constitution & bylaws

Ovilla Road Baptist Church

1972, Revised: 1977, 1978, 1990, 2002

 

Current

 

January, 2006
CONSTITUTION

 

PREAMBLE

 

For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenets of the Holy Scriptures, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church and to other churches of the same faith, we do hereby declare and establish this constitution.

 

 

ARTICLE ONE 

 

 Name

 

This body shall be known as Ovilla Road Baptist Church, Ovilla, Texas, located on Ovilla Road at Main Street.  The same having been formed as a mission, April 17, 1972, constituted December 18, 1977, and incorporated February 24, 1978.

 

 

ARTICLE TWO

 

Objectives and Purpose

 

The mission of Ovilla Road Baptist Church is summarized in its mission statement based on two Scriptures:

 

The Great Commandment:  “Jesus said, to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it; ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:37-40

 

The Great Commission:  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”  Matthew 28:19-20

 

The mission of Ovilla Road Baptist Church is to prepare people for life through an intimate walk with God, a clear understanding of the Scripture, and personal responsibility in the Body of Christ, as they obey the Great Commandments and carry out the Great Commission.

 

 

ARTICLE THREE

 

Statement of Faith

 

 

THE TRINITY

God is revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature or essence of being.  I Corinthians 13:14; Genesis 1:26

 

GOD

There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creation owes the highest love, reverence and obedience.  Genesis 1:1; Corinthians 8:6

 

THE MEDIATOR

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man.  Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law and suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners.  He was buried and rose again the third day and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever lives to make intercession for His people.  He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest, and King of the church and Sovereign of the Universe.  Isaiah 53; Colossians 1:1-13

 

 

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Paraclete sent from the Father by the Living Christ as the personal and powerful presence of God in the world; whose purpose is to convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; Who by means of spiritual gifts, instructs and empowers the saints to boldly testify of Jesus Christ and to carry out the work of Christ in the world and Who is not limited to using man as His only agent to supernaturally accomplish the ultimate purposes of God in His created order.  I Corinthians 2:10-14; John 14:26

 

PROVIDENCE

God from eternity decrees or permits all things that come to pass and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creation and all events; yet so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the responsibility of man.  Romans 1:18-20; Ephesians 1:11

 

INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE

God so supernaturally directed the writers of Scripture that without waving their human intelligence, literary style, or personal feeling, His complete and coherent message to man was recorded with perfect accuracy, the very words of the original manuscripts bearing the authority of Divine Authorship.  II Timothy 3:16;

II Peter 1:21

 

SCRIPTURE

The Holy Bible is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man.  It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction.  It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter.  It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions will be tried.  The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.  Psalm 119:11; Hebrews 4:12

 

THE FALL OF MAN

God originally created man in His own image and free from sin; but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherited a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, and under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable to moral action, become; actual transgressors.  Genesis 3; Romans 3:10-18; 5:12-21

 

FAITH

Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ and the accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification, sanctification and eternal life.  It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit and is the key to all other experienced graces and leads to a life of holiness.  Hebrews 11; Galatians 2:16

 

REPENTANCE

Repentance is an evangelical grace wherein a person is made aware of the manifold evil of his sin by the Holy Spirit and humbles himself for it with Godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, and purposes in his heart to walk with God so as to please Him in all things.  II Chronicles 7:14; James 4:6-10

 

REGENERATION

Regeneration is a change of heart wrought about by the Holy Spirit, who quickens the dead in trespasses and sins, enlightens their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renews their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness.  It is a work of God's free and special grace alone.  John 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:5

 

JUSTIFICATION

Justification is God's gracious and merciful acquittal of sinners from all sin, who believe in and receive Christ, through the satisfaction that Christ made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them, but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receive and rest on Him and His righteousness by faith.  Romans 3:20-26; 5:1-2

 

SANCTIFICATION

Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God we are made partakers of His holiness and through grace set apart for a sacred purpose.  It is a progressive work begun in regeneration and carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  I Thessalonians 4:3-7; John 17:16-19

