NORTH EASTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH, INC.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
REVISED 2005(July)
PREAMBLE
We, the members of the North Eastwood Christian Church, Inc., a congregationally governed body, teaching and preaching the Word and Will of God, without reservation and as revealed in the Holy Bible, neither adding nor eliminating any parts thereof, in order to promote the work of the Church in the spirit of Christ and thus, advance His Kingdom, and in accordance with the Articles of Reorganization, approved and filed May 20,1936, with the Indiana Secretary of State, Book 270, Page 101, do hereby adopt this constitution.
ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE
SECTION A – NAME
The name of this organization shall be “North Eastwood Christian Church, Inc.”, located at 9425 East 30th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229, hereinafter known as the Church.
SECTION B – PURPOSE
1. GENERAL. The individual believers who comprise this local assembly for these purposes:
- Worship – to glorify God
- Fellowship- to identify with the body of Christ
- Discipleship – to model Christ’s character
- Ministry – to identify and meet the needs of others
- Evangelism – to win others to Christ
2. SPECIFIC. As revealed by the area we serve, this congregation exists to do the following:
- Evangelize and disciple the Indianapolis area,
- Develop as many ways as possible to minister to the needs of the people in our area,
- Be involved in stalling new churches,
- Equip each Christian to use their God given gifts for building up this area of the Kingdom,
- Promote local and universal missions awareness, support and involvement.
SECTION C – RESPONSIBILITY
This Church shall do all things consistent with the provisions of Indiana “Not-For-Profit” corporation laws, and with requirements of the Internal Revenue Service.
SECTION D – GOVERNMENT
All activities of this Church shall be by the will of this congregation and its officers. It shall not be committed to membership to any group that requires submission to any governing authority above this congregation, save Almighty God and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A – BECOMING A MEMBER
The membership shall consist of those persons who have heard the gospel and accepting Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, obey Him in accordance with Scriptures in repentance, public confession of faith and baptism by immersion, and continue in the fellowship of the Church.
SECTION B – TRANSFERS
Any person may transfer membership from another Church to this Church by personal statement affirming that said person has complied with the New Testament requirements as outlined in Article II, Section A.
SECTION C – ACTIVE MEMBERS
Active members shall be those who attend at least 50% (26 different Sundays) of the morning worship services of each Church year (January 1 through December 31) unless providentially hindered.
Those persons that become members after January 1, will be considered active members if after three months, they have attended 50% of the worship services following the date of membership.
Voting privileges shall be accorded to all active members who have passed their eighteenth (18th) birthday. SECTION D – INACTIVE MEMBERS
Inactive members may be dropped from the church rolls after an absence of two (2) years unless providentially hindered.
ARTICLE III – SERVANT LEADERS
The following servant leaders shall be affirmed by the Church:
A. Elders
B. Trustees
SECTION A – ELDERS
1. Becoming an Elder candidate.
-
The candidate shall be set forth by recommendation from the members of the church family to the elders. Prior to recommendations the church member must confirm candidates desire to serve as elder.
-
Each candidate will be contacted personally by the Elders for the purpose of affirming his ability, qualifications and interest in serving in this capacity. In addition, the Elder candidate shall have been active member for at least twenty-four (24) months and shall be considered in good standing and have proven themselves as set forth according to I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
-
Those desiring to serve will complete a questionnaire prepared by the Elders.
-
After reviewing the questionnaire and interviewing the candidate, the Elders will: 1)invite qualified candidate to internship program ( 6 months minimum) or 2)dismiss non-qualified candidates
- Names of those deemed not ready for function of Elder will not be made public.
2. Term. The term of an Elder shall be for a period of two (2) years. There is no limit on the number of terms an Elder may serve; although breaks for recharging and refreshing will be encouraged.
3. Duties. The Elders shall consist of a plurality sufficient to adequately promote the growth and welfare of the Church and to give spiritual oversight to the membership. They shall give thoughtful consideration to the policies of the Church in accordance with principles as set forth in the following scriptures: Hebrews 13:7-17, I Timothy 5:17, I Peter 5:1-3 and acts 20:27-28. The Elders shall be accountable for appointing ministry group directors and others servant leaders; overseeing ministry groups, all authorized Church programs and all professional and volunteer personnel. They shall also be accountable to the congregation for the proper function and fulfillment of their responsibilities.
