Bylaws
Articles
Article A – Church Membership
Article B – Church Government
Article C – Elders
Article D – Deacons
Article E – Meetings
Article F – Amendments
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ARTICLE A – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership Qualifications
Membership within Redeemer Fellowship (hereinafter “this church”) is based upon an accurate understanding and personal trust in Jesus Christ and His completed work for salvation—the essence of biblical faith. This faith is initially expressed in public baptism. Individuals will be received into the membership of this church after: completing the steps of the membership process as defined in the policies set forth by the elders and affirmation through a majority vote of current members present at any called member meeting of this church as outlined in Article E, Section 2 of the bylaws.
Section 2. Membership Responsibilities
Membership within a local church carries both privileges and responsibilities. Members of this church are accountable to each other. Through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, members should desire to stir one another up:
1. to joyfully submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
2. to faithfully attend corporate worship, regular meetings, and various opportunities offered by the church for spiritual growth, fellowship, and relationship building (Hebrews 10:23-25). to personally cultivate the practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 5:1-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22).
3. to generously steward the resources God has given each member through sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary financial giving, service, and participation in community (Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
4. to thoughtfully walk in holiness in all areas of life and by God’s grace, striving to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit (1 Peter 1:13-16, 4:1-3).
5. to obediently participate in the ordinances of baptism and communion (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 22:19-20).
6. to abstain from all sexual immorality, whether single or married. If married, to demonstrate complete fidelity within heterosexual and monogamous marriage. Sexual purity involves: fleeing and abstaining from adultery, homosexuality, fornication, and pornography (Romans 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 10:8; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
7. to intentionally preserve the gift of marriage and agree to walk through the steps of marriage reconciliation within this church before pursuing separation or divorce from his or her spouse (Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11).
8. to humbly submit to the biblical procedures for church discipline where unrepentant sin is evident in another, the hope of such discipline being repentance and restoration (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Hebrews 12:5-6).
9. to respectfully obey the elders and other appointed leaders of this church, diligently striving for unity and peace within this church (Ephesians 4:1-3; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5).
Section 3. Membership Rights
Every member should expect spiritual care by the elders, other appointed spiritual leaders of the church, and from the other members of the church.
All members eighteen (18) years of age and over shall be eligible to vote on all church matters requiring a vote and should exercise this right by participating in its member and business meetings. Members of this church have no property rights and shall be entitled to no personal claim to its assets. All members eighteen (18) years of age and over shall be eligible to vote on all church matters requiring a vote and should exercise this right by participating in its member and business meetings. Members of this church have no property rights and shall be entitled to no personal claim to its assets.
Section 4. Membership Classification
Any individuals who have been received into this church through normal action, as specified under Article A of these bylaws, is considered a member without classification. Because of the nature and meaning of church membership, this church will not maintain an inactive membership list and no one will be permitted to retain member status outside of the guidelines in Article A, Section 5 of these bylaws.
1. Associate Members: are students or other persons living temporarily in the area who desire the spiritual fellowship and care of a local church without terminating membership in their home church. Associate Members are expected to fulfill the responsibilities in Article A, Section 2 of these bylaws, but are not eligible to vote, hold office, and have no property rights or any personal claim to the church’s assets.
2. Homebound Members: are individuals who may live within an area where they would be able to attend, but are unable due to physical limitations. Homebound members are expected to fulfill as many of the responsibilities in Article A, Section 2 of these bylaws as physically possible, but are not eligible to vote by proxy, hold office, and have no property rights or any personal claim to the church’s assets.
Section 5. Termination of Membership
Termination of membership shall be on the unanimous vote of the elders. A membership list shall be maintained and reviewed regularly.
Members can be removed by:
1. voluntary resignation of membership by one in good standing,
2. death, or
3. action taken by the elders as a result of the disciplinary process. Requests by members to remove their membership while subject to the formal disciplinary process, will not be accepted.
