Bylaws

ARTICLE I  Organization:

Section 1.

The name of this incorporated organization shall be the Grace Harvest Baptist Church of Virginia and it shall operate as a non-profit community of faith with its primary location in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

ARTICLE II  Church Membership:

Section 1. Active Membership

Active membership in the Grace Harvest Baptist Church shall be open to persons who confess Christ as their Lord and Savior, who have been baptized by immersion, and who regularly participate in a home group.  All active members of Grace Harvest Baptist Church shall sign the church covenant.

All present members of the unincorporated entity known as the Grace Harvest Baptist Church of Virginia, shall, upon incorporation and agreeing by signing the covenant to be bound by the Articles, Constitution and Bylaws of the new church corporation, become active members of this Church.  No member of this Church, nor any officer, nor any member of the Elder Board of Directors shall by virtue of such membership, office or position, incur or be subject to personal liability to any extent for any indebtedness, obligations, acts or omissions of this Corporation.

Section 2.  Associate Membership

Associate membership in the Grace Harvest Baptist Church of Virginia shall be open to all persons who confess Christ as their Lord and Savior, who have been baptized by immersion and who are unable to regularly participate in a home group.  All associate members of the Church shall sign the church covenant.

Section 3.  Transfer or Resignation of Membership

Any Active or Associate Member may request transfer of membership, or may resign from membership at any time.  Written notice of such intent shall be submitted to the Senior Pastor or the Chairman of the Board of Elders, and action to honor the request shall be taken at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Elders. In the event that the member requesting such action is in the church discipline process, their request would be honored under the provisions elsewhere in these bylaws.

Section 4.  Inactive Membership Removals.

Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), the names of any members who have not attended a celebration service or home group meeting of Grace Harvest Baptist Church for a period of six months or longer may be removed from the active membership rolls after notifying such members of their inactivity.  Likewise, the names of any associate members may be removed at the discretion of the elders from the associate membership rolls.

Section 5. Voting Privileges

Membership in this church shall not vest in any member any proprietary rights, but shall only entitle the member to participate at a meeting of the members on those matters that the Board of Elders chooses to present to the church membership for affirmation. Any merger or dissolutions shall be submitted to the membership by the Board of Elders for approval by three quarters of the members present and voting at any duly called meeting. In such meetings, participation restricted to active members in good standing, who are not under any disciplinary action, and who are at least 18 years of age

Section 6. Applications for Membership

All requests for membership shall be made to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon.  Prospective members will meet with an Elder to review the prospective member’s personal testimony, the vision of the church and the Membership Covenant.  Upon the successful completion of that interview, the prospective member will be invited to endorse the Membership Covenant under the sponsorship of an Elder.

Section 7. Denial of Membership

If, after meeting with a prospective member, the Board of Elders determines that the applicant does not confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, or that there is a lack of evidence of a godly lifestyle, membership shall be denied. The decision made by the Board shall be final and there shall be no appeal to any court or other authority from that decision.

Section 8. Admission of Applicants

Applicants admitted to membership shall, if possible, present themselves at a worship celebration designated by the Senior Pastor and Board of Elders, at which service such applicants shall publicly affirm their membership commitment and be publicly  acknowledged as members.

Section 9. Responsibilities of Members

Members shall seek to exercise their spiritual gifts for the mutual benefit of all the church body and shall submit to the loving rule of the Elders.

Section 10. Church Discipline

  • The threefold purpose of church discipline is:
  • to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6),
  • to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20)
  • to bring restoration and healing to the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).
  • Members of this church and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who err in doctrine, or who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, according to Matthew 18:15-18. Specifically:
  • it shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or misconduct to personally warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration. If the erring individual does not heed this warning, then
  • the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two members of the Board of Elders who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. The first and second warnings may occur with no specified time interval. If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then
  • it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board). If the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board) determines—after thorough investigation and giving the erring member a chance to be heard before the Board or its designees in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19, that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the Elders shall inform the church and the congregation thereof in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance. If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect will be given. If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, and acts in a manner that compromises the testimony of the church and its members in the community, then
  • he or she shall be dismissed from the membership of the church. If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement then he or she may be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership.

 

  • Members may not choose to transfer or resign their membership while involved in the discipline process. If after the church discipline process, any other church requests the transfer of membership on behalf of any member who has been removed from membership while involved in the disciplinary process, the Senior Pastor shall notify the corresponding church that the member “was removed due to the church discipline process” while giving no details of the reason for said discipline.

