Nutrioso Bible Church

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 BYLAWS, CONSTITUTION
AND STATEMENT OF FAITH
OF THE
NUTRIOSO BIBLE CHURCH

PREAMBLE: Nutrioso Bible Church, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the state of Arizona, is organized solely for the purpose of being a local body of believers of Jesus Christ, joined together for purposes contained in the Holy Bible, to be organized with Christ as its head and the Biblical principals in their entirety to be adopted as the controlling doctrine and authority.

This Corporation is organized to be a New Testament Church, which shall be, and remain, an independent non-denominational, local Church; and it shall not be joined to any other association unless it is a non-denominational association in accordance with our Doctrinal Statement, and then only with Board approval.

This fellowship adopts the commission of Jesus Christ as contained in Matthew 28:18-20 and is called to reach into the community and the world to make disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit, teaching believers to observe all that has been commanded by Christ and recognizing the spiritual presence of Christ and the (Holy Spirit) within the believer is promised until the end of the Church age.

We are committed to the precept that discipleship is evidenced by love in the fellowship of believers (John 13:35).

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this church shall be “Nutrioso Bible Church”. The Church shall be located at Nutrioso, Arizona, but the Corporation may have missions and offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may from time to time appoint or the purposes of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

These purposes shall be carried out, without limitation as follows:

1. To preach and teach the word of God and lift up the Lord Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life.
2. To minister in Christian service in its local community.
3. To promote the spiritual growth of believers.
4. To seek the salvation and spiritual growth of men around the world through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.
5. To teach discipleship and obedience for all believers.
6. To promote the baptism as an important part of believers obedience, in evidence of a yielded life.
7. To live in a manner evidencing that God’s love changed lives to return love to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to result in love of those around us.

ARTICLE III: CHURCH COVENANT
The precepts upon which this Church is joined together are found in the Holy Bible, and without limitation include the following:
1. We purpose, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness and comfort to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to attend its services regularly to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred prominence over all institutions of Human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.
2. We also purpose to maintain family and private devotions; to train our children according to the Word of God; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the word; to be just in all our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our conduct; to avoid all gossip, backbiting and unrighteous anger; to abstain from all forms of activity which dishonor our Lord Jesus Christ, cause stumbling to a fellow believer or hinder the winning of a soul to Christ; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the cause of Christ, our Savior; and to give Him preeminence in all things.
3. We further purpose to encourage one another in the blessed hope of our Lord’s return; to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and in distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to seek it without delay.
4. We moreover purpose that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith and order where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. In the event there is no such church, we shall seek, with the Lord’s help, to establish one.

ARTICLE IV: DOCTRINAL STATEMENT OF FAITH

1. The Bible. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as being verbally inspired and completely inerrant in the original writings and of supreme and final authority in faith and life. (Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 10:35; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21)
2. The Godhead. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 6:27; Acts 5:3-4; Hebrews 1:8; II Corinthians 13:14)
A. God the Father. God is Creator and Sustainer of all that has been created. He is Sovereign Ruler of all the universe. (Genesis 1:1; Esodus20:2-3)
B. God the Son. We believe that Jesus Christ, begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and is one with the Father. (Matthew 1:16, 18, 20-25; John 3:16; John 12:44-50; John 14:6-11; Philippians 1:6-7)
C. God the Holy Spirit. We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts, regenerates and then indwells the believer to guide, instruct, comfort and help in every way. (I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 1:13-14; John 1; John 16:13-15)

