Constitution & Bylaws
BATTERY PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
Richmond, Virginia
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Accepted October 17, 2010
Replaces Amended Constitution and Bylaws of October 27, 2002
ARTICLE I – NAME AND LOCATION
The name of this congregationally governed church shall be Battery Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), located in Richmond, Virginia.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to receive and to proclaim God’s grace, revealed fully and clearly in Jesus in the New Testament. It does so in its connection with other Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ), with churches in the wider Stone-Campbell faith tradition, and with those in the ecumenical community.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section A.- Membership shall consist of those who are now members, and those who join the church in the following ways. These three categories of members have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities.
- New Christians: Those who acknowledge God’s grace in their lives and are baptized into Christ.
- Transfer Members: Those who were baptized in other churches, and transfer their membership to Battery Park Church.
- Associate Members: Those who want active membership in Battery Park Church while maintaining membership in their home church.
Section B - Members are expected to attend services on a regular basis, give some of their time to the programs of the church, and support the church financially. Some members are prohibited by age or health from doing all of these things. Those who do one or more of these are regarded by our denomination as “Participating” members with the right to vote. Each church reports to the Year Book & Directory the number of “Participating” members in distinction from “Total Church Membership.”
ARTICLE IV – CHURCH SACRAMENTS
Section A - Christianity has traditionally defined a Sacrament as “an outward sign of an inward grace.” Battery Park Church, together with other Protestant Churches, observes two sacraments: Baptism and Communion.
1. Baptism in water is a response to Christ’s loving command, an acknowledgement of God’s grace, a confession of one’s faith, and an initiation into Christ’s Body, the church. Unless there is compelling reason to do otherwise,* the sacrament is performed by complete immersion and emersion to symbolize “burial and resurrection.” It is normally administered to those who have not been baptized in any form and who request it. *(“Otherwise” might mean a person’s head would not go completely under the water, because of that person’s fear of water.)
2. Communion is a response to Christ’s loving command, an acknowledgement of God’s grace, a confession of one’s faith, and a weekly observance of the Bread and the Cup, as symbols of God’s sacrificial love for us in Jesus Christ. Communion is offered on a few other occasions, such as Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and to the homebound. Communion is open to all who “recognize the meaning of the Lord’s body,” (1 Cor. 11:29) and who wish to partake.
ARTICLE V – CHURCH YEAR
The church year shall begin January 1 and end December 31.
ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE OFFICIAL BOARD,REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE CONGREGATION AND THEIR TERMS AND DUTIES
Section A– Officers of the Church and Official Board. The church shall elect from its membership the following:
- Chair of the Church and the Official Board – one year term. He/she may be re-elected to two additional one year terms.
The Chair shall fulfill the usual duties of such an officer; call and preside at all regular or special meetings of the membership and serve as the executive head of the Official Board; appoint standing and special committees, except those provided for elsewhere in this Constitution and Bylaws; appoint a representative of the District VII Board from the membership subject to the advice, consent, or instructions of the Official Board; and shall perform such other duties as specifically set forth in other Articles of this Constitution and Bylaws. The Chair shall have previously served within the past five years as an Elder or Deacon. He/She shall serve as Vice-Chair of the Pastor’s Cabinet.
- Vice-Chair of the Church and the Official Board – one-year term.
The Vice-Chair shall fulfill the usual duties of such an officer and shall assist the Chair in the performance of his/her duties. In the absence or incapacity of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall assume the duties, authority, and responsibilities of the Chair. The Vice-Chair shall serve as a member of the Personnel Department and Chair of the Memorial Fund Committee. The Vice-Chair shall have previously served within the past five years as an Elder or Deacon. - Secretary of the Church and the Official Board – one year term
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all regular and called meetings of the membership and Official Board; keep a record of Board attendance; and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chair. Copies of all minutes and official meeting records shall be provided to the church office as permanent records. - Clerk – one year term
The Clerk shall keep a complete record of the church membership and such vital statistics as births, deaths, baptisms and weddings; receive and issue all applications for letters of transfer and issue them under authority delegated by the Official Board. Copies of all such records are to be provided to the church office. - Donation Records Team (two persons with one vote) – one-year term
The Donation Records Team shall record receipt of all funds, and maintain confidential individual account records for each contributor, send out statements as requested by contributors And provide monthly reports to the Official Board. The Donation Records Team shall assist the Treasurer as needed and shall serve on the Finance Department. The Donation Records team will coordinate compliance with IRS tax-deductible and state non-profit requirements, in conjunction with the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Tally workers. The Donation Records Team will maintain full-set copies of each deposit’s detail off site and in a confidential file. - Treasurer – one-year term.
