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His Words from Above Ministry, Inc.

 

Bylaws

 

Preamble 

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WHEREAS, it is the express purpose of God our Heavenly Father to call out of the world a saved people who shall contribute to the Body of Christ, built and established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone. 

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WHEREAS, the members of the Body of Christ are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED, that we recognize ourselves as a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the State of Maryland we may exercise all the rights and privileges granted to religious bodies. 

 

Language 

The masculine gender stated within this document shall refer to both men and women. 

 

Article I Name 

The name of this corporation shall be His Words from Above Ministry, Inc. 

 

Article II Purpose 

The specific purpose for which the corporation is initially organized is to establish and oversee places of worship, teach and preach the gospel to all people, conduct evangelistic and humanitarian outreach, license and ordain ministers of the gospel and to also engage in activities which are necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of that purpose, or which are incidental thereto or connected therewith which are consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code. 

 

Article III Tenets Of Faith 

The human phraseology employed in this statement is inspired; its truth set forth is held to be essential to a full Gospel ministry. No claim is made that it contains all the truth in the Bible, only that it covers Orthodox fundamental matters. 

The Bible  We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written word of God. The Bible is a revelation from God to men, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior to conscience and reason (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; Heb. 4:12). 

The One True God  We believe that there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally Self-existent I Am (Deut. 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isa. 43:10, 11; Matt. 28:19). 

The Blessed Hope  The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the Lord, is imminent and is the blessed hope of the church. We believe in the blessed Hope, which is the rapture of the Church of God, which is in Christ, at His return. (1 Thess. 4:16; Ro. 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52). 

Conditions of Salvation  The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men. We believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious Blood of Jesus Christ. We believe that regeneration by the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential for personal salvation. (1 John 1:7, 9; 1 John 2:2; Rev 1:5; John 14:26). 

The Holy Ghost  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it. We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy and separated life in the present world. 

Jesus Christ  Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of all believers (Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16, 17; Mark 16:18; John 5:14). 

Marriage  God created marriage. It is a covenant made between a God created man and a God created woman that makes them one (Gen 2: 22 - 24; Matt 19: 5-6). 

 

Article IV Ordinances 

Baptism in Water  The ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed (as commanded in the Scriptures) by all that have repented of their sins and in their hearts have believed on Christ as their Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they have also been released to walk with Him in newness of life (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4). 

The Lord’s Supper (Communion)  The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined to all believers “until He comes” (John 6:48,51,53-57; Luke 22:19,20; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Cor. 11:25). 

Article V Membership 

This organization shall have a non-voting membership.

The Board of Directors may create a membership program that details the requirements of membership and procedures for dismissal.  

 

Article VI Government 

Section 1 Board of Directors 

  1. There shall be a Senior Pastor/President. 

  2. There may be a Vice President. 

  3. There shall be a Secretary. 

  4. There shall be a Treasurer. 

  5. Other individuals may be added as needed. 

Section 2 Official Board of Directors and Voting Power 

  1. The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of the corporation. 

  2. The official Board of Directors shall consist of individuals listed above and those added 

by official action of the Board of Directors. These individuals may or may not hold licenses, ordination certificates, or offices in the church. 

  1. The majority shall serve without remuneration and not be related by blood or marriage. 

  2. The Senior Pastor/President shall be chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive of the corporation. 

  3. Each member of the Board of Directors shall have equal voting power among all of the other members. 

  4. A decision of the Board of Directors is considered valid with a simple majority vote and the approval of the Senior Pastor/President, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws. 

Section 3 Removal From the Board of Directors 

Any Board of Directors member may be removed from office with or without cause by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors including the Senior Pastor/President's approval. However, the removal of the Senior Pastor/President is subject to Article X. 

The following reasons are considered just cause for Board of Directors member removal by the Board of Directors: 

  1. In absentee at three consecutive Board of Directors meetings; 

  2. Violation of the mutual interest clause of Article XII; 

  3. Not acting in the best interests of the organization; 

  4. Willful non-disclosure of a conflict of interest as interpreted by a majority of the Board of Directors. 

Section 4 Process for removal from the Board of Directors 

A Board of Directors member may be removed from the Board of Directors in the following manner: 

  1. By letter of resignation submitted to the Senior Pastor/President; 

  2. By action of the Board of Directors in which a simple majority of the Board of Directors, including the Senior Pastor/President, vote in favor for removal. 

