Fellowship Bible Church: Constitution

Fellowship Bible Church
Constitution

Chartered 1843
Constitution Revision July 2010

CHURCH COVENANT

In the presence of God and these witnesses we do now confess Christ Jesus as our personal
Savior and Lord. Having truly repented of past sins, and having committed to earnestly strive for our
own sanctification and growth, we now determine to walk in the light of His Word and before God in
love and obedience all the days of our lives.

We affirm our belief in the doctrines of the Christian faith as set forth in the Statement of
Faith and pledge our loyal support and obedience, first and foremost, to God and His truth. We
solemnly covenant to walk in communion with this body in love, to be faithful in attendance to
private devotions and in public worship, to maintain a Christian testimony, to give of our substance
for the support of the Kingdom building ministry of this church, and to endeavor to walk always
worthy of the vocation in which our Lord and Savior has called us.

We affirm that if we remove from this place, we will unite with some other church of like
faith and practice as soon as possible where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the
principles of God's Word.
Statement of Faith - Fellowship Bible Church Page 3

Fellowship Bible Church Constitution

Table of Contents

Item Page

Part 1 - Affirmations

Statement of Faith .................................................................................................................................4

Part 2 - Constitution

Article I - Name ....................................................................................................................................8

Article II - Government ........................................................................................................................8

Article III - Membership .......................................................................................................................8

Article IV Ministers and Departments of Ministry ..........................................................................11

Article V - Ministry Alignments .........................................................................................................18

Article VI Other Opportunities for Ministry ....................................................................................18

Article VII - Meetings .........................................................................................................................19

Article VIII - Finances ........................................................................................................................20

Article IX- Outside Use of the Church Building ................................................................................20

Article X - Amendments .....................................................................................................................20

Article XI - Ministers ..........................................................................................................................20

Article XII - Ministries .......................................................................................................................21

Article XIII - Resolution of Dissolution and Other Terms of Exemption ..........................................21


STATEMENT OF FAITH

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH
Dedham, Massachusetts

We, the members of the Fellowship Bible Church, Inc., of Dedham, Massachusetts, do ordain
and establish the following Articles to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

Our doctrinal position and standards of faith and life are based on the Word of God, to which we
ask the assent of all members and applicants for membership. We hold the following doctrinal statement
as being a summary of Christian doctrine whose authority consists only in its agreement with the Word of
God.

WE BELIEVE--

The Divine Creation of Man and the Universe.
1. The universe is not eternal but had its beginning in the creative work of God (Genesis 1:1;
Hebrews 11:3).
2. Man was created especially to reflect the character or image of God (Genesis 1:26, 27). He thus
bears a special moral responsibility to God (Revelation 4:11).

The Verbal Inspiration of the Word of God and its consequent absolute authority.
1. God caused the human authors of Scripture to write just what He wanted written, yet through
their own personality (II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:20, 21).
2. As such, the original writings of Gods Word are without any error in all the matters in which
they give instruction and are absolutely authoritative (Matthew 5:17, 18).

One God, existing and revealing Himself in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1. God is one in essence or nature (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; I Corinthians 8:4).
2. Three distinct persons make up the Godhead (I Corinthians 8:5, 6; Matthew 28:19; Ephesians
2:18).
3. Each person is equally God (the Son: John 1:1; the Spirit: Acts 5:3, 4).

The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Man.
1. God caused Mary, Jesus mother, to conceive him without a human father (Matthew 1:18-23;
Luke 1:26-35).
2. The Son of God took on human nature and became fully man, apart from sin (John 1:14; I
Corinthians 15:21; Hebrews 2:14; II Corinthians 5:21).
3. The Son of Man is also fully God (Hebrews 1:8).

The Pre-Existence of the Lord Jesus Christ as God, the Son.
1. Christ, as God, has existed from all eternity (Micah 5:2; John 1:1-13; Colossians 1:15-17;
Revelation 1:17).
2. Jesus did not become the Son of God by virtue of the virgin birth but has sustained the
relationship of Son to God the Father from all eternity (Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 9:6; John 17:5).

The Fall of man, his moral depravity, and his need of regeneration.
1. Adam fell from a state of righteousness into a state of sin and incurred guilt for the whole
human race (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-21).
2. All men are consequently incapable of pleasing God by any of their works and incapable of
ridding themselves of guilt (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:9-20).
3. Only God can bring man to life and salvation by His drawing power (Ephesians 2:4-10; John
6:44).

