BY-LAWSOUR MISSION:

We exist to guide people into a life-changing and growing relationship with Jesus ChristMultiplying Disciples in a Healthy Church.

5825 Kelvin Avenue N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 651.770.3172www.rockpoint.church e-mail: info@rockpoint.church

[Approved 5/7/2017]

Table of ContentsARTICLE I - MISSION STATEMENT..........................................................................................4ARTICLE II – PURPOSE & VALUES..........................................................................................4ARTICLE III - STANDING.........................................................................................................4

A. AUTHORITY...............................................................................................................4B. AFFILIATION..............................................................................................................4C. POSITION..................................................................................................................4

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP....................................................................................................4A. DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................................4B. ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP..................................................................................54C. ABSENCE..................................................................................................................5D. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP.........................................................................5E. WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER.................................................................................5F. DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL......................................................................................5G. PROPERTY RIGHTS....................................................................................................6

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS..........................................................................................................6A. PUBLIC SERVICES.....................................................................................................6B. ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING......................................................................6C. OTHER CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS......................................................................6D. QUORUM..................................................................................................................6E. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE..................................................................................6F. ELECTIONS...............................................................................................................6G. VOTING RIGHTS........................................................................................................6

ARTICLE VI - APPOINTED POSITIONS ...................................................................................66A. DUTIES of the Secretary .........................................................................................66B. DUTIES of the Treasurer ........................................................................................76

ARTICLE VII -– ELDER LEADERSHIP BOARD...........................................................................7A. QUALIFICATIONS......................................................................................................7BB. ELECTION.................................................................................................................7C. RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................................................88D. INSTALLATION. .......................................................................................................99E. DUTIES OF CHURCH CHAIRMAN. ............................................................................99DF. REMOVAL................................................................................................................. 9

ARTICLE VIII – DEACONS.......................................................................................................9A. QUALIFICATIONS......................................................................................................9B. ELECTION.................................................................................................................9C. RESPONSIBILITIES....................................................................................................9D. ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES....................................................................................1010

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E. REMOVAL...............................................................................................................10ARTICLE IX - MINISTRY TEAMS ........................................................................................1010ARTICLE VIIIX - PASTORS....................................................................................................10

A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY......................................................................................10B. ACCOUNTABILITY...................................................................................................10C. COMMUNICATION...................................................................................................10D. MINISTRY TEAMS....................................................................................................10E. CALL.......................................................................................................................10F. DISMISSAL..............................................................................................................10

ARTICLE IXI - FINANCEAUDITING COMMITTEE.................................................................1111A. TERM OF OFFICE.................................................................................................1111B. DUTIES................................................................................................................... 11

ARTICLE XII - THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE......................................................................11A. COMPOSITION........................................................................................................11B. RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................................................11

ARTICLE XIIII - AMENDMENTS..........................................................................................1212A. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS................................................................................1212B. AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS........................................................12

Updated: 125/117/20197

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ARTICLE I - MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Rockpoint Church is to guide people into a life-changing and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Multiplying Disciples in a Healthy Church

In support of our mission statement, we believe each person should live by the Great Commandment and Great Commission

Matthew 22: 36-40 (ESV)  36“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inb  the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE & VALUES The Purpose of Rockpoint Church shall be in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation:

[1.] To love and obey Jesus Christ (I John 2:3-6).[2.] To promote Christian maturity and growth (Ephesians 4:11-16).[3.] To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Core Values of this church are:[1.] Biblically Truth based and Spirit empowered[2.] Grace Based Humble Dependence1.[3.] Gospel Centered[4.] Reverent Dependence Grace Filled[5.] Loving Relationships Inclusive[6.] Community and World Focused

LeadershipARTICLE III - STANDING A. AUTHORITY.

The congregation, at its annual and other meetings, is the legislative and governing body of this organization.

B. AFFILIATION.This church shall be affiliated with the North Central District Association and the Evangelical Free Church of America. It shall send delegates to their conferences, support their home and foreign missions, and unite in all mutual efforts for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ in the measure that the church itself may officially decide.

C. POSITION.The Statement Confession of Faith of Rockpoint Church shall be the same as that of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP A. DEFINITIONS.

