KING OF GRACE CHURCH, INC. BYLAWS
Adopted October 1, 2020
- GENERAL
1.1. Incorporation of Local Church
King of Grace Church, Inc. (the “Church”) is an ecclesiastical body established by Jesus Christ in Haverhill, Massachusetts to preach the gospel, disciple the nations, and establish a community of Christian believers and disciples of Jesus Christ who practically live in keeping with the gospel.
1.2. The Autonomy of the Local Church and Collaboration with Other Churches
King of Grace Church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its affairs and own its property and other assets. Recognizing, however, the benefits of collaboration with other churches, King of Grace Church participates in an association of churches called Trinity Fellowship Churches, Inc., a Pennsylvania nonstock corporation whose primary place of business is in Millersville, Pennsylvania in accordance with The Book of Church Order for Trinity Fellowship Churches (hereafter called The Book of Church Order) and the Trinity Fellowship Partnership Agreement (hereafter called the Partnership Agreement). As stipulated in said agreement, this association involves no legal transfer to, or sharing of properties with Trinity Fellowship Churches, but is a collaboration that advances a shared mission and facilitates interdependent church fellowship.
1.2.1. Voluntary Partnership
King of Grace Church voluntarily partners with other local churches that are represented by the same Regional Assembly of Elders (the “Regional Assembly”), as further described in the Partnership Agreement. These Bylaws are subject to the precedent of The Book of Church Order, and they shall consist of the standards of doctrine, governance, discipline, and worship employed by this and other partnering churches in the Regional Assembly. All references to The Book of Church Order herein shall be deemed to include any subsequent current amendments or restatements. King of Grace Church’s participation in the Regional Assembly of Elders as defined by The Book of Church Order and the Trinity Fellowship Court of Appeal is strictly voluntary and does not confer or transfer any of the Corporation’s legal rights, privileges, assets, and liabilities to any of these distinct ecclesiastical bodies or any of their related or affiliated entities.
1.2.2. Responsibilities of Partnership
Responsibilities of and to Trinity Fellowship Churches shall be such as are summarized in the Partnership Agreement signed by all Trinity Fellowship churches as found in the King of Grace Church Policy Manual and The Book of Church Order.
1.2.3. Withdrawal from Partnership
Should the Board of Elders determine that for reasons of conscience or practical viability the Church must withdraw from the Trinity Fellowship Churches association, it shall do so in full compliance with guidelines stipulated in The Book of Church Order, as agreed upon by the Church’s Board in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.
- SEAL
The Church shall have a seal consisting of two concentric circles, between which shall be inscribed the name of the Church, and in the center of which shall be inscribed the year of its organization, and the words, “Corporate Seal, State of Massachusetts.” Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced, or by writing the word “SEAL” beside the signature of an authorized officer of the Church.
- STATEMENT OF FAITH
3.1. Statements of Faith, Biblical Morality, and Godly Conduct
3.1.1. Statement of Faith
The Statement of Faith affirms the Church’s commitment to sound biblical doctrine and to the core beliefs to which it is committed. Christianity involves essential truths which are taught in Sacred Scripture, and are meant to embody our faith and guide our practice. These truths—which reveal the nature, character, work, and promises of God in the gospel—form the foundation of our faith and the center of our fellowship.
The Statement of Faith of this Corporation is that specified for Trinity Fellowship Churches, Inc., without exception.
3.1.2. Statement of Biblical Morality
The Statement of Biblical Morality is an affirmative expression of this Church’s core biblical beliefs and values as well as its response to the changing legal and moral context in which it exists. It is a conscious application of the divine imperative that the Church “not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind” (Romans 12:1, 2). In an age in which specific biblical practices are being increasingly threatened by a rapidly deteriorating moral climate and assailed by an aggressively secular agenda, the Church must respond with a clear conviction and a steady voice. The Bible stands as our guide for faith and practice, not the changing values of the culture. To that end, we affirm the following.
3.1.2.1. Church Discipline
The Scriptures call every Christian to a life of holiness, forbidding believers from habitual conformity to the sinful desires of the flesh or the ungodly patterns and behaviors of the world. Since sin clings so easily to the believer, Jesus, as Lord of the Church, has established means of accountability (commonly known as church discipline) within the local church, to guard the Christian against falling into impenitent habitual sins. Such church discipline, which ranges from private admonition to public rebuke and/or removal from membership in the Church, is to be motivated by a shared desire for holy lives, a loving desire to lead others to repentance and restoration, and a zeal for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
For the Church to remain under God’s blessing and fulfill God’s intentions, at times it may become necessary, formally and corporately, to confront sin or false doctrine in a Church member, including one who is serving as a Church elder. The Church shall follow the rules prescribed in The Book of Church Order for the adjudication of matters giving rise to possible church discipline and the administration of church discipline involving Church members, and the adjudication of charges against and the possible discipline of Church elders. The Church shall submit to the decisions of each ecclesiastical body that The Book of Church Order prescribes as having jurisdiction over the disciplinary matter at each stage of its adjudication. Unless the Board determines that it otherwise serves the best interest of the Church, any individual serving as a director and/or officer of the Corporation who is the subject of any church disciplinary proceeding shall be required to take a leave of absence from active service. After the disciplinary process has concluded, the Board shall exercise discretion over whether it is appropriate for the individual to return to active service, to continue his leave of absence for a prescribed period or to resign or be removed from his position.
