CONSTITUTION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Neosho, Missour i
June, 2008 2008
We, the members of the First Christian Church, 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, PURPOSE PURPOSE AND MISSION
A. Section A. Name The name of this organization shall be First Christian Church, of Neosho, which is incorporated as Christ Church at Neosho, Missouri, affiliated with the Brotherhood known as the Disciples of Christ and committed to the historical principles of this body whose local congregations are variously known as Christian Churches, Churches of Christ, or Disciples of Christ. B. Section B. Purpose The purpose of this church shall be as revealed in the New Testament, to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the Church, to help them grow in grace and knowledge of Christ that Increasingly they may know and do His will, and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the Kingdom of God. C. Section C. Mission Statement God calls us to be His people – to be accepting of and compassionate to all, and to reach out as followers of Jesus Christ to those in need in our community and in the world. God calls us to grow in our spirituality, in our relationships with one another, and our respect for all of God’s creation. ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Church shall consist of those who are now identified as members of the congregation and those who shall unite with it by Confession of Faith in Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion or transfer of membership. Voting privileges shall be accorded to all members who have shown an active interest through a recent continuity of attendance, service or giving. ARTICLE III. GENERAL GENERAL BOARD
A. Section Section A. Composition and Duties Duties 1. The General General Board Board shall shall consist of a. The elected elected mem members of the Church Church and and its its off officer icers. s. b. The elected elected Presi President dent or Chair Chair of any auxiliary auxiliary organization organization (CWF, (CWF, CM CMF, CYF, CYF, Youth Youth Deacons, Deacons, etc. c. The Chairs of all Functional Depart Departm ments and all Standing Committees. mittees. 2. The General General Board Board shall annually organize and and elect such offi officers cers as it deems deems necessary necessary to effectively carry out the programs of the Church. 3. It shall be the duty of of the General General Board Board a. To consider and recommend recommend general policies policies to the congregation. congregation. b. To transact transact the business business of the Church. Church. c. To admini administer ster the program of the Church through through the designated functional commit committees. tees. d. To perform its duties according to the authority authority granted by this Constit Constitution ution or as given given by the Church. e. To keep the congregation congregation regularl regularly y informed informed of the activi activities ties of the Board Board and its officers. officers. B. Secti Section on B. Elected Board Board Members Members 1. The following following mem members of the General General Board shall be elected by the congregati congregation on at the annual annual Church business meeting:
a. Elders b. Diaconate c. Trustees d. Elders Emeri Emeritus, tus, Diaconate Emeri Emeritus tus 2. Elders a. Terms Terms of office. There sh shall all be a total of fifteen fifteen (15) Elders, Elders, with five five to be be elected each each year year beginning in 1995. Each Elder shall hold office for a term of three years and until his successor is elected or appointed. Elders holding office at the time of adoption hereof shall continue the term to which elected or until their resignation, or removal or failure to serve for other reasons. b. Duties. The Elders, Elders, in in cooperation cooperation with the functional comm committees, ittees, shall shall promote promote the growth growth and welfare of the Church, give spiritual oversight to the members with respect to regular attendance at the Lord’s Supper, visitation of the sick and concern for the morally delinquent and spiritually indifferent; give thoughtful consideration to the policies of the Church that will enable it to fulfill its complete mission; encourage by example and word and missionary, evangelistic, education and stewardship responsibilities of the church; to serve at the Lord’s Table; and perform such other duties as may be assigned. **** 3. Diaconate a. Number Number and term. term. The Diaconate shall consist of a minimum of twenty-four Deacons with at least six ixto to be elected each year, beginning in 2008. 2008. Each Deacon shall hold office for a term of four of four years and until their successor is elected or appointed. Deacons holding office at the time of adoption hereof shall automatically be considered a member of the Diaconate and shall continue the term to which elected or until their resignation, removal or failure to serve for other reasons. b. Duties. The Diaconate, Diaconate, in cooperation cooperation with functional comm committees, ittees, shall shall cooperate cooperate wit with h Elders Elders in promoting the growth and welfare of the Church; assist in the greeting and ushering of the worshippers, distribute the Lord’s Supper and receive the offering; assist in financial canvasses, visitation projects and preparation of the candidates for Baptism; give counsel and service in the business affairs and program activities of the Church; take responsibility for time of sickness and bereavement; and perform such other duties as may be assigned. 4. Trustees a. Number and term term. There shall be a total total of seven Trust Trustees ees wit with h three to be elected elected in 1982 1982 and each even numbered year thereafter and four to be elected in 1983 and each odd numbered year thereafter. Each Trustee shall hold office for a term of two years and until his or her successor is elected or appointed. Trustees holding office at the time of adoption hereof shall continue the term to which elected or until their resignation, removal or failure to serve for other reasons. b. Duties. The Trustees Trustees shall act as the legal agents agents of the Church Church in all matters under under the direction direction of the General Board and subject to the approval of the Church; hold legal title to the Church property and handle all business transactions related thereto; and to perform such other duties as may be assigned. 5. Elder Em Emeritus eritus and and Deaconate Deaconate Emeri Emeritus tus a. Number and term term. There is no set number number of such off officer icers s and no set numb number, er, ifif any, are to be elected in any year. Once elected the person may retain the office in this congregation for life. b. Qualifications. ualifications. Being elected in any any such capacity capacity is is not predicated predicated on service service in such a positi position on during prior years, but is strictly dependent upon having been faithful in whatever task the person may have been called upon to perform. c. Duties. Duties. All such positi positions ons are honorary honorary and and continued continued service service is discretiona discretionary. ry. *****6. *****6. Qualif Qualificati ications ons of Officers After serving a full term of office, the Elder or Deacon shall be ineligible for that office for one year unless other eligibles are unavailable.
