Constitution and Bylaws

Preamble

After much prayer, searching the Scripture, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God has led the members of this church to unite and form this church that conforms to his will and, by God’s grace, will enable us to better fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

Now therefore we, the members of this church, do hereby organize ourselves in accord with the Kentucky Nonprofit Corporation Act and adopt this Constitution and Bylaws as our articles of governance, to be always interpreted to reflect the character of and bring glory to Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Holy Bible and articulated in the standards set forth in the Statement of Faith and Member Covenant of this church. 

Article 1: Name

The name of this church is Redeeming Grace Fellowship.

Article 2: Purpose and Values

This church exists by the grace of God for the glory of God, which shall be the ultimate purpose in all its activities. This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law). Further, we glorify God by loving him and being obedient to his commands by:

  • Worshiping him;
  • Encouraging Biblical fellowship among believers;
  • Equipping the saints through Bible instruction and discipleship;
  • Administering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper;
  • Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching, personal evangelism, works of mercy, and any other means consistent with the teachings of the Scripture;
  • Encouraging, supporting, and participating in mission work, including local, domestic, and international; and
  • Serving other individuals, families, and churches by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in the name of Jesus Christ.

Article 3: Membership

Section 1: Qualifications

To qualify for membership in this church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been baptized by immersion, following his or her regeneration, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible. Each member must agree to submit to the teaching of scripture as expressed in the Statement of Faith and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Member Covenant. The elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith or evidence of faith, as the elders deem appropriate.

Section 2: Admission of Members

To be admitted into church membership, prospective members shall be recommended by the elders for admission and accepted by vote of the members at any regular or special meetings of the members and shall at that point relinquish their membership in other churches.

Section 3: Duties and Privileges of Membership

In accord with the duties enumerated in the Member Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only those who are members of this congregation shall be entitled to serve in the ministries of the church, except in such situations that the elders deem wise, on a case-by-case basis, as an encouragement to non-members and those pursuing membership to serve. Notwithstanding, non-members may serve the church for purposes of administration and professional consultation.

Under Christ this congregation is governed by its members. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, on the annual budget, and on all such other matters as may be submitted to a vote. The aforesaid privilege of voting in members’ meetings shall solely be for those members who have reached the age of majority. 

Section 4: Inactive Membership

Unless providentially hindered, members who are absent from Sunday morning worship gatherings for twelve (12) consecutive weeks will be considered inactive members. Inactive members may not vote in members’ meetings nor hold any office in the church. The elders will seek to meet with inactive members, encourage their full participation in the gatherings and work of the church, and will determine when/if the duties and privileges of full membership can be restored.

Section 5: Church Discipline

Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or unrepentantly guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church and/or rendering doubtful a profession of faith, shall be subject to the admonition of the elders and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and the example of Scripture. Church discipline, then, should ordinarily be contemplated after individual private admonition has failed.

Church discipline can include admonition by the elders or congregation, suspension from communion for a definite period, deposition from office, and excommunication (see Matthew 18:15–17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; 1 Timothy 5:19–20; 1 Corinthians 5:4–5). Further, church discipline shall not preclude the reporting of any criminal activity to the proper authorities, including but not limited to cases of physical or sexual abuse.

The purpose of such discipline should be:

  • For the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (see Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:4–5; Hebrews 12:1–11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26–27; 18:15–17; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13–14; James 1:22);
  • For the instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 [note this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24–25);
  • For the purity of the whole church (see 1 Corinthians 5:6–7; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; 2 John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2);
  • For the good of our corporate witness to non–Christians (see Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13–16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1–14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10); and
  • Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting his holy character (see Deuteronomy 5:11; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2:24; 15:5–6; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12).

Section 6: Termination of Membership

Termination of membership shall be recognized by the church following the death or voluntary resignation of any church member. Membership may be terminated as an act of church discipline (ordinarily but not necessarily at the recommendation of the elders) with the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at any regular or special members’ meeting. The request or recommendation to terminate membership must be presented to the church at a regular or special members’ meeting, and then be voted on at the next regular or special members’ meeting.

The church shall have the authority to refuse a member’s voluntary resignation or transfer of membership to another church, either for the purpose of proceeding with the process of church discipline or for any other biblical reason.

Article 4: Meetings

Section 1: Worship Meetings

Worship services shall be held each Lord’s Day (Sunday) and may be held throughout the week as the church determines.

Section 2: Members’ Meetings

In every meeting together, members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There shall be a regular members’ meeting at least quarterly, at some time apart from a public worship service agreed upon by the membership.

An elder designated by the elders shall preside as moderator at all members’ meetings of the church. The elders shall see that the stated meetings of the church are regularly held and that required reports are submitted to the church by the responsible members.

