Constitution and Bylaws
Evangelical Covenant Church
Pomeroy, Iowa
____________________________________
(An historical statement from the Preamble of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Covenant Church as adopted by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2002.)
The Evangelical Covenant Church is a communion of congregations gathered by God, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey the great commandment and the great commission. It affirms its companionship in faith with other church bodies and all those who fear God and keep God’s commandments.
The Evangelical Covenant Church adheres to the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation regarding the Bible. It confesses that the Holy Scripture, the Old and the New Testament, is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. It affirms the historic confessions of the Christian Church, while emphasizing the sovereignty of the Word of God over all creedal interpretations.
In continuity with the renewal movements of historic Pietism, the Evangelical Covenant Church especially cherishes the dual emphasis on new birth and new life in Christ, believing that personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the foundation for our mission of evangelism and Christian nurture. Our common experience of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ continues to sustain the Evangelical Covenant Church as an interdependent body of believers that recognizes but transcends our theological differences.
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates two divinely ordained sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Recognizing the reality of freedom in Christ, and in conscious dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit, we practice both the baptism of infants and believer baptism. The Evangelical Covenant Church embraces this freedom in Christ as a gift that preserves personal conviction, yet guards against an individualism that disregards the centrality of the Word of God and the mutual responsibilities and disciplines of the spiritual community.
The Evangelical Covenant Church has its roots in historical Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, the biblical instruction of the Lutheran Church of Sweden, and the great spiritual awakenings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These influences, together with more recent North American renewal movements, continue to shape its development and distinctive spirit. The Evangelical Covenant Church is committed to reaching across boundaries of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and status in the cultivation of communities of life and service.
This document, that is in harmony with the above preamble, is the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Pomeroy,
Article I: Name
The name of this church shall be the Evangelical Covenant Church of Pomeroy, Iowa.
Article II: Affiliation
This church is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and its regional conference and is pledged to work in harmony with the denomination and its decisions and to support its programs, policies, and institutions.
Article III: Confession of Faith
This church confesses that the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testament, is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.
Article IV: Purpose
The purpose of this church is to unite Christians in fellowship for spiritual development, for the winning of persons to Christ, and for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian education, home, and world missions, and the institutions conducted by The Evangelical Covenant Church and its local regional conferences. In order to achieve, this church, in the unity of the spirit, shall use the gifts that God has given it and the means of grace which God has placed at its disposal: the Word of God, baptism, and Holy Communion.
Article V: Membership
Membership in this church is affirmed on application to those who through faith in God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, have been born anew to a living hope, have been baptized according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to live a Christian life, and promise to support the total ministry of this church and to share its fellowship and obligations.
Article VI: Governance
The general administration of the church shall be vested in a body known as the Executive Council, which shall consist of the pastor, the chair, the vice-chair, the secretary, and the treasurer. All members of the Executive Council shall be members of the church.
Article VII: Business Meetings
Regular business meetings shall be held at stated intervals; one annual meetings and at least two business meetings during each year. At the annual meeting, written reports shall be submitted by the pastor(s), the church chair, and the chair of each ministry team. Audited financial reports shall also be submitted. Church officers shall be elected by secret ballot. All members of the congregation shall be eligible to vote.
Article VIII: Property
In the event of schism within the church, from which we earnestly pray God to spare us, the title of all church property, real or personal, shall remain with the group, which abides by this constitution. In the event of dissolutions, the property and all assets of the church shall become and be the property of The Evangelical Covenant Church and the regional conference.
Article IX: Amendments
Amendments in harmony with this constitution and not in conflict with Covenant principles and policies may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting in an annual meeting of the church, providing the proposed amendment was presented in written form at the preceding annual meeting.
BYLAWS
______________________________________
Article I: Membership
Section 1. Admission into membership.
a. Application for membership.
Following a period of instruction, application for membership shall be placed with the pastor or a member of the Executive Council. Upon recommendation of the Executive Council to a church business meeting, membership shall be granted in accordance with Article V of the Constitution.
b. Transfer of membership
Transfers from other Christian churches shall submit letters of transfer, when available, to the Pastor and/or the Executive Council, who shall act upon the request according to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
c. Reception of new members.
