You may download the constitution as a pdf here.
CHARLES CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
(Revised November 2018)
VISION
A God-centered, community-oriented gathering place
for all generations of people.
MISSION
To foster and strengthen relationships with God and with people.
CORE VALUES
Faith
Family
Community
Relationships
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE ……………………………………………………………………………. 5
ARTICLE I. NAME…………………………………………………………………… 5
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE ……………………………………………………………… 5
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP ………………………………………………………. 5
ARTICLE IV. RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
CONGREGATION…………………………………………………………………. 6
ARTICLE V. GENERAL ORGANIZATION ………………………………………. 6
- OFFICERS ………………………………………………………………………. 6
- GENERAL BOARD ……………………………………………………………. 6
- ELDERS AND DEACONS ……………………………………………………. 6
- TRUSTEES ……………………………………………………………………… 7
- CABINET ……………………………………………………………………….. 7
- MINISTRY TEAMS……………………………………………………………. 7
- HISTORIAN ……………………………………………………………………. 7
- MINISTERIAL STAFF ………………………………………………………… 7
ARTICLE VI. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS ………………………………. 7
- ANNUAL MEETING ………………………………………………………….. 7
- SPECIAL MEETING …………………………………………………………… 7
- NOTICE OF MEETINGS ……………………………………………………… 8
- RULES OF ORDER ……………………………………………………………. 8
- VOTING……………………….…………………………………………8
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS …………………………………………………… 8
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BY-LAWS
- OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION……………………………………….. 10
- ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE………………………………………. 10
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 10
- REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS ……………………………………… 11
- VACANCY OF ELECTED OFFICERS……………………………………… 11
- GENERAL BOARD …………………………………………………………….. 12
- MEMBERSHIP ………………………………………………………………… 12
- ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE………………………………………. 12
- AUTHORITY ………………………………………………………………….. 12
- RESPONSIBILITIES………………………………………………………….. 13
- BOARD MEETINGS …………………………………………………………. 14
III. MINISTERS…………………………………………………………………….. 15
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 15
- SELECTION……………………………………………………………………. 15
- TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT …………………………………………………. 16
- RESIGNATION OR TERMINATION ……………………………………… 16
- ELDERS, DEACONS, JUNION DEACONS, TRUSTEES ………………… 17
- ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE………………………………………. 17
- QUALIFICATIONS …………………………………………………………… 18
- RESPONSIBILITES …………………………………………………………… 18
- HONORARY OFFICERS……………………………………………………….. 19
- ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE………………………………………. 19
- QUALIFICATIONS …………………………………………………………… 19
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 19
- HISTORIAN ……………………………………………………………………. 19
- APPOINTMENT ………………………………………………………………. 19
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 19
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VII. CABINET ………………………………………………………………………. 20
- MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS ………………………………………….. 20
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 20
VIII. FUNCTIONAL MINISTRY TEAMS ………………………………………. 20
- THE TEAMS …………………………………………………………………… 20
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 20
- PURPOSE AND DUTIES……………………………………………….21
- NOMINATING COMMITTEE………………………………………………… 24
- MEMBERSHIP ………………………………………………………………… 24
- RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………….. 24
- VOTING ………………………………………………………………………….. 25
- AMENDMENTS ………………………………………………………………… 25
XII. REVIEW ………………………………………………………………………… 25
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CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
We, the members of the St. Charles Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of St.
Charles, Missouri, a congregationally-governed body, in order to promote the work of
the Church in the spirit of Christ and thus advance His kingdom, do hereby adopt
this Constitution.
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this Congregation shall be St. Charles Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ), affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States
and Canada.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Congregation is to know Jesus Christ as our LORD and SAVIOR
and to make His love and grace known to the world.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Members of this Congregation shall consist of the following:
1) those who have united by confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
giving expression of their faith through baptism and commitment to Him;
2) those who have united by transfer of membership, thereby reaffirming their
faith and commitment to Christ;
3) those who temporarily reside away from their home congregations due to
educational or employment situations, or who maintain different domiciles
at different times of the year, and wish to hold temporary dual membership
with SCCC and their home congregation are welcomed as dual members by
request to the Senior Minister and by reaffirmation of their confession of faith.
This congregation follows the tradition of baptism by immersion of new converts to
the Christian faith. For those uniting with this Congregation by letter of transfer, the
Congregation shall recognize all modes of baptism.
Termination of membership in this congregation shall be by: 1) request of the
member; 2) notification of membership in another congregation. Non-participatory
members, or one year without contact or participation, are made “in-active members.”
Financial contributions are considered participation. Exception is made for informed
members unable to make contact.
Termination of membership due to non-participation shall be through approval of the
General Board.
