more members of the Executive Council (see Article 3), the interviewers may recommend acceptance of the applicant. New ministers and their spouses upon call into the church ministry do not require an interview for acceptance of the applicant. 2.1.2.3. Upon approval by the Executive Council, the applicant becomes a member of this Church. New ministers and their spouses upon call into the church ministry will be automatically approved by the Executive Council to become members of this Church. 2.1.2.4. The new member is welcomed during a worship service. 2.2.1. Members must: Respectfully obey the teaching of the Bible. Regularly attend various services and activities of this Church. Earnestly seek spiritual growth. 2.2.2. Members must: Exert themselves in building the various ministries of this Church. Witnessing Christ at all time and at all places. Leading others to Christ. Serving the Church. Proclaiming the Gospel in unity.

MCCC Bylaws Page 3 of 11 2.2.3. Members shall, with the grace of the Lord, cheerfully offer their resources to God, so that this Church will not find itself in need. 2.3. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES: There are two Membership Categories, Active Membership and Inactive Membership. 2.3.1. ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY: A member who is able to fulfill the duties of membership as outlined in 2.2 Duties above. 2.3.2. INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY: A member who is unable to fulfill the duties of membership as outlined in 2.2 Duties above. Reasons for being unable to fulfill the duties of membership may be due to temporary job relocation and other personal matters requiring extended absence from regular church functions. 2.3.2.1. An Inactive member will lose membership rights (see 2.4 on Rights). 2.3.3. ACTIVE TO INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP: The Executive Council can change the category from Active to Inactive membership of one whom, without any special reasons, is unable to fulfill the duties of membership as outlined in 2.2 on Duties. 2.3.4. INACTIVE TO ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP: The Executive Council can change the category from Inactive to Active membership when the Inactive member meets the membership requirements according to 2.1.1 on Requirements and is able to fulfill the duties according to 2.2 on Duties. 2.4. RIGHTS: All active members have the rights to vote and to be elected. 2.5. REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP: A membership shall be removed upon one of the following conditions: 2.5.1. Death. 2.5.2. A member requests such removal. 2.5.3. After careful investigation, the Board of Overseers can remove the membership of one who engages in activities contrary to the teaching of the Bible and the Statement of Faith of this Church, jeopardizes the testimony of this Church, or behaves disgracefully to the Lord s name. Prior to the removal action, a committee comprised of representatives from the Executive Council must conduct a reasonable, fair, and thorough investigation in the spirit and intent described in the Scripture in Matthew 18:15-20. The findings of such investigation must be fully presented and explained to the member being investigated. And, an opportunity must be granted to the investigated member to explain his/her action. 2.6. RESUMPTION OF MEMBERSHIP: The Board of Overseers can resume the membership of a Removed member according to 2.1.1 through 2.1.2 on Requirements.

MCCC Bylaws Page 4 of 11 Article 3 OFFICERS This Church shall be governed by the Board of Overseers, under the headship of Jesus Christ. 1 The Board of Overseers is responsible for the spiritual welfare of this Church. Members of this Board shall provide biblical guidance in planning and carrying out the ministries of this Church. The Board of Overseers is comprised of the Elders, and Pastors as shown in Appendix A and shall be chaired by a member of the Board of Overseers. The Executive Council is comprised of the Elders, Deacons, Pastors, Ministers, and Directors, and shall be chaired by a member of the Board of Overseers. The Executive Council serves the ministry in the daily operations of this church as shown in Appendix A. 3.1. PASTORS: 3.1.1. DUTIES: The pastors shall give particular attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word, proclaiming the Gospel, leading others to Christ, expounding the Truth, ministering to believers, conducting sacraments. 3.1.2. SELECTION: 3.1.2.1. A Pastoral Search Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.1.2.2. Upon the recommendation of the Pastoral Search Committee to the Board of Overseers and upon their consent, a pastoral candidate must be approved by the General Assembly (see 4.4.3.). 3.1.3. TERMS: Each Pastor shall be given an initial term to be proposed by the Board of Overseers. During this period, the Pastor and his ministry shall be reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Overseers for the terms of renewal. 3.1.4. RESIGNATION: In the case of a resignation request from the pastor to the Board of Overseers of this Church or vice versa, a written notification of such a request must be provided to the other party at least three months prior to the requested resignation date. 3.1.5. REMOVAL: In the event that a removal of a pastor is necessary, this decision will be the sole discretion of the Board of Overseers. 3.2. ELDERS: 3.2.1. DUTIES: The elders shall give particular attention to the governing of spiritual issues in this Church. Elders may assume pastoral duties in accordance with their spiritual gifts. 1 Titus 1:5; Acts 20:28; and 1 Peter 5:1-3

