Church

Bylaws for

LAUDERDALE COMMUNITY CHURCH

A Statement of Beliefs, Principles and Practices

INTRODUCTION

Lauderdale Community Church (hereafter, “LCC”) is a §501(c)3

corporation that was created and is operated exclusively for religious,

charitable and educational purposes. It desires to be a Bible-centered,

family oriented fellowship, a church seeking to fulfill the Great

Commission, making disciples who will worship and serve Mt. 28:19-20

the Lord Jesus Christ. Embodied in this desire is a consistent Col. 1:18

biblical framework unified in doctrine, practice and outlook. Eph. 4:13-16

We also desire to be a church of power, love and sound 2 Tim. 1:7

thinking, controlled by the Holy Spirit, and characteristic of Gal. 5:22-23

the fruit of the Spirit and of good works. Tit. 2:12, Eph. 2:10

The common denominator in all this is a personal and

growing knowledge of God the Father and Jesus our Lord,

and an obedient response to Him. As we walk with Him, 2 Pet. 1:2-10

changes must occur within us so that we might be conformed 2 Cor. 3:17-18

to the image of the Son. Therefore, as we grow in maturity, Rom. 8:29

wisdom and purity of character, necessary changes reflecting

our growth will be incorporated into the operation of the

fellowship. Our sovereign God is not stagnant, but active in Jn. 16:7-11

the world and active in our lives. Our church must echo that Phil. 2:12-13

divine activity.

We see the local church as part of the whole, the

Body of Christ, with Jesus Christ as its Head, and each Eph. 1:22-23, 4:15

member as a vital part of that Body. Each member, Col. 2:19

therefore, has not only responsibilities, but also privileges Rom. 12:5

and blessings as a child of God. The effectiveness of the Eph. 1:3

church then is proportionate to the faithfulness of each 1 Cor. 12:15-27

member to the Lord and to his fellow believers.

Two fundamental aspects of the local church must

be considered in making disciples:

1) When gathered, it seeks to edify, encourage and 1 Cor. 14:26

exhort believers in their walk with and

commitment to the Lord Jesus, provoking Heb. 10:24

one another to love and good works.

2) When spread apart, it seeks by its individual

members to evangelize the world in Acts 1:8

whatever context those members find

themselves. This is done by good works, Mt. 5:16

a pure life and a faithful verbal testimony 1 Jn. 3:3

of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Tim. 2:4

ARTICLE ONE: STATEMENT OF DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1 – A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION

As a not-for-profit corporation, LCC exists exclusively to conduct religious, charitable and educational activities. As such, it does not engage at all in political campaigns, nor does it use more than 5% of its time or money for lobbying legislation. It supports public policy regarding prohibitions of polygamy and racial discrimination.

SECTION 2 – TWO GROUPS

LCC is made up of two distinct groups that work together.

The first group is the Board of Directors (hereafter, “Directors”). Directors are either Elders (see ARTICLE FOUR) or Deacons (see ARTICLE FIVE). These are the only legal members of Lauderdale Community Church. As Directors they have the sole right to set and administer the policies of LCC.

The second group is the congregation (hereafter, “congregation”). These are people who have willingly joined in fellowship and association with the Directors following the appropriate procedure (see ARTICLE SIX) to fulfill the purposes and principles of LCC as stated in the by-laws.

SECTION 3 – FAMILY

(A) From the beginning of time the foundation and institution Gen. 1:27-28

of the family in the Bible has been one man and one woman Matt. 19:4

uniquely and exclusively living together as husband and wife, Mal. 2:15

called “one flesh.” Gen. 2:22-25, Matt. 19:5, Eph. 5:31

This marriage relationship begins at the wedding ceremony

and is intended to be life-long for the purposes of: Rom. 7:2-3

being the foundation for society and culture – Gen. 1:28.
being a witness of our relationship with Christ to others – Rom. 7:4, Eph. 5:22-33.
mutual edification and growth – Eph. 5:22-33.
physical/sexual relations – 1 Cor. 7:3-4, Heb. 13:4.
preventing sexual immorality – 1 Cor. 7:2.
creating a Godly offspring – Mal. 2:14, Ps. 127:3-5.
raising and teaching children – Deut. 6:6-9,20-25; Ps. 78:2-5; Eph. 6:1-4, Col. 3:20.
eventually having a godly impact on future generations – Ps. 78:6-8.