Provided all constitutional provisions for notification have been met, a quorum shall be understood to be met by those members present. All votes shall be tallied based on the number of votes cast by those members present. If providentially hindered, members in good standing may vote in absentia.

A budget shall be approved by the membership at a members’ meeting no less than two (2) months prior to the start of the fiscal year. The membership shall vote on the budget, without amendment, in its entirety in a single vote. Prior to this approval and subject to the elders’ discretion, expenditures may continue at the prior year’s level.

At any regular or special members’ meetings, officers may be elected, and positions filled as needed, so long as all relevant constitutional requirements have been met.

Special members’ meetings may be called as required by the elders or at the written request, submitted to the elders, of ten (10%) percent of the voting membership. The date, time, and purpose of any special meeting shall be announced at all public services of the church within two (2) weeks preceding the meeting or for as much time as is available if a meeting must be called with fewer than two (2) weeks’ notice. In the event of a written request from the members, the elders shall call a special meeting to be held within one (1) month of their receipt of the request. In situations where the elders must call a special meeting with fewer than two (2) weeks’ notice, an email shall be sent to the members detailing the location, date, time, and purpose of the meeting. When a valid email address is not on file, a physical letter shall be sent to the last known mailing address. No meeting shall be called with fewer than forty-eight (48) hours’ notice.

Article 5: Officers

Section 1: Summary

The only biblical offices in the church are elders, also called pastors or bishops, and deacons. In addition, under this Constitution and Bylaws, our church recognizes the administrative positions of clerk and treasurer. All officers must be members of this church prior to assuming their responsibilities. 

Section 2: Elders

The elders shall be comprised of not less than two (2) men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. No more than half of the men serving in active eldership may be in the regular pay of the church, and no elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure.

Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1–6 and 1 Peter 5:1–4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock.

The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially.

An elder’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. Any two (2) members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the elders and, if necessary, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Timothy 5:17–21. Any of the elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at any members’ meeting of the church.

The elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the deacons and appointed church agents and committees, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental gospel convictions and do not teach our church anything contrary to the Statement of Faith.

The elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders may also propose funding for new paid staff positions. The membership shall approve all candidates to fill the positions of lead pastor and associate pastor. The scope and approval of job descriptions for any staff position shall reside in the hands of those with hiring authority for that position.

The elders shall have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. This responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to another staff member.

The elders shall elect a chairman for all elders’ meetings and shall also elect one of their number to serve as moderator of members’ meetings. For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the elders shall elect one of their number to serve as the president of the corporation.

Each year the elders shall present to the church an annual, itemized budget at a special or regular members’ meeting. This budget shall be presented for discussion at that time and called up for a vote at the following members’ meeting. No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of the church or any of its ministries without the approval of the elders and deacons.

The elders will seek, at all times, to work together in unanimous agreement concerning the direction and work of the church. Issues will only be brought to the congregation for consideration when all elders agree.

Section 3: Lead Pastor

The lead pastor shall be an elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 2, hereinabove, and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the vocational ministry of preaching and teaching.

His call shall not be subject to the triennial reaffirmation set out in Article 5, Section 2, for elders. His call shall be defined as per Article 6, Section 3.

He shall be responsible for the church’s public services, including preaching, oversee the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the saints for the work of the ministry, and perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office, or as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws.

In the absence or incapacity of the lead pastor the elders shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated.

Section 4: Associate Pastors

The church may call additional pastors whose relationship to the lead pastor is that of associate.

An associate pastor shall be an elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 2, above, and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to vocational ministry.

His call shall not be subject to the triennial reaffirmation set out in Article 5, Section 2, for elders. His call shall be defined as per Article 6, Section 4.

He shall assist the lead pastor in the performance of his regular duties and shall perform any other duties as usually pertain to the office of pastor, or as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws, or which may be specifically assigned to him by the congregation.

In the absence or incapacity of the lead pastor for defined periods of time (such as sabbatical or illness), the associate pastor(s) shall assume the responsibility for his duties under the oversight of the elders.

Section 5: Deacons and Deaconesses

The office of deacon is described in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 and Acts 6:1–7. The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men and women who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons and deaconesses. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially.

Deacons and deaconesses shall care for the temporal needs of members, deal with the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration.

The deacons and deaconesses shall receive, hold, and disburse a fund for benevolence, with approval from the elders. Only total receipts and disbursements will be reported to the church.

The deacons and deaconesses, with the agreement of the elders, may establish unpaid administrative positions or committees of members to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities in the church.

Section 6: Clerk

It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the minutes of all regular and special members’ meetings of the church, to preserve an accurate roll of the membership, and to render reports as requested by the elders or the church.

The clerk, who shall be a member in good standing, shall be nominated by the elders and elected by the congregation to serve a term of three (3) years. The clerk may be reaffirmed by the church triennially.

In the absence or incapacity of the clerk the elders shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the church clerk.