Persons who are affirmed into membership of this church shall be received into membership during a regular worship service, making public confession of their Christian faith, as outlined in The Covenant Book of Worship.
Section 2. Responsibilities of membership.
Every member shall assume the responsibilities and obligations placed on him or her by the Word of God and the church. He or she shall through witness by life and word, consecrated service, prayer, and financial support further the cause of Christ in the local church and the denomination.
Section 3. Discipline of members.
Members who willfully neglect their duties to the church or who err in doctrine or conduct shall be admonished by the Executive Council. Personal grievances shall be settled according to the procedure stated in Matthew 18:15-18. Discipline shall be administered in the Spirit of Christ with due regard for the welfare of the individual as well as the church. Exclusion of membership shall be acted upon by the congregation, which alone has that authority.
Section 4. Transfer of members.
Members moving to another community should identify themselves as soon as possible with a local Christian fellowship and make request for a letter of transfer from the Pastor or the church where they had held membership.
Section 5. Removal of membership.
Request for withdrawal from membership in the church shall be made in writing to the Pastor or the Executive Council. The Executive Council shall present recommendations for withdrawal of membership to the annual meeting of the church.
Article II: The Pastor
Section 1. Qualifications.
The Pastor of the church shall meet the New Testament requirements of his office and shall be a member in good standing in the Covenant Ministrerium. He or she shall, by virtue of his or her call, be a member of the church.
Section 2. Duties
The Pastor shall be devoted to the service of the church, preaching and teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and faithfully giving himself or herself to pastoral work. He or she shall provide the church with an accurate record of his or her pastoral acts and present a written report to the church annual business meeting. He or she shall practice good administrative procedures and cooperate with the Executive Council.
Section 3. Cooperation.
The Pastor shall, both in word and precept, work in harmony with the Covenant, the regional conference, and his or her fellow ministers.
Section 4. Call.
The Pastor shall be called at a regular or special church business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced two Sundays in advance. He or she shall be chosen by closed ballot with a two-thirds vote required for a call. The call shall be for an indefinite period of time with a minimum of six weeks required by the church of the Pastor for termination of his or her pastoral service.
Section 5. Charges against the Pastor.
Charges against the Pastor shall be submitted in writing and shall not be considered unless supported by the testimony of three witnesses. If in the judgment of the church he or she errs in doctrine of conduct, the case shall be referred to the Committee on Ministerial Standing of the local regional conference prior to further action by the church.
Article III: Officers
Section 1. Chair.
The chair shall preside at all business meetings of the church and of the Executive Council. He/she shall confer with the pastor in preparing the agenda for such meetings, and shall utilize the counsel that the pastor can give by virtue of his/her training, experience, and calling.
Section 2. Vice-chair.
The vice-chair shall assume the duties of the chair in his/her absence. He/she shall preside over meetings of the Ministry Council, and shall have primary responsibility for the development and effectiveness of that entity. The vice-chair will serve on the Executive Council.
Section 3. Secretary.
The secretary shall keep and preserve minutes of all business meetings and meetings of the Executive Council. He/she shall conduct and preserve all official correspondence as shall be delegated to him/her. He/she shall be responsible for the official documents of the church. The secretary shall serve on the Executive Council.
Section 4. Treasurer.
The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds committed to him/her and shall make disbursements as authorized by the church and its ministry teams. He/she also present a written report of the receipts and expenditures to each regular business meeting of the church. The treasurer shall serve on the Executive Council and shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Ministry Team.
Article IV: Governance
Section 1. The Executive Council.
Responsibility for the general administration of the church shall be vested in the Executive Council. It shall be comprised of the four elected church officers and the lead pastor.
a. Tenure
The term of office for each elected position shall be two (2) years. Candidates shall be eligible to serve two (2) consecutive terms of office, followed by at least one (1) year of ineligibility for that particular office.
b. Qualifications
Candidates for elected positions shall be members of the church and shall meet the accepted New Testament qualifications for church leadership as described in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.
c. Duties
The Executive Council, in cooperation with the lead pastor, shall meet as often as necessary to fulfill the functions defined by the constitution and bylaws, including, but not limited to the following areas:
Section 2. The Ministry Council.