(B) The Bible confines all sexual relations to be limited to the 1 Cor. 7:2, Gal. 5:19

sphere of the marriage relationship only. 1 Thes. 4:3-8, Heb. 13:4

ARTICLE TWO: STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE

The following statements compose the doctrinal statement of LCC that every member of this congregation must believe and uphold.

SECTION 1 – CONCERNING THE BIBLE

(A) Every word of Scripture is inspired of God. 2 Tim. 3:16

(B) It is God’s complete revelation to man, to which

nothing can be added nor taken away. Rev. 22:18-19

SECTION 2 – CONCERNING THE GODHEAD

(A) The one and eternal God is manifested as three Lk. 3:21-22

distinct Persons — 2 Cor. 13:14

The Father Rom. 1:7
The Son, the Lord Jesus Christ Heb. 1:8
The Holy Spirit Acts 5:3-4

(B) The Lord Jesus Christ is the center of all worship. 1 Pet. 4:11, Phil. 2:11

SECTION 3 – CONCERNING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

(A) He is very God. Jn. 1:1,2,14

(B) He was born of a virgin. Mt. 1:18-25

(C) He lived upon the earth as a perfect man. 1 Pet. 2:21-25

(D) He died for the sins of the world upon a cross, 1 Jn. 2:2

was buried and rose bodily the third day. 1 Cor. 15:3-4

(E) He ascended to the right hand of God, currently Heb. 10:12

interceding for His people. Heb. 7:25

SECTION 4 – CONCERNING SALVATION

(A) It is God’s gift offered freely to all, but benefits Rom. 3:21-25

only those who believe it. Eph. 2:8

(B) It is obtained through faith in Christ alone. Acts 16:31, Jn 3:16

(C) It is complete and eternal salvation, kept by Heb. 5:9, Jn. 3:36

the power of God. 1 Pet. 1:5

SECTION 5 – CONCERNING FUTURE EVENTS

(A) The Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth. Acts 1:11

(B) Believers are destined to eternal life in God’s Jn. 5:24

presence while unbelievers are doomed to 1 Thes. 4:13-17

eternal punishment. Rev. 20:11-15

SECTION 6 – CONCERNING THE FAMILY

(A) From the beginning of time, the foundation and Gen. 1:27-28

institution of the family in the Bible has been one Matt. 19:4

man and one woman uniquely and exclusively Mal. 2:15

living together as husband and wife, called “one Gen. 2:22-25

flesh.” A “man” is one born male; a “woman” is Matt. 19:5

one born female. This marriage relationship Eph. 5:31

begins at the wedding ceremony and is intended Rom. 7:2-3

to be life-long for the purposes of:

being the foundation for society and culture; Gen. 1:28

being a witness of our relationship with Christ to Rom. 7:4

others; Eph. 5:22-33

mutual edification and growth; Eph. 5:22-33
physical/sexual relations; 1 Cor. 7:3-4, Heb. 13:4
preventing sexual immorality; 1 Cor. 7:2
creating a Godly offspring; Mal. 2:14, Ps. 127:3-5
raising and teaching children; Deut. 6:6-9,20-25; Ps. 78:2-5

Eph. 6:1-4, Col. 3:20

eventually having a godly impact on future Ps. 78:6-8

generations.

(B) The Bible confines all sexual relations to be limited Exo. 18:20,22-24

to the sphere of the marriage relationship only. 1 Cor. 7:2; Gal. 5:19

Heb. 13:4; 1 Thes. 4:3-8 (C) We believe that same-sex marriages, unions and all Exo. 18:22

similar relationships are unbiblical and against

God’s plan.

Therefore, we can not accept as members of the

congregation individuals currently involved in any

sexual activities outside of heterosexual marriage.

(E) We believe that “sexual orientation” is a learned

(either directly or indirectly) assimilation and not a

biologically caused reality such as gender, ethnic origin

or color. Thus we do not believe it is a valid basis for

civil rights or non-discrimination.

ARTICLE THREE: STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

SECTION 1 – THE CHURCH WHEN GATHERED

(A) When the church is gathered together, it has for its

goal the edification of believers, not the 1 Cor. 14:24-25

evangelization of the lost. However, any lost

person may undoubtedly sense the presence of

the Lord in a church meeting and trust Christ for

salvation.

