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The Bylaws of Crossroad Evangelical Free Church
ARTICLE 1 MEMBERSHIP
1.10 ACTIVE MEMBERS
Any person desiring membership shall complete the membership application form and return the completed form to the Elder Board. Two Elders shall visit each applicant and then ask each applicant to appear before the Elder Board for the purpose of giving his or her testimony to faith in Jesus Christ. Each applicant must agree to submit themselves to Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this church. They are responsible to walk in fellowship with Christ and seek to live a blameless life of obedience to His commandments; to give themselves to the study of the Scriptures and to prayer; to walk in love towards one another, bearing with one another, forgiving one another, seeking to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; to serve in the church according to their gifts and abilities; to support the ministry of this church through their tithes and offerings; to admonish one another in love; to be submissive to the leadership and discipleship of this church, esteeming the leaders highly in love for their work’s sake (Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Timothy 5:17; Malachi 3:8-10; Romans 15:14; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17).
The Elder Board shall then vote upon such applicant and if the person receives a unanimous favorable vote, that person shall be accepted by the church at the next worship service. If the vote is not favorable, the matter shall be tabled until the next meeting of the Elder Board. Any Elder not voting in favor of the applicant shall state scriptural reasons for voting no. Before the next meeting of the Elder Board, the applicant and two members of the Elder Board will discuss the application. If a unanimous favorable vote cannot be attained at the second meeting, the application for membership shall be denied (John 1: 12-13; 14: 23-24).
1.20 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Associate members are members who have full participation in the church with the exception of voting privileges and holding elected office. Therefore, they are not to be included when counting for quorum or quorum requirements. Any member who will be inactive in the local church for a period of time is encouraged to request to be designated an associate member by notifying the Elder Board. To re-establish active membership, an associate member must notify the Elder Board of their desire to do so by written request. Members under eighteen years of age shall be associate members. Associate members who turn eighteen and desire to request voting and active membership privileges must appear before the Elder Board to give his or her testimony to faith in Jesus Christ.
1.30 RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Members may be removed from membership at their own request by informing the Board of Elders of their intention to withdraw and the reasons therefore. If a member requests to withdraw because of specific problems or disappointments with the church, the Board of Elders shall attempt to resolve those matters so that the member may remain in the church and enjoy greater fruitfulness and personal spiritual growth. If the Board of Elders is unable to resolve those matters, it shall offer to assist the member in locating a church of like faith and practice that can respond more effectively to his gifts and needs. If it appears to the Board of Elders that a member has requested removal merely to avoid church discipline, that request shall not be given effect until the disciplinary process has been properly concluded. All resignations shall be reported to the church at the next annual business meeting.
1.40 DISCIPLINE AND RESTORATON OF MEMBERS
If any member shall conduct himself in a manner which, in the studied opinion of the Pastor and Board of Elders is not in harmony with spiritual principles and for which he does not show evidence of repentance, he shall be interviewed and counseled by the Pastor and then the Board of Elders after the manner clearly indicated in the Word of God (Matthew 18: 15-17, Galatians 6:1). Restoration of the erring member shall be the single purpose and love the sole motivating force in these interviews. If the member should choose to continue in his unrepentant condition, he shall be deprived of this membership upon a recommendation from the Board of Elders and two-thirds majority vote of at least a quorum at a special meeting of the church. Any member who has resigned or whose membership has been deprived shall be excluded from all rights of the organization.