*****C. Secti Section on C. C. Vacancies Vacancies Vacancies in any office of the Church shall be fulfilled until the next Church election by nomination of the Chair of the General Board in consultation with the Minister and elected by the General Board. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist when a member resigns, fails to serve or is for any reason unable to serve. ARTICLE IV. MINISTER The Minister(s) shall perform the duties which usually pertain to the Church, and as spiritual administrator of the Church, shall be an ex officio member of all organized groups, auxiliaries and committees. ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
A. Secti Section on A. Meeting Meetingss to Be Held. The Church shall hold 1. An annual business meeti meeting ng wit within hin the month month of May. May. 2. Special business m meetings eetings as required, such meetings meetings to be called called by the Chair Chair or Vice-Chair or upon the request of the General Board or upon written petition of ten or more members of the Church. *****B. Section B. Notice Notice of all regular or special business meetings of the congregation shall be given at regular Sunday services at least one week in advance of the meeting. An appropriate reason for all special meetings must be stated at the time the meeting is announced. C. Secti Section on C. C. Rules of Order All business meetings of the congregation shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order in all instances where where applicable applicable and not directly in conflict with this Constit Constitution. ution. ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended at any business meeting of the Church by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting on the amendment. Written notice of the proposed amendment must be read at two regular Sunday services, or published in the two Church newsletters which are published immediately before the vote is taken. * Amended: 5/22/1988 5/22/1988 and May 2008 ** Am Amended: 9/04/1994 *** Ame Amended: nded: 5/21/2000 **** Amended: 2005, 2006 (one year experiment) and 2008 ***** Amended: 5/16/2008
BYLAWS BYL AWS OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH Neosho, Missour i February February 2010 2010
We, the members of the General Board of the First Christian Church of Neosho, Missouri, do hereby adopt these Bylaws. ARTICLE I. CHURCH YEAR The Church year shall begin on July 1. ARTICLE II. GENERAL GENERAL BOARD
A. Section Section A. Officers of the Board. The following officers shall be elected by the General Board. 1. Chair . The Chair shall fulfill the usual duties of such an officer and call and preside at all regular and special business meetings of the congregation. The Chair shall be a non-voting member of all the functional committ committees, ees, special commit committees tees and auxiliary auxiliary organizations. organizations. ^2. Vice-Chair . The Vice-Chair shall fulfill the usual duties of such an officer and call and preside at all regular business meetings of the Church in the absence of the Chair. He or she shall prepare for assuming the role of Chair by overseeing the implementation of the Constitution and Bylaws, by serving on that Committee and by preparing an annual General Board calendar. ^3. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all regular or special business meetings of the Church, keep a record of its regular or special meetings and submit these minutes to the Church office, to the Senior Minister and to the Chair of the General Board within two weeks. He or she shall be on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and shall perform other such duties as may be assigned. 4. Treasurer . The Church Treasurer shall disburse all funds of the Church according to the authority given him or her by the General Board and serve as a member of the Stewardship Committee. In the absence of the Treasurer, the Finance Committee Chair shall carry out the duties of the Treasurer. ^5. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Senior Minister. ^6. The Cabinet shall consist of the Vice-Chair, Minister(s), and functional committee chairs and chaired by the Board Chair. It shall meet as needed to coordinate programs and events. B, Section B. Meetings General Board shall endeavor to meet each month. month. The meeting meeting time time wil willl be commu communicat nicated ed by **** 1. The General the Board Chair. 2. The General General Board shall hold special meeti meetings ngs as as required, on call of the Chair Chair,, or upon request of five or more of the members of the General Board. C. Section C. Quorum. Fifteen members of the General Board shall constitute a quorum. D. Secti Section on D. D. Order of Business The General Board shall observe the following order of business. 