Constitution for the First Christian Church
Medina, Ohio(Current Revision Adopted by the Congregation December 14, 2003)
P R E A M B L E
We, the members of the FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Medina, Ohio, a Congregationally governed, incorporated body, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); in order to guide and promote the work of this Congregation in the spirit of Christ, and thus advance His kingdom; do hereby adopt this Constitution, and by this action, cancel, supersede, and revoke any and all Constitutions heretofore adopted by this Congregation.
ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE
The name of this organization shall be the FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Medina, Ohio.
The purpose of this organization shall be as revealed in the New Testament, to win people to faith in Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the church, to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do His will; and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the Kingdom of God.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this Congregation, as a part of the Church Universal, shall consist of those who are now members of the Congregation and those who shall unite with it by confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, giving expression to their faith through baptism by immersion and personal commitment to Him; and those who unite by transfer of membership from some other church, thereby making reaffirmation of their faith and commitment to Christ.
An active member shall be considered one who is regular in attendance, or participates in activities, or contributes financial support through the year.
An inactive member is any member who has not qualified as an active member for one year. He or she shall be contacted by the Elders before his/her or her name is transferred to the inactive list.
Only active members shall have rights in the assets of the Congregation or the right to vote or otherwise take part in the affairs of the Congregation.
ARTICLE III. FINANCES
The financing of this church shall be by free will offerings in the form of weekly pledges or otherwise, as may be determined by the Administrative Board of the church. It is hoped that each member will give as the Lord has prospered him. All moneys of the church shall be deposited by the Financial Secretary in their appropriate accounts and shall be paid out by the Church Treasurer or the Asset Fund Trustees at the direction of the Administrative Board. The Administrative Board shall oversee the maintenance of the church as a 501c3 (or current law) tax-exempt entity under state and federal requirements.
The administration of the Reserve and Permanent Asset Funds of the church shall be set forth in the By Laws of this constitution, however, language regarding the specific reserve funds of Memorials, Music, Scholarship, and Building, and the Permanent Asset Fund shall not be amended without congregational approval.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
Section A – Officers
The Congregation shall annually elect a Congregation President and Vice-President, who shall also serve as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Administrative Board. The congregation shall elect the positions set forth in Section B of Article IV below and any other positions that may be needed, from its membership, to carry on the affairs of the church.
All officers empowered by the articles of this constitution, whether congregationally elected or appointed by the Administrative Board, shall serve for the term of office specified for their position or until their successors are elected.
Section B – Duties and Terms of Office
1) ELDERS: In accordance with the scriptural instructions in Acts 6:1-8, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-10, the Elders shall be selected from both the men and women of the membership of the congregation who most consistently exhibit the qualities set forth below.
a) Qualities of Elders:
i) Have an understanding of the Scriptures
ii) Have a set of beliefs which comes from that understanding
iii) Have the ability to communicate their faith to others
iv) Be able to encourage others through sound doctrine
v) Of one spouse (monogamous) or single
vi) Be blameless to the degree of human ability
vii) Be not given to excessive drink
viii) Be honest in personal and business relations
ix) Be not violent in nature
x) Be hospitable and charitable with one's possessions
xi) Be humble, just and a lover of goodness
xii) Be an example of disciplined living
xiii) Be persons of sound reputation and integrity
xiv) Be Disciples of mature faith.
b) Duties of Elders. It is expected that Elders shall:
i) Tend to the members of the congregation as servants, with nurturing, Christian love
ii) Preside at the Table and see that the pulpit is filled in the minister's absence
iii) Visit the sick and home bound
iv) Teach the Word through direct instruction or personal example
v) Be moral and spiritual behavioral examples to the congregation and to those outside the fellowship
vi) Be involved leaders in the congregation's work
vii) Be approachable and willing listeners to all
viii) Be supportive of the Minister as he/she seeks to respond to God's call
ix) Be supportive of all other Elders, encouraging their growth and supporting them in times of struggle
x) Practice faithful stewardship of time, talent and treasure.
c) Leadership Responsibility of the Elders. The leadership responsibility of the Elders comes from three sources which, when kept in balance through the leading of the Holy Spirit, make the Elders worthy of the congregation's trust and confidence.
