URBANA GRACE CHURCH 

CONSTITUTION

 

ARTICLE I 

NAME 
The name of this church shall be Urbana Grace Church. 
 

ARTICLE II 

 
COVENANT

The covenant by which this church exists as a distinct body and which every member accepts is as follows: 
Acknowledging Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord; and submitting to the unchanging truth of the Holy Scriptures as our final authority for faith and conduct; and recognizing the privilege and duty of uniting ourselves: To become a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, culturally relevant, spiritually exciting worshipping community of fully devoted, mature disciples of Christ that are reaching the world for Christ; we do now in the sight of God and invoking His blessing solemnly covenant and agree with each other to associate ourselves as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ as warranted by the word of God. 
We agree to maintain the teaching and the preaching of the word of God, to submit ourselves to the orderly administration of the affairs of the church, and to walk together in brotherly love. 
This we do, depending on the aid of our Heavenly Father, who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for our salvation; and of Jesus Christ who has redeemed us with His blood; and of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Advocate and Guide. 
 

ARTICLE III 

 
STATEMENT OF FAITH 

The "Statement of Faith" which this church shall embrace, preach, and defend is specifically set forth as follows: 
1.  THE BIBLE: the word of God, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, verbally inspired in all parts and therefore wholly without error or omission as originally given of God (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:21). 
2.  THE ONE TRUE GOD: existing eternally as three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22; Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14). 
3.  THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: His preexistence and deity (John 1: 1-3), incarnation by virgin birth (John 1: 14; Matt. 1: 18-23), sinless life (Heb. 4:15), substitutionary death (II Cor. 5:2 1), bodily resurrection (Luke 24:36-43), ascension into heaven and  present ministry (Heb. 4:14-16), and His return one day (Acts 1:11). 
4.  THE HOLY SPIRIT: His personality (John 16:7-15), deity (Acts 5:3-4), and work in each believer: baptism and indwelling at the moment of regeneration (I Cor. 12:13;  Rom. 8:9) and filling to empower for Christian life and service (Eph. 3:16, 5:18; Acts 1:8; Gal. 5:22-23). 
 
5.  MAN: his direct creation in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-28), his subsequent fall into sin resulting in spiritual death (Gen. 3:1-24; Rom. 5:12), and his necessity of new birth for salvation (John 3:3-5). 
 
6.  SALVATION: a complete and eternal salvation by God's grace alone, received as the gift of God through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; I Peter 1:18-19). 
 
7.  THE CHURCH: one true Church, the body and bride of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-32), composed of all true believers of the present age (I Cor. 12:12-13) with the organization of its members in local churches for worship, for edification of believers, and for worldwide gospel witness; each local church being autonomous, but cooperating in the fellowship and work of the mission Jesus has set before us (Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 1:8). 
 
8.  CHRISTIAN LIFE: a life of righteousness, good works, and separation unto God from the evil ways of the world (Rom. 12:1-2); manifested by speaking the truth (James 5:12); maintaining the sanctity of the home (Eph. 5:22-6:4), settling differences between Christians in accordance with the Word of God (I Cor. 6:1-8),  not engaging in carnal strife but showing a Christ-like attitude toward all men (Rom 12:17-2 1), exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), and maintaining a life of prayer (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6), including the privilege of calling for the elders of the church to pray and to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18). 
 
9.  ORDINANCES: the Christian should observe the ordinances of our Lord Jesus Christ which are (1) baptism of believers by triune immersion (Matt. 28:19) and (2) the threefold communion service consisting of washing the saints' feet (John 13:1-17), the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:20-22, 33-34; Jude 12), and the communion of the bread and the cup (I Cor. 11:23-26). 

10. SATAN: his existence and personality as the great adversary of God and His people (Rev. 12:1-10), his judgment (John 12:3 1), and his final doom (Rev. 20:10). 
 
