Bethany Church of Franklin
Constitution
ARTICLE I
Section 1: Name
The name of the Church shall be BETHANY CHURCH OF FRANKLIN. There shall be no corporate seal.
Section 2: Place of Business
The principal place of business shall be Junction City, Oregon.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be:
1. To Glorify God.
2. To Bless People.
ARTICLE III
Section 1: Membership
Membership in this Church shall consist of those people who have been officially and publicly received into membership according to the Church Bylaws. Each person desiring membership into this church shall meet the following qualifications in order to be eligible for membership:
1. Each perspective member shall have shown evidence of a genuine born again experience and godly Christian life.
2. Each member must subscribe to and adhere to the doctrine of the full Gospel as outlined in the Articles of Faith of this Church.
3. Each perspective member shall make application for membership and said application shall be examined prior to admission by the Pastor and Board of Elders.
4. Each perspective member shall be actively attending and supporting the church through tithes for at least three months prior to applying for membership.
5. Members must be “tithers” and shall be expected to give physical, financial, and spiritual cooperation according to their abilities.
6. Active members shall be accountable before God for their continued faithfulness to the qualifications for membership.
Section 2: Voting
All active members who are 18 years of age or older shall have the right to vote in all regular and specially called business meetings of the membership, providing such membership has been in existence for at least thirty days.
Section 3: Meeting
There shall be an annual business meeting held at a time and place designated by the membership for the purpose of conducting the business of the Church. Special business meetings may be called upon 30 days notice.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
All officers of this Church shall serve in accordance with the provisions of its Constitution and By-laws and the Spiritual Principles as outlined in the Articles of Faith.
ARTICLE V
Section 1: Constitutional Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at a regular or specially called meeting of the membership providing the proposed amendments have been publicized to the Church for a period of 30 days preceding the meeting, and that a quorum is present at the meeting. All amendments to this Constitution shall be in accordance with the Articles of Faith as set forth in this Constitution.
Section 2: By-Laws Amendments
The By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at any regular or specially called business meeting of the membership, providing the proposed amendments have been publicized to the Church for a period of 30 days preceding the meeting and that a quorum is present at the meeting. All amendments to these By-laws shall be in accordance with the Articles of Faith as set forth in this Constitution.
Section 3: Dissolution
Should the board of directors of the Bethany Church of Franklin find it necessary to dissolve said assembly all assets, real, tangible, or intangible will be disposed of at the discretion of the board of directors. The board of directors may ask for a vote of the full membership should that be their decision. If action is determined by full membership vote a meeting of the full membership for said purpose will be held ten days after notification of such meeting is posted, delivered by United States mail, or hand delivered. All dissolution proceedings will be in accordance to Oregon State and Federal laws pertaining to such.
By-Laws
ARTICLE I
Section 1: Record
An adequate membership record shall be maintained at all times.
Section 2: Admission
Membership of Bethany Church of Franklin shall be as follows:
1. Voting Members shall be those persons who have made a credible profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who are believed to have been Born Again, whose Christian profession is not contradicted by flagrant sin or false doctrines, and who are willing to submit themselves to the government of Bethany Church of Franklin.
2. Non-Voting Members of Bethany Church of Franklin are children of voting members or children under the care of voting members who stand to them as foster parents. The parents of these children shall be under solemn obligation to bring them up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”, and to seek to induce them to accept Christ as their personal Savior when they reach the age of accountability.
3. Associate members are believers temporarily residing at too great a distance from their permanent homes to worship and serve regularly in the Church of which they are voting members. Such believers, without ceasing to be voting members of their own Churches, may be received as associate members in Bethany Church of Franklin and as such may enjoy all the privileges of fellowship, worship and service under the care of the Pastor and Elders of Bethany Church of Franklin, except that associate members may not vote in congregational meetings and may not be elected or appointed to the Office of Elder or Deacon.
Section 3: Voting Privileges
All active voting members who are eighteen years of age or older shall have a right to vote in all regular and specially called business meetings, providing such membership has been in existence at least thirty days.
Section 4: Inactivity
The Church shall provide an inactive membership category. A member shall be considered inactive when after three consecutive months time, he has not, without just cause, attended Church and/or not paid his tithes. An inactive member shall not have voting privileges. An inactive member shall again become an active member only after three consecutive months of tithing and attendance. Names may be transferred to the Inactive category only by action of the Elders in session. Such action must be recorded in the Elders’ minutes. Inactive members do not have a voice nor vote in membership meetings. When inactive members activate their attendance, their names may be transferred to the active category by action of the Elders in session.
Section 5: Termination of Membership
The Elders may remove members from the membership of this Church by any of
the following:
1. Record of Decease.
2. Record of members’ uniting with another Church or Letter of Transfer to
another Church.
3. Action of the Elders when a member, not chargeable with an offense, informs the Elders in writing, verbally, or indicates by his willful absence that he does not desire to remain in the fellowship of the Church.
