Approved 7/14/24
The purpose of this Constitution and Bylaws is not to restrict the rights of anyone but to define and to protect the body to insure cooperation and unity.
Preamble
Whereas, it is the express purpose of God, our Heavenly Father, to call out of the world a saved people who shall constitute the body or church of our Lord Jesus Christ, built and established
upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ, Himself, being the chief cornerstone; and
Whereas, the members of the body, the church (ecclesia) of Jesus Christ, are enjoined to assemble themselves for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and the work of the ministry, and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, therefore be it
Resolved, that we recognized ourselves a body of Christian believers according to the Scriptural plan for the local church and under the laws of the State of Ohio, that we may worship God as a unified body, exercising all other rights and privileges granted to organized bodies of Christian believers.
Therefore, we the membership do recognize ourselves as a local Christian assembly and adopt the following articles of church order and submit ourselves to cooperate and to be governed by them.
Article 1 Name
The name of this organization shall be Grace Community Church of Bryan, Inc., furthermore noted as GCC.
Article 2 Our Mission
Our Purpose: Change the whole house by delivering hope through worship, reaching and teaching.
Our Passion: To know, show and be God’s love in our community and beyond.
Our Values: Transforming, Authentic, Generous and Shifting.
Article 3 Function
The function of this Church shall be to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. All ministries and activities of the Church must be focused on our mission (see Article 2) and in accordance with God’s Word. GCC will provide opportunities for individual members to be discipled and to disciple others into deeper relationship of Jesus Christ. To promote and maintain the spiritual purpose, the church shall :
a. Establish and maintain a place of worship of the Triune God, to promote Christian fellowship, edification and the teaching and preaching of God’s Word for the saving of souls and the maturing and discipling of believers (Genesis 1:26, Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:19, John 14:16-17, 23, Romans 1:16, Ephesians 4:11-16)
b. Conduct and assume our share of responsibility and our privileges, under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures, the work of the Great Commission in obedience to the command of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20), and in harmony with the teachings and practice of his servants, the Apostles (Acts 8:4-5, 25, 35-40; Acts 13:1-4; Romans 15:18-21; 2 Corinthians 10:16; Romans 10:12-17).
c. Establish such departments and offices as may be necessary for the sharing of the Gospel locally and to support missionary activity.
d. Set aside at least 10% of all general tithes for the express purpose of benevolence.
e. Provide for licensing and/or ordaining of persons whose said ministry is recognized as being called of God.
f. Govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament scriptures, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:3, 13)
g. Identify, mentor and disciple individuals who have gifts to lead and to minister to our church and community.
Article 4 Acquisition of Property
It is the right of the church to acquire by gift, bequest, or otherwise (either directly or as a trustee) and to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purpose; all in accordance with its constitution and bylaws or as the same may be amended or modified. All transactions shall be in the name of the church.
Article 5 Disposition of Property
Should this church ever cease to function, any properties held by the local church shall be distributed to other Christian ministries by mutual agreement of the majority of the Oversight Team, Servant Leadership Team and Lead Pastor. No one individual shall have the right to confiscate any existing church properties.
Article 6 Affiliations
The local Church shall maintain its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs. We hold as scriptural and fundamental that form of church government which is a voluntary cooperative fellowship.
Though this Church is functioning as an independent church, we want to clarify that we desire the success and fellowship of all the Body of Christ.
If the Lead Pastor desires to become affiliated with a denomination in the future, then the Lead Pastor must have the approval of 80% of the Servant Leadership Team to move forward.
Article 7 Membership
It is our goal that each member of Grace Community Church serves in a ministry under the direction of a Servant Leadership Team person. A place in the body can be found by taking the Membership Class. Our purpose for serving is to glorify God and to edify others.
It is our goal that each member of Grace Community Church participates in a small group.
Why become a Member?
Membership Eligibility Requirements
Membership may be revoked by an action of the Servant Leadership Team in accordance with the principles set forth in the following scriptures:
For those who are under charge for misconduct, or who may have fallen into sinful or worldly practices, restoration/discipline is to be prayerfully administered in accordance with the Scripture as laid out in our restoration and discipline plan. (Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 2 Timothy 3:16; Galatians 6:1).
Article 8 Church Leadership
1. Pastoral Staff - Ephesians 4:11, Leader- Romans 12:8
Article 9 Lead Pastor
Grace Community Church is a pastor-led church. The Lead Pastor will chair the Oversight Team, Servant Leadership Team, Executive/Finance Team and any other committees as an ex-ofico officer. The Lead Pastor’s responsibilities will include but not be limited to the planning and implementation of church vision through all ministries, making sure the church continues to hold to its core principles. No person will be invited to speak or preach in the church without his/her approval. He/she, along with all staff and employees must conduct their lives in accordance with the Statement of Faith expressed in Article 17.