The Atoning Work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the "Whosoever Will" gospel for all mankind.
1. Christs death paid Gods penalty for our sin in order that those who believe might gain
forgiveness and eternal life (II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:11-14; I Peter 2:24).
2. By his physical resurrection Jesus sacrificial death was shown to be approved by God. Jesus
now sits enthroned with God where he advocates for the Elect (Acts2:14-40; Romans 4:25;
Ephesians 1:18-23; Hebrews 7:23-28).
3. We are to extend an invitation to any and everyone to believe in Christ and His atoning work
and so be saved from paying the penalty for their sin themselves (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15;
Revelation 22:17).

Justification by faith and the imparting of the divine nature to all who accept Jesus Christ as
Lord.
1. A person cannot be justified (pronounced righteous) on the basis of his own personal "good
works" because God demands perfection and because mans so called "good works" are tainted
by their rebellion against Gods authority (Matthew 5:48; Romans 3:9-20; Ephesians 2:1-10).
2. By faith only in Christ and His sacrificial death God credits to our account the righteousness of
Christ and so views us as perfectly righteous before Him. This is justification (Romans 3:21-26;
II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:8-10; Romans 5:19).
3. God is actively at work in each one justified to produce actual righteousness or Christ-likeness
(Philippians 2:12, 13; Romans 8:28-29; Ephesians 2:10).
4. Being baptized is the appropriate sign and symbol of one who has been justified by faith in
Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:34-38), but is not a requirement for salvation (Acts 16:29-33; 1

Corinthians 1:13-17). The mode of baptism (sprinkling or immersion) is inconsequential to the
value of the baptism.
The Personality of the Holy Spirit, who is the seal and witness of salvation.
1. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but the personal God (John 14:16, 17; 16:13-15;
Acts 5:3,4; I Corinthians 2:10).
2. The Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation meaning that His presence in the believers life attests to
and makes secure the believers salvation (Ephesians 1:13).
3. The Holy Spirit witnesses with the believers spirit, gives certainty of faith to the believer, that
he or she is Gods child (Romans 8:14-17).

Spiritual Gifts
1. God gives gifts to believers through the Holy Spirit at His discretion for the purpose of building
the body (I Corinthians 12-14, Hebrews 2:4).
2. The gifts are meant to work in unison with one another, under the auspices of love, for the
primary purpose of administering Gods grace to others (I Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:4-8).
3. If any primacy of gifts exists, it is given to those which proclaim the Gospel and the Grace of
God to others. (I Corinthians 14)

The Eternal Punishment of all who reject the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. There is no "second chance" for salvation after death (Hebrews 9:27; John 3:36; Luke 16:19-
31).
2. Hades, the present place of torment, will eventually be emptied into the Lake of Fire along with
Satan where the torment will continue for eternity (Revelation 20:10-15; Matthew 25:31-46; II
Thessalonians 1:9).
3. There are degrees of punishment in hell (Matthew 11:20-24; Revelation 20:13).

The Resurrection of the body, both of the just and unjust.
1. The body is not evil but is Gods creation and, for believers, will be raised and transformed at
the return of Christ (I Corinthians 15:20-24, 35-44; Philippians 3:20-21).
2. Unbelievers bodies will be resurrected to face judgment (Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:25-29).

That our Lord Jesus will personally return and set up His Kingdom upon earth wherein He will
reign righteously.
1. Christ will personally and bodily return to earth to establish direct rule over the earth (Acts 1:9-
11; Luke 22:29-30; Revelation 20:1-10).

2. A new heaven and earth will be created and the eternal kingdom of God will be established.
We are meant to live in this new earth as the restoration of Gods intention in the beginning
(Revelation 21:1; I Corinthians 15:24).

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH
Dedham, Massachusetts

ARTICLE I NAME

Section 1. This church shall be called the Fellowship Bible Church of Dedham, Inc., Massachusetts.

ARTICLE II GOVERNANCE

Section 1. Based on the scriptural model of the appointing of elders and deacons for the service of the
church, the governance of this church is vested in the shared authority of the elders who
are appointed by the members of this local body. It is subject to the control of no other
corporation or ecclesiastical body. It recognizes and sustains the obligations and
privileges of mutual counsel and cooperation, along with the standards of the New
Testament Scriptures, which is common among similar churches.

