€¦ · Web viewCONSTITUTION . AND . BYLAWS. of. The Covenant at Sugar Grove . A Nonprofit Corporation Organized Under . the. Laws of the State of Ohio. Revised January 31, 2016

CONSTITUTION AND

BYLAWS

of

The Covenant at Sugar Grove

A Nonprofit Corporation Organized Under the Laws of the State of Ohio

Revised January 31, 2016

Draft.01

PREAMBLE – CHURCH HISTORYThe Covenant at Sugar Grove (“CSG”) was formed when God

brought together two local churches with similar doctrinal beliefs, Biblical teachings, and philosophies of ministry to combine the resources, gifts and talents of both congregations. The following is a brief history of each congregation and the church merger that was consummated in November 2011.

Sugar Grove Bible Church

Sugar Grove Bible Church (“SGBC”) was formed in 1849 under the name of Sugar Grove Christian Church. The church was named for the sugar maple trees in the area where the church was first located on Furnas Road in Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. In 1878, under Rev. William Jay, the new church was built on its present site in the Village of Frederick, Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio. In 1931, the church merged with Congregational Church and became Sugar Grove Congregational Christian Church. In 1957 Pastor Ivan Shafer was called to lead the church. He launched campaigns to build three additions between 1963 and 1978. In 1966 the name of the church was changed to Sugar Grove Bible Church to reflect its independent status, and the following year the Sugar Grove Christian School was formed, serving children from kindergarten to 7th grade. The school was later taken over by Dayton Christian Schools and met in the Sugar Grove Bible Church facility until 2003 when the campus was moved to Kettering, Ohio. Pastor Larry Sneed became the church pastor in 2000 and served through November, 2011.

Covenant Church

In February 2005 a small group of ten people met to pray and to plan for a celebration honoring Pastor Jody McGuire at the conclusion of 27 years of ministry at a local church. The celebration took place on April 1, 2005, and within days of this gathering, the same group of people (to become known as the “Founders”) began to pray about the possibility of a summer Bible study, which Pastor Jody McGuire agreed to lead. The first Bible study class was held at the Vandalia Recreation Center in Vandalia, Ohio, on June 12, 2005. That Bible study eventually led to the formation of Covenant Community Church in August 2005 with Pastor Jody McGuire serving as its pastor. The name of the church was later changed to Covenant Church and for six years the congregation worshipped on Sunday mornings at the Vandalia Recreation Center, all the while waiting with great expectation for the day when God would lead them to their new church home.

Church Mergeri

In 2011, the leadership of SGBC determined that it would be in their best interest to merge with another local church in order to bolster church membership and finances. It came to their attention that Covenant Church was in need of a church home and that they held doctrinal beliefs similar to that of SGBC. In September, after approaching the leadership of Covenant Church about the possibility of a merger, the two churches spent the next several weeks getting to know one another and seeking God’s guidance and blessing on the potential merger. In early November 2011, each of the churches voted to approve the merger and SGBC was officially merged into Covenant Church on November 9, 2011. The name of the church was changed to The Covenant at Sugar Grove and the combined congregations worshipped at the Vandalia Recreation Center for an additional 14 months while renovations were completed at the SGBC site. On February 3, 2013, CSG celebrated its first Sunday in the renovated facilities at 7875 S. Kessler-Frederick Road under the direction of Pastor Jody McGuire.

INTENTThe original and ongoing intent of CSG is to create and maintain

a place of reverent worship of Almighty God our Heavenly Father, where Scripture, in its accurate Biblical and historical context, is the standard for all teachings and guidelines, and where growth in the knowledge of God and His relationship with man is of utmost importance. Members are encouraged to know and understand God’s Word in order that they may apply it to their daily lives and be equipped to boldly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ. Servanthood is emphasized as a way of life, and open communication, cooperation, and encouragement between the Body of Christ and the leadership of His church is encouraged. Members of CSG have a strong voice in the decision-making process of the church and the role of the Board of Elders, as servants of the church, is to maintain church unity.

GOALThe goal of CSG is to design its ministries on the following

fundamental Biblical mandates, giving honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ in everything it does:

Edification of the Saints Teach the whole counsel of God’s Word with boldness and

love; Provide training on how to develop a deep and intimate

relationship with the Savior; and

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Provide instruction on the practical application of Scripture to the daily lives of the body in both ministry and lifestyle.

Equipping of the Saints Equip members to function together as the Body of Christ,

each one learning to identify, develop, and utilize his or her passion and gifts;

Provide discipleship training opportunities for both new and seasoned believers; and

Provide a variety of avenues for development of spiritual gifts, goals, and skills.

Encouragement of the Saints Provide an environment where all feel welcome, safe, and

accepted, and where others are drawn to the fellowship because of each member’s deep love for Christ and each other;

Maintain a haven of genuine concern for one another and provide spiritual, emotional, and physical support to the body of believers—strengthening, encouraging, and uplifting one another; and

Maintain an open avenue of communication for the entire body and strive to involve each person in some form of ministry.

PURPOSE For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place of

reverent worship and Christian fellowship, and to assume CSG’s share of its responsibility to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, members of CSG do hereby adopt the following articles of church order and submit themselves to be governed by them.

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CONSTITUTION..........................................................................1ARTICLE I – NAME.................................................................................1ARTICLE II – PURPOSE...........................................................................1ARTICLE III – STATEMENT OF FAITH.......................................................1ARTICLE IV – CHURCH COVENANT..........................................................2ARTICLE V – PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD..............................................3

BYLAWS......................................................................................4ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP....................................................................4

Section A. Membership Qualification..............................................4Section B. Partners in Ministry........................................................4

ARTICLE VII – CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS...........................................4Section A. Annual Congregational Meeting....................................4Section B. Special Congregational Meetings..................................5Section C. Notice of Meetings.........................................................5Section D. Quorum...........................................................................5Section E. Order of Business..........................................................5Section F. Voting Rights..................................................................6Section G. Absentee Voting.............................................................6Section H. Minutes..........................................................................7Section I. Vote Tabulation..............................................................7

ARTICLE VIII – CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION....................7Section A. Governing Body..............................................................7Section B. Board of Elders...............................................................8Section C.Board of Deacons..........................................................12Section D. Nomination, Ratification, and Tenure of Elected Officers. 15Section E. Pastoral Staff................................................................16Section F. Ministry Directors........................................................17Section G. Shepherd Ministry Leaders..........................................17Section H. Service Ministry Leaders.............................................18Section I. Removal of Ministry Leaders........................................18Section J. Committees, Shepherd and Service Ministries............19

ARTICLE IX – CHURCH FINANCES.........................................................21Section A. Scriptural Background.................................................21Section B. Church Treasurer Selection.........................................22Section C.Church Treasurer Responsibilities and Authority........22Section D. Removal of Treasurer...................................................23Section E. Audit/Finance Committee Duties and Church Budget Process 23Section F. Audit/Financial Assessment.........................................23Section G. Fiscal Year....................................................................24

ARTICLE X – CHURCH COMMUNICATION...............................................24Section A. Intent............................................................................24Section B. Informational Meetings...............................................24

Section C.Availability of Documents.............................................24ARTICLE XI – CONFLICT RESOLUTION...................................................24

Section A. Scriptural Background.................................................24Section B. Conflict Resolution Procedure......................................25

ARTICLE XII – DISCIPLINE....................................................................25Section A. In General.....................................................................25Section B. Procedure.....................................................................25

ARTICLE XIII – CONTINUED GOVERNANCE............................................26Section A. In General.....................................................................26Section B. Procedure.....................................................................26

ARTICLE XIV – CONFIDENTIALITY.........................................................27Section A. In General.....................................................................27

ARTICLE XV – EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS AND CONTRACTS.................27Section A. In General....................................................................27

ARTICLE XVI – DISSOLUTION/DIVISION OF ASSETS................................28Section A. Dissolution...................................................................28Section B. Distribution of Assets in Event of Division in Church. .28Section C. Arbitration Guidelines.................................................28

ARTICLE XVII – AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS...............29Section A. Procedure.....................................................................29

APPENDIX 1 – REVISION HISTORY.........................................................30October 28, 2014...........................................................................30January 31, 2010...........................................................................34November 9, 2009.........................................................................34January 25, 2009...........................................................................34February 29, 2008.........................................................................35August 3, 2007..............................................................................35July 20, 2007..................................................................................35June 6, 2007..................................................................................35October, 2006................................................................................36January 28, 2006...........................................................................36

APPENDIX 2 – ORGANIZATIONAL FLOWCHART........................................37CSG Governing Structure..............................................................37

APPENDIX 3 – OVERVIEW OF ASSESSMENTS..........................................38CERTIFICATE...................................................................................39

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this church shall be The Covenant at Sugar Grove (hereinafter referred to as “CSG”), incorporated under the same name under the laws of the State of Ohio. The principal office of the Corporation is in Miami County, Ohio.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of CSG is to be an example of the New Testament church by worshipping God and making disciples of Jesus Christ by edifying, equipping, and encouraging its members.

ARTICLE III – STATEMENT OF FAITH

CSG is founded on the following intrinsic beliefs as found in the Holy Scriptures. Knowledge and belief of the truth as stated in this Statement of Faith we deem necessary to sound doctrine, and therefore, requisite for membership at CSG:

1. Scripture. We believe the Holy Bible to be the infallible, inspired, and inerrant revealed Word of God, which is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:15-16, 2 Peter 1:20-21)

2. God. We believe in the only true God, Who created all things and upholds all things by the power of His Word, and Who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

3. Father. We believe that the Father is the first person of the Trinity, existing co-equally with the Son and the Holy Spirit, and that He is the creator and sustainer of all life.

4. Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is the second person and co-equal in the Trinity, Who was born of a virgin, crucified for our sins, buried and resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

5. Holy Spirit. We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person and co-equal in the Trinity, was given on the day of

Article V – Preaching of God’s Word1

Pentecost to unite all believers into one body, the church, and exists in the lives of believers today.

6. Man. We believe that by one man, sin entered into the world; that every human being has inherited that sin nature; and that every human being faces judgment, condemnation, and death for his or her sins.

7. Salvation. We believe salvation of the lost is found through faith in Jesus Christ alone who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and that salvation is realized by grace through faith.

8. Church. We believe that the church is comprised of all who are united by the Holy Spirit to the risen and ascended Son of God. (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28)

9. Ordinances. We believe that three ordinances have been established in Scripture, which are Baptism, Holy Communion, and Foot Washing.

10. Second Coming. We believe in Christ’s literal return for His church and His present and everlasting reign.

ARTICLE IV – CHURCH COVENANT

All current and future members of CSG do hereby and shall covenant with each other before God, Who revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, to:

1. Believe and diligently follow His teachings as found in the Bible, foremost of which are the Great Commandment and the Great Commission;

2. Be in personal fellowship with Christ, constantly seeking His guidance and being obedient to His leadership;

3. Actively support, encourage the ministries of, and pray for CSG and its leaders;

4. Diligently seek to discern and utilize our spiritual gifts in the various ministries of CSG;

5. Minister to those in need, first within the body of Christ, then in the community and throughout the world, as a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, committing ourselves to proclaiming His Gospel;

6. Help each other grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and toward Christian maturity by


edifying, equipping, and encouraging one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and praying for one another;

7. Be committed to one another by loving, accepting, protecting, and forgiving as would Christ, and by placing love and service to others above ourselves;

8. Be devoted to strengthening family units and training up children in the way they should go;

9. Regularly worship the triune God;10. Recognize the ordinances of believer’s Baptism, Holy

Communion, and Foot Washing;11. Believe that God has established marriage as a lifelong,

exclusive relationship between one man and one woman and that all intimate sexual activity outside the marriage relationship, whether heterosexual, homosexual, or otherwise, is immoral and therefore sin (Gen. 2:24-25; Ex. 20:14, 17, 22:19; Lev. 18:22-23, 20:13, 15-16; Matt. 19:4-6, 9; Rom. 1:18-31; I Cor. 6:9-10, 15-20; I Tim. 1:8-11; Jude 7).

12. Believe that God created the human race male and female and that all conduct with the intent to adopt a gender other than one’s birth gender is immoral and therefore sin (Gen. 1:27; Deut. 22:5).

ARTICLE V – PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD

God’s Holy Word is the standard from which all preaching and teaching occur at CSG. There will be no compromise of Scripture by the embracing of trends or contemporary theologies. CSG’s pulpit will not be used to promote various agendas, books, or lectures, which would cause God’s Word to be diluted or diverted from its original intent. No Pastor, Elder, Deacon, Ministry Director, Ministry Leader, staff person, or church member will be permitted to promote a belief that contradicts Scripture or CSG’s Purpose, Statement of Faith, or Church CSG as set forth in this Constitution.


BYLAWS

ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP

The name of this church shall be The Covenant at Sugar Grove (hereinafter referred to as “CSG”), incorporated under the same name under the laws of the State of Ohio. The principal office of the Corporation is in Miami County, Ohio.

Section A. Membership Qualification

The membership of CSG shall be composed of persons who confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; are in agreement with the Purpose, Statement of Faith, and Church Covenant set forth in CSG’s Constitution and agree to be governed by these Bylaws as amended from time to time, with such agreement made through a written membership declaration or otherwise as the Board of Elders may decide; and who have been regularly attending CSG for at least six (6) months, excepting absence for missionary or military service, medical or educational reasons, or other reasons approved by the Board of Elders.

Section B. Partners in Ministry

In Christ, the members of CSG form one body and each part of that body functions together as a whole. All members of the body must do their part to utilize their God-given gifts and talents in order for the body to be healthy and productive for the cause of Christ. As a result, each member of CSG will be expected to regularly attend worship services, to participate in and support the various ministries of the church, and as eligible, to be an active participant in church congregational meetings and elections.

ARTICLE VII – CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Section A. Annual Congregational Meeting

An annual meeting of the members of CSG shall be conducted on the last Sunday of January of each year, with the alternative date of the next Sunday on which a worship service is held, at a time designated by the Board of Elders. At each annual meeting, the members shall hear reports from the church Treasurer and various other leaders and consider the disposition of church business matters, Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 4

including but not limited to election of officers, ratification of the church budget, and any other business matters that the Elders, with input from the Board of Deacons, determine shall be brought before the meeting.

Section B. Special Congregational Meetings

Special meetings may be called for any purpose by the Senior Pastor, the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons, or by a Congregational Committee formed in accordance with Article VIII, Section J.3.b. of these Bylaws.

Section C. Notice of Meetings

Notice of the annual meeting shall be given by announcement from the pulpit each Sunday in January and shall be published each Sunday in January in the church bulletin. Such notices shall state the date, alternative date, time, and location, and an explanation of the business to come before the meeting.

As to a special congregational meeting, notice of the meeting shall be given by announcement from the pulpit and shall be published in the church bulletin for no less than two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting. Such notices shall state the date, time, and location, the matters to be discussed. No other business may take place at the meeting other than the matters specified in the notice of meeting.

In cases of emergency, the two-week notice requirement for a special congregational meeting may be waived by a majority of the Board of Elders.

Section D. Quorum

A quorum for conducting a congregational meeting shall be met when attendees of the meeting include:

Members, not to include absentee ballots, totaling twenty-five (25) percent of the average Sunday worship service attendance for the six (6) month period ending on the last Sunday of the month prior to the meeting; and

The normal required quorums for meetings of the Elders and Deacons.

The act of a majority of the members present and voting shall be an act of the corporate membership.

Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 5

Section E. Order of Business

All congregational meetings shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Elders, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders. The order of business at all congregational meetings shall be determined by the Board of Elders, with input from the Board of Deacons, and shall provide adequate time for an open forum.

Section F. Voting Privileges

Church members, upon their own declaration of eligibility, may cast a vote at any congregational meeting of the church where a ratification or election vote is on the agenda. This declaration of eligibility shall be made by signing a voter’s registration card prior to each meeting, and such cards shall thereafter be maintained with the records of each congregational meeting in the church office. All voter registration cards shall contain the following language:

I am a member of The Covenant at Sugar Grove in accordance with the membership requirements contained in Article VI of the church Bylaws;

I am in agreement with the Purpose, Statement of Faith, and Church Covenant set forth in CSG’s Constitution and agree to be governed by these Bylaws;

I am sixteen (16) years of age or older; and I am not an active member of another church.

I HEREBY AFFIRM THAT I HAVE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE FOREGOING VOTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Date: Signed:

Name Printed:

A meeting attendee’s eligibility to vote may be challenged by any member. Such challenge shall be decided by a majority of the voting members of the Board of Elders that are present.


Section G. Absentee Voting

Members may obtain absentee ballots and registration cards from the church no less than fourteen (14) days in advance of an upcoming congregational meeting where a congregational vote is to occur. Absentee ballots shall be signed, dated, sealed, and delivered to the church, along with the corresponding voter registration cards, not later than the day of the vote. Absentee ballots will remain sealed until regular ballots have been cast, after which time all ballots will be counted together. All absentee voters must be ratified as qualified voting members by a reading of the names of all absentee voters, followed by a show of hands vote by members in attendance and recorded in meeting minutes. Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

Section H.Minutes

The Secretary of the Board of Elders, or his designee, shall maintain a formal record of minutes of all congregational meetings to be signed and dated by the Chairman of the Board of Elders. Such minutes shall appropriately record all matters of business coming before the congregation, including but not limited to all motions, discussions, questions, objections, ideas, and concerns expressed during each meeting. All minutes shall be retained in the CSG Book of Minutes, which shall be available for inspection upon request by the church body.

Section I. Vote Tabulation

The Chairman of the Board of Elders and the Chairman of the Board of Deacons shall select two or more members to tabulate votes cast in person or by absentee ballot for any congregational meeting where voting occurs.

ARTICLE VIII – CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

Section A. Governing Body

1. General. In keeping with the structure of the New Testament church, CSG's leadership structure shall be as follows:

a. Congregation – The congregation’s authority is reflected in and exercised through these Bylaws.

b. Board of Elders – Elders are the spiritual leaders of the church; they report to the congregation.


c. Board of Deacons – Deacons perform administrative and business functions of the church and report to the Board of Elders.

d. Senior Pastor – The Senior Pastor serves as the shepherd of the flock and overseer of the day to day operations of the church and staff. He is an employee reporting to the Board of Elders.

e. Associate Pastors – Associate Pastors perform pastoral functions; are employees reporting to the Senior Pastor.

f. Ministry Directors – Ministry Directors manage a ministry area; are employees reporting to the Senior Pastor.

g. Treasurer – The Treasurer manages church finances and reports to the Board of Deacons

h. Shepherd Ministry Leaders – Shepherd Ministry Leaders lead their respective Shepherd Ministry, and report to the Pastoral Staff.

i. Service Ministry Leaders – Service Ministry Leaders lead their respective Service Ministry, and report to the Board of Deacons.