3.1.2.2. Sexuality and Marriage
A Biblical view of manhood and womanhood and an appreciation for and commitment to marriage and the family are values rooted in the Sacred Scriptures. The holy institution of marriage is to be between one man and one woman for life, as established in God’s creation of man and woman in His image and in the relationship between Christ and His Church.
While men and women are equal before God as sharers of his image in Creation and partakers of his grace in Christ, we believe that specific gender roles in marriage are God’s normative law for the family. We believe in the servant-leadership role of men in both home and church, and in the complementary function of women in contributing their abilities to supply the inadequacies and support the leadership of those men. We reject men’s attitudes of abuse, neglect, and passivity, while simultaneously grieving women’s attitudes of disrespect, liberation, and superiority as being counter to Scripture, nature, and the well-being of all.
Furthermore, sexual chastity before, and lifelong fidelity in a heterosexual marriage embody an abiding divine law which is to guide the faith and life of every Christian and the teachings of this church. Sexual chastity includes abstinence from pre-marital sex, pornography, adultery, and homosexuality; indeed any sexual activity outside of a one- man-and-one-woman covenanted marriage relationship. In light of current cultural erosion of sexual morality, it is essential that the church stand firm on the Bible’s teachings about sexual identity and purity. King of Grace Church and its elders may not endorse gender changes, nor approve or officiate same-sex marriages or unions.
While sexual sin is uniquely serious before God, no sexual sin is beyond God’s power to redeem and restore. We affirm the love of God for all who are guilty of sexual sin in any of its forms and offer the gospel and grace of God to all who will repent of such sins and turn in faith to Christ for their forgiveness and deliverance.
3.1.2.3. Divorce
It is God’s intention that the covenant of marriage be a joyful union that endures for life. Those whom God has joined together must cleave as one flesh in faithful love, and are not to be torn apart. Divorce is prohibited by God except when sexual infidelity and/or abandonment occur. While permissible in such cases, divorce is not required, and should be avoided whenever possible. In all cases of marital crisis, repentance and reconciliation should be the first recourse, although all reasonable steps should be taken to protect spouses from physical and/or severe mental abuse.
In addition, we believe that remarriage by those who are unbiblically divorced is strictly forbidden by Christ Jesus our Lord, and is not to be condoned by his church. The remarriage of divorced believers must be approved by the Church’s Board of Elders if they determine that there is divorce for biblical cause as defined above and that reconciliation of the previous marriage has been considered in a meaningful way.
3.1.2.4. The Sanctity of Life
The Scriptures teach that human life, which is made in the image of God, begins at conception. This infuses sanctity into all human life from conception to natural death, or death brought about justly at the hands of a civil magistrate for capital crimes. This sacredness must afford to the unborn and to the infirmed of any age all the rights and protections granted to all other human beings. It is the duty of every Christian to speak for and defend such rights in every way he or she is able.
As a means of protecting the sanctity of innocent human life, Scripture allows for capital punishment (1) administered by the civil magistrate (2) through a just process under strict guidelines (3) for those found guilty of capital crimes. Consistent with the value of human life, which is made in God’s image, all people, including those guilty of capital crimes, should be treated with dignity.
3.1.2.5. Parental Discipline of Children
Children are a gift from God to be cherished and enjoyed with all affection and love. It is every parent’s duty to delight in his or her children and to create a home of tender affection and love. The Holy Scriptures further mandate that parents train up their children to become responsible, mature, relationally-skilled, and faith-embracing men and women. To this end, the Bible commands parents to love, nourish, teach, train, and discipline their children.
While the Scriptures teach the corporeal discipline of children, such discipline must be applied with great caution and tender care. Remembering that every child is made in the image of God, he or she must always be treated with respect and dignity. This precludes every form of wrathful, harmful, or injurious physical discipline, and requires that parents be loving, humble, cautious, and measured in the exercise of any corporeal training.
The Church deplores child abuse in any and all its forms and shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that its parents understand and practice parental discipline with all due regard for the safety, well-being, and joy of every child. To do harm to a child is to incur the special displeasure of God.
3.2. Religious Practices of Corporation
To be consistent with the Church’s religious mission, the Corporation shall not:
3.2.1. Establish any public or private policies or positions that conflict with the Statement of Faith.
3.2.2. Elect or appoint or retain any Board member who has not subscribed to and maintained agreement with the Statement of Faith. Any elder who drifts from agreement with the statement of faith is bound to alert the board to his disagreement.
