佳樂人Carrollton Chinese Church
Constitution
Article One: General
1.1 The name of the church is “Carrollton Chinese Church”.
1.2 This church is non-denominational and it is a church organized by born again Christians.
1.3 Based upon the U.S. Tax Code revised in 1954, Article 501, and section C3, this church is registered in the State of Texas as a non-profit religious organization.
Article Two: Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this church is to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) given by the Lord. It is to equip believers in the work of the ministry, to buildup the Body of Church, to preach the gospel and to lead people to trust in the true God through Jesus Christ.
Article Three: Statement of Faith
This church believed firmly the following basic doctrines:
3.1 The bible consists of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, and is inspired by God. It is inerrant and not to be changed. It is also the ultimate standards for Christian faith and practices.
3.2 God is self-existing; He is the creator of heaven and earth and is the Lord of all mankind. He is the only true God who reveals Himself to man in three Persons —the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3.3 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is truly God, and truly man. He became flesh born of the Virgin Mary through the conception of the Holy Spirit. He willingly shed His blood in order to pay for the debt of man’s iniquities. He was nailed to death on the cross and resurrected on the third day. He then ascended to heaven and became the only mediator between God and man.
3.4 The Holy Spirit is the Helper for all believers. He is equal in essence, power, existence, and glory with the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin and repentance. He dwells eternally in believers. He leads believers into all truths, and helps them unto sanctification.
3.5 Man was made in the image of God, but has fallen into sin. Sin then came into this world, ever since that, Man was under the bondage of sin and separated from God. No one can be right with God by what he or she does.
3.6 Salvation is through the grace of God. It is only by trusting in Jesus Christ – who died on the cross and risen from death-that one can be forgiven of his sin and be called righteous, be regenerated by the Holy Spirit and have eternal life.
3.7 Jesus Christ is the head of the church. And the church is the Body of Christ. It is the family of God, the foundation of truth. All who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ is part of this body of Christ.
3.8 The church will only observe two sacraments, the baptism instituted by Jesus Christ and the Holy Communion. However, any sacrament is not a condition of our salvation.
3.9 Jesus Christ will come again to this world to establish the eternal Kingdom. All will be resurrected in the future and be judged by God. Those who believe in Him will be eternally with God and those who do not believe will be condemned and separate from God eternally.
Article Four: Ordinances
4.1 Baptism
This church will baptize all that have born again and trusted in Christ according to the teaching of the Bible.
4.1.1 We will baptize all who had professed their faith, and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior during any of our church meetings, and after a member of the pastoral staff and an elder or deacon had confirm the recipient’s born again experience. All recipients are required to attend the “baptismal class” before their baptism in order for them to have a true understanding of salvation.
4.1.2 Except special circumstances, the basic form of baptism is immersion.
4.1.3 Any members of the pastoral staff or church elders are allowed to administer the baptism.
4.1.4 The Baptismal Department is responsible to all the preparation of the baptismal ceremony.
4.1.5 The Baptismal Department will keep a list of believers that are waiting for the baptism. It is the duty of the members of the pastoral staff, elders and deacons to advise all believers to be baptized. However, if any believer has not been baptized after a reasonable time and the church has confirmed that he is not inclined to be baptized. His name should be removed from such a list.
4.2 Lord’s Supper
4.2.1 This church will administer the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month. All Christians who have believed and baptized in Christ may partake the Lord’s Supper. This should be a reverent memorial of the Lord Jesus Christ according to His command. (I Corinthian 11:23)
Article Five: Membership
5.1 Membership administration
5.1.1 Membership Department
The membership department is responsible to the administration and safe keeping of all the data and matters related to membership of this church.
5.1.2 Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is appointed by the Membership Department; it consists of three members, an elder and two active members of the church. Based on the constitution of this church, the membership committee will process all the new members’ application; update the list of active and non-active members. If there is anything related to the membership of this church that is not clarified in this constitution, the membership committee will have a preliminary opinion and propose to the deacons’ board for final decision.