 

  • The members of this church, and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church, agree that there shall be no appeal to any court or any other authority because of the dismissal or resignation of any member, or because of public statements to the congregation in conjunction with these Bylaws.

 

  • Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), a member, regular attendee, or other individual may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.

Section 11. Regular Meetings

A regular annual meeting of the church members shall be held at the principal office of the church (as the same shall be from time to time designated in the minutes of the Board) in January of each year. At such regular annual meeting, the members shall consider reports of the affairs of the church, and transact such other business as the Elders determine shall be brought before the meeting.  At such time the members shall affirm appointments made by the Elders of those who shall serve as Elders, the selection of those serving for one year in the offices of Deacons, and the annual budget..

Section 12. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by order of the Pastor, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders, or by a majority of the members of the Board of Elders.


Section 13. Notice of Meetings

Notice of regular meetings shall be given for two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. In addition thereto, notice shall be published in the regular church bulletin for two successive Sundays prior to such meeting. Notice of special meetings shall be given at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting and shall also be published in the regular church bulletin on the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting.

Section 14. Quorum and Minutes

At all duly called meetings of the Church, whether regular, special or adjourned, the members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Minutes of the regular and special meetings shall be taken and kept in the records under the custody of the designated secretary.

Section 15. Moderator

The Chairman of the board may serve as Moderator of the Church or he may delegate the tasks to another officer. The Vice-Chairman shall serve as Moderator in his absence unless he delegates otherwise. The latest edition of the Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall be the parliamentary guide and may be invoked by the Moderator to establish order and/or procedures not specifically covered by these Bylaws.

Section 16. Church Membership Rights

Those admitted to church membership do not constitute a legislative body and they cannot vote, or pass resolutions binding upon the Church.  They shall not have any equity in the real property of the Church, or rights to vote on its disposal. Said property of the Church is dedicated exclusively to religious and charitable purposes.

ARTICLE III  Elders:

Section 1. Responsibilities:

Subject to the limitations of the Articles and these Bylaws and of pertinent restrictions of the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, all the activities and affairs of the Church shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Elders who will serve as the corporate board of Directors, who are responsible for shepherding and having oversight of the flock. Without prejudice to such general powers, but subject to these same limitations, it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall have the following powers in addition to the other powers enumerated by these Bylaws:

  • To select and remove all the officers, agents, pastors, staff, and employees of the Church; prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Scriptures, with law, or with these Bylaws; and fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.
  • To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the Church as are required to fulfill the purposes of this Church and generally to conduct, manage, and control the activities and affairs of the Church and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Scriptures, with law, or with these Bylaws, as they may deem best.
  • To adopt, make and use a corporate seal, and to alter the form of such seal from time to time as they may deem best.
  • To assist the Senior Pastor in the administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
  • To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Church and to cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, or other evidences of debt and securities.
  • To carry on a business and apply any such profit that results from the business activity in which it may legally engage.

Section 2. Number of Elders

The authorized number of active elders of the Church serving on the Elder Board shall not be less than three (3) until changed by an amendment to these Bylaws. No less than fifty (50%) percent of the Elders at any time shall be laymen from the congregation and not related to paid staff. The Elders shall annually elect from its lay members a Chairman to facilitate the meetings and agenda in consultation with the Pastor.

Section 3. Nomination, Selection, and Tenure of Office

In the process of the continuing expansion of the church, the Pastor with the unanimous approval of the Elders may act to present any qualified candidate to the church to be affirmed in their office as Elder.  After the Elders are affirmed by the congregation, the newly elected Elders shall assume office immediately.

Each Elder shall serve as God enables, for an unspecified length of time, until such time as he senses God’s leadership to resign.

Section 4. Qualifications

Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:

(a) Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)

(b) Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)

(c) Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)

(d) Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)

(e) Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)

(f) Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)

(g) Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)

(h) Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)

(i) Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

(j) Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)

(k) Not a brawler; not contentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)

(l) Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)

(m) Rules well his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God  (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7)

(n) Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)

(o) Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)

(p) Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)

(q) A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8)

(r) Just, fair (Titus 1:8)

(s) Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)

(t) Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)

Section 5. Vacancies

Any Elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board or the Secretary of the Board, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. If the resignation is to take effect at some future time, a successor may be selected before that time.  A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in case of the death, resignation, or removal of any Elder, or if a need exists and the specified limit is not exceeded.  No reduction of the authorized number of Elders shall have the effect of removing any Elder from active service.

