PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Grace Ridge Church of Honesdale, as part of the body of Christ who seek to do the will of our Heavenly Father in all spiritual and temporal matters, do unite in the adoption of these By-Laws based on God’s Holy Word:

“First of all, then I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and Thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and  peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper  conduct.  This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4

Article I

NAME:

The name and location of this congregation shall be “The First Presbyterian Society of Honesdale, PA” hereinafter known as “The First Presbyterian Church of Honesdale” or “FPCH” or “Grace Ridge Church” or “GRC”.

Article II

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this church shall be to glorify God. It shall seek to attain this end through the public worship of God, the preaching of the Scriptures, consistent Christian living by its members, personal evangelism, missionary endeavor and Christian education (Eph. 1:5-14; Col. 1:9-10; Mat. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:9-12).

Article III

INCORPORATION:

To implement this purpose legally, the church is incorporated under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, so that it may own, provide and/or maintain a place of worship (including suitable real estate and buildings), receive, hold and disburse gifts, bequests and funds, and/or do all and sundry things necessary or incident to carry on such purpose.

Article IV

RELATIONSHIP:

The members of Grace Ridge Church and their families profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  They rely on God’s inspired Word for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness (cf. II Timothy 3:16). The members of Grace Ridge Church adhere to the government set forth by the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO).  All persons who are now or shall hereafter become members Grace Ridge Church shall also be members of ECO.

Article V

MEMBERSHIP:

Any person may become a member upon professing saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and upon satisfactorily meeting the requirements set by the Elders, regardless of age, racial origin, worldly condition, sex or disability.

A person whose permanent residence is outside a 100-mile radius of the GRC facility shall be classified as a “non-resident member” and will retain membership status, but will not possess voting privileges. Members, such as students and service members, temporarily living beyond this 100-mile radius shall retain the right of voting in all church business meetings.

1. Responsibilities of membership: The responsibilities of church membership are summarized in the church Covenant as follows:

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we do now in the presence of God and this church most solemnly and joyfully enter into this Covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit:

1. To walk together in Christian love;
2. To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another;
3. To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the Church, the relief of the needy, and evangelism of all people;
4. To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows, and joys;
5. To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness;
6. To guard the spiritual and Scriptural purity, peace, prosperity of the Church, and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus;
7. To assist, through the gifts of the Spirit, in the work of the Church and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus;
8. To love and to pray for all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ;
9. To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, and to establish family devotions where possible;
10. To bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;
11. To walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying ungodliness and worldly lust;
12. To endeavor by example, by work, and by prayer, to win others to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;
13. To purpose that when we remove ourselves from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

1. Renewal: There shall be a review of membership as necessary. Such renewal procedures shall be adopted and approved by the Board of Elders.

III. Discipline of Members:

The purpose of church discipline is to effect a return to a Biblical standard of conduct and doctrine in a member who errs (Galatians 6:1), to maintain purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6) and to deter sin (1 Timothy 5:20).

Any member of this church who teaches or insists on holding false doctrine, and persistently conducts himself or herself in a manner inconsistent with Biblical teaching, or who persists in disturbing the unity or peace of the church shall be dealt with as follows, according to Matthew 18:15-18:

1. It is the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of an erring member’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct the erring member in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
2. If the erring member does not heed this warning, the warning member shall again go to the erring member accompanied by one or two other members as witnesses to warn and correct, seeking repentance and restoration.
3. If the erring member still refuses to heed the warning, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Elders, who, upon careful and prayerful investigation, shall tell it to the church encouraging the congregation to pray for repentance and restoration of the erring member.
4. If the erring member refuses to heed the warnings of the Elders and the church, he or she shall be dismissed from the church pursuant to the Scriptures and treated as an unbeliever. There shall be no appeal of the discipline process or the dismissal to any court. The congregation shall be encouraged to pray for the repentance and restoration of the erring member.

It is clearly understood that the discipline process will continue to conclusion whether the erring member leaves the church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership.