1. Meeting is called to order by by presiding presiding offi officer cer 2. Devotions and prayer 3. Reading Reading and approval of previous previous minut minutes; es; however, however, such reading m may ay be omit omitted ted if such minutes minutes have previously been furnished in writing to the members ^4. Financial report report of the revenues and and expenditur expenditures es of the Church Church shall be compil compiled ed by the Financial Secretary and given to the Chair of the Board, after which the Board shall vote to file same. 5. Regular Regular and special committee ittee reports wit with h action action on recommendations recommendations 6. Minister’s inister’s reports(s) 7. Consideration Consideration of unfinished business carried over from previous meeting meeting 8. New business 9. Adjournment
10. Pastoral inspirat inspirational ional mome moment nt and benediction benediction E. Section E. Voting At all meetings of the General Board, the presiding officer may call for a voice vote except, if any Board member shall so request, the vote shall be taken by secret written ballot. ARTICLE III. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF ELECTIVE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL BOARD BOA RD Section A. Nomination A. Section ^^^1. Nominating inating Com Comm mittee. ittee. A comm committee ittee to nominat nominate e candidates candidates for Elders, Diaconate, Trustees, and Elders and Diaconate Emeritus shall be appointed by the Chair of the General Board and approved by the General Board by the March Board meeting. The members of the Nominating Committee will be announced to the congregation in March. The Committee shall consist of two members of the General Board whose terms do not expire at the end of the current year and three members of the congregation who are not members of the General Board. ^^^2. Selection Selection of a Slate of Nominees. Nominees. Suggestions for nominees may may be made from the congregation and and shall be in the hands of the Nominating Committee at least three weeks days prior to the annual meeting. The Committee shall then consider qualifications, secure consent from the nominees and prepare a slate consisting of one nominee for each vacancy. The Nominating Committee should consider the interest, concern and sense of dedication manifested in the person in question as shown by his or her attendance at the Worship Service, Bible School and other Church meetings. A name may not be submitted without prior approval of the nominee. 3. Report Report.. The Nominating inating Committee shall report report its its nom nominations inations to the congregation congregation at the annual business meeting. No nominations shall be received from the floor on the day of election. B. Section B. Election 1. Method Method of voting. Each member ember of the congregati congregation on shall shall be entitled entitled to vote in person person at the annual annual Church business meeting for all positions to be filled at such election. The vote shall be by written ballot. ^^^2. Tabulation. Tabulation. The tabulation tabulation of such elect election ion shall be made made by the Nominati Nominating ng Com Comm mittee ittee and kept on file in the Church office. ^^^C.Section C. Vacancies Vacancies in any office of the Church shall be filled until the next church election by nomination of the Chair of the General Board in consultation with the Minister and elected by the General Board. The vacancy shall be deemed to exist when a member resigns, fails to serve as determined by the Elders, or is unable to serve. Section on D. D. Officers Offic ers of the Board D. Secti ^^^1. Nomination. ination. The aforesaid aforesaid Nom Nominat inating ing Com Comm mittee ittee shall also nominate nominate officer officers s for the General General Board, to be presented at the May General Board meeting. 2. Election. The General General Board Board shall shall elect elect its officers officers during the May May meeting. meeting. ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES – PLAN OF ADMINISTRATION
A. Section A. Functional Committees. The task of administrating the program of the Church shall be delegated to functional committees established by the General General Board Board after after considering the Church’s functions. General operational procedures for each committee follow. These are guidelines only and are not meant to limit the creativity creativity of each comm committee. ittee. ^^1. Worship – to lead the membership in a genuine experience of worship in public services and to enrich personal and family devotional life. This will include but not be limited to the following: a. To plan the logisti logistics cs of the church service service such as as music, communion, communion, etc. b. To correlate the services services wit with h the church calendar. calendar.
