The Constitution & Bylaws of Spirit of Life Ministries
Hanover, PA
Preamble
For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith, where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home and in foreign lands; we, the members of Spirit of Life Ministries, do hereby recognize ourselves as a local congregation in fellowship with, and as a part of the Kingdom of God. We hereby adopt the following articles of church order, these Bylaws and Constitution, and submit ourselves to be governed by them.
ARTICLE I. NAME.
The church shall be known as:
SPIRIT OF LIFE MINISTRIES
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE.
Section 2. To obey in our capacity the Great Commission. (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20; Acts 1:18; 8:4)
Section 3. To solicit, receive and maintain a fund or funds; real or personal property or both; to use and apply for whole or any part of the principal or income thereof; for the purpose of this Assembly and to assist missionaries in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in any part of the world.
ARTICLE II. PREROGATIVES.
Section 1. Right to Govern Itself: This assembly shall have the right to govern itself and conduct its own affairs according to the standards of the New Testament Scriptures, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace….Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” (Eph. 4:3-13; 1 Cor. 12:27,28). This right shall specifically include such matters as: the calling of a senior pastor, the election of the church board, the discipline of its members, and the conducting of its own services and church programs.
Section 2. To Acquire and Dispose:
To purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise (either directly or as Trustee) and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes. All things should be done in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws or as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.
ARTICLE III. AFFILIATION.
While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the management of its own affairs, this congregation shall voluntarily enter into cooperative fellowship with
congregations of "like precious faiths and doctrines."
ARTICLE IV. TENETS OF FAITH.
This Congregation shall accept the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule for faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general
unity; it shall adopt the Statement of Fundamental Doctrines, namely:
1. The Scriptures Inspired. The Bible, consisting of the SIXTY SIX BOOKS of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason. (Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:15-17).
2. The One True God. The One True God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed "I AM", and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association of the Trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deut. 6:4; Is. 43:10-11; Matt. 28:19; Mark 12:29; Matt. 3:16-17;John. 14:16-17).
3. Man, His Fall, and Redemption. Man was created good and righteous; for God said, “Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness.” However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. (Genesis 1:26, 27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
4. The Salvation of Men.
Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
(a) Condition to Salvation. The Grace of God, which brings
salvation, has appeared to all men through the preaching of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace through faith, he becomes as an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. (Luke 24:47; Rom.10:13-15;Titus. 2:11; 3:5-7).
(b) The Evidence of Salvation. The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the spirit. (Rom, 8;16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. (Rom. 6:22).
5. Baptism in Water. The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4)
6. The Lord's Supper. The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements—bread and the fruit of the vine—is the symbol expressing the believer’s sharing the divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4), a memorial of his suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26), a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26), and is entrusted to all until His return.
7. The Promise of the Father. All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise the Father-the Baptism of the Holy Spirit according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the bestowment of power for life and service and the endowment of the gifts and its use in the work of the ministry (Luke. 24:49: Acts. 1:4-6; 1 Cor. 12:1-31). This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. (Acts. 2:38; 10:44-46;
11:14-16; 15:7-9; 19:2).
With the baptism in the Holy Spirit, come experiences such as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8); a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28); an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42); and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost (Mark 16:20).
8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The complete fulfillment of the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in public testimony and service. The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use. (Acts. 1:8; 2:4, 42-43; 10:44-46, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10; 1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:2).
9. Entire Sanctification. Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil and of dedication unto God. (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). The Scriptures teach a life of “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost believers are able to obey the command: “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15, 16)
Sanctification is realized in the believer by identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, by faith, by dwelling daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 6:1-11; Romans 6:13; Romans 8:1, 2; Romans 8:13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12, 13; 1 Peter 1:5)
10. The Church. The church is the body of Christ, the dwelling place of God through the Spirit, with divine callings for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Each believer born of the Spirit is an integral part of the congregation and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven. (Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; Heb.12:23).
11. The Ministry and Evangelism. A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a threefold purpose: (1) for the evangelization of the world and (2) the edifying of the body of Christ. (Mark. 16:15-20; Eph. 4:11-13), and (3) Worship of God, (John 4:23, 24).
12. Divine Healing. Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers. (Isa. 53:4; Matt. 8:16-17; Mark. 16:18-20; James. 5:14-16)
13. The Blessed Hope The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those believers who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the church. (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)
14. The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the living saints, along with the resurrection of the righteous dead, which is the blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years. (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11-14; Revelation 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel, (Ezekiel 37: 21, 22; Zephaniah 3: 19, 20; Romans 11:26, 27) and the establishment of universal peace. (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalms 72:3-8; Micah 4:3, 4)
15. The Lake of Fire. There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be cast into the everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8)
16. The New Heaven and the New Earth. We, "according to His promise, look for a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev.21:1).
