We Believe In
Our Church Constitution
THE CONSTITUTION OF
THE STROMSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH OF STROMSBURG, NEBRASKA
ARTICLE 1. NAME AND ORGANIZATION
Section 1 - Name: The name of this organization is the Stromsburg Baptist Church.
Section 2 - Organization: The organization of the First Baptist Church of Stromsburg, Nebraska took place on July 12, 1873. The Eden Baptist Church was organized in Stromsburg on September 18, 1895. On October 6, 1933 these two merged to become the Stromsburg Baptist Church.
Section 3 - Affiliation: This Church is affiliated with the Baptist General Conference and the Heartland Baptist District.
Section 4 - Incorporation: The organization is incorporated in the County of Polk, State of Nebraska.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
Section 1 - Purpose: The purpose of this Church shall be the worship of God according to the teaching of His Word, the administration of the ordinances of the New Testament, the spiritual growth of its members, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ here and throughout the world.
Section 2 - Statement of Faith:
I. THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Mark 13:31: John 8:31-32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32
II. THE TRINITY
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. Gen. 1:1, 26; John 1:1, 3; Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; Rom. 1:19-20; Eph. 4:5-6
III. GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21-22; Matt. 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Rom. 1:7; 1 Tim. 1:1-2; 2:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:3; Rev. 1:6
IV. JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. Matt. 1:18-25; 20:28; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28, 30-31; Acts 1:11; Rom. 5:6-8; 6:9-10; 9:5; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 7:25; 9:28; 1 Pet. 2:21-23
V. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:9-14; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26
VI. REGENERATION
We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and sin by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. Gen. 1:26; 2:17; 3; Ps.51:7; Prov. 28:13; Ecc. 2:11; Jer. 17:9; John 1:13; 3:14, 16; 5:24, 30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Rom. 3:19; 5:19; 8:1; 9:22; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Thes. 1:9; James 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 19:3, 20; 20:10, 14,15; 21:18
VII. THE CHURCH
We believe in the universal Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. Acts 1:8; 2:42; Eph. 2:19-22; 5:19-21; Heb. 10:23-25
VIII. CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. John 14:15, 23-24; Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 4:2; 10:31; 2 Cor. 9:6-9; Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 12:1-2; 1 John 2:3-6
IX. THE ORDINANCES
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 11:23-26
X. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. Rom. 14:7-9, 12; 1 Tim. 2:5
XI. CHURCH COOPERATION
We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Acts 15:36, 41; 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:1; Gal. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4, 10, 11
XII. THE LAST THINGS
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. Matt. 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 4:5; 15; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thes.4:15; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15
ARTICLE III. CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and on the confession of our faith, having followed the Lord's example in the waters of baptism, thus demonstrating our identification in His death, burial, and resurrection; we do now in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and influence; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as the Lord has prospered, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We also engage to encourage one another in family and private devotions and the instruction of our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul; to abstain from all appearances of evil, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to abstain from backbiting, slander and excessive anger; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Lord.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Lord, to secure it without delay.
We also engage to reverence the house of worship, not to willfully forsake the assembling of ourselves together; and to prohibit everything that is worldly or that is not within the spirit of this covenant or that would not bring praise and glory to God.
We moreover engage that when we remove 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.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this Church shall consist of those who have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and upon, such profession have been baptized by immersion and who have been received into its membership according to the By-Laws of this Church.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
The officers of this Church, whose election and responsibilities are given in the By-Laws of this Church, shall consist of the following:
(a) Chairman/Pastor
(b) Vice-Chairman
(c) Church Clerk
(d) Treasurer
(e) Financial Secretary
ARTICLE VI. BOARDS
The Boards of this Church, whose election and responsibilities are given in the By-Laws of this Church, shall consist of the following:
(a) Deacon Board - A minimum of six members shall be elected by the Church. In addition, the Vice-Chairman of the Church will be an ex-officio member of the Deacon Board.