Section 6. Removal of Elders

Any Elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Board if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), after thorough corroborating investigation by the Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board),in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. During the period of time that an Elder is under investigation, he will not be able to vote on any matter brought before the Board of Elders, including his own church discipline process.  Any Elder may be removed for cause, at the end of the church discipline process, by a simple majority vote of the Board of Elders.  When an Elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.  There shall be no appeal to any Court or any other authority concerning this action of the Board of Elders.

An elder may be removed without cause upon the formal recommendation of the Senior Pastor by a simple majority vote of the entire membership of the Board of Elders.

Section 7. Place of Meetings

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in these Bylaws, any meeting (whether regular, special, or adjourned) of the Board of Elders of the Church may be held at any place within or without the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Section 8. Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Board shall be held without call or notice as set in the minutes of the previous meetings.

Section 9. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called at any time by order of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman or the Secretary of the Board of Elders or by a quorum of the members of the Board of Elders.

Section 10. Notice of Special Meetings

Notice of special meetings of the Board of Elders shall be addressed or delivered to each Elder or at such Elder’s address as it is shown upon the records of the Church or as may have been given to the Church by the Elder for such purpose of notice.  Notification may be made by first class mail, postmarked seven days before the meeting, or by e-mail or telephone four days before the meeting.  Special meetings may be held without advance notice if 100% of the elders agree to such a meeting.

Section 11. Quorum

Except as otherwise provided herein, a majority of the Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the Elders in office shall constitute a quorum, provided such majority shall constitute either one-third of the authorized number of Elders or at least two Elders, whichever is larger, or unless the authorized number of Elders is only one. A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.  Whenever the matter to be considered concerns calling or dismissing a pastor, or buying or selling real estate, a quorum shall consist of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board.  Whenever the matter to be considered is of a nature to require action by Lay Elders only, a majority of the Lay Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum. The act or decision done or made by the Elders present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Elders.

Section 12. Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone or Internet

Members of the Board may participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone, internet, or similar communications equipment, so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear one another.

Section 13. Adjournment

A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place. Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be given to absent Elders if the time and place be fixed at the meeting adjourned, except as provided in the next sentence. If the meeting is adjourned for more than forty-eight (48) hours, notice of any adjournment to another time or place shall be given prior to the time of the adjourned meeting to the Elders who were not present at the time of the adjournment.

Section 14. Action Without Meeting

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to a duly prepared resolution to such action. Such consent or consents by polled motion shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote of the Board and shall be documented by entering the polled motion into the minutes of proceedings of the Board.

Section 15. Rights of Inspection

Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the Church of which such person is an Elder, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an Elder.

Section 16. Decisions of the Board of Elders

Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself.  Exceptions are limited to those instances clearly stated in these bylaws, including the dismissal of the senior pastor and the removal of an Elder.

Section 17. Committees

Committees of the Board may be appointed by resolution passed by the whole Board. Committees shall be composed of two or more members of the Board and shall have such powers of the Board as may be expressly delegated to it by resolution of the Board of Elders, except with respect to:

(a) The approval of any action for which the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia require member’s approval (must be approved by the Board as a whole).

(b) The filling of vacancies on the Board or on any committee.

(c) The amendment or repeal of Bylaws or the adoption of new Bylaws.

(d) The amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board which by its express terms does not qualify for such amendment or repeal.

(e) The appointment of other committees of the Board or the members thereof.

(f) The approval of any self-dealing transaction, as such transactions are defined in the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Board shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which proceedings of any such committee shall be conducted. In the absence of any such prescription, such committee shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which its proceedings shall be conducted. Unless the Board or such committee shall otherwise provide, the regular and special meetings and other actions of any such committee shall be governed by the provision of this Article applicable to meetings and actions of the Board. Minutes may be kept of each meeting of each committee.

Section 18. No Compensation

Elders (as such) shall not receive any stated or fixed salary for their services, however, nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Elders from serving the Church in any other capacity and receiving compensation. However, the Elder Board member may receive reasonable reimbursement for travel and other approved expenses upon request presented with written documentation.

Section 19. Conflicts of Interest Policy

The Elders should adopt a Conflicts of Interest Policy, required by the IRS, which will provide for full disclosure of material conflicting interests by Elders, Officers, committee members or employees or their immediate family members.  This Policy shall permit the Elder Board to determine whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair and reasonable to the Church.