As used in these By-Laws, the term “congregation” means all church members, active or inactive, who have been admitted to membership at Rockpoint Church. The term “active member” means a member who resides within commuting distance of the church and who has attended at least one corporate worship service within the past year. The term “inactive member” means anyone who has been an active member but

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who does not currently meet active member qualifications. The term “church body” is defined as all people who attend the worship services of the church or are otherwise involved in some regular ministry of the church.

B. ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP.Admission of a member shall take place in the following manner:

1. The applicant shall complete a membership application and submit it to the Deacons.

2. The applicant shall participate in membership instruction and an interview with the Deacons to give testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ and to discuss matters pertaining to membership. The requirements for membership shall be to:a) Have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior;b) Agree with the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America;

andc) Commit to the responsibilities of membership (Article IV, section D).

3. If the Deacons determine that the person has met the requirements of B2 (a), (b), and (c) they shall accept that person as a member and present him/her at any regular service.

4. Upon acceptance of a call, any new Pastor or Ministry Director and spouse if married, will automatically become members(s) of the church. All other staff desiring membership will go through the normal membership process with the Deacons.

C. ABSENCE.Any member who is no longer active (see Article IV, section A above) shall automatically be removed from the active member list and placed on the inactive list unless the Deacons decide to retain him/her as an active member. Any member who shows lack of interest in the church and who gives no response to inquiries regarding his/her relationship to the church, will, after a period of one year, have his/her membership terminated upon recommendation by the Deacons.

D. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP.A member shall sign and strive to uphold the membership responsibilities as listed

below:

As a member of Rockpoint Church I will strive to:[1.] 1.  Trust, follow, and seek to serve the Lord Jesus Christ 1. 9.  Support Rockpoint’sthe ECFA Statement of Faith and the, mMission, purpose,

and cCore vValues of Rockpoint Church2. Regularly and actively participate in worship gatherings and congregational

meetings and engage in the life of the church family3. Discover and use my spiritual gifts in ministry through service here for the benefit

of others and the glory of God4. Joyfully and generously give of my time, talents and treasures in support of

Rockpoint church and its ministries.5. Seek to grow spiritually through regular study of God’s Word, sharing my faith with

others, and learning from Rockpoint’s pastors and teachers6. Encourage fellow members and help bear one another’s burdens7. Refrain from gossip, slander, and defamation. Maintain an attitude of faith and dependence upon God.[2.] 2. Seek to live a holy life in a manner consistent with the Word of God and the

purposes of His church. [3.] 3.  Put myself into places where God can cause me to grow spiritually. 4.  Encourage fellow members in love and good works.

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[4.] 5. Discover my spiritual gifts and faithfully use them in the ministry of the church.

6. Refrain from gossip, slander, and defamation. 7. Faithfully and actively participate in corporate worship services and

congregational meetings of Rockpoint and connect to a small group and/or ministry team.

[5.] 8. Patiently, faithfully and confidently abide in Christ Jesus 8. Pray regularly for the pastors, leaders, members, and ministries of Rockpoint. [6.] 9.  Support Rockpoint’s Statement of Faith, mission, purpose, and core values. 10. Joyously and generously give financial support to Rockpoint.

Rockpoint Church will support each member by providing an environment where our core values (see Article II) are taught and lived out.

E. WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER.1. Any member may withdraw his/her membership at any time and for any reason by

informing the Deacons they wish to do so. This withdrawal will be confirmed by letter from the Deacons.

2. Any member in good standing who moves to another locality and who wishes to join some other church, shall, upon written request, receive a letter of recommendation from Rockpoint Church.

3. All membership withdrawals will be reported at the next congregational meeting.F. DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL.

If any one of the church body is guilty of habitual sin without sincere repentance, he or she is to be dealt with according to the pattern of discipline set forth in Matthew 18:15-17.

1. Love shall be the motivating force in attempting to restore the erring person to Jesus Christ and to His church.

[2.] The ElderLeadership Board shall represent the church in matters of church discipline (Matthew 18:17).

[3.] Dismissal: Should a member continue living in habitual sin without sincere repentance, the ElderLeadership Board may, after due consideration and 90 days written and oral notification to the member and in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17, remove that person from membership and inform the congregation at an appropriate time.

