"The People of Christ Sharing the Love of Christ"

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH AUSTIN, TEXAS

CONSTITUTION

Preamble

Whereas the Word of God demands that a Christian congregation conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice (Ps. 119:206, Gal. 1:6-8, II Tim. 4:1-5), and also that all things be done decently and in order (I Cor. 14:20), therefore we, the members of Christ Lutheran Church of Austin, Texas, adopt this document which our congregational affairs, spiritual and material, shall be conducted.

ARTICLE I.

Name and Synodical Affiliation

The name of this congregation shall be Christ Lutheran Church of Austin, Texas. This congregation shall be affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and shall by the signature of its official delegates upon the Constitution of this Synod, commit itself to the confession, doctrines, practices, and discipline of such Synod and Texas District of the same in accord with the Constitution and By-laws of said Synod and District, so long as these shall be in accord with the Confessional Standard set forth in Article III of this Constitution.

ARTICLE II

Objectives and Purpose

Mission Statement: The people of Christ sharing the Love of Christ. This will be done through preaching, teaching, caring, serving, worship, and fellowship.

ARTICLE III

Confessional Standard

This congregation accepts and acknowledges all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the revealed, complete and inerrant Word of God, verbally inspired, and accepts and acknowledges all the Symbolical Books of the Lutheran Church to be a true exposition of the doctrines of the Bible. The Symbolical Books, originally published in the Book of Concord of 1580, and now found in the Concordia Triglotta, are: 1) the Three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostolic, Nicene, and Athanasian), 2) the unaltered Augsburg Confession, 3) the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, 4) the Smalclad Articles, 5) Luther’s Large Catechism, 6) Luther’s Small Catechism, and 7) the Formula of Concord. No doctrine shall be taught or tolerated in this congregation, nor any literature used, which is at variance with these confessions. According to these confessions shall all doctrinal controversies which may arise be decided and adjudicated.

ARTICLE IV.

Membership

The membership of this congregation includes the following:

1. BAPTIZED members are all persons within the congregation who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God, whether children or adults.
2. COMMUNICANT members are those baptized members who have been confirmed in the Lutheran Church. It is expected of communicant members that they:
   1. Are familiar with the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, (at least as set forth in Luther’s Small Catechism,) and declare acceptance of them;
   2. Attend divine services faithfully and regularly, receiving the Lord’s Supper frequently;
   3. Lead a Christian life in accord with the Bible’s pattern;
   4. Submit for the sake of love and peace to brotherly admonition when having erred or offended;
   5. Contribute, as the Lord has prospered them, toward the maintenance of the congregation, its due functions, and the extension of the Church at large.
   6. Are not members of any Masonic, secret, or other organization conflicting with the Word of God.
3. VOTING membership shall consist of all communicant members in good standing, who are eighteen (18) years of age and older.
4. ASSOCIATE members shall have all the rights of Communicant members except voting.

This congregation sets forth the conditions under which members shall lose their status. Persons, who though members of this congregation, remain remiss and delinquent in their duties toward God and their own souls, despite repeated admonition by the Pastor and the Elders (also other members of the congregation) shall, upon recommendation of the Pastor and the Board of Elders, be taken into church discipline in accordance with Matthew 18:15-20.

ARTICLE V.

Powers Vested in the Congregation

The Congregation as a body, through the voting members, shall have supreme power to administer and manage all its external and internal affairs. The establishment and conduct of all institutions and societies within the congregation shall at all times be subject to the approval and supervision of the congregation. The congregation, however, shall not be empowered to decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church, and any such decision shall be null and void.

The right to choose and elect all officers of the congregation, and the right to call pastors or teachers shall be vested in the congregation and shall never be delegated to a smaller body or to an individual. When a ministerial or teacher candidate directly from one of the synodical seminaries is to be called, the right of selection may be delegated to Synod’s Board for the Distribution of Calls, through which Board the congregation’s call shall then be transmitted to the person elected.

ARTICLE VI.

Property

This congregation, represented by the voting members, shall have the right to acquire and own such property as is necessary for the successful realization of its aims. Everything owned by the congregation, whether movable or fixed, is the estate of the congregation.

