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BYLAWS OF MEHAN UNION CHURCH
Stillwater, Oklahoma
PREAMBLE
ARTICLE I - NAME
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
ARTICLE III - CHURCH COVENANT
ARTICLE IV - GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE V - ORDINANCES
Section 1: WATER BAPTISM
Section 2: LORD'S SUPPER
ARTICLE VI - STATEMENT OF FAITH
ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1, 2 & 3
Section 4: RIGHTS
Section 5: TERMINATION
Section 6: RESTORATION
Section 7: DUTY
ARTICLE VIII - CHURCH OFFICERS
Section 1: SENIOR PASTOR
Section 2: TREASURER
Section 3: TRUSTEES
ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES
Section 1: COMMITTEE POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
Section 2: CHURCH STANDING COMMITTEES
ARTICLE X - CHURCH MEETINGS
Section 1: CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS
MEETING (QUORUM)
Section 2: CHURCH MEETINGS
ARTICLE XI - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ARTICLE XII - BYLAW AMENDMENTS
BYLAWS UPDATED - 2001
PREAMBLE
For the purpose of making clear the
principles of our faith, and to the end
that this body may be governed in an
orderly manner consistent with the
teachings of the Holy Bible, and for the
purpose of preserving the liberties
inherent in each individual member of
this Church, and the freedom of action
of this body we do declare and establish
these bylaws.
Agreement with the Mehan Union Church
Bylaws is not required of those
worshiping or seeking the Lord with us.
We welcome all to worship with us.
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of the Oklahoma non-profit
religious corporation shall be The
"MEHAN UNION CHURCH, INC.," hereafter
referred to as the "Church."
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The objectives of this Church are;
worshiping, praising and serving The
Almighty God, proclaiming salvation,
nurturing of immortal souls and
advancing the cause of Jesus Christ at
home and around the world.
We recognize that a New Testament Church
of The Lord Jesus Christ is a local body
of believers who are associated by
covenant in the Faith and Fellowship of
the gospel, observing the ordinances of
Christ, committed to His teachings,
exercising the gifts of The Holy Spirit,
rights and privileges invested in them
by His Word, and seeking to extend the
gospel to the ends of the earth.
ARTICLE III - COVENANT
Having been led by The Spirit of God to
receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Savior and, on the profession of our
Faith, we do now in The Presence of God,
Angels, and this assembly, most
prayerfully and joyfully enter into
covenant with one another, as one body
in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of The
Holy Spirit to walk together in
Christian Love; to strive for the
advancement of this Church, in
knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to
promote it's spirituality and
prosperity; to sustain it's worship,
ordinances and discipline; to contribute
cheerfully and regularly to the support
of the ministry, the expenses of the
Church, the relief of those in need, as
we spread of The Gospel through all
nations.
We engage to maintain private and family
devotions; to religiously educate our
children; to seek the salvation of
kindred and acquaintances; to walk
circumspectly in the world; to be just
in our dealings, faithful to our
engagements; to avoid all tattling,
backbiting, gossip, malicious, injurious
comments of others and excessive anger.
In all things to be in moderation and
self control as to not hinder our
testimony unto The Lord Jesus Christ;
and to be zealous in our efforts to
advance the Kingdom of Our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one
another in Christ like brotherly love;
to remember one another in prayer; to
aid one another in distress; to
cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling
and courtesy in speech; to be slow to
take offence, and always be ready for
reconciliation and to support, uphold
and restore, being mindful of the rule
of our Savior.
We moreover engage that when we remove
from this place we will, as soon as
possible, unite with some other Church
where we can carry out the Spirit of
this covenant and the principles of
God's Word.
ARTICLE IV - GOVERNMENT
Section 1: The government of this Church
shall be vested in the body of believers
who compose it and whose majority is
final; it acknowledges The Lordship of
Jesus Christ and receives The Holy Bible
as it's supreme guide in matters of
faith and practice; it is subject to no
other ecclesiastical body. This Church
is an autonomous body, operating through
democratic processes under The Lordship
of Jesus Christ with all voting members
having equal responsibilities and
privileges.