i) The leadership responsibility of the Elders comes from the Word of God as recounted in the Holy Scriptures.
ii) The leadership responsibility of the Elders comes from the Constitution of the First Christian Church of Medina and its delineation of the qualities and duties of Elders.
iii) The leadership responsibility of the Elders comes from the personal actions by which individual elders exhibit the qualities and perform the duties of Eldership, thereby establishing their leadership through congregational confidence in their judgment and spirituality.
d) Terms of Office: In selecting nominees for the office of Elder, the Nominating Committee shall select only those members of the congregation whom they feel exhibit the qualities of Elders set forth above.
i) The Term of Office shall be three years, with approximately one third of the Elders being elected each year.
ii) There shall be no less than three Elders and there may be as many as the needs of the congregation may require, said needs to be determined by the Administrative Board.
iii) One Elder shall be selected by the other Elders to act as Chair each year filling the function of convener.
iv) No Elder may directly succeed him/her self in office. A one year lapse must occur between terms of office. Once an individual has been selected as an Elder, they shall be deemed to have the qualities of Eldership and may be called upon at any time to fulfill the duties of an Elder as set forth in Section B; 1 -b above. If there is a question as to the suitability of any Elder, those questions shall be submitted to the Elder Chair and the Minister who may ask other Elders to assist in assessing the questions and, if necessary, offering support and care to the Elder in question.
2) DIACONATE: The Diaconate shall consist of both men and women of the congregation. As nearly as practical an equal balance of men and women should be maintained.
a) Diaconate members shall be responsible for the preparation of and distribution of the elements for the Communion service, receiving the offering, assisting with the preparation of candidates for baptism, assisting the minister with baptismal candidates, ministering to the needy for the church, ministering to the special needs of families in times of sickness and bereavement, assisting with the collection of finances for the church. In general, cooperating with the Elders and the Minister in promoting the growth and welfare of the congregation. Special heed should be given to the Biblical instructions found in Acts 6: 1-8 and Timothy 3: 8-13.
b) Term of office shall be three years, with one-third of the Diaconate being elected each year.
c) There shall be no less than six Diaconate members, and there may be as many as the needs of the Congregation may require, said needs to be determined by the Administrative Board.
d) One Diaconate member shall be chosen by the other members of the Diaconate to act as Chairperson each year. The previous year’s vice-chairperson shall normally fill this chair.
e) No Diaconate member may succeed himself in office. A one-year lapse must occur between terms of office.
f) The Diaconate shall choose one of its members to act as vice – chairperson. Said vice-chairperson shall become the chairperson in the successive calendar year.
3) CYF DIACONATE: The CYF Diaconate shall share with the Diaconate the responsibility for distributing the emblems of the Lord's Supper, receiving the offerings, assisting with baptismal candidates, ministering to the needy of the church; and in general, cooperating with the Elders, the Diaconate, and the Minister in promoting the growth and welfare of the congregation. Special heed shall be given to the Biblical instructions found in Acts 6, 1-8, and I Timothy 3:8-13.
a) Nominees must be members of the First Christian Church of Medina, Ohio and must be active members of the Christian Youth Fellowship group of said church.
b) Nominees for CYF Diaconate shall be presented to the Congregation by the Nominating Committee as part of the election of church officers at the annual meeting in December.
c) Elected members of the CYF Diaconate shall have full voice and vote in meetings of the Diaconate.
d) The duties of the CYF Diaconate members, including serving schedule dates and program involvement, shall be under the direction of the Diaconate Chair, who shall consider the unique circumstances of this/her position in the assignment of duties.
e) The term of elected office for the members of the CYF Diaconate shall be one year. Members may be elected to serve more than one, one-year term; however, the maximum number of consecutive terms shall be limited to two (2).
f) The membership of the CYF Diaconate shall not exceed six (6).
g) Membership eligibility in the CYF Program is defined as youth in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) who are under the age of nineteen (19).
