东湾三一华人教会会章
第一条：名称
本组织的名称为”东湾三一华人教会”
第二条：使命
我们的使命是宣扬基督和神的国，使远近的人都能经历在主耶稣基督里上帝爱的转化大能。我们将通过祷告和以爱心进行的积极事工来实现这一使命。
第三条：信仰声明
3.1 三位一体的上帝
我们相信三位一体的上帝，祂永恒地以三个位格存在－父、子和圣灵－彼此具有相同的神性，在能力和荣耀上平等，具有相同的属性和完美。
3.2 借耶稣基督得救
耶稣是完全的神也是完全的人，在世上过着完美、无罪的生活，并在十字架上为我们的罪献上自己。祂承受了上帝的愤怒，受死之后复活，然后升天成为上帝与人之间永恒的中保。虽然我们在信主时就得救了，但救恩是一个过程，我们可能会继续失败，但上帝是信实的，当我们认罪时，祂必赦免我们。
3.3 救恩是上帝至高恩典的结果
上帝以祂的慈爱和怜悯，借着耶稣基督的死亡和复活使我们被称义。当我们接受上帝的救恩时，我们被收纳成为祂的儿女，与基督同作后嗣。我们要在上帝的恩典和我们不配得的恩惠中，喜乐的生活，深信我们不是靠自己的努力来赚取上帝的爱。
3.4 圣灵的位格、同在和工作
圣灵是三位一体中与父和子同等的第三位格。祂降临在所有信徒的心中，使我们确信救恩，使我们知罪，并在我们的品格上产生越来越像基督的样式。祂的同在对我们敬拜、服事和传福音是必要的。我们相信耶稣基督的跟随者心中都有圣灵。
3.5 我们信仰的核心在主耶稣基督里
上帝以祂的爱和恩典向所有人赐下救恩；我们只需要悔改并相信耶稣的死亡和复活的救赎大能。当我们这样做时，我们就被称义并永远得赦免，被收纳进入上帝的家中，并得到永恒的救恩。信心来自听见上帝的话语，使我们认识祂并过一个跟随和效法我们的主的门徒生活。
3.6 圣经作为上帝无误话语的权威
上帝在圣经中（新教正典66卷书）启示了自己，这是祂借着人类作者所默示的无误话语。它是我们信仰、生活和教义的最高权威，我们要效法耶稣的榜样去相信、宣讲和活出这话语。圣灵赐给我们能力，使我们对圣经有真实的理解，并帮助我们越来越清楚地看见真理。
3.7 教会是基督的身体和新妇
我们是普世教会的一部分，与所有真正相信主耶稣的教会一同构成基督的新妇。在耶稣作为教会元首的主权下，我们聚集在一起作为地方教会的一份子，彼此委身并委身于我们的领袖，并要求我们的教会成员成为基督身体的活跃成员。
3.8 教会的两个圣礼
我们相信基督为教会设立的两个圣礼：洗礼和圣餐。圣礼是上帝在基督里恩典的记号和印证。我们相信浸礼，但在特殊情况下，我们可以实行洒水礼。
3.9 婚姻是基督与教会联合的象征
男人和女人都是按照三位一体上帝的形像和样式造的，婚姻制度是属于一男一女之间。一男一女之间的婚姻象征着基督与祂教会之间的联合。
3.10 爱的生活方式
作为信徒群体，爱应该是我们的标志。我们要领受上帝赐给我们的爱、表达我们对祂的爱，并活出向他人表达爱的生活方式。耶稣祷告祂的跟随者要在爱中合一，我们要体现这种合一，支持我们家庭的每一位成员，我们要谦卑、宽恕并迅速为自己的错误道歉。
3.11 基督的再来
我们相信那有福的盼望，就是主耶稣基督将亲自再次降临。
第四条 : 教会治理
我们教会采用三重教会治理结构：长老团、长执会和会众，每一个都在教会治理中发挥作用。
4.1 长老团
4.1.1 职能
长老和牧师是教会的监督者和属灵领袖，负责按照圣经教导和宣讲上帝的话语，设定属灵方向和目标，组织教会事工，维护信仰的教义和道德，使每位成员都能在爱中被上帝的话语建立。
4.1.2 组成
长老团由长老和按立的牧师组成。在本教会服事的按立牧师是长老团的当然成员。未按立的牧师可以参加长老团会议，但没有投票权。
4.1.3 长老/牧师的资格
接受长老和牧师职责的人必须符合圣经所设定的标准（提摩太前书3:1-7；提多书1:5-9；彼得前书5:1-4）。
本教会的按立牧师必须从合格的神学院获得道学硕士学位（或同等学历）。
4.1.4 主席
长老团可以从成员中选出一位主席。任期应为一年，之后该长老可以重新被选出或由另一位成员替代。
4.1.5 主任牧师、牧师
主任牧师将带领长老团和整个教会教导上帝的话语并实现教会的属灵目标。所有牧师和长老都应按照圣经教导并展现基督样式的仆人榜样，不辖制他人。
4.1.6 决策
长老团至少要有两位长老才能作为长老团做出决定。否则，教会的所有事工决定都要交由长执会处理。
长老团的决定只有在得到长执会中执事以简单多数票认可后才能生效（即只有执事对长老团的决定进行投票）。
4.1.7 长老/牧师的产生方式
长老或牧师的方式为：
(1) 关于牧师，由长老团指派的聘牧委员会提名候选人。
(2) 关于长老，由长老团提名候选人。
(3) 由整个长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）确认候选人
