By-Laws
Article I - Membership
Section 1. General
Membership in this church shall consist of each person who has met the qualification for membership and whose name appears on the membership role.
Section 2. Qualifications for membership
1. A personal commitment and confession of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
2. Baptism by immersion subsequent to and as a testimony of salvation.
3. Completion of the church’s membership class.
4. Agreement to and sign the church covenant.
5. Majority vote at a Family Business Meeting
Section 3. Designation of Membership
1. In an effort to properly reflect the membership of the church, two rolls shall be maintained. These rolls shall be updated periodically.
2. Active Membership: All members who are currently active in the church. Active membership is intended to reflect those persons who are committed to and vitally interested in the affairs of this church. Only Active Members may hold offices and positions of authority in New Covenant.
3. Inactive Membership: Any person who intends to maintain his or her membership at New Covenant Church but is physically prevented from attending may be put on the Inactive Member list. This determination shall be made on a case-by-case basis, such as for long-term illness; school, job, or military service requirements; or nursing home residents and shut-ins. An inactive member may not hold an office or vote in a Family Business Meeting.
4. An inactive member may reinstate his or her active membership simply by attending a meeting of New Covenant Church (not including any Family Business Meetings) and stating to the pastor, an elder, or the church clerk his or her intention to resume Active Membership.
5. Any Active Member who shall otherwise be absent from the meetings of the Church for a period of six (6) months consecutively shall be dropped from the Membership of the Church. It shall be assumed that such absence conveys the former member’s lack of commitment to the Church and his or her breaking of the Membership Covenant.
Section 4. Voting Rights of Members
1. All active members shall have the right to vote at all elections and on all questions submitted to the church in business meetings, provided the member is present. Voting by proxy is prohibited.
2. Only Active Members aged 16 or over may vote at New Covenant.
3. Voting rights shall be exercised in only one congregation. Any member actively attending and participating in a mission sponsored by New Covenant Church shall be allowed to vote only in the mission.
Section 5. Termination of Membership
Members shall be removed from the roll for any of the following reasons:
1. Death
2. Request of letter as a result of a transfer of membership to another church
3. Personal written request by the member
4. Lack of attendance (which also breaks the Membership Covenant). See Sec. 3, #5 above.
5. Church discipline and/or other breaking of the Membership Covenant. In cases of persistent sin and/or behavior inconsistent with the Scriptures and our Church covenant, church discipline may be brought against a person. The guidelines listed in Matthew 18:15-17 shall be followed in attempting to bring the person in question back into fellowship and harmony with the Bible and our Church covenant. The process shall be deliberate, not hasty, and with the redemption of the individual as the chief goal.
Section 6. Restoration of Members
1. Any Member who is removed as a result of Section 5, #2 or #3 above may be restored to active membership after counseling with the pastor or an elder about our Church Membership, and the recommendation of that pastor or elder to the church and subsequent majority vote at a Family
Business Meeting.
2. Any Member who is removed as a result of church discipline or breaking of the Member Covenant
(Section 5, #4 and #5 above) shall be restored in the same manner as Section 6, #1 above and in the spirit of II Corinthians 2:7-8. However, the counseling shall specifically seek to determine if the former member’s current lifestyle is judged by the majority of the elders and deacons to be in accordance with the Scriptures, which includes appropriate repentance and consistency in holiness.
Article II - Meetings
Section 1. General
New Covenant Church shall meet regularly for worship on the Lord’s Day, Bible studies, small group meetings, and any other meetings it finds helpful.
Section 2. Family Business Meetings
1. New Covenant Church shall hold Family Business Meetings as needed, approximately once a quarter.
2. The Moderator at all business meetings shall be the Senior Pastor, and he shall have general oversight of all action taken by the church. In his absence, a previously designated elder shall moderate. If there is no elder present, the church clerk shall lead the church to vote on a temporary moderator, whose term shall be for the duration of the meeting, unless a pastor subsequently arrives at the meeting.
3. Business meetings may be called by scheduling at least two weeks in advance.
4. All votes in business meetings shall be by voice ballot, unless otherwise specified. The following items shall be by secret ballot only: matters concerning church discipline, licensing or ordaining an individual, and the “certain proposals” in Section 4 below.