Section 2. Declaration of non-discrimination: We, the members of the Fellowship Bible Church, are
concerned to welcome to the hearing of the Gospel in our church people of every ethnic
and racial background; and, in keeping with New Testament principles, membership in
our church is based upon faith not race, upon personal relationship to Christ not color,
so that all who are in Christ can fully participate in the worship and witness of the
church to the glory of God, without regard to race or ethnic origin.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Any person is eligible for active membership in this church who has accepted Jesus Christ as
Savior and Lord and who has been baptized according to the command and example of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Active membership shall include all those persons who live
according to the affirmations of the Church Covenant, and who comply with the other
provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws and who shall thereby be eligible to vote at
any and all congregational meetings duly convened and to hold office and ministry
within the church.

Section 2. Candidates for active membership may be received into the church by experience (testimony of
salvation and walk with the Lord), by letter, or by restoration.

Section 3. All candidates shall agree with the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant. Upon a
satisfactory appearing before one or more Elders and/or Deacons, or by completing a
membership class as determined by the church leadership, be welcomed into the church
body for membership.

Section 4. No candidate can become a member who is a member of any organization, secret society or
Constitution and By-Laws - Fellowship Bible Church Page 9

group which requires the teaching or practicing of that which is contrary to Gods Word.

Section 5. A non-voting membership shall be extended in some special cases, such as, but not limited to
missionaries, persons in the military, persons away at college, shut-ins, or upon
recommendation of the Elders.

Section 6. Dismissal of members:

A. Members, at their request may have a letter of membership sent to
another church of similar faith where they desire to move their
fellowship, or

B. A member after 6 months of inactivity - and after reasonable attempts by
the Elders and Deacons to return this member to fellowship (Gal. 6:1) -
may be removed at the discretion of the Elders, or

C. 12 months of inactivity shall constitute automatic removal, or

D. A member walking in known disobedience to the Word of God and who
refuses to be restored to fellowship through confession and correction of
his or her sins, shall be dealt with on the basis of Matthew 18:15-19 and
1 Corinthians 5:5, and

E. If the need for dismissal occurs, the offending member would be
removed by a unanimous agreement of the Elders with full transparency
to the congregation.

F. Right of arbitration: Any member so informed may within one month
submit a written request to the Elders asking for an audience with the
Elders and Deacons to discuss the letter.

G. Any person dismissed, who gives satisfactory evidence of repentance,
shall be restored to fellowship by unanimous agreement of the Elders.

H. In certain extreme cases, with unanimous agreement of the Elders, an
individual may be denied the right of worship or attendance (1 Cor. 5:1-
5).

Section 7. Whereas Fellowship Bible Church desires an active, participating body of Christ followers,
voting membership may be suspended after six months of non-attendance (inactive
membership). Likewise, a member who moves out of the area will immediately be
moved to this same inactive roster until such time as the church receives a formal
request for transfer of membership or 12 months has passed. Inactive members may be
restored to active membership upon meeting with the Elders.

Section 8. In all matters of difficulty between members, Matthew 5:23-24, 18:15-17, and other scriptures

which emphasize reconciliation and the basis of repentance shall be the guide for
procedure. The Elders shall serve as a discipline committee only in the case of conduct
which is in noncompliance with the Covenant of this church and that in accordance with
Section 6 above.

Section 9. Duties of Members

A. The duties of the members are:

1. Commitment to engage in the community of the church,

2. The acquisition of Scriptural knowledge,

3. Constant progress in spirituality (progressive sanctification),

4. Consistency of external conduct (Eph. 4:1).

5. Active financial support of the ministries of the church (Mal.3:8-
10; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-8).

B. It is the duty of the members to honor and esteem their Leaders:

1. To pray for them fervently and faithfully,

2. To attend faithfully to their teaching and preaching,

3. To manifest a tender regard for their reputation.

C. It is the duty of each member to cultivate and cherish brotherly love for
all other members of the church, and to show this love by using all
proper ways to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity (Matt.
28:19-20; Eph. 4:2-3).

D. Toward those who are not connected with the church it is the duty of the
members to be exact in fulfilling obligations and performing promises,
and as opportunity and ability may enable, to share the Gospel with them
(2 Cor. 4:3).