(B) Four necessary components to corporately achieve

edification are teaching, fellowship, worship and Acts 2:42 prayer. In utilizing these components, the local church

will make disciples of those who have already trusted Mt. 28:19

Christ through our witness. Varying methods will be

incorporated to facilitate our movement toward this

goal that will meet believers’ legitimate needs and

insure a balanced environment for spiritual growth.

(C) Two ordinances are to be observed by the church:

Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Rom. 6, 1 Cor. 11

(D) Every member of the Body of Christ, and thus of every

local church, has at least one spiritual gift. It is his 1 Cor. 12:11

responsibility, with the help of the Elders, to identify

and develop that gift so that all may profit. Every 1 Cor. 12:7

member, therefore, has something to offer and

much to gain from the local church. Also, each 1 Cor. 12

local assembly cannot function as effectively as it

is designed unless the gifts are known and utilized. Rom. 12

(E) The Scriptures cite at least four groups of people that

are to be supported in a material way by the church:

Widows ‘indeed.’ 1 Tim. 5:3
The poor. 1 Jn. 3:17-18
Missionaries. 2 Cor. 8
The Elders. 1 Tim. 5:17-18

SECTION 2 – THE CHURCH WHEN SPREAD APART

(A) The church’s goal when spread apart is effective

evangelism. It is to take place primarily “in the Acts 1:8

world,” and not in a church meeting. It is in the

world that the lost person may observe the

different lifestyle of the believer and trust the Mt. 5:16

Lord Jesus. It may occur, however, that some Phil. 1:27-29

evangelism will take place in a church meeting 1 Cor. 14:24-25

when the lost attend, but this is not the purpose

of the meeting.

(B) It is important to remember that while there are

gifted evangelists given to the Body of Christ, Eph. 4:11

everyone is to do the work of evangelism, Acts 1:8

including the pastors and elders. 2 Tim. 4:5

(C) The church must continually recognize the needs

of God’s work beyond our own immediate

regions and participate in meeting those needs by:

Raising up and sending out men and women Acts 13:2-3

to evangelize other parts of the world.

Actively supporting these and other such

efforts by prayer, financial assistance, Phil. 4:10-18

written communication, etc.

Missionaries’ needs are usually far greater

than our own, and sacrifices are compelled 1 Cor. 8:1-5

to assist them in their sacrifice to God.

ARTICLE FOUR: ELDERS

SECTION 1 – DEFINITION

Elders are men chosen from the congregation and charged 1 Tim. 3:1

with the responsibility of the oversight of the congregation, 1 Pet. 5:2-3

serving the body and not lording over it. The are recognized

by the State of Florida as “clergy” and “ministers.”

SECTION 2 – TERM OF SERVICE

An elder shall have an indefinite term of service among the

congregation functioning as a recognized minister and as a

Director of this corporation unless he resigns at will, moves

out of the local area, or is disciplined by removal.

SECTION 3 – DESIGNATION

Any man may become an Elder and a Director of LCC through

the following procedure:

(A) He is chosen by the Holy Spirit. Acts 20:28

(B) He desires (or may desire) this office and ministry. 1 Tim. 3:1

(C) He manifests by the grace of God the character

described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

(D) He is recognized by the congregation as being a competent

and able minister by his functioning among congregation

members.

(E) He is received unanimously by all current Elders and

publicly consecrated (ordained) with prayer before

the congregation.

SECTION 4 – DISCIPLINE

(A) An Elder who fails his duties and/or no longer maintains

the character described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9

will be disciplined or removed from his office as the case 1 Tim. 5:9

may require by the unanimous decision of all other Elders,

excluding the Elder in question, following the procedures

outline in Article 6, Section 3.B.

(B) In the event that only two Elders are in office, one Elder

may not remove the other unless unanimous consent of

all the Deacons is gained at a meeting called for such

purpose.

(C) In the event that only one Elder is in office, he may be

removed by a unanimous vote of all the Deacons at a

meeting of the Deacons called for such purpose.

(D) The removal of any Elder shall be made known by the

remaining Elder(s), or a Deacon if the lone Elder was

removed, in a public announcement to the congregation

at the next Sunday meeting following the removal.

(E) Any elder removed by discipline for the reason(s) noted

in Article 4, Section 4.A is not permitted to continue his

fellowship at LCC meetings and services.

SECTION 5 – RESPONSIBILITIES

Elders shall exercise the oversight of the church by:

(A) Being a godly example to the congregation. 1 Pet. 5:3

(B) Remaining sensitive to the needs of the congregation.