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ARTICLE IV. RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBIILITIES
OF THE CONGREGATION
The Congregation shall manage its affairs under the Lordship of Jesus Christ;
determine its faithfulness to the gospel; control and encumber its property; organize
and carry out the mission and witness of the Congregation; establish its budgets and
financial policies; call its Minister(s) and employ other staff; and participate, through
voting representatives, in regional and general assemblies of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ).
The Congregation shall demonstrate concern for the nurture, mission and witness of
the whole Church; proclaim the gospel; administer baptism and the Lord’s Supper;
provide for the spiritual nurture of its members; grow in understanding that the
Church is a universal fellowship transcending all barriers within the human family
such as race and culture; and be faithful in Christian stewardship.
It shall provide resources for the total life, work and witness of the Church (Disciples
of Christ); and seek to realize the oneness of the Church of Jesus Christ through
cooperation with other churches of the community and with present and emerging
ecumenical structures.
Voting privileges are as set forth in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL ORGANIZATION
- Officers
The Congregation shall elect a Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Secretary and Treasurer.
These officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Congregation and shall
serve as officers as set forth in the By-Laws.
- General Board
The Congregation shall have a General Board that shall be responsible to the
Congregation and have authority to act on behalf of the Congregation as set forth in
the By-Laws.
The General Board shall be composed of members as set forth in the By-Laws and for
terms of office therein stated.
- Elders and Deacons
The Congregation shall have Elders and Deacons. Their number, election,
qualifications and responsibilities shall be as set forth in the By-Laws.
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- Trustees
The Congregation shall have Trustees. Their number, election, qualifications and
responsibilities shall be as set forth in the By-Laws. The Trustees shall execute title to
both real estate and personal property of the Congregation, which shall normally in[1]clude all trust funds belonging to the Congregation and shall manage the same under
the direction of the General Board of the Congregation; and shall perform such other
duties as may be required of Trustees by the laws of this state and as directed by the
General Board.
- Cabinet
The Congregation shall have a cabinet responsible for coordinating existing and new
programs and generally administering them. It shall be comprised of such members
as set forth in the By-Laws. The Senior Minister shall guide the cabinet and moderate
cabinet meetings.
- Ministry Teams
The General Board shall establish Ministry Teams as necessary for the work of the
Congregation as set forth in the By-Laws.
- Historian
The Congregation shall have an Historian. The appointment, qualifications and re[1]sponsibilities shall be as set forth in the By-Laws.
- Ministerial Staff
The Congregation shall employ a Senior Minister, who is ordained with standing in
the Order of Ministry of the Disciples of Christ. Employment and responsibilities fo
the Ministerial staff shall be outlined in the By-Laws. Other minister(s), etc. may be
employed as necessary as outlined in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE VI. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
- Annual Meeting
The Church program and fiscal year shall begin January and end December 31. The
annual congregational meeting shall be held no later than December 15 of each year,
with best practice to hold in October or November to enable overlap among outgoing
and incoming leadership for easier transitions.
- Special Meetings
The Church shall have the authority to hold special congregational meetings. Such
meetings to be called by:
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- The Moderator, or Vice-Moderator in the absence of the Moderator;
- Upon request of the General Board by majority vote;
- Or by written petition of at least 25% of the average worship attendance for the
preceding 12 months.
The agenda for each special meeting shall be limited to the published purpose.
- Notice of Meetings
Notice of all congregational meetings shall be announced at all regular worship
services at least one week in advance of the meeting and by means of the Church
bulletin, newsletter and/or electronic device at least ten days before the meeting.
The purpose, date, time and place of meeting shall be indicated in each notice.
- Rules of Order
Unless otherwise specifically directed in the Constitution and By-Laws, all congrega[1]tional meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (current edition).
- Voting
Voting privileges for congregational meetings shall be accorded to all participating
members. All votes taken at congregational meetings shall be by those participating
members present and voting. Votes taken at General Board meetings shall be by
board members present and voting. If the Board determines that some circumstance
(s) negatively affects the ability of members to participate in a ‘live/in person’
meeting, the following provision will supplement the above. The Board Moderator
will determine the format of the Board meetings. Congregational and Board meetings
will be broadcast on readily available media platforms, thus allowing remote partici[1]pation. Participating members will be able to vote electronically on a format to be
communicated to the membership in the ‘notice of meeting’ that is sent to members at
least two weeks in advance of the meeting.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended, upon a simple majority vote of the General Board
recommending amendment(s) to the Congregation and by a two-thirds (2/3) majority
vote of the members present in a regular or special meeting, provided that the pro[1]posed amendment(s) has been circulated to the participating members of the Congre[1]gation by mail, electronic means, and circulated or read before the Congregation at all
regular worship services two weeks prior to the meeting of the Congregation at which
the amendment(s) is to be considered. Constitutional amendments are approved by a
two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting on the amendment(s).