1. Termination of Membership: Membership may be terminated in one of four ways:

1. By physical death.
2. By transfer: When it is requested, the Elders may grant to a departing member in good standing, a letter of dismissal to the fellowship of another church. No such letter may be given to a member who is at the time under the corrective discipline of this church. The Elders may refuse to grant a letter of transfer to any church which is in their judgment disloyal to the gospel (Jude 3).
3. By exclusion: If a member habitually absents himself from the stated meetings of the church without valid reason, or if due to relocation he ceases to maintain a vital contact with the church, he may be excluded from membership. If an excluded member applies again for membership, the procedures set forth will again be followed.
4. By dismissal as a final step of church discipline. The Board of Elders shall only apply the above-mentioned dismissal (see IIId) in strict accordance with the Scriptures.

 Article VI

QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTED OFFICERS:

All persons who hold any position of leadership must meet and maintain the following spiritual qualifications for leadership:

1. Has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
2. Is a member of GRC for a minimum of two years or approval by a unanimous vote of the elders and pastor.
3. Teaches/Supports no doctrine contrary to the “ECO Tenets of Faith”.
4. Provides systematic spiritual, financial, and physical support to GRC ministries.
5. Is known for a dedicated Christian life according to the standards of God’s Word, and will purpose to put any sin, including doubtful conduct and conversation, out of his/her life so that the resulting influence is helpful rather than a hindrance.
6. Fulfills such specific Biblical requirements as may apply to the position of responsibility. 

Article VII

PASTOR(S), ELDERS, DEACONS, AND STAFF:

God has provided various forms of leadership for His Church. At GRC we recognize and seek to channel this leadership focus through a variety of positions including Pastor(s), Elders, Deacons, and staff. Those who serve and minister in these roles shall collectively and individually oversee, provide for, and encourage the spiritual life, welfare, and total ministry of the congregation in order to ensure the proper equipping of the saints.

As God’s servants and stewards, these leaders shall be persons:

Who meet the qualifications as given in Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1-15; 5:19-25; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:3-6);
Who adhere to the doctrinal basis of this church;
Whose soundness in the faith and whose ability to serve has been examined by the elders and approved by the church.

Therefore, our church leaders are to be assisted, obeyed and respected as they carry out their duties (Heb. 13:17).

1. Duties of Senior Pastor:The Senior Pastor shall:

1. Give himself to prayer and the study of the Word of God;
2. Preach and expound the Word of God;
3. Administer the Ordinances in accordance with the Word of God;
4. Share in the pastoral care of the congregation along with the Elders, Deacons and members of the pastoral staff;
5. Perform the marriage ceremony at his discretion in accordance with the laws of God and the State;
6. Officiate at funerals of members of the church and non members at his discretion;
7. Be responsible for all aspects of worship and special services;
8. Together with the other Elders maintain church discipline;
9. Participate in the installation of newly designated Elders and Deacons;
10. Act as an ex-officio member of all committees and boards;
11. Perform other constitutional, Scriptural, and general pastoral duties.

The Senior Pastor shall be free to accept invitations to preach the Word of God to other groups or organizations, provided such engagements do not interfere with the work of the church. Before accepting invitations to speak for other groups which require his absence from the church and its activities, the Senior Pastor shall consult with the Board of Elders and obtain its permission.

