Distinctives Articles of Incorporation Church Bylaws
1. About God: God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
(Gen. 1:26-27, Ps. 90:2, Matt. 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, and 2 Cor. 13:14)
2. About Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
(Matt. 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, Heb. 4:14, 1 Cor. 15:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, Rom.1:3-4, 1 Tim. 6:14-15 and Titus 2:13)
3. About the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under his control daily.
(2 Cor. 3:17, John 14:16-17, John 16:7-13, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 2:12, Eph. 1:13, Gal. 5:25 and Eph. 5:18)
4. About the Bible: The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Tim. 1:13, Ps. 119:105, Ps. 160, Ps. 12:6, and Prov. 30:5)
5. About Human Beings: People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character: People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has a tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
(Gen. 1:27, Ps. 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6, Rom. 3:23 and Isaiah 59:1-2)
6. About Salvation: Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.
(Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8 & 9, John 14:6, Titus 3:5, Gal. 3:26 and Rom. 5:1)
7. About the Church: The Church is the people of God. It is the Body of Christ, called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the primary instrument for God’s redemptive purposes in history. The church gathers as a family of faith to worship God, to grow in Christ, and to make Christ known to the world.
( Matt. 16:13-19, Acts 2:42-44, 1 Cor. 12:27, Eph 2:19-22, Eph. 4:4-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.)
8. About Eternity: People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16, John 14:17, Romans 8:17-18, Revelation 20:15, 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
We are a multi-denominational community church. While it is impossible for us to fully embrace and affirm the tenets of all denominations, we make every effort to be a place where people from a wide range of denominational backgrounds feel at home. In the midst of our denominational diversity, there are several distinctive that are important to us.
We affirm a rich heritage of diverse expressions of worship. We conduct at least three worship services each Sunday that are each unique in expression and scope. Here at Sanibel Community Church you will see worshippers witness a broad spectrum of Biblical expressions of praise and worship.
We affirm that by the Holy Spirit, God imparts gifts to His people. In accordance with Scripture we affirm the operation of Spiritual gifts in His Church today.
We affirm Christian baptism. As a multi-denominational church, we accept people into membership who were baptized as infants, or who received baptism by sprinkling or pouring, however, our practice of baptism is immersion of believers. We embrace God’s grace for children in the act of child dedication.
We affirm sexual purity. We consider sexual intimacy to be a precious gift of God to be experienced only in the covenant relationship of marriage between a man and a woman.
We affirm the sanctity of Life. God is the author of life and we join with Him in upholding the value of life. We are pro-active in promoting alternatives to abortion or euthanasia, proclaiming the sufficiency of God’s grace and mercy in the time of need.
We affirm evangelism and missions. We are a great commission congregation. We are intentional in reaching these Islands for Christ…and beyond these Islands to the world with a serious commitment to world missions, including the sending of mission teams.
We affirm the centrality of prayer. Daily individuals and groups are praying. We encourage every follower of Christ to be devoted to prayer.
We affirm the priesthood of all believers. We believe that every follower of Christ is a minister, gifted, equipped and called to be involved in the extension of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the earth.
We affirm spiritual growth through intentional discipleship and nurturing. Sanibel Community Church is a training center, equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Through Family Bible School, various courses and small group Bible studies we intentionally assist in the process of growing in spiritual maturity.
We affirm the priority of nurturing children. We come alongside the family to assist in the spiritual growth of children from cradle to adulthood. Our Family Bible School and LOGOS Program are first-class discipling programs for children of all ages.
We affirm the necessity of Christian Fellowship. We enjoy being together as God’s people, bearing one another’s burdens and sharing one another’s joys. Our courtyard fellowship time is an important time of connecting as church family. Our small groups are not only an opportunity for spiritual growth, but a vital part of our Christian fellowship.
We affirm the unity of the Church. Our Covenant of Membership statement reflects our commitment to guard the unity of the church. We affirm the unity of the local Church, as well as the Whole Body of Christ throughout the earth.
