OUTLINE - CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION 1

Transcription

1 OUTLINE - CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION 1 ITEM I THE CONGREGATION 2 A. Responsibilities B. Church Year C. Congregational Meetings D. Quorum E. Individuals Elected by their Congregation to Serve on the General Board and their Terms of Service 3 F. Qualifications of Elected Individuals 4 ITEM II THE SELECTION OF ELECTED INDIVIDUALS 5 A. Responsibilities of the Nominating Committee B. Nominating from the Floor C. Voting in the Congregational Meetings ITEM III THE GENERAL BOARD 7 A. General Responsibilities B. Meetings C. Membership of the General Board D. Order of Business of Meetings E. Quorum 8 F. Absences G. Specific Responsibilities of the General Board ITEM IV RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED INDIVIDUALS 10 A. Responsibilities of Board Officers B. Responsibilities of Trustees, Elders, Deacons, Communion Stewards and Chair of Deacons 10 C. Responsibilities of Church Ministries and Ministry Chairs 13 D. Basic Responsibilities of Each Ministry ITEM V PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT OF PAID STAFF 18 (Appointment of Personnel Committee by Chair of General Board) A. Hiring (See Personnel Handbook) B. Termination ITEM VI PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT OF MINISTER(S) 19 (Includes Interim Ministers, Assistant, and/or Associate Ministers) A. Appointment of Search Committee B. Recommendation of the Search Committee C. Conditions of the Call D. Term of Ministry E. Termination ITEM VII SALARIES AND OTHER COMPENSATIONS 20 ITEM VIII RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITY OF MINISTERS 21 ITEM IX RULES OF MEETINGS 22 ITEM X AMENDMENTS TO THESE BYLAWS 22

2 CONSTITUTION For BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH; SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI Disciples of Christ PREAMBLE We, the members of Brentwood Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, of Springfield, Missouri, realizing the need of a vital Christian Faith in our lives and in the lives of others living in this community, do hereby join ourselves together as a body and pledge our lives and efforts to the accomplishment of this purpose, and do hereby establish this Constitution. ARTICLE I This Church corporation is affiliated with the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and committed to the historic principles of this body whose local congregations are variously known as Christian Churches, Churches of Christ (Disciples of Christ), or Disciples of Christ. ARTICLE II The membership of this Church shall consist of those who are now identified as members of the Congregation and those who shall unite with it in one of the following ways: 1. Confession of Faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and baptism by immersion 2. Transfer of membership from another Church whose baptism is in the previous Church shall be recognized regardless of form. The opportunity for baptism by immersion shall always be encouraged and offered, but shall not be required of those who are members in good standing of another Church for the transferring of their membership. Voting privileges shall be extended to all participating members present at Congregational Meetings. Participating members shall be those members who have participated in the activities of the Church by attendance at services, identifiable giving, or by participating and serving through Church-sponsored organizations. ARTICLE III As a basis of organization and for the efficient transaction of business and the carry-out of programs, the Bylaws shall govern the transaction of business by the Congregation and the General Board. ARTICLE IV This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the Congregation present and voting at any Annual Meeting of the Congregation, or at a Special Called Congregational Meeting, provided written notice, and an explanation of the recommended change(s) shall have been presented to the Congregation at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting in written form. (Written form is to be understood as the worship bulletin, church paper, or other forms of written correspondence.)

3 BYLAWS FOR BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH; SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI Disciples of Christ PURPOSE: ITEM I These Bylaws are adopted for the purpose of the government and administration of the business of BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH of Springfield, Missouri, in accordance with the purpose and objectives set forth in the Constitution of Brentwood Christian Church. THE CONGREGATION A. RESPONSIBILITIES It is the responsibility of this Congregation to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all areas of its life and work, seeking to witness in all situations and attempting to respond in faith and commitment of Jesus Christ. It is understood within these Bylaws, that the election of Church Officers by the Congregation places upon these individuals and upon the General Board the responsibility to act in the best interest of the whole Congregation. It is further understood that the final authority of this incorporated Congregation, even though it is delegated to the General Board in the form of elected individuals, is always subject to the will of the Congregation in all situations. B. CHURCH YEAR The Church Year for all functions of this Congregation shall be from January 1 of each year and end on December 31. C. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS A Congregational Meeting for the election of individuals and for the conducting of annual business shall be held ON or before the third Sunday in December. Congregational Meetings shall be held as required. Such meetings shall be called by the Chairperson of the General Board or by written petition of twenty-five percent (25%) of the participating members, provided notice in writing of the meeting and its purpose to be given ten (10) days in advance to the General Board, signed by said members. Notice of all Congregational Meetings shall be given at regular Sunday Services of the Congregation at least ten (10) days in advance of the date of the Congregational meeting, and notice shall be published in writing stating the items of business. D. QUORUM A quorum shall constitute the expected number of members to be present to transact all business at a Congregational Meeting other than a property transfer. Two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting in the Congregational Meeting shall constitute the necessary authorization for the Trustees to transfer, buy, mortgage, or sell

