We, the members of the First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated, do ordain and establish this constitution to foster the spirit of harmony and promote good order in the Church.

The name of this congregation is "First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated", established November 7, 1954, with the corporate existence beginning November 9, 1964. The state incorporation tax number is 05 00175 06 68.

_{ARTICLE II: Affiliation}

The First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated, is affiliated with The Brethren District Conference of Florida located in the State of Florida and the General Conference of The Brethren Church as incorporated in the State of Ohio, with headquarters in Ashland, Ohio.

_{ARTICLE III: Statement of Purpose}

SECTION 1. Preach and Teach the Gospel

The purpose of this Church shall be to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the worship of Almighty God according to the faith, doctrine, and usages of the Brethren Church as set forth in Chapter One (1) of the Manual of Procedure of The Brethren Church: to baptize believers, serve and minister to the sick and needy, comfort those who mourn, perpetuate and extend the Christian faith and the influence of the Gospel of Christ without setting up or establishing any creed other than the Bible. The Church is to meet the needs of the congregation through the Ministry concept.

SECTION 2. Certain Rights

This organization declares its right to determine the conditions of its membership, to receive grants of money and expend same, to hold property, to sell, barter, or mortgage same, to establish endowments, to function as trustees, to employ ministers according to its need, and to establish such auxiliaries as will carry forward the work of the Church.

_{ARTICLE IV: Membership}

SECTION 1. Baptism by Triune Immersion

The membership of The First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated is constituted of baptized believers. They are received only after confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God, baptism by triune immersion, confirmation by laying on of hands, accepting the Three-fold Holy Communion of Foot Washing, the Lord's Supper, and the Eucharist, and by accepting the hand of fellowship from a duly authorized official.

SECTION 2. Baptism by Believers' Water Baptism

Membership may be granted to believers who reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, who have been previously baptized by believers' water baptism. They can be transferred to this congregation upon presentation of certificates in good standing and evidence of a personal faith and walk in Jesus Christ as Lord. They are to subscribe to the Three-fold Holy Communion and other Brethren beliefs and practices as described in the Statement of Faith.

SECTION 3. Other Modes of Baptism Not Acceptable

Those who have not been baptized by believer’s water baptism are required to be immersed in the triune mode, subscribe to the Three-fold Holy Communion, and other Brethren beliefs and practices as described in the Statement of Faith.

SECTION 4. Members Have Equal Rights And Privileges

All the members of the congregation in good standing (Article V, Section 1, B) have equal rights and privileges in the fellowship of the Church. This right includes eligibility for any office listed in Article VII when at the age of 18 years or older. Voting eligibility begins at 16 years.

SECTION 5. Transfer of Membership

Members of this congregation in good standing (Article V, Section 1,B) who wish to transfer their membership will be granted a letter so stating upon written request. Letters of transfer are to other Christian churches only.

SECTION 6. Annual Revision of Membership

A. It shall be the responsibility of the Membership Committee and pastor to review annually the membership status of each member of the Church, to make necessary revisions in accordance with the provisions of Article V, and to make written report thereon at the first business meeting of the year indicating the number of active and inactive members, and the names of members transferred to inactive, or members restored to active membership.

B. Restoration to active membership may be made at any time upon request, or upon demonstration of an inactive member expressing or showing a desire to comply with the duties of active membership. Continuous effort by the pastor and Church members should be made to cause all members to become active.

C. No member shall be removed from either the active or inactive roll except at the request of the member, at death, if he/she becomes a member of another church, if he/she cannot be located, or as a result of church discipline as outlined in Article VIII, Section 4.

SECTION 7. Membership File

A current file of membership shall be maintained under direction of the pastor and the Membership Committee.

_{ARTICLE V: Definition of Membership}

SECTION 1. Active Members

To be a member in full fellowship and privileges of the First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated, the following requirements must be met:

A. Reception into the Church according to the procedure outlined in the Constitution under Article IV, Sections 1, 2, and 3 - Membership.

B. Members are expected to be faithful to all spiritual duties of Christian life as taught in the Bible, to attend faithfully the services of the Church and/or Church school, to give regular financial support to the Church and its auxiliaries "as the Lord prospers", to participate in its organized work when called to such service by the Church, refrain from negative criticism of the Church, support pastoral staff, and channel problems through proper procedures.