We affirm mercy ministries expressing the compassionate care of Christ. We are committed to reaching out and administering the "cup of cold water" in Jesus’ Name. We are concerned about the needs of the total person; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. As Christ’s representatives, we will provide assistance to help meet these needs.
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We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together for the purpose of becoming incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida applicable to corporations not for profit, Chapter 617 of Florida Statutes, and respectfully petition the Secretary of State for approval of such incorporation under the following Articles of Incorporation:
The name of this corporation shall be Sanibel Community Church Incorporated, of Sanibel, Florida, hereinafter referred to as the congregation; and its principle place of business shall be at Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, County of Lee, and State of Florida.
The general purpose and objectives of this corporation shall be as follows:
The Sanibel Community Church is a part of the whole Body of Christ, is a part of the Church of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is guided by His will.
We seek to know God’s will for our church and for us as individuals, and to be obedient to that will as we are instructed by His word in the scriptures, and by prayer and meditation.
We accept His commission to all His followers to proclaim the Good News and go into the world as Christ’s disciples.
In fulfilling these tasks, we as a church understand our responsibilities to include the following:
1. Worship. To provide meaningful worship offered to the glory of God in the liturgy and music, in prayer and meditation, in the preached word, in the word of the scriptures, and in the living word of Jesus.
2. Outreach. To strengthen and sustain those who are less fortunate, the ill, the distraught, the lonely, and those who grieve, and to provide a ministry of compassion which reconciles people to people and people to God, and to support and enlarge the world-wide mission of Christ, bringing all mankind to the Kingdom of God.
3. Education. To provide spiritual growth in the study of the Bible, in understanding God’s purposes through informed prayer and meditation and the development of Christian leadership, and the ability to witness to our faith to others.
4. Fellowship. To gain greater individual and collective spiritual strength, understanding and growth which come through fellowship with other communicants of the Body of Christ.
The corporation is to have the power to carry out the said purposes of the corporation, and in general to possess all rights, privileges and immunities, and enjoy all the benefits granted to corporations of similar character under the laws of the State of Florida.
Members of the corporation shall be professing Christians who seek to serve Christ as members through this congregation. Members may be received by profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, by letter of transfer from another congregation of Christ’s Church, or may be received as dual members, retaining their membership in another congregation. The official membership roll of the Sanibel Community Church, Incorporated of Sanibel, Florida, shall constitute the membership of the corporation. The Church Council is responsible for the maintenance of the church roll.
This corporation shall exist in perpetuity.
ANNUAL MEETINGS of the congregation shall be held on the third Sunday in January, at which meeting the Chairman of the Church Council, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman of the Church Council shall preside. The Church Council shall present its annual report, program and budget recommendations, slate of nominees, and such other business as it deems in the best interest of the corporation.
SPECIAL MEETINGS of the congregation may be called by the Church Council by providing notice to members and a published agenda at least two weeks prior to such called meetings. The business at such special meetings shall be limited to the items set forth in the call of the meeting.
NOTICE of the meetings of the congregation, annual and special, shall be published and distributed to members at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
QUORUM for meetings of the congregation shall be declared when the meeting has been properly noticed, and at least fifty percent of the members whose names appear on the most recent membership roll are present.
All monies and gifts received by the corporation shall be used and employed in carrying out the management of the affairs of the corporation so as to advance the Kingdom of God, and shall not accrue to the monetary benefit of the members of said corporation, either individually or collectively.
DUTIES of the Church Council consist of management of the affairs of the corporation, subject to and in accordance with the Bylaws of the corporation.
COMPOSITION. The Church Council shall consist of the Pastor (ex officio) and fifteen elected members including:
The Chairman of the Church Council
The Corporate Secretary, and
The Corporate Treasurer
ELECTION. The Church Council shall be elected from and by the membership of the church; excepting only the Pastor, who need not be from the membership; subject to and in accordance with the Bylaws of the corporation. All elections shall be at the annual meeting of the corporation.