4 real estate, this term to include buildings, land, etc., as generally understood under the term real estate. E. INDIVIDUALS ELECTED BY THEIR CONGREGATION TO SERVE ON THE GENERAL BOARD AND THEIR TERM OF SERVICE 1. CHAIR of the General Board 2. VICE-CHAIR of the General Board The Chair and Vice Chair shall serve one year with re-election possible for one (1) succeeding terms to the same position. Total time of consecutive service in the same position is two (2) years. Re-election to either of the above positions is not possible until one year has elapsed. 3. SECRETARY of the General Board and Congregation. The Secretary shall serve one year with re-election possible for two (2) succeeding terms to the same position. Total time of service in the same position is three (3) years. 4. FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. THREE ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARIES 6. TREASURER 7. ONE ASSISTANT TREASURER The Financial Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer are elected to one-year terms, but may be re-elected if they are willing to serve, without any limitation of terms. 8. CHAIRS OF CHURCH MINISTRIES: The Ministry Chairs shall serve for one-year terms with re-election possible for two succeeding terms to the same position. Total time of consecutive service is three years in the same position. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EVANGELSIM AND MEMEBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MEMBERSHIP PROPERTY STEWARDSHIP WORLD OUTREACH WORSHIP 9. TRUSTEES* Three (3) Trustees shall be elected, one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years. 10. ELDERS* Not less than eight (8) in number, one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years. 11. DEACONS* Not less than thirty-two (32) in number, one-third of whom shall be elected each year for a term of three years. 12. COMMUNION STEWARDS* Not less than twelve (12) in numbers to serve one year and not be a member of the board. 13. CHAIR OF DEACONS* Shall be elected for a term of three years.

5 14. OTHER POSITIONS EMERITUS: The Nominating Committee may nominate, and the General Board may confer the honor EMERITUS upon any Elder, Deacon, or Communion Stewards. The title of EMERITUS shall remain as an honorary designation for life, carrying with it all of the privileges of the designated position. * Term limitations for TRUSTEES, ELDERS, DEACONS, and CHAIR OF DEACONS: When a full three year term has been served, re-election to the same position is not possible until one year has elapsed, If an individual has been elected to fill an unexpired term of any of the above, that person may be re-elected to serve a full three year term. F. QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTED INDIVIDUALS 1. To be a member of BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 2. To have a willingness of spirit to be of service to Jesus Christ and His Church. 3. To participate by regular attendance in the transaction of business by the General Board. 4. To be regular in attendance of services of the Church and to participate in the functions and the ministry of the Church. 5. To be regular in support of the ministry of the Church in time, talent, and financial support to the best of one s ability. 6. To attempt in each personal life to conduct one s total life in a manner as to be respectful of the office. 7. To promote good will and Christian fellowship within the church family, seeking to strengthen the varied programs of the Church, and aiding the minister(s) and membership in making the total life and work of the Church relate to the purposes of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. General responsibilities and specific duties of each officer will be found under the responsibilities of the members of the General Board. This space intentionally left blank.

