BY LAWS
OF
THE
PREAMBLE AND PURPOSE
We, The First Church Of God at Stanton, Kentucky, assembled at Stanton, Kentucky, in order to care more perfectly for the temporal and financial affairs of the Church, and to prevent complications that sometimes arise in handling church property, and to more properly and carefully care for the spiritual needs of it's constituents, hereby establish these By-Laws for the First Church Of God congregation at Stanton, Kentucky.
We recognize the Bible as the only divine standard of faith and practice, and as our final authority in all matters of life and conduct.
This association is organized for religious, charitable, and
educational purposes to advance the
The object of the association as organized under these By-laws is to guide and control the carrying on of the various activities of the Church in such matters as the acquiring and holding of real estate, the receiving and handling of money, and in the appointing and direction of such Boards and Committees which it may establish.
ARTICLE 1
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. The membership of this corporation shall be restricted to those who meet the following conditions:
A. They must be at least 16 years of age.
B. They shall have worshipped regularly with the local congregation for a period of at least six months immediately preceding any meeting at which they exercise their right to vote.
C.
They shall have lived during this period of six months in harmony with
the doctrines and practices of the
Section 2.
Any member may be given the right to vote by a 2/3 majority of the members present at any given meeting.
Section 3.
Any member's right may be questioned by any other member. Upon said member's request, the assembly's majority vote will decide the question, and the results will be binding upon all.
Section 4.
The rules governing membership herein stated shall apply to the business organization only, and shall not affect in any way the standing of members in the fellowship of the Church.
ARTICLE II
OFFICERS
Section 1.
The regular chosen pastor of the First Church of God at Stanton, Kentucky, shall be virtue of his office be chairman of the corporation and exercise a general supervision over the business affairs of the corporation. The chairman shall preside at all regular and special business meetings of the corporation.
Section 2.
In the event there shall be no regular pastor of the church, or in the event thereof of his protracted absence, the Advisory Council shall choose a member of the congregation to officiate in his place, until such time as a pastor is chosen or the regular pastor is able to resume his position.
Section 3. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be a chairman and vice-chairman. The officers must in all cases be elected by the Trustees from among the Trustees.
Section 4: CHURCH TREASURER and CHURCH SECRETARY
A Church Treasurer will be appointed for the corporation by recommendation of the Board of Trustees and ratified by the Church. He/she shall keep a record of all tithes and offerings and furnish statements to all the contributing members. This record shall not be published but shall be kept confidential. He/she shall keep an orderly record of all revenues, expenditures, and receipted bills. The incumbent shall make regular financial reports to the Board of Trustees, and a general report to the church at each annual business session, and special reports upon due notice at any special business meeting of the church. The incumbent shall hold in trust, the funds of the church, in an account, in the name of the church, in whatever bank or banks the Trustees shall recommend. He/she shall sign all checks drawn on the account of the church unless absent.
A Church Secretary shall be elected for the corporation following nominations of the Advisory Council for the office. The Church Secretary position shall be elected to a term of 3 years. He/she shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the corporation and all other duties necessary to operate this office. The Church Secretary shall take minutes at all regular and special business meeting of the church and the meetings of the Board of Trustees. He/she shall assist the Church Treasurer as needed, and shall have the power to sign the checks in the absence of the Church Treasurer.
Section 5. FINANCE COMMITTEE:
The vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee, made up of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Church Treasurer, and the Church Secretary and as many other members as the board of Trustees deem necessary. The duties of this committee shall be to count, record and deposit the regular offerings and income of the church. This committee in no case shall be smaller that two functioning members.
Section 6. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
This committee will function solely to assist the Pastor with respect to matters concerning the selection, call, termination, and/or resignation of Church Staff. This committee shall work with the Pastor and He will serve as an Ex-officio member of it. At their first meeting of the year, the Board of Trustees shall select 2 from its members (1 being the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees), and the Advisory Council shall select 1 of its members (but not the pastor) to serve on this 3-person committee to assist with matters as may arise with respect to selection, call, termination, and/or resignation of Church staff.
ARTICLE III
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Section 1.
A council composed of the pastor, minister of Christian
education, chairman of the Board of Trustees, president of the Women of the
Section 2.
The council shall meet every other month beginning with January, or at the call of the chairman.
Section 3.
The pastor shall act as chairman and a secretary shall be elected each year from among it's members.
Section 4.
This council shall serve in an advisory capacity in the coordinating of the program and policies of the spiritual functions of the church.
Section 5.
Any member of the church or fellowship who has a problem, suggestion, or request shall have the privilege of presenting the same either in writing or personally to this council, who shall then evaluate the merits of the problem, suggestion, or request, and shall extend to the petitioner a fair and scriptural consideration and solution.
Section 6.
The council shall be the nominating committee to name not less than two candidates for each elected office of the corporation, and shall choose a minister of music, Teachers of the Children, Youth and Adult Classes and a chairman and vice-chairman of ushers. They shall also appoint the Youth-Directors of the Church.