3.2.3. Hire or retain any employee whom the Board has determined has not subscribed to the Statement of Faith or acted in a manner consistent with the Statement of Faith or the religious mission of the Corporation unless the Board determines that he or she has fully and properly repented of such action.
- OFFICES
4.1. Registered Office and Agent.
The Corporation shall continuously maintain a registered office and registered agent within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
4.2. Principal Office.
The principal office of the Corporation shall be located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, or such place as shall be determined by the Elder Board.
4.3. Additional Offices.
The Corporation may also have offices at such other places as the Elder Board may from time to time determine and the business of the Corporation may require.
- ELDER BOARD
5.1. Elders as Directors
All authority in the Church is derived from Jesus Christ and is exercised on His behalf. The primary governance structure in this local church is its eldership. The elders serve as the Corporation’s Board of Directors, which shall exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things that are not prohibited by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws. While ordination to eldership and appointment to the board are two separate appointments, all elders of a particular local church are to be appointed to the board, and therefore the terms elder and board member are interchangeable. The Church shall be responsible for the ordination of its elders and subject to the accountability generally described in Section 7 of these Bylaws, and more specifically described in The Book of Church Order.
5.2. Number
The Elder Board shall consist of not less than 3 persons, as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the Elder Board. If the Church has only one elder, the Corporation shall appoint as directors at least two other elders from one or more local churches in Trinity Fellowship Churches in which the Church is a Partner. If the Church has only two elders, the Corporation shall appoint as director at least one other elder from one or more local churches in Trinity Fellowship Churches in which the Church is a Partner. Directors shall be appointed by the Elder Board for terms as determined by the Board or until their successors are appointed and qualify in their stead.
5.3. Appointment
The initial Elder Board shall be as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. Subsequent appointments of directors of the Corporation may be made by a vote of a majority of those directors present at any regular meeting of the Elder Board, or at a special meeting convened for that purpose. Non-binding but public and official affirmation by the church membership is also required for any Elder of the Church. Unanimity of affirmation by the church membership is desired but should such unanimity not be fully realized, affirmation by no less than a 3/4 majority of the Church Members responding shall be preferred for the appointment of an Elder.
5.4. Vacancy
If the office of any director becomes vacant, the remaining directors, though less than a quorum, shall be authorized to select a successor who shall be appointed by the Elder Board of the Corporation to serve the unexpired term of the vacated directorship.
5.5. Powers
The government of the Church is vested in its elders, who shall provide oversight in the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Church, and shall appoint and confer authority upon an Elder Board to manage the Corporation. The Elder Board shall exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things that are not prohibited by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws.
5.6. Committees
Committees of the Board may be appointed by a resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, or by the delegation of the Lead Pastor when he is authorized by the Board so to do. Committees shall be composed of two or more members of the Board and shall have such powers of the Board as may be expressly delegated to it by resolution of the Board of Elders, except with respect to:
5.6.1. The creation or filling of vacancies in the Elder Board.
5.6.2. The adoption, amendment, or repeal of the Bylaws.
5.6.3. The amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board that by its terms is amendable or repealable only by the Board.
5.6.4. Action on matters committed by the Bylaws or a resolution of the Board of Elders exclusively to another committee of the Board.
5.6.5. The Board may designate one or more elder(s) as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another elder to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member.
5.6.6. Each committee of the Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The delegation of authority to any committee shall not operate to relieve the Board of Elders or any member of the Board from any responsibility imposed by law or Scripture. Rules governing procedures for meetings of any committee of the Board shall be established by the Board of Elders, or in the absence thereof, by the committee itself. All actions by any Board Committee shall be reported to the Board of Elders at the meeting next succeeding such action. The general functions of councils and committees are:
5.6.6.1. To bring considered recommendations to the Board concerning ministries.
5.6.6.2. To provide a wider base of counsel to the elders having the oversight of specific ministries.
5.6.6.3. To complete such duties and exercise such powers as are delegated to them by the Board.
5.6.6.4. All councils and committees shall exist for the period specified by the Board
5.7. Removal and Resignation
Any director who resigns or is removed as an elder in the Church (or another local church associated with Trinity Fellowship Churches, if the Church has only one or two elders) shall automatically be removed as a director of the Corporation. A director otherwise may deliver a written notice of intent to resign to the Board chair, which shall be effective upon its acceptance by the Board. Any director may be removed from the Board with or without cause when, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Elder Board, it is determined by at least a two-thirds percent majority of the Board at a meeting duly called for that purpose and at which a quorum is present that such director should no longer serve on the Board; provided, however, that a notice, including the names of the director(s) proposed to be removed, and the date, time and place of any meeting called to consider such removal shall be given in writing to each of the directors at least seven (7) days prior to the date of such meeting.
5.7.1. Any elder may be removed from the board/eldership at any regular or special meeting of the Board if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or in the case of being found spiritually unqualified according to the procedural steps outlined in The Book of Church Order and the relevant policies of this Church (according to the Scriptures, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 as well as other texts describing mature Christian character; e.g.-Galatians 5:18-24; 1 Corinthians 13), after a thorough corroborating investigation by the elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VII, Section 18 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board).