ARTICLE VI. ORDINANCES.
Section 1. Baptism The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matthew 28:18-20) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation. (Romans 6:1-5; Colossians 2:12)
Section 2. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly (at least once per month) as commanded in the scriptures. (Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Section 3. Dedications The practice of dedicating infants and small children shall be observed whenever requested. (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-16)
Section 4. Practice of Anointing The practice of anointing the sick with oil and laying of hands on them in prayer shall be done according to need. (Mark 16:18; James 5:14)
ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS.
Section 1. The officers of the church shall be the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the members of church elders’ team.
Section 2: The President shall be the Senior Pastor. Herein no distinction shall be made between President and Senior Pastor. Where the terms are used herein, they shall be used interchangeably referring to the same office.
Section 3. All officers of the church must qualify according to the scriptural qualifications described in Acts 6:3 and
I Timothy 3:8-13.
Section 4. No person shall be considered eligible for nomination as an officer of Church leadership if he has not been a member in good standing with the Congregation for at least 1 year and is not of at least 21 years of age, or with the approval of Church leadership.
ARTICLE VIII. MEMBERSHIP.
Individuals shall be eligible for membership in this congregation who give evidence of personal living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, voluntarily subscribe to the Tenets of Faith and agree to be governed by the Constitution and By-Laws as herein stated, which includes completion of the Congregation’s membership course.
ARTICLE IX. MINISTRIES The Senior Pastor, with the counsel of the Church elders, shall provide for the establishment of any ministry, department, or committee and the employment or volunteer service as the needs of the work may require.
ARTICLE X. FINANCES All funds for the maintenance of the congregation shall be provided for by the voluntary contributions of the tithes and offerings of the members and friends of the congregation. Offerings shall be accepted by the congregation at such times and in such ways as agreed upon by the Church elders and the Senior Pastor, and shall be administered by the Treasurer under the Senior Pastor and the Church elder’s direction. The Church leadership shall maintain full control of the donated funds and discretion as to their use so as to insure they will be used to carry out the congregation’s functions and purposes. (Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, I Corinthians 9:6-8)
ARTICLE XI. MEETINGS.
Section 1. Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord's Day and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor and the Church elders.
Section 2. There shall be an annual business meeting of the congregation at which time the election of the Church leadership shall take place, and the reports of all of the officers and ministries shall be given. There will be a six week notification for this meeting.
Section 3. Special business meetings of the congregation may be called when necessary by the Pastor, Secretary, or by the majority of the Church elders after notice has been given by the Pastor or by the Secretary. There will be a six week notification for this meeting.
Section 4. Quorum- No record of any regular or special business meeting of the Church leadership shall be made unless two-thirds majority or more voting members shall be present to constitute a quorum.
Section 5. The Church elders and Senior Pastor shall meet monthly or as duties and necessities shall demand.
Section 6. No meeting other than official church meetings shall be called for the discussion of church affairs or business. Members attending or taking part in unauthorized meetings shall jeopardize their voting and membership privileges.
Section 7. Charges of misconduct shall be in writing and must be signed by the accuser before official action is taken. Upon finding proof of misconduct, the Church elders may call a hearing and appropriate action be taken. Minutes shall be taken of these proceedings.
ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS.
Amendments to this Constitution may be made by a majority vote of the members of the Congregation who are in attendance at any regular or special meetings called for that purpose, provided that due notice be given at public services two weeks prior to the proposed change.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP.
Section 1. Standards of Membership
(a) Evidence of a genuine salvation experience.
(John. 1:12-13; 3:3; 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:18-25)
(b) Evidence of living a consistent, holy Christian life.
(Rom. 6:4, 11-13; Eph. 4:1-3,15, 17-32; 1 Jn. 1:6-7)
(c) Baptism by water. (Matt. 28: 19-20; Rom. 6:1-12; Acts.8:36-38)
(d) Full adherence to the Tenets of Faith as set forth in the Constitution.
(e) Willingness to contribute regularly to the support of the Assembly according to his/her ability. (Acts. 11;29; 1 Cor. 9:13-14; 11 Cor. 9:7; 16:1-2 ; 8:1-4)
(f) Completion of Membership class.
Section 2. Standards of Family Life
(a) Marriage: All marriages shall be conducted in accordance with the Scriptures. Marriage is honorable. (Heb 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:9; Eph.5:22-31; 2 Cor. 6:14; Matt. 19: 5-6; Mark 10: 7-9)
(b) Divorce: Divorce is not acceptable except as provided in the Scriptures.(1Cor. 6:15-20; 7:10-11, 39; Mark 10:7-12; Matt. 19:5-11; Mal. 2:15-16)
Section 3. Voting Privileges.