(b) Deaconess Board - A minimum of three members shall be elected by the Church.
(c) Trustee Board - A minimum of four members shall be elected by the Church. In addition, the Treasurer and Financial Secretary shall be ex-officio members of the Trustee Board.
(d) Christian Ministries Board - A minimum of four members shall be elected by the Church.
(e) The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all Boards.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
The Committees of this Church, whose membership, election and responsibilities are given in the By-Laws of this Church, shall consist of the following:
(a) Executive
(b) Social
(c) Auditing
(d) Nomination
(e) Pulpit
ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS
Section 1 – The Regular Worship Meetings of the Church shall include, but not be limited to, a Sunday Worship Service.
Section 2 – Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Church shall be from January 1 to December 31.
Section 3 – Congregational Business Meetings of the Church:
(a) The annual meeting of the Church shall be held during the month of January for the purpose of reviewing annual reports, electing the officers, board and committee members of the Church, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
(b) The quarterly meetings will be held during the months of April, July and October.
(c) Special meetings of the membership may be called at any time by the Pastor, or the Vice-Chairman. Notice of special Meetings, unless otherwise required by law or other provision in this constitution, shall be given by public announcement from the pulpit at any regular worship service one week prior to such meeting and said notice posted on the bulletin board for that same week. Such notice shall include time, place, and purpose of the meeting. A quorum for the-transaction of business at any special meeting shall be 20% of the active resident membership.
Section 4 - Eligible Voters: Only active members of the Church shall be eligible to vote. Except where the legal requirement is affixed to action of the Church, the minimum voting age shall be 16.
Section 5 - Voting: Voting shall be by raise of hands or voice, unless a secret ballot is called for.
(a) The affirmative vote of a majority of eligible voters casting votes shall constitute favorable action on all regular business and election activity.
(b) Special business shall be governed by provisions of law or of this constitution.
(c) Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.
ARTICLE IX. PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP
The leadership of this Church shall be vested in its Pastor, who shall be called to his office by vote of the membership of the Church as provided in its By-Laws. He shall be responsible for the ministration of the Word of God to the membership of the Church and to all others whom it may reach with that Word through its activities; he shall administer the ordinances of the Gospel; he shall have authority to act as moderator at any meetings of the Church membership held for the transaction of business, and perform the various other duties incumbent on his office. In the carrying out of his pastoral duties, the Pastor shall work together with the Board of Deacons as to the details of the operation of the Church.
ARTICLE X. AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1 - Approval: All organizations to be affiliated with the Stromsburg Baptist Church must secure the recommendation of the Deacons and the approval from the Church for said organization and be responsible to the Church.
Section 2 – Officers: The leader of an organization of the Church shall be a member of the Church.
Section 3 – Dissolution: If, for any reason, an organization ceases to function, all monies and properties of such
organization shall become property of the Church.
Section 4 - Annual Report: All organizations will be accountable to the Church by giving an annual report of activities and finances.
ARTICLE XI. ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNANCE
Section 1 - Government: The government of this Church is vested in the body of believers who compose it.
Section 2 - Rules of Order: Robert's Rules of Order. Revised, shall govern procedure at all business meetings.
Section 3 - Amendments: This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at an annual business meeting of the Church, provided that it has been approved at a previous quarterly business meeting.
Section 4 - Irrevocable Amendments: Article II (2) and Article XI (4) of this Constitution shall not be repealed, amended nor revised.
Section 5 - Finances:
Policy: The financial policy of this Church, and of all auxiliary organizations, is predicated upon personal, voluntary giving as an act of worship. All budgetary promotion and additional appeals
(a) shall yield to the free-will principle. All designated gifts shall be honored or returned to the donor.
(b) Budget: At the annual meeting, after receiving the report of the budget committee, the Church shall adopt a dual budget for the next fiscal year.
(1) Part I shall include all anticipated expenditures of the Church for the next fiscal year on local ministries.
(2) Part II shall include the amount reasonably expected as designated contributions to
ministries outside the local Church arena.