5.7.2. Should an elder confess to serious sin, and agrees to resign from his position, the regional Judicial Review Committee should be contacted to appoint a moderator of just cause to review the resignation agreement to confirm a trial is not necessary. Should the moderator determine the process and agreement are fair and freely agreed upon, the eldership will follow the same guidelines as outlined The Book of Church Order for removal from office.
5.7.3. Removal of an elder from the board may also occur for non-disciplinary reasons. Evaluation regarding the performance of a man in his office or the elimination of a role at the discretion of the Board may necessitate removal as well. In such instances great care should be exercised to decide such matters:
5.7.3.1. Only upon careful review and discussion.
5.7.3.2. By a ¾ majority of the Board.
5.7.3.3. With due consideration of the man’s needs, family, and calling, as well as the church’s needs. Pastoral care should be given to clarify to the congregation the reasons for the decision, so as to avoid any appearance of discipline that might reflect negatively upon the man or his reputation.
5.7.3.4. Removal of a man for non-disciplinary reasons does not revoke his ordination.
5.7.4. Whenever a man is removed from office for any reason, such actions should be taken with all care and gentleness, giving due regard to family, financial, and other considerations. In such cases the man removed shall be informed of the possibilities of future restoration; and if such restoration is deemed possible, the process involved.
The elders reserve the right to dismiss the Lead Pastor in accordance with The Book of Church Order. The Lead Pastor must give thirty (30) days’ notice if he intends to resign.
5.8. Accusations against an Elder
Charges may be brought against an elder by church members and/or church elders. Full adjudication of the matter shall be completed in accord with procedures more fully outlined in Scripture, the Church’s Policy Manual, and in The Book of Church Order.
5.9. Transactions with Interested Parties
A contract or other transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors, officers, or family members thereof (hereinafter “Interested Party”), or between the Corporation and any other entity of which entity one or more directors, officers, elders, or trustees are also Interested Parties, or in which entity an Interested Party has a material financial interest, shall be voidable at the sole election of the Corporation unless all of the following provisions are satisfied:
5.9.1. The transaction was fair and reasonable as to the Corporation or was reasonably determined to be in furtherance of its exempt purposes at the time the Corporation entered into the transaction.
5.9.2. Prior to consummating the transaction, or any part, the Elder Board authorized or approved the transaction, in good faith, by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, without counting the vote of the interested director or directors, and with full knowledge of the material facts concerning the transaction and the Interested Parties’ interest in the transaction, even though the disinterested directors are less than a quorum.
5.9.3. The Corporation entered into the transaction solely to advance its corporate purposes and not for the personal benefit of any other party or other entity. Prior to authorizing or approving the transaction, the disinterested members of the Elder Board, in good faith and with ordinary care, determined, after reasonable investigation and consideration, that either the Corporation could not have obtained a more advantageous arrangement, with reasonable effort under the circumstances, or the transaction was in furtherance of the Corporation’s tax-exempt purposes.
Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Elder Board (or a committee thereof) which authorizes, approves, or ratifies such contract or transaction.
Notwithstanding the above, no loan shall be made by the Corporation to any of its directors or officers, as provided further in Section 10.6 of these Bylaws.
5.10. Conflicts of Interest Policy
It is the policy of the Corporation to avoid conflicts of interest and to provide for full disclosure of any and all material conflicting interests by Board members, officers, senior management, and employees. The Board should be equipped to gather all relevant facts and circumstances to determine in accordance with the guidelines of Section 4.9 above, whether or not any disclosed potential conflict is benign and not in any way jeopardizing the religious mission, exempt function, or reputation of Christ’s church, so that the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable to the Corporation. This policy will be implemented by appropriate practices and/or written procedures adopted by the Elder Board.
5.11. Fees and Compensation
Elders (as such) shall not receive any stated or fixed salary for their Board services. However, nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any elders from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation. Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from King of Grace Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature or amount of said compensation.
Elders of the Church shall receive remuneration for their labors in accordance with policies for compensation as prescribed in the church’s Policy Manual. Fixed salaries may be determined through:
5.11.1. The extent and nature of the elder’s work.
5.11.2. Any salary recommendations of our Trinity Fellowship Churches family of churches.
5.11.3. The recommendations of a Finance Committee appointed by the Board of Elders, which committee shall consist of no less than three 3 persons; elder approval by a super-majority (two-thirds) of the recommended salary bands; and a super-majority (two-thirds) approval by the Board of the Finance Committee’s recommendations, with no elder permitted to vote on the nature and amount of his own compensation.
5.12. Royalties and Honoraria
Elders of the church shall establish a royalties and honoraria policy to be reflected in the Church Policy Manual.
5.13. Resignation, Termination, and Severance of Elders Employed by Church
The Policy Manual shall provide the Church’s guidelines regarding the resignation, termination, and severance of elders who are employed by the Church.
