CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
OF THE
Adopted by membership, August 22, 1978
Revised by membership, January 1, 1995
Revised by membership, January 29, 2006
Revised by membership, February 14, 2010
Each accredited
PREAMBLE
The New Testament teaches that the local church is the visible organized expression of the Body of Christ. The people of God are to live and serve in obedience to the Word of God and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance operates on the presupposition that the congregation finds broader meaning and outreach in fulfilling its biblical responsibilities within the life and witness of the denomination.
This Constitution has three objectives:
1. Set out in general an outline for organization and administration for this church.
2. Define the relationship of this church to the district of which it is an integral part.
3. Relate this church to the denominational framework through which the worldwide work of The Christian and Missionary Alliance is carried out.
The Uniform Constitution for Accredited Churches has been framed and adopted by the General Council, the denomination’s highest governing body. The accredited churches of The Christian and Missionary Alliance have participated in this process through their authorized delegates. This church can, in accordance with this Constitution and in a manner that is consistent with the Bylaws of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, formulate its bylaws so as to carry out its ministry appropriately and efficiently.
This church is an integral part of the district and worldwide fellowship and is united in governance, fellowship, and service in order to promote unity of faith in the fullness of Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King, and to facilitate the spread of the gospel at home and abroad under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
ARTICLE I
The official name under which this church is incorporated or organized is The Atlanta Road Alliance Church (of The Christian and Missionary Alliance).
ARTICLE II
RELATIONSHIP
This church is connected with and subordinate to its parent religious organization, The Christian and Missionary Alliance, a Colorado nonprofit corporation. In consideration of the mutual benefits generated and derived from this relationship, and understanding that The Christian and Missionary Alliance is relying hereon in agreeing to initiate or continue such relationship, this church agrees to be subject to and abide by the terms and conditions of Article XV hereof relating to the reversion of property of accredited churches.
ARTICLE III
Qualifications for membership shall consist of:
1. Confession of faith in Jesus Christ and evidence of regeneration.
2. Belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in the verbal inspiration of the Holy Scriptures as originally given; in the vicarious atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ; in the eternal salvation of all who believe in Him and the eternal punishment of all who reject Him.
3. Acceptance of the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King.
4. Full sympathy with the principles and objectives of The Christian and Missionary Alliance and cooperation by systematic support of its work.
5. Such other qualifications for membership as may be stated in the bylaws.
Bylaw - Item 1
Reception of members – All candidates for membership shall apply for membership to the Senior Pastor or, in the absence of the Senior Pastor, the candidate shall apply for membership through the Board of Elders. Persons applying for membership shall be at least 16 years of age.
Bylaw - Item 2
Membership Roll - The membership roll shall be reviewed the month prior to the annual meeting by The Board of Elders
Bylaw - Item 3
Transfer of Membership - Letters of transfer shall be granted to members in good standing who wish to unite with other churches upon approval of The Board of Elders.
ARTICLE IV
ORDINANCES
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are recognized as the two ordinances of the church.
Believers’ baptism by immersion is taught and practiced as the scriptural mode. The pastor or other elders shall oversee baptism. They shall provide the instruction about baptism and shall administer the baptisms themselves or choose other spiritually respected people to do these ministries.
The Lord’s Supper is administered regularly. The pastor or other elders shall oversee Communion. They shall provide the instruction about Communion and shall administer the Communion themselves or choose other spiritually respected people to do these ministries.
Bylaw - Item 1
The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be administered the first Sunday of each month except when the Pastor and Elders determine otherwise.
ARTICLE V
GOVERNMENT
There shall be an annual meeting of the members of this church to be held at a time specified in the bylaws at which time the members shall receive reports of ministries, including audited reports of the treasurers, and shall elect church officers, elders, and members of the governance authority. Additional ministry positions shall be filled as specified in the local church bylaws. The governance authority, as specified in the local church bylaws, shall conduct the affairs of the church between annual meetings and shall be amenable to the membership and the district superintendent as constitutionally defined. Other meetings of the members may be called by proper notice to the membership as specified in the bylaws. On general church matters in which no legal questions are involved, it is understood that all members in good and regular standing who have reached the age of 16 years are entitled to vote, but in matters involving titles of property or legal procedure, the laws of the state determine the age at which members are eligible to vote.
