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BYLAWS
As Approved by the Elder Board onDec 7, 2009
Preamble: The purpose of these By-laws is to set forth the rules by which this Church as a corporation is managed, as well as the structure by which this Church fulfills its purposes as a Christian community confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and operating under the authority of the Scriptures.
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- ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP
1.1. Procedure
1.1.1.Those desiring membership in this church shall meet the qualifications for membership (as described in the Constitution, Article 4, Section 7) and complete an application process.
1.1.2.All applicants shall have the church’s Statements of Belief and the responsibilities of membership explained to them.
1.1.3.All applicants shall have ‘Article VIII: Discipline’of these Bylaws explained to them.
1.1.4.When the application is reviewed and approved by the Senior Pastor, the applicant will be officially received into the membership of the church.
1.2.Member Responsibilities
1.2.1Be faithful to and supportive of the worship services of the church.
1.2.2Commit time, talent and financial resources toward the church’s objectives.
1.2.3Participate in congregational decisions (a member must be 18 years of age or older to vote).
1.2.4Live in accordance with God’s Word and submit to the authority of the elders in matters pertaining to the church including, if necessary, discipline for conduct or attitudes unbecoming a Christian testimony.
1.3.Membership Status
1.3.1.Each year the Board of Elders shall review the membership roll to identify those names on the membership roll that are not fulfilling the responsibilities of a member.
1.3.2.Special care shall be given in this roll revision, with attention given to special needs and the reclaiming of the inactive member.
1.3.3.When the responsibilities of a member have not been fulfilled for one full year and when no intention to resume these responsibilities is evident, the Board of Elders shall transfer the person's name from the membership roll to an “inactive list”.
1.3.4.A member whose inactivity is due to reasons such as sickness, military service, college attendance away from home or mission work shall not be considered "inactive." However, inactivity due to distance for reasons not related to the above shall not be a basis for remaining "active".
1.3.5.Any name on the “inactive” listmay be returned to the membership roll if responsibilities of a member are resumed.
1.3.6.Only those named on the membership roll are entitled to vote at congregational business meetings.
- ARTICLE II. CHURCH LEADERSHIP
2.1.Definitions
2.1.1.Elder
2.1.1.1.Elders are the spiritual authority in this local church, subject to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd of the sheep.
2.1.1.2.Qualifications
2.1.1.2.1.Be members of the church
2.1.1.2.2.Meet the biblical qualifications of an elder
2.1.1.2.3.Be in agreement with the Statements of Belief in the Constitution
2.1.1.2.4.Be faithful in attendance at a Worship Service
2.1.1.2.5.Be willing to work in harmony with church goals as developed by the staff and elders
2.1.1.2.6.Possess the requisite training, be selected and recommended by the Elders and approved by the members of the church at a business meeting
2.1.1.3.Staff elders are those who serve on the paid staff and who also serve on the Board of Elders.
2.1.1.4.Ruling elders are those elders who are selected according to these bylaws to serve on the Board ofElders, but who are not staff elders.
2.1.1.5.Members who are elders by virtue of service to missions agencies or other Christian ministries or who are retired from active professional ministry may be recognized as elders by the church through action by the Board of Elders but these individuals do not hold membership on the Board of Elders solely on the basis of such recognition.
2.1.1.6.Members desiring to be considered elders due to licensure or ordination to the ChristianMinistry through this church for the purpose of service to other Christian agencies or ministries may petition the Board of Elders and follow the board’s prescribed procedures.
2.1.2.Deacon
2.1.2.1.Deacons are ministers of the church responsible for serving in specified leadership tasks and on specified committees designated as deacon-level roles. Deacons serve under the direction of the Board of Elders or the Leadership Council, depending on their role.
