CONSTITUTION - Clover Sites
CONSTITUTION
OF
ALL NATIONS COMMUNITY CHURCH
OF HOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS
PREAMBLE
Whereas, foremost in the operation of this Church and its By-Laws is the Word of God as taught in Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible. All provisions herein are declared to be subject to the Word of God which is to every possible extent incorporated herein by reference as a whole and unless otherwise stated to be found in the New King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Whereas, it is the express purpose of God our Heavenly Father to call out of the world a saved people who shall contribute to the Body of Christ, built and established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone.
Whereas, we, the membership of All Nations Community Church of Homewood hereafter referred to as ANCC, as members of one another in Christ and called to the express and distinct purposes and directives of this congregation, do hereby recognize ourselves as a sovereign and local church body. We do hereby associate ourselves as an independent religious body, not to be bound to any centralized ecclesiastical form of government outside of our congregation nor obligated by association or fellowship that in any way impinges on our autonomy and self-determination. We do, however, recognize and participate in and with the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies for purposes of cooperation in ministry, mission, and spiritual accountability.
Whereas, the members of the Body of Christ are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, therefore,
Be it Resolved: That we recognize ourselves a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the State of Illinois we may exercise all the rights and privileges granted to religious bodies.
Be it Resolved: The term “Council” throughout this document shall refer to the Church Council of Elders and/or Deacons, said Council consisting of the Senior Pastor, Elders, and Deacons.
Be it Resolved: We hereby extend the opportunity for attendance, fellowship, instruction and worship in ANCC, to all members, with fellow believers in accordance with these By-Laws.
ARTICLE I
NAME. The name of this organization shall be ALL NATIONS COMMUNITY CHURCH OF HOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSES. The corporation is organized and shall be exclusively operated for religious, charitable or educational purposes within the meaning of § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1987, as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law) and as set forth in the bylaws of the corporation.
ARTICLE III
STATEMENT OF FAITH, AUTHORITY AND CONVENANT
SECTION 3.1 STATEMENT OF FAITH
The programs and activities governing the form of worship of ALL NATIONS COMMUNITY CHURCH OF HOMEWOOD, INCORPORATED shall be based upon, and at all times shall be consistent with, the following creed and beliefs:
A. THE SCRIPTURES. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of Holy Men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine. The New King James Version of the Bible shall be the official translation, unless otherwise noted. (II Timothy 3:16; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Peter 1:21).
B. THE GODHEAD. We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, coequal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; John 14:10, 26; 2 Cor. 13:14)
C. MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION. Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam's transgression and fall, sin came into the world. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." "As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one." Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the works of the devil, give His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God (Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:9-10; I John 3:8; Galatians 3:13,14). Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing words acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:8). We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the
forgiveness of our sins. We believe that all sins, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are
forgivable. (Matt. 12:31-32; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:9)
D. ETERNAL LIFE AND NEW BIRTH. Man's first step toward salvation is godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The new birth is necessary to all men, and when fulfilled produces eternal life (II Corinthians 7:10; I John 5:12; John 3:3-5).
E. WATER BAPTISM. Baptism in water is by immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian's identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The following regarding the Water Baptismal formula is adopted, to wit: "On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."
F. BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and Fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the new birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance (Matthew 3:11; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 2:4).
G. SANCTIFICATION. The Bible teaches that without Holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 12:14; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12-14; I Corinthians 1:30).
H. DIVINE HEALING. Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God, through the prayer of faith, and by laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and it is the privilege of every member of the church today (Mark 16:18; James 5:14-20; I Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4-5).
I. RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD. The angels said, "This same Jesus shall so come in like manner." His coming is imminent. When He comes, "The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air." (Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth, as King of kings and the Lord of lords, and together with His Saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).
J. HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION. The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance. The lake of fire is literal. The terms "eternal" and "everlasting" used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in noting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in the presence of God (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20; Hebrews 6:1-2).
K. COMMUNION — THE LORD'S SUPPER. We partake of the Lord's Supper to show the Lord's death till He comes (I Corinthians 11:23-31). The bread symbolizes the Lord's broken body (Isaiah 53:5; I Cor. 11:24). The cup represents the new covenant in His blood which provides us forgiveness and relationship with God (Hebrews 9; I Corinthians 11:25). We judge ourselves and realize that this is our salvation and receive it (I Cor. 11:28-30) for if we receive it unworthily—without giving it honor as our salvation—we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (I Cor. 11:27).
