Hope Christian Fellowship

Making Disciples Who Live & Love Like Jesus

HCF Constitution & Bylaws

Introduction. An organization’s Constitution and Bylaws are legal documents that outline the purpose, structure, and operating procedures of an organization, and in the case of Hope Christian Fellowship, serve alongside our Articles of Incorporation and Statement of Faith to define who we are. The Constitution of Hope Christian Fellowship serves as the foundational document of our church and outlines its purpose, mission, and guiding principles. It establishes the basic structure of the church, including its name, membership requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of its leaders. The constitution also defines the church’s governance structure and decision-making processes, including how officers are elected, how meetings are conducted, and how amendments to the constitution can be made. The Bylaws of Hope Christian Fellowship are subsequent to the Constitution and provide more specific guidelines for how the organization will operate. They include details such as the frequency of meetings, the duties of officers, and the procedures for handling disputes or disciplinary action. Together, the Constitution and Bylaws provide a clear framework for how the church will operate and ensure that all members understand their roles and responsibilities. They also help to maintain consistency and fidelity in the decision-making process, promote transparency, and protect the church’s mission and values over time. The Constitution and Bylaws of Hope Christian Fellowship are presented together as one.

  1. IDENTITY.
    • 1.1 Name. The name of this corporation is Hope Christian Fellowship, Incorporated, hereafter referred to as either “the corporation” or “the church”.
    • 1.2 Registered Office and Registered Agent. The address of the registered office of the corporation is 13320 St. Rt. 7, Lisbon, Ohio 44432, and the name of the registered agent of such address is Donald H. Lytle.
    • 1.3 Purpose, Values, Culture, Motive, Method, Process, Goal, and Vision.
      • 1.3.1 Purpose. The primary purpose of the church is to preach and spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus through our mission which is to make disciples who live and love like Jesus (Matthew 22:36-40; Matthew 28:18-20).
      • 1.3.2 Values. We accomplish this through embodying and living out faithfully our values of Loving God Completely, Loving Self Correctly, and Loving Others Compassionately by the power of Christ in us and living through us (Colossians 1:27-29).
      • 1.3.3 Culture. From our desire to seek, believe, and pursue God in all things, we strive that a culture of love, acceptance, and forgiveness would form within our hearts, homes, and church family (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 3:14-20).
      • 1.3.4 Motive. The motive for everything we do is to love others as the Lord has loved us, so that the invisible God becomes visible (John 13:34-35).
      • 1.3.5 Method. The method by which we utilize this motive and culture to accomplish our purpose is what we call “relational bridge-building,” creating relationships with others and these relationships are the bridges over which our values can be transferred. We believe that each individual need only be responsible to reach one, and then to teach that one, in order to accomplish this purpose.
      • 1.3.6 Process. The process by which we make disciples focuses on small groups as our primary way of building relationships for the purpose of making disciples. This process aims to encourage people to grow and mature in their knowledge of the person of God, growing in trust in His character and motives, being equipped to grow and mature in the practice of living and loving like Jesus, being envisioned to sow into the purpose of God by helping them discover their gifting and develop skills in their strategic area of ministry, and by being empowered to be effective and productive for the Kingdom of God as they grow in their service and outreach toward others.
      • 1.3.7 Goal. The church’s goal in this work is to make disciples and exhort them to love God, love others, and make disciples themselves.
      • 1.3.8 Vision. Our vision is that every disciple should become a disciple-maker, every home to become a training center, and every small group to become a missions-minded organization. Through these organized efforts, we prepare our people to be standard-bearers for Christ, and to be leaders within their individual spheres of influence. Our hope is to equip hundreds, to train thousands, to reach millions, to affect billions.
    • 1.4 Form of Government. The form of government for the church is theocratic. That is, its head is Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18) who governs through the senior minister or “angelos” (Revelation 1:20, 2:1, etc.) and a plurality of elders (1Timothy 5:17). While there is only one mediator between God and man in terms of personal salvation and spiritual growth (1 Timothy 2:5), God has nevertheless chosen to govern the administrative and business affairs of the church through one man (the senior minister) assisted by the body of elders.
    • 1.5 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December
  2. MEMBERSHIP.
    • 2.1 Content of. Being a theocratically governed church, the corporation membership shall consist only of the ordained elders (including the senior minister).
