By-Laws
1 BY-LAWS
2 OF
3 MEADOW VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH
4
5 Article 1: Definition and Purpose of By-Laws
6 This written document is a declaration of our beliefs and understanding of the Bible, as to
7 our doctrinal beliefs, form of church government, organizational structure, and purposes
8 as a body. It is vitally important for a church, if it is to glorify God and accomplish His
9 purposes, that its people be in agreement with regard to doctrine, organizational
10 structure, and goals (1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3, 13).
11 This is thus designed to be a statement of these things that it might promote an oneness
12 of mind within our own local assembly, and that those interested in becoming a part of
13 this church body might have a clear concept of our beliefs and objectives.
14 This document is not a higher authority than the Word of God. It must be remembered
15 that the local church itself is a living, growing, and flexible body subject ultimately to the
16 authority of Jesus Christ alone as it is declared in the Word of God (Eph. 1:22; 4:12-16). As
17 we grow in the Word, this document is therefore subject to amendment according to the
18 provisions of Article 13. This document is, however, to be followed in all its parts as a
19 protection to all until part or all is amended according to its provisions.
20
21 Article 2: Name and Location
22 The name of this organization shall be Meadow Valley Community Church, organized
23 under the Bible, a religious non-profit corporation, incorporated under the laws of the
24 State of California. The word “church” hereafter shall mean that corporation.
25
26 Article 3: Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
27 This church exists by the grace of God, for the glory of God, which shall be the ultimate
28 purpose in all its activities. This church glorifies God by loving him and obeying his
29 commands through: worshipping him; equipping the saints through biblical instruction
30 and study; proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and personal
31 evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teachings of holy Scripture;
2
1 encouraging, supporting, and participating in missions work, local, domestic, and
2 international; administering the ordinances of baptism and communion; encouraging
3 biblical fellowship among believers; serving other individuals, families, and churches by
4 providing for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, in the name of Jesus Christ.
5
6 Article 4: Doctrinal Statement
7 The Bible
8 We believe in the 66 books of the Bible, and these Scriptures alone, as being the verbally
9 inspired Word of God, infallible, and completely inerrant in the original writings, and of
10 supreme and final authority in faith and life (Ps. 19:7-14; Ps 119; Matt 5:17-20; John 17:17;
11 1Thess. 2:13; 2Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:1).
12
13 God
14 We believe in one God, eternally existing in three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy
15 Spirit – each equally deserving worship and obedience (Gen . 1:26;3:22; Deut. 6:4-5; Ps 91:2;
16 Matt 1:23; John 1:1; 2Cor. 3:16-18).
17
18 God the Father
19 We believe that God the Father created all things out of nothing, solely by the power of
20 His spoken word. In His goodness, wisdom, and power, He was and is sovereign in all of
21 creation, providence*, and salvation. He is the spiritual Father of those who believe in
22 Christ Jesus, who also, in love, adopts them into His family (Gen 1: 1-31; 1 Cor 8:6; Ps 103:19;
23 Rom 11:36; Rom 8: 14-15; Jn 1: 12-13; Eph 1:4-6).
24 * Definition: Omnisciently directing the universe and the history/affairs of humankind
25 with wise benevolence.
26
27 God the Son
28 We believe that Jesus Christ, through whom and for whom all things were created, is the
29 eternal Son of God who sustains that which He has created; who was begotten by the
3
1 Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary and is true God and true man ( Jn 1:1-3; Col 1: 16,17;
2 Matt 1: 18-25; Rom 8:3; Gal 4:4-5; Heb 2:17-18; Phil 2:6-8).
3
4 God the Holy Spirit
5 We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He
6 convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates sinners, and in
7 Him they are baptized into union with Christ. He also indwells, illuminates, guides,
8 equips, and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service (Jn 16: 14; Jn 16:8-11; Jn
9 3: 3-8; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 12:13; Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13; Eph 5:18; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 3:18).
10
11 The Nature of Man
12 We believe that man was created by God, and in the image of God He created him, male
13 and female He created them; that man sinned after being tempted by that fallen angel
14 Satan, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is
15 separation from, and under the wrath of, a just and holy God. In union with Adam, all
16 human beings are sinners by nature and by choice (Gen 1-3; Is 59:2; Ps 51:5; Rom 1:18-32;
17 Rom 5:12-21; Luke 13:34; Eph 2:1-3; Jn 3:36; Ps 14: 1-3; Jer 17:9; Rom 3: 9-18; 1 Cor 15:21-22, 45).
18
19 The Work of Christ
20 We believe that God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love for us, gave His only
21 begotten Son; and that this Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, died according to the Scriptures
22 as the only, perfect, all sufficient representative and substitutionary sacrifice for our sins;
23 and that all who believe in Him, and Him alone, are justified on the basis of His shed
24 blood by God’s gift of grace alone to the glory of God alone ( Rom 3:21-25; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor
25 5:20-21; Heb 2:9; 1 Peter 1: 17-21; Jn 3:16; Jn 1:12-13; Jn 6:44, 65; Eph 2:8-9; Phil 1:29; 2:12-13).
26
27 The Resurrection
28 We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, as witnessed by many in
29 His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and
30 Advocate (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; Acts in its entirety; Rom. 8:34; 1Cor. 15:3-8;
31 Heb. 7:25; 9:24).
4
1 Salvation
2 We believe that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, and faith alone, have been
3 born of God and granted the repentance that leads to life. Having believed, they are free
4 from divine condemnation, and are adopted as children of God, a relationship in which
5 they are kept eternally secure by God ( Jn 1:12-13; 3:16; Eph 2:1-10; 1 Jn 5:1; Titus 3:3-7; Rom
6 8:1; Eph 1:5; Rom 8:15, 23; Gal 4:4-5; Rom 8: 28-39; 1 Cor 1:8; Eph 1:13-14; Phil 1:6; 1 Peter 5:10-11;
7 Jude 24-25; Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25; Jn 17: 11-12).
8
9 Christian Living
10 We believe salvation in Christ will prove to be genuine in the believer (child of God) by a
11 progressively maturing, supreme love for and delight in God, a faithful obedience to His
12 commands, and sacrificial love for others. This is a confirmation of God’s working in the
13 life of the believer as He conforms the child of God more and more into the image of
14 Christ (Eph 4:1,6, 17; 5:2, 8, 15; Jn 15:1-17; Col 1:28-29; Rom 8:29; 12: 1-2; 1 Jn 5:1-5; James 2:
15 14-26; Titus 2: 11-14; 2 Peter 1: 3-11; Gal 5:22-25).
16
17 The Second Coming of Christ
18 We believe in “the blessed Hope,” the personal and imminent return of our Lord and
19 Savior, Jesus Christ (Matt. 24-25; John 14:1-6; Acts 1:11; Col. 3:1-4; 1Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-
20 13; Rev. 2-3:19).
21
22 Eternal Destiny
23 We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness
24 of heaven in the unveiled presence of God for the saved, that is those who have believed
25 in Christ, and everlasting conscious punishment of the lost, that is those who have
26 rejected Christ (Matt 25:31-46; John 5:24-29; Rom 1: 18-23; 2Thess. 1:6-10; Rev. 20: 11-22:21).
