Constitution and Bylaws of Faith Community Church
Adopted January 1, 2012

Contents:

Article I
Name and Location ……………………………………………2

Article II
Purpose ……………………………………………………….2

Article III
Statement of Faith …………………………………………….2

Article IV
Corporate Commitment ………………………………………9

Article V
Church Government …………………………………………14

Article VI
Congregational Meetings ……………………………………19

Article VII
Officers of the Corporation ………………………………….20

Article VIII
Settlement of Disputes……………………………………….22

Article IX
Other Provisions ……………………………………………..22

Article X
Receipt, Investment, and Disbursement of Funds ……………23

Article XI
Dissolution of the Corporation ………………………………24

(Note: This document is a necessary legal requirement and in no way is intended to replace, divert, or
detract from the stance that this church is governed by the Scriptures. God’s Word is the only infallible rule
of faith and practice.)

Article I

Name and Location

The name of this corporation is Faith Community Church. It is a California non-profit
501(c)(3) religious corporation with the principle offices in Vacaville, California.

Article II

Purpose

This corporation is organized for exclusive religious purposes, and is not organized for the
private gain of any person. Our commission is summarized as follows: And Jesus came
up and spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20)
This congregation will be an autonomous, non-denomination church. No relationship which
restricts the full freedom of deliberation, decision, and deportment under God will be
entered. All affiliations there, with other bodies or organizations, will be only for
cooperation in mutually agreed purposes.

Article III

Statement of Faith

SECTION 1. The Holy Scriptures (Bibliology)
We believe/teach that the Bible is God’s written revelation to mankind, and thus the 66
books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the complete (inspired equally
in all its parts) Word of God (1Cor 2:7-14; 2Pet 1:20-21).
We believe/teach that the Word of God is inspired in every word (2Tim 3:16), absolutely
inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed. There may be several
applications of any given passage of Scripture, there is but one true interpretation. The
meaning of Scripture is to be found as one diligently applies the literal grammaticalhistorical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:17;
16:12-15; 1Jn 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true
intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all
generations. Yet the truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in
judgment of Scripture.
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We believe/teach that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice
(Mt 5:18; 24:35; Jn 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1Cor 2:13; 2Tim 3:15-17; Heb 4:12;
2Pet 1:20-21).

SECTION 2. God (Theology Proper)
We believe/teach that there is only one living and true God (Duet 6:4; Isa 45:5-7;
1Cor 8:4), an infinite, all-knowing Spirit (Jn 4:24), perfect in all His attributes, one in
essence, eternally existing in three persons. The Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
(Mt 28:19; 2Cor 13:14) each equally deserving of worship and obedience.

SECTION 3. God the Father (Theology)
We believe/teach that God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, orders and disposes
all things according to His own purpose and grace. He is the Creator of all things. As the
only absolute and omnipotent ruler of the universe, He is sovereign in creation,
providence, and redemption (Gen 1:1-31; Eph 3:9; Ps 103:19; Rom 11:33-36).

SECTION 4. God the Son (Christology)
We believe/teach that Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, possesses all the
divine excellencies, and in these He is co-equal, consubstantial, and co-eternal with the
Father (Jn 10:30; 14:9). He is God incarnate (God becoming man) (Phil 2:5-8;
Col 2:9), born of a virgin (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23-25; Lk 1:26-35), for the purpose
of revealing God, redeeming mankind, and ruling over God’s kingdom (Ps 2:7-9; Is 9:6;
Jn 1:29; Phil2:9-11; Heb 7:25-26; 1Pet 1:18-19).
We believe/teach that our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through the
shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary,
substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive (Jn 10:15; Rom 3:24-25; 1Pet 2:24).
We believe/teach that on the basis of the efficiency of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the believing sinner is freed from the punishment, the penalty, the power, and one day the
very presence of sin; and that he is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into
the family of God (Rom 3:25; 5:8-9; 2Cor 5:14-15; 1Pet 2:24; 3:18).
We believe/teach that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection
from the dead and that He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now
mediates as our High Priest (Mt 28:6; Lk 24:38-39; Act 2:30-31; Rom 4:25; 8:34;
Heb 7:24; 9:24; 1Jn 2:1).

SECTION 5. God the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
We believe/teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, eternal, possessing all the
attributes of personality and deity, including intellect (1Cor 2:10-13), emotion (Eph
4:30), will (1Cor 12:11), eternality (Heb 9:14), omnipresence (Ps 139:7-10),
omniscience (Is 40:13-14), omnipotence (Rom 15:13), and truthfulness (Jn 16:13). In all
the divine attributes He is co-equal, consubstantial, and co-eternal with the Father and the
Son (Mt 28:19; Act 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1Cor 12:4-6; 2Cor 13:14; and Jer 31:31-34
with Heb 10:15-17).
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We believe/teach that the work of the Holy Spirit, in the church age began at Pentecost
when He came from the Father as promised by Christ (Jn 14:16-17; 15:26) to initiate and
complete the building of the Body of Christ, which is His church (1Cor 12:13). The
broad scope of His divine activity includes convicting the world of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment; glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ, and transforming believers into the
expressed image of Christ (Jn 16:7-9; Act 1:5; 2:4; Rom 8:29; 2Cor 3:18; Eph 2:22).