2.[4.] Reinstatement: Such a member, upon sincere repentance, may be reinstated as a member in good standing by reapplying for membership.

[5.] Should a person active in the church body, who is not a member, continue living in habitual sin without sincere repentance, the Elder Leadership Board and the Deacons, after due consideration and oral consultation with the person and in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17, may deny continued affiliation with Rockpoint Church.

G. PROPERTY RIGHTS.Members of Rockpoint Church do not have property rights.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS A. PUBLIC SERVICES.

The congregation shall hold such public services as it may decide.

B. ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.

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The Annual Congregational Meeting shall be held in the month of January, the exact time and date to be set by the ElderLeadership Board and announced to the congregation at least one month prior. The church fiscal year will begin on January 1st.

C. OTHER CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS.Congregational meetings, other than the Annual Meeting, are to be set by the Elder Leadership Board and announced to the congregation not later than two weeks prior to that meeting. Requests for additional meetings may be made to the Elder Leadership Board.

D. QUORUM.A quorum for any congregational meeting shall be at least 20% of all active family units. Once the quorum is determined to be present, it shall remain in effect throughout the session or meeting.

E. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE.For purposes of facilitating orderly conduct of business, the rules of order contained in “Robert’s Rules of Order: Newly Revised” shall govern the organization except when those rules are not consistent with the church’s By-Laws.

F. ELECTIONS.A list of nominees for each election shall be shared withmailed to all active members at least one week before such an election and shall include at least one nominee for each position. To be elected, a person must receive an affirmation of 75% of the total active members present at the meeting.

G. VOTING RIGHTS.Only active members are eligible to vote. All elections will be done by secret ballot. Ballots will be counted by at least two congregational members who are not Board Members, Deacons, or staff.

ARTICLE VI - APPOINTED POSITIONS The Leadership Board, because of special qualifications required, shall appoint the Secretary and Treasurer. They must be active members of Rockpoint Church, will have no voting rights on the Leadership Board, and may be removed by a vote from the Leadership Board.

[A.] DUTIES of the Secretary[1.] The Secretary will record or arrange for congregational meeting minutes to be

recorded.2. The Secretary will review and sign all legal documents requiring a secretary’s signature.

[B.] DUTIES of the Treasurer[1.] Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations [2.] Maintain knowledge of the church and personal commitment to it’s mission[3.] Work with the *Executive Pastor to ensure that Generally Accepted Accounting

Principles are adhered to at Rockpoint and that appropriate financial reports are made available to the Board on a timely basis

[4.] Work with the Executive Pastor in preparing the annual budget for Board approval

[5.] Arrange for audit review and answer Board member’s questions about the annual audit

[6.] Oversee the preparation of a management response to each annual audit[7.] Attend Board meetings when requested

*Note: The Executive Pastor will be the key staff contact point for the Secretary and the Treasurer and be responsible for all disbursements and financial records.

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The Executive Pastor will also respond accordingly to special requests for financial information from the Treasurer or the Board.

ARTICLE VI I - Elder ELDER LEADERSHIP BOARD The ElderLeadership Board shall consist of the Senior Pastor and no less than six but no more than eight elected members. The Elder Board Church Chairman shall be selected by the ElderLeadership Board from among its elected members. The ElderLeadership Board may ask other members of the Pastoral Staff to attend meetings as non-voting participants of the board. The ElderLeadership Board shall select people for additional responsibilities as needed. Qualifications and responsibilities of Elder Board members is further described with Rockpoint Governance policies.A. QUALIFICATIONS.The members of the Elder Leadership Board shall:

1. Have been an active member of the church for at least the year prior to their selection;

2. Meet the qualifications of an Elder in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9; 3. Have an attitude and behavior marked by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23);4. Demonstrate the spiritual gifts of administration or leadership (1 Corinthians 12:28;

Romans 12:8);5. Be faithful in attendance and service (Hebrews 10:25); and 6. Agree to serve in accord with the By-Laws.

