FCC's Bylaws

Article I. - Membership

• Membership Report
• Withdrawal & Termination of Membership
• Participation in Church Elections

• Composition
• Qualifications
• Chairs of the Elders & Deacons
• Duties and Responsibilities of the Church Leaders
• Election of Church Leadership

• Christian Education Department
• Evangelism Department
• Fellowship Department
• Membership Department
• Outreach Department
• Special Ministries Department
• Personnel Department
• Property Department
• Finance Department
• Worship Department

Article IV. - The Church Board

• Organization of the Board
• Board Meetings
• Board Vacancies
• Responsibilities of Church Board Officers
• Appointed Church Board Members

Article V. - Minister(s)

• Responsibilities
• Calling of a Minister
• Terms of Calling
• Use of an Interim Minister
• Termination/Resignation of a Minister

Article VI. - Amendments to the Bylaws

• Amendments to the Bylaws

Bylaws of the First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
San Marcos, Texas

Preamble

Article I - Membership

1. Section A - Membership Report

   By January 31 of each year, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the Membership Department will prepare a written membership report listing all members of the congregation. This report will be submitted to and reviewed by the Church Board (the "Board"), with or without modification, at its next regular meeting.

2. Section B - Withdrawal and Termination of Membership

   Any member may withdraw from membership by submitting a written or verbal statement to any member of the Board or Church staff. The member(s)will then be removed from the roll of the Church. Deceased or inactive members will be removed from the Church roll at the discretion of the Membership Department and upon approval of the Board.

3. Section C - Participation in Church Elections

   Voting privileges are granted only to those members who are present at properly called congregational meetings.

Article II - Church Leadership

1. Section A. - Composition

   The leadership of the Church will be comprised of the Elders, Deacons, Trustees and Treasurer.

2. Section B - Qualifications

   Potential Church leaders shall be members of this congregation for at least one year before being considered for nomination. Selection will be made in light of the spirit and teachings of the New Testament. To be chosen as an Elder, Deacon, Trustee or Treasurer is both an honor and a spiritual responsibility.

   Leaders of the Church shall be active in the program of the Church and shall be committed to the following:

   1. Willingness to serve Christ and His Church

   2. Commitment to personal spiritual growth

   3. Regular participation in worship services

   4. Faithful attendance at the Board meetings

   5. Contribute regularly to the financial support of the Church

   6. Promote unity, goodwill, and Christian fellowship within the Church

   7. Conduct personal affairs in a manner deserving of the office and glorifying to God.

3. Section C - Chairs of the Elders and Deacons

   The Elders and Deacons will organize to carry out their assigned duties. Each group will elect a Chair at their first meeting following the Congregational Election. The names of the Chairs of the groups will be communicated and noted in the minutes of the Board at the next regular Board meeting.

4. Section D - Duties and Responsibilities of the Church Leaders
   1. Elders
      1. There will be no less than sixteen (16) Elders of the Church. Elders may serve for an indefinite period time. Elders must be persons of mature faith and spiritual insight. Elders will be primarily responsible for the Spiritual life and development of the congregation.

      2. The role of Elder also includes:
         1. Serving at the Lord's table
         2. Counting the Sunday offering
         3. Prayerfully seeking to give proper spiritual guidance
         4. Leading the Church in making disciples for Christ
         5. Providing spiritual nourishment and protection to all members
         6. Promoting the spiritual teaching of the congregation
         7. Striving to maintain a spirit of unity within the Church
         8. Serving communion to the homebound
         9. Visiting the sick and bereaved
         10. Being faithful in financial stewardship
         11. Actively supporting the Church program by serving in departments and on committees.

   2. Deacons
      1. There will be at least thirty-two (32) Deacons of the Church. Deacons may serve no more than two consecutive three (3) year terms, following which they may not be re-elected for a period of one (1) year. Deacons must be persons of proven faithfulness, dedication, and discipline. Deacons will be responsible primarily for assisting the Elders in promoting the growth and welfare of the Church.

      2. The role of Deacon also includes:
         1. Assisting in the orderly flow of worship by serving as ushers and greeters
         2. Distributing the Lord's Supper and receiving the offering
         3. Assisting the Outreach Department in ministering to the needy
         4. Assisting with the clean-up of the sanctuary following the Sunday morning services
         5. Assisting the Fellowship Department with baptisms and other worship service activities as needed

   3. Trustees
      1. There will be three (3) Trustees. Trustees of the Church may serve no more than two (2) consecutive three (3) year terms, following which they may not be re-elected for a period of one (1) year.

      2. The role of Trustee includes:
         1. Serving as the official representative of the church, interacting with the Board through its Chair
         2. Representing the church and acting on behalf of the church in all legal matters in which the church is a participant
         3. Providing for safe keeping a record of all important church papers, and acting in any matter directed by a majority vote of the Board

      3. The signatures of two Trustees shall constitute the official signature of the church.

   4. Treasurer
      1. The Treasurer must be a person of proven ability, faithfulness and dedication. The Treasurer shall serve no more than six (6) consecutive one (1) year terms, following which they may not be re-elected for a period of one (1) year.

