By-Laws
Word of Life Christian Church
By-Laws and Policies
Our Lord Jesus has said ”Go into the entire world, and preach the Gospel to every man.” We the members and churches of Word of Life Christian Church do associate ourselves together, and pledge ourselves to fulfill this command by giving ourselves to the service of our Lord Jesus through the operation of the Holy Spirit, and submitting to His direction. We shall minister the “Good News” of Christ through every avenue made available unto us by God, and to anyone who will listen. Our lives shall be spent on this purpose and Holy calling that our Lord may be glorified on that Day that He shall gather His people unto Himself.
We are a private foundation and not a denomination, nor do we have any desire to become one.
We are simply a Fellowship of People, Ministers and Churches brought together by Gods Love and our common belief in the Bible, the Word of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are a people that live by the standard of the Bible and Jesus. By joining with Word of Life Christian Church and Ministries, you are saying that you believe that way we do.
Word of Life Christian Church
And
Ministries NFP
Word of Life Christian Church By-Laws
Article One
Offices
The Principal office of the corporation, hereinafter referred to as the “Church”, shall be located at the address set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. The Church may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Incorporation, as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.
Article Two
Tenets of Faith and Doctrine
The Word of Life Christian Church is a cooperative fellowship based upon the mutual agreements of the Bible and voluntarily entered into by its people, membership, ministers and churches, but its statement of fundamental truths are as follows:
Section 1 - The Inspired Word of God
The scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God to man, the infallible authoritative rules of Faith and Conduct.
Section 2 - The Trinity
The one true God is revealed in the Scriptures as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Section 3 - The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare;
· His virgin Birth,
· His sinless Life,
· His Miracles,
· His death on the cross for all our sins,
· His raising from the dead,
· His being on the right hand of God.
Section 4 - Man’s Sinful Nature
In the beginning man was created good and upright, but by man’s voluntary transgression fell and there by incurred both physical and spiritual death and separation from God. Section 5 - Man’s Redemption
Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
· Condition to salvation is repentance of sin and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by faith and asking Him into your life.
· Evidence of salvation is the inward direct witness of the Holy Spirit, and the outward evidence is a life of righteousness and holiness.
Section 6 - Water Baptism
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the scriptures. All who repent and believe on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life and faith.
Section 7 - Baptism in the Holy Spirit
All believers are entitled to and should expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit and of fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the power for life and the work of this ministry. With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit, a deepened reverence for God, an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work and a more active love for Jesus, for His word and for the lost.
Section 8 - The Lord’s Supper
The Lords Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ; a memorial of His suffering and death; and a prophecy of His second coming and is enjoined on all believers “till He comes again”.
Section 9 - Speaking in Tongues
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance. The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same essence as the gift of Tongues, but different in purpose and use.
Section 10 - Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from what is evil, and of dedication unto God. The scriptures teach a life of “holiness, with which no man shall see the Lord”. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are also to obey the command; “Be ye holy, for I am holy.”
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of the union, and by offering our faculties continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit.
Section 11 - Book of Life and Church Body
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the great commission. Each believer that is born of the Spirit is an integral part of this body, whose name is written in Heaven.
Section 12 - Evangelism and Edification
The divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord Jesus Christ for a two-fold purpose.
1. The evangelization of the world,
2. The edifying of the Body of Christ
Section 13 - Healing of the Body and Soul
Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Health of a Christian is a directive from God. Healing of sickness is provided in the in the acceptance of the Lord. Deliverance from all sickness and possession is also called for in the Scriptures and is the privilege of all believers. Healing of physical ills of the human body is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith and laying on of hands (Mark 16:16 and James 5:14-15) and is provided for in the belief in Christ and is the privilege of everyone that accept it. "For I will restore health to you and your wounds says the Lord........" (Jeremiah 32:17) We believe that our health is from God and we trust in Him to keep us healthy.
Section 14 - Resurrection
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with the hope of those who are alive and remain, unto the coming of the Lord, is the blessed hope of the Church.
Section 15 - Christ’s Second Coming
The second coming of Christ includes the taking up of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of the nation Israel and the establishment of universal peace.
Section 16 - The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which the dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his fallen angels, the beast and the false prophet, they will all be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death. Rev: 19:20; 20:14; 21:8
Section 17 - Righteousness
We, who have accepted Him, according to His promise, look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein we will dwell in righteousness forever.
Article Three
Membership
Section 1 - Classification of Acting Members
There shall be 4 levels of credentials namely:
1. Exhortant,
2. Licensee,
3. Associate,
4. Ordinant,
Any minister holding one of these levels of credentials with a current membership card and is in good standing shall be considered a member of Word of Life Christian Church and Ministries.