 

Article VII Official Functions 

The officers listed below are ultimately responsible to oversee that all listed duties are properly executed. The actual carrying out of necessary actions may be accomplished by any individual whom the Board of Directors sees fit. 

Section 1 Senior Pastor/President  Qualifications 

The Senior Pastor/President shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment. 

Duties 

The Senior Pastor/President shall be the leader of the church as provided by the Holy Scriptures. 

The Senior Pastor/President shall be chairman of the official Board of Directors and preside over all corporation meetings. 

 

 

Term of Office 

 

The term of office of the Senior Pastor/President is unlimited. The board of directors must adhere to the provisions set forth in Article X should they choose to terminate his term. Due to the importance of this position and its effect on the people, the Vice President may call for the implementation of Article X at any time upon an action by the Senior Pastor/ President that is in accordance to its purpose. The Board of Directors must adhere to the provisions set forth in Article X should they choose not to renew his term. 

Succession 

The Senior Pastor/President may nominate a successor or an assistant at any time. The board may be notified of such a decision. Should the Senior Pastor/President be removed by the Accountability Board, the previously approved successor will step into the role of the Senior Pastor/President. 

No Successor Appointed 

Should the Senior Pastor/President fail to appoint a successor, the following shall serve as an order of succession: 

  1. Vice President 

  2. Secretary 

  3. Treasurer 

If the retirement, passing, removal or incapacity of the Senior Pastor/President leaves the Board of Directors unbalanced or without a quorum, then the first motion of the person who assumes the role of the Senior Pastor/President through this section, shall be to nominate prospective Board of Director member(s). The nominee(s) shall be confirmed by a unanimous vote of the remaining Board of Director members.The successor will automatically and immediately become the Senior Pastor/President. In the event the successor is not prepared to assume both the role of the Senior Pastor and that of the President, the Board of Directors can move to separate the roles of the Senior Pastor and President by a simple majority. Such action would require an amendment to the Bylaws. The Board of Directors will begin the search for the replacement Senior Pastor and the successor will assume the role of the President. The Board of Directors may select an interim Senior Pastor until a permanent replacement is found. 

Section 2 Vice President  Qualifications 

The Vice President shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment. 

Duties 

He will serve as chief advisor to the Senior Pastor/President. 

He shall carry out the responsibilities that the Senior Pastor/President delegates to him. 

Manner of Appointment 

The Vice President shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

Term of Office 

The term of office of the Vice President shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article VI. 

Section 3 Secretary Qualifications 

The Secretary shall be a spiritually minded person and of sound judgment. He must be administratively minded with the ability to multi-task. 

Duties 

By virtue of his office, the Secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings, including business meetings of the corporation. He shall perform clerical duties, and shall be the custodian of all legal documents. 

Manner of Appointment 

The Secretary shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

Term of Office 

The term of office of the Secretary shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article VI. 

Section 4 Treasurer Qualifications 

The Treasurer shall be a spiritually minded person, and of sound business judgment. He shall be capable of doing the accounting required to maintain the corporation books. 

Duties 

By virtue of his office, the Treasurer shall keep, in a business-like manner, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements of monies committed to his trust and shall make reports to be presented during the official Board of Directors meetings. He shall deposit and make withdrawals in a manner prescribed in Article XIX. 

Manner of Appointment 

The Treasurer shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

Term of office

The term of office of the Treasurer shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article VI. 

Section 5 Directors  Qualifications 

Directors shall be spiritually minded persons, and of sound business judgment. 

Duties 

By virtue of their office, Directors shall carry out the responsibilities that the Senior Pastor/ President or Board of Directors delegate to them. 

Manner of Appointment 

The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate and the Board of Directors shall con4irm Directors to office by a simple majority / two-thirds majority / unanimous vote. 

Directors shall be nominated by any member of the Board of Directors and appointed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors. 

Term of office

The term of office of the Directors shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that a Director may serve is unlimited. Directors are subject to removal at any time in accordance with Article VI. 

 

Article VIII Meetings 

Section 1 Church Services 

In any established place of worship the appointed Pastor will be responsible for regular church services. 

Section 2 Corporation Meetings 

The corporation year shall coincide with the calendar year beginning on January 1st, and running through December 31st. 

Proper notice of ten days shall be given to all directors prior to any Corporation meeting; unless the Senior Pastor/President deems the meeting as urgent or an emergency. 

