Article VIII Board of Elders and Deacons

Elders must be male Members in full communion with the Church who live in keeping with the qualifications outlined in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9) and who have been Members for at least one year. All ordained men on the Pastoral staff serve as Elders from their date of appointment.
Each Elder serves a four-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms an Elder may serve if there is no replacement. If there is a replacement, then they shall only serve one four year term, and must have a term of four years in between each term of service.
The Governing Board shall have the general oversight of the life and work of the Church including, but not limited to, the worship, preaching, ordinances, evangelism, visitation, discipline, finances, maintenance of the properties, and business affairs of the Church.
Each Elder shall annually declare in writing his agreement with The Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs for Living and his willingness to follow the Principles of Order (“The Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs for Living”). Each Elder must also file a Conflict-of-Interest statement annually.
Two-thirds (2/3) of the Elders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Elders. Each Elder shall be entitled to one (1) vote and the vote of the majority of the elders present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Elders. Being “present at the meeting” can mean in person or participation by phone or video connection. If there is no quorum, then the Pastor shall have the ability to make the decisions necessary for the operation of the church.
If an Elder is absent from three (3) consecutive meetings unless excused, his office shall become vacant for the remainder of the term. The minutes will note any excused absences.
Any Elder may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Governing Board or to the Pastor. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Elders shall remain open until the annual meeting of the Congregation.
The Governing Board shall annually select a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.
1. The Chairman shall preside over the monthly elder meetings per The Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs for Living and the Church’s By-laws and The Church’s Policy Manual. He shall publish an agenda and encourage discussion and decisions regarding the life and work of the Church for which the Governing Board has general oversight.
2. The Vice-Chairman shall preside over the monthly elder meetings in the Chairman’s absence and he will perform any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chairman and\or the Board of Elders.
3. The Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes of each meeting as well as all congregational meetings. (In his absence, the Chairman will designate another Elder as Acting Secretary for that meeting.) The Secretary shall preside over the monthly elder meetings in the Chairman’s and the Vice-Chairman’s absence and he will perform any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chairman and\or the Board of Elders.
4. The Treasurer shall have responsibility for the financial activity of the Church as well as the bookkeeping (including, but not limited to, recording receipts, reconciling bank accounts, paying invoices, payroll, and budget preparation). He shall report on the financial position of the Church at each meeting of the Board of Elders. No member of the Pastoral staff may be selected as Treasurer.
5. The Governing Board may, at its discretion and from time to time, select an Assistant Treasurer to assist the Treasurer in his duties. An Assistant Treasurer need not be an Elder but must be a Voting Member. The Assistant Treasurer shall perform any responsibilities assigned to him by the Treasurer and\or the Board of Elders. No member of the Pastoral staff may be selected as Assistant Treasurer.
Deacons shall be appointed as the need arises based on the growth of the Church. Deacons may be male or female Members in full communion with the Church who live in keeping with the qualifications outlined in Scripture (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13) and who have been Members for at least one year.
Each Deacon serves a three-year term except for new Deacons who serve for an initial one-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms a Deacon may serve.
The Board of Deacons shall have the general responsibility of sympathetic and benevolent service to Members as well as the surrounding community, showing the mercy and concern of the Church for the material and physical needs of others.
1. The Board of Deacons shall serve under the direction of the Governing Board and shall report monthly to them on their actions and activities.
2. The Governing Board shall have the authority to delegate to the Board of Deacons additional specific responsibilities to assist in carrying out the work and ministry of the Church.
Two-thirds (2/3) of the Deacons shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Deacons. Each Deacon shall be entitled to one (1) vote and the vote of the majority of the Deacons present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Deacons. Being “present at the meeting” can mean in person or participation by phone or video connection. If there is no quorum, then the Pastor shall have the ability to make the decisions necessary for the operation of the church.
Any Deacon may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Board of Deacons or to the Pastor. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Deacons shall remain open until the annual meeting of the Congregation.
The Board of Deacons shall annually elect a Chairman, Assistant Chairman, Worship and Service Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary.
1. The Chairman shall preside over the monthly Deacon meetings per The Statement of Doctrines and Beliefs for Living and the Church’s By-laws. The Chairman shall publish an agenda and encourage discussion and decisions regarding the responsibilities for which the Board of Deacons has oversight.
2. The Assistant Chairman shall preside over the monthly Deacon meetings in the Chairman’s absence and he will perform any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chairman and\or the Board of Deacons.
3. The Worship and Service Chairman oversees preparations for the weekly Sunday worship service and any additional preparation for services that include the ordinances of Communion and\or Baptism.
4. The Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes of each monthly meeting as well as financial records for any funds controlled by the Board of Deacons.
5. The Assistant Secretary fulfills the duties of the Secretary in his\her absence.
Bishops are to be appointed by the sole discretion Pastor
1. Bishops are held to the same rules as stated for Elders and Deacons.