Bylaw - Item 1
The annual meeting for the election of officers shall be held between January 1 and February 28. The governing Board shall determine the actual date, time and location.
Bylaw - Item 2
A quorum shall consist of one-third of the active church membership.
Bylaw – Item 3
The Congregation shall be notified of all Congregational meetings at least ten days in advance of any congregational meeting, unless otherwise prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Two separate notifications will be made within this time frame.
Bylaw – Item 4
Roberts Rules of Order shall govern all matters of church business.
ARTICLE VI
LOCAL CHURCH GOVERNANCE AUTHORITY
Section 1. General. Each local church shall structure its governance authority in accordance with the governing documents of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the definition of elder authority, the bylaws of the district, and the laws of the state in which the church is located. The members of the governance authority shall satisfy the scriptural standards for church leadership and shall be members of this church.
The senior pastor shall be chairman or, at his request, the governance authority shall elect an elder as chairman. An elder also shall be elected as vice chairman. Meetings shall be held for prayer and business, and abbreviated minutes shall be reported to the church as the church may decide. Special meetings may be called by the chairman or by written request of one-half of the governance authority membership. All officers, committees, and organizations except the Nominating Committee are amenable to the collective oversight of the elders.
Section 2. Removal. In consultation with the district superintendent and the senior pastor, any officer or auxiliary official, except licensed pastoral staff, of this church, whether elected at the church annual meeting or appointed by the governance authority, or any individual member of the governance authority, may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the governance authority and the approval of the district superintendent if, in the judgment of the governance authority, the best interests of this church will be served thereby.
Bylaw - Item 1
The Governing Board shall be comprised of a maximum of twelve members. The Governing Board shall consist of the Senior Pastor and the following: such ordained members of the pastoral staff as the Governing Board may determine, The Elders, Secretary, Chairman of the Trustees, Treasurer, and the Assistant Treasurer will complete the Governing Board. Elders will comprise a majority of the Governing Board.
Bylaw - Item 2
At its first meeting, The Governing Board shall elect a Vice-Chairman. When there is not a Senior Pastor, the Vice-chairman will serve as temporary chairman.
Bylaw - Item 3
The executive power shall be vested in The Governing Board. It shall conduct the necessary business of the church in keeping with the Constitution and Bylaws. It shall in case of vacancy in elective or appointed offices have the right to appoint another in his place to complete the unexpired term.
Bylaw - Item 4
A majority of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum to transact business.
Bylaw - Item 5
Governing Board members shall consider it their responsibility to be present at all regular and special meetings. They shall set proper example as it regards their financial stewardship to the local church.
Bylaw - Item 6
The music used in the services of the church and all departments shall be subject to the approval of the Senior Pastor and the Board of Elders. The Governing Board may appoint or designate a person(s) to direct the music ministries of the church.
Bylaw - Item 7
A Budget Committee consisting of three members, including the Treasurer shall be appointed by The Governing Board two months prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting. They shall prepare a proposed budget which shall be presented to The Governing Board as a recommendation. The budget, approved by the Governing Board, shall be presented at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
ARTICLE VII
OFFICERS
The officers shall be members of this church and shall satisfy the scriptural standards for church leadership. They shall consist of the following who, with the exception of the senior pastor, shall be elected at the annual meeting of the church: senior pastor, secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, and such other officers as may be designated in the church bylaws or in the state law.
Bylaw - Item 1
There shall be four Trustees with terms of office as follows: one, 1-year term; two, 2-year terms; one, three year term.
Bylaw - Item 2
There shall be a minimum of four Deaconesses.