B. ELECTION.[1.] The Nominating Committee will ask the Elder Board, Deacons and Staff to submit

names of individuals to be considered for the position of Elder Leadership Board member. (See article XII, A)

[2.] The Nominating Committee will consider the names submitted and present to the congregation a list of at least one nominee for each open position. Individuals may submit names they would like to be considered to the Senior Pastor or Elder Leadership Board Chairman at any time. All names submitted will be reviewed by the entire Nominating Committee.

[3.] ElderLeadership Board members are elected by secret ballot at a fall congregational meeting.

The term of elected members of the Board will be three years with the option of re-election for a second three-year term. Partial terms of more than one year will be considered a full term. Where a member has served two consecutive terms for six years, he must remain off the Board for at least one year before being re-elected. Regular elections shall be held at a fall Congregational Meeting and all elected officers shall take office by January 1st of the next year. The terms of office shall be staggered as defined by the ElderLeadership Board. Should a ElderLeadership Board position be vacated prior to the end of an individual’s term, the Board has the right to select someone to fill the position until approval of the individual is received for full-term service at the next congregational meeting.

C. RESPONSIBILITIES.[1.] Under the leadership of the Elder Board Church Chairman, the Board shall:

a) Assume responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the church body;b) Ensure that every aspect of the church’s ministry is characterized by a faithful

proclamation of God’s word;

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[c)] Exercise general supervision over the operations of the church in a manner consistent with the Constitution, By-Laws and policies of the church;

[d)] Provide long-range ministry objectives to the congregation;[e)] Oversee the development and presentation of an annual written summary

containing:[1)] Report of ministries and financial statements of the previous year; and

c) A plan and budget for the anticipated ministries of the current year;[f)] See that the decisions of the congregational meetings are carried out, consider

and decide necessary matters pertaining to their responsibility that arise between regular congregational meetings;

[g)] Appoint and terminate ad hoc and special committees as needed or as directed by the congregation;

[h)] Open and maintain bank accounts and rent safe deposit boxes, file documents with state, local and federal governments on behalf of the church as they deem appropriate, and designate the persons and procedures authorized for handling same;

d) Submit to the congregation at a fall Congregational Meeting the proposed overall ministry plan and budget; e) Approve amendments to the general church budget and authorize expenditures not otherwise provided; such amendments, in total, may not exceed 3% of the annual church budget;

[i)] Establish and update such policies as are needed for the administration of church property, personnel, and finances;

[j)] Review and approve the staff-maintained church policy manual;[k)] Approve Ministry Team leaders as needed;

f) Be the final arbiter of all administrative decisions except those for which the Congregation has retained exclusive responsibility;

[l)] Give support, encouragement, and counsel to each other;g) Exercise spiritual discipline on behalf of the church (Matthew 18:15-17); and

[m)] Encourage involvement in the classical Christian disciplines (e.g. prayer, fasting, meditation, worship, study, etc.) and a life of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.

[2.] The following administrative decisions shall be made only by the congregation:a) Approve the annual ministry plan and budget;b) Approve budget amendments greater than 3% of the total annual budget and/or

the approval of any long-term debt or any debt that incurs annual finance charges greater than 3% of the total annual budget;

c) Call and/or dismiss the Senior Pastor (see Article X, section F );d) Select and/or remove a Deacon or Leadership Board member from office (see

Articles VII, sections B and F; Article VIII, sections B and D);e) Purchase, dispose of, or mortgage real property, or authorize building and/or

major improvements to the property; andf) Amend these By-Laws and/or the Constitution.

D. INSTALLATION.All new Leadership Board members shall be installed at a Sunday morning service after their election.

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E. DUTIES OF CHURCH CHAIRMAN. The duties of the Church Chairman shall include the following:

[1.] The Church Chairman shall preside at the meetings of the Leadership Board and the congregation; and

[2.] The Church Chairman will preside at the meetings of the Nominating Committee.B F. REMOVAL.

An Elder Leadership Board member may be removed only by a three-fourths (3/4) majority, secret ballot vote at a congregational meeting. Significant violation of I Timothy 3:1-7 would constitute grounds for removal.

ARTICLE VII I – DEACONS Deacons shall consist of one ElderLeadership Board member and at least five congregational members elected by the congregation. Both men and women are eligible to be Deacons (Romans 16:1, Acts 2:18, 1 Timothy 3:11). The Deacons shall be responsible to the congregation.A. QUALIFICATIONS.