- MEETINGS OF THE ELDER BOARD
6.1. Notice
Regular, annual, and special meetings of the Elder Board may be held within or outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without formal notice at such time and place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board, except for meetings at which the Board shall consider the removal of a director, as noted in Section 4.7. The Board shall hold an annual meeting for the purpose of electing the directors and officers, and all other business as may properly come before the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called at any time by the Chairman (if any), the Lead Pastor, the Executive Pastor (if any), or any two directors.
6.2. Waiver of Notice
Whenever any notice is required to be given by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to the notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. Attendance at a meeting by a person entitled to notice shall constitute a waiver of a proper notice of such meeting, except where attendance is for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
6.3. Quorum
A majority of the directors shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the Board at a meeting duly called for that purpose and at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Elder Board, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws.
6.4. Action Without a Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Elder Board or by a committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, by written action authorized by all the directors. However, a written consent setting forth the action so taken and authorized and dated by all the members of the Board or of a committee, as the case may be, must be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or the committee. The written action is effective when authorized and dated by the required number of directors unless a different effective time is provided in the written action. When written action is permitted to be taken by less than all directors, all directors must be notified promptly of its text and effective date. Failure to provide the notice does not invalidate the written action, but a director who does not sign and date the written action is not liable for the action.
6.5. Participation by Alternate Means
Members of the Elder Board or of any committee designated thereby may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of communications equipment by which all persons participating in the meeting can effectively interact with one another if each individual entitled to participate in the meeting consents to the meeting being held by means of that system. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. When such a meeting is conducted by means of a conference telephone or other means of remote communications, the minutes recording any action taken at such meeting shall also note who participated in person and who participated by alternative communications.
- OFFICERS
7.1. Number and Positions
The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Elder Board – the Lead Pastor (who functions as President), Secretary, and Treasurer. The Board may also elect an Executive Pastor (who functions as Vice-President), one or more Assistant Secretaries, and Assistant Treasurers. Except as otherwise provided, the officers may, but need not be, Pastors of the Church. However, all officers must be members in good standing of the Church. The Board may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. In the event that the President is incapacitated, another regional elder could be appointed to serve in the transition.
7.2. Term of Office
The Elder Board shall elect officers of the Corporation, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Any officer elected or appointed by the Elder Board may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the Board at a meeting duly called for that purpose and at which a quorum is present, whenever, in their judgment, the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by a majority vote of the Elder Board. In case of the absence or disability of an officer of the Corporation or in any other case that the Elder Board may deem a sufficient reason, a majority of the Board at a meeting duly called for that purpose and at which a quorum is present may delegate for the time being any or all of the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer, Pastor, or any other person.
7.3. The Lead Pastor
To be appointed as the Lead Pastor and to maintain that position an individual must satisfy the criteria established for pastors as set forth in The Book of Church Order. In the exercise of pastoral plurality within the Church there shall be a first among equals; one man among the many whose gifted influence exercises a greater leadership role than that of the others. He shall be called the Lead Pastor and shall be responsible to lead the pastoral team in ministering the Word of God to the people of God. He shall be an equal among his fellow elders in the exercise of authority but shall have a distinct role in that he serves as the leader of his fellow elders.
7.3.1. Corporate service – He shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and he shall have stewardship responsibility for advancing the vision and mission of the Corporation and managing or overseeing the business of the Corporation consistent with the authority delegated and the resolutions promulgated by the Board.
7.3.1.1. He shall see that orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect, sign and deliver in the name of the Corporation deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation, except in cases in which the authority to sign and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is expressly delegated by the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or by the Board to another officer or agent of the Corporation.
7.3.1.2. He shall make reports to the Elder Board, and shall have such other rights, duties, and powers as are authorized by the Elder Board from time to time.
7.3.1.3. This corporate role of the Lead Pastor shall always be secondary and subservient to his primary role as the spiritual leader of the local church to establish the Church’s vision, mission, and priorities in accordance with the Bible, to lead the local church to be a gospel-centered reflection of Christ’s body, to extend the glory and kingdom of God in and through this local church.
7.3.2. Selection
It is the responsibility of the eldership of the Church to identify and commission each of its members to fulfill tasks and responsibilities as they see fit, including the Lead Pastorate. However, because of the visibility that a Lead Pastor has, and because of the unique and important role in which he serves with respect to the congregation, the Church should choose a Lead Pastor carefully and with conscientious attention to the observations, concerns, and input of the flock.
7.3.2.1. The selection process should include steps analogous to those for the selection of other elders, only with more nuanced attention to the unique gifting and role for which this man is being considered. These should include:
7.3.2.1.1. Eldership analysis and definition of the proposed Lead Pastor role—as the needs and circumstances of the church presently define it—and of each elder’s gifts relative to that analysis.
7.3.2.1.2. Eldership choice (by a super-majority (three-quarters ) vote of all Board members) of the man they will set before the congregation for the input of the flock.
