BYLAWS (Constitutional Articles & Procedural Articles) OF SUNRISE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Atlantic Beach, Florida

CONSTITUTIONAL ARTICLES OF THE BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this church shall be SUNRISE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH.

ARTICLE II: AFFILIATION
Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church shall be affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America through its Southeastern District Conference.

ARTICLE III: MISSION
The mission of Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church is to grow a Christ-centered community where God is supreme in all things. We purpose together by God's grace to:

• ReachUp - To God -

  Through vibrant worship.

• ReachIn - To Each Other

  By teaching God's Word and loving one another.

• ReachOut - To The World

  Through sharing the Gospel and acts of mercy.

ARTICLE IV: STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe:

	The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
	In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
	That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
	That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.
	That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
	That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus, become children of God.
	That water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of salvation.
	That the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the Head.
	That only those who are thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.
	That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.
	In the personal and pre-millennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this “Blessed Hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
	In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

Membership Covenant

• Seek to live a holy life consistent with the Word of God and the mission of the church.



• Reflect the attitude of the Lord in all relationships, living in word and deed in a manner that encourages others to know and be like Jesus Christ.



• Participate faithfully in church services and congregational meetings.



• Serve faithfully by contributing time, skills and finances in the ministry of the church.
  
  
  • Pray for the church, its ministries and its leaders.
  
  
  
  • Seek to understand and utilize one's spiritual gift(s) for the spiritual health and ministry effectiveness of the church.
  
  
  
  • Give consistently of one's finances to support the congregation-approved budget, with Biblical tithing as the primary God-directed means.

Membership Requirements

• Affirm faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and demonstrate evidence of a consistent Christian lifestyle.



• Consent to the church's Mission, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.



• Agree to abide by the church policies on member discipline.



• Do not have concurrent membership in another church.

Membership Procedure

• Applicant is to:
  
  
  • Attend the church's membership inquiry class.
  
  
  
  • Complete and return a church membership application card.
  
  
  
  • Meet in an informal visit with a few church leaders for the applicant to share testimony of saving faith in Jesus Christ, to acknowledge agreement with the other membership requirements, and to enjoy fellowship together.



• Membership is granted solely upon the unanimous affirmation of the interviewing team that the applicant meets membership requirements. It is not granted by receipt of a letter of transfer from another church.



• Children who attest to saving faith in Jesus Christ may become members of the church along with their families. Children accepted for membership shall be ineligible to vote. Beginning at age sixteen (16), they may complete the standard process for membership and become voting-eligible members.

Membership Discontinuation

• Membership may be discontinued:
  
  
  • Upon a member's request.
  • For consistent lack of support, in word and/or deed, of the church's Mission, Statement of Faith, and/or Membership Covenant



• Membership shall be discontinued:
  
  
  • Whenever a member joins another church. A letter of Christian standing may be granted upon request.
  
  
  
  • Upon determination that a member, in word or deed, acted with gross misconduct, contrary to Biblical teaching, the church's Mission, Statement of Faith, and/or Membership Covenant. Such determination shall be by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the elders and taken only after reasonable efforts have been made to restore the member to Christian fellowship. This action of the elders may be appealed to the congregation. Matters for which membership may be discontinued include, but are not limited to, non-Christian beliefs and immorality. The name and offense of any member, whose membership has been discontinued for disciplinary reasons, shall be publicly disclosed to the congregation.

PROCEDURAL ARTICLES OF THE BYLAWS

ARTICLE VI: CHURCH STAFF RELATIONSHIPS

Pastoral Staff

• Definition: Pastoral staff shall include the Senior Pastor and other pastors as determined by the Board of Elders. The Board of Elders shall determine titles and job descriptions for pastoral staff.



• Qualifications:
  
  
  • Shall consistently subscribe to and affirm the church's Mission, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.
  
  
  
  • Shall strive to meet the Biblical standards of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:5-16, and 1 Peter 5:1-9).
  
  
  
  • Shall possess experience, education, abilities and official credentials as deemed appropriate by the Board of Elders.


• Procedures for a Pastoral Staff Relationship:
  
  
  • A call to a pastoral candidate shall come from the congregation upon recommendation of a Pastoral Calling Committee, affirmation of the elders, and a three-fourths (3/4) majority written-ballot vote of those voting at a congregational meeting. The pastoral candidate and eligible family members become members of the church upon acceptance of the call.
  