SECTION B – TRUSTEES
1. Qualifications. The Trustee shall have been an active member for at least twenty-four (24) months and shall be considered in good standing and shall be a citizen of the United States of America and shall be at least 21 years old.
2. Term. The Trustees shall be three (3) in number, one shall be elected each year for a term of three (3) years.
3. Duties. the Trustees shall act as the Council of Directors, the legal agents of the Church in all business matters under the direction of the Elders and subject to the approval of the business transactions related thereto. The Trustees shall maintain accurate lists of the assets of the Church, including land and buildings. The Trustees shall be responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of church property, including insurance coverage, have supervision over all endowment and trust funds and perform such
duties as are required by the laws of the State of Indiana.
SECTION C – FINANCIAL POSITIONS
- FINANCIAL SECRETARY
The financial secretary shall keep accurate detailed confidential records of Church offerings and contributions. The financial secretary shall furnish individual statements to those individuals who request them. These statements shall be provided by January 31 of the next year. The financial secretary will be appointed by the finance ministry.
- TREASURER
1. The treasurer shall be the chief fiscal officer of the Church and the custodian of all monies, notes, securities, and properties which are possessed by the church. The treasurer shall have the responsibility to keep and maintain correct and complete records of all accounts in the form required by law, which represents accurately at all times, the financial condition of the Church, and any and all other financial matters required by law. The treasurer shall maintain and see to the proper drafting of all checks, drafts, and notes and orders of the Church and shall be responsible to sign such instruments. The treasurer shall dispense the funds of the Church for all proper expenses and as may be authorized for payment by the finance ministry or assigned agents. The treasurer shall submit a written report to the ministry council, properly stating the Church’s financial position. The treasurer will be appointed by the finance ministry
2. Audits and Bonds. The position of Treasurer shall be bonded, and the records of the Treasurer shall be audited every three (3) years, after the December statement of 2002.
ARTICLE IV – ELECTIONS
SECTION A – NOMINATIONS
-
Candidate nominations for Elder will be received throughout the calendar year. The nominations will be given by the members of the congregation to the Elders. The Elders will then follow the procedure in Article 3, Section A, Number One.
-
Nominations of Trustees_ Candidate nominations for Trustee will be received throughout the calendar year. The candidates will be contacted by the current Trustees for the purpose Article 3, Section B, Number
- Trustees will present a candidate to the Elders for that year.
SECTION B – NOTIFICATION
Elections for officers of the Church shall be held at an annual meeting in December. The names of those persons being nominated must be presented to the Church at least two weeks prior to the election.
SECTION C – VOTING
All elections will be by prepared ballot. Each nominee must have a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote to those present and voting to be elected to office.
SECTION D – INSTALLATION
Installation of those persons elected to any office of the Church shall be in the first week of the new Church year.
SECTION E – REPLACEMENTS
In the event an elected office becomes vacant, the Elders may select a person to fill the office.
ARTICLF V – PASTORS
SECTION A – PULPIT COMMITTEE
The pulpit committee shall consist of the Elders; other members may be asked to participate at the discretion of the Elders.
SECTION B – VOTING FOR PASTORS
The Elders will recommend the candidate of their choice to the Church. The vote required for acceptance by the congregation shall be by a three-fourths (314) majority of those present and voting.
SECTION C – PASTOR – TEACHER
The Pastor-Teacher shall, in general, perform, all duties as specified by his contract with the Church, and such other duties as, from time to time, may be assigned to him by the Elders.
The Pastor shall be held doctrinally responsible to the Elders_ As spiritual leader of the Church, he may attend all meetings of organized groups, auxiliaries, and committees as an ex-officio member.
A written contract shall exist between the Church, and the Pastor, as written and administer by the Elders, providing for compensation, vacation, evangelistic meetings, seminars, and other times away from the local
field of service. Copies of the contract shall be provided to the following people; Pastor-Teacher, Elders, Trustees and Treasurer. The contract shall be for an indefinite period of time and may be terminated upon 30 days notice by the Pastor or by consensus of the Elders. This contract shall be reviewed as needed by the Elders.
The Pastor-Teacher shall make a report and such recommendations as he may deem necessary, at each regular meeting of the Elders. The Pastor shall serve on the Search Committee when an Associate Minister is being sought.