L. LAYING ON OF HANDS. A simple belief that power or anointing or any other
necessary quality can be transmitted from one person touching another. Laying on of hands was practiced by the Levitical Priesthood. Jesus practiced it in Mark 10:13-16 as a blessing, and it is our grounds for baby dedication instead of baptism. Laying on of hands for healing (Mark 5:22,23 and 41; Mark 5:28-31; Acts 28:8; Acts 19:11,12); laying on of hands to confer office (Acts 6:2-6); laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:16-18); laying on of hands to believe words spoken, to receive anointing and to cultivate the anointing (I Timothy 4:14); laying on of hands for ordination to consecrate and receive the necessary ministry tools (I Timothy 4:14).
M. TITHES AND OFFERINGS. The practice of tithes and offerings as taught in the
Holy Scriptures, according to Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Cor. 9:6-8. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to financially support his local church. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe or offering once the gift has been made. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)
N. THE CHURCH. The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a body of believers who
assemble to worship, carry forth the Great Commission, and minister as the Holy Ghost leads them.
We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely
made up of born-again persons. (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27)
We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined
in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control. (Acts
13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)
O. SEPARATION. We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances. (Lev. 19:28; Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11
P. THE PERSONALITY OF SATAN. We believe that Satan is a person, the author
of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10)
Q. CREATION. We believe that God created the universe in six days. We reject
evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11)
R. CIVIL GOVERNMENT. We believe that God has ordained and created all
authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state.
Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are
answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical
responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has
the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign
in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph.
5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)
S. HUMAN SEXUALITY. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen.
2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)
T. FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS. We believe that men and women are spiritually
equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for
men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home. (Gal.
3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12) We believe that God has ordained the family as the
foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the
church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church
submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible
for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent
lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen.
1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; 1 Cor.
7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)
U. DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids
divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is
regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. Although divorced and remarried
persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of
God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon. (Mal.
2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6)
V. ABORTION. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn
child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn
human life. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
W. EUTHANASIA. We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a
moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from
conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by
intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering Discontinuing medical procedures that are
extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-
zealous treatment. (Ex. 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28)
X. LOVE. We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward
fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and
those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently,
patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or
the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice.
Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who
engages in such sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-
10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18)
Y. LAWSUITS BETWEEN BELIEVERS. We believe that Christians are
prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)
Z. MISSIONS. We believe that God has given the church a great commission to
proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to the share the gospel wherever needed and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)
Section 3.2—Authority Of Statement of Faith
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.
Section 3.3—Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, 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 give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and 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 our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from such worldly amusements as watching ungodly movies, and gambling, ungodly music; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to abstain from the sale or use of tobacco in any form, narcotic drugs, or intoxicating drink as a beverage; and 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 of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, and to secure reconciliation without delay.
We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
ARTICLE IV
SENIOR PASTOR. The Church finds its headship under the Lord Jesus Christ, in its Pastor. It is therefore, theocratic in government. The Senior Pastor is the communicator of God’s vision to the flock.
A. Responsibility and Authority
The Senior Pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the church and shall preside over all meetings of the council of elders mentioned in this constitution and the by-laws, unless he designates otherwise. Accordingly, he shall determine the attendance, set the agenda and regulate communications for such meetings in accordance with the by-laws, applicable law and his sound discretion. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board of directors are carried into effect, subject, however, to the right of the board of directors to delegate to any other officer or officers of the Church any specific powers, other than those that may be, in the sound discretion of the board of directors, conferred only upon the Senior Pastor. He shall oversee the execution of all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other documents as authorized by the board of directors. He shall be an ex-officio member on all standing committees.
In the routine functions of the Church, it will be understood that the Senior Pastor may effect expenditures in carrying out the purposes and objectives of the ministry. The board of directors shall in due course be advised of any such expenditures. Normally no expenditures in excess of $5,000.00 will be made without prior approval of the board of directors. This does not refer to expenses incident to the day to day operations of the Church which, as stated below, should be executed by someone other than the Senior Pastor or any Pastor on staff. Expense accounts, if allowed and approved, shall be governed under separate cover and in the absence of such manifest approval will not be allowed, except for reimbursement for monies spent and documented for church purposes.