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c. To organize special ser services vices such as All Saint’s Saint’s Day, the Hanging Hanging of the Greens, Greens, Advent, Lent and and Holy Week, Pentecost, etc. d. To assist in obtaining sspeake peakers rs if the the Senior Senior Minist Minister er is absent. absent. e. To submit submit the budget budget to the Financi Financial al Com Committ mittee. ee. Education a. To develop develop an effective effective program program of religious religious education education for the enti entire re constit constituen uency cy of the Church Church in keeping with the general objectives of Christian education b. To be be responsible responsible for developing developing and administ administrating rating the total educational program of the Church, Church, including Church School, youth activities, mid-week educational projects, leadership education, distribution of Christian literature and fostering Christian home life; and to also cooperate with other groups of the Church in planning an educational program. c. To select chairmen and appropriate sub-chairmen. To form the Committee, set the date for the first meeting and select materials. d. To prepare a calendar approxi approxim mately ately as follows: follows: August: August: Recruit teachers and nursery helpers, helpers, assess student needs, post post schedule, prepare classrooms. September: September: Plan Promotions Promotions Sunday, Sunday, sixth graders receive Bibles. October: Prepare Prepare budget, budget, plan fall activiti activities. es. Novemb November: er: Plan Advent Advent in cooperation cooperation wit with h the Worship orship Com Committee; mittee; assess teachers, volunteers volunteers and curriculum needs for Spring. February: Plan for Valenti Valentine’s ne’s Day, Day, Easter and Vacation Bibl Bible e School. April: April: Plan May May graduation breakfast and Vacati Vacation on Bible School work work days. May: Order summe summerr curri curriculum culum and send send out summer summer schedule. Evangelism . This will include but not be limited to the following: a. To develop develop and maintain aintain a culture culture of evangeli evangelism sm within within the Church, Church, sponsoring sponsoring a year-round year-round program of evangelism which reaches into every age level and every phase of Church life. b. To develop develop and maintain aintain a comm community unity awareness awareness of the Church Church and its its mini ministr stry, y, including including utilizing appropriate media to educate and inform the community about the Church and its ministry. c. To identif identify y potential new disciples, nurture them toward toward profession of faith or transfer transfer of membership from another congregation, and after they have placed their membership in the Church, continue to assimilate them into the Church and its ministry. 1.) Promote Promote immediate immediate response programs; for example, example, by preparing and deliveri delivering ng gif giftt bags or other items for first-time visitors. 2.) Maintain aintain an “Each One One Reach Reach One” One” or similar similar program program with designated Sundays for bringing people to church. 3.) Promote Promote an opportunity opportunity for for service for new or potentially potentially new members embers or visitors visitors by coordinating Evangelism efforts with appropriate Outreach efforts. but not not be lim limited to the follow following: ing: Membership . This will include but a. To maintain aintain the closest possibl possible e contact contact with with the Church membership embership to the end that each member may function effectively in the life of the Church and develop a spirit of comradeship and love within the congregation founded on a common love of Christ. b. To plan plan meals meals for different different functions of the church, working working with other committees ittees as needed. These might include some general church functions, funeral dinners and bridal and baby showers which may also include the planning of the latter two. c. To be responsible, responsible, worki working ng cooperatively cooperatively wit with h other committees, committees, for orienti orienting ng new memb members ers into the life and fellowship of the Church. d. To organize an effort effort to send specialty specialty cards to mem members. bers. Outreach - To create and foster a world vision within the Church and its auxiliary organizations and to lead in planning and administrating the world-wide program of the Church.
a. Submit budget requests for Outr Outreach each that reflect reflect and support the Committee’s mittee’s goals. goals. b. Plan and support Disci Disciple ple Mission ission Fund special offeri offerings: ngs: Thanksgivi Thanksgiving, ng, Chri Christmas, stmas, Easter and Pentecost. c. Promote Promote offerings offerings for Week Week of Com Compassion, passion, Reconciliati Reconciliation on and and Tools of Hope/Blanket Hope/Blankets. s. d. Support Support local local outreach programs such as CROP CROP Walk, Festival Festival of Shari Sharing, ng, Habit Habitat at for Humanity, umanity, Crossli Crosslines nes distribution, distribution, Crossli Crosslines nes shelters, Help Help Center Center Food Pantry, Newton Newton County Food Basket Brigade, Unmet Needs/COAD and Meals on Wheels. e. Encourage Encourage each memb member er of the Congregati Congregation on to reach out to others on a regular basis. basis. f. Inform the office office of bulleti bulletin n and newsletter newsletter inserts for special offerings. offerings. g. Promote, Promote, encourage and support groups wit within hin the congregation such as missi mission on teams, teams, Sunday School classes and youth, for service in and out of the community. h. Cooperate Cooperate wit with h other committ committees ees to encourage encourage worki working ng together for integrated integrated programs. ^6. Stewardship a. To organize and coordinate coordinate the “Estim “Estimate of Givi Giving” ng” campaign. campaign. b. To accept accept responsibili responsibility ty for periodic stewardship stewardship educati education. on. c. To organize organize other stewardship stewardship campaigns campaigns as needed. needed. 