 

PERSERVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved and sanctified by His Spirit will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall through neglect and temptation into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.  Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 4:30

THE CHURCH

The Lord Jesus is the founder and the Head of the Church, composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is vested supremely all power for its government.  According to His commandment, Christians are to assemble themselves into unified fellowships known as the visible or local church.  To each of these churches He has given His authority for administering that order and to worship and discipline in the spirit which He has appointed.  The scriptural officers of a church are Elders and Deacons.  Ephesians 4; Ephesians 1:22-23

 

BAPTISM

Baptism, one of the two ordinances instituted by the Lord Jesus, is commanded by Him for every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a public confession of his identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is symbolic of giving himself completely to the Lordship of Christ to live and walk thereafter in newness of life.  Romans 6:3-4; Luke 3:21-22

 

THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Lord's Supper is the other ordinance instituted by the Lord Jesus and commemorates the giving of His body, represented by bread, and His blood, represented by wine, for the remission of sins, which each believer receives as a reminder of that sacrifice and in anticipation of His second coming.  Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-31

 

THE LORD'S DAY

The first day of the week that Christians celebrate is the day God visibly showed His acceptance of the atoning work of His only Begotten Son by raising Him in victory over sin and death.  This day symbolically acknowledges God's sovereignty over the remaining six days and as such should be spent in both private and corporate worship and in resting from normal secular activities such that the physical and spiritual man may be refreshed.  Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27-28

 

THE FAMILY

Marriage was divinely ordained by God and consummated within His perfect will by the giving of man and woman to one another.  This was done in order that each would be completed in the other and be faithfully committed to one another for life.  The family thus created was to be inviolate and sacred and to be the human unit that embodied and showed to the world the very love of God.  This unit is to be based on God's principles and thus no believer should join themselves to an unbeliever in this life-long union.  Man is subject to God, the woman to the man, and the children to the parents.  The ideal Christian family is the one blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit where Christ is supreme in the lives of each and where each respects the other as an individual child of God.  We shall as believers resist and totally defeat through the Power of the Holy Spirit any threat which shall endanger this holy unit.  Our total commitment to God and to each member within the family should be embodied in the thesis, "What God joined together, let not man put asunder."  Genesis 2:21-24; Mark 10:9; Ephesians 5:22-23

 

LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE

God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to His Word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates are ordained of God and thus believers should submit to them in all lawful things commanded by them, as unto the Lord, not only for wrath but also for conscience’ sake.  Matthew 6:22-23; Romans 2:14-15

 

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

Both church and state are ordained by God for which each has specific duties and obligations. Each are to compliment the other but neither to dominate the other.  Romans 13; I Peter 2:17

 

THE RESURECTION

The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God - the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to the judgment.  At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.  I Corinthians 15; II Corinthians 4:14

 

THE JUDGMENT

God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall be judged according to his relationship with the Lamb of God; the wicked, without justification through the blood of the Risen Savior stand condemned to everlasting punishment; the righteous, having accepted the atoning work of Christ Jesus, are delivered to everlasting life.  Hebrews 9:27; Romans 14:10-12

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE FOUR

 

Covenant

 

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.  We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to:

 

A.   OUR CHURCH

                1. Walk together in Christian love;

                2. Strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort;

                3. Promote its posterity and spirituality;

                4. Sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines.

 

B.   OUR STEWARDSHIP

                1. Recognize God's ownership of all that is, and of our privileged position as stewards;

                2. Contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spreading of the gospel throughout all nations.

 

C.   OUR HOMES

                1. Maintain family and secret devotions

                2. Religiously educate our children

                3. Seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances

 