1. EXCOMMUNICATION: In each case of excommunication, the various steps of Matthew 18:15-20 shall have been observed. In each case of excommunication, a unanimous vote of the congregation shall be necessary. Excommunicated persons and those who have been self-excommunicated (by refusing to submit to church discipline) forfeit from the moment of separation all claims to all the property of the congregation. Such excom- municated and self-excommunicated persons also lose all other rights and privileges of membership, so long as they have not been properly reinstated.
2. DOCTRINAL DISPUTE: If at any time a separation on account of doctrine should take place in this congregation, which may God prevent, the property of the congregation and all the benefits connected therewith shall remain with those members who adhere to the confessional standard of Article III of this Constitution. The right of appeal shall always be granted any dis- senter or dissenters. The steps of procedure in appeals, as set forth by the “Handbook of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod” shall apply, and the results of such procedure shall be decisive and final.
3. OTHER SEPARATION: Members who sever their connection with the congregation, whether by transfer to another congregation or by moving away without leaving an address and thus ultimately are stricken from the roster of members, or who in any other manner are stricken from membership in this congregation, shall from the moment of separation forfeit all claims to all property of the congregation.
4. DISSOLUTION: If at any time the congregation is dissolved (which may be done only after the matter has been publicly announced prior to, and considered at three (3) consecutive properly called meetings, and at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the voting members present have, in each meeting, cast their vote in favor of dissolution), all physical property shall be disposed of in a manner designated by the voting members, for payment of debts, and any surplus, after due settlement of all just claims against the congregation, shall be conveyed to, and become the property of, the Texas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and at its discretion be turned over to the District Church Extension Fund.

ARTICLE VII.

Christian Education

In keeping with the purposes expressed in Article II of this constitution, this congregation shall ever strive to furnish all of its members a greater education in the Word of God and the stewardship of life. To this end:

1. The congregation shall at all times maintain an adequately staffed Sunday School and Bible Class. It shall be expected that all Sunday School and Bible Class staff members attend the teachers’ meetings arranged for by the Pastor.
2. The congregation shall through the Pastor arrange for special religious instructions preparatory to church membership.
3. The congregation shall regularly conduct such other educational media as shall increase the Christian training of both young and old.
4. In order to encourage members to give the advantage of a Christian educa- tion to their children, Christ Lutheran Church will assist with tuition payments for pupils attending a Christian Day School grade in a sister congregation, in Austin, having such facilities, and granting admission, as long as Christ Lutheran Church has no day school of its own.
   1. That at least one adult of the family, or guardian and the child(ren) be a member in good standing at Christ Lutheran.
   2. That the money for tuition be applied for at a regular voter’s meeting, after consultation with the Pastor or Board of Education.

ARTICLE VIII.

Pastor(s) and Teacher(s)

The office of pastor(s) and teacher(s) shall be conferred upon such pastor(s), teacher(s), or candidate(s) only who unreservedly accept the Confessional Standard, as set forth in Article III of this Constitution, and as have been prepared and qualified for their work, said preparation and qualification to be determined by examination by proper authorities of the Synod.

ARTICLE IX.

Officers and Boards

The officers of this congregation shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Financial Secretary. The congregation may elect other officers and boards in accordance with its needs. boards as specified in the By-Laws and other committees shall consist of not less than three (3) members. The manner of election and the terms of office are set forth in the By-Laws of this Constitution. The duties of all officers are set forth in the By-Laws of this Constitution. No officer of this congregation shall have authority beyond that which the voting members of this Constitution and its By-Laws may confer upon him. The office of President, Vice-President, or Elder shall be filled by male members of the congregation who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

ARTICLE X.

Removal from Office

Any officer or officers of this congregation, including pastor(s) and teacher(s) may, in Christian and rightful order, be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the congregation. Sufficient and urgent causes for removal are: persistent adherence to false doctrine, the leading of an offensive (immoral) life, willful neglect of official duties, evident inability or protracted incapacity in reference to the performance of duties.

ARTICLE XI.

Organizations within the Congregation

Any organization may be established with the approval of the Pastor and a Sponsoring Board within the congregation and may continue to exist only by the consent and approval of the voting members. The pastor shall, by virtue of his office, exercise the spiritual supervision over such organizations. The voting membership shall concern itself with the activities and welfare of such organizations, and shall, from time to time, receive a report on their general status and functions.

ARTICLE XII.

Amendments, Alteration, Repeals

Any proposed amendment to, or alteration of, or repeal from any Article of this Constitution shall be presented at any regular meeting of the voting members. They shall be presented in writing, and discussed in two consecutive regular meetings before being acted upon. Upon favorable vote by two-thirds (2/3) of the voters present at the third consecutive regular meeting, such amendment, alteration, or repeal shall take force. Said amendment, alteration, or repeal shall be appended to this constitution in the form of numbered articles. Upon adoption, said amendment, alteration, or repeal shall be submitted to the District Constitutions Committee for approval, in accordance with Section 1.11 of Synod’s By-Laws. Following approval by the District, said amendment, alteration, or repeal shall become part of the body of the constitution.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1.