4) TRUSTEES: The Trustees shall be responsible for all of the physical equipment of the church, and shall act as the legal agents of the congregation; performing such special duties in this regard as may be requested or required of them from time to time by the congregation. They shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of the church buildings and grounds, being careful to see that adequate insurance protection is carried, that adequate custodial services are provided, and any other such demands as may be required of Trustees by the Code of the State of Ohio.
a) Term of office shall be three years, with one-third of the Trustees being elected each year.
b) There shall be no less than three Trustees, and there may be as many as the needs of the Congregation may require; said needs to be determined by the Administrative Board.
c) One Trustee shall be chosen by the other Trustees to act as Chair each year.
d) A Trustee may succeed him/herself in office for one additional three-year term. Following six consecutive years of service, a one-year lapse must occur before a Trustee will be eligible for a new term of office.
5) RESERVE AND PERMANENT ASSET FUND TRUSTEES: The Reserve and Permanent Asset Fund Trustees, consisting of three (3) members of the Congregation, will be elected for three years, one to be elected each year. Any fund Trustee may be elected to succeed him/her self. The duties, responsibilities, and procedures of the Trustees shall be set forth in this constitution’s By-Laws.
Section C – Election of Officers
1) A nominating committee, consisting of no less than five (5) members, shall be appointed by the Chair of the Administrative Board, in consultation with the minister, and with the approval of the Administrative Board. At least one member of this committee shall be chosen from the congregation at large. The names of this committee shall be announced to the congregation at least four weeks prior to the election meeting. Said committee will be charged with the nomination of candidates for the offices of Elder, Diaconate, CYF Diaconate, Trustee, Reserve and Permanent Asset Fund Trustee, church clerk, congregational president and vice president, treasurer, financial secretary, three at-large members of the board, and the elected members of the Program Council, including a Spiritual Life Coordinator recommended by the Elders.
2) A list of vacant positions shall be provided annually to the Nominating Committee by the Administrative Board prior to the commencement of the Nominating Committee’s work.
3) Suggestions from the congregation, for nominees, should be in the hands of the committee at least ten days prior to the election meeting. The nominating committee shall consider the qualifications of each candidate, secure the consent of the nominees, and prepare a slate of candidates, with no more than two nominees for each vacancy.
4) The nominating committee shall report its nominations to the congregation. Nominations shall be allowed from the floor for any vacancy, provided that the consent of the persons nominated has been secured. The election meeting shall be held in the month of December.
5) Nominees receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected. Voting shall be by secret ballot, unless there is only one nominee for the vacancy or vacancies involved.
6) Vacancies in any office shall be filled for the unexpired term by an appointment of the Chair of the Administrative Board, in consultation with the minister, subject to the approval of the Administrative Board.
ARTICLE V. THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD
Section A – Membership
The voting membership of the Administrative Board is composed of the following congregationally elected members: A congregational president (who will act as chair), a vice-president, a secretary, the Church Treasurer, the Church Clerk, the Financial Secretary, and three (3) at-large members. The board shall also be composed of one (1) voting representative appointed by each of the following groups: The Elders, Trustees, Diaconate, Reserve and Permanent Asset Fund Trustees, Personnel, Finance, Program Council and the CYF. All organizations within the church may appoint non-voting delegates to sit in on the Administrative Board Meetings. The Chair and Vice Chair may be elected for three consecutive years, after which a one-year lapse must occur before re-election to the same office.
Section B – Duties
1) The Administrative Board shall hold regular meetings to consider general policies of the church and will make such recommendations to the Congregation from time to time as they may deem advisable; it being understood that a full report is to be made to all members of the congregation at least annually.
2) The Administrative Board shall transact all business for, and in the name of, the church and congregation.
3) The Administrative Board shall delegate the implementation of the program of the church to the Program Council; however, the Administrative Board shall retain oversight of the Program Council.
4) The chairs of the Standing Committees of Personnel and Stewardship and Finance, and such other committees as may be created by the Administrative Board, shall be appointed by the Board Chair with the approval of the Administrative Board.
5) The Administrative Board shall see that the appropriate committee prepares a budget annually, for the operation of the church, and that proper steps are taken to raise the amount of money needed to complete said budget.
6) The Administrative Board shall see that all bills of the church and church school are paid as promptly as possible, thus assuring the church a good credit standing.
7) The Administrative Board has the authority to spend money at its discretion, except that it cannot borrow any funds without the specific instructions from, and by the approval in due form, of the congregation.