Deacons shall:

1. Have been an active member of the church for at least the year prior to their selection;

2. Meet the qualifications in I Timothy 3:8-13;3. Have an attitude and behavior marked by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) ;4. Be faithful in attendance (Hebrews 10:25);5. Be supportive of the leadership of the church (I Thessalonians 5:12); and6. Agree to serve in accordance with the By-Laws.

B. ELECTION.1. The Nominating Committee will solicit nominations and input from the Board,

Deacons and Pastoral Staff to submit names of individuals to be considered for the open Deacon positions.

[2.] The Nominating Committee will consider all names submitted to the ElderLeadership Board, Deacons and Pastoral Staff and present a list of at least one nominee for each open position.

2.[3.] Deacons are elected by secret ballot at a fall congregational meeting.The term of elected Deacons will be three years with the option of re-election for a second three-year term. Partial terms of more than one year will be considered a full term. Where a member has served two consecutive terms, he/she must remain off for at least one year before being re-elected. Regular elections shall be held at a fall Congregational Meeting and all elected officers shall take office by January 1st of the next year. The terms of office shall be staggered as defined by the Deacons.C. RESPONSIBILITIES.

The Deacons will provide spiritual leadership for the church by providing care and compassion for the needs of the church body in the following ways:1. Administer Care Fund monies to those in need of financial assistance and/or

encouragement in coordination with Cares Ministry. (Hebrews 6:10);2. Encourage those who have experienced illness or injury (1Thessalonians 5:11);3. Support those who have experienced the death of a loved one;4. Oversee the membership process (Hebrews 10:24, 25);5. Work with church staff to coordinate baptism services (Matthew 28:19);

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6. Provide the support and services needed for the administration of communion;D. ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES.

7. Appoint a Chair from among the Deacons who will preside at their meetings;8. Appoint a Secretary who will record the minutes of all meetings;9. Appoint 3 Deacons to serve on the Church Nominating Committee each year;10. Meet monthly or as needed to carry out above responsibilities; and11. Submit a written report for presentation to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.12. Should discussion or debate be required in order to properly carry out any of the above-named responsibilities or duties, action may only be taken upon a majority vote of elected Deacons.

E. REMOVAL.A Deacon may be removed only by a three-fourths (3/4) majority, secret ballot vote at a congregational meeting. Significant violation of I Timothy 3:8-13 would constitute grounds for removal.

ARTICLE IX - MINISTRY TEAMS Ministry Teams will be formed as needed to accomplish a ministry and fulfill the mission of the church. “Ministry Team” refers to formal, recognized teams that have completed the Ministry Team Proposal Form and had it approved by the Board. All Ministry Teams will be accountable to uphold the mission, purpose, and core values of the church. All Ministry Teams will also be responsible to the Leadership Board, a designated Staff member, or a church member designated by the Leadership Board.

ARTICLE VIII X - PASTORS A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Pastors shall provide leadership to the church in order to ensure the spiritual building up of the body, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the equipping of the church body for ministry (Ephesians 4:12, 13; Colossians 1:28). Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor will be in accordance with Rockpoint Governance policies.

B. ACCOUNTABILITY.The Senior Pastor reports to the Elder Leadership Board and the congregation. Reporting structure for all other Pastors and Support Staff shall be defined in the individual’s job description which in each case must be approved by the ElderLeadership Board.

C. COMMUNICATION.The pastors shall give oral reports, as requested by the ElderLeadership Board, regarding their ministry areas at congregational meetings and prepare a comprehensive written report for the Annual Meeting.

D. MINISTRY TEAMS.Ministry teams will be formed as needed by a lead Pastor over any particular area to accomplish parts of the mission of the church.A Leadership Board member, A pastor, staff member, designated staff member or a church member will be designated by the lead pastor Leadership Board will be ex-officio member (with voting privileges) on all to manage each ministry teams.

E. CALL.The Senior Pastor may be called only by secret ballot vote of three fourths (3/4) majority of active members in attendance at a congregational meeting. The Senior Pastor with approval of the Leadership Board shall hire additional Pastoral Staff. The congregation at a congregational meeting must approve a budgeted pastoral position.