7. Property a. To care for all properties of of the Church. Church. b. To be be responsible, responsible, in in cooperation cooperation wit with h the Trustees, Trustees, for all property and to keep keep equipm equipment ent in proper condition, to study needs and make recommendations for improvements and to care for the grounds. c. Insurance. To keep keep the properties properties adequately adequately insured against loss or dam damage. age. Every Every three years the members will review our insurance needs and receive bids for the coverage. Recommendations will then be made to the General Board for approval. ** 8. Finance a. To monitor onitor the expendit expenditures ures and cash flow of of the Church Church in order for the Church Church to be responsible responsible in its financial obligations and program budget, to finalize the Church budget each year for Board and congregational approval, to provide accurate and auditable financial records and to work with the Memorial Committee to encourage endowment for the future development in the Church and its ministry. b. To work wit with h the committ committees ees of of the Church Church so that those who normally incur expenditures expenditures of the budget are informed on current accumulation of expenditures and cash-flow status. ^c. To implement implement an audit of Church Church financial financial records at the request of the Board. B. Section B. Membership and and Organization Organization of Function al Commit tees ^1. Membership. embership. The General General Board Board Chair, Chair, Vice-Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary Secretary and the Minist Minister er shall constitute constitute the Executive Committee which shall select the respective functional committee chairs and also oversee events needing administrative guidance. a. This group shall then act with the respective committee chairman in the selection of the members of each committee. b. Membership embership on each functional comm committee ittee shall shall be on the basis of qualif qualification ication for the the task, regardless of membership on the General Board. 2. Organization. Organization. Each functional comm committee ittee organizes organizes itself to to conduct conduct the business business for which which it is responsible, meets regularly to attend to its business, and plans its general program which shall be presented to the General Board. Upon approval by the General Board, the department shall proceed to administer its program in cooperation with other functional committees. Regular reports shall be made to the General Board. C. Secti Section on C. C. Other Commit tees 1. Pulpit Committee a. Selection. Selection. The Pulpit Committee Committee shall be a representati representative ve committee ittee of five mem members, bers, nominat nominated ed by the Board Chairman and elected by the General Board.
b. Duties. The Pulpit Committ Committee ee shall be responsible responsible for intervi interviewing ewing and recommending recommending a prospective minister to the General Board. ^^^ 2. Pastoral Relations and Support Committee. The Committee is the connecting link link to carr carry y out dialogue between ministers and the congregation. ^^^a. Number. The Pastoral Pastoral Relations Relations Committee shall consist consist of four (4) members members and shall be appointed by the Chair of the Board in consultation with the minister and approved by the General Board. At least two members of a recent Pulpit Committee shall be selected for rotation onto the Pastoral Relations and Support Committee after a new minister is hired. The Finance Committee Chair and the Chair of the Board will serve as non-voting non-voting mem members bers on this this Committee. b. Term. Term. Comm Committee ittee mem members bers will be appointed for two-year two-year terms. Appo Appoint intm ments shall be made made on on a rotational basis so that one-half of the Committee members are appointed to the Committee annually. #c. Duties. Duties. It It shall discuss discuss congrega congregational tional needs and and concerns concerns related to the role and work work of the Pastor, and it shall attend to the needs and concerns of the Pastor in the conduct of his/her work. 3. Personnel Committee #a. Number. The Personnel Personnel Committee Committee consisting consisting of four (4) members members shall be nominated nominated by the Chairman of the Board and approved by the General Board. A fifth (5th) member, chosen from within the ranks of the Pastoral Relations and Support Committee, shall be included so as to maintain good communication between the two committees. The Finance Committee Chair will serve as ex officio on this committee. b. Term. Term. Memb Members ers will be appointed for two two year terms. Appointments Appointments shall be made made on a rotational rotational basis so that one-half the committee members are appointed to the committee annually. c. Duties 1). The Personnel Comm Committee ittee shall take take appli applicati cations ons and intervi interview ew all persons persons to be employed employed by the Church with the exceptions of the Ministers. 