SECTION 6. Concerning Life (Creationism)
We believe/teach that we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy
endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who
created everything (Jn 1:3; Col 1:16). Therefore, He also owns, rules, and sustains
everything (Ps 103:19).
[A] Literal Six Day Creation:
We believe/teach that God created the universe, the earth, the sun, moon and stars, plants
and animals, and the first two people within six ordinary (24-hour) days. The days in
Genesis do not correspond to geologic ages, but are six [6] consecutive twenty-four [24]
hour days of creation (Gen 1; Gen 14:19-22; 2Kin 19:15; 2Chron 2:12; Ps 115:15,
121:2, 124:8, 134:3, 146:6; Jer 23:24; Isa 37:16; Lk 1:37).
[B] Creation and Science:
We believe/teach that the account of origins presented in Genesis is a simple but factual
presentation of actual events, and therefore provides a reliable framework for scientific
research into the question of the origin and history of life, mankind, the earth and the
universe. The various original life forms (kinds), including mankind, were made by direct
creative acts of God. The living descendants of any of the original kinds (apart from man)
may represent more than one species today, reflecting the genetic potential within the
original kind. Only limited biological changes (including mutational deterioration) have
occurred naturally within each kind since creation, therefore we reject the Theory of
Evolution.

SECTION 7. Concerning Mankind (Anthropology)
We believe/teach that man was directly and immediately created by God in His image
and likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition,
self-determination, and moral responsibility to God (Gen 2:7; Jam 3:9).
We believe/teach that God’s intention in the creation of man was that man should glorify
God, enjoy God’s fellowship, live his life in the will of God, and by this accomplish
God’s purpose for man in the world (Is. 43:7; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11).
We believe/teach that in Adam’s sin of disobedience to the revealed will and Word of
God, man lost his innocence; incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death; became
subject to the wrath of God; and became inherently corrupt and utterly incapable of
choosing or doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. With no
recuperative powers to enable him to recover himself, man is hopelessly lost. Man’s
salvation is thereby wholly of God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in the redemptive
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work of our Lord Jesus Christ alone (Gen 2:16, 17; 3:1-19; Jn 3:36; Rom 3:23; 6:23;
1Cor 2:14; Eph 2:1-3; 1 Tim 2:13, 14; 1Jn 1:8).
We believe/teach that because all men were in Adam, a nature corrupted by Adam’s sin has
been transmitted to all men of all ages, Jesus Christ being the only exception. All men are
thus sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration (Ps 14:1-3; Jer 17:9; Rom
3:9-18, 23; 5:10-12).

SECTION 8. Concerning Salvation (Soteriology)
We believe/teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of the redemption
of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works
(Jn 1:12; Eph 1:4-7; 2:8-10; 1Pet 1:18,19).
[A] Election:
We believe/teach that divine election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of
the world, He chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates, saves and sanctifies
(Rom 8:28-30; Eph 1:4-11; 2Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 2:10; 1Pet 1:1,2). Divine election is not
related to any initiative on a person’s part nor to God’s anticipation of what they might do
by their own will, but it is solely of His sovereign grace and mercy (Eph 1:4-7; Tit 3:4-7;
1Pet 1:2).

