ARTICLE V - BUSINESS MEETINGS

A) ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

1) The church shall convene for its annual business meeting(s) at dates recommended by the General Board. The annual business meeting shall be held to approve the annual budget, for church elections and to hear annual reports from the church groups and committees.

2) The proposed budget and the list of nominees for the annual election shall be made available to the congregation a minimum of 7 days prior to the annual meeting.

B) REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS

1) The church shall have at least four regular business meetings throughout the church year.

2) Additional business meetings may be called by the General Board as deemed necessary.

C) GOVERNING POLICIES

1) Due Notice: Business meetings where major issues are presented shall be announced at the 2 Sunday morning services prior to the meeting. The minimum notice required shall consist of an announcement in the Sunday morning worship service preceding the meeting. Reasonable effort shall be made to inform the congregation of agenda in advance.

D) RULES OF ORDER

1) Unless otherwise specified, motions will require a simple majority vote to pass.

2) All elections to offices shall require a majority vote.

3) All church members present at the meeting have the right to vote at business meetings of the church. Absentee voting will not be allowed.

4) All important church matters are to be decided by secret ballot.

5) Any member has the right to call for a vote by secret ballot on any issue or election.

6) Any member has the right to make a motion to adjourn a meeting because the member believes there are insufficient members present.

7) The church recognizes the validity of choosing by lot. The choosing by lots should be proceeded by specific prayer requesting God to make the selection (Acts 1). Any member may make a motion to choose by lot. To carry, the vote on the motion must pass by 60% or more.

E) ELECTION PROCEDURES

1) Eligibility for Office: To be eligible for any elected position the person must be a member in good standing with the church.

2) Limitation of Office: No individual may serve on more than one of the Board of Elders, or the General Board, with the exception of one member of the Board of Elders who will serve as a voting member on the General Board.

3) In exceptional cases, the membership may waive the requirements of E(1) & E(2)

4) Transfer of office: It shall be the joint responsibility of the outgoing and incoming chairpersons of committees to ensure that an orderly transfer of office occurs.

5) Filling vacancies: If a vacancy occurs in any board or committee, the General Board may appoint a member to fill that vacancy until the position can be filled in the normal way at the next regular business meeting.

6) Any church committee may appoint assistants. The assistants may be

church members or adherents.

ARTICLE VI - CHURCH MINISTRY

Approach to the Ministry

The church programs must help the church accomplish its task. Over programming is not desirable. Church programs are to equip Christians for service outside of such programs. The ministry is in the home, community, jobsite, etc. There must be time for this. The Holy Spirit has gifted and equipped the church to accomplish its task. Therefore it should be assumed that any gifts in the congregation are needed and

should be exercised. Rather than pushing people into program slots for which they may not be suited, the Church should recognize their gifts and then provide opportunity for their expression. We should be gift oriented, rather than program oriented. The Church's task is much greater than its organizational structure, therefore a person's worth is not determined by the sum of his/her church offices. A Christian does not necessarily need to have an assignment (office) within that structure to be an effective disciple.

A) Personal Characteristics of Leaders (I Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4; Acts 6:1-7)

“Shall endeavor to develop his or her character in the following areas”

a) Respected in the community

b) Mature Christian

c) To be a Good spouse

d) Good understanding of God's Word

e) Prayer warrior

f) Good example

g) Eager to serve: servant attitude

h) Hospitable

i) Have a sound mind

j) Spirit filled

k) Full of faith

B) PASTORATE

1) Responsibilities of the Pastors

The responsibilities listed below may be allocated to one pastor or shared among the pastors, as assigned by the Board of Elders.

a) Teach and preach God's Word, formally and informally.

b) Help and encourage God's people to discover and exercise their spiritual gifts.

c) Baptizing new converts.

d) Performing marriages, funerals, dedications etc.

e) Counseling in preparation for marriage, marriage enrichment, family and general Biblical Counseling and problem resolution. Matthew 18:15-18 should be the model for dealing with disciplinary and other problem areas.

f) Work with the Board of Elders to minister to people in times of crises i.e. illness, bereavement and a variety of personal, financial or vocational crises.

g) Cultivate their own spiritual, social and intellectual life through Bible study, prayer, worship, reading, friendships, seminars and other upgrading.

h) Maintain conference ties through ministerials, regional and general conferences; and keep in touch with local city ministerials.