1. Duties of Elders:

1. To be devoted to prayer and the study of God’s Word and sustain a caring ministry for the flock, which involves:
   1. Serving as partners with the Pastor(s) for the church’s spiritual growth;
   2. Praying for the sick and visiting the congregation;
2. To teach and exhort as well as refute those who contradict the truth, which involves:
   1. Insuring that instructors, Bible study leaders and youth leaders are properly qualified;
   2. Arranging for pulpit supply during the Senior Pastor’s absence.
3. To lead by Christ-like example, which involves:
   1. Consistently modeling spiritual character, attitudes, values, and behavior among the congregation;
   2. Providing and inviting the opportunity for frequent and on-going contact with members of the congregation;
   3. Conducting the affairs of the church in an atmosphere of openness and mutual sensitivity, focusing as much on nurturing one another as on decision making.
4. To oversee the affairs of the church, which involves:
   1. Being responsible for the employment, terms of employment, direction, and termination of employment of pastoral staff, with the exception of the Senior Pastor;
   2. Installing the duly elected Pastor and/or Pastors;
   3. Approving all subordinate organizations of the church;
   4. Approving all applicants for church membership;
   5. Maintaining the legal status of the church;
   6. Being responsible for securing funds necessary to meet the current expenses of the church;  
   7. Conducting the Annual and special business meetings of the church with the moderation of the Pastor;
   8. Submitting the approved budget to the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting of the church;
   9. Approving nominations for the Board of Elders for the Annual Business Meeting of the church;
   10. Communicating to the congregation on a regular basis concerning the activities and concerns of the Elders;
   11. Establishing frequency of celebrating Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day;
   12. Being responsible for all church buildings and church programming;
   13. Approving Baptisms;
   14. Establishing and approving all compensation, including the pastor’s terms of call;
   15. Authorizing marriage of couples from within and outside of our congregation.  No same sex marriages will be conducted in any of our facilities;
   16. Nominate a Clerk who is responsible for maintaining GRC minutes of all corporate and Board of Elder meetings. To include:

1. Salaries, Vacations, Sick Time for all Employees
2. All Motions made by the Board of Elders and during corporate meetings
3. Maintain record of all deaths, baptisms, and membership
4. Responsible for tracking elder attendance for all meetings
5. Maintain yearly record of all Treasurer Reports

1. To perform other constitutional, Scriptural, and general duties of oversight.    

1. The Board of Elders shall select three of its members to act as Trustees, who shall be in charge of the business affairs of the corporation. The Trustees shall be elected by majority vote of the Board of Elders at its first regular stated meeting following the Annual Business Meeting.

1. The Trustees shall and may, in the name of GRC, make contracts, take real   or personal property by gift, grant, devise or other lawful manner, and may hold or dispose of, mortgage or convey the same for the uses and purposes of the congregation, subject to the following limitation: The Trustees shall not be competent to convey lands, mortgage, or otherwise encumber the same, or to incur indebtedness in excess of ten (10%) percent of the fair valuation of the property of GRC without being thereto lawfully authorized by a majority vote of the congregation, taken at an annual or special meeting thereof convened in accordance with these bylaws.
2. The Trustees shall hold a regular stated meeting each month in advance of that month’s regular stated meeting of the Board of Elders, and shall report any action taken to the Board of Elders at its next regular stated meeting.

3. The Trustees shall appoint the Treasurer and Financial Secretary for GRC. A single individual may hold both positions if so appointed. The person holding either (or both) positions must be a resident member of GRC. These officers shall be responsible for all funds collected on behalf of the corporation and shall deposit them in one or more banks maintaining an office in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Treasurer shall hold any such funds subject to the order of the Board of Elders, and shall be bonded at the expense of GRC with a reputable surety company in an amount established by the Board of Elders. The Treasurer shall distribute funds only upon a proper warrant from the Trustees; however, the Treasurer may be authorized to pay the regular GRC salaries and current expenses without a special order from the Trustees.

4. The Financial Secretary shall provide each resident member of GRC with an annual report of the financial condition of GRC at each Annual Business Meeting.

        

III. Duties of Deacons:

1. To be devoted to prayer and the study of God’s Word and sustain a caring ministry for the flock.

1. Serving as partners with the Pastor(s) for the church’s spiritual growth;
2. Praying for the sick and visiting the congregation;
3. Responsible for preparation and setup for Holy Communion

1. Duties of Pastoral Staff:
2. To perform such duties as are outlined by the Board of Elders.
3. Neither Staff Members nor their spouses may be Elders or Deacons. 

