Constitution & Bylaws of The Ministerial Association of the Pacific Southwest Conference of The Evangelical Covenant Church (Adopted 4/25/02)

Transcription

1 Constitution & Bylaws of The Ministerial Association of the Pacific Southwest Conference of The Evangelical Covenant Church (Adopted 4/25/02) CONSTITUTION Article I Name The name of this organization shall be The Ministerial Association of The Pacific Southwest Conference of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article II Confession of Faith The Ministerial Association believes in the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, as the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. Article III Affiliation The Ministerial Association shall work in cooperation and harmony with the Ministerium of the Evangelical Covenant Church by supporting its endeavors and conforming in all matters of ministerial standing and discipline with its Constitution and Bylaws, and with the Rules for the Ordered Ministry of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article IV Purpose The purpose of the Ministerial Association shall be: 1. Consider and supervise all matters of ministerial standing within the Conference, including licensure, commissioning, ordination, and discipline. 2. Seek by all means, within its power, to raise the spiritual, ethical, and professional standards of the Conference ministers. 3. Strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship within the Conference Ministerial Association. 4. Render help to Conference ministers and their families in times of special need. 5. Assist in the recruiting and selection of candidates for the Christian ministry and to work with North Park Theological Seminary in the matriculation of students. Page 1 of 7

2 Article V Membership 1. Definition Membership in this Ministerial Association shall consist of all active and retired ministers and missionaries who are ordained, commissioned, or hold ministerial license in The Evangelical Covenant Church who are serving and/or living within the boundaries of the Pacific Southwest Conference. Military chaplains and missionaries serving abroad may also hold membership if this is their home conference. 2. Types Membership in the Ministerial Association shall be of two kinds: Article VI Officers a) Full Membership, in which all privileges shall be accorded, will include: 1) Ministers who hold ordination in the Covenant. 2) Ministers whose transfer of ordination into the Covenant has been approved, but not yet finalized. 3) Ministers who are commissioned staff ministers in the Covenant. 4) Ministers who hold ministerial license in the Covenant. 5) Ministers who have retired from active status. 6) Consecrated missionaries. b) Associate Membership, in which neither voting privileges nor the holding of office shall be accorded, will include: 1) Licensed theological students. 2) Licensed lay ministers. 3) Ordained ministers in the inactive category. 4) Commissioned ministers in the inactive category 5) Consecrated missionaries in the inactive category. 6) Ministers serving Covenant churches, but who do not hold Covenant credentials. 1. Officers The officers of the Ministerial Association shall be: Chairperson, Vice- Chairperson, Secretary, Vice-Secretary, and Treasurer. 2. Executive Board These officers, together with the Conference Superintendent and the Chairperson of the Committee on Ministerial Standing, shall constitute the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association. 3. Qualifications Only ordained or commissioned ministers in good standing shall serve as officers of this Ministerial Association. Page 2 of 7

3 Article VII Meetings 1. Annual Meetings The business of this Ministerial Association shall be conducted at an Annual Meeting to be held at a time and place set by the Executive Board. At this meeting, reports shall be received, officers or committee members elected, and a budget approved. 2. Business Meetings Business shall be conducted according to the most current edition of Robert s Rules of Order, except as otherwise provided in this constitution and bylaws. Should circumstances make it advisable, the Executive Board may call special business meetings during the year. 3. Quorum A quorum at a business meeting shall consist of not less than 25% of the active membership of the Ministerial Association. (A quorum shall not include retired ministers.) 4. Other Meetings The Ministerial Association shall also endeavor to accomplish its purpose through Retreats, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Cluster Groups, and other activities. Article VIII Committees 1. Committee on Ministerial Standing a. This Committee shall be responsible for matters relating to commissioning, licensure, ordination, reactivation of ordination, and care and discipline within the Ministerial Association. b. This Committee shall consist of at least five ordained ministers elected by the Ministerial Association, the Chairperson of the Ministerial Association, the Secretary of the Ministerial Association, the Conference Superintendent and any conference staff member designated by the Superintendent, one commissioned minister, and any members of the Covenant Board of the Ministry residing within the boundaries of the Pacific Southwest Conference. c. This committee may supplement its number with adjunct members from the association as needed to complete its tasks. d. The committee will form itself into two teams: North and South. 2. Other Committees The Ministerial Association shall elect, or appoint through its chairperson, any other committees necessary to fulfilling its purpose. Article IX Amendments Amendments to this Constitution may be: 1. Proposed at any Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association. 2. Adopted by a 2/3 majority of those present and voting at the following Annual Meeting. Page 3 of 7

