Adopted by the membership on
The fifth of December, in the year of our Lord 2010,
Constitution of Grace Community Church, Martin, TN
In order to conduct and handle the affairs and property of Grace Community Church of Martin, TN, Inc. we, the members of said incorporated church, in business meeting duly called and held have adopted the following bylaws:
Preamble
Since it pleased Almighty God, by His Holy Spirit, to call certain of His servants to unite here in 2009 under the name Grace Community Church of Martin, TN, for the worship of God and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and He has sustained and prospered this work to the present day;
Now therefore we, the members of Grace Community Church, do hereby organize ourselves in accord with the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act and adopt this Constitution as our articles of governance, to be interpreted at all times to reflect the character of and bring glory to Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Holy Bible and articulated in the standards set forth in the Statement of Faith and Covenant of this church.
Article I
OFFICES
SECTION 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office of the church corporation shall be located at 1140 Old Salem Road, Martin ,TN in Weakley County, Tennessee.
SECTION 2. CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Board of Directors may change the church corporation's principal office by amendment of
these bylaws.
SECTION 3. OTHER OFFICES
The church corporation may also have offices at such other places, within Tennessee, as the
board of directors may designate.
Article II
PURPOSE
This church exists by the grace of God, for the glory of God, which shall be the ultimate purpose in all its activities.
SECTION 1. IRC SECTION 501(C)(3) PURPOSES
This church corporation is organized exclusively as a religious corporation for one or more
of the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for
such purposes, charitable, religious and educational activities and the making of distributions
to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
SECTION 2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
This church glorifies God by loving Him and obeying His commands through:
Worshipping Him;
Equipping the saints through Bible instruction and study;
Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and personal evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teachings of Holy Scripture;
Encouraging, supporting, and participating in missions work, local, domestic, and international;
Administering the ordinances of baptism and communion;
Encouraging Biblical fellowship among believers;
Serving other individuals, families, and churches by providing for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, in the name of Jesus Christ;
and Calling fellow churches to biblical faithfulness and purity through instruction and encouragement about the nature of the local church.
Article III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for membership in this church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been baptized, in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible.
Each member must agree to submit to the teaching of scripture as expressed in the Statement of Faith and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant.
The elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership.
In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith, or such other evidence, as the elders deem appropriate.
SECTION 2. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
To be admitted into church membership, applicants shall be recommended by the elders for admission and accepted by vote of the members at any regular or special meeting of the members, and shall at that point relinquish their membership in other churches.
SECTION 3. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
In accord with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God.
Only those shall be entitled to serve in the ministries of the church who are members of this congregation; non-members may serve on an ad-hoc basis with the approval of the elders. Notwithstanding, non-members may serve the church for purposes of administration and professional consultation.
Under Christ this congregation is governed by its members. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters as may be submitted to a vote.
SECTION 4. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Students and others temporarily residing in the Martin, TN area who are members of an evangelical church may apply for associate membership.
Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out above, except that home church membership must be retained. A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant’s home church.
Duties and privileges of associate members are the same as for other members
except that:
(a) when absent from the Martin, TN area for extended periods of time they are released
from the responsibility to attend our church services;
(b) while they will be encouraged to participate in members’ meetings they will not be
eligible to stand for any office or to vote.
Termination of associate membership as a disciplinary measure will be as it is for other members, except that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that termination.
Associate membership will normally terminate immediately upon the ending of the period of temporary residence in the Martin, TN area.
SECTION 5. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Any member of this church who fails to adhere to the doctrine, rules, principles, and practices set forth herein shall forfeit his membership in said body, and any and all claim, use, or possession of this church's property of any kind.
This church shall terminate membership as follows:
(1) Upon the death of the member.
(2) By letter of recommendation. Only members in good standing shall be entitled to a letter of dismission. Members shall be considered in good standing until charges are brought and sustained by the church.
(3) Letters shall be granted to churches with which this church is in fellowship, and not to individuals. Letters shall be valid for only six months from date unless renewed, and this restriction shall be stated in the letter.
(4) It shall be the duty of all members moving to another community to request letters as soon as possible.
(5) This church may terminate membership of persons who are not attending for the space of six months, or for the same space of time not habitually worshiping with the church, or for the same space of time not contributing to the church; except absences or nonparticipation due to severe and prolonged ill health, extended travel, military service or other circumstances brought to the attention of the church which would reasonably reflect genuine inability rather than unwillingness to attend, worship or support the church.
(6) This church may terminate membership, through church discipline, of persons who become an offense to the church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent breaks of their covenant vows, or non-support of the church, or by flagrant and unrepentant disobedience to scriptural dictates, but only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such members to repentance and reform.
Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the admonition of the elders and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 and the example of scripture. Church discipline, then, should ordinarily be contemplated after individual private admonition has failed. Church discipline can include admonition by the elders or congregation, suspension from communion for a definite period, deposition from office, and excommunication (see Matthew 18:15–17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; 1 Timothy 5:19–20; 1 Corinthians 5:4–5).
The purpose of such discipline should be: for the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (see Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; I Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4; I Timothy 3:4–5; Hebrews 12:1–11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26–27; 18:15–17; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; I Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1–5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; I Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13–14; James 1:22); for the instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; I Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; I Thessalonians 5:14 [note this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; I Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24–25); for the purity of the church as a whole (see I Corinthians 5:6–7; II Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; II John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2); for the good of our corporate witness to non–Christians (see Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13–16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1–14; Ephesians 5:11; I Timothy 3:7; II Peter 2:2; I John 3:10); and Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (see Deuteronomy 5:11; I Kings 11:2; II Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2:24; 15:5–6; II Corinthians 6:14–7: 1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; I Peter 2:12).
(7) The membership of no person shall be terminated (except by letter) at the meeting when the recommendation for such action is made.
(8) All requests for termination of membership or action looking thereto shall first be considered by the church leadership, who shall make recommendations to the church.
Article III-B
DIRECTORS
For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Tennessee, the Elders shall serve as the Board of Directors of the corporation.
SECTION 1. NUMBER
The church corporation shall have at least 3 directors and collectively they shall be known as the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS
Since the elders shall be serving as the directors of the corporation, the qualifications for directors shall be the Biblical qualifications for elders as given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
SECTION 3. NUMBER, ELECTION, TERMS OF SERVICE
The size of the board of directors may be increased at the discretion of said board if it is determined that the size of the church warrants the addition of further elders/directors.
Election of new directors shall be carried out according to Article 6, Section 2 of this Constitution.
Since directors will also be elders, the terms of service and duties of the directors shall be the same as the terms of service and duties of the elders as given in Article 5, Section 2 of this Constitution.
SECTION 4. POWERS
Subject to the provisions of the laws of this state and any limitations in the Charter of Incorporation and these bylaws, the activities and affairs of this church corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. QUORUM FOR MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.
Except as otherwise provided under the Charter, these bylaws, or provisions of Tennessee law, no business shall be considered by the board at any meeting at which the required quorum is not present, and the only motion which the Chair shall entertain at such meeting is a motion to adjourn.
SECTION 6. MAJORITY ACTION AS BOARD ACTION
Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors, unless the Charter, these bylaws, or provisions of Tennessee law require a greater percentage or different voting rules for approval of a matter by the board.
SECTION 8. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairperson of the Board, or, if no such person has been so designated or, in his or her absence, the President or, in his or her absence, by the Vice President or, in the absence of each of these persons, by a Chairperson chosen by a majority of the directors present at the meeting.
The Secretary shall act as secretary of all meetings of the board, provided that, in his or her absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as Secretary of the Meeting.
Meetings shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the Charter, these bylaws, or with Tennessee law.
SECTION 9. VACANCIES
Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall exist (1) on the death, resignation or removal of any director, and (2) whenever the number of authorized directors is increased.
Any director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairperson of the Board, the President, the Secretary, or the Board of Directors, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. No director may resign if the church corporation would then be left without a duly elected director or directors in charge of its affairs.
SECTION 10. NONLIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
The directors shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the church corporation.
SECTION 11. INDEMNIFICATION BY CHURCH CORPORATION OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS
The directors and officers of the church corporation shall be indemnified by the church corporation to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of Tennessee.
SECTION 12. INSURANCE FOR CORPORATE AGENTS
Except as may be otherwise provided under provisions of law, the Board of Directors may adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase and maintenance of insurance on behalf of any agent of the church corporation (including a director, officer, employee or other agent of the church corporation) against liabilities asserted against or incurred by the agent in such capacity or arising out of the agent's status as such, whether or not the church corporation would have the power to indemnify the agent against such liability under the Charter, these bylaws or Tennessee law.
Article IV
MEETINGS
SECTION 1. WORSHIP MEETINGS
Worship services shall be held each Lord's Day, and may be held throughout the week as the church determines.
SECTION 2. MEMBERS' MEETINGS
In every meeting together, members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There shall be regular members’ meeting as necessary, at some time apart from a public worship service as determined by the elders.
An elder designated by the elders shall preside as moderator at all members’ meetings of the church.
The elders shall see that the stated meetings of the church are regularly held and that required reports are submitted to the church by the responsible members.