ARTICLE VIII
PASTORAL STAFF
The governance authority shall not give consideration to any candidate for the pastoral staff without the approval of the district superintendent. Pastoral staff members shall be called by the governance authority and appointed by the district superintendent. The district superintendent shall suggest to the governance authority the names of such workers as in his judgment have proper qualifications for pastoral staff. Upon appointment by the district superintendent, a pastoral staff member and spouse become members of this church. Pastoral staff include all those whose position calls for licensing as an “official worker,” as defined in the General Regulations in the Manual of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Any member of the pastoral staff may resign from this church by giving due notice of this intention to the district superintendent and the governance authority. The governance authority may, in conjunction with the district superintendent, ask for the resignation of any member of the pastoral staff. Before such action is taken, the governance authority and that member shall follow the guidelines as prescribed by the district superintendent. The district superintendent, with the approval of the District Executive Committee, shall have the authority to remove or transfer a member of the pastoral staff when the governance authority is in disagreement or whenever circumstances make such removal or transfer advisable.
. Bylaw - Item 1
A two-thirds majority vote by the membership present at a duly called congregational meeting shall be required before The Governing Board can vote to extend a call to a Senior Pastor.
ARTICLE IX
DUTIES OF CHURCH OFFICERS
Section 1. Senior Pastor. The senior pastor shall have oversight of this church. He shall be chairman of the governance authority except as he may choose to proceed according to the provisions in Article VI. He shall preside at all regular or special meetings of the church membership. He is a member ex officio of all church committees and organizations. When the membership has no pastor, the chairman or vice chairman of the governance authority shall have oversight of the church in conjunction with the district superintendent. The senior pastor shall be the president of this church where such office is required by law.
Section 2. Secretary. The secretary shall keep the minutes of membership meetings and conduct the correspondence of this church as directed by the governance authority. The secretary shall attend and keep minutes of other meetings as specified in the local church bylaws.
Section 3. Treasurer. The treasurer shall receive all monies of this church and shall be responsible for the payment of all bills on the order of the governance authority as specified by the local church bylaws, keeping proper book records of all transactions, and filing canceled vouchers and receipts for payments made. The governance authority shall determine where funds of this church shall be kept. No offerings shall be solicited from the membership except upon approval of the governance authority.
Section 4. Missionary Treasurer. When required by local church bylaws, the missionary treasurer shall account for all missionary monies and oversee the forwarding of the same to the treasurer of The Christian and Missionary Alliance on or before the tenth of the following month.
Section 5. Assistant Treasurer. The assistant treasurer shall, with another person or persons appointed by the governance authority, be responsible to count all monies and keep a separate record of all receipts. The assistant treasurer may be empowered to issue receipts to the donors.
Bylaw - Item 1
Only the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and any other Assistants deemed appropriate by the Governing Board are authorized to sign checks.
Bylaw - Item 2
The Treasurer is authorized to pay all regular bills, with payment of all other bills subject to the approval of The Governing Board.
Bylaw - Item 3
All monies received by the church shall be counted by the Treasurer and/or the Financial Secretary or by other church members designated by The Governing Board.
Bylaw - Item 4
The fiscal year shall be from January 1 through December 31.
Bylaw - Item 5
The Receipts shall be issued to the donors as soon as possible after the first of the year.
ARTICLE X
COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. Elders. The elders shall be male members of this church and shall be elected as specified in the church bylaws. With authority from Christ the Chief Shepherd and confirmed by the church membership, the pastor and the other elders are the highest level of servant leadership in the local church. As undershepherds, elders shall serve with the senior pastor to oversee the local church and its ministries to accomplish Christ’s mission. They shall constitute the Committee on Membership. They shall be the Committee on Discipline in accordance with the Uniform Policy on Discipline, Restoration, and Appeal of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Section 2. Deacons. The deacons shall be members of this church and shall be appointed or elected as specified in the local church bylaws. The deacons shall have charge of those ministries and charities of the church as specified in the bylaws, receive offerings for such purposes and dispense the same, and make monthly reports as directed. Where there are no deacons, the governance authority shall assume responsibility for their ministries until such are elected or appointed.
Bylaw – Item 1
The Deacon Board shall be comprised of no less than three members. Members of the Deacon Board shall be appointed by the Board of Elders on an annual basis prior to the Annual Meeting. The Board of Elders will designate one Deacon as Chair of the Deacon Board. These appointments will be publicized at the Annual Meeting.