ARTICLE IV  Other Councils and Committees or Teams:

Section 1. Councils and Committees or Teams

To promote efficient handling of Board matters, the Board may appoint various councils and committees or teams from within its membership, the staff, and from the church at large.  All councils and committees or teams shall exist for the period specified by the Board.  These councils and committees or teams shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with powers specifically delegated by the Board. The general functions of councils and committees are:

(a) To bring considered recommendations to the Board concerning ministries.

(b) To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders having the oversight of specific ministries.

Section 2. Deacons

(a)  Duties:  The Deacons shall assist the Elders in the shepherding of the saints, assist the Pastor at Communion and baptismal services, aid in the general spiritual care of the church, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders.

(b)  Qualifications:  The Deacons shall consist of members recognized by the congregation and the Elders for possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  A Deacon shall be a man of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, first tested  and found above reproach.  A deacon will be a man of good reputation in the church and in the community.

(c)  Nomination and Selection of Deacons:  Recommendations to fill the office of Deacon shall be requested as needed from all church members. A nominating committee, appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Elders, shall review all nominations and determine each nominee’s qualifications. A proposed slate of nominees prepared by the nominating committee shall then be submitted to the Board of Elders, along with any relevant comments.  The Board shall review, revise and approve the list of nominees.  Deacons selected by the Board of Elders shall be presented to the congregation.  Each Deacon shall serve until the next annual meeting, at which time a replacement slate of Deacons shall be presented to the congregation.


Section 3. Vacancies

In the event any of the above-mentioned offices becomes vacant between annual meetings, the Board of Elders may fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.

ARTICLE V  Officers:

Section 1. Officers

The officers of the Church shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Senior Pastor shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer.  The Church may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Elders, other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this article.  The officers of the Church shall be active members of the church.

Section 2. Election

The officers of the Church, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Article, shall be appointed annually by the Board and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Elders. Each officer shall serve annual terms but may reelected without limitation and hold his office until he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

 

Section 3. Subordinate Officers

 

The Board of Elders may appoint, and may empower the Chairman to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Church may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in the Bylaws or as the Board of Elders may from time to time determine.

 

Section 4. Removal and Resignation

Any officer may be removed upon disqualification and removal as an Elder per these Bylaws. In accordance with the provisions of the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, any officer may resign at any time without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Church under any contract to which the officer is a party, by giving written notice to the Board of Elders, or to the Chairman, or to the Secretary of the Church. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Any officer may be removed without cause upon the formal recommendation of the Senior Pastor and a simple majority vote of the Board of Elders.

Section 5. Vacancies

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws for regular election or appointment to such office, provided that such vacancies shall be filled as they occur and not on an annual basis.

Section 6. Inability to Act

In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Church and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Board of Elders may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or other person whom the Board may select.

Section 7. The Chairman

The Chairman shall, subject to the control of the Board of Elders, have general supervision, direction, and control of the activities and officers of the Church. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8. He shall be an ex officio member of all the standing committees, if any, and shall have powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders or the Bylaws.

Section 8. Vice-Chairman

In the absence or disability of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the Board of Elders or the Bylaws.

Section 9. Secretary

The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Board and its committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings, the Board and committees’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof.  The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board and any committees thereof required by these Bylaws or by law to be given, shall keep the seal of the Church in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board.  The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Church, a church membership register, or a duplicated membership register, showing the names of the members and their addresses.

Section 10. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Church, “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration… for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

The Treasurer shall select assistants “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to implement and accomplish this responsibility.

The Treasurer shall ensure that all financial activities and transactions are consistent with these Bylaws as well as the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Church. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Elder as provided in the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Church with such depositories as may be designated  by the Board of Elders. He shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the Church as may be ordered by the Board of Elders.

The Treasurer shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Church, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders. The Treasurer shall make, or cause to be made, the financial reports at each regular Board meeting and at the annual meeting of members.

Section 11. Senior Pastor

  • The Senior Pastor shall arrange for and conduct all public and regular services of the church and shall be responsible for general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church. In the absence of the Senior Pastor, the Board of Elders shall be responsible to arrange for the public and regular services of the church.
  • Duties and Responsibilities: The Senior Pastor shall at all times simultaneously occupy the office of the President who shall also serve as chief executive officer of the church unless he designates otherwise. The Senior Pastor shall have general supervision, direction, and control of the business and affairs of the Church.  The Senior Pastor shall have such other powers and duties as the Elders may prescribe from time to time. The Senior Pastor shall be an ex officio member of all councils and committees, and he shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. The Senior Pastor and/or the Directors shall execute any necessary documents and instruments on behalf of the Church corporation, except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Elders/Directors to some other officer or agent of the Church.
  • Election, Removal and Resignation: The Senior Pastor shall be selected by a unanimous decision of the Board of Elders and presented to the congregation.  He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: The  simple majority vote of the Elders shall dismiss the Senior Pastor upon giving him one month’s written notice of its intention to dismiss, after following the procedures stated in these bylaws. The Senior Pastor must give one month’s written notice to the Chairman of the Board of Elders if he intends to resign. The time limit of a Senior Pastor’s resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Senior Pastor and the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise.