(4) 由会众以三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）选举
(5) 由长老/牧师按手来按立
4.1.8 服事任期
长老的标准任期为六年。六年后，长老应休安息假一年，之后可以通过长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）重新被选举为另一个六年任期的长老。
牧师的标准任期为三年。牧师的服事可以每三年通过长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）延长。每六年后，牧师可以带薪休安息假三个月。
4.1.9 长老的聘用
如果长老团和长执会认为某长老对教会很必要并且有益处，该长老可以全职服事并从教会领取薪酬。
打算领取薪酬并全职服事的长老必须获得：
(1)长老团一致支持，
(2)整个长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席者），以及
(3)会众三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）。
教会聘用的全职长老的标准任期为三年。长老的服事可以每三年通过长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）延长。每六年后，受聘的长老将带薪休安息假三个月。
4.2. 长执会
4.2.1 职能
长执会履行教会的行政职能。
4.2.2 组成
长执会由教会所有的长老、牧师和执事组成。
4.2.3 资格
执事必须符合圣经所规定的资格（提摩太前书3:8-13）。
4.2.4 主席
长执会由长执会选出的长老担任主席。如果长老团少于两位长老，可以选举一位执事担任主席。
主席任期为两年，或在长老或执事的服事任期结束时终止，以较短者为准。
4.2.5 决策
除非另有规定，长执会的所有决定应以简单多数票通过（包括缺席者）。
再次重申，长老团的决定只有在得到长执会中执事以简单多数票（包括缺席者）认可后才能生效（即只有执事投票）。
4.2.6 执事的选举
执事的选举方式为：
(1) 由长老团和三位执事组成的委员会来提名候选人。该委员会应征求会众的意见。
(2) 由长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）确认候选人。
(3) 由会众以简单多数票（包括缺席者）选举通过。
(4) 由长老和牧师按手来按立。
4.2.7 服事任期
执事的标准任期为三年。然而根据需要，任期可以由长执会以多数票延长，但每个任期不应超过六年。任期结束时，执事应休安息假一年，之后可以通过长执会三分之二多数票（包括缺席投票）重新被选举。
4.2.8 教会职员的聘用
除牧师或长老外的所有教会职员的聘用，都要在长执会中讨论和决定。
4.3 教会会众
教会会众由教会的受洗会员组成。会众要在长老团的带领下完成我们主耶稣基督的大使命。同时，会众在教会的重大决策中发挥关键作用：在选举牧师、长老和执事，在承诺购买或出售教堂建筑，在支持植堂和宣教项目，以及在确认教会年度预算方面。
第五条：教会会籍
会员必须遵守本教会的章程。
5.1 会员：
5.1.1 在本教会受洗的基督徒被视为会员。
5.1.2 来自其他教会的已受洗基督徒可以申请成为本教会会员。
5.1.3 只有会员可以被选为长老、执事或受托人。
5.1.4 要被选为长老，会员必须在基督的教会中有至少五年的会籍，并且必须在本教会积极参与事工超过三年。
5.1.5 要被选为执事，会员必须在基督的教会中有至少三年的会籍，并且必须在本教会积极参与事工超过两年。
5.2 投票权：
投票权保留给年满18岁或以上，并在过去六个月内参加主日崇拜不少于四分之一的会员。
5.3 接纳：
5.3.1 已在别的教会受洗的人，可以向长执会提交会员申请表，表明其希望加入教会成为会员。
5.3.2 长执会应审查该申请。
5.3.3 被接纳的会员应在主日崇拜时宣布，并在教会周报上公布。
5.4 会籍资格：
5.4.1 如果本地居住的会员每年参加主日崇拜少于四分之一，其会籍可能被取消。
5.4.2 如果本地居住的会员因健康或行动不便的原因无法亲自参加或远程视讯参加崇拜，可以保留其会籍。
5.4.3 会员因工作/居所搬迁而离开教会所在地，无法亲自参加主日崇拜，经长执会批准后可以申请保留会籍。
5.4.4 被取消会籍的会员必须通过重新申请程序才能再次获得会员资格
第六条：受托人
6.1 组织
受托人会应由二至四名会员组成。
6.2. 提名
受托人的选举程序与长老相同，但当选的受托人无需经过牧师和长老的按手礼。
6.3 职责
受托人应照管、保管和控制教会的所有财产，并按照长执会规定的规则来管理。受托人应执行长执会授权的所有法律文书。他们可以在与教会财产的购置、出售和管理相关的法律和财务事务上担任长老和执事的顾问。