      2. The Treasurer will:
         1. Dispense funds of the Church as authorized by the Board and/or according to the Church budget
         2. Provide monthly written financial reports to the Board and congregation
         3. Prepare the financial records of the Church for the annual audit
         4. Serve in the Finance Department
         5. Oversee the activities of the bookkeeper

   5. Fiduciary Responsibilities
      1. The Treasurer, Bookkeeper, Finance Department, and the Board will have fiduciary responsibility for the Church.

      2. Financial disbursements shall be made as follows:
         1. Check requisitions shall be approved by at least two officers of the Board.
         2. Checks shall be signed by the Treasurer.
         3. In the absence of the Treasurer, checks may be signed by the Chair of the Finance Department or a Trustee.

5. Section E - Election of Church Leadership

   The congregation will elect the Church Leadership at its annual meeting in November. At least two (2) months prior to the election, a Nominating Committee of at least five (5) members will be appointed by the Chair of the Board. Prior to the election, the Nominating Committee will recommend candidates to the Board for approval.

   All candidates for Church Leadership positions will be informed of the duties of their prospective office by the Nominating Committee. Following approval of the nominees by the Board, at the October Board meeting, their names will be placed upon the ballot for the November election. The names on the ballot will be posted on the Church bulletin board at least 2 consecutive Sundays prior to the election.

   All elections will use a secret ballot, designed to allow each candidate to be voted upon separately. The ballots will be counted by the Trustees of the Church and the ballots will be destroyed immediately following counting and documentation of the results. Approval of candidates will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those members present and voting.

   An appropriate installation service for newly elected Church leadership will be arranged for a Sunday worship service in January. In the instance that a newly elected Church leader cannot attend this service, they will be installed in absentia.

Article III - Departments

Departments will be established to develop and administer the various programs of the Church. The Chairs of the various Departments, along with the Chair of the Elders, Chair of the Deacons, and the Minister(s) will work together to staff each department. Membership in each department will be based on qualification for the task and willingness to serve.

Among the tasks of each department is the development of guidelines designed to implement their responsibilities. The Personnel Department and the Finance Department guidelines will be reviewed and approved by the Board. During September each Department will prepare and submit to the Finance Department, their respective budget requests for the coming year.

1. Christian Education Department

   The Christian Education Department is responsible for the development and administration of an effective program of religious education for the entire membership of the Church. The responsibilities include oversight of the children's and youth education, adult education, and the women's and men's ministries. Other responsibilities include overseeing the Church nursery program.

2. Evangelism Department

   The Evangelism Department is responsible for encouraging members of the congregation to win others to Christ and lead them into fellowship with the Church. To accomplish this task they will create and supervise evangelistic programs designed to involve the entire congregation.

3. Fellowship Department

   The Fellowship Department is responsible for promoting fellowship among the Church members. Other responsibilities include organizing and sponsoring fellowship dinners, maintaining the kitchen, and promoting recreational activities for the congregation.

4. Membership Department

   The Membership Department is responsible for stimulating and maintaining the congregation's interest in all the affairs of the Church. Other responsibilities include promoting attendance of the membership at all Church activities; developing and implementing programs for nurturing new members; and helping members find a meaningful place in the life and service of the congregation.

5. Outreach Department

   The Outreach Department is responsible for planning and promoting a program of missionary education throughout the Church, caring for local and general benevolent needs, and sponsoring social action projects.

6. Special Ministries Department

   The Special Ministry Program is responsible for coordinating the various "event" related ministries of the church including but not limited to: Stations of the Cross, Energizers, Bereavement & Loss Ministry, Wednesday night diners, recreation (volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball), Quilt Ministry, Ministry on Wheels, and Fall Festival.

7. Personnel Department

   The Personnel Department will provide for consistency in personnel administration and for a healthy working environment for all church staff and church volunteers, through oversight and assessment of the church's personnel policies, practices and staff/parish relations. The Personnel Department will make salary and wage recommendations to the Finance Department for all staff positions as needed. The Chair of the Personnel Department will be appointed by the Chair of the Board.

8. Property Department

   The Property Department is responsible for maintaining the real property and equipment of the Church. Other responsibilities include supervision of all repairs and improvements, oversight of custodial services, and provision for security of Church property.

9. Finance Department

   The Finance Department is responsible for managing the finances of the Church. Other responsibilities include stimulating the congregation's interest in the practice of Christian financial stewardship; supervising the preparation and presentation of the Church budget; maintaining accurate Church financial records; overseeing the annual audit of Church financial records. The Chair of the Finance Department will be appointed by the Chair of the Board.

10. Worship Department

    The Worship Department is responsible for ensuring that all facets of worship flow harmoniously. Other responsibilities include planning for special services, and arrangement and decoration of the worship area.

Article IV - The Church Board

1. Section A - Organization of the Board

   The newly elected Elders and Deacons, whose terms begin in January, will meet with the current Board members at the December meeting of the Church Board. At this time the members of the current Board who will continue membership into the next year will join with the newly elected members to elect officers of the Board for the coming year. The new Board will elect a Chair, a Vice Chair, and a Secretary. Persons serving as Chair or Vice Chair may serve only two (2) consecutive years in the same position. Board Elders and Deacons may serve no more than two consecutive three (3) year terms, following which they may not be re-elected for a period of one (1) year. The Board will also appoint a Church Historian.