The Pastor-Teacher shall administrate and direct the activities of the Associate Pastor (s) and office staff SECTION D – ASSOCIATE PASTOR(S)
All Associate Pastor(s) will assume all the responsibilities as outlined by their contract with the Church. They will be expected to assist the Pastor-Teacher in his/her specific area of ministry. Dismissal of or resignation by, an Associate Pastor shall occur in the same manner as prescribed for the Pastor-Teacher.
ARTICLE VI – ORGANIZATION
SECTION A – ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting will be held during the last month of the fiscal year for of the budget and Elders and Trustees for the next year. If not specified elsewhere, all votes required of the congregation must have three-fourths (3/4) majority approval of the members present to be official. Blank ballots found during the counting of votes shall be disposed of and not included in the total number of votes cast.
SECTION B – SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings of the Church may be called by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Elders, in consultation with the Pastor. Also, a special meeting may be called if a petition has been signed by at least 10% of the active congregation. At least two (2) weeks notice must be given to the church family by announcement in a regular service prior to the meeting, stating the purpose for the meeting and the time and place where the meeting will be held. If not specified elsewhere, all votes required of the congregation must have a three-fourths (3/4) majority approval of the members present to be official. Blank ballots found during the counting of votes shall be disposed of and not included in the total number of votes cast.
SECTION C – COUNCIL OF ELDERS
The Elders shall consist of those members affirmed to that position by the Church as prescribed by this constitution and in accordance with New Testament Scriptures (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:1-4). The Elders shall elect from its membership a Chairman and Vice Chairman to serve in those capacities for terms of one year.
SECTION D – MINISTRY COUNCIL
All meetings of the Ministry Council are open to the members of the congregation. 1. The Ministry Council shall consist of the following officers of the Church.
- Elders
- Pastors
- Treasurer
- Chair of the Trustees
- Ministry group leaders, as needed
2. It shall be the duty of the Ministry Council:
- To serve as a forum for the progress and actions of the purpose groups.
-
To make recommendations to the congregation, for affirming large expenditures, new staff, issues that affect church policy. The Ministry Council shall keep minutes of these meetings, which record the progress, action, and recommendations presented.
3. Special committees as needed shall be appointed by the Elders in consultation with the Pastor(s). They shall serve for a period as designated by the Elders at the time of appointment.
SECTION E – MEETINGS
The Elders shall set times and dates for their meetings as needed, at which time they will conduct business relative to their responsibilities.
SECTION F – RULES OF ORDER
All business meetings of the Church shall be governed by ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER.
.ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
The Church Constitution may be amended, repealed, or replaced by the affirmative vote of three-fourths (314) of those members present at the annual meeting or at a special meeting, called for the express purpose of so doing. The Church membership shall be notified of such meeting at least two weeks in advance of the date it is to be held. Such notice shall contain the date, time, place and the subject of the proposed amendments to be considered. The Chairman of the Elders shall preside at such meetings.
ARTICLE VIII – OTHER BUSINESS
All situations not covered by these Articles and By-laws, shall be dealt with by the Elders.
ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of this Church, the Trustees shall, after paying and discharging all debts, obligations, and liabilities of the Church, or making adequate provision therefore, and in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana, transfer and dispose of all of the assets of the Church to such organization(s) as the Trustees may determine, so long as its existence and purpose is to consistent with the purposes of the Church.
BY-LAWS
1. Church and fiscal year
The church and fiscal year and annual accounting period of the Church shall be the same as the calendar year.
2. All employees hired for financial remuneration of the Church, shall be employed by the trustees. A written statement setting forth terms of the contract shall be made in duplicate, one for the employee and the other for the church records. The senior pastor-teacher is accountable to Jesus Christ first and then to the elders. The associate pastors are accountable to Jesus Christ first and then to the senior pastor-teacher. The office staff is accountable to the senior pastor teacher. Other employees are accountable to the trustees.
3. These By-Laws may be amended by a consensus of the Elders.
4. This Constitution and By-Laws shall be reviewed by the Elders at least every five (5) years from the date of its most recent revision
5. Honorary officers shall be appointed by the Elders. Honorary officers have no official duties and shall retain the title for life. This shall be given to those individuals who because of infirmities or advanced age, and whose service and consecration to the Church merits this honor, may be retired from active responsibility. They shall be known as Pastor Emeritus, Elder Emeritus, Deacon Emeritus, or Deaconess Emeritus.