Index
SECTION
II - STATEMENT OF FAITH
SECTION
VIII - CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS
ASSISTANT
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
SECTION
IX - OTHER POSITIONS AND MINISTRIES
SECTION
XII - CHURCH COMMITTEES & PLANNING COUNCIL
Whereas we, a body of believers in Jesus
Christ, organized for the purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and the
teachings and practices of His Church, deem it advisable that we have definite
rules of government and conduct, so that "all things may be done decently
and in order" (I Cor. 14:40). Therefore, be
it resolved, that upon their adoption by a majority vote of the church; we be
governed by the following constitution and by-laws.
The name of this Church shall be The Maywood
Community Church, Inc.
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God
and is therefore out only authority in matters of faith and conscience. The following are based on Maywood's original
"Tenets of Belief,"
·
We
believe in the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
·
We
believe in His virgin birth and conception by the Holy Spirit.
·
We
believe that all mankind is under the curse and condemnation of sin and, without
salvation, is consequently lost.
·
We
believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ.
·
He
loosed us from our sins by His own blood, giving His life a ransom and bearing
our sins in His own body on the cross.
·
We
believe that Satan is a personality and the one who blinds the eyes of the unsaved.
·
We
believe in our Lord's physical resurrection from the dead and the second visible
and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
·
We
believe in the Great Commission which our Lord gave to us for the evangelization
of the world, and that this ministry of proclaiming the Gospel of the grace of
God is the primary mission of every Christian.
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit
of God, to perceive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession
of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly,
most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in
Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy
Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of
this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and
spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to
contribute cheerfully
and
regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief
of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and
private devotions, to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation
of others; to walk uprightly in the world; and be just in our dealings,
faithful in our commitments, and exemplary in our behavior; to be zealous in
our efforts to advance the
kingdom
of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another
in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in
sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy
in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the
rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from
this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with another church, where we
can carry out the Spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God's Word.
This church is an inter-denominational
church and, as such, will seek to have a relationship with all Christian
Churches.
The purpose of Maywood Community Church is
to glorify God. We believe the elements to achieve that purpose include:
1.
Worship
- We seek to be a church where everyone can come and personally respond in
worship to God as they see Him primarily through His Word. Psalm 29:2.
2.
Instruction
- Christ said, "to go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all
things I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19,20. Our goal is to teach the Word of God to all
ages that they might "be conformed to the image of God's Son." II Timothy 2:15, Romans 8:29.
3.
Service
- We seek to help each believer see how they can use their gifts and talents
for the Lord. We seek to "equip the
saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ." Ephesians 4:12.
4.
Evangelism
- We seek to reach out to all unbelievers with the Gospel of Jesus Christ
bringing them to a personal relationship with God as they believe and receive
Jesus into their lives. Mark 16:
15, Ephesians 3:14-21.
5.
Missions
- Our mission outreach includes meeting the needs of our church family and
community as well as sponsoring missionaries to take the Gospel to the world. Our responsibility includes corporate and individual prayer, financial and material
support, and active personal involvement by our members.
6.
Fellowship
- We are exhorted to encourage and love one another and "not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together."
Hebrews 10:24,25. "That which
we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship
with us." I John 1:3.
All believers should follow our Lord's
example in Baptism- Matthew 3:13-17. We
believe that Baptism is a confession of our faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing
our death, burial, and resurrection to eternal life. Romans 6:3,4.
We believe this is best pictured by
immersion. However, recognizing that Baptism
is a symbolic act and because we are an inter-denominational church, the mode
of Baptism may be discussed with the Pastor.
The Scriptural basis for the observance of
the Lord's Supper is found in I Corinthians 11. All believers in Christ are
invited to partake. Communion shall be observed at least once a quarter and
during other services as may be arranged by the Pastor.
All persons who have trusted in Jesus Christ
as their Savior and Lord and who are in acceptance of our church covenant may
be received into the church membership in the following ways:
A:
RECEPTION
1.
By
Profession of Faith - Any person publicly professing faith and acceptance of
Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
2.
By
Letter - Members of any Christian Church may be received by a letter of
dismissal and recommendation from their church.
3.
By
Experience - Persons that have once been a member of a Christian Church who
find it difficult to obtain a letter of dismissal may be received by giving
satisfactory evidence of spiritual faith and practice.
4.
By
Restoration - Any person whose name for any cause has been erased from the
Church's membership roll may have it restored and be accepted into full
fellowship by making satisfactory explanation and request to the Church.
B.
DISMISSAL
1.