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If the Board determines that some circumstance(s) negatively affects the ability of
members to participate in a ‘live/in person’ meeting, the following provision will
supplement the above. The Board Moderator will determine the format of the Board
meetings. Congregational and Board meetings will be broadcast on readily available
media platforms, thus allowing remote participation. Participating members will be
able to vote electronically on a format to be communicated to the membership in the
‘notice of meeting’ that is sent to members at least two weeks in advance of the meet[1]ing.
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BY-LAWS
- OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATON
- Election and Term of Office
The Congregation, at its annual meeting, shall elect by proclamation (unless a se[1]cret ballot is requested from the floor) for terms of one year (with option to renew
if approved by the nominating committee) the following officers:
- Moderator of the Congregation, who also shall serve as Moderator of the
General Board.
- Vice-Moderator of the Congregation, who also shall serve as Vice[1]Moderator of the General Board.
- Secretary of the Congregation, who shall serve as Secretary of the General
Board.
- Treasurer of the Congregation
- Chair of Deacons
- Chair of Elders
- Qualifications
- Officers must be members of the Congregation, prior to publication of the
Nominating Committee’s slate.
- Officers must be active in the Congregation’s life and show evidence of
seeking to grow in their own understanding and practice of the Christian
life. Such evidence would include the following:
- Conduct of one’s life in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Promotion of good will and Christian fellowship in the Congregation
and community.
- Regular attendance at the worship services, stated meetings of the
Congregation and meetings of the General Board.
- Regular pledged commitment and financial contributions to the sup[1]port of the Congregation and its outreach programs.
- Willingness to fulfill assignments in behalf of the Congregation.
- Demonstrated skills or evident potential in carrying out responsibili[1]ties of the particular office.
- Responsibilities
- The Moderator shall preside at all stated and special called meetings of the
Congregation and General Board and perform such other duties normally
associated with that of Moderator. Examples of other duties may include,
but are not limited to; coordinating with Minister and General Board
members to establish agenda for all board meetings, establishing the annual
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Nominating Committee, provide direction/support to Vice-Moderator on
Nominating Committee and By-Law changes, and coordinating donations for
staff year-end gifts.
- The Vice-Moderator shall serve to support the Moderator, preside in his or her
absence at meetings of the Congregation and General Board, prepare for the
office of Moderator for the following year and perform such other duties
normally associated with the office of Vice-Moderator. The Vice-Moderator
will serve as the Chair of the Nominating Committee, and every other year
(even years) will orchestrate the review and changes to the Constitution and
By-Laws of St. Charles Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
- The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the Congregation
and General Board and provide for those minutes to be reviewed and approved
by the General Board and made available to the Congregation.
- The Treasurer shall be responsible for receiving the income of the Church and
depositing such income in the proper accounts, pay all accounts of the Church
as authorized by the budget or special action of the General Board when such
items are not in the budget. All disbursement checks will be reviewed and
signed by a Trustee. The Treasurer shall receive memorial gifts, notify the
Church Secretary of documentation, and notify the Chair of the Trustees the
balance of the fund. The pledges and offerings, send out quarterly financial
statements to all members, and serve as a member on the Finance Ministry
Team.
- Officers shall not concurrently serve as chair of any ministry team.
- Removal of Elected Officers
The office of any person defined in Article 1-A not fulfilling the responsibilities of
the office will result in the office being declaredvacant after consultation with the
said person and upon the recommenddation of the Minister(s), Chair of the
Trustees, Chair of the Elders, and the Chair of the Deacons, subject to the approval
of the General Board.
- Vacancy of Elected Officers
- If a vacancy in the office of Moderator occurs while 50% or more of the term
remains, the Vice-Moderator will assume the position of Moderator, and the
Board will elect a new Vice-Moderator. If less than 50% of the term remains,
the Vice-Moderator will serve as Chair of Board and congregational meetings,
and fulfill the next year’s term as Moderator, as planned. A new Vice[1]Moderator will be elected by the Congregation at the annual meeting.
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- If a vacancy occurs in the office of Vice-Moderator with more than 50% of the
term remaining, the board will elect a new Vice-Moderator to fulfill the term.
If less than 50% of the term remains, the position will remain vacant until the
next scheduled election. The congregation will elect a Vice-Moderator for the
next year at the annual meeting.
- A vacancy in the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary or position
of Trustee will be filled by election by the Board, for the remainder of the
unexpired term. Officers for the next year will be elected by the Congregation
at the annual meeting, per By-Laws.
