Constitution of The Chinese Christian Church
at Clemson South
Carolina
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this
church shall be the Chinese Christian Church at Clemson.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of
this church is to glorify God. To this end it exists for: the worship and
service of God; the teaching of His Word; the proclamation of His saving grace;
the building up, fellowship, and discipline of those who believe the Son; the
practice of holiness without which no one shall see God; and the rendering of
compassionate service to all regardless of social class or race.
ARTICLE III: STATEMENT
OF FAITH
1. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and
New Testaments, and that they are inspired of God, inerrant in the original
writings, and of supreme and final authority in faith and life (II Tim.
3:16; II Peter 1:21; Psalms 119:89; John 12:47-48; Rev. 22:19).
2. We believe in one God existing in three
persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, coequal and eternal
(Gen. 1:1, 26-27; Isa. 44:6; Matt.
28:19; II Cor. 13:14; Deut. 6:4).
3. We believe that man was created in the image
of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also
spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are
born with a sinful nature, and in the case of those who reach moral
responsibility, show themselves to be sinners in thought, word, and deed (Gen.
1:27; Rom. 1:18, 3:23, 5:12; Psalms 51:5).
4. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by
the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true Man (Matt.
1:18, 22-23; John 1:14; Phil. 2:6-7).
5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died
for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and
substitutionary sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the
ground of His shed blood (Rom. 5:8, 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9).
6. We believe in the resurrection of the
crucified body of our Lord, in His Ascension in the heavens and in His present
life there for us as High Priest and Advocate (I Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 1:9;
Heb. 7:22-25).
7. We believe in the blessed hope, the personal
and visible return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to reign (Acts 1:11; I
Thess. 3:13, 4:14-17; Rev. 19:7, 20:15).
8. We believe that all who are born again of
the Holy Spirit receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ, and thereby become
children of God (John 1:12-13, 3:3, 5, 7).
9. We believe in the eternal security and
everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the eternal conscious punishment of
the lost (John 3:16-18; I John 5:11-13; Rev. 20:15; Mark 9:48).
10. We believe that Christ instituted the ordinance
of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, to be observed until He comes (Matt.
26:26-29; I Cor. 11:23-26; Matt. 28:19-20).
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Membership in
this church shall be based upon an individual personal acceptance of the Lord
Jesus Christ as Savior. Each candidate for membership should be able to give a
testimony of faith in Christ and a desire to live a consistent Christian life.
The candidate should be baptized, if not baptized previously. Such persons show
evidence of a satisfactory attitude toward the doctrinal standards of this church
and its Constitution, and are willing to be in submission to the church. The
church through its officers shall examine and receive candidates for membership
upon affirmation of their faith.
ARTICLE V: GOVERNMENT
This church
recognizes Jesus Christ as the Head and supreme authority for all its actions
and functions. Under Christ the government of this church shall be vested in
its members acting through an Executive Board which consists of pastor, elders
and deacons. In all matters, the goal shall be to function by consensus of
opinion and in unity, seeking to know and follow the mind of Christ.
ARTICLE VI: AFFILIATION
This church
shall be organizationally unaffiliated with any denomination. However,
fellowship and cooperation with other churches and groups of like faith and
purpose shall be encouraged.
ARTICLE VII: DISSOLUTION
This church is
organized exclusively for religious, educational, and charitable purposes
within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. If this
organization is ever dissolved, all the assets thereof shall be transferred to
an organization or organizations, chosen by the members, organized exclusively
for religious, educational, and charitable purposes within the meaning of
Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as it now exists, or as it may
be amended. The provisions of this article shall remain irrevocable.
ARTICLE VIII:
AMENDMENTS
This
Constitution may be amended only by three quarters (3/4) of the members present
and voting at a meeting duly called and announced at least 4 weeks before,
provided that the subject for change is announced in writing.
By-Laws
of The Chinese Christian Church at Clemson
South Carolina
The by-laws are
established in accordance with the Constitution of the Chinese Christian Church
at Clemson as standards for the administration of the ministry of the church.
ARTICLE I: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
1.1 Qualifications
Church
membership is an expression of a believer's loyalty to a church in a particular
locality. A person qualified for membership in the Chinese Christian Church at
Clemson must be one who:
(1) confesses Jesus Christ to be his / her Savior
and Lord and has shown satisfactory evidence of the new life in Christ in his /
her daily life;
(2) has been baptized in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit;
(3) has attended the church regularly for the
past three (3) months;
(4) is in general agreement with the constitution,
purpose, direction, administration, and discipline of the church; and
(5) is of age sixteen (16) or older.
