BYLAWS

At, or shortly following, the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year, a regular meeting of the congregational assembly shall be held.

The church council shall set the exact date, time and place of congregational meetings, unless otherwise specified by the congregation. Announcements of the meetings shall be given in print at least two different regularly scheduled services not to exceed one month prior to the time of the meeting.

Special meetings of the congregation assembly may be called by the church council, Pastor, or by the written request of three communicant members. Any member may approach the church council or Pastor to request a congregational meeting. Such meetings must be announced according to the general rule set forth in Section 2 with the purpose clearly stated; only the announced topics shall be discussed at the special meeting.

6.1 The meetings shall be conducted according to good, Christian order. Topics will be discussed in a respectful and loving way as Paul writes in Galatians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” To support this order, all topics for discussion at the congregational meeting will be identified by the council prior to the meeting as either:

It is imperative that council identify issues as “A) Requiring a Decision”, only after prayerful consideration.

6.2 We shall attempt to make all decisions on the basis of consensus. Consensus means that all members present or represented agree to support the stated decision. It does not mean that everyone believes it to be the best decision. Consensus requires that all opinions contrary to the proposed decision be stated and understood before moving forward. A failure to reach consensus means that there is stated position that the decision will not be supported. Generally, a failure to reach consensus implies a failure to understand or address an individual or group concern. For each decision, the President will announce the general or majority opinion and ask, “Is everyone here willing to support the congregation’s decision to …?” Consensus exists if no voices are raised to state opposition.

6.3 Since the scriptures often refer to the church in family terms (Christians being brothers and sisters, God our Father) we will seek to conduct business like a family. If a decision has been identified as “A) Requiring a Decision”, and one cannot be reached by consensus, then the following guidelines will be implemented:

No one shall bring to any meeting a charge or complaint against any member or against a Pastor or a teacher unless he has first admonished him in a Christian manor according to Matthew 18:15-20.

All baptized members of the congregation shall be invited to attend the regular congregational meeting and to participate in the discussion. We believe that disagreement on an issue by our women is not an abuse of the headship principle, but rather an application of God’s designed role as suitable helpers and equal partners in His ministry. This kind of participation helps us take advantage of the gifts God has given His church in the roles He has designed them to take.

A quorum at a congregational assembly exists if greater than 15% of the communicant members are present.

ARTICLE II The Church Council

Section 1. Members of the Church Council

1.1 Candidates for open church council positions will be selected, in accordance with Article VI at the fall quarterly meeting. The council shall be composed of the president, secretary, financial secretary, treasurer, chairman of outreach, chairman of education, chairman of worship, chairman of planning and stewardship, selected trustee and selected deacon. Only men shall be eligible for these council positions.

1.2 The church council, serving as the corporate trustees, shall control the corporate property of the congregation according to the direction given to it by the congregational assembly. The church council is empowered to borrow money, pledge the assets of the congregation, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the real and personal property of the congregation all at the direction of the congregational assembly. The president and secretary of the congregation are hereby designated as the persons who shall sign all documents of the congregation.

1.3 The president shall serve as chairman of the church council.

1.4 The pastor(s) of the congregation, female members of the board deacons, and principal of the school, if one exist, shall be advisors.

1.5 In accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, a board of directors shall consist of the president, secretary, and treasurer, and shall meet annually.

Section 2. Term of Office

The term of office for the president, secretary, and treasurer shall be one year. The term of the office for the financial secretary, the chairman of outreach, the chairman of education, the chairman of worship, the chairman of planning and stewardship, deacons, trustees, and other designated offices shall be two-year terms on alternating years. No council member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms in the same position or six consecutive years in any position unless an exception is put to the congregation for approval. He shall again be eligible for selection one year after the expiration of his second consecutive term in office. The term of office begins with installation of officers.

Section 3. Installation

On the first Sunday of the new calendar year, all officers of the church council shall be installed in office at a regular service and shall thus be presented to the congregation.

