Secondary Title


  

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this congregation is Platte Canyon Community Church, being chartered as a non-profit organization under the laws of the State of Colorado.

ARTICLE II - AFFILIATION

The Platte Canyon Community Church is a non-denominational organization. It is not affiliated with any one denomination or group of denominations. While this church is not subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body, it reserves the right, by a majority vote of its members, to participate in councils of churches or collaborative efforts of other churches.

ARTICLE III – PURPOSE

The purpose of this church is to meet regularly for the worship of God, for the fellowship of prayer and praise, for the ministry of the Word of God, for the equipping of the saints for Christian living, to evangelize the lost both here and abroad, and to engage in works of service and mercy. Further, it is to provide a fellowship for anyone believing in Christ as Savior and Lord.

ARTICLE IV – STATEMENT OF FAITH

God

1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

The Bible

2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

The Human Condition

3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

Jesus Christ

4. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

The Work of Christ

5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.

The Holy Spirit

6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

The Church

7. We believe that the true church is comprised of all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus gave us two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

Christian Living

8. Following the scripture, Matthew 22:37, we believe that we are commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and we shall love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Our love of God must be sincere, not in word and tongue only, but also by deed.

Christ’s Return

9. We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service, and energetic mission.

Response and Eternal Destiny

10. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and will judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal separation, and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

ARTICLE V - CONGREGATIONAL AUTHORITY

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, from whom the church takes her direction. The membership of the church, at all its duly called congregational meetings, holds final authority.

ARTICLE VI - ELDER GOVERNANCE

The Board of Elders will be elected by and responsible to the membership. Men meeting the qualifications of an Elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) will be our spiritual leaders. The governance of the church shall be vested in the Board of Elders according to the principles of Scripture and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

ARTICLE VII - PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

This church will have a Pastor (also referred to as Senior Pastor) who meets the qualifications of an overseer (1 Timothy 3:1-7). He is a member of and accountable to the Board of Elders, and together they are accountable to the congregation. Members of the pastoral staff are accountable to the Pastor. Staff members can be called as Elder, but they are not automatic members of the Board of Elders. Recommendations for additions and removals to the pastoral staff are done in consultation with the Board of Elders. The call and removal of the Pastor is the responsibility of the congregation according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and our Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII - BUSINESS MEETING

An annual business meeting of the congregation shall be held at least 15 days prior to the first quarter of the church budget year. The church fiscal year is the calendar year; the budget year may be as the congregation decides. Additional congregational meetings may be called and held as necessary by the Board of Elders.

ARTICLE IX – PROPERTY

In the case of organizational division of the church membership, the church property shall belong to those members who abide by the Constitution, as determined by the Board of Elders.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be introduced by the Elders, in writing, at any congregational meeting, and they cannot be voted upon by the members until the next congregational meeting. Motions must receive a three-fourths affirmative vote of the members present and voting. Members must be notified at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment will be voted upon.

ARTICLE XI - BYLAWS

A supplement to this Constitution, known as the Bylaws, shall contain procedural matters not outlined herein.


BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.1 Membership Qualifications

Any person who professes faith in Jesus Christ, who acknowledges the authority of Christ, who agrees with the doctrinal statement, who will work in harmony with this Constitution, and who is willing to support the church in attendance, prayers, and gifts, may become a member.

Section 1.2 Membership Applications

Persons desiring to affiliate with this church may make an application for membership. Each applicant shall give a personal testimony of Christian experience at a venue approved by the Board of Elders. The applicant shall become a member upon approval by a majority of the votes cast at an Elders meeting. New members shall be publicly acknowledged at a public worship service. Pastoral staff members and spouses shall be accepted into membership concurrent with installation into the local church ministry. Membership records shall be overseen by the Board of Elders.

Section 1.3 Membership Duties and Responsibilities

The privilege of membership has certain duties and responsibilities. Members, by God’s grace, should:

             Honor, love and pray for one another.

             Honor, love and pray for the leadership.

             Endeavor to preserve unity and harmony in the body.

             Serve the body by using God-given gifts and talents.

             Attend church worship services and congregational meetings regularly.

             Contribute, as the Lord leads and according to his Word, with time, talent, and offerings.

Section 1.4 Member Rights

All members eighteen years of age and over shall have the right to vote and to hold elected office. No individual shall have rights of ownership to the church property, real or personal, since all contributions to this non-profit organization are freely given for the work of the gospel ministry.