The Lead Pastor will have the authority to hire any staff and to determine the end of a staff person’s tenure at Grace in consultation with the Servant Leadership Team. He shall also make recommendations annually to the Executive/Finance Team for salary reviews of all staff. The Lead Pastor’s salary will be recommended and approved by the Oversight Team, CFO and Treasurer. The Lead Pastor may be removed for cause by 80% agreement of the Oversight Team and Servant Leadership Team.
In the event of a vacancy of the office of Lead Pastor, the following will make up the search committee for the selection of a new Pastor and will prayerfully and with the full consideration to the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit set forth guidelines for the selection of a new Lead Pastor: Administrator, Staff Pastors (have the option to accept or abstain), 1-2 Oversight Team members, 1-2 Servant Leadership Team members, and 1-2 members of the congregation. The final selection of a new Lead Pastor is the responsibility of the Oversight team and Servant Leadership Team and requires a minimum of 80% consensus.
The understanding is that when a new Lead Pastor is hired all church leadership positions will be reviewed with the possibility of immediate changes.
Article 10 Staff Pastors & Support Staff
Staff Pastors and support staff are hired by the Lead Pastor under the advisement of the Servant Leadership Team. The staff pastors and support staff responsibilities will be determined by the Lead Pastor.
Article 11 Executive/Finance Team
The Executive/Finance Team is made up of the Lead Pastor, Staff Pastors, Administrator, CFO, Treasurer, Bookkeeper, 2 member on the Oversight Team and other financial/spiritual advisors at the approval of the Lead Pastor.
The Executive/Finance Team is charged with creating and maintaining a yearly budget. The CFO provides general oversight to the Treasurer and bookkeeper. The Treasurer provides future financial planning based on the annual budget. The Treasurer will make the budget prior to the 4 th quarter of the year to take into account raises, staff additions, etc. The Oversight Team will review the budget and send it to the Servant Leadership Team for approval. Purchases over $5,000 will be decided via consensus of Executive/Finance Team. The Executive/Finance Team will also manage the acquisition and disposition of property. The Executive/Finance Team will work with the pastoral staff in coming up with ministry/vision goals for GCC. The Executive/Finance Team shall be the Trustees of the Corporation and constitute an official church board for any legal purposes. They will meet quarterly or as needed.
Article 12 Oversight Team
Oversight Team members are chosen by the Lead Pastor in consultation of the current Oversight Team. Oversight Team Members may operate as part of the Servant Leadership Team. A minimum of two people will serve at a time with the possibility of an Oversight Team member-in-training as well.
These men and/or women will be spiritually minded, mature and meet the elder-like characteristics for leadership as found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1&2. They will be members of Grace Community Church who comply with and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Statement of Faith in Article 17. They must be wholly and unconditionally committed to this church and faithful givers to this ministry.
Each Oversight Team member must agree to and sign a Code of Conduct. Violating the Code of Conduct is grounds for removal of position.
The responsibilities of the Oversight Team are:
The qualifications for Oversight Team members are:
The Oversight Team members will serve for 3 years. Oversight Team members may be asked by the Lead Pastor to continue in their current position beyond their 3 years and be reviewed on an annual basis with the consultation of the Oversight Team. Oversight Team members are expected to attend and fully participate in all weekend services, special services and all outreach ministries.
If a member of the Servant Leadership Team brings a concern to the Lead Pastor regarding possible removal of an Oversight Team member, the Lead Pastor, at his discretion, will bring it to the Oversight Team. In the same way, if a member of the Oversight Team brings a concern to the Lead Pastor regarding issues with staff or a Servant Leadership team member, the Lead Pastor, at his discretion, will bring it to the Oversight Team. A decision will be made based on a consensus of the Team.
Article 13 Servant Leadership Team (SLT)
The goal of the Servant Leadership Team is to promote unity and bring all individual ministries under one purpose. The Servant Leadership Team acts as an advisory group to the Lead Pastor. Each member of the SLT is responsible to take the purpose of GCC to their individual ministries.
The oversight of the congregation will rest with a group of no more than 12 persons plus the Lead Pastor. This group shall be called the Servant Leadership Team. The Servant Leadership Team is comprised of the Lead Pastor, Staff Pastors, Administrator, Treasurer, and Ministry Leads.