6 ITEM II THE SECLECTION OF ELECTED INDIVIDUALS The Chair of the General Board shall appoint a Nominating Committee to serve for twelve (12) months. THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE shall be composed of the past Chairperson of the General Board, who shall serve as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, two elected individuals whose terms expire at the end of the current calendar year and two members of the Congregation who are not elected individuals. The selection of the Nominating Committee shall be presented to the General Board for approval at the second meeting of the General Board in the new calendar year. The names of the Nominating Committee shall be published and members of the Congregation shall be asked for suggestions of names of individuals for consideration. A. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE The NOMINATING COMMITTEE shall meet each year in September and nominate one individual for each of the elective positions to be filled. The nominees shall be selected on the basis of the understanding and the qualifications and responsibilities of those positions as understood by the Nominating Committee, and the ability of that individual to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of that position. The NOMINATING COMMITTEE shall then secure the consent of the individuals to have their names placed in nomination, and shall report their selections to the General Board for approval at the October General Board meeting. After the General Board has approved the recommended nominees, these names and proposed positions shall be published in written form and distributed to the Congregation prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting at which time the Congregation votes on the approval of the nominees. (This procedure is referred to Item 1 C: Congregational Meetings, page 2). Whenever an elected individual shall permanently move from this community, resign from the position, or withdraw their membership from this Congregation, that position shall be declared vacant. Such a vacancy shall be filled by the Nominating Committee, using the same basis of qualifications and procedures stated above for nomination, and shall present the nomination to the General Board for approval to fill out the unexpired term. In each situation, a report of the action of the Nominating Committee and the approval of the General Board shall be made to the Congregation in written form. B. NOMINATING FROM THE FLOOR Nominations may be placed from the floor by any member at the Congregational Meeting, provided that the consent of the individual nominated has been secured in advance. C. VOTING IN THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS Voting procedures in the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, and in all Congregational Meetings where voting will take place, shall be determined by the General Board. (Printed ballots? How drawn? In what form? Etc. must be decided by the General Board.)

7 All nominees who receive a majority of the votes cast by those members present and voting shall be declared elected. If nominations exceed the number of vacancies, those receiving the highest number of votes will be declared elected. This space intentionally left blank.

8 ITEM III THE GENERAL BOARD A. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The responsibility for the management of the business of this Congregation is placed upon the General Board of BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH between Annual and Special Congregational Meetings. All action of the General Board is open to review by the Congregation at all times and may be reversed by Congregational action. The minutes of all meetings of the General Board are available to anyone who desires them. B. MEETINGS The General Board will meet in January, March, May, August, October and December at 6:30 in the evening on the first Monday of the month, at the church (Exception: When a holiday falls on the first Monday of the meeting month, the General Board will meet on the second Monday at the same time and place.) Special Meetings of the General Board may be held at the call of the Chair of the General Board, provided that at least one (1) week notice is given to all members of the General Board, in writing. This may be done by letter or by publication in the worship bulletin or church paper. C. MEMBERSHIP OF THE GENERAL BOARD The General Board shall be composed of all of the elected members: Chair Deacons (32) Vice-Chair Chair of Deacons Secretary Chairs of Church Ministries (7) Financial Secretary Representative of Church-sponsored groups Assistant Financial Secretary (3) Disciple Women s Ministries Treasurer Christian Men s Fellowship Assistant Treasurer Youth Groups, Committee Chairs, Trustees (3) or other specially approved & appointed Elders (8) Past Chair of General Board Any person interested in visiting and sharing with the General Board is always welcome. D. ORDER OF BUSINESS OF MEETINGS 1. Meeting called to order by presiding officer. 2. Opening with prayer. 3. Presentation and approval of minutes of previous meeting. 4. Presentation and approval by motion and vote of the Treasurer s report. 5. Reports from Ministry Chairs, other officer, other group representatives, concerned groups, minster(s). 6. Old Business. 7. New Business. 8. Adjournment and closing prayer.

9 F. QUORUM G. ABSENCES A quorum shall constitute expected number of members to be present to transact all business before the Board. Members of the General Board, having agreed to serve if elected, should maintain a regular attendance at the meetings of the General Board. H. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GENERAL BOARD a. The General Board shall consider the reports from the various officers, ministry chairs, specially appointed committees, groups of the church, and the minister(s). The General Board shall be the clearing house for all business matters, receiving reports and plans, taking action on recommendations presented by the church ministries. b. Recommendations from Church Ministries and Church-Sponsored Organizations: Because the Church ministries are the planning and working core of BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH, and because all items dealing with program, activities, improvements, spending, etc., are covered in the responsibilities of one of the specified ministries, and because of the thought and planning which is to be found within the recommendations which are presented for action by the General Board, the General Board may: i. Approve the recommendation. ii. Disapprove the recommendation. iii. Refer the recommendation back to the ministry for more study, more detail, or reconsideration. iv. The General Board shall not attempt to make modifications in the recommendation without the approval of the ministry or organization which has placed the recommendation before the General Board. c. Recommendations from individuals: Recommendations and suggestions from individuals are always encouraged and welcome. If these are presented directly to the General Board, without being studied by the ministry which will have responsibility for implementation and funding, the Chair of the General Board will refer recommendation to the Ministry which is responsible for the suggest activity, programs, improvement, etc. That Church Ministry will consider the suggestion/ recommendation and decide on its disposition in the best judgment of that Ministry. d. Special Committees and Representatives: When needed to properly administer or represent the work of the Church, the Chair of the General Board shall appoint special committees or representatives, subject to the approval of the General Board. These special committees or representatives shall be charged with specific responsibilities to complete. In the function of their special status, they shall report to the General Board the findings of their specific responsibilities. The length of responsibility shall be no more than one year, unless otherwise designated by the General Board.