(C) Teaching and/or guiding the teaching of the Word Acts 20:28

of God. Acts 6:4, 1 Tim. 3:2

(D) Counseling and encouraging members of the congregation. 1 Tim. 4:2

(E) Warning the congregation of doctrinal errors and false 1 Tim. 4:2

teachers. Acts 20:28-31

(F) Helping members of the congregation discover their Eph. 4:11-12

spiritual gifts.

(G) Communicating sound and sensitive direction for the Acts 6:4

congregation, guiding its activities and functions. 1 Tim. 5:14

(H) Correcting and disciplining the congregation 2 Thes. 3:6-15

with meekness for the purpose of restoration. 1 Cor. 5:1-13, Gal. 6:1

(I) Maintaining a current list of members of the

congregation.

Exercising authority over all church services and meetings,

and practical control over all services and meetings where

they are in attendance at church property and gatherings at

public places.

(K) Elders uniquely have the responsibility to address technical,

theological, constitutional and legal issues regarding the church,

but only after consulting with each other and other counsel as

needed. In the event that there is only one Elder, that Elder

must first consult with all the Deacons and other counsel as needed.

To help accomplish their tasks, elders shall meet frequently

during the year, usually with the Deacons (once a month is

suggested). These meetings shall help the elders in planning,

organizing and praying for the needs of the church. Other men

from the congregation may attend these meetings by request.

ARTICLE FIVE: DEACONS

SECTION 1 – Definition and Designation.

Deacons are men from the congregation who exhibit the character

described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and have been recognized by the

congregation and appointed by the Elders and installed with

prayer before of the congregation. Deacons, like elders, Acts 6:3

are Directors of the corporation.

SECTION 2 – Responsibilities.

Since Elders oversee primarily the spiritual needs of the church,

Deacons will assist them by maintaining and guiding the physical

and material well being of the assembly. Elders will assign each Acts 6:1-7

Deacon’s area of service, having taken into consideration the gifts,

skills and interests of each Deacon and the needs of the church.

Elders may reassign a Deacon’s area of service at any time after

consideration of a Deacon’s request. Deacons shall exercise authority

over all church services and meetings, and practical control over all

services and meetings where Elders are not in attendance at church

property and gatherings at public places.

SECTION 3 – Term of Service.

Deacons shall serve as long as a need exists, or indefinitely,

as long as they are able to serve. They may be appointed

any time throughout the year by unanimous vote of the Elders,

and installed publicly before the congregation.

SECTION 4 – Discipline.

Deacons are removed by resignation, or by a unanimous vote

of the Elders when they fail in either their duties or necessary

character. In the event of only one Elder being in office, a Deacon

is to be removed by the vote of the Elder and a simple majority of

the Deacons, not counting the Deacon in question, following the

procedures outline in Article 6, Section 3.B. Any removal of a Deacon

shall be made known by the Elder(s) in a public announcement to

the congregation at the next Sunday meeting following the removal.

ARTICLE SIX: CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – RECRUITMENT

LCC does not recruit members for the congregation, but wants people to accept God’s forgiveness, available in the Lord Jesus Christ, and join His family. Once people are saved, they may find that they can grow spiritually with us as a member of the congregation. If that is the case, interested believers may voluntarily approach any Elder and inquire about congregational membership.

SECTION 2 – REQUIREMENTS FOR CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Being a member of the congregation is an “at will” relationship. This means that both the Directors and an individual member both desire to maintain such a relationship. Either party may discontinue the relationship at any time for any reason, including no reason at all. This is “at will” relationship. Requirements for congregational membership are:

A clear verbal testimony of one’s salvation.
Agreement with the Statement of Faith (see ARTICLE TWO).
Agreement to be in submission to the Elder’s spiritual leadership

responsibilities described in these by-laws (see ARTICLE FOUR).

Agreement to cooperate with the purposes, meetings and functions of

LCC.

Signature on the LCC Congregational Membership Form.
Unanimous approval by the Elders and a public announcement in a

Sunday service before the congregation.

SECTION 3 – DISCONTINUATION OF CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Members of the congregation who no longer desire to continue their

membership with LCC may discontinue it at any time, for any reason or no

reason at all. However, the Elders request the following:

Some kind of notification about this decision and its effective date.
The reason(s) behind this decision.
An opportunity to discuss the decision and to pray with the member for God’s guidance and blessing.