27
28 February 10, 2017
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30
5
1 Article 5: Marriage and Family and Human Sexuality
2 A. Marriage and Family
3 Marriage has been established by God in Scripture. The holy Bible and this church
4 defines marriage as ‘the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which
5 such union is a lifetime commitment.’ The determination of the gender of a man or a
6 woman desiring to be married under these by-laws shall be that as established by the
7 original, unaltered birth certificate of that individual, which shall be provided to and
8 evaluated by the elders of this church. The performance of the marriage ceremony is a
9 worship service and a recognition of God’s design for marriage. God has provided for
10 man and woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of
11 sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the
12 human race. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to his people. (Gen.
13 1:26-28; 2:15-25; Deut. 22:5; Matt. 19:4-6; Heb. 13:4)
14 Sanction of a civil union
15 A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by
16 this church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of ‘marriage’ found
17 herein and as set forth in the holy Bible.
18 The family
19 God ordained the family as the foundational unit of human society. It is composed of
20 persons related to one another in marriage, as defined above, by blood or adoption (Gen.
21 1:28, 4:1-2; Ps. 128; 1 Tim. 5:8).
22 Husband and Wife
23 The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both were created in his
24 image. Both husband and wife are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. A
25 husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church and the husband has the God
26 given responsibility to provide for, protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit to
27 the leadership of her husband even as the Church willingly submits to the headship of
28 Christ (Gen. 1:26, 3:1-20; Prov. 5:15-23; 1 Cor. 7:1-16, 11:3; Eph. 5:21-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Pet. 3:1-7).
29 Parents
30 Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents should
31 teach their children spiritual and moral values and lead them through their consistent
6
1 example and loving discipline to make choices based on biblical truths. (Exo. 20:12; Deut.
2 6:4-9; Josh. 24:15; Ps. 78:1-8; Prov. 1:8; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 1:5; Tit. 2:3-5)
3 Children
4 Children from the moment of conception are a gift and blessing from the Lord. Children
5 are to honor and obey their parents. (Exo. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9;Ps. 127; Eph. 6:1-4; Col. 3:20; 1
6 Tim. 5:8)
7 B. Human Sexuality
8 The holy Bible states that legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within
9 marriage between one man and one woman. Hence, any sexual activity outside of
10 marriage, including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexual behavior, and
11 pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. Further, lascivious conduct
12 such as transgender behavior, surgical alterations, and creating, distributing, or viewing
13 pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness. (1 Cor. 6:9-11, 18; Rom. 1:18-32;
14 Gal. 5:19-20; Col. 3:5; 1 Thess. 4:3; Jude 7)
15
16 Article 6: Church Government
17 The biblical pattern of church government is laid out for us in terms of a plurality of men
18 who are qualified, called, and appointed to the office of governing and shepherding the
19 flock of God. This church shall be an independent church with final power resting with
20 the board of elders who are under the headship of Christ and subject to His Word (Acts
21 20:17; Eph. 1:22, 4:15; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1Pt. 5:1-3).
22 The corporate powers, business and property of the corporation shall be exercised,
23 conducted and controlled by the board of elders as provided in the articles of
24 incorporation of Meadow Valley Community Church.
25 The board of elders shall have full power and authority to do and perform, or cause to be
26 done and performed any and every act which the association may lawfully do and
27 perform, subject however, to the other provisions of these by-laws.
28
29
30
31
7
1 Article 7: Governing Leadership
2 A. Duties of Elders
3 Because external and internal Christian testimony is to be promoted with the local body,
4 the elders must first and foremost exercise a personal spiritual walk that promotes self
5 examination and maintains a servant-like quality in life. Elders must serve with
6 gentleness and humility in all things (Eze. 34; Acts 20:17-35; 1 Pt. 5; Acts 6; Eph. 4:12). Out
7 of this biblical perspective, the elder is to joyfully undertake the following duties:
8 (1) Give himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
9 (2) Guard and protect the flock.
10 (3) Oversee and provide spiritual direction for the activities and growth of the flock.
11 (4) Aid in finding and developing gifted teachers of the Word (2 Tim. 2:2).
12 (5) Warn and discipline as outlined in Article 10.
13 (6) Support, encourage, counsel, and lead in humility.
14 (7) See to the appointment of and provide oversight to any and all committees.
15 (8) See to the oversight of the finances of the flock.
16 (9) Pray for and encourage the sick.
17 The elders shall strive to maintain open communication with the flock, both to discern
18 needs, concerns and viewpoints, and to communicate information and decisions. This
19 may be done through the Sunday bulletin, pulpit announcements, group or
20 congregational meetings and discussions (at least one such meeting held annually), or
21 any means profitable, and one-on-one personal contact (Acts 6:1-5; 11:22; 15:1, 6, 22; 16:2).
22 In addition, the elders must maintain spiritual oversight over one another, and must give
23 mutual counsel regarding the stewardship of one another.
24 The duties of managing the activities and affairs of this church and of exercising certain
25 of the corporate powers of this church reside in the board of elders, the nature and extent
26 of which is set forth in these by-laws. Any member may bring a charge against an elder
27 or the board of elders at any time. A charge may be brought against an elder only for
28 cause and then only if brought by two or three witnesses. Cause as used in this section is
29 defined as the failure of an elder or the board of elders to follow biblical principles in its
30 decisions and processes first, and thereafter these by-laws where the by-laws is not in
31 conflict with the holy Bible. Cause respecting an elder shall mean a sin issue in accord
32 with biblical guidelines, as stated herein (Acts 6:1-4, 20:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-19;
33 Titus 1:5-9).
34
8
1 B. Appointment (General Principles)
2
3 The Scriptures emphasize that elders in the church are not appointed by men, but by God
4 (Acts 20:28). The task of the people in the church then, should be to seek and discover
5 God’s direction and leading within the church body in the appointment of elders.
6 The need for an additional elder, paid or non-paid, may be recognized by either the elders
7 or other members of the church body. The elders, in consultation with or in response to
8 the need of body members, shall seek to discern the nature of the need and to follow
9 God’s leading in deciding if the need justifies the appointment of an elder. Upon a
10 decision by the board of elders that a need does exist, the church will prayerfully and
11 carefully seek God’s direction in choosing the right man or men.
12 It is the purpose of Meadow Valley Community Church to base the selection process upon
13 an orderly, proper sequence of events that will most easily facilitate the recognition of
14 God’s appointment of men to this ministry. The whole flock should be on the alert for
15 men whose lives characterize the qualifications laid out in Scripture. Only qualified men
16 will be appointed. If no qualified men are available, or if men are unwilling to serve who
17 would otherwise be qualified, no appointment will be made. The church should wait on
18 the Lord either to remove the need or to provide qualified men.