Unless otherwise noted as a Shepherd or Service Ministry, use of Ministry or Ministries in these bylaws shall encompass both.

Also refer to Appendix 2 Organizational Flowchart.

2. Multiple Leadership Positions. At no time may anyone fill more than one leadership position simultaneously, with the following exceptions:

a. The Senior Pastor is an ex-officio, non-voting, and non-office-holding member of the Board of Elders representing the pastoral staff;

b. Associate Pastors are an ex-officio, non-voting, non-office-holding and uncounted members of the Board of Elders

c. Associate Pastors may oversee one or more Shepherd Ministry as delegated by the Board of Elders or the Senior Pastor;

d. Shepherd Ministry Leaders may lead more than one shepherd ministry area;

e. Service Ministry Leaders may lead more than one service ministry area;

f. An Elder may serve as a Ministry Leader; andArticle XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 8

g. A Deacon may serve as a Ministry Leader of a ministry or committee provided the Deacon is not appointed to oversee the same ministry or committee.

Section B. Board of Elders

1. Biblical Authority. In the New Testament church, elders, also referred to as overseers, were given the authority and duty to provide spiritual leadership to the church so long as they possessed the following qualifications described in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Those qualifications, in part, require that an elder must be blameless as a steward, above reproach, of good behavior, orderly, respectable, neither violent nor pugnacious, patient, moderate, forbearing, and gentle. Furthermore, an elder must not be quick tempered, contentious, covetous, a lover of money, greedy, or rebellious to God, and must rule well his own house. In accordance with those scriptural guidelines and the provisions set forth in this VIII, Section B, a Board of Elders (also referred to as “the Elders”) shall be selected from the male membership of the church to provide spiritual leadership to CSG.

2. Membership and Qualifications. The Board shall consist of an even number of men totaling no fewer than four (4), one of whom shall be the Senior Pastor, with the maximum number of Elders determined from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Elders. Associate Pastors are ex-officio members of the Board of Elders but shall not be included in determining the number of members. Senior and Associate Pastors shall be non-voting, non-office-holding members. Each member of the Board must: (a) possess the qualifications for an elder described in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9; (b) be an active member of CSG; (c) possess and demonstrate spiritual wisdom and maturity; (d) be thirty-five (35) years of age or older; and (e) have completed appropriate leadership training under the direction of the Senior Pastor and Board of Elders.

a. Interim Vacancy: Should for any reason the number of Elders fall to less than four, the remaining Elders with voting privileges and members of the Board of Deacons with voting privileges shall invoke Article VIII Section B.5.b of these Bylaws to approve interim members sufficient to reach the minimum required, at which time the Board of Elders shall follow the procedures outlined in Article XIII - Continued Governance of these Bylaws to formally approve or replace the interim member(s).

3. Responsibilities and Authority. The Board of Elders shall be responsible to serve and care for the spiritual condition of the


church in matters of faith, prayer, doctrinal content, and discipline. In order to fulfill these duties in accordance with Scripture, each Elder should: (a) devote his time to prayer and be deeply committed to his own spiritual growth; (b) seek to equip himself for service and for teaching by means of a systematic study of the Scriptures; (c) actively participate in the life of the church and in caring for the spiritual needs of the congregation; and (d) consistently pray for God’s guidance and wisdom and for the needs of the body. (Acts 20:28-30, 1 Peter 5:1-3.) Subject to any limitations set forth in these Bylaws, and in addition to duties and responsibilities contained elsewhere in these Bylaws, the Board of Elders shall have the authority and responsibility to:

a. Oversee spiritual teachings of the church . Direct, assist, and consult with pastoral staff regarding their management of all teaching ministries of the church with an emphasis toward guarding the purity of Biblical teachings of the church at all levels of ministry; approve all curriculum utilized for classes; assist Senior Pastor in developing and conducting leadership training.

b. Oversee spiritual focus of church operations . Direct, assist, and consult with Board of Deacons regarding their management of church operations with an emphasis toward guarding the purity of Biblical teachings of the church at all levels of operations.

c. Oversee conflict resolution within the church. Provide a forum for the resolution of conflicts as set forth in Article XI - Conflict Resolution of these Bylaws for the discipline of disruptive individuals or those who promote divisive or disruptive teachings; counsel or advise individuals when it considers such measures necessary to meet an individual’s need for edification, instruction, or correction. The authority of the Board of Elders should be received with the same humility and love with which it is exercised.

d. Conduct annual congregational meetings in January of each year at which time the congregation shall be given a comprehensive report of the present spiritual state and future plans of the church, with a time being provided for a question/comment and answer session with the congregation; also conduct all special congregational meetings;

e. Communicate with congregation . Select an Elder to act as a liaison to the congregation. While the entire Board of Elders must be mindful of the congregation and their concerns, the liaison to the congregation shall have the


special responsibility of soliciting congregational input and reporting such input to the Elders;

f. Respond in writing to any questions or requests for information from a Congregational Committee as described in Article VIII H.3.b. The Secretary of the Elders or his designee shall record all requests from a Congregational Committee along with responses from the Elders;

g. Oversee filling of pulpit . For any scheduled or unscheduled absence of the Senior Pastor from the pulpit, oversee selection of other pastoral staff, Elder, or guest speaker to fill the pulpit; in an extended absence of the Senior Pastor, select an interim pastor to fill the pulpit until the Senior Pastor returns or, if necessary, a permanent replacement has been selected by the Pastoral Search Committee and ratified by the congregation pursuant to the provisions contained in Article VIII, Section H.3.a. of these Bylaws;

h. Participate in annual assessments of their performance by the Board of Deacons; conduct assessments of the Senior Pastor and communicate the results to the Senior Pastor; respond constructively to those assessments; conduct an annual group review of the entire Board of Elders to be completed in December and presented at the annual congregational meeting in January of the following year;

i. Oversight and Power of Review . Elders have the authority to review agendas or agenda items, votes, and actions of Ministries, Pastoral Staff, the Board of Deacons, and committees (except for a Congregational Committee) and the authority to veto or request further discussion of same. 1. The power of review should focus on the spiritual

aspect of the agenda item, vote, or action being considered for review and possible rescinding.

2. The Elders should make efforts to exercise their power of review in a timely manner.

3. A majority of seventy (70) percent of the voting membership of the Board of Elders is required to rescind any agenda item, vote, or action being considered under this power of review.

4. This power of review does not apply to those actions approved by the congregation at a congregational meeting or mandated in the church Covenant, Constitution or Bylaws, or where an existing review process already exists in these Bylaws.


4. Officers. A Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary shall be elected by the Board of Elders from among its voting members, excluding the Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor, at its first meeting following the annual congregational meeting of the congregation. Each such officer shall serve for a term of one (1) year. The Chairman of the Board shall preside over all meetings of the board unless absent or otherwise unable to serve, in such case the Vice Chairman shall temporarily perform the duties of the Chairman. The Secretary or his designee shall maintain all meeting minutes and other board records.

5. Meetings. The Board of Elders shall schedule and hold regular meetings to conduct the business of the church under its jurisdiction. The date, time, and location of all board meetings will be published in the church bulletin, and all meetings shall be open to members of the congregation. Elders are expected to make every possible effort to attend all such meetings, either in person or by conference call. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of at least 60% of the Elders with voting privileges. The order of business at board meetings shall be as directed by the Chairman of the Board of Elders and shall provide adequate time for an open forum. Unless otherwise unanimously agreed by the board, all matters coming before the board for a vote shall be by anonymous ballot. In the event of a stalemate vote resulting from an even number of Elders voting at a meeting, the vote of the Chairman shall be discarded. The results of all votes taken will be properly recorded in the Book of Minutes. Upon a majority vote of the board, the Elders may go into Executive Session to be attended only by the Elders, along with any necessary invitees at the board’s discretion, to discuss business matters of a confidential nature.

a. Emergency Meeting . Elders may call a meeting without prior notification for cases of executive action or a rescinding action under Article VIII Section B.3.i.1 of these Bylaws. Justification for the executive or rescinding action requiring an emergency meeting will be duly noted and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

b. Joint Meeting with Board of Deacons . A joint or combined meeting of the Board of Elders and the Board of Deacons is permitted only pursuant to Article VIII Section B.2.a or Article VIII Section C.2.a of these Bylaws to fill an interim vacancy on the Board of Elders and/or the Board of Deacons should the minimum number of members of a Board not be met. At such meeting, the selection of the Elder(s) or Deacon(s) shall be made by simple majority vote of the combined members of both Boards with voting privileges, with the additional requirement that at least one member of the board with the vacancy must vote to


confirm the appointment. Should there be no members of the board with the vacancy, a simple majority will suffice.

6. Role of Deacons with the Board of Elders. A member of the Board of Deacons is considered a member of the congregation as regards the operations and meetings of the Board of Elders, with no additional rights or privileges implied by the office of Deacon.

Section C. Board of Deacons

1. Biblical Authority. In the New Testament church, deacons (“one who serves”) were given the authority and duty to lead by serving and managing the physical needs of the church in order that the overseers of the church could devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:1-7) The qualifications for elders and deacons were the same regarding an individual’s character with an emphasis on honesty, temperance, and worthiness of respect. Women also served in this capacity and were required to have the same qualifications. (1 Tim. 3:8-13) Phoebe was described as “a servant of the church,” with the Greek word utilized for servant often being translated as “deaconess.” (Rom. 16:1) Hereafter, references to “deacons” can apply both to male deacons and female deaconesses. In accordance with those scriptural guidelines and the provisions set forth in this Article VIII, Section C.1., a Board of Deacons (also referred to as “the Deacons”) shall be selected from the male and female membership of the church to provide for the physical and financial needs of the church.

