Willamette Christian Church Policy & Bylaws

Transcription

1 Purpose of this Policy Document This document serves to give direction to the normal business and operational functions of Willamette Christian Church. It is intended to give guidance and is not rule of law. 1. OFFICES The principal office ofwillamette Christian Church (WCC) of West Linn shall be located at 3153 South Brandywiae, West Linn, Oregon As used herein the term, "Congregation shall refer to this corporation, Willamette Christian Church and its members. The Congregation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Oregon, as the Elders may determine or as the affairs of the Congregation require from time to time. 2. IDENTITY Willamette Christian Church is a New Testament Christian fellowship in West Linn which seeks to love God, love people, and serve the world. 3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The purpose for which the WUIamette Christian Church exists are: To win people to faith in God and produce disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). To equip believers for works of service and to build up one another in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). To gather together and worship God. (Acts 2:46) To love and care for one another (John 13:34-35). 4. ELDERS 4.1. Qualifications for Elder. Personal qualifications for Elder are defined by 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The Elders recognize Jesus, the Christ, as the head of His church on earth and of this local Congregation. Candidates must have been an active member for at least two (2) years preceding election (1 Timothy 3:6). Candidates must possess an attitude of servanthood (Mark 10:45). Candidates must possess a spiritual giftedness for leadership (Acts 11:24, Romans 12:6, Ephesians 4:16).

2 Candidates must possess a philosophical compatibility with the Church's core values and strategy (Romans 15:5, 1 Corinthians 1:10). Elders must undergo annual self-examination and review by other members of the Elders Responsibilities. The Elders shall be responsible for: Maintaining the spiritual and financial well being ofwillamette Christian Church. Leading according to the will of God through example and service. Recommending and calling the Lead Pastor upon the affirmation of eighttenths (8/10) of a quorum of voting members of the Congregation. Negotiate a contract with the Lead Pastor, who shall serve for an indefinite 4.3. Election, Vacancy, Removal period. The Lead Pastor's employment shall continue as long as mutually agreeable to both the parties. The election of Elders shall be conducted in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation; i.e., recommended by WCC members or other elders, qualified by the current elders, and affirmed by a 2/3 vote of the WCC members. Elders may be recommended annually, approximately thirty (30) to sixty (60) days prior to year end. Each person recommended for eldership will undergo self-exaimnation as well as review by the Elders and other WCC members as may be designated by the Elders. Vacancies during mid-term on the Elders may be filled in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and the WCC Policy. An Elder may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Elders. Except as otherwise provided by law, any such resignation shall take effect upon the receipt of such notice. An Elder may be removed from office by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the other Elders at a meeting called expressly for that purpose. Removal can occur due to Biblical cause, or as a result of failure to fulfill the function.

3 4.4. Number and Tenure. The Lead Pastor is considered a voting member of the Elders, and is not subject to annual affirmation. The number of Elders shall be appropriate to the needs of the Congregation and the availability of qualified candidates, but in no case shall there be less than three (3) Elders. Elders shall serve for one three year term, with an annual affirmation by the body, with an opportunity to extend to an additional three year term based upon the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the other elders. After the first or second term, an elder shall take a one year break. After one year, the elder may be reinstated according to need and after affirmation per subsection 4. A person who continues to meet the Elder qualifications of subsection 4.1 shall be considered Elder Emeritus. In this capacity, the Elder Emeritus shall be an extension of the acting Elders and their role shall be based on the needs of the church body, their gifting, and the direction of the acting Elders. Semce as an Elder Emeritus shall not preclude future service as an Elder, subject to the process outline in subsection Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Elders shall be held at a time established by resolution of the Elders. Meetings shall be held at least monthly Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Elders may be called by or at the request of the Lead Pastor, the Chairman of the Elders, or at least twenty percent (20%) of the Elders. Notice of the time and place of any special meeting of the Elders shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting Quorum. A majority of the Elders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting Manner of Acting. The act of a majority of a quorum of Elders shall be the act of the Elders, unless the act of a greater number is required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by this policy Compensation. Elders shall not receive any stated salaries for their services, but by resolution of the Elders, expenses of attendance, if any, shall be allowed. Nothing herein con-