5.1.3 Membership registry
The Membership Department of the church will update the membership no later than September of each year. The membership listing, the total number of memberships, and the minimum number of members needed to validate an official meeting will be announce to the congregation by the Membership Department. One week before the nomination or election of deacons/elders, and congregation meeting, the Membership Department have to announce the rooster of eligible voting members and the minimum number of members needed to validate the meeting.
5.2 Membership origination
Anyone who wish to be a member of this church should initiate themselves through one of the following three ways.
1. Publicly profess their faith and receive their baptism in any one of our regular church meetings.
2. Recommended by another evangelical church through a letter of recommendation.
3. Without a letter of recommendation, they will submit a personal testimony in which they will describe their conversion and baptism experience.
5.2.1 Membership type
5.2.1.1Membership by baptism
All who are baptized in this church will be considered as members of this church.
5.2.1.2 Membership by transfer
5.2.1.2.1 All who have trusted and received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, have a born again experience and have participated in a baptismal ceremony can apply for membership regardless of his denominational affiliation. Yet, he must agree completely with the doctrinal statement (refer to Chapter three of this constitution) and constitution of this church.
5.2.1.2.2 All applicants are required to attend the Sunday Worship regularly for a period of three months before he/she is eligible for the application.
5.2.1.2.3 All applicants are required to submit a personal testimony of their conversion, or a letter of recommendation from an evangelical church.
5.2.1.3 All ministers and pastoral staffs of this church are the members of this church. All of his/her family members who had trusted and received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and had baptized are eligible to be the member of this church.
5.2.2 Procedure of transfer
5.2.2.1 The applicant must fill out an application form and submits it to the Membership Department. The Membership Department will arrange an interview with the applicant.
5.2.2.2 Member of the pastoral staff and an elder will interview the applicant. After they confirmed the salvation experience of the applicant and the applicant’s agreement with the constitution and doctrinal statement of this church, they will recommend the applicant to the membership committee.
5.2.2.3 All applicants are required to attend the “New Membership Class”. The purpose of this class is to assure that they have a clear understanding of the Christian doctrines, a complete agreement of the constitution of this church, a good orientation of the church organization and its meetings, and a good understanding of their responsibility and privilege.
5.2.2.4 After the church accepts the applicant, they will be recognized into the church through a ceremony conducts during one of the Sunday worship service.
5.3 Dismissal of church membership
Church membership dismissal will be based on the following circumstances:
5.3.1 The death of a member.
5.3.2 Any member who cease to attend Sunday Worship of this church for a year or more. The church will terminate his/her membership. And the church will not release any letter of recommendation of these members. However, if the member has one of the following exceptions (1) temporally moved away from Dallas Fort Worth metroplex but still listed this metroplex as their legal permanent resident and they did not officially transfer to another church. (2) Cannot attend Sunday Worship due to chronic serious illness. Under these circumstances, the church will temporally maintain their membership for a period of three years.
5.3.3 Any member who requests to transfer to another church, his/her membership of this church will be terminated. Also, members can request a letter of recommendation to his/her new church. However, the church reserves the right of refusing such a letter if the other church is not a sound organization.
5.3.4 The church will terminate his/her membership if anyone violate the order of this church
5.3.4.1 If a member is found to have the following conduct:
5.3.4.1.1 Holds false and heretical doctrines or lives inconsistently with a Christian profession (Galatians 1:8-9)
5.3.4.1.2 Violates the law of public morals or leads an unruly life (II Thessalonians 3:6,11; I Corinthians 5:11; Colossians 3:5-9)
5.3.4.1.3 Disrupts the unity and peace of the church.
5.3.4.2 Anyone who violates article 5.3.4.1 of this constitution, the church pastor and deacons will admonish such member according to the principles recorded in Matthew 18:15-17. If he/she fails to listen and repent, the pastoral staff shall make known to the congregation and dismiss his/her membership.