For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation.

The church clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be available for all church members.

Section 7: Treasurer

The treasurer, who shall not be an active elder, or paid church staff member and shall be a member in good standing, shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as appropriate. The treasurer shall also be responsible for presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues, and expenses of the church at each members’ meeting. The responsibility may be delegated with the approval of the elders. The treasurer shall also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately managed by any officer, employee, or agent of the church. The treasurer shall render to the elders annually, or whenever they may require it, an account of all transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the church.

The treasurer shall be bonded, or the church shall carry such other liability insurance as to protect the interest of the church with the church paying the required fee. All other persons who are authorized to sign checks and count receipts shall do so with another church member present.

The treasurer shall be nominated by the elders and elected by the congregation to serve a term of three (3) years. The treasurer may be reaffirmed by the church triennially.

Article 6: Elections

Section 1: Principles

The process for church elections shall be interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles: 

  • Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of the election process;
  • Nominations should proceed with the support of the elders;
  • All candidates for church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow members; and
  • The election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Section 2: Election of Officers

The election of officers shall be held at a members’ meeting of the church. Names of nominees to serve as elders, deacons, deaconesses, clerk, or treasurer shall be presented by the elders at a previous members’ meeting (providing that the previous meeting occurred at least one [1] month prior) and the election shall proceed as directed by the moderator.

The elders should seek recommendations and involvement from the general membership in the nomination process. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should express such concern to the elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to a candidate should express their objection to the elders as far in advance as possible before the relevant church members’ meeting.

The moderator shall declare elected all men receiving a seventy-five (75%) percent majority of all votes cast for the office of elder. For all other offices, the moderator shall declare elected all persons receiving a simple majority of all votes cast; abstentions will not be considered as votes cast.

The persons elected shall assume their respective offices upon election unless another date has been specifically designated.

Section 3: Calling of the Lead Pastor

In the calling of any man to this position, the same basic process of calling an elder must be followed. In addition, however, the church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching gifts of any potential lead pastor and, before being asked to express its judgment, must receive assurance from the elders that, having interviewed the man concerned, they are in no doubt as to his wholehearted assent to the Statement of Faith and Member Covenant. Notice of the nomination of a man to be elected to membership and called as lead pastor (which shall include, if necessary, election to membership of his wife if he is married) must be given at two Sunday morning services following the nomination, prior to the vote at a members’ meeting.

Section 4: Calling of an Associate Pastor

The process of calling an associate pastor shall be the same process as calling the Lead Pastor. See Article 6; Section 3.

Article 7: Indemnification

Section 1: Mandatory Indemnification

If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, or agent of the church, the church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs incurred in defending against the claim if the elders determine that the person acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c) in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 2: Permissive Indemnification

At the discretion of the elders, the church may also indemnify any person who acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church’s best interest and lawful.

Section 3: Procedure

If a quorum of elders is not available for an indemnification determination because of the number of elders seeking indemnification, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by special legal counsel appointed by the membership.

Article 8: Dispute Resolution

Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian Church (see, e.g., Matthew 18:15–20, 1 Corinthians 6:1–8), the church shall require its members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblically based principles, without reliance on the secular courts. In the case of criminal activity within the congregation, the State has a God-given responsibility to protect the peace and security of its citizens that should be supposed and encouraged. Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church shall encourage the use of biblically based principles and the avoidance of suits of law or equity to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or pagan and whether individuals or corporate entities. The elders shall adopt policies and procedures to effectuate these requirements and aspirations.

Article 9: Church Ministries and Organizations

All ministries, programs, and organizations of the church shall operate under the oversight of the elders and report regularly to the congregation.

Article 10: Deviations of Practice

If a church member believes the church to be out of accord with this Constitution and Bylaws, he or she should inform an elder. When the elders determine that the church is out of accord with this Constitution and Bylaws, they must provide an update at each members’ meeting until the situation is remedied.

Article 11: Amendments

The Statement of Faith and Member Covenant may be amended by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.

This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a members’ meeting, provided the amendment shall have been offered in writing at the previous members’ meeting, and shall have been announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to such vote.

Article 12: Dissolution

If the elders of the church determine that there is reasonable cause to dissolve Redeeming Grace Fellowship as a corporate entity, the elders shall recommend dissolution to the membership. The elders shall call a special members’ meeting as set out in this Constitution and Bylaws. At least three-quarters (3/4) of the members must vote in the affirmative to approve the proposal of dissolution.

After approval of dissolution by the members, all the corporation’s debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided among the members or other individuals, but shall be irrevocably designated, as approved by a simple majority of the members present at a members’ meeting, to one or more religious organizations which meet the qualifications described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which are in agreement with the letter and spirit of the Statement of Faith. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of exclusively for such exempt purposes by a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the corporation is then located.