Bylaw – Item 2
The Deacon Board will undertake and/or oversee mercy ministries aimed primarily at the members and adherents of the church. They will make every effort to involve others in this ministry with them. Their work will be funded by the Benevolent Fund, the General Fund or designated gifts as directed by the Governing Board
Section 3. Deaconesses. Deaconesses shall be members of this church and shall be appointed or elected as specified in the local church bylaws. The deaconesses shall have charge of those ministries as specified in the bylaws. Where there are no deaconesses, the governance authority shall assume responsibility for their ministries until such are elected or appointed.
Bylaw - Item 1
There shall be a minimum of four Deaconesses. They shall be organized by the Pastor following their election and at the meeting a chairperson shall be elected by those present.
Bylaw - Item 2
Under the direction of their leader, these godly women will assist in visitation, in conformity with Scriptures be available to "teach the younger women" and assist and encourage them spiritually, minister to shut-ins, prepare the elements for Communion, serve in assisting in the use of the prayer chain and in the performance of other ministries as designated by the committee and/or the Senior Pastor, or in his absence, the Board of Elders.
Section 4. Trustees. The trustees shall be members of this church and may be appointed or elected as specified in the local church bylaws. Trustees shall have charge of those ministries and duties as specified in the bylaws, or the laws of the state in which the church is located. Where there are no trustees, the governance authority shall assume responsibility for those ministries and duties until such are elected or appointed.
Bylaw - Item 1
The Trustees shall have custody of all the real and personal property for the organization in trust. They shall receive and hold, sell, or otherwise dispose of, or encumber any and all holdings as directed by a two-thirds vote of the active membership at a meeting of the congregation duly called to consider such matters. An accurate record shall be kept of all transactions.
In case of major improvements, sale or purchase of property, the District Executive Committee shall be consulted in accordance with the District regulations which are currently in effect at such time.
Bylaw - Item 2
The trustees shall be elected at the annual meeting. The chairman of The Board of Trustees shall be selected from their membership by the Governing Board.
Section 5. Missions Committee. A Missions Committee shall be appointed by the governance authority as specified in the local church bylaws. The purpose of the Missions Committee is to assist the pastor in administering the year-round missions program, planning and promoting the annual Missions Conference, recruiting candidates, and promoting the financial and prayer support of the worldwide ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Section 6. Sunday School/Bible Teaching. Each church shall have a Sunday school or a comparable disciplemaking ministry. The mission of disciplemaking ministries is to bring people to a saving knowledge of Christ, teach biblical principles emphasizing missions and the centrality of Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King, and equip people for evangelism and Christian service.
Section 7. Disciplemaking Ministries Council. A Disciplemaking Ministries Council shall be appointed as specified in the local church bylaws. The Council shall oversee the disciplemaking ministries for children, youth, and adults.
Section 8. Alliance Women Ministries. Local church Alliance Women Ministries may be established. They shall be organized as outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual for Districts and Churches. Alliance Women Ministries is organized to promote fellowship, outreach, and prayer among the women and encourage support and prayer for Alliance missionaries and worldwide ministries.
Section 9. C&MA Men’s Ministry. A C&MA Men’s Ministry may be established in the local church. They shall be organized as outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual for Districts and Churches. C&MA Men’s Ministry is committed to discipling men in and through C&MA churches.
ARTICLE XI
MISSIONS CONFERENCE
A missions conference shall be held annually for the promotion and support of the worldwide work of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
ARTICLE XII
PROPERTY AND RECORDS
Section 1. Property. This church may acquire, own, dispose of, improve, encumber, and convey property, real and personal, for church purposes, in conformity with the laws of the state where the property is situated.
Real property may be purchased, sold, conveyed, exchanged, mortgaged, or encumbered only by order of the membership through the governance authority in consultation with the district superintendent. In states where trustees are required, the order of the membership shall proceed through them.
Section 2. Records. The official records of all officers of the church and all its departments are the property of the church. In the event of the death or resignation of the incumbent or upon the election of his successor, the current records of the office shall be passed on to the newly elected officer. All records other than current shall be kept in a secure repository selected by the governance authority.
