| The by-laws are established in accordance with
the Constitution of the Chinese Christian Church of Columbia as standards
for the administration of the ministry of the church. |
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| ARTICLE I: |
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP |
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1.1 Qualifications |
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Church membership is an expression of a believer's loyalty
to a church in a particular locality. A person qualified for membership
in the Chinese Christian Church of Columbia must be one who: |
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(1) confesses Jesus Christ to be his / her Savior and Lord
and has shown satisfactory evidence of the new life in Christ in his / her
daily life; |
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(2) has been baptized in the name of the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit; |
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(3) has attended the church regularly for the past 3
months; |
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(4) is in general agreement with the purpose, direction,
administration, and discipline of the church; and |
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(5) is of age 16 or older. |
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1.2 Responsibilities of Members |
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Each member should: |
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(1) desire to share the responsibility of maintaining
and developing of the church through regular attendance and frequent
prayer, financial giving, and whatever ministries the Lord enables; |
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(2) maintain a regular daily devotional time in Bible
reading and prayer to seek God's will and blessings both for his / her individual
life and for the church and its leaders; |
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(3) regularly ask the Lord to help him / her and all members
to grow in obedience in all areas of life, especially in the love
for one another and fulfillment of the Great Commission; and |
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(4) actively participate in the decision making process
in membership meetings. |
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1.3 Procedure of Application for Membership |
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One who desires membership in the church must complete
an application form from the church for this purpose. He / she
will be interviewed by the pastor & representatives from the Executive
Board. Successful applicants will be introduced to the congregation
within two weeks. Membership privileges will begin following the introduction. |
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1.4 Church Discipline |
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If
the life or conduct of a member is contrary to the Word of God, he may
be asked by the pastor and the elders ( or deacons should there be
absence of elders ) for explanation, and disciplinary action in
accordance with the principles set forth in the Bible may be taken.
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1.5 Termination of Membership |
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A member may withdraw his / her membership voluntarily by
giving notice to the Executive Board. |
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If a member has moved permanently out of this locality,
his / her membership will be terminated. Such person is encouraged to affiliate
himself with a church of like faith and practice in his / her new locality. |
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If a member is absent from the worship service of the
church for one year in succession, or has failed to keep up with the
membership qualifications, his / her membership shall be terminated. |
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1.6 Types of Church Membership |
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Church
membership at the Chinese Christian Church of Columbia shall be either
Full Membership or Associate Membership. Full Membership is given those
who desire membership at the Chinese Christian Church of Columbia.
Associate Membership is reserved for individuals with all of the
following conditions: 1) one who is in Columbia for a short-term, 2) one
whose home church is outside the Columbia Metropolitan area, 3) one
whose desire is to be a member in the ministry of the Chinese Christian
Church of Columbia, and 4) one whose home church does not allow
membership in any other church, with the exception being an Associate
Membership. Full Members and Associate Members have the same membership
privileges.
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| ARTICLE II : |
ORDINANCES |
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2.1 Baptism |
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Baptism by immersion, or sprinkling, or pouring is
recognized as a scriptural ordinance to signify the union with Christ
in His death, burial and resurrection. However, baptism by immersion
is to be practiced in this church whenever possible. Those who are
baptized in this church and meet the qualifications in Article I.1.1
of the By-Laws will become members. Those with circumstances that
would not allow participation as a member of the church may receive
exemption from membership as approved by the Executive Board. |
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2.2 The Lord's Supper (Communion) |
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The ordinance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) shall
be observed regularly. Everyone who is redeemed by the blood of Christ
and has received baptism is welcome, but believers should be advised
to participate after self-examination. |
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| ARTICLE III: |
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS |
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3.1 Annual Meeting |
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A membership meeting should be conducted on the first
or second Sunday of December every year, to elect officers, to receive
ministerial and financial reports from the boards, and to pray, to
seek the will of the Lord and consider matters concerning the church
as a whole, such as the calling of a pastor, the securing of a new
church building, etc. |
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The date, the agenda, and the proposals should be announced
and posted by the Executive Board 3 weeks before the meeting. Other
proposals and amendments must be submitted to the Board at least 2
weeks before the meeting by 2 or more members. These proposals shall
be posted by the Board, along with whatever counter-proposals or amendments
the Board may have, at least 1 week before the meeting. |
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3.2 Special Meetings |
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Special
membership meetings may be called by the Executive Board whenever the
Board considers it necessary and should be announced at least 2 weeks
before the meeting. In case of an emergency, the Board may call a
meeting in less than 2 weeks.