Section 1.5 Member Discipline

Members are expected to conduct their lives according to the standards set forth in the Scriptures. Those found living or teaching contrary to the Word of God or the doctrinal statement of this church shall be counseled in love by the Pastor and Elders. If efforts to bring repentance and restoration fail, then the Pastor and the Elders will follow Biblical principles outlined in Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18, I Corinthians 5, II Corinthians 2:5-11 and Galatians 6:1-2.

Section 1.6 Member Terminations for Cause

Withdrawal from membership will be accepted by the Board of Elders, and those in good standing may request a letter of recommendation. Any member who holds doctrines contrary to the Word of God or the doctrinal statement of this church, or who is living a life in violation of the Scriptures, may be subject to removal from membership. If judged necessary, the Board of Elders shall remove a person from membership upon approval by a majority of the votes cast at an Elders meeting. A member who dies or becomes a member of another church is automatically removed from membership; however, with the prior approval of the Elders, an individual may hold membership at two churches simultaneously.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II - ELDER GOVERNANCE

Section 2.1 Board of Elders Membership


There shall not be less than three lay Elders and the Pastor. The members of the congregation may recommend every year to the Board of Elders men to serve as Elders. If the number of lay Elders is at three or less, the Board of Elders may nominate elder candidates at an interval less than a year. The Board of Elders shall recommend to the members the nominated man or men to serve as Elder(s) for a three-year term. An Elder will be limited to serving three consecutive three-year terms. After one year the elder team may reconsider the candidate for the Board of Elders. A two-thirds majority of members present and voting at a congregational meeting shall be necessary for approval. Qualifications shall include the following:

  • Men who demonstrate the qualities set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
  • Men who are members of this church, and who have been active in fellowship and ministries of the church for at least one year.
  • Mature, godly men, who can teach the Bible and who support our Constitution, Bylaws, policies and vision.

Section 2.2 Board of Elders Responsibilities to the Church Membership

The Board of Elders shall be directly accountable to the membership. The Board of Elders shall recommend to the membership the following matters for action: election of church Elders and Deacons, calling or dismissal of the Pastor, matters of membership, major new ministry proposals, approval of the annual budget, and recommending any needed amendments to the Constitution or the Bylaws.

The Board of Elders will be allowed, during the course of the fiscal year, to increase/decrease the annual budget up to 5% of the approved annual budget. Congregational approval is required for increases above 5% of the annual budget.

Section 2.3 Elder Responsibilities

       The Elders:

        Shall guide as shepherds of God’s flock by the ministry of prayer and the Word of God.

        Shall guide, govern, and empower all the ministries of the church.

        Shall guide, govern, and empower the office of the Pastor.

        Shall govern by providing assistance to the Pastor with the pastoral staff.

        Shall govern by maintaining a Policy Manual that provides working operational details of the church Bylaws. Every revision of the Policy Manual must be approved by a majority of the Elders.

        Shall guard by the approval and dismissal of pastoral staff who are accountable to the Pastor.

        Shall guard the doctrine, vision, core values, strategies, and proposals approved by the members.

Section 2.4 Elder Organization

The Board of Elders shall organize itself annually by the internal election of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The Chairman shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Elders and the Church. The Vice-Chairman shall fill the role of Chairman in his absence. The Secretary or designee records the minutes of all Elder Meetings.


The Board of Elders shall have at least one monthly meeting, at a time and place set by the Chairman. Board of Elders meetings may be authorized by phone if necessary. It is also acceptable for an Elder to connect to a physical meeting by phone, and vote if necessary.


The Deacon Chair will attend at least one Elders meeting each month. Other ministry leaders, including Deacons, shall be regularly invited as deemed necessary.

        A majority of the members of the Board of Elders constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

        A quorum being present, a majority of the votes cast shall be necessary to pass business items.

        The Elders are ex-officio members of all committees and ministry teams; as such, they may assign an Elder to any committee or ministry team, to encourage and to assist the members in the calling of that ministry.

        Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary guide, except wherein they may be contrary to Scripture, the Church Constitution or Bylaws.

        Minutes of all Elders Meetings, except those of a confidential nature, shall be made available on a timely basis to the church membership if requested. Minutes made in executive session (a meeting requested by a lay Elder, with only lay Elders present) will not be made available to the membership.

        Elders will not receive compensation for their work but will be eligible for expense reimbursement.

