OF
ORCHARD MESA BAPTIST CHURCH
Revised 6/14/2014
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Property
Amendments
Associate Pastor(s)
Elders
Deacons
Treasurer
Clerk
And other officers and directors listed in the By-laws
ORCHARD MESA BAPTIST CHURCH BY-LAWS
REVISED: 08/11/2019.
Forward:
These by-laws are a guide and not final authority, as stated in in Article II paragraph 2 of the Church Constitution, the Bible is the “verbally inspired word of God” it’s teachings will always take precedence over this document. At no time and for any reason, will the Bible be left out of any discussion, debate, disagreement or discussion.
- MEMBERSHIP:
1). Membership can be by public profession of faith during any open invitation, with baptism to follow. Baptism is by total immersion, performed by the Pastor, Associate Pastor or a serving Deacon. A certificate will be presented to the convert by the church.
2). Membership can be by transfer of letter from another church with like faith and message. Request can be made known in a public statement at any open invitation.
3). Membership can be by statement of faith during any open invitation in conjunction with counseling by the Pastor.
4). Membership can be by restoration through petition to the deacon board and counseling by the Pastor.
5). All persons requesting membership in the church, after complying with one of the above membership requirements, are to be presented by the Pastor at a regularly scheduled business meeting for a vote of either approval or disapproval.
- CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP:
1). The names of deceased members shall be transferred to a permanent record of deceased church members.
2). A member may request a letter of transfer to another church of like faith and message.
3). A member may request to withdraw his/her letter of membership.
4). Members shall become inactive after 6 months without any involvement in the church whether it be financial or personal. After an additional 6-month period without any involvement in the church, membership will be terminated. It will be the responsibility of all church members to contact absent members and encourage them to return to the church. Additionally, each absent member family will be contacted by that families’ supporting Deacon on a weekly basis. Those who are unable to attend due to medical hardship or military service made known to the Pastor will continue to be listed as an active member.
5). Membership can be revoked for a serious moral or ethical violation. This will be done after the deacon board meets to discuss the violation with the individual and the individual’s willingness to repent. The Chairman of the deacon board will make a recommendation to the Pastor. After counseling the individual, the Pastor will decide to either return the matter to the deacon board for reconsideration or present the matter to the church body for a vote.
6). Membership can be revoked if a member has become a disruption to the congregation. This will be done after the deacon board meets to discuss the violation with the individual and the individual’s willingness to repent. The Chairman of the deacon board will make a recommendation to the Pastor. After counseling the individual, the Pastor will decide to either return the matter to the deacon board for reconsideration or present the matter to the church body for a vote.
7). Membership transfers or revocation, after meeting one of the above requirements, are to be presented by the Pastor at a regularly scheduled business meeting for a vote of either approval or disapproval.
III. OFFICERS:
- Pastor:
The Pastor shall be a man. He shall meet the requirements of I Timothy 3: 2-7 and he shall be ordained as a Pastor.
- Duties of the Pastor include, but are not limited to:
- Serve as spiritual leader of the church.
- Shall be Chief Administrator of the church.
- Plan and direct the service of worship or cause the same to be done.
- Supervise the church staff and employees or cause the same to be done.
- Coordinate the educational ministries of the church or cause the same to be done.
- Provide spiritual guidance and direction to the Deacons.
- Serve as moderator of the church or cause the same to be done.
- Serve as ex-officio of all church committees.
- Serve as the Chairman of the Executive Board.
- Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Trinity Baptist Food Pantry.
- He shall have the authority to make purchases for the operation of the church of up to 500.00. For purchases of $500.01 to $1,000.00 the Pastor must have the unanimous approval of the executive board. For any and all purchases above $1,000.00 a majority vote of the church body is required. In the event of an emergency, the Pastor shall have total authority to act in the best interest of the church and all assets shall be at his disposal. This authority is “ONLY” for the duration of the emergency.
- When the position of Pastor becomes vacant for any reason the Chairman of the Elder Board in conjunction with the Chairman of the Deacon Board shall call a meeting of the Executive Board to appoint up to six members in good standing including Elders to serve as a Pulpit Committee.
- In the event a Pastor is not fulfilling the duties and responsibilities as Pastor or has committed either a moral or ethical violation it is the responsibility of the Elders to bring the matter to the Pastor’s attention. Should there be no repentance in a suitable time, then the Elders will bring the matter before the Executive board for consideration at a regular or special business meeting and a vote of confidence will be taken 80% majority of the church body must be reached or the Pastor will be dismissed. In this case a quorum is 3/4 of the entire church body.