MCCC Bylaws Page 5 of 11 3.2.2. REQUIREMENTS: One with at least two years of MCCC membership who fulfills member s duties, conducts oneself according to the teaching of 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:2-3, and desires to serve the Lord, is qualified to be nominated. 3.2.3. SELECTION: 3.2.3.1. An Elder Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.2.3.2. A candidate for elder must be qualified for the position according to the qualifications set forth in Scripture and shall be recommended by the Board of Overseers. 3.2.3.3. Candidates are presented to the congregation for approval during the annual General Assembly Meeting (see 4.4.2). 3.2.3.4. In the case of vacancies, the Board of Overseers may recommend a candidate and an Elder Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.2.4. TERMS: 3.2.3.4.1. Candidate(s) are presented to the congregation for approval during a scheduled General Assembly Meeting (see 4.4.2). 3.2.3.4.2. The Elder(s) assume office immediately upon their election. 3.2.3.4.3. The elected Elder(s) will serve for the remaining portion of the year plus a full term for three years (see 3.2.4.1). 3.2.4.1. An elder s term lasts for three years. 3.2.4.2. An elder may be re-elected. 3.2.4.3. The new Elders shall assume office on January 1 st of the following year. 3.2.5. RESIGNATION: In the case of a resignation request from the Elder to the Board of Overseers of this Church or vice versa, a written notification of such a request must be provided to the other party at least three months prior to the requested resignation date. 3.2.6. REMOVAL: In the event that a removal of an Elder is necessary, this decision will be the sole discretion of the Board of Overseers.

MCCC Bylaws Page 6 of 11 3.3. MINISTRY DIRECTORS: 3.3.1. DUTIES: Each Ministry Director is responsible for a particular area of ministry. A Director s specific responsibilities are outlined in the Scope of Ministry Description. 3.3.2. SELECTION: 3.3.2.1. A Ministry Director Search Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.3.2.2. Upon the recommendation of the Ministry Director Search Committee to the Board of Overseers and then the consent of the Board of Overseers, a candidate must be approved by the General Assembly (see 4.4.3). 3.3.3. TERMS: Each Ministry Director shall be given an initial term to be proposed by the Board of Overseers. During this period, the Ministry Director and his/her ministry shall be reviewed and evaluated by the Board of Overseers for the terms of renewal. 3.3.4. RESIGNATION: In the case of a resignation request from a Ministry Director to the Board of Overseers of this Church or vice versa, a written notification of such a request must be provided to the other party at least three months prior to the requested resignation date. 3.3.5. REMOVAL: In the event that a removal of a Ministry Director is necessary, this decision will be the sole discretion of the Board of Overseers. 3.4. DEACONS: 3.4.1. DUTIES: Deacons are volunteer workers who administer the business matters of this Church, serves in the various ministries, assist the Board of Overseers in building up the ministries, and manage this Church. 3.4.2. REQUIREMENTS: One with at least one year of MCCC membership who fulfills member s duties, conducts oneself according to the teaching of 1 Timothy 3:8-13, and desires to serve the Lord, is qualified to be elected. 3.4.3. SELECTION: 3.4.3.1. A Deacon Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.4.3.2. Candidates are presented to the congregation for approval during the annual General Assembly Meeting (see 4.4.2). 3.4.3.3. In the case of vacancies, the Board of Overseers shall appoint a member to the office of Deacon for the remaining term.

MCCC Bylaws Page 7 of 11 3.4.4. TERMS: 3.4.4.1. A Deacon s term lasts for two years. 3.4.4.2. A Deacon may be re-elected but must take a one year sabbatical after serving four consecutive years in this office. 3.4.4.3. The new Deacons shall assume office on January 1 st of the following year. 3.4.5. RESIGNATION: In the case of a resignation request from the Deacon to the Board of Overseers of this Church or vice versa, a written notification of such a request must be provided to the other party at least one month prior to the requested resignation date. 3.4.6. REMOVAL: In the event that a removal of a Deacon is necessary, this decision will be the sole discretion of the Board of Overseers. 3.5. TRUSTEES: 3.5.1. DUTIES: 3.5.1.1. EXTERNALLY: The trustees represent this Church in handling legal and financial matters. 3.5.1.2. INTERNALLY: The trustees approve this Church s annual budget and handle all matters relating to this Church s realties. 3.5.1.3. The Trustees serve in the financial, legal and administrative aspects of this Church alongside with one or more elders. 3.5.2. REQUIREMENTS: One who has been approved by the General Assembly to serve on the Board of Trustees. 3.5.3. SELECTION: 3.5.3.1. A Trustee Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. The function of the Trustee Nomination Committee may be combined within the Deacon Nomination Committee. 3.5.3.2. The Trustees are nominated from a pool of current Deacons or former Deacons. 3.5.3.3. In the case of vacancies, a Trustee Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.5.3.3.1. Candidate(s) are presented to the congregation for approval during a scheduled General Assembly Meeting (see 4.4.2).