Section 6. Church Discipline
Church discipline is the process of correcting sin in the life of the congregation and its members. Church discipline is not punishment. Punishment is retribution towards someone for doing something wrong. As followers of Christ, this church is responsible to carry-out discipline out of love for any member consistently living with unrepentant sinful attitudes and behaviors that are not in obedience to Christ and his Word (John 15:1-11). The purpose of discipline is to encourage the individual to bear fruits in keeping with repentance so that their joy may be full and prove to be followers of Jesus Christ. Any action set forth in policies and procedures is taken to work towards this purpose and not for retribution, but for restoration.
Section 7. Member Restoration
Restoration to the fellowship of the church occurs when there are signs of true repentance. What true repentance looks like depends on the nature of the sin. Sometimes, repentance is a black and white matter, as with a man who has abandoned his wife. For him, repenting means returning to her, plain and simple. Yet sometimes, repentance does not mean conquering a sin completely so much as demonstrating a new diligence in waging war against the sin, as with a person caught in a cycle of addiction.
Section 8. Church Disruptions
Any person deemed by a member of the staff or elders to pose a physical or psychological threat to any person or to the church, or to be causing, about to cause, or capable of causing disruption to the religious services and activities of the church, shall be considered a trespasser on church property, and may be ejected summarily. No church employee or elder shall incur any liability for acting in good faith in the interests of the church pursuant to this section.
ARTICLE B – CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Section 1. Overview
Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. Under His headship, the church is elder-led. This elder leadership is congregationally-affirmed. Those who have been congregationally affirmed as elders of this church, under the authority of God’s Word and Holy Spirit, have been granted the privilege and responsibility of spiritual oversight, and are accountable to this church’s members for the careful exercise of these responsibilities. The goal of church government is to provide a context out of which Christian ministry, by the people of God, best flourishes.
Section 2. Organization
1. Elder-led
Those who function within the office of elder are biblically qualified males. The elders have the privilege and responsibility of leading the congregation in seeking to discern the mind of Christ for all the decisions of the church and shepherding the church members in those decisions.
2. Congregational-affirmed
The final earthly authority rests with the church members as it corporately seeks God’s will. The church members affirm the leadership of the elders and contribute to seeking the mind of Christ as it is revealed in the Scriptures.
ARTICLE C – ELDERS
Section 1. Overview
The qualifications for the office of elder are established in 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Specifically, an elder is chosen when he is recognized for his high spiritual character, his proven household management, and his demonstrated leadership in the church. The office of elder will only be filled by biblically qualified, naturally-born males who are members of the church as set forth in the bylaws under Article A.
Section 2. Responsibilities
Include, but are not limited to:
1. Devoting themselves to prayer and the Word of God.
2. Governing and leading the church.
3. Teaching the Word of God both publicly and privately.
4. Protecting the church from false doctrine.
5. Administering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s table.
6. Caring for the spiritual needs of the church both individually and corporately.
7. Examining prospective members, ensuring that they understand and believe the gospel.
8. Overseeing the process of church discipline and restoration.
9. Overseeing the work of the deacons and other ministry leaders.
10. Examining, training, and mentoring potential elders.
11. Scheduling member and business meetings, providing a moderator for them, and ensuring that the reporting and recording of official church business is performed.
12. Establishing and evaluating policies, procedures, and practices for the church, making adjustments as necessary.
13. Evaluating the church ministries, making adjustments as necessary.
Section 3. Organization & Affirmation
The elders shall organize themselves however they determine to be best in order to achieve the mission of the church. The elders are equal in authority but may be specialized in function in order to carry-out proper oversight.
The elders shall consist of members serving three-year terms. After serving three-years, an evaluation will be completed by the other elders. In light of that evaluation, a period of purposeful rest should be granted, which length shall be determined by the elders on a case-by-case basis. When the period of purposeful rest is complete, the individual elder may be reaffirmed by the congregation to serve another three-years following the procedures set forth in these bylaws.
Nominees for the office of elder will be evaluated by the existing elders to determine that biblical qualifications are met. The elders must unanimously agree upon a nominee before recommending him to the congregation. Recommendations may be submitted by church members to the elders for their consideration.