Section 2: The Fiscal Year of the Church
shall begin with the First day of
January and end on the Last day of
December.
ARTICLE V - ORDINANCES
The ordinances of the Church are The
Lord's Supper and Water Baptism.
Section 1: Water Baptism:
Christian baptism in The Name of the
Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. It
is an act of obedience symbolizing the
believer's Faith in a crucified, buried
and risen Savior, the believer's death
to sin, the burial of the old life and
the resurrection to walk in newness of
life in Jesus Christ. Baptisms may be
held at any worship service or as needed
by the Church.
Section 2: Lord's Supper:
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of
obedience whereby members of the Church,
through partaking of the bread and the
fruit of the vine memorialize the death
of our Lord Jesus Christ and Redeemer
and anticipate His second coming.
Observance of the Lord's Supper shall
take place monthly during the worship
service or as needed by the Church.
ARTICLE VI - STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of
God and is the basis for any statement
of Faith. The Church is guided by it's
doctrinal statement; we band ourselves
together as a body of believers in Jesus
Christ, personally committed to sharing
The Good News of Salvation to lost
mankind.
WE BELIEVE:
The Scriptures, both Old and New
Testaments, to be the inspired Word of
God, without error in the original
writings, the complete revelation of His
will for the salvation of men, and the
Divine and final authority for all
Christian faith and life.
In one God, Creator of all things,
infinitely perfect and eternally
existing in three persons, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.
That Jesus Christ is true God and true
Man, having been conceived of the Holy
Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He
died on the cross, a sacrifice for our
sins, according to the Scriptures.
Further, He arose bodily from the dead,
ascended into heaven, where at the right
hand of the Majesty on High, He now is
our High Priest and Advocate.
That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is
to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and
during this age to convict men,
regenerate the believing sinner,
indwell, guide, instruct, and empower
the believer for godly living and
service.
That man was created in the image of God
but fell into sin and is therefore lost
and only through regeneration by the
Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual
life be obtained.
That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and
His resurrection provide the only ground
for justification and salvation for all
who believe. Only such as receive Jesus
Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and
thus become children of God.
That water baptism and the Lord's Supper
are ordinances to be observed by the
Church during the present age. They are,
however, not to be regarded as means of
salvation.
That the true Church is composed of all
such persons who, through saving faith
in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated
by the Holy Spirit and are united
together in the body of Christ of which
He is the head.
That only those who are thus members of
the true Church shall be eligible for
membership in the local Church.
That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head
of the Church, and that every local
Church has the right under Christ to
decide and govern it's own affairs.
In the personal and premillennial and
imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital
bearing on the personal life and service
of the believer.
In the bodily resurrection of the dead;
of the believer to everlasting
blessedness and joy with the Lord, of
the unbeliever to judgment and
everlasting conscious punishment.
ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: The only requirement is
acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal
Savior. The Church shall have the right
to determine qualifications for
membership.
Section 2: The membership of this Church
shall consist of persons who have made a
public profession of their faith in
Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and who
desire to be numbered among His
disciples.
Section 3: The Pastor and congregation
shall hear his/her personal testimony.
Individuals shall be received into the
fellowship of this Church by majority
consent of the membership in open
meeting. New members names will be
entered into the roll book by the Pastor
or the Church office secretary. That
book to be maintained by the office
secretary.
If someone is considering membership;
they will be provided with a copy of the
Statement of Faith of the Church for
review.
The Applicant shall read the Statement
of Faith and be willing to accept the
provisions thereof.
Section 4: RIGHTS
Members who are active and in good
standing may act and vote in all
transactions of the Church. An Active
member is one who has voted at least
once and been in Church attendance
during the previous fiscal year of the
Church. After being an active member for
one year, member would be eligible to
hold a Church office.
Section 5: TERMINATION
Members shall be removed from the Church
roll for the following reasons:
1. Death,
2. Personal request of the member,
3. If any member can give a reason for
another member to be removed from the
membership roll, the matter will be
brought before the Pastor and then
before the congregation if there is a
need.