ARTICLE VI  Receipt, Investment, and Disbursement of Funds:

Section 1.

The Church shall receive all monies or other properties transferred to it for the purposes for which the Church was formed.

However, nothing contained herein shall require the Board of Elders to accept or receive any money or property of any kind if it shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money or property is contrary to the expressed purposes of the Church as shown by said Articles.

Section 2.

The Church shall hold, manage, and disburse any funds or properties received by it from any source in a manner that is consistent with the expressed purposes of this Church.

ARTICLE VII  Corporate Records and Reports:

Section 1. Records

The Church shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as fixed by the Board of Elders from time to time.


Section 2. Inspection of Books and Records

Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the Church, and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any.

ARTICLE VIII  Biblical Settlement of Disputes:

In any dispute arising between church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the church (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per  these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board). A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). In any other dispute arising between or among Church members, pastors, or staff, the dispute may be resolved by the Elders (or a duly appointed team from the Elder board) under the Christian Conciliation Rules and Procedures published at www.hispeace.org. All employees, contractors and vendors of the Church should be asked to sign policies or contracts with the Christian Dispute Resolution clause in it.

Any dispute between a member and the church, excepting those involving the process of Church Discipline as described elsewhere in this document, shall be resolved by the Board through Christian Conciliation.  If mediation does not resolve the dispute then legally binding Christian Arbitration shall be employed by the Board or individuals selected by the Board in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation found at www.HisPeace.org. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Arbitrator seeking that which most glorifies God and regarding one another before himself.

In the event that a dispute arises between the senior pastor and the Board of Elders, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders.  The Board of Elders shall appoint a committee of no less than three Elders to meet with the Senior Pastor and attempt to restore unity.  If the dispute continues, the Board of Elders shall convene a meeting to resolve the dispute.  The Chairman, or his designee, shall personally inform all of its members at least seven days in advance of such meeting.  The quorum for such meeting shall be two-thirds of all elders.  Every effort shall be made by all parties involved to recover the unity of the body through prayer, mutual forgiveness and humility.  If the dispute is not resolved, the senior pastor may be given an opportunity to resign, or a motion to dismiss the pastor may be made by any member of the Elder’s Board.  This motion will require the support of a simple majority of all members currently serving on the Board of Elders to be approved.

Judgment upon an arbitration decision may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction. Jurisdiction and venue shall be the county and state where the church is located and Virginia law will apply to dispute. Members, pastors, staff or third party vendors/contractors shall understand that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising against the Church and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another or the Church for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision. In that case, judgment upon an arbitration award may be entered by any court having competent jurisdiction, in conformity with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Notwithstanding this above provision, to protect the church and its members and under its risk policy procedures, the Church is are required to maintain liability insurance.  Therefore, this conflict provision is conditioned upon agreement by the church’s insurers that, in light of the particular facts and circumstances surrounding the disputed matter, this provision, and the process it establishes will not diminish any insurance coverage maintained by the Church. Moreover, the Arbitrators cannot adjudicate any issue that a civil court could not adjudicate due to jurisdiction based on religious liberty or church autonomy issues unless the church gives its written consent.


ARTICLE IX  Other Financial Provisions:


Section 1. Records for Finances

Adequate and accurate records for accounting of income and expenses, including contributions, shall be kept by the Treasurer.  A monthly financial report will be presented to the Elder Board. A monthly financial report will be displayed at the church or any member can receive a copy by calling the Church office.

Section 2 Deposits.

The Elder Board shall select banks, trust companies, or other depositories in which all funds of the Church not otherwise employed shall, from time to time, be deposited to the credit of the Church.

Section 3. Checks.

All checks or demands for money and notes of the Church shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other persons as the Elder Board may from time to time designate.  Any check over the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) shall require two authorized signatories from two disinterested Elder Board members.

Section 4. Fiscal Year.