    • 2.2 Senior Minister. The elders of the church are in submission to the senior minister in authority, and the senior minister is in submission to the elders in accountability (Ephesians 5:21). The senior minister shall make all final decisions concerning the administration and business of the church. In his authority granted by the elders, he may act unilaterally and may override any decision of the elders except for actions to remove him from office that comply with the rules stipulated in Section 2.2.3, except for ordaining new elders as stipulated in section 2.3.2, and except for amending the corporate documents as described in Section 9.0 ff.
      • 2.2.1 Senior Minister Qualifications. The senior minister must be called by God (Acts 20:28), desire the office (1 Timothy 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2) and meet the character and family traits of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He must also subscribe to the Hope Christian Fellowship Statement of Faith and be a tithing member of Hope Christian Fellowship (see Section 6.0) and complete levels 0-4 of the Leadership Track.
      • 2.2.2 Senior Minister Responsibilities. He is called to equip the saints for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12) and help them mature in the faith (Ephesians 4:13). He shall also make the final decisions concerning the administration of the church.
      • 2.2.3 Senior Minister Term of Office. The term of office for the senior minister is for life. His term may be ended voluntarily at any time upon resignation, appointment of a successor, and the acceptance of his resignation unanimously by the elders. Such resignation must be offered if and when the senior minister moves to a new location which would not permit him to carry out his duties, or if he accepts a position on the staff of another church. The senior minister may only be removed from office when he fails to meet the required qualifications or is determined to teach or embrace heretical views or is guilty of gross unrepentant sin. In the case of incapacitation, refer to Section 2.2.3.4.
        • 2.2.3.1 Failure to Fulfill Qualifications. If the senior minister fails to fulfill the qualifications stipulated in Section 2.2.1, and if it is determined that either no effort has been made to rectify the problem or if there does not appear to be any reasonable chance of rectification in the near future, then the senior minister may be removed from office by a unanimous vote of the other elders. However, such a vote must be preceded by the procedures outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 with a minimum of one month between the first warning by one elder (Matthew 18:15) and by two or more elders (Matthew 18:16) as well as a minimum of one month between the second warning and the vote.
        • 2.2.3.2 Teaching or Embracing Heresy. If the senior minister is found to teach or believe a doctrinal view contrary to those in Statements 1 through 13 (inclusive) of the Hope Christian Fellowship Statement of Faith, and if it is determined that the heretical view is entrenched without any reasonable prospect of repentance, then the senior minister may be removed from office by a four-fifths (80 percent) majority vote of the other elders. However, such a vote must be preceded by the procedures outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 with a minimum of two weeks between the first warning by one elder (Matthew 18:15) and by two or more elders (Matthew 18:16) as well, as a minimum of two weeks between the second warning and the vote.
        • 2.2.3.3 Gross Unrepentant Sin. If the senior minister is found to be guilty of excommunicable sin as defined by Section 8.2.1, and if the accusation is confirmed by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19) and if there is no reasonable prospect of repentance, the senior minister may be removed from office by a three-fifths (60 percent) majority vote of the other elders. However, such a vote must be preceded by the procedures outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 with a minimum of one week between the first warning by one elder (Matthew 18:15) and by two or more elders (Matthew 18:16) as well as a minimum of one week between the second warning and the vote.
        • 2.2.3.4 Incapacitation. If the senior minister is declared by a physician to be mentally incapacitated and no longer able to discharge his duties and make decisions, the vice-president will assume his duties until such time as he is able to resume. In the case of permanent, persistent incapacitation of the president the vice-president will assume the role of INTERIM president under the procedures defined in Section 4.0 ff.
    • 2.3 Board of Elders. The board of elders shall consist of the senior minister and two or more elders. The elders serve as an advisory board to the senior minister, as a means of checks and balances against the abuse of power on the part of the senior minister and as the spiritual leaders of the congregation.
      • 2.3.1 Elder Qualifications. Elder qualifications are the same as those for the senior minister as stipulated in Section 2.2.1.
      • 2.3.2 Elder Ordination. A man who fulfills all the qualifications designated in Section 2.2.1 is eligible for ordination as an elder only upon the unanimous approval of the existing elders, including the senior minister. No formal vote is necessary before the man’s ordination, only verbal agreement between the existing elders and the senior minister. Once unanimous verbal approval is reached, the process of ordination must follow Section 3.1.4. In addition, the new elder must be accepted or confirmed unanimously at the next elder’s meeting before he may assume a place on the board of elders (directors) of the church (corporation).