SECTION 2. Inactive Members

When members fail to comply with their duties as outlined in Article V, Section 1 within a period of two years, to communicate with the pastor, or give financial support to the Church, they shall be transferred from the active membership and placed on a roll of inactive members. Inactive members do not have voting privileges and cannot hold an elective office. Members shall be transferred from active roll after at least one personal visit or communication by the pastor or member of the Membership Committee. Exceptions may be made to this rule in the case of the elderly, sickness, military service, or absence due to the students' pursuit of education away from home. The Membership Committee and pastor are authorized to make further exceptions in unusual circumstances, at their discretion.

_{ARTICLE VI: Government}

SECTION 1. Limited Congregational

The government of this organization is limited congregational. Limited congregational government relates alone to the incidental affairs of the local congregation and not to doctrinal practices and tenets which must be general or universal, the same in all congregations. The doctrinal conditions of ministerial and lay delegates to the General Conference are found in Section II of Chapter Two, Article 3 of the 1984 Edition (Revised through 1992 General Conference) of "A Manual of Procedure for the Brethren Church."

SECTION 2. Basis of Government

The basis of government follows the recommendation of both District and General Conference where possible, especially as set forth in the Manual of Procedure of the Brethren Church.

SECTION 3. Ownership

In the event that this congregation should cease to function as The First Brethren Church, the assets would automatically revert to the Ministry of Properties of the Florida District of The Brethren Church which is affiliated with the General Conference of The Brethren Church, with headquarters at Ashland, Ohio; or, in the event of the District ceasing to function, to The Brethren Church with headquarters at Ashland, Ohio.

_{ARTICLE VII: Church Officers}

SECTION 1. Officers

The officers of this Church shall be Pastor, Ministry Staff, Ministry of Service Chairperson, Ministry of Property Chairperson, Pastoral Care Ministry Chairperson, Moderator, Vice Moderator, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and elected Directors to the Ministries.

SECTION 2. Executive Council

The Executive Council shall consist of the Pastor, Ministry Staff, Ministry of Service Chairperson, Ministry of Property Chairperson, Pastoral Care Ministry Chairperson, Moderator, Vice Moderator, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and elected Directors to the Ministries. The Executive Council:

A. Shall meet at least once each quarter, January, April, July, and October, to evaluate and check the Ministries and programs of the Church.

B. Shall receive reports from Ministries and make recommendations to present to the congregation at the business meetings.

C. Shall appoint an auditing committee at the October meeting to audit the books of the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer and any other that may be requested.

D. Shall appoint a nominating committee at the July meeting to present a slate of officers for an election at the October congregational business meeting (Article VIII, Section 2).

E. May authorize the expenditure of any sums of money for a single item or project, not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per quarter. Authorization for the expenditure of any sum in excess of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for any one item or project must be obtained from the congregation.

F. Shall organize and appoint members for other committees to fill any needs of the Church.

G. Shall authorize termination of Staff, not including pastor.

SECTION 3. Board of Directors

The Executive Council will be the Board of Directors of this Corporation.

SECTION 4. Duties of Officers and Assistants

A. The pastor is the shepherd of the flock, the leader of the congregation in spiritual matters. He shall preach and teach the Word as believed and practiced by The Brethren Church. He shall administer the ordinances of The Brethren Church. He shall call in the homes of both members and non-members wherever he can be of service as time permits, and be available for weddings, memorial services, personal counseling, and administrative conferences. With approval of the congregation, he shall seek and hire staff for ministry and office needs. In brief, the pastor shall discharge such duties as prescribed in the New Testament for an elder and deport himself as becoming to that office. The pastor shall make a report to the quarterly congregational business meetings. The pastor is ex-officio member of all Ministries and Committees.

B. The staff of the Church is composed of individuals hired by the pastor and congregation for the office management and to assist in the ministry of the Church. Ministry personnel are ex-officio members to the Ministries and Committees that directly involve their job description in ministry. All staff members are responsible to the pastor and Executive Council.

C. The moderator shall preside at the Executive Council and the business meetings of the congregation. The moderator is ex-officio member of every Ministry and Committee except Ministry of Service; shall be the chief executive officer, shall make sure that all officials of the Church properly fulfill their responsibilities, enforce all business transactions, and be empowered to call the various Ministries together at any time. The moderator shall have authority, with the pastor and the Executive Council, to call special business meetings of the Church.

D. The vice-moderator shall, in the absence of the moderator, perform the duties devolving upon the moderator. If the office of moderator is vacated by change of membership, resignation, or death, the vice-moderator shall assume all the duties of moderator until the next election. The vice-moderator shall chair the Nominating Committee.

E. The recording secretary shall keep the minutes of all Executive Council and congregational business meetings; such minutes, when approved, become a part of the permanent record of the Church. A record of all members and changes of membership shall be kept. He/She shall perform any other duties relating to the office. The assistant recording secretary shall perform the duties of the recording secretary in his/her absence, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the recording secretary or the moderator.