ARTICLE IV
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 1
The Board of Trustees shall be five in number and shall have reached the full age of 21 years. Meetings of this Board shall be called by the chairman at least once per quarter, and as needs arise. They shall in their first meeting following the annual business meeting elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members.
Section 2
The duties of the Board of Trustees shall be to manage the business and prudential affairs of the corporation. They shall function subject to and under the direction of the corporation. They shall have charge of the receiving and handling of the financial affairs of the corporation. Disbursements shall be made in accordance to the church budget or other instructions of the church when given.
Disbursements for maintenance items shall be made in accordance with the church budget, or other instructions of the church when given, but in no case exceed $5,000 per occurrence except as specifically authorized by the church. The Board of Trustees may disburse up to $1,000 for any reason they deem necessary without prior approval of the church.
Section 3
In this Board shall be vested all property rights of the
First Church of God of
Section 4.
Three members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5.
Vacancies occurring among the members of this Board shall be filled by the Board and pastor. Such appointees shall hold office until the next regular business meeting of the corporation, at which time their successor shall be elected.
Section 6.
The duties of Trustees shall not include the choosing and placing of spiritual workers in the church. All questions pertaining to doctrine, ecclesiastical forms and usages, and the conducts of its religious services shall be determined by the recognized spiritual leadership of the church.
Section 7.
No trustee shall be nominated to succeed himself for more
than one term. After the interim of one
year, he may be re-nominated. This
simply means that no trustee may serve more than 2 consecutive terms (maximum
of 10 consecutive years) without sitting off the Board of Trustees for a
minimum of one year. After a minimum of
one year, he/she may be nominated again for a position on the Board of
Trustees.
ARTICLE V
MINISTER OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Section 1.
The Minister of Christian Education performs duties with respect to the youth, children, Sunday school, and bus/van ministries of the Church as outlined in an approved Job Description under the leadership and direction of the Pastor.
Section 2.
The position may function as either a paid Church staff position, or if the staff position is not filled, then the position will be elected.
Section 3.
The position will serve under the Job Description adopted and approved by the Church on July 6, 2005 (or as may be amended by the Pastor following due notice to the incumbent, the Administration Committee, and with appropriate notice to the Church). In the event the incumbent is elected (not a paid staff) then the incumbent will be responsible in leadership and oversight of the duties defined with appropriate and acceptable volunteer recruitment from within the Church to assure accomplishment.
Section 4.
If elected, this position would be for a term of 3 years. In the event of subsequent staff selection for the position following election, but prior to expiration of the 3 year term, then the person occupying the position by election would be understood to have vacated the position on the effective date provided the selected staff.
ARTICLE VI
ELECTIONS
Section 1.
All officers and Board members of the corporation shall be elected at the annual business meeting of the church, except as otherwise provided by these By-Laws.
Section 2.
The members of the Board of Trustees shall be elected for a term of five years. Those in office when these By-Laws are adopted shall remain in office until their term expires.
One trustee shall be elected per year at the annual business meeting.
Section 3.
All elections will take place by secret ballot. All members wishing to exercise their rights to vote shall come to the table in front of the sanctuary to receive their ballot, and at which time, if no one's right to vote is challenged, the election will proceed.
Section 4.
In the event a qualified elector of the corporation finds it impossible to attend the business meeting due to illness or some other unavoidable reason, he may cast an absentee ballot, providing he has requested it two (2) days before the meeting. His marked ballot must be sealed in an envelope and given to the chairman of the corporation before the business meeting, and his name must be approved as a voting member and recorded in the minutes.
Section 5.
Elected officers and trustees shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 6.
Elected officials and trustees shall assume office immediately upon election.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
Section 1.
The annual business meeting must be held at the church building on the first or second week of each January, and notice of this meeting shall be given by the pastor in a regular meeting of the church at least one week prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 2.
The pastor's salary allowance, provision for housing, fringe benefits, and similar considerations shall be reviewed annually by the Board when the church budget is being prepared, to be presented at the annual business meeting.
Section 3.
Special business meetings may be called at any time by the pastor. Also, by written request of five members of the church, stating the reason for which they desire a meeting called, the pastor shall call a special meeting of the corporation. Seven days notice shall be given for any and all such meetings. Special business meetings may be held in connection with any of the regular meetings of the church.
Section 4.
Meetings shall be conducted according to the recognized parliamentary procedure with the order of business as follows:
A. Prayer
B. Reading of the minutes of the last meeting.
C. Reports of officers.
D. Reports of committees
E. Reading of article 1 of the By-laws
F. Unfinished business
G. Dismissals and elections.
H. New Business
I. Prayer
ARTICLE VIII
EXPULSION
Section 1.