      • 2.3.3 Elder Responsibilities. In addition to their advisory role to the senior minister, the elders are responsible for the spiritual oversight and care of the congregation. As ministers of the gospel their functions include, but are not necessarily limited to administration, baptism, communion, correction, counseling, encouraging, intercessory prayer, judging the use of spiritual gifts, preaching, teaching, and occasional conducting of worship services.
      • 2.3.4 Elder Term of Office. The term of office for an elder is for life. His term may be ended voluntarily at any time upon resignation and the acceptance of his resignation by the senior minister. Such resignation must be offered if and when the elder moves to a new location which would not permit him to carry out his duties, or if he accepts a position on the staff of another church. An elder may also be unilaterally removed from office by the senior minister when he fails to meet the required qualifications (as stipulated in Section 2.2.1) or is determined to teach or embrace heretical views (contrary to Statements 1 through 13 (inclusive) of the Statement of Faith) or is guilty of gross unrepentant sin (as designated in Section 8.2.1) or is found to be divisive (per Section 8.2.3). Such removal by the senior minister may only occur if there is presently no action by the elders to remove the senior minister from office (i.e., no elders have commenced the process of Matthew 18:15-17). If there is presently action to discipline or remove the senior minister, then an elder may only be removed from office by the same procedures as those for removing the senior minister as outlined in Sections 2.2.3 ff. In the case of incapacitation, refer to Section 2.2.3.4 for definition.
      • 2.3.5 Provisional Board Members. The Board of Elders consists of a required minimum of three (3) members, two (2) elders and the senior minister. In the event this minimum is not met due to an elder’s removal, death, resignation, or incapacitation from the Board, one (1) or more provisional board members shall be appointed by unanimous vote of the remaining Board members. The qualifications for a provisional board member are the same as those for the senior minister as stipulated in Section 2.2.1.  For convenience, provisional board members should be duly ordained ministers or elders from another local church with similar doctrinal views and practices to those of the Hope Christian Fellowship.  A provisional board member has no direct responsibility or authority for ministry to or in the congregation per se.  Nor does he have any authority to ordain elders (see Section 2.3.3), appoint officers (Section 4.02), or amend corporate documents (Section 9.0).  His sole authority and responsibility is to assist in holding the senior minister and elder(s) accountable to their biblically mandated qualifications.  To this end, he is empowered to act with the full authority of an elder when the removal or dismissal of the senior minister or an elder is in question (Section 2.2.3 ff and Section 2.3.4). Whenever the board positions are restored to the minimum of three (3) through the ordination of new elders, the provisional board member’s term of office shall automatically expire.
    • 2.4 Church Membership. There is membership within the church as an active participant of the church (see Section 6.0 ff). Church membership does not constitute any other kind of membership (Section 2.1).
    • 2.5 Certificates. No shares nor certificates of membership shall be issued.
  3. ORDINATION.
    • 3.1 Ordination of ministers. The elders of the church are charged in spiritual oversight of the church (Section 2.3.3). Because of this, the elders are charged with the consideration and responsibility to review and empowered to ordain its church members into the ministerial offices of the Body of Christ, including the five-fold offices of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher (Ephesians 4:11), as well as to the offices of elders and deacons of the particular congregation (Article I).
      • 3.1.1 Elders. The definition of the office of Elder, the qualifications for, process of ordination, description of responsibilities, and definition of term of office are found in Section 2.3 ff.
      • 3.1.2 Deacons.
        • 3.1.2.1 Deacon Qualifications. Deacon qualifications are the same as those for the senior minister as stipulated in Section 2.2.1 and found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
        • 3.1.2.2 Deacon Ordination. An individual who fulfills all the qualifications designated in Section 2.2.1 is eligible for ordination as a deacon only upon the unanimous approval of the existing elders, including the senior minister. No formal vote is necessary before the individual’s ordination, only verbal agreement between the existing elders and the senior minister. Once unanimous verbal approval is reached, the process of ordination must follow Section 3.1.4.