- GENERAL BOARD
- Membership
- The voting Membership of the General Board shall be composed of:
- Four (4) officers of the Congregation
- Chair of Elders
- Chair of Deacons
- Three (3) Trustees
- Chair of Finance Ministry
- Minister(s) (non-voting)
- Election and Term of Office
- Officers of the Congregation shall serve on the General Board by virtue of the
office held for their current term of office. They shall serve the Congregation as
Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Secretary, and Treasurer. Elders and Deacons
shall be elected by the Congregation each year for staggered terms of two years.
The Chair of Elders/Deacons is slated by the Nominating Committee and voted
for approval by the congregation.
- One (1) Trustee shall be elected by the Congregation to m4embership on the
General Board each year for a term of three (3) years. The Trustee in his/her
third year is the Chair.
- Authority
- The General Board shall be responsible for making overall policies for the
Congregation and shall perform its duties according to the authority granted in
the Constitution or otherwise delegated to it by the Congregation.
- In keeping with the traditions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the
ultimate authority of the church shall rest with the Congregation. All minis[1]tries within the Congregation shall be responsible to and report regularly to
the General Board and through it to the Congregation.
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- The General Board shall approve the program and budget of each Ministry
Team, taking into full account the responsibility of the Congregation to the total
nurture, witness and mission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and
the needs of the community served by the Congregation.
- All business meetings of the General Board shall be governed by “Robert’s
Rules of Order” (current edition) unless specifically directed otherwise in the
Constitution or By-Laws.
- Not fewer than 50% of the voting members of the General Board shall constitute
a quorum.
- Responsibilities
The General Board shall be responsible for receiving reports from its Minister(s)
and Officers within the Congregation. It shall approve the program and budget of
the Congregation, subject to approval by the Congregation at its annual meetings.
It shall be responsible for all legal business matters of the Congregation and shall be
represented in such matters by the Moderator, Trustees, and Minister(s), as out[1]lined in the By-Laws, or such other persons as authorized by the board.
- The General Board shall conduct its affairs in harmony with the Constitution and
the By-Laws of the Congregation.
- The General Board shall be responsible for conducting the business affairs of the
Congregation and providing for the budget as delegated to each Ministry Team.
- The General Board shall establish Ministry Teams related to the basic program
and budget of the Congregation as defined in Article VII of these By-Laws.
- The outgoing Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the General Board and in
consultation with the Minister(s) shall nominate the Team Lead(s) of each
Ministry Team for the ensuing year, subject to ratification by the Congrega
tion.
- Each Team Lead(s) of a Ministry Team shall appoint members of his/her
Ministry Team.
- Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the General Board can remove a Ministry
Team Lead by approval of a majority of the Cabinet. The Moderator and
Vice-Moderator in consultation with the Minister(s) can fill term vacancies
subject to ratification by the General Board.
- The General Board shall establish, when necessary, a search committee for the
purpose of securing Minister(s) for the Congregation. Membership and respon[1]sibilities of the search committee shall be described in these By-Laws.
- The General Board shall establish other temporary committees as needed for the
conduct of its work in that board year.
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- The General Board shall receive the proposed annual budget of the Church from
the Finance & Staff Ministry Team and recommend its approval and adoption,
or approval with amendment, to the Congregation at its annual meeting.
The General Board shall recommend to the Congregation the calling of the
Minister(s).
- Board Meetings
- The General Board shall meet at least quarterly per year with the first meeting
no later than February 28th.
- Special meetings of the General Board shall be called by the Moderator of the
General Board (or Vice-Moderator in the absence of the Moderator), upon the
request of the Minister(s) or three (3) members of the General Board. Notice
of special board meetings shall be made at least seven (7) days prior to the
meeting by any two (2) of the following methods; Church newsletter, bulletin,
announcement at all morning worship services, telephone, or any other
electronic device. The purpose, date, time and place of a meeting shall be
indicated in each notice.
- The General Board should follow this suggested order of business for its
meetings:
- Call or order and prayer
- Roll call
- Minutes
- Financial reports
- Old business
- New business
- Pastor’s report
- Closing prayer
- All board meetings are open to any member of the Congregation except, when
in the opinion of the board, a meeting will be closed for discussion of matters
related to personnel, legal issues, or litigation. Final actions of the Board will
be made available to the Congregation.
- Executive Committee
The General Board shall have the authority to create an Executive Committee
consisting of five (5) members of the Board. Those serving shall be the Moderator,
Vice-Moderator, Secretary, Treasurer and Senior Trustee. This committee shall
have the authority on all matters that require expedience, and such action by this
committee shall be reported to the General Board for ratification at its next
meeting.
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III. MINISTER(S)
- Responsibilities
- The Senior Minister of the Congregation shall be chief administrator of the
Congregation, and direct the Church staff. In cooperation with the Moderator
of the Congregation, he/she will encourage orderly procedures in the life and
work of the Congregation in compliance with the Congregation’s Constitution
and By-Laws and within the policies and procedures of the Congregation and
the General Board. The Senior Minister shall give special attention to the
selection and training of the Congregation’s leaders.