2). With ith the advice of the G General eneral Board and an any y concerned functional functional committee, committee, the the Personnel Personnel Committee shall draft a job description for any position to be filled. # 3). The Personnel Com Committee mittee shall shall be authorized authorized to fill fill any position position created and approved by the General Board and to release any such employees. Employees in this paragraph shall mean salaried personnel except ministers. It shall evaluate the Minister(s), review salaries and benefits and make recommendations to the Finance and Stewardship Committees in the areas listed under c. Duties, Pastoral Relations and Support Committee. ^^^4). Complaints plaints concerning employees employees and questions concerning the possible release release of of any employees shall be referred to the Personnel Committee, in writing and signed, for their consideration. #5). Each salaried salaried employee employee shall be responsible to the supervision supervision of of the Personnel Personnel Committee. Committee. 6). The General General Board Board reserves to itsel itselff the the right to set the the num number, positions, positions, salary and hours hours of work of each employee, whether full or part time. ^^^4. Constitution and Bylaws Committee a. Duties 1.) To synchronize the Consti Constitut tution ion and Bylaws to the acti action on taken by the General General Board. 2.) To assist the Vice-Chair Vice-Chair in his his or her her related duti duties. es. b. The Board Secretar Secretary y shall be included included on the Bylaws Committee. ees 5. Special Committ ees When needed to administer the work of the Church, the Board Chair shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, such special committees as may be needed. These committees shall perform duties assigned to them and shall continue for the Church year unless otherwise designated. D. Section D. Auxiliary Organizations
1. Auxil Auxiliary iary organizations shall be the Christi Christian an Women’s omen’s Fell Fellow owship, ship, the Chri Christian stian Youth Youth Fellowship Fellowship and the Christian Men’s Fellowship. 2. The purpose and responsibil responsibility ity of each of these groups shall be outli outlined ned in their own constitut constitution, ion, bylaws or plan of procedure. 3. These These organizati organizations ons shall shall cooperate with with the the functional functional comm committees ittees of the Church, Church, but also in the best best interest of the total Church. ARTICLE V. SENIOR MINISTER
A. Section A. Selection 1. The General General Board shall consider the nominat nomination ion of the Pulpi Pulpitt Committee ittee and if approved, recommend the prospective Minister to the Church. It shall be the policy of the Church to consider only one prospective Minister at a time. 2. The recommendation recommendation of the General General Board must must be accepted accepted by at least two-thirds two-thirds major majoritity y of Church Church members present, and voting in a regular or special business meeting before a call may be extended. B. Section B. Call A written statement setting forth the job description and salary to be paid and other conditions of the call shall be made in duplicate, one copy for the Minister and one for the Church records. C. Section C. Term The term of ministry shall be an indefinite period and may be terminated by the Church or the Minister upon sixty (60) days written notice. ARTICLE VI. ASSOCIATE MINISTER(S) MINISTER(S)
A. Section A. Selection The Senior Minister shall have primary responsibility in the interviewing and selection of Associate Minister(s). A committee appointed by the Chair of the General Board, in consultation with the Minister, shall recommend the prospective Associate to the General Board for approval and to the congregation for acceptance. B. Section B. Call A written statement setting forth the job description and salary to be paid and other conditions of the call shall be made in duplicate, one copy for the Minister and one for the Church records. C. Section C. Term The term of the ministry shall be an indefinite period and may be terminated by the Church or the Minister upon sixty (60) days written notice. D. Secti Section on D. D. Other Staff Staff With the calling of a new Senior Minister, all other staff members must submit resignation effective at the discretion of the new Minister, sixty (60) days after the Minister’s assumption of duties. ARTICLE VII. **** MEMORIAL FUND
A. Section A. Establishment The congregation shall maintain a Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund shall be managed by the Memorial Fund Committee under the direction of the General Board. The Memorial Fund shall consist of gifts and bequests to the Church, including the principal with all earnings from the gifts, to be used for deserving endeavors as determined by the General Board. Section on B. Fiscal Year Year and and Investment B. Secti The fiscal year of the Memorial Fund shall be the same as that of the congregation. All funds shall be kept in a separate account and designated as “Memorial Fund of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)”