We believe/teach that divine election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of
man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord (Ezek 18:23, 32; 33:11; Jn 3:18, 19,
36; 5:40; 2Thess 2:10-12; Rev 22:17). It is the immediate duty of all to accept Christ in
repentant faith; and we believe/teach that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest
sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel, whose
rejection involves him in eternal condemnation. All whom the Father calls to Himself will
come in faith, and all who come in faith the Father will receive (Jn 6:37-40,44; Act 13:48;
Jam 4:8).
[B] Regeneration:
We believe/teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the
divine nature and divine life are given, which enables the sinner to come to Christ (Jn
3:36; Tit 3:5). All who are regenerated will come to saving faith in Christ. This is
instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word
of God (Jn 5:24), when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith
to the divine provision of salvation. Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of
repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works will be its
proper evidence and fruit (1Cor 6:19, 20; Eph 5:17-21; Phil2:12b; Col3:12-17; 2Pet
1:4-11).
[C] Justification:
We believe/teach that justification before God is an act of God (Rom 8:30,33) by which
He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Lk 13:3;
Act 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; Rom 2:4; 2Cor 7:10; Is 55:6,7) and confess Him as sovereign
Lord (Rom 10:9,10; 1Cor. 12:3; 2Cor 4:5; Phil. 2:11). This righteousness is apart from
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any virtue or work of man (Rom 3:20; 4:6) and involves the placing of our sins on Christ
(Col2:14; 1Pet 2:24) and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1Cor 1:2, 30;
6:11; 2Cor. 5:21). By this means, God is enabled to “be just and the justifier of the one
who has faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:26).
[D] Sanctification:
We believe/teach that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification,
and is therefore declared to be holy and identified as a saint. This sanctification is
positional and instantaneous, and should not be confused with progressive sanctification.
This sanctification has to do with the believer’s standing, not his present walk or
condition (Act 20:32; 1Cor 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2Thess 2:13; Heb 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14;
13:12; 1Pet 1:2).
We believe/teach that there is also, by the work of the Holy Spirit, a progressive
sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the likeness of Christ
through obedience to the Word of God, and the empowering of the indwelling Holy
Spirit. The believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of
God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (Jn 17:17, 19; Rom 6:1-22;
2Cor 3:18; 1Thess 4:3,4; 5:23).
[E] Eternal Security:
We believe/teach that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power, and are thus
secure in Christ forever (Jn 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-40; Rom 5:9,10; 8:1, 31- 39 1Cor
1:4-9; Eph 4:30; Heb 7:25; 13:5; 1Pet 1:4,5; Jude 24).
We believe/teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their
salvation through the testimony of God’s Word. This however, clearly forbids the use of
Christian liberty as an excuse for sinful living and carnality (Rom. 6:15-22; 13:13,14).
True believers will persevere and endure until we are called Home.
[F] Separation:
We believe/teach that separation from sin is demanded in Scripture, and that God in His
holy Word has clearly indicated that in the last days apostasy and worldliness will
increase (2Cor 6:14-7:1; 2Tim 3:1-5).
We believe/teach that since God has granted us undeserved grace, and because our
glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live in such a
manner as to demonstrate our overflowing love toward God and never bring reproach
upon our Lord and Savior. In keeping with this mindset, we also teach that a separation
from all the religious apostasy and all worldly sinful practices is commanded of us by our
God (Rom 12:1-2, 12:11-14; 1Jn 3:1-10).
We believe/teach that believers should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2Thess
1:11-12; Heb 12:1-2) and affirm that the Christian life is marked by obedient
righteousness that reflects the teaching of the Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12) and a continual
pursuit for holiness (Rom 12:1-2; 2Cor 7:1; Heb 12:14; Titus 2:11-14; 1Jn 3:1-10).
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SECTION 9. Concerning the Church (Ecclesiology)
We believe/teach that all that place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by
the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the church universal (1Cor 12:12,13), the
bride of Christ (2Cor 11:2; Eph 5:23-32; Rev 19:7,8), of which Christ is the head (Eph
1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18; Gal. 5:13,16,17,25,26; Titus 2:11-14).
We believe/teach that the formation of the church began on the day of Pentecost (Act
2:1-21, 38-47) and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own (1Cor
15:51,52; 1Thess 4:13-18).
We believe/teach that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism
and the Lord’s Supper (Act 2:38-42). Christian baptism by immersion (Act 8:36-39) is the
solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer. Baptism shows forth his faith in the
crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and expresses his union with Christ in death to sin and
resurrection to a new life. It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible
body of Christ
(Act 2:41, 42).
We believe/teach that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration, remembrance, and
proclamation of His death until He comes, and should always follow solemn selfexamination (1Cor 11:23-32). We also believe/teach that whereas the elements of
communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ (1Cor 10:16).
We believe/teach that the biblical model of leadership in the local church is a plurality of
elders. Therefore this church follows that example and is governed by a board of elders,
also referred to as pastors. This board will consist of men whom God has raised up for
this purpose. The office of elder is reserved for those who meet the qualifications as
outlined in 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1 (see Article V section 1).

SECTION 10. Concerning Marriage
In Genesis 2:18-24 the first institution established and approved by God was the union of
male and female in marriage. In the New Testament, the marriage relationship is
addressed in Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7 with respect to the responsibilities of
the husband to his wife, and the wife to her husband. On the basis of the Scriptural
evidence, this church defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and
one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction
of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by this church only to the extent that
it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in these Articles.

SECTION 11. Concerning Human Sexuality
This church affirms and teaches that human sexuality is a gift from God to be
exercised solely within the marriage relationship, which is defined in Scripture as the
exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman together in holy matrimony.
Hence, this church affirms and teaches that any and all sexual activities outside of
marriage, including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality,
bestiality, pedophilia, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or
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distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are totally and unconditionally incompatible
with the witness of Scripture (Gen 2:18-24; Ex 20:14; Matt 5:27-28; Rom 1:26-27;
13:13; 1Cor 6:9; Heb 13:4).

SECTION 12. Concerning the Last Things (Eschatology)
[A] Physical Death:
We believe/teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness
(Rev 6:9-11; Matt 10:28), that the souls of the redeemed passes immediately into the
presence of Christ (Lk 23:43; Phil 1:23; 2Cor 5:8), that there is a separation of soul and
body (Phil1:21-24), and that, for the redeemed, such a separation will continue until the
first resurrection (1Thess 4:13-17), which initiates the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6),
when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Phil3:21;
1Cor 15:35-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in
joyful fellowship with Him (2Cor 5:8).
We believe/teach that there will be a bodily resurrection of all mankind; the saved to
eternal life (Jn 6:39; Rom 8:10-11, 19-23; 2Cor 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and
everlasting punishment (Dan 12:2; Jn 5:29; Rev 20:13-15).
[B] Return of Christ:
We believe/teach in the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ to remove His
church from this earth (Jn 14:1-3; 1Cor 15:51-53; 1Thess 4:15-5:11).
[C] The Tribulation Period:
We believe/teach that God will remove His church prior to His righteous judgments
being poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jer 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1-2; 2Thess 2:7-
12; Rev 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to
the earth (Matt 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2Thess 2:7-12).
[D] Millennia} Reign of Christ:
We believe/teach that after the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth in order to
occupy the throne of David (Matt 25:31; Lk 1:31-33; Act 1:10-11; 2:19-30) and
establish His messianic kingdom for 1,000 years on the earth (Rev 20:1-7). During this
time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth
(Eze 37:21-28; Dan 7:17-22; Rev 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the
overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the
world and placed into the Abyss (Dan 7:17-27; Rev 20:1-7).

We believe/teach that this time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony,
justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (lsa 11; 65:17-25; Eze 36:33-38), and will be
brought to an end with the release of Satan from the Abyss (Rev 20:7).
[E] The Judgment of the Lost:
We believe/teach that following the release of Satan after the 1,000 year reign of Christ
(Rev 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against
the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire
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from heaven (Rev 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and
brimstone (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10), whereupon Christ, who is the Judge of all mankind
(Jn 5:22), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne
Judgment.

