ARTICLE 10 DISSOLUTION Upon dissolution of the church, its assets and all property and interests of which it shall then possessed, including any devise, bequest, gift, or grant contained in any will or other instrument, in trust or otherwise, made before or after such dissolution, shall be transferred to the Old Bland Cemetery and its funds which shall become the property of a community corporation set up to perpetually operate and care for the cemetery. Board of Elders a. Leadership Structures: 1. 2. C. Elders Roles and Responsibilities 1. 2. Keep a record of all monies with proper identification in these records. Rather, it is an encouragement to mutually give and receive help for the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. A member who is 18 years of age or older may be elected to any office for which he/she meets the Biblical qualifications.
W New teams can be assembled to meet the needs of the church. A candidate will be eliminated before another is invited to candidate. Ministry Teams and Ministry Team Leaders a. Establish and administer a benevolence fund; 6. Procedure 1. (Voted on and passed at Congregational Meeting on February 18, 2018) ) * B D L M N P Q R [ b f n o p Like the Deacons, they should be people of love and integrity because they represent Christ and his church. E7 M9 ' Pg .
b. This board will be called the Board of Elders. B. The Pastoral Search Team will be composed of five church members and the church Chairman will serve as an ex-officio member. 7 _; ; 0 ; 8 8 A # p A 0 M9 M9 Z A 9 [ [ ! This means that occasionally an Elder will need to be elected for a one-year or two-year term, although they may be re-elected to serve up to two additional terms. The Elders will be elected for a term of three years. Count all monies received. A 75% majority vote is required for Elder affirmation. c. The Secretary, Financial Secretary and Treasurer need not be part of the Elder Board; however, they will be responsible to the Board of Elders and will meet with the Board of Elders at the Boards request (of course, members of the Elder Board may be elected to these offices of the church). 3. C. Calling a Pastor 1. 5. The Vice-Chairman will assist the Chairman as needed and in the event that the Chairman is unable to complete his term, the Vice-Chairman will assume the role of Chairman and serve in that capacity until the new election of Chairman following the next Annual Congregational Meeting. The deacons serve to the glory of God (1 Cor. [ s; ! 4. JesusIsrael's promised Messiahwas conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Article 8 Amendments Amendments to these By-Laws must be approved by the Board of Elders or submitted by five members from different households to the Board of Elders who will be required to present the amendment at a Congregational Business Meeting. The Board of Elders will select the Chairperson of the Pastoral Search Team. A. 10:31). Ministry Teams will be created by the Board of Elders to develop and carry out specific ministries that fulfill the mission and vision of the church. b. The Pastor will be included as an ex-officio member of the Pastoral Search Team. The Church We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. B. They will remain in prayer for the congregation as a whole as well as individuals (James 5:14). By - Laws The By-Laws of Zion Evangelical Church: An Evangelical Free Church Article 1 Church Government A. While the congregation determines the general direction of the local church and hold final authority, carrying out specific directions and ministries is delegated to specific officers and leaders in the church. If these efforts fail, that person will be expelled from the membership by a simple majority vote (51%) of the members voting at a congregational meeting. Article 4 Authority and Affiliation A. At the time of candidating, he should state in writing any differences of opinion he has with the Constitution and By-Laws. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
These duties will include: a. Preaching at the stated services of the church. 4.
D. Limitations The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary will be elected for a one-year term. [ ' ' s; ! Serving as a deacon is a noble task, reflecting the ministry of Jesus as he washed his disciples feet and pronounced blessing on those who follow his example of humble service to other believers. 5. 3. He will exhibit the spiritual gift of the pastor/teacher (Ephesians 4:11-12). B. Since the Pastor is an elder, there is to be brotherly love and caring submission in the interactions. The Pastor cannot serve as the Chairman or Vice-Chairman in normal operation of the Board.
(3) Team leaders will be reviewed by the Board of Elders and served by the Board of Elders. j. The highest authoritative body for this local church is the membership as they voice their decisions through the appropriate majority vote (as defined in these By-Laws). The aforementioned requirements are subject to two-thirds majority vote of the membership. h( h] h$ h( hq .hBD 5B*PJ \^J ehph r 4hBD hBD 5B*PJ \^J ehph r hM h] h2v hq hq >*h2v hq >*hc h8I hQL hq hbW. d. Provide monthly financial reports of disbursements to the Board of Elders. Affiliation: This church will be affiliated with the Central District Conference of/and the Evangelical Free Church of America and will send delegates to their conferences, support their missions and unite in all mutual efforts for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the measure that the church itself may officially decide.