5.3.4.3 If the excluded member gives satisfactory evidence of being repent, the church pastor and elders can restore him according to the principle in II Corinthians 2:6-8 by recommending him/her to the deacons’ board. After two third approvals of the deacons’ board he/she can renew his/her membership after announced to the congregation.
5.4 Membership category
There are two categories of membership according to their level of participation: (1) Active members and (2) Inactive members.
5.4.1 Active member:
Anyone who fits all of the following requirements is described as an active member of this church. All active members are eligible to all the privilege listed under article 5.5.1.
5.4.1.1 Requirements of an active member
5.4.1.1.1 Anyone who is a member of this church for six months or more, and
5.4.1.1.2 Who had attended at least sixteen Sunday Worship services within last six months.
5.4.2 Inactive member:.
Anyone who does not fit any of the requirements listed in article 5.4.1.1 is defined as an inactive member. All inactive members is eligible to all the privilege described in article 5.5.1 of this constitution with the exception of article 5.5.1.2
5.4.3 Any active member who temporally moved away from the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex but still maintain the metroplex as their legal permanent resident and they did not officially transfer to another church or request the church to cancel their membership. Under this circumstance, the church will maintain their membership for four more years.
5.4.4 If any inactive members who believed to fit the requirements of an active member, they can appeal to the membership committee. If the membership committee agrees with the appellant, the case will submit to the deacons’ board for final decision. The said inactive member will become an active member and eligible to all the privilege of an active member if the deacon board approve with a three forth majority vote.
5.5 Rights and duties of member
5.5.1 Rights of member
5.5.1.1 He/she can participate in all congregational meetings.
5.5.1.2 He/she can vote, run and be nominated for an office. Except for those under the age of eighteen.
5.5.1.3 He/she can request the church for spiritual help and intercessory prayer for himself/herself and relatives and friends.
5.5.1.4 He/she can request assistance in one’s wedding or funeral services.
5.5.2 Duties of member
5.5.2.1 Acquaint oneself with this constitution.
5.5.2.2 Regularly pray and study the Bible, and be a good witness for Christ.
5.5.2.3 Regard the bible as their standard for living.
5.5.2.4 Regularly attend and participate in the activities of the church.
5.5.2.5 He/she actively serve in the church’s various ministries.
5.5.2.6 Diligently tithe and participate in monetary offerings in order to support the work of the church.
5.5.2.7 Regularly pray for the pastors and leaders of this church.
5.5.2.8 Quit unhealthy habits and immoral vices, so that he/she will not become a stumbling block to others.
5.5.2.9 Care for one another, encourage each other to good works and the spreading of the gospel.
Article Six: Policy and organization
6.1 Governing Right
6.1.1 Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the governing right of this church is rest upon each member of the church.
6.1.2 All decisions approved by the congregational meeting are considered as final decision. However, all spiritual matters and day to day administrative decisions are given to the pastoral staff, the elders and the Deacons Board.
6.1.3 The deacons’ board makes up of the pastoral staff, the elders, and the deacons.
6.2 Organization and policy handbook
6.2.1 The church had written “Organization and Policy Handbook”.
6.2.2 The “Organization and Policy Handbook” contains various organization charts of different departments, their responsibilities, job description of their co-worker. It also includes procedures of various administrative duties.
6.2.3 If necessary, the Deacons Board has the authority to amend this handbook, as long as there is no contradiction to the church constitution.
6.3 Congregational Meeting
6.3.1 It is the highest decision-making meeting of the church.
6.3.2 Regular meeting: There shall be a minimum of two congregational meeting each year. One at the month of October, during which new deacons/elders will be elected. Another meeting will be at the month of December, during which new budget will be passed. The Deacons Board shall initiate these congregational meetings.
6.3.3 Special Meeting
The Deacons Board should initiate a special meeting within thirty days if it is initiated by more than half of the elders and deacons or a petition of more than one-third of the active members. However, issues previously discussed in the congregational meeting cannot be brought up in a special meeting until after six months.