19 When the need arises for a new elder, paid or non-paid (either for a new position or to
20 replace an elder who has left the board), the existing board of elders should assume a
21 guiding and directing role in the search for the right man. The flock will be asked to
22 suggest qualified men for the position based on the biblical criteria for elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7;
23 Tit. 1:6-9; Acts 14:23; 6:1).
24 After a period of time and prayerful consideration, the elders will meet to consider all the
25 nominees as to their qualifications for the position. If the board believes a man to be
26 qualified, after they have considered the man’s qualifications, a member of the board will
27 be appointed to approach each nominee to explain the specific nature of the need and to
28 determine his willingness to serve (1 Tim. 5:22).
29 If the elder nominee(s) signifies his understanding of the need, the call, and his
30 willingness to serve, the board will announce this to the flock. The church will be notified
31 at least three weeks prior to any appointment of a new elder. This notification period is
32 designed to allow the church body adequate time to review and, if they deem necessary,
33 register any objection with the board of elders pertaining to the potential appointment
34 under consideration. If the members affirm the decision of the elders, the newly
35 appointed elder shall assume office immediately.
9
1 C. Dismissal of an Elder
2 Elders may be expelled at any time by a majority vote of the entire board of elders of the
3 church, for any of the following causes, but not otherwise:
4 (1) Conduct which tends to bring affairs and purposes of this church into disrepute.
5 (2) Willful, neglectful inattention to the affairs of this church.
6 (3) Conduct in meeting or elsewhere, which is hostile and/or offensive toward other
7 members of this church.
8 (4) Any sustained conduct which is contrary to the qualifications prescribed for
9 elders.
10 (5) Departure from doctrinal statement of Meadow Valley Community Church.
11
12 D. Tenure
13 Elders are appointed to an indefinite tenure consistent with their continued desire and
14 ability to serve in this capacity. This must be evaluated and recognized by themselves, by
15 the other elders, and by the church body (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Acts 20:28-32; Titus 1:5-9).
16 Causes for termination:
17 (1) Any elder may terminate his eldership at any time by resignation.
18 (2) Any elder who is declared incompetent shall cease to be an elder of the church.
19 (3) Whenever any elder shall cease to be such by death or expulsion, he shall have no
20 further interest in this corporation or in any property thereof. In the case of a
21 voluntary resignation a brother may be reinstated as an elder according to Article
22 7.B.
23
24 E. Officers of Board of Elders and Terms
25 The officers of the board of elders shall be a chairman of the board, a secretary and a
26 treasurer (the same person may be appointed to be both secretary and treasurer).
27 The officers of the board of elders shall be elected from the board, by the elders annually.
28 The board of elders of the corporation may, at its discretion, appoint an assistant
29 treasurer who need not be a member of the board of elders. Membership on the board is
30 not implied to said appointee.
10
1 The officers shall hold office for one year and/or until their successors are elected. They
2 shall be subject to removal by the board of elders at any time, either with or without
3 cause.
4 The board of elders of the church may also appoint and remove such other agents and
5 employees of the church as they may deem proper, and fix the duties and compensation
6 of the same, and the board may delegate such power of appointment and removal and the
7 power to fix the compensation of such other agents and employees to any officer of the
8 board elders.
9 The chairman, secretary, treasurer and members of the board of elders of the church,
10 shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be paid their expenses while
11 attending to the business of the church.
12 If the office of the chairman, secretary or treasurer of the church becomes vacant by
13 reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the board of elders may appoint a
14 successor who shall hold office as herein provided.
15 F. Duties of Officers
16 Chairman
17 The chairman shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the board of elders of
18 the church. He shall execute jointly with the secretary and in the name of the
19 corporation all deeds, bonds, contracts and other obligations and instruments authorized
20 by the board of elders to be executed.
21 The chairman shall also have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as
22 maybe assigned to him by the board of elders of the church.
23 Secretary
24 The secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of the membership and of the
25 board of elders. He shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices of meetings of
26 members and of elders. He shall execute jointly with the chairman and in the name of
27 the church, all deeds, bonds, contracts, and other obligations and instruments authorized
28 by the board of elders to be executed, unless authorization for the execution thereof by
29 the chairman alone has been given by the board of elders. He shall keep, cause to be
30 kept, and have charge of the minutes of the meetings of the members and the board of
31 elders, the by-laws, and such other books and papers as the board of elders may specify.
32 He shall in general perform all the duties incidental to the office of the secretary, subject
33 to control of the board of elders.
11
1 In case of the absence or disability of the secretary, or his refusal or neglect to act, notices
2 may be given and served by the chairman or by any person there unto authorized by the
3 chairman.
4 Treasurer
5 The treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept, full and accurate account of receipts and
6 disbursements in books to be kept for that purpose. He shall disburse or cause to be
7 disbursed the funds of the corporation as may be directed by the board of elders, taking
8 proper vouchers for such disbursements. He shall render to the chairman and to the
9 board of elders, whenever they may require, accounts of all his transactions as treasurer
10 and of the financial condition of the church. He shall in general, perform all the duties
11 incidental to the office of treasurer, subject to the control of the board of elders.
12 G. Meetings of Board of Elders
13 Meetings of the members of the board of elders, will be called and presided over by the
14 chairman of the board, or called as stated in Article 8 of the articles of the association.
15 When all the members of the board of elders are present at any meeting, however called
16 or notified, and sign a written consent thereto on the records of a meeting, or if those not
17 present sign in writing a waiver of notice of such meeting which waiver is presented and
18 made a part of the corporate records of such meeting and those present sign a consent
19 thereto on the corporate records of such meeting, the acts of such corporate meeting
20 shall be as valid as if done at a meeting legally called and noticed.
21 At any meeting of the members of the board of elders, a majority thereof must be present
22 in person or by proxy in writing, filed with the secretary of the board, and except as
23 otherwise provided in the articles of association or in the by-laws of the church, such
24 majority of the board of elders shall be a quorum for any and all purposes except for
25 election of officers of the board of elders.
26 The secretary of the board of elders shall act as secretary at all meetings of the
27 membership and in his absence the presiding officer at the meeting may appoint any
28 member of the membership present to act as secretary.
29 At each meeting of the board of elders, each member shall have the right in person or
30 proxy to cast one vote and no more.
31 All proxies must be in writing executed by the member of the board of elders themselves
32 and must be filed with the secretary of the church at or before the meeting of the board of
33 elders.
12
1 Article 8: Office and Duties of Deacons
2 While all Christians are called to serve there is a specific office of servant called deacons
3 (Rom. 12:11; Gal. 5:13). The assembly (church members) shall select deacons from among
4 those who are in regular attendance at Meadow Valley Community Church and are
5 serving the local church body.
6 Having been selected by the assembly, deacons shall be appointed by the elders for terms
7 dependent upon the duration of services and the extent of the need.
8 Deacons so appointed, may be called upon to report and advise the board of elders as
9 representatives to their areas of ministry and service, but will be without power to
10 exercise authority in the governing of Meadow Valley Community Church.