 Article VIII

NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF SENIOR PASTOR, ELDERS AND DEACONS: 

1. The Senior Pastor:
2.     When the Senior pastorate of this church becomes vacant, it shall be the duty of the Board of Elders after prayerful consideration to provide for the filling of the pulpit on an interim basis, and to nominate for Senior Pastor one who possesses the requirements set forth in these articles. In carrying out this process, the Board of Elders shall directly, or through a search committee, communicate to the congregation regularly, and at reasonable intervals. We encourage that all church members who desire to suggest the name of an individual for consideration as Senior Pastor do so in writing to the clerk of the Board of Elders.
3.     When the Board of Elders intends to nominate a Senior Pastor they shall notify the membership by mail at least ten business days in advance. The notice shall include the name of the individual being considered for nomination. We encourage all church members desiring to submit questions, comments or suggestions concerning the individual being considered for nomination to do so in writing at least three business days before the meeting of the Board of Elders at which they intend to nominate an individual as Senior Pastor for the church.
4.     The Board of Elders shall then call a church meeting which shall be announced at least two Sundays in advance from the pulpit, and which shall be announced by mail to each member at least ten business days in advance of said meeting. We encourage all comments be given to the clerk of the Board of Elders, signed and in writing, at least three business days prior to this meeting for the election. Voting shall be by secret ballot. This meeting shall, if possible, be presided over by the senior member of the Board of Elders. Only one person eligible to become Senior Pastor shall be considered or voted upon at a meeting. The election and its returns shall be conducted and announced publicly at the election meeting and shall be sent by mail to all church members promptly. A four-fifth majority of all votes cast shall be required for an election.
5.     After the Senior Pastor has been duly elected a written call shall be tendered to him, signed by the Board of Elders. In this written call the Elders shall specify the financial support. A copy of these bylaws shall accompany the letter of call.
6. Board of Elders
7.   The Board of Elders shall consist of a minimum of seven members and a maximum as determined by the Board. Each Elder shall hold office as long as they are faithful to their calling and has the confidence of their brethren and the congregation.
8.   The selection process shall be as follows:

1. The members shall be encouraged to regularly submit to the clerk of the Board of Elders in writing, the names of members whose life and gift are consistent with their being considered for nomination to the task of Elder. The Board of Elders shall review the individuals so nominated by the congregation and present a list of individuals for the vote of the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.
2. Elders may at any time during the year nominate a candidate or candidates to the Eldership and call a special congregational business meeting for their consideration. In no case should a person be nominated without their knowledge and prior consent. Any questions concerning the nominees shall be addressed to the Elders in writing no later than one week prior to the business meeting.
3. The members shall vote on the final list of nominations at the business meeting.   It is hoped that the vote of the congregation will in such matters always be unanimous, but if unanimity is not realized, no less than a three-fourths majority of those members voting in person or by absentee ballot shall be required for the election of an Elder.
4. Following recognition of an Elder by vote of the congregation, they shall be publicly installed in their office at a regular worship service by the prayer of the whole church and the laying on of hands by the existing Elders.