The affirmation of elders may be held at any members’ meeting of the church. Nominees for the office of elder should be made known at least four weeks prior to any called member’s meeting. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified, should express this concern to the elders within 21 days after official nomination.
Section 4. Resignation, Dismissal, & Vacancies
An elder’s term of office may be terminated by written resignation with a (30) day notice submitted to the elders unless other arrangements can be made by mutual agreement of both parties, or by dismissal. Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express that concern to the elders and, if need be, to the congregation. Any such action will be done following the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Timothy 5:17–21. After a thorough corroborating investigation by the elders, (or appointed committee by them) any elder may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any members’ meeting of the church.
When an elder is dismissed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, his dismissal will be accompanied by a public rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20).
A vacancy in the eldership because of death, resignation, dismissal, or any other cause, will be filled only in the manners prescribed in these bylaws. Such vacancies may be filled as they occur.
The eldership, along with the congregation, will first seek to prayerfully disciple and exam aspiring and gifted men within the membership. At any time, the eldership, partnering with the members of this church can recognize those candidates. Should the necessity arise to look outside of the current eldership or body of this church to fill such a need, we will seek the guidance of other like-minded churches or parachurch organizations to find qualified and gifted candidates. The elders will recommend to the congregation the remuneration of elders as needed.
Section 5. Accountability
Collectively, the elders are accountable to the church members. Individually, they are accountable to one another.
Section 6. Meetings & Voting
The elders should meet as often as deemed necessary to carry-out proper oversight. In addition, they should also meet for dedicated times of prayer and learning.
In voting, when unanimity is not required, the elders should still prayerfully seek it, but may make decisions based on consensus. Once a decision is made, each elder should positively affirm and submit to the decision that has been reached, being an example to the flock in protecting unity and speaking well of the other elders.
If unanimously agreed upon in advance, some voting issues may be done through e-mail or in absentia, so long as it is documented in the official minutes.
Section 7. Compensation, Rest and Sabbaticals, Professional Development, and Reviews
There is no qualitative or functional difference between elders who are remunerated (vocational) and those who are not. Both are equally recognized to serve the church body in the manner set-forth by Scripture. Elders are remunerated (fully or partially) according to the scope of responsibilities determined and agreed upon within the eldership.
7.1 Compensation
The compensation of any elder will be based on qualification, experience, job performance,longevity, and determined by the elders. Professional ministry resources for determining fair compensation including salary and benefits, should be consulted.
7.2 Rest and Sabbaticals
Vacation, days off, personal time, sick leave, sabbaticals, study breaks, or a leave of absence will be determined by the elders after discussing those needs with him and granted accordingly.
A fully or partially compensated elder who has served two consecutive three-year periods, will receive a reasonable time away from his daily responsibilities which may be for a period of up to one year. It is intended that this sabbatical serve as a purposeful rest during which time, he may receive respite and recuperation. Activities may include, but are not limited to: furthering his education, writing, or being involved with a special ministry or missions project.
Following an adequate sabbatical break, the elders will assess the elder and may reinstate him to his former work. The reinstatement will begin a three-year term.
The terms of remuneration during a sabbatical will be considered by the elders and presented to the congregation for approval at a regularly called meeting. Pulpit supply will be determined by the elders during that sabbatical year.
7.3 Professional Development
A fully or partially compensated elder is encouraged to further his education and improve his overall skills and leadership. Such opportunities may not count against Section 7.2. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to: advanced degrees, conferences, workshops, et.al. Expenses may be covered under the general budget or a designated account.
7.4 Performance Reviews
Annually, the elders, or the person whom they may appoint, will review all compensated elders.
Section 8. Weddings
Elders may perform weddings for church members only. Exceptions are limited to their extended family or personal friends and may be done with approval by the other elders.
ARTICLE D – DEACONS
Section 1. Overview
The qualifications for the office of Deacon/Deaconess are established in 1Timothy 3:8-13. Specifically, a Deacon/Deaconess is chosen when he or she is recognized for their high spiritual character, proven service, and demonstration of walking in the Spirit and wisdom. The office of Deacon/Deaconess will only be filled by those who are: biblically qualified, either naturally-born males or naturally-born females, and members of the church as set forth in the bylaws under Article A.