The Treasurer shall receive all funds and supervise preparation of disbursements for his/her signature according to the authority designated by the Official Board; shall ensure that an accurate record is kept of all funds received and expended; shall make a report to the Official Board at its regular meetings; and perform such other duties as may be requested by the Chair. The Treasurer shall serve on the Finance Department. The treasurer will maintain duplicate full-set copies of each deposit’s detail on site, in a locked file.
7. Assistant Treasurer
The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in the performance of his/her duties; and, in the absence or incapacity of the Treasurer, assume the duties, authority, and responsibilities of the office.
8. Historian – one-year term.
The Historian shall gather and preserve data pertaining to the history, life and work of the church, making available for publication any historical materials authorized by the Official Board.
a.Honorary Officers – not to exceed four - indefinite term (non-voting members of the Official Board.).
The Honorary Officers shall promote the growth and welfare of the church and, as called upon, serve as advisors to the membership in keeping with their recognized expertise and years of dedicated service to the church.
Section B – Other Members of the Official Board
1. Elders – not to exceed nine – three-year term. Elections shall be held annually to fill the positions of those who have served their terms, as elected. Elders shall not be eligible for re-election for a period of one year.
The Elders shall promote the growth and welfare of the church and:
a. Encourage by example the deepening of the spiritual life of the members of the congregation.
b. Serve at the table during the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
c. Visit the sick and serve communion to the homebound.
d. Assist and advise the Pastor on opportunities and problems related to his/her ministry.
e. Consider in confidence the special needs of the membership.
f. Elect one or two of their members to serve as Chair/co-chairs for the church year, one to serve on the Worship Department and one to serve on the Pastor’s Cabinet. The Chair of the Elders shall serve on the Personnel Department and the Memorial Fund Committee.
g. Perform other duties in keeping with the office.
2. Deacons – not to exceed twenty-one – three-year term. Elections shall be held annually to fill the positions of those who have served their terms, as elected. Deacons shall not be eligible for re-election for a one-year period, except that a Deacon may be elected an Elder.
The Deacons shall promote the growth and welfare of the church and:
a. Assist in worship services; specifically preparing and serving communion, receiving tithes and offerings, greeting members and visitors, and assuring the comfort of those worshiping.
b. Elect one of their members as Chair for the church year, who shall also serve as a member of the Worship Department.
c. Serve on one or more of the functional departments, standing committees or special committees.
d. Assist the Membership and Evangelism Departments with special visitation projects.
e. Assist the Worship Department with baptismal services.
f. Assist the World Outreach and Church in Society Departments in ministering to the needy.
g. Perform other duties in keeping with the office.
b.Junior Deacons – not to exceed six – one-year term. Junior Deacons must be rising 8th through 12th graders. The election of young people to this office is not mandatory.
The Junior Deacons shall promote the growth and welfare of the church and:
a. Assist the Deacons in worship services; specifically by serving communion and receiving tithes and offerings;
b. Other duties in keeping with the office may be assigned by the Chair of the Deacons.
4. Department Directors – one-year term.
Each Director shall head a department of no less than three church members and hold meetings periodically as needed. Department directors are encouraged to draw new members into participation. Department directors shall also:
a. Ensure that the duties of his/her department as specified in Article XI, Section B, are completed.
b. Submit a written report at each meeting of the Official Board summarizing activities since the previous meeting and making recommendations for future projects.
c. Prepare a report to be published for the Annual Meeting of the Membership.
d. Serve as a member of the Pastor’s Cabinet.