1.2 Responsibilities of Members
Each member should:
(1) Desire to share the responsibility of maintaining
and developing of the church through regular attendance and frequent prayer,
financial giving, and whatever ministries the Lord enables;
(2) Maintain a regular daily devotional time in
Bible reading and prayer to seek God's will and blessings both for his / her
individual life and for the church and its leaders;
(3) Regularly ask the Lord to help him / her and
all members to grow in obedience in all areas of life, especially in the love
for one another and fulfillment of the Great Commission; and
(4) Actively participate in the decision making
process in membership meetings.
1.3 Procedure of Application for Membership
One who
desires membership in the church must complete an application form from the
church for this purpose. The Executive
Board will approve the application in a timely fashion, and notify the
applicant of the results. Membership privileges will be effective immediately following
the approval.
1.4
Church Discipline
If the
life or conduct of a member is contrary to the Word of God, he / she may be
asked by the Elders Board for explanation, and disciplinary action in
accordance with the principles set forth in the Bible may be taken.
1.5 Termination of Membership
A member
may withdraw his / her membership voluntarily by giving notice to the Executive
Board.
If a
member has moved permanently out of this locality, his / her membership will be
terminated. Such person is encouraged to affiliate himself with a church of
like faith and practice in his / her new locality.
If a
member is absent from the worship service of the church for one year in
succession, or has failed to keep up with the membership qualifications, his /
her membership shall be terminated.
1.6 Types of Church Membership
Church
membership at the Chinese Christian Church at Clemson shall be either Full
Membership or Associate Membership. Full Membership is given those who desire
membership at the Chinese Christian Church at Clemson. Associate Membership is
reserved for individuals with all of the following conditions: 1) one who is to
stay locally for a short-term, 2) one whose home church is outside the local area,
3) one whose desire is to be a member in the ministry of the Chinese Christian Church
at Clemson, and 4) one whose home church does not allow membership in any other
church, with the exception being an Associate Membership. Full Members and
Associate Members have the same membership privileges.
ARTICLE II : ORDINANCES
2.1 Baptism
Baptism
by immersion, or sprinkling, or pouring is recognized as a scriptural ordinance
to signify the union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
However, baptism by immersion is to be practiced in this church whenever
possible. Those who are baptized in this church and meet the qualifications in
Article I.1.1 of the By-Laws will become members. Those with circumstances that
would not allow participation as a member of the church may receive exemption
from membership as approved by the Executive Board.
2.2 The Lord's Supper (Communion)
The
ordinance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) shall be observed regularly.
Everyone who is redeemed by the blood of Christ and has received baptism is
welcome, but believers should be advised to participate after self-examination.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
3.1 Annual Meeting
A
membership meeting should be conducted on the third or fourth Sunday of
December every year, to elect officers, to approve annual budget, to receive
ministerial and financial reports from the boards, and to pray, to seek the
will of the Lord and consider matters concerning the church as a whole, such as
the calling of a pastor, the securing of a new church building, etc.
The
date, the agenda, and the proposals should be announced and posted by the
Executive Board three weeks before the meeting. Other proposals and amendments
must be submitted to the Board at least two weeks before the meeting by two or
more members. These proposals shall be posted by the Board, along with whatever
counter-proposals or amendments the Board may have, at least one week before
the meeting.
3.2
Special Meetings
Special
membership meetings may be called by the Executive Board whenever the Board
considers it necessary and should be announced at least two weeks before the
meeting. In case of an emergency, the Board may call a meeting in less than two
weeks.
3.3 Quorum & Voting
A Quorum
shall be a simple majority of the church membership. If a quorum is not met,
the meeting may adjourn to a stated time at least two weeks later. Notice of
the adjournment shall be announced and posted on the intervening Sunday(s). If
a quorum cannot be met after three trials, the proposal will be dropped.
ARTICLE IV: GOVERNMENT
4.1 Executive Board
The
Executive Board shall consist of the pastor, the elders and the deacons with
one of the deacons acting as the chairperson. The chairperson will assist the
pastor in planning and execution of church ministries. The chairperson will
also call and conduct board meetings. In case that the chairperson cannot
perform his or her functions, he or she should appoint another board member to call and to conduct board meetings.
The
Board shall encourage the Deacons to recruit other coworkers and form their
ministry committee, and work together with the committee members to promote
church ministry. The Board shall hold
monthly meetings for prayer and business.
The monthly meeting shall also include the coworkers that are involved
in the discussed church business. The
Board shall report the meeting results to the members of the church annually
and at whatever time the need may arise.
The quorum of
the regular monthly Executive Board meeting shall be three quarters of active
Board members. The term active Board
member refers to those who were duly elected to serve on the Board and are
expected to be able and willing to continue in their duties as Board members
without impairment. The quorum of any
Executive Board meeting including special meetings called for special discussions
shall also be three quarters of active Board members. A special Board meeting requires three days
advanced notice to be legitimate.