2.1.2.2.Deacon positions shall include, but not be limited to, the positions of:
2.1.2.2.1.Leadership Council members, other than members who are elders
2.1.2.2.2.Voting members of the Missions Commission
2.1.2.2.3.Members of the Finance Committee
2.1.2.2.4.Chairs of ministry areas not led by a Leadership Council member
2.1.2.2.5.Stephen Ministers
2.1.2.3.Qualifications
2.1.2.3.1.Be members of the church
2.1.2.3.2.Meet the biblical qualifications of a church leader
2.1.2.3.3.Be in agreement with the Statements of Belief in the Constitution
2.1.2.3.4.Be faithful in attendance at Sunday Worship Services
2.1.2.3.5.Be willing to work in harmony with church goals as developed by the staff and elders
2.1.2.3.6.Possess the requisite training, be selected and recommended by the Board of Elders to serve in specific deacon-level roles or on the Leadership Council
2.1.3.Board of Elders
2.1.3.1.The Board of Elders is composed of those elders described in section 2.1.1.3 and 2.1.1.4above.
2.1.3.2.The Board of Elders constitutes the Board of Directors of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach.
2.1.4.Leadership Council
2.1.4.1.The Leadership Council is composed of elders and deacons described above who have been trained andselected by the Board of Elders to serve on this Council.
2.1.4.2.The purpose of the Leadership Council is to lead in matters of church operation assigned to it in these Bylaws and other matters as may be delegated by the Board of Elders.
- ARTICLE III. BOARD OF ELDERS (Pastoral Team)
3.1.Purpose
3.1.1.The purpose of the Board of Elders is to guide the church so that its life and ministry is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ and so that it fulfills its mission in the world today (I Peter 5:1-4).
3.2.Composition
3.2.1.There shall be a minimum of seven elders on the Board of Elders. Additional elders may be added as required to fulfill the pastoral needs of the church.
3.2.2.No more than one member of a household may serve on the Board of Elders.
3.2.3.No more than two salaried staff shall be voting members of the Board of Elders.
3.2.4.Staff elders are not compensated for services rendered as members of the Board of Elders.
3.3.Selection
3.3.1.Names of potential elders may be initially proposed to the Board of Elders by any member of the church.
3.3.2.The Board of Elders shall make a preliminary evaluation of a recommended person in light of biblical qualifications and service to the church.
3.3.2.1.Candidates shall usually have been members of the church for at least two years.
3.3.2.2.Candidates shall have had prescribed training and service in leadership.
3.3.3.The Board of Elders shall interview and approve each candidate.
3.3.4.The name of an approved candidate shall be submitted to the congregation for final vote according to Section 9.2 of these Bylaws.
3.4.Term of Service
3.4.1.Other than staff elders, elders shall serve three-year terms. Elders may serve up to two consecutive terms and may be eligible for re-election after a one-year break from service. This shall be an incentive to develop new leadership and shall provide a leave for a proven leader.
3.4.2.If necessary to achieve a smooth schedule of rotation on and off the Board of Elders or to achieve the desired number of elders on the Board, the Board may at its discretion:
3.4.2.1.Submit a name to the congregation for a one-year term or a two-yearterm; and/or
3.4.2.2.Extend an elder's expiring term by one year, provided that the extensionis approved by the congregation and the elder will have served no morethan six consecutive years on the Board of Elders.
3.4.3.An elder absent for three consecutive meetings of theBoard of Elders shall be consideredto have resigned the position, subject to a decision by theBoard of Elders. The purpose ofthe provision is not for discipline but for continuity of participation in this office.
3.4.4.Any elder who no longer fulfills the biblical qualifications of an elder shall be removed by action of the Board of Elders or by the members of the church at a properly called business meeting.
3.4.5.An elder may be removed by a decision of the Board of Elders for any reason.
3.4.6.An elder's request for a leave of absence may be considered by the Boardof Elders.
3.5.Responsibilities
3.5.1.The Board of Elders shall have oversight of and responsibility for the affairs of the church.
3.5.2.The Board of Elders shall select qualified persons to serve as members of theLeadership Council and shall select those who shall serve as the Leadership Council’s Executive Committee.
3.5.3.The Board of Elders may amend or overrule any action of a church committee or direct it to reconsider such action.
3.5.4.The Board of Elders shall specifically oversee matters of church doctrine, moral issues, discipline, worship, shepherding care, prayer life, goal development, counseling ministries, and the membership roll.
3.5.5.Elders shall lovingly provide leadership and care, as examples and shepherds, for the newcomers and members of the congregation.
3.5.6.Elders shall develop new leaders for the church through personal example, discipleship and training.