  
  
  • A pastoral staff relationship may be dissolved by a majority of the Board of Elders. The terms of dissolution shall also be established by a majority of the Board of Elders. When a pastor is the subject of dissolution, the pastors shall not participate in the Board of Elders decision to dissolve the relationship. The pastor shall be allowed to appeal the action to the congregation. A three-fourths (3/4) majority written-ballot vote of those voting at a congregational meeting is required to reverse the action of the Board of Elders.

Ministry Staff

• Definition: A ministry staff position is one that exercises leadership in a major area of church ministry, which does not necessarily require ordination, licensing or other official credentials.



• Qualifications:
  
  
  • Shall be a member of Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church.
  
  
  
  • Shall consistently subscribe to and affirm the church's Mission, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.
  
  
  
  • Shall strive to meet the Biblical standards of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:5-16, and 1 Peter 5:1-9).
  
  
  
  • Shall possess experience, education and abilities as deemed appropriate by the Board of Elders.



• Procedures for a Pastoral Staff Relationship: The Board of Elders may fill a ministry staff position according to standards and descriptions, which they have established. The Board of Elders shall act upon resignation and dismissal of ministry staff members.

Support Staff

• Definition: Support staff includes positions such as secretarial staff, custodial staff, business staff, program staff, musicians and temporary help.



• Procedures for a Pastoral Staff Relationship: The Senior Pastor shall hire all support staff on terms established by the Board of Elders. The Senior Pastor or designee shall act upon resignation and dismissal of support staff.

ARTICLE VII: CHURCH LEADERS

Officers

• Definition:
  
  
  • The officers of the church shall be the Church Chairman, the Church Vice Chairman, the Church Treasurer, the Church Secretary, elders, and pastoral staff.
  
  
  
  • The authorized number of elders of this church shall be not less than three (3) and not more than ten (10). The congregation shall elect elders to serve three-year terms. Terms shall be staggered so that approximately one-third (1/3) of the elders complete terms each year. An elder may stand for election to a second three-year term making possible a total of six consecutive years of service. A person may be eligible for election to office after a one-year break in service.
  
  
  
  • Soon after the annual congregational meeting, the Board of Elders shall select a chairman and vice chairman. The chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Elders shall also serve as the Church Chairman and the Church Vice Chairman, respectively. The Board of Elders shall appoint the Church Secretary and the Church Treasurer.


• Qualifications:
  
  
  • Shall be a member of Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church.
  
  
  
  • Shall consistently subscribe to and affirm the church's Mission, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.
  
  
  
  • Shall strive to meet the Biblical standards of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:5-16, and 1 Peter 5:1-9).
  
  
  
  • Participate regularly in public worship with the church.
  
  
  
  • Be actively involved in ministry at Sunrise Church.

Ministry Team Leaders and Deacons

• Definition: The ministry team leaders and deacons of the church are appointed and affirmed by the Board of Elders and are the implementation leadership for the various ministries and services of the church.



• Qualifications:
  
  
  • Shall be a member of Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church.
  
  
  
  • Shall consistently subscribe to and affirm the church’s Mission, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.
  
  
  
  • Shall strive to meet the Biblical standards of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:5-16, and 1 Peter 5:1-9).
  
  
  
  • Participate regularly in public worship with the church.
  
  
  
  • Be actively involved in ministry at Sunrise Church.

ARTICLE VIII: GOVERNMENT AND MINISTRY PROCESSES

Government

• Structure: The congregation is the governing body of this church, having final authority in all matters. The congregation calls pastoral staff members, elects elders, and approves budgets, objectives and strategies for the church. The Board of Elders acts for the congregation in all matters not specifically reserved to the congregation in its Bylaws, or where the congregation has not taken specific action.



• Board of Elders: The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the strategic spiritual direction of Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church and shall have authority to manage the business affairs of the church. It is responsible to the congregation to recommend strategies and objectives to fulfill the church’s mission, to review progress against objectives, and to assure that the church operates consistently with its strategies. The elders shall be leaders of the congregation in life, thought and ministry. The Board of Elders shall include the Senior Pastor as a member. An additional pastor may also be included as a member at the discretion of the Board of Elders. The duties of the Board of Elders include to:
  
  
  • Work with the pastoral staff in assuming responsibility for the over-all spiritual welfare of the church.
  
  
  
  • Formulate the vision and direction of the church and keep its mission clear. The elders may request objectives from the staff and ministry teams.
  