We believe/teach that this resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a physical
resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (Rom 14:10-13), they will be
committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matt 25:41; Rev
20:11-15).
[F] Eternity:
We believe/teach that after the closing of Christ’s millennial reign, the temporary release
of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2Thess 1:9; Rev 20:7-15), the saved will
enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be
dissolved (2Pet 3:10) and replaced with a new earth, wherein only righteousness dwells
(Eph 5:5; Rev 20:15; 21:1-27; 22:1-21). Following this, the heavenly city will come
down out of heaven (Rev 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they
will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (Jn 17:3; Rev 21-22). Our Lord
Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to
God the Father (1Cor 15:24-28), that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and
ever (1Cor 15:28).

Article IV
Corporate Commitment

SECTION 1. Biblical and Theological Concept
The Bible tells us that those who have accepted Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord, and
who have received salvation by grace through faith in Him alone become members of
Christ’s body (1Cor 12:12-13; Eph 1:22-23), the church universal. However, this
universal body is expressed in specific, visible, local congregations. Acts 2:40-47
describes the activities of a committed body of believers. It tells us that the church must
be committed to worshipping God through biblical doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread
(communion), prayer, baptism, praising God, and mutual assistance for one another. The
Bible also tells us that the church is to be cared for and overseen by biblically qualified,
spiritually mature Pastors. (1Tim 3:1-8; Tit 1:5-9; 1Pet 5:1-4).

SECTION 2. Purpose and Goal
The goal of “Church Commitment” is to be biblical by holding each other up in Christian
responsibility and love. By identifying ourselves with a particular church family, we
make it known that attendance in corporate worship, giving, praying for the church,
mutual accountability and encouragement, and service are a vital part of the Christian life.
The “together” and “one another” passages in the Bible show us these truths. If the
church is a building, then we must be the bricks in it; if the church is a body, then we are
its members; if the church is a household of faith, then we must be a functioning part of
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that household. As believers we are called to make a living commitment to each other, as
we are all committed together to Christ.
Church commitment will help give shape and focus to the spiritual maturity of this local
body of believers. This will help the believer to serve Christ to the very end of his life so
he will hear those wonderful words when he stands before the Lord, “Well done good and
faithful servant.” Church commitment will make it more difficult for weaker believers to
go astray, and it will also be a clear witness to non-Christians and to the watching world
that we are committed to Christ, to His Word, and to His children. In the end, Church
commitment will help us to serve one another in love for the glory of God, and to travel
together as aliens and strangers in this world as we head toward our heavenly home
(Eph 4:1-6).

SECTION 3. Practical and Legal
[A] Corporate Congregation:
The Corporation shall have no members besides the Board of Elders and will refer to those
who have signed the Church Commitment as congregants. Any action which would
otherwise require approval by a majority of all members shall only require approval of the
Board of Elders. All rights shall vest in the Board of Elders.
[B] Church Commitment of Pastor-Teacher and Associate(s):
All staff pastors automatically become congregants at the time of their installation. Their
families must follow the guidelines for church commitment as outlined in Article IV,
Section 4.
[C] Church Commitment of Staff:
All staff members shall be required to follow the guidelines for church commitment as
outlined in Article IV, Section 4.
[D] Reference to Members:
Nothing contained in Section 1 of this Article shall be construed to limit the right of the
Corporation to refer to congregants associated with the Corporation as ‘members’ even
though such persons are not corporate members, and no such reference in or outside of
these Bylaws shall constitute anyone being a member, within the meaning of the 503 (c)
(3) Nonprofit Corporation Law.
[E] Voting Privileges:
Congregants in this church shall not have any proprietary rights in the Corporation, but
shall only entitle the congregant to vote at a meeting on those matters that the Board of
Elders chooses to submit to the church for affirmation. In such cases, voting privileges
are restricted to those who are in good standing, who are not under any disciplinary
action, and who have passed their sixteenth (16) birthday. Church commitment shall not
be assignable inter vivo by any congregant nor shall membership vest to any personal
representative, heir, or devisee.
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[F] Congregant in Good Standing:
A member in good standing is any Christian believer who has applied for membership
and been duly accepted into this spiritual body, which is united for the spiritual purposes
set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws. Active participation in Faith
Community Church shall be open to all persons who confess Christ as their Lord and
Savior and who have been baptized by submersion.
[G] Yearly Congregational Update:
The leadership of this church will revise and update the church registry every December.