Emergency Board
meetings may be called without advanced notification when there is an emergency
situation. Examples of emergency
situations include high likelihood of severe impairment to church interest upon
inaction, such impairment may include high probability of harm or danger to
life or safety of individuals, or high probability of significant loss in value
or substantial damages to properties, or other significant adverse events. Emergency meetings can be held over telephone
or other reasonable means of communication.
Quorum for emergency
meeting is: three Board members with one of them being either a pastor, an
elder, or chairperson of the Board.
Decisions made
during emergency meeting need to be unanimous.
Active Board members who did not participate in the emergency meeting
are to be informed about the called emergency meeting and any decision(s) made,
such information may be conveyed by any reasonable means of communication, e.g.
e-mail or telephone, if practically possible, within a reasonable time
period. Decisions made during emergency
meetings are to be ratified during next regular Board meeting if possible. Decisions made during emergency meeting may
also be modified during subsequent regular Board meeting as situation changes
or there are differing opinions.
4.2 Pastor
The
pastor is to oversee the complete ministry of the church. He is an ex-officio
member of all Boards and Committees. He must accept the responsibility as from
the Lord to equip the believers through preaching, teaching, training and
shepherding for the work of the Gospel ministry and for the edification and
building up of the Body of Christ. He must meet the qualifications of an elder
as stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and I Peter 5:1-4. The Executive Board shall
provide feedback to the pastor regarding his ministry every year.
In case
of a vacancy, the Executive Board shall appoint a Pastoral Search Committee to
search for prospective candidates who are called to the ministry, meet the
scriptural qualifications of an elder, and be able to carry out the stated
purpose of the church. The Pastoral Search Committee should consist of
representatives from the present Executive Board and from the congregation. One
half affirmative votes in a membership meeting are required for this Pastoral
Search Committee. The choice of the pastoral candidate should be confirmed by
three quarters (3/4) votes in a membership meeting, provided that the total
affirmative votes exceed half (50%) of the membership. A special period of
prayer by the whole church shall be conducted before that special meeting.
A
renewable contract shall be entered between the pastor and the church
specifying the terms of office for two to five years. The contract shall be
recommended by the Executive Board and confirmed by at least three quarters (3/4)
affirmative votes in a membership meeting.
Resignation
of the pastor requires at least a six month notice to the Executive Board,
unless he is asked to resign by the Executive Board and three quarters (3/4)
votes of all members due to heretical teaching, or life and testimony contrary
to the Word of God. In case that the Executive Board intends to recommend the
removal of a pastor, it should pray fervently to seek God’s will, and actively
consult with experienced pastors and elders to seek their help.
The
church may ordain the pastor if such a need arises. The candidate must have
served in the church for at least one year, have the recommendation of the
Executive Board, and affirmative votes of at least three quarters (3/4) of
quorum provided that the total affirmative votes exceed half (50%) of
membership. The Executive Board shall then invite at least three pastors or
elders to form an examination committee to examine the candidate's faith and
gifts. After the examination committee has given its approval, the Executive
Board shall arrange for the ordination.
4.3 Elders
Elders
shall meet the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and I Peter 5:1-4.
Elders and the pastor shall faithfully share their responsibilities as
overseers of the church and shepherds of the congregation. Elders should prayerfully
seek the direction of the ministry, and provide biblical and spiritual guidance
for doctrinal clarification and disciplinary actions should such actions are
needed.
Candidacy
to Elders includes recommendation of the Executive Board and individually confirmed by a three quarters
(3/4) vote in a membership meeting, provided that the total affirmative votes
are cast by more than half (50%) of the membership. The Executive Board shall
invite at least three pastors or elders to further examine the qualifications
and gifts of the candidate. Once the invited pastors and elders confirm the
qualifications and gifts of the candidate, the Executive Board shall arrange
for the ordination.
Owing to
ill health, moving out of the locality or other personal reasons, an elder may
resign from active service.
It shall
be within the power of the Executive Board to recommend to the congregation to
revoke the ordination credentials of any elder found guilty of doctrinal heresy
or immoral conduct. Such a recommendation shall be confirmed by three quarters
(3/4) votes of a membership meeting. In case the Executive Board intends to
revoke the ordination of an elder, it should pray fervently for the guidance
from God, and actively seek the unity of the church.