5. Trustees – three in number – Five-year term. May be re-elected.
The Trustees shall promote the growth and welfare of the church and:
a. Act as legal agents for the church.
b. Hold title to the properties of the church, which shall include realproperty and investment funds except those designated for the Battery Park Christian Church Endowment Fund. Management shall be under the direction of the Finance Department and the Official Board.
c. Execute agreements and contracts on behalf of the church when authorized by the Official Board or a majority vote of members acting in church membership meetings, except in the case of real property which shall require a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting (see Article XI – Church Membership Meetings).
d. Shall perform other duties as may be required of trustees by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
e. Trustees must have served on the Official Board within the previous 5 years of their election and demonstrated fiscal responsibility and integrity.
Section C – Representatives of the Church
1. Endowment Fund Directors – between five and seven in number – three-year term (not voting members of the Official Board).
The Endowment Fund Directors shall serve the membership in accordance with the duties outlined in the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Battery Park Christian Church Endowment Fund.
2. Delegates, Alternates and Other Representatives of the Church (not voting members of the Official Board).
Delegates, Alternates and Other Representatives serve the church as its official voting members at District, Regional, and General Assemblies, and other denominational organizations. They shall provide copies of all pertinent records from meetings attended.
ARTICLE VII ELECTIONS
Section A – A Nominating Committee shall be elected by the members for the purpose of recommending a slate of candidates for Church Officers, Elders, Deacons, Junior Deacons, Trustees, Department Directors, Endowment Fund Directors and Nominating Committee members. This will be a standing committee of five members serving two-year terms. Three will be elected in one year and the two the following year. An interim of at least one year shall lapse between terms of service.
1. The committee shall convene by January 15th and elect a Chair who will serve a one-year term.
2. Nominations shall be reported to the Official Board at its September meeting, prior to the meeting of the membership for elections in October.
3. The slate of candidates will be provided to the members in the notice of its Annual Meeting. Members may make additional nominations from the floor, provided prior consent has been obtained from the nominee. Any qualified member, including those serving partial terms may be considered.
4. Those receiving a majority vote of the membership present and voting shall be declared elected and shall assume their offices on the first day of January.
5. Any Official Board vacancies that may occur during the year for unexpired terms shall be filled by the Board with the recommendations of the Nominating Committee and then announced to the membership.
Section B - Delegates, alternates, and representatives to all District, Regional, General Assemblies and other denominational organizations requiring representation shall be elected by the Official Board. The members shall be advised promptly of such election by the Board.
ARTICLE VIII– OFFICIAL BOARD
Section A – Membership and Purpose
The voting membership of the Official Board shall consist of the Officers of the Church (excluding Honorary Officers), Elders, Deacons, Junior Deacons, and Department Directors (one vote per member) all of whom shall be members of the church. The Official Board shall constitute the administrative body of the Church; and shall be responsible to the membership for fulfilling its duties and obligations.
Section B – Duties
1. It shall be the duty of the Official Board to transact business pertaining to the proper function of the church, including but not limited to:
a. Recommending general policies to the membership.
b. Recommending an annual budget.
c. Recommending the calling of a Pastor and/or employment of other personnel.
d. When a member of the Board has failed to fulfill his/her responsibilities as stated above, (including attendance at Board meetings), the Board may, with the recommendation of the elders, declare the position vacant.
2. The Official Board shall:
a. Hold not less than six regularly scheduled meetings in each year at such times and places as may be determined by the Official Board.
b. Hold special meetings as required on the call of the Chair or Vice-Chair, or upon the request of any five members of the Official Board.
c. Consider two officers and twelve other Board members as constituting a quorum.
3. The Official Board shall include the following items at its regularly scheduled meetings:
a. Call to order by presiding officer.
b. Invocation.
c. Reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting(s).
d. Reports of Treasurer and Donations Records Team.
e. Department reports, Committee reports, and Pastor’s report.
f. Consideration of unfinished business carried over from a previous meeting.
g. New business and program suggestions for future activity.
h. Adjournment.
i. Benediction.
Section C – Standing and Special Committees
1. Standing Committees shall exist for the life of the church as follows:
a. .Nominating Committee (see Article VI, Section B).
b. Long-Range-Planning – six members – elected by the Official Board – three-year term with two to be elected annually. The responsibilities of this committee shall be to review anticipated needs of the membership as required and potential avenues for service within the next five years.
c. Memorial Fund Committee – the Vice-Chair of the Official Board shall serve as Chair, with one representative from each of the following Departments: Finance, Property, Worship, and Christian Education; Chair of the Elders; and one layperson appointed by the Chair of the Board. It shall be the responsibility of this committee to consider request for Memorial Fund expenditures and make recommendations to the Official Board.