Provided all constitutional provisions for notification have been met, a quorum shall be understood to be met by those members present at a duly called members' meeting.
All votes shall be tallied based on the number of votes cast by members present.
A budget shall be approved by the membership at a members’ meeting not more than three months after the start of the fiscal year. Prior to this approval and subject to the elders’ discretion, expenditures may continue at the prior year’s level.
At any regular or special members’ meeting, officers may be elected and positions filled as needed, so long as all relevant constitutional requirements have been met.
Special members’ meetings may be called as required by the elders, or at the written request, submitted to the elders, of five percent of the voting membership. The date, time, and purpose of any special meeting shall be announced at all public services of the church within two weeks preceding the meeting. In the event of a written request from the members, the elders shall call a special meeting to be held within one month of their receipt of the request.
Such members as are in full and regular standing, and do not hold letters of dismission, and such only, may act and vote in the transactions of the church.
Article V
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. SUMMARY
The Biblical offices in the church are elders and deacons.
In addition, our church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk and treasurer.
All officers must be members of this church prior to assuming their responsibilities.
SECTION 2. ELDERS
The elders shall be comprised of not less than three men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in I Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9.
A majority of the active eldership shall be composed of church members not in the regular pay of the church, and no elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure.
Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1–6 and I Peter 5:1–4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock.
The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders.
Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the elders and, if need be, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 and I Timothy 5:17–21. Any of the elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members at any members’ meeting of the church.
The elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members,
examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of
the deacons and appointed church agents and committees, conduct worship services, administer
the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry,
encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church
discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for
world missions.
The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions.
The elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders may also propose funding for new paid staff positions. The scope and approval of job descriptions for any staff position shall reside in the hands of those with hiring authority for that position.
The elders shall have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. This responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to another staff member.
Each year the elders, after consultation with the deacons, and the membership, shall present to the church an itemized budget. This budget shall be presented at least one month before it is to be voted on in order to allow proper time for discussion and then called up for a vote at a properly-called members’ meeting.
No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of the church or any of its ministries without the approval of the elders.
The elders shall elect a chairman of elders’ meetings and shall also elect one of their number to serve as moderator of members’ meetings. For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Tennessee, the elders shall serve as the board of directors of the corporation and shall elect one of their number to serve as the president of the corporation.
SECTION 3. DEACONS
The deacons shall be men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of deacon is described in I Timothy 3: 8–13 and Acts 6: 1–7.
The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons.
Deacons and shall care for the temporal needs of members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration.
The deacons shall receive, hold, and disburse a fund for benevolence, reporting on its use to the elders at their request, and reporting to the church its total receipts and total disbursements only.
The deacons, with the agreement of the elders, may establish unpaid administrative positions or committees of members to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities in the church.
SECTION 4. CLERK
It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the minutes of all regular and special members’ meetings of the church, to preserve an accurate roll of the membership, and to render reports as requested by the pastor, the elders, the deacons, or the church.
In the absence or incapacity of the clerk the elders shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the church clerk.
The church clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of this constitution shall be available for all church members.
For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Tennessee, the clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation.
SECTION 5. TREASURER
The treasurer, who shall not be an active elder, deacon, or paid church staff member, shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as appropriate.
The treasurer shall also be responsible for providing regular reports of the account balances, revenues and expenses of the church at each members’ meeting. The responsibility may be delegated with the approval of the elders.
The treasurer shall also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent of the church.
The treasurer shall render to the elders annually, or whenever they may require it, an account of all transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the church.
Article VI
ELECTIONS
SECTION 1. PRINCIPLES
The process for church elections shall be interpreted and carried out according to the following
principles:
Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of
the election process;
Nominations should proceed with the support of the elders;
All candidates for church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty
appropriate in evaluating fellow members;
The election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving
consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
SECTION 2. SELECTION OF OFFICERS
The election of officers shall be held at a members’ meeting of the church.
Names of nominees to serve as elders, deacons, clerk, or treasurer shall be presented by the elders at least one month in advance, and the election shall proceed as directed by the moderator.
Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should express such concern to the elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to a candidate should express their objection to the elders as far in advance as possible before the relevant church members’ meeting.
The moderator shall declare elected all men receiving a 75% majority of all votes cast for the office of elder.
For all other offices, the moderator shall declare elected all persons receiving a simple majority of all votes cast; abstentions will not be considered as votes cast.
The persons elected shall assume their respective offices upon election, unless another date has been specifically designated.
Article VII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 1. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION
If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, or agent of the church, the church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c) in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
SECTION 2. PERMISSIVE INDEMNIFICATION
At the discretion of the elders, the church also may indemnify any person who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church’s best interest and not unlawful.