SECTION 4. Church Commitment (taken from FCC Church Commitment form)
[A] Responsibilities and Privileges:
Having received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by His grace through faith, and having
been baptized (immersed) in water as a testimony of that faith, I make this commitment
to unite with the body of believers at Faith Community Church.
I now commit to the following:
I will uphold and support the purpose of Faith Community Church which is to glorify
God and present to Him a pure, deep, and reaching church (2Cor 11:2; Heb 6:1; Matt
28:19-20).
I will uphold and support the Biblical doctrines of Faith Community Church as stated in
the Statement of Faith (Act 2:42; 1Tim 4:6).
I will uphold and support the testimony of Faith Community Church by attending services
faithfully, by growing in my relationship with the Lord, and by practicing Godly
stewardship (Heb 10:25; Phil1:27; 1Cor 16:2).
I will uphold and support the ministry of Faith Community Church by discovering and
using my spiritual gifts and talents for the glory of God (Rom 12:6-8; 1Pet 4:10).
I will uphold and protect the unity of Faith Community Church by showing love,
forgiveness, and support to the congregation and its leadership (Rom 15:5; Eph 4:29;
1 Pet 1:22; Heb 13:17).
I will uphold and support Faith Community Church by constantly and persistently
praying for the people, its leaders, and its ministries (Eph 6:18-20; 2Thess 3:1).
As you make these commitments to this church body, please know that the leadership at
Faith Community Church is also making a commitment to you which is a responsibility
given by God that we take very seriously. Because of this responsibility, as spiritual
shepherds of God’s flock we commit to leading, feeding, nurturing, comforting, correcting,
and protecting you as a child of God under our spiritual care. May God give us all the
grace and the strength to keep these commitments for His glory until we arrive safely
home.
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[B] Church Discipline:
In order to present a spiritually pure church to God, Faith Community Church (FCC) will
practice biblical discipline with the overall purpose and goal of restoration and
righteousness, glorifying God by not allowing ongoing sin within the church body
(congregants and regular attenders). Those who are part of the church of Jesus Christ
must strive to live according to the teachings of the Word of God which establish
standards for life and conduct (lCor 5:6; Gal6:1; 1 Tim 5:20).
Cause for Biblical Discipline
When there is ongoing sin and a lack of repentance for that violation of moral and/or
doctrinal standards, including but not limited to the following: Immorality, disunity,
misappropriation of funds, willful fraud, persistent failure to meet financial obligations,
defiance of constituted authority, imprudent conduct, lack of moral discretion, promotion
of doctrines contrary to the basic fundamentals tenets of the Christian faith as summarized
in the articles of faith (statement of faith FCC)
(Matt 18:15-18; Rom 16:17; Tit 3:9-11).
1. To Whom Biblical Discipline is Applied
All Christians, but namely the elders, corporate congregants, and regular attenders of this
local body of believers of FCC shall be subject to biblical discipline.
2. The Discipline Process:
a.) The approach: The general approach to church discipline is found in, but not limited
to Matthew 18:15-17. Other passages that support disciplinary action are Titus 3:10-11;
Romans 16:17; 1Corinthians 5.
b.) The Process:
Step 1. One on one confrontation (Matt 18:15)
The sinning person shall be confronted by one individual who is aware of the ongoing
sin. If repentance occurs, the matter is resolved. “You have won back a brother.” If the
sinning person does not repent, the next step shall be taken.
Step 2. Two or three on one confrontation (Matt 18:16)
One or two other mature believers shall be brought into the process to witness the
behavior of the wayward person when confronted. If repentance is shown, the matter is
resolved. “You have won back a brother.” If the sinning person refuses to repent and
correct the problem, then the next step shall be taken.
Step 3. The Board of Elders (Matt 18:17)
The witnesses (from step 2) shall report to the Board of Elders regarding the unrepentant
person. The board will send a letter to the sinning person outlining in detail the charges,
steps taken to resolve the matter, and their response. This letter shall be signed by the
Board of Elders and the witnesses. If the sinning person refuses to repent, or ignores the
letter, a final letter will be sent from the Board indicating that the person shall be subject
to removal from the congregation and disfellowship, with the date of such action to be
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clearly stated. If no response is received, or no true repentance demonstrated, then this
action shall be made known to the corporate body.
3. The Discipline Process for Elders
a.) The Approach: The discipline of elders is addressed in 1 Timothy 5:19-20.
b.) The Process:
Step 1. Any accusation against an elder is to be supported by the testimony of
two or three witnesses. Their charge is to be stated in writing to the board of Elders with
the signatures of all witnesses included. A copy of the letter is to be sent to the accused.
Step 2. The Board of Elders shall schedule a meeting for the purpose of
discussing the charge in the presence of all witnesses and the accused.
Step 3. If the Board of Elders determines that the charge is unfounded, the matter
will be dismissed. The Board will also determine whether or not to rebuke or discipline
the witnesses.
Step 4. If the charge is sustained, the accused (sinning Elder) will be disciplined
according to Matthew 18:15-17. Also the Board will examine the charge in light of
1 Timothy 3 to determine if the accused is disqualified from serving on the board of
Elders.
4. Exemption from Discipline
Every corporate congregant, regular attender, and elder is subject to the discipline of this
local church. In the event a person under biblical discipline removes themselves from the
fellowship of this church at any time during the discipline process, the process will
continue until completed. Self-removal from the fellowship of this local church in no way
brings to an end the disciplinary action.

SECTION 5. Termination of Congregant
The Board of Elders may terminate the relationship between the church body with
anyone who:
1) Fails to abide by the Church Commitment agreement in part or whole as outlined in
Article IV, Section 4.
2) Is under the discipline of the church as outlined in Article IV, Section 4.
3) Begins the membership process in another church. Congregants in good standing who
seek to unite with another church may request from the Board a letter of transfer.
SECTION 6. Restoration of a Congregant
If a former congregant desires church commitment again, he or she must follow the
guidelines stipulated in Article IV. The Board of Elders will review the application and
assign an Elder to interview the applicant. Once the application process is completed, the
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Board of Elders will render a decision and notify the applicant. The Board reserves the right
to require the applicant; to attend church commitment or discipleship classes; or to exempt
an applicant from the required classes.