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3.3 Quorum & Voting |
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A Quorum shall be a simple majority of the church membership.
If a quorum is not met, the meeting may adjourn to a stated time at
least two weeks later. Notice of the adjournment shall be announced
and posted on the intervening Sunday(s). If a quorum cannot be met
after three trials, the proposal will be dropped. |
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| ARTICLE IV: |
GOVERNMENT |
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4.1 Executive Board |
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The Executive Board shall consist of the Board of Elders
and the Board of Deacons with one of the lay elders acting as the
chairperson. In the absence of elder, a selected deacon will serve as
chairperson. The chairperson will assist the pastor in planning and execution of church
ministries. The chairperson will also conduct board meetings. |
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The Board shall hold monthly meetings for prayer and
business, and shall report to the members of the church annually and
at whatever time the need may arise. |
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The
quorum of the regular monthly Executive Board meeting shall be 75% of
active Board members. The term active Board members refers to those who
were duly elected to serve on the Board and are expected to be able and
willing to continue in their duties as Board members without
impairment. The quorum of any Executive Board meeting including special
meetings called for special discussions shall also be 75% of active
Board members. A special Board meeting requires three (3) days advanced
notice to be legitimate. |
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Emergency
Board meetings may be called without advanced notification when there
is an emergency situation. Examples of emergency situations include
high likelihood of severe impairment to church interest upon inaction,
such impairment may include high probability of harm or danger to life
or safety of individuals, or high probability of significant loss in
value or substantial damages to properties, or other significant adverse
events. Emergency meetings can be held over telephone or other
reasonable means of communication. |
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Quorum
for emergency meeting is either (a) two Board members with one of them
being either a pastor or chairperson of the Board, or (b) if neither a
pastor nor chairperson of the Board is available, the quorum for
emergency meeting shall be three Board members. |
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Decisions
made during emergency meeting need to be unanimous to be legitimate.
Active Board members who did not participate in the emergency meeting
are to be informed about the called emergency meeting and any
decision(s) made, such information may be conveyed by any reasonable
means of communication, e.g. e-mail or telephone, if practically
possible, within a reasonable time period. Decisions made during
emergency meetings are to be ratified during next regular Board meeting
if possible. Decisions made during emergency meeting may also be
modified during subsequent regular Board meeting as situation changes or
there are differing opinions.. |
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Penalty
for abuse of emergency meeting provision shall include removal from
Board membership, while other consequences may also apply.
Determination of abuse of emergency meeting provision may be made by 75%
vote of the attendance in a legitimate Board meeting. Such may also
decide to impose additional consequences.
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4.2 Board of Elders |
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The Board of Elders shall consist of a minimum of two
lay elders and the pastor(s). Elder candidates can be nominated by
the Board of Elders or by a church member together with 4 other members
from different households, according to biblical qualifications. Candidates
shall be carefully examined by the Board of Elders as to their qualifications.
Then, candidates are individually confirmed by a 3/4 vote in a membership
meeting, provided that the total affirmative votes are cast by more
than 50% of the membership. Elders thus confirmed are ordained by
the pastor(s) and the existing elders to the general overseeing responsibility
of the church. |
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Elders are to oversee the congregation and to be responsible
for the spiritual nurture and growth of the flock. They are to be
directly involved in the planning of the direction of the church,
and oversee the Board of Deacons in the administration of church ministries.