All active members of the Congregation shall have the right to vote.
Section 4. Reception of members.
(a) Persons desiring to become members of the Congregation shall make the fact known to the Pastor; the Pastor shall examine the applicant according to the standard of membership.
(b) The Pastor shall present to Church elders the name(s) of those who apply for membership with his recommendation. After due consideration and fulfillment of all standards of membership, the name(s) of those recommended by the Church leadership to the Congregation shall be publicly welcomed into the roster book.
Section 5. Discipline and Revision of the Roster.
(a) Any member of the Congregation who shall willingly excuse himself/herself from the regular services for a period of one month shall be contacted by the Pastor and/or by the Church elders. Prolonged absence without reason will result in suspension of voting rights. Any member, under charges, shall be temporarily suspended from the voting membership pending investigation and final decision in his/her case.
(b) Unscriptural conduct or doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith held by this Congregation shall be considered sufficient grounds for which any person may be disqualified as a member. Such discipline shall be made known to
the congregation. (Matt. 18:15-17; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; Tit. 3:10-11).
(c) The Church leadership shall be authorized to revise the membership roll of the church semi-annually and to remove from the list of active members: the names of the deceased, those who have withdrawn from the fellowship or may have fallen into sin, and whose lives may have become inconsistent with the standards of the church.
(e) If a member is removed for cause, the one whose name is removed shall be notified of the Church elder's action by the Secretary.
ARTICLE II. DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
Section 1. The Pastor.
The congregation finds its leadership under the Lord Jesus Christ in its Pastor. He should be honored in his sacred office as the spiritual head of the congregation, and shall be
general supervisor of all its activities. He shall provide for all the services of the congregation and shall arrange for all special meetings, giving due regard to the congregation. No person shall be invited to speak or preach without his approval.
Section 2. President.
The pastor shall be the President of the corporation and shall be the chairman of all committees. He can call the business meeting with the knowledge of the secretary.
Section 3. The Secretary.
He shall call the meetings of the leadership team and regular and special Business meetings of the congregation. He shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the leadership team and of the annual and special business meetings of the congregation. He shall keep a record of the membership in the congregation’s roster book and perform any other clerical duties as part of his responsibilities. He shall be the custodian of all legal documents and be in possession of the corporate seal. All official correspondence of the church shall be handled through the office of the church Secretary.
Section 4. The Treasurer.
(a) He shall be entrusted with all the finances of the congregation and shall keep at the discretion of the official board, an itemized record of receipts and disbursements in accordance with accepted business practice. He shall
adhere to Article XI of the Constitution which governs the disposition of property, both real and chattel.
(b) All funds shall be disbursed by checks. Checks may be signed by any two or three members of the Official Board, one of which must be the Treasurer.
(c) He shall present a financial report at the regular meetings of the congregation.
(d) He shall present a financial status report to the general congregation at the end of every quarter.
(e) The church account(s) should be audited under the direction of the Board.
(f) The financial records shall be open for examination by any member in good standing.
Section 5. Initial (Founding) Board of Directors:
The Secretary, Treasurer, and Elder Team Members. The term of these officers shall be for 2 years. Newly elected officers shall take office on January 1 following the congregational meeting.
ARTICLE III. THE OFFICIAL BOARD.
Section 1. The official board shall consist of the Pastor/President, Secretary, Treasurer, and remaining Elder Team Members.
Section 2. The Pastor/President shall be the Chairman of the Official Board but in the event the congregation is temporarily without a President, the congregation shall be empowered to provide for their own chairman from the membership to conduct matters on behalf of the congregation.
Section 3. They shall determine the amount of all salaries paid by the church. The decision is subject to ratification by the board in a majority vote by the board members who are in attendance at any regularly scheduled meeting. They shall employ temporary help for any work of the church and for the maintenance of the building.
Section 4. They may invite department heads or individuals to sit with the Board in conference but may not give them voting privileges of the official Board.
Section 5. They shall be authorized to make such expenditures as may be necessary to conduct business and to make such purchases as are required for normal operation. They may negotiate loans when such do not require alienation of property. They may sell or otherwise dispose of any chattel of the value of $1,000.00 or less without the vote of the congregation.
Section 6. They shall act in the capacity of a public committee if the congregation is without a Pastor or Associate Pastor. In the temporary absence of the Pastor or Associate Pastor the Board shall act with respect to the wishes of the Pastor or Associate Pastor.