4. Dismissal by congregational vote
according to the following conditions:
i. The member's life and conduct is not
in accordance with the Church covenant
and statement of faith in such a way
that the member hinders the ministry
influence of the Church in the
community.
ii. Procedures for dismissal of a member
shall be according to Matt.18:15- 17.
5. The Church shall have the right to
discipline it's members according to the
leadership of the Holy Scriptures.
Section 6: RESTORATION
Members dismissed by the Church may be
restored by the vote of the Church
according to the spirit of II
Corinthians 2: 7-8.
Section 7: DUTY
Members are encouraged to be faithful in
all duties essential to the Christian
life: to attend habitually the services
of this Church, to serve in its
organized work, and to give regularly
for the support of it's ministries.
ARTICLE VIII - CHURCH OFFICERS
All Church officers shall be members of
the Church and elected as needed. The
officers of this Church shall be as
follows:
1. Senior Pastor
2. Treasurer
3. Trustees
The Church officers shall be nominated
by the Nominating Committee and elected
by the Church in regular business
meetings. The Church officers shall
serve a one (1) year term except the
Trustees who shall serve a three (3)
year term and may be eligible for
re-election. The Pastor, once called and
elected, shall remain in office until a
call for a vote to dismiss passes with
3/4 vote of those active/resident
members present, or upon his
resignation. For Treasurer & Trustees,
it takes a 3/4 vote of those active
resident members to vote them in or to
vote them out; and it only takes a
simple majority (50% + 1) to retain. The
Church officers shall have attained the
age of 21 years. The Church officers are
described as follows:
Section 1: SENIOR PASTOR
a. The Senior Pastor shall be ordained
or licensed and eligible for ordination.
b. The Senior Pastor shall be
responsible for leading the Church in
functioning as a New Testament Church.
The Senior Pastor shall lead the
congregation, the organization, and the
Church Staff in performing their tasks
and shall be ex-officio member of all
Standing and/or Special Committees. The
Senior Pastor shall perform pastoral
responsibilities. The Senior Pastor
shall be the leader of worship,
proclamation, education, and pastoral
ministries.
c. The Senior Pastor is chosen and
called by the Church whenever a vacancy
occurs. His election shall take place at
a meeting called for that purpose by the
Pulpit Committee.
At least 14 days notice shall be given
by mail to all active/resident members
stating the general nature of the
meeting. A 3/4 vote is required of those
active/resident members present (refer
to Article VII, Section 4), and voting
to call or dismiss a Senior Pastor. The
pastoral relationship may be dissolved
at any time that is desired by either
the Senior Pastor or the Church. In
either case, there shall be a thirty day
(30) written notice given prior to the
dissolution. The time may be abbreviated
if agreeable to both parties.
d. Church business meetings shall be
moderated by the Senior Pastor or
someone appointed by the Senior Pastor.
In the absence of the Moderator, the
Clerk/Secretary shall call the Church to
order and an acting moderator shall be
elected.
Section 2: TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be a resident member
of the Church actively supporting the
Church program through his/her
attendance and cooperation.
a. The Treasurer shall be responsible
for all monies contributed or paid into
the Church or that have been deposited
to the account in such banks as approved
by the Board; the Treasurer shall pay
out monies only upon the instruction
from the Church giving a check under the
name of the Mehan Union Church of
Stillwater, OK by him/herself, as
Treasurer.
b. The Treasurer shall keep a true,
accurate and confidential account of the
receipts and disbursements of the church
monies and submit to the Board of
Trustees a monthly report which, after
careful study, will be summarized to the
Church during the following regular
Congregational Business Meeting.
c. The Treasurer's accounts shall be
audited annually at the close of the
fiscal year by a committee or auditor
recommended by the Board of Trustees and
approved by the Church.
d. Books are to be made available for
inspection to any member upon serious
request, within a reasonable amount of
time.
e. Whenever a vacancy occurs the Board
of Trustees shall seek a qualified
candidate and make a recommendation to
the congregation for approval.
Section 3: TRUSTEES
The Church Board shall be made up of 7
mature members, in good standing,
elected per the bylaws. ( Initially
one-third (1/3) shall be elected for one
(1) year, one-third shall be elected for
two (2) years, and one-third shall be
elected for three (3) years).