After due consideration of the problem by the Advisory Council, any officer of this group, or any member of any regular or special Board or Committee may be expelled from his office by a 3/4 majority vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting. Such expulsion may be for conduct unbecoming to a member of the First Church of God, for failure of duty, a lack of interest in the work of the church, or for reasons the congregation may deem sufficient grounds for expulsion from this office.
Section 2.
Notice of the time of such meeting for expulsion and the reason for expulsion shall be given at least seven days previous to the date of the meeting. A written statement of the charges against the person to be expelled shall be given to him by the secretary of the church not later than the time of the meeting for his expulsion is announced. When one has been expelled from office his authority in that office ceases at once. This action will in no way exclude him from the privileges of fellowship with the congregation.
ARTICLE IX
RETENTION OR DISMISSAL OF PASTOR
Section 1.
The pastor may in any regular service of the church, or in any business session of the church, call for an expression by secret ballot, to determine the judgement of the congregation as to whether he should continue in his present position. Such a request must be concurred in by the Advisory Council and the announcement that such a ballot will be taken must be made at least seven days prior to the time set for voting.
Section 2.
Upon receipt of a written request, signed by 25% of the voting members of the corporation, The Board of Trustees together with the Advisory Council, shall decide whether or not a special meeting shall be called for the purpose of voting whether or not the present pastor shall be retained. In such case a meeting is called a chairman pro-tem shall be elected to preside. At least two weeks notice shall be given of such a called meeting of the corporation. If a 2/3 majority
vote is cast against the present pastor, his services as such shall terminate no later than sixty days following the date of such meeting.
ARTICLE X
SELECTION AND CALL OF A PASTOR
Section 1.
In the event the church is without the regular services of a Pastor, a Pulpit Committee, consisting of five (5) members shall be appointed by the Advisory Council. The chairman of this committee shall be the person appointed to the pastor’s stead.
Section 2.
It shall be responsible for the regular services during the period when the church is without pastoral leadership.
Section 3.
It shall investigate the availability of prospective Pastors
and study qualifications as to character,
leadership abilities, experience, ministerial recognition and
status. If it desires it shall seek the
guidance of a counseling minister selected by the assembly who may consult the
Division of Church Service of the
Section 4.
When agreement has been reached by the Pulpit Committee on a prospective Pastor, a special business meeting of the corporation shall be called. It shall present the name of one prospective minister and give a description of his qualifications.
Section 5.
It shall present the name of only one prospective minister at a time for consideration and possible call. In the event he does not receive as much as a three fourths ¾ majority vote of the members present and voting, the Committee shall proceed to select the name of another prospective minister for presentation. This order of procedure shall be followed until a Pastor is duly elected.
Section 6.
The pulpit committee may arrange with the duly elected Pastor and minister of the area for a service of installation that will add dignity to his call and express the Church's recognition of his leadership.
Section 7.
A clear agreement shall be reached with the Pastor regarding responsibilities and working relationships.
ARTICLE XI
SELECTION
AND CALL OF NEEDED STAFF (Other than Pastor)
Section 1.
The Pastor in consultation with the Advisory Council shall recommend a Church Ministry staff position to the Board of Trustees. Upon the approval of the Board of Trustees the position will then be recommended to the Church body at a Regular or Special called business meeting. A vote of 75% will be required for the approval of the position and budget establishing funding for the position by the Church.
Section 2.
Following approval and funding of the position by the Church, selection of a person to fill the position will be made upon the recommendation of the Pastor, in cooperation with and upon majority approval of the Administration Committee of the Church, and the Church will be informed of the staff selection.
ARTICLE XII
TERMINATION/RESIGNATION
OF CHURCH STAFF
Section 1.
Upon recommendation of the Pastor, in
coordination with and upon majority approval of the Administration Committee
(Article II, Section 6) of The
Section 2.
If a Staff Member shall desire to resign his/her position with the church, that person shall present a written resignation to the Pastor and the Administration Committee. Following acceptance and approval of the letter, and notification of the Board of Trustees the Pastor will inform the Church. A minimum of thirty (30) days notice shall be given unless other arrangements are made and approved.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
These BY-Laws may be amended, altered, or changed, by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at any regular or special meeting of the church providing that a copy of the proposed amendment, alteration, or change, shall be read in public service or posted in the church at least seven days prior to the service or special meeting.
ARTICLE XIV
ADOPTION
Section 1. The foregoing By-Laws shall be in full force and effectively immediately upon the fulfillment of the following conditions.
A. Public announcement at a regular church service one week in advance of the regular or special business session called for the purpose of adopting these By-Laws.
B. Approval of a two thirds vote of the qualified electors present.
C.
Deposit with the Church Secretary an official copy, signed by the Pastor, the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees, and the Recording Secretary, presiding at the meeting
of which these By-Laws were adopted.
D.
These By-Laws supersede all other previous By-Laws for The First Church
of God at
DATE: January 4,
2006
PASTOR /s/Anthony T. Molihan
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD /s/Tony Watson
RECORDING SECRETARY /s/Donnie
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