4 tained shall be constmed to preclude any Elder from serving the Congregation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore. 4.10, Conflicts of Interest A conflict of interest transaction is a transaction with the Congregation in which an Elder of the Congregation has a direct or indirect interest. A conflict of interest transaction is not voidable or the basis for imposing Mability on the Elder if the transaction is fair to the Congregation at the time it was entered into or is approved as provided in Subsection For the purposes of this Section, an Elder of the Congregation has a confiict in a transaction if: Another entity in which the Elder has a material interest or in which the Elder is a general partner is a party to the transaction; 5. MEMBERS 5.1. Admission. Another entity of which the Elder is a director, officer or trustee is a party to the transaction, and the transaction is or should be considered by the Elders of the Congregation A transaction in which an Elder of this Congregation has a conflict of interest may be approved by the vote of the Elders if the material facts of the transaction and the Elder's interest are disclosed or known to the Elders. Willamette Christian Church consists of persons who have affirmed their commitment to Jesus, the Christ, as Savior and Lord. These persons have publicly acknowledged Christ through baptism by immersion Continued Membership. The Elders shall set requirements for continued membership Voting Rights. Anyone who is considered a member in good standing, and who is at least 16 years of age will be accepted as a voting member. Each voting member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members, for any purpose(s), unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by the Elders. A special meeting with a stated purpose(s) shall also be called at the written request of not less than five percent of all the voting members of the Congregation.

5 5.5. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the members shall be held at Willamette Christian Church unless otherwise designated by the Elders Notice of Meetings. Written notice stating the outline of business, place, day and hour of a meeting of members and, in case of a special meeting of members, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be mailed to each voting member of the Congregation at least seven (7) days before such meeting. Notice of regular and special meetings shall be by publication in the weekly church bulletin, at least one week in advance Quorum. Those members of the Congregation present at a meeting of the members and en" titled to vote, plus those members voting by absentee ballot, shall constitute a quorum, provided that the combined voting members present and those voting by absentee ballot make up no less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members of the Congregation Proxies and Absentee Ballots. Proxy voting is prohibited. Absentee balloting procedures will be conducted under the guidance of the elders Resignation. A member may resign at any time Expulsion or Suspension. Expulsion or suspension shall be determined by the Elders in accordance with scriptural policy. 6. OFFICERS 6.1. Appointment. The Elders may appoint such officers and agents as it shall deem desirable, for example: legal counsel, business manager, treasurer, etc.; such officers to have the authority and perform the duties prescribed by the Elders. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person Vacancies and Removal. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in these policies for regular appointments to such office.

6 WiIIamette Christian Church 6.3. Compensation. Any officer, assistant officer or agent may be removed, or any office not required by the Articles of Incorporation or by statute, may be abolished at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Elders. Any officer, assistant officer or agent may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Executive Pastor/Dtrector of Operations. Except as otherwise provided by law, any such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. This section shall not affect the contract rights of the Congregation or any officer, assistant officer or agent. Election or' appointment of an officer or agent shall not by itself create contract rights. The salaries and other compensation of all officers, assistant officers and agents of the Congregation shall be fixed by the Executive Pastor/Director of Operations unless provided otherwise by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these pohcies. 7. ASSOCIATE PASTOR AND STAFF 7.1 Qualifications for Staff The staff ofwillamette Christian Church are responsible for the overall operations of the church, the development and production of message and worship nunistries, ensuring all business practices, and oversight and support to the various ministdes of the church body. They are under the overall authority of the Blders, with direct supervisory oversight maintained by the Lead Pastor and/or Executive Pastor/Director of Operations. All applicable State and Federal Employment guidelines are maintained in the employment of staff. Qualifications for staff are defined within each job description and within the guidelines of the employee handbook. Additionally, the following exists for all staff: Recognize Jesus, the Christ, as the head of His church on earth and of this lo" cal congregation Possess a philosophical compatibility with WCC core values and strategy (Romans 15:5,1 Corinthians 1:10)