11. SECOND COMING: the personal, visible, and imminent return of Christ to remove His Church from the earth (I Thess. 4:16-17) before the tribulation (I Thess. 1-10; Rev. 3: 10) and afterward descend with the Church to establish His millennial kingdom upon the earth (Rev. 19:11-20:6). 
12. FUTURE LIFE: the conscious existence of the dead (Phil. 1:21-23: Luke 16:19-31),  the resurrection of the body (John 5:28-29), the judgment and reward of believers (Rom. 14: 10-12, II Cor. 5: 10), the judgment and condemnation of unbelievers  (Rev. 20:11-15), the eternal life of the saved (John 3:16), and the eternal punishment of the lost (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:15). 
The "Statement of Faith" herein set forth cannot be changed or diminished. 
 

ARTICLE IV 

 
CHARTER 

Section 1. Authority. 
1.  The primary authority by which this church exists as an ecclesiastical body is received from God through the Holy Scriptures. It recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation which is common among Charis Fellowship churches. 
2.  The secondary authority is by the laws of the state of Ohio under which it is incorporated. 
Section 2. Property. 
1.  The title of the property of this church shall be vested in the corporate body of the church. 
2.  All property or assets owned by the local church and its auxiliaries shall be  irrevocably dedicated to religious purposes and community outreach. Said property shall be distributed to a religious organization which is a qualified tax organization and which shall be selected by the members of the local church, or in the event of their failure to make such selection, by the Judge of Court of general jurisdiction of the county where said church shall be located. 
   

ARTICLE V 

 
MEMBERSHIP 
 
Section 1. Qualifications. 
 
Any person who has confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is committed to Him as Savior and Lord; has publicly submitted to the authority of the Bible as the complete, final, inerrant, and inspired revelation of the triune God to man; who has confessed allegiance to Christ through believer’s water baptism; and has consented to the covenants and provisions of this constitution and by-laws may formally become a member of this church. 
  1. Full-time Membership 
    1. For those residing permanently and locally 

  2. Associate Membership 
    1. For those attending Urbana Grace and considering it to be their “home church” for the limited duration in which they attend a nearby university 
 
Section 2. Duties. 
 
Members are expected to be faithful in all spiritual duties essential to the Christian life, to regularly participate in the communion ordinances, to be loyal to the mission of the church, to regularly attend its services, to contribute to its financial support and charities, and to share in its organized work. 
 
Section 3. Privileges. 
 
1. Only those members in good standing, fifteen years and older, are eligible to vote in all business sessions. 
 
2. Any member who feels a dissatisfaction with the general procedure of any area of this church shall make known his case to the pastor and/or the Board of Elders in writing. No verbal complaints shall be entertained before receipt of said written correspondence. 
 
Section 4. Withdrawal. 
 
A member's name may be dropped from the roll upon written request of the member involved, if that member is in good standing at the time of the withdrawal request. If a member is under confrontation for restoration according to Section 5.2 below, his or her resignation will not be accepted until he or she is again in good standing with the church. 
 
Section 5. Dismissal 
 
1.  When a member shall fail to give evidence of vital interest in the church, as manifested in lack of regular attendance (Hebrews 10:24, 25), an elder of the church  must notify them of the existence of this problem in order to restore them. If this condition prevails, their name may be dropped from the membership through the action of the Board of Elders. 
  
2.  If any member of this church is opposed to any of the Biblical doctrines as accepted and practiced by this church, or if any member is found guilty of persistent, unscriptural behavior, he or she may be dismissed following the Biblical procedure of church restoration in Matthew 18:15-20: 
     a. A one-on-one meeting for the purpose of restoration (Matthew 18:15). 
     b. If he/she will not respond to Biblical counsel, a plurality of individuals meets with the individual for the purpose of restoration (Matthew 18:16). 
     c. If he/she will not respond to Biblical counsel, the violation is presented publicly to the church through the Elders so that additional action for the purpose of restoration may be taken (Matthew 18:17). 
     d. If he/she will not respond to Biblical counsel, at a meeting of the congregation the dismissal is announced by the Elders and confirmed by vote of the congregation (I Corinthians 5:4-5). (See Article VI, Sec. 1.5) 
 

ARTICLE VI 

 
GOVERNMENT 
 
Section 1. Meetings. 
1.  An annual meeting shall be held on a date set by the Board of Elders when such business shall be transacted as may properly come before the meeting. 
2.  Special meetings may be called as necessary by the Board of Elders. 
3.  All business meetings shall be publicly announced in at least two regularly scheduled Sunday services (not the same Sunday) with the meeting to be held no sooner than  ten days after the first announcement. 
4.  Those members at any duly called business meeting shall constitute a quorum required for the transaction of business. 
5.  All congregational decisions require a two-thirds vote of the members present. 