第七条：教会纪律
教会纪律的目标是按照圣经恢复来与上帝和信仰群体的关系。
7.1 对教会会员和领袖的指控
对教会会员或领袖（牧师、长老、执事）在教义或道德方面的所有指控，必须由至少两名教会会员向长老团或长执会提出。
7.2 伦理委员会
一旦收到指控，长老团或长执会应任命一个由不少于五名会员组成的伦理委员会进行调查。伦理委员会应由一位长老或牧师担任主席。如果长老或牧师因故无法担任主席，可以由从长执会选出的执事担任伦理委员会主席。每个案件的判决应在伦理委员会中以四分之三特别多数票（包括缺席者）作出。
7.3 复原
如果指控得到证实，应努力帮助当事人向上帝悔改并改正其行为。
7.4 纪律
不愿悔改的教会会员，应由长老团和长执会（共同代表教会）开除会籍。 （马太福音18:15-20）
第八条：教会财产
8.1 购置
所有使用本教会资金购买或建造的不动产，应归本教会所有。
8.2 出售/产权变更/抵押
本教会名下财产的出售、产权变更或抵押，都应基于扩展上帝事工的需要而进行。上述事项应在特别会员大会上经三分之二多数票（包括缺席者）批准。
第九条：会议
9.1 长执会
长执会应至少每月召开一次会议处理教会事务。长执会的每位成员，无论担任多少职务，都只有一票表决权。任何有利益冲突的成员应披露这种利益，如果长执会判定为重大利益，该成员应回避相关事务的表决。
9.2 年度会员大会
年度会员大会应每年十月在教会举行。该会议的书面通知应至少在会议前两周在教会公布。年度会员大会将有年度报告、执事印证投票、通过年度预算以及所有其他可能适当提出的事务。
9.3 年中会员大会
年中会员大会应每年四月在教会举行，以审查教会正在进行的事工。该会议的书面通知应至少在会议前两周在教会公布。
9.4 特别会员大会
特别会员大会可由长执会宣布召开，或由超过百分之五十的会员书面请愿召开。长执会应至少提前七天宣布特别会员大会。在紧急情况下，长执会应负责通知所有会员并在主日崇拜时宣布会议。
第十条：修订
任何会员都可以通过书面向长执会提交修改章程的建议。经长执会批准的修订提案应在会员大会前至少两周向会众提出。提议的修订必须得到出席会员的三分之二批准（包括缺席者）。所有修订在批准后立即生效。
说明：本会章的原稿为英文，放在下面。若是中文翻译与英文的原稿有不一致或是混淆之处，一律以英文原稿为准。
ByLaws | EBTCC
ARTICLE 1 – NAME
The name of this organization is “East Bay Trinity Chinese Church /東灣三一華人教會”
ARTICLE 2 – MISSION
Our mission is to proclaim Christ and the Kingdom of God so that people far and near may experience the transforming power of God’s love in our Lord Jesus Christ. We will fulfill this mission by prayer and active ministries in love.
ARTICLE 3 - STATEMENT OF FAITH
3.1 The Triune God
We believe in the Triune God who eternally exists in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – of the same divine nature with one another, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections.
3.2 Salvation through Jesus Christ
Jesus, as fully God and fully man, lived a blameless life on earth and sacrificed Himself for our sins on the cross. He bore the wrath of God, died, and was resurrected before ascending to heaven as the eternal mediator between God and man. Though we are saved when we come to faith, salvation is a process whereby we may continually fail but God is faithful to forgive us as we confess our sins.