6.3.4 Preparation
6.3.4.1 The date and purpose of the meeting must be announced in writing to the members two weeks before such meeting.
6.3.4.2 If necessary, there shall be a hearing at least one week before the congregational meeting to discuss on the matter in order to make the voting process more efficient.
6.3.5 Eligibility of a voter
All active members who are above the age of eighteen are an eligible voter. That is, they have to completely satisfy the following three requirements: (1) He/she is at least eighteen years of age. (2) He/she is a member of the church for at least six months. (3) He/she had attended at least sixteen Sunday Worship services within the last six months.
6.3.6 Member registry
The Membership Department has to announce to the congregation a list of all the eligible voting members one week prior to the congregational meeting.
6.3.7 Quorum
A quorum for an official congregational meeting shall be half or more of the eligible voting members. The Membership Department is required to announce this number one week prior to the congregational meeting. If the number cannot be reached, the meeting has to be postponed. If the number has not reached for two consecutive congregational meeting on the same issue, the third meeting will be considered valid regardless of the number of attendants.
6.3.8 Deciding vote
Unless otherwise specified in the constitution, the deciding vote for a particular issue should be one half or more of the ballots.
6.3.9 Ballot
This church prefers an unnamed ballot.
6.4 Senior Pastor
6.4.1 Qualifications
6.4.1.1 Must be ordained as Pastor, and have five years or more pastoral experience.
6.4.1.2 Must fulfill the qualifications recorded in I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-3. Living a Christian life that demonstrates consistency of his/her faith.
6.4.1.3 He must agree with the statement of faith of the church and adhere to the constitution, willing to commit to this church.
6.4.1.4 Must be a graduate of university or seminary.
6.4.1.5 He must carry a sense of mission and direction, a visionary, passionate, and able to lead.
6.4.2 Duties
6.4.2.1 He devotes himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word. He is also a servant of God being called to pastor this church, and be an example of other believers.
6.4.2.2 He is responsible for the worship services, delivery of sermons, and carry out church ordinances.
6.4.2.3 He shall lead the pastoral staffs, work together with the elders and deacons to plan and carry out various ministries of the church.
6.4.2.4 He is a member of the Deacons’ Board and the Elders’ Board
6.4.2.5 He attends prayer meeting and all the meetings called by the Elders Board and the Deacons’ Board.
6.4.2.6 He will represent the church at other functions.
6.4.2.7 He will supervise all the pastoral staffs.
6.4.3 Establishment or dissolution of relationship
6.4.3.1 Establishment
6.4.3.1.1 The candidate shall be recommended to the Pastor Search Committee by the current pastoral staff, the Deacons’ Board, or the Elders’ Board
6.4.3.1.2 The Elders’ Board will appoint the Pastor Search Committee. The Pastor Search Committee is made up of five members, three of them has to be members of the Deacons Board. The other two must be a member of this church for two years or more. They should be an active member of this church who participates in various church ministries and attended our regular meeting consistently. These five members have to be approved by the Deacons Board unanimously in order to validate the Pastor Search Committee.
6.4.3.1.3 All applicants have to be approved by the Pastor Search Committee unanimously before being presented to the Deacons’ and Elders’ Board.
6.4.3.1.4 After the Pastor Search Committee found the right candidate, the committee will present the candidate to the Deacons Board. Deacons’ Board has to approve this candidate with four-fifth-majority vote before calling the congregational meeting.
6.4.3.1.5 The invitation of a pastor should be approved by two-thirds majority or more votes in the congregational meeting.
6.4.3.1.6 On approval, the Deacons and Elders Board shall represent the church in inviting the candidate as the Senior Pastor of the church.
6.4.3.2 Terms and its renewal
6.4.3.2.1 The first year is an adjustment period. Three months before this period, the church should decide on its renewal. If the senior pastor was a member of the pastoral staff, this adjustment period will not be applicable.