D.   OUR CONDUCT

                1. Walk circumspectly in the world;

                2. Be just in our dealings;

                3. Be faithful in our engagements;

                4. Be exemplary in our deportment;

                5. Avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger;

                6. Abstain from the sale and abuse of intoxicating drinks as a beverage;

                7. Use our influence to combat the abuse of drugs and the spread of pornography;

                8. Be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior;

                9. Avoid such movements, organizations and practices that tend to divide this body.

 

E.   OUR RELATIONSHIPS TO FELLOW CHURCH MEMBERS

                1. Watch over one another in brotherly love;

                2. Remember one another in prayer;

                3. Aid one another in sickness and distress;

                4. Cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech;

                5. Be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

 

F.   OUR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

                1. Unite as soon as possible with another church of like faith and order where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE FIVE

 

Relationships

 

This Church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any denominational control.  Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other churches in world missions and otherwise, the Church may voluntarily affiliate with any churches (Christian churches and ministries) of like precious faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE SIX

 

Amendments

 

Recommendations for changes to the constitution must be stated in writing and presented to the Elder Team.  The Elders will discuss, study, and vote on the recommendation.  Recommendations approved by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the Elder Team, will be presented to the church membership for a vote.  A simple majority vote by the membership is required to amend the constitution. 

 

 

ARTICLE SEVEN

 

Dissolution

 

This Church is organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ and promoting the spiritual development and well-being of individuals.  It is operated in a way that does not result in accrual of distributable profits, realization of private gain resulting from payment of compensation in excess of a reasonable allowance for salary or other compensation for services rendered, or realization of any other form of private gain.

 

The Church pledges its assets for use in performing the organization's designated mission.  The Church reserves the right upon the affirmative vote of eighty percent (80%) of its Active Members, to provide for the distribution of certain specific assets to qualified non-profit or charitable organization(s).  It directs that on dissolution of the Church by the vote of eighty percent (80%) of the Active Members or by operation of law, any assets of the Church which have not previously been designated for distribution to a specific non-profit or charitable organization shall be distributed and transferred to the Ellis County Baptist Association.

 

 

 

BY-LAWS

 

ARTICLE ONE

 

Church Membership

 

 

Section A.             Membership

 

The Church shall have one class of membership.  Membership in this Church shall consist of all persons who have met the qualifications of membership and are listed on the membership role.  Candidates for membership shall be presented to the Elder Team for consideration.  After approval by three-fourths (3/4) of the Elder Team, the new members shall have all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a member of the Church. 

 

 

Section B.             Qualifications for Membership

 

The minimum qualifications for membership are as follows:

 

                1.             A personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation;

 

                2.             Baptism by immersion as a testimony of salvation;

 

                3.             Completion of the Church’s membership class; and

 

                4.             A commitment to abide by the Church’s membership covenant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section C.             Membership Candidate Orientation

 

Candidates for church membership are required to participate in the church's new member orientation class.  This is for the maturing of the candidate in order that he may more quickly and effectively be established in the fellowship and mission of the Church.  In these classes, the candidate will be nurtured and equipped to carry out the scriptural commands of Christ to spread the gospel and edify the brethren.

 

 

Section D.             Membership Privileges

 

Every member is encouraged to use their gifts and abilities to serve the Lord and encourage others in their walk with Christ.  Every member of the church is entitled to vote on all matters submitted to the church in conference, provided the member is present, is in good standing, is not under any disciplinary action and has passed their eighteenth (18) birthday.  Every member may participate in the ordinances as administered by the church.

 

 

Section E.             Termination

 

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:  1) Request of the member, 2) Death, 3) Transfer of membership to another church, 4) Termination of membership by the Elders.

 

 

Section F.             Discipline

 

It shall be the basic purpose of the Church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will be taken to assist any troubled member.  The Elders are available for counsel and guidance in these matters.  Redemption rather than punishment should be the guideline which governs the attitude of one brother toward another.

 

Should some serious condition exist which would cause a member to become a liability to the general welfare of the church, every reasonable measure will be taken by the Elders to resolve the matter.  All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance.  But, finding that the welfare of the Church will best be served by the exclusion of the member, the elders may take this action by a majority vote and declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the Church.