and invested in first class securities with preference given to any sound investment program of the Disciples of Christ. C. Secti Section on C. C. Types of Account s Memorial or Bequest Gifts may be received and disbursed in two types of accounts: Project Funds and Perpetual Fund. 1. Project Funds. A project fund fund is one which the use has has been been predetermined by the benefactor and the Church. Such funds will be disbursed under the provisions established by the benefactor, providing the terms and conditions of any such endowment or bequest can be met. a. The list list of purposes for w which hich gifts gifts may may be designated shall be m maint aintained ained and published published by by the Committee in an informational brochure, and this list shall be recorded in the official minutes of both the Fund Committee and the General Board. The list may be altered and funds reallocated if projects for which funds have been designated are deemed unlikely to be completed after a reasonable time and/or if a change in the needs of the congregation justify re-allocation of Designated Funds for better stewardship. b. Donors wishing wishing to designate a contributi contribution on shall shall be advised advised of the established projects projects approved by the General Board. A donor wishing to designate a gift for another purpose may consult with the Pastor, Chair of the Memorial Fund Committee, or Chair of the General Board, and the donor’s wishes will be taken under advisement for possible acceptance. Any gift specified for a purpose different from established projects shall be agreed to at the discretion of the Memorial Fund Committee. The donor’s designation of a gift shall not, in all cases, be binding upon the Committee, but preference shall be given to the donor’s desires if possible. c. All funds for which the benefac benefactor tor has not predetermined predetermined its usage wil willl be allocated to a project fund as deemed appropriate by the Committee. 2. Perpetual Perpetual Funds. Funds. Perpetual Perpetual funds are for the purpose purpose of receiving gifts and bequests, bequests, the princi principal pal sums of which shall remain in income producing investments. a. Only Only the earnings earnings from the Perpetual Fund are to be used used by the Church, Church, with with the excepti exception on that a maximum expenditure often percent of the principal may be used along with current interest on any project in a twelve (12) month period of time upon proper approval by the General Board. Use of earnings from the Perpetual Fund shall be determined annually by the General Board in consultation with the Memorial Fund Committee. b. The term term “princi “principal” pal” shall mean the sum sum donated to the Memori emorial al Fund and any any unexpended unexpended interest income received on account of such specific bequest or donation. c. The term “interest” shall mean interest earned earned wit within hin the fiscal year immediately immediately past and not not reinvested with the principal sum of said fund. d. A percent of the earned interest, interest, to be determined annuall annually y by by the Committee, ittee, shall be reinvested in the Perpetual Fund for protection against changes in the financial market and/or for the building up of these funds. e. Memori emorial al Funds are not to be used for current expenses of the Church Church unless so designated by the donor and said designation approved by the General Board. f. A pass book book account account shall be maint maintained ained to receive sm small all gift gifts s until such tim time that they may be added to a Perpetual Fund, or the Committee at its discretion may place small gifts in one or more of the Designated Funds. D. Section D. Recognition Names of donors shall be recorded in a Memorial Book which shall be kept on display in the Church at all times. In all cases, donors shall be given a note of appreciation which also informs them of the Memorial Book recording. E. Secti Section on E. E. Memori Memori al Fund Commi Commi ttee a. Memb Membershi ership. p. The Memo Memoririal al Fund Com Comm mittee ittee shall consist consist of six voting voting members. embers. They are as follows: follows: Chairman of the General Board, member of the Finance Committee, member of the Board of Trustees, Recording Secretary and two Church members at large. The Pastor shall be a non-voting member. The
Church members at large must be fiscally accountable and capable of organizing and encouraging the responsible use of the Fund for the betterment and vision of the Church. b. Term. The The two members embers at large shall be appointed from from the congregation by the Trustees for term terms of two (2) years, each member being appointed on a rotational basis annually.The Trustees shall also appoint a Recording Secretary for a term of two years. The terms of the Committee Chairman and the Recording Secretary may have the right of succession. A quorum shall consist of four (4) of the members at a properly set meeting. c. Duties. 1. The Memo Memoririal al Fund Com Comm mittee ittee shall manage the Memo Memoririal al Fund of the Neosho Neosho Fir First st Christian Christian Church under the direction of the General Board, and in compliance with these bylaws. 2. The Committee shall operate operate in a manner manner normall normally y expected of any any committ committee ee and and set proper rules for holding meetings, keep full and accurate minutes of all meetings, and give account to the General Board of all decisions regarding disbursement of funds. An annual account shall be made to the General Board, or more often if requested. The books of accounts shall be maintained by the Chair of the Committee and shall at al times be open to inspection by General Board members appointed by the Chair of the Board. A petty cash fund may be maintained by the Recording Secretary for the purchase of supplies. 3. The Committee shall advise advise and make make recomme recommendations ndations to the Gen General eral Board for investment, investment, reinvestment and application of the Memorial Funds and all interest earnings of the funds and for what would constitute good stewardship of the Funds. Final determination and approval of any investment or expenditure of the principal or interest contained in the Memorial Fund shall rest with General Board of the Church. 4. The Committee shall educate the congregation congregation about the Fund, shall shall prom promote ote contributi contributions ons to the Fund, and acquaint the congregation as to the manner of receiving, investing and disbursing of the funds. The Committee shall never encourage gifts to the detriment of any regular giving to established church programs. 5. The Committee shall have the authori authority ty to commingle commingle all or any part part of the property at any time with any other property at the time held by it in trust, for the purposes of investing the property to better advantage and of practicing good stewardship of the funds. ARTICLE VIII. ++ PERMANENT PERMANENT ENDOWMENT ENDOWMENT FUNDS FUNDS POLICY