- Associate Pastor(s):
- Duties of the Associate Pastor include, but are not limited to:
- Assist the Pastor in the administration of the church.
- Act as department head of areas he is assigned to by the Pastor.
- Act as Pastor in his absence.
- Follow a training schedule as outlined by the Pastor.
- Will act as auditor of the Trinity Baptist Food Pantry in conjunction with the church Treasurer.
- Member of the Executive Board.
- He will not be assigned the duties of the Pastor on a regular basis when the Pastor is present.
- The Associate Pastor must meet the requirements of Pastor; however, he is not required to be ordained to serve as Associate Pastor. Associate Pastor candidates shall be interviewed by the Pastor and recommended to the Executive Board. Upon the Executive Board’s approval, the Pastor will present the Associate Pastor candidate to the church for a vote in a regular business meeting. To be affirmed as Associate Pastor, the candidate must receive 75% affirmation of those in attendance.
- In the event an Associate Pastor is not fulfilling the duties and responsibilities as Associate Pastor or has committed either a moral or ethical violation, it is the responsibility of the Deacon Board to bring the matter to the Pastor’s attention. Should there be no repentance in a suitable time, then the Pastor shall bring the matter before the church body in a regular business meeting. A vote of confidence will be held and if the Associate Pastor receives less than 75% of the vote he will be terminated.
- Elders:
Will be church members in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. The church shall have as many Elders as Deacons. Elders will serve on a continuing basis for as long as they feel lead by the Lord. They hold in trust all church property. The authority to act as delegated by the church in a regular or special business meeting and will act as the vote of the church authorized action. They have the authority to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise transfer any church property. In addition, they will assist the Pastor in spiritual care and are to act in his absence on spiritual matters, this is to include preaching duties. While it is not required it is preferred that Elders have served as Deacons. As Elder they will be able to guide members spiritually as the need arises.
- Deacons:
- Duties of a Deacon include, but not limited to:
- Minister to the church membership through the Family Ministry Program.
- Assist the Pastor as needed in conducting worship services.
- Assist the Pastor in observing the Lords Supper.
- Assist each ministry Director as needed.
- To serve the church and the church officers as needed.
- Perform other duties as appointed by the Chairman of the Deacons.
- Act as governing body for the Trinity Baptist Food Pantry, IAW Acts chapter
- Deacons shall be men who meet the qualifications of Acts 6: 1-6 and I Timothy 3: 8-13. They shall have been Christian men for a period of not less than 3 years and be members of the church in good standing. They must have a gift for service and a willingness to serve.
- The Pastor will ensure there is one Deacon candidate for every 10 church members to the Chairman of Deacons. Each candidate will be interviewed by the Deacon Board. If approved by the Deacon Board, the candidate will be presented to the church body by the Chairman of Deacons at a regular business meeting for a vote. To be affirmed as a Deacon, the candidate must receive 75% affirmation of those in attendance.
- Once selected as a Deacon by the church body, each candidate will undergo a period of training as a Deacon. At the completion of training he will be scheduled for an Ordination Council. When approved by the Ordination Council the candidate will be ordained as a Deacon.
- Deacons will serve for life. Deacons may be removed from office by resignation as Deacon or by loss of church membership under any of the rules outlined in section II of these bylaws.
- There shall be no obligation to recognize a Deacon who comes to this church from another church. However, after six months, the Pastor may nominate him under the procedures of paragraph 3 B and C above.
- Deaconess:
- Duties of a Deaconess include, but are not limited to:
- Minister to the Church membership (primarily females) through the Family Ministry Program.
- Assist the Pastor with worship services.
- Assist the Pastor in preparing the Lords Supper.
- Assist ministry Directors as needed.
- Serve the church and church Officers as needed.
- Perform other services as directed by the Chairman of the Deacons.
- Assist Deacon’s in the Trinity Food Pantry, IAW Acts chapter 6.
- Provide counsel to women of the church as needed and work in concert with the Pastor when he is ministering to women of the congregation.
B). Deaconess shall be a woman who meets all the qualifications of Acts 6: 1-6. They shall have been Christian women for a period of not less than 3 years and be member of the church in good standing. They must have a gift for service and a willingness to serve.