A member who is 18 years of age or older has voting privileges at all congregational meetings.
2. 2. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman will be voting members of the Elder Board. 6. If there is a question about any decision or action of an individual or group, the congregation can request a review of the issue and may affirm or overrule the decisions at a duly called congregational meeting by vote. This active support includes affirming the EFCA Statement of Faith; the mission, vision and values of Zion Evangelical Church; and actively praying for, giving to and participating in life of the church. The Board of Elders will recommend, advise, and counsel the continued leadership by that individual. X Article 7 Voting and Elections A. 3. B. ! 7.
e. Provide proper communication and interaction with all of the officers and Ministry Team Leaders of the church. He will also serve as Moderator of the Congregational Meetings and set the agenda (in agreement with the Board of Elders) for these meetings. i. We are a member church of the Central District of the Evangelical Free Church Association, located in Bland, Missouri. 2. Article 5 Congregational Business Meetings
A. Congregational Business Meetings will be scheduled once a year in October on a date set by the Elder Board. That ministry is the responsibility of all believers. R He
convicts the world of its guilt. The elders are to serve the church and the members just as Christ served His disciples (John 13:1-20). B. 
7. The Board of Elders will present the proposed Team to the congregation for affirmation. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. Exercise supervision over the daily administrative affairs and coordinate
activities of the church;
3. B. 3. ! The Pastor will serve until he resigns or is dismissed by the congregation. Perform all other duties deemed necessary by the Elder Board or the
church. 1:27-28). Be a non-voting liaison to other boards, teams, and committees. 7 Perform a physical inventory of church assets as needed;
10. 1. Additional staff titles and job descriptions will be determined by the Board of Elders before the Pastoral Search Team begins its work.
10. ! 8. b. / r s dHdHd 6h h(\[ B*CJ PJ ^J aJ ehph r 6h hBD B*CJ PJ ^J aJ ehph r ;hBD hBD 56B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r2hzi 5B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r 4hBD hBD 6B*PJ ]^J ehph r (hzi B*PJ ^J ehph r .hBD hBD B*PJ ^J ehph r / 0 s w A B K L + , B C qqqqqqqqqqqqq 6h h(\[ B*CJ PJ ^J aJ ehph r 6h hBD B*CJ PJ ^J aJ ehph r ;hBD hBD 56B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r2h(\[ 5B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r h hBD 6B*CJ PJ ]^J aJ ehph r$q r s S ! * He will be a voting member of the Board of Elders and an ex-officio member of all Ministry Teams, task forces or committees, though this does not require him to attend all church meetings. Article 4 Discipline & Restoration A. ARTICLE 9. . b. b c d : $$d%d&d'd(d)fNOPQRSa$gdBD gdq $a$gdq $a$gdq W Christian Living We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. They are distinct from elders in that they do not have ruling authority and are not required to be qualified to teach. The required qualifications are listed in Article 3, Section C of the By-Laws. They include teams such as a Missions/Evangelism Team, Worship Service Team, & Christian Education Team. Establish guidelines for the Financial Secretary and Treasurer; 5. 6. b. Duties Servant leading the deacons are to lead the church in administrative matters of the church by working with the Elders in unity (Phil. A candidate will be expected to accept or reject a call within 2 weeks (and likely in several days to a week), though actual start-date might be at any specified time in the future. Discerning the deacons shall superintend the administrative matters of the church in working with the elders to the glory of God (Phil. Article 8 Property A. The Secretary will have an aptitude for keeping minutes, maintaining records and doing board correspondence. d. Arrange for periodic audits for all financial records. T He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate. Unless otherwise specified, all votes require a 51% majority vote of the members voting. 5. They may be a man or woman and must show an aptitude for leading and organizing the specific area of ministry, as well as a passion for that ministry. PROPERTY The church may in its corporate name sue or be sued, acquire by purchase, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise own, hold, invest, re-invest, or dispose of property, both real and personal, for such work as the church may undertake and may purchase, own, receive, hold, manage care for and transfer, rent, lease, mortgage, or otherwise encumber, sell assign, transfer, and convey such property for general purposes of the church; it may receive and hold in trust both real and personal property and invest and re-invest the same and make any contracts for promoting the objects and purposes of the church. The membership of this Board of Elders, their election and their term of office, is defined in the Bylaws of this church. The Elder serves to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
A nomination from the floor requires that the person nominated is present to give consent to their name being placed on the ballot and they are qualified for the nominated position. God We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. D. Termination 1. An applicant will meet with the Board of Elders or their designated representative (such as the Pastor) to review the application form and give a verbal testimony of his/her faith in Jesus Christ. For example: Servant Leading The elders are to lead the churchin spiritual matters and oversee the pastors, deacons, administration, and ministries of the church. 