6.4.3.2.2 After the adjustment period is a term of four years. Half year before its expiration, the church should decide on its renewal.
6.4.3.2.3 All renewal of contract need to be passed by four-fifth majority vote within the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board, and then be passed by two-thirds or more majority vote in the congregational meeting (not including the vote of the pastor who the church is going to renew).
6.4.3.3 Dissolution
6.4.3.3.1 Resignation
If the pastor for some reasons cannot stay in his position and fulfill his duties, he may resign from the church by giving due notice of his intention to the Deacon Board in writing four months in advance.
6.4.3.3.2 Discontinue of contract
6.4.3.3.2.1 Suspension of contract
Four months before the contract expires, the church should decide on its renewal. If two-thirds or above of the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board oppose to the renewal of contract, then the contract will become void.
6.4.3.3.2.2 Termination
If the pastor is proved unable to fulfill his responsibility as the shepherd of the church due to misconduct or immoral behavior, two-thirds of the Elders and Deacons have to agree upon the immediate termination of his/her service (including all the executive power). Two representatives will be elected among the Deacons’ and Elders’ board to notify the pastor. Upon mutual agreement, he/she will furnish a letter of resignation within one week. He/she shall relief of all his duties within four months. However, if he refuses to terminate his duties, the Elders and Deacons’ Board will present all the fact to the member of this church, and it needs to be passed by the congregation with two-thirds majority vote before the pastor can be discharged.
6.4.3.4 Vacancy
If the position of senior pastor is open and not filled the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board will decide ways to carry out his duty in other alternative means, the duration will be decided by the Deacons Board also.
6.5 Ordination
6.5.1 Any minister of our church who has been serving in our church over one year is eligible to be ordained. The Elders’ and Deacons’ Board can approach him/her, if he/she agrees, the church will ordain him/her after the congregation approved with two-third-majority vote.
6.5.2 Those to be ordained should carry appropriate talents and characters in order for them to minister in a church.
6.5.3 The ordain personnel, its date are to be decided by the candidate, then approved by the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board.
6.6 Associate or Assistant Pastor
6.6.1 Qualifications
6.6.1.1 Must be ordained as Pastor.
6.6.1.2 Must fulfill the qualifications recorded in I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-3. Living a Christian life that demonstrates consistency of his/her faith.
6.6.1.3 He must agree with the statement of faith of the church and adhere to the constitution, willing to commit to this church.
6.6.1.4 Must be a graduate of university or seminary.
6.6.2 Duties
6.6.2.1 Assist the pastor in shepherding the church. In cases where the Senior Pastor cannot or unable to fulfill his duties. After the approval of the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board, the Associate Pastor will assume his task, if the Associate Pastor is not available, the Assistant Pastor will assume the task.
6.6.2.2 He is a member of the Deacons’ Board, the Elders’ Board, and the Elders’ and Deacons’ board.
6.6.3 Establishment or Dissolution of Relationship
Same as Senior Pastor
6.7 Other staffs
6.7.1 Pastoral staff: Including minister, music director, education director, youth director etc.
6.7.1.1 Qualifications
6.7.1.1.1 Must have experience in ministry and then approved by the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board.
6.7.1.1.2 Must fulfill the qualifications recorded in I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-3. Living a Christian life that demonstrates consistency of his/her faith.
6.7.1.1.3 He must agree with the statement of faith of the church and adhere to the constitution, willing to commit to this church.
6.7.1.2 Duties
6.7.1.2.1 Assist various pastors to minister in all spiritual affairs in the church, spread the gospel and build up believers.
6.7.1.2.2 Attends the prayer meeting of our church.
6.7.1.3 Establishment or Dissolution of Relationship: All establishment, dissolution, and renewal of contract need to be passed by four-fifth majority vote within the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board in order to be valid.
6.7.2 Secretary
6.7.2.1 Qualifications
Must be a born again Christian and an active member of the church who is qualify for this position.