Article V

Church Government

SECTION 1. Office of the Elder
Biblically, the office of elder is reserved for those men who meet the qualifications
outlined in 1Timothy 3 and Titus 1. This is the highest level of leadership in the local
church and is not to be entered into lightly. The New Testament shows that the primary
leaders of the church are elders (Act 14:23; Jam 5:14; 1 Tim 5:17-18; 1Pet 5:1-3). The
primary role or function of elders is threefold: First, elders are to devote themselves to
prayer. Second, elders are to be in regular, diligent study of the Scriptures, and are
responsible for the interpretation and application of the Scriptures to this church with
respect to all matters of faith and practice as set forth, but not limited to, the Articles of
Faith”. And third, elders are to shepherd and oversee the flock of God (Act 6:4; 20:13-
32; Eph 4:11-12; 1Tim 5:17; Tit 1:9; Heb13:17).
[A] Responsibilities and Authority:
Subject to limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and of the Constitution and bylaws
and of pertinent restrictions of the Corporations Code of the State of California, all the
activities and affairs of the Corporation shall be exercised by or under the direction of the
Board of Elders, who are responsible for shepherding and having oversight of the flock.
Without prejudice to such general powers but subject to the same limitations, it is hereby
expressly declared that the board shall have the following powers in on to the other powers
enumerated in these bylaws:
1. To select and remove all officers, agents, staff, and employees of the Corporation,
prescribe such duties for them consistent with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or
with these bylaws, and to fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.
2. To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the Corporation as are
required to fulfill the purposes of this Corporation as more fully set out in the Articles of
Incorporation thereof and generally to conduct. Manage, and control the activities and
affairs of the Corporation and to make such rules and regulations consistent with law and
Scriptural teaching, with the Articles of Incorporation and with these bylaws, as they may
deem best.
3. 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.
4. To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with the purpose of this
corporation as stated in this Constitution and By-Law’s and the Articles of Incorporation.
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5. To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Corporation and to
cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds,
debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, hypothecations, or other evidences of debt and
securities upon membership approval.
6. To carry on a business and allocate as needed any such profit that results from the
business activity in which it legally engages.
7. To administer and oversee church discipline.
8. To uphold and support the Church Commitment Agreement.
[B] Number of Elders:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 9151 of the California Nonprofit Religious
Corporation Law, the authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall not be less
than five (5) until changed by an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or by an
amendment to these Bylaws. In order to insure balance on the Board of Elders, it will
have at least as many lay pastors as staff pastors. In the event that the minimum number
of (5) elders cannot be filled due to a lack biblically qualified men, the Board of Elders
will operate with the existing qualified men.
[C] Election of Elders:
Elders may be related by blood or marriage while serving at the same time on the board, with
the stipulation that they abstain from any conflict of interest. This is for the protection of the
elders and to be above reproach in their calling. Recommendations to fill the office of elder
may be submitted at least once a year from all church congregants. The Board shall then
approve, disapprove, or add to the list of nominees.
The Board shall publicly announce the nominees approved by the elders to the church
congregation via written notice, at least three (3) weeks prior to the next annual meeting.
At this meeting, the slate of nominees shall be presented to the church for them to affirm
and/or reaffirm the decision of the elders. In the event that the congregation fails to affirm
any of the nominees, they will not be installed to the Board at that time. The Board of
Elders will then investigate to find out if there are any biblical reasons not to install the
nominee(s) in question. The elders will then schedule a special meeting and communicate
the final determination of the said nominee(s) to the church body.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an elder may be selected at any time and begin to serve
immediately with final affirmation to come at the next annual meeting.
[D] Tenure of Office:
Each elder shall serve until he is; unable to serve, disqualified, or chooses to step down.
There is no limit to the number of years served, nor mandatory number of years that an
elder must serve on the board. The church congregation may be requested by the Board
of Elders to reaffirm each current elder at the annual business meeting.
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[E] Qualifications:
Each member of the Board of Elders shall be an active congregant of this church and
must meet the qualifications of an elder outlined in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The office
of elder is strictly forbidden to any man who does not meet the biblical qualifications,
which are current character traits.
1) Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1Tim 3:2; Tit.1:6-7).
2) Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1Tim 3:2; Tit 1:6).
(remarriage is permitted when a divorce was on biblical grounds)
3) Temperate, sober, vigilant (1Tim 3:2).
4) Sober-minded, prudent (1Tim 3:2; Tit 1:8).
5) Of good behavior, orderly, respectable (1Tim 3:2).
6) Given to hospitality (1Tim 3:2; Tit 1:8).
7) Apt to teach. Able to teach, exhorts believers, and refutes false teaching
(1Tim 3:2; Tit 1:9).
8) Not addicted to wine (1Tim 3:3; Tit 1:7).
9) Not violent. Not pugnacious (1Tim 3:3; Tit 1:7).
10) Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1Tim 3:3).
11) Not a brawler, contentious, soon angry, or quick tempered (1Tim 3:2; Tit 1:7).
12) Not covetous, not a lover of money or greedy of base gain (1Tim 3:3; Tit 1:7).
13) Rules well his own house. His children are faithful (“respectable”, not necessarily
saved); not accused of rebellion against God (1Tim 3:4; Tit 1:6).
14) Not a novice; not a new convert (1Tim 3:6).
15) Must Shepherd the flock (1Pet 5).
[F] Vacancies:
An elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board of
Elders or Secretary of the Board of Elders. In the event of a vacancy for any reason, the
Board may appoint a successor.
[G] Removal of Elders:
If an elder becomes unable to serve effectively, or becomes disqualified (not above
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reproach), then he must resign or be removed. Written notice describing the reason(s) for
the removal shall be provided to the elder in question and the congregation.
[H] Regular Board Meetings:
The Board of Elders shall meet the 2nd Monday of each month, unless changed by the
board. Regular meetings shall be open to congregants and regular attendees. However,
regular attendees are not allowed participation in the meeting unless approved by the
board prior to the meeting. If a sensitive issue is scheduled to be discussed, the board
shall dismiss all guests from the meeting beforehand.
[I] Special Board Meetings:
Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called at any time by order of the
Chairman of the Board, Senior Pastor, or by a quorum of the members of the Board of
Elders. No meeting can be called without notifying all board members of the meeting and
its agenda.
[J] Quorum:
A majority of the Board of Elders shall constitute a quorum.
[K] Participation in Board Meetings by Conference Telephone:
Members of the board may participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone
or similar communications equipment, so long as all members participating in such a
meeting can hear one another.
[L] Action Without a Board Meeting:
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board may be taken without a
meeting if all members of the board individually or collectively consent in writing to a
duly prepared resolution to such action.
[M] Rights of Inspection
In accordance with the provisions of Section 9513 of the California Nonprofit Religious
Corporation Law, 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 Corporation of which such person is an elder, for a purpose
reasonably related to such person’s interest as an elder.
[N] Decisions of the Board of Elders:
The Board of Elders shall approach decisions in prayerful dependence upon the Holy
Spirit. They shall earnestly seek to reach a unanimous decision or agree by consensus. If
unanimity or consensus is not achieved, the item will be tabled until the next scheduled
elder meeting, and if a consensus still cannot be achieved, the board shall take a vote to
reach a decision by simple majority.
[0] Fees and 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
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Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation. Any person receiving
compensation directly or indirectly from Faith Community Church shall not be in a
position to determine the nature or amount of their said compensation.