3. Elders will one day give an account before God for the spiritual oversight they have exercised (Heb. f. A Nomination Team will prepare a list of men (initially two to six men and thereafter the number required to maintain an adequate number of Elders plus the Pastor) to serve as the Elders of the congregation. A member who has not had contact with the church for one year may be moved to inactive status on the membership list by the Board of Elders. That recognized spiritually gifted leaders are a part of Gods plan for the local church. Any severance pay will be determined by the Board of Elders. B. ! E. Regular attenders of the church may also be asked to stay away from any or all gatherings of the church if the Board of Elders believes it is necessary for the health of the church and individuals in the church. The personal and private property of the officers or members of this corporation will not be used in the payment of the corporate debt. Those who serve well as deacons can be assured that they will gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 3. This church chooses to be congregational in its government. (SEE ARTICLE 9 in BYLAWS) Article 9 Amendments Amendments to this Constitution must be submitted to the members in writing and adopted as a preliminary step at a regular business meeting of the church at least one month prior to the annual meeting. 4. The responsibility for church government belongs to the entire membership and each member is encouraged to participate in the decision-making process. B. Congregationalism is based upon the following concepts and Biblical precepts: 1. If the opposing groups or divisions cannot bring resolution to the divisive issue(s), the Central District of the Evangelical Free Church of America will act as arbitrator to make final determination which group retains the rights to the property of the church. d. Lead the congregation, in cooperation with the leadership of the Pastor, by projecting an annual vision statement and working to achieve the goals and objectives of that vision and the overall mission of the church. Modeling The elders shall model the Christian life by cultivating a dependent prayer life with Christ (James 5:14, Acts 6:6, 14:23, 20:36); maintaining personal Bible study (1 Timothy 4:6-7); opening his home in loving hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8); and by helping the weak according to their needs (Acts 20:35). 5. C. All Congregational Business Meetings will be conducted in a Christlike spirit and according to Scriptural principles. Duties 1. This leadership is a gift from God and thus the deacon must remain humble and teachable and willing to work with others. The Financial Secretary and Treasurer will have the ability to confidentially manage finances. 6. No person can be elected for more than three consecutive terms in the same office. 4. The church property will stay with the church, and not be ceded to the Association without the specific decision of the church leadership and body. A person whose membership has been terminated must complete the application procedures of Article 2, Section B for reinstatement. Any severance pay will be determined by the Board of Elders. The Special Congregational Business Meeting will be announced with its purpose(s) at two consecutive Sunday worship services or by written notice to the membership and then announced at one Sunday worship service. The Elders will be godly men in accordance with the qualifications described in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
Other officers not serving as members of the Board of Elders (for example: the Treasurer) will be included in the churchs list of officers and will be included in board meetings as may be required and deemed fitting. The Bible We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors.
The Board of Elders will determine at the time of hiring whether the pastoral position will carry the privilege and responsibility of serving as an Elder on the Board of Elders and/or whether this person will serve as a Ministry Team Leader or as a part of a Ministry Team. Keep proper records and receipts for church expenditures. Vice-Chairman a. Preside in the absence of the chairman. 3. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation. This church will have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and to hold such real, personal or mixed property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Missouri and as is deemed necessary for the business of the church. At the annual meeting they can be acted upon for final adoption but must receive the affirmative vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of the membership present and voting. Election of individual Elders and Officers will be by written ballot. Supervise the purchase, repair, and maintenance of all church property; 9.
The Nominating Team should strive to find the best single candidate for each open office and present this to the congregation for the 75% majority vote of affirmation. The Nominating Team will ask the congregation for recommendations of people to be nominees and will consider these recommendations in determining a final ballot of qualified nominees. Article 2 Membership Procedures A. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. c. Provide proper records to donors to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. ! 6. The Board of Elders will select a Chairperson for the Nominating Team. c. The Ministry Teams are accountable to the Board of Elders and the Elders are to serve the ministry of these teams to the best of their abilities. With Gods Word, the Spirits power, and fervent prayer in Christs name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. 2. Amen. .! U The Team should have at least one Elder but not more than two Elders. c. Administering the ordinances and/or oversee their proper administration. Membership is granted to anyone who has given testimony to his/her faith in Jesus Christ and who desires to actively support the ministry the Church. At this time, a call to become the Pastor may be extended to the candidate by a 75% majority ballot vote of the members voting at that Congregational Meeting. Modeling the deacons shall model the Christian life by cultivating a dependent prayer life with Christ, maintaining personal Bible study, opening his or her home in loving hospitality, and helping the weak according to their needs (Phil. Visiting members of the congregation as needed (visiting should be the goal of all caring believers, modeling this by the elders, deacons, and other godly church members).