 

 

Section G.             Restoration

 

Dismissed members may be restored by the Elders according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, when their life-styles are judged to be in accordance with the membership covenant.  Restoration of Church membership shall require the vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Elders.

 

 

 

ARTICLE TWO

 

Church Officers

 

Section A.             General

 

The Church’s leadership shall be built around four teams of people.

 

                1.             Elders

                2.             Staff Leadership Team

                3.             Ministry Leadership Teams

                4.             Deacons

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section B.             The Purpose and Responsibilities of Elders

 

The fundamental responsibility of the Elders is to devote themselves to prayer and understanding of God’s Word.  They are responsible for governing the Church, leading it in its mission, teaching the Word, and caring for the flock of God in this Church.  Elders do not determine programming.  This responsibility falls to the Staff Leadership Team.  Elders are responsible for establishing direction and then evaluating programming based on its appropriateness and effectiveness in furthering the overall mission of the Church.

 

All decision making for the Church is vested in the Elders who shepherd the Church.   The Elders shall have final say in any and all matters concerning the direction of the Church.  The objective of any and all decisions made shall be to do the will of God regarding the matter at hand.

 

Unless otherwise stated in these Bylaws, any matter voted on by the Elders requires majority approval.  This assumes that a quorum of three-fourths (3/4) is present at the time any vote is taken.  The only decisions that the Elders may not make without congregational approval include:

 

·         Calling of or removal of Elders, Deacons, Pastoral and Non-Pastoral ministry staff members;

 

·         Expenditure of Church funds above the approved financial budget/goals of the Church;

 

·         Any transaction regarding property;

 

·         Overriding membership decisions for matters submitted to it by the Elder team;

 

·         Adoption, amending, or repealing the Constitution or By-Laws of the Church;

 

The Elders shall oversee all financial and personnel matters related to policy development and oversight.  Their responsibilities shall include but are not limited to:

 

·         Implementing policies, giving direction and leadership related to business,  financial and personnel operations;

 

 

·         Preparing inclusive annual financial goals for the Church, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for all expenses.  The financial goal process shall begin with stated ministry goals as directed by the Elders.  Once approved, the ministry and financial goals shall be presented to the Church membership for approval;

 

·         Regular  monitoring of financial records and procedures for the purpose of ensuring financial solvency and accountability;

 

·         Serving as the final place of appeal for unresolved personnel matters.

 

To promote efficient handling of church matters, the Elders may appoint various councils from within its members, the staff, the deacons, and from the church at large.  These councils shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with the powers specifically delegated by the Elders.  The general functions of any council are:

 

·         To bring considered recommendations to the Elders concerning church matters;

 

·         To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders regarding church matters.  (An example of such a council would be a Finance Council whose responsibility might be the efficient and studied handling of the financial matters of the Church for the purpose of making recommendations to the Elders regarding finances.  Specific responsibilities of this council would be determination of salary and financial arrangements for all paid Staff Positions.)

 

 

 

 

Section C.             Composition and Terms of the Elders

 

The Elders shall consist of both Lay Elders and Vocational Elders (those ordained by ORBC to the ministry at ORBC).  The total number of Elders will be determined by the needs of the ministry and by the call and qualification of men in the Church. There will always be at least one more Lay Elder than Vocational Elder serving as Elders.   

 

Each Lay Elder shall be called by the membership of the Church to a term of three years.  Elders may serve consecutive terms pending their willingness and the approval of the remaining Elders.

 

The Senior Pastor, by virtue of position, will automatically serve as Elder.  Elders must meet the qualifications as listed below.

 

 

Section D.             Qualifications of Elders

 

Elders and nominees for Elders are required to meet the qualifications for Elder/overseer as outline in 1 Timothy 3:1-11, Titus 1:5-9 and the related passage of 1 Peter 5:1-4.