7.3.2.1.3. Eldership presentation of the candidate to the congregation for their questions, concerns, and commendations, giving a minimum of six weeks for congregational input before the eldership’s final decision on the matter.
7.3.2.1.4. Eldership final discussion and decision on the candidate, with a super-majority (three-quarters) vote deciding on the candidate.
7.3.2.1.5. Eldership public presentation and formal installation of the man into the office during a Sunday gathering.
7.3.3. Role of the Lead Pastor
The precise nature of the role of the Lead Pastor in the Church may vary depending on the maturity of an eldership, the range of gifts on the team, the level of specialization on the team, and various other factors. Each local eldership should adjust the role of the Lead Pastor to match his local job description. Generally, the Lead Pastor of the Church shall be expected to:
- Provide doctrinal leadership through a prominent teaching role
- Develop the eldership into a cohesive leadership team
- Provide pastoral care for the eldership
- Facilitate decision-making by serving as Chairman of the Board of local elders, or by ensuring that another elder is so tasked
- Identify and deploy spiritual gifts among the elders in consultation with the other elders
- Encourage efficiency
- Coordinate eldership training
- Act as the normal spokesman for the elders
7.3.4. Accusation and Dismissal
Charges made against the Lead Pastor shall be adjudicated in compliance with guidelines established by The Book of Church Order.
7.3.5. Duration of the Lead Pastor’s Role
The Lead Pastor shall continue in his role until such a time either that he is disqualified from the role or is better suited for another role, or that another man is more strategically gifted for the role according to the careful and deliberate decision of the eldership. Periodic review of the Lead Pastor’s role, gifting, labors, and character shall be made in accordance with the standard review policies of the church.
7.4. The Executive Pastor
An Executive Pastor may be appointed by the elders if they deem the position useful. To be appointed as the Executive Pastor, and to maintain that position, an individual must satisfy the same criteria set forth for the Lead Pastor. If an Executive Pastor is appointed by the Board, he shall, in the absence of the Lead Pastor, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Lead Pastor, or such of them as may be so delegated, and shall have such other rights, duties, and powers as are authorized by the Elder Board from time to time. He shall serve as Vice-President of the Corporation.
7.5. Vice President
A Vice President is not required, but he should be an elder if one is appointed.
7.6. The Secretary
7.6.1. The Secretary or an Assistant Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board and record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose.
7.6.2. He shall bear responsibility for maintaining records of and, when necessary, certifying proceedings of the Board.
7.6.3. He shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required.
7.6.4. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, such notice as is required of all meetings of the Elder Board.
7.6.5. He shall have such other rights, duties, and powers as are authorized by the Elder Board from time to time.
7.6.6. The Secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation and, when authorized by the Board, affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed it shall be attested by the signature of the Secretary, or by the signature of the Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary.
7.7. Assistant Secretaries
The Assistant Secretaries in the order of their seniority shall, in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary, and shall have such other rights, duties, and powers as are authorized by the Elder Board from time to time.
7.8. The Treasurer
7.8.1. Except as the Elder Board may otherwise determine, the Treasurer shall deliver all funds and securities of the Corporation which may come into his hands to such bank or trust company as the directors shall designate as a depository, and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation.
7.8.2. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.
7.8.3. He shall render to the Lead Pastor and the Elder Board, at the regular meetings of the Board or whenever they may require it, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.
7.8.4. He shall deposit money, drafts, and checks in the name of and to the credit of the Corporation in the banks and depositories designated by the Board.
7.8.5. He shall endorse for deposit notes, checks, and drafts received by the Corporation as ordered by the Board, making proper vouchers for the deposit.
7.8.6. He shall, upon request, provide the Lead Pastor and the Board an account of the financial condition of the Corporation.
7.8.7. If required by the Elder Board, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board for the faithful performance of the duties of his office, and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money, and other property of whatever kind in possession or under the control of the Treasurer, belonging to the Corporation.
7.8.8. The Treasurer shall also have such other rights, duties, and powers as are authorized by the Elder Board from time to time.
7.8.9. The Treasurer may delegate his responsibilities to other qualified members but retains overall responsibility for the discharge of the duties of his office.
7.9. Assistant Treasurers
The Assistant Treasurers in the order of their seniority shall, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer, and shall have such other rights, duties, and powers as are authorized by the Elder Board from time to time.
- ORDINATION, LICENSING, COMMISSIONING
8.1. Ordination
Ordination refers to the recognition by the Board of Elders of a man’s call to the ministry, preparation as a shepherd, and qualification to serve. Such ordination shall be conferred in accordance with procedures delineated in Article VI, Section 3 of these Bylaws, in the Church’s Policy Manual, and in compliance with The Book of Church Order.
8.2. Licensing
A license may be issued by the Board of Elders and may be given in recognition of a man service in a ministry. Its aim is to allow the person to perform the ecclesiastical duties and functions of the Church at the discretion of the elders. Licenses will be evaluated—and issued or renewed—periodically at the discretion of the elders. Licenses are issued only to members of King of Grace Church.