11 The qualifications of appointed deacons are described in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
12
13 Article 9: Church Membership
14 A. Admission
15 The Spirit of God is adding to the Church daily those who believe. The important thing is
16 that He makes each believer a member of Christ’s body. We do have a Covenant of
17 Fellowship for people who want local and written identification with a church. However,
18 many who enjoy our fellowship find it fully satisfying just to belong to Christ and His
19 Body. Those who identify with Meadow Valley Community Church will be added to the
20 Shepherding List, considered church members, and actively cared for.
21 B. Dismissal
22 a. Exclusion – This church has no book of discipline except what is expressly
23 stated in Scripture (Matt. 18:15ff; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2
24 Tim. 2:17-19; Titus 3:8-11), but each member is expected to live honestly,
25 uprightly, exemplifying this church’s beliefs in Christ daily. Any member
26 guilty of serious misconduct, according to Scripture (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-
27 24; Eph. 5:3-11; Col. 3:5-11), and who persists in the same manner after due
28 admonition from the board of elders, may be excluded from the church
29 membership by a unanimous vote of the board of elders (1 Tim. 5:20-21).
30 b. By death.
31 c. By transfer.
32 d. Any member may terminate his membership by request.
13
1 C. Covenant of Fellowship
2 (1) Having been led by God the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my
3 personal Savior and Lord, and
4 (2) Desiring to unite in the worship, fellowship, service, and testimony of that portion
5 of Christ’s spiritual body known as Meadow Valley Community Church, and
6 (3) Having read the statement of doctrine of the church, and understanding it to be
7 the basis of its belief and teaching, I,
8 ____________________________________________________________________
9 do hereby express my desire to enter into the following covenant with others of
10 Meadow Valley Community Church.
11 By the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I covenant:
12 (1) To walk together in Christian love;
13 (2) To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another;
14 (3) To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows and joys;
15 (4) To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be
16 quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness;
17 (5) To guard the spiritual and scriptural purity, peace and prosperity of the church
18 and its growth in scriptural knowledge and godliness;
19 (6) To assist, as the Lord enables, in the work of the church, and to promote its
20 usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ;
21 (7) To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the church for the
22 relief of the needy, and the evangelization of all peoples;
23 (8) To love and to pray for all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ;
24 (9) To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, and to establish family
25 devotions where possible;
26 (10)To bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care in the nurture and
27 admonition of the Lord;
14
1 (11) To walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all
2 men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying
3 ungodliness and worldly lusts;
4 (12)To endeavor by example, by word, and by prayer to win others to an acceptance of
5 Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
6 Signature ____________________________________ Date __________________
7 Name ____________________________________Telephone ______________________
8 Address _________________________________________________________________
9
10 Article 10: Finances
11 Believers are to give financially from an attitude of commitment to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-6).
12 It is the policy of Meadow Valley Community Church to keep the congregation informed
13 of financial needs by announcements from the pulpit or other means as necessary. This
14 will not include individual solicitation of members to taking of financial pledges. The
15 purpose of this information is not to coerce or pressure anyone into giving, but rather to
16 provide avenues for giving as the Lord provides. Each believer is to give according to his
17 or her ability with a cheerful heart (2 Cor. 9:7).
18 Because giving is done unto the Lord, it is critical that the local church handle the
19 finances given with care and wisdom both for the glory of the Lord and for the testimony
20 of the church (2 Cor. 8:20-21). All financial decisions ultimately are the responsibility of
21 the elders and are subject to examination by the body. With this view in mind, the
22 following outlines the policies of handling financial decisions:
23 (1) All paid staff shall be paid a salary commensurate to their duties and abilities (1
24 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6-7; 1 Cor. 9:6-11).
25 (2) All gifts given as a designated gift will be used as designated so long as those
26 designations are in accord with biblical principles. If any special gifts are given
27 with the directions to use it in whatever area has the greatest need, the board of
28 elders will decide how that gift will be used. All other gifts will go into the general
29 fund.
30 (3) The pastoral staff may make a financial decision by themselves up to the amount
31 of one hundred dollars.
32 (4) On an annual basis the board of elders, exclusive of paid staff, will examine the
33 salaries of all paid salary members and the amount of support given to the persons
15
1 and ministries supported. Pastoral staff will be involved in annual missionary
2 support review.
3 (5) In order to keep orderly records, a abookkeeper shall be appointed by the board of
4 elders. The treasurer shall keep all necessary books, write necessary checks to pay
5 bills, prepare quarterly financial statements and any other duties as prescribed by
6 the board of elders.
7
8 Article 11: Indemnification
9 A. Mandatory Indemnification
10 If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or
11 was an officer, employee, or agent of the church, the church shall provide
12 indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the
13 elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily
14 prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c)
15 in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and
16 the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
17 B. Permissive Indemnification
18 At the discretion of the elders, the church also may indemnify any person who acted in
19 good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church’s best
20 interest and not unlawful.
21 C. Procedure
22 If a quorum of the elders is not available for an indemnification determination because of
23 the number of elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made
24 by the membership of special legal counsel appointed by the membership
25
26 Article 12: General
27 A. Inner Organizations:
28 Every organization or society organized or operated by this church will be an integral
29 part of the church and not an entity to itself. The aim of such organizations or societies
30 shall always be to help the church. The elders shall have complete authority over such
31 groups and may offer leadership, make suggestions, or even dissolve a group if they
16
1 believe that particular group is causing dissension or departing from stated purpose of
2 the church.
3 B. Official Representation:
4 The church shall not be officially represented at any religious gathering without the
5 approval of the elders. This is to prevent the church from possibly getting involved in an
6 ecumenical gathering, which might degrade and bring reproach upon the name of Christ.
7 C. Ordination:
8 In the event of a request for ordination to full-time Christian service, the church may
9 ordain the candidate after examination and recommendation by the board of elders.
10 D. Association:
11
12 (1) We acknowledge no ecclesiastical authority other than our Lord Jesus Christ,
13 who is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:21-23; 5:23), and who directs the affairs of
14 the Church through elders chosen and ordained according to the precepts of
15 holy Scripture (Acts 14:21-23; I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The elders themselves at
16 all times and in all their activities stand under the authority of holy Scripture
17 (Acts 16:4; I Cor. 7:17; 2 Tim. 3:16).
18 (2) This church may and does cooperate with other like-minded churches in
19 matters of mutual interest and concern (2 Cor. 8:18-24). We may seek the
20 assistance (I Cor. 16:1, 2) and counsel of other churches in matters of special
21 concern to us, but the decision of no other church or group of churches shall at
22 any time be acknowledged as binding on this church.
23 (3) One special type of fellowship and cooperation with other churches is formal
24 membership in an association of churches. Within the terms of section 4b of
25 this article, this church may join itself to an association of churches. Upon the
26 recommendation of the elders, such associations may be entered with the
27 express consent and approval of the congregation (Acts 15:22; 2 Cor. 8:19).