C). The Pastor will endeavor to have one Deacon/Deaconess or candidate for every 10 church members. Each candidate will be interviewed by the Deacon Board and when approved by the Deacon Board, the candidate will be presented to; the church body by the Chairman of Deacons at a regular business meeting for a vote. To be affirmed as a Deaconess, the candidate must receive 75% affirmation of those in attendance or voting by proxy.
D). Once selected as a Deaconess by the church body, each candidate will undergo a period of not less then 20 hours of training as a Deaconess. At the completion of training she will be appointed as a Deaconess.
E). Deaconess will serve for life. Deaconess may be removed from office by resignation as Deaconess or by loss of church membership, or under any of the rules outlined in section II of these bylaws.
F). There shall be no obligation to recognize a Deaconess who comes to this church from another SBC Church. However, after six months, the Pastor may nominate her under the procedures of paragraph 3 B and C above.
- Chairman of Deacons:
The Chairman of Deacons shall be elected by the Deacon body. He must meet all the requirements of a Deacon and he must be an ordained Deacon. He will have all the duties of a Deacon, he will be a member of the Executive Board, a member of the Budget and Finance Committee and he will have other duties as outlined throughout these bylaws. When unable to perform any of his duties he will select another Deacon to act on his behalf.
- 7. Treasurer:
Will be a church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Will be responsible to the Pastor and to the church body for the following:
- Preparing a monthly financial report.
- Recapitulation of the monthly financial report at the monthly regular business meeting.
- Safekeeping of all tithe and offering records. These records will not be made public nor will this information be given to the Pastor or Associate Pastor.
- Payment of all church financial obligations.
- Preparation of the Annual Profits and Loss Statement
- Member of the Budget and Finance Committee.
- Member of the Executive Board.
- Responsible for distribution of special donations to include money received from Raffles.
- Music Director:
Will be a Church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Will direct the music worship for each service and organize all special music. Will ensure only music and musical entertainment bringing honor and glory to our Lord and Savior will be used in worship services. Will coordinate all music and musical entertainment with the Pastor. Is a member of the Executive Board.
- Outreach Director:
Will be a Church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Be responsible for the outreach of the church in the area of witnessing and Sunday School. Will ensure all Sunday School teachers and bible study leaders have training materials approved by the Pastor. Will maintain attendance records for Sunday School and all worship services. Is a member of the Executive Board.
- Youth Directors:
Will be a married couple who are Church members in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Be responsible for the outreach to the youth of the community. Will conduct youth activities that focus on glorifying God and teach biblical principles.
- Sunday School Director:
Each teacher candidate will be interviewed by the Outreach Director. The Outreach Director will provide names of approved teacher candidates to the Nominating Committee for consideration. Teacher candidates will be Church members in good standing and nominated by the Nominating Committee. Teachers will serve a term of two (2) years after which they may be nominated for a consecutive term(s). Teachers will teach biblical principles and those things that bring glory to God.
- Nursery Director:
Will be a church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Will be First Aid certified and able to work with infants to toddlers. Will ensure the church remains compliant with current state and local laws and regulations. Will interview, select and supervise nursery workers.
- Vacation Bible School Director (VBS):
Will be a church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Will select and familiarize themselves with all aspects of the VBS program. Will rain staff to provide a quality and beneficial VBS program to the children of the community.
- Food Pantry Directory:
Will be a church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Duties of the Food Pantry Director are as follows, but not limited to:
- Establish all policies and procedures for the Food Pantry within the of state and local agencies.
- Establish and maintain an inventory of food and hygiene items for distribution. The Food Pantry Director will have sole authority in the selection of all items maintained in inventory.
- Ensure the Food Pantry is compliant with all state and local agencies to include record keeping and health standards.
- Act as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Food Pantry.
- Has authority to apply for Grants and manage Fund Raisers.
- Interview, select and supervise all volunteers.
- When there is a conflict between guidance given by the Pastor or other Church Officer’s and state or local agencies requirements, the requirements of those agencies will take.
- Will answer directly to the Deacon Board as Governing Board.
- Recruit and train volunteers to assist in the operation of the Trinity Baptist Food Pantry, the entire team will be guided by the principles in Matthew Chapter 25.