Section 4. Meetings

The church council shall meet regularly. The President or any council member may call special meetings of the church council. The council shall not convene to transact business without the knowledge of the Pastor. The council shall attempt to make all decisions on the basis of consensus. If there is not a consensus and an immediate decision must be made, then a vote among the council members present shall be cast. All members on the church council have the right to vote. A quorum shall exist if there are 5 council members present.

Section 5. Responsibilities of the President

5.1 The president shall preside as chairman of all council and congregational meetings.

5.2 He shall in consultation with the pastor, prepare the agenda for council and congregational meetings, establish the time of meetings, the time limits of meetings, and the scheduling of various reports

5.3 He shall serve as an advisory member of all boards and committees. He shall sign all deeds, mortgages, notes, leases and/or all legal documents directed to be executed by the congregation.

5.4 He shall hold the boards and committees of the congregation accountable for their respective duties and responsibilities.

5.5 He shall seek every opportunity to commend "leadership shown" and "a job well done" by members of the congregation.

5.6 In the event the president is unable to fulfill his duties, the council will appoint a temporary chairman until the president can resume his duties or the congregation can select a new president.

5.7 In the absence of the treasurer the president has full signature authority of the treasurer.

Section 6. Responsibilities of Secretary

6 1 The secretary shall record accurately the proceedings of all meetings of the congregational assembly and the church council.

6.2 He shall transfer all notes of proceedings to a permanent record book, and have such records available for every congregational assembly and council meeting.

6.3 He shall maintain a current roster of the eligible communicant members.

6.4 He shall make available to the congregation the highlights of all council and congregational meetings.

6.5 He shall arrange for new members to receive our constitution and bylaws.

6.6 He shall prepare and send all correspondence as directed.

6.7 He shall keep a file of all legal documents and church records.

6.8 He shall have the authority to countersign all deeds, mortgages, notes, leases, and legal documents executed by the congregation.

6.9 He shall oversee the responsibility of a congregational historian.

6.10 In the absence of the president and treasurer the secretary has the full signature authority of the treasurer.

6.11 He shall be the contact person for the synod's committee of communication and financial support.

Section 7. Responsibilities of Treasurer

7.1 The treasurer shall receive from the financial secretary a report of all monies and credit the same to the proper accounts.

7.2 He shall make disbursements according to instructions from the church council.

7.3 He shall make a quarterly report to the congregational assembly, and monthly reports to the church council.

7.4 He shall submit his records to the congregation for an annual audit or at any time the congregation so desires.

7.5 He shall assist in the preparation of the congregation's budget.

7.6 In the absence of the secretary the treasurer shall have the authority to countersign documents on behalf of the congregation

Section 8. Responsibilities of Financial Secretary

8.1 The financial secretary shall supervise the finance committee. The financial secretary is encouraged to organize counters so that there is a minimum of two non-related people to count receipts.

8.2 He shall receive and deposit all contributions for the congregation.

8.3 He shall keep an accurate account of all monies received and deliver a report of them to the treasurer, indicating the proper account to be credited.

8.4 He shall make a quarterly report to the congregational assembly, and monthly reports to the church council.

8.5 He shall submit his books for audit annually or at any time the congregation so desires.

8.6 He shall submit to all members a quarterly report of their contributions.

8.7 He shall be responsible for the ordering of offering envelopes.

8.8 He shall be the chairman of the finance committee and assist in the preparation of the annual budget.

Section 9. Assistants

Each of the council members is encouraged to train and share responsibilities with an assistant. The assistant must be a communicant member and will follow scriptural principles (i.e. headship principles). The assistant may not participate in council meetings.

Section 10. Vacancies

In the event of a vacancy on the church council, the remaining council shall appoint a replacement to serve until the end of the term.