2) Terms of Employment

a) Each pastor is responsible to the congregation through the Board of Elders.

b) The terms/benefits will be negotiated annually by the General Board. This will include such things as salary, holidays, expense accounts, car allowance etc.

c) Each pastor shall have at least one day in each week as a day off.

d) As much as possible each pastor shall maintain a regular schedule and keep the congregation informed of it. (The church realizes that the demands on a pastor may not allow him to operate strictly "office hours". There will be times when a pastor may be required to work late hours and as a result there will be times when he will not be on official church work during normal hours.)

3) Accountability

a) Each pastor shall be held accountable for his ministry based on scriptural principles, his Job description and guidance from the Board of Elders

b) Each pastor shall accept responsibilities within the broader Church community only in consultation with the Board of Elders.

4) Election procedures for pastors

a) When a vacancy occurs in the pastorate, a pastoral search committee will be established consisting of five church members. One shall be appointed from the Board of Elders, one appointed from the General board and three elected from the membership by the congregation.

b) The pastoral search committee shall determine the leadership needs of the church. The process shall include consultation with the General Board and the Board of Elders and a survey of the membership.

c) The pastoral search committee shall then develop a plan of action and go back to the congregation with this plan for ratification and/or further clarification.

d) The pastoral search committee is to act on this mandate from the congregation in looking for a candidate. Prior to presenting a candidate to the congregation, the pastoral search committee shall consult with the General Board, and the Board of Elders and the Conference Examination and Placement committee. For the sake of the potential candidate's home church, where applicable, all preliminary discussions will be kept strictly confidential.

e) The pastoral search committee is responsible for negotiating initial working conditions and salaries in accordance with guidelines established by the General Board

f) The candidate will then be presented to the congregation with the method of presentation to be developed in consultation with the General Board, the Board of Elders and the candidate.

C) MINISTERS AND DEACONS

Ordained ministers from other conference churches may be recognized as ministers in our church when they show involvement and leadership in the church and are accepted by the congregation.

D) MINISTERS IN TRAINING

1) By mutual agreement between the church and a person interested in training for the ministry, the position of student minister may be made available for a term of up to one year. The term may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.

2) The interested person should submit his request to the Board of Elders who shall proceed by way of a recommendation to the church.

3) The student minister shall work in close relationship with the Board of Elders, the Pastor and other Ministerial, and under their guidance fulfill such duties as will assist him in his training for the ministry.

E) CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

1. Qualifications and Selection

a) Should fulfill the qualifications for church leaders as outlined in Section A.

b) Appointed by the General Board.

2. Responsibilities:

a) Logistic and clerical support for the pastor(s).

b) The Church bulletin.

c) To coordinate the church’s ministry on a day-to-day basis as an agent of the General Board.

d) To administer the church facility as an agent of the property management committee.

e) To serve as the Privacy Officer for the church.

f) To maintain current copies and archives of church records and documents, including:

o Church membership records (The law requires that a current list of church members must be available for inspection in the church office)

o Records of election results

o Church constitution and bylaws

o Minutes of congregational, board and committee meetings

o A policies and procedures document compiled from contributions by church boards and committees.

g) Messenger Reporter

ARTICLE VII - CHURCH COMMITTEES

A) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND POLICIES

1) Within their areas of responsibility, each board and committee:

a) Shall establish policies and procedures governing the conduct of their ministry;

b) May appoint and remove workers. If the board or committee appoints workers, the policies and procedures shall define the workers’ required qualifications, terms of appointment, and job descriptions;

c) Shall manage their expenditures to avoid exceeding the budgets for which they are responsible.