Coordination and encouragement of the efforts of the ministry team shall be the responsibility of the Ministry Council. As a coordinating body, decisions made and conclusions reached by the Ministry Council shall not be binding upon the congregation, the Executive Council, or the ministry teams.
a. Composition.
The Ministry Council shall be comprised of he elected leaders of the ministry teams.
b. Meetings.
The Ministry Council shall meet at least four (4) times per calendar year. The Ministry Council shall be chaired by the vice-chair of the congregation. A secretary shall be appointed from within the group and shall prepare minutes for distribution to the church.
c. Function.
The Ministry Council shall:
Section 3. Ministry Teams.
Implementation of policies, procedures, and ministries consistent with the mission statement and vision of the congregation shall be accomplished by ministry teams, accountable to the Executive Council and the congregation.
c. Composition.
Ministry teams shall be comprised of volunteers from among the members and friends of the congregation. The term of office will be from January through December, with no maximum number of consecutive terms. Members of the ministry teams may serve on more than one ministry team at a time. All members and friends are encouraged to serve on a ministry team.
d. Ministry teams may be created or dissolved by the recommendation of the Executive Council and affirmation by those present at a business meeting of the church.
Article V: Committees
Section 1. Pastoral Relations Committee.
The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) shall consist of the church chair, two members of the Ministry Council, and two at-large members elected by the congregation. Its purpose is to encourage a healthy relationship between the congregation and its pastor(s) and to support the pastor(s) by providing a sounding board and a place of accountability. The PRC shall also be responsible for an annual performance review of the pastor(s) and for annually recommending pastoral compensation figures for the congregational budget. The term of office shall be two years, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
Section 2. Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee shall consist of a member of the Executive Council, two members of the Ministry Council, and two at-large elected members of the congregation. Each member will serve one (1) nominating term, with no limit on consecutive terms. The Nominating committee shall be charged with presenting a ballot for consideration by the congregation for its annual meeting. Every effort will be made to secure two (2) candidates for each Executive Council position and one (1) candidate for each ministry team leader position.
Section 3. Ed Dahl Distribution Committee
Each year, a committee shall be established to distribute the proceeds from the Ed Dahl farm on behalf of the congregation. The committee shall consist of one member from each of the following groups; the Executive Council, the Finance Ministry Team, the Missions and Benevolence Ministry Team; and one at-large member elected at the annual meeting.
Section 4. Special Committees.
Special committees for specific purposes may be appointed by the Executive Council or by any duly constituted business meeting of the congregation according to need.
Article VI: Meetings
Section 1. Public Services.
Public services shall be conducted regularly on Sundays and weekdays for worship, the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, and prayer.
Section 2. Conducting Sacraments.
The sacrament of Holy Communion shall be conducted bi-monthly or as determined by vote of the church. The sacrament of baptism shall be conducted in keeping with Covenant principles and according to the needs of the constituency.
Section 3. Business Meetings.
Church business meetings shall be held regularly as stipulated in Article VII of this constitution. All business meetings shall be announced for two Sundays prior to the meeting. Special business meetings may be called by the Executive Council of the church.
Article VII: General Provisions
Section 1. Quorum.
Ten per cent, and not less than ten members of the membership, attending a business meeting properly called shall constitute a quorum. The quorum for Executive Council meetings shall be at least 60% of its members.
Section 2. Rules of Order.
All business meetings of the church shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order.
Article VIII: Amendments
Amendments to these bylaws not in conflict with the constitution may be adopted at any regular business meeting or at a special business meeting called for that purpose by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting providing that such amendments have been presented in writing to the Executive Council and at a preceding regular business meeting.