TERM OF OFFICE for all Church Council members shall be one year, with no member serving more than three consecutive years.
VICE-CHAIRMAN. The Church Council shall elect from its membership a Vice-Chairman, who shall serve in the absence of the Chairman. The Chairman may nominate for said office.
APPOINTIVE POWERS. The Chairman of the Church Council shall have appointive powers to fill vacancies which may arise during the church year, and may create special Ad Hoc committees, subject to the Bylaws. Such appointments shall terminate at the next annual meeting.
EX OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP. The Chairman of the Church Council, or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, and the Pastor shall be ex officio members of all Boards and Committees of the congregation, except that the Pastor shall not be ex officio on committees concerned with pastoral relations which may from time to time be appointed.
OFFICERS. For the purpose of the execution of legal documents of the corporation, the signature of the Chairman of the Church Council, or in his absence that the Vice-Chairman; along with the signature of either the Corporate Secretary or Corporate Treasurer, shall serve as the binding commitment.
The Church Council shall have the right to make and adopt such bylaws as it shall deem proper and advisable, and such bylaws shall be made, altered, or rescinded by a two-thirds vote of the Church Council present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Church Council called for that purpose, provided that notice specifying the time of the meeting and the substance of the proposed bylaw or amendment shall have been given from the pulpit or printed in the church bulletin or other church organ of general membership circulation at least two weeks preceding said meeting.
These Articles of Incorporation may be altered, changed or amended only by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a properly convened annual meeting of the corporation, the proposed amendment having been presented to the membership in writing not less than two weeks previously, copies being made available to members.
Amendments when approved by the congregation must be forwarded to the Secretary of State of Florida, and filed and approved by him before the same shall become effective.
BYLAWS
SANIBEL COMMUNITY CHURCH dated 10-14-03
SECTION A-PREAMBLE
Whereas the Articles of Incorporation of the Sanibel Community Church provide legal and spiritual framework for the mission of this Church, these Bylaws establish rule, organization and procedure for aiding in the realization of the Corporate Spiritual Goals of our existence. In all matters of this Church, wherever conflict exists the Laws of God and His Kingdom shall take precedence over all other conflicting laws, regulations, rules and procedures.
SECTION B-RULES OF ORDER
B-1-These Bylaws shall govern in all cases where they are not in conflict with the Laws of God, nation, state, and the Articles of Incorporation of this Congregation. Where voids exist, Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern.
B-2-Quorum: A quorum for meeting and voting purposes, unless specified elsewhere in the Articles and Bylaws shall consist of more than 50% of the regular voting membership of the Council, committee or ministry team.
SECTION C-DEFINITIONS
C-1-Ministry Team: A group of 5 to 12 persons, with team leader, established by Bylaws, assigned authority and responsibility to give planning, implementation and oversight in a specified area of ministry in the life of the church.
C-2-Ministry Cabinet: Ministry team board consisting of each ministry team leader, all pastoral staff and ministry directors, administrator meeting for the purpose of communication, calendaring and budget coordination. Senior Pastor shall serve as Chair.
C-3-Administrative Committee: a committee appointed with Bylaw authorization to serve an administrative role in the life of the church.
C-4-Special Committee: A committee appointed with Bylaw authorization to serve a special short-term function, such as Nominating Committee, Pastoral Search, etc.
C-5-Ad Hoc Committee: A committee Appointed by the Chairman of the Church Council with or without the origination or consent of the Council, which will serve with a specified charge.
-6-Executive Committee: A committee established by Bylaws, comprised of Council Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Chairman of Personnel and Senior Pastor to serve in an advisory role to both the Senior Pastor and the Council. Senior Pastor is Chairman of the Executive Committee.
C-5-Quorum: A quorum for meeting and voting purposes, unless specified elsewhere in the Articles and Bylaws shall consist of more than 50% of the regular voting membership of the Council, committee or ministry team.
SECTION C-THE CHURCH COUNCIL
DC-1-Composition: In accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, the Church Council shall consist of nine members, three corporate officers and six at large council members duly elected by the congregation. in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation. The Senior Pastor shall be ex-officio member of the Council.
