Purpose & By-Laws of Williamsville Christian Church
January, 2011
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
Williamsville Christian Church
An Illinois Nonprofit Religious Corporation
ARTICLE I
Name and Principal Office
The name of the Corporation is WILLIAMSVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. This Corporation will be further referred to in the Bylaws as the "Church". The Church maintains its principal office at 201 S. Old Rt. 66, Williamsville, Illinois 62693.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
This church shall be governed by the New Testament Scriptures and shall have as its purpose the following:
At Williamsville Christian Church we Celebrate God’s love by Reaching out to others for Christ and help them Discover their gifts so they can become effective Ministers and Care for one another’s needs.
These purposes we believe are found in Matthew 22:37-40 and 28:18-20 and are known as the Great Commission and Great Commandment.
ARTICLE III
Statement of Faith
We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and as the only basis for our beliefs. Where the Bible speaks we speak and where it is silent we are silent. Our only creed is Christ. This article defines us as a church and cannot be changed.
ARTICLE IV
Affiliation
This Church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any denominational control. Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches, this Church voluntarily affiliates with the brotherhood of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ.
ARTICLE V
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 role.

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. Those who have met the above listed qualifications, are members in another church, and are wishing to transfer that membership to Williamsville Christian Church.

SECTION III: Designation of Membership

In an effort to properly reflect the membership of the church, two rolls shall be maintained. These rolls shall be updated periodically.
1. Active/Resident Members: All members who reside within the church's ministry area andare currently active in the church.
2. Nonresident Members: Members who have become inactive as a result of moving out of the church's ministry area and have not joined another church.

SECTION IV: Responsibilities of Membership

The following are biblical responsibilities for membershipbut not limited to;
  1. Attending regular Sunday services and congregational meetings.
  2. Committing to develop spiritually through regular prayer and Bible study and striving to live as true ambassadors of the Kingdom.
  3. Giving financially to the church as they feel God is asking them to.
  4. Ministering to the needs of others.
Those who have placed membership and possess the gifts, talents and abilities to teach and lead different groups within the church such as Sunday School, Home Study groups, etc. If membership has not been placed then a person can not lead any of the above mentioned groups that will be teaching the doctrines of the church, unless otherwise approved by the Elders of the church. Non-members however, are encouraged to help out in those areas of the church where doctrine is not being taught, such as Nursery, or serving in the multimedia ministry, or as ushers, etc. (Note: All persons, whether members or non-members who work directly with children must pass a background check.)

SECTION V: Voting Rights of Membership

Every Active/Resident Member, who hasbeen active in the church six (6) months before the vote unless they have just become new members, shall have the right to vote on the following matters:
  • 1. The Annual Church Budget.
  • 2. The disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Church.
  • 3. The merger or dissolution of the Church.
  • 4. The acquisition of real property and related indebtedness.
  • 5. Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the church.
  • 6. The hiring of ministers.
When it comes to children (defined as those under the age of 13), if they meet the above mentioned qualifications for membership it is up to the parents to decide if they would like their child to vote. Voting by proxy is allowed. (Note: For the purpose of this section, “active” shall consist of those items enumerated in Section IV).

SECTION VI: Release 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.
4. Dismissal by the Elders according to the following conditions:
a. The member's life and conduct is lived in such a way as to hinder the ministry influence of the church in the community and is therefore not lived in accordance with the membership agreement they made on the day they became members.
b. Procedures for the dismissal of a member shall be according to Matthew 18:15-17, which states:
15”If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
SECTION VII: Restoration of Members
Members dismissed by the Elders shall be restored by the leaders according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, when their life-styles are determined to be in accordance with the membership agreement.
7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm you love for him.
ARTICLE VI
Membership Meetings

SECTION I: Place

Meetings of the members shall be held at the principal office of the church or at such other place or places within or outside Illinois as may be designated from time to time by the Elders.

SECTION II: General Meetings

A general meeting of the members shall be held in December of each year at such time as determined by the leadership. This general meeting shall be the annual membership meeting. The purpose of this meeting shall be to adopt an annual budget.

