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DALLAS, TEXAS
ARTICLE II: STATEMENT OF FAITH
Section 2. Discipline of Members
Section 3. Withdrawal of Membership
Section 6. Membership Requirement for Position of Responsibility
Section 2. Responsibilities of Elders
Section 4. Selection of New Elders
Section 3. Spiritual Leadership
Section 7. Accusation Against the Senior Pastor
BYLAWS OF FIRST CHURCH OF GOD
DALLAS, TEXAS
The name of this Corporation shall be First Church of God.
A. Whenever the word “Church” is used in these Bylaws or their amendments, it shall signify the non-profit Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas.
B. The phrase “a vote of the Church” or any similar phrase shall mean a vote of the members comprising the Church who are qualified to vote at any legally convened meeting at which a quorum is present.
C. Whenever the words “the Elders” are used in these Bylaws or their amendments, they shall signify the Board of Directors of the non-profit Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas.
Section 3. Standard of Faith and Practice:
The Church recognizes the Word of God as the only divine standard of faith and practice, and as the highest authorityin all matters of life and conduct to which it speaks.
The Church maintains fellowship with the General Assembly of the Church of God which meets annually in Anderson, Indiana and supports the basic tenets of this movement in the quest for holiness, unity of believers and effective witness in the world.
ARTICLE II: STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Church of God has taken the position from the beginning that creeds have the inherent danger of limiting the “whole counsel of God” which is found in Scripture. The entire Bible, then, is our rule of faith and practice as illumined by the Holy Spirit. Though doctrinal statements will be forthcoming from Pastors and Elders, they will always be subject to the above qualification.
The general purpose of this Church shall be to carry out as fully as possible the purposes of our Lord Jesus Christ, who made the Church to be His earthly body; to witness for Him in our community, and to the fullest extent possible throughout the world; to observe His ordinances and to build up His people in Spiritual grace.
The Ministry of the Church is:
To worship God with all of our heart, mind and soul.
Worship is sought by God, therefore, we give Him honor and glory, privately and corporately. John 4:23-24.
To teach God’s Word as our rule of faith and practice. True Christians are hearers and doers of the Word. James 1:22.
To make disciples as Spiritual gifts are exercised.
Through equipping and ministry of gifts the Body of Christ, in its individual members and corporately, is to grow up into Him who is the Head, Jesus Christ. Eph. 4:13.
To evangelize as we are empowered by the Spirit.
We share the good news of Jesus Christ with all men in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they might believe and be saved. Acts 1:8.
` To demonstrate the ministry of Jesus by meeting needs.
Jesus demonstrated compassion by healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, caring for the poor and releasing the oppressed. Luke 4:18-19.
To seek justice as a prophetic force.
The Church must speak prophetically for righteousness and against evil in persons or in segments of society. Rom. 12:9.
Section 3. Business:
The purpose of the Church’s corporate body, as organized under these Bylaws, is to guide and facilitate the business activities of this Church in the acquiring and holding of real estate, the collecting and disbursing of money, the appointing and directing of Boards and Committees to conduct the pragmatic activities of this Church.
Membership in this Church shall be open to born-again believers in our Lord Jesus Christ who take the Scriptures as their rule of faith and practice, and to choose to associate themselves with this body of believers.
All members of this fellowship are expected to conduct their lives according to the standard set forth in the Scriptures. Such conduct includes moral purity (I Cor. 6:18-20; I Thess. 4:1-7), personal integrity (Eph. 4:25), Biblical fidelity (Jude 20-21; II Tim. 3:14-17), and harmony and unity in the Body (Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:12-17; I Pet. 3:8-9). Our lives are to be consistent examples of authentic Christianity as we walk in the light (I John 1:6-7), emulating the character of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:15-21; II Pet. 1:5-8).