8) The Administrative Board will supervise the hiring of any special help needed in carrying out the work of the church, including, but not limited to, choral direction, organists, secretaries, ministerial assistants, and custodians.
9) All employees of the church, except the minister, shall be employed by the Administrative Board, by a three-fourths vote of members present and voting. Such employees shall be responsible to the Administrative Board, or to such authority as the Administrative Board may designate, for the performance of their duties. A written statement, setting forth the terms of the contract shall be made in triplicate, one copy being given to the employees, one copy retained by the Personnel Committee, and one copy being kept for the records in the church office.
Section C – Officers Elected by the Congregation, Duties, Terms of Office, etc.
Unless otherwise determined by the Administrative Board, each of the following named officers is to be elected for a term of one year. Reelection can be made without restriction as to the number of terms served, subject only to the discretion of the Administrative Board.
1) The Church Clerk – shall keep a complete record of the church membership and such vital statistics as births, deaths, baptisms, and weddings; receive and reply to requests for church letters.
2) The Financial Secretary – shall keep an accurate record of all pledges from the Congregation; receive all moneys and credit the same to the proper accounts; deposit said moneys in the bank, and give the Church Treasurer complete information on the amounts deposited. The Financial Secretary shall assist the Administrative Board and the minister in the preparation of statements or other means of collecting unpaid pledges, as may be determined from time to time by the Administrative Board. Regular reports of moneys received and deposited shall be made at each meeting of the Administrative Board.
3) The Church Treasurer – shall receive all funds deposited by the Financial Secretary and disburse those funds at the direction of the Administrative Board, making a regular report to the Administrative Board at each meeting, and a quarterly report to the church. All books kept by the Church Treasurer will be reviewed periodically at the direction of the Administrative Board.
4) The Program Council - The Program Council shall be composed of eleven (11) congregationally elected voting members and a non-voting recording secretary. The members may include the congregational president or vice president, one volunteer coordinator, one liaison to the administrative board, one special projects coordinator, one membership services representative, one spiritual life coordinator, and one representative from each of the areas of Worship, Missions, Education, Good News, and the Worship Through Music Department. The Program Council shall coordinate and administer the program of the church exclusive of those areas under the direct control of the Administrative Board or the minister.
Each of the above named officers shall make available to the Congregation an annual report if so requested by the Administrative Board. The function, responsibilities, duties, and procedures of the Program Council shall be set forth in this constitution’s By-Laws. Membership on the Program Council may be amended without Congregational approval by a three-fourths majority vote of the entire Program Council and a three-fourths majority vote of the entire Administrative Board.
Section D – Organization of the Administrative Board
1) The Administrative Board shall, at the last meeting of the old fiscal year, invite the newly elected members.
2) The Chair of the Administrative Board shall preside at all meetings of the Administrative Board and of the Congregation. The Chair may, if he/she chooses to do so, ask the Vice Chair to act as Chair; or, in the absence of the Vice Chair, the Chair may ask another Board member to take his/her place.
3) The Chair of the Administrative Board shall appoint such standing and special committees and fill such non-elected positions as may be deemed necessary to carry out the program of the church. All such appointments shall be made in consultation with the minister, and with the approval of the Administrative Board. Unless otherwise indicated at the time of the appointment, all such appointees will serve a term of one year, and may be reelected as often as deemed advisable by the Administrative Board.
4) The Secretary of the Administrative Board shall keep the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Congregation and all regular and special meetings of the Administrative Board.
Section E – Meetings
1) The Administrative Board shall hold regular meetings, as often as the needs of the Congregation may seem to require; said requirements to be determined by the Administrative Board.
2) The Administrative Board shall hold such special meetings as may be called by the Chair of the Administrative Board, or by the minister, or upon the written request of six (6) or more members of the Administrative Board.
3) One-half of the total number of Administrative Board members shall constitute a quorum, without which number no Administrative business shall be transacted.
Section F – Relationship with Church Organizations and Members
1) All auxiliary organizations of the church, including Church School classes, may be requested to make regular reports to the Administrative Board, at least annually, at which time the Administrative Board may make such recommendations as it deems advisable.
2) Documents regarding pertinent decisions related to the business operation of the church shall be made available to any congregation member in a timely fashion upon reasonable request.