1.   At no time will spouses be on the same board at the same time.
2.   The Board of Elders shall elect a clerk from its members and may elect additional officers from the church membership. The Senior Pastor shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Elders and shall insure that the Board serves the congregation in a balanced manner addressing each area of responsibility as outlined in the duties. 
3.   Every five years the church shall reconfirm (or express the withdrawal of) its confidence in each of its Elders at its Annual Meeting in the manner designated above and at the discretion of the Board of Elders.  An Elder may, however, resign his office without prejudice if for good and valid reasons he/she finds he/she is no longer able to discharge the duties required.
4.     In recognition that the task of Eldership is significant and is accomplished while continuing care of family and work responsibilities, we understand that individual Elder may need to take leave of some of the responsibilities of Eldership for periods of time. Such sabbatical times will be arranged through mutual consent of the Elders. 
5.     A process of mutual accountability among the Elders safeguards against the continuation in office of an Elder who has rendered himself unqualified for future participation.
6. The Board of Deacons
7.     The Board of Deacons shall consist of as many deacons as the elders determine necessary to complete the assigned tasks.   Each Deacon shall hold office as long as they are faithful to their calling and has the confidence of their brethren and the congregation.
8.     The selection process shall be as follows:
9.   The members shall be encouraged to regularly submit to the clerk of the Board of Elders in writing, the names of members whose life and gift are consistent with their being considered for nomination to the task of Deacon. The Board of Elders shall review the individuals so nominated by the congregation and present a list of individuals for the vote of the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.
10. The Elders may at any time during the year nominate a candidate or candidates to the Deacons and call a special congregational business meeting for their consideration. In no case should a person be nominated without their knowledge and prior consent. Any questions concerning the nominees shall be addressed to the Elders in writing no later than one week prior to the business meeting.
11. The members shall vote on the final list of nominations at the business meeting . It is hoped that the vote of the congregation will in such matters always be unanimous, but if unanimity is not realized, no less than a three fourths majority of those members voting in person or by absentee ballot shall be required for the election of a Deacon.
12.   Following recognition of a Deacon by vote of the congregation, they shall be publicly installed in their office at a regular worship service by the prayer of the whole church and the laying on of hands by the existing Elders and Deacons.
13.     The Board of Deacons shall elect a chairperson from its members. The chairperson will be elected every year by the Board of Deacons.  The chairperson shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Deacons and shall insure that the Board serves the congregation in a balanced manner addressing each area of responsibility as outlined in the duties. 
14.     Every three years the church shall reconfirm (or express the withdrawal of) its confidence in each of its Deacons at its Annual Meeting in the manner designated above. A Deacon may, however, resign his office without prejudice if for good and valid reasons he/she finds he/she is no longer able to discharge the duties required.
15.     In recognition that the task of being a Deacon is significant and is accomplished while continuing care of family and work responsibilities, we understand that individual Deacons may need to take leave of some of the responsibilities of being a Deacon for periods of time. Such sabbatical times will be arranged through mutual consent of the Deacons and the Board of Elders.
16.     A process of mutual accountability among the Deacons safeguards against the continuation in office of a Deacon who has rendered himself unqualified for future participation.

 Article IX

TERMINATION OF SENIOR PASTOR: 

1. The Senior Pastor shall serve until removed by the Lord; by two-thirds of all votes cast at a church meeting called for the exclusive purpose of removing the Senior Pastor from the church pulpit; or by resignation. In the event a church meeting is called for the exclusive purpose of removing the Senior Pastor from the pulpit, the Board of Elders shall notify all members of the church by mail at least ten business days in advance of said meeting. We encourage all members desiring to make a comment or suggestion as concerns the removal of the Senior Pastor from the pulpit of the church do so in writing to the clerk of the Board of Elders at least three business days in advance of said meeting.

1. When the Senior Pastor resigns to accept another call, or for reasons of his own choosing, he shall give the church two months notice in writing of his intention to do so.

 Article X

PROPERTY AND ASSETS:

1. The church shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and so hold such real, personal, or mixed property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania and is deemed necessary for the functioning of the church, and shall have the power to dispose of such property by mortgage, bill of sale, deed, or otherwise. All property shall be held in the name of the corporation.
2.     In case of division of the church caused by conflict (from which we pray God by His mercy to preserve us), all property and assets of the church shall belong to those who abide by its bylaws.
3.     In case of dissolution of the church organization, the property and all assets shall be sold, either through private or public sale. From the proceeds, firstly all current and long term obligations of the church shall be paid. Secondly, all remaining funds shall be directed to such one or more Christian organizations qualified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for the benefit of the church’s supported missionaries and/or such other Christian endeavors as the congregation shall determine. The church shall be considered dissolved if so decided by three-quarters of the congregation. 
4.     Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.E. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof.  No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other purposes not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from the federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
5.       Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for public purpose.  Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Article XI

BUSINESS MEETINGS:

There shall be two types of business meetings of the church: The Annual Business Meeting and Special Business Meetings.

1. The Annual Business Meeting shall be held during the month of the year that the Board of Elders determines appropriate.  