        • 3.1.2.3 Deacon Responsibilities. Deacons are to meet the practical needs of the body of believers (Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 5:9-10). They are charged with meeting the temporal (physical) needs of the church, including visiting the sick, caring for widows and orphans, and assisting the elders in their work of ministry.   
        • 3.1.2.4 Deacon Term of Office. The term of office for a deacon is for life. Their term may be ended voluntarily at any time upon resignation and the acceptance of their resignation by the senior minister. Such resignation must be offered if and when the deacon moves to a new location which would not permit them to carry out their duties, or if they accept a position on the staff of another church. A deacon may also be unilaterally removed from office by the senior minister when he fails to meet the required qualifications (as stipulated in Section 2.2.1) or is determined to teach or embrace heretical views (contrary to Statements 1 through 13 (inclusive) of the Statement of Faith) or is guilty of gross unrepentant sin (as designated in Section 8.2.1) or is found to be divisive (per Section 8.2.3). In the case of incapacitation, refer to Section 2.2.3.4 for definition.
      • 3.1.3 Five-Fold Ministers.
        • 3.1.3.1 Five-Fold Minister Qualifications. An individual eligible for the any of the offices of Five-Fold Minister in the Body of Christ (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher) must be meet the following qualifications.
          • 3.1.3.1.1 Called by God to that office (Acts 20:28)
          • 3.1.3.1.2 Desire the office (1 Timothy 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2)
          • 3.1.3.1.3 Be equipped by the Holy Spirit in the skill, functionality, and duties of that office.
          • 3.1.3.1.4 Demonstrate that equipment through confirmed utilization by the Holy Spirit to the church consistent with the Bible’s definition of that role and witnessed by the elders.
          • 3.1.3.1.5 Meet the character and family traits of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
          • 3.1.3.1.6 Must subscribe to the Hope Christian Fellowship Statement of Faith, be a tithing member of the Hope Christian Fellowship (see Section 6.0) and complete levels 0-4 of the Leadership Track.
        • 3.1.3.2 Five-Fold Minister Eligibility for Ordination. An individual who fulfills all the qualifications designated in Section 2.2.1 is eligible for ordination as a Five-Fold minister and meets the qualification of Section 3.1.3.1 ff. Once the qualification requirements are met, then only upon the unanimous approval of the existing elders, including the senior minister, can the ordination process commence. No formal vote is necessary before the individual’s ordination, only verbal agreement between the existing elders and the senior minister. Once unanimous verbal approval is reached, the process of ordination must follow Section 3.3.
        • 3.1.3.3 Five-Fold Minister Responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the Five-Fold Minister to complete the work for which Christ gave them to the Church defined in Ephesians 4:1-16. That is, to work in the functionality of their office for the perfection of the saints, equipping the body for the work of ministry, and to edify the body through using their gifts to bring unity of the faith, unity of the knowledge of the Son of God, maturity of believers, and until the whole measure of the fullness of Christ is met in His Bride (the Church). Each of the Five-Fold Ministry offices has a specific focus and function.
          • 3.1.3.3.1 Apostle. An apostle is focused on the Body of Christ collectively, seeking to gain new territory for the Kingdom of God in their efforts and gifting. Their work includes the starting of new ministries and training up and raising up new church leaders and equipping them in their work.
          • 3.1.3.3.2 Prophet. A prophet is focused on hearing from God, seeking to release understanding of and reveal God’s heart in the moment by speaking into individual lives. Their work includes having their spiritual ear bent to hear from the Lord and to offer guidance, revelation, interpretation, application, and timing in their prophetic gifting to the Church.
          • 3.1.3.3.3 Evangelist. An evangelist is focused on people, specifically those outside the body of Christ. They have a great burden for the lost to find salvation. Their work is focused on bringing those who are lost to be saved. In this work they are anointed to preach gospel in power.
          • 3.1.3.3.4 Pastor. A pastor is focused on people, specifically in spiritually nurturing and caring for the members of the body of Christ. Their work is characterized as a shepherd tending the sheep, concerned with the well-being of the flock. In this work they train, guide, protect, and correct the body in love and for their good.
          • 3.1.3.3.5 Teacher. A teacher is focused on the understanding of God and His ways. Their work is centered on the knowledge of God, expounding upon the truths of the Lord in a way that those who hear can comprehend. They are gifted in their teaching to communicate with clarity and illuminate the depth of Scripture.