 

It is clear from these passages that the Elder and his family are to be a model for the congregation.  They are called to a higher standard.  Consequently there are greater expectations on the Elder and his family than other families in the Church.  In light of this, along with the qualifications listed in Scripture, the following qualifications will also be a part of the Elder selection process.

 

1)            A member of the church for a minimum of two years and one who possesses the call to ministry as confirmed by other believers;

 

2)            Has been a believer for at least 10 years and possesses the abilities necessary to serve (giftedness);

 

3)            A man of at least 30 years of age and one who consistently demonstrates wisdom and maturity;

 

4)            Someone who has exhibited a passion to serve and a passion for the ministry vision of Ovilla Road Baptist Church.

 

 

Section E.             Organization of the Elders

 

The Elders shall organize in such a manner as to best achieve the mission of the Church.  The Elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function.  Based on their individual ministry gifts, one Elder will be selected to coordinate Elder activities serving as chairman and moderator.  He shall have but one vote in the elder body ensuring equality among the Elders in any decision.  The Elder body will also serve as the trustees in matters pertaining to the church as a corporation.

 

 

Section F.             Selection of Elders

 

At a time set aside by the Elders, each member of the congregation will be given the opportunity to nominate any man from the Church membership as a candidate for Elder.  The Elders shall review all nominations from the Church family and Elders to determine each nominee’s qualifications.  The evaluation will include an interview and a background check.  Upon a three-fourths (3/4) approval of the Elders, the recommended names shall be presented to the Church membership for final approval.

 

 

Section G.             Dismissal of an Elder

 

If it becomes apparent that a certain Elder should not serve in the office of Elder, he may resign, or by majority vote of the other Elders and congregational approval, be immediately retired from the office.  His position will remain vacant until the next scheduled election.

 

 

Section H.             The Purpose and Responsibilities of Deacons

 

In accordance with the meaning of the work and practice of the New Testament, Deacons are to be servants of the Church.  The number of Deacons shall be determined by the needs of the ministry and by the call and qualification of men in the church.  Deacon responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following tasks:

 

·         Administering a fund to assist the poor and needy and otherwise providing aid in times of crisis or distress;

 

·         The greeting and welcoming ministries of the church;

 

·         Assisting in administering baptism and the Lord’s Supper;

 

·         Assisting at fellowship gatherings of the church;

 

·         Aiding in the general spiritual care of the Church; and

 

·         Other duties as assigned by the Elder Team.

 

 

Section I.               Qualifications of Deacons

 

The Deacons shall be comprised of men from the Church membership possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6.  

 

 

Section J.             Organization of Deacons

 

The Deacons shall organize themselves however they determine to be best to achieve the mission of the Church.   Meetings of the Deacons shall be as needed to best fulfill the responsibilities of the Deacon.  A quorum shall exist when a majority of the Deacons are present for a meeting.

 

 

Section K.             Selection of Deacons

 

Recommendations for the office of Deacon will be received by the Elders, who upon their approval, will compile and confirm nominations and submit them to the Church membership for affirmation at scheduled meetings.  Deacons shall serve three (3) year terms.  Deacons may serve consecutive terms pending their willingness; Elder approval; and Church membership approval.

 

A Deacon Appointment Team shall be selected by the Elders consisting of not less than two (2) members of the existing Deacons and three (3) members of the Elders.  The Appointment Team shall interview candidates prior to their recommendation to the Elders.  Any man who has been a member for at least one year may be a candidate.

 

 

Section L.             Terms of the Deacons

 

A Deacon will serve until such time that he rotates off the active body of Deacons or he requests to be placed on the inactive body for personal or physical reasons.  If a Deacon does not meet the expectations of leadership and even after having been admonished by his peers, demonstrates continued negligence or non-participation, he may then be subject to disciplinary action before the Deacons, and if not resolved, by majority vote of the Elders and confirmation of the Church, the Deacon will be removed.