28
29 Article 13: Amendments
30 These by-laws may be amended at any regular business meeting of the board of elders by
31 a unanimous vote of the board, provided at least two weeks’ notice of the proposed
32 change has been given to the church at a regular Sunday morning church service, or a
33 special meeting called by the board of elders for that specific purpose
2 OF
3 MEADOW VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH
4
5 Article 1: Definition and Purpose of By-Laws
6 This written document is a declaration of our beliefs and understanding of the Bible, as to
7 our doctrinal beliefs, form of church government, organizational structure, and purposes
8 as a body. It is vitally important for a church, if it is to glorify God and accomplish His
9 purposes, that its people be in agreement with regard to doctrine, organizational
10 structure, and goals (1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3, 13).
11 This is thus designed to be a statement of these things that it might promote an oneness
12 of mind within our own local assembly, and that those interested in becoming a part of
13 this church body might have a clear concept of our beliefs and objectives.
14 This document is not a higher authority than the Word of God. It must be remembered
15 that the local church itself is a living, growing, and flexible body subject ultimately to the
16 authority of Jesus Christ alone as it is declared in the Word of God (Eph. 1:22; 4:12-16). As
17 we grow in the Word, this document is therefore subject to amendment according to the
18 provisions of Article 13. This document is, however, to be followed in all its parts as a
19 protection to all until part or all is amended according to its provisions.
20
21 Article 2: Name and Location
22 The name of this organization shall be Meadow Valley Community Church, organized
23 under the Bible, a religious non-profit corporation, incorporated under the laws of the
24 State of California. The word “church” hereafter shall mean that corporation.
25
26 Article 3: Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
27 This church exists by the grace of God, for the glory of God, which shall be the ultimate
28 purpose in all its activities. This church glorifies God by loving him and obeying his
29 commands through: worshipping him; equipping the saints through biblical instruction
30 and study; proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and personal
31 evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teachings of holy Scripture;
2
1 encouraging, supporting, and participating in missions work, local, domestic, and
2 international; administering the ordinances of baptism and communion; encouraging
3 biblical fellowship among believers; serving other individuals, families, and churches by
4 providing for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, in the name of Jesus Christ.
5
6 Article 4: Doctrinal Statement
7 The Bible
8 We believe in the 66 books of the Bible, and these Scriptures alone, as being the verbally
9 inspired Word of God, infallible, and completely inerrant in the original writings, and of
10 supreme and final authority in faith and life (Ps. 19:7-14; Ps 119; Matt 5:17-20; John 17:17;
11 1Thess. 2:13; 2Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:1).
12
13 God
14 We believe in one God, eternally existing in three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy
15 Spirit – each equally deserving worship and obedience (Gen . 1:26;3:22; Deut. 6:4-5; Ps 91:2;
16 Matt 1:23; John 1:1; 2Cor. 3:16-18).
17
18 God the Father
19 We believe that God the Father created all things out of nothing, solely by the power of
20 His spoken word. In His goodness, wisdom, and power, He was and is sovereign in all of
21 creation, providence*, and salvation. He is the spiritual Father of those who believe in
22 Christ Jesus, who also, in love, adopts them into His family (Gen 1: 1-31; 1 Cor 8:6; Ps 103:19;
23 Rom 11:36; Rom 8: 14-15; Jn 1: 12-13; Eph 1:4-6).
24 * Definition: Omnisciently directing the universe and the history/affairs of humankind
25 with wise benevolence.
26
27 God the Son
28 We believe that Jesus Christ, through whom and for whom all things were created, is the
29 eternal Son of God who sustains that which He has created; who was begotten by the
3
1 Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary and is true God and true man ( Jn 1:1-3; Col 1: 16,17;
2 Matt 1: 18-25; Rom 8:3; Gal 4:4-5; Heb 2:17-18; Phil 2:6-8).
3
4 God the Holy Spirit
5 We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He
6 convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates sinners, and in
7 Him they are baptized into union with Christ. He also indwells, illuminates, guides,
8 equips, and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service (Jn 16: 14; Jn 16:8-11; Jn
9 3: 3-8; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 12:13; Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13; Eph 5:18; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 3:18).
10
11 The Nature of Man
12 We believe that man was created by God, and in the image of God He created him, male
13 and female He created them; that man sinned after being tempted by that fallen angel
14 Satan, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is
15 separation from, and under the wrath of, a just and holy God. In union with Adam, all
16 human beings are sinners by nature and by choice (Gen 1-3; Is 59:2; Ps 51:5; Rom 1:18-32;
17 Rom 5:12-21; Luke 13:34; Eph 2:1-3; Jn 3:36; Ps 14: 1-3; Jer 17:9; Rom 3: 9-18; 1 Cor 15:21-22, 45).
18
19 The Work of Christ
20 We believe that God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love for us, gave His only
21 begotten Son; and that this Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, died according to the Scriptures
22 as the only, perfect, all sufficient representative and substitutionary sacrifice for our sins;
23 and that all who believe in Him, and Him alone, are justified on the basis of His shed
24 blood by God’s gift of grace alone to the glory of God alone ( Rom 3:21-25; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor
25 5:20-21; Heb 2:9; 1 Peter 1: 17-21; Jn 3:16; Jn 1:12-13; Jn 6:44, 65; Eph 2:8-9; Phil 1:29; 2:12-13).
26
27 The Resurrection
28 We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, as witnessed by many in
29 His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and
30 Advocate (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; Acts in its entirety; Rom. 8:34; 1Cor. 15:3-8;
31 Heb. 7:25; 9:24).
4
1 Salvation
2 We believe that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, and faith alone, have been
3 born of God and granted the repentance that leads to life. Having believed, they are free
4 from divine condemnation, and are adopted as children of God, a relationship in which
5 they are kept eternally secure by God ( Jn 1:12-13; 3:16; Eph 2:1-10; 1 Jn 5:1; Titus 3:3-7; Rom
6 8:1; Eph 1:5; Rom 8:15, 23; Gal 4:4-5; Rom 8: 28-39; 1 Cor 1:8; Eph 1:13-14; Phil 1:6; 1 Peter 5:10-11;
7 Jude 24-25; Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25; Jn 17: 11-12).
8
9 Christian Living
10 We believe salvation in Christ will prove to be genuine in the believer (child of God) by a
11 progressively maturing, supreme love for and delight in God, a faithful obedience to His
12 commands, and sacrificial love for others. This is a confirmation of God’s working in the
13 life of the believer as He conforms the child of God more and more into the image of
14 Christ (Eph 4:1,6, 17; 5:2, 8, 15; Jn 15:1-17; Col 1:28-29; Rom 8:29; 12: 1-2; 1 Jn 5:1-5; James 2:
15 14-26; Titus 2: 11-14; 2 Peter 1: 3-11; Gal 5:22-25).
16
17 The Second Coming of Christ
18 We believe in “the blessed Hope,” the personal and imminent return of our Lord and
19 Savior, Jesus Christ (Matt. 24-25; John 14:1-6; Acts 1:11; Col. 3:1-4; 1Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-
20 13; Rev. 2-3:19).
21
22 Eternal Destiny
23 We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness
24 of heaven in the unveiled presence of God for the saved, that is those who have believed
25 in Christ, and everlasting conscious punishment of the lost, that is those who have
26 rejected Christ (Matt 25:31-46; John 5:24-29; Rom 1: 18-23; 2Thess. 1:6-10; Rev. 20: 11-22:21).