        • 3.1.3.4 Multiple Giftings. The offices of the Five-Fold Ministry are not always singular. That is, an individual may be gifted in more than one area of gifting. If an individual is gifted in multiple ministries, they will typically have a primary and secondary gifting, with one area being stronger or more frequent than another. There are also times where a minister may have a third area of gifting. Ordination in multiple offices of the Five-Fold Ministry is possible, and each office must undergo the steps described in Scripture for ordination (Section 3.1.3.1).
        • 3.1.3.5 Five-Fold Minister Term of Office. The term of office for a minister ordained into an office of the Body of Christ is for life. His installment and recognition of authority and duty in that office within the church may be ended voluntarily at any time upon resignation and the acceptance of his resignation by the senior minister. Such a resignation must be offered if and when the minister moves to a new location which would not permit him to carry out his duties, or if he accepts a position on the staff of another church. A minister in an office of the Body of Christ may also be unilaterally removed from office by the senior minister when he fails to meet the required qualifications (as stipulated in Section 2.2.1) or is determined to teach or embrace heretical views (contrary to Statements 1 through 13 (inclusive) of the Statement of Faith) or is guilty of gross unrepentant sin (as designated in Section 8.2.1) or is found to be divisive (per Section 8.2.3). In the case of incapacitation, refer to Section 2.2.3.4 for definition.
        • 3.1.3.6 Commendation of. The ordination of elders and deacons are in authority and duty over the church as a particular congregation. The five-fold offices are both in authority and duty over the church as a particular congregation and are in addition ordained and released in their office for the edification of the Body of Christ as a whole. As such, ordination of five-fold ministers is an ordination of the individual in the church in that office but is also a commendation of that individual to the Body of Christ for the work of that office wherever they may be received.
      • 3.1.4 Process of Ordination. Once unanimous approval is reached following the defined ordination requirements of the office, the elders shall announce their intention to ordain the individual into the office identified to the church at a meeting of the senior minister’s choosing. They shall solicit the active membership of the church to prayerfully consider this action and to bring to the elders (individually or as a whole) any concerns or questions they may have regarding the ordination of the individual to the office. All concerns should be evaluated thoughtfully and prayerfully by the elders prior to the occurrence of the ordination, and accusations of the individual being unfit to meet the qualifications for the role must be confirmed by two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19) prior to any action occurring. This announcement and time of soliciting action from the active members shall occur no later than thirty (30) days prior to the ordination date of the individual. Any concerns brought after this thirty (30) day period shall no longer be considered by the elders as valid for the purposes of consideration for the ordination of the individual. However, any minister ordained or recognized as being ordained within the church is subject to the defined qualification requirements (2.2.1, 2.3.1, 3.1.2.1, 3.1.3.1 respectively) and the character and doctrinal requirements defined (Sections 2.2.1 & 2.2.3 ff).
  4. CORPORATE OFFICERS.
    • 4.1 Types. The corporate officers shall include the president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. A single individual may hold more than one office except that the president may not also be the secretary (Article VII).
    • 4.2 President. The president will perpetually be the senior minister and the senior minister the president. This will be confirmed by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of elders at each annual meeting (Section 5.4). The president shall appoint individuals to the other corporate offices and shall direct all board (elders) meetings. Upon voluntary resignation, the president is empowered to appoint his successor unilaterally. Upon removal of the president (senior minister) from office or upon his death, the vice-president shall assume the office of INTERIM President (for the purpose of the corporation) and INTERIM Senior Minister (for the purpose of the church) until such time as he or another person is set in place and confirmed permanently as Senior Minister. Upon permanent confirmation, the new Senior Pastor will assume the office and authority of President of the Corporation and will appoint a new vice-president (see Section 2.3 ff).