Section 2. Officers and Committees. 
 
1. Senior Pastor. 

 a. Call. 
 The initial call shall be for three years. This is an open ended call which does not  require a vote of affirmation at the end of the initial call period. When a vacancy occurs, one candidate at a time shall be recommended to the church by the Board of Elders. 

 b. Duties. 
 In addition to the responsibilities unique to the role of elder as listed in paragraph two of this Section, he shall provide leadership for the congregation and Board of Elders. He shall consider his primary responsibility that of edifying the saints in accordance with Ephesians 4:11-16. In addition to preaching and teaching the Word of God, he will set a pattern of good works commensurate with his office. He shall be primarily responsible for the selection, ministry responsibilities, conduct, and dismissal of the staff in cooperation with the Board of Elders. 
c. Formative and Transitional Oversight 
Until such time as this church qualifies three elders to constitute a Board of Elders or when the number of appointed pastoral elders and elders falls to less than three, the church can form a temporary governing board consisting of godly men who are members of the church. This group shall be referred to as the “Steering Team.” 
 
 d. Termination 
His leadership can be terminated voluntarily by the submission of a written resignation to the Board of Elders and to the congregation at any regular service or business session. This resignation will not be effective until 30 days after it is submitted and may be revoked by mutual consent before that time. 
 A pastor may disqualify himself by violating the qualifications for an elder (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9) or teaching contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith." These specific violations shall be investigated by the remainder of the Board of Elders. No accusation will be investigated until it has been brought to the Board of Elders by two or three witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). If appropriate, necessary steps will be taken for biblical discipline and restoration as a member within the church body. If there are biblical grounds for termination, the Board of Elders shall publicly announce the termination of his function in that office (as well as termination of membership within the church) at a special meeting of the church (I Timothy 5:20).   
 
2. Elders. 

 a. Call.
The congregation shall elect its own elders according to the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Any member sensing God's call to this office may present himself to the elder team, and upon their recommendation shall be submitted to the church for congregational election. If recognition of this elder is to   be extended beyond the immediate congregation, the normal procedure for licensure and ordination examination in the district shall prevail. Prior to the membership process being in place, the first team of elders shall be made by appointment of the senior pastor (Titus 1:5) after receiving the affirmation and support of the Marysville Grace Board of Elders, under which Urbana Grace Church shall have operated until the time of its legal incorporation. 
 
 b. Duties. 
These elders shall be responsible for the oversight of all matters of church life and practice and shall see that opportunity be given for regular schedules of public worship, prayer, and observation of the Christian ordinances. The Board of Elders shall serve as corporate officers of the church. 
 The Board of Elders will submit to the congregation for election each year a sufficient number of names to provide a full complement to their team. The number of elders will be commensurate to the size and growth of the church. The number of elders is not to exceed twelve and at no time will the team be less than three members. Initially, the appointment of the Board of Elders shall be divided into thirds: one-third for a three-year term, one-third for a two-year term, and one-third for a  one-year term. After the initial appointment, all terms shall be for three years. 

 The oversight of the Board of Elders is subject to: 
        (1) Congregational approval on the call of a Senior Pastor, staff, elders, and  deacons. 
        (2) Congregational approval on all mortgage instruments, financial indebtedness and all salaries ranges paid by the church.  
        (3) Congregational approval on any and all amendments to this Constitution. 
        (4) The Board of Elders may at any time request the voice of the congregation on matters of particular significance. 
(5) The Board of Elders may change the allocation of a specific budget line item during the fiscal year by up to 15% without congregational approval. Any changes exceeding 15% require congregational vote and approval. 
 