27
28 February 10, 2017
29
30
5
1 Article 5: Marriage and Family and Human Sexuality
2 A. Marriage and Family
3 Marriage has been established by God in Scripture. The holy Bible and this church
4 defines marriage as ‘the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which
5 such union is a lifetime commitment.’ The determination of the gender of a man or a
6 woman desiring to be married under these by-laws shall be that as established by the
7 original, unaltered birth certificate of that individual, which shall be provided to and
8 evaluated by the elders of this church. The performance of the marriage ceremony is a
9 worship service and a recognition of God’s design for marriage. God has provided for
10 man and woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of
11 sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the
12 human race. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to his people. (Gen.
13 1:26-28; 2:15-25; Deut. 22:5; Matt. 19:4-6; Heb. 13:4)
14 Sanction of a civil union
15 A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by
16 this church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of ‘marriage’ found
17 herein and as set forth in the holy Bible.
18 The family
19 God ordained the family as the foundational unit of human society. It is composed of
20 persons related to one another in marriage, as defined above, by blood or adoption (Gen.
21 1:28, 4:1-2; Ps. 128; 1 Tim. 5:8).
22 Husband and Wife
23 The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both were created in his
24 image. Both husband and wife are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. A
25 husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church and the husband has the God
26 given responsibility to provide for, protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit to
27 the leadership of her husband even as the Church willingly submits to the headship of
28 Christ (Gen. 1:26, 3:1-20; Prov. 5:15-23; 1 Cor. 7:1-16, 11:3; Eph. 5:21-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Pet. 3:1-7).
29 Parents
30 Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents should
31 teach their children spiritual and moral values and lead them through their consistent
6
1 example and loving discipline to make choices based on biblical truths. (Exo. 20:12; Deut.
2 6:4-9; Josh. 24:15; Ps. 78:1-8; Prov. 1:8; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 1:5; Tit. 2:3-5)
3 Children
4 Children from the moment of conception are a gift and blessing from the Lord. Children
5 are to honor and obey their parents. (Exo. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9;Ps. 127; Eph. 6:1-4; Col. 3:20; 1
6 Tim. 5:8)
7 B. Human Sexuality
8 The holy Bible states that legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within
9 marriage between one man and one woman. Hence, any sexual activity outside of
10 marriage, including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexual behavior, and
11 pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. Further, lascivious conduct
12 such as transgender behavior, surgical alterations, and creating, distributing, or viewing
13 pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness. (1 Cor. 6:9-11, 18; Rom. 1:18-32;
14 Gal. 5:19-20; Col. 3:5; 1 Thess. 4:3; Jude 7)
15
16 Article 6: Church Government
17 The biblical pattern of church government is laid out for us in terms of a plurality of men
18 who are qualified, called, and appointed to the office of governing and shepherding the
19 flock of God. This church shall be an independent church with final power resting with
20 the board of elders who are under the headship of Christ and subject to His Word (Acts
21 20:17; Eph. 1:22, 4:15; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1Pt. 5:1-3).
22 The corporate powers, business and property of the corporation shall be exercised,
23 conducted and controlled by the board of elders as provided in the articles of
24 incorporation of Meadow Valley Community Church.
25 The board of elders shall have full power and authority to do and perform, or cause to be
26 done and performed any and every act which the association may lawfully do and
27 perform, subject however, to the other provisions of these by-laws.
28
29
30
31
7
1 Article 7: Governing Leadership
2 A. Duties of Elders
3 Because external and internal Christian testimony is to be promoted with the local body,
4 the elders must first and foremost exercise a personal spiritual walk that promotes self
5 examination and maintains a servant-like quality in life. Elders must serve with
6 gentleness and humility in all things (Eze. 34; Acts 20:17-35; 1 Pt. 5; Acts 6; Eph. 4:12). Out
7 of this biblical perspective, the elder is to joyfully undertake the following duties:
8 (1) Give himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
9 (2) Guard and protect the flock.
10 (3) Oversee and provide spiritual direction for the activities and growth of the flock.
11 (4) Aid in finding and developing gifted teachers of the Word (2 Tim. 2:2).
12 (5) Warn and discipline as outlined in Article 10.
13 (6) Support, encourage, counsel, and lead in humility.
14 (7) See to the appointment of and provide oversight to any and all committees.
15 (8) See to the oversight of the finances of the flock.
16 (9) Pray for and encourage the sick.
17 The elders shall strive to maintain open communication with the flock, both to discern
18 needs, concerns and viewpoints, and to communicate information and decisions. This
19 may be done through the Sunday bulletin, pulpit announcements, group or
20 congregational meetings and discussions (at least one such meeting held annually), or
21 any means profitable, and one-on-one personal contact (Acts 6:1-5; 11:22; 15:1, 6, 22; 16:2).
22 In addition, the elders must maintain spiritual oversight over one another, and must give
23 mutual counsel regarding the stewardship of one another.
24 The duties of managing the activities and affairs of this church and of exercising certain
25 of the corporate powers of this church reside in the board of elders, the nature and extent
26 of which is set forth in these by-laws. Any member may bring a charge against an elder
27 or the board of elders at any time. A charge may be brought against an elder only for
28 cause and then only if brought by two or three witnesses. Cause as used in this section is
29 defined as the failure of an elder or the board of elders to follow biblical principles in its
30 decisions and processes first, and thereafter these by-laws where the by-laws is not in
31 conflict with the holy Bible. Cause respecting an elder shall mean a sin issue in accord
32 with biblical guidelines, as stated herein (Acts 6:1-4, 20:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-19;
33 Titus 1:5-9).
34
8
1 B. Appointment (General Principles)
2
3 The Scriptures emphasize that elders in the church are not appointed by men, but by God
4 (Acts 20:28). The task of the people in the church then, should be to seek and discover
5 God’s direction and leading within the church body in the appointment of elders.
6 The need for an additional elder, paid or non-paid, may be recognized by either the elders
7 or other members of the church body. The elders, in consultation with or in response to
8 the need of body members, shall seek to discern the nature of the need and to follow
9 God’s leading in deciding if the need justifies the appointment of an elder. Upon a
10 decision by the board of elders that a need does exist, the church will prayerfully and
11 carefully seek God’s direction in choosing the right man or men.
12 It is the purpose of Meadow Valley Community Church to base the selection process upon
13 an orderly, proper sequence of events that will most easily facilitate the recognition of
14 God’s appointment of men to this ministry. The whole flock should be on the alert for
15 men whose lives characterize the qualifications laid out in Scripture. Only qualified men
16 will be appointed. If no qualified men are available, or if men are unwilling to serve who
17 would otherwise be qualified, no appointment will be made. The church should wait on
18 the Lord either to remove the need or to provide qualified men.