ARTICLE VI – THE MINISTER
Section A – Selection of a Minister
The minister shall be chosen by the Congregation in the following manner:
1) A pulpit committee shall interview all candidates and recommend one prospective minister to the Administrative Board. Only one prospective minister shall be considered at one time. The Administrative Board shall consider the recommendation of the Pulpit Committee, and upon approval by a three-fourths majority of the Board Members present and voting (by secret ballot), shall recommend the prospect to the Congregation at a duly called meting. The recommendation of the Administrative Board must be accepted by at least three-fourths majority of the active members of the congregation present and voting by secret ballot, at a regular or specially called meeting of the congregation, before a call may be extended to a candidate.
2) The Pulpit Committee shall consist of one Elder, two members of the Diaconate (one female and one male), one Trustee, two at-large from the membership, one church school representative, one young adult, and the Chair of the Administrative Board. All members of the committee shall be chosen by the Chair of the Administrative Board, subject to the approval of the Administrative Board. A balance of male and female members is desired, to the degree possible.
Section B – Term of Office
The minister shall be hired for an indefinite period. His/her services may be terminated by the congregation or by the minister upon thirty days written notice.
Section C – Duties of a Minister
1) The minister shall perform those duties which are generally accepted to be a part of his/her office. As the spiritual administrator of the congregation, the minister shall be a non-voting member of all organized groups, auxiliaries, boards, and committees, and shall be considered an Elder in the church.
2) A written statement, setting forth the salary to be paid, and other conditions of the call, shall be made in triplicate, one copy being given to the minister, one copy retained by the Personnel Committee, and one copy being kept for the records in the church office.
Section D – Cooperation with the Minister
Realizing that the minister needs the help of many people in the discharge of his/her duties, the congregation, in extending a call to the minister, obligates itself to cooperate with the minister in all ways, giving a sympathetic hearing to any suggestions he/she may have for the improvement of the church program from time to time. The congregation also agrees to provide for the spiritual, recreational, and financial needs of the minister and his/her family, to the best of its ability.
ARTICLE VII – CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
Section A – Regular Meetings
The fiscal year will be January 1 through December 31. The annual business meeting of the congregation shall be held in the month of December, at which time reports for the previous fiscal year will be presented.
Section B – Special Meetings
1) Special meetings may be held as required, said meetings to be called by the Chair of the Administrative Board, or upon the written petition of 20% or more of the active members.
2) The services of a minister may be terminated by a majority vote of the active membership present and voting at a special meeting or regular meeting of the congregation, said voting to be by secret ballot, with provision made for absentee balloting. Notification procedures for any congregational meeting at which termination of a minister is to be considered shall follow the requirements set forth in Article IX of this constitution.
Section C – Notice of Meetings
Notice of all regular or special business meetings of the Congregation shall be given on a Sunday at least one week in advance of the meeting; unless other special written notification may be legally required.
Section D – Rules of Order and Procedure
Unless otherwise specifically stated in this Constitution, all business meetings of the Congregation and of the Administrative Board shall be governed by the current edition of Roberts’ Rules of Order (Newly Revised). Unless otherwise directed by the Administrative Board, the minister shall serve as Parliamentarian at all meetings.
ARTICLE VIII – CHURCH ORDINANCES
Section A – The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper shall be offered to all believers on the first day of each week, and upon such other occasions as may be deemed advisable.
Section B – Christian Baptism
Baptism of penitent believers shall be by burial in water (immersion) which, we believe, was the practice of the New Testament church. (See Matthew 3:13-15 and Acts 2:38). Every effort will be made to keep this and all ordinances of the church sacred, and to conduct them in simple, beautiful, and reverent manner.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
All, or any part, of this Constitution may be amended at any business meeting of the Congregation, by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting, provided that a written copy of the proposed amendment and notice of the meeting time have been mailed to the members of the congregation at least two weeks in advance of the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
ARTICLE X – BY-LAWS
The activities of the church shall be governed by the Administrative Board and the Congregation. The Board may adopt any By-laws not in conflict with this Constitution.
Notes:
1. The Constitution of the First Christian Church of Medina was originally adopted in its modern form by the congregation in 1957.
2. A major revision to the original constitution was adopted in 1970.