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE THREE

 

The Senior Pastor

 

Section A.             Election

 

The Senior Pastor shall be selected by the Elders and confirmed by the members of the Church.  In the absence of a Senior Pastor, a Search Team shall be appointed by the Elders to seek out and recommend a candidate.  The Search Team shall bring to the consideration of the Elders only one man at a time.  Upon three-fourths (3/4) approval of the Elders of a candidate, he shall be recommended to the Church for approval.   Election shall be by secret ballot, with an affirmation vote of three-fourths (3/4) of membership present for approval. 

 

 

Section B.             Dismissal

 

The Senior Pastor shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: 

 

·         The Elders reserve the right to recommend his dismissal upon giving him one month’s written notice of its intentions.

 

·         The Senior Pastor must give one month’s notice if he intends to resign.

 

·         The time-limit of the Senior Pastor’s resignation is subject to a lesser time if both the Senior Pastor and the Elders mutually agree otherwise.

 

 

Section C.             Duties

 

The Senior Pastor shall be responsible to the Board of Elders.  The Senior Pastor shall arrange for and/or conduct all public and regular services of the Church and shall be responsible for general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the Church.   The Senior Pastor is responsible for leading the Church in accordance with Biblical principles set forth in the New Testament in helping the church achieve its mission.   As such, the Senior Pastor shall be the leader of the membership, the Staff Leadership Team and the Ministry Leadership Team. 

 

The Senior Pastor shall supervise and control all of the business of the day-to-day affairs of the Church.  He shall supervise directly or by delegation all staff members hired. 

 

The Senior Pastor shall recommend the hiring of vocational pastors, as well as other staff members, to the Elders for approval and their recommendation to the Church membership.

 

The Senior Pastor is expressly authorized to do all things necessary and proper to fulfill the above-described leadership position and to fulfill all duties incident to the office.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE FOUR

 

Staff Leadership Team

 

 

Section A.             Staff Leadership Team

 

The Staff Leadership Team consists of members selected by the Senior Pastor and approved by the Elders and the Church. The purpose of this group is to determine programming, give vision to the various ministries of the Church, and oversee the daily operations.  They are required to meet the character qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.  The Staff Leadership Team shall be composed of the following groups:

 

Pastoral Elder Staff

Pastoral Elder staff members are those who have pastoral staff responsibilities, meet the qualifications for an Elder as listed in these Bylaws and have been ordained as a minister by ORBC.  Pastoral staff members shall be based upon approval by the Elders and final approval by the Church membership.  See Qualifications for an Elder for more information.

 

Ministry Directors

Staff members who have oversight into other areas of ministry and are not a part of the Pastoral Staff are Ministry Directors.  Ministry Directors shall be hired upon recommendation from their immediate supervisor with approval of the Elders and by the Church membership.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE FIVE

 

Ministry Leadership Teams

 

Section A.             Qualifications

 

Ministry Leadership Teams assist in the overall leadership of the Church.  They are accountable to the Elders.  Members of the Ministry Leadership are required to meet the character qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.  The Ministry Leadership Team shall be composed of the following groups:

 

 

Section B.             School Board Team

 

The School Board Team shall consist of lay members recommended by the School Board Team, the members of the Church, or the Elder Team.  Recommendations are made to the Elders for approval by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote.  At least one member of the Elders (Lay or Professional) shall serve as a regular member of the School Board Team.  Members shall serve for a term of three (3) year.   School Board members may serve consecutive terms pending their willingness; School Board approval, and Elder approval. The School Board Team shall exist to develop the policies necessary for the leadership and direction of Ovilla Christian School.  

 

 

Section C.             Other Ministry Teams

 

As needed from time to time, Elders may establish temporary teams for ministry activities.  The teams will be temporary in formation with specific tasks assigned to their responsibility.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE SIX

 

Books and Records

 

 

Section A.             Required Books and Records

 

The Church shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties.  All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principle place of business.  Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the Church, and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any.

 

 

Section B.             Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of the Church shall be established concurrently with Congregational approval of the budget. 