3. Virgin Birth. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man. (Matthew 1:16, 20-25; Luke 2:40, 52; Luke 7:48; John 11:35; Philippians 2:5-8)
4. Sin. We believe that all human beings are born sinners, separated from God, and become sinners in thought, word and deed, and unless born again, will be separated from God’s blessing and “condemned to eternal punishment”. (John 3; Revelation 20)
5. Salvation. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative, substitutionary and all and all sufficient sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood sanctified and partakers of the abundant life here and through eternity. (Deuteronomy 6; John 1:29; John 3:16, 10:10; Romans 3:25-26; II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 2:18-3:29; Revelation 21, 22)
6. Resurrection of Jesus. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into Heaven, and His present life for us as High Priest, Mediator and Advocate. (John 20:20; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 7:25; I John 2:1)
7. The Blessed Hope. We believe in “that blessed hope”, the personal, premellennial and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; I Corinthians 15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelations 1:7; 20:4-6)
8. New Birth. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God, a relationship in which they are called to walk in obedience as new creations of God’s making by his grace, and not of man’s own work. (John 1:12; John 10:28-30; Acts 16:31; Romans 8:28-39; II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 7:13-28; Titus 3:5; Jude 24)
9. Evidence of New Birth. We believe that through the spirit, one is born again as a new creation, and will evidence the fruit of the Spirit. (II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:16-25; Galatians 6:7-10; Ephesians 4-6)
10. Evidence of Belief. We believe that a person is ”born again” (John 3; Romans 8), faith and belief, and the evidence of such new birth is an obedient walk evidencing the fruit of the Spirit; the presence or absence of Spiritual gifts is not a criteria of whether one is “born again”. (Matthew 7:13-28; I Corinthians 13)
11. Baptism. We believe that every believer should be baptized by immersion as soon as possible following his/her receipt of Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; John 3:22; Acts 2:38, 39; Acts 8:31; Acts 10:47, 48) This shall be hereinafter referred to as “Believers Baptism”.
12. Priesthood of the Believer. We believe in the Priesthood of the believer, who has access to the Father through Jesus, our High Priest and only mediator. (John 14:6; I Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 6:10-10:25; Revelation 1:5-7)
13. The Church. We believe that the local Church is a body of believers, organized for worship, service and fellowship. Its two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (By this we understand that the Church will provide both baptism and the Lord’s Supper for all believers who desire them.) The Church shall practice open communion and accept believers’ baptism from other Bible believing churches. Believers should not willingly absent themselves from the fellowship. (Acts 2:41-42; I Corinthians 11:2, 25; Ephesians 5:23; Matthew 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:25)
14. Tithes and Offerings. We believe that Members should bring their tithes and offerings into the Church in obedience to God’s Word, and to do so joyfully and in love. (Malachi 3:10-18; Luke 11:12, II Corinthians 8:1-5)
15. God’s Commission. We believe in the commission of the Lord Jesus Christ under the authority of God the Father, to the believer to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
16. Resurrection of the Believer. We believe in the “bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost. (Luke 16:19-26; John 5:25-29; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21-22)
17. Spiritual Gifts. We believe that God endows a variety of spiritual gifts for the common good of the fellowship (I Corinthians 12:1-6). We believe a person may receive one or more such spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12), but one gift is not to be considered “superior” or “lesser”, unless it be considered that prophecy is the gift most desired (I Corinthians 11:1-4). We believe that speaking in other languages (sometimes called “tongues”), has no good purpose in an English speaking Church, and thus due to its divisiveness should not be exercised as a part of the Church’s services (I Corinthians 14). We believe the gift of other languages may be exercised for the purpose of communicating with those unsaved persons who speak in other languages, and where there is proper interpretation for those not speaking the foreign language (I Corinthians 14).

ARTICLE V: GOVERNMENT.
The Government of this church is vested in a Board of Elders and Deacons of not less than three (3) nor more than thirteen (13) men who meet the New Testament qualifications for Elder or Deacon, under the guidelines and precepts herein and otherwise contained. The authority of the Board is derived from scripture as directed by the Holy Spirit.

ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP
The Church Membership shall consist of all believers in Christ who have subscribed to the Article of Faith and have provided testimony and/or evidence of the following:

1. Profession. A profession of Faith in Christ as personal Savior and Lord with evidence of believer’s baptism.
2. Confirmation. Members shall, prior to finalization of Membership, meet with the Pastor or the Board to confirm their testimony, subscribe to the precepts of these Bylaws, this Constitution and Statement of Faith and provide evidence of their believer’s baptism.
3. Public Testimony. Each candidate for Church Membership shall either at the time of expressing desire for Membership or prior to finalization of Membership make a public profession of faith by advancing to the front of the Church at a regularly held service and give evidence to the congregation of his/her desire for Membership and his/her profession of faith.
4. Membership. Persons applying for Membership of the Church may be required to attend a Membership Class in which he/she is presented the history, object, doctrinal statement, articles of faith, Membership covenants and other importune of the Church. This class may be conducted by the Pastor, other assigned Ministerial staff, or two (2) or more Elders or Deacons. Persons who have dual residences, or who may have Membership in this Church and the Church of their other residence.
5. Continuation of Membership. Membership shall continue unless terminated as hereinafter provided.
A. Termination By Death. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)
B. By Release. The Board may remove his/her name from the Church Roll. A person shall be deemed “inactive”, automatically if he/she had not attended at least two (2) Church Worship Services within an immediately preceding nine (9) month period. No inactive Member shall have voting rights.
C. By Inactivity. A member who fails to attend church services, as indicated by Section 5.B herein above or who otherwise fails to show interest for a period of nine (9) months, as determined by the Board, shall be termed “Inactive”. He shall then be contacted and notified of this apparent failure in Christian duty. Unless he shows renewed interest within the following six (6) months, or has good cause for his inactivity in Boards discretion, after one year of inactivity, the Board may in its discretion, remove his name from the Church Roll.
D. By Exclusion. It is right and in harmony with the Scripture for the Board to exclude from fellowship in this Church:
(a) one who holds false and heretical doctrine or who lives inconsistently with Christian profession. (Galatians 1:8, 9)
(b) one who violates the law of public morals or walks disorderly. (II Thessalonians 3:6, 11; I Corinthians 5:11)
(c) one who would disturb the unity and peace of this Church.
6. Restoration. Reconciliation and restoration shall be encouraged and approved by the Board, in accordance with Matthew 18 or other Scriptures pertinent to the situation. (Ephesians 4:30-5:21; Hebrews 10:23-25)
7. Voting. Only those Members of legal age, who are “active”, defined as attended at least two (2) regularly held worship services within the six (6) month prior to a Membership meeting, shall be permitted to vote at a Membership meeting. Absentee ballots are available for active members who are unable to attend the annual or special meeting on request and must be returned by the day of the meeting.
8. Annual Membership Meeting. A Membership meeting shall be held annually in June, as the Annual Membership Meeting without limiting any special meeting. Meetings are to be set and announced by the Board at least each of four (4) consecutive Sundays prior to being held, by written announcement in the bulletin or other wise distributed to the Members, and oral announcement at the Sunday Morning worship service.
9. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Board, or one fourth (1/4) of the active Members. A business meeting and its purposes shall be announced from the pulpit and written notice given in the bulletin or by other written notice on four (4) successive Sunday mornings prior to said meeting.
10. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of all Members present at a legally called meeting, but in any event shall consist of not less than one-half (1/2) the then active Members.

ARTICLE VII: THE CHURCH BOARD.

The Board of Elders and Deacons, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Board”, shall be comprised of men who shall meet the criterion thereof, as explained further in Article IX and X. hereinafter. The Board and those accountable to the Board are responsible for all ministries of the Church which include: worship, instruction, service, missions, benevolence or any authorized ministry. The board acts on behalf of the membership of the Congregation who need counseling, correction, discipline, marriage. The Board acts on behalf of the non-members who seek membership, baptism, or marriage.