 c. Termination. 
 An elder may terminate his office to this board by a written resignation to the team or pastor.  
 An elder may disqualify himself by violating the qualifications for an elder (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9) or teaching contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith."  These specific violations shall be investigated by the remainder of the Board of Elders. No accusation will be investigated until it has been brought to the Board of Elders by two or three witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). If there are biblical grounds for  termination, the Board of Elders shall publicly announce the termination of his function  in that office at a special meeting of the church (I Timothy 5:20). 
3. Deacons and Deaconesses. 

 a. Call. 
 Deacons and deaconesses shall be chosen from the members of the church according to the qualifications of I Timothy 3:8-13. Recommendations for this office shall be submitted to the Board of Elders who will then present to the church those names approved for election. The number of deacons and deaconesses shall be determined by the immediate needs of the congregation. The term of service shall  be for a period of three years. 

 

 b. Duties. 
 Their ministries shall be to assist the Board of Elders in caring for the immediate needs  of the congregation. 
 
 c. Termination. 
A Deacon may terminate his office by a written resignation to the Board of Elders. He may be disqualified by violating the qualifications for a deacon (I Timothy 3:8-13) or teaching contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith." 
 
These specific violations shall be investigated by the Board of Elders. If there are  biblical grounds for termination, the Board of Elders shall inform the individual and the congregation of the change in status. 
 
Section 3. Amendments 
1. This constitution, except for Article III which may not be amended, may be amended  by the two-thirds vote of all eligible members who are present at any regular meeting,  or at a special meeting called for that purpose, provided: 
    a. There is at least ten days’ notice of the proposed amendment. 
    b. The ten-day period will include two Sundays. 
 
2. An announcement from the pulpit on two (2) successive Sundays or two (2) insertions in the church bulletin of such proposed amendment shall be considered sufficient notice. 

Urbana Grace Church 

 

Bylaws  

 

Article I.  Identity 

 

These are the Bylaws of the Urbana Grace Church, a non-profit corporation organized pursuant to the laws of Ohio, with its principal place of business in Urbana, Ohio, Champaign County. 

 

Article II.  Purposes and Powers 

 

Section 2.01.  The corporation is organized as a local Charis Fellowship church exclusively for religious purposes to promote and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 

Section 2.02.  For the purpose of conducting business, the Senior Pastor shall, in an orderly manner, manage the day-to-day affairs of the corporation.  

 

Article III.  Governance 

 

The Corporation shall look to these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, the Urbana Grace Constitution, and the laws of this state with reference to non-profit corporations, and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (as amended from time to time) for guidance in the operation of its affairs. 

 

Article IV.  Elders 

 

Section 4.01.  Subject to the provisions and limitations of Ohio law and any limitations in the Constitution and these Bylaws, the corporate management of the Church shall be vested in the Board of Elders (“the Board”).  The Board shall have the power to govern the activities, business and affairs of the Corporation, including all matters pertaining to Church property, risk management and physical and financial affairs of the Church.  The Board shall have the authority to buy, sell, lease, rent, mortgage, encumber and convey real property when authorized and approved by the Membership.  The Board may adopt bylaws or rules governing operations and activities of the Corporation. 

 

Section 4.02.  Appointed Elders and the Senior Pastor shall constitute the Board of Elders.  The number of Elders shall consist of not less than (3) nor more than twelve (12) members, who shall be appointed by the Senior Pastor with the advice and consent of the Board of Elders and approved through a congregational vote of the members.  The Senior Pastor shall serve as Moderator/President of the Board. 

 

Section 4.03.  The term of membership of an Elder shall be for three (3) years, except for the Elders who additionally holds the offices of Senior Pastor or Pastoral Staff.  Each Elder may serve successive terms and shall hold office until a successor has been designated and qualified or until earlier resignation or removal. After serving successive terms, the individual is required to take a minimum one-year hiatus from the Board of Elders before being considered or allowed to serve in that position again.   Any vacancy occurring in the Board or any increase in the number of Elders shall be filled by the Church’s Senior Pastor with the advice and consent of a majority of the Board.  Elders may be removed by a majority vote of the Church’s Senior Pastor and the full membership of the current Board, excluding the vote of the elder whose removal is being considered.       