ARTICLE III Board of Deacons

Section 1. Members of the Board of Deacons

1.1 Male Members: The congregation will select male deacons, in accordance with Titus 1:6-9, Acts 6:3-6, at its fall quarterly meeting as specified in the bylaws, Article VI section 2 and 3, male members of the board of deacons. The minimum number of male members of the board of deacons is one for every fifty communicant members.

1.2 Female members: The congregation shall select, specified in the bylaws, Article VI section 2 and 3, female members (Romans 16:1) as outlined in 1 Tim. 3:8-13. The book of Acts and the epistles of Paul show the key roles women filled in the spread of the gospel. At times they gathered the little nucleus to which the apostles preached and around which they built their congregations (Acts 16:14,15). Women served as witnesses to the unchurched and as instructors to those new in the faith (Acts 18:26; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). In many instances women were the apostles' support and strength in times of crisis (Romans 16:1-16; Philippians 4:2,3). The minimum number of female members is one for every fifty female communicant members and children. They will minister to the women and children in our congregation.

1.3 Chairman: The board of deacons shall choose their own chairman from among the male members of their board.

1.4 Council Vote: One male member of this board will be designated by their board to represent at every council meeting. All members are encouraged to attend council meetings as advisors.

Section 2. Term of Office

The term of office shall be two years with no more than two thirds of the terms to expire annually.

Section 3. Responsibilities

3.1 Actively carry out spiritual maintenance in the congregation by identifying needs and working to fill them. They will do this by striving for regular contact with all members of our congregation.

3.2 Consider grievances of members of the congregation, verify that Matthew 18:15-16 has been fully observed, and report to the Church Council those which cannot be otherwise resolved in accordance with Matthew 18:17-18.

3.3 Make every effort to induce members who have been negligent in their attendance of worship services and in the sacraments, to mend their sinful ways and fully enjoy the rights and privileges of their membership.

3.4 See to it that all worship services are conducted in such a manner as to avoid needless disturbance and to foster an attitude conducive to worship among those in attendance.

3.5 Assist the pastor in arranging for pulpit assistance, special services, and guest speakers.

3.8 Supervise usher schedules and duties.

3.7 The male members will assist the pastor in congregational meetings as far as preparing devotions and even substituting for the pastor at times to free him for other activities.

3.8 Train to lead youth and adult Bible discussions on Sunday morning and at other appropriate times.

3.9 The male members will regularly assist the pastor in administering the Lord's Supper to the congregation.

3.10 Encourage our leaders in their Christian service, and education.

3.11 Shall counsel the pastor in matters pertaining to his spiritual well-being and the conduct of his duties.

3.12 They shall regularly report their activities to the church council.

3.13 Shall examine confirmands to determine whether they are ready to take their confirmation vows.

Section 4. Vacancies

In the event of a vacancy on the board of deacons, the remaining members shall appoint a replacement until the vacancy can be filled.

ARTICLE IV Board of Trustees

Section 1. Members of the Board of Trustees

1.1 The congregation shall select at its fall quarterly meeting, specified in the bylaws, Article VI section 2 and 3, a board of trustees composed of at least three members.

1.2 The board of trustees shall appoint a male chairman from among their board.

Section 2. Membership on the Church Council

One male member of this board will be a representative at every council meeting. A representing trustee will be chosen by consensus among the board of trustees. All trustees will be permitted to attend council meetings as advisors. (Scripturally there may be female members of this board. These members would be acceptable advisory representatives at a council meeting and are invited to attend. However, if an issue was forced to a vote in a Council meeting, she should not exercise authority over her brothers in voting. 1 Timothy 2:12 "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man." In following the headship principle male members of boards and committees will respect the women in our congregation as gifts from God and partners in His ministry. As Paul says in Galatians 3:28, male or female, "we are all one in Christ".)

Section 3. Meetings

The board of trustees shall meet as frequently as the scope of its work shall require.

Section 4. Term of office

The term of office shall be based on a two-year rotation with not more than two thirds of the terms to expire annually.