      • 4.2.1 Process for Selecting a New Senior Minister in Event of Senior Minister’s Removal, Death, or Incapacitation. The Vice President will immediately assume the role of INTERIM President (for the purpose of the corporation) and INTERIM Senior Minister (for the purpose of the church). The INTERIM President/Senior Minister will serve in this capacity until a new Senior Minister is set in place and confirmed by the laying on of hands of the elders. Once this has occurred, the new Senior Minister will also assume the office and authority of president of the corporation and will appoint a new vice-president. Should the Vice President be unable to assume, decline to assume, or withdraw from the role of INTERIM President/Senior Minister, a new INTERIM President/Senior Minister will be put in place by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of elders at the next meeting of the Board. The appointment of new permanent Senior Minister, his confirmation as President of the corporation, and the person chosen as Vice President by him will each be confirmed by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of elders. The INTERIM President/Senior Minister will be responsible to lead the search for a new Senior Minister. He will meet with the elders regularly for prayer and fasting and will seek the Lord, as well as the advice, counsel, and input of the elders regarding who should be confirmed as senior minister. We trust the Holy Spirit will give guidance in this process. Consideration for a suitable candidate should first come from within the local church leadership, including the INTERIM President/Senior Minister if he is so inclined, gifted, and led to assume this role. However, the INTERIM President/Senior Minister can decline for any reason, or no reason, to be considered for the position of Senior Minister. If he declines to seek this role, he will relinquish his role as INTERIM President/Senior Minister once a new Senior Minister is chosen and confirmed. Any of the current elders may also state their willingness to be considered as a viable candidate. If a Senior Minister is not chosen from within the leadership of the local church within six (6) months, the Board of Elders should enjoin the counsel of other trusted brothers and leaders from churches with similar doctrinal views and practices to those of the Hope Christian Fellowship. Sometimes outside input can be helpful when there is an impasse. It can also be helpful to get another set of eyes on it. These brothers may also have a suitable candidate from another church who could be considered. In the end, we must trust that the Lord has a plan, a person, and His timing.
        • 4.2.1.1 Evaluation of Candidates for Senior Minister. When the INTERIM President/Senior Minister, or another candidate, is considered for the role of Senior Minister, evaluation of the candidate should include, but is not limited to:
          • 1. Does the candidate meet the qualification requirements listed in Section 2.2.1?
          • 2. Has the candidate completed the Leadership Track of Hope Christian Fellowship?
          • 3. Is he called to lead the local church as Senior Minister? He should be able to give some concrete evidence or reason to confirm this.
          • 4. Has there been any prophetic words to confirm this man (either in the past, or during the time of prayer, fasting and seeking the Lord?)
          • 5. Is there any reason the man’s health, family, marital status, or spiritual well-being would stand in the way of him being confirmed as Senior Minister?
          • 6. The husband and wife should both be interviewed to assess their willingness to serve as a team, their readiness of heart and soul, their practical preparedness and their spiritual gifting to carry out such a role, He as the Senior Pastor, and she as a supporting wife.
          • 7. A strong commitment to this local church in terms of volunteerism, tithing and wisdom for managing relationships.
          • 8. A general knowledge of the Bible and commitment to Biblical truth and worldview.
          • 9. Before a final decision is made, it would be good to gather feedback from the wives of current leadership, to assure that all leadership families are on board with this decision.
    • 4.3 Vice-President. The vice-president shall be appointed from among the existing elders by the president for a term of one year at each annual meeting and shall be confirmed by the elders. In the temporary absence of the president, the vice-president shall be responsible for the president’s duties and have all his powers and limitations. In the case of removal, death, or incapacitation of the President, the Vice President will immediately assume the role of INTERIM President (for the purpose of the corporation) and INTERIM Senior Minister (for the purpose of the church). The INTERIM President/Senior Minister will serve in this capacity until a new Senior Minister is set in place and confirmed by the laying on of hands of the elders. The new Senior Minister will also assume the office and authority of president of the corporation and will appoint a new Vice President.
    • 4.4 Secretary. The secretary shall be appointed by the president for a term of one year at each annual meeting and shall be confirmed by the elders. The secretary need not be a voting member of the board of directors (elders). The secretary’s responsibilities shall be to manage the business affairs of the corporation as delegated to him or her by the president, act as custodian of the corporate records and of the corporate seal and perform all other duties incident to the office of the secretary.
    • 4.5 Treasurer. The treasurer shall be appointed by the president for a term of one year at each annual meeting and shall be confirmed by the elders. The treasurer need not be a voting member of the board of directors (elders). The treasurer shall have charge and custody of all funds and securities, receive and give receipts for money, deposit money in the corporate bank accounts, keep the financial records, have authority to sign checks and make contracts after the initial approval by the board of directors (elders), and perform all other duties incident to the office of the treasurer.