2. Section B - Board Meetings

   The Board will meet at least monthly to conduct business for the Church. Called meetings of the Board may be convened by the Board Chair, provided that sufficient notice is given to secure a quorum of Board members. The Board may conduct business when six (6) voting members of the Board are present.

   Meetings of the Board will be conducted in an atmosphere of prayer, seeking God's wisdom, and following the most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order.

   At the October meeting, the Board will receive the proposed budget from the Finance Department and, after discussion and/or amendments, approve its presentation to the congregation during the November congregational meeting.

3. Section C - Board Vacancies

   In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the Board Chair, following consultation with the Pastor(s) and the Chair of the Elders, will recommend to the Board a person to fill the un-expired term. Following Board approval, the individual will assume membership on the Board.

4. Section D - Responsibilities of Church Board Officers
   1. Chair

      The Chair will:

      1. Together with the Pastor(s), bear responsibility for overall administration of the work of the Church
      2. Preside at meetings of the Board
      3. Preside at meetings of the congregation
      4. Appoint special committees as necessary

   2. Vice-Chair

      The Vice Chair will assist the Chair as requested and preside in the Chair's absence.

   3. Secretary

      The Secretary will prepare and maintain minutes and records of the Board and congregational meetings.

5. Section G - Appointed Church Board Members
   1. Church Historian

      The Church Historian will be appointed by the Board. This office is held for an indefinite period of time. The Historian serves without vote. The Historian gathers and preserves data pertaining to the history, life, and work of the Church, making available for publication any historical materials authorized by the Board. At the December Board meeting, the Historian will present to the Board a report of the year's Church activities. This report will then be made available to the congregation.

Article V- Minister(s)

1. Section A - Responsibilities

   As a specially called servant of the Church, the Minister(s) will:

   1. Provide spiritual and moral leadership to the congregation

   2. Share responsibility with the Leaders of the Church in ministering to the flock

   3. Share with the Chair of the Board matters of administration

   4. Be an ex-officio member of all departments, committees, organized groups and auxiliary organizations.

2. Section B - Calling of a Minister

   When it becomes necessary to call a new Minister, the following process will apply:

   A Pastoral Search Committee will be appointed by the Chair of the Board and approved by the Board. The Search Committee will be composed of five to seven (5-7) members representing a broad cross-section of the congregation.

   Search Committee members shall be persons who are:

   1. knowledgeable of and committed to the heritage and practices of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);

   2. who will command the respect and trust of the congregation to be objective in assessing both the Church's future and potential candidates, make sound judgments, represent the congregation fairly to prospective candidates, and keep confidentiality;

   3. who are committed to providing continuing leadership after the new minister arrives.

      The Search Committee will use the services of the Area Minister for information and counsel concerning prospective candidates. The Search Committee will consult with only one candidate at a time; however, information shall be secured on several candidates before beginning consultation with a prospective candidate.

      Following due process in reviewing prospective candidates, the Search Committee will recommend a prospective minister to the Board. The Board will consider the recommendation, and if approved by a four-fifths (4/5) majority, will recommend the prospective Minister to the congregation. The recommendation of the Board must be accepted by at least a four-fifths (4/5) majority of the members present and voting in a properly called congregational meeting before a call may be extended.

3. Section C - Terms of Calling

   An agreement of calling, setting forth the salary to be paid and all other conditions of the call will be provided to the Minister. One copy will also be filed in the Church office and another will be sent to the Area Office. The term of a minister will be for an indefinite period of time.

4. Section D - Use of an Interim Minister

   Calling an interim minister should be considered:

   1. When the exiting minister has served the congregation faithfully for an extended period of time.

   2. When there has been or is negativity within the congregation that has required involuntary resignation/termination of a minister.

   3. When any negative state of affairs in the church body may cause difficulty for a called minister in transitioning into a successful relationship with the congregation.

5. Section E - Termination/Resignation of a Minister

   A written notice, of not less than 90 days shall be given by either party, when a minister or the congregation decides to terminate the relationship. This notice period may be waived when both parties agree.

   Voluntary Resignation of a Minister shall be submitted to the Board in writing after consultation with the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department shall then communicate the resignation request to the Board.

   Involuntary Resignation/termination of a Minister may be initiated by either the Personnel Department or the Board and will require a simple majority of the Board present at a regular or called Board meeting. The recommendation for involuntary resignation/termination, if sustained by the Board, will then be presented and voted on by the majority of the members at a properly called congregational meeting.

Article VI - Amendments to the Bylaws

By a two-thirds (2/3) vote, the Board may recommend amendments/revisions to these bylaws to the congregation. Upon recommendation by the Board, the congregation may approve and thereby amend these bylaws by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a properly called congregational meeting.

Written notice of the proposed amendment must be mailed or hand delivered to congregation members at least ten (10) days before the time the vote is to. be taken. The Church newsletter will be considered to be an acceptable form of written notification.

(Revised 2006)