A
member in good standing may, upon application, be dismissed by letter to unite
with a church of his choice.
2.
A
member, on being absent for one year or more from the regular services of the
Church, and failing to sustain or communicate with the Church, may be dropped
from the active membership roll, and placed on the inactive roll, provided
earnest effort has been made by the Church to restore the broken relationship.
3.
Any
person who persistently violates the Church Covenant shall become subject to
Church action and dismissal.
The Pastor is the spiritual leader of the
church. The spiritual gift is described in Ephesians 4:11-13 and the primary
function is that of "perfecting the saints" for Christian service
through the following five areas of pastoral ministry:
1.
Preaching
and teaching God's Word or "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" (II
Timothy 2:15) is a task requiring the pastor to be a disciplined student.
2.
Pastoral
Care is extended during times of need such as the following:
1) The birth of a child,
2) Religious conversion,
3) Vocational crises,
4) Physical illness,
5) Bereavement and 6) Death.
3.
Mission
to society and community ...Leading the Church to obey the commands of Jesus
Christ to witness and to express love for persons in need.
4.
Worship...Providing
opportunities for spiritual renewal, inspiration and personal dedication.
5.
Administering
the Church ..... performing diligently those duties incumbent upon the office,
and shall propose to the Church that program of worship and work which will
best further the mission of the Church.
The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of
all boards, committees and organizations, and shall be privileged to attend and
express an opinion at all meetings.
When the office of Pastor shall become
vacant, the Church Board shall keep the pulpit suitably supplied and select a
Pulpit Committee to recommend a prospective pastor for the Church's
consideration. At least two week's notice to church members shall proceed the
Pulpit Committee's recommendation of a pastor, and the affirmative vote must be
comprised of at least three-fourths of the members voting. Three months notice
shall precede a severance of the pastoral relation unless waived by mutual
consent.
The Pastor's Wife does not have a
relationship to the church which should demand of her time and energy any more
than any other member of the Church. She is the wife of the Pastor and as such
is a homemaker, wife and mother and her responsibilities in the Church life is
that which she chooses as a response to the Spirit in her life. The support and
encouragement which the wife of the Pastor gives to her husband is that which
enables the Pastor to function in his ministry.
The Church Board consists of the Deacons,
Trustees and Pastor. The membership looks to the Church Board for leadership
and guidance in conducting the business of the church. The Board will submit
items of major concern or expenditure to the congregation for approval.
The Church Board shall meet at least monthly
for discussion of the church's welfare. The Board shall elect annually a
Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary by a simple majority of the Board
members. The Chairman of the Board shall be a Deacon. The Chairman shall
preside at their meetings. The Vice Chairman shall preside in his absence. The
Secretary shall keep a record of their meetings. The Deacons and Trustees may
have additional and separate meetings to discuss the different concerns of each
group.
The Church Board shall conduct an annual
performance review for all salaried staff. The Church Board shall make
recommendations for all staff salaries and shall present these to be voted on
at the regular church business meeting.
The Chairman of the Board shall endeavor to
keep Christian love, peace and harmony within the Church. He is the liaison
officer whose function is to insure proper coordination by balancing the
spiritual, administrative and physical needs of the church.
As the presiding officer of the business
meetings, his purpose should be to encourage the flow of ideas and blend them
into a common goal, which is workable and practical. He shall diligently strive
to work with the Pastor in coordinating the activities of the church.
In summary, our Beloved Jesus said:
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." Matthew
23:11
The Deacons shall consist of a minimum of
six members, elected to serve a maximum of three consecutive years on the
Church Board. At least two will be elected each year. If a Deacon becomes
unworthy in conduct or unfaithful in his discharge of his duties, the Church
shall withdraw his title and fill the vacancy.
A Deacon shall be a friend of the Pastor, a
counselor, confidant, comforter, and companion. The Deacons shall seek out such
members as need financial assistance, and such relief as the church can
provide. They shall visit the sick, seek the lost, distribute the elements at
the Lord's Supper, and cooperate with the pastor in the performance of his
duties. They shall aid the Pastor in the spiritual over-sight of the assigned
church families.
As the Greek word indicates, Deacons are
servants of the Church. Some of the qualities of an ideal deacon are found in I
Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9.
The Trustees shall consist of a minimum of
three members, each one elected to serve a maximum of three consecutive years
on the Church Board. At least one Trustee is to be elected each year.
The Trustees shall hold the legal title to
the Church's real estate, for the membership of the Church and subject to its
instructions. They shall sign for the Church, when so instructed, all deeds,
mortgages, notes and other legal papers.