4 BYLAWS Article I Membership/ Credentialing 1. Application Application for membership and/or Covenant ministerial standing, shall be made through the office of the Conference Superintendent. Such applications will then be referred to the Committee on Ministerial Standing for action and to the Department of the Ordered Ministry. 2. Transfer When a member in good standing in the Ministerium of The Evangelical Covenant Church moves into or away from this Conference, his or her credentials shall automatically follow. If there is any question concerning one s standing, the matter shall be referred to the Committee on Ministerial Standing for clarification. 3. Procedure a. All first time applicants for licensure, commissioning, ordination, or transfer of ordination, shall be interviewed by the Committee on Ministerial Standing. b. Following a favorable interview, the application shall be forwarded to the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association for approval. All candidates for commissioning and ordination shall be present at the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association, considering his or her application. c. Upon approval by the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association, the application will be forwarded to the Executive Minister of the Ordered Ministry for action by the Board of the Ordered Ministry, the Covenant Ministerium, and the Annual Meeting of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article II Privileges and Responsibilities 1. Attendance a. Every member shall be present at the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association unless sickness or unusual circumstances make this impossible. b. Any member prevented from attending the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association shall send a written greeting to the Secretary of the Ministerial Association. 2. Dues a. Annual dues shall be paid by all full members who are in the conference on April 1. These dues shall normally be paid at the time of the annual meeting, but no later than July 1, to the Treasurer of the Ministerial Association. The amount shall be determined by the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. These dues shall cover obligations to both the Covenant Ministerium and Conference Ministerial Association. b. Members not current in the payment of dues shall forfeit the privilege of voting at the Covenant Ministerium and Conference Ministerial Association Annual Meetings. Page 4 of 7

5 c. Members specified as exempt from paying dues in the bylaws of the Covenant Ministerium shall be exempt from paying dues in the Pacific Southwest Conference Ministerial Association. (Specifically, retired ministers and associate members) 3. Discipline d. Any matters relating to ministerial discipline shall be referred to the Conference Superintendent and/or the Executive Minister of the Ordered Ministry. At their discretion, the matter may be referred to the Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing. e. Disciplinary procedures shall be administered in accordance with the Rules for the Ordered Ministry of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article III Officers 1. The Chairperson shall: a. Preside over all regular and special meetings of the Ministerial Association and the Executive Board. b. Represent the Conference Ministerial Association on the Executive Committee of the Covenant Ministerium. c. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing. 2. The Vice-Chairperson shall: a. Assume the duties of the Chairperson in his or her absence. b. Assume responsibility for the development and coordination of Covenant Ministerial Cluster groups throughout the Conference in conjunction with the Superintendent s office. c. Assume responsibility for the annual retreat for retired ministers, missionaries and spouses. d. Be available for any other assignments designated by the Chairperson. 3. The Secretary shall: a. Keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the Ministerial Association and Executive Board. b. Together with the Conference Superintendent, preserve all correspondence and records of the work of the Ministerial Association, depositing such records at the Conference Office for safekeeping. c. Serve as Secretary of the Committee on Ministerial Standing. 4. The Vice-Secretary shall: Page 5 of 7

6 a. Assume the duties of the Secretary in his or her absence. b. Be responsible for the publicity and registration materials for Ministerial Association retreats, Annual Meetings, and other activities. c. Be available for other assignments designated by the Chairperson. 5. The Treasurer shall: a. Receive all funds of the Ministerial Association and make disbursements authorized by the Ministerial Association and/or the Executive Board. b. Submit a written report of the receipts, disbursements, and balances to each meeting of the Executive Board and to the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. c. Receive and record all dues, maintaining an accurate list of those who have paid. This list with proper payment of dues for the Covenant Ministerium, shall be forwarded to the Treasurer of that organization. d. Assist with the registration at Retreats and Annual Meetings. e. Prepare an annual proposed budget for the Ministerial Association. This shall be presented to the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association for approval before presentation to the Annual Meeting. f. Present the financial records to be reviewed annually by someone chosen by the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association. Article IV Elections 1. To provide continuity and an orderly process of succession, the five members of the Executive Board shall be elected in such a way that two new members are elected each year, except in the third year, when only one person shall be elected. 2. The term of office shall be three years. Officers may not succeed themselves on the Board. 3. The Board shall elect its own officers including Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Vice-Secretary, and Treasurer. 4. The Board shall present its candidate for Chairperson to the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association each year for confirmation. 5. To allow for time of orientation, no one shall be elected Chairperson or Secretary until he or she has served on the Executive Board for one year. 6. In the event that a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board prior to March 1, the Board shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term. If the vacancy comes after March 1, a successor shall be elected at the next Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. 7. Board members shall assume office on July 1, following their election, allowing those in office to serve through the Covenant Annual Meeting. Page 6 of 7