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F. DISMISSAL.In the case of poor pastoral performance, non-compliance with a work agreement, or significant violation of I Timothy 3:1-13, a pastor may be dismissed. The Elder Leadership Board will take all appropriate steps to work with that pastor to help correct the problem. If it cannot be resolved within a reasonable period of time, or the church’s ministry is clearly being jeopardized, the Elder Leadership Board will take action that it deems appropriate. Any action of dismissal taken against the Senior Pastor must be by a secret ballot vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority of the active members in attendance at a congregational meeting. The dismissal of all other Pastoral Staff or office staff shall be made by the ElderLeadership Board with input of the Senior Pastor/and or supervising staff member.

ARTICLE I X I - FINANCE AUDITING COMMITTEE This committee shall consist of two members (and one alternate) appointed by the ElderLeadership Board.A. TERM OF OFFICE.

The appointed terms of Finance Committee members the Auditor shall be two years. However, they may be appointed to serve an unlimited number of terms. Staggering the terms of members is desirable but not required.

B. DUTIES.This committee’s duties shall include:

1. Reviewing the financial records and inquiring, as appropriate to determine whether or not financial policies and procedures established by the congregation are being observed;

2. Examining annually, by accepted auditing standards and procedures, the records of receipts, disbursements and any other property or net worth records that may be maintained;

3. Determining that authorized signers for bank accounts and safe deposit boxes are appropriate through inquiry of banks where accounts are maintained;

[4.] Determining that all bank accounts have been authorized by the ElderLeadership Board by comparing of church activities with receipts and disbursement records and through inquiry as deemed appropriate;

[5.] Auditing all authorized accounts of the church;[6.] Appointing individuals, as needed, to assist in fulfilling their duties; and[7.] Submitting a written report to the congregation at the first congregational meeting

following the ElderLeadership Board’s reviewceipt of anythe report.

ARTICLE X I I - THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE This committee will provide the congregation with nominees for congregationally elected and ratified positions.

A. COMPOSITION.The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Elder BoardChurch Chairman, the Senior Pastor and at least 3 Deacons.

1. The three appointed Deacons shall be selected by the Deacons and shall be Deacons whose term of office does not expire at the next Annual Meeting.

[2.] The Elder BoardChurch Chairman is a member of the Nominating committee by virtue of that office and chairs the Committee.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES.12

The Nominating Committee shall:

[1.] Solicit nominations and input from the Board, Deacons and Staff for open ElderLeadership Board and Deacon positions;

[2.] Consider the names and present a list of at least one nominee for each open position to the ElderLeadership Board and Pastoral Staff; and

1.[3.] Be familiar with all Scriptural, practical, and By-law requirements for the respective positions and consider the backgrounds, abilities, spiritual gifts, and ministry preferences of the nominees.

Insofar as possible, the nominations shall be based upon private personal interviews with the potential nominees, with others who know them well, and with current needs of both the persons and the positions in mind. No person may be nominated to any office without his or her consent. With the exception of ad hoc committees, no person may serve in more than one elective or appointed office in the church at any one time, except as authorized by these By-Laws.

ARTICLE X I II I - AMENDMENTS A. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS.

Amendments must be presented to the congregation, in writing, at two consecutive church congregational meetings. At the first meeting, the amendment is to be read and discussed, and any modifications for clarification of intent may be made and adopted by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of these members in attendance at a congregational meeting. At least one week prior to the second meeting copies of approved changes will be made available at the church, and the proposed changes, and/or a summary thereof, shall be posted in a conspicuous and appropriate place in the church. At the second meeting, which must be held at least three weeks after the first meeting, the congregation may approve, without change, the amendment by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote, according to By-law voting rules.

B. AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.Amendments to proposed amendments may be introduced at the second meeting at which the original proposed amendment is considered. But if any such amendment to the amendment is adopted and is deemed by the Elder Board Chairman as changing the purpose or broadening the scope of the original amendment, that amendment shall be viewed as being considered for the first time only; as such, it must be voted on at a subsequent meeting and in accord with the notification and voting procedure of “A” above.

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