Additional
duties of the Trustees:
1.
To
periodically inspect Church property for any needed repairs.
2.
To
schedule work days when needed.
3.
To
secure bids from contractors for Church membership approval.
4.
To
listen to any members suggestions and bring before the Board for discussion.
5.
To,
above all, always perform their duties harmoniously and under the guide and
direction of the Holy Spirit.
The Treasurer shall receive and keep safely
the monies of the Church and pay out the same in accordance with the
instruction of the Church. He shall be prepared to give financial reports upon
request by authorized representatives of the Church. He will aid and assist the
assistant treasurer in learning the work of the treasurer. In the absence of
both treasurer and assistant treasurer, counters should be arranged for by
these officers. The Treasurer, in conjunction with the Budget Committee, will
prepare the annual budget recommendations.
The Assistant Treasurer shall be able and
authorized to fill the position of Treasurer in his absence.
The Sunday School Superintendent shall have
general supervision of the Sunday School program. With the approval of the
Board, the Superintendent shall appoint teachers, assistant teachers, and
helpers which are needed to best further the program of the Sunday School. The
Superintendent shall periodically visit classrooms, observing conditions and
instruction.
Meetings to keep teachers informed on new
information and to obtain classroom needs will be held periodically. The
Superintendent shall work with the Pastor in relating the Sunday School to the
public worship program and insuring it meets the needs of the congregation.
The Assistant Sunday School Superintendent
shall work with the Superintendent in every way possible and shall fill the
position in his absence.
The Head Usher shall have general
supervision for reception, seating and comfort of both members and guests at
worship services. The Head Usher shall appoint assistants as needed.
The Clerk shall keep an accurate record of
business transacted by the Church at all Business Meetings. The Clerk will
report births, deaths, marriages, baptisms and changes of membership within the
Church. The Clerk shall keep an accurate register of the membership, keep on
file such records and papers as the Church shall desire.
**Barring
extenuating circumstances, any officer who fails to perform the duties
pertaining to their office for a period of three consecutive months, automatically
resigns and the Church shall proceed to fill the vacancy.
A Nominating Committee, consisting of not
less than five members, shall be appointed for a one year term by the Chairman
of the Board at least two months in advance of the annual business meeting.
They shall select a slate of candidates for officers to be presented at the
annual business meeting or to replace vacated positions during their term. (One
nomination shall be made for each office.) Opportunity for other nominations
from the floor at such meetings shall be given. If other nominations are made,
the vote must be taken by ballot. A majority of the members present and voting
shall elect, except as otherwise provided.
The Music Director shall work with the
Pastor and Worship Committee to provide music for all church activities. The
Director shall work with a music committee in selecting the hymn numbers for
the Sunday morning worship hours and the special music. The Director shall
coordinate with the Worship Committee on special Sundays. The Music Director is
to be appointed yearly by the Church Board.
The Organist and Pianist shall fulfill the
duties the offices imply. They shall keep the Trustees informed as to the
condition of the organ and piano.
The Custodian is to be chosen and supervised
by the Trustees, and the salary is to be established by the Church Board.
The Ladies' Council was organized
New organizations calculated to further the
spiritual interests of the Church, or groups within the Church may be
introduced by a majority vote at any Business meeting.
1.
The
Business meeting will be held monthly, however, the Pastor and/or Board
Chairman may schedule special meetings for urgent business at any reasonable
time. They may also dispense with the regular monthly meeting if there is no
business at hand; however, there must be at least one meeting quarterly.
2.
The
Business meetings will be recorded by the Church Clerk as a permanent and
public record.
3.
Fifteen
members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at any meeting.
4.
The
Business meetings of the church shall be conducted in a fair and impartial
manner. Any question of parliamentary procedure shall be settled by Robert's
Rules of Order.
4.
5.
Officers
and Committee Chairmen shall read or submit written reports of their work at
Business meetings.
6.
The
Annual Business Meeting for the election of officers shall be held in November.
7.
No
major expenditures shall be incurred against the Church by any member without
prior approval from the Church.
8.
A
church member must be 18 years of age to vote on Church Business (adopted April
2005).
1.
This
Constitution or any part of the same, may be amended in the following manner: At any business session a three-fourths
majority of those present and voting may elect to present an Amendment. The
proposed Amendment will then be published in the weekly church bulletin and the
monthly newsletter and then, may be voted on at the next business meeting. A
three-fourths majority of those present and voting at this business meeting will
be necessary, for the passing of the Amendment.