CONSTITUTION OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) OF BOURBONNAIS, IL

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) OF BOURBONNAIS, IL 2016 REVISED CONSTITUTION FOR CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) BOURBONNAIS, ILLINOIS We, the members of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914, in faithful response to the will and purposes of God as revealed through Jesus Christ and God's continuing revelation to the world do hereby revise the Constitution originally adopted on February 15, The following version is effective March 15, ARTICLE I NAME The name of this congregation shall be Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bourbonnais, Illinois, pursuant to minutes of incorporation of the church under date of July 30, This Church shall be affiliated with, and an integral part of, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin. ARTICLE II VISION & PURPOSE The vision of Central Christian Church is to be a welcoming community of disciples of Christ. The purpose of this congregation is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in faithful response to God's will and purpose as revealed through Jesus Christ and in the world; to encourage in all persons an increasing faith and commitment to Jesus Christ; to serve the community of which it is a part; to transcend all barriers within the human family such as race, gender, sexual orientation, abilities and culture; AND to be faithful in Christian stewardship. Striving to share proportionately in providing resources for the total life, work and witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to bring the gospel to bear upon society, to sustain and be sustained by the general and regional manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); to work cooperatively with Christians in other communions and foster interfaith relationships. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP Membership of the congregation, as a part of the whole family of God on earth, shall consist of the following: those who are now members of the congregation; those who shall unite with the congregation by Confession of Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, giving expression of their faith through baptism and commitment to Him; and those who unite by transfer of membership, thereby reaffirming their commitment to Christ. Voting privileges shall be accorded to all members. 1

2 2 CONSTITUTION OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) OF BOURBONNAIS, IL ARTICLE IV RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONGREGATION The congregation shall manage its affairs under the Lordship of Jesus Christ; determine its faithfulness to the gospel with respect to the basis of membership; own, control and encumber its property; organize and carry out the mission and witness of the congregation; establish its budgets and financial policies; call its Minister(s) and other staff; and participate through Board elected voting representatives in regional and general assemblies of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in forming corporate judgments of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The congregation shall demonstrate voluntarily it's mutual concern for the nurture, mission, and witness of the whole Church, and among other responsibilities it shall: proclaim the gospel, administer baptism and the Lord's Supper; provide for the spiritual nurture of its members; grow in the understanding that the Church is a universal fellowship; and seek to realize the oneness of the Church of Jesus Christ through cooperation with other churches of the community and with present and emerging ecumenical structures. The congregation shall sustain its Minister(s) and staff in faithfulness and honor, and in matters pertaining to relationships with the Minister(s) and staff shall give guidance through the Pastor-Parish Relations Team, Personnel Team and the Regional Minister, as set forth in the by-laws. ARTICLE V OFFICERS, CONGREGATIONAL BOARD, MINISTRIES SECTION A. OFFICERS, TRUSTEES, ELDERS AND DIACONATE The congregation shall elect from its members a Moderator, Vice- Moderator/Moderator-Elect, Clerk, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Trustees. The officers shall be elected at an annual meeting of the congregation and shall serve as officers of the congregation and the Congregational Board as set forth in the Bylaws. Elders and Diaconate shall be commissioned by the congregation for their ministries as set forth in the bylaws.