Section 10. Absentee Ballots

A. In the event that a member cannot be present for a voting session, said
member may cast an absentee ballot. All absentee ballots must be
delivered in physical or electronic form to the Clerk within 2 weeks of
but no less than 2 days prior to the vote. No ballots may be altered
after 2 days prior to the vote, unless the member shows up at the
voting session meeting, thus nullifying the absentee ballot. A vote

may be cast by a proxy with a signed note from the absent member
with no prior notification. Proxy votes will nullify an absentee ballot
from the same member authorizing the proxy. Any substantive
change in the matter put to vote invalidates the absentee ballot and the
proxy authorization.

ARTICLE IV MINISTERS AND DEPARTMENTS OF MINISTRY

Section 1. The following shall constitute the elected Ministers in the church

Pastor-Elder/s Lay-Elders

A. Pastor-Elder/s

1. In the absence of a Pastor or Interim Pastor, a candidate for the
Pastorate or Interim Pastorate, shall be called through the process
of a Search Committee appointed by the Elders and vote of 3/4 of
the present and voting membership. No candidate shall be
considered who is not in agreement with the Statement of Faith
and the ministry of the church.

2. Upon accepting the call to become Pastor of the church, the
Pastor and spouse, if married, shall become members of the
church. The Pastor, by virtue of the office, is an Elder and serves
as the head of the Elders.

3. The Pastor, or representative of the Elders appointed by the
Pastor, shall be an ex-officio member, with right of vote, on all
boards and committees connected with the church or any of its
organizations.

4. All meetings called for the purpose of voting on the call or
dismissal of a Pastor or Interim Pastor shall be preceded by a
written notice to the membership. The agenda must be posted by
the Sunday previous to the called meeting. Notice of meetings
for dismissal of a Pastor, Interim Pastor, or change in their
relationship or status to the congregation shall also be preceded
by a 30-day notice in writing to the Pastor or Interim Pastor. A
3/4 vote shall be required for dismissal.

5. The salary for the Pastor (senior, assistant or interim) shall be
agreed upon by the church at the time of his election and may be
changed at any Family Meeting of the church. The Pastors
salary shall be reviewed yearly. The Pastor shall be entitled to an
annual vacation with pay not to exceed one month. The Pastor

may be also absent at other times, with advance notice given to
the other Elders, to do evangelistic or Bible conference work. On
such occasions the Pastor shall be responsible for the pulpit
supply.

6. Any Pastor shall have the right to call into deliberation (i.e.
arbitration) any official or officials of the organization with
whom he holds credentials or officials of an organization with
whom the church holds affiliation. During such deliberations
and within 30 days of notification no other action shall be taken.

7. Qualifications of the Pastor

a. The Pastors qualifications shall reflect the requirements
as stated in Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-6, 6:10-12; 2
Timothy 4:1-5; 1 Peter 5:1-3 and Acts 20:17-35.

b. The Pastor shall not be a member of or in sympathy with
any movements whose beliefs or functions stand in
contradiction to the statement of faith presented in this
charter.

8. Duties of the Pastor

a. The Pastor will endeavor as a minister to hold forth the
Word of life as a faithful servant, accountable to God
first and then to the Congregation.

b. The Pastor shall have the general oversight of the
spiritual life of the church, regular services,
administration of the ordinances of the church, visitation
of the sick, performance of the various responsibilities
which are his by virtue of his office, and conscientious
performance of such duties as may be arranged between
the Elders and himself.

c. The Pastor shall have final approval of all speakers for
the church.

d. A designee chosen by the Pastor shall serve as Moderator
of all congregational meetings.

9. Termination or Dismissal of the Pastor

a. The Pastor shall be free to resign as led by the Holy
Spirit, but out of Christian courtesy shall give a written

notice to the church sixty days prior to resignation.

b. Whenever dismissal proceedings may be in order against
a pastor on grounds of proven immorality, heresy in
doctrine, apostasy or failure to properly attend the duties
as pastor of the church, the pastors services shall be
terminated by a 3/4 vote of the active membership
present and voting. In the event that the congregation
votes the Pastors services to terminate abruptly, the
salary involved shall continue for thirty days.