2. Membership and Qualifications. The Board of Deacons shall consist of an odd number of persons totaling no fewer than five (5), with the maximum number to be determined from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Deacons. Each member of the Board of Deacons must: (a) possess the qualifications for a deacon described in 1 Tim. 3:8-13; (b) be an active member of CSG; (c) possess and demonstrate spiritual wisdom and maturity; and (d) have completed appropriate leadership training under the direction of the Senior Pastor and Board of Elders.

a. Interim Vacancy: Should for any reason the number of Deacons fall to less than five, the remaining Deacons with voting privileges and members of the Board of Elders with voting privileges shall invoke Article VIII Section B.5.b of these Bylaws to approve interim members sufficient to reach the minimum required, at which time the Board of Deacons shall follow the procedures outlined in Article XIII - Continued Governance to formally approve or replace the interim member(s).


3. Responsibilities and Authority. The Board of Deacons shall be responsible to manage all ministry, business, administrative, and financial functions of the church. Like, Elders, in order to fulfill these duties in accordance with Scripture, each Deacon should consistently pray for God’s guidance and wisdom and for the needs of the body. Subject to oversight by the Board of Elders and any limitations set forth in these Bylaws, and in addition to duties and responsibilities contained elsewhere in these Bylaws, the Board of Deacons shall have the authority and responsibility to:

a. Manage church operations. Manage all business, administrative, operational, and physical elements of the church, either directly or through delegation of various tasks to Service Ministry Leaders and/or committees within the church. The Board of Deacons shall provide regular reports to the Board of Elders regarding same; establish or terminate any programs, policies, or committees, or delegate to appropriate individuals, as it deems necessary, to meet the physical needs of the church and its members, with the exception of those committees defined in Article VIII, Sections H.2. and H.3.;

b. Manage church finances. With assistance from the Audit/Finance Committee, approve and seek accountability from Pastoral Staff, Ministry Directors, and Ministry Leaders responsible for the budgets of each ministry area, and otherwise ensure the proper functioning of a financially healthy church;

c. Manage hiring of non-pastoral and/or administrative staff; compensation of paid staff. With the exception of pastors and Ministry Directors, hire qualified persons to fill vacant, salaried, non-pastoral ministry and/or administrative staff positions, and terminate persons from those positions in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Office Policy Manual; annually review the compensation package of all paid staff and make recommendations to the church regarding any changes;

d. Respond in writing to any questions or requests for information from a Congregational Committee as described in Article VIII H.3.b. The Secretary of the Board shall record all requests from a Congregational Committee along with responses from the Board;

e. Participate in annual assessments of their performance by the Service Ministry to which they are individually responsible; results of such Deacon evaluations shall be reported back to the Board of Deacons and to the Board of Elders; conduct an annual group review of the entire


Board of Deacons to be completed in December and presented at the annual congregational meeting in January of the following year;

f. Communication with Elders . The Board of Deacons shall provide the Board of Elders with meeting agendas, minutes, votes, and information regarding their actions to assist in the Elders’ responsibility for oversight.

4. Officers. A Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary shall be elected by the Board of Deacons from among its members at its first meeting following the annual congregational meeting. Each such officer shall serve for a term of one (1) year or until his or her successor is duly elected. The Chair shall preside over all meetings of the board unless absent or otherwise unable to serve, in such case the Vice Chair shall temporarily perform the duties of the Chair. The Secretary shall maintain all meeting minutes and other board records. For purposes of compliance with Ohio non-profit corporation law, the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary of the Board of Deacons shall serve as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the corporation.

5. Meetings. The Board of Deacons shall schedule and hold regular meetings to conduct the business and ministries of the church under its jurisdiction. The date, time, and location of all board meetings will be published in the church bulletin, and all meetings shall be open to members of the congregation. Deacons are expected to make every possible effort to attend all such meetings, either in person or by conference call. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of at least 60% of the Deacons. The order of business at board meetings shall be as directed by the Chairman of the Board of Deacons and shall provide adequate time for an open forum. Unless otherwise unanimously agreed upon by the board, all matters coming before the board for a vote shall be by anonymous ballot. In the event of a stalemate vote resulting from an even number of Deacons voting at a meeting, the vote of the Chair shall be discarded. The results of all votes taken will be properly recorded in the Book of Minutes. Upon a majority vote of the board, the Deacons may go into Executive Session to be attended only by the Deacons, along with any necessary invitees at the board’s discretion, to discuss business matters of a confidential nature.

6. Role of Elders with the Board of Deacons. A member of the Board of Elders may attend and participate in the meetings and operations of the Board of Deacons with the following privileges and limitations.

Elders:a. May participate in discussions of issues before the Board

of Deacons, with special focus on the spiritual context of the matter;


b. May request items to be added to a Board of Deacons meeting agenda in the same manner available to any member of the congregation;

c. May address the Board of Deacons on topics of relevance during "Elder Comments", which shall be a standing item on the Board of Deacons’ meeting agenda;

d. May request a brief recess during any meeting of the Board of Deacons;

e. May Not move or second any motion during a meeting of the Board of Deacons;

f. May Not cast a vote on any motion before the Board of Deacons; and

g. May Not attend any Executive Session called by the Board of Deacons unless the Elder or Elders are invited at the Board’s discretion.

Section D. Nomination, Ratification, and Tenure of Elected Officers.

1. Nomination. The Elders shall hold a meeting for annual end-of-tenure vacancies on the Board of Elders or the Board of Deacons to begin the following process for selection of Elders and Deacons to fill any open positions:

a. The Board of Elders, which at its discretion may obtain input from the Pastoral Staff and/or Ministry Leaders, shall develop a list of nominees to fill vacancies on the Board of Elders and the Board of Deacons from those who have completed appropriate leadership training and who meet the qualification criteria set forth in Article VIII, Sections B.2. and C.2. of these Bylaws.

b. The names of nominees for ratification as Elders and Deacons, the number of which shall equal the number of vacancies on the corresponding Board, shall be published in accordance with the notice provisions set forth in Article VII, Section C of these Bylaws.

c. A ballot containing the names of nominees for the offices of Elder and Deacon shall be presented at any congregational meeting to the voting members of the congregation for ratification.

d. So long as an Elder or Deacon ratified at an annual congregational meeting continues to be a member in good standing, they shall be eligible to serve on the respective Board for two consecutive two-year terms followed by at


least one year off. Elders and Deacons ratified at special congregational meetings will serve the remainder of the current two-year term, after which they may serve an additional two-year term followed by at least one year off.

e. Should an Elder or Deacon nominee fail to be ratified by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the congregation, then the Board of Elders shall repeat steps a. through c. above.

2. Vacancies. Should an Elder or Deacon desire to resign their position, it is requested that they provide at least a thirty (30) day prior written notice to the board of his or her intentions. A board vacancy shall be deemed to exist in the case of death, resignation, lengthy period of absence, or removal of any Elder or Deacon, or if a need exists for an additional Elder or Deacon at the discretion of the respective board. Should a vacancy occur, the respective board, at its sole discretion, may call a special congregational meeting for purposes of ratifying a replacement Elder or Deacon at any time in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws. If the membership of the Board of Elders or Board of Deacons falls below the minimum required, the vacancies shall be filled pursuant to Article VIII.B.2.a. (Elder) or Article VIII.C.2.a (Deacon) Interim Vacancies.

3. Removal of Elders or Deacons. The Board of Elders will be responsible for hearing all challenges or charges brought against any Elders or Deacons by members of their own board in accordance with Article XI - Conflict Resolution of these Bylaws. The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the removal of any Elders or Deacons who fail to remain qualified according to any criteria contained in these Bylaws, or who, due to other circumstances, are judged incapable of continuing to serve in the capacity of an Elder or Deacon.

Section E. Pastoral Staff

1. In General. All members of the Pastoral Staff shall be men having been called to ministry in the same manner as described in Eph. 4:11.

2. Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor shall be the spiritual leader of the church, responsible to instruct the church in the Holy Scriptures and to work with the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, and Ministry Directors and Leaders in maintaining the spiritual well-being of the church. He shall also be a non-voting, non-officer member of the Board of Elders; shall be responsible to oversee and guide the Pastoral Staff and all other paid ministry and administrative staff; shall oversee the day-to-day operations of the church; shall conduct annual assessments of the performance of each Associate Pastor and other paid ministry and administrative staff and communicate the results of these assessments to the party whose performance is being


assessed; and shall administer and maintain the budget allocated to him. The Senior Pastor shall conduct an annual group assessment of the Pastoral Staff, to be completed in December and presented at the annual congregational meeting in January of the following year.

3. Associate Pastors. Additional pastoral staff may be called to minister in specific areas within the church. Along with the duties to be assigned to him by the Senior Pastor and assigned or delegated by the Board of Elders, each Associate Pastor shall be responsible to shepherd the volunteers involved in his designated Shepherd Ministry areas.

4. Selection. As needed, Senior or Associate Pastors shall be selected by the Pastoral Search Committee, formed in accordance with Article VIII, Section H.3.a. of these Bylaws, and confirmed by voting members of the church at a congregational meeting, and such confirmation shall be no less than a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all votes cast.