6.7.2.2 Duties
To assist the pastoral staff, deacons and elders in handling all businesses and secretarial matters of the church. Employment is depending on the need of the church.
6.8 Deacons’ and Elders’ Board
6.8.1 Organization
Pastors, elders and deacons are the members of this board. The chairperson of the elders’ board is also the chairperson of this board
6.8.2 Duties
6.8.2.1 The Elders’ and Deacons’ board is the official representative of this church.
6.8.2.2 It is their duty to initiate congregational meeting.
6.8.2.3 The Elders’ and Deacons’ board will report the progress of various church ministries during the congregational meeting.
6.8.2.4 Responsible to the election of elders and deacons.
6.8.2.5 Coordinate the opinions between the deacons’ board and the elders’ board.
6.8.2.6 Oversee the works of different departments, and encourage them to work with one another.
6.8.2.7 Carry out the tasks appointed by this constitution.
6.8.2.8 Initiate the monthly elders and deacon’s meeting.
6.8.3 Decision
All members to the board are eligible to vote. Unless otherwise noted, all issues have to be approved by a two-third-majority vote within this board. If there is a personal conflict of interest, the member should abstain from the meeting
6.9 Elders and the Elders’ board
6.9.1 Elders
6.9.1.1 Qualifications
6.9.1.1.1 Must fulfill the qualifications recorded in I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-3. Living a Christian life that demonstrates consistency of his/her faith.
6.9.1.1.2 Follow the instruction of the bible, faithfully tithe to the church, and regularly attending the activities of the church.
6.9.1.1.3 Possess the gift of caring and teaching.
6.9.1.1.4 Must be an active member of the church for five years. He/she had been serve as a deacon for a minimum of two terms (four year)
6.9.1.1.5 Pastors of this church are the automatic member of the board.
6.9.1.2 Duties
6.9.1.2.1 To assist the senior pastor in deciding the goal of this church and determine the long term strategy of this church.
6.9.1.2.2 Assist the senior pastor in teaching and assist him in his caring ministry
6.9.1.2.3 To look out for the church.
6.9.1.2.4 Attend the monthly Elders’ Board meeting, and weekly prayer meeting.
6.9.1.2.5 Attend the monthly Elders’ and Deacons’ Board meeting, and weekly prayer meeting.
6.9.1.2.6 The chairman of elders’ board and the senior pastor will attend the deacon’ board meeting.
6.9.1.3 Terms
Each term is three years, and elders are eligible to be reelected.
6.9.1.4 Life time elders
If anyone is being re-elected for three terms, he/she will be ordained to be an elder for life.
6.9.1.5 Election
The pastors, the deacons, and the elders nominate it. All nominees have to be approved by the Deacons Board unanimously in order to validate them through a two third majority vote during a congregational meeting.
6.9.1.6 Number
There is no fix number; however, it cannot be less than two. Deacons are not allowed to be an elders at the same time.
6.9.1.7 Removal and vacancy
6.9.1.7.1 If the elders cannot carry out his duties as a result of any reasons. He/she will be relieved of his duties after the Elders’ Board accepts his/her resignation. The elders’ board will announce to the congregation.
6.9.1.7.2 If an elder’s behavior is not in accordance with article 6.9.1.1.1, the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board will announce to the congregation and remove him/her from office.
6.9.1.7.3 During a given year when the number of elders is less then two. The Elders’ and Deacons’ Board has the right to assign a qualify and mature member of the church as an acting elders to compensate for the lack
6.9.2 Elders’ Board
6.9.2.1 Organization
It consists of the pastors and the elders. The Elders’ Board should at least consist of a Chairman, and a secretary. The current elders will elect among themselves of each position. The Elders’ Board determines their job description.