4.4 Deacons
A
minimum of five deacons are individually confirmed according to qualifications in
I Timothy 3:8-13. They shall be assigned to specific offices in order to assist
the pastor or elder(s) in the administration of church ministries. The
nomination of deacons shall be determined by a Nomination Committee which
consists of the pastor, an elder, a deacon and at least a church- member-at-large
who is approved by a simple majority in a membership meeting. The Nomination
Committee shall pray for God’s will to find faithful servants for Christ’s
body, and seek inputs from church members. Nominated candidates are
individually confirmed by three quarters (3/4) vote in a membership meeting.
Deacons
serve for one year, and may be re-elected consecutively. Pastor and Elders shall keep in touch with
Deacons to communicate and promote the church ministry.
4.5 General Guidelines
In the
event that the number of elders has fallen below the minimum required, or that
the pastor's position is vacant, special committee(s) shall be created by the
Executive Board to temporarily take up the needed responsibilities.
ARTICLE V: OFFICES & OFFICERS
The main
responsibilities of the various offices are listed in below. The officers are
to be elected among the members of the Executive Board. An officer may assume
more than one office if needed.
5.1 Chairperson
The
Executive Board shall appoint a chairperson among the deacons. The chairperson
is responsible for convening and presiding over the meetings of the Executive
Board. The individual, together with the Executive Board, will draw up the agenda
for such meetings and coordinates the efforts of all the offices. In the event
that the pastor’s position is vacant, the chairperson shall work with the
Executive Board to take up the needed responsibilities of the church.
5.2 Christian Edification
This
office is responsible for all the planning and activities pertaining to
Christian Edification, including, Sunday Worship speakers, Sunday School, Prayer
Meetings, Retreats, Special Meetings, Church Bible Reading plan, and Bible
Study Groups, etc.
5.3 Worship
This
office is responsible for all matters pertaining to worship programs such as
schedules for Sunday worship, music, choir, and sacraments.
5.4 Missions
This
office is responsible for all mission policy, mission effort, missionary
training, missionary support, administration of mission education, and
promotion of missions locally(e.g. Gospel Camp), regionally and internationally. It is also in charge of communication with
coworkers of the children’s AWANA program and the Youth program and report back
to the Board.
5.5 Caring
This
office is responsible for arranging caring activities on the church members and
their families based on their daily needs and spiritual needs, providing them
with help, guidance and encouragement.
5.6 Secretary
This
office is responsible for writing the minutes of the general meetings and the
meetings of the Executive Board, keeping the records of the membership of the
whole church, registering newcomers, the publication of the church directory,
the sending of church circulars and letters to members notifying them to attend
meetings, updating and maintaining the church website, managing the church
literature, and the safekeeping of the relevant documents belonging to the
church and contacting the guest preachers.
5.7 Treasurer
This office
keeps the accounts of the church, takes care of the offering from the
congregation, publishes monthly statements of income and expenditure and draws
up the church budget. When the year is over, the treasurer must publish a clear
account of the amount of offering and expenditure of the whole year in a timely
manner.
5.8 Activities
This office is responsible for planning
the regular church annual activities, preparing meals, transportation and
programs for each activities, such as special holidays (e.g. Chinese New Year,
Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas), new students welcome activities, outing
activities and local cook outs, etc.
5.9 Students
Fellowship
This
office works with the students fellowship coworkers to plan for the outreach
program for students, caring for students, following up students seekers, and
planning for the Friday night students fellowship topic and format.
5.10 General
Services
This office
supports the work of other offices, mostly makes necessary purchases of church
supplies for all activities, prepares venue for meetings, cleans up venue after
meetings and provides maintenance for church possessions.
ARTICLE VI: FINANCE
The church ministry shall be
supported by the tithes and the free-will offerings to the Lord. Regular
tithing and cheerful giving as unto the Lord are encouraged. There shall be no
solicitation of money from non-believers (Prov. 15:8). God's work, done in
God's way, shall never lack God's supply (2 Cor. 9:8; Phil 4:19).
ARTICLE VII: CHURCH PROPERTIES
Church
properties include all the real estate and possessions which are legally owned
by the church.
Church
properties shall be used for church purposes and activities, and shall not be
loaned to any person or organization for any other purpose without the approval
of the Executive Board. Use of church properties and their maintenance are
administered by the officer of General Services.
Any purchase or
sale of church real estate requires a recommendation from the Executive Board
and a three quarters (3/4) vote approval in a membership meeting provided that
the total affirmative votes exceed half (50%) of the membership.
ARTICLE VIII: SPECIAL PROVISION
The Executive
Board has the final authority to address special situations not stated in the
by-laws.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
All proposals
are to be posted two (2) weeks before the membership meeting for such purpose.
Proposals from church members consisting of at least three (3) voting
members from different families should be presented to the Executive Board in
writing four (4) weeks before the membership meeting. Any amendment requires a three
quarters (3/4) vote of approval in a membership meeting.
(Revision 3, November 3, 2010)