Thereafter, Board Members shall be
elected for a term of three (3) years at
each annual business meeting.
a. Qualification
A Trustee shall have attained the age of
21 years and shall be a resident member
of the church actively supporting the
programs of the Church through his
faithful attendance and cooperation.
Each member elected to the church board
must have been a member of the Church
for at least two years prior to
nomination.
Other requirements are:
aa. Has pursued the requirements set
forth in First Timothy 3
ab. Of good reputation, full of the Holy
Spirit and of wisdom..., Acts 6:3
ac. A faithful member who supports the
Church's programs and activities (i.e.
Sunday School, prayer meetings, etc.)
ad. Tithes cheerfully and regularly
b. Duties
They shall be charged with the financial
management of the Church. They shall
hold in trust for the Corporation, the
real and personal properties of the
Church. They shall have no authority to
sell, mortgage, lease or by any means
encumber the church, in excess of
financial limits set by a majority vote
of the congregation. They shall be
charged with the fiduciary
responsibilities of the Church. It shall
be the function of the Trustees to affix
their signature to legal documents
involving the sale, mortgaging,
purchase, or rental of property or other
legal documents where the signatures of
the Trustees are required. Acting as a
quorum (5 of 7 board members required)
their duties shall include but not be
limited to:
Structuring annual budgets
Determining rules for facilities use
Hiring, dismissing, and determining
compensation for all "Non Titled
Employees".
Structure and post the agenda for
official board meetings at least one
Sunday prior to any meeting.
c. The Trustees shall conduct regular
open meetings and shall keep minutes of
their meetings.
d. The Trustees shall represent the
Church as legal representatives in all
transactions as required by the Church.
e. Dismissal of Board Members
The Board shall recommend removal of a
board member to the congregation at a
regular congregational meeting. When
approved by their majority, for reasons
of failure to adequately discharge his
duties or for actions that are not
consistent with Acts 6:3, they shall be
dismissed. This action shall require a
3/4 majority of the members of the
congregation in which it is presented.
f. Board President and Secretary
The senior member on the board shall
serve as Chairman. The Board Secretary
shall be the next most senior member.
ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES
Section 1: COMMITTEE POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
TYPES OF COMMITTEES
All committees shall be classified as
standing or as special. A standing
committee works throughout the year. A
standing committee has a standing list
of duties that requires regular
performance. Each standing committee
shall have a minimum of 3 members and a
maximum of 7 members. A special
committee is initiated by the Senior
Pastor with a unique job to do that
terminates at a specific point in time.
When the special job is completed, the
special committee is dismissed.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
1. PERSONNEL
i All standing committee members shall
be Church members.
ii Personnel for standing and special
committees are recommended to the Church
for Church approval by the Nominating
Committee.
iii An ex-officio except for the Senior
Pastor and Church Staff is nominated by
the Nominating Committee and approved by
the Church to assist in a particular
committee as a resource only (he or she
has no voting right within this
committee). An ex-officio shall
generally be a Board Member.
2. ROTATION
Membership on all standing committees
shall be on a rotation basis. One-third
(1/3) of the committee will rotate off
each year.
3. TERM OF OFFICE
The committee membership year is from
January to December. A person is elected
for three (3) years and is not eligible
to succeed himself. A person may return
to the same committee after one (1) year
leave.
OFFICERS
Each committee shall have a chairman,
vice-chairman, and secretary. These
officers shall be selected by the
committee. The chairman is responsible
for calling and conducting the monthly
meetings.
MEETINGS
All standing committees shall meet at
least monthly, preferably the week
before the Church Board Meeting. Each
committee member is expected to attend
at least five (5) committee meetings and
three (3) business meetings each year.
MINUTES
All standing committees shall maintain
permanent minutes of all meetings. One
(1) copy of the minutes shall be
submitted to the office secretary. The
committee secretary will keep a copy.
REPORTS
All standing committees shall make a
report to the Church quarterly.
VACANCIES
The Nominating Committee shall recommend
new members to fill vacancies that occur
during the year.