The Board of Elders shall meet regularly for the evaluation of church
ministries with respect to overall goals and direction. They are responsible
for the determination of membership, and when necessary, to discipline
members for the sake of restoration. They shall also supervise the
final budgeting of the church. |
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Elders shall serve in the Board of Elders on a three-year
rotational basis. All inactive elders remain as resource persons to
the Board. A special period of prayer by the whole church shall be
conducted before the election of new elders. |
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Owing to ill health, moving out of the locality or other
personal reasons, an elder may resign from active service. |
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It shall be within the power of the Board of Elders
to recommend to the congregation to revoke the ordination credentials
of any person found guilty of doctrinal heresy or immoral conduct.
Such a recommendation shall be confirmed by 3/4 votes of a membership
meeting. |
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4.3 Board of Deacons |
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A minimum of five deacons are confirmed according to
Biblical qualifications to serve in the Executive Board. They shall
be assigned to specific offices in order to assist the pastor or elder(s)
in the administration of church ministries. The nomination of deacons
shall be determined by a Nomination Committee which consists of the
pastor, one elder, one deacon and a church member representative who
is approved by a simple majority in a membership meeting. Further
nomination of deacons from congregation may be submitted by two or
more church members to the Executive Board for examination according
to the same qualifications set forth. |
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Deacons are confirmed by 3/4 vote in a membership meeting.
Following three consecutive terms of service (1 year term), a deacon
is recommended to rest for one year. |
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4.4 Pastor |
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The pastor is to oversee the complete ministry of the
church. He is an ex-officio member of all Boards and Committees. He
must accept the responsibility as from the Lord to equip the believers
through preaching, teaching, training and shepherding for the work
of the Gospel ministry and for the edification and upbuilding of the
Body of Christ. He must meet the qualifications of an Elder as stated
in I Timothy 3:1-7. He shall serve as the chairman of the Board of
Elders. The Executive Board shall provide feedback to the pastor regarding
his ministry every year. |
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In case of a vacancy, the Executive Board shall appoint
a Pastoral Search Committee to search for prospective candidates who
are called to the ministry, meet the scriptural qualifications of
a teaching elder, and be able to carry out the stated purpose of the
church. The Pastoral Search Committee should consist of representatives
from the present Executive Board and from the congregation. 1/2 affirmative
votes in a membership meeting are required for this Pastoral Search
Committee. The choice of the pastoral candidate should be confirmed
by 3/4 votes in a membership meeting, provided that the total affirmative
votes exceed 50% of the membership. A special period of prayer by
the whole church shall be conducted before that special meeting. |
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A renewable contract shall be entered between the pastor
and the church specifying the terms of office for two to five years.
The contract shall be recommended by the Executive Board and confirmed
by at least 2/3 affirmative votes in a membership meeting. |
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Resignation of the pastor requires at least a six month
notice to the Executive Board, unless he is asked to resign by the
Executive Board and 3/4 votes of all members due to heretical teaching,
or life and testimony contrary to the Word of God. |
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The church may ordain pastor(s) if such a need arises.