10 e. Removal of Elected Individuals: If elected individuals fail to fulfill the duties of the position to which they have been elected, the General Board may declare the position vacant and instruct the Nominating Committee to bring a recommendation to filling the vacancy. The General Board shall approve the nomination and inform the Congregation of the individual now serving. Conditions of sickness or emergencies shall constitute conditions beyond one s control. This space left blank intentionally.

11 ITEM IV RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED INDIVIDUALS As individuals have been elected to the positions of responsibility by the Congregation, the following are the specific functions which they have been asked to perform. These functions are in keeping with the history and tradition of the Disciples of Christ and may be enlarged to meet the needs of the Congregation. (If these responsibilities are permanent, these Bylaws shall be amended to state those responsibilities. A. RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD OFFICERS 1. CHAIR OF GENERAL BOARD shall preside at all meetings of the General Board and at all special meetings of the Congregation as well as the ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING. The CHAIR shall appoint, with the approval of the General Board, all special committees such as the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, the PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE, the BYLAWS COMMITTEE, and any other committee that is necessary for the General Board to carry out the business of the church. The Chair shall serve as an ex-officio member of all appointed committees. The CHAIR shall give supervision to the MINISTRY CHAIRS and share with the minister(s) in the administration of the total church program and shall fulfill other duties as may be designated by the General Board. 2. VICE-CHAIR OF GENERAL BOARD shall fulfill the duties of the CHAIR in his/her absence and such other duties as may be designated; shall share in the leadership and guidance of the church. 3. SECRETARY OF GENERAL BOARD shall keep minutes of all regular and special meetings of the General Board and of all Congregational meetings, noting within these minutes the recommendations, motions, and actions. The SECRETARY will see that the minutes are prepared for distribution at the meetings of the General Board. (The church office will prepare these from the Secretary s minutes. 4. FINANCIAL SECRETARY shall receive the regular offerings, keeping account of the giving of individuals for records for those individuals, and deposit these funds to the proper church accounts. Shall serve as member of the Stewardship Ministry. May fulfill other duties as may be designated by the General Board. 5. ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY shall fulfill, in the absence of the Financial Secretary, all duties as may be designated by the General Board. 6. TREASURER shall disburse the funds of the church according to the authority designated by the General Board and under the supervision of the Ministry of Stewardship. Shall make regular reports at each meeting of the General Board, showing income, expenses, and assets. Shall fulfill other duties as may be designated by the General Board. 7. ASSISTANT TREASURER shall fulfill, in the absence of the Treasurer, all duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer.

12 B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES, ELDERS, DEACONS, COMMUNION STEWARDS, AND CHAIR OF DEACONS 1. TRUSTEES: Shall handle all legal matters according to these BYLAWS and Articles of Incorporation, as related to BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH as a nonprofit organization. a. Shall borrow money, execute notes, including mortgages, at the direction of the General Board with the approval of the Congregation. b. Shall examine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Property, all bids and contracts having to do with large expenditures of money for building, remodeling, and improvement of building and grounds, and shall negotiate and sign these contracts with the approval of the General Board. c. Shall see that proper insurance coverage is maintained to cover liability and the property of the church. d. Shall handle all stock transactions, with the authority to sell stock which has been given to the Church. e. Shall provide proper management for funds to be invested on behalf of the Congregation. f. The TRUSTEES will investigate, propose, and jointly recommend to the General Board for the borrowing of funds and the securing of loans. g. Shall supervise the placement of all significant gifts and recommend these to the General Board for approval, after discussion with and approval by the family. h. Should any TRUSTEE, when directed by the General Board with authority granted by the Congregation, fail to follow the direction given by the General Board and Congregation, the General Board may, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote, declare that position vacant and instruct the Nominating Committee to fill the vacancy; the nominee to fill the vacancy must then be approved by the General Board. 2. ELDERS: Shall give oversight to the spiritual life of the Congregation. Shall attempt to fulfill a wider ministry to the Congregation in the following ways: a. Shall elect a chairperson to provide liaison with the ministers, to preside at meeting, prepare the elder serving list, and other duties as necessary. b. Encourage a deepening of the spiritual life of the Congregation by personal involvement in the wider activities of the Congregation. c. Shall serve at the Lord s Table. d. Shall serve communion to those who cannot attend worship.