- The Minister(s) shall advise, without vote, Ministry Teams and other orga[1]nized groups within the Congregation.
- In the absence of an employed Minister, the Interim Minister or Pulpit-fill
Pastor shall have full Senior Minister authority and responsibility.
- Selection
The Minister(s) shall be chosen by the Congregation as hereinafter described :
- A representative committee of seven (7) members, nominated by the
Moderator and elected by the General Board, shall serve as the Search
Committee.
- The Search Committee shall utilize the services of the Regional and Area
Ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America.
- The Search Committee shall recommend a prospective Minister, who is
recognized with standing in the Order of Ministry of the Disciples of Christ
to the General Board.
- The Search Committee shall consult only one prospective Minister at a time;
however, information may be secured on several persons in a given period.
- The General Board shall approve the recommendation of the Search
Committee subject to at least two-thirds majority of those present and voting.
Upon approval, the General Board shall recommend employment of the
prospective Minister to the Congregation.
- The Congregation may approve the recommendation of the General Board by
at least a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
- Upon the approval of the Congregation, a call shall be extended to the pro[1]spective Minister by the General Board on behalf of the Congregation.
- The Senior Minister shall be consulted and have the right of final approval in
the selection of any Associate Minister.
- The Minister(s) shall be ex-officio member(s) of the Board, all committees and
all ministries.
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- Terms of Employment
- An agreement of employment setting forth the salary to be paid to the
Minister(s) and other conditions of the call shall be provided the Minister(s),
with a copy filed in the Church office, and with the Regional and Area Offices of
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America. The agreement of
employment shall be made available for inspection by any member of the
Congregation upon request.
- The trustees shall meet with the Minister(s) at least once annually, prior to the
General Board’s approval of the budget, to evaluate the Minister(s) performance.
The trustees will make recommendations to the Board, and upon approval, will
establish contractual arrangements.
- The term of ministry shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated
upon 60 days notice in writing by either party.
- Resignation or Termination (It is understood that when staff other than the senior
minister is involved, that the senior ministry will automatically be a part of the
process.)
- Voluntary resignation: The Minister, after consultation with the Moderator,
Trustees and Chair of the Elders, shall submit in writing to the General Board
his or her resignation request.
- Involuntary termination: If a participating member(s) has a reason(s) and/or
condition(s) which he/she feels warrants termination and after attempting to
resolve these differences in a meeting with the Minister, the participating
member(s) may in, good faith, submit in writing to the Moderator said
reason(s) and/or condition(s). The Moderator shall, as soon as possible, call to
a confidential session, the Chair of the Elders and the three Trustees. It will be
a majority decision of these five individuals to determine whether stated
reason(s) and/or condition(s) warrant further action.
If they agree further action is necessary, the Moderator and Chair of the Elders
will present the reason(s) and/or condition(s) for grievance to said Minister.
After this meeting, the Moderator and Chair of the Elders will present their
findings to the three Trustees with said Minister given the opportunity to be
present, if desired, and a majority vote of these five will be required to
proceed with one or all of the following actions:
- Seek higher counsel with the Area Minister. The Area Minister will deter
mine of conditions warrant maintaining standing in the Order of Ministry
of the Disciples of Christ.
- Establish probationary conditions.
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- Monitor the situation until the problem is solved or warrants further action.
- Dismiss the situation as not warranting action.
If a probationary period is enacted and satisfactory progress is not made, the
Moderator, by virtue of a majority ballot decision by the Chair of the Elders,
the Trustees and Moderator, shall ask the Minister to submit a resignation to
the General Board for further consideration. If the Minister chooses not to
submit a resignation, the Moderator shall recommend to the General Board
the termination of the Minister’s contract.
- At least two-thirds (2/3) majority of the General Board members present and
voting shall be required to recommend to the Congregation the acceptance of
the resignation or termination of the Minister.
- The Congregation, in a regularly scheduled or special meeting, shall take final
action in accepting or not accepting the resignation or termination of the
Minister. Final vote is determined by a majority vote of those present and
voting.
- A Pastoral Relations Committee shall be established by the Senior Minister at the
beginning of the calendar year and shall include three members selected by the
Senior Minister, subject to board approval. The objective of this committee is to
cultivate and maintain a positive relationship between the Congregation and the
Minister(s), provide an informal recognized channel of communication between
the Congregation and the Minister(s), and to provide the Minister(s) with support
and encouragement.
- Performance evaluations—the minister shall administer evaluations of paid staff
before November 1 annually.