- Church Clerk: Will be a church member in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. The clerk shall be responsible for keeping an accurate record of all business meetings of the church and for filing a typed copy in the church office as a permanent record. The clerk shall maintain a complete roll of resident, non-resident, former and deceased church members. These records will show dates of admission, dates of termination or death, requested and forwarded letters of transfer and letters of termination after action by the church. The clerk shall prepare the Annual Church Profile and sign all official documents certifying action taken by the church.
- All persons nominated for a position of any church officer, nursery workers and VBS workers shall submit to a background check. The results of which shall be confidential and reviewed only by the Pastor and shared Executive Board as needed.
26. OTHER STAFF AND EMPLOYEE - 27.CHURCH SECRETARY: Will be a paid position. The individual will be qualified in all respects to hold the position. Candidates will be interviewed and recommended by the Pastor to the Executive Board. The secretary will be a Christian, it is preferred that he/she not be a member of this church. However, that is not a limiting factor in the decision process. The Pastor’s recommendation to the Board will include, desired pay, interview and evaluation results, reference check results and background check results. The secretary will be supervised by the Pastor. Duties and hours of work, not to exceed 40 hours per week without Executive Board approval.
- CHURCH JANITOR:
This is a paid position. This position may be, but is not required, to be filled from within the church membership. Candidates will be interviewed and recommended by the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee to the Executive Board. The chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee recommendation will include desired pay, interview and evaluation results and reference check results. The janitor will be supervised by the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee. Duties of the janitor include cleaning the church building once each week, maintain the cleaning supply closet in a neat and orderly manner and to notify the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee when cleaning supplies are needed. Cleaning the building includes vacuuming all carpeted areas, emptying all trash cans, clean and sanitize all restroom fixtures (sinks, urinals and toilets), clean and sanitize the water fountain, dry mop (wet mop as needed) all tile floor coverings.
3.USHERS:
Will be men who are members of the church in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. At least two Ushers will perform their assigned duties each worship service. Duties will include;
- Welcoming all members and visitors attending worship services.
- Ensuring all visitors are offered the opportunity to complete a visitor information card.
- Collect all tithes and offerings.
- Assist as needed with serving the Lords Supper.
- Assist as needed in the worship service.
- COUNTERS OF MONIES: Will be individuals who are members of the church in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. At least two counters will be present to count monies after each collection of tithes and offerings. Duties will include;
- Counting all tithes and offerings.
- Completing a reconciliation of monies for general funds and designated funds.
- Completing a bank deposit form.
- Ensure all monies, deposit forms and the reconciliation are given to the Treasurer for deposit and record keeping.
- Post tithe and offering totals on the church status board.
- COMMITTEES, GROUPS AND BOARDS:
- THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:
The Executive Board shall be the Pastor, Associate Pastor, Chairman of Deacons, Treasurer, Music Director, and the Outreach Director. This board is the advisory body to the Pastor and is to act as the voice of the church. The Board will hire all paid employees (other than the Pastor). Recommend to the Budget Committee all employee pay raises including the Pastor. The Pastor is the Chairman and will conduct all meetings. In his absence the Associate Pastor may act as Chair. The Executive Board shall meet on the Sunday before the regular monthly business meeting and will set the agenda for the regular monthly business meeting. This body has the authority to approve purchases of up to $1,000.00. Purchases above this amount must be approved by the church body. The Executive Board will also be tasked with acting as church Safety Committee.
- KITCHEN COMMITTEE:
Will be those men and women who feel led of the Lord to serve through feeding the church body. They will meet as necessary to provide meals to the church as needed to include, but not limited to funerals, weddings, and those who are sick or otherwise unable to cook for themselves. Will coordinate church potluck meals and meals for other church fellowship gatherings. Will make request for commercially prepared food and other food purchases to the Executive Board.
- MEN’S BROTHERHOOD GROUP:
Men of the church shall gather together for fellowship and prayer. This group will be led by The Director of the Men’s Brotherhood Group, a man who is a member of the church in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. As director he will make regular plans for the groups meeting times, location, activities, devotions and prayer. This group will also coordinate with the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee for scheduling workdays as needed for the cleaning and repair of all church property.
- WOMEN ON MISSION (WOM):
Women of the church shall gather together for fellowship and prayer. This group will be led by a woman who is a member of the church in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. The WOM leader will make regular plans for the groups meeting times, location, activities, devotions and prayer, with an emphasis on missions. This group will also coordinate with the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee for scheduling workdays as needed for the cleaning and repair of all church property.