SECTION III: Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called at any time by the leadership for any purpose by giving notice to the members in accordance with Section IV of this Article.

SECTION IV: Notice Requirements for Membership Meetings

1. General Requirements. Whenever members are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, notice shall be given to members no less than two (2)weeks prior to that meeting. Notification of membership meetings shall be given in any of the following manners determined to be a reasonable method of calling a membership meeting such as:
a. Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at a Sunday service;
b. Announcement of the meeting in the Church newsletter;
c. Oral announcement to the congregation at a Sunday service; or
d. Delivery by United States mail to each member identified on the membership roll.
2. Notice of Certain Agenda Items. Approval by the members of any of the following proposals, other than by unanimous approval by those members entitled to vote, is valid only if the notice or waiver of notice specifies the general nature of the proposal:
a. Hiring ministers;
b. Adopting, amending or repealing Bylaws;
c. Disposing of all or substantially all of the church's assets;
d. Adopting or amending a merger agreement; or
e. Approving the election to dissolve the church
f. Approving the acquisition of real property and related indebtedness.

SECTION V: Quorum

Those members present and voting at a meeting duly noticed and called shall constitute a quorum of the membership for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE VII
Trustees

SECTION I: Definition of The Office

The Elders of the church shall act as the Trustees of the church as is defined by the state of Illinois.

SECTION II: Powers

The Trustees shall have the following powers and duties:
  1. To provide financial counsel to the church.
  2. They shall have full power and authority to change the principal office from one location to another.
  3. To determine the compensation of the licensed and/or ordained ministers of the church.
ARTICLE VIII
Elders

SECTION I: Term of office

The terms for Elders shall be for three (3) years. This assumes that only 1/3 of the leadership will be replaced in any given year. An officer can succeed themselves at the end of his term if approved by the remaining Elders. In case of moral impropriety the Elder can be replaced/removed immediately. If for some reason an Elder is unable to complete their term the Elders may then appoint a replacement to finish the term

SECTION II: Qualifications & Duties

  1. The Elders shall consider the qualifications of those willing to serve. Candidates are required to complete the leadership training course presented by the Senior Minister and/or Elders of the church. The Elders shall prayerfully consider the qualifications of each candidate to ensure they meet the requirements prescribed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 which states:
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Furthermore, the Elders shall prayerfully consider the qualifications of each candidate to ensure they also meet the requirements prescribed in Titus 1:6-9 which states:
6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7Since an overseer is entrusted to God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Members shall prayerfully consider Elder candidates. If a member is aware of some reason why a candidate should not be appointed as an Elder that member shall bring their specific concern to one of the Elders during the two weeks between the time the candidate is announced and the time the candidate is formally appointed to the office or “set apart.” The issue shall then be handled by the Elders consistent with Matthew 18:15-17. If nothing is brought against the candidate the candidate shall be formally set apart at the annual meeting.
2. Specific Powers of Elders require that without prejudice to the general powers set forth above and subject to same limitations, the Elders shall have the power to:
  1. Select and removeall officers,agents and employees of the church
    Borrow money and incur indebtednesson behalf of thechurch and cause to be executed and delivered for the church's purposes and the church's name, promissory notes and other evidences of debt and securities
  2. Handle the spiritual issues and problems withinthechurch.
Specific Roles of Elders include that of:
  1. Elder or Presbyter (Presbureros) as described in
  1. Acts 20:17, 28
  2. Titus 1:5, 7
  3. 1 Peter 5:1, 2
  1. Overseer or Bishop (Episcopos) as described in
  1. Acts 20:17, 28
  2. Titus 1:5, 7
  1. Shepherd or Pastor (Poimen) as described in
  1. Acts 20:17, 28
  2. 1 Peter 5:1, 2
  1. Steward (Oikonomo) as described in
  1. Titus 1:5, 7
These roles describe how Elders are appointed to oversee the local congregation or church, serve as The roles describes how Elders are appointed to oversee the local congregation or church, serve as the spiritual leaders of the congregation and watch out for and care for the souls of the members of the congregation like a Shepherd watches over his flock.
ARTICLE IX
Deacons

SECTION I: Term of office

The terms of office for Deacons shall be for three (3) years. This assumes that only 1/3 of the leadership will be replaced in any given year. A Deacon can succeed himself at the end of his term if that is the will of the Elders. In case of moral impropriety the Deacons can be replaced/removed immediately. If for some reason an office is unable to complete their term the Elders may appoint a replacement to finish the term.