The Senior Pastor/President will call the official Board of Directors meeting to discuss the direction of the corporation. The Senior Pastor/President shall set dates and times for Board of Directors meetings. The Board of Directors may have invited guests present at any meeting so long as the Senior Pastor/President has approved it. 

The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of the minutes that were discussed at any Board of Directors meeting. He then has to submit them at the next Board of Directors meeting for discussion by the Board of Directors and approval by the Senior Pastor/ President. Upon approval by the majority of the Board of Directors, the minutes shall be adopted, and all policy and procedure in them will continue to be enforced. 

Section 3 Waiver of Notice 

Attendance of a Director at any meeting of the Board of Directors will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where such Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. 

Section 4 Meetings by Remote Communications Technology 

Subject to the notice provision in Section 2 of this Article, the Directors may also hold meetings by means of a remote electronic communications system, including video or telephone conferencing technology or the Internet, or any combination, only if each person entitled to participate in the meeting consents to the meeting being held by means of that system, and the system provides access to the meeting in a manner or using a method by which each person participating in the meeting can communicate concurrently with each other participant. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except participation for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. 

Section 5 Action by Unanimous Written Consent Without Meeting 

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors under any provision of law may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written consent or consents shall be tiled with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors. Any certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors without a meeting and that the Bylaws of this corporation authorize the Directors to so act and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority. 

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Article IX Quorum 

A simple majority of the Board of Directors members (including the Senior Pastor/ President) at an official Board of Directors meeting constitutes a quorum. 

 

Article X Accountability Board 

The following will remain in effect in lieu of any additional or replacement oversight rules resulting from the Senior Pastor/President joining His Words From Above Ministry Inc. to or aligning with another corporation or church body; after conferring with the board of directors. 

The removal of the Senior Pastor/President shall be subject to this article. Until an Accountability Board is established, the removal of the Senior Pastor/President shall be accomplished by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors (see article VI Government). However, after the Accountability Board is established and confirmed by a vote of the Board of Directors, the power to remove the Senior Pastor/President shall be placed entirely within the Accountability Board’s authority. After the

Accountability Board is established and confirmed by a vote of the Board of Directors it shall be subject to the following: 

There shall be an Accountability Board made up of no less than (3) persons and no more than (5). The Accountability Board shall be made up of individuals nominated by the Senior Pastor/President of the corporation and confirmed by a simple majority of the Board of Directors after careful consideration (II Timothy 3:16, 17; Acts 15). The Board of Directors shall consider the nomination and vote to have each nomination appointed. 

Section 1 Purpose 

The purpose of the Accountability Board is to: 

  1. Provide a spiritual covering by prayerfully giving necessary aid, instruction, guidance, protection and correction as well as counsel, wisdom and fellowship to the Senior Pastor/President (II Timothy 3:16, 17; Acts 15) and, 

  2. To hear accusations against the Senior Pastor/President of the corporation brought to them by a unanimous vote of the official Board of Directors excluding any disqualified individuals serving on the Board of Directors and make a determination as to whether the Senior Pastor/President has committed any of the infractions listed below. 

  3. The Board of Directors may call the Accountability Board into session to conduct an  investigation and/or dismiss the President if they find him guilty of any of the following accusations against the President: 

  1. Adultery  

  2. Embezzlement 

  3. Compulsive Lying 

  4. Sexual Impurity 

  5. Conviction of a felony that is a violation of Scripture 

  6. The Senior Pastor/President not acting in the best interest of the church 

The Accountability Board will determine if the Senior Pastor/President is guilty or innocent and whether to discipline or dismiss him from office. The Accountability Board is the only entity that has the authority to dismiss the Senior Pastor/President from his position if, after being called into session in accordance with the provisions of this Article and after considering all accusations against him; they determine that it is the best course of action for him and the church. The decision of the Accountability Board is 4inal. 

Section 2 Structure 

Any Member of the Accountability Board may be replaced or removed at any time deemed necessary by request of the Senior Pastor/President and confirmation of the Board of Directors of the corporation, provided that it not be after the Accountability Board has been called to officially meet in accordance with Section 1 of this Article. 

The representative nominated by the Senior Pastor/President and confirmed by the Board of Directors shall chair the Accountability Board. 

Future vacancies shall be nominated by the Senior Pastor/President and confirmed by the Board of Directors. 

