Christ’s Redemption Church (CRC) Bylaws
Whereas we, being an incorporated body of people of like precious faith:
Believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God through the lens of man, used for edification and teaching in the body of Christ. Believe that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah, the Son of God who died on the cross and rose on the third day for the redemption of sins. Believe that Je
sus came for ALL people no matter one’s race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, background, or economic status. Believe Christian fellowship and mutual betterment in the form of local churches is God’s ordained order for His people. Believe that the acts of worship and ministry work are imperative to the spiritual health of the community as a whole. Believe God has called and anointed us to emphasize the fullness of the Gospel through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have accepted and adopted the following Statement of Fundamental Truths and Consitution. We shall seek, by the grace of God, to be governed by the Constituion as set forth, and will also seek to teach and propogate the doctrines contained in the Statment of Fundamental Truths. The Bible is the inspired Word of God through the lens of man and is good for teaching us how to live in the Lord’s Kingdom. (2 Timothy 3:15-16, Psalms 23, 1 Peter 2:2). The one true God. The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I AM” and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4, Mark 12:29-30, Isaiah 43:10, John 1:1). The fall, redemption, and salvation of man. Man was created good and upright for God said, “Let Us make man in our image, after our likeness.” But man, by being led astray, fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 3:1-7, Romans 5: 12-21). Baptism in water. The ordinance of baptism by a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the scriptures by all who have repented and believed in Christ as Savior and Lord. In so doing, they have the body washed in pure water as an outward symbol of cleansing, while their heart has already been sprinkled with the blood of Christ as an inner cleansing. They declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 10:47-48, Romans 6:4). Communion. The Lord’s supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4), a memorial of His suffering and death, a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26), and is enjoined on all believers until He comes. The Feasts. We recognize the seven feasts as stated in the Bible, allowing our community to celebrate as they feel led by the Holy Spirit. (Leviticus 23, Acts 2). The Sabbath. We worship on Saturday, the seventh day of the week, in accordance with Biblical commandment (Genesis 2: 2-3, Exodus 20: 8-11, Leviticus 23:3). Bylaws
Christ’s Redemption Church (CRC)
For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of the one true God; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith, irrespective of social position or worldly possessions; for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ both in home and foreign lands, this church shall be governed by the following Constitution:
Know All Men By These Present:
That, we, the undersigned have this day voluntarily associated ourselves together for the purpose of forming a corporation under the Laws of the State of Tennessee, and we hereby certify:
Article I
Christ’s Redemption Church (CRC)
As stated in the Articles of Incorporation, the name of the corporate church shall be Christ’s Redemption Church. Article II
Purposes And Power
THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THIS CORPORATION IS FORMED ARE:
To establish a Biblical Christian Church and with missionaries, literature, education, and all other departments it may deem useful to propagate and practice the full Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and for its service to the community. It is one purpose of this local church corporation to earnestly seek and promote the unity of God’s people in the Scriptural manner of Godly love, respect, and faithful voluntary cooperation with liberty. To that end, it shall associate and cooperate freely with other churches and with various organizations. To act as Trustee under any trust incidental to the principal objects of the corporation and to receive, hold, administer and expend funds and property subject to such trust. To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind for any lawful purpose without limit as to amount and with any person, firm, association, or corporation; to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, issue and execute promissory notes, warrants, and other negotiable or transferable interests. To take, purchase or otherwise acquire; to own, hold, occupy, use and enjoy, manage, improve, develop and work; to grant, sell, exchange, let, demise, and otherwise dispose of real estate, and buildings; and improvements and every night, interest and estate therein without limit as to the amount thereof and wheresoever the same may be situated; to erect, construct, alter and repair buildings; to assume any and every kind of contract, agreement, and obligation by or with any person, firm, corporation or association, or any Federal, State or other Government for the er****on, construction, alteration, repair, renewal, equipment, improvement, development, use, enjoyment, leasing, management or control of any buildings, improvements or structures of any kind wherever the same may be situated. To purchase or otherwise acquire, to own, hold, use and enjoy, to sell, assign and transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, deal in or deal with personal property of every kind and description without limit as to the amount thereof and wheresoever the same may be situated. To borrow and to loan money and to give and to receive evidence of indebtedness and security thereof; to draw, make accept, endorse, execute, and issue promissory notes, warrants, and other debentures of the corporation, or otherwise to make guarantees of every kind and secure any or all obligations of the corporation by a mortgage, trust deed or otherwise. To do all other acts necessary or expedient for the administration of the affairs and attainment of the purposes of the corporation and to have and exercise all the powers now or hereafter conferred by the Laws of the State of Tennessee, upon non-profit corporations. Article III
A Non-Profit Corporation
This corporation is organized pursuant to the General Non-Profit Corporation Law of the State of Tennessee; the property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to religious and charitable purposes, and upon liquidation, dissolution, or abandonment, shall not inure to the benefit of any private person except a fund, foundation, or corporation organized and operated for religious or charitable purposes and as designated in Article X of this Constitution. Article IV