No person shall be invited to speak, teach or minister in the Church without the Senior Pastor’s approval, except that the board shall be notified of, and exercise approval of, any honorarium. He may be designated attorney in-fact for the Church by virtue of his office. He shall have the authority, with prior approval of the Board, to approve, appoint or remove any associates, assistants and staff if it is deemed necessary to the proper implementation of the Lord’s work. The Senior Pastor will not be responsible for the disbursement of any funds or the execution of any drafts or checks.
The Senior Pastor is a valued employee of the corporation and as such will not be a member of the board of directors. Neither will any other Pastor be such a member as they too are employees of the Corporation.
B. Selection
The selection of the Senior Pastor will be initiated by the appointment, by the board of directors, of a Pastoral Search Committee who will conduct the process for selection and will make recommendation to the board of directors of the top three candidates if plausible. If there are not three viable candidates to recommend, those that are viable shall be forwarded to the board of directors. After board consideration, which may include further interviews or presentations by the candidates before the congregation, the finalist will be presented to the congregation at a general membership meeting for ratification. The ratification will be a yes/no ballot with the members name affixed.
C. Tenure
As an employee of the corporation the Senior Pastor is an “at will” employee. Because of the complexity and magnitude of the office of Senior Pastor the tenure and terms will be governed by contract.
ARTICLE V
COUNCIL OF ELDERS Elders are discerners and guardians of the church. They are not expected to oversee specific projects or ministry areas in their capacity as elders. They are overseers of the entire church. The elders evaluate the effectiveness and direction of the church according to the mission, resources and doctrine.
In light of the increased expectations imposed upon elders and their families, it is believed to be wise to choose elders who have continued in their first marriages. The only exception to this would be in the case of a widow(er) or a man person who has never been married.
A. Responsibility and Authority
The function of the Council of Elders will be primarily for the spiritual growth of the congregation. They will act in an advisory capacity to the Senior Pastor in all matters pertaining to the church body in its spiritual life. (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:2017-35; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-5)
The Council of Elders will provide guidance and direction as requested by the Senior Pastor, at any meetings within ANCC.
Additional duties of the Elders will include, but not be limited to, the following:
1) The examination of applicants for membership according to Article VI.
2) The administration of discipline according to the provisions of the By-Laws.
3) Assistance in ministering of the church ordinances, services, and prayer.
4) Ministry to the sick and those in need of spiritual need spiritual edification and encouragement.
5) Other duties as may be requested by the Senior Pastor for the spiritual growth of ANCC and its membership, such as teaching, visiting, evangelizing, counseling, ordaining, licensing, commissioning, etc.
B. Qualifications, Selection, and Term or Service
Elders will be appointed from the congregation and will meet the scriptural qualifications described in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1, including regular attendance, evidence of tithing, active membership, and be committed to the ministry and leadership of ANCC. The Senior Pastor will serve as Senior Elder with full voting privileges and will preside at all meetings.
There will be a minimum of six (6) Elders, exclusive of the Senior Pastor. The appointment of an Elder will be upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and approval by majority vote of all current Elders constituting a quorum at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The initial Council of Elders will be selected by the board of directors with recommendations of the Pastor from those nominated by the congregation at a general membership meeting.
An Elder shall retain his office by virtue of his moral and spiritual fidelity to Jesus Christ, to the local church, and to the duties invested in the office of Elder. Elders shall be reviewed annually as to their continuing service, their commitment to the ministry, response to the direction and leadership of the Senior Pastor, their living Godly lives, faithfully serving ANCC, giving to ANCC, and attending ANCC.
C. Removal from Office and Vacancies
Moral and doctrinal offenses by Elders will be addressed in accordance with I Timothy 5:19-20. Removal of an Elder from office may be accomplished by the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and a two-thirds majority vote of the remaining Elders constituting a quorum at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose.
Vacancies occurring because of death, resignation, or removal from office will be filled at the next or regular or special Elder meeting when a candidate can be recommended by the Senior Pastor, and according to the selection procedures described in paragraph B, above.