2) Each board and committee shall select one of its members to serve as vice-chairperson.

3) Each board and committee shall select one of its members to serve as a secretary, who shall take minutes at its meetings.

4) Each board and committee shall review, revise and update its policies and procedures at least annually.

5) Each board and committee, except for the Board of Elders, shall provide copies of the committee’s policies, procedures and meeting minutes to the church administrator. These documents shall be available to any church member.

6) Board and committee meetings are open only to members of the board or committee and individuals invited by the board or committee.

7) Any church member may request an invitation to attend a board or committee meeting for a specific purpose. Such an invitation shall not be unreasonably withheld.

B) Board of Elders

1) Purpose

The Board of Elders shall give vision and general leadership to the church.

In particular, the Board of Elders shall give leadership to the caring ministries of the church.

2) Membership

The Board of Elders shall consist of the Senior Pastor, and a minimum of one Elder for every fifty attendees.

3) Selection

Should fulfill the qualifications for church leaders as outlined in Article II, Section A.

Elected by the congregation

Length of term: 3 years

Maximum number of consecutive terms: 2

4) Responsibilities

a) Each Elder will be responsible to provide spiritual leadership. The responsibility is to encourage, guide, provide insights and new ideas, and be a mentor to people. The Elders shall provide Spiritual Leadership in the following areas:

Care Ministry

Visitation

Prayer Chain

Prayer Warriors

Elders will at the first meeting divide the Congregation into a maximum of 50 attendees per Elder, and contact each attendee at least twice per year.

b) Serve as a gifting committee for the Nominating Committee.

c) One member of the Board of Elders will be chosen by the Board of Elders at their first meeting to sit as a voting member on the General Board.

d) Pastor ordination and commissioning

e) Baptism and church membership

f) Specific pastoral job descriptions

C) General Board

1) Purpose

The General Board will be responsible for the day to day administration of the church’s ministry in accordance with the general direction given by the congregation.

The General Board shall represent the church in all business and legal matters. The Chairperson and Treasurer of the General Board are the Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Corporation, and shall be the signing officers of the church as related to business and financial matters.

2) Selection

Should fulfill the qualifications for church leaders as outlined in Article II, Section A

Elected by the congregation:

The pastor(s) and the church administrator are ex officio members of the Board but are not entitled to vote at General Board meetings.

3) Board Responsibilities

The following responsibilities of the entire General Board may be delegated to an individual or to a subcommittee of the Board:

a) Any responsibility of an individual board member that is not being carried out because of a vacancy of the Board or unusual circumstances.

b) Prepare the annual church budget.

c) Set staff salaries and benefits.

4) Membership, terms and individual responsibilities

Chairperson

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Reports to the congregation.

Responsibilities:

a) Schedule and create agendas for all meetings.

b) Delegate all tasks to the appropriate committees.

c) To make sure all board members complete their assigned tasks.

d) Schedule and chair all congregational meetings.

e) Ensure that church membership records are maintained and that a current list of church members is available for inspection in the church office, as required by law

Vice Chairperson:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Reports to the Chairperson.

Responsibilities:

a) Perform the responsibilities of the chairperson when the chairperson is unable to do so.

b) Complete tasks as directed by the chairperson.

Treasurer:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Responsible for keeping payable records.

b) To pay church expenses.

c) Employee payroll, Taxes and benefits.

d) Tax records and G.S.T.

e) Obtain a yearly auditors report, and submit to the congregation along with yearly financial report.

f) Will submit monthly reports to the Board.

g) Prepare deposits

Secretary:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Make sure copies of minutes are filed properly.

b) Distribute copies of Minutes to board members within a week of Board and congregational meetings.

d) All correspondence arising from meetings, as directed by the General Board.

e) Bring a current church membership list to each congregational meeting.

Outreach:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Responsible for church involvement in the community.

b) To follow up on new contacts generated by community involvement.

c) Organize special outreach events.