DC-2-Officers of the Church Council: The officers of the Church Council shall be the corporate officers who are the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. The Vice-Chairman selected by the Church Council is also an officer of the Church Council.
DC-3-Meetings: It shall be the duty of the Chairman of the Church Council to call the Church Council to meet no less than one time per month to consider the regular business of the Church, and such-other matters as may from time to time be raised by Council or other church members. The Chairman has authority to call special meetings with a one-week prior notice requirement.
DC-4-Duties: The duties of the Church Council consist of the oversight and management of the spiritual and corporate affairs of the congregation, subject to and in accordance with the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation of Sanibel Community Church.
DC-5-Term of Office: Council Members at large shall serve one 3-year term. After serving their third year they are required to remain ineligible for re-election to Member at Large for one year. However, a Member at Large maybe nominated and confirmed for a Corporate Officer position at anytime during or at the end of their three year term in which case a new member at Large is nominated and confirmed to fill the unexpired term of the Member at Large whose seat is being vacated. The Council Members at Large shall serve staggered terms such that at least two Members at Large of council are elected annually.
DC-6-Nomination and Election of Officers and Council Members: The Nominating Committee shall present to the Church Council a slate of Council Members at large, Council Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary and Administrative Nominees by the December meeting of the council for approval. The council approved nominees newly elected Council Members shall be elected at the January Congregational Meeting and assume the duties of their office on February 1st.
SECTION D: OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
DE-1-Chairman: Senior officer of the Church Council shall be the chairman.
D-1.1: Election and Term: The Chairman of the Council shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee, with approval by the Church Council at the December meeting and elected at the January Congregational Meeting, with service beginning May 1st. Term of office is for one year, with a maximum of serving 3 consecutive years as a corporate officer and a maximum of six consecutive years as a member of the Council.
DE-1:2: Duties: In addition to the duties specified by the Articles of Incorporation, the Council Chairman shall call Council meetings no less than monthly 12 times per year, appoint such committees as are required by the Articles and Bylaws and the Council, and other committees as he deems necessary or desirable. In consultation with the Senior Pastor, appropriate Associate Pastor, and Vice Chairman, the Chair shall provide a slate of Ministry Team Leaders for Council Approval to be reported to the January Congregational Meeting. Team Leaders will assume responsibility for their ministry team on February 1st. Chairman of Council shall serve on the Executive Committee, as well as ex-officio member of all committees. The Chairman is responsible for having the church’s financial records audited at least once every three years and having the audit results presented to the Church Council and available to the membership. The Chairman may chose to appoint an individual CPA or professional firm to conduct the audit. The Chairman serves as a corporate officer of the Church.
DE-2 Vice-Chairman: The vice-Chairman shall serve as Council Chair in the absence of the chairman.
D-E2.1: Election and term. The Vice-Chairman shall be elected from among the Council at the February Council meeting and shall serve a term of one year. Vice-Chairman may serve a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.
D-E2.2: Duties: In addition to the duties specified by the Articles of Incorporation,
the Vice-Chairman shall serve the Council Chairman as needed. The Vice-Chairman shall serve as consultant in the selection of Ministry Team leaders as well as the Church Council parliamentarian. The Vice-Chairman is a member of the Executive Committee as well as serving as an officer of the Church Council.
DE-3 Treasurer: The Treasurer shall oversee the financial reports and budget of the Church.
D-3.1: Election and Term: The Treasurer of the Council shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee, with approval by the Church Council at the December meeting and elected at the January Congregational Meeting, with service beginning February 1st. Term of office is for one year, with a maximum of serving three consecutive years as a corporate officer and a maximum of six consecutive years as a member of the Council.
The Treasurer shall be elected from among the Council at the May Council meeting and shall serve a term of one year. Treasurer may serve a maximum of 3 consecutive terms
#9;D-E3.2: Duties: Treasurer shall serve as the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee and shall be responsible for the budget process. Treasurer shall provide detailed financial reports to the Church Council and Staff monthly. Treasurer is a member of the Executive Committee as well as serving as a corporate officer of the Church.
