東灣三一華人教會會章
第一條：名稱
本組織的名稱為”東灣三一華人教會”
第二條：使命
我們的使命是宣揚基督和神的國，使遠近的人都能經歷在主耶穌基督裡上帝愛的轉化大能。我們將通過禱告和以愛心進行的積極事工來實現這一使命。
第三條：信仰聲明
3.1 三位一體的上帝
我們相信三位一體的上帝，祂永恆地以三個位格存在－父、子和聖靈－彼此具有相同的神性，在能力和榮耀上平等，具有相同的屬性和完美。
3.2 藉耶穌基督得救
耶穌是完全的神也是完全的人，在世上過著完美、無罪的生活，並在十字架上為我們的罪獻上自己。祂承受了上帝的憤怒，受死之後復活，然後升天成為上帝與人之間永恆的中保。雖然我們在信主時就得救了，但救恩是一個過程，我們可能會繼續失敗，但上帝是信實的，當我們認罪時，祂必赦免我們。
3.3 救恩是上帝至高恩典的結果
上帝以祂的慈愛和憐憫，藉著耶穌基督的死亡和復活使我們被稱義。當我們接受上帝的救恩時，我們被收納成為祂的兒女，與基督同作後嗣。我們要在上帝的恩典和我們不配得的恩惠中，喜樂的生活，深信我們不是靠自己的努力來賺取上帝的愛。
3.4 聖靈的位格、同在和工作
聖靈是三位一體中與父和子同等的第三位格。祂降臨在所有信徒的心中，使我們確信救恩，使我們知罪，並在我們的品格上產生越來越像基督的樣式。祂的同在對我們敬拜、服事和傳福音是必要的。我們相信耶穌基督的跟隨者心中都有聖靈。
3.5 我們信仰的核心在主耶穌基督裡
上帝以祂的愛和恩典向所有人賜下救恩；我們只需要悔改並相信耶穌的死亡和復活的救贖大能。當我們這樣做時，我們就被稱義並永遠得赦免，被收納進入上帝的家中，並得到永恆的救恩。信心來自聽見上帝的話語，使我們認識祂並過一個跟隨和效法我們的主的門徒生活。
3.6 聖經作為上帝無誤話語的權威
上帝在聖經中（新教正典66卷書）啟示了自己，這是祂藉著人類作者所默示的無誤話語。它是我們信仰、生活和教義的最高權威，我們要效法耶穌的榜樣去相信、宣講和活出這話語。聖靈賜給我們能力，使我們對聖經有真實的理解，並幫助我們越來越清楚地看見真理。
3.7 教會是基督的身體和新婦
我們是普世教會的一部分，與所有真正相信主耶穌的教會一同構成基督的新婦。在耶穌作為教會元首的主權下，我們聚集在一起作為地方教會的一份子，彼此委身並委身於我們的領袖，並要求我們的教會成員成為基督身體的活躍成員。
3.8 教會的兩個聖禮
我們相信基督為教會設立的兩個聖禮：洗禮和聖餐。聖禮是上帝在基督裡恩典的記號和印證。我們相信浸禮，但在特殊情況下，我們可以實行灑水禮。
3.9 婚姻是基督與教會聯合的象徵
男人和女人都是按照三位一體上帝的形像和樣式造的，婚姻制度是屬於一男一女之間。一男一女之間的婚姻象徵著基督與祂教會之間的聯合。
3.10 愛的生活方式
作為信徒群體，愛應該是我們的標誌。我們要領受上帝賜給我們的愛、表達我們對祂的愛，並活出向他人表達愛的生活方式。耶穌禱告祂的跟隨者要在愛中合一，我們要體現這種合一，支持我們家庭的每一位成員，我們要謙卑、寬恕並迅速為自己的錯誤道歉。
3.11 基督的再來
我們相信那有福的盼望，就是主耶穌基督將親自再次降臨。
第四條：教會治理
我們教會採用三重教會治理結構：長老團、長執會和會眾，每一個都在教會治理中發揮作用。
4.1 長老團
4.1.1 職能
長老和牧師是教會的監督者和屬靈領袖，負責按照聖經教導和宣講上帝的話語，設定屬靈方向和目標，組織教會事工，維護信仰的教義和道德，使每位成員都能在愛中被上帝的話語建立。
4.1.2 組成
長老團由長老和按立的牧師組成。在本教會服事的按立牧師是長老團的當然成員。未按立的牧師可以參加長老團會議，但沒有投票權。
4.1.3 長老/牧師的資格
接受長老和牧師職責的人必須符合聖經所設定的標準（提摩太前書3:1-7；提多書1:5-9；彼得前書5:1-4）。
本教會的按立牧師必須從合格的神學院獲得道學碩士學位（或同等學歷）。
4.1.4 主席
長老團可以從成員中選出一位主席。任期應為一年，之後該長老可以重新被選出或由另一位成員替代。
4.1.5 主任牧師、牧師