Missions:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Promote missions and missionaries in our church.

b) Inform the church of the needs of our missionaries.

c) Facilitate the flow of information from the church to the missionary and vice versa.

d) Promote meaningful prayer for the missionaries.

e) Annually review the financial support of the missionaries that A.C.F. supports.

Discipleship:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Membership classes

b) Small Group Ministries

c) Church Life

d) Food Coordinator

Education:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Responsibility for Sunday School from nursery to Adult classes.

b) Junior Church/ Nursery

c) Library and Librarian

Worship:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Organize the weekly worship service.

b) Ushers

c) Audio

d) Video

e) Decorating

f) Handicap Concerns

Young Life:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Adventure Club

b) Junior Youth

c) Senior Youth

d) College and Career

Property Management:

Length of term is 3 years.

Maximum number of consecutive terms is 2.

Responsibilities:

a) Maintain the church property.

b) Keep records of offerings

c) Collect rents from other users of the facilities

d) Set rules for and negotiate agreements with other users of church property.

e) Ensure that a copy of the church’s certificate of incorporation is posted in a public place in the church building as required by law

5) Powers and Procedures

a) Each member of the General Board, except for the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer, shall appoint a committee of at least two members to assist him or her.

b) Appointees to committees must be regular attenders of the church.

c) Appointments to committees must be for a specified term not exceeding two years.

d) A General Board member may designate a substitute from his or her committee to attend a meeting of the General Board. Such a substitute shall participate in the meeting in the same way as the regular member, except that the substitute is not entitled to vote.

D) EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE (E.M.C) DELEGATE

Elected by the congregation for a two year term in accordance with the ratios set by Conference Constitution.

Responsibilities:

1) Promote and support the E.M.C. Conference in the local church.

2) Display E.M.C. information in consultation with the pastor.

3) Meet with the Board of Elders prior to the Conference Board meeting to discuss the agenda.

4) Represent the opinions of the church at the E.M.C. conference meetings.

5) To report to the church after the Conference Council meetings.

E) MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (M.C.C). DELEGATE

Elected by the congregation for a two year term in accordance with the ratios set by M.C.C. to a maximum of two (2) people.

Responsibilities:

1) Receive M.C.C. information & literature on behalf of the congregation.

2) Promote and support M.C.C. in the local church.

3) Display M.C.C. information in consultation with the pastor.

4) Represent the opinions of the church at the M.C.C. Delegate meetings.

F) NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Four members elected by the congregation for two-year terms. The committee shall include at least one male and at least one female. The committee shall include one member from the Board of Elders. The committee will appoint the chair from within, the elder not being eligible.

Members of the nominating committee will be church members and will be familiar with the members of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (ACF).

Responsibilities:

1) Nominate and get consent of candidates for all elected and appointed officers of ACF.

2) Conduct congregational nomination process six weeks prior to annual election to obtain congregational input into the nomination process.

3) Decide as a committee (by majority) whether persons nominated are eligible and suitable for the position. In case of a tie, the vote of the chair will be the deciding vote.

4) Attempt to have at least two nominees per ministry position that is vacant.

5) This committee will provide a written description of the ministry position to the nominee and give them two weeks to decide if they will let their name stand for nomination.

6) In the event that a position becomes vacant during the year or does not get filled at election time, this committee will actively pursue nominees and get their consent.

7) The vacant position nominee can then be elected at the next congregation meeting as per the Policy Handbook.

8) Conduct the annual elections.

9) This committee is responsible to the Church Chairman.

10) In the event that a nominating committee member is nominated to a committee, such person must step back during those discussions and remaining members will decide whether to put that person on the slate.

11) Committee members should attend congregational meetings.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

A) Any member, group or committee of the church may initiate proposed amendments to these articles by submitting them in writing to the General Board.

B) The General Board shall review and study the proposed amendments and present them to the church at the first regular business meeting following their review.

C) These articles may be amended at any business meeting by a 2/3 majority vote of members present. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the church at a business meeting, at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which the vote is taken.