D-4 Secretary: Secretary of the church shall document all official Church Council Functions.
D-E4.1: Election and Term: The Secretary of the Council shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee, with approval by the Church Council at the December meeting and elected at the January Congregational Meeting, with service beginning February 1st. Term of office is for one year, with a maximum of serving 3 consecutive years as a corporate officer and a maximum of six consecutive years as a member of the Council.
The Secretary shall be elected from among the Council at the May Council meeting and shall serve a term of one year. Secretary may serve a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.
D-E4.2: Duties: Secretary shall provide accurate documentation of the official minutes of all Council Meetings, Congregational Meetings as well as meetings of the Executive Committee. Previous Minutes shall be presented to the Council no less than one week prior to the next meeting. Secretary is a member of the Executive Committee as well as serving as a corporate officer of the Church.
SECTION E: COMMITTEES
G-1: Executive Committee: Advisory Committee to the Council and Senior Pastor, consisting of the Senior Pastor, Council Officers and Chairman of Personnel. Senior Pastor shall call the committee together as needed, and shall serve as chairman.
G-2: Personnel Committee: Oversight of paid staff evaluations, and salary administration, and fringe benefits. any other compensation issues. Maybe involved in crisis intervention as well as dismissal of staff. and replacement of administrative and support staff positions. This committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Church Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor and approved by the Church Council Chairman of the Church Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor for approval by the Church Council. Term of Service begins May 1st and is for one year. Administrative The Committee Chairman may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. The committee is responsible to the Council and makes periodic reports to the Council as determined by that body.
G-3: Budget and Finance Committee: Develop annual budget, evaluate monthly financial picture, and provide monthly reporting to Church Council and Staff. Periodically review all financial assets of the church. Also, review all insurance policies relating to church and manse properties. Treasure of Church Council shall serve as Chairman, with Chairman of Stewardship as vice-Chairman. This committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Church Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor and approved by the Church Council Chairman of the Church Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor for approval by the Church Council. Term of Service begins Feb 1st and is for one year. The committee is responsible to the Council and makes monthly reports to the Council.
Administrative
G-2.3: Policy and Procedure: Develop and maintain a church policy manual. Keep Church Council, as well as congregation informed on policy and procedure issues.
G-3: Special Committee: Special Committees are short-term, assignment specific committees who function on as needed for their assigned task. Special Committee Chairmen are nominated by the Chairman of the Council, in consultation with the Senior Pastor for approval by the Church Council.
G-4: Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee shall provide a slate of nominees for church council approval. These include all officers, as well as nominees for Council Member at Large positions that become vacant. The Nominating Committee shall be comprised of two1 appointments selected by the Ministry cabinet from the cabinet, two Members at Large of the Church Council selected by the council as well as two members from the church membership chosen by the pastoral staff, seeking to represent the diversity of the congregation of Sanibel Community Church. The chairman of the committee shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Council from past officers or members at large of the Church Council. The full membership of the nominating committee should be approved by the Council byin their August1 meeting. The Nominating Committee solicits potential nominees from the membership of the church in written announcements to the congregation. The
The Nominating committee shall interview all prospective nominees for council according to the Leadership Interview Questionnaire. (See Policy and Procedure Manual). All candidates must have a written reference from the Senior Pastor. The committee is responsible to the Council and makes periodic reports to the Council as determined by that body.
G-5: Stewardship Committee: Develop and promote an annual stewardship campaign. May be called upon to lead in special campaigns as well. Oversee and promote stewardship in its broad scope and seek to educate the congregation regarding the varied opportunities for giving. This committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Church Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor and approved by the Church Council Chairman of the Church Council in consultation with the Senior Pastor for approval by the Church Council Term of Service begins Feb 1st and is for one year. Administrative The Committee Chairman may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. The committee is responsible to the Council and makes periodic reports to the Council as determined by that body.