5. Removal. Should the Board of Elders receive objections from church members with respect to a pastor, the board shall consider the charges and any evidence presented by the objecting parties. Taking into consideration the conflict resolution procedures contained in Article XI of these Bylaws, the board shall prayerfully consider how to proceed. Should the board choose to recommend removal of a pastor, after having taken appropriate measures of due process, the matter will be brought before the congregation for a vote and the pastor shall be removed upon a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all votes cast.

6. Resignation. Should a pastor desire to resign, written notice must be given to the Board of Elders at least thirty (30) days prior to departure to allow for the necessary transition of responsibilities. Should the intended date of such resignation as contained in the written notice be for some time in the future, the Board of Elders shall have the right to seek replacement before the intended date of resignation.

Section F. Ministry Directors

1. Qualifications and Selection. Persons displaying spiritual wisdom, maturity, and discipline and having well-developed gifts and talents in specific areas of ministry may be hired to direct various ministries within the church. The Board of Deacons shall be responsible to find and screen qualified candidates for Ministry Director positions who may be hired only after being approved by the Board of Elders and ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the congregation at a congregational meeting.


2. Responsibilities. Ministry Directors shall be responsible to direct their area(s) of ministry at the direction of the Senior Pastor and the Board of Elders, and to administer and maintain the budget allocated to said ministry area(s) under the direction of the Board of Deacons with assistance from the Audit/Finance Committee.

3. Removal of Ministry Director. The Board of Elders will be responsible for hearing all challenges or charges brought against any Ministry Directors by any member of the congregation in accordance with Article XI- Conflict Resolution of these Bylaws. The Board of Elders will be responsible for the removal of any Ministry Directors who fail to remain qualified or who are judged incapable of continuing to serve in the capacity of a Ministry Director in accordance with any leadership criteria contained in these Bylaws.

Section G. Shepherd Ministry Leaders

1. Shepherd Ministries Defined. Shepherd Ministries are those activities that serve people, members or non-members, for assistance, comfort, consoling, education, missions, prayer, training, visitation, etc.

2. Selection and Qualifications. Members of the church displaying spiritual wisdom, maturity, and discipline and having well-developed gifts and talents in specific areas of ministry may be designated to serve as Shepherd Ministry Leaders.

3. Responsibilities and Authority. Under the direction of the Board of Elders or the Pastoral Staff by delegation from the Board of Elders, and in accordance with the guidelines contained in these Bylaws, Shepherd Ministry Leaders appointed by the Board of Elders have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Oversee their area of ministry and be accountable to those they serve as well as to those who work under their direction for spiritual needs, training, and discipline;

b. Recruit volunteers and develop committees or programs necessary to carry out their ministry area;

c. Develop and submit to the Audit/Finance Committee a budget for their particular ministry area and work with the Audit/Finance Committee in the management of their approved budget;

d. Submit ministry progress reports to the Board of Deacons upon request;

e. Assist in shepherding of the saints and aid in the general spiritual needs of the church;


f. Perform other duties related to their ministry area as assigned by the Board of Elders or Pastoral Staff; and

g. Conduct annual assessments of the Elder or Pastoral Staff to whom they are responsible, to be completed in December.

Section H.Service Ministry Leaders

1. Service Ministries Defined. Service Ministries are those activities that serve the functional needs of CSG, including grounds, facilities, maintenance, physical plant, etc.

2. Selection and Qualifications. Members of the church displaying spiritual wisdom, maturity, and discipline and having well-developed gifts and talents in specific areas of benefit to the operational needs of CSG, may be designated to serve as Service Ministry Leaders.

3. Responsibilities and Authority. Under the direction of the Board of Deacons, and in accordance with the guidelines contained in these Bylaws, Service Ministry Leaders appointed by the Board of Deacons and approved by the Board of Elders have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Oversee their area of ministry and be accountable to those they serve as well as to those who work under their direction for spiritual needs, training, and discipline;

b. Recruit volunteers and develop committees or programs necessary to carry out their ministry area;

c. Develop and submit to the Audit/Finance Committee a budget for their particular ministry area and work with the Audit/Finance Committee in the management of their approved budget;

d. Submit ministry progress reports to the Board of Deacons upon request;

e. Assist and aid in the general physical needs of the church;f. Perform other duties related to their ministry area as

assigned by the Board of Deacons; andg. Conduct annual assessments of the Deacon to whom they

are responsible, to be completed in December.

Section I. Removal of Ministry Leaders

The Board of Elders will be responsible for hearing all challenges or charges brought against any Shepherd or Service Ministry Leaders by any member of the congregation in accordance Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 20

with Article XI- Conflict Resolution of these Bylaws. The Board of Elders will be responsible for the removal of any Ministry Leaders who fail to remain qualified or who are judged incapable of continuing to serve in the capacity of a Shepherd or Service Ministry Leader in accordance with any leadership criteria contained in these Bylaws.

Section J. Committees, Shepherd and Service Ministries

1. Administration. a. Committees and Service Ministries . With the exception of

a Congregational Committee as defined in Section H.3.b. below, the Board of Deacons shall appoint or delegate a Deacon or Service Ministry Leader for each committee or Service Ministry of the church, who shall be responsible to supervise said committee or service ministry. Together, the designated Deacon, Service Ministry Leader, or chairman for each specific committee or service ministry shall be responsible and report to the Board of Deacons, and ultimately to the Board of Elders and the church, for the budgets, progress reports, and actions of their assigned committees and service ministry.

b. Shepherd Ministry . The Board of Elders shall appoint or delegate a member of the Pastoral Staff, Deacon, or member as Shepherd Ministry Leader for each Shepherd Ministry of the church, who shall be responsible to supervise said shepherd ministry. The designated Shepherd Ministry Leader shall be responsible and report to the Board of Elders and ultimately the church for the spiritual and teaching actions of the shepherd ministry. The designated Shepherd Ministry Leader shall be responsible and report to the Board of Deacons for the budgets and progress reports of the shepherd ministry.

2. Standing Committees. The following committees shall be formed and maintained pursuant to the following guidelines:

a. Audit/Finance Committee . The Audit/Finance Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Deacons, shall be responsible for developing and supervising the church budget in accordance with Article IX, Section E and Section F of these Bylaws. The Audit/Finance Committee shall report to and be supervised by a Deacon. The Committee shall be comprised of the Church Treasurer and no fewer than three (3) active members of the congregation who shall be appointed by the Board of Deacons and who shall possess business, accounting, and/or legal experience.


b. Bylaws Review Committee . Commencing three years after enactment of these Bylaws, and every three (3) years thereafter, or earlier as needed at the discretion and direction of the Board of Elders, the Board of Deacons shall form a committee to review the Constitution and Bylaws. The number of persons serving on the Bylaws Review Committee shall be at the discretion of the Board of Deacons, but in no event shall it include fewer than two (2) active members of the congregation who are neither Elders, nor Deacons, nor pastors. The Bylaws Review Committee shall determine if any amendments should be made to the Constitution or Bylaws and make their recommendations to the Board of Elders, who may present such amendments to the congregation for ratification at either the next annual congregational meeting or a special-called congregational meeting in accordance with Article XVII of these Bylaws.

3. Ad Hoc Committees. The following ad hoc committees shall be formed pursuant to the following guidelines:

a. Pastoral Search Committee . When the need arises for a Senior Pastor or an Associate Pastor, the Board of Elders shall create a Pastoral Search Committee to find and screen qualified candidates for the position. The Committee shall seek input from the congregation, the Board of Elders, Pastoral Staff, and other sources. The number of persons serving on the Pastoral Search Committee shall be at the discretion of the Board of Elders, but in no event shall include fewer than two (2) active members of the congregation and at least one (1) current member of the Board of Elders to be selected by popular vote at either the next annual congregational meeting or a special congregational meeting of the congregation. The Pastoral Search Committee shall be responsible to see that all candidates for the position of pastor are in complete understanding of, agreement with, and commitment to the philosophies of ministry, preaching guidelines, Church Covenant, and Intent of Covenant as set forth in the church Constitution and Bylaws. The interview process with potential candidates shall seek to determine, among other matters, the candidate’s position on such issues as emphasis on church growth, existing staff realignment and due process. In performing its duties, the Pastoral Search Committee shall consult with the Pastors, the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, Ministry Directors, and Ministry Leaders for input and counsel. It shall also be incumbent upon the


Pastoral Search Committee to perform a thorough interview with all former employers and references of potential candidates.

b. Congregational Committee . A Congregational Committee may be formed as needed by the congregation to address unresolved constitutional issues or conflicts. Said committee shall be properly formed by members of the congregation and administered pursuant to the following guidelines:

i. The Congregational Committee shall submit a Congregational Petition to the Board of Elders containing the following: Names of all members and the chairman of the

Congregational Committee; A full description of a grievance or issue that

remains unresolved after following the guidelines for conflict resolution in Section XI of these Bylaws;

Signatures of no less than fifty (50) congregation members who meet the criteria for voting on church matters as set forth in Article VII, Section F of these Bylaws.

ii. The Board of Elders shall acknowledge receipt of the Congregational Petition and meet with the Congregational Committee for purposes of attempting to resolve the grievance presented. Toward that end, the board shall grant the Congregational Committee access to all non-confidential records and files upon request.

iii. The Congregational Committee may report its progress to the Board of Elders at its discretion, and shall present a report to the board upon completion of its activities.

iv. The Congregational Committee will be dissolved when the members agree that the grievance or issue presented in the petition has been fully satisfied and resolved.