I. PURPOSE The primary purpose of the Permanent Endowment Fund of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Neosho, Missouri is to expand the witness and mission of Jesus Christ in the World, serving human needs in our community and around the world. It is not intended to compete with the regular annual giving of members, or to diminish opportunities for responsible stewardship by present or future members. All assets of the Permanent Endowment Fund shall be considered permanent. Each year an amount shall be spent from the Permanent Endowment Fund for ministry. For purposes of this document, the amount to be spent annually shall be: A. An annual annual withdrawal of 5% of the market market value value of the Permanent Permanent Endowm Endowment ent Fund’s investment portfolio as measured on the last day of the previous calendar year or; B. The fund’s income, income, whichever whichever is small smaller. er. . TYPES OF GIFTS Permanent funds are usually not memorial funds, reserve funds or building funds. A separate policy usually governs these gifts. Gifts to the Permanent Endowment Fund may come in a variety of forms, including cash, stocks, bonds, real estate and tangible property. All gifts received in any form other than cash shall be converted to cash at the gifts fair market value as soon as practical. Real estate that might
be used by the Church itself for expansion or some other purpose may be held in its original form if approved by the General Board upon recommendation of the Trustees overseeing the Permanent Endowm Endowment Fund. A gift may be refused upon recommendation recommendation of the Trustees Trustees of the Permanent Endowment Fund and passed by the General Board. Any gift designated for the Permanent Endowment Fund shall be considered permanent and cannot be spent. Undesignated gifts greater than $5,000, in the form of bequests, the residual value of charitable trusts and charitable gift annuities, and life insurance shall be considered as gifts to the Permanent Endowment Fund. Up to 10% of such designated gifts may be retained for local non-budgetary use if there is a significant or pressing need. III. PERMANENT ENDOWMENT FUND TRUSTEES The members of the Memorial Fund Committee shall serve as the Trustees of the Permanent Endowment Fund. The current Chair of the General Board and the current Senior Minister shall be ex-officio members without a vote. Responsibilities of the Permanent Endowment Fund Trustees: A. Meet Meet at least three times per church church year. B. Provide a writ written ten report annually annually to to the General General Board Board and to the congreg congregation. ation. The report report shall include gifts received during the year, investment transactions, amount spent for ministry and the value of the fund at year-end. C Allocate the funds funds to be spent spent for ministry to to the appropriate appropriate comm committees. ittees. IV. IV. ANNUAL SPENDING FOR MINISTRY MINISTRY A. Spending Spending from designated designated gifts shall be according to the donor’s donor’s instructions. instructions. B. Spending Spending for ministry ministry from from the Permanent Permanent Endow Endowm ment Fund will be as follows: follows: 1. Fifty percent percent wil willl be designated designated to new ministries. inistries. 2. Thirty percent wil willl be designated designated to a reserve fund to meet meet future capital needs or debt debt retirem retirement. ent. 3. Ten percent will will be designated designated for outreach causes causes and and wil willl be transferred to the Outreach Outreach Committee for expenditure. These funds will not be considered as part of the Outreach budget. 4. Ten percent will be spent according to the recomme recommendation ndation of the Finance Committee ittee wit with h approval of the General Board. If the funds are used to support the current operational budget, they may never represent more than 20% of the total budget. V. AMENDMENTS This policy may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members of the General Board who are present and voting at two successive meetings provided the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the membership of the General Board at least thirty days prior to the first vote thereon. VI. TERMINATION In the event that the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Neosho, Missouri should terminate its ministry, the assets of the Permanent Endowment Fund shall be transferred to the Christian Church Foundation, Inc. with instructions from the Trustees of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Neosho, MO for future spending.
ARTICLE IX. RULES OF ORDER
All business meetings of the General Board shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order in all instances where applicable and not directly in conflict with these bylaws. ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLA BYLAWS WS
The bylaws may be amended by a majority of the General Board present and voting in a regular or special meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the General Board at a preceding meeting.
** Amended: Amended: June 7, 7, 1992 *** Amended: Amended: September September 5, 1996 1996 **** **** Amended: Amended: October 1, 1996 ++ Added Marc March, h, 2003; Composed May, 2002 ^Amended December 7, 2008 ^^Amended January 4, 2009 ^^^Amended March 1, 2009 #Amended February 7, 2010