The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the selection of the date on which the Annual Business Meeting will be held. Written notification to the congregation shall be mailed at least ten business days prior to the meeting, except that no mailing shall be required to those members who shall have picked up their written notices at the church at least ten business days in advance of the meeting. The notice of the Annual Business Meeting shall include a typewritten agenda of business. All reports required by the Board of Elders for the annual business meeting must be legibly written and submitted to the clerk of the Board of Elders 10 days before the meeting. Typewritten reports from all church boards and appropriate committees shall be available to the congregation on the day of the meeting. These reports shall include but not be limited to a current financial statement and recommendations and comments as to past, present, and future matters relating to the congregation. Matters of church discipline shall not be included within the annual reports.  We encourage all comments or amendments to the agenda or reports be given to the clerk of the Board of Elders, in writing and signed, at least five business days prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

1. Special business meetings may be called:
2. by the Board of Elders,
3. upon written request of ten percent of the church members, or
4. by the Senior Pastor
5.     Notice of a special business meeting shall be mailed to each church member at least ten business days in advance of the special business meeting, except that no mailing shall be required to those members who shall have picked up their written notices at the church at least ten business days in advance of the meeting. This notice shall include the agenda of the business to be conducted or considered at said business meeting. In the event that a condition or situation arises which is deemed an emergency by the Board of Elders, the advance notice regulation may be waived. 
6. Except as otherwise provided herein, all church business meetings shall be publicly announced in all appropriate church services.

 Article XII

SUFFRAGE:

Only resident members of this church who are at least eighteen years of age and whose permanent residence is within a 100 mile radius of the church shall have the right to vote at any business meeting of the church.

 Article XIII

QUORUMS:

1. The presence in person of ten percent of GRC membership eligible to vote shall constitute a quorum at any church business meeting.  The clerk of the Board of Elders shall be responsible for determining the number which accurately represents the total voting membership of the church. For purposes of determining a quorum, those members who are present shall be counted.
2. Fifty percent of the Board members must be present to constitute a quorum at any Board meeting.
3. A quorum shall be necessary for any vote.

 

Article XIV

AMENDMENTS:

The bylaws of Incorporation of this church may be amended at any business meeting by a two-thirds majority of the members voting, provided that both the text of such an amendment and the basis for its consideration have been provided online at least five days in advance of any meeting at which such a proposal will be considered or voted upon.  

 Article XV

INDEMNIFICATION:

1. GRC will indemnify and hold harmless any and all officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and business administrators for any expenses actually and necessarily incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding against said officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and business administrators. This indemnification shall include costs for attorney fees. The indemnification shall occur as the expenses are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, on receipt of the officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, or business administrators’ promise: (1) to repay the amount advanced it if proved by clear and convincing evidence in court that the officers’, directors’, Elders’, Ministers’, Pastors’, and business administrators’ conduct involved a deliberate intent to injure the corporation’s best interests, (2) to reasonably cooperate with the corporation in connection with the action, suit or proceeding.
2. This indemnification shall be available to any officer, director, Elder, Minister, Pastor, and/or business administrator which is made or thereafter to be made a part to any action, suit or proceeding because of the person’s relationship with the corporation. Persons who are officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and/or business administrators at the time of being made a party, or threatened with being made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, or were officers, directors, Elders, Ministers, Pastors, and/or business administrators shall be allowed indemnification. Indemnification will also be available in criminal actions only if it is found that the officer, director, Elder, Minister, Pastor, or business administrator had no reasonable cause to believe that the subject acts were unlawful.

Article XVI

EFFECTUAL POWER OF THE BYLAWS

These bylaws shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by two-thirds vote. These bylaws shall remain in force as presently formulated or as duly amended until this corporation is legally dissolved. These bylaws shall not be suspended or abrogated.

 Article XVII

CONFIDENTIALITY OF CHURCH RECORDS:

No member shall have the right to inspect the church records as to (i) the disciplining of any member, (ii) the hiring or firing of any employee, (iii) the need or problems of any member or employee, (iv) the financial contributions of any member, or (v) any other records which the Board of Elders may determine to be in the best interests of the church to keep confidential.  The congregation in any business meeting shall have the right, by a majority of those members voting, to inspect any of such other records.