1. Invitation, Appointment, and Term. The number of Elders and Deacons will be determined by the Board, based on the need and the number of qualified men. Any prospective Board member will be invited to meet with the Board and upon mutual agreement: the congregation is given 30 days to review the prospective list. Any member is free to present to the Board any scriptural reasons for any of the nominees who do not fit the scriptural requirements. Upon completion of the 30 days the Board has the right to invite the candidate to become a board member.
2. General Powers and Quorum. A majority of the Board at any time, and from time to time, shall be qualified to act, shall be deemed sufficient for the transaction of any announced business of the Corporation which can be conducted by the Board. If less than the majority of the Board Members are present at any meeting, a majority of the Board Members present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and reset the meeting until such time a quorum will be present. The Board shall have the power to conduct the business affairs of the Corporation, to elect, appoint, compensate and discharge employees of the Corporation, to appoint and discharge Committee Chairmen and Committees, and to otherwise carry out and attend to the affairs of the Corporation.
The Board may carry out on legal acts including the right(s) to purchase and sell property, set meetings, arrange for organizational structures, with the limitation that no real property shall be purchased or sold without the approval of the majority of the Membership present at a duly called and noticed meeting.

All applications for Membership shall be reviewed and accepted or rejected by the Board.
3. Meetings. The Board shall meet not less than once each month to conduct its business, which meeting may be held at one location and/or by telephonic connection, with such meetings to be held as determined by the majority of the Board. Additionally, the Board shall have an annual meeting to be held following the annual Membership meeting, immediately thereafter or the time as soon as possible following the Annual Meeting of the Members, so as to organize and to elect officers and otherwise conduct business as necessary.
4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chairman of the Board or by any two (2) Board Members.
5. Notice. Notice of the regular meetings shall be established by the minutes of the meeting in which the regular meeting schedule is announced. Notice of any special meeting shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting by written notice personally delivered or sent by mail or e-mail, to each Board Member at his address. If not delivered, such notice of the meeting shall be mailed at least five (5) days in advance. Notice may also be provided by a telephone call placed to those Board Members available at their place of business and/or residence. Any Board Member may waive notice of any meeting and the attendance. The attendance of a Board Member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice at such meeting.

ARTICLE VIII: OFFICERS

The Board shall, at its Annual Meeting or at such other time where there shall be a vacancy, elect from among its Membership, the Chairman of the Board, (who shall also have the title of President), the Vice Chairman of the Board (who shall also have the title Vice President), a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other appointment(s) as the Board shall deem desirable.