A record of the current and past Members of the Accountability Board shall be kept in a log under the custody of the official Board of Directors. The log shall clearly list the names of each member and the current chairman. 

Any successor Senior Pastor/President to the founding or current Senior

Pastor/President shall keep the Accountability Board that was in existence at the time he became Senior Pastor/President. He may, after a six-month period, make nominations for replacements of no more than one representative per year. When establishing any new Accountability Board member he must follow the procedure set forth in Section 1 of this Article. 

Section 3 Quorum 

100% of the Accountability Board must be present to constitute a quorum. The Accountability Board may only meet if it has been called to do so with a unanimous vote by the official Board of Directors according to the provisions of this Article. 

Section 4 Determinations 

Any action taken by the Accountability Board is valid by a unanimous vote. 

Section 5 Power 

The Accountability Board shall have no innate power or authority as a legal organizational entity, except that which is invested in them by these Bylaws. Their decisions, when called together in accordance with Section 1 of this Article, shall be final. 

Article XI Ecclesiastical Authority 

This organization is theocratic in government. In any growing congregation, there will be people at all stages of spiritual growth and maturity. For that reason, it is not proper to submit the affairs of the church to a democratic vote as the same is not God’s way, for the purpose of the church is not to do the will of the majority, but the will of God. 

Any disputes that arise over the interpretation of these Bylaws shall be deferred to the highest authority of this church. In this case it would be the Senior Pastor/President, with the advice of the Board of Directors. The Senior Pastor/President shall be responsible for the day-to-day decisions and shall run the affairs of the church. In Watson v. Jones, the court ruled that: 

“Whenever the questions of discipline, or of faith, of ecclesiastical rule, custom, or law have been decided by the highest church judicatory to which the matter has been carried, the legal tribunals must accept such decisions as final, and as binding on them . . .” 

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Article XII Mutual Interest 

The behavior of anyone in fellowship with this church is of common interest to the Board of Directors and membership. (Gal. 6:1) This church requires every Board of Directors member and Congregational member to adhere to a Lifestyle that is consistent with the doctrines of this church as taught in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this church reserves the right to refuse service to any individual, whether member or not, that is not submitting their Lifestyle to this Scriptural mode of conduct. This refusal would include services, benefits and any use of church assets. 

 

Article XIII Prohibited Activities 

This church is prohibited from engaging in activities which violate its written doctrines. This church is also prohibited from condoning, promoting or allowing any of its assets to be used for activities that violate its written doctrines. 

 

Article XIV Senior Pastor’s Vision 

To establish an efficient leadership infrastructure, the Senior Pastor/President shall be responsible to articulate in clear, concise and simple language the vision of the church. The purpose of this is to create a consistent and logical framework which empowers staff and volunteers to participate in the decision-making processes that reflect the Senior Pastor/ President’s heart and vision for the church. 

 

Article XV Ministry of Helps 

This recognizes the ministry of helps during worship services and shall train and equip ushers to assist the Senior Pastor/President in maintaining order and decency. To that regard, ushers shall: 

  1. be trained in the policies and procedures of the altar ministry, 

  2. maintain a worshipful atmosphere in the church, 

  3. attend to any disruption or emergency situation during worship services. 

The department head in charge of the usher's ministry shall: 

  1. make every effort to train the ushers to be prepared for emergency situations, 

  2. designate at least one usher to keep a cell phone available to call for help in case of an emergency, 

  3. train all ushers on the church's altar ministry policy and procedures. 

 

Article XVI Membership Review Of Church Records 

Section 1 Requests Made by Members 

To ensure the trust of the membership and to also ensure that a public interest is being served, all church records, financial information and all kinds of financial transactions must always be available for membership inspection and review. At no time may information be supplied that would violate Section 4 of this Article or

 

Article XVII

Any questions by any members shall be addressed to the treasurer either in writing or by scheduled appointment. 

Section 2 Required Provisions of the Request 

The request must state the name of the member, the reason for the request and that the information shall in no way be made public or shared with any other member in a way that will jeopardize the church. 

Section 3 Required Fee 

This corporation may require a reasonable per page fee for any copies that are required in order to accommodate approved records requests. 

Section 4 Con identicality 

In order to keep the records of the church confidential, records shall not be released to any outside agency, person or entity unless due process has been served and a certified subpoena has been personally delivered. This includes the IRS, except under the provisions of Section 7611 which shall be limited only to information deemed to be relevant to the inquiry being made. At all times the IRS will be expected to comply with all of the provisions of Section 7611. 