- ELDERS, DEACONS, JUNIOR DEACONS, TRUSTEES
- Election and Term of Office
- The Congregation, at its annual meeting, shall elect, by proclamation (unless a
secret ballot is requested from the floor), Elders, Deacons, Junior Deacons and
Trustees. The number of Elders elected each year shall be a minimum of six (6)
but no fewer than twelve (12) on staggered terms, and the number of Deacons
elected each year shall be a minimum of nine (9) but no fewer than eighteen (18)
on staggered terms, with a lapse of one year when possible between terms for
any person. The number of Junionr Deacons is to be determined by the Chair of
the Deacons for a term of one (1) year. The numbr of Trustees shall be three (3),
one to be elected each year for a term of three (3) years.
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- Any Elder, Deacons, Junior Deacon or Trustee not fulfilling the responsibilities
of the office to which elected shall be replaced on recommendation of the
Minister(s), and Moderator, with consultation of the Chair of the respective
group, subject to the approval of the General Board.
- Vacancies shall be filled by the Nomination Committee per Article IX.
- Qualifications
- The qualifications for Elders, Deacons, and Trustees shall be the same as
described for the Officers of the Congregation in Article I-B of the By-Laws.
- The qualifications for Junior Deacons shall be evidence of seeking growth in
Christian maturity, and subject to the suggested age Middle School and High
School student years, after which point they become eligible to be a full
Deacon.
- Responsibilities
- Elders primarily shall be responsible for the spiritual life and development of
the Congregation, preside at the Lord’s Table, assist and share with the
Minister(s) in the conduct of his or her pastoral functions and provide
supportive counsel for the Minister(s) regarding the spiritual life and develop[1]ment of the Congregation. Elders shall promote visitation to the sick, shut-in,
bereaved and inactive members.
- Deacons shall cooperate with Elders in promoting the growth and the welfare
of the Church; assist in the greetings and ushering of the worshippers;
distribute the Lord’s Supper and receive the offerings; visitation projects and
preparation of candidates for baptism; give counsel and service in the business
affairs and program activities of the Church; cooperate in ministering to the
needy; maintain the telephone tree; and perform such other duties as may be
assigned.
- Junior Deacons shall train for the position of Deacons, which may include
service at the Lord’s Table, preparing communion and any other duties
assigned by the Chair of the Deacons.
- Trustees shall be the signatories for the real estate and personal property of
the Congregation and shall act as legal agents for all related matters at the
direction of the General Board. A Trustee shall review and be signatory of all
checks for disbursement as submitted to them by the Treasurer. The Trustees
shall also approve the contract(s) for the Minister(s) and staff, said contract(s)
to be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the General Board members, present
and voting. The Trustees shall meet at least annually wit the Minister(s) to
evaluate the Minister(s) performance, the terms of employment, and to estab[1]lish contractual arrangements. Performance evaluation shall include solicited
comments from member of the Cabinet. The Trustees will review this
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evaluation with the Minister(s) and report back to the Board. The Trustees
shall act as money watchers of the offering each Sunday. The third year
Trustee shall be a member of the Finance and Staff Ministry Team; the
second year Trustee shall be a member of the Facilities Ministry Team; the
first year Trustee shall assist the other Trustees as needed. No Trustee shall
concurrently serve as Chair of any Ministry Team. This team will negotiate
appropriate compensation and business expenses to adequately support the
Minister(s). This team does conduct the annual performance evaluation of
the Minister(s) but will not do so for the other staff members.
- HONORARY OFFICERS
- Election and Term of Office
The Congregation, at its annual meeting shall vote on the election of any member
who may be nominated for honorary positions. The positions may include Elder
Emeritus or Deacon Emeritus, and others as determined by the Board. Honorary
positions are lifetime positions, as long as membership is held in this Congrega[1]tion.
- Qualifications
The qualifications for Elder Emeritus or Deacon Emeritus shall be a past record of
loyal service and dedication to the Church, and infirmities or advanced age,
which prevents them from serving the active position of a Church leader.
- Responsibilities
The honorary officer(s) shall be relived of all regular duties and serve as non[1]voting member(s) of the General Board.
- HISTORIAN
- Appointment
The Moderator of the Congregation shall appoint a Historian subject to ratifica[1]tion by the General Board.
- Responsibilities
The Church Historian shall gather and preserve data pertaining to the history,
life and work of the Church, making available for publication any historical
materials authorized by the Church.
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VII. CABINET
- Membership and Meetings
- The Cabinet is lead by the Senior Pastor and shall consist of the Moderator, Vice[1]Moderator, the Minister(s), the Team Leads of the Ministry Teams, and such
members as may be appointed by the Senior Minister.
- Frequency of meetings of the Cabinet shall be determined by the Senior
Minister(s).
- Responsibilities
The Cabinet shall consider and coordinate the activites and programs of the
Congregation as proposed by the Ministry Teams, implementing such activities
and programs in keeping with the policies as determined by the General Board.