3 3 CONSTITUTION OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) OF BOURBONNAIS, IL SECTION B. CONGREGATIONAL BOARD The congregation shall have a Congregational Board which shall be responsible to the congregation and have authority to act on behalf of the congregation when it is not in a Congregational Meeting. The Congregational Board shall be composed of members as set forth in the Bylaws and for terms of office therein stated. The Congregational Board shall be responsible for receiving reports from its Minister(s), officers, and various organizations within the congregation. It shall establish by its action the program and budget of the congregation subject to action by the congregation at its annual stewardship meeting. It shall be responsible for conducting all legal business matters of the congregation and carrying out such other responsibilities as defined in the Bylaws. Stated meetings of the Congregational Board shall be held as deemed necessary to carry on the business of the congregation as defined in the Bylaws. Special meetings of the Congregational Board shall be called by the Moderator of the Board upon the request of the Minister(s) or three members of the Congregational Board. In case of emergencies, notification may be made by telephone. Notice of all special Congregational Board meetings shall be announced at a regular Sunday morning Worship Service of the congregation one week in advance of the meeting, or by means of the Church newsletter, website, or a written notice sent through the mail postmarked at least ten days before the meeting. Purpose, date, time and place of the meeting shall be indicated in each notice. SECTION E. MINISTRIES The congregation through the Congregational Board shall establish standing committees, Ministry Teams and other organizations as necessary for the conduct of the work of the congregation as set forth in the Bylaws. SECTION F. FISCAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CALENDAR Fiscal and organizational year shall be January 1 through December 31.

4 4 CONSTITUTION OF CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) OF BOURBONNAIS, IL ARTICLE VI CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS Congregational Meetings shall be held at least once per year -- for the purpose of electing officers and members of the Congregational Board, and for presenting the Stewardship of Commitment (budget) for the congregation. Notice of all stated or special Congregational Meetings shall be announced at a regular Sunday morning Worship Service of the congregation one week in advance of the meeting. In addition, notice shall be given by means of the Church newsletter or a written notice sent through the mail postmarked at least ten days before the meeting. Purpose, date, time and place of meeting shall be indicated in each notice. (In addition emergency meetings may be called with notification made by phone.) Members may vote by absentee ballot provided by the Congregational Board prior to the meeting. A Quorum for all Congregational Meetings consists of members present. (Amended in Congregational Meeting February 7, 2016) ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS Amendments to the Constitution must be recommended by a consensus of the Congregational Board. Upon their recommendation, amendments must be approved by the congregation in a stated or special meeting, for this sole purpose, provided the proposed amendments have been circulated to the congregation by mail one (l) week prior to the Congregational Meeting.

5 5 I. MEMBERSHIP Central Christian Church BYLAWS Members shall be acclaimed as defined by Article III of the constitution. II. OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION A. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE 1. The congregation at its annual meeting for electing officers shall elect for the term of one year the following officers: a. Moderator of the congregation who shall also serve as Moderator of the Congregational Board and ex officio of all committees. b. Vice-Moderator/Moderator Elect of the congregation AND the Congregational Board. c. Clerk of the congregation AND of the Congregational Board. d. Treasurer of the congregation. e. Financial Secretary of the congregation. 2. The executive committee of the congregational board shall be composed of the moderator, vice-moderator/moderator elect, clerk, treasurer, financial secretary, and the minister(s). (moved from constitution) 3. The congregation at its annual election meeting shall elect one (1) trustee for a term of three (3) years B. QUALIFICATIONS 1. Officers must: a. be members of the congregation. b. not be paid staff. c. be active in the congregation's life and give evidence of seeking to grow in their own understanding and practice of the Christian life. Such evidence would include: Conduct of one's life in light of the teachings of Christ. Promotion of goodwill and Christian fellowship in the congregation and the community. Attendance at the worship services and stated meetings of the congregation. Regular financial contributions to the support of the congregation and its outreach programs. Demonstrated skills or evident potential in carrying out the responsibilities of the particular office.