SECTION 2. Deacons
[A] Deacons:
In the New Testament the first indication given of the need for and implementation of
this office is found in Acts 6. This office provides an essential support role to the local
church in general and the Board of Elders in particular.
The deacons shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in
1 Timothy 3:8-13 and shall be appointed by the Board of Elders and submit the names to
the congregation for affirmation at the annual meeting. The deacons shall assist the elders
in the serving the church. 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.
[B] Tenure of Office I Removal:
The office of deacon shall exist as long as needed, and may be terminated by the Board of
Elders.

SECTION 3. Councils and Committees
To promote efficient handling of Board matters, the Board may appoint various councils and
committees from within its membership, the staff, and from the church at large. These
councils and committees 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 of Elders concerning ministries.
b.) To provide a wider base of counsel to the elders having the oversight of specific
ministries.
All councils and committees shall exist for the period specified by the Board.

SECTION 4. Staff Positions
[A] Election of Pastor-Teacher:
The Pastor-Teacher shall be selected by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Elders,
and affirmed by the congregation of the church at its annual meeting or at a special business.
He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to removal or resignation.
[B] Responsibilities and Authority:
The Pastor-Teacher shall be an ex officio member of all councils and committees, and he
shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. The Pastor-Teacher shall arrange for and
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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 Pastor-Teacher, the
Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article V, Section 3 of
these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Board), shall be responsible to arrange and
facilitate the public and regular services of the church. A complete job description will be
kept on file for more detail of the Pastor-Teacher’s responsibilities.
[C] Removal or Resignation:
The elders reserve the right to dismiss the Pastor-Teacher by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of
the Board of Elders, and giving him one month’s written notice of its intention to dismiss.
Conversely, the Pastor-Teachermust give one month’s notice if he intends to resign. The
time limit of a Pastor-Teacher’s resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both
the Pastor-Teacher and the elders of the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise.
The elders reserve the right to alleviate the Pastor-Teacher of all spiritual duties at any time
during this process. Upon the resignation or removal of the Pastor-Teacher, the associate
pastor(s) and/or staff are directly accountable to the Board of Elders, which shall serve
temporarily as the Pastor-Teacher. The Board of Elders shall determine the severance pay
to be given the Pastor-Teacher, associate(s), and/or staff. The Board of Elders retains the
right to release or retain any or all associates.
[D]: Associate Pastor I Staff:
All Associate Pastor/Staff shall be selected by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of
Elders, and affirmed by the members of the church at its annual meeting or at a special
business meeting. They shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to
removal or resignation. The elders reserve the right to dismiss the Associate Pastor/Staff
by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Elders, and giving them one month’s written
notice of its intention to dismiss. The Associate Pastor/Staff must give one month’s notice if
they intend to resign. The time limit of an associate or staff member’s resignation or
dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Associate Pastor/Staff and the elders of
the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise. The elders reserve the right to
alleviate the Associate Pastor/Staff of all duties at any time during this process

Article VI

Congregational Meetings

SECTION 1. Regular Meetings
A regular annual meeting of the church congregation shall be held at the building where
Sunday services are held in January of each year. At such regular annual meeting, the
church shall consider reports of the affairs of the Corporation, and transact such other
business as the elders determine shall be brought before the meeting.