(Adopted at the Annual Meeting January 2003)
The Task Force on Restructuring (1998-2000) The Executive Council 2002
Glen Hanson Hoop Johnson Dave Welander, Chair
Deanne Archer Doris Erickson Joel Rude, Vice-Chair
Forest Lay Garry Hintz Linda Christoffers, secretary
Dave Welander Joel Rude Garry Hintz, Treasurer
Rev. Dave Benedict Rev. Dave Benedict, Pastor
*Constitution updated June 3, 2012 Congregational Meeting. Changes made to Fellowship and Hospitality Team.
*Constitution updated November 10, 2013 Congregational Meeting. Changes made to Ministry Team Mission Statements.
*Constitution updated April 10, 2016 Congregational Meeting. Changes made to the Preamble and Article III: Confession of Faith.
Iowa.
Evangelical Covenant Church
Pomeroy, Iowa
____________________________________
(An historical statement from the Preamble of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Covenant Church as adopted by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2002.)
The Evangelical Covenant Church is a communion of congregations gathered by God, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey the great commandment and the great commission. It affirms its companionship in faith with other church bodies and all those who fear God and keep God’s commandments.
The Evangelical Covenant Church adheres to the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation regarding the Bible. It confesses that the Holy Scripture, the Old and the New Testament, is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. It affirms the historic confessions of the Christian Church, while emphasizing the sovereignty of the Word of God over all creedal interpretations.
In continuity with the renewal movements of historic Pietism, the Evangelical Covenant Church especially cherishes the dual emphasis on new birth and new life in Christ, believing that personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the foundation for our mission of evangelism and Christian nurture. Our common experience of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ continues to sustain the Evangelical Covenant Church as an interdependent body of believers that recognizes but transcends our theological differences.
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates two divinely ordained sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Recognizing the reality of freedom in Christ, and in conscious dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit, we practice both the baptism of infants and believer baptism. The Evangelical Covenant Church embraces this freedom in Christ as a gift that preserves personal conviction, yet guards against an individualism that disregards the centrality of the Word of God and the mutual responsibilities and disciplines of the spiritual community.
The Evangelical Covenant Church has its roots in historical Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, the biblical instruction of the Lutheran Church of Sweden, and the great spiritual awakenings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These influences, together with more recent North American renewal movements, continue to shape its development and distinctive spirit. The Evangelical Covenant Church is committed to reaching across boundaries of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and status in the cultivation of communities of life and service.
This document, that is in harmony with the above preamble, is the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Pomeroy,
Article I: Name
The name of this church shall be the Evangelical Covenant Church of Pomeroy, Iowa.
Article II: Affiliation
This church is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and its regional conference and is pledged to work in harmony with the denomination and its decisions and to support its programs, policies, and institutions.
Article III: Confession of Faith
This church confesses that the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testament, is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.
Article IV: Purpose
The purpose of this church is to unite Christians in fellowship for spiritual development, for the winning of persons to Christ, and for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian education, home, and world missions, and the institutions conducted by The Evangelical Covenant Church and its local regional conferences. In order to achieve, this church, in the unity of the spirit, shall use the gifts that God has given it and the means of grace which God has placed at its disposal: the Word of God, baptism, and Holy Communion.
Article V: Membership
Membership in this church is affirmed on application to those who through faith in God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, have been born anew to a living hope, have been baptized according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to live a Christian life, and promise to support the total ministry of this church and to share its fellowship and obligations.
Article VI: Governance
The general administration of the church shall be vested in a body known as the Executive Council, which shall consist of the pastor, the chair, the vice-chair, the secretary, and the treasurer. All members of the Executive Council shall be members of the church.
Article VII: Business Meetings
Regular business meetings shall be held at stated intervals; one annual meetings and at least two business meetings during each year. At the annual meeting, written reports shall be submitted by the pastor(s), the church chair, and the chair of each ministry team. Audited financial reports shall also be submitted. Church officers shall be elected by secret ballot. All members of the congregation shall be eligible to vote.