6 6 C. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Moderator (ex officio) shall preside at all stated and special called meetings of the congregation, Congregational Board and the Executive Committee. He/she shall vote only to break a tie. He/she shall perform such other duties normally associated with the office of the Moderator. 2. The Vice-Moderator/Moderator Elect shall serve to support the Moderator, preside in his/her absence at meetings of the congregation, Congregational Board and Executive Committee. However, if neither moderator is available, the moderator shall designate one of the other elected officers to act on their behalf. He/she shall serve as convener of the vision leadership team & nominating committee. He/she shall perform such other duties normally associated with or assigned to the office of Vice- Moderator. He/she shall serve as moderator of the congregation and congregational board the following year. 3. The Clerk shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the congregation, Congregational Board, and provide for these minutes to be reviewed and approved by their respective bodies. 4. The Treasurer shall receive all income data of the congregation from the Financial Secretary, pay all accounts of the congregation as authorized by the budget or special action of the Congregational Board when such items are not in the budget, provide accurate records of all expenditures, make regular reports to the Board. 5. The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for the receiving of all income of the congregation, keeping or delegating to a proper person an accurate record of the source and amount of income, depositing such income to its proper account, providing the Treasurer of the congregation copies of all deposits and receipts, recruiting assistants for appointment by the Executive Team or Board to serve for one year, and making regular written reports of income received to the Congregational Board. 6. Trustees shall hold titles to the properties of the congregation and act as the legal agents for all related matters at the direction of the Congregational Board. The Trustees shall administer all duties in connection with the Memorial Fund.

7 7 III. CONGREGATIONAL BOARD A. MEMBERSHIP 1. Members shall be composed of the elected officers FIVE(5) of the congregation, Elders TWO(2), Diaconate TWO(2), Trustees ONE(1), and TWO (2) members at large. a. Elders shall select co-chairperson(s) from within their group to serve on the Congregational Board b. The Diaconate shall select co-chairpersons, to serve on the Congregational Board. c. The Trustees shall select a chairperson to serve on the Congregational Board d. After two (2) consecutive unexcused absences from regular board meetings, a member of the Executive Committee will call on the absentee member and report back to the Executive Committee. If resignation is necessary, a new member will be appointed by the Nominating Committee with Congregational Board approval. 2. The Minister(s) of the congregation shall serve as ex officio member(s) of the Congregational Board without vote. B. SELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE 1. Officers of the congregation shall serve on the Congregational Board by virtue of office held and for their current term of office. They shall serve the Congregational Board as well as the congregation as Moderator, Vice- Moderator/MODERATOR ELECT, Clerk, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary. 2. After serving two terms on the Congregational Board all elected officers and Congregational Board members shall be ineligible for re-election in the same position until one year has elapsed with exception of the Moderator, Vice Moderator/Moderator-Elect who may serve two complete terms (or four years) before being ineligible for one year for re-election in the same office. C. AUTHORITY 1. The Congregational Board shall perform its duties according to the authority granted in the Constitution or otherwise delegated by the congregation. 2. In keeping with the traditions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the ultimate authority of the congregation shall rest with the congregation. The usual method of calling a special meeting shall be as stated in the Constitution. 3. The Congregational Board shall concern itself with policy rather than administrative matters, relating to the full mission and ministry guided by the Vision and Purpose of the Congregation and the Christian Church(Disciples of Christ), and the needs of the immediate community in which the members of the congregation live.

8 8 4. All business of the Congregational Board shall be governed by "Roberts Rules of Order." (Revised) 5. One-half plus one of the voting members of the Congregational Board shall constitute a quorum. D. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Congregational Board: a. shall conduct its affairs in harmony with the Constitution and Bylaws of the congregation. b. shall be responsible for conducting the business of the congregation and providing for the planning, coordination, resourcing, evaluation and implementation of the work and activities of the congregation through established committees and Ministry Teams. c. Shall establish other committees, Task Groups or Teams (or discontinue an ad hoc committee which has served its purpose) as needed for the conduct of its work. d. Shall receive the proposed annual budget from the Stewardship Committee and recommend its approval, or approval with amendment, to the congregation at a Called Congregational Meeting. Subsequent expenditures or requests for additional funds from organizations within the congregation shall be approved by the Congregational Board in consultation with the Stewardship Committee. e. Shall approve permission for activities by organizations within the congregation. f. Shall approve the employment of non program area staff. g. Shall establish committees of work related to the basic characteristics of the congregation. IV. ELDERS AND DIACONATE (MOVED HERE) A. COMMISSIONING & QUALIFICATIONS 1. In the spirit of the ministry of all believers, Elders & Diaconate represent the spiritual and servant leaders of Central Christian Church and share in the ministry with the Minister(s) of the congregation. Coordinating with the Minister(s) and the Congregational Board, the Elders and Diaconate shall design and implement a process for commissioning Candidates for their respective Ministries to be approved by the Board. 2. Candidates for Commissioning shall be presented for Approval at the Congregational Meeting for Election of Officers. Candidates shall serve as Apprentices until they are Commissioned by the Congregation. 3. Commissioned Elders and Diaconate shall remain in Office as long as the Member:

9 9 a. Continues to hold Membership in the Congregation b. Continues to uphold the Ministry with respect to the Qualifications of the Ministry c. Has not Requested to be Decommissioned as an Elder or Diaconate 4. Commissioned Elders and Diaconate may be Decommissioned by the Board on Recommendation of the Ministry they serve. 5. The qualifications for Elders, Diaconate, shall be the same as described for the officers of the congregation. B. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Elders primarily shall be responsible for the spiritual life and development of the congregation, preside at the Lord's Table, assist and share with the Minister(s) in the conduct of his/her pastoral and priestly functions and provide supportive counsel for the Minister(s) regarding the spiritual life and development of the congregation. They shall select Co-Chairpersons for their leadership who shall schedule various responsibilities for the commissioned Elders and their Apprentices. 2. Diaconate shall be responsible for the maintenance and growth of the congregation through its individual members and corporate life in witness in the community and the world. Commissioned Diaconate shall select Co- Chairpersons who will see that the following responsibilities are carried out by scheduling the necessary Servers to: a. Have adequate communion and Table supplies always available. b. Prepare communion and the Table, clean, and store the communion ware each Sunday. c. Serve communion each Sunday in an efficient and orderly manner as needed. d. Care for the baptismal robes and assist with baptismal services as needed. V. THE SERVICE TEAM The number of Commissioned Diaconate shall be supplemented on the worship service schedules by a sufficient number of people who are willing to assist in the respective responsibilities of the communion service on the Sundays. This group shall be known as the Service Team. The Service Team members shall be enlisted and scheduled by the respective chairperson.

10 10 VI. MINISTRIES A. MINISTRY TEAMS 1. The Vision & Mission of the Church finds manifestation through the many gifts of the Spirit, which unified create the Body of Christ in the World. As Disciples of Christ we affirm the shared ministry of all believers and we expect each person to employ their gifts to the glory of God. 2. The Congregational Board or Executive Committee shall at any time establish Ministry Teams which seek to provide opportunities to use our gifts in short-term, specific ways for building up the Body of Christ, the Church and our Community. 3. Ministry Teams are Mission Driven, Project Oriented and are Designed to: d. Acquaint Disciples of Christ to the Worshipful Work of Mission & Ministry e. Build the Capacity of the Body of Christ to be Disciples of Jesus in the 21st Century f. Complete a given Task, Building a Sense of Accomplishment among Volunteers g. Deepen our Spirituality in Community through Worshipful Work & Fellowship h. Extend Christian Hospitality and Service in the Community through Central Christian Church 4. A volunteer Spiritual Gifts Director shall be appointed by the Moderator. The director administers Spiritual Gift Inventories for the congregation and catalogues the results for use by Coaches and the Nominating Team. 5. Ministry Teams are led by Coaches who are recruited by the Nominating Team and appointed by the Congregational Board for up to three years, with an intentional sabbatical year of renewal between appointments. Coaches recruit team members in coordination with the Spiritual Gifts Director, organize their Ministry Team and provide regular reports to the Congregational Board. 6. Ministry Teams shall be evaluated on a yearly basis by the Executive Committee as to their effectiveness and/or necessity for meeting the mission and vision of the congregation. Recommendations for renewal or removal of teams shall be made to the Congregational Board.