7 8. The Executive Board shall serve as the Nominating Committee of the Conference Ministerial Association. Special consideration shall be given to regional representation in the selection of candidates. Article V Committees 1. Committee on Ministerial Standing a. The elected members shall each serve three-year terms, arranged in such a way that two new members are elected each year, except in the third year, when only one person shall be elected. They shall be elected by a majority vote of the Ministerial Association, and shall assume office on July 1, following their election, allowing those in office to serve through the Covenant Annual Meeting. b. An elected member with tenure shall serve as Chairperson of the North team. Another person with tenure shall serve as Chairperson of the South team. A secretary will be appointed to each team. c. The Committee shall read the papers submitted by applicants and conduct an interview before recommending licensure or ordination. The Committee may supplement its number with adjunct members from the association as needed to complete its tasks. d. In the event that a vacancy occurs on this Committee prior to March 1, the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term. If the vacancy comes after March 1, a successor shall be elected at the next Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. 2. Other Committees The Ministerial Association shall elect, or appoint through its chairperson, any other committees necessary to fulfilling its purpose. Article VI - Amendments Amendments to these Bylaws may be: 1. Proposed at any Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association 2. Adopted by a 2/3 majority of those present and voting at the following Annual Meeting. Page 7 of 7

8 NEW EDITED Constitution & Bylaws of The Ministerial Association of the Pacific Southwest Conference of The Evangelical Covenant Church (Proposed 4/28/15 in effect after 2016 vote) CONSTITUTION Article I Name The name of this organization shall be The Ministerial Association of The Pacific Southwest Conference of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article II Confession of Faith The Ministerial Association believes in the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, as the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. Article III Affiliation The Ministerial Association shall work in cooperation and harmony with the Ministerium of the Evangelical Covenant Church by supporting its endeavors and conforming in all matters of ministerial standing and discipline with its Constitution and Bylaws, and with the Rules for the Ordered Ministry of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article IV Purpose The purpose of the Ministerial Association shall be: 1. Consider and supervise all matters of ministerial standing within the Conference, including licensure, commissioning, ordination, and discipline. 2. Seek by all means, within its power, to raise the spiritual, ethical, and professional standards of the Conference ministers. 3. Strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship within the Conference Ministerial Association. 4. Render help to Conference ministers and their families in times of special need. 5. Assist in the recruiting and selection of candidates for the Christian ministry and to work with North Park Theological Seminary in the matriculation of students. Page 1 of 7

9 Article V Membership 1. Definition Membership in this Ministerial Association shall consist of all active and retired ministers and missionaries who are ordained, commissioned, or hold ministerial license in The Evangelical Covenant Church who are serving and/or living within the boundaries of the Pacific Southwest Conference. Military chaplains and missionaries serving abroad may also hold membership if this is their home conference. 2. Types Membership in the Ministerial Association shall be of two kinds: Article VI Officers a) Full Membership, in which all privileges shall be accorded, will include: 1) Ministers who hold ordination in the Covenant. 2) Ministers whose transfer of ordination into the Covenant has been approved, but not yet finalized. 3) Ministers who are commissioned staff ministers in the Covenant. 4) Ministers who hold ministerial license in the Covenant. 5) Ministers who have retired from active status. 6) Consecrated missionaries. b) Associate Membership, in which neither voting privileges nor the holding of office shall be accorded, will include: 1) Licensed theological students. 2) Licensed lay ministers. 3) Ordained ministers in the inactive category. 4) Commissioned ministers in the inactive category 5) Consecrated missionaries in the inactive category. 6) Ministers serving Covenant churches, but who do not hold Covenant credentials. 1. Officers The officers of the Ministerial Association shall be: Chairperson, Vice- Chairperson, Secretary, Vice-Secretary, and Treasurer. 2. Executive Board These officers, together with the Conference Superintendent and the Chairperson of the Committee on Ministerial Standing, shall constitute the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association. 3. Qualifications Only ordained or commissioned ministers in good standing shall serve as officers of this Ministerial Association. Page 2 of 7