6.9.2.2 Duties
6.9.2.2.1 Shepherd, teach, and care of the congregation.
6.9.2.2.2 Carry out the discipline of the church.
6.9.2.2.3 Determine and carry out the goal and its long term and mid term plans.
6.9.2.2.4 Explain and defend this constitution.
6.9.2.2.5 Process all membership application and maintain all membership records.
6.9.2.2.6 Develop and confirm all candidates for elders, deacons, and coworkers.
6.9.2.2.7 Organize the deacons’ nomination committee.
6.9.2.2.8 Oversee and take care of all the intern practicing in this church.
6.9.2.2.9 Oversee all the church properties and assets.
6.9.2.3 Supplement
6.9.2.3.1 The elders’ board meeting is being held in a irregular basis depending on the need of the church. However, it should be at least once every quarter.
6.9.2.3.2 All validated members of the elders’ board have voting right in the Elders’ Board. However, appointed members of the Elders Board do not have voting right in the Elders’ Board.
6.10 Deacons and deacons’ board
6.10.1 Deacons
6.10.1.1 Qualification
6.10.1.1.1 Should possess the qualities listed in I Timothy 3:1-13.
6.10.1.1.2 Must be an active member of the church for at least one year who has accepted Christ as his personal Savior and has been baptized for at least two years. He/she had been a coworker for at least one year
6.10.1.1.3 Follow the instruction of the bible, faithfully tithe to the church, and regularly attending the activities of the church.
6.10.1.2 Duties
6.10.1.2.1 Attend the Elders’ and Deacon Board meeting, the Deacon Board meeting and weekly prayer meeting.
6.10.1.2.2 Work with the Senior Pastor in implementing and coordinating all the ministries in the church.
6.10.1.2.3 Assist the Senior Pastor in helping and advising the spiritual interests and advancement of the church.
6.10.1.2.4 Assist the Senior Pastor in the caring and visiting ministry.
6.10.1.2.5 Initiate meeting for their co-worker, if any of their co-workers is absents, they will take up their duties temporally.
6.10.1.2.6 Be an example of other believers.
6.10.1.3 Terms
The length of term shall be two years and can be elected to a second term. After the second term, he has to rest for at least a year before he can be nominated again for another term.
6.10.1.4 Election
There will be an election every year, and the procedures are as follow:
6.10.1.4.1 A five member nominating committee will be formed in the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board.
6.10.1.4.2 The Nominating Committee:
6.10.1.4.2.1 Duties: To nominate candidate for deacons.
6.10.1.4.2.2 Structure: The five members will include three elders and two members of the church. A chairperson will elect among the members of the nominating committee.
6.10.1.4.2.3 Qualification: The two member of the church should be an active member of this church for two year, who participates in various church ministries and attended our regular meeting consistently.
6.10.1.4.3 The members of the church can suggest initial list of nominees to the nominating committee. After an initial screening, the list of nominees will be presented to the Deacon Board for approval. The list will be validated after a two-third majority vote within the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board.
6.10.1.4.4 The Elders’ Board will interview with the nominees in order to authenticate their motive. If there is no doubt, the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board will present the nominees to the congregation two weeks before the election. And it needs to be passed by the congregation with two-thirds majority vote.
6.10.1.5 Numbers
The Elders and Deacons Board will decide upon the actual number depending on the needs of the church.
6.10.1.6Vacancies
6.10.1.6.1 If a deacon cannot carry out his/her duties as a result of any reasons. He/she will be relieved of his duties after the Deacons’ Board accepts his/her resignation. The Elders’ and Deacons’ Board will announce this to the congregation.
6.10.1.6.2 If a deacon’s behavior is not in accordance with the qualifications described in article 6.10.1.1.1, the Deacon Board will announce it to the congregation and remove him/her from office.
6.10.1.6.3 If vacancies occur, the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board has the right to assign a member of the church as an acting deacon to compensate for the lack after a two third vote.