19 When the need arises for a new elder, paid or non-paid (either for a new position or to
20 replace an elder who has left the board), the existing board of elders should assume a
21 guiding and directing role in the search for the right man. The flock will be asked to
22 suggest qualified men for the position based on the biblical criteria for elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7;
23 Tit. 1:6-9; Acts 14:23; 6:1).
24 After a period of time and prayerful consideration, the elders will meet to consider all the
25 nominees as to their qualifications for the position. If the board believes a man to be
26 qualified, after they have considered the man’s qualifications, a member of the board will
27 be appointed to approach each nominee to explain the specific nature of the need and to
28 determine his willingness to serve (1 Tim. 5:22).
29 If the elder nominee(s) signifies his understanding of the need, the call, and his
30 willingness to serve, the board will announce this to the flock. The church will be notified
31 at least three weeks prior to any appointment of a new elder. This notification period is
32 designed to allow the church body adequate time to review and, if they deem necessary,
33 register any objection with the board of elders pertaining to the potential appointment
34 under consideration. If the members affirm the decision of the elders, the newly
35 appointed elder shall assume office immediately.
9
1 C. Dismissal of an Elder
2 Elders may be expelled at any time by a majority vote of the entire board of elders of the
3 church, for any of the following causes, but not otherwise:
4 (1) Conduct which tends to bring affairs and purposes of this church into disrepute.
5 (2) Willful, neglectful inattention to the affairs of this church.
6 (3) Conduct in meeting or elsewhere, which is hostile and/or offensive toward other
7 members of this church.
8 (4) Any sustained conduct which is contrary to the qualifications prescribed for
9 elders.
10 (5) Departure from doctrinal statement of Meadow Valley Community Church.
11
12 D. Tenure
13 Elders are appointed to an indefinite tenure consistent with their continued desire and
14 ability to serve in this capacity. This must be evaluated and recognized by themselves, by
15 the other elders, and by the church body (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Acts 20:28-32; Titus 1:5-9).
16 Causes for termination:
17 (1) Any elder may terminate his eldership at any time by resignation.
18 (2) Any elder who is declared incompetent shall cease to be an elder of the church.
19 (3) Whenever any elder shall cease to be such by death or expulsion, he shall have no
20 further interest in this corporation or in any property thereof. In the case of a
21 voluntary resignation a brother may be reinstated as an elder according to Article
22 7.B.
23
24 E. Officers of Board of Elders and Terms
25 The officers of the board of elders shall be a chairman of the board, a secretary and a
26 treasurer (the same person may be appointed to be both secretary and treasurer).
27 The officers of the board of elders shall be elected from the board, by the elders annually.
28 The board of elders of the corporation may, at its discretion, appoint an assistant
29 treasurer who need not be a member of the board of elders. Membership on the board is
30 not implied to said appointee.
10
1 The officers shall hold office for one year and/or until their successors are elected. They
2 shall be subject to removal by the board of elders at any time, either with or without
3 cause.
4 The board of elders of the church may also appoint and remove such other agents and
5 employees of the church as they may deem proper, and fix the duties and compensation
6 of the same, and the board may delegate such power of appointment and removal and the
7 power to fix the compensation of such other agents and employees to any officer of the
8 board elders.
9 The chairman, secretary, treasurer and members of the board of elders of the church,
10 shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be paid their expenses while
11 attending to the business of the church.
12 If the office of the chairman, secretary or treasurer of the church becomes vacant by
13 reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the board of elders may appoint a
14 successor who shall hold office as herein provided.
15 F. Duties of Officers
16 Chairman
17 The chairman shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the board of elders of
18 the church. He shall execute jointly with the secretary and in the name of the
19 corporation all deeds, bonds, contracts and other obligations and instruments authorized
20 by the board of elders to be executed.
21 The chairman shall also have such other powers and shall perform such other duties as
22 maybe assigned to him by the board of elders of the church.
23 Secretary
24 The secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of the membership and of the
25 board of elders. He shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices of meetings of
26 members and of elders. He shall execute jointly with the chairman and in the name of
27 the church, all deeds, bonds, contracts, and other obligations and instruments authorized
28 by the board of elders to be executed, unless authorization for the execution thereof by
29 the chairman alone has been given by the board of elders. He shall keep, cause to be
30 kept, and have charge of the minutes of the meetings of the members and the board of
31 elders, the by-laws, and such other books and papers as the board of elders may specify.
32 He shall in general perform all the duties incidental to the office of the secretary, subject
33 to control of the board of elders.
11
1 In case of the absence or disability of the secretary, or his refusal or neglect to act, notices
2 may be given and served by the chairman or by any person there unto authorized by the
3 chairman.
4 Treasurer
5 The treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept, full and accurate account of receipts and
6 disbursements in books to be kept for that purpose. He shall disburse or cause to be
7 disbursed the funds of the corporation as may be directed by the board of elders, taking
8 proper vouchers for such disbursements. He shall render to the chairman and to the
9 board of elders, whenever they may require, accounts of all his transactions as treasurer
10 and of the financial condition of the church. He shall in general, perform all the duties
11 incidental to the office of treasurer, subject to the control of the board of elders.
12 G. Meetings of Board of Elders
13 Meetings of the members of the board of elders, will be called and presided over by the
14 chairman of the board, or called as stated in Article 8 of the articles of the association.
15 When all the members of the board of elders are present at any meeting, however called
16 or notified, and sign a written consent thereto on the records of a meeting, or if those not
17 present sign in writing a waiver of notice of such meeting which waiver is presented and
18 made a part of the corporate records of such meeting and those present sign a consent
19 thereto on the corporate records of such meeting, the acts of such corporate meeting
20 shall be as valid as if done at a meeting legally called and noticed.
21 At any meeting of the members of the board of elders, a majority thereof must be present
22 in person or by proxy in writing, filed with the secretary of the board, and except as
23 otherwise provided in the articles of association or in the by-laws of the church, such
24 majority of the board of elders shall be a quorum for any and all purposes except for
25 election of officers of the board of elders.
26 The secretary of the board of elders shall act as secretary at all meetings of the
27 membership and in his absence the presiding officer at the meeting may appoint any
28 member of the membership present to act as secretary.
29 At each meeting of the board of elders, each member shall have the right in person or
30 proxy to cast one vote and no more.
31 All proxies must be in writing executed by the member of the board of elders themselves
32 and must be filed with the secretary of the church at or before the meeting of the board of
33 elders.
12
1 Article 8: Office and Duties of Deacons
2 While all Christians are called to serve there is a specific office of servant called deacons
3 (Rom. 12:11; Gal. 5:13). The assembly (church members) shall select deacons from among
4 those who are in regular attendance at Meadow Valley Community Church and are
5 serving the local church body.
6 Having been selected by the assembly, deacons shall be appointed by the elders for terms
7 dependent upon the duration of services and the extent of the need.
8 Deacons so appointed, may be called upon to report and advise the board of elders as
9 representatives to their areas of ministry and service, but will be without power to
10 exercise authority in the governing of Meadow Valley Community Church.
