Bylaws

#BibleBased #Accoutability

Current
Proposed
Summarized Differences

Amendments to Current Bylaws

The Leadership is proposing a change to the Bylaws to better align with scripture and to better reflect our current operations.

The Official Board has voted unanimously to approve the Bylaws. Therefore, the Members of the congregation are now presented with the current and proposed Bylaws. A vote of the Members will follow at least 2 weeks after this proposal.

One-Sentence Summary

The new bylaws modernize and centralize leadership, formalize processes, and streamline structure, shifting from a traditional, pastor/Elder-led model to a more team-based, policy-driven governance system.

Overall Shifts

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Traditional church governance
  • Elder-led with strong pastor role
  • Larger, more inclusive board
  • Simpler processes

Proposed Version:

  • More corporate/organizational structure
  • Shared leadership (Elders + Ministers)
  • Streamlined board
  • More rules, clarity, and control
  • Stronger administrative systems

Major Differences Summarized

1. Structure & Organization

Proposed Version:

  • Much more structured and formal (Articles, Sections, numbered clauses)
  • Separates concepts clearly (e.g., Leadership vs Board vs Staff vs Congregation)
  • More centered on Biblical teachings

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • More narrative and less standardized
  • Some roles and processes are grouped together (e.g., all leadership under one article)

Bottom line: The new version is more formal, easier to navigate, and legally tighter.

2. Leadership Authority Shift

Proposed Version:

  • Introduces a clear “Leadership” group (Elders + Ministers)
  • Leadership—not just Elders—handles spiritual and doctrinal decisions
  • Ministers now share formal spiritual authority with Elders

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Elders hold primary spiritual authority
  • “Pastor” (“Minister”) participates but Elders dominate decision-making

Key change: Spiritual direction and decisions shifts from Elders-only → Elders + Ministers shared authority

3. Role Changes

Removed Roles:

  • Associate Pastors (renamed/replaced by “Ministers”)
  • Deaconesses (renamed/replaced by “Team Leaders”)
  • Trustees (renamed/replaced by “Team Leaders”)

Added Roles:

  • Directors
  • Team Leaders
  • Defined “Other Employees” category

Key change: Moves from a traditional church structure → a more modern ministry/organizational model which allows for more involvement and growth

4. Official Board Composition

Proposed Version:

  • Fixed size: 12 members
    • 3 from Leadership
    • 9 elected members

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Much larger and broader: Included pastors, elders, deacons, deaconesses, trustees

Key change: Board becomes smaller, more streamlined, and more controlled

5. Membership Requirements

Proposed Version:

  • Requires:
    • Membership form
    • Annual recommitment
  • Adds voting eligibility rules:
    • 1 year membership
    • Age 16+

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Membership more automatic after salvation steps
  • No annual renewal requirement
  • Less defined voting criteria

Key change: Membership becomes more formal, trackable, and regulated

6. Voting & Governance Rules

Proposed Version:

  • Clearly defines:
    • Quorum rules (40% + leadership majority)
    • Voting thresholds (majority vs 2/3 vs 80%)
    • Abstention handling
  • More procedural clarity

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Simpler and less detailed however
  • Some ambiguity in processes

Key change: New version is more legally precise and governance-focused

7. Elder Requirements & Terms

Proposed Version:

  • Must be:
    • Male
    • Member for 3 years
  • Terms:
    • 1, 2, or 3 years
    • Mandatory sabbatical after 3-year term

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Typically 2-year terms
  • No sabbatical requirement
  • “Lead Pastor” could automatically become Elder

Key change: More structured rotation and limits on leadership tenure

8. Pastor → Minister Model

Proposed Version:

  • Replaces “Lead Pastor / Associate Pastor” with “Minister(s)”
  • Ministers:
    • Are part of Leadership
    • But not automatically Elders

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Strong Lead Pastor model
  • Pastor could become Elder automatically

Key change: Reduces concentration of authority in a single pastoral role

9. Marriage Statement Expansion

Proposed Version:

  • Adds requirement that: Leadership AND employees must follow it

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Applies primarily to employees

Key change: Expands behavioral expectations to leadership

10. Staff & Employment Structure

Proposed Version:

  • Fully developed HR-like system:
    • Hiring processes
    • Reporting structure
    • Salary review
    • Termination rules

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • More informal and pastor-driven hiring

Key change: Moves toward a professional organizational model

11. Congregational Role

Proposed Version:

  • Congregation:
    • Votes on key roles
    • More controlled participation
    • More definition of quorums and voting

Current Version (2014-Current):

  • Broader board participation from multiple groups

Key change: Congregational power becomes more structured and indirect