BUDGETING
All standing committees shall submit
requests for budget monies to the Board
during budget planning time. The Board
shall be consulted before requesting
funds for non-budgeted items. All
committees shall abide by the policies
and procedures for requisitioning
purchase of supplies, equipment, and
other expenditures as adopted by the
Church.
STAFF ADVISORS
The Senior Pastor and Church Staff shall
be responsible for assisting committees
in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Section 2: CHURCH STANDING COMMITTEES
a. The Nominating Committee shall:
Select, interview, and enlist standing
and special committee members.
Distribute Church leadership personnel
resources according to priority needs.
Present roster of willing committee
members to the Church for approval.
b. Maintenance Committee shall:
Plan and coordinate maintenance and
repair of Church grounds, interior and
exterior, so as to provide a clean,
safe, and comfortable place of worship.
Such as but not limited to:
Lawn Care
Lawn Care Equipment
Janitorial Staffing
Janitorial Supervision
Parking Lot
Safety Equipment
Recommend and procure Board approved
purchases of Church appliances and
equipment.
c. The Kitchen Committee shall:
Plan, coordinate and maintain all
Kitchen and Fellowship Hall facilities
and supplies, as needed in order to
support food service and preparation for
Church functions.
d. The Activities Committee shall:
Plan and coordinate an annual calendar
of events.
e. The Head Usher and Welcome Committee
shall:
Enlist ushers for weekly worship
services and schedule monthly rotation
of those ushers.
Train ushers to assist in worship (i.e.
offering collection, serving the Lord's
Supper, seating worshipers, distributing
programs, hymnals, and Bibles and
counting offering and attendance).
Instruct ushers in: welcoming
worshipers, guiding worshipers,
encouraging a worshipful attitude, and
promoting Church etiquette.
Select a team to count, certify and
secure all offerings.
f. The Nursery Committee shall:
Recommend and publicize nursery policies
and procedures.
Recommend and purchase necessary
furnishings and supplies for the nursery
and it's activities.
Coordinate preschool rooms regarding
space and safety for the well being of
the children in the nursery.
Work with the Church in selecting,
training, and supervising employed
nursery workers and volunteers.
Schedule nursery workers for Church
activities.
g. The Visitation Committee shall:
Welcome visitors at Church
Keep track of Church prospects/visitors
with the Senior Pastor.
Visit Church prospects/visitors.
Develop and maintain Church phone
directory
Provide names of Church
prospects/visitors to Pastor for
ministry.
h. The Food Committee shall:
Plan, coordinate and maintain all food
procurance, storage, distribution, and
clean-up.
I. Local Mission Committee shall:
Plan, coordinate and maintain areas of
ministry and participation
recommendation.
j. Bus Committee shall:
Plan, coordinate and maintain Bus
Ministry.
k. Ordinance Committee shall:
Plan, maintain, and coordinate baptism
and communion service.
l. Long Range Planning Committee shall:
Plan for future development of buildings
and grounds and available resources.
ARTICLE X - CHURCH MEETINGS
Section 1: CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS
MEETING (QUORUM)
An agenda must be posted at least one
(1) Sunday before the meeting, and with
at least three (3) board members
present.
No action can be taken that is not
congruent with the agenda.
Members at least eighteen (18) years of
age who are active and in good standing,
may act and vote in all transactions of
the Church.
No pastoral employment action can be
taken without two (2) Sunday's notice,
and four (4) board members present.
Business Meeting shall be held quarterly
as scheduled by the Board.
Section 2: CHURCH MEETINGS
a. WORSHIP SERVICE
The Church shall meet regularly for
preaching, instructions, evangelism, and
the worship of Almighty God on each
Lord's Day. These meetings shall be open
for the entire membership of the Church
and for all people, and shall be
conducted under the direction of the
Senior Pastor.
SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
May be held to consider emergency
matters of significant nature that may
arise between regularly scheduled
meetings, and must be called by Senior
Pastor or Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE XI - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
"Robert's Rules of Order" (newly
revised) shall govern the proceedings of
the Church in all cases not provided for
in these bylaws.
Article XII - BYLAW AMENDMENTS
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