Admission of New Members

1. Baptized Members:
   Children and adults become members when baptized under the authority of this congregation, or by transfer from recognized Christian congregations.
2. Communicant Members:
   1. Baptized members of this congregation shall prepare for communicant membership by an adequate course of instruction in the said Chief Parts of the Christian Doctrine. Upon presentation of their names and recom- mendation by the Pastor for their acceptance, if no valid objection be raised such applicants shall be received into communicant membership by the congregation immediately.
   2. Applicants for communicant membership presenting a letter of transfer from a recognized orthodox Lutheran congregation shall, on the strength of said letter, be accepted as communicant members at any regularly con- vened meeting of the voting members.
   3. Those adult applicants who are baptized but not affiliated with a recognized orthodox Lutheran Church shall give satisfactory evidence of their qualifi- cations for membership to the Pastor, and, if necessary, receive an adequate course of instruction in the Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine.
   4. Adult applicants who are not baptized shall become communicant members following instruction in the Word of God and baptism.
   5. A person whose membership has been terminated may be reinstated to communicant membership by action of the voters at any regularly convened meeting.
3. Voting Members:
   All communicant members except associate members in good standing, who are 18 years of age or older, shall be voting members.
4. Associate Members:
   A confirmed Lutheran who is a communicant member of another Lutheran congre- gation (beyond the geographical area of Austin) who desires to be a member of this congregation while living temporarily in this area. They have all rights and privileges of a communicant member except that they cannot vote.

ARTICLE II.

Release and Withdrawal

1. Members desiring release for the purpose of joining a sister congregation shall obtain a written transfer of recommendation from the Pastor, who shall submit a report to the Elders for information and to the Voters’ Assembly for final ratification of this action.
2. Members moving away, and thereby severing their connection with this congrega- tion without obtaining a release, shall, after the period of one (1) year, upon recommendation by the Pastor and the Board of Elders, be stricken from the roster of members by vote of the voting members.
3. Loss of membership by those within the congregation is set forth in Article IV of the Constitution of this congregation.

ARTICLE III.

Meetings

1. Regular meetings of the voting membership of the congregation shall be held in April, August, and December. The Church Council shall meet in January, March, July, and November. Announcement of such meetings shall be made in the church newsletter and in the public service one week preceding. The actual dates of the meetings shall be set by the officers and pastor of the congregation. If both the President and Vice-President are absent, the voting members shall elect a Chairman pro-tempore.
2. Special or called meetings of the voting members of this congregation may be convened upon call by the Pastor (with the consent of two [2] officers), or the Board of Elders, or the Board of Trustees. Legal notice of such special meeting shall be by announcement in public Sunday morning services at least one week prior to the meeting, or by mail, or by telephone, stating the purpose, time, and place of meeting.
3. A quorum necessary for transaction of business shall consist of those voting members present, unless two-thirds (2/3) voting membership is required per Article X of the Constitution (Removal from Office).
4. When a voting member is not present at the meeting he automatically waives his right of casting his vote during that meeting. Voting shall not be done by proxy.
5. In matters of doctrine and conscience, unanimity shall be required for a final decision; but authority and jurisdiction shall at all times be subject to the provision of Articles III and V of the Constitution of this congregation. All other matters, except as specified in Articles VI, X, XII of the Constitution and Article VI of these By-Laws, shall be disposed of by a majority vote.

ARTICLE IV.

Officers, Elections, Installation, Terms

1. Elections shall be held in the regular December meeting of the voting members. A Nominations Committee shall be appointed by the President, which shall draw up a slate of candidates for each office to be filled. Additional nominations, with consent of the nominee, may be made from the floor as each office is to be voted upon in the election meeting. When nominations have been closed, and no protest is sustained by or against any candidate, the candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be considered elected.
2. Installation: All officers elected to their respective offices shall be inducted into office in a regular Sunday Service as soon after their election as possible, and shall assume the responsibility of their respective offices at the beginning of the year.
3. The terms of office shall be as follows: All officers shall be elected to one year terms. All Board members shall be elected for three years, with staggered terms, so that approximately one third (1/3) of the members of each Board will be elected annually. No person shall serve more than six (6) consecutive years in one elected office except for the President, Vice-President, and Secretary, who shall be limited to no more than four (4) consecutive years in the same office. A person shall hold no more than one elected office at a time.