3.5.7.The Board of Elders shall oversee the commissioning of missionaries and the licensure and ordination of ministers. It shall assist the Missions Committee in the evaluation and review of missionaries.
3.5.8.The Board of Elders shall hire and dismiss all ministry staff (or delegate these powers) and approve ministry staff job descriptions, except that the selection of a Senior Pastor also requires approval by the congregation.
3.5.9.The Board of Elders shall receive from the Leadership Council and approve an annual budget, to be submitted to the congregation's Annual Meeting. Board members who are paid employees of the church shall abstain from voting on issues pertaining to the pay and benefits of church employees.
3.5.10.The Board of Elders shall approve expenditures in excess of $20,000 upon recommendation from the Leadership Council.
3.5.11. As role models, elders shall maintain consistent attendance patterns in Sunday worship services, in an adult fellowship group or Sunday ministry, and at Threefold Communion Services. They shall be faithful financial supporters of the church. Elders should lead the way in showing a warm welcome to visitors at worship services and to people considering this church for a church home.
3.5.12.Should the church be without the services of a Senior Pastor, all functions of the Senior Pastor shall revert to the Board of Elders collectively, or to its designee.
3.6.Meetings
3.6.1.The Board of Elders shall meet regularly (usually monthly) for prayer, Bible study, and conducting the pastoral affairs of the church.
3.6.2.A quorum of over fifty percent is necessary for making official decisions. An elder taking a leave of absence shall not be counted in determining the total number of elders.
3.6.3.The Board of Elders shall strive to be unanimous in its decisions. In instances when a unanimous decision cannot be reached, a two-thirds vote of elders present is necessary for passage. There is no provision for absentee voting or voting by proxy.
3.6.4.The Board of Elders shall appoint the following positions:
3.6.4.1.A chairman, who shall conduct business aspects of the meetings in accord with Robert’s Rules of Order. He shall serve with the Executive Committee during budget preparation and at other times upon its request.
3.6.4.2.A vice-chairman, who shall conduct business in the absence of the chairman, and carry out any assignments given by the chairman.
3.6.5.Minutes of all meetings shall be maintained and made available to members of the church during normal business hours.
3.7.Board of Directors of the Corporation
3.7.1.The Board of Elders shall serve as Directors of the Corporation and maintain all documents and reports as required by law.
3.7.2.The Chairman of the Board of Elders shall also serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
3.7.3.The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the Secretary of the Corporation may call a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation by notifying all Directors of the corporation of the time and place of the meeting not less than forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the meeting.
3.7.4.The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall annually elect the following officers of the Corporation (no more than one of which may be a staff member):
3.7.4.1.President of the Corporation, who also serves as Chairman of the Leadership Council and Moderator of the Congregation
3.7.4.2.Vice-President of the Corporation, who also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Leadership Council and Vice-Moderator of the Congregation
3.7.4.3.Secretary of the Corporation, who shall keep the official seal of the Corporation,certify documents and records on behalf of the Corporation,
take and maintain minutes of all meetings of the Membership, and of the Board of Directors, keep other necessary records. The Secretary of the Corporation may, with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, appoint an assistant to take minutes of the meetings.
3.7.4.4.Treasurer of the Corporation, who shall be the chief financial officer.
3.7.5.The Board of Directors shall authorize all purchases, sales, leases, easements, and similar transactions involving real estate and real property of the Corporation.
4.ARTICLE IV. LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
4.1.Composition
4.1.1.The Leadership Council shall be comprised as follows:
4.1.1.1.An Executive Committee consisting of the Officers of the Corporation
4.1.1.2.The Senior Pastor or his designee
4.1.1.3.Staff appointed by the Board of Elders
4.1.1.4.Other voting members appointed by the Board of Elders
4.1.1.5.Non-voting resource persons selected by the Board of Elders or the Executive Committee
4.1.2.No more than one member of a household may serve on the Leadership Council.
4.1.3.No more than two salaried staff shall be voting members of the Leadership Council.