G-6: Ministry and Discipleship Fund Trustees Committee: Manage and invest for the benefit of S.C.C. and its related activities, money, personal property, or real estate contributed to the church; disseminate information, and cultivate donor relationships (especially to encourage estate planning type gifts); make written recommendation to the Church Council for the application of income and distribution of principal for the benefit of the Sanibel Community Church, and, at least quarterly, share a financial and ministry report. The members, five in number and known as trustees will serve five-year terms on a rotating basis. Trustees shall be nominated by the nominating committee and elected by the congregation. The trustees shall elect a chairman and a majority of the trustees shall constitute a quorum. The treasurer of S.C.C. shall be an ex-officio member of this committee.
G-3.3: Church Review and Evaluation Committee: Review by means of interviews with staff and Ministry Team Leaders, as well as congregational survey, the overall health of the Church. Evaluate Goals, Objectives, staff and program issues. Submit report to Church Council by Oct.1. Committee shall be comprised of 1 nominee by Chairman of Council, 2 members of the Ministry Cabinet elected from among themselves, 1 member of the Council elected by the Council, Chairman of Personnel and 1 nominee by the Senior Pastor. The entire Committee must be approved by the Church Council.
G-7: Pastoral Search Committee: Activated upon the need to fill a pastoral staff position. The committee shall conduct all interviews and bring recommendation to the Church Council for selection. Search Committee would include: Chairman of Church Council as ex-officio. Chair, appointed by Chairman of Council. Ministry Team Leaders pertinent to the staff position being considered. Personnel Chairman, two delegates from the membership nominated by the executive committee. Council must approve the full search committee. The committee is responsible to the Council and makes periodic reports to the Council as determined by that body.
G-8: Pastoral and Ministry Director Relations Committee: Activated at such a time when concerns warranting possible discipline or dismissal of staff are needed. This committee shall conduct an interview with the Pastor or Ministry Director in question, with the Executive Committee and with the person or persons bringing allegation to discern the scope of the concerns. The committee shall bring recommendations to Council as to action that should be taken. The Committee shall be comprised of 6 members. Two shall be Council Members, other than the chairman, two chosen from among the Ministry Team Cabinet, and two members from the congregation, selected by the council.
G-3.6: Audit Committee: appointed by the chairman, charged with auditing the records of the treasurer. The Chairman may choose to appoint an individual CPA or Professional Firm to conduct audit.G-3.7: Insurance Review Committee: appointed by the chairman, charged with reviewing existing insurance policies relating to church and manse properties. Make suitable recommendations for the coming yearE-9: Ad Hoc Committees: Committees that are appointed by the Chairman with a specific task assigned, with committee ceasing to function upon completion of assignment.
SECTION F — MINISTRY TEAMS
F-1: General: Ministry teams are the head, heart, hands and feet of the ministry of Sanibel Community Church. They develop, oversee, organize and facilitate specific Ministries of our church community.
FH-1-2 General Duties: Duties:
F-2.1: Develop goals and objectives consistent with the Vision of the
Church.
F-2.2: Facilitate and implement programs to fulfill the goals and
objectives.
F-2.3: Develop and regulate budgetary issues in specific ministry area.
F-2.4: Provide annual report, with future suggestions in the ministry area.
F-2.5: Be represented by team leader on the ministry cabinet.
&#F-2.6: Team Leader shall provide written reports to the Council through
the Senior Pastor.
FH-3: Selection of Team and Term of Duty: The Chairman of the Church Council in Consultation with the Senior Pastor, appropriate Associate Pastor and Vice-Chairman shall provide a slate of Team Leader designates to be approved by the Council at the December meeting of the Council. Following the approval of the Team Leaders, the Team Leaders will meet together, with the Senior Pastor, appropriate Associate Pastor, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Council to select team members. The November Ministry Fair will provide a list of names to consider, as will the result of programs to identify gifts and talents of members P.L.A.C.E. workshops. Teams will conduct their service of ministry for one year, with the opportunity to renew annually. Team Leaders can serve a maximum of three consecutive years.