4. Any member found guilty of gross immorality, heretical teaching, agitation, causing strife among the members, or failure to be in harmony or in cooperation with the program of the Church and the Pastor shall be dealt with by the Elders. If he shall refuse to heed them, he shall be dismissed from membership, after such time that all scriptural means have been exhausted to no avail by the Pastor, Elders, and aggrieved parties to discipline and restore an erring member to a Godly life and full fellowship with the Church.
Section 6: Nonmembers
Nonmembers cannot hold any permanent position of leadership in the church.
ARTICLE II
Section 1: Officers Enumerated
The officers of this Church shall consist of the Pastor, the Elders, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and such other officers as the membership, in business session, shall determine to be needed from time to time. The above officers shall be 21 years of age or older. All officers, except the Pastor, shall serve until their successors are appointed or elected and take office on the first day of the month after the annual business meeting.
Section 2: Pastor
1. Calling: The Pastor shall be a Bible-believing, ordained minister. He shall be first interviewed by the Board of Elders, and then elected by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at a meeting called for that purpose. A quorum of at least 50% of the voting members shall be present at said meeting for the purpose of calling a Pastor.
2. Term of Office: The Pastor shall be called for an indefinite period of time.
3. Duties:
A. The Pastor shall be Chairman of the Board of Elders and shall call
all meetings of that Board and all business meetings of the Church.
B. He shall be the spiritual and temporal leader of the Church and shall minister to the spiritual needs of the people, guard the membership against dissension, put forth his best efforts for the promulgation and dissemination of the full Gospel message as set forth in the Articles of Faith of this Church.
C. He shall have full responsibility in the supervision of all services of the Church and all meetings of the Church membership and officials, excepting as otherwise herein provided, and shall have general supervision over all departments such as the Sunday School, young people, music, and all other auxiliary activity. He shall be ex-officio member of all Church bodies and organizations.
D. The Pastor shall be a co-depositor with the Treasurer of the Church of all the funds of the Church. The Pastor shall sign all pre-arranged purchase orders before checks can be written by the treasurer, or any other designated signer.
E. The Pastor, in the absence or disability of the Secretary or Treasurer of the Church, shall perform the functions of such officials during their absence, provided, however, that the Pastor shall have authority to delegate this power to any other officer of the Church.
4. Dismissal of Pastor will be in accordance with Oregon State Law and/or standards of God’s Holy Ordinances.
Section 3: Elders
1. The Board of Elders of this Church shall consist of the Pastor, who shall be the Chairman thereof, and six members, elected annually by the membership of the Church at the annual business meeting. Two members shall be elected each year to a three year term. Any member in good standing whose term is expiring is eligible to succeed himself. It is encouraged that after serving two consecutive terms, a board member take a year of furlough before being eligible to serve for another term. It is urged that no ordained Minister or near relatives shall serve on the Board of Elders of this Church.
2. Qualifications: Elders shall meet the qualifications for Elders as specified in the Scriptures (I Tim. 3:1-7) and shall support the programs and activities of the Church with their finances and attendance. All Elders in current office shall serve as Elders and shall be responsible for all duties as specified by Elders. Any Elder may be removed by the Pastor with the approval of the serving Elders.
3. The Elders shall generally be responsible for the Spiritual life, worship, and Gospel ministry of the Church and shall study and promote the best measures for the edification of the people and for the role played by the Church in the denomination and in spreading the Gospel at home and abroad.
4. The Elders shall be the governing body of the church and as such shall oversee the business thereof. The Elders shall be responsible for any or all of the following duties:
A. Screening committee for all Church officers.
B. Discipline. The Elders shall be responsible for the discipline of all members as may be required. The Elders shall continually review the membership roll to ascertain inactive members.
C. Administration of Church Programs. The Elders shall have general supervision over all programs, committees, offices, and societies, and activities of the Church seeking to promote the dissemination of the Gospel and the fellowship and edification of the members through said functions.
D. The Board of Elders shall be the Board of Trustees of an unincorporated Church providing they be so designated by the vote of the membership.
E. The Board of Elders shall determine the salary or offering to be given the Pastor and the Treasurer shall see that this arrangement is carried out.
5. The Pastor shall appoint successors to fill vacancies in all offices except himself, with the approval of the serving Elders. In case of a vacancy in the office of Pastor, the Board of
Elders shall be the Pulpit Committee, and shall submit a name or names of candidates to the membership. A Pastor will be called by the Church as Specified in Article II, Section 2. A temporary vacancy in the office of Elder may be filled by an appointment by the Pastor,
with the approval of the serving Elders.
6. The Elders shall evaluate the total Church program, goals and objectives, and the By-laws annually and recommend any changes at the annual business meeting.
7. The Elders shall hold a regular meeting at least once a month at a time and place as fixed by the Elders. Special meetings of the Elders may be called by the Pastor, or any two Elders. Notice of a special meeting shall be given to the Pastor and the entire Board of Elders by the Chairman of the Elders at least one week prior to the time fixed for the meeting.
8. A majority of the members of the Elders shall constitute a quorum thereof for the transaction of business. All Elders shall attend all regular and special meetings, unless an excused or justifiable reason prevents such attendance. Absence from two consecutive regular monthly meetings without a justifiable reason shall be cause for removal from office.