Section 2 - Voting Membership
Voting membership will consist of all ordained ministers or those others as deemed necessary and beneficial, by & at the discretion of the President/Pastor and Board of Directors.
Article Four
Board of Trustees
Section 1 - Board of Directors
It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to manage and conduct the day to day business and affairs of the Church and Ministry.
Section 2 - Regular Meeting
The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings every quarter with date and place to be set by the Board.
Section 3 - Special Meetings
Special meeting of the Board of Directorss may be called by the request of any two members of the Board and shall be held at the principal office of the Church.
Section 4 - Board Decisions
The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. However, at least two affirmative votes shall be required before it can be adopted by the Board.
Section 5 - Vacancies, Additions and Removals
Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors and any directorship to be.
filled by reason of an increase in the number of officers of the Church shall be filled by two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors. Officers of the Church shall be removed only by unanimous decision with the Officer to be removed not voting.
Section 6 - Quorum and Notice
A quorum shall exist if a majority of the trustees are present at any meeting. Notice of the annual, regular, or any special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given by either written or oral notice to each Director. The attendance of a Director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such a meeting
Section 7 - Compensation
Directors shall not receive any compensation for services as members of the Board of Directors. Directors are volunteers only.
In case of the absence of any officer of the Church, or for other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board, the Board of Directors may delegate his duties and powers for the time being to any officer.
Section 8 - Number, Term and Qualifications
The number of Directors shall be no less than three and shall have no maximum number. The term of all Trustees shall be continuous four year periods unless removed or they resign. The board shall elect its members at the yearly meeting for all subsequential years unless modified by the Board of Directors. If a board member does not complete his four year term due to death, illness, resignation or removal, etc, then the board could appoint a candidate to fill the remainder of the unexpired term and their appointment must be ratified by the next Board meeting.
Section 9 - Committees of Elders
The Board of Directors, by resolution, by a majority of the directors in office, may appoint a committee of elders when deemed necessary. These committees shall be under the authority of the Pastor &/or the Board of Directors.
Article Five
Officers
Section 1 - President/Pastor
The Church finds its headship under the Lord Jesus Christ and in its President/Pastor. The President/Pastor has the call on His or Her life and shall be the chief executive officer of the Church. He or She shall be a continuing member of the Board of Directors. He or She shall have the general management of the business of the Church and have general supervision of the other officers. He or She shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect, except for the right of the Board to delegate to any other officer or officers to the Church any specific powers, other than those that may be conferred only upon the President/Pastor. He shall execute in the name of the Church all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other documents authorized by the Board of Directors. He shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees and shall have the general powers and duties of supervision and management usually vested in the office of the president of the Church. If for any reason the President/Pastor cannot fulfill his position, the Vice-President will take the position of President/Pastor for the period he is not able or till the President/Pastor returns.
Section 2 - Vice-President
The Vice President shall perform duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of his temporary absence from the office of the Church, and shall perform such other duties as may be granted or imposed by the Board of Directors. If for any reason the President/Pastor cannot fulfill his position the Vice-President will take the position of President/Pastor for the period he is not able or until the President/Pastor returns.
Section 3 - General Secretary
The Secretary shall attend all sessions of the Board held at the office of the Church and act as clerk thereof and record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. They shall perform like duties for the executive and standing committees when required. They shall give or cause to be given, notice of meetings of the Board of Directors when notice is required to be given under the By-Laws or by any resolution of the Board. They shall keep the membership rolls of the Church and in general, perform the duties incidental to the office of secretary, and such further duties as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President/Pastor.
Section 4 - Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep full and accurate accounts of all the receipts and disbursements in books that belong to the Church, and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Church in such banks and depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors, but shall not be personally liable for safekeeping of any funds or securities so deposited pursuant to the order of the Board.
They shall disburse the funds of the Church as may be ordered by the President/Pastor or the Board of Directors and shall render to the President/Pastor and Directors at the regular meeting of the Board, and whenever they may require accounts of all transactions as Treasurer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by The President/Pastor. Note! The offices of Secretary and Treasurer or Vice-President and Treasurer may be combined under one office.
Section 5 - Delegating Powers to Other Officers
In case of the absence of any officer of the Church, or for any other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board, the Board of Directors may delegate his or her duties and powers for the time being to any other officer.
Section 6 - Election and Terms of Office
The Board of Directors shall be elected by the council at the yearly Business Meeting to serve a term of four years. The respective board position shall be determined by the newly elected board at a convenient time soon after the yearly business meeting of the Council. New offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Council. Each officer shall hold office until his successor has been duly elected, qualified and installed.
Section 7 - Removal from Office
Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment, the best interest of the Church would be served thereby. But such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the officer so removed and there has to be a full Board of Directors meeting to vote them out of office, with 100% of the vote to remove them out of office.