The candidate(s) must have served in the church for at least one year
and have the recommendation of the Executive Board and affirmative
votes of at least 3/4 of quorum provided that the total affirmative
votes exceed 50% of membership. The Board shall then invite at least
three pastors, one Executive Board representative, and one congregationally
approved church member representative to form an examination board
to examine the candidate's faith and gifts. After the examination
board has given its approval, arrangements for ordination shall be
made. |
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4.5 General Guidelines |
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In the event that the number of elders has fallen below
the minimum required, or that the pastor's position is vacant, special
committee(s) shall be created by the Executive Board to temporarily
take up the needed responsibilities. |
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| ARTICLE V: |
OFFICES & OFFICERS |
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The main responsibilities of the various offices are
as follows: |
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5.1 Chairperson |
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The chairperson is responsible for convening and presiding
over the meetings of the Executive Board. The individual, together with the Executive
Board, will draw up the agenda for such meetings and co-ordinates
the efforts of all the offices. |
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5.2 Worship |
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This office is responsible for all matters pertaining
to Sunday worship such as music and choir, to prayer meetings, retreats
and other special meetings. |
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5.3 Christian Education |
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This office is responsible for all the planning and
activities pertaining to Christian Education, including Nursery, Sunday
School, Junior Church, and Vacation Bible School. |
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5.4 Evangelism |
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This
office is responsible for the planning, education, promotion, training,
and execution of evangelistic efforts, including personal evangelism,
evangelistic meetings, evangelistic literature, etc. |
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5.5 Missions |
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This
office is responsible for overseeing all missions efforts, mission
conferences, missions policy, missionary training, missionary support,
administration of missions education, and promotion of missions locally,
regionally and internationally. |
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5.6 Fellowship |
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This office is responsible for overseeing different
fellowship groups of the church ( e.g. ladies' fellowship, family
fellowship and youth group ). |
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5.7 Clerk |
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This office is responsible for writing the minutes of
the general meetings and the meetings of the Executive Board, keeping
the records of the membership of the whole church, the publication
of the church directory, the sending of church circulars and letters
to members notifying them to attend meetings, and the safekeeping
of the relevant documents belonging to the church. |
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5.8 Treasurer |
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The
treasurer keeps the accounts of the church, takes
care of the offering from the congregation, publishes
monthly statements
of income and expenditure and draws up the church budget.
When the
year is over, the treasurer must publish a clear account of
the amount
of offering and expenditure of the whole year. In the
absence of the
treasurer, the clerk will temporarily take up the position.
The treasurer may utilize a bookkeeper to keep books and generate
reports. Said bookkeeper is to be approved by the Board and the
bookkeeper is not to have any access to information or records related
to offerings from individuals. |
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5.9 General Service |
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This office supports the work of other offices, supervises
meals, provides maintenance for church possessions other than land
and building, prepares venue for meetings, cleans up venue after meetings
and makes necessary purchases for above purposes. |
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5.10 Building and Grounds |
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This office is responsible for the maintenance of the
land and building structure of the church |
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The officers are to be elected among the members of
the Executive Board. An officer may assume more than one office if
needed. |
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| ARTICLE VI: |
FINANCE |
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The church ministry shall be supported by the tithes
and the free-will offerings to the Lord. Regular tithing and cheerful
giving as unto the Lord encouraged. There shall be no solicitation
of money from non-believers (Prov. 15:8). God's work, done in God's
way, shall never lack God's supply (2 Cor. 9:8, Phil 4:19). |
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| ARTICLE VII: |
CHURCH PROPERTIES |
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Church properties include all the real estate and possessions
which are legally owned by the church. |
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Church properties shall be used for church purposes
and activities, and shall not be loaned to any person or organization
for any other purpose without the approval of the Executive Board. |
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Use of church properties and their maintenance are administered
by the departments of General Service and Building and Grounds. |
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Any purchase or sale of church real estate requires
a recommendation from the Executive Board and a 3/4 vote approval
in a membership meeting provided that the total affirmative votes
exceed 50% of the membership. |
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| ARTICLE VIII: |
SPECIAL PROVISION |
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The Executive Board has the final authority to address
special situations not stated in the by-laws.
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| ARTICLE IX: |
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS |
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All proposals are to be posted 2 weeks before the membership
meeting for such purpose. Proposals from church members consisting
of at least 3 voting members from different families should be
presented to the Executive Board in writing 4 weeks before the membership
meeting. Any amendment requires a 3/4 vote of approval in a membership
meeting. |
( The latest amendment to the By-Laws was made during a Congregational Meeting on December 5, 2004. )
Membership Covenant
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