Bylaws

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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

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 andbusiness 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 andbusiness 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

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

ARTICLE C – ELDERS

Section 1. Overview

The qualifications for the office of elder are established in1Timothy 3:1-7 andTitus 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

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 inMatthew 18:15–17 andI 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.

7.1Compensation

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.

7.2Rest 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.

7.3Professional 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.

7.4Performance 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 in1Timothy 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:

1. Ministering to widows and problem solving
2. Organizing and administering various ways for serving
3. Maintaining church-owned facilities and property
4. Distributing benevolence to those in need from an established benevolence fund
5. 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

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

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.