(c) Expenditures; Appropriations are to be expended under the direction of the budget or as directed by the Board of Trustees.
(d) Other Funds:
(1) A fellowship fund to be administered by the Board of Deacons.
(2) Special funds as determined by the Church.
(3) Memorial fund to be administered by the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE XII. CHURCH PROPERTY
Section 1 - Possession: This Church shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and to hold such real, personal, or intangible property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Nebraska. All such property shall be held m the name of the Church.
Section 2 - Division: In the event of a division of this Church, from which may God in His mercy save us, the Church property shall belong to those members who abide by this constitution. In the event of question, the matter shall be presented to the Board of Overseers of the Heartland Baptist District for a decision.
Section 3 - Dissolution: Should conditions arise so the Church work cannot continue, the Church property shall be transferred to the denominations with which the Church is then affiliated.
ARTICLE XIII. RATIFICATION
This constitution was ratified on January 19, 2020. It supersedes all previous constitutions, agreements, and/or amendments.
THE BY-LAWS
OF
THE STROMSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH
OF
STROMSBURG, NEBRASKA
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 - How members may be received into the fellowship of the Church:
(a) By baptism: When any person shall show to the Church clear and satisfactory evidence of having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Savior; he shall, by recommendation of the Deacons and affirmation of the Church, be admitted to membership, after having been baptized by immersion.
(b) By letter: Any person presenting a regular letter from another Baptist Church in good standing may be admitted to membership by recommendation of the Deacons and by affirmation of the Church.
(c) By experience: Any person shelving clear and satisfactory evidence of having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and that he has been baptized by immersion, upon profession of faith, may be admitted to membership by recommendation of the Deacons and by affirmation of the Church on such declaration of faith.
(d) By reinstatement: Any person who has been dismissed from membership in this Church may, upon his request, and by recommendation of the Deacons, be restored to membership by affirmation of the Church.
Section 2 - The responsibilities of the members of this Church shall be such as are outlined in the Church Covenant.
Section 3 - Discipline of members: When a member has been inactive for a period of one year, without manifesting interest therein by attending services, communicating with the Church, or contributing to its support; the Church may, upon recommendation by the Board of Deacons, transfer his name to the "Inactive Membership List." Consideration for such action shall only be made after a reasonable effort has been made by the Board of Deacons to encourage and assist in a renewal of the covenant relationship. This procedure shall have no application if the absence or delinquency is excused by the Pastor and the Board on account of sickness, lack of income, or other reasonable cause.
(a) Inactive Membership List: Persons whose names are on the Inactive Membership List shall not be counted or reported as members. They may not have part in Church business meetings, and may not hold office.
(b) Restoration: Any person whose name has been placed on the Inactive Membership List, who renews his active walk with the Church and the fulfillment of his covenant obligations, may be restored to active membership by vote of the Board of Deacons without further action of the Church.
(c) Grievance: No matter of grievance against a member of the Church shall be brought to the floor of a business meeting except by the Board of Deacons.
Section 4 - Dismissal of members: Membership in this Church may be terminated upon recommendation of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons, and by affirmation of the Church in any of the following ways:
(a) By letter - Members in good standing may, upon application, be dismissed to unite with some other Church designated in the application. All Church letters shall be sent by the Clerk of this Church to the Pastor or Clerk of the Church designated.
(b) By request - If a member wishes to withdraw from the Church, his name shall be removed.
(a) By removal - The Church may remove the names of members from the Church roll for the following reasons:
(1) Name having been upon the inactive membership list for two years.
(2) For continual and voluntary failure to abide by this constitution and flagrant disobedience to Christian principles.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
Section 1 - Election; Except in the case of the Chairman, all officers shall be elected for a one-year term, and shall not serve more than three consecutive terms. However, by a 2/3 majority vote of the members present of the annual meeting, an officer can be elected for one additional year.