4.2.Selection
4.2.1.All voting members of the Leadership Councilshall be selected according to the following standard. All candidates shall:
4.2.1.1.Be members of the church for two or more years (the time provision may be waived in cases of exceptional service to the church while a non-member)
4.2.1.2.Show clear evidence of leadership skills, service, and of working in harmony with the church’s leadership, spirit and goals
4.2.1.3.Be faithful to worship services and in the responsibilities of a church member
4.2.1.4.Complete any requisite training as determined by the Board of Elders
4.2.1.5.Meet the biblical qualifications of a leader and the church’s expectations of a leader as set by the Board of Elders
4.2.1.6.Be interviewed and approved by the Board of Elders
4.3.Term of Service
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4.3.1.Members of the Leadership Council(except for the Senior Pastor, appointed staff, and non-voting resource persons) shall serve two-year terms, except that the Board of Elders may make a one-year appointment.
4.3.2.Members of the Leadership Council(except for the Senior Pastor, appointed staff, and non-voting resource persons) may serve up to three consecutive terms and may be eligible to serve again after a one-year break from service. This shall be an incentive to develop new leadership and to provide a leave for a proven leader.
4.3.3.A member of the Leadership Council absent for three consecutive meetings shall be considered to have resigned the position, subject to a decision by the Board of Elders. The purpose of the provision is not for discipline but for continuity of participation in this office.
4.3.4.A member of the Leadership Council who no longer fulfills the biblical qualifications of a leader or is deemed not to be fulfilling the role of a council member may be removed by action of the Board of Elders.
4.3.5.There is no provision for a Leadership Council member to request a leave of absence.
4.4.Operation of the Leadership Council
4.4.1.Meetings of the Council
4.4.1.1.The Leadership Council shall meet regularly (usually monthly) to conduct the business of the church.
4.4.1.2.A quorum of over fifty percent is necessary for making official decisions.
4.4.1.3.The Council shall strive for consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, a two-thirds vote of voting members is necessary for the passage of any business item.
4.4.1.4.There is no provision for absentee voting or voting by proxy.
4.4.1.5.Robert’s Rules of Order shall serve as a guide for the conduct of Council meetings.
4.4.1.6.Minutes of all meetings shall be maintained and made available to members of the church during normal business hours.
4.4.2.Responsibilities of the Council
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4.4.2.1.Oversee church operations as assigned by these Bylaws or delegated by the Board of Elders
4.4.2.2.Oversee the operational aspects of various ministry areas as listed in Article VI of these Bylaws
4.4.2.3.Oversee employment of all support staff
4.4.2.4.Be active in the process of developing other lay leaders in the church through personal discipleship
4.4.2.5.Approve an annual budget and recommend the same to the Board of Elders. Council members who are paid employees of the church shall abstain from voting on issues pertaining to the pay and benefits of church employees.
4.4.2.6.Approve expenditures in excess of $3,000 (an urgent meeting of the Executive Committee may approve expenditures up to $10,000). Expenditures up to $3,000 can be approved by the Senior Pastor or his designee. Expenditures in excess of $20,000 also require Elder Board authorization.
4.4.2.7.As role models, Council members shall maintain consistent attendance patterns in Sunday worship services, in an adult fellowship group or Sunday ministry, and at Threefold Communion Services. They shall be faithful financial supporters of the church. They shall be diligent to offer a warm welcome to visitors at worship services and to people considering this church for a church home.
4.4.2.8.Oversee any other matters delegated by the Board of Elders.
4.4.3.Separate Responsibilities of the Executive Committee
4.4.3.1.Meet on an ad hoc basis between meetings of the full Council to discuss necessary matters not requiring full Leadership Council attention, or in a case of urgency when a full Leadership Council meeting is not possible.
4.4.3.2.Serve,as needed, as an informal advisory committee to the staff and be sensitive to its concerns.
4.4.3.3.Assist the Senior Pastor in preparing a proposed annual budget for submission to the full Leadership Council.
4.4.3.4.Perform any other functions assigned by the Leadership Council or Board of Elders.
4.4.4.Other Leadership Council Functions
4.4.4.1.Leadership Councilmembers shall represent ministry areas in the church which the Executive Committee chooses to be represented.
4.4.4.2.Leadership Councilmembers shall provide ministry area reports to the Leadership Council on request and where appropriate, convey Council decisions to their ministry teams.