2. Special Committees may be appointed from time to time by the Board Chair, with approval of the Official Board. Said Committees shall perform the duties assigned and shall continue for such time as designated or until duties assigned have been completed.
ARTICLE IX – THE PASTOR
Section A – Duties
The Pastor of the church shall be the primary spiritual counselor, administrator, and advisor of the congregation. He/She shall shepherd the congregation through the ministry of encouragement, preaching and worship leadership, teaching and the administration of historic Christian rites. He/She shall serve as ex-officio member, without vote, of all departments and committees. In compliance with this Constitution and Bylaws, the Pastor shall support the life and work of the Official Board, the congregation at large, and chair the Pastor’s Cabinet. Specific duties shall include:
1. Provide a written report regarding pastoral activities to the Official Board at its regular meetings.
2. Address the Annual Meeting regarding the ongoing ministries of the church and his/her recommendations for future ministries.
3. Additional responsibilities as outlined in the Pastor’s Job Description.
Section B – Selection
The Pastor shall be chosen by the membership as provided below:
1. Pulpit Search Committee, consisting of eight to twelve members, shall be elected by the Official Board. Membership shall include the then serving Chair of the Official Board, Chair of the Elders, Chair of the Deacons, Worship Department Director, Education Department Director, and three to seven additional members at the discretion of the Official Board. Once formed, the committee shall elect a Chair and will remain intact until a Pastor accepts a call.
2. The Official Board shall consider the recommendations of the Pulpit Search Committee and, if approved, recommend the prospective Pastor to the membership. It shall be the policy of the membership to consider only one prospective Pastor at a time.
3. The recommendation of the Official Board shall be accepted by at least a two-thirds vote of those present and voting in a membership meeting before a call may be extended.
4. The term of his/her ministry shall be for an indefinite period and may be terminated by either party upon ninety days written notice. The condition of the termination, as necessary, shall be recommended by the Official Board and approved by the members.
ARTICLE X – CHURCH EMPLOYEES
All permanent employees, except the Pastor, shall be employed by the Official Board, upon recommendation of the Pastor, by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting. The Board may, in the interest of expediency, authorize the Pastor or an appropriate Department Director to fill positions. Such employees shall be responsible to the Pastor and others designated by the Official Board for the performance of the duties required. A written contract shall be prepared for each employee.
ARTICLE XI – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Section A – Purpose
1. The church shall hold an Annual Business Meeting by the end of October. Included on the agenda shall be:
a. The Pastor’s annual address.
b. Written reports from department directors regarding the past year’s activities and projected programs.
c. Approval of the church budget for the upcoming year.
d. Election of Church Officers, Elders, Deacons, Junior Deacons, Trustees (if necessary), Department Directors, and members of the Endowment Fund and Nominating Committees.
2. Additional business meetings shall be required for but not limited to:
a. Amending the Constitution and Bylaws.
b. Acquisition or disposal of tangible property valued in excess of $8,000.
c. Mortgaging or encumbering property.
d. Calling or dismissing the Pastor or other full-time (40 hours) ministerial staff.
e. Authorizing an unbudgeted expenditure or financial commitment in excess of $8,000.
3. Special meetings shall be called by the Official Board Chair upon the request of the Board or thirty members of the church by written petition.
Section B – Notices
Notices of all meetings of the membership shall be given in the following manner:
1. By mail at least ten but not more than twenty days prior to the meeting and by announcement and inclusion in the Sunday morning worship bulletin for at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting.
2. All notices shall clearly state the date, time, place and purpose(s) of such meetings.
Section C – Quorum
A quorum consists of participating members and shall equal or exceed 1/3 the average number of persons attending over the last three months. (see Article III, B)
ARTICLE XII – DEPARTMENTS
Section A – Composition
1. Departments consist of three or more members, but they may also enlist the aid of other persons to perform tasks requiring a larger number of people.
2. Each Department member shall be appointed by the Department Director with the advice and consent of the Chair of the Official Board.
3. Departments may be divided into committees to perform designated functions. Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the Department Director, with the advice and consent of the Chair of the Official Board.