1. Election and Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board at the annual meeting of the Board. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. New offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Board. The term of office shall be on a yearly basis from the date of election at the Annual Board meeting unless earlier terminated to the following annual meeting of the Board. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified to serve.
2. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, or otherwise may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
3. Chairman and President. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board and at any business session, of the Church Members. He shall have and exercise general charge and supervision of the affairs of the Corporation. He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board. The Chairman must be an Elder or Deacon of the Church. The Chairman shall also be deemed the “President” of the Corporation.
4. Vice-Chairman and Vice President. The Vice-Chairman shall at the request of the Chairman or in the event of the Chairman’s absence or disability, perform the duties and possess and exercise the Powers of the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall have such other powers at the Board may determine and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board. The Vice-Chairman must be an Elder or Deacon of the Church. The Vice Chairman shall also be deemed the “Vice President” of the Corporation.
5. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep all minutes of the meetings of the Board; and in general shall perform all duties incident of the office of Secretary, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Chairman or by the Board. The Secretary must be an Elder or Deacon of the Church. The Secretary, with the approval of the Board, may select a Clerk to take the minutes and shall oversee such taking of minutes and finalization thereof. The clerk need not be a Member of the Board nor an Elder nor a Deacon, and may be either male or female. The Secretary and/or Clerk of the Board keep the records of all proceedings of the Church at all business meetings; The Secretary and/or Clerk shall prepare correspondence and preserve all records kept by him or his successor. The Secretary shall directly or through a Clerk, amongst other duties:
a. Record, preserve and read minutes of Board meetings, business meetings and special meetings of the Board or the Membership.
b. Provide a written report of the Board for actions, for presentation to the Membership.
c. Maintain a permanent record of baptisms, memberships, weddings, salvations, public confessions, births, dedication of children, deaths, etc.
6. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Church subject to regulations as may be imposed by the Board. The Treasurer or such other officer or Member of the Church as the Board may designate shall, on behalf of the Church, deposit funds to the credit of the Church in such bank or banks as the Board may designate; shall sign notes and other obligations on behalf of the Church; shall disburse the funds of the Church. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the regular entry in the books of the Church to be kept for that purpose full and accurate accounts of all monies received and paid on the account of the Church. The Treasurer shall render to the Board, and the Members of the Church such reports as the Board may require; and may be required to give bond for faithful performance of duties in such sum and with such sureties as the Board may require. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the proper recording of all contributions received by the Church, crediting the same to the Members and other regular contributors the receipt of contributions showing thereon the designated classification of the contributions. The Treasurer must be an Elder or Deacon of the Church. There may be a bookkeeper or accountant, who is a Member of the Church (male or female), designated by the Treasurer and approved by the Board, who shall carry out the day to day affairs of deposits, accounting, writing checks, and being one of the account signers (with specific Board approval). The Treasurer shall amongst other duties, directly or through a bookkeeper or accountant:
a. Keep a systematic account of all the funds of the Church, keep proper records of same and deposit or oversee the deposit of the money(ies) in a bank designated by the Church.
b. Supply the Church with offering envelopes, when needed or requested by the Board.
c. Keep individual accounts of contributions through the envelope system or other appropriate means.
d. At the end of each year, send to each Member a report of his giving.
e. Pay all the Church’s financial obligations approved by the Board, such payment to be by check which must be co-signed by an appointed Board Member, Officer or other designated person(s), with promptness, and keep financial records for audit and permanent filing.
f. Present a complete written report of monthly income and expenditures at each Board Meeting, and Membership Meeting.
g. Prepare an annual report for the annual Congregational Business Meeting.
h. Prepare an Annual Financial Report for the official Board.
i. See that all bills are authorized before being paid. Each Board Member shall be responsible for signing all bills incurred by his Special-Interest-Groups before presenting them to the Treasurer; otherwise, the Treasurer must get authorization from the Official Board before they can be paid.

ARTICLE IX: ELDERS.
1. Selection. The Church shall have one or more Elders who are selected according to Article VII Point 1.
2. Nature of Elders. The men serving as Elders shall be Members of this Church, and Shall maintain an exemplary reputation in all aspects of their lives both in the Church and in the World in accord with Titus 1:6-9 and I Timothy 3:1-7
3. Duties. The Elders shall carry out their duties according to scriptural guidelines in Titus 1:7-12 and Timothy 3:1-7, to include without limitation the following: They shall be responsible for overseeing the spiritual well-being and discipline of the Church, and shall if non-pastors(s), meet with the pastor(s) to provide counsel and prayer support for his ministry and for the Corporation (the Church). The Elders shall:
a. Teach the Word or appoint some qualified or gifted man (or woman in the case of women’s or children’s classes to teach and carry out the Lord’s Commission.
b. If complaints are heard against any Member of the Church, any program or purpose of the Church, or if a misunderstanding of any kind arises, it is the duty of the Elders to ascertain the facts and seek to bring about a satisfactory reconciliation.
c. Provide Administrative leadership as Board Members with the Pastor in the spiritual nature and admonition of the Church.
d. Cooperate with the Pastor in filling the pulpit and providing leaders for prayer meetings and Bible studies.
e. Participate in the visitation programs of the Church.
f. A primary role of an Elder, shall be spiritual leadership; the Pastor shall be the only required Elder.
g. Attend monthly Board meetings.
4. Termination of Eldership. An Eldership may be terminated by a unanimous vote of all other Board Members at a duly called meeting of the Board. Termination of Eldership shall be only for an evidence of a practicing an habitual lifestyle, contrary to that deemed appropriate for Christian Leadership as set forth by the Holy Bible, with such alleged contrary conduct being verified by two (2) or more witnesses with personal knowledge thereof. Eldership may also be terminated by the written resignation of the Elder so being removed from such position, without cause.