4. Creation of New Committees or Ministries. Members of the congregation may petition the Board of Elders for the creation of a new Shepherd or Service ministry or committee pursuant to the following procedure:

a. A petition shall be submitted for consideration by the Board of Elders at a regularly scheduled board meeting,


and said petition must be sponsored by an Elder;b. The petition shall contain a full description of the need to

be met as well as those who will be served by the ministry or committee;

c. The petition shall contain the name of a suggested church member to serve as a Chairman or Ministry Leader for the proposed committee or ministry, and by their signatures on the petition members will agree to serve under the direction of the proposed Chairman or Ministry Leader if said committee or ministry is ultimately approved by the Board of Elders.

ARTICLE IX – CHURCH FINANCES

Section A. Scriptural Background

In obedience to God’s call upon His people to be wise, honest, and good stewards in handling their financial resources, CSG shall always seek first the Lord’s guidance in managing the tithes and offerings brought into the storehouse. All financial matters will be handled with the utmost integrity and professionalism. (Luke 16:11)

Section B. Church Treasurer Selection

For two successive Sundays prior to the annual congregational meeting, the Board of Deacons shall cause to be published the name of their nominee to serve as Church Treasurer for the current year. The nominee for Church Treasurer shall be ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the congregation at the annual congregational meeting. In the event that the congregation fails to ratify the nominee for Church Treasurer, the Board of Deacons shall repeat the foregoing process for presenting another candidate to the congregation for ratification at a special-called congregational meeting until a Church Treasurer is ratified.

Section C. Church Treasurer Responsibilities and Authority

The Church Treasurer, with assistance from the Accounting Team as described in subparagraph 6 of this Section, shall have the following responsibilities and authority:

1. Maintain Records. Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the properties and financial transactions of the church in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures;


2. Receive and Deposit Funds. Receive all tithes, offerings, and special donations, and cause same to be deposited in the name and to the credit of CSG with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Deacons, with receipts to be reported weekly in the Sunday bulletin;

3. Disburse Funds. Disburse the funds of the church according to the approved budget or as may be directed by the Board of Deacons. All designated funds received shall be accurately reported along with all tithes and offerings in the weekly Sunday bulletin, and disbursed in accordance with the specific purpose for which they were received unless approval of an alternate use is obtained in writing from the contributor of such funds;

4. Prepare Financial Reports. Prepare a complete set of monthly financial reports for review by the Board of Deacons as well as a comprehensive year-end financial report to be presented to the congregation at the annual congregational meeting;

5. Records Open for Inspection. With the exception of individual giving records, make available all books and financial records for inspection at all reasonable times by any member of the church;

6. Accounting Team. Secure and supervise an Accounting Team, to be approved by the Board of Deacons, consisting of the necessary amount of appropriately qualified persons who shall be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of church giving records and handling of accounts payable; and

7. Hold Office. Although not a member of the Board of Elders or the Board of Deacons, the Treasurer shall serve as Treasurer of the Corporation.

Section D. Removal of Treasurer

The Treasurer may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Elders should the Board of Elders determine that the Treasurer is for any reason failing to appropriately fulfill their duties as set forth in these Bylaws. A replacement Treasurer shall be selected in the same manner as set forth in Section B of this Article IX with the exception that the vote to ratify the replacement Treasurer may be taken at a special congregational meeting called for that purpose.

Section E. Audit/Finance Committee Duties and Church Budget Process

The Audit/Finance Committee, under the direction of the Church Treasurer and the Board of Deacons, shall be responsible to oversee Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 25

the financial affairs of the church and assist in the development and maintenance of the church budget. When creating the church budget, the Audit/Finance Committee shall seek input from all church ministries, boards, committees and other entities as directed by the Board of Deacons, and shall have access to any and all books and records of the church necessary to appropriately prepare the budget. Each year, the proposed budget prepared by the Audit/Finance Committee, after being approved by the Board of Deacons and the Board of Elders, will be made available to the congregation for review for two weeks prior to the annual congregational meeting, at which time it will be presented to the congregation for a vote of ratification. The final approved budget will then be printed and made available to the congregation within two weeks following ratification. The Audit/Finance Committee shall elect a Chairman from among its members. Periodic meetings during the year shall be held at the direction of the Chairman to review the budget and financial reports prepared by the Treasurer, and to make recommendations to the Board of Deacons for any necessary adjustments to the budget and any capital expenditures not contained within the budget.

Section F. Audit/Financial Assessment

Commencing two (2) years from the enactment of these Bylaws and annually thereafter, the Audit/Finance Committee, with cooperation of the Church Treasurer and bookkeeping staff, shall cause a review of the church financial accounts to be conducted by independent auditors from a CPA firm experienced in non-profit auditing. Upon any transition in the Church Treasurer position, the Board of Deacons and the Audit/Finance Committee shall conduct a cash-reconciliation of all accounts. Furthermore, the Audit/Finance Committee and the Board of Deacons shall be responsible to review and monitor all monthly reports presented by the Church Treasurer and cause annual informal assessments of such reports to be conducted. Results of all assessments and audits shall be presented at open meetings of the Board of Deacons and made available to the congregation for inspection. The Audit/Finance Committee shall summarize the results of their activities for presentation to the church at the annual congregational meeting.

Section G. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.


ARTICLE X – CHURCH COMMUNICATION

Section A. Intent

It shall be the intent of CSG to maintain a constant and open line of communication with its members so that members may be well informed as to the ministries and business of the church and to promote the involvement of all members in the work of the church. In addition to other verbal and written sources, Sunday church bulletins and periodic newsletters (paper and/or electronic) will be a primary means utilized to communicate schedules of upcoming meetings, ministry opportunities, business and ministry reports, and other matters of interest to the congregation.

Section B. Informational Meetings

The Board of Elders, with assistance of the Board of Deacons, shall hold mid-year (June, July or August) informational meetings each year and at other times as needed. The purpose of informational meetings will be to keep the congregation abreast of all church business, endeavors, activities, and plans, and to answer any questions posed by the members of the congregation. Should either Board have insufficient information at their disposal to answer specific questions at that time, the responsible Board shall provide a written answer to such questions within two (2) weeks of the meeting.

Section C. Availability of Documents

After any revision or upon their request, Congregation members shall be given a copy of or access to the current CSG Constitution and Bylaws. Other non-confidential documents, including but not limited to congregational meeting minutes, Board of Elders meeting minutes, and Board of Deacons meeting minutes, will be made available by the administrative staff, the Board of Elders, or the Board of Deacons within a reasonable period of time after receipt of a request.

ARTICLE XI – CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Section A. Scriptural Background

Should a dispute or conflict arise between church members, such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the scriptural principles found in Matthew 18. In all such matters, members of CSG are expected to conduct themselves in a spirit of humility, regarding


others before themselves and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3)

Section B. Conflict Resolution Procedure

Members of CSG are first encouraged to humbly pray and reflect on any issue of conflict or dispute and seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance. Many potential problems can be averted by this step alone. If the problem remains, the offended party is responsible to approach the other party and attempt to resolve the matter privately. If for any reason this approach does not resolve the problem, then one or both of the parties may, after much prayer and careful judgment, select one or two other persons to assist in mediating and resolving the dispute. Suggestions for outside parties to assist in the conflict resolution are accountability partners, a pastor, or in the case of a ministry area of the church, the Ministry Director, Ministry Leader, or Deacon responsible for that area. If no resolution is found, the matter should be taken to the Board of Elders for consideration and mediation. Appropriate written records of such conflict resolution procedures undertaken in accordance with this Article XI, Section B shall be maintained by the Ministry Director, Ministry Leader, Deacon, or Board of Elders, as applicable.

ARTICLE XII – DISCIPLINE

Section A. In General

Because of the sensitive nature of church discipline, it shall be the practice of CSG to handle all matters of discipline related to church members in a confidential manner and in accordance with the principles found in Matthew 18. Discipline as referenced in this Article applies to CSG members rather than Pastors and staff. The attitude of members toward one another shall be guided by a concern for redemption rather than punishment.

Section B. Procedure

Should it come to the attention of the Board of Elders that a member is engaging in conduct that compromises the Biblical standards governing CSG, a resolution shall be sought in accordance with Matthew 18 principles. Should no satisfactory resolution be reached, the Board of Elders will review the situation by giving audience to the offending member and the party or parties who first presented the issue to the Board for resolution. Thereafter, should the offending conduct persist, the Board, upon a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote, may take whatever steps they deem advisable, including, but not Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 28

limited to, terminating the offending party’s involvement with CSG. The Board may restore the disciplined party’s involvement with CSG by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote after receiving a request for restoration from the disciplined member and upon witnessing evidence of repentance and reform. Appropriate written records of such disciplinary procedures undertaken in accordance with this Article XII, Section B shall be maintained by the Board of Elders.

ARTICLE XIII – CONTINUED GOVERNANCE


CSG depends on Elder- and Deacon-based governance, and therefore it is necessary for the continued governance of the church to maintain a quorum of Elders and a quorum of Deacons. In the event the membership of either Board drops below a quorum, the respective Board can no longer hold meetings or vote, nor can a congregation meeting be called. In such event, the congregation must select enough acting Elders and/or Deacons to reach a quorum on both Boards, after which time they will be able to propose candidates for the positions of Elder and/or Deacons to be ratified at a church congregational meeting.