1.50 CONFIDENTIALITY
The Bible teaches that Christians should carefully guard any personal and private information that others reveal to them. Protecting confidences is a sign of Christian love and respect (see Matt. 7:12). It also discourages harmful gossip (Prov. 16:28; 26:20), invites confession (see Prov. 11:13; 28:13; James 5:16), and encourages people to seek needed counseling (see Prov. 20:19; Rom. 15:14). Since these goals are essential to the ministry of the gospel and the work of this church, all members are expected to refrain from gossip and to respect the confidences of others. In particular, our pastor and elders shall carefully protect all information that they receive through pastoral counseling, subject to the following guidelines:
a. Although confidentiality is to be respected as much as possible, there are times when it is appropriate to reveal certain information to others. In particular, when the pastors and elders of this church believe it is biblically necessary, they may disclose confidential information to appropriate people in the following circumstances:
(1) When a pastor or elder is uncertain of how to counsel a person about a particular problem and needs to seek advice from other pastors or elders in this church or, if the person attends another church, from the pastors or elders of that church (see Prov. 11:14; 13:10; 15:22; 19:20; 20:18; Matt. 18:15-17);
(2) When the person who disclosed the information or any other person is in imminent danger of serious harm unless others intervene (see Prov. 24:11-12);
(3) When a person refuses to repent of sin and it becomes necessary to institute disciplinary proceedings (see Matt. 18:15-20 and Bylaw §16) or seek the assistance of individuals or agencies outside this church (see, e.g., Rom. 13:1-5); or
(4) When required by law to report child abuse.
ARTICLE 2 OFFICERS
2.10 PASTOR
The Pastor shall be elected from an eighty-five (85%) majority vote of a quorum present at any annual or special business meeting of the church. He shall be called for an indefinite period of time. Upon acceptance of his call, the Pastor (and his wife) shall be added to the active membership of the church. The Pastor, upon the Lord’s call to another ministry shall give the Elders thirty days notice via a written resignation. Should spiritual conditions arise necessitating consideration of pastoral termination, the principles of First Timothy 5: 19-20 may be exercised, prayerfully and lovingly by the Elder Board.
2.11 ASSOCIATE PASTOR
1. Initiation of the Process
As the needs arise, the elders of this church will initiate the process of identifying and examining a potential associate pastor. A man will be considered if:
he appears to be biblically qualified;
he appears to be doctrinally and philosophically compatible with the elder team; and
it appears to be God's will to initiate the examination process.
2. Examination of the Candidate
The elders will examine the candidate (and his family) through personal interviews and other means. The examination will be thorough, including scrutiny of the candidate's moral qualifications, his understanding and defense of sound doctrinal positions, his ability to teach, his philosophical compatibility with the elder team, his work ethic, his motives for desiring the position, and his affection and concern for those who would be under his care. The examination process may include requests for written responses in some areas (i.e. clarification of doctrinal positions).
3. Confirmation from the Church
When the elders are in unanimous agreement that the candidate is qualified and that he is called to the position, they will seek confirmation of their decision from the church. He shall be elected from a two thirds (66%) majority vote of a quorum present at any annual or special business meeting of the church.
2.20 ELDER BOARD
Christ mediates His rule in the church through a plurality of godly men called "Elders." These men are prepared by Christ, and having distinguished themselves in both conduct and doctrine as being worthy of imitation, they are to be chosen and appointed by the Elder Board and affirmed by the church to serve as overseers. The Elder Board shall consist of at least three spiritually qualified male active members in addition to the Senior Pastor. The election of Elders shall be from a two thirds (66%) majority vote of a quorum present at any annual or special business meeting of the church.
A. Qualifications of an Elder
The following is a list of the biblical qualifications that an elder must possess. No elder will be a perfect man, but if he is clearly and persistently lacking in any of these qualities, he cannot serve in the church as an elder. An elder must be:
1. above reproach (lit. "blameless") 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7.
This qualification is the summation of all of the rest. It means that there is nothing in his life that would justify a legitimate accusation of misconduct or call his character into question.
2. the husband of one wife (lit. "a one-woman man") 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6.
Whether a man is single or married, he must be living a sexually pure life. For a married elder, it also means that he must be faithfully devoted to loving his wife (Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7).
3. temperate (moderate, not given to excess) 1 Timothy 3:2.
In all areas of life, an elder must be calm, well-balanced, careful, and sane—one who at all times is capable of clear thinking and sound judgment.
4. sober-minded (a sensible, serious person) 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8.
This does not mean that an elder may not laugh or joke or play. It means he leads a disciplined life, not allowing frivolous activities to distract him from more serious and important concerns.