Section 2. Discipline of Members:
Should any member willfully depart from this Scriptural standard and engage in conduct which conflicts with Biblical principles for godly living and service, the procedure set forth in Matt. 18:15-16 shall be followed for the purpose of leading the erring individual to repentance and, ultimately, to full restoration. This shall be done in a spirit of humility and gentleness (Gal. 6:1) as well as loving honesty (Eph. 4:25). If after these steps of reproof are taken and there is no repentance, one of the Pastors, with at least one Elder, shall confront, counsel and pray with the person. Should there still be no evidence of repentance, the erring brother’s sin shall be told to the Church; and if he refuses to listen even to the Church, the Church (as instructed in Matthew 18:17 and I Cor. 5:9-13) shall not continue to associate with the person concerned; and all rights of membership as provided in these Bylaws shall be withdrawn from the person for a period of not less than one year.
Section 3. Withdrawal of Membership:
Withdrawal of membership shall be decided upon the Elders for the following reasons:
A. If the member is found guilty of conduct unbecoming a Christian and refuses to respond appropriately to discipline as outlined in Section 1 of this Article. The reasons for such action shall be stated in a pastoral letter to the person concerned.
B. If a member indicates a lack of interest in the ministry of this Church for a period of one year and does not respond to a written inquiry.
C. If a member voluntarily withdraws his membership by written notice to the Church Office.
The right to vote at business meetings shall be reserved for active members who:
A. Meet the qualifications contained in Section 1 of this Article.
B, Have worshipped regularly with this body of believers for the preceding six (6) months.
C. Have reached the age of sixteen (16) years or older.
D. Have completed a course of orientation to this Church.
The Elders shall maintain a roster of those members eligible to vote (the “voting membership”) at Business Meetings. The roster shall be updated prior to each Annual Meeting and Special Meeting.
Section 6. Membership Requirement for Position of Responsibility:
All Officers, Teachers, Members of any Committee, or any other position of responsibility with the Church or its organizations shall normally be required to meet the qualifications set out in Section 4 of this Article. Exceptions may be allowed only with the prior approval of the Elders.
The government of this Church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. As a self-governing body, the Church shall delegate its administrative function and authority to the Elders. “They shall tend the flock of God that is in their charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in their charge but as being examples to the flock.” I Pet. 5:2-3.
A. The Elders shall normally consist of at least five persons chosen from among the members of the Church. Ministry needs and leadership gifts will determine the number.
B. The Elders shall elect annually a Chairman from among themselves to preside over meetings of the Elders and over congregational business meetings.
C. A Vice-Chairman shall be elected annually and shall act for the Chairman when appropriate.
D. A Secretary shall be elected annually and shall also be Secretary of the Corporation.
E. The Senior Pastor, being an Elder, is also the Senior Pastoral and Administrative Officer of the Church, as set forth in Article VI, Section 4, of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Responsibilities of Elders:
A. Attending to the Spiritual and Scriptural purity, peace and prosperity of the Church. Sharing responsibility with the Senior Pastor to state and review the Doctrinal Position of the Church on major issues.
B. Attending to the proposals, presented by the Senior Pastor, for accomplishing the vision of the Church and the purposes as stated in Article III of these Bylaws; offering advice and counsel on them, and then supporting the Pastors and administrative staff and members of the Church in implementing them.
C. Establishing general policies for the Church Administrative Council and other Committees of the Church.
D. Recommending candidates for the position of Senior Pastor to the Church, and approving his agreement of service upon appointment by the Church.
E. To determine, in consultation with the Senior Pastor, the need for other Pastors, and to recommend candi- dates for such positions to the Church, and approve the agreement of service upon appointment by the Church.
F. Approving the appointment or dismissal of the administrative staff, fixing terms of employment and rates of compensation.