3.3 Salvation as the result of God's sovereign grace
In His love and mercy God offers us justification for our sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we accept God’s salvation we are adopted into His family and become joint heirs with Christ. We want to live rejoicing in God’s grace and His unmerited favor towards us, with the conviction that we do not earn God’s love by our own efforts.
3.4 The person, presence and work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity with the Father and the Son. He lives in all believers giving us an assurance of our salvation, convicting us of sin, and producing an increasing likeness to Christ in our characters. His presence is essential for us to worship, serve, minister and evangelize. We believe in followers of Jesus being filled with the Spirit.
3.5 The centrality of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ
In His love and grace God offers salvation to all; we need only repent and believe in the saving power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. When we do this we are justified and acquitted forever, adopted into God’s family and are assured of eternal salvation. Faith comes from hearing of God’s Word that allows us to know Him and to live a life of discipleship following and imitating our Lord.
3.6 The authority of the Bible as God's infallible word
God has revealed himself in the Bible (the Protestant Canon of 66 books) and it is His infallible Word given by the inspiration of God through human authors. It is our supreme authority for faith, life and doctrine and we want to follow Jesus’ example to believe, speak and live the Word. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to have a true understanding of the Scriptures and He helps us to see truth increasingly clearly.
3.7 The Church is the body and the bride of Christ
We are part of the Universal Church and together with all who truly believe in the Lord Jesus we make up the Bride of Christ. We gather as a local church committed to one another and to our leaders under the Lordship of Jesus as Head of the Church, and ask our church family to be active members of the body of Christ.
3.8 The two sacraments of the Church
We believe in the two sacraments instituted by Christ for the Church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. A sacrament is the sign and seal of God’s grace in Christ. We believe in baptism by immersion but in exceptional cases, we may practice baptism by sprinkling of water.
3.9 Marriage is a symbol of the union between Christ and His Church
Men and women are made in the image and likeness of the Triune God, to reflect His harmonious inter-personal relationships and interdependence. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Marriage between a man and a woman is symbolic of the union between Christ and His Church.
3.10 A lifestyle of love
As a community of believers, love should be our hallmark. We want to receive the love of God that is given to us, express our love for Him, and live a lifestyle of love towards other people. Jesus prayed that His followers would be united in love and we want to embody that, supporting each member of our family and being humble, forgiving and quick to apologize for our own mistakes.
3.11 The second coming of Christ
We believe in that Blessed Hope, the personal, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3.12 The eternal state
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men: the saved to eternal life and joy in the presence of our Lord, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment.
ARTICLE 4 – CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Our church adopts a tripartite structure of church government: Board of Elders (EB/ 長老團） , Administrative Council（長執會）, and Congregation（會眾）, each of which has a part to play in the government of the church.
4.1 Board of Elders (EB /長老團)
4.1.1 Functions
Elders and pastors are overseers and spiritual leaders of the church responsible for teaching and preaching the Word of God according to Scripture, setting spiritual directions and goals, organizing ministries of the church, upholding doctrines and morals of the faith, so that every member may be built up by the Word of God in love.
4.1.2 Composition
The Board of Elders & Pastors is composed of elders and ordained pastors. An ordained pastor serving in EBTCC is an ex officio member (當然成員) of EB. An un-ordained pastor may attend the meetings of the Board of Elders & Pastors but has no voting right.
4.1.3 Qualifications of Elders/Pastors
Those who accept the responsibilities of elders and pastors must conform to the standards set by Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1- 7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
An ordained pastor of this church must have received a Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) from a qualified seminary.
4.1.4 Chairman
The Board of Elders & Pastors may select a Chairman from among themselves. The service term should last one year, after which this Elder may be re-selected or replaced by another board member.
4.1.5 Senior Pastor, Pastors
The Senior Pastor will lead the Board of Elders & Pastors and the whole church in teaching the Word of God and fulfilling the spiritual goals of the church. All Pastors and Elders shall teach according to Scripture and demonstrate Christ-like servant example, not domineering over others.
4.1.6 Decision Making
There should be no fewer than two elders in order for the Board of Elders & Pastors to make decisions as a Board. Otherwise, all ministry decisions of the church are to be deferred to the Administrative Council.
Decisions of the Board of Elders & Pastors will become effective only with the endorsement of the deacons in the Administrative Council by a simple majority vote (that is, only the deacons will vote on the decisions of the Board of Elders) .