  5. BOARD (ELDERS) MEETINGS.
    • 5.1 Notice of. All Elders shall receive either a verbal or written notification of any board meeting at least a week in advance. Failure to contact an elder whose whereabouts are unknown or who cannot be reached before the meeting convenes shall not invalidate the results of the meeting.
    • 5.2 Quorum for. A quorum for board meetings shall consist of the senior minister (president), or in his absence, the vice-president, and a majority of the remaining elders (directors). In the event both the president and the vice-president are permanently incapacitated (see Section 2.2.3.4), a majority of the remaining elders (directors) must first elect a president from the current elders by majority vote prior to the establishment of a quorum. The senior minister may act unilaterally on most matters, therefore he need not convene an official board meeting to conduct day-to-day business.
    • 5.3 Decision making in. Board meetings are primarily advisory sessions where the elders provide facts and counsel to the senior minister. Most “votes” are merely for the senior minister’s information since he makes the final decision. Exceptions to this are votes concerning removal of the senior minister from office, approval of the ordination of new elders, and amendments to the Corporate documents. For such matters, binding votes will be taken among the elders as stipulated in Sections 2.2.3 ff, 2.3.2, and 9.0 ff.
    • 5.4 Annual Meeting. The annual board meeting shall occur every November. Business to be conducted shall include appointment and confirmation of corporate officers, stipulation of any annual salaries and other compensation for officers, and other pending business.
    • 5.5 Special Meetings. Special meetings to deal with church business and administration shall be convened as necessary.
  6. Active Membership.
    • 6.1 Definition. Active membership of the congregation shall consist of those individuals who are born-again believers, regularly attend church services at Hope Christian Fellowship, tithe ten (10) percent of their gross earnings to Hope Christian Fellowship, and who understand and agree with the church’s mission (see Article I and Section 1.3 ff).
    • 6.2 Participation. Active members are charged to prayerfully consider the ordinations of Elders, Deacons, and Five-Fold Ministers (Section 3.1.4), to complete their spiritual obligations in the dedication of children, pray for their leaders, and to seek the Lord for wisdom, direction, and guidance for leadership in specifically requested actions they may bring to the congregation.
  7. ADMINISTRATION.
    • 7.1 Salaries. Officers and other designated staff may be paid salaries deemed appropriate by the board of directors (elders). Officers shall not be denied a salary because they are also a director. Salaries of any officer or director shall be established at each annual meeting. Salaries and wages of other paid staff may be set at any board meeting.
    • 7.2 Staff. Paid staff shall consist of those persons hired by the senior minister, in consultation with the board of elders (directors), in order to assist in the performance of the church’s ministries. Volunteer staff shall also be used as necessary to perform the ministries of the church. Each paid staff member must complete an Annual Acknowledgment of Employment Form prior to the annual meeting of board of elders (directors).
    • 7.3 Submission of the Staff. All church staff, whether paid or unpaid, must submit to the authority and decisions of the senior minister and elders concerning matters that relate to their job and function in the church. Failure to comply with the decisions of the elders shall warrant dismissal from paid positions and removal from volunteer positions.
    • 7.4 Delegation of Authority. The senior minister and elders may delegate authority to any member of the church to perform specific duties such as being a ministry head, performing a work of service, preaching, teaching, counseling, etc. This delegated authority may be rescinded at any time. The voting privileges of the elders may not be delegated (voting by proxy).
    • 7.5 Financial Matters.
      • 7.5.1 Sources of Income. Sources of income shall primarily be tithes, free will offerings and fundraisers deemed suitable to tax-exempt organizations. The commercial sale of merchandise shall be limited to items which somehow align with the church’s purposes in Article I and Section 1.3 ff.
      • 7.5.2 Uses of Income. All income shall be used for the purposes outlined in Section 1.3 ff and detailed in Article I of the Articles of Incorporation.
      • 7.5.3 Dissolution of Corporation. If and when the church (corporation) is dissolved, all assets will be given to another “501(c)(3)” tax exempt church with similar doctrinal views and practices to those of the Hope Christian Fellowship.
      • 7.5.4 Designated Funds. From time to time the church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. All contributions to these funds shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature and shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the senior minister and the board of elders.  No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Article 1 and Section 1.3 ff.