Section 3. Audit. All financial records shall be examined annually or at more frequent intervals on order of the governance authority. At least three persons, none of whom is a financial officer or a church staff member, shall be appointed by the governance authority to conduct the examination. They shall follow procedures set forth in the current edition of the Manual for Alliance Church Treasurers (and Pastors). The governance authority shall authorize actions to conform with additional audit standards that may be required by the jurisdiction in which the church is located.
ARTICLE XIII
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
A Nominating Committee shall consist of the senior pastor, two elected by but not necessarily from the governance authority, and two elected from the church membership-at-large, as stipulated by the local church bylaws, at least one month prior to the annual meeting. Members of the Nominating Committee shall be members of this church.
ARTICLE XIV
ELECTIONS
In consideration of elections, the Nominating Committee shall present at least one name for each office to be filled. Other nominations may be made from the membership. The officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting. Where only one name is presented, the ballot may be waived by unanimous vote.
Bylaw – Item 1
The Nominating Committee shall provide at least one candidate for each Elder position. No nominations for these positions will be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting. All candidates nominated for the office of Elder shall pass through the Nominating Committee.
ARTICLE XV
REVERSION OF PROPERTY
Recognizing the purpose of the members of this congregation to support both the doctrines and the mission of The Christian and Missionary Alliance through the contribution of their tithes, offerings, and special gifts, and to ensure that the future use of such assets and real property as this church may from time to time acquire shall not be diverted from this purpose, this church adopts the following property reversion clause.
1. Property Reversion Events. Any of the following shall constitute a “property reversion event:” (a) the decision or action of this church to disaffiliate or otherwise separate itself from The Christian and Missionary Alliance without the prior written approval of such decision or action by the District Executive Committee (or its equivalent) of the district in which this church is located, (b) the failure for any reason of this church to be subject to or abide by any of the purposes, usages, doctrines, or teachings of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, (c) the failure for any reason of this church to qualify as an “accredited church” of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (as such term is defined in the Bylaws of The Christian and Missionary Alliance), or (d) the termination of this church’s existence for any reason.
2. Determination of a Property Reversion Event. The determination of whether a property reversion event has occurred shall be considered and decided by the District Executive Committee (or its equivalent) of the district of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in which this church is located in accordance with procedures established from time to time by the Board of Directors of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. The decision of such District Executive Committee (or its equivalent) shall be final and binding on The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the district of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in which this church is located, and this church, and may not be challenged by any party in the absence of fraud, collusion, or arbitrariness.
3. Consequences of a Property Reversion Event. Upon the occurrence of a property reversion event as determined in accordance with item 2 above, legal title to all real and personal property (tangible and intangible), appurtenances, fixtures, and effects of whatever type then owned, held, or used by this church, without regard to how or from whom acquired, shall, upon the demand of the district of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in which this church is located, revert to and become the property of such district of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. During the period of time between the occurrence of the property reversion event and the complete and final transfer of legal title to the district of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in which this church is located, this church shall hold such property in trust for such district to be used exclusively to further the purposes, usages, doctrines, and teachings of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
4. Waiver of Certain Property Reversion Events. In the event of a property reversion event attributable to differences in doctrine between this church and The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the property reversion process set forth above may be waived upon the approval of (a) at least two-thirds of the members in good standing of this church, (b) the District Executive Committee (or its equivalent) of the district of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in which this church is located, and (c) Church Ministries of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
ARTICLE XVI
BYLAWS
Church bylaws not in conflict with this Constitution, the provisions of the Bylaws of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, or the laws of the state are required and will be adopted by a duly called meeting of the church. As a minimum, the church bylaws will include provisions for the composition and name of its governance authority that is in keeping with Article VI above. A copy of such bylaws shall be filed with the district superintendent.
Bylaw - Item 1
A two-thirds majority vote by the membership present at a duly called congregational meeting shall be required to amend Bylaws.
ARTICLE XVII
AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended only by the General Council of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.2 of the Amended and Restated Constitution and Bylaws of The Christian and Missionary Alliance as applied to the Uniform Constitution for Accredited Churches.
ARTICLE XVIII
CONFORMANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW
In cases where any provision of this Constitution may not conform to state laws, the district concerned shall be authorized to make such adjustments as necessary in counsel with the vice president for Church Ministries of The Christian and Missionary Alliance so as to conform to such law.