5. of good behavior (respectable, orderly) 1 Timothy 3:2.
The opposite of the Greek in this case is chaos (utter confusion). An elder's outward behavior must demonstrate decency, orderliness, and self-control.
6. hospitable (lit. "one who loves strangers") 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8.
An elder must be one who shows genuine kindness and hospitality, not only to the members of his church, but also to people he does not know well.
7. a lover of what is good (lit. "one who is inclined to do good") Titus 1:8.
Closely related to hospitality, an elder must be one who not only loves the concept of goodness, but also is prone to doing good to others.
8. able to teach (lit. "skilled in teaching") 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9.
There is no biblical requirement that an elder have a formal education, but he must be an able teacher and defender of the truth (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2, 24; 2:15; Titus 2:7-8).
9. not given to wine (lit. "not a drinker" or "not addicted to wine") 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7.
Though not an absolute prohibition, this is a serious warning that an elder cannot be preoccupied with alcohol or known as a drinker. Due to abuse, however, it may be advisable for elders to abstain from alcohol altogether in order to avoid offense or damaging influence (cf. Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8).
10. not violent (lit. not "a giver of blows," or "a striker") 1Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7.
An elder must be a man who solves problems and settles disputes peacefully, using persuasive words and calm demeanor, not his fists or other weapons.
11. gentle (patient, gracious, forgiving) 1 Timothy 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:24.
An elder must not be a man who holds a grudge or is slow to forgive. He must be one who will patiently bear with those who are needy, difficult, reluctant to change, or slow to learn.
12. not quick-tempered (he must be slow to anger) Titus 1:7; James 1:19-20
Anger in itself is not always a sin. There is a righteous sort of anger. An elder, though, must be a man who recognizes and controls his own propensity to become angry.
13. not quarrelsome (not argumentative) 1 Timothy 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 3:13-18
He must be a man who will defend the truth strongly, but in a peaceable manner. He must not be one who allows himself to become embroiled in hostile disputes or petty arguments.
14. just (righteous or upright) Titus 1:8.
He is a man who is known for doing what is right. He lives a life of practical righteousness, trying to reflect God's view in every decision he makes.
15. holy (lit. "devout" or "set apart to God") Titus 1:8.
An elder must be firmly committed to God and His Word. He must be faithful to the ministry and to biblical doctrine, not one who gives in to social, political, or religious pressure to compromise.
16. self-controlled (or self-disciplined) Titus 1:8.
He must be a man who is disciplined in terms of his response to physical desires for food, pleasure, comfort, money, sleep, sex, or anything else which could cause him to stumble.
17. not covetous (not a lover of money) 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2.
An elder cannot be motivated in the ministry by financial gain or greedy in his lifestyle. He is a man who will trust the Lord, be content with what is provided, and be thankful.
18. one who rules his own house well (a good manager and leader) 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6.
An elder must have proven himself a good manager of his children (if he has children), his personal finances, and his household in general.
19. having his children in submission with all reverence (having obedient, respectful, faithful children) 1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:6.
The children of an elder must not have a reputation for uncontrolled behavior or insubordination. Additionally, an elder must not be a harsh or brutal man, but must maintain order in his family through loving leadership, consistent biblical training, and proper discipline.
20. not a novice (not a new or immature believer) 1 Timothy 3:6.
An elder must be a mature believer, especially in relation to others in his particular church. If even a capable man is elevated to the position too rapidly, he will battle with pride.
21. He must have a good testimony among those who are outside (well respected even by unbelievers in the community) 1 Timothy 3:7.
An elder must have a consistently good testimony in all places and with all people (aside from those who would persecute him or accuse him falsely), even outside the church. He must be just, honest, peaceable, and loving in every context.
22. He must serve, not by compulsion, but willingly . . . eagerly (he must desire to serve) 1 Peter 5:2; 1 Timothy 3:1.
Elders must not be pressured into service if it is not their personal desire to serve in this capacity. An elder's desire to serve must be God-given and his motives pure.
23. not self-willed (not anxious to control others or to have his own way) Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:3.