Section 2 - Responsibilities:
(a) Chairman - The Pastor shall be the Chairman of the Church. The Chairman shall act as the moderator in all business meetings of the Church or shall delegate this responsibility to the Vice-Chairman, and shall prepare the agenda by gathering supporting information in consultation with the other officers and boards of the Church.
(b) Vice-Chairman - The Vice-Chairman shall discharge the administrative duties of the Pastor in his absence or as delegated to him by the Pastor. He shall serve as Chairman of the Executive, Nomination and Pulpit Committees.
(c) Church Clerk - The Church Clerk shall keep a correct record of the minutes of business and special meetings; carry on all correspondence relating to membership and bereavement on behalf of the Church; be custodian of all Church records and make annual reports to the Church.
(d) Treasurer - The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all monies deposited in the bank by the Financial Secretary, shall make payments of all obligations incurred by the Church, and shall make detailed quarterly and annual reports to the Church.
(e) Financial Secretary - The Financial Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all monies received and shall deposit the funds in a bank or banks approved by the Board of Trustees. After each deposit the Treasurer and Pastor shall be informed of the same, including a list of any designated contributions. He shall keep a record of the names and offerings of individual givers and provide an annual statement of such gifts to each giver. He shall retain a copy of these annual statements for a period of seven years. He shall submit to the Church at quarterly and annual meetings a detailed account of all monies received during the previous period.
ARTICLE III. BOARDS
Section 1 – Deacon Board:
(a) Election: Two Deacons shall be elected each year for a three-year term.
(b) Qualifications: Deacons shall be prayerfully selected from members of the Church who are in good standing. In addition, members of and candidates for election to the Deacon Board shall be persons of the highest spiritual qualifications, such as defined in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
(c) Responsibilities: The Deacon Board shall plan and promote acts of Christian care and service. The Deacon Board shall be the overseers and chief coordinating body of the Church. The Board will formulate, plan and promote the spiritual ministries of the Church. The Board shall have authority to assign suitable areas of the work of the Church to boards, committees and organizations qualified to execute the tasks entrusted to them.
Section 2 - Deaconess Board:
(a) Election: One Deaconess shall be elected each year for a three-year term.
(b) Qualifications: Deaconesses shall be prayerfully selected from members of the Church who are in good standing, in addition, members of and candidates for election to the Deaconess Board shall be persons of the highest spiritual qualifications, such as defied in I Timothy 3:11.
(c) Responsibilities: The Deaconess Board shall plan and promote acts of Christian care and service. They shall also serve with the Deacon Board in acting as a unified board in formulating, planning and promoting the spiritual ministries of the Church.
Section 3 - Trustee Board:
(a) Election: The Trustee Board shall consist of four elected members, each serving a three-year term. The election process shall rotate on a two-one-one formula.
(b) Qualifications: Trustees shall be prayerfully selected from members of the Church who are in good standing and who are deemed qualified for the duties of a Trustee.
(c) Responsibilities: The Trustees shall be responsible to care for the physical plant, to administer the memorial and building funds, to care for all official documents of the Church and to serve as the legal representatives of the Church.
Section 4 - Christian Ministries Board:
(a) Election; The Christian Ministries Board shall consist of four elected members, each serving a three-year term. The election process shall rotate on a two-one-one formula.
(b) Qualifications: Members of the Christian Ministries Board shall be prayerfully selected from members of the Church who are in good standing and who demonstrate an interest in and qualification for contributing to the advancement of the important and varied programs of Christian Ministries.
(c) Responsibilities: The Christian Ministries Board will plan, coordinate, promote and administer programs of Christian Ministries, including but not limited to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, literature, films, newsletters and camping. The duties of the Sunday School Superintendent under the previous constitution shall be performed by the Christian Ministries Board.
ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES
Section 1 - Executive Committee:
(a) Membership: The Executive Committee shall include all officers included in Article V of the Constitution plus the chairmen of the Deacon, Deaconess, Trustee, and Christian Ministries Boards.