SECTION II: Qualifications and Duties

Candidates are required to complete theleadership training course presented by the Senior Minister and/or Elders of the church. The Elders shall prayerfully consider the qualifications of each candidate to ensure they meet the requirements prescribed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 which states:
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worth of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Jesus Christ.
Members shall prayerfully consider the candidate and if a member is aware of a reason why they candidate should not be appointed as a Deacon that member shall bring their specific concern to one of the Elders during the two weeks between the time the candidate is announced and the time the candidate is formally appointed to the office or “set apart,” at which time the issue shall be handled by the Elders consistent with Matthew 8:15-17. If nothing is brought against the candidate the candidate shall be set apart at the annual meeting.
  1. Specific Powers of Deacons require that without prejudice to the general powers set forth above and subject to the same limitations, the Deacons shall have the responsibilities to:
  2. 1. Assist the Elders in promoting the cause of Christ in the local church.
  3. 2. Met with the Elders for leadership training.
  4. 3. Oversee one or more ministries in the church and help place people into different ministries. Deacons will have full discretion to expend whatever funds required for those ministries they oversee within the limitations of the approved budget for that ministry. In those rare instances where needs arise that exceed budgeted amounts the Deacons will be required to come before the Elders to request additional funds.
ARTICLE X
Ministers

SECTION I: Overseeing of Office

  1. The Elders shall appoint a committee to search for and recommend a minister, of any position, for the Williamsville Christian Church. In any case the Elders must interview and recommend a ministerial candidate of any position for the church before he is presented to the congregation. The search committee shall include at least one Elder. The agreement between the minister and the church may be terminated by either party with a 30 day notice. The eldership may terminate a minister if there is a moral impropriety.
  2. The congregational vote. The congregation must be notified at least two full weeks in advance of a vote to call a new minister of any position. Any form of announcement will be accepted in Article VI, Section IV is considered adequate.
  3. The ministerial candidate shall preach on the Sunday of the vote, introduce his family if he has one, and a vote will be taken following the service. Seventy percent (70%) of the members present and voting by paper ballot must vote in favor of hiring the new minister.
  4. All other ministerial positions shall have to be observed in their area of service and then presented to the people, on behalf of the elders, during a specified service and seventy percent (70%) of the members present and voting by paper ballot must vote in favor of them.

SECTION II: Duties

The duties of any ministerial position will be those that the Elders of the church have worked out between themselves and the people being hired and placed in the form of a job description. These job descriptions can be changed at anytime as long as both the Elders and those holding the position are in agreement.
ARTICLE XI
Auxiliary Organizations or Social Functions
All non-church functions are subject to the review of the leadership. If the church building is to be used for anything other than a church function the request needs to come before the Deacons for their approval. If the Deacons have any questions they may then take the issue to the Elders.
All costs for use of the church building are to be set by the Deacons and it is at their discretion as to when they will and will not charge for the use of the building.
ARTICLE XII
Fiscal
SECTION I: Budget
The Church shall maintain the following records and reports:
1. Adequate and correct books and records of accounts (financial records); and
2. Written minutes of the proceedings of the business meetings of its members and Leadership; and
3. A record of the members of the Church, setting forth the members' names and addresses; and
4. Contribution statements for contributors.
All such records shall be kept at the Church's principal office available for review by members of Leadership (and with the exception of item 4 above, by the members of the church.)
The Elders shall also see to it that all ministry heads meet with those involved in their perspective ministries to prepare and present the annual budget to the leadership for their approval and recommendation to the church. The new budget shall be voted on at the annual meeting to take place in December and to take effect January 1st of the new year. Passage of the proposed budget shall require majority vote of those members present.

SECTION II: Expenditures