10. Assistant Pastor(s)

a. Calling a paid staff member: When need for a staff
member occurs, the Elders shall examine the candidate
and present a recommendation to the church body. They
shall be voted into office by a 3/4 vote of the active
membership present and voting.

b. Upon accepting the call to become an Assistant Pastor of
the church, the Pastor, together with his/her spouse, if
married, shall become members of the church. Any
Assistant Pastor is eligible to serve as an Elder.

c. Qualifications of the Assistant Pastor: The qualities
required of the lead Pastor will also be required of any
Assistant Pastor.

d. Duties of the Assistant Pastor: The Assistant Pastor shall
be responsible to the church through the Pastor. The
Assistant Pastor shall be directly under the supervision of
the Pastor for all duties. The Assistant Pastor shall be an
ex-officio member of all boards or committees connected
with the church or any of its organizations (with right to
vote only in absence of the Lead Pastor).

e. Dismissal or Resignation of an Assistant Pastor: The
standards and requirements for the dismissal or
resignation of the Assistant Pastor are the same as that
required for a lead Pastor, except thirty days written
notice may be given to the church.

B. Lay-Elders

1. The body of Elders is constituted by the Pastor-Elders of the
church and Lay-Elders. The number of Elders shall be

determined by the number of qualified members available and
church need, but every attempt should be made to have at least
two more Lay-Elders than Pastor-Elders. Nominations for the
office of Elder shall be with the approval of the current Elders
before the public Family Meeting. No new nominations may be
taken from the floor.

2. Qualifications: Inasmuch as the New Testament places much
importance on the qualifications of the Elder, the office is
considered to be a privileged responsibility. The Elders shall
qualify as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. They
shall demonstrate a heart for the ministry and the people. The
Elders of this church should never be thought of as a board of
directors, but rather as spiritual leaders. They are born-again,
Spirit-filled members who have a "servant spirit" (Phil. 2:7).

3. Term: Pastors-Elders shall serve as Elders for the duration of
their tenure. Lay-Elders shall serve a term of three (3) years with
the right of re-election.

4. The duties of the Elders are to oversee the area of ministry that
they are responsible for as determined by the body of Elders and
to assist the paid church staff in the following:

a. In the spiritual life of the church,
b. In visitation,
c. In the observance of the Lords Supper and Baptism,
d. In matters of church discipline, and
f. In preparation of the yearly budget.

5. In the absence of a pastor, the Elders shall continue to be in
charge of the pulpit and provide leadership in the life of the
church. In essence, the Elders function the same way whether a
Pastor-Elder is present or not.

6. Organization: The Elders shall appoint a chairman, a vice-
chairman and a secretary at their first regular meeting following
the annual Family Meeting of the membership.

It is suggested that the Elders have regular monthly meetings.
They may meet for special meetings at the call of the Pastor or
the chairman of the Elders, provided that notice is given of such
meetings to all the Elders.

A quorum is a simple majority.


7. Duties of Officers

a. Chairman

(1.) Chair all meetings of the Elders in the absence of
the Pastor.
(2.) Be responsible in carrying out constitutional
requirements governing the Elders.

b. Vice-chairman

(1.) Assist chairman in all duties.
(2.) Serve as chairman in absence of the chairman.

c. Secretary

(1.) Keep an accurate account of all business
meetings of the Elders, both regular and special.
(2.) Be responsible to give a report of all minutes to
all Elders within one week of meeting.

Section 2. The following shall constitute the regular appointed Departments of Ministry in the church:

Deacons Trustees
Clerk Treasurer
Financial Secretary

Section 3. The Elders may deem it necessary to name and fill other positions needed for the carrying out of
the ministry.

Section 4. All individuals must be active members in good standing and shall be appointed by the Elders.

Section 5. All individuals will hold, without mental reservation, the doctrinal position of the church as
stated in the Statement of Faith.

Section 6. Any individual failing to attend three successive meetings of the body to which he/she is
elected, without reasonable excuse, may be dismissed from that office at any church
Family Meeting.

Section 7. No member can be appointed to a position of the church unless he/she has been in attendance
long enough, as determined by the Elders, to be known by the church and for him/her to
know the church members, except for a paid staff member.

Section 8. The expenses associated with these ministries shall be provided for in the budget.


Section 9. Term of Office

A. Offices are for a term of one year with the right of re-appointment.

B. In case of vacancy, the Elders shall fill the vacancy as soon as it is
reasonably possible for the continuation of that ministry/duty.

Section 10. Standards and Duties of Departments of Ministry

A. The Deacons

1. The Deacons shall consist of all the men and women overseeing
the particular ministries of the church.

2. They shall be men and women with a servant spirit who
demonstrate a heart for the ministry and the people and meet the
qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-12 and Acts 6:3-4.