Section 5. Responsibilities

5.1 They shall oversee the security and routine care of all real and physical assets of the congregation

5.2 They shall report monthly to the church council and quarterly to the congregation its activities and congregational needs and carry out work assigned to it by these bodies.

5.3 They shall arrange for congregational work parties as required.

5.4 They shall review annually the congregation's insurance program and report recommendations to the church council and congregational assembly.

5.5 They shall supervise all routine and periodic custodial duties.

5.6 They shall send an advisory representative to all meetings of the property development committee in order to expedite good communication

5.7 They shall be responsible for an annual inventory of all assets for insurance purposes.

5.8 Major expenditures will be approved by the church council and the congregational assembly. Minor expenses will be reimbursed by the treasurer only upon receiving proper receipts or billing.

ARTICLE V Committees in the Church

Section 1. Worship Committee

1.1 They shall consist of at least three members including the chairman who shall be a member of the church council. The remaining members will be appointed by the chairman and subject to approval by the majority of the council for the duration of the chairman's term. The pastor and principal shall be advisory members of the committee.

1.2 They shall prepare a worship plan for the church year and special services and advise the pastor in planning liturgy, hymns, and sermons.

1.3 They shall oversee the altar committee.

1.4 They shall see that the church is appropriately decorated for each season.

1.5 They shall review annually the arrangements for organists, choir director, and soloists.

1.8 They shall insure there are Bibles, hymnals, and other supplies needed for the worship service.

1.7 They shall appoint a person to maintain a church record book of members, baptisms, marriages, funerals, confirmations, communions, transfers, and all matters pertaining to membership.

1.8 They shall see that appropriate certificates are given out.

1.9 They shall report monthly to the church council and quarterly to the congregation its activities and congregational needs and carry out work assigned to it by these bodies.

Section 2. Education Committee

2.1 They shall consist of at least three members including the chairman who shall be a member of the church council. The remaining members will be appointed by the chairman and subject to approval by the majority of the council for the duration of the chairman's term. The pastor and principal shall be advisory members of the committee.

2.2 They shall formulate all policies to be followed in the educational phases of the congregation's work. It shall meet regularly to discuss and to promote matters related to all educational agencies, which the congregation may maintain.

2.3 They shall report monthly to the church council and quarterly to the congregation its activities and congregational needs and carry out work assigned to it by these bodies.

Section 3. Planning and Stewardship Committee

3.1 They shall consist of at least three members including the chairman who shall be a member of the church council. The remaining members will be appointed by the chairman and subject to approval by the majority of the council for the duration of the chairman's term.

3.2 They shall formulate all policies of sound Christian stewardship, evaluate gifts, and encourage the congregation to use their time, treasures, and talents to serve the Lord.

3.3 They shall serve as a long range planning committee to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and encourage the congregation to work and plan in a proactive way for the future.

3.4 They shall report monthly to the church council and quarterly to the congregation its activities and congregational needs and carry out work assigned to it by those bodies.

Section 4. Outreach Committee

4 1 The outreach committee shall consist of at least three members including the chairman who shall be a member of the church council. The remaining members appointed by the chairman and subject to approval by the majority of the council for the duration of the chairman's term.

4.2 The outreach committee shall aid the congregation in establishing and maintaining an active program of outreach to the neighborhood and community.

4.3 They shall report monthly to the church council and quarterly to the congregation its activities and congregational needs and carry out work assigned to it by these bodies.

Section 5. Property Development Committee

5.1 The property development committee shall consist of at least three members appointed by the church council and a representative from the board of trustees.

5.2 They shall choose from among themselves their own chairman.

5.3 They shall be responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of all construction and remodeling projects.

5.4 They shall arrange for the completion of all legal documents and proceedings pertaining to construction and remodeling.

5.5 They shall seek approval for plans and activities at the next possible council meeting and when priority dictates at the next congregational meeting.