An elder must not be a man who is anxious to dominate or control others. He must be a team-player, realizing that while he is a shepherd, he is also one of the sheep.
24. an example to the flock: 1 Peter 5:3; Titus 2:7.
An elder will not be perfect, but he must be a man who will lead the church, by instruction and example, according to God's Word.
B. Duties of an Elder
Christ gives to His church elders for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry. They are, in accord with their gifts, to govern the church and to labor in the Word and doctrine, preaching and teaching the Scriptures for the defense of the faith, the edification of believers and the evangelization of the lost. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:6-16; 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:23-26; 3:14-4:5). The work of Elders is to shepherd the church of God by teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, governing the church’s affairs, and by giving whatever care is necessary for the spiritual well-being of the members. (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 6:1-6; James 5:14)
C. Removal of an Elder or Pastor
If an elder with Crossroad Evangelical Free Church sins in such a manner that he becomes the object of public church discipline, he will be disqualified. An elder is to be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7). He must be a positive example to the flock, not someone who needs the disciplinary attention of the church (1 Peter 5:3).
If an elder recognizes a significant problem regarding his own leadership capabilities or sees himself as biblically unqualified and desires to voluntarily step down, no lengthy investigative process is necessary. Once the other elders have discussed the problem and are in agreement, the matter should simply be announced to the church, giving due credit to the man for placing the good of the church as a higher priority than his own desire to serve.
If the Elder does not step down and assuming the matter is well attested by multiple witnesses (cf. 1 Timothy 5:19), the elder team will discuss the details thoroughly. All perspectives will be heard, including that of the elder in question. Any members who have pertinent information regarding the situation will be asked for input. If the consensus among the elder team is that the elder in question is unyielding in his incompatible position or biblically disqualified for eldership in some other way, he will be asked to leave his position voluntarily. If he is unwilling to step down, he will be administratively removed by the elder team.
If it is determined that the elder is biblically qualified, philosophically and doctrinally compatible with the elder team, and/or innocent of charges brought against him, and if the matter was publicly known by the church, the general membership will be informed in order to affirm or reestablish his credibility.
2.30 DEACON BOARD
The Deacon Board shall consist of at least three spiritually qualified male active members. The election of Deacons shall follow the procedure found in the policy statement of this church. To qualify as a deacon, a man must meet the requirements for a deacon as given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. He must be an active member of this church. Deacons are appointed by the church to assist the Elders in caring for the needs of the members, and to help in the administration and work of the local church. A deacon may be removed from office in the same manner as an Elder.
2.40 DEACONESS BOARD
The Deaconess Board shall consist of at least four spiritually qualified female active members. Deaconesses shall be elected by the church to assist the Pastor, Elders and Deacons in spiritual ministry. Their duties are described in the policy statement. Deaconesses shall be elected to serve a term of two years, their term of office being so arranged that one half (1/2) of their number shall expire each year. A Deaconess may serve two consecutive terms of office after which she is encouraged to wait one year before serving another term. The Deaconesses will oversee the committees they deem necessary to minister to women or other unique or special needs in the body. Prior to forming any standing committees, the Deaconesses must obtain the approval of the Elder Board.
Any and all functions needing financial resources will need the approval of the Deacon Board.
If a vacancy occurs on the Deaconess Board, the Elder Board shall appoint a replacement until the voting members of this church can elect a replacement at the next annual meeting of the church.
Upon request of the Elder Board a special congregational meeting may be called for the purpose of raising or lowering the number of Deaconesses so as to maintain an effective level of operation of their ministry as God so blesses.
2.50 CHURCH CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
Following the election of the Elder Board the church members shall annually elect the Church Chairman and Vice-Chairman from the Elder Board excluding the Pastor. The Elder Board shall elect its own chairman from among the Elder Board. The Deacon Board shall elect its own chairman from among the Deacon Board. The Deaconess Board shall elect its own chairwoman from among the Deaconess Board.
2.60 CHURCH TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be elected annually by the Deacons from among their own number or membership. The Treasurer Deacon responsibilities will be primarily related to church finances.