11 11 VII. STANDING MINISTRY TEAMS A. VISION LEADERSHIP TEAM (VLT) 1. Membership The VLT shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and be representative of the Congregation and the Community by gender and age. The VLT shall be comprised of elected officers and members of the congregation at large who have a positive, deep passion for the future of the Congregation under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Non-members may serve as members of the VLT on a consultative basis. The Vice-Moderator/Moderator Elect shall be a member and serve as Convener of the VLT. 2. Purpose - The VLT shall seek God s guiding Vision for the Future Mission and Ministry of the Congregation. 3. The Ministry - The VLT is an ongoing process of leading Congregational Transformation to meet the present Spiritual needs of the Community. Through Congregational and Community Assessments, the VLT will work closely with the Minister to Innovate current Ministries to make the Vision a Reality within the life of the Congregation and the Community. B. NOMINATING TEAM 1. The Vice-Moderator/Moderator Elect of the congregation with Board approval shall appoint two (2) Board members, and two (2) members from the congregation-at-large. The Team shall serve from April 1 through March The Team shall present nominees for unexpired terms or vacancies of office to the Congregational Board for approval and election by a majority vote. 3. A slate of officers for the annual congregational election meeting shall be prepared as set forth in the Bylaws for a Congregational Board and Officers of the congregation, having one nominee for each office after securing the willingness of each nominee to serve. 4. The congregation shall be notified of names of the nominees one week in advance of the election. 5. Prior to a call for a vote on the nominees, the floor shall be open for discussion. Should there be no discussion; the Moderator will call for a vote. 6. Election shall be by vote of the members present and voting. C. STEWARDSHIP TEAM 1. The Moderator of the Congregation with Board approval shall appoint two (2) Board members, and two (2) members from the congregation-atlarge. The Team shall serve from April 1 through March The Stewardship Team shall review finances quarterly, prepare the proposed annual budget; conduct a yearly stewardship emphasis/campaign; support the legal agents (Trustees), in administering

12 12 Memorial Funds, Wills, Endowments, and Trust Fund opportunities; and promote ongoing Stewardship education. D. FACILITIES TEAM 1. The Moderator with Board approval shall appoint a Facilities Manager to oversee the Team. The Facilities Manager shall oversee building and grounds services, including annual service contracts/agreements with Executive Committee or Board approval. The Facilities Manager shall provide regular reports to the Congregational Board. 2. Shall function as a Ministry Team as described in Article VI above and maintain property, provide equipment maintenance; and regular inspection of the buildings and church property. E. AUDITING TEAM 1. The Team shall consist of at least three (3) members appointed by the Moderator of the congregation with Congregational Board approval. 2. The Team shall be responsible for auditing books of all church organizations and report to the Congregational Board at the first meeting of the Board every odd numbered year. F. PERSONNEL TEAM 1. Membership of the Team shall consist of five (5) representatives chosen by the Executive Team of the Congregational Board. Two (2) members will be chosen from the Congregational Board and three (3) from the congregationat-large. Appointments: two (2) members will be chosen for the odd year and three (3) members chosen for the even year to provide consistency in the Team. 2. Shall be recognized for their sound judgment and maturity, be competent church members, emotionally mature, capable of looking objectively at the work of the Church and its relationships to the Minister(s) and other staff. As a group, they should be respected by the congregation for their capacity as church members. 3. Meetings and Duties: The Team shall meet not less than quarterly, and more often when necessary. Any member of the Team may call a special meeting if the need should arise. 4. The Team has no authoritative capacity, and it functions primarily on consultative basis with the Board and the Pastor-Parish Relations Team. a. Being aware of its confidential and advisory purpose, the Team will work to provide regular communication to the necessary parties in order to avoid crisis. The Team and its individual members shall be available to hear any grievances by any staff member, or by any member of the congregation concerning a member of the staff. Constant and regular attention should be given to the relationship of staff and church.