3. The duties of a Deacon shall be to assist the Elders:

a. In the ministry to which they are assigned,
b. In the examination, with the Elders, of candidates for
membership and assist in Baptisms,
c. In the care for the communion service before and after
observance of each Lord's Supper,
d. In the responsibility for meals and lodging for visiting
speakers, and
e. In providing budget information for their area of
ministry.

4. Romans 16:1-2 will serve as a general guide for Deacons duties.

B. The Trustees

1. The Trustees shall ideally consist of at least two people.

2. They shall consist of those who demonstrate a serious interest in
the church ministry and its property.

3. The duties of the Trustees shall be as follows:

a. To oversee the temporal business of all church
properties,
b. To see to the purchase of equipment and supplies,
c. To see to the maintenance and repair of equipment and
buildings,

d. To appoint the custodian with church approval of the
salary.

C. Clerk

1. The Clerk shall, with the Pastor, see to the scheduling and
posting of all Family Meetings of the church,

2. Shall keep a record of all Family Meetings, new members and
dismissals,

3. Shall keep the minutes at all Family Meetings of the church, and

4. Review the church membership roll at least once a year prior to
the annual Family Meeting and give an accurate count.

D. Treasurer

1. The Treasurer shall keep an account of all monies reported by
the Financial Secretary for the support of the church and shall
disperse the same, on time, in the payment of bills and/or as
appropriated by the church,

2. When requested to do so, shall provide to the head of any
ministry or department such information of a financial nature that
will help in the orderly transaction of that ministry or
department's business,

3. Shall provide a budget and expense update for each church
Family Meeting, and

4. Any monies received by the Treasurer, or any other officer, shall
be given to the Financial Secretary for purposes of record and
deposit.

G. Financial Secretary

1. The Financial Secretary shall keep a record of monies received
through the envelope or check system for the purpose of income
tax record,

2. Deposit said received monies into the church account, and

3. At the end of the year, or upon reasonable request of a member,
shall give a written report to each person using the record system.


ARTICLE V MINISTRY ALIGNMENTS

Section 1. All areas of ministry shall be aligned under four department Heads. These four individuals,
along with the Pastor, will be responsible for aligning the various activities and functions
of each ministry for the purpose of scheduling, reducing conflict, and maximizing
crossover potential.

Section 2. Each Head will be either an Elder or Deacon who oversees the various ministries under his or
her department. These Heads do not have separate authority to supply direction for the
ministries, other than the authority vested in them by their office (Elder or Deacon).
Their role is an organizational one.

Section 3. The Department Heads will be appointed by the Pastor to their post for a period of one year,
with right of re-appointment.

Section 4. The four Heads of departments, and the underlying ministries, shall consist of:

Adult
Men Women
Adult Classes Conferences

Youth
Sunday school Teens
AWANA VBS

Inreach
Worship Team Hospitality
Prayer Ministries

Outreach
Community Groups Missions
Local Service

Section 5. Underlying ministries can be added to or removed from this list at the discretion of the Pastor.

ARTICLE VI OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY

Section 1. In all areas of ministry/service in the Church the person shall be a Christian in good standing
with the church and, except where already provided for herein, shall be appointed by the
Elders.

Section 2. In areas of joint ministries with other churches or church organizations, all leaders and workers
shall meet the additional requirements of his/her own church and have the approval of
the proper board, committee, or Pastor of said church.
A Y
I O
P

ARTICLE VII MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings for worship shall be held as arranged by the church on the first day of the week
whenever reasonably possible. A Family Meeting to take action on matters of
membership may be called at any time. Notice of such meetings need not be posted in
advance.

Section 2. Notices for all Family Meetings as well as the nature of the business shall be posted on the
bulletin board prior to the Sunday morning service preceding the meeting and attention
to this notice shall be given from the pulpit.

Section 3. General Family Meetings

A. The Annual Family Meeting of the church shall be held during the week
following the third Sunday of January called by the Moderator/Officers
of the Church, for the election of Officers, Departments of Ministry and
Committees, and the review of the budget, the preliminary copy having
been prepared by the Trustees, subject to review and approval by the
Elders and Deacons. Reports of the Elders, Deacons, Departments of
Ministry and Committees shall be presented at this time.

B. Two general Family Meetings shall be held, one in May and one in
October, each on the Wednesday following the second Sunday of the
month, for reports of all Committees and Departments of Ministry, and
for the discussion of ministries and direction of the church.