Section 2.5 Elder Discipline

If an Elder is found to be living in a manner that is not consistent with the biblical qualifications of an Elder (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) or is willfully neglecting his responsibility as an Elder, another Elder and the Pastor will initiate Biblical principles such as Matthew 18:15-18, I Corinthians 5, II Corinthians 2:5-11, Galatians 6:1-2 and I Timothy 5:19-20. Discipline may involve a recommendation to the membership for removal from office. A two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the membership at a congregational meeting will be required for removal.

An Elder may be suspended if missing more than ½ of the board meetings over a six-month period. Reinstatement and voting privileges return after attendance at two consecutive board meetings. If an Elder relocates or is unable to fulfill the duties of the office, a notice of resignation shall be received, or is assumed, within 30 days after departure or incapacitation.

Section 2.6 Church Officers

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders, the Elder Secretary, and the Deacon Chair are the officers of the church. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Elders are the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the church. The Elder Secretary is the meeting recorder for the church.

The Elder Secretary will be responsible for the accurate recording and keeping of the proceedings and decisions at all Elders and congregational meetings of the Church. Such records are to be approved at the following Elders or congregational meeting.

The Deacon Chair shall be appointed from the membership of the Board of Deacons by a majority vote of the Board of Elders for a term of three years and will be responsible for managing the business affairs of the church in the areas of finance and budgeting, human resources and facilities. Working closely with and accountable to the Board of Elders, the Deacon Chair oversees a board facilitating the business and operational needs of the church. The Deacon Chair may be replaced by a majority vote of the Board of Elders if necessary.

The Church Officers are the official designees for church legal documents requiring a signature.

ARTICLE III – DEACONS AND OTHER LEADERSHIP

 

Section 3.1 Board of Deacons

The Deacons are men and women who serve both by ministering to people’s needs and by managing the business affairs of the church. Such service as aid to the sick, poor and neglected are examples of such ministry. The calling is high as described in Acts 6 and Romans 16:1-2, and so are the spiritual qualifications as defined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Galatians 6:10 shall be a guiding principle for the Deacons.

A Deacon must be a member of this church who has been active in fellowship and ministries of the church for at least one year. The Deacons shall be responsible for the care of the church properties, seeing that they are kept in good condition and repair.  They shall not be empowered to deed, mortgage, buy or sell real property without the approval of the church membership.  They shall, in cooperation with the congregation, see that necessary funds are gathered for the work and have general supervision over all financial matters of the church.  They shall oversee an audit of the Church finances annually; the audit committee shall include at least one Deacon and at least one member of the congregation at large. They shall preserve all valuable and legal documents.  A Church Treasurer and a Financial Secretary shall be elected by this Board.

       The Board of Deacons shall have at least one monthly meeting, at a time and place set by the Chair. Board of Deacons meetings may be authorized by phone if necessary. It is also acceptable for a Deacon to connect to a physical meeting by phone, and vote if necessary.

The members will recommend every year to the Elders people to serve as Deacons. A Deacon will be limited to serving three consecutive three-year terms. After one year the Nominating Committee may reconsider the candidate for the Board of Deacons.


If a Deacon is found to be living in a manner that is not consistent with the biblical qualifications of a Deacon (I Timothy 3:8-13) or is willfully neglecting his responsibility as a Deacon, an Elder and the Pastor will initiate Biblical principles such as Matthew 18:15-18, I Corinthians 5, II Corinthians 2:5-11, Galatians 6:1-2 and I Timothy 5:19-20. Discipline may involve a recommendation to the membership for removal from office. A two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the membership at a congregational meeting will be required for removal.

A Deacon may be suspended if missing more than ½ of the board meetings over a six-month period. Reinstatement and voting privileges return after attendance at two consecutive board meetings. If a Deacon relocates or is unable to fulfill the duties of the office, a notice of resignation shall be received, or is assumed, within 30 days after departure or incapacitation.


Section 3.3 Pastor Search Committee

The Pastor Search Committee: Shall be elected for the calling of the Pastor.

Shall consist of seven members, four of whom shall be elected by the membership at a called congregational meetings by a two-thirds majority of those members present and voting.


The Board of Elders shall select three of its members to serve on this committee and shall appoint the chairperson of the committee.

Section 3.4 Ministries

        The formation and management of ministry teams are the responsibility of the Elders, but can also be a responsibility of the Pastor and the pastoral staff as they take initiative within the approved budgets, policies, and measurable results as determined by the Board of Elders.

        Ministry teams may appoint people they deem necessary to carry out functions of ministry.

 

ARTICLE IV – PASTOR AND STAFF

Section 4.1 Pastor

The Pastor shall meet the qualifications as stated in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He shall preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances, watch over the membership, promote the spiritual interests of the church and supervise pastoral staff members. He shall also be in accord with and uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of Platte Canyon Community Church. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and ministry teams of the church.