ARTICLE X: DEACONS

1. Selection. The Church shall have one or more Deacons who are selected according to Article VII Point 1.
2. The Nature of Deacons. The nature of Deacons are the same as Elders.
3. Duties of Deacons.
a. Take primary responsibility in providing for the physical needs of the fellowship.
b. Assist the Pastor and Elders with the monthly communion service.
c. Assist the Pastor and Elders in home visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the Church.
d. Exercise supervision and develop policy over the Church property, being responsible for cleanliness, maintenance, repairs and new construction and use of the facilities.
e. Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and review it in a Board Meeting and then submit it to the Members for approval at the Annual Membership Meeting.
f. Acquaint themselves with the laws of the state pertaining to churches and church property, and see that the Church complies therewith.
g. Individually, by choice, assemble and take the leadership of the many and various special interest groups. These special interest groups may include, but not be limited to: Administration, Christian Stewardship. Buildings and Real Estate, Property Maintenance, Hospitality, Social Activities.
h. Attend monthly Board Meetings.
4. Termination of Deacons. A Deaconship may be terminated a unanimous vote of all other Board Members at a duly called meeting of the Board. Termination of Deaconship shall be only for an evidence of a practicing an habitual lifestyle, contrary to the deemed appropriate for Christian Leadership as set forth by the Holy Bible, with such alleged contrary conduct being verified by two (2) or more witnesses with personal knowledge thereof. Deaconship may also be terminated by the written resignation of the Deacon so being removed from such position, without cause.

ARTICLE XI: PASTOR.

The Church shall, as the Lord permits, call one (1) or more persons to serve in the position of Pastor or other ministerial staff. If there is more than one Pastor, there shall be a designation of “Senior Pastor”, for the “Chief Pastor”.

1. Qualifications. The Pastor (who shall be designated the “Senior Pastor”, if there is more than one Pastor) and any other Pastor or Ministerial staff, shall be a man who is born again, baptized by believer’s baptism, and as to sole Pastor or Senior Pastor, be one who has a clear testimony of his call to the preaching ministry. All Pastors and Ministerial staff shall be men who meet the qualifications as an Elder, as herein set forth, but for pre-existing Membership, and shall be designated by the Church as an “Elder”. The sole exception shall be where the position does not require the person to be in a position of teaching, preaching or having authority over the men of the Congregation (such as for children’s ministries).
2. Duties. The Pastor shall have the general oversight of the spiritual life, regular services and ministration of the ordinances of the church. With the help of the Board, he shall organize and develop its strength for the best possible service. The Pastor shall be a Member of the Board, ex-officio member of all Committee(s) connected with the Church or any of its organizations. He and his wife, if any, will become Members of the Church by virtue of their call to the Church.

The Pastor(s) shall vote on any matter(s) either as a Board Member, Committee Member, except for his Compensation package or tenure.

The Pastor shall without limitation because of these references, do the following:
a. Preach the Word of God.
b. Administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, and other spiritual direction.
c. Issue Letters or Certificates of Membership and Certificates of Baptism.
d. Supervise the teaching ministry of the Church.
e. Encourage the spiritual interest(s) of the Membership of the Church, serving therewith as Spiritual Leader.
f. Organize and develop the strengths of the Membership for the best possible service.
g. Provide spiritual counseling and direction based on scriptural precepts.
h. Oversee Visitation
i. Extend the right hand of fellowship to all new Members on behalf of the Church.
j. Perform such other duties as are generally appropriate and prescribed herein, including marriages, funeral services and burial services, and provide appropriate spiritual counseling. The sole criteria and prerequisite for marriage shall be that both individuals have personally received Jesus as Savior and Lord, and acknowledge the all sufficiency of Jesus for Salvation. The Pastor is required to see that these criteria are met. The Pastor shall attempt to accommodate and encourage those seeking to make a scriptural commitment in marriage.
k. Oversee and, where appropriate, attend to the correspondence of the Church.