b. Authority: The congregation, at its annual and special business meetings, is the legislative and governing body of this organization. f. Keeping the congregation focused on its mission as stated in the Constitution and project an annual vision statement (in cooperation with the Board of Elders) which fulfills that mission. If the Board of Elders accepts the recommendation then the Pastoral Search Team will introduce the candidate to the church, arrange a time to candidate and then give their recommendation to the congregation at a Congregational Business Meeting. The Board of Elders will openly solicit the membership for persons to serve on the Nominating Team. Article 3 Leadership A. In obedience to Christs commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed. Thirty days will be considered proper notice from the Pastor or the Board of Elders, unless both parties mutually agree to a different period of time. The member may continue on inactive status until the Board of Elders can determine if there is a clear break in membership or if the individual simply cannot attend services for an extended time. b. G. Non-Pastoral Staff 1. c. The Board of Elders will be composed of the Pastor and a minimum of two to no more than six other qualified men elected by the membership. Secretary c. Financial Secretary d. Treasurer 3. e. Provide financial reports of disbursements to the congregation for the Congregational Business Meetings or as instructed by the Board of Elders. f. Secure pulpit supply and be sure the worship services of the church are adequately led in the absence of the Pastor. Annual reports for the current year will be presented from Elders, Officers and Ministry Teams. The Board of Elders will openly seek nominations from the church membership to serve on this Team. Board Secretary a. 4hBD hBD 5B*PJ \^J ehph r .hBD hmy B*PJ ^J ehph r 7hBD hBD 6>*B*PJ ]^J ehph r(hp B*PJ ^J ehph r +h@PE B*PJ ]^J ehph r+h!7 B*PJ ]^J ehph r(hmy B*PJ ^J ehph r (h@PE B*PJ ^J ehph r .hBD hBD B*PJ ^J ehph r E F j k O P m n : $$d%d&d'd(d)fNOPQRSa$gdBD : $$d%d&d'd(d)fNOPQRSa$gd@PE N O k O P n ' R ~dG*G 8hzi hzi 6B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r 8hBD hBD 6B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r 2hBD hBD B*CJ PJ ^J ehph r 5hBD hBD 5B*CJ PJ ^J ehph r7hBD hBD 6>*B*PJ ]^J ehph r.hBD hBD B*PJ ^J ehph r 4hBD hBD 5B*PJ \^J ehph r .hzi 5B*PJ \^J ehph r ' R 9 : H ( ) A h i z q : $$d%d&d'd(d)fNOPQRSa$gdBD 8 9 9 : > H f g ( ) - A wbwbwbwHwbwbwbwbwHwb2hzi 5B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r (hzi B*PJ ^J ehph r .hBD hBD B*PJ ^J ehph r ;hBD hBD 56B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r5hzi 56B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r8hzi hzi 5B*CJ PJ ]^J ehph r 4hBD hBD 6B*PJ ]^J ehph r O P h i m z . Develop any long- and short-term plans for the church building and space needs of the church; 11. The search process will be conducted in the same manner as stated in Article 6, Section C above. The Board of Elders will confront a person (or persons) who digresses from Scripture or the churchs Constitution; or disrupts the fellowship of the church (including personality disputes) according to the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-5.
Removal from leadership does not automatically revoke ones membership. That this local church has the right to determine its own mission and decisions under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the guidance of Gods Word. Take minutes for the Elder board meetings, recording votes and details. The Board of Elders will communicate all membership activity defined above to the congregation as a primary item of business at the next congregational business meeting (in tandem with any affirmation votes on new members). A person is eligible for three more terms after a one-year sabbatical. Equipping The elders will actively develop the gifts of the individual church members and provide training for ministry and small group leaders (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Honor is shown to those serving in a specific leadership or ministry role by not unduly interfering in the fulfillment of their position. Conduct congregational and Board of Elders meetings in Christian dignity and order. 3:13). They must be acted upon as previously adopted and without further amendment. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. 3:7). 13:17). The authority of the congregation is not an excuse for isolation. X We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. 