Section 7. They shall meet and inspect all real property proposed for purchase, sale, or other disposition for a reasonable time period, with prayerful consideration, in order to make an appropriate recommendation for consideration at the upcoming business meetings.
ARTICLE IV. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING.
The annual business meeting of the church shall be held in December. Due notice of this meeting shall be given at the Sunday service at least two weeks prior to the meeting by the Secretary. In addition, any proposals for discussion shall be made known to all members at the two Sunday morning services prior to the meeting dates.
ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES.
Section 1. The Secretary, Treasurer and the Board members shall be elected bi-annually by majority vote by the congregation of the Church members.
Section 2. Those elected at any business meeting shall assume their offices as of the date of their election.
Section 3. SECRET BALLOT.
(a) All nominative elections shall be by secret ballot.
(b) All other elections shall be held by secret ballot by request from the majority of members.
Section 4 VACANCY IN THE PASTORATE.
(a). In case of vacancy in the Pastorate, the Board, acting in the capacity of a Pulpit Committee, after prayerful inquiry and judicious council, with the leading of the Holy Spirit,
shall select an available Scripturally qualified Minister as nominee to the office of Pastorate and without delay, shall present his name for approval by the congregation . A majority vote shall be required for such an appointment.
(b). Should the Pastor/Associate Pastor resign, he should give 30 days notice of his intention. If the Pastor’s term is not extended he shall be granted sixty days to find another
Position, except where immoral conduct is involved, when he shall be dismissed immediately.
(c). Should the Pastor/Associate Pastor teach contrary to Gospel of Christ, or cause dissensions, or in any way prove his inability as a Pastor shall be removed by a majority vote of qualified members of the congregation at a special meeting called for that purpose by the Secretary of the Church with the approval of the Board members. Such a
meeting shall be presided over by the Secretary of the Church.
Section 5. VACANCY IN OTHER OFFICES.
(a) Any other office may be declared vacant by an act of the majority of the Board. Grounds for such action shall be:
1. Unscriptural Conduct
2. Doctrinal Departure from the Tenets of Faith
3. Incompetence in Office
4. Insubordination
(b) Any irregular vacancy shall be filled at the next regularly held business meeting by the same elective procedures established for annually scheduled election in December. Such elections shall be for the unexpired term of the
vacated office. The Board is empowered to fill by appointment any irregular vacancy until the next congregational business meeting.
ARTICLE VI DEPARTMENTS.
Section 1. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
(a) The Children’s Ministry shall be conducted as a branch of the activities of the congregation.
(b) The Children’s Ministry Leaders and teachers shall be appointed annually by the Board by a majority vote.
(c) Children’s Ministry funds shall be committed to the custody of the Church Treasurer. Children’s Ministry business is subject to review of the official board who shall have final authority in disputes.
Section 2. YOUTH DEPARTMENT.
The Youth Department shall be known as Spirit of Life Ministries Youth Fellowship.
The purpose of this department shall be to promote fellowship and service among the young people of the congregation. It should be organized as subservient to the Church body and under the supervision of the Pastor. The fellowship funds shall be committed to the custody of the church Treasurer. The Youth Fellowship business is subject to review of the official Board who shall have final authority in case of dispute.
Section 3. MEN’S/WOMEN’S GROUPS.
The Men’s and Women’s Groups of the congregation shall constitute this Fellowship. They shall have at least one Coordinator who will work under the guidance of the Pastor. They shall meet at stated times for the purpose of fostering closer fellowship, engaging in study of the Word, engaging in intercessory prayer for various requests, and to assist in the Church ministry in a practical way.
ARTICLE VII. FINANCE.
Section 1. The Board shall determine all salaries subject to Article III, Section 3 and shall have general supervision in all financial matters in every department of the congregation. All records are subject to audit.
Section 2. The amount and manner of the Pastor's financial support shall be determined by the Board by a majority vote.
Section 3. No money transactions may occur unless done with the knowledge and consent of the President, Secretary and Treasurer. At least two signatures are required for money withdrawals.
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS.
These By-Laws may be amended at any regular or special business meetings of the congregation by a two-thirds majority vote by the membership present provided that public notice of two weeks has been given of intent of proposed changes of By-Laws and proposed amendments have been announced publicly on the two Sundays prior to the date of meeting by the President or the Secretary. If any member(s) want to make an amendment to the Constitution, he or she shall turn the same in writing to the Church Board for their review at least three weeks prior to the business meeting.
ARTICLE X.
All the church records, documents, materials, papers or any other church property must be turned over to the church within two weeks of discontinuing or resigning from any Church office. Legal action under Pennsylvania Laws will be undertaken if otherwise.