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ARTICLE I — NAME

The name of this Corporation shall be Faith Fellowship Church.

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE

The purpose of this Church shall be:

  • To worship and glorify God
  • To proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all mankind
  • To promote the teaching that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and shall be the sole guide for the redemption of all people
  • To do all that we can, as the Holy Spirit leads and directs us, to influence people to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior

ARTICLE III — FAITH & POLITY

1. Statement of Faith

Faith Fellowship Church’s Faith Policy is set forth in its Articles of Faith and Doctrinal Statement, a copy of which is attached hereto and made part of the Constitution and By-Laws of this Church.

2. Civic Responsibility

We believe that, as responsible individuals, we have an obligation to take an interest in secular affairs. However, that interest should be expressed through secular channels designed for such purposes.

All activities and programs of all departments, organizations, committees, and classes that use the facilities and/or the name of the Church must be approved by the Governing Board.

ARTICLE IV — MEMBERSHIP

1. Definition of Membership

Members of this Church shall be persons:

  1. Who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
  2. Who have been approved for membership by the Governing Board
  3. Who offer public acceptance of the Church’s Articles of Faith and Doctrinal Statement

2. Reception of New Members

Reception of new members shall take place at any Church Worship Service.

3. Termination of Membership

  1. A member in full fellowship may request a Letter of Transfer of Church Membership. The Church Secretary, if directed by the Governing Board, will send such a letter to the designated place and notify the applicant.
  2. A member who has united with another church, with or without obtaining a Letter of Transfer, shall be removed from the Church Roll.
  3. A member from whom no word has been received for a period of at least one year may be removed from the Church Membership Roll at the discretion of the Governing Board.
  4. Any member wishing to withdraw from Church membership may do so upon written notice to the Governing Board.

ARTICLE V — OFFICERS & DUTIES

1. Pastor(s)

  • Chosen by the Church when a vacancy occurs after a congregational meeting called for that purpose.
  • A three-fourths (3/4) vote of members present and voting shall affirm the call.
  • Charged with the spiritual welfare of the congregation.
  • Term shall be indefinite.

A written ballot shall be required to affirm continuation at a special Church Business Meeting called for that purpose.

If the affirmative vote is less than a two-thirds (2/3) majority of members present and voting, the Church shall request the Pastor’s resignation effective within ninety (90) days. Likewise, the Pastor shall give ninety (90) days’ notice if resigning voluntarily.

2. Moderator

The Moderator of congregational meetings shall be the Chairman of the Governing Board. If unavailable, he shall appoint a substitute from the Board.

3. Treasurer

  • Elected by the Governing Board from its membership
  • Serves for one (1) year
  • Receives and deposits Church monies
  • Disburses funds under authority of the Governing Board
  • Presents annual financial report
  • Submits books for annual audit

The Treasurer and others handling Church funds shall be insured or bonded in amounts determined by the Governing Board.

4. Secretary

  • Elected by the Governing Board from its membership
  • Serves for one (1) year
  • Records proceedings and maintains Minutes
  • Issues required meeting notices
  • Performs duties prescribed by the Board

ARTICLE VI — GOVERNING BOARD & DUTIES

1. Qualifications & Term

Members must meet Biblical qualifications of elder/overseer (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). Term of office shall be three (3) years.

2. Responsibilities

  • Oversee spiritual life of the Church
  • Advise the Pastor(s)
  • Assist in the Lord’s Supper
  • Visit members and prospective members
  • Review Membership Rolls annually
  • Provide pulpit supply
  • Meet at least monthly

A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum.

3. Property & Financial Authority

The Governing Board shall hold and care for Church property, ensure funds are expended according to the approved budget, and designate depositories.

The Board shall not buy, sell, mortgage, transfer property, or incur indebtedness without special vote of the Church at a properly called meeting (except for authorized designated depository withdrawals).

4. Additional Duties

  • Keep accurate records and report annually
  • Authorize unbudgeted expenditures up to $5,000 without prior approval
  • Employ and set terms for paid personnel (except Pastor)
  • Present Annual Budget for approval
  • Devise ways to increase Church income
  • Fill Board vacancies until next Annual Meeting
  • Appoint necessary committees
  • Oversee Sunday School and Christian Education programs

ARTICLE VII — COMMITTEES

1. Service Committee

Purpose: Serve the Church and community under the Governing Board.

  • Caring for the sick and bereaved
  • Benevolence assistance
  • Visitation
  • Hospitality

Term: three (3) years. Meets jointly with the Governing Board (voice but no vote).

2. Nominating Committee

  • Five (5) members; at least three (3) from the Governing Board
  • Elected at least sixty (60) days prior to Annual Meeting
  • Presents nominees for all elective offices

Service concludes at end of Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VIII — MEETINGS

1. Worship Services

Held each Sunday. Special services may be called by the Governing Board.

2. Sacraments

Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Dedication of Infants and Children shall be observed as directed by the Governing Board.

3. Annual Meeting

Held between February 15 and March 15 for reports, elections, business, and adoption of the annual budget.

4. Regular & Special Meetings

Regular meetings are called by the Governing Board.

Special meetings require written request of at least 50% of voting members and ten (10) days’ written notice stating the business to be conducted.

5. Quorum

Fifty percent (50%) of voting members constitutes a quorum.

6. Voting

Majority vote of members present and in good standing. Members must be at least 21 years of age. One vote per member.

7. Reports

All officers, boards, committees, departments, and organizations shall submit written reports at the Annual Meeting.

8. Rules of Order

Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply where not otherwise provided in these By-Laws.

ARTICLE IX — AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be altered, amended, or repealed by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of members in good standing present and voting at an Annual or properly called Special Meeting.

Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Church Secretary at least four (4) weeks prior, posted publicly, and mailed to members at least ten (10) days before the meeting.