Section B. Procedure

Should the membership of either Board drop below a quorum at any time, the church shall immediately implement the following procedures in order that continued governance of the church may be maintained:

1. Congregational Petition. A Congregational Petition shall be circulated by any Elder, Deacon, Ministry Director, Ministry Leader, or Pastor to create a Congregational Committee in accordance with the provisions set forth in Article VIII, Section H.3.b. of these Bylaws for the purpose of selecting acting Elders and/or acting Deacons. The Petition shall read as follows and be signed by no less than 50 voting members of the congregation:

We the undersigned propose that a Congregational Committee be formed. The purpose of the Congregational Committee is to select acting Elders and/or Deacons to sit on their respective Boards until that Board selects, and the congregation ratifies, permanent Elders and/or Deacons. The seven (7) Congregational Committee members will be (list members) and the Committee chairman will be (name chairman).


2. Congregational Committee Responsibilities. When the Congregational Petition has been signed by fifty (50) voting members of the congregation, the named Congregational Committee members shall immediately begin meeting for the purpose of selecting enough acting Elders and/or Deacons from the membership of CSG to bring both Boards to quorum levels. All acting Elders and acting Deacons must meet the qualifications of the respective permanent positions (with the exception of having completed leadership training), and shall be selected by the Congregational Committee within two (2) weeks of the first meeting of the Congregational Committee.

3. Acting and Permanent Elders/Deacons. The selected acting Elders and/or acting Deacons shall sit on their respective Board until permanent Elders and/or Deacons are selected and ratified. Selection and ratification of permanent Elders and/or Deacons shall be completed thereafter within six (6) months. The first order of business at the next meeting of the Board after the permanent Elders and/or Deacons are ratified shall be to fill any vacant officer positions of their Boards (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary).

ARTICLE XIV – CONFIDENTIALITY


Confidential matters discussed while meeting in an official capacity, such as one-on-one appointments, church-sponsored committee meetings, and executive sessions of the Boards, shall be held in confidence. However, when it becomes Biblically or legally necessary to divulge such information (in part or in full) one may do so under the following circumstances:

1. If a perceived danger to fellow man is a strong possibility;2. If required by state or federal law; and3. If maintaining the confidence creates a moral or ethical

dilemma.If the third condition exists, the conflict must be resolved

according to Article XI -Conflict Resolution.

ARTICLE XV – EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS AND CONTRACTS


The Board of Deacons, unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 30

behalf of the church. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Deacons, no office, agent, or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the church by any contract or agreement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount. Subject to the provisions of applicable law, any note, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness, contract, conveyance, or other instrument in writing and any assignment or endorsement thereof, executed or entered into between CSG and any other person, when signed jointly by the President or Vice President, and the Secretary or Treasurer of CSG, and by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board of Elders (if concerning a sale or purchase in an amount greater than $5000), shall be valid and binding on CSG in the absence of actual knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had no authority to execute same.

ARTICLE XVI – DISSOLUTION/DIVISION OF ASSETS

Section A. Dissolution

In the event of the disbanding of CSG and the dissolution of the Corporation, its remaining assets, after paying or making provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation, shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in accordance with the dissolution provisions set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation. The Board of Elders shall make the determination as to the recipient(s) of the assets of the Corporation and the tax exempt purposes of said recipient(s) shall be consistent with and have similar ideologies to those contained in the Church Covenant.

Section B. Distribution of Assets in Event of Division in Church

In the event that an irreconcilable division has occurred within the church, the members of the church who are remaining true to the Church Covenant and are adhering to the Constitution and Bylaws of CSG shall be deemed the lawful congregation of this church. Said lawful congregation shall have the exclusive right to hold and continue to hold and enjoy the real and personal property of the church. The determination as to which group within the church is meeting the criteria for being the lawful congregation shall be made in accordance with the arbitration guidelines set forth in this Article XVI, Section C. Nothing in this Article, however, shall prevent a determination that more than one group of members of the church are each a lawful congregation and from dividing the real and personal property among such lawful congregations.Article XVII – Amendment of Constitution and BylawsSection A. Procedure 31

Section C. Arbitration Guidelines.

In the event that the divided groups within the church are unable to reach consensus as to a division of assets and/or a distribution of assets in the event of a decision to dissolve the Corporation, the groups in dispute shall each appoint an arbitrator from within their group, who together shall appoint another arbitrator outside of the CSG body with experience in church dispute resolution matters. Upon appointment of the third arbitrator the arbitrators shall gather information and hold a hearing for purposes of hearing the testimonies of both sides. Thereafter, the arbitrators shall have the authority to render a binding decision on any or all of the following, which decision(s) shall be in accordance with the criteria set forth in this Article XVI, Section C:

1. The group within the church who shall be deemed the lawful congregation of the church;

2. The division of assets among more than one group deemed to be lawful congregations;

3. In the case of dissolution, the recipient(s) of all remaining church assets in accordance with the dissolution provisions contained in Section A of this Article XVI.

ARTICLE XVII – AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Section A. Procedure

This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended, changed, or replaced by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the voting members of the congregation at an annual congregational meeting or a special-called congregational meeting, provided:

1. A written copy of proposed amendments have been made available for review by the church membership for no less than two consecutive Sundays prior to the next annual congregational meeting or a special congregational meeting called for the purpose of amending the Constitution and/or Bylaws;

2. Such amendment is appropriately sponsored by the Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, a committee, or ministry group; and

3. Church members are given notice for at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the congregational meeting


as to the date, time, and location of the meeting where the vote is to take place.

As set forth in Article VIII, Section H.2.c. of these Bylaws, a Bylaws Review Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Deacons at the direction of the Board of Elders to review and suggest any necessary amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws every three (3) years.


APPENDIX 1 – REVISION HISTORY

January 31, 2016

1. Article III Statement of Faith – Added scripture references2. Article IV Church Covenant – Added scripture references3. Article IV Church Covenant – Added item 11 defining marriage4. Article IV Church Covenant – Added item 12 defining gender5. Article VI.A Membership Qualifications – added procedures for

member confirmation of agreement to Purpose, Statement of Faith, and Church Covenant as stated in the Bylaws

6. Article VII.D Quorum – Changed definition of member quorum to 25% of the average worship service attendance for the prior six months

7. Article VII.F Voting Rights – Changed title to Voting Privileges8. Article VII.F Voting Privileges – Added specific reference to

member agreement with Purpose, Statement of Faith, and Church Covenant

9. Article VII.F Voting Privileges – Added clarification on voting rights challenges to include majority of voting Elders present

January 25, 2015

10. Preamble – Added historical notes to merger of Covenant Church with Sugar Grove Bible Church to form The Covenant at Sugar Grove.

11. * Preamble, Sugar Grove Bible Church – Corrected scrivener's error: "...built on its present site at in the Village of Frederick..." - removed "at".

12. * Preamble, Covenant Church – Corrected scrivener's error: "...was later change to Covenant..." - corrected to "changed"

13. * Preamble, Church Merger – Updated to reflect a more accurate timeline.

14. * Changed “Covenant Church” to “The Covenant at Sugar Grove.”

15. Created reference acronym of “CSG” for The Covenant at Sugar Grove

Appendix 3 – Overview of Assessments

34

16. Changed references to incorporated entity within these bylaws from “Covenant” to “CSG”

17. Intent – Updated verbs from future perfect to present tense.18. Goal – Updated verbs from future perfect to present tense.19. Article I Name – Updated to reflect formal name as The

Covenant at Sugar Grove.20. * Article IV.10 - Rephrased item to remove ambiguity.21. Article V Preaching of God's Word (introduction) – Updated

verbs from future perfect to present tense.22. Article VII.A Annual Meeting – Updated to fix the date as the

last Sunday of January with an alternative of the next available Sunday with worship service.

23. * Article VII.B Special Congregational Meetings - Updated reference article for Congregational Committee formation.

24. Article VII.C Meeting Notices – Updated to require notice of the annual meeting throughout January, including the alternative date. For special meetings require notifications for two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting.

25. Article VII.G Absentee Voting – Updated to change absentee ballots and registrations to 14 days instead of 7.

26. Article VII.I Vote Tabulation – Added to provide for selecting the members to count votes and ballots by chairmen of the Elder and Deacon Boards.

27. * Article VII.I Vote Tabulation - Corrected scrivener's error: "...votes cast at in person..." - removed "at".

28. Article VIII.A.1.g Governing Body – Added Treasurer to the list of church leadership

29. Article VIII.A.1.h Governing Body – Redefined Ministry Leader as Shepherd Ministry Leader, now reporting to Pastoral Staff

30. Article VIII.A.1.i Governing Body – Added new position of Service Ministry Leader to report to the Board of Deacons

31. Article VIII.A.1 Governing Body – Added statement on use of Ministry to encompass both Shepherd and Service unless otherwise noted

32. Article VIII.A.2.a Governing Body – Updated Senior Pastor appointment on Board of Elders within certain parameters

33. Article VIII.A.2.b Governing Body – Updated Associate Pastor appointment to the Board of Elders within certain parameters


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34. Article VIII.A.2.c Governing Body – Added Associate Pastor oversight of Shepherd Ministries

35. Article VIII.A.2.d Governing Body – Added item for Shepherd Ministry Leader leading more than one shepherd ministry

36. Article VIII.A.2.e Governing Body – Added item for Service Ministry Leader leading more than one service ministry

37. Article VIII.A.2.f Governing Body – Item added allowing Elders to serve as Ministry Leaders

38. Article VIII.A.2.g Governing Body – Item added allowing Deacons to serve as Ministry Leaders with certain restrictions

39. Article VIII.B.2.4 Membership Qualifications – Updated to set minimum number of Elders to four (4), one of whom is the Senior Pastor, with any Associate Pastor not included in determining the number

40. Article VIII.B.2.4.a Interim Vacancy – Added procedure to address appointment of interim vacancies on Board of Elders by remaining Elders and Deacons if minimum membership is not available

41. Article VIII.B.3.a Oversee spiritual teachings of the church – Removed "Board of Deacons" as the clause references Ministry and teachings.