MCCC Bylaws Page 8 of 11 3.5.4. TERMS: 3.5.3.3.2. The Trustee(s) assume office immediately upon their election. 3.5.3.3.3. The elected Trustee will serve for the remaining portion of the term. 3.5.4.1. A Trustee s term lasts for three years. 3.5.4.2. A Trustee may be re-elected. 3.5.4.3. The new Trustees shall assume office on January 1 st of the following year. 3.5.5. RESIGNATION: In the case of a resignation request from the Trustee to the Board of Overseers of this Church or vice versa, a written notification of such a request must be provided to the other party at least one month prior to the requested resignation date. 3.5.6. REMOVAL: In the event that a removal of a Trustee is necessary, this decision will be the sole discretion of the Board of Overseers. 3.6. NOMINATION COMMITTEES: A Nomination Committee will be formed whenever there are vacancies for a church officer position (e.g. Elders, Deacons, and Trustees). 3.6.1. DUTIES: 3.6.1.1. Nomination Committee will seek potential candidates to be nominated for any vacant church officer position(s). 3.6.1.2. The potential candidates to be nominated are to be from a pool of active church members. 3.6.1.3. Nomination Committee must seek the potential candidates based on recommendations from active church members. 3.6.1.4. Nomination Committee can also nominate potential candidates. 3.6.1.5. Nomination Committee will interview potential candidates and seek potential candidates consent to be nominated. 3.6.1.6. Nomination Committee shall recommend all qualified candidates and upon their consent, to the General Assembly for election. 3.6.1.7. Nomination Committee shall determine when to hold the election. 3.6.2. REQUIREMENTS: Any active church member can be on the Nomination Committee.

MCCC Bylaws Page 9 of 11 3.6.3. SELECTION: 3.6.3.1. The Nomination Committee shall be formed under the guidance of the Board of Overseers. 3.6.3.2. The Nomination Committee may have other names. 3.6.4. TERMS: 3.6.3.2.1. Elder Nomination Committee (See 3.2.3.1) 3.6.3.2.2. Deacon Nomination Committee (See 3.4.3.1) 3.6.3.2.3. Trustee Nomination Committee (See 3.5.3.1) 3.6.4.1. A Nomination Committee will last during the candidate nomination process till the end of the General Assembly election of the candidate. Article 4 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING 4.1. ORGANIZATION: All the active members of this Church form the General Assembly. 4.2. CONVENTION: The Board of Overseers will convene General Assembly Meetings. The Board of Overseers shall announce such meetings by both a written notice on the Sunday Worship Service bulletin and an oral announcement in the Sunday Worship Service two weeks in advance. 4.3. SCHEDULE: A General Assembly Meeting shall be held annually to elect elders, deacons and trustees as needed. In the case of special matters of concern, the Board of Overseers can call for additional General Assembly Meetings. 4.4. AUTHORITY: 4.4.1. All important decisions of this Church must be proposed by the Board of Overseers to the General Assembly for voting. The selection and confirmation of officers, amendment and changes to the Bylaws, and transfer of this Church s assets are considered to be important decisions that must be voted by the General Assembly. The Board of Overseers determines if other matters need to be brought to the General Assembly for voting. 4.4.2. In electing deacons, at least 50% of the MCCC active members must cast their votes. The candidate(s) with the highest number of votes which also must constitute at least 50% of the cast votes shall be elected. 4.4.3. For voting on all other church officers or on matters other than officer s election, at least 50% of the MCCC eligible voting members must cast their votes. A proposal is passed upon approval by at least 80% of the cast votes.

MCCC Bylaws Page 10 of 11 Article 5 SACRED CEREMONIES 5.1. SUNDAY WORSHIP: Christians should sanctify Sunday as Lord s day, in spirit and truth, worship God in His sanctuary with joy, offer Him thanksgiving and praise, and enjoy the fellowship between God and His children (Exodus 20:8; Matthew 28:16; John 3:23; Hebrews 10:22-25; Psalms 84:2, 5-7, 122:1). 5.2. BAPTISM: This Church shall perform baptism for those who confess their sins and repent, accept Jesus Christ as Lord, worship and serve God. The baptism is to testify that they now belong to Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9; Romans 6:1-11, 10:9-10; Acts 2:37-39; Mark 16:16; Galatians 3:27; Matthew 3:13-17; Ephesians 4:5). 5.3. HOLY COMMUNION: All baptized Christians can partake in the Holy Communion. Partakers shall observe Holy Communions, according to Christ s teaching, in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Testifying Christ s grace and sharing Christ s presence, partakers shall receive Christ s power, fervently serve Him and await His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20). 5.4. MARRIAGE: Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman established by God for a lifetime. Marriage is a gift from God for the purpose of companionship, mutual intimacy, procreation, and representing Christ s love for his church. (Genesis 1:28, 2:18-25; 1 Corinthians 7:7; Ephesians 5:22-23). 5.5. INFANT DEDICATION: At the request of Christian parents, this Church will perform infant dedication ceremonies for the parents to affirm their willingness to bring up their children with Biblical truth, to help their children build up Christian faith and to guide them to live a life worthy of the grace and honor of Christ, and for the parents to fulfill the responsibilities that God has entrusted upon them (Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Proverbs 22:6, 14:26). Article 6 DISSOLUTION In the event of dissolution of this Church, the Board of Trustees shall be responsible for distributing all assets of this Church to evangelical churches or para-church organizations of the same faith. Article 7 AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS These Bylaws can be amended as proposed by the Executive Council and approved by the General Assembly (see 4.4.3).

MCCC Bylaws Page 11 of 11 Appendix A Church Governance Structure