      • 7.5.5 Giving. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to them, is obligated to support financially their local church.  We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe or offering once the gift has been made. (Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)
  8. EXCOMMUNICATION.
    • 8.1 Purpose for. The elders of the church reserve the right to exercise biblical discipline to church members which may include the extreme measure of excommunication. Excommunication is intended to bring the offending party to a place of repentance before Jesus Christ and restoration to fellowship in the church (1 Corinthians 5:5) as well as to protect the congregation from the adverse influence of gross unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
    • 8.2 Grounds for. Valid reasons for excommunication fall into three general categories: gross unrepentant sin, heretical teachings, and divisiveness.
      • 8.2.1 Unrepentant Sin. Excommunicable sins include theft, sexual immorality (adultery, incest, homosexuality, prostitution, and fornication), greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, drug abuse, swindling (1 Corinthians 5:11), blasphemy (1 Timothy 1:20), murder (Deuteronomy 19:13), and kidnaping (Deuteronomy 24:7).
      • 8.2.2 Heretical Teachings. Any teaching contrary to the beliefs outlined in Statements 1 through 13 (inclusive) of the Statement of Faith is considered to be heretical and merits excommunication (Titus 3:9-11, Romans 16:17).
      • 8.2.3 Divisiveness. Any persistent effort to divide the congregation into factions around individuals other than the senior minister or around doctrinal matters other than those contained in the Statement of Faith or around methods and activities not approved by the elders warrants excommunication.
    • 8.3 Precursors to. When it is suspected that a member of the congregation is involved in an excommunicable activity, an investigation shall be undertaken by one or more elders to substantiate the accusations. If the accusations appear to be valid, the person shall be confronted and warned by an elder (Matthew 18:15) followed by a second warning by two or more elders if the first warning is unsuccessful in bringing about repentance (Matthew 18:16). If the offense(s) continue(s), the matter shall be brought before a quorum of elders who will decide in favor of the offending party’s excommunication if the charges are verified (Matthew 18:17).
    • 8.4 Procedure of. After the elders decide to excommunicate a person or persons, the fact of their excommunication shall be presented to the congregation at a corporate gathering of the senior minister’s choosing. The name of the individual and the general nature of the offense will be made known, but unnecessary details of the offense shall not be revealed to the congregation. One of the elders shall be appointed by the senior minister as a contact in this matter.
    • 8.5 Results of. Following excommunication, the offending party shall not be permitted to attend or participate in any church sponsored activity, nor shall the person be permitted on or in any church property, nor still shall he or she have any social contact with any member of the congregation.
    • 8.6 Restoration from. Upon the evident repentance of the excommunicated individual and contact with the designated elder, the person may return to full fellowship within the church. The fact of the person’s restoration to fellowship shall be announced joyfully at the next possible church gathering.
  9. AMENDMENTS TO CORPORATE DOCUMENTS.
    • 9.1 Articles of Incorporation. This Constitution and Bylaws compose the governing principles of the church and are presumed to be compatible with the less specific Articles of Incorporation. In the event that a technical contradiction is discovered between the two documents, these Bylaws shall take precedence over the Articles of Incorporation. Moreover, the Articles will automatically be amended to comply with these bylaws at the direction of the senior minister. Otherwise, the Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a three quarters majority vote of the entire board of elders (not just a quorum). It is not necessary for the entire board to be present for such a vote, only that three quarters of the total board membership vote for the amendment. The president (senior minister) has the power to veto any such vote. No vote may override the president on this matter.
    • 9.2 Constitution and Bylaws. This constitution and bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed at any meeting of the board of directors (elders) with a three quarters majority vote of the entire board of elders (not just a quorum). It is not necessary for the entire board to be present for such a vote, only that three quarters of the total board membership vote for the amendment. The president (senior minister) has the power to veto any such vote. No vote may override the president on this matter.
    • 9.3 Statement of Faith. Statements 1 through 13 (inclusive) may be altered, amended, or repealed only upon a unanimous vote of the entire board of elders (not just a quorum), including the senior minister. Statements 10 through 20 (inclusive) may be altered, amended or repealed and additional statements included upon a three quarters majority vote of the entire board of elders (again, not just a quorum). The president (senior minister) has the power to veto any such vote. No vote may override the president on this matter.

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