VIII. FUNCTIONAL MINISTRY TEAMS
- The Cabinet shall consist of the following Ministries:
- Traditional Worship
- Contemporary Worship
- Fellowship
- Outreach
- Youth Education
- Adult Education
- Service
- Finance
- Facilities
- AV/IS Support
- Responsibilities
- These functional Ministry Teams shall have the task of administering, evaluat[1]ing, modifying and continually updating the programs of the Church.
- Each Ministry Team shall organize itself to conduct the business for which it is
responsible, meet regularly to attend to its business, and plan the general
program that shall be presented to the General Board and of which the Minister
is accountable.
- Ministry Team Leads must be members of this Congregation.
- The term of a Ministry Team Lead is one year with an option to renew for an
additional year by agreement of the Minister and Moderator.
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- Team Leads of the Ministry Teams shall serve no more than two (2) successive
years as Team Lead of the same Ministry Team, and shall be ineligible for
re-election as Team Lead of the same Ministry Team until one year has elapsed.
- Each Ministry Team shall have at least three (3) members in addition to the team
lead to carry out its functions.
- After service three (3) years on a given Ministry Team, a member should be off
for at least one (1) year prior to rejoining that same Ministry Team, unless
membership is required due to specialized skill or position.
- Ministry team members do not have to be members of the Congregation.
- Sub-Ministry Teams may be appointed by Ministry Team chairs as needed to carry out the purposes of the Ministry Team.
- Purpose and Duties
- Traditional Worship
- The objective of this Ministry Team shall be to create and plan, in conjunct[1]tion with the Senior Minister, traditional worship and prayer opportunities
hat will glorify God, provide for participants to enjoy worship, attract
potential members and awaken spiritual passion in the people of God.
- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to plan public worship of the
Church; the administration of baptism; administration and preparation of
communion, bulletins, music, ushering, special prayer services and any other
related duties as may arise.
- Contemporary Worship
- The objective of this Ministry Team shall be to create and plan, in conjunct[1]tion with the Senior Minister, contemporary worship and prayer
opportunities that will glorify God, provide for participants to enjoy
worship, attract potential members and awaken spiritual passion in the
people of God.
- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to plan public worship of the
Church; the administration of baptism, administration and preparation of
communion, praise team/music, dramas, special prayer services and any
other related duties as may arise.
- Fellowship
- It shall be the objective of this Ministry Team to provide a loving, caring
culture in which to nurture each person as a member of our church family.
- It shall be duty of this Ministry Team to keep up-to-date records of partici[1]pating and non-participating members in cooperation with the church.
This team shall also promote membership enrichment.
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- It shall be duty of this Ministry Team to promote membership enrichment
and participation; sponsor fellowship activities including Sunday coffee
hour, all church dinners, socials, special programs, and other fellowship
groups.
- Outreach
- The objective of this Ministry Team is to equip and mobilize our congrega[1]tion to routinely share the “Good News” by including Outreach in all
ministry planning, thereby increasing participation in the body of Christ.
Also, to consistently communicate the actions and programs of the
ministries of St. Charles Christian Church to all members, visitors and the
community around us using available communication channels.
- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to extend a welcome to all our
community with the news of plans and programs that the church provides.
It will always seek to portray a spirit of welcome and hospitality for all
people as the basic attribute of St. Charles Christian Church.
- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to enlist and commit persons to
Christ and His Church and to supervise Outreach campaigns; also, to
maintain up-to-date contact lists and to provide Outreach programs (e.g.,
invitation to church, special events, orientation for prospective members,
etc.)
- Youth Education
- The objective of this Ministry Team shall be to encourage spiritual growth of
our youth in the community and congregation through the teaching and
study of God’s word and to provide resources to foster the development of
disciples.
- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to plan and administer the unpaid
portion of the youth educational program of the Church; e.g., Sunday
School, Vacation Bible School, Church Library, mid-week educational
projects, teacher training, distribution of Christian literature, bridging high
school students into adult programs, and any other related duties as may
arise.
- Adult Education
- The objective of this Ministry Team shall be to encourage spiritual growth of
our adults in the community and congregation through the teaching and
study of God’s word and to provide resources to foster the development of
disciples.
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- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to plan and administer the total
adult educational program of the Church; e.g., Sunday school, church
library, mid-week educational projects, small groups, promote conventions,
conferences and retreats, provide leader training, distribution of Christian
literature, and any other related duties, with consideration give to bridging
high school students into adult programs.
- Service
- The objective of this Ministry Team shall be to provide opportunities for
involvement in service projects within the congregation, the community and
beyond.
- It shall be the duty of this Ministry Team to sponsor activities and
community service projects and mission work; perform any other relevant
duties that may arise, and direct the distribution of the congregation’s
mission funds.