4.1.7 Election of Elders/Pastors
Election of an elder or pastor is by:
(1) With regard to a pastor, nomination of a candidate by a Pastor Search Committee appointed by the EB.
(2)With regard to an elder, nomination of a candidate by the EB.
(3) confirmation of the candidate by a two-thirds majority vote of the entire Administrative Council, with absentee ballots included
(4) election by the congregation with a two-thirds majority vote with absentee ballots included
(5) ordination by laying on of hands by elders/pastors
4.1.8 Terms of Service
The standard term of an elder is six years. After six years, the elder should take a sabbatical leave of one year, after which he may be re-elected to another six years of eldership by a two-thirds majority vote of the Administrative Council, with absentee ballots included.
The standard term of a pastor is three years. The pastor’s service may be extended every three years by a two-thirds majority vote of the Administrative Council, with absentee ballots included. After every six years, the pastor may take a sabbatical leave of three months with full compensation.
4.1.9 Employment of Elders
If deemed necessary by the Board of Elders & Pastors and the Administrative Council for the good of the church, an elder may serve in a full-time capacity and receive compensation from the church.
The elder who intends to receive compensation and serve in a full-time capacity must receive (1) unanimous support from the Board of Elders & Pastors, (2) a two-thirds majority vote from the entire Administrative Council with absentee ballots included, and (3) a two-thirds majority vote from the congregation, with absentee ballots included.
The standard term of a full-time elder employed by the church is three years. The elder’s service may be extended every three years by a two-thirds majority vote with absentee ballots included of the Administrative Council. After every six years, the employed elder will take a sabbatical leave of three months with full compensation.
4.2. Administrative Council (長執會)
4.2.1 Functions
The Administrative Council fulfills the administrative functions of the church.
4.2.2 Composition
The Administrative Council consists of all elders, pastors and deacons of the church.
4.2.3 Qualifications
Deacons must conform to the qualifications laid down by Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
4.2.4 Chairman
The Administrative Council is chaired by an elder elected by the Administrative Council. With less than two elders in the EB, a deacon may be elected as chairman.
The term for the chairman is two years, or it shall expire with the end of service term of the elder or deacon, whichever is less.
4.2.5 Decision making
All decisions in the Administrative Council shall be by a simple majority vote with absentee ballots included, except otherwise specified.
To reiterate again, decisions of the Board of Elders & Pastors will be effective only with the endorsement of the deacons in the Administrative Council by a simple majority vote with absentee ballots included (that is, only the deacons will vote) .
4.2.6 Election of Deacons
Election of a Deacon is by:
(1) nomination of a candidate by a committee consisted of the EB and three deacons. The committee shall solicit inputs from the congregation.
(2) confirmation of the candidate by a two-thirds majority vote of the Administrative Council, with absentee ballots included.
(3) election by the Congregation with a simple majority vote with absentee ballots included.
(4) ordination by laying on of the hands by the elders and /pastors.
4.2.7 Term of Service
The standard term of a deacon is three years. However as need arises, the term may be extended by the Administrative Council by a majority vote, but each term should not be more than six years. When the term ends, the deacon should take a sabbatical leave of one year, after which he may be re-elected by a two-thirds majority vote of the Administrative Council, with absentee ballots included.
4.2.8 Hiring of Church Staff
All hiring of other church staff other than a pastor or elder is to be discussed and decided in the Administrative Council.
4.3 The Congregation of the church
The Congregation of the church consists of baptized members of the church. The Congregation is to be led by the Board of Elders & Pastors in fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time, the Congregation has key roles to contribute in major decisions-making of the church: in the election of pastors, elders and deacons, in committing to buy or sell church buildings, in supporting church planting and mission projects, and in confirming the annual budget of the church.
ARTICLE 5 – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
A member must subscribe to the bylaws of this church.
5.1 Members:
5.1.1 A Christian who is baptized in this church is considered a member.
5.1.2 A baptized Christian from another church may apply for membership in this church.
5.1.3 Only a member may be elected as an elder, deacon or trustee.
5.1.4 To be elected an elder, a member must have at least five years of membership in Christ’s church and must have engaged in active ministry in this church for more than three years.
5.1.5 To be elected a deacon, a member must have at least three years of membership in Christ’s church and must have engaged in active ministry in this church for more than two years.
5.2 Voting Rights:
Voting rights are reserved for members aged 18 or above, and attending no less than 1/4 of Sunday service of the past six months.
5.3 Acceptance:
5.3.1 A baptized person may submit a membership application form to the Administrative Council to indicate his or her desire to join the church as a member.