8.3. Commissioning
When local-church certification is required for ministry where ordination would be unnecessary or inappropriate, a person may be commissioned by the Board of Elders to minister. This authorization continues as long as the opportunity to minister remains in effect and as long as the person maintains the qualifications for ministry.
8.4. Appeals of Decisions
As noted in The Book of Church Order, the Church’s decisions on the disqualification or discipline of elders and Church members may be appealed to the Regional Judicial Committee, and decisions of the Regional Judicial Committee may be appealed to the Court of Appeals. The Corporation shall accept and/or recognize the decisions of the Regional Judicial Committee and the Court of Appeals according to the stipulations and qualifications of The Book of Church Order and the Partnership Agreement, to the extent that they may affect matters of corporate governance (e.g., the fitness of an individual to serve as a director based on his qualification or disqualification as an elder).
- DEACONS
9.1. Qualification and Appointment.
The Deacons must be active members in good standing of the Church and must possess the qualifications of a Deacon as set forth in the relevant teachings of the New Testament. Appointments of Deacons of the Church may be made at any regular meeting, or at a special meeting convened for that purpose. Deacons may be male or female and will serve with respect to the commands of scripture outlining the roles of men and women. Unanimous appointment by a vote of the Board of Elders is preferred but should such unanimity not be fully realized, appointment by no less than a 3/4 majority vote of the Board of Elders shall be required for the appointment of a Deacon. Non-binding but public official affirmation by the church membership is required for any Deacon of the Church. A unanimity of affirmation by the church membership is desired but should such unanimity not be fully realized, affirmation by no less than a 3/4 majority of the Church Members responding shall be preferred for the appointment of a Deacon.
9.2. Powers
Deacons serve as ministry leaders. They help care for the flock through their example and care for the church. They free up the elders to oversee the church, to minister the word, and to pray for the church. They assist in the care and leadership of the church under the leadership of the elders in such a way as to extend the effectiveness of the elders and to build the church up into maturity. The purpose of deacons in the church is to work and serve alongside the elders and staff to support, encourage, promote, and uphold their ministry (Acts 6:3). As such, they will exercise delegated authority in their respective realms of ministry responsibility, reporting to the board of elders and the congregation. They shall serve for a one-year term, renewable.
9.3. Removal by Elders
With the approval of the Board of Elders of the Church, any Deacon may be removed from when, in the sole judgment and discretion of the Board of Elders, it is determined by a majority vote of the Elders at a meeting duly called for that purpose and at which a quorum is present that such Deacon should no longer serve. Provided, however, that a notice of such proposed removal and the date, time, and place of any meeting called to consider such removal shall be given in writing to each of the Elders at least one week prior to the date of such meeting.
- ADVISORY GROUPS
The Elder Board may create one or more advisory groups, for such terms as deemed fit by the Elder Board. Such advisory groups shall have no vote or governance role but shall serve the Elder Board in the specified advisory capacity. The members of such advisory groups must be active Church members.
- CHURCH MEMBERS
11.1. Membership Universal and Local
As a concept distinct from corporate membership, which refers to the Elder Board, the Church follows the New Testament concept of church membership: that each person regenerated by the Holy Spirit and responding in repentance and faith toward Jesus Christ is a unique and indispensable part of the organism which is Christ’s body and all such persons are members of the universal body of Christ (1 Cor. 1:2). Membership in this Body of Christ is the grounds for fellowship between Christians. However, the Bible identifies local churches as those Christians in a locality who by the leadership of God and common agreement join together under recognized local leadership and governance for the purpose of worship, instruction, mission, and fellowship.
11.2. Church Polity Regarding Members
The Book of Church Order addresses the qualifications, responsibilities, discipline process, and disqualification of members. The sections of The Book of Church Order applicable to Church members are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in Section 9 of the Bylaws.
11.3. Participation in Church Decisions
To the extent deemed appropriate by the Board, Church members may participate in key Church decisions, including a formal and public affirmation of elders and deacons, approving the annual budget, providing comments on proposed changes in the Bylaws, implementing major changes in the Church’s ministries, receiving new Church members and exercising Church Discipline, provided, however, that such participation does not nullify the authority of the elders and/or directors to govern the Church or Corporation, and does not contradict The Book of Church Order.
11.4. Church Discipline
The discipline of Church members is addressed in the Church’s Statement of Biblical Morality in Section 3.1.2.1 of the Bylaws.
11.5. Resignation of Membership
A Church member may resign from his Church membership by submitting a written communication to one or more of the elders at any time, which shall be effective upon formal acceptance by the Chairman. However, if such resignation is an attempt to avoid the process of Church discipline, the Board will not accept the resignation until that process is completed to the satisfaction of the Board. Though generally such resignations by Church members not under discipline shall not be formally announced or published, such information is treated as public and available to any Church member or inquiring elder from another local church.
11.6. Removal from Roll
When a Church member resigns his Church membership or he is removed from Church membership due to unrepentant sin or doctrinal error, their name will be removed from the Church membership roll.