  
  
  • Regularly meet, review and evaluate the total program of the church to determine that objectives are being met, to take or recommend corrective action, or to revise objectives where necessary. Elder Board members present for a particular, duly-called meeting, represent a quorum for conducting and voting on business matters, subject to a minimum of three (3) members. A duly-called meeting is a meeting wherein all board members have been notified by direct conversation, written form, voice mail message, email, or fax. A motion decision shall require a simple majority, and may require a higher majority as determined by the Board of Elders prior to voting on a particular motion.
  
  
  
  • Ensure that every aspect of the church’s ministry is characterized by faithful proclamation of God’s Word.
  
  
  
  • Be devoted in prayer for the church and its ministries.
  
  
  
  • In conjunction with other leaders and the pastors, ensure that spiritual care is provided to those who are in personal crisis and / or spiritual warfare, and that they receive the needed counsel, support and help.
  
  
  
  • Represent the congregation in certain staff relationships including:
    
    
    • Annual review of the ministry of the Senior Pastor, providing counsel as required.
    
    
    
    • Annual review and approval of staff compensation, approval of compensation for new staff, and approval of other personnel expenses for any staff member or activity.
    
    
    
    • Establishment of personnel policies and administration of those policies as they directly relate to the Senior Pastor.
    
    
    
    • Approval and maintenance of job descriptions for all staff members.
    
    
    
  • Oversee the membership processes of the church
  
  
  
  • Assist the staff in the observance of the church ordinances.
  
  
  
  • Develop and recommend an annual budget to the congregation.
  
  
  
  • Support the pastoral staff in the practice of Biblical church discipline.
  
  
  
  • Work for Biblically based resolution where conflict exists.
  
  
  
  • Appoint and / or discontinue ministry team leaders, deacons, and ad hoc and special committees as needed.
  
  
  
  • Act on the resignation or dismissal of any church officer considering the best interests of the church.
  
  
  
  • Establish and update programs and policies as needed for the ministry and administration of the church.
  
  
  
  • Recommend to the congregation changes to the Bylaws.
  
  
  
  • Approve non-budgetary expenditures, the total of which shall not exceed 3% of the budget in any given fiscal year.
  
  
  
  • When the Senior Pastor position is vacant, provide for worship and other services normally the responsibility of the Senior Pastor, on a prioritized basis. As necessary, adjust the duties of other pastoral staff members and / or provide for an interim senior pastor.

Ministry

• Board of Elders: The goal for each believer is to be a ministering servant utilizing God-given talents, skills, and spiritual gifts. To this end, the church ministries are accomplished through various ministry teams grouped into major ministry areas, such as:
  
  
  • WORSHIP - By adoring God together.
  
  
  
  • FELLOWSHIP - By loving and caring for one another.
  
  
  
  • DISCIPLESHIP - By equipping our saints for service.
  
  
  
  • OUTREACH - To the community and around the world.
  
  
  
  • STEWARDSHIP - By taking care of God’s resources.



• Ministry Teams: Within each major ministry area, ministry teams shall be formed as needed for planning, implementing, coordinating, and communicating the various ministries of the church. The Board of Elders shall establish ministry teams. Each ministry team is to:
  
  
  • Recruit and train ministry people.
  
  
  
  • Define and provide the necessary materials required for ministry.
  
  
  
  • Submit proposed budgets and objectives to the Board of Elders for consideration.
  
  
  
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement ministry objectives.
  
  
  
  • Review progress against objectives, providing feedback to the Board of Elders.
  
  
  
  • Ordinarily have one church staff person or officer as an ex officio member to facilitate good communication with the church leadership.



• Ministry Team Leaders: The ministry team leaders are responsible for implementation of the church ministries through the ministry teams. Ministry team leaders:<
  
  
  • Lead the ministry teams in fulfilling responsibilities.
  
  
  
  • Integrate the ministry teams into the overall mission and the major ministry areas of the church.
  
  
  
  • Provide the coordination and communication between the ministry teams and the church leadership.



• Deacons: The deacons are responsible for works of help, support and service necessary to free the pastors and elders for the ministry of the Word and spiritual care of the congregation. They are to model active involvement in the major ministry areas within the church. Deacons:
  
  
  • Serve actively on ministry teams.
  
  
  
  • Provide leadership and coordination in the Stewardship Ministry Area in property, facilities, and/or financial management.
  