Article VIII: Property
In the event of schism within the church, from which we earnestly pray God to spare us, the title of all church property, real or personal, shall remain with the group, which abides by this constitution. In the event of dissolutions, the property and all assets of the church shall become and be the property of The Evangelical Covenant Church and the regional conference.
Article IX: Amendments
Amendments in harmony with this constitution and not in conflict with Covenant principles and policies may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting in an annual meeting of the church, providing the proposed amendment was presented in written form at the preceding annual meeting.
BYLAWS
______________________________________
Article I: Membership
Section 1. Admission into membership.
a. Application for membership.
Following a period of instruction, application for membership shall be placed with the pastor or a member of the Executive Council. Upon recommendation of the Executive Council to a church business meeting, membership shall be granted in accordance with Article V of the Constitution.
b. Transfer of membership
Transfers from other Christian churches shall submit letters of transfer, when available, to the Pastor and/or the Executive Council, who shall act upon the request according to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
c. Reception of new members.
Persons who are affirmed into membership of this church shall be received into membership during a regular worship service, making public confession of their Christian faith, as outlined in The Covenant Book of Worship.
Section 2. Responsibilities of membership.
Every member shall assume the responsibilities and obligations placed on him or her by the Word of God and the church. He or she shall through witness by life and word, consecrated service, prayer, and financial support further the cause of Christ in the local church and the denomination.
Section 3. Discipline of members.
Members who willfully neglect their duties to the church or who err in doctrine or conduct shall be admonished by the Executive Council. Personal grievances shall be settled according to the procedure stated in Matthew 18:15-18. Discipline shall be administered in the Spirit of Christ with due regard for the welfare of the individual as well as the church. Exclusion of membership shall be acted upon by the congregation, which alone has that authority.
Section 4. Transfer of members.
Members moving to another community should identify themselves as soon as possible with a local Christian fellowship and make request for a letter of transfer from the Pastor or the church where they had held membership.
Section 5. Removal of membership.
Request for withdrawal from membership in the church shall be made in writing to the Pastor or the Executive Council. The Executive Council shall present recommendations for withdrawal of membership to the annual meeting of the church.
Article II: The Pastor
Section 1. Qualifications.
The Pastor of the church shall meet the New Testament requirements of his office and shall be a member in good standing in the Covenant Ministrerium. He or she shall, by virtue of his or her call, be a member of the church.
Section 2. Duties
The Pastor shall be devoted to the service of the church, preaching and teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and faithfully giving himself or herself to pastoral work. He or she shall provide the church with an accurate record of his or her pastoral acts and present a written report to the church annual business meeting. He or she shall practice good administrative procedures and cooperate with the Executive Council.
Section 3. Cooperation.
The Pastor shall, both in word and precept, work in harmony with the Covenant, the regional conference, and his or her fellow ministers.
Section 4. Call.
The Pastor shall be called at a regular or special church business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced two Sundays in advance. He or she shall be chosen by closed ballot with a two-thirds vote required for a call. The call shall be for an indefinite period of time with a minimum of six weeks required by the church of the Pastor for termination of his or her pastoral service.
Section 5. Charges against the Pastor.
Charges against the Pastor shall be submitted in writing and shall not be considered unless supported by the testimony of three witnesses. If in the judgment of the church he or she errs in doctrine of conduct, the case shall be referred to the Committee on Ministerial Standing of the local regional conference prior to further action by the church.
Article III: Officers
Section 1. Chair.
The chair shall preside at all business meetings of the church and of the Executive Council. He/she shall confer with the pastor in preparing the agenda for such meetings, and shall utilize the counsel that the pastor can give by virtue of his/her training, experience, and calling.
Section 2. Vice-chair.
The vice-chair shall assume the duties of the chair in his/her absence. He/she shall preside over meetings of the Ministry Council, and shall have primary responsibility for the development and effectiveness of that entity. The vice-chair will serve on the Executive Council.
Section 3. Secretary.
The secretary shall keep and preserve minutes of all business meetings and meetings of the Executive Council. He/she shall conduct and preserve all official correspondence as shall be delegated to him/her. He/she shall be responsible for the official documents of the church. The secretary shall serve on the Executive Council.