主任牧師將帶領長老團和整個教會教導上帝的話語並實現教會的屬靈目標。所有牧師和長老都應按照聖經教導並展現基督樣式的僕人榜樣，不轄制他人。
4.1.6 決策
長老團至少要有兩位長老才能作為長老團做出決定。否則，教會的所有事工決定都要交由長執會處理。
長老團的決定只有在得到長執會中執事以簡單多數票認可後才能生效（即只有執事對長老團的決定進行投票）。
4.1.7 長老/牧師的產生方式
長老或牧師的方式為：
(1) 關於牧師，由長老團指派的聘牧委員會提名候選人。
(2) 關於長老，由長老團提名候選人。
(3) 由整個長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）確認候選人
(4) 由會眾以三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）選舉
(5) 由長老/牧師按手來按立
4.1.8 服事任期
長老的標準任期為六年。六年後，長老應休安息假一年，之後可以通過長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）重新被選舉為另一個六年任期的長老。
牧師的標準任期為三年。牧師的服事可以每三年通過長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）延長。每六年後，牧師可以帶薪休安息假三個月。
4.1.9 長老的聘用
如果長老團和長執會認為某長老對教會很必要並且有益處，該長老可以全職服事並從教會領取薪酬。
打算領取薪酬並全職服事的長老必須獲得：
(1)長老團一致支持，
(2)整個長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席者），以及
(3)會眾三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）。
教會聘用的全職長老的標準任期為三年。長老的服事可以每三年通過長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）延長。每六年後，受聘的長老將帶薪休安息假三個月。
4.2. 長執會
4.2.1 職能
長執會履行教會的行政職能。
4.2.2 組成
長執會由教會所有的長老、牧師和執事組成。
4.2.3 資格
執事必須符合聖經所規定的資格（提摩太前書3:8-13）。
4.2.4 主席
長執會由長執會選出的長老擔任主席。如果長老團少於兩位長老，可以選舉一位執事擔任主席。
主席任期為兩年，或在長老或執事的服事任期結束時終止，以較短者為準。
4.2.5 決策
除非另有規定，長執會的所有決定應以簡單多數票通過（包括缺席者）。
再次重申，長老團的決定只有在得到長執會中執事以簡單多數票（包括缺席者）認可後才能生效（即只有執事投票）。
4.2.6 執事的選舉
執事的選舉方式為：
(1) 由長老團和三位執事組成的委員會來提名候選人。該委員會應徵求會眾的意見。
(2) 由長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）確認候選人。
(3) 由會眾以簡單多數票（包括缺席者）選舉通過。
(4) 由長老和牧師按手來按立。
4.2.7 服事任期
執事的標準任期為三年。然而根據需要，任期可以由長執會以多數票延長，但每個任期不應超過六年。任期結束時，執事應休安息假一年，之後可以通過長執會三分之二多數票（包括缺席投票）重新被選舉。
4.2.8 教會職員的聘用
除牧師或長老外的所有教會職員的聘用，都要在長執會中討論和決定。
4.3 教會會眾
教會會眾由教會的受洗會員組成。會眾要在長老團的帶領下完成我們主耶穌基督的大使命。同時，會眾在教會的重大決策中發揮關鍵作用：在選舉牧師、長老和執事，在承諾購買或出售教堂建築，在支持植堂和宣教項目，以及在確認教會年度預算方面。
第五條：教會會籍
會員必須遵守本教會的章程。
5.1 會員：
5.1.1 在本教會受洗的基督徒被視為會員。