G. Appointing new Elders as needed, and presenting them for confirmation by the Church.
H. Appointing Deacons and Deaconesses to serve the ministries of the church.
I. Convening the Annual Meeting of the Church, and Special Meetings of the Church as needed.
J. Recommending to the Church the Budget for the next fiscal year.
K. Authorizing expenditure of all monies belonging to the Church, in accordance with the approved budget, and overseeing the business of the Church. Any significant expenditure outside of the approved budget shall be reported at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
A candidate for Eldership shall be a voting member of the Church who satisfies the criteria set forth in the New Testament in I Tim. 3:1-3 and Tit. 1:5-9.
Section 4. Selection of New Elders:
The Elders may, from time to time, elect to add new Elders to their number. Candidates may be recommended by the Elders, or by other members of the Church. Notification of the consideration of a candidate for the position of Elder shall be made to the Church by public announcement at a regular service of the Church on two Sundays prior to the meeting of the Elders, and by a written notice publicly displayed for two weeks prior to the meeting for consideration. Written comments regarding the qualifications of a candidate for Elder may be submitted to the Elders prior to the meeting. They shall review the qualifications of each candidate and, if unanimously agreed upon by the Elders, present each candidate to the members of the Church for confirmation at the next Annual General Meeting or at a Special Meeting convened for that purpose. Confirmation requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
Section 5. Accusations Against an Elder:
No accusation shall be brought against an Elder except on the testimony of two or three legal voting members of the Church (I Tim. 5:19-21). Any accusation brought against an Elder must first be submitted, in writing, to the Elders for their consideration. A special meeting of the Elders shall be called for the purpose of reviewing both written and oral testimony, and for considering the qualifications of the Elder. The Elder whose status is being considered shall have the right to be present at the meeting, but shall not sit as an Elder at that meeting. He shall be appraised, in writing, prior to the meeting, of the nature of the accusations against him and be afforded the opportunity to comment in person and in writing to the Elders prior to the confirmation vote. If he so desires, he may be accompanied by another Church Member of his own choosing, to assist him in any presentation to the Elders, and to witness the discussion. Within thirty (30) days from such meeting, the Elders shall vote to confirm or revoke such Elder’s appointment. Con-firmation shall be accomplished by a unanimous vote of the other Elders.
Section 6. Term of Appointment:
An Elder shall continue to serve as an Elder until one of the following events occurs:
A. Withdrawal from membership in the Church.
B. Voluntary resignation.
C. Removal by unanimous vote of the other Elders.
D. Failure to receive confirmation by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at the Annual Meeting of the Church.
E. Failure to receive confirmation as provided in Section 5 of this Article.
Selection of the Senior Pastor shall be as follows:
A. Any candidate for the position of Senior Pastor shall be an ordained Pastor in good standing with the General Assembly of the Church of God which meets annually in Anderson, Indiana.
B. He shall satisfy the qualifications for an Elder set forth in Article V, Section 3 of these Bylaws, except as to the membership requirement.
C. Recommendation for appointment shall be made to the Church at a Business Meeting convened for that purpose. Such recommendation shall be made upon a unanimous affirmative vote of the Elders.
D. The Elders may appoint a Pulpit Committee to assist in evaluating the qualifications and call of each candidate, and in formulating recommendations.
E. A candidate shall be appointed to the position of Senior Pastor upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
The terms of service of the Senior Pastor shall be clearly set forth in a written agreement established by the Elders. Any revisions to the written agreement shall be at the discretion of the Elders.
Section 3. Spiritual Leadership:
The Senior Pastor shall, with the counsel of the Elders, be the Spiritual leader of the Church.
The responsibilities of the Senior Pastor shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. To take the lead in presenting to the Elders proposals for the accomplishment of the vision of the Church and the purposes as stated in Article III of these Bylaws. Such proposals to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
B. To take the lead in the implementation of the agreed proposals (in A of this Section) through the Pastors, administrative staff, and members of the church.
C. To serve as an Elder.
D. To be responsible, with the counsel of the Elders, to state and review the Doctrinal Position of the Church on major issues.