13 e. Shall visit the sick. f. Shall share with the minister(s) in advice and counsel. g. Shall fulfill such other duties as may be designated by the General Board. 3. DEACONS: Shall serve in several areas of service within the Congregation. a. Shall serve in the greeting and distribution of bulletins, and ushering where necessary. b. Shall receive the offering. c. Shall serve the Lord s Supper. d. Shall assist the minister(s) with baptismal services. e. Shall assist the Elders in serving communion to those who cannot attend worship. f. Such other responsibilities and duties as may be designated by the General Board. 4. COMMUNION STEWARDS: Shall have the responsibility to fulfill the following duties: a. Shall prepare the communion elements for all times of worship where communion is to be served. b. Shall be responsible for keeping the items of communion ware and offering plates in the most attractive conditions possible. c. Shall prepare the items which are used during the fellowship time on Sunday mornings. d. Shall in addition to the preparation, be responsible for the cleaning up and putting away of all items used in relation to communion and the fellowship time on Sunday mornings. e. Shall fulfill other duties and responsibilities as may be designated by the General Board. 5. CHAIR OF DEACONS: The specific responsibilities would include but are not limited to the following: a. Shall assist the minster(s) in working out any problem which would contribute to a lack of effectiveness in worship. b. Shall contact and schedule time to teach new deacons and review with those who continue to serve, the procedures and responsibilities of serving as Deacons. c. Shall serve as a member of the Ministry of Worship. d. Shall fulfill other duties and responsibilities as may be designated by the General Board. e. Shall prepare yearly serving schedule and assign Team Captains.

14 6. TEAM CAPTAINS a. Making sure that all positions among the deacons are filled each time of worship. b. Keeping records of attendance in times of regular worship and other special times. c. In general ways, preparing what is needed for worship and placing these items for deacons use (Offering plates, bulletins, etc.). d. In general, this individual sees that the things in worship move smoothly and effectively. e. Check the communion table before the 9:00 service to make sure that the table and trays are set up correctly. D. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHURCH MINISTRIES AND MINISTRY CHAIRS The Church Ministries are the core of the working and planning of the Congregation. They shall consist of a Chair who is elected by the Congregation, and varying numbers of individuals from the Congregation deemed adequate to handle the program planning process. These ministries will vary in numbers of members. As the Church Ministries serve as the planners and the designers of the activities within this Congregation, it is further understood that the whole of the Congregation becomes the labor force which will carry out the various programs and projects. The Ministries are charged with the planning, funding by the process of budgeting, and supervision. The work of the Ministries is not limited to the members of the Ministries. The design and responsibilities of the Church Ministries consist of basic duties and responsibilities, and then the broader working relationships with other Ministries. The Ministries will meet regularly and carry out the duties and responsibilities which are designated for them, and they shall report to the General Board their activities. The stated responsibilities of the Ministries are to be seen as the authority to carry out their actions, provided that funding is provided within their individual budgets. Board action is not required upon each plan or program, but the General Board is to be kept informed of their ongoing work. The CABINET is composed of all MINSTRY CHAIRS and functions as a planning committee with the Minister(s). The Cabinet is chaired by Vice Chairman of the Board. The Cabinet only makes recommendations to the General Board. E. BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EACH MINISTRY 1. MINISTRY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION shall be responsible for the following basic duties and responsibilities. a. Shall direct a comprehensive and coordinated program of Christian Education within the Congregation. b. Shall administer and supervise the Church School. c. Shall select and train teachers and assistants.