5.1.2 來自其他教會的已受洗基督徒可以申請成為本教會會員。
5.1.3 只有會員可以被選為長老、執事或受託人。
5.1.4 要被選為長老，會員必須在基督的教會中有至少五年的會籍，並且必須在本教會積極參與事工超過三年。
5.1.5 要被選為執事，會員必須在基督的教會中有至少三年的會籍，並且必須在本教會積極參與事工超過兩年。
5.2 投票權：
投票權保留給年滿18歲或以上，並在過去六個月內參加主日崇拜不少於四分之一的會員。
5.3 接納：
5.3.1 已在別的教會受洗的人，可以向長執會提交會員申請表，表明其希望加入教會成為會員。
5.3.2 長執會應審查該申請。
5.3.3 被接納的會員應在主日崇拜時宣布，並在教會週報上公佈。
5.4 會籍資格：
5.4.1 如果本地居住的會員每年參加主日崇拜少於四分之一，其會籍可能被取消。
5.4.2 如果本地居住的會員因健康或行動不便的原因無法親自參加或遠程視訊參加崇拜，可以保留其會籍。
5.4.3 會員因工作/居所搬遷而離開教會所在地，無法親自參加主日崇拜，經長執會批准後可以申請保留會籍。
5.4.4 被取消會籍的會員必須通過重新申請程序才能再次獲得會員資格
第六條：受託人
6.1 組織
受託人會應由二至四名會員組成。
6.2. 提名
受託人的選舉程序與長老相同，但當選的受託人無需經過牧師和長老的按手禮。
6.3 職責
受託人應照管、保管和控制教會的所有財產，並按照長執會規定的規則來管理。受託人應執行長執會授權的所有法律文書。他們可以在與教會財產的購置、出售和管理相關的法律和財務事務上擔任長老和執事的顧問。
第七條：教會紀律
教會紀律的目標是按照聖經恢復來與上帝和信仰群體的關係。
7.1 對教會會員和領袖的指控
對教會會員或領袖（牧師、長老、執事）在教義或道德方面的所有指控，必須由至少兩名教會會員向長老團或長執會提出。
7.2 倫理委員會
一旦收到指控，長老團或長執會應任命一個由不少於五名會員組成的倫理委員會進行調查。倫理委員會應由一位長老或牧師擔任主席。如果長老或牧師因故無法擔任主席，可以由從長執會選出的執事擔任倫理委員會主席。每個案件的判決應在倫理委員會中以四分之三特別多數票（包括缺席者）作出。
7.3 復原
如果指控得到證實，應努力幫助當事人向上帝悔改並改正其行為。
7.4 紀律
不願悔改的教會會員，應由長老團和長執會（共同代表教會）開除會籍。（馬太福音18:15-20）
第八條：教會財產
8.1 購置
所有使用本教會資金購買或建造的不動產，應歸本教會所有。
8.2 出售/產權變更/抵押
本教會名下財產的出售、產權變更或抵押，都應基於擴展上帝事工的需要而進行。上述事項應在特別會員大會上經三分之二多數票（包括缺席者）批准。
第九條：會議
9.1 長執會
長執會應至少每月召開一次會議處理教會事務。長執會的每位成員，無論擔任多少職務，都只有一票表決權。任何有利益衝突的成員應披露這種利益，如果長執會判定為重大利益，該成員應迴避相關事務的表決。
9.2 年度會員大會
年度會員大會應每年十月在教會舉行。該會議的書面通知應至少在會議前兩週在教會公佈。年度會員大會將有年度報告、執事印證投票、通過年度預算以及所有其他可能適當提出的事務。
9.3 年中會員大會
年中會員大會應每年四月在教會舉行，以審查教會正在進行的事工。該會議的書面通知應至少在會議前兩週在教會公佈。
9.4 特別會員大會
特別會員大會可由長執會宣布召開，或由超過百分之五十的會員書面請願召開。長執會應至少提前七天宣布特別會員大會。在緊急情況下，長執會應負責通知所有會員並在主日崇拜時宣布會議。
第十條：修訂
任何會員都可以通過書面向長執會提交修改章程的建議。經長執會批准的修訂提案應在會員大會前至少兩週向會眾提出。提議的修訂必須得到出席會員的三分之二批准（包括缺席者）。所有修訂在批准後立即生效。
說明：本會章的原稿為英文，放在下面。若是中文翻譯與英文的原稿有不一致或是混淆之處，一律以英文原稿為準。
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.