5.6 They shall regularly report to the church council monthly and to the congregation at congregational meetings.

5.7 They shall serve as long as the current council is in office.

Section 6. Finance Committee

6.1 The finance committee shall consist of the financial secretary and such other members as may be deemed necessary by the congregational assembly. The financial secretary shall serve as chairman of the committee. The additional members who need not be members of the church council shall be appointed by the council for one year terms.

6.2 The finance committee shall be responsible for the counting of contributions and the proper preparation of bank deposits. It shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the offerings from the time they are received until they are deposited in the bank.

6.3 They shall report monthly to the church council and quarterly to the congregation the record of their deposits.

Section 7. Budget Committee

The church council shall appoint a budget committee. The treasurer and the financial secretary shall be members of the committee. The committee shall be responsible for preparing the congregation⁴s budget for the following year and recommending it through the church council to the budget meeting of the congregational assembly. Four months prior to the end of the fiscal year, the church council shall begin preparation of the congregation's budget for the following year, and present it at the budget meeting of the congregational assembly. In the preparation of the budget it shall conduct a review of the salaries of the called workers together with the salaries of other paid workers the congregation may have.

Section 8. Vacancies

Vacancies occurring on any of these committees shall be filled through appointment by the chairman of that committee.

Section 9. Membership of Committees

The number of members on the committees may be increased or temporarily decreased due to a shortage of willing participants. Temporary or permanent offices and committees, in addition to those heretofore mentioned, may be established or dismissed by the congregation as needs may warrant. Anyone may serve on any committee in this congregation as long as they have the best interests of the congregation at heart and are willing to follow scriptural principles. The Pastor and president by virtue of their offices are advisory members of all boards and committees and are to be informed of all meetings of all committees so that they may attend if they desire.

Section 10. Mode of Procedure of Committees

10.1 Each committee shall develop its own objectives in the light of the congregation's objectives, Constitution, and Article II. Each committee shall also develop a statement of its policies and procedures. The first statement of objectives, policies and procedures shall be approved by the church council and congregational assembly and reviewed annually thereafter by the committee. If the annual review results in changes in objectives, policies, and procedures, these changes must be submitted to the church council and congregational assembly for approval. Each committee shall annually establish its own goals and report them to the church council and congregational assembly together with a report on the previous year's goals.

10.2 All decisions made on committees will be made on the basis of consensus. If there is not a consensus the committee shall bring both sides of the issue before the church council for a decision or to the congregational assembly if appropriate.

10.3 Each committee shall report monthly to the council their activities in written form.

Article VI Selection of Members to the Church Council

Section 1. Nominating Committee

The church council shall present to the July meeting of the congregational assembly for ratification a committee of not less than three communicant members to serve as a nominating committee.

Section 2. Candidates

2.1 The nominating committee shall draft a slate of candidates from the communicant membership. The women of the congregation shall meet to suggest female members of the board of deacons and shall submit those names to the nominating committee prior to the nominating committee's submission of nominees to the council.

2.2 The nominating committee will submit the list of nominees to the council for approval one month prior to the October quarterly meeting.

2.3 Any congregational member may submit additional names for considerations to the council. Names must be submitted one month prior to the October quarterly meeting.

2.4 The council shall publish the names of the candidates on at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the October meeting.

Section 3. Selection

The congregational assembly at its October meeting shall hear the recommendations of the nominating committee, and any other possible addition if approved by council. When and if there are at least 2 viable candidates then a lot system will be used at the congregation meeting to choose the new council member. For each position with multiple candidates, each name shall be written on a separate piece of paper, folded and placed into one offering plate (the offering plate is used to signify that each member is making an offering to the Lord of time and talent). A prayer may be offered to ask that the Lord guide us to select the person He wants for the position. The president of the congregation, or his appointed deputy, will draw one piece of paper from the offering plate and the name listed on that paper will be selected to fill the open position.