Section 5 Denying a Request 

The Board of Directors reserves the right to deny such a request for any of the following reasons: 

  1. the request is considered by the Board of Directors and deemed to be frivolous; 

  2. the member making the request has a history of being divisive; 

  3. the member does not adequately provide the required information on the request as  stated in this Article; 

  4. the person making a request is a non-member or a person whose membership was  terminated. 

 

Article XVII Privacy 

This church shall diligently watch to keep private all records concerning polity, doctrine, counseling and information on individuals in fellowship with this church. This church must not disclose any records that may compromise information about a member’s attendance, membership status, giving and counseling records. 

 

Article XVIII Order 

For the purpose of conducting business, the Senior Pastor/President shall, in an orderly manner, preside over all of the affairs of the corporation. 

 

Article XIX Finances 

Section 1 Audit 

The Treasurer and or other Board of Directors appointed person shall complete an internal audit. This audit of all financial records shall be made after the close of the calendar year, prior to the end of February. 

Section 2 Checks, Payments and Withdrawals 

The Board of Directors of His Words from Above Ministry, Inc. shall adopt a Corporate Expenditures Policy detailing the procedure for properly executing checks, payments and withdrawals. 

Section 3 Salaries 

All salaries shall be determined in the following manner:  

Only uncompensated individuals of the Board of Directors shall vote on any recommended compensation package. 

All salaries shall be reviewed each year. 

 

Article XX Property Rights 

All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred or conveyed in the corporation’s name. 

No real or chattel property of the corporation shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated without authorization of the Senior Pastor/President. 

The Senior Pastor/President of the corporation shall certify in such conveyances, leases, or mortgages. 

In the event that the corporation ceases to exist, all assets of THIS CHURCH shall at the discretion of the Board of Directors be given to organizations that are exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) and/or 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The receiving organization must be of similar purpose. 

 

Article XXI Ministers Of The Gospel 

The Senior Pastor/President of this ministry shall by virtue of his office automatically be recognized as an ordained minister. 

Section 1 Classes of Ministers 

This ministry shall have a set number of classes of ministers, as set forth below. Each class of minister will have distinct rights and privileges; they are listed below: 

Saints, Brothers, Sisters in the Gospel: 

This recognition is automatically given to all believers in fellowship with this ministry. They are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services. But primarily assist others in the Body of Christ. Individuals in this category may include, but are not limited to: teachers, worship leaders, instructors, hospital in jail visitation, ministerial assistance, and lay persons. 

Minister’s Apprentice: 

This recognition is given by the Senior Pastor/President of this ministry. This recognition is for those who are starting out in the ministry, but need extensive training. They are to work closely with a licensed or ordained minister. Such persons are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services. 

Licensed Minister: 

This recognition is given by the Senior Pastor/President of this ministry. He shall be fully convinced of the candidate’s calling from God to preach, and to possess a holy conversation without vigorous speech, yet having sound understanding and true application of God’s Word. Having a peaceable report, and willing to accept kind, righteous, biblical correction and instruction. He must "study to show himself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of Truth." He should be one that has served faithfully in attendance with tithing, offerings and obedience to his Pastor for at least one year before being granted a license. 

The license shall be renewed each year unless he is ordained, and thus becoming an Elder. The licensed minister/preacher shall have authority to: 

  1. Preach 

  2. Conduct worship services 

  3. Perform Weddings 

  4. Conduct funerals 

  5. Visit the sick and shut-in 

  6. Minister in prisons 

  7. And may serve a Pastoral charge under supervision 

However, this person is not in charge of a congregation. Limited authority is granted to run the affairs of the ministry. 

Licensed Missionary: 

This recognition is given by the Senior Pastor/President of this ministry. He shall be fully convinced of the candidate’s calling from God to evangelize the work of the church as much as lies within her power. She must be willing and able to travel and conduct revival meetings, and to help women to be holy and righteous in the Christian walk. She should be one that has served faithfully in attendance with tithing, offerings and obedience to her Pastor for at least one year before being granted a license. 

The license shall be renewed each year. The Licensed Missionary shall have authority to: 

  1. Visit the sick and shut-in 

  2. Carry the gospel of comfort and deliverance to those in jail 

  3. Teach the women in the church to be subject and loyal to the Pastor as he follows Christ 

However, this person is not in charge of a congregation. Limited authority is granted to run the affairs of the ministry. 