FH-4 Ministry Teams:
Local Evangelism Ministry: Local outreach events, evangelism training. Follow up on visitors and other prospects. Alpha assistance with Discipleship Ministry Team.
Worship and Music Ministry: Oversee traditional and contemporary worship services, drama, LOGOS worship, special worship opportunities and seasons.
World Mission Evangelism Outreach: Evangelism and discipleship globally, equipping locals and Church planting. Review and endorsement of missions organizations to support. Missions Conferences annually.
World Wide Mercy Ministries: World Outreach with a benevolent emphasis. World hunger issues, martyred Christians, famine areas.
Parish Care/Stephens Ministries: Visitation, meals, financial assistance and general care of our flock.
Local Benevolence Ministry: Assistance to non-churched, soup kitchen, loan closet, emergency or crisis situations.
Children and Families Ministry: Family Bible School, VBS, LOGOS and more. Coming alongside the family to nurture children. Family training also.
Youth Ministries: Campaigners, Mentoring, LOGOS and more. Outreach to pre-teens and teens of our community.
Adult Education and Discipleship: Small groups, Family Bible School, Equipping and Growth Courses, Alpha in cooperation with evangelism. Men and Women’s ministries.
Fellowship Ministries: Church dinners, picnics, banquets and reception events. Courtyard refreshments.
Hospitality Ministries: Making Sanibel Community Church a warm and welcome home. Greeters, ushers, parkers, visitors center.
Membership Ministry: New Comer’s Class, member assimilation P.L.A.C.E follow through, small group connecting.
Healing Ministry: Counseling, training for self-help and helping others. Prayer team of healing ministry.
Prayer Ministry: Prayer Chain, intercessors, vigils, prayer warriors during services and at the altars. Annual prayer conference.
F-5: Ministry Cabinet: Ministry team board consisting of each ministry team leader, all pastoral staff, ministry directors and administrator meeting for the purpose of program communication, calendar coordination and budget coordination. The Senior Pastor shall serve as Chair and provide a summary of the cabinet’s work at the monthly council meeting.
F-6H-4: Future Development of Ministry Teams: Ministry teams may lose function, and therefore either need to be revised or discontinued. New ministry teams may need to be developed. The congregational review committee shall make recommendation as to the effectiveness of each team. New Ministry development approval can come through the Ministry Pastor, with completion of proper application and recommendation submitted to Council for the birth of a new ministry.
G — PASTORAL STAFF
G I-1: Biblical Qualifications: Biblical qualifications for Spiritual Leadership are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. All pastoral staff are considered and evaluated in the light of the principles of these Scriptures.
G I-2: Senior Pastor
G-2.1: Duties: The senior pastor is the spiritual leader of the church and as such is responsible for spiritual guidance and implementation of all aspects of worship, Sacraments, outreach, education, fellowship, membership and parish care. In addition, the Senior Pastor’s experience and training make him a valuable resource person in all matters of administration and church life. To that end, the Senior Pastor is an ex-officio member of all church committees and ministry teams, except those dealing with pastoral relations. The Senior Pastor is the Chairman of the Ministry Cabinet through which he guides and coordinates the diverse ministries of the church. The Senior Pastor is the primary leader in the proclamation of God’s Word in the pulpit. Finally, the Senior Pastor is mentor and leader of the entire staff, and is primary visionary for the Sanibel Community Church.
GI-2:2: Selection: In the event of a Senior Pastor vacancy, the pastoral search committee shall be activated according to Bylaw procedures. Following solicitation for candidates, resume reviews, interviews and reference checks, the search committee shall
bring its recommendation to the Council for an on-sight interview and meeting with the Council. The Council shall bring recommendation to the congregation for vote of confirmation.