- Finance
- The objective of this Ministry Team will be to develop plans and events that
will help members grow in their understanding of the stewardship of their
resources, their possessions and their financial assets for the purpose of
providing the resources needed for all ministries of the church. This will
include an annual program that will invite all members and participating
friends of the church to provide an estimate of their giving for the coming
financial year so that adequate budgeting can be planned.
- This team will consult with all other Ministry Teams and the Church
General Board to prepare a budget for the succeeding year that provides the
resources for each Ministry Team to accomplish their plans and program.
This includes adequate compensation for the staff.
- The Finance Ministry shall provide and maintain accurate records of all
expenditures, make regular written reports to the General Board, and
provide for an annual audit of both income and expenditures for action by
the General Board and the Congregation.
- Facilities
- The objective of this Ministry Team is to maintain and develop a functional
facility for nurturing our members and welcoming seekers using policies
that have proven reliable from the past.
- It shall be the duty of this team to keep all properties and equipment in
proper operating condition, study needs and make recommendations for
improvements, maintain all properties of the church, care for grounds, keep
all properties adequately insured against possible loss and damage, and any
other related duties that may arise.
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- AV/Information System Support
- It shall be the objective of this Ministry Team to ensure availability of
appropriate technology to support Ministry teams and missions of the
congregation.
- This Ministry Team will maintain proper inventory and assess congrega[1]tional needs for equipment necessary for such activities. It will also
maintain and develop equipment needed for the greatest fulfillment of the
Worship Ministries.
- The team will ensure coverage for the AV booth, as needed, during Worship
services and events in coordination with the Worship team leads.
- NOMINATING COMMITTEE
- Membership
The Moderator of the Congregation shall appoint a Nominating Committee
composed of one (1) Elder, one (1) Deacon, two (2) members of the Congregation
(one from each service—preferably actively involved in Cabinet or Ministry
teams), the Senior Minister, and the Vice-Moderator, who will serve as Chair.
The Senior Minister shall serve as an Advisory member only. The members of
the nominating committee shall be approved by the General Board at its first
board meeting of the fiscal year and announced to the Congregation no later than
30 days after board approval.
- Responsibilities
- The Nominating Committee shall select nominees for all positions open for
election, to be presented to the Congregation at its annual meeting. However,
additional nominations to any position open for election may be made from
the floor.
- The nominees presented by the Nominating Committee must be approved by
the General Board and then made known to the participating members of the
Congregation through electronic means, in the newsletter or special mailing at
least two weeks prior to the annual congregational meeting.
- The Nominating Committee, upon the request of the Moderator, shall make
nominations to fill vacancies that occur prior to fulfillment of any elected term,
such nominees to be elected by the General Board.
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- VOTING
Voting privileges for congregational meetings shall be accorded to all participating
members. All votes taken at General Board and congregational meetings shall be by
those participating members present and voting. Votes taken at General board meet[1]ings shall be by board members present and voting. If the Board determines that
some circumstance(s) negatively affects the ability of members to participate in a
‘live/in person’ meeting, the following provision will supplement the above. The
Board Moderator will determine the format of the Board meetings. Congregational
and Board meetings will be broadcast on readily available media platforms, thus al[1]lowing remote participation. Participating members will be able to vote electronically
on a format to be communicated to the membership in the ‘notice of meeting’ that is
sent to members at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.
- AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended, upon a simple majority vote of the General Board
recommending amendment(s) to the Congregation and by a two-thirds (2/3) majority
vote of the members present in a regular or special meeting, provided that the pro[1]posed amendment(s) has been circulated to the participating members of the Congre[1]gation by mail, electronic means, and circulated or read before the Congregation at all
regular worship services two weeks prior to the meeting of the Congregation at which
the amendment(s) is to be considered. If the Board determines that some circumstance
(s) negatively affects the ability of members to participate in a ‘live/in person’ meet[1]ing, the following provision will supplement the above. The Board Moderator will
determine the format of the Board meetings. Congregational and Board meetings will
be broadcast on readily available media platforms, thus allowing remote participa[1]tion. Participating members will be able to vote electronically on a format to be com[1]municated to the membership in the ‘notice of meeting’ that is sent to members at
least two weeks in advance of the meeting.
XII. REVIEW
The Constitution and By-Laws of St. Charles Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
shall be reviewed every even year beginning in 1992.
Approved by the Congregation April 22, 1990
Approved by the Congregation September 26, 1993
Approved by the Congregation November 17, 1996
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Approved by the Congregation November 19, 2000
Approved by the Congregation November 2003
Approved by the Congregation December 2008
Approved by the Congregation December, 2010
Approved by the Congregation February 2016
Approved by the Congregation January 2017
Approved by the Congregation December 2018
Approved by the Congregation October 2020