Ordinances
(A) The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost as commanded in the Scriptures, shall be administered to all those who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls and who give clear evidence of their fruit (Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 2:12). (B) The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed as a part of public worship, as commanded by the Lord (Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26). Privileges
(C) Infants and small children may be dedicated to the Lord in the church upon the request of the parents or guardians (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-16). (D) The ministration of laying on of hands accompanied with the anointing with oil, for the healing of the sick, shall be granted as a request is made and the need may require (Mark 16:18; James 5:14-16). Article V
Membership
Membership in Christ’s Redemption Church shall be eligible to all who give evidence to their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who voluntarily hold to the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. When a person chooses to be a part of Christ’s Redemption Church and involve themselves they are automatically considered a member (Ephesians 4:16). A member is one who attends regularly, serves at, and contributes to the Christ’s Redemption Church storehouses, i.e. donations, clothing, food, finances, etc. Rules of Conduct
Christ’s Redemption Church member’s are expected to treat others as they wish to be treated, with respect and dignity. When it comes to disputes, we will follow the examples set in the Bible such as Matthew 18:15-20. If a member crosses boundaries such as harassment, violence, endangerment or abuse of any age, or any crime that harms another will be either counseled, sat down from any position, or subject to excommunication and will be reported to law enforcment. Level of accusation will determine course of action. Article VI
Officers
The officers of Christ’s Redemption Church shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. The senior pastor shall be considered the President of the Corporation. There shall not be less than three (3) and no more than nine (9) officers (directors) at any time. The board of directors shall handle the business of the church and therefore should be business minded. They should see into the spiritual side of all business as well. These should lay hold of the vision given to them and see it is implemented. Pastor and President
Section 1. Term of Office: The Pastor is the President of the Corporation. He/She is also an Elder holding the office of pastor. He/She shall hold this office until death, resignation, or a congregational majority votes them out of office via lack of confidence. Section 2. Vacancy of Pastorate: The vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of a new pastor by the departing pastor or the Board of Elders when the departing pastor is not available to do so. In some cases a Pulpit Search Committee may be selected who will search for pastoral candidates and submit them to the departing pastor and/or elders for final approval. In most cases, when able, it is best to follow the examples set forth in scripture of the person called by God (pastor or other fivefold ministers) to pass the mantle on to the one God has chosen and shown him (Joshua 1, 1 Kings 19:19-21, 2 Kings 2:1-14). Imparting the anointing and call of God to the one who has already proven themselves to be faithful (2 Timothy 2:2, Luke 16:12). Section 3. Duties of Pastor: The Pastor shall be considered the spiritual overseer of the church and shall direct all the church activities. They shall preside over all business meetings of the church and shall be ex-officio member(s) of all committees and departments. Section 4. Support of Pastor: The Pastor shall be supported according to their needs, either by free-will offerings or by stated allowance as shall be decided upon by the Directors and/or Elders in its regular business sessions, once the needs of the church/body are met, not to exceed $40,000 annually per paid staff/pastor. Vice-President
The Vice-President of the Corporation shall also be an Elder. They must be one who is trusted by the pastor with adequate business and leadership gifts to take charge in the Pastor/President’s absence, such as the co/associate Pastor. They shall be appointed by the Pastor and ratified by the Elders. Secretary-Treasurer
The Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Pastor and ratified by the Elders. A secretary or administrative assistant may be utilized in the day-to-day record keeping (accounts receivable and payable) as necessary. Directors
Directors shall be appointed by the Pastor and ratified by the Elders. The Board of Elders shall fill the office of Directors and officers of the Corporation when qualified persons are lacking to fill such positions. Board of Elders
The Board of Elders shall be appointed by the Pastor. There shall not be less than three (3) and no more than nine (9). They are to be called upon to fill the pulpit, to pray for the sick, visit newcomers, shut-ins, absentees, and hospital visitation. They shall also, along with the Pastor, seek God’s direction for the church, and support the pastor in the vision given them by God, in the church’s present and future ministry. Elders shall remain so until they resign or are deemed unfit. Requirements: An Elder must be baptized, confess that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, be a minimum of 21 years of age, agree to potential background checks, be a reputable member of society, attend a minimum of 60% of church events (i.e. services, fundraisers, meetings, fellowships, etc.) with extenuating circumstances to be evaluated on a case by case basis, and a member of Christ’s Redemption Church. Deacons
The Pastor and/or Board of Elders shall appoint the Board of Deacons. There shall never be less than four members on the Board of Deacons. The Board of Deacons shall act in conjunction with and to aid the Pastor in all matters of Christ’s Redemption Church. They shall act in the determination of the meeting of material needs (i.e., food, clothing, financial, etc.) of anyone who might seem to be in need whether they are a part of the Church or not. They may also aid the Pastor in any of the ordinances. Requirements: A Deacon must be baptized, confess that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, be a minimum of 18 years of age, agree to potential background checks, be a reputable member of society, and a member of Christ’s Redemption Church. In case of a lack of qualified persons to fill the Board of Deacons, the Elders shall act as the Deacons until the Board of Deacons is established. Board of Ushers