- AUDIT COMMITTEE:
Will be three (3) church members in good standing, who are not members of the Executive Board, nominated by the Nominating Committee. The committee will conduct annual audits of the financial records and report to the Pastor and Deacon Board their findings in writing.
- BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE:
This committee will consist of the Treasurer, the Chairman of the Deacons or his designate Deacon and three other church members in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. This committee will meet annually to discuss the next calendar years budget, set figure amounts (both increases and decreases) and to report to the church body their recommendations. This committee is also responsible to set wage increases and benefit packages for all paid employees to include the Pastor based on recommendations made by the Executive Board.
- BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE:
Will be men who are church members in good standing nominated by the Nominating Committee. Shall be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Church building and grounds. When additional assistance is needed, the Chairman of this committee will coordinate with the WOM and the Men’s Prayer Group for Workdays. The Chairman will also supervise the janitor, maintain supplies as needed for the restrooms, cleaning supplies and minor maintenance items. The need for all major repairs will be reported to the Executive Board immediately upon finding the problem. The Chairman shall have access to all open lines of credit at local hardware and janitorial supply stores with a $100.00 per purchase limit. Purchases over $100 up to $500 must be approved by the Pastor. Purchases above $500 up to $1,000 must be approved by the Executive Board. Purchases above $1,000 must be approved by the church body.
- NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Members of this committee will be nominated by the preceding years committee. They shall be members of the church and will meet as necessary to nominate persons to fill vacant positions. Nominations will be made based on the nominee’s willingness to serve and recommendation by the Pastor or other church officers when required in these Bylaws. All nominations of the Nominating Committee will be presented to the church body at a business meeting for a vote of affirmation. Unless otherwise specified, to be affirmed each nominee must receive a majority of quorum.
- PULPIT COMMITTEE:
When the position of Pastor becomes vacant the Chairman of Deacons shall call a meeting of the Executive Board to appoint six (6) members in good standing to serve with the Chairman of Deacons as the Pulpit Committee. The committee shall search for a qualified minister to bring before the church in view of a pastoral call at a stated time of worship. The committee shall inform the prospective pastor of the approved salary and allowances as well as any benefit package to include vacation polices. This notification shall be in writing and approved by the Executive Board before being sent to the prospective pastor. The calling of the pastor requires 80% majority vote in a secret ballot of all members present for the vote in a special business meeting. The vote of the church will be communicated in writing to the prospective pastor. The pastoral call will be validated upon receipt of a written acceptance by the prospective pastor. All agreements shall be recorded in the permanent minutes of the church.
- OTHER SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
The Executive Board may call upon the Nominating Committee to nominate members for other committees as needed. These special committees will be to conduct the business of the church not otherwise listed in these Bylaws. A special committee may also be called to investigate or research facts for purposed or planned projects or events.
- Unless otherwise stated, each committee shall, at their first meeting, elect a Chairperson to lead the committee and a committee secretary to maintain records of the committee meetings for the church records. Committee records may be the product of the committee such as a committee report submitted at a business meeting.
- CHURCH MEETINGS:
- REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS:
Church shall hold regular business meetings quarterly, on the First Sunday of quarter, except as otherwise rescheduled by the Executive Board. No notice of any regular business meeting is required unless such meeting is a rescheduled meeting. Notice of any rescheduled meeting shall be announced at least one week in advance and published in the Sunday morning worship service bulletin prior to the date of the rescheduled meeting. (amended 08/15/19)
- SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS:
A special business meeting may be called by the Pastor, the Executive Board or the Chairman of the Deacons. Such meetings require one (1) full week’s advance notice to the membership in advance of the proposed meeting. The notice shall include the agenda, date and time of the meeting. Special meetings shall limit their business to the items announced in the notice. Due to time constraints and when possible, special business meetings will not be held on a Sunday.
3.QUORUM:
A quorum shall consist of 10 members in good standing (good standing is defined in paragraph X sub paragraph L of this document) present, proxy votes will not be considered for attendance purposes.
4.BUSINESS MEETING RULES OF ORDER:
Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition, shall be strictly adhered to.
- PROXY VOTE
A vote cast by one person as a representative of another: The person casting the vote must be a member in good standing as defined in paragraph VII, sub paragraph X item (L).