13 13 b. The Team shall regularly review any contract or established policy entered into by the church with its Minister(s) or staff. c. At least once a year, the Team shall meet with staff members to review and evaluate their work. d. Each year the Team shall review salary schedules and make recommendations to the Stewardship Team for each staff member. 5. Employment and/or Discharge of all staff shall be in accordance with current Personnel Policy as adopted by the Congregational Board. G. PASTOR/INTERIM PASTOR-PARISH RELATIONS TEAM 1. The purpose of the Pastor-Parish Relations Team shall be to cultivate and maintain the most fruitful relationship possible between the church and the Minister(s). It shall be the official channel through which the Minister(s) and members of the congregation may be in constant communication concerning the delicate (strictly confidential) matters involved in their work together. 2. Membership of the Team a. The initial team shall be made up of the Ministerial/INTERIM Search Team. e. The length of term shall be two years, with members rotating on alternate years. f. New members would be added as needed upon the recommendation of the Minister(s)/INTERIM MINISTER in consultation with the Moderator. g. The team shall consist of a minimum of five (5) members and a maximum of seven (7). 3. Meetings and Duties a. The team shall meet not less than quarterly, and more often when necessary. Any member of the team or the Minister may call a special meeting if the need should arise. h. The team has no authoritative capacity, and it functions primarily on a confidential and advisory basis. Its primary function is to minister to the pastor. H. SPECIAL TEAMS 1. When needed, the Moderator of the congregation with Congregational Board approval shall appoint special teams to perform assigned duties. Special Teams shall be dissolved when duties are completed. 2. The Moderator of the congregation with Congregational Board approval shall appoint and establish, when necessary, an Interim Ministerial Selection and/or a Ministerial Selection Team for the purpose of securing an Interim Minister(s) or Senior Minister(s) for the congregation. 3. A Constitution Team shall be appointed by the Moderator for reviewing and updating the Constitution upon recommendation of the Vision Leadership Team or the Congregational Board.

14 14 VIII. MINISTERS Ministers shall be known respectively as the Senior Minister and the Associate Minister(s), discharging duties according to his/her abilities and qualifications. Each Minister shall be expected to help with, or lead Sunday worship, as needed, relieving each other of his/her duties for vacation, church meetings, and illnesses. A. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Minister(s) shall be the administrator(s) of the congregation and in cooperation with the Moderator of the congregation and the Congregational Board encourage orderly procedures in the life and work of the congregation in compliance with the congregation's Constitution and Bylaws and policies and procedures of the congregation and Congregational Board. 2. Each and all Ministers shall give priority to his/her priestly, prophetic, pastoral, educational and administrative responsibilities, dividing said responsibilities according to the special ability of each and guided through consultation with the Personnel Relations Committee. 3. Each Minister shall give special attention to the selection and training of the congregation's leaders. 4. The Minister(s) shall be ex officio members, without vote, of all boards, committees, departments, commissions, task groups, and constituency groups of the congregation. B. SELECTION 1. The Minister(s) shall be chosen by the congregation as herein described: 2. A Ministerial Selection Committee shall be composed of the chairpersons of the Elders and Diaconate serving in this capacity during his/her term of office, and three (3) members of the congregation-at-large, appointed by the Moderator with Congregational Board approval. One of these shall be appointed chairperson by the Moderator with Congregational Board approval. In the event that a change of Minister(s) is in process at the end of the current terms of the chairpersons who are members of the Ministerial Selection Committee, these persons would remain on the Committee until the call has been completed. 3. The Selection Committee shall use the services of the Regional Minister for information and counsel concerning prospective candidates. Only candidates recognized and approved by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall be considered. 4. The Committee shall recommend a prospective Minister to the Congregational Board. 5. The Congregational Board at a stated or called meeting may approve the recommendation by at least a 2/3 majority vote of those present. Upon approval, the Congregational Board shall recommend employment of the prospective Minister to the congregation.