3. Call, Continuation, Term, and Termination. The Board shall review Pastoral and ministerial candidates, and make a recommendation to the Members as to the available and recommended candidate. An outgoing Pastor may serve in the selection process of his successor. The Board shall first approve any candidate before his presentation to the Congregation as a candidate, for Member review and approval (or disapproval).
A Pastoral candidate (other than those being selected for a non-preaching position) shall be present and preach on at least one (1) Sunday, and until he has so preached, a candidate shall not be voted upon by the Members. Every candidate for any ministerial position shall be present one (1) or more Sundays, and shall as best possible function in a manner whereby his qualifications may be reviewed by the Membership, prior to a vote occurring as to his being called.
A Membership Meeting shall be held for voting as to whether a pastoral candidate should be called as Pastor of the Church.
The Members of the Church shall vote as to whether a potential Pastor shall be called, said vote to be held by secret written ballot. A Pastor may be called only upon an affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Membership present at the meeting, approving his call as Pastor of the Church.
The term of Pastor may be ended upon thirty days notice by either Pastor or the Church Board
4. Compensation. The Pastor shall be compensated by a salary and receive other benefits, as determined appropriate by the Board. His salary shall be reviewed not less than annually by the Board and may be changed by them. The Board will also state yearly the amount of paid vacation the Pastor may have, which shall be not less than one (1) week and shall increase commensurate with service.

ARTICLE XII: BUSINESS MEETING CONDUCT

A business meeting shall be conducted with the following activities to occur: roll call of the Members, review, correction and approval of minutes, reports to the official board and its committees, conducting of any business that may be necessary.
All business meetings of the Church shall be opened and closed with prayers. Principals of general good conduct and Christian love shall prevail, with any technical disagreements to be settled by scriptural precepts, and if its believed applicable, Roberts Rules of Order should be applied.

ARTICLE XIII: BANKING.

The account(s) of the Corporation shall be established as follows:
1. Banking Institution. The Corporation shall put funds into a banking institution, approved by the Board, which account(s) shall if possible draw the highest interest available. The account(s) shall be federally insured.

2. Signatures. There shall be two (2) signatures required for each check, or other withdrawal of funds, which shall be two (2) Corporate Officers, or one (1) Officer with the designated bookkeeper, other person(s) approved by the Board or accountant signing in lieu of the Treasurer. All signatories shall be only those approved by the Board. Generally the Signatories of the Corporation shall be the Treasurer with one (1) other Board Member.

ARTICLE XIV: OTHER POSITIONS.
The Board has the Authority to create other offices, either permanent or temporary. All other church officers are appointed by the Board and each officer is responsible to the Board. All appointed church officers are appointed for a specific time determined by the Board when the office is created.

ARTICLE XV: AMENDMENTS

These Articles of Incorporation may be amended or changed by a unanimous vote of the Church Board (Elders and Deacons) or as provided by the Laws of the State of Arizona.

ARTICLE XVI: MISSIONS

The church shall make every effort to provide support for missionary purposes, which amount for missions shall as a general guideline be not less than ten (10) percent of the total Church collections.

ARTICLE XVII: COPIES TO MEMBERS

Every proposed Member shall be provided a copy of the Bylaws, Constitution and Statement of Faith, prior to Membership and shall to the terms of the Bylaws, Constitution and Statement of Faith, prior to Membership being finalized.

ARTICLE XIII: SITUS

These Bylaws shall be construed and governed by the laws applicable in the State of Arizona and as against any other State’s law in case of conflict.