42. Article VIII.B.3.b Oversee spiritual focus of church operations – Added this clause to reflect separation of Ministry and Operations, while retaining Elder oversight of Board of Deacons.

43. Article VIII.B.3.i Oversight and Power of Review – Item 1 and Item 3 added to define procedures and usage of Board of Elder's Power of Review, including purpose, focus, and majority vote requirements

44. Article VIII.B.4 Officers – Restricted Associate Pastors from being officers

45. Article VIII.B.5 Officers – Added quorum calculation to consider only voting members of the Board

46. Article VIII.B.5.a Emergency Meeting – Added to define ability of Elders to call Emergency Meetings under certain circumstances.

47. Article VIII.B.5.b Joint Meeting with Board of Deacons – Added to define requirements of a Joint Board meeting and voting mandates to fill interim vacancies on Board of Elders or Board of Deacons if below minimum requirements


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48. Article VIII.B.6 Role of Deacons with the Board of Elders – Added to define this relationship

49. Article VIII.C.2 Membership and Qualifications – Statement added setting the minimum number of Deacons to five

50. Article VIII.C.2.a Interim Vacancy – Added procedure to address appointment of interim vacancies on Board of Elders by remaining Elders and Deacons if minimum membership is not available

51. Article VIII.C.3.a Manage church operations – Retitled to use operations, reworded to reflect role of Deacons in this area, and added Service Ministries to responsibilities

52. Article VIII.C.3.b Manage church finances – Reworded to include Audit/Finance committee, and use of “Ministry Leaders” to encompass both Shepherd and Service ministries

53. Article VIII.C.3.e Participate in annual assessments – Reworded to use Service Ministry to encompass both Shepherd and Service ministries

54. Original Article VIII.C.3.d Schedule annual meeting – Removed as it conflicts with previously stated Elder responsibility for same

55. Article VIII.C.6 Role of Elders with Board of Deacons – Added to define the role of Elders with the Board of Deacons, including special privileges and limitations

56. Article VIII.D.1 Nominations – Updated to establish this procedure for use with the normal, annual cycle of Elder and Deacon board vacancies

57. Article VIII.D.2 Vacancies – Updated to harmonize with selection of interim Elders or Deacons by a joint board should minimum number not be met

58. Article VIII.E.3 – Updated to allow Board of Elders to assign or delegate responsibilities to the Associate Pastor, and added Shepherd Ministries

59. Article F.2 - Responsibilities – Clarification of reporting chain for spiritual matters to Board of Elders and financial/business matters to Board of Deacons

60. Article VIII.G.1 – Added definition of Shepherd Ministries as regards Shepherd Ministry Leaders

61. Article VIII.G.2 – Selection and Qualifications – Reworded for Shepherd Ministry


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62. Article VIII.G.3 – Clarified the chain of authority for Shepherd Ministry Leaders as coming from the Board of Elders.

63. Article VIII.G.3.d – Removed "periodic" as reports are "upon request"

64. Article VIII.G.3.e – Clarified responsibilities to “general spiritual needs”

65. Article VIII.G.3.f – Changed assignment of duties by Deacons to Elders

66. Article VIII.G.3.g – Changed annual assessments to Elder or Pastoral Staff

67. Article VIII.H Service Ministry Leaders – Added new section describing Service Ministry Leaders, including definition of Service Ministries, Selection of Leaders, and Responsibilities

68. Article VIII.I Removal of Ministry Leaders – Combined original VIII.G and VIII.H sections for this topic into a single section

69. Article VIII.J Committees, Shepherd and Service Ministries – Section title updated to include Shepherd and Service Ministries

70. Article VIII.J.1.a Committees and Service Ministries – Updated to include Service Ministries and remove Shepherd Ministries

71. Article VIII.J.1.b Service Ministries – Added to define administration of Shepherd Ministries

72. Article VIII.J.2.a Audit/Finance Committee – Combined the originally separate Finance and Audit Committees into a single committee, and included reference to appropriate sections of the bylaws

73. Article VIII.J.3.a Pastoral Search Committee – Added requirement for at least one member to be a current member of the Board of Elders

74. Original Article VIII.J.3.b.v Elder membership below quorum – Removed process of Congregational Petition to select Elders if membership falls below quorum

75. Article VIII.J.4 Creation of New Committees or Ministries – Updated entire section to include reference Shepherd and Service ministries

76. Article IX.E Audit/Finance Committee Duties and Church Budget Process – Reworded to use Audit/Finance Committee

77. Article IX.F Audit/Financial Assessment – Reworded to use Audit/Finance Committee

78. Article X.A Intent – Updated to define newsletters as paper and/or electronic


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79. Article X.B Informational Meetings – Updated to be mid-year (June, July, August) rather than mandated in July.

80. Article X.C Availability of Documents – Prior version's sections X.C and X.D combined and reworded to provide reasonable accommodation for access to all non-confidential document requests

81. Appendix 2 Organizational Flowchart – Updated82. Appendix 3 Overview of Assessments – Updated

* Change made after initial distribution of bylaws to members prior to approval

January 31, 2010

1. Fix reference to Congregational Committee in Section VIII.H.1, from E.3.b to H.3.b.

2. Update first sentence of Elder Oversight and Power of Review (VIII.B.3.h) to read: “Elders have the responsibility to review agendas, votes, and actions of Ministries, Pastoral Staff, the Board of Deacons, and committees (except for a Congregational Committee) and the authority to veto or request further discussion of same.”

November 9, 2009

1. Remove references to Church of God. In Purpose statement. In Pastoral Search Committee, Section H.3.a. In Congregational Committee, remove previous Section H.3.b.v.

January 25, 2009

1. Updated year on CERTIFICATE of Amended Bylaws.2. Added third bullet to Article VIII, Section A.

• A Deacon may serve as a Ministry Leader of one ministry area or committee provided the Deacon is not appointed to oversee the same ministry area or committee.

February 29, 2008

1. Changed “Covenant Community Church” to “Covenant Church.”


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2. Added bolded and underlined “recommended” to Article VIII Section B.2 as follows: The Board shall consist of an even number of men [no fewer than eight (8) recommended, but the total number to be determined from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Elders]

3. Added bolded and underlined “recommended” to Article VIII Section C.2 as follows: The Board of Deacons shall consist of an odd number of persons [no fewer than eleven (11) recommended, but the total number to be determined from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Deacons]

August 3, 2007

1. Finance Committee – removed inconsistent language in Article VIII, Section H.2.a about Treasurer chairing the Finance Committee

2. Fixed some typos

July 20, 2007

1. Changed “Audit” to “Review” in Article IX Section F.

June 6, 2007

1. Formatting2. Minor spelling, grammar changes3. Add Deacons to handle administration, day-to-day operations4. Add Governing Body summary section to Article VIII5. Focus Elders on spiritual matters6. Senior Pastor is non-voting Elder7. Changed “Business Meeting” to “Congregational Meeting”8. Fix congregational meeting Quorum to include normal quorums

of elders and deacons also9. Change Quorums of Elders and Deacons to at least 60%10. Membership & Qualifications (pastor, elder, deacon, min leader

& dir)11. Move Article VIII Pastoral Staff section12. Note about no one filling more than one leadership position

simultaneously


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October, 2006

1. Changed “CCC” to “Covenant”

January 28, 2006

3. Original


41

APPENDIX 2 – ORGANIZATIONAL FLOWCHART

CSG Governing Structure

Members

Elders Senior PastorExOfficio Elder, non-voting

Deacons Associate Pastor(s)ExOfficio Elder, non-voting

Ministry Directors

Staff

ShepherdMinistry

ServiceMinistry

Governing Day to Day

Shepherd Leader

ServiceLeader


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APPENDIX 3 – OVERVIEW OF ASSESSMENTS


43

Board of Elders

Pastors &Ministries

ReportBack

Board of Deacons

Board of Elders

ReportBack

Deacon

Service Ministry Leader

ReportBack

Service Ministry Team

DeaconReportBack

Board of Deacons

Shepherd Ministry Team

Associate Pastor

ReportBack

Senior Pastor, Board

of Elders

Service Ministry Leader

Deacon

ReportBack

Ministry Team

Ministry Leader

ReportBack

Senior Pastor

Associate Pastor(s)

ReportBack

Ministry Directors &

Staff

Reviews As Needed

Ministry Leaders by Board of EldersElders and Deacons by Board of EldersAny Pastor by Board of EldersMinistry Director by Board of Elders


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CERTIFICATE

I, the undersigned, being the Secretary of The Covenant at Sugar Grove, do hereby certify that the above Amended and Restated Constitution and Bylaws were adopted as the Constitution and Bylaws hereof on the 25th day of January, 2015, by the congregation of said church in a special-called congregational meeting of the church. Said Constitution and Bylaws are, as of the date of this certification, the duly adopted and existing Constitution and Bylaws of this church.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of January, 2015.

Kathy Garber, Secretary