10 Article VII Meetings 1. Annual Meetings The business of this Ministerial Association shall be conducted at an Annual Meeting to be held at a time and place set by the Executive Board. At this meeting, reports shall be received, officers or committee members elected, and a budget approved. 2. Business Meetings Business shall be conducted according to the most current edition of Robert s Rules of Order, except as otherwise provided in this constitution and bylaws. Should circumstances make it advisable, the Executive Board may call special business meetings during the year. 3. Quorum A quorum at a business meeting shall consist of not less than 25% of the active membership of the Ministerial Association. (A quorum shall not include retired ministers.) 4. Other Meetings The Ministerial Association shall also endeavor to accomplish its purpose through Retreats, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Cluster Groups, and other activities. Article VIII Committees 1. Committee on Ministerial Standing a. This Committee shall be responsible for matters relating to commissioning, licensure, ordination, reactivation of ordination, and care and discipline within the Ministerial Association. b. This Committee shall consist of at least five ordained ministers elected by the Ministerial Association, the Chairperson of the Ministerial Association, the Secretary of the Ministerial Association, the Conference Superintendent and any conference staff member designated by the Superintendent, one commissioned minister, and any members of the Covenant Board of the Ministry residing within the boundaries of the Pacific Southwest Conference. c. This committee may supplement its number with adjunct members from the association as needed to complete its tasks. d. The committee will form itself into two teams: North and South. 2. Other Committees The Ministerial Association shall elect, or appoint through its chairperson, any other committees necessary to fulfilling its purpose. Article IX Amendments Amendments to this Constitution may be: 1. Proposed at any Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association. 2. Adopted by a 2/3 majority of those present and voting at the following Annual Meeting. Page 3 of 7

11 BYLAWS Article I Membership/ Credentialing 1. Application Application for membership and/or Covenant ministerial standing, shall be made through the office of the Conference Superintendent. Such applications will then be referred to the Committee on Ministerial Standing for action and to the Department of the Ordered Ministry. 2. Transfer When a member in good standing in the Ministerium of The Evangelical Covenant Church moves into or away from this Conference, his or her credentials shall automatically follow. If there is any question concerning one s standing, the matter shall be referred to the Committee on Ministerial Standing for clarification. 3. Procedure a. All first time applicants for licensure, commissioning, ordination, or transfer of ordination, shall be interviewed by the Committee on Ministerial Standing. b. Following a favorable interview, the application shall be forwarded to the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association for approval. All candidates for commissioning and ordination shall be present at the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association, considering his or her application. c. Upon approval by the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association, the application will be forwarded to the Executive Minister of the Ordered Ministry for action by the Board of the Ordered Ministry, the Covenant Ministerium, and the Annual Meeting of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article II Privileges and Responsibilities 1. Attendance a. Every member shall be present at the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association unless sickness or unusual circumstances make this impossible. b. Any member prevented from attending the Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association shall send a written greeting to the Secretary of the Ministerial Association. 2. Dues a. Annual dues shall be paid by all full members who are in the conference on April 1. These dues shall normally be paid at the time of the annual meeting, but no later than July 1, to the Treasurer of the Ministerial Association. The amount shall be determined by the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. These dues shall cover obligations to both the Covenant Ministerium and Conference Ministerial Association. b. Members not current in the payment of dues shall forfeit the privilege of voting at the Covenant Ministerium and Conference Ministerial Association Annual Meetings. Page 4 of 7