A Board of Ushers shall be installed in the annual business meeting of Christ’s Redemption Church. The Pastor and President of Christ’s Redemption Church shall appoint a chairman to act as the head of the Board of Ushers. The duties of the Board of Ushers shall be as follows:
To see that the church is always in order for services. To assist the Pastor in every way possible during the process of meetings. To prepare for the comfort of everyone in attendance. To maintain order and discipline throughout the church. The Pastor, Board of Deacons, and the appointed chairman of the Board of Ushers shall appoint members to serve on the Board of Ushers. They shall be appointed to serve for one year. These people may succeed themselves indefinitely. In case of a lack of qualified persons to fill the Board of Ushers, the Elders shall act as the Ushers until the Board of Ushers is established. Communion Board
The Board of Deacons and the Board of Elders shall act as the Communion Board. One person shall be appointed to serve as Chairman of the Communion Board. It shall be their duty to make arrangements for the preparation and serving of communion when announced by the Pastor. Vacancy of Offices
The Pastor and President of the Corporation shall have the authority to declare any office vacant. Grounds for such action shall be:
Failure to cooperate with the church’s program and ministry. Unscriptural conduct. Doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith. For any good and sufficient cause. Any incumbent under charge shall have the opportunity for a fair and impartial hearing before the joint meeting of the Board of Elders shall be considered final and the incumbent may have no further recourse. In the case of removal, the individual can remain an active member of the church without holding a position in leadership. If a change in character is determined after 6 months, they can appeal to the board for a position that has not been filled, and be subject to probation if approved. Article VII
Meetings
Section 1. Meetings for Worship. Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Saturday (Sabbath) and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor. Annual business meeting. There shall be an Annual Business Meeting of Christ’s Redemption Church. This business meeting shall be held at the end of the fiscal year. This meeting shall be conducted in the auditorium of Christ’s Redemption Church, online, or a physical location. New officers, elders and deacons shall be installed and all reports shall be read at the Annual Business Meeting. Special business meetings. Special business meetings of the legal members may be called by the pastor or by written petition of three-fourths (3/4) of the legal membership. Notice of business meetings. Written notice of the date and place of the Annual Business Meeting and of any special business meetings shall be sent by preferred method to all active members at least ten (10) days and not more than thirty days prior to such meeting. In addition, the pastor shall announce such a meeting at the worship services of Christ’s Redemption Church at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting. Section 5. Quorum. No record of any special or regular business meetings of Christ’s Redemption Church shall be made unless one-half (1/2) or more legal members are present to constitute a quorum. Section 6. Order of Business. The regular order of business for the Annual Business Meeting of Christ’s Redemption Church shall be as follows:
Devotional. Reading of previous minutes. Report of the treasurer. Report of committees. Unfinished business. Installation of officers. New business. Adjournment. This order of business may be altered or suspended at any meeting by a majority vote of the members present. The usual parliamentary rules as laid down in “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall govern all debates when not in conflict with this Constitution. Article VIII
Finances
All funds needed for the maintenance of Christ’s Redemption Church shall be provided by voluntary contributions, tithes and offerings. Every member shall decide before God what he or she can cheerfully give to the support of the Lord’s work at home and in the foreign field (Malachi 3:10, I Corinthians 16:1-2; Romans 12:8). All offerings shall be counted by at least two members of leadership. Deposits must be made by Christ’s Redemption Church promptly in a local bank. A separate account will be established for Christ’s Redemption Church. Annual reports will be furnished to the officers and made available to the membership. Two signature checks are to be used. The treasurer must be a board member. However, a secretary or administrative assistant may be utilized in the day-to-day record keeping as necessary. Financial records, without exception, are to be kept in the church office. The Pastor shall act as overseer of all financial activities. Article IX
Departments and Committees
The church shall provide for the establishment of education, young people’s work, relief committees, home and foreign missionary committees, and any other departments or committees as the needs of the work may require. These committees and departments shall be subordinate to the church and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. They shall be under the general supervision of the Board of Elders. The pastor shall be an ex-official member of all committees or departments and shall determine when the need for such committees and departments must be organized. Article X
Property
The Officers of Christ’s Redemption Church shall have the power to carry out all of the purposes and powers set forth in Article II. The President and the Secretary-Treasurer’s signature shall be sufficient certificate for negotiating any and all of the provided powers in said Articles. Article XI
Amendment
This Constitution may be amended or changed by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the officers (directors) at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made, so long as it is in accordance with Scriptual guidance and doctrine. Article XII
Organization
Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Article XIII
Conduct of Organization
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inert to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Not with standing any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Article XIV
Dissolution
Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of common pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