 

 

Section C.             Business Manager

 

The Business Manager of the Church shall a) have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Church;  b) receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the Church from any source; c) deposit all moneys in the name of the Church in banks, trust companies, or other depositories as provided in the Bylaws or as directed by the Elder Team; d) write checks and disburse funds to discharge obligations of the Church; e) maintain the financial books and records of the Church; f) prepare financial reports as directed by the Elder Team; g) perform other duties as assigned to them by the Elder Team;  h) perform all of the duties required of the office of treasurer.

 

 

Section D.             Secretary

 

The Secretary of the Church shall:  a) give all notices as provided in the Bylaws or as required by law;  b) take minutes of the meetings of the membership and keep the minutes as part of the corporate records;  c) maintain custody of the corporate records and of the seal of the Church;  d) affix the seal of the Church to all documents as authorized;  e) keep a register of the mailing address of each member, officer, and employee of the Church;  f) perform duties assigned by the Senior Pastor or by the Elder Team;  g) perform other duties as required of the office of secretary.

 

 

Section E.             Stewardship Principles

 

This church shall be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people and shall have no compulsory method of Christian giving.  Related Biblical passages include:  I Corinthians 16:2; Malachi 3:10

 

There shall be no contest or lotteries outside the church by any of its organizations or auxiliaries.

 

There shall be an annual stewardship educational, promotional, and enlistment campaign consisting of format and procedures as approved by the church that year.

 

No officer of the church, committee, organization, auxiliary, or member shall have the power to create a debt or other obligation for the church outside the budget, except for such purposes and in such manner as shall be authorized by a vote of the church in conformity with the provisions of this policy.

 

 

 

ARTICLE SEVEN 

 

Ordinances

 

Section A.             Baptism

 

A person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes Him publicly at any worship service, and who indicates commitment to follow Christ as Lord, shall be received for baptism.  The Senior Pastor or his designee shall perform baptism by immersion.  The Deacons shall assist in baptisms.

 

 

Section B.             The Lord’s Supper

 

The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and wine, commemorate the death of Jesus Christ and anticipation of His second coming.  All members of this church and Christians of like faith and order may participate in the celebration of this ordinance.

 

1.  The Lord's Supper shall be observed quarterly at a time determined by the Senior Pastor. 

 

2.  The Senior Pastor and Deacons shall be responsible for the preparation and administration of the Lord's Supper.

 

 

 

ARTICLE EIGHT

 

Church Meetings

 

 

Section A.             Business Meetings

 

Church business meetings shall be scheduled annually during the development of the annual ministry and financial goals.  This annual meeting will also provide a forum for handling the business of the church not otherwise reserved for the Elder Team or not regularly reported in other church meetings.  This annual meeting will also facilitate the dissemination and exchange of information.  A Q/A time will be included as well.

 

 

Section B.             Special Business Meetings

 

A special business meeting may be called by the Elders to consider matters of significant importance.  One week's notice of the subject, date, time and location will be given for the specially called business meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impracticable.  Matters of consideration must be submitted to the Elder Team for their approval prior to their presentation at a meeting.   Matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the Elders responsibility will not be voted on.  Instead, the Elders will discuss these issues and report on them at a later date.

 

 

Section C.             Quorum

 

The quorum consists of those who attend the business meeting, provided it is a stated meeting that has been properly called.

 

 

Section D.             Moderator

 

The moderator shall be the pastor.  In the absence of the pastor, the Elders shall appoint someone to preside. 

 

 

Section E.             Parliamentary Rules

 

Robert's Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure in all business meetings of the Church.

 

ARTICLE NINE

 

Amendments

 

Recommendations for changes to the By-Laws must be stated in writing and presented to the Elders.  The Elders will discuss, study, and vote on the recommendation.  If an amendment is approved by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the Elders, it will then be presented to the membership for a vote.  A simple majority vote by the membership is required to amend the By-laws.