  
  
  • Are to be “agents of mercy” seeking out and ministering to individuals and families within the church community needing material and physical caring assistance. To this end, manage the Deacon Care Fund.

Committees

• Nominating Committee: There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of the Church Chairman, an additional elder appointed by the Board of Elders, the Senior Pastor or designee in the absence of the Senior Pastor, and three members elected by the congregation. Only one member may be from the same immediate family. The Church Chairman shall serve as chairman of the Nominating Committee. The committee is responsible to the congregation to:
  
  
  • Solicit and receive member names from the congregation, to be considered as possible candidates for elective offices and committees.
  
  
  
  • Present candidates for elective office at the annual congregational meeting and at other congregational meetings as necessary. It shall normally present one candidate for each vacant office..
  
  
  
  • Present candidates as required for election to a Pastoral Calling Committee at a congregational meeting.
  
  
  
  • Present candidates for election to the new Nominating Committee at the annual congregational meeting and at other congregational meetings as necessary.



• Pastoral Calling Committee: There shall be a Pastoral Calling Committee, as necessary, which shall be responsible to the congregation. It shall consist of two elders, one deacon or ministry team leader appointed by the Board of Elders, and four members elected by the congregation. Only one member may be from the same immediate family. The Board of Elders shall appoint the chairman of this committee. Its duties shall be to:
  
  
  • Check background, interview, evaluate and select possible candidates for a pastoral staff position. No more than one candidate at a time shall be presented to the congregation for a vote to issue a call.
  
  
  
  • Provide opportunity for Board of Elders to interview and affirm the pastoral candidate prior to recommendation to the congregation.
  
  
  
  • Make a recommendation to the congregation at a congregational meeting to issue a pastoral call with specific terms approved by the Board of Elders.
  
  
  
  • Handle communication with candidates until a call is accepted, after which responsibility for communications transfers to the Board of Elders and / or church staff.

ARTICLE IX: DUTIES OF LEADER

Senior Pastor: The responsibilities of the Senior Pastor include the following:

• Leadership: The Senior Pastor shall be the spiritual shepherd and administrative leader of the church. Along with the elders, the Senior Pastor shall be responsible to:
  
  
  • Motivate staff and key volunteers in their ministries.
  
  
  
  • See that strategic initiatives and strategies are carried out with excellence and in keeping with the mission and vision of the church.
  
  
  
  • Closely attend to the identification, training and deployment of leaders at all levels and areas of ministry.
  
  
  
• Preaching and Teaching: The Senior Pastor shall be responsible to:
  
  
  • Proclaim God’s Word at the church’s public services and shall consider the pulpit ministry his highest priority.
  
  
  
  • Spend the necessary time in study and prayer to preach and teach with accuracy, in a manner easily understood, with relevant and timely application, and with the goal of compelling listeners to action leading to changed lives.
  
  
  
• Mission and Vision: The Senior Pastor shall be responsible to:
  
  
  • Be the chief spokesperson for the values, mission and vision of the church with the staff and the congregation.
  
  
  
  • Work regularly with the elders to identify ministry priorities and seek to keep mission and vision at the forefront of leadership discussions.
  
  
  
  • In light of the rapidly changing ministry needs of our culture, seek to stay current on new ministry strategies and opportunities and bring these issues to the elders for discussion and consideration.
  
  
  
• Pastoral Care: The Senior Pastor is responsible to:
  
  
  • Ensure that the spiritual needs of the congregation are met through the various ministries of the church.
  
  
  
  • As a shepherd, lead by instruction, prayer and godly example with the staff, elders, deacons, ministry team leaders, and congregation.
  
  
  
  • In conjunction with other leaders, ensure that spiritual care is provided to those who are in personal crisis and that they receive the needed counsel, support and help.
  
  
  
  • Oversee the administration of the ordinances of the church and other accepted pastoral functions such as weddings, funerals and child dedications.
  
  
  
• Guidance and Direction: The Senior Pastor shall strive to influence church teams and committees to establish and accomplish objectives in keeping with the mission, vision and strategies of the church. To this end, the Senior Pastor or designee shall:
  
  
  • Be a member of the Board of Elders.
  
  
  
  • Be an ex-officio member of each ministry team and committee.
  
  
  
• Supervision: The Senior Pastor shall direct and supervise the church staff, providing counsel, encouragement and correction so as to assist in the accomplishment of objectives for each staff member. All staff members are responsible to the Senior Pastor either directly or through another staff member as directed.