Section 4. Treasurer.
The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds committed to him/her and shall make disbursements as authorized by the church and its ministry teams. He/she also present a written report of the receipts and expenditures to each regular business meeting of the church. The treasurer shall serve on the Executive Council and shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Ministry Team.
Article IV: Governance
Section 1. The Executive Council.
Responsibility for the general administration of the church shall be vested in the Executive Council. It shall be comprised of the four elected church officers and the lead pastor.
a. Tenure
The term of office for each elected position shall be two (2) years. Candidates shall be eligible to serve two (2) consecutive terms of office, followed by at least one (1) year of ineligibility for that particular office.
b. Qualifications
Candidates for elected positions shall be members of the church and shall meet the accepted New Testament qualifications for church leadership as described in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.
c. Duties
The Executive Council, in cooperation with the lead pastor, shall meet as often as necessary to fulfill the functions defined by the constitution and bylaws, including, but not limited to the following areas:
- Strategic planning and goal setting
- Policy development and review
- Vision building and communication
- Conflict resolution and Church discipline
- The spiritual health of the congregation
- The effective administration of church business
Section 2. The Ministry Council.
Coordination and encouragement of the efforts of the ministry team shall be the responsibility of the Ministry Council. As a coordinating body, decisions made and conclusions reached by the Ministry Council shall not be binding upon the congregation, the Executive Council, or the ministry teams.
a. Composition.
The Ministry Council shall be comprised of he elected leaders of the ministry teams.
b. Meetings.
The Ministry Council shall meet at least four (4) times per calendar year. The Ministry Council shall be chaired by the vice-chair of the congregation. A secretary shall be appointed from within the group and shall prepare minutes for distribution to the church.
c. Function.
The Ministry Council shall:
- 1) Coordinate the activities and resources of the ministry teams.
- 2) Facilitate the effective operation of the ministry teams through activities including, but not limited to, sharing reports and information, communicating concerns, serving as a sounding board for ministry issues, leadership development, and ministry skill-building.
- 3) Interact with the Executive Council through the Vice-chair and other Executive Council members present at its meetings.
Section 3. Ministry Teams.
Implementation of policies, procedures, and ministries consistent with the mission statement and vision of the congregation shall be accomplished by ministry teams, accountable to the Executive Council and the congregation.
- a. Ministry teams will be directed by a ministry team leader, elected by the congregation and subject to the same term limits as Executive Council members. The ministry team leaders shall also serve on the Ministry Council.
- b. Ministry teams may include, but not be limited to, the following teams, whose ministries are illustrated by the material in parentheses:
- 1) The mission of the Children and Youth Ministry Team is to provide Biblically-based
ministries so the children and youth of our church and community may experience the
love of God and of His people and be challenged to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.- 2) Adult Ministry Team exists to encourage spiritual growth that is life changing in the adult members of the congregation through Sunday School classes, small group studies, and an environment that cultivates a deeper relationship with Christ and one another.
- 3) The purpose of the Worship and Music Ministry Team is to create authentic worship times that reflect the need of all, so we can together glorify God and grow in His grace.
- 4) Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry Team exists to encourage interacting with one another by planning special events, making the interior of our church pleasing, keeping the kitchen stocked, and finding meals and housing for guests as Christ would have us do.
- 5) The purpose of the Finance Ministry Team is to participate in a number of financial activities in support of Christ’s works. This includes collecting and depositing funds, planned giving, memorial allocations, trust fund, and budgeting an annual auditing.
- 6) The Outreach and Inclusion Ministry Team is committed to help equip our congregation for outreach ministry and to foster and implement ways to become a genuinely inviting and inclusive church.
- 7) The Missions and Benevolence Ministry Team exists to reach out and help others here and around the world to know Christ by creating and increasing awareness within our congregation for our supported mission families, for funding mission projects, and for short-term mission opportunities both here and abroad.
- 8) The mission of the Properties Ministry Team is to present the church, parsonage, and grounds in a way that is pleasing to God and to those who worship here.