2.70 TERMS OF OFFICE
The terms of office for Elders and Deacons shall be three years, with their terms of office being so arranged that one-third of their number shall expire each year. An elder or deacon may serve as many terms as he is willing to serve and to which he is chosen by the church. An elder or deacon who has served two consecutive terms shall be encouraged to take a year’s sabbatical.
If a vacancy occurs on the Elder Board or the Deacon Board, the Elder Board shall appoint a replacement who fulfills the spiritual qualifications set forth in Scripture until the voting members of this church can elect a replacement at the next annual meeting of the church.
2.80 LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
A Leadership Council shall exist consisting of members of the Elder Board, Deacon Board, Senior Pastor, and Associate Pastors. The Church Chairman shall convene monthly meetings open to all, to freely discuss the direction, vision, and other affairs of the church in any manner or format deemed useful by the Church Chairman. The Leadership Council will be responsible for overseeing the ministries necessary to meet the daily spiritual and physical needs of the church. All committees deemed necessary will be accountable to the Leadership Council and the Leadership Council accountable to the congregation. All church members are eligible to be committee members.
2.90 OTHER SALARIED POSITIONS
Church staff positions other than the pastoral positions that become salaried will be hired using the following procedures. Notice must be placed in the bulletin for two Sundays; after that applications for any salaried position must be submitted to the Elder Board. The Elder Board along with the Pastor will appoint the salaried position. The Deacon Board will recommend the position’s salary to the Elder Board for approval.
Should any person holding a salaried position feel the need to resign, notice shall be given to the Elder Board. Should conditions arise necessitating consideration of termination of a salaried position, the principles of Galatians 6: 1-2 may be exercised prayerfully and lovingly by the Elder Board.
ARTICLE 3
3.10 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
The annual business meeting of the church shall be held during the second week of January. The purpose of the annual meeting shall be to receive report of the Elders, Deacons, Pastor, and Deaconesses; to elect officers, and transact any other necessary business of the organization. The fiscal year shall end December 31.
The Church Chairman shall conduct all annual business meetings of the organization using the following agenda:
Reading of the God’s Word and prayer
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved
Reports of offices (Elders, Deacons, Pastor, and Deaconesses)
Committee reports (Christian Ed., Building, etc.)
Unfinished business (Includes any membership resignations over the past year)
New Business
Occasioned by reports
Agenda items
Elections of officers
Closing prayer
All annual business meetings shall be conducted by closed agenda. A member wishing to submit a business item shall submit in writing such item to the Elder Board at least two weeks prior to the business meeting. All reports will be made available to the membership at least two weeks prior to the business meeting.
3.20 BUSINESS MEETINGS
A business meeting shall be held the Second Week of November for the purpose of approving the budget. The church budget will be made available to the membership at least two weeks prior to the business meeting.
3.30 SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor, Elder Board, or Deacon Board. Such meetings shall be announced at regular Sunday service of the church at least three days prior to the meeting. Such notice shall include the purpose of the special business meeting and only this purpose shall be discussed at the meeting.
ARTICLE 4 QUORUM
In order to conduct business at a meeting of the congregation, 35% of the eligible voting membership must be present.
ARTICLE 5 AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws or the Policy Statement for the electing church officers may be amended by a simple majority vote of a quorum present and voting at any annual or special business meeting of the church, providing notification of the proposed amendment has been made to the membership at least two weeks prior to such a meeting. Such announcement shall made by the Elder Board.
ARTICLE 6 INDEMNIFICATION
6.10 The officers of the church (elders, deacons) shall not be personally liable for monetary damages for any action taken, or failure to take action, as officers, except to the extent that by law an officer’s liability for monetary damages may not be limited.
6.20 The church shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer, member, or agent of the church, against expenses, fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by such persons, unless the act or failure to act giving rise to the claim for indemnification is determined by a court to have constituted willful misconduct or recklessness.
6.30 The church shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is an officer, member, or agent of the church against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the church would have the power to indemnify him against such liability.
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