15 d. Shall approve all materials used in the Church School program. e. Shall supervise the Vacation Church School in the summer months. f. Shall maintain and supervise the Church Library. g. Shall cooperate with other ministries of the church to the end that the program areas for which they are responsible are represented in the education program of the church. h. Shall secure equipment and materials needed by the teachers. i. Shall maintain and supervise a music program within the Church School and encourage this to be shared with the Congregation on a regular basis. j. Shall supervise the expenditure of funds within the budget of Christian Education with the guidance of the Ministry of Stewardship. k. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent within the scope of education within the Congregation. l. Junior Deacons are selected to serve in various capacities by the Christian Education Ministry. They may be asked to assist the Deacons, and they are encouraged to participate in all activities. 2. MINISTRY OF EVANGELISM AND MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT shall be responsible for: a. Shall attempt to develop a climate for evangelism within the Congregation. b. Shall create and maintain a year round emphasis on evangelism. c. Shall plan and administer special evangelistic projects and emphasis. (If this involves special worship times, this shall be done in cooperation with the Ministry of Worship.) d. Shall enlist the help of members of the Congregation in calling and visitation. e. Shall develop a shepherd program to help new members become acquainted in the Congregation. f. Shall supervise the expenditure of funds within the budget of Evangelism and Membership Development with the guidance of the Ministry of Stewardship. g. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent with the scope of evangelism and membership development within the congregation. 3. MINISTRY OF MEMBERSHIP shall be responsible for the following basic duties and responsibilities: a. Shall attempt to stimulate the widest possible interest in all the happenings of the Congregation. b. Shall promote the spirit of fellowship by assigning new members to active members of the congregation who will serve as shepherds to the new members. The shepherd s responsibilities are to keep in frequent contact with their assigned new members by inviting them to special events, calling them when they are absent, and helping them become better acquainted with other members and the programs of the church.

16 c. Shall create and maintain a working roll of members of the Congregation, showing the degree of activity, responsibilities accepted past and present, and areas of interest within the life of the church. d. Working with the Cabinet, it shall be the responsibility of the MINISTRY OF MEMBERSHIP to (1) host two events each year (one month in the spring and one month in the fall) to provide opportunities for new members to become better acquainted with other members; (2) assign one monthly fellowship dinner, or event, to each of the other ministries: Christian Education, Evangelism, Property, Stewardship, World Outreach, and Worship; and (3) assign one monthly fellowship dinner, or event, to four other groups within the church. This distribution of various groups being responsible for one fellowship activity (dinner or event) would provide for a total of 12 activities throughout the year. e. Shall supervise the expenditure of funds within the budget of Membership with the guidance of the Ministry of Stewardship. f. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent within the scope of the membership within the Congregation. 4. MINISTRY OF PROPERTY shall be responsible for: a. Shall supervise the building and grounds, and all general equipment of the church. This includes the care, repair, redecoration, remodeling, and improvements. b. Shall, in cooperation with the TRUSTEES, prepare specifications for any and all items which are to be placed for bids, for improvements or additions to the building or property which are to be contracted. c. Shall, in cooperation with the TRUSTEES, see that the building and grounds are properly insured. d. Shall supervise the purchase and installation of all new equipment which is to be permanently attached within the building or placed on the grounds. (If memorial gifts are to be attached within the building, the MINISTRY OF PROPERTY and the MINISTRY OF WORSHIP shall cooperate in their selection and placement.) e. Shall supervise, in cooperation with the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, minister(s), and under the direction of the General Board, the work of the custodian. f. Shall supervise the expenditure of funds within the budget of property with the guidance of the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP. g. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent within the scope of property within the Congregation. 5. MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP shall be responsible for: a. Shall attempt to stimulate the widest possible interest on the part of the membership in the practice of Christian Stewardship. b. Shall prepare, with the suggestions and specific asking of other ministries and recommendations of salaries from the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE the

17 proposed operating budget to be submitted to the General Board and the Congregation. c. Shall supervise the expending of funds, in cooperation with the various ministries, and with the approval of the General Board. d. Shall conduct a definite program of commitment to a practice of Christian Stewardship. e. Shall cooperate with other ministries to the end that Stewardship education is adequately included in the total life of the church. f. Shall be responsible for, either by delegation to a special committee or by means of its own choosing, for any special fund raising projects for improvements which are beyond the ability of the Congregation to put within the operating budget. g. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent within the scope of stewardship within the congregation. 6. MINISTRY OF WORLD OUTREACH shall be responsible for: a. Shall attempt to stimulate a sense of Christian mission and concern for others on the part of the entire church. b. Shall create the widest possible support for programs of mission and benevolence, including the promotion of special offerings. c. Shall develop, in cooperation with other ministries, a program of education involving mission support. d. Shall study the needs and asking for World Outreach dollars, and select the priority expenditures. e. Shall supervise the expenditure of the World Outreach funds with the guidance of the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP, sharing with the General Board and the Congregation information which will increase understanding and interest. f. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent within the scope of outreach within the Congregation. 7. MINISTRY OF WORSHIP shall be responsible for: a. Shall be responsible for worship services, in cooperation with other ministries and the minister(s), including the order of worship, ushering (in cooperation with DEACONS), and general appearances and physical aids to worship (in cooperation with PROPERTY). Each of those items happens with in-put from the ELDERS, DEACONS, and involved ministries. b. Shall be responsible for all special services. c. Shall recommend policies, if needed, concerning use of all musical instruments belonging to the church and supervise their use in the way decided by the Ministry. d. Shall encourage effective worship in the various organizations of the church. e. Shall encourage, in cooperation with the Choir Director and Organist, a meaningful music program for morning worship and other special services.