SECTION 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the congregation may be called at any time by order of the PastorTeacher, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders, or by a quorum of the
members of the Board of Elders.
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SECTION 3. Notice of Meetings
Notice of regular meetings shall be given from the pulpit by the Pastor-Teacher 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 from the pulpit 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 4. Quorum
At all meetings of the church, whether regular, special or adjourned, the congregants
present shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 5. Voting Rights
Those admitted to the church congregation do not constitute a legislative body, nor do
they constitute members of the Corporation, and they cannot vote, pass resolutions
binding upon the Corporation, nor shall they have any equity in the real property of the
Corporation, or rights to vote on its disposal. Said property of the Corporation is
dedicated to religious and charitable purposes as outlined in the Articles of
Incorporation.

Article VII
Officers of the Corporation

SECTION 1. Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall include a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and
Treasurer.

SECTION 2. Election of Officers
At the first official meeting of the Board of Elders following the annual business meeting,
the elders shall elect among themselves the corporate officers.

SECTION 3. The Chairman
The Chairman shall be a non-staff elder who works in cooperation with the PastorTeacher in the general supervision of the Board of Elders, church services, meetings, and
activities. 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 4. The 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 the Chairman.
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SECTION 5. The Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principle
corporate office or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of
the membership, board, 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 meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall
keep, or cause to be kept, at the principle office in the State of California the
original and a copy of the Corporation’s Articles and bylaws, as amended to date.
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 Corporation 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 Corporation, a church congregation register, or a duplicated
church register, showing the names of the congregants and their addresses.

SECTION 6. The Treasurer
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 Corporation. The books
of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any elder or a congregant
in good standing.
The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all moneys and other valuables in
the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated
by the Board of Elders. He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as ordered by the
Board of Elders, shall render to the Chairman and the elders, whenever they request it, an
account of all his transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall
have such powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of
Elders. He shall make the financial reports at each regular board meeting and at the
annual business meeting.

SECTION 7. Subordinate Officers
The Board of Elders may appoint, and may empower the Chairman to appoint, such
other officers as the business of the Corporation 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 8. Removal and Resignation
Any officer may be removed upon disqualification and removal as an Elder per Article V,
Section 1 of these Bylaws. In accordance with the provisions of Section 9213 (b) of the
California Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law, any officer may resign at any time
without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation 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 Corporation. 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
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specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it
effective.

SECTION 9. 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 10. Inability to Act
In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Corporation 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.

Article VIII

Settlement of Disputes

SECTION 1. General
In accordance with 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, it is hereby affirmed that lawsuits among
believers contradict the teaching of Scripture as a means of settling disputes between
believers. Consequently, in any dispute arising between church congregants, pastors, or
staff, including, but not limited to matters of spiritual teaching or practices, church
finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall
be submitted to, and resolved by the Board of Elders of this church.
In disputes involving a claim in law or equity which cannot first be resolved by the
Board of Elders, each congregant agrees to first try in good faith to settle the dispute by
non-binding mediation before resorting to binding arbitration as set forth below. The
parties will first attempt to choose a mutually acceptable mediator who is not affiliated
with the church. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, the matter will proceed to
binding arbitration.
In disputes involving a claim in law or equity, which the Board of Elders cannot first
resolve, and after nonbinding mediation, such a claim shall be decided by neutral binding
arbitration. The parties shall have the right to discovery. Each party will agree on the
neutral arbitrator.

Article IX

Other Provisions

SECTION 1. Endorsement of Documents and Contracts
The Board of Elders, except as in the Bylaws otherwise provided, may authorize any
officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in
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the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Elders, no officer, agent or
employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or
agreement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
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 thereof executed or entered into between this Corporation and any other
person, when signed jointly by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary and
the Treasurer of this Corporation shall be valid and binding on this Corporation in the
absence of actual knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had
no authority to execute the same.

SECTION 2. Representation of Shares of Other Corporations
The Chairman or any other officer or officers authorized by the Board are each authorized to
vote, represent, and exercise on behalf of the Corporation all rights incident to any and all
shares of any other Corporation or corporations standing in the name of the Corporation.
The authority herein granted may be exercised either by any such officer in person or by any
other person authorized to do so in proxy or power of attorney duly executed by said officer.

SECTION 3. Construction and Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the general provisions, rules of construction and
definitions contained in the general provisions of the California Nonprofit Corporation
Law and in the California Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law shall govern the
construction of these Bylaws.

SECTION 4. Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended and new and additional Bylaws may be made from time
to time at any time by the Board of Elders in the exercise of the power granted to said
Board of Elders in these Bylaws.
[A] Record of Amendments:
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.

Article X

Receipt, Investment, and Disbursement of Funds

SECTION 1. Policy Regarding Receipt of Funds
The Corporation shall receive all moneys or other properties transferred to it for the
purposes for which the Corporation 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
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shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money or property is contrary to the
Expressed purposes of the Corporation.

SECTION 2. Policy Regarding Use of Funds
The Corporation 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
Corporation. Real property owned by the Corporation and valued at $1000 or more shall
not be gifted, sold, removed, or demolished without a simple majority vote of approval by
the members of the Corporation at a duly called meeting.

SECTION 3. Fiscal Year
The Fiscal Year of the church begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.

SECTION 4. Year End Review
At the end of each Fiscal Year, the Board of Elders shall appoint at least one lay person
and one elder, other than the Treasurer, to conduct a fiscal review of the records of the
Treasurer. Upon completion of the review, the committee shall present a written report of
its findings to the Board of Elders.

Article XI

Dissolution of the Corporation

SECTION 1. Dissolution
Upon dissolution of this Corporation, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets herein to
be distributed to other corporations with purposes similar to that identified in Article
II of these Bylaws and Article II of the Articles of Incorporation as amended.