Ordained Pastor/Elder: 

This recognition is given by the Senior Pastor/President to those persons who have an “established” or “proven” ministry. Licensed ministers who upon Ordination will be given the title of Elder, are authorized to perform all functions of the Christian ministry and religious functions, and must be capable of doing so. Ordained Elders are authorized to perform all religious functions: 

  1. Preach 

  2. Conduct worship services 

  3. Religious instruction 

  4. Serve on the board of directors of a church 

  5. Ministry administration 

  6. Provide spiritual counseling 

  7. Perform Weddings 

  8. Conduct funerals 

  9. Visit the sick and shut-in 

  10. Minister in prisons 

And perform the ordinances of the church: 

  1. The Lord’s Supper – Communion 

  2. Feet Washing 

  3. Baptism 

He must be capable, as determined by the Senior Pastor/President, to take charge of a congregation. 

Section 2 Senior Pastor/President’s Authority 

The Senior Pastor/President of this ministry shall have ecclesiastical authority to decide who, how or if a person will be licensed by this ministry to hold any of the classes mentioned above (Matt. 16:13-19). 

Section 3 Elders 

The Elders Board is an appointed committee comprised of Ordained Elders, given charge of the spiritual care of the congregation. Their authority is limited to what is granted them by the Senior Pastor/President. Not all Elders are called to be a Pastor, but a Pastor must first be an Ordained Elder. (1Timothy 4:14) 

Qualifications 

All Elders must qualify by exemplifying the following in their lives: 

  1. Above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7) 

  2. The husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7) 

  3. Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Tim. 3:2) 

  4. Sober-minded, prudent (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8) 

  5. Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Tim. 3:2) 

  6. Hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8) 

  7. Able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9) 

  8. Not a drunkard (1 Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:7) 

  9. Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7) 

  10. Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7) 

  11. Not a brawler; not contentious, not quick tempered (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7) 

  12. Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy for money (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7) 

  13. Rules his own house well; his children are faithful (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6) 

  14. Not a new convert (1 Tim. 3:6) 

  15. Well thought of, has a good reputation with outsiders (1 Tim. 3:7) 

  16. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7) 

  17. A lover of good (Titus 1:8) 

  18. Just, upright (Titus 1:8) 

  19. Holy, devout (Titus 1:8) 

  20. Self-controlled (Titus 1:8) 

Duties 

The Elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God's flock. The Elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective Members, equip the Membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, Assist the Board of Directors to admonish and correct error, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The Elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions. They shall work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure a healthy spiritual atmosphere within the fellowship. 

Manner of Appointment 

The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate a Licensed Minister to be an Elder and once ordained, that Elder becomes a member of the Elders Board. If an Elder joins the church, under the leadership of the Senior Pastor/President, that Elder in due season may be nominated in like manner. 

Term of office

Should a Minister/Elder be found in violation of the Bylaws, the Senior

Pastor/President shall suspend or remove his authority and/or credentials, using the principles of Article X. The Senior Pastor/President may notify the Board of Directors of such actions. The Of4ice of Elder is a calling and a gift and as such it has no term limits (Romans 11:29). 

Removal 

Should an Elder be found in violation of the Bylaws the Board of Directors may dismiss him by a simple majority vote. 

Section 4 Deacons/Deaconesses Qualifications 

The office of Deacon/Deaconess is described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7. The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men/ women who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as Deacons/Deaconesses. 

Duties 

Deacons/Deaconesses shall care for the temporal needs of members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration.  

Manner of Appointment 

The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate a Brother or Sister of the Gospel to the Board of Deacons/Deaconesses 

Term of Office

The term of office of each Deacon/Deaconess may be reviewed every year. 

Removal 

Should a Deacon/Deaconess be found in violation of the Bylaws the Senior Pastor/ President may dismiss or suspend the authority of that person. 

 

Article XXII Other Considerations 

Anything that has not been discussed in these Bylaws shall be discussed and decided upon at an official Board of Directors meeting. 

 

Article XXIII Amendments 

Amendments to the Bylaws may be made by a simple majority of the official Board of Directors, including the Senior Pastor/President. 

These Bylaws adopted on this day make null and void all prior addenda and these Bylaws supersede and replace all previous Bylaws voted on prior to this day. 

 

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