GI-2:3: Term of Service: The Senior Pastor shall be called for an indefinite term, unless defined by contract, as Pastor and Council and Congregation together seek the heart and will of God for their tenure together. Annually the Senior Pastor shall receive evaluation, review and recommendation by the Senior Pastor Review Committee with input from the Church Council.
G-2.4: Annual Review and Evaluation: Annually the Senior Pastor shall receive evaluation, review and recommendations by the Senior Pastor Review Committee with input from the Church Council and congregation. Input will be solicited from the council and the congregation a minimum of two weeks prior to the evaluation being discussed by the Senior Pastor Review Committee. In addition, the committee is responsible for reviewing the Senior Pastor’s compensation package and recommending any adjustments to salary or other benefits to the Church Council for approval. The committee may request from the Personnel Committee senior pastor compensation information from other churches comparable to Sanibel Community Church. The Senior Pastor Review Committee consists of the Executive Committee without the Senior Pastor plus one member appointed by the Senior Pastor and one member appointed by the Chairman of the Church Council from the church membership. The committee chairman shall be the Chairman of the Church Council.
G1:3: Associate Pastors/ Directors of Ministry Area
GI-3:1 Duties: Duties of Associate Pastors or Directors of Ministries shall be documented in a job description prepared by the Senior Pastor in consultation with the Personnel Committee as well as the Executive Committee and approved by Council.
GI-3:2: Selection: Candidates for associate pastors or directors of Ministries shall be solicited, interviewed and reviewed by a Pastoral Search Committee. The Senior Pastor shall serve on all Associate Pastor/Ministry Director Search Committees. The Council has final authority to call an associate pastor or ministry director.
G-4: Termination of the Call of a Pastor or Ministry Director: With any pastor or director of ministry, our goal is for an on-going mutual relationship of growth and commitment. Except in the case of death, a Call shall be terminated only f or one of the following reasons, and with procedures as outlined:
GI-4.1: Reasons for termination
Resignation of the Pastor/Ministry Director
Mutual agreement between Pastor/Ministry Director to terminate call.
Failure to conduct the pastoral office effectively.
Physical or Mental incapacity to conduct the pastoral/ministry office.
Disqualification due to teaching of false doctrine.
Disqualification due to moral failure.
The dissolution of the congregation. Allegations that the Pastor/Ministry Director imperils the effective function of the church.
GI-4.2: Procedures for Dismissal
In the event of any of the concerns above the Chairman of the Council shall activate the Special Committee for Pastoral and Ministry Relations.
The Committee shall review all of the concerns and bring recommendation to the council for action. Review must include interview with the Pastor/Ministry Director, the Executive Committee, as well as with those specifically bringing allegations. Negotiations for healing and restoration are always the primary goal.
The Council has authority to take whatever action deemed best for the Church and Christ’s Kingdom, including termination of a pastor or ministry director.
SECTION H-DEFINITIONS
H-1-Ministry Team: A group of 5 to 12 persons, with team leader, established by Bylaws, assigned authority and responsibility to give planning, implementation and oversight in a specified area of ministry in the life of the church.
H-2-Ministry Cabinet: Ministry team board consisting of each ministry team leader, all pastoral staff, ministry directors and administrator meeting for the purpose of communication, calendar coordination and budget coordination. Senior Pastor shall serve as chairman.
H-3-Ad Hoc Committee: A committee appointed by the Chairman of the Church Council with the consent of the Council, which will serve with a specified written charge.
H-4-Executive Committee: A committee established by Bylaws, comprised of Council Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Chairman of Personnel and Senior Pastor to serve in an advisory role to both the Senior Pastor and the Council. Senior Pastor is Chairman of the Executive Committee.
SECTION J- AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
These Bylaws may be amended by action of the Church Council by a 2/3 majority vote of those a quorum of its members present. in a duly noticed meeting. Proposed changes to the bylaws must be communicated to the congregation. The communications shall include the proposed changes or in the case of extensive changes where a complete copy of the changes maybe obtained. Also, the communications shall include the date and the time of the council meeting when the changes will be considered along with an invitation to the congregation to attend the Church Council’s meeting.