FCC's Constitution

Article I. - The Congregation

• Name
• Mission
• Corporation
• Calendar & Meetings

• Membership
• Responsibilities of the Congregation

• Church Officers

• Board Composition
• Authority of the Board
• Work of the Church

Article V. - Amendments

• Amendments

Article VI.

• Dissolution and Disbursement

Article VII.

• Authority

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

Preamble

Article I

1. Section A - Name

   The name of this congregation is First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), San Marcos, Texas (hereinafter called "the Church"). We are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

2. Section B - Mission

   The mission of this congregation is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus the Christ through all areas of its life and work, witnessing at all times to the grace of God in Jesus Christ, thereby seeking in all persons a response of faith and commitment to God.

   To fulfill this mission:

   1. We seek to win people to faith in Jesus Christ.

   2. We seek to help people grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord that they may increasingly know and do His will.

   3. We seek to work for the unity of all Christians.

3. Section C - Corporation

   All property and assets of the Church are owned and held by the Church, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas. The affairs of the Church shall be managed by the Church Board, acting under the direction of the congregation.

   All contracts and written instruments of the Church will be executed by at least two (2) Trustees and will be recorded by the Secretary of the Board.

4. Section D - Calendar & Meetings

   The Church fiscal year will be based on a calendar year, January 1 through December 31. One (1) congregational meeting will be held in November each fiscal year to elect officers and approve the annual budget of the Church.

   Special congregational meetings may be called by the Board Chair for the following reasons:

   1. At the request of the Board.

   2. Upon receipt of a written petition signed by at least twenty-five (25) of the members of the congregation.

   Verbal notice of all congregational meetings shall be announced during Sunday morning worship services for at least two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting. Written notice of congregational meetings must be mailed or hand delivered to all members of the congregation at least ten (10) days before the time the meeting is to be held. The Church newsletter is considered to be an acceptable form of written notification.

Article II

1. Section A - Membership

   Membership in this congregation shall consist of those who unite with it:

   1. by confession of faith in Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior, giving expression to their faith through baptism and personal commitment to God,

   2. through transfer of membership, by letter, or statement.

   An Associate Membership is available for someone temporarily living in this area while maintaining membership in one's home church.

2. Section B - Responsibilities of the Congregation

   As a congregation, we will:

   1. Demonstrate our mutual concern for the nurture, mission, and witness of the whole Church

   2. Administer baptism and the Lord's Supper

   3. Be faithful in Christian stewardship

   4. Grow in the understanding that the Church is the earthly Body of Christ, made up of all who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior

   5. Manage the affairs of the Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ

   6. Organize and carry out the Mission and witness of the congregation

   7. Establish and follow budgets and financial policies

   8. Call Pastor(s) and other staff, as necessary

   9. Own, control and maintain Church property

   10. Participate, through voting representatives, in Area, Regional, and General Assemblies of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Article III - Church Officers

1. The Church Officers are:
   1. Chairman of the Board

   2. Vice Chairman of the Board

   3. Secretary of the Board

   4. Treasurer

   Any member of the Church, male or female, may be elected as officers, provided they meet the appropriate requirements as set forth in the bylaws.

Article IV - The Church Board

1. Section A - Board Composition

   The Church Board will be composed of four (4) elders, six (6) deacons and the treasurer, who are all elected by the congregation. The Treasurer is a non-voting member of the board.

2. Section B - Authority of the Board

   The Board receives its authority from, and is accountable to, the congregation. It will meet at least monthly to transact the business of the Church. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend the meetings. No voting member of the Board shall be in a paid staff position.

3. Section C - Work of the Church

   The work of the Church will be administered by departments, which shall be created and authorized by the Board. Specific departments and departmental responsibilities are listed in the Church bylaws. The Board may establish, change, or delete departments as required to fulfill current programs and needs of the Church.

Article V - Amendments

Article VI - Dissolution and Disbursement

Article VII - Authority

(Revised 2006)