Section 3. Emergency Business Meetings
1. Emergency Business Meetings may be called to deal with situations requiring action that will not wait
until the next scheduled Family Business Meeting. Such pressing issues might include matters of health and safety; for physical plant problems such as plumbing, heating, electrical; for other immediate and critical repairs, etc.
2. An Emergency Business Meeting may be requested by any Active Member by asking for such of an elder, deacon, or trustee.
3. A meeting shall be convened of the elders, the chairman of the deacons, and the chairman of the trustees (as available) if at least two of these individuals agree that a meeting is necessary. The meeting may take place as soon as possible.
4. The church leaders listed in #3 above shall then meet to decide what action, if any, is necessary. These church leaders shall be empowered to spend up to $1000. At the next Family Business Meeting, these leaders shall give a detailed report of the reason for the Emergency Business Meeting, the action taken, and the amount spent.
Section 4. Notification of Certain Agenda Items
1. Approval of certain proposals is valid only if the membership receives prior notification and the notice specifies the general nature of the proposal.
2. These certain proposals include:
A. Calling or removing the Senior Pastor or other salaried staff;
B. Amending the Articles of Incorporation;
C. Adopting, amending, or repealing the Constitution or By-Laws;
D. Disposing of all or substantially all of the church’s assets;
E. Adopting or amending a merger agreement;
F. Electing to dissolve the church;
G. Acquiring real property and related indebtedness;
H. Termination of membership due to church discipline; and
I. Election of church officers.
3. Approval of any of these certain proposals shall require a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote with the exception of (c) above regarding the By-Laws, which requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
Section 5. Quorum
1. Those members present and voting at a meeting duly noticed and called shall constitute a quorum of the membership for the transaction of business.
2. All members are expected to support the decisions of the majority. Therefore, regular attendance at business meetings is encouraged to allow for full expression of differing opinions.
Section 6. Polity of Business Meetings
1. Matters before the church may be decided on a limited consensus basis, utilizing discussion until the vast majority of the meeting sense the Lord’s leading.
2. When a formal vote is necessary, Robert’s Rules of Order shall prevail, except where they are overruled by these By-Laws.
Article III - Ordinances
Section 1. General
The ordinances of New Covenant Church shall be baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Section 2. Baptism
1. Evidence of repentance and affirmation by other Christians of a person’s dedication to Christ shall
precede baptism.
2. Baptism shall be by immersion only, unless the baptism candidate is physically unable to be immersed.
In that case, the pastor’s discretion shall be used.
3. Baptism shall be administered by the Senior Pastor or whomever he may authorize.
Section 3. The Lord’s Supper
1. Prerequisites of the Lord’s Supper shall be according to Paul’s statements as found in I Corinthians
11:27-29.
2. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly, at least once a quarter.
3. The deacons shall assist the Senior Pastor in administering the Lord’s Supper. In their absence, the
pastor shall appoint other members to assist.
Article IV - Church Officers
Section 1. General
1. The officers of the church shall be as listed in the sections of this article. Except for the pastor and other salaried staff members, who shall be called for indefinite terms of service, they shall be elected annually, on or before the June business meeting each year to serve in the subsequent church year. Nothing in this article is to prohibit the election or appointment of additional officers if the church considers them necessary or the church organizational structure requires them.
2. All officers shall be active members of New Covenant Church. They shall show their commitment to the Lord and the church through their attendance, involvement, and giving.
3. If an officer is absent from his duties without good reason and without notifying the Senior Pastor or another elder for at least thirty (30) days, he will forfeit his office. The church may then decide to restore him or replace him if deemed necessary.
4. The Senior Pastor shall provide guidance and shepherding for the church. The other elders shall give additional guidance to the church, especially in particular ministries. The Church Council shall provide coordination for the finances and church calendar. The deacons shall provide a nurturing ministry to the Body. The clerk and treasurer shall give administrative and clerical assistance to New Covenant Church. Other ministry leaders shall be the equippers for the ministry.
5. Each person must be an Active Member for at least one (1) year prior to his election to be eligible to be elected to an office unless otherwise stated in this document or formally agreed to and recorded by the church. He must also be committed to tithe to New Covenant Church and complete C.L.A.S.S. 201 and C.L.A.S.S. 301, if these classes are offered.
Section 2. Senior Pastor
1. The Senior Pastor of New Covenant shall be a man ordained by God to lead the church in its manifold ministries. He shall meet the basic qualifications of an elder as set forth in I Peter 5:1-3, I Timothy 3:1-7, and Titus 1:7-9. He shall be the spiritual leader of the church and the supervisor of all Assistant Pastors, elders, and staff members, paid and volunteer.