Members of the congregation may have their congregational membership revoked through the will of the Directors. This decision is made “at [the] will” of the Directors at any time and for any reason including no reason at all. However, the decision to remove a member of the congregation may be attended or aided by the following steps.

There shall be a discipline committee consisting of the Elders. If LCC has only one elder, that elder shall serve on this committee with all the current deacons. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the statement of faith and violations of the agreements made in the Congregational Membership Form. If the pastor or deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee. He shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.
Congregational members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother/sister. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have restoration as his goal.
If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a Deacon or Elder, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility with restoration as the goal.
If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections 2. and 3. have been taken, the discipline committee, as the church representatives biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the discipline committee, the committee shall recommend to the members of the congregation that they, after self-examination, make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member’s restoration.
If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections 2., 3. and 4. have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from congregational membership upon a majority vote of the all the Elders and Deacons. Former removed congregational members may be barred from the church property by a unanimous vote of the Elders. In this event, the former congregational member will be notified in writing through return receipt mail, that his/her presence on church property will be trespassing in violation of the law.

No matter may be heard by the discipline committee or the congregational members unless the steps outlined in subsections 2. and 3. have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.
If an unrepentant offending party is removed from congregational

membership, all contact with him from that point forward must be for the sake

of restoration (except family members).

The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom.

16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thes. 5:14; 2 Thes. 3:6, 10-

15; 1 Tim. 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11. To the extent that any of the

procedures stated in this section contradict the Scriptures (as interpreted by

the discipline committee), the Scriptures shall govern.

ARTICLE SEVEN: BINDING ARBITRATION

SECTION 1 – SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION

Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all church and congregational members agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved, and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil disagreement before a court of law, except that judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

SECTION 2 – NOTICE OF ARBITRATION

In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to these bylaws or any other church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreements as befits Christians. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If they do not reach such solution within a period of sixty (60) days, then upon notice by either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration as described in Section 1, above, and such Procedures for Arbitration as are adopted pursuant to Section 4, below.

SECTION 3 – LIMITATIONS ON ARBITRATION DECISIONS

Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined under Article 6, Section 3 were followed.
Should any dispute involve the removal from office an Elder or Deacon, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures set forth in Article 6, Section 3 were followed.

SECTION 4 – ARBITRATION PROCEDURES

The Procedures for Arbitration shall be as adopted by the Elders and Deacons.

ARTICLE EIGHT: MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

SECTION 1 – MINISTRY PROFESSIONALISM

Every person who participates in any ministry of LCC is considered to be an “at-will volunteer” who willingly enters into a spiritual service to the Lord. “At-will” means that the volunteer ministers as long as it is the will of LCC’s elders to have him/her in that ministry. At-will volunteers are subject to termination at any time for any reason or no reason whatsoever, with or without cause or notice. At the same time, these volunteers may terminate their ministry position at any time for any reason.

Ministry at LCC is a great privilege and also a serious responsibility that must not be entered into without careful thought and prayer. Thus, every person engaged in ministry must conduct themselves in a professional manner that is above reproach and brings glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. Basic requirements for ministry are salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and believer’s baptism and unanimous approval by the Elders. Other requirements for various ministries are given in the LCC Ministry Policy and Procedures Manual and must be followed without exception.

SECTION 2 – CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERS

Congregation members of LCC are encouraged to participate in any of the various ministries of LCC as volunteers.

SECTION 3 – NON-CONGREGATIONAL PARTICIPANTS

Regularly attending visitors of LCC – those who are not congregational members – who desire to participate in ministry of LCC may do so as volunteers and will be subject to the by-laws of LCC, will submit to the LCC Elders’ supervision for their ministry, and will abide by all other requirements stated in the LCC Ministry Policy and Procedures Manual regarding their ministry.

SECTION 4 – CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Children’s ministries need particular policies and procedures that must be followed at all times. Anyone working with children (legal minors under the 18 years old) must sign the Ministry Volunteer Background Form, the Release of Information Authorization, the Criminal Record Check Authorization, and either the Binding Arbitration Sheet or Congregational Membership Form.