The Elder Board, in consultation with the Finance and Budget Team, shall have the power to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Church. Unless otherwise fixed by the Elder Board, the fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Accurate records shall be kept by all organizations of the church and report made on the fiscal year basis. All funds handled by any and all organizations of the Church shall be reported to the Elder Board.

Section 5. Contracts.

The President and Chairman together are authorized to sign all contracts not involving real property but the Elder Board may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Church, in addition to or in place of the officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of any on behalf of the Church, including real estate transactions. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.  All contracts for major services or expenditures should be reviewed by a competent attorney.

Section 6. Designated Contributions.

The Church may accept any designated contribution, grant, bequest or devise consistent with its general tax exempt purposes, as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.  As so limited, donor designated contributions will be accepted for special funds, purposes or uses as approved by the Elder Board, and such designations generally will be honored.  However, the Church shall reserve all rights, title and interest in and to and control of such contributions, as well as full discretion as to the ultimate expenditure or distribution thereof in connection with any funds (including designated contributions) to assure that such funds will be used to carry out the Church’s tax exempt purposes.

Section 7. Budget and Audit.

The Elder Board shall prepare and present to the at the Regular Annual Meeting an inclusive budget, indicating by items the amount needed and sought for expenses together with an annual strategic plan.  The Finance and Budget Team, if any, shall conduct or arrange for an annual review or audit of a type and nature they deem appropriate except every three to five years an outside audit should be conducted.

Section 8. Purchase or sale of property and borrowing

Neither officers nor agents of the Church may purchase or sell real or personal property on behalf of the Church unless authorized by the Board of Elders.  Any borrowing of money must be unanimously approved by the Board of Elders . Subject to the provisions of applicable law, any note, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness, contract, conveyance, or other instrument in writing and any assignment or endorsement involving real property thereof executed or entered into between this Church and any other person, when signed jointly by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, and the President, Secretary and the Treasurer of this Church shall be valid and binding on this Church in the absence of actual knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had no authority to execute the same.

ARTICLE X  Indemnification

Any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal by reason of the fact that he or his testator is or was a Director, or Officer, employee or agent of the Church, may be indemnified by the Church, and the Church may advance his related expenses, to the full extent permitted by law.  The Church may purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify: (a) itself for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification specified above; and (be) its Leadership Team and officers.

ARTICLE XI  Church Policy and Operations Manual
Section 1:  Development of Church Policy and Operations Manual

The development of a Church Policy and Operations Manual shall be overseen by the Chairman of the Board of Elders or their designee(s) with professional consultation and review, as deemed necessary.  This Manual should include all Church policies, procedures, job descriptions and organization charts depicting lines of responsibility in the administration of the Church.  The manual shall be kept in the Church Office and made available for use by any member of the Church.  The Church Secretary shall maintain the manual.  The Chairman, or their designee(s), shall review the manual at least annually, with the authority to recommend changes to the Board of Elders for consideration and voting.

Section 2:  Compilation and Maintenance of the Manual:

The Chairman of the Board of Elders and any of its designees shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining a policy and procedures manual for the day-to-day administrative functions of the Church not covered in the Constitution and By-laws.  Subjects covered may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Personnel
  2. Financial
  3. Church property
  4. Church discipline
  5. Church conciliation and dispute resolution
  6. Safety and security
  7. Deacons, Committees and Teams

A copy of the Constitution and By-laws and the appropriate incorporation documents will also be included in this manual.  These policies and procedures shall be available at the Church office for members’ review.  Any suggested changes to the Policies and Procedures shall be recommended to the Chairman of the Board of Elders and require the unanimous approval of the elders.

ARTICLE XII Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended and new and additional Bylaws may be made from time to time at any time by the unanimous vote of approval of the Board of Elders at any regular meeting or at any called meeting at which such amendment has been publicized as one of the agenda items of such meeting.

Whenever an amendment or new Bylaw is adopted, it shall be copied in the book of minutes with the original Bylaws, in the appropriate place. If any Bylaw is repealed, the fact of repeal with the date of the meeting at which the repeal was enacted or written assent was filed shall be stated in said book.

ADOPTION

I, the undersigned Secretary of Grace Harvest Baptist Church of Virginia do hereby certify that the above Bylaws were adopted on 24 November, 2008, by the board members at a duly called meeting and that these Bylaws are current and in operation as of that time.

______________________________    ____________

Jesse Thomas Cox - Secretary                         Date