When a vacancy occurs, the Board of Elders shall make temporary provisions for the duties of the Pastor. Upon investigation, the Pastor Search Committee shall recommend a candidate to the Board of Elders. Upon their approval, the Board of Elders shall then recommend the candidate to the membership. A call shall consist of a favorable vote by at least three-fourths of the votes cast at a meeting of the membership held two weeks after public notice has been given. The vote shall be by secret ballot.

The Pastor shall be elected by the membership for an indefinite period of time.

If the Pastor desires to resign, or if three-fourths of the votes cast at a meeting of the membership desire the termination of his ministry, a notice must be given in writing by either party sixty days in advance of the terminating date, unless waived by mutual consent, by both the Pastor and the Board of Elders. The vote shall be by secret ballot. If the membership approves the termination of the Pastor, the Board of Elders, at its discretion, may remove some or all of the responsibilities of the Pastor. If the Pastor is found to be living in sin or is willfully neglecting his responsibility, he shall be relieved of his pastoral responsibilities by the Board of Elders. Upon termination by the members, the sixty-day advance notice may not apply, as determined by the Elders.


Section 4.2 Associate Pastors

Associate pastors will also be presented by the Elders, as described in Section 2.8. A two-thirds majority of the congregation voting will be required for confirmation. The role of an Associate Pastor will be determined as need dictates, and may vary over time.

If an Associate Pastor wishes to resign, or if a majority vote of the Board of Elders desires the termination of the Associate Pastor, a notice must be given in writing by either party 30 days in advance of the termination date, unless waived by mutual consent.

Section 4.3 Support Staff

The support staff shall consist of all other employees of the church who are not on the pastoral staff. This staff will be responsible to the Deacon Chair, who is responsible for their hiring, work delegation, and performance.

Section 4.4 Misconduct of Church Staff

If a member of the church staff (pastoral or support), except the Pastor, commits a grievous act of misconduct, he/she may be terminated immediately by a vote of the Board of Elders.

 

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

Section 4.1 Annual Congregational Business Meeting

The annual congregational business meeting shall be at least 15 days prior to the end of the church fiscal year, upon the time and date set by the Board of Elders. The purpose of the meeting shall be for the election of church officers and Nominating Committee members, approval of the church budget, reception of annual reports and transaction of other business as may be necessary.

Section 5.2 Special Congregational Meetings

Special congregational meetings may be called by the Board of Elders as deemed necessary. A special congregational meeting may be called within two weeks by the membership by presenting to the Board of Elders a petition signed by ten percent of the voting membership.

Section 5.3 Notice of Called Congregational Meetings

Notice of a congregational meeting shall be announced at least eight days prior to a congregational meeting and at two Sunday services. Thirty percent of the active membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. A simple majority of the members present and voting shall be necessary to pass all items of business, unless stated otherwise in the Constitution or the Bylaws. The Chairman of the Board of Elders will preside at congregational meetings, the Vice-Chairman in his absence.

 

ARTICLE VI - PROPERTY

Section 6.1 Authority

The Board of Elders shall have the authority to determine the use of church property.

Section 6.2 Conveyance or Encumbrance of Property

Conveyance or encumbrance of real or personal property valued at more than 5% of the annual budget must be made at a congregational meeting. Any action involving property valued at more than 5% of the annual budget must receive at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the membership at a congregational meeting. Instruments of conveyance or encumbrance shall be executed in the name of the church by the officers of the church. The Board of Elders shall have the authority to acquire and dispose of other property, if it is valued at not more than 5% of the annual budget.

Section 6.3 Church Usage

       Individual church members, and other members of the community, upon approval of the Board of Elders, may rent the facility for non-church purposes.

Platte Canyon Community Church will not perform same-sex weddings, but will conduct wedding ceremonies for one man and one woman as biologically defined at birth. If the church is ever legally forced to perform same-sex weddings, all clergy will opt out of performing civil ceremonies and will perform only biblically based "covenant ceremonies" that bless the union between one man and one woman as biologically defined by their natural birth. Usage of church facilities for same-sex marriages or any civil ceremonies would then be disallowed.

 

ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these Bylaws will require a majority vote of both the elders and the deacons.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - POLICY MANUAL

A supplement to these Bylaws, known as the Policy Manual, will be maintained by the Elders and shall contain job descriptions, financial policies, employment policies, other general policies, and other matters not outlined herein.