2. The primary responsibility of the Senior Pastor shall be for: (1) equipping the saints for ministry, (2) giving general oversight for the church, and (3) setting direction for the church. Typically, he shall preach each worship service, and he shall choose and/or approve anyone who shares the pulpit.
3. The Senior Pastor shall preside as moderator at all business and Church Council meetings when he is present unless physically unable to do so. He shall be a voting member of the congregation and a non-voting ex-officio member of each church committee, team, and organization.
4. The Senior Pastor, as well as any other salaried staff, may offer his resignation at any business meeting or worship service. He should give the church a thirty (30) day notice of his intention to leave this congregation.
5. Three weeks of paid vacation time shall be given annually to the Senior Pastor. In addition, two weeks each year shall be given toward conferences, seminars, retreats, and conventions.
6. When a need arises for a new Senior pastor (elder) whether salaried or unsalaried, the moderator at a business meeting shall call for the election of a Pastor Search Team. He shall receive nominations from the floor, and the Team shall elect its own chairman. This Team shall search and bring a recommendation for pastor to the church body. When New Covenant does have a Senior Pastor and seeks additional paid staff, the Senior Pastor shall make the sole recommendation(s) for the vacant salaried position.
Section 3. Elders
1. The elders shall be the spiritual leaders of the church. They shall provide oversight for both ministry and administration. But the primary focus of their ministry shall be the Word and prayer: preaching, teaching, discipleship and disciple-making, evangelism, and regular and extended times of prayer (Acts 6:3). Their ministry shall be primarily verbal in nature.
2. The elders are to provide strong leadership, loving pastoral care and discipline, sound Bible teaching, and humble, sacrificial examples of Christian living. Elders shall exercise leadership in the following areas:
A. Pastoral leadership:
i. Elders are to shepherd the flock of God (protecting them from doctrinal error, being spiritually alert to danger, and courageous to lead the fight against those who would destroy the Body);
ii. Elders are to feed the flock of God (through the teaching of Holy Scripture);
iii. Elders are to lead the flock (giving direction through management skills and hard work); and
iv. Elders are to care for the practical needs of the flock (loving them through tangible actions).B. Shared leadership:
i. Elders are to cooperate with fellow elders in accomplishing the mission of the Church;
ii. The pastor should include the other elders in his leading of the Church and any major decisions.C. Male leadership:
i. Only adult males are to be considered for the position of elder.D. Qualified leadership:
i. Elders are to meet the qualifications listed in I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, and I Peter 5:1-3;
ii. These lists are descriptive, not prescriptive;
iii. Prospective elders must exhibit moral and spiritual character, ability to manage the family well, presenting a good example of consistent Christian living, and Spirit-given motivation for the office.
E. Servant leadership:
i. Elders must be gentle, humble, sacrificial servants, willing to suffer for and be imposed upon by others.
3. The pastor of New Covenant is rightfully considered an elder and he shall work in cooperation with the other elders to manage the affairs of the church. A plurality of elders, however, does not eliminate the unique role of a special leader, and the term "pastor" (as found in Eph. 4:11) is a functional description of the role of an elder whose specific responsibility it is to care for, feed, and give direction to God's flock and for overseeing the work of the church.
4. The elders are nominated by the current elders, and then are elected by the Body of the Church in Family Business Meeting by at least an 80% majority vote. Each elder will serve for a five-year term, unless he is elected by the Church Body for a specified period of time, resigns, or is removed by the Church Body. After an elder serves his elected term of office, he may be re-elected to another five-year term. There is no limit to how many terms a man may serve.
5. Each elder has responsibility for one or more specific areas of church life. The pastor shall make or adjust these ministry oversight assignments.
6. In the event that an elder is no longer fulfilling the Scriptural guidelines or the role as outlined herein, the other elders will work with the elder in question to try to restore him. If this body feels additional action is needed, it will come before the church to ask for discipline or removal from office, with the intent of eventual restoration to full fellowship with the church, not necessarily restoration to his office of elder. A sixty percent (60%) majority vote is required to remove an elder from office.