15 15 6. The congregation in a stated or called meeting for the sole purpose of selecting a Minister may approve the recommendation of the Congregational Board by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting. 7. Upon the approval of the congregation, a call shall be issued to the prospective Minister by the Congregational Board on behalf of the congregation. C. TERMS OF MINISTER'S EMPLOYMENT 1. An agreement in writing setting forth the salary, benefits, retirement plan and other conditions of the call shall be provided the Minister(s). One copy shall be filed the Church office, and another placed in the safety deposit box of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bourbonnais, Illinois. 2. The length of term of ministry shall be for an indefinite period, and may be terminated by either the Minister or the congregation upon at least sixty (60) days written notice. D. RESIGNATION 1. Voluntary resignation of a Minister shall be submitted in writing to the Congregational Board for their acceptance after consultation with the Moderator at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed resignation date. 2. Involuntary resignation shall be in accordance with current Personnel Policy and requires a 2/3 vote of the Congregation at a meeting solely for said purpose in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution. 3. Should a person claim misconduct of the Minister (i.e. sexual harassment, misappropriation of funds, etc.) the issue shall be dealt with in accordance with current CCIW and Personnel Policy. IX. INTERIM MINISTER Interim Minister shall be expected to discharge duties according to his/her abilities and qualifications. A. DUTIES 1. The Interim Minister of the congregation shall be the administrator of the congregation, and in cooperation with the Moderator of the congregation and the Congregational Board encourage orderly procedures in the life and work of the congregation in compliance with the congregation's Constitution and Bylaws and policies and procedures of the congregation and Congregational Board. 2. The Interim Minister shall give priority to his/her priestly, prophetic pastoral, educational, and administrative responsibilities. 3. The Interim Minister shall give special attention to the selection and training of the congregation's leaders.

16 16 4. The Interim Minister shall be an ex officio member, without vote, of all boards, committees, departments, commissions, task groups, and constituency groups of the congregation. B. SELECTION 1. The Interim Minister(s) shall be chosen by the congregation as herein described: i. An Interim Ministerial Selection Committee shall be formed. The Committee shall consist of five (5) representative members of the congregation including men, women, and mature youth (7 th thru 12th grades) chosen by the Executive Committee of the Congregational Board. One of these shall be appointed chairperson by the Moderator with Congregational Board approval. (In the event that an Interim Minister search is in process at the end of the current terms of the chairpersons who are members of the Interim Ministerial Selection Committee, these persons would remain on the committee until the call has been completed.) j. The Interim Ministerial Selection Committee shall use the services of the Regional Minister for information and counsel concerning prospective candidates. k. The Committee shall recommend a prospective Interim Minister to the Congregational Board. l. The Congregational Board at a stated or called meeting may approve the recommendation by at least a 2/3 majority vote of those present. Upon approval, the Congregational Board shall recommend employment of the prospective Interim Minister to the congregation. m. The congregation in a stated or called meeting for the sole purpose of selecting an Interim Minister may approve the recommendation of the Congregational Board by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting. n. Upon the approval of the congregation, a call shall be issued to the prospective Interim Minister by the Congregational Board on behalf of the congregation. C. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT (INTERIM MINISTER) 1. An agreement in writing setting forth the salary, benefits, retirement plan and other conditions of the call shall be provided the Interim Minister. One copy shall be filed in the Church office and another placed in the safety deposit box of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bourbonnais, Illinois. 2. The length of term of Interim Minister shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated by either the Interim Minister or the congregation with at least sixty (60) days written notice.

17 17 D. RESIGNATION 1. Voluntary resignation of an Interim Minister shall be submitted in writing to the Congregational Board for their acceptance after consultation with the Moderator at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed resignation date. 2. Involuntary resignation shall be in accordance with current Personnel Policy and requires a 2/3 vote of the Congregation at a meeting solely for said purpose in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution. 3. Should a person claim misconduct of the Interim Minister (i.e. sexual harassment, misappropriation of funds, etc.) the issue shall be dealt with in accordance with current CCIW and Personnel Policy. X. AMENDMENTS These Bylaws may be amended BY CONSENSUS of the Congregational Board recommending amendments to the congregation, and by a vote of the members present and voting of the congregation in a stated or special meeting, for this sole purpose, provided the proposed amendments have been circulated to the congregation by mail one (1) week prior to the Congregational Meeting.