7 Demonstrate attributes as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 Possess an attitude of servanthood demonstrated within their work 7.2 Responsibilities for Staff Each staff member has a unique set of responsibilities within the team of WCC. These responsibilities may change and grow over time. The following exists for all staff: Maintain and attain minimum performance levels and participate in regular supervisory review Lead and operate according to employee guidelines and by the will of God through example and service Aspire to promote and protect the spiritual health and well being of the church body Judiciously protect the financial well being of Willamette Christian Church by demonstrating good decision making^ and solid work practices 7.3 Appointment and Term of Office The Lead Pastor is responsible for selecting and recommending Associate Pastors to the Elders. Employment shall continue as long as mutually agreeable between the parties. The Executive Pastor/Du'ector of Operations is responsible for appointing staff members. 7.4 Termination The Lead Pastor, Executive Pastor/Director of Operations, or Elders may terminate an Associate Pastor's or staff member's services on thirty (30) days notice or immediately for conduct unbecoming a pastor. Discharge for cause may not be subject to pay in lieu of notice. An Associate Pastor or staff member may terminate his/her services by submitting a written resignation to the Lead Pastor, Executive Pastor/Dlrector of Operations or Elders at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date thereof, and the Elders shall notify the Congregation at the following Sunday s services.

8 The Elders, Lead Pastor, Executive Pastor/Director of Operations and the Associate Pastor or staff member may lengthen or shorten the effective date of termination upon mutual agreement. 8. SHARES OF STOCK AND DIVIDENDS PROHIBITED 8.1. The Congregation shall not have or issue shares of stock No dividend shall be paid and no part of the income of the Congregation shall be distributed to its Elders or officers The Congregation may pay compensation in a reasonable amount to its Elders or officers for services rendered as provided by the Articles of Incorporation, other provisions of this policy, or resolution of the Board of Elders. 9. LOANS TO ELDERS AND OFFICERS PROHIBITED No loan shall be made by the Congregation to its Elders or officers. 10. COMMITTEES Appointment The Elders, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Elders, may designate and appoint one or more committees Governance Each committee may adopt rules for its own government not inconsistent with these poucies or with rules adopted by the Elders. 11. CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS Contracts The Elders may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Congregation. In addition to the officers so authorized by these policies, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of, and on behalf of, the Congregation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances Checks, Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Congregation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Congregation Deposits All funds of the Congregation shall be deposited in financial institutions where the account is in Willamette CJhristian Church's name Gifts

9 The Elders may accept on behalf of the Congregation any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Congregation. Any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise designated for specific projects may be accepted only after approval of the item/project by the Elders. Distdbution will be authorized by the Elders as needs dictate. 12. BOOKS AND RECORDS Books and Records The Congregation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Elders and committees having any of the authority of the Elders, and shall keep at its registered or principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the elders eligible to vote Financial Statements At the close of each fiscal year the Elders shall direct the preparation of a financial statement for the Congregation in accordance with acceptable or standard accounting practices or principles. To ensure complete transparency and openness, the members shall be presented with regular information on the financial health of the church. 13. FISCAL MATTERS Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Congregation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year Budget The general fund budget shall be prepared annually for approval by the Elders. Spending requests in excess of the annual budgeted amounts and changes to the existing general fund budget shall be submitted to and approved by the Elders. 14. AMENDMENTS TO POLICY These policies except for Article 4 and Article 14, may be altered, amended or repealed and new policy may be adopted by a majority of the Elders present at any regular or any special meeting, if written notice is given of the intention to alter, amend or repeal or to adopt new policy at such meeting. Article 4 and Article 14 may be amended by two thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members of the Congregation.

10 WiIIamette Christian Church 15. HEADINGS The headings contained in this policy are for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this policy. 16. DOCUMENT REVIEW This document shall be formally reviewed every three years by the elders and deemed appropnate. I, Dale Anderson, as Chainnan of the Elders, do hereby update the foregoing policy, as approved by the Elders on the 8th day of September,