Section 4. Church Council
1. The duties of the Church Council shall be to administrate, coordinate, and support the ministries of New Covenant. This shall be accomplished by:
A. preparing an annual church budget;
B. approving unbudgeted funds for disbursement;
C. approving money counters, vendors, and purchasing agents;
D. maintaining the church calendar;
E. serving as a forum for advice, input, and counsel in church financial matters;
F. setting dates for future Council and Family Business meetings; and
G. providing a forum for input from the Body.
2. The Church Council shall consist of:
A. an elder;
B. the chairman of the deacons;
C. the clerk;
D. the treasurer; and
E. two at-large members, chosen by the congregation, who shall serve for one (1) year each.
3. All of the individuals in # 2 above shall be the sole voting members of the Council, and it shall be chaired by the Pastor or any elder whom he may designate. The Council may not meet without an elder being present, unless all elders are physically unable to attend. If then a Council meeting is deeded absolutely necessary, the chairman of deacons shall call and chair the Council.
4. Attendance at the Church Council meetings shall be open to all members of New Covenant.
5. The Church Council shall meet as necessary.
Section 5. Deacons and Deaconesses
1. In this Section, “he,” “his,” and “deacon” are used to refer to any and all persons, male and female.
2. Deacons (and deaconesses) are called by God and formally recognized by the Church to be involved in a ministry of service, mercy, love, and care to the poor and needy. Theirs shall be a ministry of deeds.
3. Deacons or deaconesses are not to be considered junior elders or elders-in-training, but have their own unique, necessary ministry. It shall be their primary duty to care for the families of New Covenant and manage the relief efforts for the church's suffering and needy. In order to provide this care, each deacon or deaconess shall:
A. be given care oversight of a specific number of families of the Church Body (the Deacon Chairman will make these assignments);
B. maintain regular contact with his families to determine their needs and offer prayer and support;
C. collect money and goods to be contributed to the needy;
D. distribute the money or goods to the needy;
E. ensure that the church justly and fairly distributes the money and goods;
F. coordinate the church's overall charitable services to the needy;
G. provide care for the widows and single mothers of the church family; and
H. be available to assist the pastor with emergency visits and help at hospitals and funerals.
4. Any person to be considered for election as a deacon or deaconess must meet the qualifications in Scripture found in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13. He must first be interviewed and approved as being acceptable and eligible for the deacon ministry by an elder. The elder will then submit that person’s name as a candidate for deacon apprentice at a Family Business Meeting.
5. If he receives 80% of the vote at that Business Meeting, he shall serve for one year as a deacon apprentice, being trained to be a deacon at New Covenant. At the end of his training period, he shall be evaluated by the elders and deacons. If he is found to be satisfactory by at least 80% of the elders, deacons, and deaconesses, his (or her) name may be submitted at a Family Business Meeting for consideration as a deacon.
6. Deacons and deaconesses shall be chosen by the congregation for a five-year period of ministry time, and shall be installed in their offices by the elders, who shall lay hands on the deacons and pray over them. The elders shall determine the number of deacons who should be elected. In order to be elected, a prospective deacon must receive at least eighty per cent (80%) of the vote cast at a Family Business Meeting. Deacons may be re-elected for an indefinite number of terms of office.
7. The deacons and deaconesses shall elect a chairman from among their members, and the chairman shall serve for a one year term and be a member of the Church Council. The chairman may call a meeting of the deacons and deaconesses periodically for times of teaching or in order to review or coordinate care needs of the church. He may be reelected twice, serving no more than three consecutive one year terms. After a year's sabbatical from the chairmanship, he may then be elected again up to three times consecutively. Any deacon may serve as chairman an unlimited number of terms, but never more than three years consecutively.
8. An active member of New Covenant who previously served as a deacon or deaconess in another church does not automatically become a deacon at New Covenant. If he is to serve as a deacon, he must be elected just like all other deacons.
9. In the case that a deacon or deaconess is no longer fulfilling the Scriptural guidelines or the role as outlined herein, the deacon body will work with the elders in trying to restore the deacon. If theses bodies feel additional action is needed, they will come before the church to ask for discipline or removal from office, with the intent of eventual restoration to full fellowship with the church, not necessarily to his office. A sixty percent (60%) majority vote is required to remove a deacon or deaconess from office.
Section 6. Trustees
1. The number of trustees shall be determined by the needs of the church, with a minimum of three (3). Each trustee will be elected for a three year term, except for the initial constituting election. A rotating basis will be maintained for the election of the trustees, such that subsequent to the initial constituting election the entire trustee membership shall not be elected in the same year.