Church Chairman: The Church Chairperson shall, in cooperation with the Senior Pastor, appraise the work of the Board of Elders and other church organizations and shall work as necessary with any ministry group to accomplish church objectives. The Church Chairman shall provide leadership to the Board of Elders and shall serve as the moderator of all congregational meetings.

Church Vice Chairman: The Church Vice Chairman shall fulfill the chairman duties in the absence or at the direction of the Chairman, duties normally pertaining to the vice chairman office, or other duties as assigned.

Church Treasurer: The Church Treasurer shall serve as the financial officer of the church. The treasurer shall assist the elders in establishing long-term financial strategies. The Church Treasurer shall ensure that processes are established and administered to control handling and disbursement of funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and as a responsible Christian steward. The Church Treasurer shall serve in the Stewardship Ministry Area.

Church Secretary: The Church Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining official church records, recording minutes and member attendance at congregational meetings and managing the absentee ballot process.

Dual Roles: Church officers shall fulfill corporation officer positions under the church ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION as shown below:

• Senior Pastor or designee - Corporation Agent



• Church Chairman - Corporation President



• Church Vice Chairman - Corporation Vice President



• Church Secretary - Corporation Secretary



• Church Treasurer - Corporation Treasurer

ARTICLE X: CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Procedural Conduct: The procedures for the conduct of congregational meetings shall ordinarily be established and directed by the Church Chairman or designee. In cases where clarification is needed, the congregation itself may recommend a methodology for proceeding. In all cases, the practice of Biblical principles such as, honoring one another, putting others’ interests ahead of one’s own, speaking the truth in love, yielding to one another, being quick to listen and slow to anger…etc., shall be expected of all participants.

Annual Congregational Meeting: The annual congregational meeting of the church shall ordinarily be held in November or at an alternate time as determined by the Board of Elders.

Special Congregational Meetings: Special congregational meetings may be called by the Board of Elders, the Senior Pastor, or by a written petition signed by at least one-fifth (1/5) of the church members eligible to vote.

Notification: Congregational meeting shall mean a meeting of the church members who have been properly notified as explained in the following paragraph.

Proper notice for all congregational meetings shall be a printed announcement in the Sunday bulletin for two Sundays prior to the meeting and / or a letter of notification mailed, emailed or faxed to the addresses / phone numbers as appropriate and on record at the church, of voting-eligible church members. The letter of notification is to be mailed, emailed, or faxed not less than two weeks before the meeting. Such notice shall include the time and location of the meeting, and the agenda of item(s) to be considered for action at the meeting.

ARTICLE XI: ELECTIONS AND VOTING

Annual Elections: At the annual congregational meeting, the Nominating Committee shall normally present a candidate for each elective office position to be filled and for congregational members to serve on the next year’s Nominating Committee.

Interim Elections: Interim elections to fill elective office and other elected vacancies may be held at any congregational meeting.

Voting:

• Only church members age sixteen and older are eligible to vote at congregational meetings. Each voting-eligible member shall have only one (1) vote.



• All elections of elective officers, nominating committee members, pastoral calling committee members, approving of annual budgets, and calling of pastoral staff members shall be the responsibility of the congregation by written ballot. Votes for acquiring, selling, and building upon real property, or borrowing money shall also be the responsibility of the congregation by written ballot. The Church Chairman may call for written ballot votes on other key questions.



• Any church member who is unavoidably detained from attending a congregational meeting may request an absentee ballot from the Church Secretary or designee, for motions that require written ballot votes. Absentee ballots are to be submitted to the church in a sealed envelope prior to the congregational meeting. Absentee ballots shall be unsealed at the congregational meeting for ballot counting. The Board of Elders may disallow absentee ballots for a particular motion issue. Disallowance of absentee ballots shall be done prior to the congregational meeting and shall be communicated to the congregation in the notification for that meeting.



• Voting by proxy is not authorized.

Quorum and Majority: Church members voting at a congregational meeting shall constitute the decision-making and voting body quorum of the church for that particular meeting, except as otherwise required in other provisions of the Bylaws. Motion decisions shall require simple majority of those voting, except as otherwise required in other provisions of the Bylaws.

ARTICLE XII: MISCELLANEOUS

Non-profit Corporation and Exempt Activities:

• This church is a non-profit corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida.



• Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, the purposes for which the church is organized are exclusively religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law.



• Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, this church shall not carry on any activities not permitted by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law.

Principal Office: The principal office of this church in the State of Florida shall be located at 298 Aquatic Drive, Atlantic Beach, Florida.

Fiscal and Elective Year: The fiscal and elective year of the church shall be January 1st through December 31st.

Ministry Environment Protection Procedure: Potential and current staff members, church officers and leaders, ministry team members, and ministry volunteers are subject to completing confidential application forms, personal interviews, and background / reference checks, as determined by the Board of Elders, to ensure a safe, protective, and nurturing environment for church ministries. An individual may appeal the decision of this process to a group of church officers composed of the Senior Pastor, the Church Chairman, and an additional elder. The decision of this group shall be final.

Liability of Officers: The officers of this church shall not be personally liable for the church’s debts, liabilities, or other obligations.

Compensation: No compensation shall be paid to church officers for services performed for the church in any capacity, unless the church adopts a resolution authorizing such remuneration before the services are rendered.

Delegation of Powers: For any reason deemed sufficient by the church, the church may delegate any power or duty of any officer to any other member, but no member shall execute, acknowledge, or verify any instrument in more than one capacity.

Action Without Meeting: No meeting need be held by the Board of Elders to take any action required or permitted to be taken by law, provided all members of the Board are notified and at least two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such action, and such written consent or consents is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as action by a motion vote at a meeting of the Board of Elders. Any certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by a two-thirds (2/3) or more written consent of the Board of Elders without a meeting, and that Bylaws authorize the Board of Elders to so act. Such a statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority.

Contracts: The Board of Elders may, by motion duly adopted, authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the church, in addition to the officers so authorized by these Bylaws to enter into any contract, to execute and deliver any instrument, and to expend resources in the name of and on behalf of the church. Such authority may be general, or confined to specific instances, and is contingent upon congregational prior general approval of the commitment.

Gifts and Contributions Subject to Church Financial Policy: The Board of Elders or their designees may accept on behalf of the church any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise of any property whatsoever, for the general or special charitable purposes of the church. These gifts are accepted subject to the current church Financial Policy, as it may be so approved from time to time by the Board of Elders. Gifts, grants, bequests and devises shall be deemed irrevocable. All such property received and accepted by the church shall become a part of the church property and may be commingled with other assets of the church. The Board of Elders, in its judgment, may determine from time to time that such property should be placed in a separate and / or distinct fund or account.

Deposits: All funds of the church shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the church in such banks, trust companies, or other depositaries as the Board of Elders or their designee may select.

Checks, Drafts, Order for Payment: All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the church shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the church and in such manner as the Board of Elders shall from time to time by motion determine. The Church Chairman or the Church Vice Chairman shall sign such instruments in the absence of such determination.

Records: The church shall prepare and maintain correct and complete records of account and shall also keep minutes of the meetings of its members and Board of Elders, and shall keep at the registered or principal office a membership record giving the names and mail address, email address, and / or fax number of members entitled to vote.

ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS

General: These Bylaws may be amended, revised, added to, repealed, or rescinded and / or new bylaws adopted at any congregational meeting. Written copies of the proposed change documents are to be available for member review, and written notices shall be made to the membership as provided for congregational meetings in Article X.D, at least two (2) weeks prior to such meeting in which changes are to be considered.

Quorum and Majority:

• A quorum for changing the CONSTITUTIONAL ARTICLES, Articles I through V, shall be as provided for in Article XI.D, with the exception that the quorum shall be no less than one-third (1/3) of the voting-eligible church members. A two-thirds (2/3) majority written-ballot vote of those members voting shall be required to enact changes to the CONSTITUTIONAL ARTICLES.



• A quorum for changing the PROCEDURAL ARTICLES, Articles VI through XIV, shall be as provided for in Article XI.D, with the exception that the quorum shall be no less than one-fourth (1/4) of the voting-eligible church members. A two-thirds (2/3) majority written-ballot vote of those members voting shall be required to enact changes to the PROCEDURAL ARTICLES.

ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLUTION

In case of the dissolution of Sunrise Community Evangelical Free Church, the church assets and any indebtedness shall be transferred according to the following priority:

• To the Southeastern District Conference of the Evangelical Free Church of America.
• To the National Headquarters of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

Any such assets and indebtedness not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Circuit Court of the county in which the principal office of the church is then located, exclusively for a public purpose.