By-Laws

These by-laws presuppose that the Bible constitutes the sole and all-sufficient rule of faith and practice for the local congregation. Therefore, these by-laws intentionally avoid invading the realm of matters of faith. They are concerned with the realm of the permissive and are designed to aid the congregation in managing its affairs with integrity and order and are subservient to the Articles of Agreement as filed in the Circuit Court of Boone County, Missouri.

1. Name

The name shall be the Forum Boulevard Christian Church.

2. Purpose

The purpose of the church shall be:

1. Salvation of lost souls
2. Edification and exhortation of every believer through worship and fellowship
3. Evangelization of the world with the Word of God as our only source of authority
4. Be the spiritual light to the community

3. Address

3900 Forum Boulevard, Columbia, Missouri 65203

1. Qualifications of those desiring Membership

Those immersed believers in Christ who have committed themselves to obedience to our Lord's commands and who desire to join fellowship of the Forum Boulevard Christian Church.

2. Termination of Membership

A person will retain his membership in congregation until:

1. He chooses to place membership with another congregation
2. He chooses to cease fellowship with this congregation
3. The Board of Elders decides, by his attitudes and actions, he no longer shows interest in being considered a member.

1. Annual Business Meeting

The annual business meeting for the members shall be held on the second Sunday of February. The time and place shall be published in writing at least two (2) Sundays in advance. The agenda shall include a budget report, church leaders’ reports, and other pertinent business approved by the elders (see Article IV, 6, a). Any member that wishes to place a business item on the agenda will need to submit their proposal in writing to the elders by the first elder’s meeting in January for their consideration. This will allow time for the proposed item to be presented to the congregation in writing two (2) Sundays in advance of the annual meeting.

2. Special Business Meetings

Special business meetings of the members may be held at any time pursuant to a call by:

1. The Chairman of the Elders
2. A simple majority of the elders
3. Written request of twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members

A written notice of any special meeting will include the place, time, and purpose of the meeting at least two (2) Sundays in advance.

3. Voting

The privilege of voting shall be limited to members of the congregation who are at least eighteen (18) years of age. Each voting member present shall have one vote at every meeting. Absentee voting members may vote by submitting a ballot in a sealed envelope to any elder. No vote shall be cast by proxy. Motions shall be passed by a simple majority (i.e., greater than 50%), except for the election of Elders and Deacons and the calling of a senior minister.

4. Quorum

Those members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.

1. Officers

The officers of the congregation shall consist of:

1. Elders (selected from among the members)
2. Deacons (selected from among the members)
3. Others officers appointed by the Elders (c.f. Article V) as the need arises

2. Qualifications of Officers

1. The Elders and Deacons shall be selected from men of the congregation who have been members at least one year immediately preceding their affirmation vote and who fulfill the qualifications as outlined in the New Testament.
2. Any officer will automatically forfeit his office upon termination of membership

3. Selection

The list of leaders (Elders and Deacons) of the church shall be nominated by the congregation, screened by the eldership and affirmed by congregational vote on a printed ballot. A complete listing of those submitted shall be publicized by the third Sunday of October in preparation for congregational affirmation.

4. Affirmation

The Elders and Deacons shall be affirmed by congregational vote during the month of November by a seventy-five (75%) majority of the votes cast by prepared ballot.

5. Tenure of Office

Elders shall serve for a three-year term effective January 1 through December 31. After one term served, they will sit off for one year and then would be eligible for another three-year term.

Deacons shall serve for a one-year term effective January 1 through December 31. They may succeed themselves indefinitely.

6. Duties of Officers

1. The Elders shall promote the growth and welfare of the church; give spiritual direction to the members; safeguard the congregation by ensuring that all sermons and lessons are in accordance with the teachings of the New Testament; make thoughtful and prayerful decisions concerning policies of the church in accordance with scriptural teaching that will enable it to fulfill its complete mission; encourage by example and word the missionary, evangelistic, educational and stewardship responsibility of the church; decide on ministers' participation in inter-church activities; and generally discharge the duties of their office as set forth in the New Testament. The Elders shall meet as needed.
2. The Deacons shall carry out the policies of the church within their respective ministry area by implementing program decisions, monitoring their budget areas, coordinating activities and reporting their progress to the Ministry Board (c.f. Article V). Deacons shall select members of their ministry team based on spiritual gifts and desire to serve in that ministry.
3. The Elders shall hold the legal title to all church property real and personal, in trust for the members and shall not purchase, sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber any of such real property without specific authorization of the voting members given at a meeting pursuant to Article III hereof.

1. Members

The Ministry Board shall consist of the duly elected Elders, Ministers, Deacons, and Ministry Team Leaders. The sole voting body shall be the Elders and Senior Minister.

2. Officers of the Board

The Elders shall meet and elect or appoint the following officers at the regular January Elders Meeting: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurers, and Secretary. Elected officer's term of duty begins upon election and shall continue until the next election. The chairman may not serve more than two years in succession.

3. Duties of the Officers of the Board

1. The Chairman shall call and preside at all regular or special business meetings of the board and serve as chairman of all congregational meetings. He shall perform all duties peculiar to that office.
2. The Vice-Chairman shall carry out the duties of the Chairman in the Chairman's absence.
3. The Treasurers shall receive and disburse all funds of the church according to the authority designated to them by the Ministry board, keep accurate records of all receipts and expenditures and make regular reports to the Ministry Board and a yearly report to the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting.
4. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all regular or special business meeting and congregational meetings and perform such other duties as may be assigned.
5. Elders may appoint Ministry Team Leaders who will have the same duties as described in Article IV. 6. b.

4. Meetings

The Ministry Board shall meet as deemed necessary.

5. Quorum

Those Ministry Board members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.

6. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the board may be held at any time pursuant to a call by:

1. The Chairman
2. Written request of twenty-five percent (25%) of the ministry board members.

1.

The Elders shall act as the pulpit supply committee for all temporary or permanent ministers. They shall find, investigate character and qualifications, interview and hire prospective ministers for the congregation with the exception of the senior minister. No senior minister is to be called without at least three fourths (3/4) majority vote of the voting members of the congregation present at the designated meeting.

2.

The Minister(s) shall serve for an indefinite term and his duties may be terminated by either:

1. Resignation submitted to the Elders by the Minister
2. Three fourths (3/4) majority vote of the Elders or three fourths (3/4) majority of the congregation present at an appropriately called meeting.

The normal termination of a minister’s service shall not be effective until thirty (30) days after notice thereof. An extension of time may be granted provided it is agreeable to all parties.

3.

The Minister(s) shall perform all duties usual and appropriate to the office as outlined by the Elders in the policy manual.

Part-time and Non-Ministerial Staff

1.

The Elders shall have final authority on hiring and firing of all part-time and non-ministerial staff.