SECTION 5 – CHILD ABUSE

LCC will not tolerate child abuse in its ministries or congregational member families. All teachers and child-care workers with firsthand knowledge of child abuse or reasonable cause to believe that a child has been or is being abused have a state-mandated duty to report the abuse to state officials. The teacher or worker must immediately report the abuse to his immediate supervisor. The supervisor and the teacher then each have an immediate duty to report the abuse information to state officials as required under state law. If the supervisor and the subordinate do not report the incident together, they should

notify each other in writing within 24 hours after making the report that the report has

been made.

SECTION 6 – DISCIPLINE OF MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS

Any and all inappropriate comments or behaviors or dress that violate those stated in the Standards of Conduct Form or Article 9 (Behavior and Dress Standards) of the Bylaws, will not be tolerated and will lead to quick corrective procedures as the respective ministry leader(s) and Elders determine. A valid complaint of sexual harassment – the unwelcome sexually oriented behavior or comments that create an intimidating, hostile or offensive ministry environment – will likewise be met with an appropriate response determined by the respective ministry leader and the Elders, up to and including the termination of the volunteer from ministry.

ARTICLE NINE: BEHAVIOR AND DRESS STANDARDS

SECTION 1 – STANDARDS FOR NON-CONGREGATIONAL PARTICIPANTS

Dress

Anyone may visit LCC as a guest during regular church services. The biblical teaching of modesty in dress must be followed, or the guest will be asked to leave the meeting. Everyone must wear a minimum of casual dress (as distinct from formal or semi-formal) and shoes. The following specifics regarding gender apply.

Males: They must wear some kind of shirt. The minimum is a tank top or sleeveless T-shirt that is not “see-through” or net material. The shirt must be waist length. Men must also wear either long or short pants. Short pants must meet the “Fingertip Rule” – i.e., the pants must be at least as long as where one’s fingertips reach when arms hang straight down at one’s side.
Females: Tops must cover both front and back, must not be “see-through” or net material, and must not be alluring, provocative or immodest. Tops must be waist length. Thus, bathing suit tops, halter-tops and strapless tops and dresses are not permitted. The minimum is a sleeveless top. Skirts, dresses or short pants must meet the “Fingertip Rule” as stated in Article 9.1.A.1. above.

Behavior

Behavior must be civil and respectful at all times. Likewise, it must be non-violent, non-threatening and non-abusive. In church services and meetings, visitors who disrupt a speaker or presentation can be asked to leave immediately with full compliance expected.

Language

Language must be appropriate at all times. Language that is profane (that which desecrates the sacred), obscene (foul, disgusting, offensive, lewd and filthy) or blasphemous (that which curses, reviles, mocks or blasphemes God, His people or the Bible) is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. Everyone who uses this kind of language will be asked to leave immediately with full compliance expected.

SECTION 2 – STANDARDS FOR CHURCH AND CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERS

Dress

Dress standards are identical for congregational members as are for non-congregational members as stated in Article 9.A.1. and 2.

Behavior

Behavior standards are identical for congregational members as are for non-congregational members as stated in Article 9.B.

Language

Language standards are identical for congregational members as are for non-congregational members as stated in Article 9.C.

ARTICLE TEN: THE ANNUAL MEETING

(A) The Annual Meeting of the Budget will be held in January of each year and incorporate the following items whenever and wherever pertinent.

Minutes of the last meeting.
Review of the previous year’s spiritual activity.
Review of the previous year’s financial activity.
Proposed new ideas for spiritual ministry.
Proposed suggestions for financial allocations for the New Year.
Approval of the proposed budget.
Prayer of sanctification.

(B) During this meeting the moderator(s) will have full and unilateral authority to order the immediate removal of any member of the congregation or any other person present who is deemed by the moderator(s) to be disruptive to the proceedings by act or presence. This order to remove any disruptive person will

include, when necessary, an usher or church member (Elder or Deacon) to escort any disruptive person out of the building, or order a postponement of the meeting until a future date when satisfactory compliance may be assured.

ARTICLE ELEVEN: SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings of the congregation will be called by the Elders as needed throughout the year to enlist the feedback from the congregation regarding upcoming significant or major church business. Examples of such business would be proposing a major financial policy change (either in philosophy or methodology), acquiring new real estate property, a geographical move, church planting (i.e., LCC starts another congregation), having a paid Elder, any changes in the Articles of Reincorporation, etc.

ARTICLE TWELVE: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation will be from January 1st through the 31st of December.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN: AMENDMENTS

The Board of Directors shall have power to amend these Bylaws by affirmative vote of a majority of the Board.

Originally adopted 1980. Last updated 5/03.