ARTICLE VI
COUNCIL OF DEACONS Deacons are servants of the congregation and thus the Senior Pastor and spiritual leadership, who have distinguished themselves by their spiritual maturity and congregational ministry, their desire and gift of service, and membership of ANCC in good standing.
A. Responsibility and Authority
Deacons will serve as servants to the following at ANCC according to the traditions of Pentecostal church history and as described in Acts 6:1-6. Their primary emphasis will be to support the leadership of ANCC and to be committed to the spiritual and physical welfare of the congregation. The responsibilities of the Deacon include, but are not limited to the following:
1) Serve with Senior Pastor and Council of Elders as directed.
2) Ushering for each corporate service, which includes the collection of offerings and assistance in the administration of ordinances.
3) Participation in various lay ministry areas within ANCC, such as the care of buildings and grounds, logistical support at services, assistance at social functions, education and child care, missions and benevolence opportunities.
4) Leading small groups, ministering helps, networking and with community service
organizations and groups, evangelism, and helping with activities which are
designed to meet the temporal, secular, or social needs and concerns
5) Any other activities related to their calling as directed by the Senior Pastor and
Council of Elders.
B. Qualifications, Selection, and Term or Service
All Deacons must be active members of ANCC and meet the scriptural standard as set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6, including regular attendance, evidence of tithing, willingness to serve and be committed to ANCC’s leadership and ministry.
Each year, the Council of Elders and the Senior Pastor will act as a Nominating Committee, presenting Deacon candidates on which active members will vote. Suggested nominations may also be received ahead of time from active members for the Council of Elders and Senior Pastor consideration.
Deacons must be recommended by the Senior Pastor and will be elected to office by a simple majority vote of the active members of ANCC constituting a quorum at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose.
There will be a minimum of three (3) elected Deacons serving rotating terms of three (3) years each, and who may not succeed themselves to office. Each year, one-third of the positions will expire and election will be held according to the provisions above. Any additional Deacon positions will serve comparable terms of office.
Deacon positions may be created or eliminated upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and confirmed by the majority vote of the Council of Elders constituting a quorum at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose.
.
C. Removal from Office and Vacancies
A Deacon may be removed from office, with or without cause, upon the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and a two-thirds majority vote of the Council of Elders constituting a quorum at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose.
Vacancies occurring because of death, resignation, or removal from office will be filled
as soon as feasible by election at a regular or special meeting of the Council of Elders,
with the new Deacon resuming the remainder of the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VII
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERS. Any person who subscribes to the Statement of Faith, as set forth in Article X of this constitution, abides by this constitution and the bylaws of the corporation and amendments thereto, and satisfies all other requirements for membership as the Senior Pastor, council of elders and the board of directors may establish, may become a member of the corporation subject to the submission of their application by the council of elders, approval by the board of directors and final approval by the Senior Pastor.
Section 7.1— ELIGIBILITY For Membership
Upon approval in accordance with Application and Selection paragraph 3.2 below, membership shall be extended all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith as well as the Constitution and By-Laws (including any amendments and rules of order adopted by the Board of Directors) of this congregation contained herein; who enter into the church covenant contained herein (if included); who agree to submit to the authority of the church and its leaders as set forth herein; and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:
(A) By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;
(B) By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice, or other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant has been baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith;
(C) By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or
(D) By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of the congregation after confession is made publicly before the church membership of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the pastor (or the board of deacons if the office of pastor is vacant)
(E) At least eighteen (18) years of age;
(F) Complete prerequisite classes for membership.
SECTION 7.2 ---APPLICATION AND SELECTION
Application for active membership to the corporation may be made by submission of the application to the council of elders (if activated) for nomination, approval of the board of directors and final approval of the senior pastor. If membership qualifications are duly met and the applicant has been nominated by the council of elders (if activated), approved by the board of directors, and receive final approval of the senior pastor (if there is one presiding), active members will be received publicly at any regular Sunday service and their names placed on the official membership roll.
Section 7.3—Duties Of A Member
On becoming a member of this church, in addition to the covenant contained in Section 3.3, each member further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the pastor and pastoral leadership team; to pray for them; to recognize their authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands, to support through a lifestyle walk affirming the beliefs and practices of the church.