- 9) The Women Ministry Team exists to nurture, strengthen, and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus, through various ministries, so that they may effectively serve in their families, church, and communities.
- 10) The purpose of the Technical Ministry Team is to provide worship support by running sound, lights, recordings, and projections. In addition, this team is in charge of Website development and support. The team assists the church to be technologically relevant to the world around us.
c. Composition.
Ministry teams shall be comprised of volunteers from among the members and friends of the congregation. The term of office will be from January through December, with no maximum number of consecutive terms. Members of the ministry teams may serve on more than one ministry team at a time. All members and friends are encouraged to serve on a ministry team.
d. Ministry teams may be created or dissolved by the recommendation of the Executive Council and affirmation by those present at a business meeting of the church.
Article V: Committees
Section 1. Pastoral Relations Committee.
The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) shall consist of the church chair, two members of the Ministry Council, and two at-large members elected by the congregation. Its purpose is to encourage a healthy relationship between the congregation and its pastor(s) and to support the pastor(s) by providing a sounding board and a place of accountability. The PRC shall also be responsible for an annual performance review of the pastor(s) and for annually recommending pastoral compensation figures for the congregational budget. The term of office shall be two years, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
Section 2. Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee shall consist of a member of the Executive Council, two members of the Ministry Council, and two at-large elected members of the congregation. Each member will serve one (1) nominating term, with no limit on consecutive terms. The Nominating committee shall be charged with presenting a ballot for consideration by the congregation for its annual meeting. Every effort will be made to secure two (2) candidates for each Executive Council position and one (1) candidate for each ministry team leader position.
Section 3. Ed Dahl Distribution Committee
Each year, a committee shall be established to distribute the proceeds from the Ed Dahl farm on behalf of the congregation. The committee shall consist of one member from each of the following groups; the Executive Council, the Finance Ministry Team, the Missions and Benevolence Ministry Team; and one at-large member elected at the annual meeting.
Section 4. Special Committees.
Special committees for specific purposes may be appointed by the Executive Council or by any duly constituted business meeting of the congregation according to need.
Article VI: Meetings
Section 1. Public Services.
Public services shall be conducted regularly on Sundays and weekdays for worship, the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, and prayer.
Section 2. Conducting Sacraments.
The sacrament of Holy Communion shall be conducted bi-monthly or as determined by vote of the church. The sacrament of baptism shall be conducted in keeping with Covenant principles and according to the needs of the constituency.
Section 3. Business Meetings.
Church business meetings shall be held regularly as stipulated in Article VII of this constitution. All business meetings shall be announced for two Sundays prior to the meeting. Special business meetings may be called by the Executive Council of the church.
Article VII: General Provisions
Section 1. Quorum.
Ten per cent, and not less than ten members of the membership, attending a business meeting properly called shall constitute a quorum. The quorum for Executive Council meetings shall be at least 60% of its members.
Section 2. Rules of Order.
All business meetings of the church shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order.
Article VIII: Amendments
Amendments to these bylaws not in conflict with the constitution may be adopted at any regular business meeting or at a special business meeting called for that purpose by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting providing that such amendments have been presented in writing to the Executive Council and at a preceding regular business meeting.
(Adopted at the Annual Meeting January 2003)
The Task Force on Restructuring (1998-2000) The Executive Council 2002
Glen Hanson Hoop Johnson Dave Welander, Chair
Deanne Archer Doris Erickson Joel Rude, Vice-Chair
Forest Lay Garry Hintz Linda Christoffers, secretary
Dave Welander Joel Rude Garry Hintz, Treasurer
Rev. Dave Benedict Rev. Dave Benedict, Pastor
*Constitution updated June 3, 2012 Congregational Meeting. Changes made to Fellowship and Hospitality Team.
*Constitution updated November 10, 2013 Congregational Meeting. Changes made to Ministry Team Mission Statements.
*Constitution updated April 10, 2016 Congregational Meeting. Changes made to the Preamble and Article III: Confession of Faith.
Iowa.