Section 4. Special Family Meetings

A. Special meetings may be called by the Elders or on a written request to
the Elders from not less than seven adult members in good standing.

B. Public notice must be given from the pulpit and in the weekly bulletin
for two Sundays preceding the meeting specifying the time, place and
nature of business.

C. No other business may be conducted than that for which the meeting was
called.

Section 5. Only members 16 years of age or over shall have the right to vote. Members under 16 may have
a voice but no vote.

Section 6. Non-members may speak if invited to address the meeting by the Moderator.

Section 7. Thirty-three percent of the active membership, as determined by the Clerk, shall constitute a

quorum.

Section 8. All meetings requiring a vote to be taken must comprise a quorum.

ARTICLE VIII FINANCES

Section 1. Money may be raised by the church, or any auxiliary organization within the church, by free-
will offering or by reasonable and appropriate business interests (i.e. interest bearing
accounts, investment accounts, rental income, or sale of goods as a function of regular
church business).

Section 2. The appointed leaders of ministries (Deacons, Trustees, Treasurer) shall have authority, without
the action of the church, to spend, in regards to their particular ministry needs, up to the
total amount budgeted at the Annual Meeting. They are accountable to the Elders for
their spending decisions.

Section 3. All Sunday offerings, special offerings and designated gifts, shall be apportioned as determined
by the Elders or requested in the gift.

Section 4. The church, represented by its Elders, reserves the right to refuse any donations.

Section 5. The fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

ARTICLE IX. OUTSIDE USE OF THE CHURCH BUILDING

Section 1. Request for the use of the church must be made to the Trustees. It will then be the
responsibility of the Trustees in cooperation with the Pastor, to give due consideration to
such requests, and if the permission is granted, supply the applicant with a list of
requirements governing the use of church property.

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. The Constitution and its by-laws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of members present and voting,
the proposed amendment being stated in the call for the meeting.

ARTICLE XI. MINISTERS

Section 1. Licensing and Ordination: The Body of Elders may recommend for ordination and/or licensing
as a minister of the Gospel any person after first examining the applicants background,
moral and spiritual character, and what previous Bible courses and/or independent study
the applicant has received. Final determination shall be within the absolute discretion of
the congregation by simple majority vote.

Section 2. The Pastor(s) shall be a licensed or ordained minister(s) of the Gospel.

Section 3. Application for ordination and/or licensing as a minister of the Gospel shall be on the form
provided by the Elders. An applicants application shall be either approved or denied
within thirty days of the completion of the investigation of the applicant. Those
applicants who are approved shall receive certificates evidencing the approval.

ARTICLE XII. MINISTRIES

Section 1. This corporation as a 501 (c) (3) organization shall exercise the right, through and by its
Officers, in accordance with this Constitution and Bylaws and the privileges extended to
such organizations by law, to establish and maintain such auxiliary and subordinate
ministries as it deems essential to the fulfillment of its purposes, including the creation
of schools, parochial and religious, and the establishment of church assemblies under its
supervision or superintendence.

Section 2. The Fellowship Bible Church of Dedham, as a charitable organization, shall have the right to
establish a benevolence ministry.

ARTICLE XIII. RESOLUTION OF DISSOLUTION AND OTHER TERMS OF EXEMPTION

Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation is organized exclusively
for one or more of the purposes as specified in 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by a
corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under IRC 501 (c) (3) or corresponding
provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

Section 2. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee,
director, officer of Fellowship Bible Church, or any private individual (except that
reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the corporation),
and no member, trustee, director, officer of the corporation or any private individual
shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution
of Fellowship Church.

Section 3. No part of the activities of the Fellowship Bible Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda,
or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by IRC
501 (h)) or participating in, or intervening in (including the publication or distribution of
statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Section 4. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of Fellowship Bible Church
shall, after necessary expenses thereof, be distributed to another organization exempt
under IRC 501 (c) (3), or corresponding provision of any subsequent Federal tax laws.


Section 5. In any taxable year in which the corporation is a private foundation as described in IRC 509(a),
Fellowship Bible Church shall distribute its income for said period at such time and
manner as not to subject it to tax under IRC 4942, and the corporation shall not a)
engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in IRC 4941(d), b) retain any excess
business holdings as defined in IRC 4943(c), c) make any investments in such manner as
to subject the corporation to tax under IRC 4944, or d) make any taxable expenditures as
defined in IRC 4945(d) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

Fellowship Bible Church: Constitution

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