Section 7.4—Privileges Of Membership
(A) Only members who are physically present at a duly called meeting of the church shall be entitled to vote. There shall be no proxy or absentee voting. The eligible membership of the church has certain limited areas to exercise a vote. Members may not vote to initiate any church action, rather the vote of a member is to confirm and ratify the direction of the church as determined by the pastor and the board of deacons.
(B) This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as the undershepherd with the counsel of the board of deacons. Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures. The pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church. The board of deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the pastor as requested by him.[1]
(C) Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Although the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship services, the church property remains private property. The pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons) has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property. If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on church property, the person may, in the discretion of the pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons), be treated as a trespasser.
(D) A member may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church and the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings and of board meetings, provided he or she shall
have made a written request upon the church and the church has received the written
request at least five business days before the requested inspection date
1) A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record relating to
individual contributions to the church, the list of names and addresses of the church
members, or the accounting books and financial records of the church.
2) The church may impose a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and material,
for copies of any documents provided to the member before releasing the copies to
the member.
(E) Assembly meetings of the active members shall be held quarterly at such times and on such
dates as shall from time to time be fixed by the board of directors for the purpose of
informing such members of the financial and ministry reports of the church/corporation.
1) Meetings will be held at the church facility in Homewood, Illinois.
2) Written notice stating the place, day and hour of any regular assembly meeting of the
active members shall be placed in the church bulletin, and distributed at a regular
service of the congregation at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Notice of the place,
day and hour of any special assembly meeting of members may be in the manner
provided for notice of regular assembly meetings. In the case of a special assembly
meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called shall be stated in the notice.
3) Ten percent of the active members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting at which
the action of the active membership is required or allowed by these By-Laws. If a
quorum is not present, the board of directors, in its discretion, may adjourn the meeting
without further notice. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of
members present and voting, in person, shall be the act of the members.
4) Special meetings of the active members may be called by the board of directors.
Provisions 1-3 apply to regular and special assembly meetings.
Section 7.5—Discipline Of A Member
(A) There shall be a discipline committee consisting of the pastor and the board of deacons. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and violations of the church covenant. If the pastor or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee. The pastor and deacons shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.
(B) Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.
(C) If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the pastor, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
(D) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, the discipline committee, as the church representatives Biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the discipline committee, the committee shall recommend to the members of the church that they, after self-examination, make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member’s restoration.
(E) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B), (C), and (D) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the church upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action
(F) No matter may be heard by the discipline committee or the church unless the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.
(G) If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, all contact with him from that point forward (except by family members) must be for the sake of restoration.
(H) The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-15; 1 Tim. 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11.
Section 7.6—Transfer Of Membership
Members not under the disciplinary process of Section 3.04 may request that letters of transfer be sent to another church.
Section 7.7—Termination Of Membership
(A) The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the church in the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the pastor, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the pastor.
(B) No member of this church may hold membership in another church. The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member unites in membership with another church.
(C) A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the pastor.
SECTION 7.8---OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP ROLL. The official membership roll will consist of active members. Placement upon the membership roll will be upon qualifications of Section 7.2. The official membership roll will be reviewed and updated annually by the administrative office and reviewed by the board of directors.
Members who are deceased, have moved, or have remained inactive for at least six (6) months (with the exception of any member so classified for disciplinary reasons) may be purged from the membership roll.
All active members of the corporation are afforded the opportunity of fellowship, instruction, and worship with fellow believers according to the provisions of Article I.
Limitations on membership privileges, including voting privileges, may be placed on members being disciplined according to the provisions of Section 7.4.
ARTICLE VIII
BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The policy-making powers of the corporation shall be vested in the board of directors, which shall have charge, control and management of the policies, property, affairs and funds of the corporation, deferring where business, legal and fiduciary responsibilities permit, to the vision of the Senior Pastor. They shall determine compliance with the corporation's stated purposes, and shall have the power and authority to do and perform all acts or functions not inconsistent with applicable law, this Constitution or the By-Laws of the corporation, and shall have all other powers and duties set forth in the By-Laws of the corporation.
ARTICLE IX
OFFICERS. The officers of the corporation shall be established in accordance with the By-Laws of the corporation.
ARTICLE X
EFFECTIVE DATE. The effective date of this constitution shall be October 19, 1987, the last amendments having been approved on March 10, 2013.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS. This constitution may be amended only by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors in office at any regular or special meeting of the board of directors.
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