E. To be responsible for the overall direction of the services of worship.
F. To be responsible for the regular preaching and teaching ministries of the Church.
G. To be responsible for the evangelistic and missionary outreach of the Church.
H. To be responsible for the administration of the Ordinances.
I. To be responsible for the pastoral care of the members of the Church.
J. To be responsible for equipping the members for carrying out the ministries of the Church.
K. To be responsible for the supervision and direction of the Pastors and administrative staff of the Church.
The tenure of the Senior Pastor shall be indefinite.
The Senior Pastor may dissolve the relationship with the Church upon at least ninety (90) days notice in writing to the Elders. The 90-day period may, however, be altered by mutual consent of the Senior Pastor and the Elders. The Church shall be informed of any actions taken.
Section 7. Accusation Against the Senior Pastor:
No accusation shall be brought against the Senior Pastor except on the testimony of two or three legal voting members of the Church (I Tim. 5:19-21). The procedure to be followed is that stated with regard to an accusation against any Elder in Article V, Section 5, of these Bylaws.
Section 8. Recommendation for Termination:
An appeal for the termination of appointment of the Senior Pastor may be made (after compliance with Section 7 of this Article and Article VIII, Section 3 of these Bylaws) by:
A. A petition signed by a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the eligible voting members of the Church, submitted to the Elders, calling for termination; or
B. The unanimous decision of the other Elders to recommend such termination.
Section 9. Termination by Church:
The appointment of the Senior Pastor may be terminated by the agreed vote of a minimum of one-third of the eligible voting members of the Church; in such event the Senior Pastor’s final compensation and severance package will be negotiated according to his service agreement and the specific circumstances surrounding the termination.
Selection of all Pastors other than the Senior Pastor shall be as follows:
A. Recommendations for appointment shall be made to the Church at a Business Meeting convened for that purpose. Such recommendations shall be made upon a unanimous affirmative vote of the Elders.
B. The Elders may appoint a Pulpit Committee to assist them in evaluating the qualifications and call of each candidate, and in formulating recommendations.
C. A candidate shall be appointed to the position of Pastor upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
The terms of service of each Pastor shall be clearly set forth in a written agreement established by the Elders. Any revisions to this written agreement shall be at the discretion of the Elders.
The responsibilities of each Pastor shall be determined by the Senior Pastor, in consultation with the Elders.
The tenure of each Pastor shall normally be indefinite. In the case of a staff intern, or an interim Pastor, the period of service should be explicitly stated in the terms of service agreed to, in accordance with Section 2 of this Article.
Any Pastor may dissolve the relationship with the Church upon at least ninety (90) days notice in writing to the Senior Pastor and the Elders. The 90-day period may, however, be altered by mutual consent of the Pastor, the Senior Pastor and the Elders. The Church shall be informed of any actions taken.
Section 6. Accusation Against a Pastor:
No accusation shall be brought against a Pastor except on the testimony of two or three legal voting members of the Church (I Tim. 5:19-21). The procedure to be followed is that stated with regard to an accusation against an Elder in Article V, Section 5 of these Bylaws.
Section 7. Recommendation for Termination:
An appeal for the termination of appointment of a Pastor may be made (after compliance with Section 6 of this Article, and Article VIII, Section 3 of these Bylaws) by:
A. A petition signed by a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the eligible voting members of the Church, submitted to the Elders, calling for termination; or
B. The unanimous decision by the Elders to recommend such termination.
Section 8. Termination by Church:
The appointment of a Pastor may be terminated by the agreed vote of a minimum of one-third of the eligible voting members of the Church; in such event, the Pastor’s final compensation and severance package will be negotiated according to his service agreement and the specific circumstances surrounding the termination.
The legally convened meetings of the Church shall be the Annual Meetings and Special Meetings.
A. The date of any such meeting shall be fixed by the Elders, and all Church Members notified of the date and place of meeting at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. Such notice shall be deemed given when a public announcement has been made at a regular service of the Church on two Sundays prior to the meeting, and a written notice has been publicly displayed for two weeks prior to the meeting.