11 The qualifications of appointed deacons are described in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
12
13 Article 9: Church Membership
14 A. Admission
15 The Spirit of God is adding to the Church daily those who believe. The important thing is
16 that He makes each believer a member of Christ’s body. We do have a Covenant of
17 Fellowship for people who want local and written identification with a church. However,
18 many who enjoy our fellowship find it fully satisfying just to belong to Christ and His
19 Body. Those who identify with Meadow Valley Community Church will be added to the
20 Shepherding List, considered church members, and actively cared for.
21 B. Dismissal
22 a. Exclusion – This church has no book of discipline except what is expressly
23 stated in Scripture (Matt. 18:15ff; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2
24 Tim. 2:17-19; Titus 3:8-11), but each member is expected to live honestly,
25 uprightly, exemplifying this church’s beliefs in Christ daily. Any member
26 guilty of serious misconduct, according to Scripture (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-
27 24; Eph. 5:3-11; Col. 3:5-11), and who persists in the same manner after due
28 admonition from the board of elders, may be excluded from the church
29 membership by a unanimous vote of the board of elders (1 Tim. 5:20-21).
30 b. By death.
31 c. By transfer.
32 d. Any member may terminate his membership by request.
13
1 C. Covenant of Fellowship
2 (1) Having been led by God the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my
3 personal Savior and Lord, and
4 (2) Desiring to unite in the worship, fellowship, service, and testimony of that portion
5 of Christ’s spiritual body known as Meadow Valley Community Church, and
6 (3) Having read the statement of doctrine of the church, and understanding it to be
7 the basis of its belief and teaching, I,
8 ____________________________________________________________________
9 do hereby express my desire to enter into the following covenant with others of
10 Meadow Valley Community Church.
11 By the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I covenant:
12 (1) To walk together in Christian love;
13 (2) To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another;
14 (3) To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows and joys;
15 (4) To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be
16 quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness;
17 (5) To guard the spiritual and scriptural purity, peace and prosperity of the church
18 and its growth in scriptural knowledge and godliness;
19 (6) To assist, as the Lord enables, in the work of the church, and to promote its
20 usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ;
21 (7) To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the church for the
22 relief of the needy, and the evangelization of all peoples;
23 (8) To love and to pray for all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ;
24 (9) To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, and to establish family
25 devotions where possible;
26 (10)To bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care in the nurture and
27 admonition of the Lord;
14
1 (11) To walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all
2 men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying
3 ungodliness and worldly lusts;
4 (12)To endeavor by example, by word, and by prayer to win others to an acceptance of
5 Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
6 Signature ____________________________________ Date __________________
7 Name ____________________________________Telephone ______________________
8 Address _________________________________________________________________
9
10 Article 10: Finances
11 Believers are to give financially from an attitude of commitment to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-6).
12 It is the policy of Meadow Valley Community Church to keep the congregation informed
13 of financial needs by announcements from the pulpit or other means as necessary. This
14 will not include individual solicitation of members to taking of financial pledges. The
15 purpose of this information is not to coerce or pressure anyone into giving, but rather to
16 provide avenues for giving as the Lord provides. Each believer is to give according to his
17 or her ability with a cheerful heart (2 Cor. 9:7).
18 Because giving is done unto the Lord, it is critical that the local church handle the
19 finances given with care and wisdom both for the glory of the Lord and for the testimony
20 of the church (2 Cor. 8:20-21). All financial decisions ultimately are the responsibility of
21 the elders and are subject to examination by the body. With this view in mind, the
22 following outlines the policies of handling financial decisions:
23 (1) All paid staff shall be paid a salary commensurate to their duties and abilities (1
24 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6-7; 1 Cor. 9:6-11).
25 (2) All gifts given as a designated gift will be used as designated so long as those
26 designations are in accord with biblical principles. If any special gifts are given
27 with the directions to use it in whatever area has the greatest need, the board of
28 elders will decide how that gift will be used. All other gifts will go into the general
29 fund.
30 (3) The pastoral staff may make a financial decision by themselves up to the amount
31 of one hundred dollars.
32 (4) On an annual basis the board of elders, exclusive of paid staff, will examine the
33 salaries of all paid salary members and the amount of support given to the persons
15
1 and ministries supported. Pastoral staff will be involved in annual missionary
2 support review.
3 (5) In order to keep orderly records, a abookkeeper shall be appointed by the board of
4 elders. The treasurer shall keep all necessary books, write necessary checks to pay
5 bills, prepare quarterly financial statements and any other duties as prescribed by
6 the board of elders.
7
8 Article 11: Indemnification
9 A. Mandatory Indemnification
10 If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or
11 was an officer, employee, or agent of the church, the church shall provide
12 indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the
13 elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily
14 prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c)
15 in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and
16 the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
17 B. Permissive Indemnification
18 At the discretion of the elders, the church also may indemnify any person who acted in
19 good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church’s best
20 interest and not unlawful.
21 C. Procedure
22 If a quorum of the elders is not available for an indemnification determination because of
23 the number of elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made
24 by the membership of special legal counsel appointed by the membership
25
26 Article 12: General
27 A. Inner Organizations:
28 Every organization or society organized or operated by this church will be an integral
29 part of the church and not an entity to itself. The aim of such organizations or societies
30 shall always be to help the church. The elders shall have complete authority over such
31 groups and may offer leadership, make suggestions, or even dissolve a group if they
16
1 believe that particular group is causing dissension or departing from stated purpose of
2 the church.
3 B. Official Representation:
4 The church shall not be officially represented at any religious gathering without the
5 approval of the elders. This is to prevent the church from possibly getting involved in an
6 ecumenical gathering, which might degrade and bring reproach upon the name of Christ.
7 C. Ordination:
8 In the event of a request for ordination to full-time Christian service, the church may
9 ordain the candidate after examination and recommendation by the board of elders.
10 D. Association:
11
12 (1) We acknowledge no ecclesiastical authority other than our Lord Jesus Christ,
13 who is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:21-23; 5:23), and who directs the affairs of
14 the Church through elders chosen and ordained according to the precepts of
15 holy Scripture (Acts 14:21-23; I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The elders themselves at
16 all times and in all their activities stand under the authority of holy Scripture
17 (Acts 16:4; I Cor. 7:17; 2 Tim. 3:16).
18 (2) This church may and does cooperate with other like-minded churches in
19 matters of mutual interest and concern (2 Cor. 8:18-24). We may seek the
20 assistance (I Cor. 16:1, 2) and counsel of other churches in matters of special
21 concern to us, but the decision of no other church or group of churches shall at
22 any time be acknowledged as binding on this church.
23 (3) One special type of fellowship and cooperation with other churches is formal
24 membership in an association of churches. Within the terms of section 4b of
25 this article, this church may join itself to an association of churches. Upon the
26 recommendation of the elders, such associations may be entered with the
27 express consent and approval of the congregation (Acts 15:22; 2 Cor. 8:19).
28
29 Article 13: Amendments
30 These by-laws may be amended at any regular business meeting of the board of elders by
31 a unanimous vote of the board, provided at least two weeks’ notice of the proposed
32 change has been given to the church at a regular Sunday morning church service, or a
33 special meeting called by the board of elders for that specific purpose