SECTION 3. PROCEDURE
If a quorum of the elders is not available for an indemnification determination because of the number of elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by special legal counsel appointed by the membership.
Article VIII
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS
SECTION 1. EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS
The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, may by resolution authorize any officer or agent of the church corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the church corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless authorized, no officer, agent, or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the church corporation by any contract or legal obligation or to make it liable for any purpose or in any amount.
SECTION 2. CHECKS AND NOTES
Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, or as otherwise required by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the church corporation shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by a member of the Board of Directors (i.e. an Elder) of the church corporation.
SECTION 3. DEPOSITS
All funds of the church corporation shall be deposited regularly and promptly to the church corporation's account in such banks or other financial institutions as the Board of Directors may select.
SECTION 4. GIFTS
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the church corporation any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the nonprofit purposes of this church corporation.
Article IX
CORPORATE RECORDS AND REPORTS
SECTION 1. MAINTENANCE OF CORPORATE RECORDS
The church corporation shall keep [at its principal office, or other designated location]:
(a) Minutes of all meetings of directors, committees of the board and members, indicating the time and place of holding such meetings, whether regular or special, how called, the notice given, and the names of those present and the proceedings thereof;
(b) Adequate and correct books and records of account, including accounts of its properties, assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, etc.;
(c) A record of its members, if any, indicating their names and addresses;
(d) A copy of the church corporation's Charter and bylaws as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection by the members of the church corporation at all reasonable times.
SECTION 2. DIRECTORS' INSPECTION RIGHTS
Every director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the church corporation and shall have such other rights to inspect the books, records and properties of this church corporation as may be required under the Charter, other provisions of these bylaws, and provisions of law.
SECTION 3. MEMBERS' INSPECTION RIGHTS
Each and every member shall have the following inspection rights, for a purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a member:
(a) To inspect the record of all members' names, addresses and voting rights, at reasonable times, upon written request of the Secretary of the church corporation, which request shall state the purpose for which the inspection rights are requested.
(b) The membership list shall be made available within a reasonable time after the request is received by the Secretary of the church corporation or after the date specified when the list is to be compiled.
(c) To inspect at any reasonable time the books, records, or minutes of proceedings of the members or of the board or committees of the board, upon written request on the Secretary of the church corporation by the member, for a purpose reasonably related to such person's interests as a member.
Members shall have such other rights to inspect the books, records and properties of this church corporation as may be required under the Charter, other provisions of these bylaws, and provisions of law.
SECTION 4. RIGHT TO COPY AND MAKE EXTRACTS
Any inspection under the provisions of this Article may be made in person and the right to inspection shall include the right to copy and make extracts.
SECTION 5. PERIODIC REPORT
The board shall cause any annual or periodic report required under law to be prepared and delivered to an office of this state or to the members, if any, of this church corporation, to be so prepared and delivered within the time limits set by law.
Article X
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian Church (see, e.g., Matthew 18: 15–20, I Corinthians 6: 1–8), the church shall require its members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblically based principles, without reliance on the secular courts.
Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church shall encourage the use of biblically based principles to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or pagan and whether individuals or corporate entities.
Article XI
IRC 501(C)(3) TAX EXEMPTION PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. LIMITATIONS ON ACTIVITIES
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws, this church corporation shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by a church corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SECTION 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST PRIVATE INUREMENT
No part of the net earnings of this church corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be
distributable to, its members, directors or trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that
the church corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for
services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of this
church corporation.
SECTION 3. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS
Upon the dissolution of this church corporation and the dissolution of this church [ministry, etc.], its assets remaining after payment of all debts and liabilities of this church corporation shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 510(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Such distribution shall be made in accordance with the corporate charter and any applicable provisions of the state law.
Article XII
AMENDMENTS
The Statement of Faith and Church Covenant may be amended by a three-quarters vote of the
members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the
pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote. This constitution may be
amended by a three-fourths vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting,
provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting,
and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior
to such vote. The revised version of this constitution shall be made available to all church
members by the church clerk.
Article XIII
CONSTRUCTION AND TERMS
If there is any conflict between the provisions of these bylaws and the Charter of this church corporation, the provisions of the Charter shall govern.
Should any of the provisions or portions of these bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions and portions of these bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding.
All references in these bylaws to the Articles of Incorporation or to the Charter shall be to the Corporate Charter, or other founding document of this church corporation, filed with an office of this state and used to establish the legal existence of this church corporation.
All references in these bylaws to a section or sections of the Internal Revenue Code shall be to such sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended from time to time, or to corresponding provisions of any future federal tax code.