18 f. Shall encourage the use of worship leaders and greeters, actively gaining volunteers or recruiting these for each Sunday morning worship service. g. Shall supervise, in cooperation with the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, minister(s), and under the direction of the General Board, the work of the choir director and organist. h. Shall supervise the expenditures of the budget of Worship with the guidance of the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP. i. Such other duties and responsibilities as may become apparent within the scope of worship in the Congregation. This space intentionally left blank.

19 ITEM V PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT OF PAID STAFF Excluding Ministers The PERSONNEL COMMITTEE shall be appointed by the Chair of the General Board to handle all personnel matters. It shall be composed of five (5) individuals selected from the members of the General Board. When a motion by the Personnel Committee is made to the board or congregation a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote shall be required to approve all motions from the committee. The CHAIR of the GENERAL BOARD shall strive to appoint members who have or have had prior experience in the field of personnel management. An attempt should be made to select one individual from the following areas: (1) TRUSTEES, (2) ELDERS; (3), DEACONS, (4) a representative from the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP, and (5) one representative from the members-at-large. The Chair of the General Board shall appoint one of the five to serve as Chair of the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE. Individuals on the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE are to serve on a rotating basis for a three year term. Selections are to be made following the same guidelines for serving as ELDERS, DEACONS, etc. If an individual has been selected to serve a partial three year term, then he or she is eligible to be reappointed for a full three year term. The PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, with the approval of the General Board, has the authority to hire SUPPORT STAFF and SALARIED STAFF (in consultation with the appropriate Ministry Chair). SUPPORT STAFF is defined as hourly workers such as the custodial staff and child care attendants. Salaried Staff includes the Secretary, Organist, Choir Director and/or Piano/ Keyboard Accompanist. A. HIRING The process of interviewing, selection, and recommendation of paid staff shall be made through the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE. The PERSONNEL COMMITTEE shall recommend an individual for the vacant staff position to the General Board. The General Board must then act upon the recommendation. If this is a positive action to hire, the recommended and approved staff person will be hired. B. TERMINATION Termination of paid staff members shall be upon the recommendation of the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE. This recommendation, in consultation with the Ministry Chair whose ministry is responsible for the individual s work, and the minister(s), will come to the General Board in the form of a recommendation. The General Board, acting upon the recommendation, shall need a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of the General Board present and voting, for approval of the recommendation. The Chair of the General Board shall carry out the direction of the General Board.

20 ITEM VI PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT OF MINISTER(S) Includes Interim Ministers, Assistant and/ or Associate Ministers A. APPOINTMENT OF SEARCH COMMITTEE by Chair of General Board. 1. The SEARCH COMMITTEE shall be composed of nine persons representing all areas of the congregation: TRUSTEES, ELDERS, DEACONS, Disciple Women s Ministries, Christian Men s Fellowship, Youth, one person from the Congregation-atlarge, and the Chair of the General Board. 2. Appointments to the SEARCH COMMITTEE shall elect its own chairperson, vicechairperson, and secretary at its first organizational meeting. B. RECOMMENDATION The SEARCH COMMITTEE shall present to the General Board its recommendation of the prospective ministers. The General Board shall consider the recommendation, and, if approved, shall recommend the prospective minister to the Congregation. It shall be the policy of the SEARCH COMMITTEE to propose to the General Board only one prospective minister at a time. The General Board must approve the recommendation of the SEARCH COMMITTEE by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting, before recommending the call of a minister to the Congregation. The recommendation of the General Board to the Congregation must be accepted by at least two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting in a Congregational Meeting before the call may be extended. C. CONDITIONS OF THE CALL A written statement setting forth salary to be paid and other conditions and benefits shall be made in duplicate. One copy shall be forwarded to the prospective minister at the time of the call and one copy kept for the church files. D. TERM OF MINISTRY The term of ministry shall be for an indefinite period of time. E. TERMINATION The ministry may be terminated by either party upon sixty (60) days notice in writing by either party. If the termination is involuntary, the Chair of the General Board shall call a meeting of the Congregation to vote by secret ballot upon the question of recall of any minister. The recall must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Congregation present and voting at the meeting. (See Congregational Meetings: Item 1 - C)