ARTICLE V.

Duties of Officers and Boards

1. THE PASTOR
   The pastor shall be the chief minister and spiritual leader of the congregation. His duties shall include all those listed in the “Call Documents,” and he shall plan and officiate at all worship services, unless he is unable (for whatever reason), whereupon it is his responsibility, with the help and advice of the Board of Elders, to make provisions for the worship service(s) during his absence. He may administer the church office and supervise other employees of the congregation. He shall be an advisory member of all Boards, committees and organizations.



2. THE PRESIDENT
   It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the voting members, to exercise care that the meetings are held in agreement with this Constitution and its By-Laws and conducted in an orderly manner in accord with Christian principles and Robert’s Rules of Order (insofar as these apply to such bodies); to appoint all special and standing committees as necessary; and in harmony with the Pastor and other church officers, supervise the execution of this Constitution and its By-Laws and all other resolutions of the voting members.



3. THE VICE-PRESIDENT
   In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President and shall be available for whatever duties the President shall assign. The Vice-President shall plan an annual leadership training event or assist the Pastor in planning such an event.



4. THE CONGREGATIONAL SECRETARY
   It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep an accurate record of all proceedings, transactions, and resolutions of the voting members in all properly convened meetings; submit his minutes for approval at the next regular meeting (said minutes shall have been written in ink -- permanent blue or black, not washable nor any other color -- in the permanent bound minute book of the congregation), and shall enter any additions or corrections to said minutes at the foot of entry in the minute book; see that properly authorized amendments to, alterations of, or repeals from the Constitution and By-Laws are accurately entered in the official book; take care of such correspondence as the voting members may direct; and in general, serve as clerk of the congregation.



5. THE TREASURER
   It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of the congregation to keep an exact record of all money in various accounts, and of all financial transactions, in a book provided for this purpose; pay all current bills in accordance with the budget from the general fund, and as otherwise directed by the voting members or by the Board of Trustees with proper authorization, in accordance with Article V, Section 1 of these By-Laws; remit promptly each month the Congregations’ monthly portion of its pledge to the work of the Church at large to the District Treasurer, together with such additional money as shall be received for work outside this congregation; keep all receipts, vouchers, and bank balance sheets, and submit them to the Finance Board for audit quarterly; prepare a financial statement for all regular meetings of the voting members. The Treasurer shall be a member of the Church Council and of the Finance Board by virtue of his office.



6. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
   It shall be the duty of the Financial Secretary of the congregation to keep an exact record of all money received for various purposes; to verify that deposits to bank accounts for a particular day or period agree with the Teller’s summary sheet and the Financial Secretary’s summary sheet for the same day or period; to report at all regular meetings of the Voting members; keep record of contri- butions made by each member through his numbered envelopes and issue statements to all communicant members as their contributions, said record to be Confidential except for such directives as are enumerated in the duties of the Finance Board.



7. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
   It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to care for the property of the Congre- gation as a sacred, legal, and equitable trust; to see to it that the property is kept in good repair and good appearance, and to this end, recommend to the Voters needed repairs and maintenance -- to which end they shall be empowered to expend whatever funds are necessary within their approved budget and are available without special order of the Voters; to see to it that at all times the estate of the Congregation is protected against loss and damage, and to that end, concern itself about, and from time to time, report to the Voters on all matters relating to the properties of the church, including among other things, insurance; to represent the Congregation in all legal and business transactions which the Congregation, as property owner, may be required to act upon or perform, or, as the voting members may resolve, and at least three Trustees shall sign all necessary documents involved in such transactions. The Board of Trustees shall consist of at least seven (7) members, and serve as the stated Board of Directors under the Charter of Incorporation.
   
   Whenever the Board of Trustees, in accord with the above-specified duties, or upon resolution of the voting members, act in the name of the Congregation, the latter shall be liable; if, however, they act independently, outside of the above generally prescribed duties, they themselves shall be responsible.