5.3.2 The Administrative Council shall review the application.
5.3.3 Acceptance of a member shall be announced and welcomed in the Sunday worship service and on the church bulletin.
ARTICLE 6 – TRUSTEES
6.1 Organization
The Board of Trustees shall consist of two to four members.
6.2. Nomination
Procedures for election of Trustees are the same as those for the Elders, although an elected Trustee needs no laying on hands by pastors and elders.
6.3 Duties
Trustees shall have care, custody and control of all property of the church and administer the same under such rules as may be prescribed by the Administrative Council. The Trustees shall execute all legal instruments as may be authorized by the Administrative Council. They may act as consultants to the elders and deacons on legal and financial matters related to the acquisition, sale and management of church properties.
6.4 Term of Office
The trustees may serve a term of five years and they may be re-elected by a two-thirds majority vote in the Administrative Council, with absentee ballots included.
ARTICLE 7 – CHURCH DISCIPLINE
The goal of church discipline is to restore relationship to God and the community of faith according to Scripture.
7.1 Allegations against church members and leaders
All allegations against church members or leaders (pastors, elders, deacons) on doctrinal or moral grounds must be filed to the Board of Elders & Pastors OR Administrative Council by at least two members of the church.
7.2 Ethics Committee
Once the allegation is received, the Board of Elders & Pastors OR Administrative Council shall appoint an Ethics Committee consisting of no less than five members to conduct the investigation. The Ethics Committee shall be chaired by an elder or pastor. If there is no elder or pastor available, a deacon selected from the Administrative Council may chair the Ethics Committee. Judgment of each case is to be made in the Ethics Committee by a supermajority of three-fourths vote, with absentee ballots included.
7.3 Restoration
If the allegation is confirmed, efforts shall be made to help the person repent to God and correct his/her ways.
7.4 Discipline
An unrepentant church member shall be excommunicated by the church through the Board of Elders & Pastors and the Administrative Council. (Matt. 18: 15-20), who together represent the church.
7.5 Removal from Office
An unrepentant elder or pastor shall be removed from office and excommunicated by the Board of Elders & Pastors and Administrative Council, who together represent the church.
ARTICLE 8 – CHURCH PROPERTY
8.1 Purchase
All real estate bought or built with funds of this church shall be under the title of this church.
8.2 Selling/Change of Title/Mortgage
All selling, change of title, or mortgaging of property under the title of this church should be based on the need to expand God’s work. The above shall be approved in a Special Congregational Meeting by a two-thirds majority vote, with absentee ballots included.
8.3 Dissolution
In case the church becomes dissolved, any church property existing then, shall in no way be diverted for other purposes. All property shall be donated to another Christian charitable organization(s) or church(es).
ARTICLE 9 – MEETINGS
9.1 The Administrative Council
The Administrative Council shall meet at least once a month to tend to church business. Each member of the Administrative Council, regardless of how many offices he or she may hold, shall have only one vote. A member with any conflict of interest shall disclose such interest and, if judged by the Administrative Council as material, shall recuse himself or herself from voting on the business concerned.
9.2 Annual Congregational Meeting
The Annual Congregational Meeting shall be held in October of each year at the church. Written notice of said meeting shall be posted at the church at least two weeks prior to the meeting. At the Annual Congregational Meeting there will be the annual reports, confirmation of officers, adoption of the annual budget and all other businesses that may properly come before the meeting.
9.3 Mid-year Congregational Meeting
A Mid-Year Congregation Meeting shall be held in April of each year at the church to review the ongoing ministries of the church. Written notice of said meeting shall be posted at the church at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
9.4 Special Congregational Meetings
Special Congregational Meetings may be called by the Administrative Council or the written petition of more than fifty percent of the Members. The Administrative Council shall announce the Special Congregational Meeting at least seven days in advance. In case of emergency, the Administrative Council shall be responsible for notifying all members and announce the meeting during the Sunday worship service.
9.5 Quorum
The quorum for Administrative Council meeting is two-thirds of all council members
The congregation Meeting must meet a quorum of 30% of the members of the church.
ARTICLE 10 – AMENDMENTS
Any member may propose changes to the Bylaws by submitting the proposal in writing to the Administrative Council for consideration. Proposed amendments approved by the Administrative Council shall be presented to the congregation at least two weeks prior to a Congregational Meeting. A proposed amendment must be approved by two-thirds of the members present, with absentee ballots included. All amendments are effective upon approval.