4. A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum for all Department or Committee meetings.
Section B – Functional Departments – Guidelines
1. Department of Worship
a. In consultation with the Pastor, to be responsible for the worship services.
b. To oversee the music program, including recommending the permanent employment of musicians as needed and supervising the organist and choir director, managing schedules, etc. Organ maintenance and repair are also under the supervision of the Worship Department.
c. To provide the emblems used for the Communion Service and to care for the Communion ware and paraments with the assistance of the Deacons.
d. To assure a worshipful atmosphere conducive to the nature of the services through sound, lighting, etc. Maintenance of sanctuary hearing aids and coordination of the sound system volunteers are part of these responsibilities.
e. To secure laypersons to assist the Pastor with special services, including infant dedications, baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
f. To secure preachers or speakers in the absence or incapacity of the Pastor, and to recommend to the Pastor and/or Official Board speakers for special occasions.
e. Order supplies such as special bulletins, decorations, and paraments appropriate to the Christian calendar.
2. Department of Education
a. To develop an effective program of Christian Education for the entire congregation including church leadership education, distribution of Christian literature, and fostering Christian homelife.
b. To provide a Sunday School, including its administration, curriculum, and teacher selection as necessary. To provide nurseries and, in cooperation with other departments and groups, additional childcare as needed.
c. To appoint a librarian, maintain and encourage the use of the library.
d. To provide children and youth activity programs.
e. To support a Drama/Music group in an effort to produce educational programs.
f. To recommend to the Department of Personnel candidates to be employed for developing and accomplishing the duties of the Department.
3. Department of Evangelism
a. To plan and cultivate a program to reach those outside the church community with the gospel message, including informational brochures, mailings, and uses of contemporary media.
b. To publicize the church’s activities in the local media.
c. To cooperate with the Pastor in compiling a list of prospective members and visiting such prospects.
d. To cooperate with the Department of Membership in the orientation and inclusion of new members into the life and ministries of the church.
4. Department of Membership
c.To encourage and develop a spirit of fellowship within the church family.
d.To coordinate a program of personal contact with the membership, especially those who are ill, bereaved, or currently inactive. The Pastor, Elders and Deacons shall assist the Department with this ministry.
c. In cooperation with the Church Clerk, periodically review and maintain an accurate roll of participating and nonparticipating members of the church.
d. To sponsor and assist other departments in developing social activities for the membership.
5. Department of Finance
a. To administer the financial program of the church and advise the Official Board and the members of the financial condition of the church.
b. To secure, by December 1st of each year, personal financial pledges and commitments to underwrite the budget for the coming year.
e.To work with the Stewardship Department to co-sponsor projects or financial drives.
f.To prepare a budget for the coming church year in cooperation with the functional departments. The Department shall aim for 10% of the church’s proposed operating budget to go to the work of World Outreach and Church in Society.The proposed budget shall be submitted to the Official Board at its September meeting and to the membership at its October Annual Meeting..
e. To make recommendations concerning proposed expenditures not included in the budget.
f. Submit written reports with the assistance of the Office Administrator, Donations Records Team and Church Treasurer at Official Board meetings.
g. As authorized by the Official Board, assure that an audit of all funds shall be conducted no less than biennially.
h. A majority of the members of the Department shall be members of the Official Board and shall include the Stewardship Department Director, Personnel Department Director, a member of the Donations Records Team, one Trustee, and Church Treasurer. The Finance Department Director shall serve on the Departments of Stewardship and Personnel.
6. Department of Property
a. To care for all church property and study property needs, making recommendations for improvements and/or acquisitions. The Department shall oversee any special repairs or maintenance in the event of severe weather, etc.
b. The Department may appoint a church housekeeper to assure that adequate kitchen and janitorial supplies are available and to oversee special cleaning needs.
c. In cooperation with the Trustees, to keep the property adequately insured against possible loss, damage, and liability.