The Servant Leadership Team is selected by the Lead Pastor and approved by the existing Servant Leadership Team members. A person may be removed in accordance of the following scriptures: 1 Timothy 3:8-15, 5:19-21, 2 Cor. 13:1. If a member of the SLT withdraws support from the ministry, is unwilling to submit to authority or becomes divisive, they will be removed for their leadership position.
Non-staff members of the SLT are asked to serve for a term of 3 years. The Lead Pastor, in agreement with the SLT, may request a member to serve for another term. This is to continue fostering a mentoring/discipleship relationship and to protect SLT members from burnout.
Each Servant Leadership Team member must agree to and sign a Code of Conduct. Violating the Code of Conduct is grounds for removal of position.
The Lead Pastor has the authority to reorganize the Servant Leadership Team based on future hiring and/or personal recommendation depending on the needs of the church.
Each Servant Leadership Team member will be responsible for an area(s) of ministry. The Ministry Lead will be responsible to attend a monthly meeting where they will update and evaluate their ministry with the other team members.
The Servant Leadership Team will exemplify discipleship by selecting individuals in their ministry areas to mentor and disciple. The plan is to replicate themselves in ministry, creating a healthy environment where members are being led, raised, sent out or promoted. Ministry Leads will not choose their replacement but can recommend said replacement to the Lead Pastor.
In the event of a vacancy in the Servant Leadership Team, the Lead Pastor will choose the new Ministry Lead with the advisement of the Servant Leadership Team.
Servant Leadership Team members are expected to attend and participate in both Sunday Services, special services and all outreach ministries.
Article 14 Vacancies
As the various leadership positions become necessary in the local church, the procedure for determining qualifications, appointing, nominating, and vacating of leadership positions shall be determined by the Servant Leadership Team.
Such procedures may become a part of the Bylaws of this Constitution after being reviewed by the Oversight Team and approved by the Servant Leadership Team.
Article 15 Meetings
There shall be an annual meeting of the church at which time various reports of the overall ministries of the church shall be made to the active membership. Place and time of said meeting will be determined by the Lead Pastor.
The membership may also meet at special meetings which will be called by the Lead Pastor, who will designate the time and place. Notice of the annual meeting or special called meetings shall be by pulpit announcement, letter, Facebook, text, email, website announcement or by any reasonably accessible electronic media.
A quorum shall consist of the members in attendance at such a meeting.
Article 16 Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution or to the Bylaws of Grace Community Church may be made by consensus of the Executive/Finance Team after being reviewed by the Oversight team and approved by the Servant Leadership Team.
Article 17 Statement of Faith
This Church accepts the Holy Scriptures rightly divided as the revealed will of God, and therefore is our all-sufficient guide for Scriptural government, faith, practice, maintaining unity, and establishing fellowship among believers (I Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2;42).
Our Core Values:
The following Statement of Faith is set forth to establish a general consistency of Biblical truths and principles. No claim is made that this Statement of Faith contains all truth in the Bible; only that it covers the fundamental Biblical precepts necessary for Scriptural unity.
WE BELIEVE
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).
That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the intercessor and soon coming King.
The Scripture declares:
(a) His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35)
(b) His sinless life (Hebrews 7:24-26; I Peter 2:21-22)
(c) His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38)
(d) His substitutionary work on the cross (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5::21)
(e) His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:5-7; I Corinthians 15:4).
(f) His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11)
(g) His second coming (Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11-16).
4. In the Salvation of man
That man was created in the image of God, but as a result of sin, man is lost and powerless to save himself. (Romans 6:23)
That the only hope for man is to believe on Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, who died to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of mankind and who rose from the dead so that by receiving Him as Lord, man is redeemed by His blood.
a. Conditions of Salvation
The grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men through the preaching of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; and being justified by grace through faith, he becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11, 3:5-7; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47).
b. Evidence of Salvation & Sanctification
By having faith in God’s Word, the inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to others is a life of righteousness and true holiness lived with increasing spiritual maturity (Fruit of the Spirit) and producing Kingdom fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23, John 15).
c. This is the action or process of being freed from sin or purified (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 13:12)).
5. In Water Baptism (Immersion)
b. Baptism is an outward, public testimony of repentance from sin and dedication to God. All who repent believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit according to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19).
c. Baptism by immersion in water is an act of obedience to God and declaration to the world that they have died with Christ and been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).
d. Baptism is not a guarantee nor a confirmation of membership in the greater body of Christ or this local fellowship.