- POSTPONEMENT
A regularly scheduled business meeting; may only be postponed or rescheduled one time regardless of reason. After which all items on the agenda will be moved to the next regular business meeting.
VII. TREATMENT OF OTHER MEMBERS:
- All members shall treat each other with dignity and respect. In the Body there is no one greater than the other.
- No loud outbursts or angry words are to be exchanged in God’s house.
- Members are not to bring legal suit against other members as this does not edify God.
- All disputes between members will be taken to the Pastor for mediation and counseling. If the Pastor is unable to resolve the dispute a Mediator may be retained at the involved members expense.
- All disputes will be governed by the word of God and ensure that the principals as outlined in Matthew chapter 18 verse 15-18 are followed, with “NO” exception!
VIII. AMENDMENTS:
Changes in the Constitution and/or bylaws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church. Each amendment shall have been presented in writing and copies furnished to all members. The proposed amendment shall be considered at the next regular business meeting. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present is necessary to enact the proposed amendment.
- IX. WHAT WE BELIEVE AS A CHURCH AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION:
- The Bible is true and correct, verbally inspired by God and therefore is authoritative in all areas of humanity. The Bible is our guide in how we believe as a religious organization and speaks as a moral guide.
- We affirm the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the 2001 Southern Baptist Convention.
- All people regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity have the same rights under God as stated in holy scriptures.
- We believe Marriage is between one man and one woman, (Ephesians 5:23,24 and 32) as provided in the Holy Bible (as defined in Article 10 paragraph hof this document. In keeping with our faith and tenants of our belief, we will only perform and allow to be performed a marriage that meets with the mandates of Holy Scripture. We further limit “all” weddings in this church to only those who are willing to affirm the Baptist Faith and Message as revised in 2001 in its entirety, regardless of current church affiliation, this is in keeping with our religious beliefs. We use the following Biblical references to support our assertion; Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, 1 Kings 14:24, Romans 1:18-22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, Ephesians 5:23,24,32)
- DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THESE BY- LAWS AND COMMONLY USED WITHIN THE CHURCH:
- SBC = Southern Baptist Convention.
- CBGC = Colorado Baptist General Convention.
- GVBA = Grand Valley Baptist Association.
- UBA = Uncompahgre Baptist Association
- OMBC = Orchard Mesa Baptist Church.
- NAMB = North American Mission Board.
- IMB = International Mission Board
- WOM = Women on Mission
- WMU = Women’s Missionary Union
- TBFP = Trinity Baptist Food Pantry
- The Bible = It is the verbally inspired word of God and while it comes in many translations, we only accept those versions of the Protestant faith. (example; King James, New King James, New International Version (written prior to 2012), (New American Standard, Holman Christian Standard, and others that follow the same theological message as those listed in this paragraph).
- Good Standing = Shows repetitive attendance to Sunday Morning worship and participates in other church functions as applicable. Tithes to the church on a monthly basis.
- Tithe = 10 percent of all income and time, (as outlined in Malachi chapter 3).
- Member = a person who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, has been or agrees to be baptized by total immersion, affirms our beliefs as listed in these by-laws, has come forward during any invitation and requested membership, voted on and approved by the membership at the next regular business meeting.
- Sin = any act described in holy scripture as being unacceptable in the eyes of God (Examples but not limited to, drug and alcohol abuse, porn addiction, homosexuality, any sex outside of marriage, misrepresentation of the truth, stealing).
- Marriage = Defined as between one man (gender, male) and woman (gender female) as stated in the Bible (verses; Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5 and 6, 1 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 5:31). Marriage is not a civil union as described in (Article 9 paragraph d) of this document, it is a holy institution for the primary reason or procreation and family stability, it is the only recognized institution for joining of two people as defined by holy scriptures and God.
- VBS = Vacation Bible School.
- Gaming/Craft Fairs and Raffles: The Senior/Associate Pastors and Chairman of Elders or Deacons will be named as Administrators. Distribution of Funds will be done by the Treasurer. A separate bank account will be maintained for this purpose to avoid using funds for general spending. The Senior Pastor Will maintain a Gaming Managers Licenses, IAW Colorado Secretary of State guidelines. Funds must be distributed to the following ministries ONLY:
- Food Pantry
- Growing in Light Ministries (Church School)
- Benevolence fund
- Couples Group
- Widows and orphan’s fund