7. Department of World Outreach
a. To foster opportunities, both within this denomination and other ecumenical organizations, for the sharing of the church’s resources with those in need who are outside the local community. A list of current recipients of the World Outreach resources and those proposed for the ensuing year shall be included in the department’s annual request to the Department of Finance. The principal budget item shall be Basic Mission Finance for support of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its ministries.
b. To keep the membership informed of the ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through literature, newsletter updates, and promotion of readership of denominational publications (e.g. The Disciple’s World magazine, and The Virginia Christian).
c. To promote and oversee the Special Day Offerings (e.g. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Week of Compassion, Reconciliation) and prepare all payment documents to the Church Finance Council.
d. To coordinate District, Regional and General Assemblies delegates and alternates for Official Board approval, their expense allocation, and the payment of District assessments.
8. Department of Church in Society
a. To foster opportunities, both within this denomination and other ecumenical organizations, for the sharing of the church’s resources with those in need who are inside the local community.
b. To plan and coordinate programs to provide assistance to those in need in the community, including food, clothing, and shelter (e.g. Thanksgiving Food offering, Christmas Family, Jail Ministry, CARITAS). In its annual budget request, the Department shall itemize the proposed financial allocations.
c. To keep the membership aware of social concerns in light of the Christian gospel and recommend action when circumstances warrant, and strive to be known in the community as a constructive and effective agency through which the church deals with social issues.
d. To consider written requests from community groups for regular use of church facilities and make a recommendation to the Official Board.
9. Department of Personnel
a. To serve as an advisor to the Pastor, the Official Board, and Department Directors concerning all personnel matters within the Church.
b. To assist the Pastor and the appropriate Department Director, in the recruitment, interviewing process (checking references where appropriate), employment and orientation of all personnel with the exception of the Pastor.
c. To prepare, review, revise and prepare contracts and job descriptions on an annual basis for all paid positions within the church, obtain the necessary signatures prior to January 1, and distribute copies appropriately.
d. To maintain a personnel file on each employee (e.g., the written application, contract copies, etc.).
e. To prepare and submit to the Department of Finance a proposed personnel budget (by summarizing information obtained from various Departments) to be included as part of the annual church budget.
f. To investigate and consider employee benefits as appropriate.
g. To assist in matters involving resignations and/or discharges. Members of the Department shall include the Chair of the Elders, Vice-Chair of the Official Board, Finance Department Director. The Personnel Department Director shall serve as a member of the Finance Department.
10. Department of Stewardship
a. To develop within the membership an understanding of the full meaning of Christian responsibility in the giving of time, talents, and financial resources. To this end, the department shall develop a stewardship education program for all ages.
b. To organize, along with other departments, the time and talents of the membership.
c. To work with the Finance Department to co-sponsor projects or financial drives.
d. The Stewardship Director will be a member of the Finance Department and assist the Finance Department in preparing a budget for the coming church year. The proposed budget shall be submitted to the Official Board at its September meeting.
e. The Finance Department Director shall serve on the Stewardship Department.
ARTICLE XIII– PASTOR’S CABINET
Section A – Composition and Meetings
1. The Pastor’s Cabinet shall be composed of the Pastor as Chair, Chair of the Official Board as Vice-Chair, one Elder to be selected by the Elders, Directors of each Department, and a representative from each Fellowship Group.
2. The Pastor’s Cabinet shall meet quarterly.
Section B – Duties
1. To study needs of the church, evaluate present activities, and report findings and recommendations to the Official Board.
2. To foster communication and coordination of church activities.
3. To arrange the calendar of activities to assure efficient scheduling.
ARTICLE XIV– FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
Section A – Purpose and Organization
1. To provide a means of association for members and their friends, subject to the approval by the Official Board (e.g. Christian Men, Women, Senior or Youth Fellowships).
2. Each shall adopt a name, which in the opinion of its members is indicative of its function.
3. Each may adopt bylaws or rules of procedure, not inconsistent with the beliefs, policies, and Constitution and Bylaws of the Church.
4. Each may have officers, to be elected in a democratic manner.
Section B – Obligations
1. To report to the membership at its Annual Meeting, and to the Official Board periodically.
2. No group shall make any commitment on behalf of the Church, as this power is reserved exclusively to the membership and/or the Official Board.
ARTICLE XV– PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
All business meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
ARTICLE XVI– AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended at a church membership meeting for this purpose by a two-thirds vote, provided a quorum (See Article XI, Section C) is present and voting. The proposed amendment(s) shall be recommended by the Official Board and sent to the members of the church at least 15 days prior to the date of the meeting.