B. For business to be transacted at meetings of the Church a quorum of thirty-three percent (33%) of the voting membership must be present.
C. Meetings shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Elders, or by the Vice-Chairman in his absence.
D. Voting shall be by written ballot except for procedural and courtesy voting, which shall be by voice vote, or show of hands.
A. The Annual Meeting of the Church shall be held in the first month of the fiscal year, at a time and place to be set by the Elders. The Order of Business shall be as follows:
Call to Order by the Chairman of the Elders
Prayer
Establishment of a Quorum
Minutes of previous meeting
Reports of Senior Pastor and Elders
Approval of Budget for fiscal year
Confirmation of New and Existing Elders
Unfinished Business
New Business
Adjournment
In the event of any question in a business meeting regarding procedure that is not covered in these Bylaws, Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed.
B. Members desiring to submit items of new business for consideration may submit a written request to the Elders at least one month prior to the Annual Meeting. The introduction of additional business from the floor at the time of the meeting requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
A Special Meeting may be called by:
A. A petition signed by a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the eligible voting members of the Church, submitted to the Elders, calling for a Special Meeting and outlining the business to be conducted; or
B. The unanimous decision of the Elders to call for a Special Meeting and outlining the business to be conducted.
A petition calling for a special meeting of the Church may be circulated among the members only after prior written notification to the Elders. The Elders shall have reasonable period of time (not less than thirty (30) days) to consider the issue and to try to resolve the issue with the concerned members.
Notification of the meeting shall be in accordance with Section 1 of this Article. Additionally, the business to be conducted at the meeting must be announced.
No business other than that states in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted.
Section 4. Actions Requiring Two-Thirds Vote:
The following actions are required by these Bylaws to take effect upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
A. Confirmation of new and existing Elders (Article V, Sections 4 and 6).
B. Appointment of Senior Pastor (Article VI, Section 1. E)
C. Appointment of Pastoral staff (Article VII, Section 1. C)
D. Introduction of Additional Business at Meeting of Church (Article VIII, Section 2. B)
E. Approval of the Budget (Article IX, Section 2).
F. Property transactions (Article IX, Section 3).
G. Amendments to the Bylaws (Article X).
All other actions take effect upon an affirmative majority vote, except the termination of the Senior Pastor or Pastor as provided for in Article Vi, Section 9, and Article VII, Section 8, of these Bylaws.
When an item of business is to be voted on by a simple ballot (“yes” or “no”), or when a resolution has been publicly posted (providing it is not significantly amended during the meeting), absentee ballots will be allowed.
Anyone having the right to vote on such a matter at a meeting which he or she cannot attend may cast a vote by personally submitting a signed ballot to an Elder at any time prior to the “Call to Order” of the meeting.
For the purposes of these Bylaws, any voting member of the Church who submits a signed absentee ballot in accordance with the proposals of this Section shall be considered “present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church” for which the absentee ballot is allowed.
The fiscal year of the Church shall correspond to the calendar year.
At the Annual Meeting, the Elders shall recommend to the Church a proposed budget for the coming year. This shall be approved by a two-thirds affirmative vote of those members present and voting. Should the budget not be approved, the Elders shall solicit comments from the Members and submit a new budget at a meeting convened for that purpose.
Section 3. Property Transactions:
The sale or purchase of Real Estate and/or any change in property deeding provisions shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by:
A. A petition signed by a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the eligible voting members of the Church, submitted to the Elders, in accordance with Article VIII, Section 3 of these bylaws, detailing the proposed changed.
B. The unanimous decision of the Elders to propose amendments, detailing the proposed changes.
The proposed changes shall be described in full in the notification given to the Church of the Annual or Special Meeting at which the changes are to be acted upon.
These bylaws, so far as allowed by law, may be invoked, amended or repealed by the agreed vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a legally convened meeting of the Church.
As Amended February 15, 1987