21 ITEM VII SALARIES AND OTHER COMPENSATION The PERSONNEL COMMITTEE shall have the responsibility to recommend to the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP, at the time of budget preparation, the salaries and all other compensation made to all paid staff members. (The hiring of a new Minister(s) is an exception. The negotiations for salary and such will be carried out by the SEARCH COMMITTEE in the selection of the new Minister(s), in cooperation with the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP, the General Board, and the Congregation before extending the call.) As the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP is charged with the responsibility of the proper management of the income of the Church, for the recommending, presentation, and the supervision of the operating budget, and because the MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP is responsible for the supervision of income and expenses, they shall receive from the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE the recommendations of salaries and other compensation to be made to paid staff. The MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP, with the knowledge and the understanding of the financial condition (income, expenses, and other facts available) of the Congregation, shall make the final judgment of recommended salaries and other compensation as budget items. The MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP shall inform the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE of their decision, with reasons, if changes are made in the recommendations. This space left blank intentionally.

22 ITEM VIII RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF MINISTERS Includes Interim Ministers, Assistant and/or Associate Ministers A. The Minister shall be the spiritual leader of the Church. The Minister and the Chair of the General Board shall supervise the administration of the total program of the Church. The Minister shall work closely with the Ministry Chairs in coordinating and developing programs. The Minister shall deliver sermons at regular worship services; visit the sick, bereaved, and those in need of spiritual help and guidance; make evangelism calls; and visit with members. The Minister(s) shall guide the Church Staff in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. The Minister(s) shall perform such other duties as the Congregation, the General Board, and the ELDERS may direct. The Minister(s) shall be ex-officio members of all organized groups within the Church, auxiliaries and ministries, sharing responsibility wherever and whenever possible. B. A PASTORAL REALTIONS COMMITTEE shall be appointed by the Chair of the General Board to work with the Minister. It shall consist of five individuals who will serve for a three year term on a rotating basis. In activating a new committee, the Board Chair shall determine the tenure of each new committee member in order to keep continuity on the PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE. Individuals may be reappointed for a one or two year period followed by an on year furlough before they are eligible to serve another three year term. The Minister or any member of the PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE may request a meeting at any time and it becomes the responsibility of the Chair to call a meeting as soon as possible. If there are no called meetings, the Committee should meet every six (6) months to serves as mentors for each other and to keep communications open This space intentionally left blank.

23 ITEM IX RULES OF MEETINGS In all cases, where questions arise regarding procedure which has not been covered in these Bylaws, or forms of motions and such dealing with the proper transaction of business, ROBERT RULES OF ORDER revised, may be consulted for guidance at the discretion of the Chair of the General Board. ITEM X AMENDMENTS TO THESE BYLAWS These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the General Board present and voting in a regular of special meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been presented at a regular meeting of the General Board at least sixty (60) days prior to a vote thereon; and provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been made available to the Congregation at least ten (10) days prior to the time the vote is to be taken in the General Board. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THESE BYLAWS were approved by the membership of the BRENTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH of Springfield, Missouri, at the Congregational Meeting held on the twenty-eighth day of May, nineteen sixty one, and revised by the same Body on the sixth day of April nineteen sixty four; restudied and revised in the year nineteen sixty nine, restudied and revised and approved on the sixth day of October nineteen eighty six. Again, in the fall of nineteen ninety two, these Bylaws were revised and were approved at the Congregational Meeting on the thirteen day of December of nineteen ninety two. These Bylaws were revised and were approved on the fifth day of August nineteen ninety six. Revised and approved by the General Board on the seventh day of April nineteen ninety seven, and on the eighth day of September nineteen ninety seven. Additional revisions were made in December nineteen ninety and (xxx day of xxx 2010). *we will track down the precise date. Additional revisions were made and approved at the Congregational Meeting on the second day of October of two thousand eleven.