 

Section 4.04.  A regular meeting of the Board of Elders shall be held each year.  The Moderator/President may call special meetings of the Board.  Notice of the date, time, and place of a meeting shall be given as required by R.C. 1702.31(C), except that oral or telephone notice is sufficient if given personally to the elder being notified.  Except in an emergency, at least two days’ notice is required.  Notice may be waived as provided in R.C. 1702.19. 

 

Section 4.05.  A majority of the elders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board.  If less than a majority of the Elders are present at said meeting, a meeting of the Elders present may adjourn the meeting to another time without further notice.  The act of the majority of the Elders present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Elders, provided the majority includes the vote of the Senior Pastor, and unless the act of a greater number is required by these Bylaws or the Constitution. 

 

Section 4.06.  The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings and make them available upon request.   

 

Section 4.07.  Elders shall serve without compensation with the exception that expenses incurred in the furtherance of the Corporation’s business may be reimbursed with documentation and prior approval.  In addition, Elders serving the Corporation in any another capacity, such as Senior Pastor, are allowed to receive compensation therefore. 

 

Section 4.08.  By-Law on Election of Elders  

The New Testament pattern for local churches is to have a plurality of leaders called elders in each congregation (Acts 14:23).  They are also called overseers, bishops, pastors, or shepherds.  The position is open to qualified men only (1 Timothy 2:12-3:1). 

 

The qualifications of elders focus on patterns of character and faithfulness that can be seen and affirmed by people inside and outside of the congregation (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9).  These are meant as minimum standards not impossible ideals. 

  • Above reproach or blameless 

  • A man who is committed to monogamous marriage 

  • Temperate – not overbearing or quick tempered 

  • Self-controlled – not ruled by emotional bursts 

  • Respectable 

  • Hospitable 

  • Able to teach and explain the truth to others 

  • Not given to drunkenness 

  • Not intimidating or violent but gentle 

  • Not quarrelsome 

  • Not greedy or engaged in unethical practices 

  • Children are not wild or disobedient 

  • Not a recent convert 

  • Good reputation with those outside the church 

  • Loves what is good 

  • Upright, holy, and disciplined 

  • The Constitution of Urbana Grace also requires that elders be members of Urbana Grace 

 

The spiritual functions of the elders are outlined in a number of New Testament references. 

  • Guard the congregation from external and internal sources of false teaching and disruption (Acts 20:28-31) 

  • Oversee the selection of leaders for the congregation (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:2) 

  • Supervise the teaching and doctrine of the church (1 Timothy 5:17-18) 

  • Keep, teach, and defend the truth of God’s Word (Titus 1:9) 

  • Care for the spiritual needs and health of the congregation (Hebrews 13:17) 

  • Minister to those overwhelmed by sin or suffering (James 5:14) 

  • Shepherd God’s flock as His appointed overseers (1 Peter 5:1-4) 

 

The organizational functions of the elders are outlined in the Constitution of Urbana Grace. 

  • Responsible for the oversight of all matters of church life and practice 

  • See that opportunity be given for regular schedules of public worship, prayer, and observation of the Christian ordinances 

  • Serve as corporate officers of the church organization according to the laws of the state of Ohio 

  • Serve terms of three years. 

  • Submit names to the congregation for election to provide a full complement of elders.  According to the Constitution of Urbana Grace, the number of elders will not be greater than twelve nor less than three. 

 

The process for selecting elders seeks to identify qualified men who can perform the functions of eldership consistently in teamwork with other elders.   

  • The first team of individuals to comprise the Board of Elders will be appointed by the senior pastor after receiving the affirmation and support of the Marysville Grace Board of Elders, under which Urbana Grace Church shall have operated until the time of its legal incorporation.  

  • Henceforth, congregational members may submit recommendations of names to any current member of the Board of Elders.  Recommendations should be made with the above qualifications and functions uppermost in mind.  Any member sensing God’s call to the office may present himself to the Board of Elders for consideration. 

  • These names in addition to names generated by the current Board of Elders will be added to a pool of potential candidates.  The Board of Elders will ascertain whether the men on the list are members of Urbana Grace. 