(b) Responsibilities: It shall formulate the annual budget and shall revise the constitution when so ordered by the Church.
Section 2 - Social Committee:
(a) Membership: A minimum of six members shall be elected for the Social Committee, with three members elected each year, serving a two-year term. Members in good standing or regular attenders are eligible to be members of the Social Committee.
(b) Responsibilities: The Social Committee shall arrange for refreshments for Church functions, enlisting the assistance of the entire membership.
Section 3 – Auditing Committee:
(a) Membership: The Auditing Committee shall consist of a minimum of three persons selected by the Church at the October quarterly business meeting. Those selected to serve must be members in good standing.
Responsibilities: The Auditing Committee shall examine the financial records of the Church and all auxiliary organizations of the Church.
Section 4 - Nominating Committee:
(a) Membership: The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, one member of each Board, and two persons selected by the Church at the October quarterly meeting.
(b) Responsibilities: The Nominating Committee shall prayerfully select nominees for the Officers of the Church, Church Boards, and Committees, as directed in these By-Laws.
Section 5 - Pulpit Committee: see Article V of the By-Laws.
ARTICLE V. PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP
Section 1 - Pastoral relationship shall be established according to the following pattern:
(a) Step One. A Pulpit Committee, chaired by the Vice-Chairman and including the Church Clerk, of not less than three additional nor more than seven shall be elected by the assembled Church at a business meeting. It shall be the duty of this committee to consider prayerfully possible candidates and select one to come and speak to the Church. On such occasion, the candidate shall also be interviewed by the Pulpit Committee, the Board of Deacons and the Executive Committee. When one person has been asked to candidate, no other name shall be presented to the Church for consideration until a decision has been reached regarding this person.
(b) Step Two. At a special business meeting, the Pulpit Committee shall present the name of the candidate to the assembled Church with a recommendation to call him, or not to call him. A three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members present must vote in favor of calling a candidate before a call can be extended.
(c) Step Three. The call, which shall include all agreements binding on both the Pastor and the congregation, shall be formulated by the pulpit committee and submitted to the Church for approval, whereupon it shall be sent by the pulpit committee to the candidate. The candidate's written acceptance of the call shall establish the pastoral relationship as of the date agreed upon between the Church and the candidate.
Section 2 - When a Pastor resigns, the Church shall vote prayerfully to accept or reject the resignation. The date and details of dissolution of the pastoral relationship shall be decided between the Pastor and the Deacon
Board, but in no case shall the relationship be obligatory to either party beyond ninety (90) days after the
resignation nor shall the dissolution be effective in less than thirty (30) days after the date of resignation except by mutual consent.
Section 3 - Grievances against the Pastor shall be handled in the following manner:
(a) Step One. The Board of Deacons shall discuss the matter with the Pastor, following the pattern of Matthew 18:15-17, and if necessary, including denominational support.
(b) Step Two. The Board of Deacons shall encourage fervent prayer among the persons concerned for the correction of these grievances.
Step Three. If the grievances are not, or cannot, be corrected, the Church may dissolve the pastoral relationship by a majority- vote by ballot at a special business meeting called by the Board of Deacons, provided there is at least one-half total of the active resident membership present at the meeting. Written notice of such meeting shall be given to all active resident members at least two weeks before the business meeting and the object of the meeting shall be stated clearly in the notice. In the intervening time period, time shall be given for congregational discussion. (It shall be the right of the membership of the Church to require the Board of Deacons to call such a meeting by a petition signed by at least twenty percent of the total active resident membership. Those signing the petition must be of voting age [16 years]. The meeting must be called within thirty [30] days after the presentation of the petition to the Board of Deacons. During this period of not more than thirty [30] days Steps One and Two shall be carried out.) Dissolution of the pastoral relationship shall take place immediately with a guarantee of thirty (30) days severance pay.
ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any regular business meeting of the Church, provided that the amendment(s) have been approved at a previous quarterly business meeting.