9. The Elders shall appoint from their number a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary/Treasurer. The Vice-Chairman shall preside over any Elders’ meeting for which the Chairman is absent. The Secretary/Treasurer of the Elders shall be responsible for taking an accurate accounting of all proceedings and actions of the Elders in session. He shall also be responsible for the deposit and disbursement of funds. The Pastor shall be the Chairman and Moderator of the Elders.
10. All meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer. Roberts Rules of
Order shall be used to conduct all said meetings.
Section 5: Secretary
1. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Pastor with the approval of the serving Elders. The Secretary shall keep a true and correct account of all business meetings, and shall maintain an accurate and current membership record. He shall submit to the Pastor and the Elders an annual report of his office on or before May 1, showing all transactions therein. He shall submit special reports and furnish special data when requested by the Pastor. He shall, under the direction of the Pastor, provide for the safekeeping of all records and documents of the Church.
2. In addition to the duties herein described, he shall perform all other general duties as are consistent with his office and such as may from time to time be required of him by the Pastor or Elders.
Section 6: Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Pastor with the approval of the serving Elders. The Treasurer shall receive and deposit all funds of the Church. The Treasurer shall pay all approved, budgeted expenditures and any other expenditures as approved by the Pastor, or the board in the event the position of Pastor is vacant, from the appropriate accounts.
2. In the event of incapacity, permanent absence, or refusal of any of the authorized persons to sign checks for the payment of duly authorized disbursements, it is hereby understood that, for the period of such emergency only, the Pastor is empowered to perform the duties of said person or persons or to designate another to act in his behalf and stead without further authority.
3. The Treasurer shall keep strict account of all receipts and disbursements in a substantial and permanent record book, and shall make monthly reports to the Elders and annual reports to the membership. All books, records, and accounts of financial transactions kept by the Treasurer shall be considered the property of the Church. Upon request he shall make special reports to the membership. His books shall be available for inspection at any time to the Pastor or any authorized officer of the Church.
ARTICLE III
Section 1: Meetings
1. Membership
A. There shall be an annual meeting of the Church membership for the purpose of transacting Church business. It shall be held at the Church building on a Sunday afternoon in May. Special meetings may be called by the Elders at the written request (Setting forth the purpose of the meeting) of:
(1) the Pastor;
(2) any two Elders;
(3) any ten active voting members of the Church. Special meetings shall have a
minimum of two weeks notice, both by announcement from the pulpit & by written
notice to the membership. At all annual or special meetings of the membership, the presence of one- fourth (25%) of the active voting members shall constitute a quorum, unless otherwise specified in these By-laws. Adjournment for lack of a quorum may be made by those present; to reconvene on a date fixed by reading the same from the pulpit at the following Sunday morning regular worship service.
B. When a quorum is present at any meeting, a simple majority vote shall decide any questions brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision in these By- laws, a larger or different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
C. All business meetings shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order. Confirmed actions recorded in the Church minutes shall constitute Church policy and procedure.
Section 2: Removal from Office
Any officer, except the Pastor, may be removed from office by a unanimous decision of the Elders in session at a duly called meeting of the Elders, providing a majority is present. Removal of a Pastor shall be as specified in Article II, Section 2.
Section 3: Resignation from Office
Any officer except the Pastor shall give the Elders at least a two-week notice before leaving office. The Pastor shall give the Elders a minimum of thirty days notice of resignation.
Section 4: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year for the Church shall be May 1 through April 30.
ARTICLE IV
Section 1: Income
The Church operation shall be financed by the tithes and offerings of its members
and friends.
Section 2: Debts
In order to maintain a true Christian testimony, the Church shall always stay current in its financial obligations. The Church shall not go into debt for any item without the approval of the serving Elders and the membership.
Section 3: Expenditures
Any unbudgeted expenditure more than $200.00 shall have the approval of the Elders.
ARTICLE V
Section 1: Right to Own
The Church shall have the right to purchase, and to own, real properties and it shall have the right to purchase, own, and operate whatever equipment it deems advisable in the promotion of its purposes.
Section 2: Right to Sell
1. The Church shall have the right to mortgage, sell, or otherwise dispose of any of its properties in the furtherance of its purpose. However, no real properties may be mortgaged, sold, or otherwise encumbered or alienated without a two-thirds majority approval of the active voting members.
2. The disposal of any property with a value exceeding $1,000.00 shall require the two-thirds majority approval of the active voting members.
ARTICLE VI
Section 1: Amendments to Constitution and/or By-Laws
1. The adopted Constitution and/or By-Laws of this Church may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the active voting members present at a meeting called for that purpose.
2. Amendments may be proposed by any active voting member, providing they are submitted to the Elders at least thirty days prior to a meeting at which the amendment may be voted upon.
3. Any amendments to be voted upon at a meeting of the members shall be publicized in writing to the Church at least thirty days prior to said meeting.
Section 2: Effective Date
Any proposed amendments to the Constitution and/or By-Laws shall take immediate effect upon adoption by two-thirds of the voting members present at a meeting called for that purpose.
Ratified May 16, 2010