6. In Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes at the time of conversion. The filling of the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. We give more of ourselves to the Holy Spirit, He reveals Himself more fully. We believe this is available to all believers and are to function in harmony with the New Testament guidelines (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; Acts 2:4; I Corinthians 12; I Corinthians 13; I Corinthians 14, Romans 12). Some say that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the same as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, while others say this is something separate and can happen many times in a Christian’s life. We believe it is possible that the differing views concerning the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” come from differing terminology, rather than disagreeing on what the Spirit is actually doing in a Believer.
7. In Divine Healing
Divine Healing is provided for all who believe in the Atonement (sacrifice of Jesus). Divine healing is exampled and demonstrated in the Gospels. Deliverance from sickness is the privilege of all believers subject to the solemn will of God. To the believer complete healing comes through death and eternity with Christ. Upon the request of someone who is sick they will be ministered to and prayed for with the anointing on oil and laying on of hands. (Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16, Ephesians 1:11, James 4:15, Isaiah 46:10, I Chronicles 29:11).
8. Communion
Communion is a remembrance of the Passover and Last Supper. Jesus demonstrated His sacrifice and our salvation through the bread and wine. The bread symbolizing His body broken for us and the wine symbolizing His blood poured out for us. Communion is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ but also the marriage proposal between Christ (the Groom) and His bride (the Church). Communion is offered corporately and individually at times during events. (II Peter 1:4, I Corinthians 11:23-26)
9. In the Rapture of the Body of Christ
The dead in Christ will be resurrected and those who are in Christ that are still alive will be caught up in the air to meet the Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:15-17; Titus 2:13, I Corinthians 15:51-52)
10. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ In the Second Coming of Jesus Christ-- the visible return of Christ with His Saints (Matthew 24:26-30, Rev 1:7, Rev 19:11:16, Zechariah 15:3-4)
11. Millennial Kingdom In a Millennial Kingdom and establishment of universal peace (Revelation 20:1-6, Isaiah 11:6-9, Micah 4:3-4)
12. In Eternal Life
John 10:27-28— My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 11:25-26— Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[ d ] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die
1 John 5:11—And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.".
13. In Eternal Punishment
Matthew 25:31-46
II Thessalonians 1:7b-10—when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 ibn flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from[ b ] the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
14. In Peaceful Co-existence
While it is the responsibility of the Church to seek and save the lost, love and respect for others should dominate all relationships so that we live in peace with everyone so far as we are able. (Romans 12:18-19)
15. In Establishing Justice for the Disenfranchised.
We believe we are responsible for those who cannot fend for or defend themselves. It is our duty as Believers to feed the hungry, care for the sick, visit those in prison, house the homeless. (Luke 4:18-19, John 14:12-14, Matthew 25:31-45).
16. Marriage We believe that marriage was ordained by God at creation as the lifelong and exclusive sacred union of one man and one woman (Genesis 1:26-28, 2:24, Matthew 19:1-10). All intimate sexual activity must therefore be reserved for the union of marriage between a man and a woman. (Exodus 20:14, Romans 13:9, I Corinthians 6:15-18, I Corinthians 5:1-2) Christian marriage is a representation of Christ’s relationship to His church and thus we hold this union in honor. (Ephesians 5:22-23, Hebrews 13:4, I Corinthians 6:15-20) We believe that any form of intimate sexual activity such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one's sex, or disagreement with one's biological sex is sinful and offensive to God. (Leviticus 18:23, Romans 1:18-31, I Corinthians 6:9, Jude 7)
17. In Child Dedication
We believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. Thus all human life is sacred and worthy of protection from the moment of conception. Psalm 127 & 128; 139:13-16 .
Infants and small children may be dedicated to the Lord in the Church upon request. Parents will receive instructions as to the significance and responsibility required in dedicating their children to the Lord (Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-16).
18. Women in Ministry
* Women in the New Testament church were leaders serving as prophets (Acts 21:9), teachers (Acts 18:26), ministers (Romans 16:1-3) and co-workers with the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:2-3); to lead and grow the Church.
We respect those who disagree with our position and we seek to be sensitive. Our goal is to be responsive to God’s call for our church and to be the body He has called us to be. Our commitment to Christ, to His supremacy and sufficiency for salvation, to the reliability and divine inspiration of the scriptures, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, will now and forever remain our foundation for life and community. Love and respect for others should dominate all relationships (Romans 12:16-21).
***We encourage every member to be familiar with this Statement of Faith and to strive to Biblically understand the same and to actively demonstrate these truths in their daily lives.***