Section 8 - Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, of otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
Article Six
Membership Certification
Section 1 - Application Committee
The Board of Directors shall be responsible to examine the background of a membership applicant in the following areas:
· Morality, Character, Spiritual responsibility and maturity.
· Ministerial experience and training.
· Christian ethical standard exhibition and demonstration.
Section 2 - Ecclesiastical Qualifications
Applicants shall be duly Ordained Ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and must present evidence of the same.
Section 3 - Application
Application for membership shall be on the official form provided by the Board of Trustees. An applicant’s application shall be accepted upon satisfactory completion of requirements as set forth in the Church Membership Guidelines.
Section 4 - Renewal of Membership
Membership shall be renewed annually upon completion of verification forms submitted to the Church and the receipt of all applicable fees and paper work. Renewals shall be due at the beginning of the physical year for the Church.
Section 5 - Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated for:
· Failure to apply for renewal of membership.
· Failure to send the application fees, unless pre-approved by the President/Pastor. Contact him for this approval and have reasons why you can not send those fees in. We will refuse no one with a good reason.
· Violation of the Code of Ethics.
· Violation of standards and regulations of the Church.
· Violations of requirements set forth in the Church Membership Guidelines
· By written request of member.
You may appeal all reasons of dismissal by contacting the President/Pastor.
Article Seven
Contracts, Checks, Deposits, Funds
Section 1 - Contracts
The Board of Directors may present contracts to the President/Pastor for approval, but only the President/Pastor of the Church may have the final approval and with out that final approval of the President/Pastor there is no approval of any contract as per these By-Laws.
Section 2 - Checks, Drafts or Orders
All checks, drafts, orders and purchase orders for the payments of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Church shall be signed by only The President/Pastor of the Church. And in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors, if the President/Pastor so delegates to the Board of Directors. In absence of the President/Pastor, the Board of Directors may be his instrument and may be signed by either the Vice-President or by the Treasurer of the Church.
Section 3 - Deposits
All funds of the Church shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Church in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories by the following:
· President/Pastor or
· Vice-President or
· Secretary or
· Treasurer
There shall be two witnesses to the counting and logging of funds by the listed people above. At no time is there to be only one person to handle and counting of funds for deposit.
Article Eight
Books and Records
The Church shall keep correct and complete books and records of accounts and shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of its members, Board of Directors, Committees having and exercising any of the authority of the Board of Directors, and any other committee, and shall keep at the Church office, a record giving the names and addresses of the Board of Directors, members entitled to vote.
All books and records of the Church may be inspected by approval of the President/Pastor, for a good reason, at a reasonable time
Article Nine
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on January 1st and end on December 31st of every year.
Article Ten
Conflict of Interest
Section 1 - Conflict of Interest Policy
Purpose
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s (Word of Life Christian Church) interest when it is
contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of Word of Life Christian Church or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Definitions
1. Interested Person
Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
2. Financial Interest
A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:
a. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement,
b. A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a
transaction or arrangement, or
c. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which Word of Life Christian Church is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. A person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
Procedures
1. Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
a. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
b. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
c. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement
4. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
a. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
b. If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
Article Eleven
The Seal
The Seal shall be designed By the Board of Directors and provide a Church Seal. The Church Seal shall be kept By the President/Pastor of the Church, and only used by the President/Pastor to affirm all Church business.
Article Twelve
Amendment of By-Laws
Section 1 - Amendment of the By-Laws
These By-Laws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new By-Laws may be Recommended by three-fifths (3/5) majority vote of the Board of Directors at yearly Business meeting of the Board of Directors. At least twenty one (21) days written in advance notice of said meeting shall be given to each Member of the Board of Directors. The recommended change, amended, or repealed By-Laws will be given to the Word of Life Christian Church Membership with advance written notice the fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting to be put on the agenda to be voted on by the Membership.
Section 2 - Amendments and Resolutions
The following Amendment and Resolutions shall be entered here if there be any adopted by the Board of Directors at the Yearly Business Meeting.
Article Thirteen
Dissolution
Upon the dissolution of the Church, the Board of Directors shall, after the payment of all liabilities of the Church, dispose of all the assets of the Church exclusively for the purpose of the Church is such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious purposes and be qualified as an exempt Corporation or Organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (or by the corresponding section of any future Revenue Code of the United States of America), or by a Corporation, Contributions of which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 2986, as amended or the corresponding section of any future United States of America Revenue Law.
Article Fourteen
Minimum Age For Credential Applications
Ministers applying for any Credentials with Word of Life Christian Church and Ministries must be of legal age in the state of residence or have their parents written permission to be ordained. The Board of Directors must have this permission in writing before applicant will be considered.
.