12 c. Members specified as exempt from paying dues in the bylaws of the Covenant Ministerium shall be exempt from paying dues in the Pacific Southwest Conference Ministerial Association. (Specifically, retired ministers and associate members) 3. Discipline d. Any matters relating to ministerial discipline shall be referred to the Conference Superintendent and/or the Executive Minister of the Ordered Ministry. At their discretion, the matter may be referred to the Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing. e. Disciplinary procedures shall be administered in accordance with the Rules for the Ordered Ministry of The Evangelical Covenant Church. Article III Officers 1. The Chairperson shall: a. Preside over all regular and special meetings of the Ministerial Association and the Executive Board. b. Represent the Conference Ministerial Association on the Executive Committee of the Covenant Ministerium. c. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing. 2. The Vice-Chairperson shall: a. Assume the duties of the Chairperson in his or her absence. b. Assume responsibility for the development and coordination of Covenant Ministerial Cluster groups throughout the Conference in conjunction with the Superintendent s office. c. Assume responsibility for the annual retreat for retired ministers, missionaries and spouses. d. Be available for any other assignments designated by the Chairperson. 3. The Secretary shall: a. Keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the Ministerial Association and Executive Board. b. Together with the Conference Superintendent, preserve all correspondence and records of the work of the Ministerial Association, depositing such records at the Conference Office for safekeeping. c. Serve as Secretary of the Committee on Ministerial Standing. 4. The Vice-Secretary shall: Page 5 of 7

13 a. Assume the duties of the Secretary in his or her absence. b. Be responsible for the publicity and registration materials for Ministerial Association retreats, Annual Meetings, and other activities. c. Be available for other assignments designated by the Chairperson. 5. The Treasurer shall: a. Receive all funds of the Ministerial Association and make disbursements authorized by the Ministerial Association and/or the Executive Board. b. Submit a written report of the receipts, disbursements, and balances to each meeting of the Executive Board and to the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. c. Receive and record all dues, maintaining an accurate list of those who have paid. This list with proper payment of dues for the Covenant Ministerium, shall be forwarded to the Treasurer of that organization. d. Assist with the registration at Retreats and Annual Meetings. e. Prepare an annual proposed budget for the Ministerial Association. This shall be presented to the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association for approval before presentation to the Annual Meeting. f. Present the financial records to be reviewed annually by someone chosen by the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association. Article IV Elections 1. To provide continuity and an orderly process of succession, the five members of the Executive Board shall be elected in such a way that two new members are elected each year, except in the third year, when only one person shall be elected. 2. The term of office shall be three years. Officers are eligible to serve on the Executive Board for the PSWC Ministerial Association for 2 consecutive terms, and not exceeding 6 consecutive years. 3. The Board shall elect its own officers including Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Vice-Secretary, and Treasurer. 4. The Board shall present its candidate for Chairperson to the Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association each year for confirmation. 5. To allow for time of orientation, no one shall be elected Chairperson or Secretary until he or she has served on the Executive Board for one year. 6. In the event that a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board prior to March 1, the Board shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term. If the vacancy comes after March 1, a successor shall be elected at the next Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. 7. Board members shall assume office on July 1, following their election, allowing those in office to serve through the Covenant Annual Meeting. Page 6 of 7

14 8. The Executive Board shall serve as the Nominating Committee of the Conference Ministerial Association. Special consideration shall be given to regional representation in the selection of candidates. Article V Committees 1. Committee on Ministerial Standing a. The elected members shall each serve three-year terms, arranged in such a way that two new members are elected each year, except in the third year, when only one person shall be elected. They shall be elected by a majority vote of the Ministerial Association, and shall assume office on July 1, following their election, allowing those in office to serve through the Covenant Annual Meeting. b. An elected member with tenure shall serve as Chairperson of the North team. Another person with tenure shall serve as Chairperson of the South team. A secretary will be appointed to each team. c. The Committee shall read the papers submitted by applicants and conduct an interview before recommending licensure or ordination. The Committee may supplement its number with adjunct members from the association as needed to complete its tasks. d. In the event that a vacancy occurs on this Committee prior to March 1, the Executive Board of the Ministerial Association shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term. If the vacancy comes after March 1, a successor shall be elected at the next Annual Meeting of the Ministerial Association. 2. Other Committees The Ministerial Association shall elect, or appoint through its chairperson, any other committees necessary to fulfilling its purpose. Article VI - Amendments Amendments to these Bylaws may be: 1. Proposed at any Annual Meeting of the Conference Ministerial Association 2. Adopted by a 2/3 majority of those present and voting at the following Annual Meeting. Page 7 of 7