2. The trustees shall be elected by the church at a business meeting, being nominated from the floor. A three-quarters (3/4) majority vote is required to elect a trustee. A sixty percent (60%) majority vote is required to remove a trustee from office.
3. The trustees shall hold in trust the property of the church and shall represent the church in all matters of legal responsibility. They shall execute all contracts, deeds, mortgages, or other legal instruments especially regarding the purchase and disposal of church property only when authorized by the church. They are also responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and procurement of all church grounds, property, and equipment.
4. The trustees shall elect from among themselves a chairman, whose term as such shall be one year.
5. The trustees shall see that church property is adequately insured and that the church books are audited annually.
6. At least three (3) trustees shall be present to hold an official meeting. A majority vote is necessary to make decisions regarding purchases related to their duties. A majority vote is also necessary to make recommendations to the church body for major expenditures.
Section 7. Treasurer
1. The treasurer shall be elected annually by the church being nominated from the floor. A three-quarter (3/4) majority vote is required to elect the treasurer. A sixty percent (60%) vote is required to remove the treasurer from office.
2. The treasurer is a member of the Church Council and shall assist the Council in preparing an annual budget for the church.
3. The treasurer shall deposit, retain in a bank, and disburse by check (upon proper authority) all money or negotiable instruments that are given to the church in accordance with instructions from the church. The treasurer shall keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, and render an account regularly to the church to be preserved by the church clerk. All books, records, and account kept by the treasurer shall be the exclusive property of the church.
4. The treasurer shall maintain records and issue appropriate statements for contributors, and submit a quarterly financial statement to the Church Council. All records are to be available for inspection by any Active Member upon request, except for individual contribution records.
5. The treasurer shall, upon the election of his or her successor, at the completion of his or her fiscal report, promptly deliver to the chairman of the trustees all books, records, and accounts pertaining to this office.
Section 8. Clerk
1. The clerk shall be elected annually by the church being nominated from the floor. A three-quarters (3/4) majority vote is required to elect the clerk. A sixty percent (60%) majority vote is required to remove the clerk from office.
2. The clerk shall be responsible to attend or be represented at all church business and Church Council meetings, maintaining a written record of the minutes of the meetings, including all business transactions.
3. The clerk shall prepare the annual associational letter and see that it is properly transmitted to the associational clerk; issue letters of dismissal, as authorized by the church; preserve a true history of the church; and keep an accurate and updated roll of the church membership, including dates of admission, dismissal, death, and baptism. The clerk will keep on file all official communications and written reports, and give legal notice of all meetings as required in the By-Laws.
4. The clerk shall keep a copy of this entire document as well as all amendments. An updated copy of this entire document shall be made available for each member of New Covenant.
5. All records shall be kept in the church office.
Section 9. Other officers
New Covenant shall provide for other officers as the need arises.
Article V - Church Year
The church year shall be from January 1st through December 31st.
Article VI - Church Policy and Procedures
New Covenant Church shall develop and maintain a Policy and Procedure Manual that will guide the church officers and ministry leaders in their duties. Such a manual will be maintained by the church clerk and the official copy held in the church office. All policies and procedures will be authorized and changed by a simple majority at any business meeting.
Article VII - Amendments
The By-Laws may be amended in this way only:
1. A church member shall submit to the clerk in writing a proposed amendment at least one week prior to a Family Business meeting, where the amendment proposal will be officially received.
2. A team of members shall be elected to work with the elders in considering this proposal. The team shall not number more than 5 people, or be larger than the number of elders, whichever is greater.
3. The team and the elders shall study the proposal and together decide if it shall be submitted to the Body at a subsequent Family Business Meeting, which shall be at least twenty-eight (28) days after the proposal was originally submitted at the previous Family Business Meeting.
4. The team and the elders shall vote separately on whether to recommend the proposal. A simple majority is necessary in each vote. If the two groups cannot agree on whether to submit the proposal, it shall not be submitted.
5. If the proposal is approved by a majority of both the team and the elders it is then submitted at the next Family Business Meeting to the Body for final consideration. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote is necessary to enact the proposal.
6. If the proposal is approved, it shall take effect immediately, unless otherwise stated in the proposal or Meeting minutes.