8. THE BOARD OF ELDERS
   It shall be the duty of the Board of Elders to be concerned with the doctrine, life, and administration of office of the pastor(s) and teacher(s), to see to it they are treated with due respect, and hence also the congregation fulfill its duty toward them with respect to their physical needs in accord with the Word of God and their respective calls; to assist the pastor(s) with their counsel in difficult pastoral cases and to further to the best of their ability the ministry of the Pastor; to admonish negligent and delinquent members; to assist in maintaining order and discipline in the congregation; and in general, concern themselves with the improvement and advancement of the congregation’s spiritual affairs. At least one Elder shall be selected by the Board to also serve on the Board of Worship and Music.



9. THE FINANCE BOARD
   The Finance Board shall consist of the Treasurer and Financial Secretary together with the elected members of the Board. It shall be the duty of the Board to see that all receipts and offerings are accounted for and deposited in the name of the congregation in a local bank designated by the voting members. The Board may be assisted by Tellers, as approved by the voting members, in the counting and depositing of the offerings. In addition, it shall be the duty of the Finance Board to serve as the auditing committee or arrange for the audit of the books of the congregation, including books of any and all organizations within the congregation, concern itself with the finances of the church, and in that capacity, direct its attention to the regular and adequate participation of all communicant members in the support of the congregational needs of the church at large.



10. THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP
    The duties of this board shall be to study the material on stewardship and mission education prepared by the stewardship departments of Synod and the District, and plan the annual stewardship program and solicitation of pledges and offerings; provide all communicant members with numbered contribution envelopes; promote a program of mission education and information throughout the year; plan and supervise talent survey work; visit new members and enlist their talents; serve as a bureau of information for groups in the congregation in need of talent; work with the Pastor and educational leaders in the interest of recruiting boys and girls for full time church work; recommend names of gifted persons for Circuit, District, and Synodical offices; sponsor occasional stewardship forums and seminars; recommend periodic family night programs and church fellowships; stimulate enrollment in educational agencies and other organizations of the congregation, Christian family life and home-church cooperation, and the work of our congregation, District, and Synod.



11. THE BOARD OF EVANGELISM
    It shall be the duty of this board to plan, promote, and carry out an evangelism program in the congregation and in the community; plan and supervise religious surveys of the community; arrange for the maintenance of record files in order to keep the evangelism program active; enlist aid in visiting prospective members of the church; assist the Pastor in training the laity to bring the unchurched to the membership classes of the church; integrate new members into the life and work of the church.
    
    This board shall be responsible for publicizing the events and activities of the congregation.



12. THE BOARD OF PARISH EDUCATION
    The Sunday School Superintendent, Adult Study Superintendent, and other superintendents or educational program directors shall be selected by the Board of Parish Education annually and shall be members of the Board, along with those elected by the voting members.
    
    This board shall concern itself with Christian Education in the congregation. It shall plan and promote programs of Christian education for all age groups within the congregation to adopt programs of Christian Education, and shall advise these organizations in such matters; it shall concern itself with matters pertaining to the program of activities of the Parish School, and under the guidance of the Pastor, develop a teacher and leadership education program adequate to the needs of the Congregation.



13. THE BOARD OF SOCIAL MINISTRY
    The responsibilities and duties of this board shall be to plan, promote and carry out helping, caring and sharing projects and activities to benefit persons in need in the congregation and the community, as well as others whose needs come to us. This board shall represent the congregation and interface with other social welfare agencies and efforts, and shall advise the congregation of the best way to utilize resources to meet identified needs.



14. THE BOARD OF YOUTH MINISTRY
    This board shall be comprised of adults and youth, some of the members of this board may be parents of current youth group participants. This board shall work with the Pastor and youth leaders to plan and promote the congregation’s youth ministry, i.e., any kind of ministry happening with, for, and by young people.



15. THE BOARD OF WORSHIP AND MUSIC
    This board shall consist of the choir directors and organists, as well as the elected board members; at all times at least one member of the Board of Elders must also serve on this board. The responsibilities of the board shall be to advise and assist the pastor and music leaders in the planning of the general worship program, as well as specific worship services. The board shall represent the interests of the congregation in worship planning, and shall act as spokesmen for suggestions given to them by members in regard to worship and music.



16. THE BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP AND RECREATION
    This board shall be responsible for strengthening and maintaining the bonds of fellowship which bind members of the congregation together. They shall co- ordinate and help promote various fellowship events sponsored by auxiliary organizations and groups within the congregation, as well as planning and carrying out programs of fellowship and recreation of their own, as they consider the needs and desires of the members. This board shall keep in mind all interests within the congregation, and strive to involve as many as possible in programs of fellowship.