Section 2. Responsibilities
The duties of the Diaconate are specifically appointed to free the elders to pursue the ministry of the Word of God and prayer. The nature of their function is serving rather than authority. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Ministering to widows and problem solving Organizing and administering various ways for serving Maintaining church-owned facilities and property Distributing benevolence to those in need from an established benevolence fund Managing the church budget and finances
Section 3. Organization & Affirmation
The Diaconate shall organize itself however it determines to be best in order to achieve the mission of the church under the oversight of the elders. Members of the Diaconate are equal in their position but may be specialized in function in order to carry-out proper service.
The Diaconate shall consist of members serving three-year terms. After serving three-years, an evaluation shall be conducted by the elders. In light of that evaluation, a period of purposeful rest should be granted, which length shall be determined by the elders on a case-by-case basis. When the period of purposeful rest is complete, the individual Deacon/Deaconess may be reaffirmed by the congregation to serve another three-years following the procedures set forth in these bylaws.
Nominees for the Diaconate will be evaluated by the current elders to determine that biblical qualifications are met. Recommendations may be submitted by church members to the elders for their consideration.
The affirmation of Deacons/Deaconesses may be held at any members’ meeting of the church. Nominees for the office of Deacon/Deaconess should be made known at least four weeks prior to any called member’s meeting. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified, should express this concern to the elders within 21 days after official nomination.
Section 4. Resignation & Dismissal
A Deacon’s/Deaconess’ term of office may be terminated by written resignation with a (30) day notice submitted to the elders unless other arrangements can be made by mutual agreement of both parties, or by dismissal. After a thorough corroborating investigation by the current elders, (or appointed committee by them) any Deacon/Deaconess may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any members’ meeting of the church.
A vacancy in the Diaconate because of death, resignation, dismissal or any other cause, will be filled only in the manners prescribed in these bylaws. Such vacancies may be filled as they occur.
Section 5. Accountability
Collectively, The Diaconate is directly accountable to the elders and church members. Individually, they are accountable to one another.
Section 6. Meetings & Voting
The Diaconate should meet as often as deemed necessary to carry-out and organize proper service to and for the church body. In addition, they should also meet for dedicated times of prayer and learning.
In voting, the Deacons/Deaconesses should prayerfully seek and make decisions based on consensus. Once a decision is made, each Deacon/Deaconess should positively affirm and submit to the decision that has been reached, being an example to the flock in protecting unity and speaking well of the other Deacons/Deaconesses.
If unanimously agreed upon in advance, some voting issues may be done through email or in absentia, so long as it is documented in the official minutes.
ARTICLE E – MEETINGS
Section 1. Worship
Corporate worship will be scheduled for each Sunday. Other meetings will be scheduled as agreed upon for purposes consistent with the overall vision, mission, and values of the church.
Section 2. Member Meetings
Purpose: The purpose of member meetings is to affirm prospective church members, elders, deacons, financial, legal, or property issues that require or are deemed worthy of congregational attention by the elders. Such affirmations shall be done through voting.
There will be an annual business meeting held. Other business meetings may be scheduled by the elders as needed.
Notification of Meetings: All member or business meetings require a two-week notification when an affirmation by vote is required unless providentially inhibited.
Voting: All questions shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present and voting unless otherwise specified within the bylaws.
Section 3. Facility Use & Property
The church will use its facility and its property in a manner that meets the standards named in this church’s constitution and bylaws. Furthermore, Redeemer Fellowship affirms that all marriage ceremonies performed in the name of this church and any related celebrations or activities allowed in its facilities, shall be for unions that meet the standards prescribed by Scripture, under the direction of these bylaws and the policies and procedures as set forth by the elders.
ARTICLE F – AMENDMENTS
The bylaws set forth the general administrative practices of the church. These bylaws may be amended by three-fourths vote of the members present and voting at a called member or business meeting as specified in the bylaws.