  • When new elders are needed, either to replace elders or to expand the number of elders, the Board of Elders will select candidates from the pool of names to present to the congregation for election.  The names will be made public at least two weeks prior to the congregational vote.   

  • A member who has a concern about one of the candidates should seek to resolve it personally and privately before the election if possible by speaking directly to the candidate or seeking help from one of the current elders. 

  • The current Board of Elders has the responsibility to decide whether the candidate should be removed from consideration based on the reservation presented. 

  • Every member of Urbana Grace present at the duly called meeting of the congregation will have the opportunity to express their approval by voting “yes” or reservation by voting “no” on each candidate.  The vote is intended as an affirmation of the candidate’s qualification for the office of elder. 

  • Any member who votes “no” without having attempted to resolve the issue previously has an obligation to speak directly to the candidate or to a member of the current Board of Elders about the reservation.  Concerns should be based on the qualifications and functions of an elder. As such, any member voting “no” should write their name on the ballot. 

  • In the case of a pastoral staff member, an affirmative vote of the congregation to call him to serve at Urbana Grace will be considered an affirmation of his qualification to the office of elder. 

 

Article V.  Officers 

 

Section 5.01.  The officers of the Church shall be a Moderator/President, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officers that the Board may authorize from time to time.   

 

Section 5.02.  The Senior Pastor is the chief executive officer of the Church/Corporation and the continuing Moderator/President of the Board of Elders.  If possible, he shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are put into effect, except in those instances in which the responsibility is assigned to some other person by him.  He shall execute in the name of the Corporation all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other documents authorized by the Board. 

 

Section 5.03.  The corporate secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Board may order, of all meetings of the Board with the time and place of holding whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at meetings of the Board and the proceedings thereof.  The corporate secretary shall give or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board required by these Bylaws or by law to be given, and shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, and shall have other powers and perform other such duties as may be prescribed by the Board, or by these Bylaws.  The Senior Pastor shall nominate the corporate secretary, subject to approval by the Board.  Vacancies as they occur shall be filled in the same manner. 

 

Section 5.05.  The corporate treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring the preparation and maintenance of all financial records, including overseeing preparation of an annual financial statement for presentation to the Board.  The treasurer shall operate according to the approved budget and changes approved by the Board.  The treasurer shall ensure that funds from the approved budget are made available to appropriate persons for designated expenditures.  The treasurer shall have authorization as an Officer to sign checks or drafts on behalf of the Corporation as approved by the Board.    The Senior Pastor shall nominate the treasurer, subject to approval by the Board.  Vacancies as they occur shall be filled in the same manner. 

 

Article VI.  Indemnification 

 

The Corporation is authorized to indemnify its officers and elders to the full extent permitted by state law. 

 

Article VII.  Miscellaneous 

 

Section 7.01.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on July 1st of each year and end on June 30th of the following year. 

 

Section 7.02.  All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board may select in accordance with these Bylaws.   

 

Section 7.03.  The Corporation shall keep at its office correct and complete books and records of the account, the activities and transactions of the Corporation, the minutes of the proceedings of the Board, and a current list of the Elders and Officers of the Corporation. 

 

Article VIII.  Potential Conflicts of Interest 

 

The Church shall not make any loan to an Elder or Officer of the Church.  The Church shall not borrow money from or otherwise transact business with an Elder or Officer of the Church without full disclosure of all relevant facts and without the approval of the Board, not including the vote of any person having a personal interest in the transaction. 

 

Article IV.  Protection of Non-Profit Status 

 

Neither the Church, the Board, nor any Elder or Officer of the Church shall take any action or allow any activity or use of Church property which shall endanger the non-profit corporate status or charitable, tax-exempt status of the Church or its property.  Nothing in these Bylaws shall be construed to allow a violation of this section. 

 

Article X.  Amendments 

 

Section 10.01.  These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon their adoption.  Amendments to these Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon their adoption unless the Board in so adopting them provides that they are to become effective at a later date. 

 

Section 10.02.  These Bylaws may be amended at a regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the Elders, including the Senior Pastor, provided that a notice of the proposed amendment, as well as a copy thereof, shall be distributed to each Elder at least two days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.