6.10.2 Deacons Board
6.10.2.1 Structure:
It is made up of deacons, senior pastor, associate pastor, and elders are required to be present. The Deacons Board should at least consist of a Chairman, a vice-chairman, and a secretary. Their term is one year, the current deacons will elect among themselves of each position
6.10.2.2 Duties
6.10.2.2.1 General duties
6.10.2.2.1.1.1 Assist the senior pastor in executing all aspect of the church ministry.
6.10.2.2.1.1.2 Meet monthly to discuss the various ministries in the church
6.10.2.2.1.1.3 According to the structure of each department, select co-workers, and oversee the work in each department so as to promote cooperation and the ministries of the church.
6.10.2.2.1.1.4 Carry out the work of each ministry in the church.
6.10.2.2.1.1.5 Validate all the co-worker in each department.
6.10.2.2.1.1.6 Announce all the decision made during all meetings to the members of the church and members of the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board.
6.10.2.2.1.1.7 Manage and organize the properties and bank account of this church
6.10.2.2.1.1.8 Determine the annual budget for the church.
6.10.2.2.1.1.9 Maintain the church properties, manage the renting of the church properties.
6.10.2.2.1.1.10Arrange and prepare the Communion and Baptismal ceremony.
6.10.2.2.2 Duties of officers
6.10.2.2.2.1 Chairman: Responsible for the execution of the administration of the church, coordinate the activities between each department. He is the chairperson of the Deacons meeting, responsible for the setting of the agenda.
6.10.2.2.2.2 Vice-chairman: Assist the chairman to execute the administration of the church. If the chairman is absence, he will assume the duties of the chairman.
6.10.2.2.2.3 Secretary: Responsible for the records of all meetings, the ballot of all congregational meetings. Managing all the incoming and outgoing correspondence, and organize the filing system of the Deacons Board. All the church record are part of the church property, they should stay in the church office at all time.
Article Seven: Property Management
7.1 Board of Trustee
7.1.1 Qualification
7.1.1.1 One must be an active member or a transferred member of the church for at least four years. Also, he must be a deacon of this church for a minimum of one term (two years), and concern of the ministries of this church.
7.1.1.2 He/she is not a family member of any of our pastoral staff.
7.1.2 Members
The Board of Trustee consists of three members. They are nominated by the Elders’ Board and approved by the Elders and Deacons’ Board unanimously. The Elders’ and Deacons’ will present to the congregation. After validated by the congregation through a two third majority vote, the board will elect its own chairman, secretary and treasurer among themselves.
7.1.3 Term
7.1.3.1 It has a five years term, and one can be reelected. If under any circumstances there is a vacancy, the Elders Board has the right to re-elect members of the church to take up the seat. The process of this re-election is similar to 7.1.2
7.1.3.2 The congregation reserves the right to dismiss anyone who is in office.
7.1.4 Duties
7.1.4.1 Act as the legal representative of the church to the state.
7.1.4.2 In charge of all the church properties and money.
7.1.4.3 Annually, report to the Deacon Board the value of the church’s properties, its insured premium and its insured condition.
7.1.4.4 The trustees can carry out the purchase, sale or exchange of any church properties only if it has been initiated by the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board and approved by the congregation.
7.2 Usage and transfer of properties
The church’s property shall be used for Christian ministry, and to build up the spiritual life of believers. When the church dissolves, its properties will be transferred to another non-profit Christian or welfare organization, which have the tax-exempt status according to the U.S. Tax Code Amendment 501.C.3 of 1954.
Article Eight Amendments
8.1 The church policies concerning amending constitution is as follows:
8.1.1 Initiated by the elders or deacons.
8.1.2 Petitioned by more than ten members of the church, and presented to the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board for further discussion.
8.1.3 The proposed amendment needs to be passed by two-thirds majority vote in the Elders’ and Deacons’ Board and two-thirds majority vote in the congregational meeting before it can be ratified.
8.1.4 Any proposed amendment that was not being passed cannot be brought up until one year later.
8.2 The Chinese version of this constitution is the authentic interpretation.
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