17. BOARD OF ASSIMILATION
    This board shall be responsible for helping new members feel comfortable in the congregation and to become active participants in both service and fellowship activities. The board shall represent the interests of new members and help match their interests to the needs and opportunities in the congregation.



18. USHERS
    The Head Usher and the Assistant Head Usher shall be elected annually. They shall be responsible for selecting all ushers, organizing the teams, and seeing that adequate ushering responsibilities are carried on for all worship services and other functions, as requested.



19. SPECIAL INTERESTS REPRESENTATIVES
    Special interests, which make appeals for the continued support of our members, (such as Lutheran Concordia College of Texas, the Lutheran Hour, Texas Church Extension Fund, etc.) should have special contact representatives in our midst to plead their causes, thus relieving the Pastor of the burden of presenting the causes frequently to our membership. These special representatives may be named by action of the voting members, and should be reconsidered at the annual elections meeting.



20. ENDOWMENT FUND BOARD
    This board shall consist of at least three members elected by the congregation, plus the Pastor and the congregational president. One member of the board will be designated by the board to serve as treasurer. The treasurer will be responsible for the maintenance of the financial records of all properties and monies, and for the disbursement of funds and income as directed by the board, and with voters’ approval.
    
    The board will be responsible for the promotion of Endowment Fund gifting by church members, the investment of fund principal in appropriate investments, and the recommendations for disbursement of fund income. Recommendations are to be presented to the congregation at its Voters’ meetings.
    
    The income derived from Endowment Fund principal is to be used for the expansion of God’s kingdom through the following:
    • Provide funds for individuals preparing for full-time professional church work in schools of higher education.
    • Expansion of Christ Lutheran Church and its ministry in areas not normally included in the budget.
    • Assistance in mission outreach of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
    Income should never be used to fund the regular church budget, but should be used for extraordinary or special purposes. The principal of the Fund may not be spent for any purpose but must be maintained intact in perpetuity. The Endowment Fund, being the property of Christ Lutheran Church, is subject to the charter, By-Laws and constitution of Christ Lutheran Church, and in the event Christ Lutheran Church ceases to exist as a congregation, would be distributed in accordance with these documents.



21. CHURCH COUNCIL
    The Church Council shall function as the Board of Directors and shall be composed of the President of the congregation, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Chairmen of all Boards. The pastor shall be an advisory member of the Council.
    
    The Church Council will meet in regular sessions as specified in Article III of the By-Laws. special meetings may be called by the President, Pastor, or three members of the Council to consider and discuss matters of general congregation welfare, or to make recommendations to the voting membership. The Council shall annually prepare a proposed budget for presentation to the congregation. The Council shall have the power to act on behalf of the congregation between meetings of the voters assembly.



22. BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
    All official Boards and Committees shall select their own Chairman and Secretary and shall notify the congregation of their choice.
    
    All Board and Committee Chairmen are to meet with their respective boards or committees either monthly or as needed. They will remind their members by telephone or by other means of the meeting time and date at least one day in advance of the meeting.
    
    The Chairmen will assemble the items for the agenda. The Chairmen will frequently receive agenda notes from the Pastor before meetings; they will add their own proposals and motions to the agenda as such are deemed necessary.
    
    The Chairmen will ensure that all motions and plans effected by the congregation which lie in the area of their responsibility are carried out by the time designated and/or no later than the end of a thirty (30) day period. They will check agenda lists and voters meeting minutes for this purpose.
    
    The Chairmen will give brief, concise reports to the Voting Members.

ARTICLE VI.

Amendments, Alterations, Repeals

Any proposed amendment to, or alteration of, or repeal from these By-Laws shall be presented in writing at any regularly convened meeting of the voting members. The proposed amendments, alteration, or repeals shall be adopted only after two-thirds (2/3) of the voters present at the next regular meeting shall have cast their vote in favor of the same. Upon adoption, said amendments, alterations, or repeals shall be appended to these By-Laws in the form of numbered Articles.

ARTICLE VII.

Order of Business

The order of business to be followed, in general, by all meetings of the congregation shall be:

1. Devotional exercise
2. Reading of Minutes
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Financial Secretary Report
5. All Boards given an opportunity to report
6. All church organizations given an opportunity to report
7. Special interests or committees
8. Pastor’s Report
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
11. Announcements
12. Adjournment with Prayer

Business arising from reports of officers, boards, or pastor, which requires action by the congregation, shall be the pending question and shall be subject to immediate consideration and disposal.

Proposed -- August, 1991

Adopted -- April 26, 1992

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