11.7. Confidentiality
Though every reasonable effort shall be made to protect confidential communications, especially those received in a pastoral counseling context, there will be times when to properly fulfill their spiritual and leadership responsibilities, the Church’s elders may, as they deem necessary or appropriate, share confidential information with one another, Church members, civil authorities, or others they deem may be part of the solution or problem. They may do this for the purpose of counsel or the purpose of protecting others from the effects of a Church member’s sin, or to assist one another in providing spiritual care to the people of the Church.
11.8. Settlement of Disputes
In any dispute arising between church members and pastors or staff pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute may be resolved by the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board). In such cases, decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each non-conflicted/non-accused elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). Any elder(s) accused shall recuse himself/themselves from the final decision made.
11.8.1. Disputes between members of the church which cannot be resolved privately may be adjudicated by due process under the oversight of the Board of Elders in obedience to biblical principles of conflict mediation, arbitration, and reconciliation, and in compliance with procedures delineated in the Church’s Policy Manual and The Book of Church Order, and as presented in the membership application signed by all who join the church.
11.8.2. In such cases, every attempt shall be made to resolve conflicts via these means, except in such matters as involve criminal implications. In such cases, legal due process may be mandated by civil law and shall be deemed permissible by the elders, if not required. If no legal process is mandated, church members will be expected (unless, at the discretion of the Board, another recourse is judged permissible) to ask the church for mediation in all personal disputes including such matters as alleged breaches of contracts, sale of real or personal property, and/or loss of employment or employment discrimination.
- SEAL
The Corporation may have a seal in the form determined by the Elder Board. Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced, or by writing the word “SEAL” beside the signature of an authorized officer of the Corporation.
- FISCAL MATTERS
11.1 Deposits
The Elder Board shall select banks, trust companies, or other depositories in which all funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall, from time to time, be deposited to the credit of the Corporation.
11.2 Checks
All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other persons as the Elder Board may from time to time designate.
11.3 Fiscal Year
The Elder Board shall have the power to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Corporation. Unless otherwise fixed by the Board, the fiscal year shall commence on [Insert beginning date] and shall terminate on [Insert ending date].
11.4 Designated Contributions
The Corporation may accept any designated contribution, grant, bequest or devise provided it is consistent with the Corporation’s (1) mission and spiritual priorities as determined from time to time by the Board, (2) budget process and fiscal restrictions, (3) full ownership and control of the funds or assets, and (4) tax-exempt purposes, as set forth in the Articles and these Bylaws. As so limited, donor-designated contributions will be accepted for special funds, purposes, or uses, and such designations generally will be honored. The Corporation shall reserve all right, title, and interest in and to, and control of such contributions, as well as full discretion as to the ultimate expenditure or distribution thereof in connection with any special fund, purpose, or use.
11.5 Books and Records
The Corporation shall keep at its office correct and complete books and records of account, the complete copies of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the activities and transactions of the Corporation, minutes of the proceedings of the Elder Board and any committee of the Board, and a current list of the directors and officers of the Corporation and their residence addresses. Any of the books, minutes, and records of the Corporation may be in written form or in any other form capable of conversion into written form within a reasonable time.
11.6 Loans to Directors and Officers Prohibited
No loans shall be made by the Corporation to its directors or officers. Any director or officer who assents to or participates in the making of any such loan shall be liable to the Corporation for the amount of such loan until it is repaid. Nothing in this section shall bar any director or officer from receiving approved compensation in their employee capacities, or approved payments from the Corporation’s benevolence fund in accordance with the policy and procedures governing such a fund, provided they do not participate in the decision to grant such benevolence.
11.7 Benevolence Fund
Consistent with Biblical teaching to share with those in need, the Corporation may establish a benevolence fund to meet the material and the financial needs of Church members and others. This fund shall be administered under a policy that sets forth the funds’ purpose, procedures for administration, and objective criteria for selection of recipients for financial assistance.
11.8 Accounting and Fiduciary Guidelines
The directors and officers of the Corporation shall conduct their affairs with integrity in the sight of God and men, and shall to that end maintain prudent and responsible control and accountability over all funds they receive and ensure that all funds are dedicated to the Corporation’s tax-exempt purposes. Toward that end, the directors and officers shall implement practices, procedures, and/or policies that position the Corporation to be a model of faithful stewardship and quality internal accounting controls and procedures. In the case where elders from the regional assembly serve as directors of the corporation, they may appoint a financial audit and budget review committee of non-ordained individuals to serve locally.
- INDEMNIFICATION
Any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, may be indemnified by the Corporation, and the Corporation may advance his related expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify:
12.1 Itself for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification specified above; and
12.2 Its directors, officers, employees, and agents.
- AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a majority of the Elder Board in attendance at any regular meeting of the Board, or at any special meeting of the Board if notice of the proposed alteration or repeal is contained in the notice of such meeting or notice is properly waived as outlined in Section 5.2 of these Bylaws.