F. The financial secretary, with the help of the assistant financial secretary, shall receive and record all monies coming into the congregation. He/She shall deposit offerings received to the bank account of the general fund of the Church and furnish duplicate deposit slips to the Church treasurer, showing a breakdown of funds received. He/She shall be bonded/insured at the expense of the Church; amount to be designated by the Executive Council. He/She shall also present a comprehensive report of these transactions to the regular business meetings of the Executive Council and the congregation. He/She shall conduct all clerical work that pertains to the finances of the Church and make a yearly report available to all members. The assistant financial secretary shall aid and assist the financial secretary in the performance of his/her duties and shall perform such duties in the absence of the financial secretary. He/She shall be bonded/insured at the expense of the Church.

G. The treasurer shall receive a breakdown of funds deposited by the financial secretary. He/She shall pay by check all bills and monthly accounts as they fall due. The treasurer shall be bonded/insured at the expense of the Church; amount to be designated by the Executive Council. He/She shall make a complete report to each regular business meeting of the Executive Council and the congregation, showing amounts expended against the items listed in the last annual budget. All questions arising about bills shall be determined by the Executive Council. The assistant treasurer shall assist the treasurer in the performance of his/her duties; and in the absence of the treasurer, shall perform the duties of the treasurer, as designated by the treasurer and/or Executive Council.

_{ARTICLE VIII: Committees}

SECTION 1. Appointment

Unless stated otherwise, all Committees are appointed by the Executive Council.

SECTION 2. Nominating Committee.

A. The Vice-moderator shall chair the Committee with other members selected by the Executive Council.

B. Those nominated for a Church office and position are to be baptized believers of the Christian faith and active members of the Sarasota First Brethren Church. They are to be qualified for the office or position according to their gifts and abilities. The scriptural teachings for leadership and the duties and job description for each office and position being filled should always be considered.

SECTION 3. Membership Committee

A. The Membership Committee will consist of the moderator, vice-moderator, chairperson of the Ministry of Service, pastor and two selected by the Executive Council.

B. The chairperson of the Ministry of Service shall chair this Committee.

C. The purpose of this Committee is to annually revise the membership according to Article IV, Sections 6 and 7 of the Constitution.

SECTION 4. Church Discipline Committee.

A. Pastor, moderator, vice-moderator, and two representatives of the Ministry of Service are the members of this Committee. If any above members are to be considered for discipline, they will be excused from this Committee.

B. This Committee is activated by the pastor, Executive Council, or congregation only when needed.

C. Spiritual guidelines to use for Church discipline: Matthew 18:15-20; I Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1; II Timothy 2:14-16.

D. As with any discipline, it must be discipline in love. The goal in exercising discipline is not punishment or vengeance, but repentance and reform.

Bylaws

_{ARTICLE I: Ministries}

SECTION 1. Organizational Procedure

The organizational procedure of the First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated, will be operated through the Ministry concept to fulfill the needs of the Church.

SECTION 2. Use of Spiritual Gifts

Every Christian has been given at least one gift to aid in the ministry of Christ. Through the development of the Ministry concept, persons will be led to discover their gifts and be able to use them for the glory of God.

SECTION 3. Ministries

Each Ministry will be organized according to specific needs of the First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida, Incorporated. They will be evaluated quarterly by the Executive Council and Ministries will be discontinued and/or added according to the needs.

A. The Ministries are directly responsible to the Executive Council.

B. Each Ministry will meet at least once per quarter.

C. Each Ministry will have a director elected by the congregation; others will be added to the Ministry according to need. The exceptions are the Ministry of Service (Section 4), Ministry of Property (Section 5), and the Ministry of Pastoral Relations (Section 6).

SECTION 4. Ministry of Service

A. Members of the Ministry will serve as deacons (men) and deaconesses (women) of the Church.

1. The number to be elected will be determined by the membership of the Church. There will be one deacon and deaconess for approximately every twelve (12) family units in the Church.

2. Opportunity to elect qualified, as defined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, members to serve as deacon and deaconess shall be given according to the need seen by the pastor and/or congregation.

3. Members are elected for a three (3) year term in alternate years.

B. The officers of this Ministry are selected by the members of the Ministry of Service.

C. The purpose of this Ministry shall be to assist the pastor or the Church in exercising a systematic and Christ-like care of the spiritual and temporal needs of the Church and its members. This work includes visitation, supervision of Communion Services, assisting in baptisms, and the Service of Anointing and the Laying on of Hands in cooperation with the pastor.

D. This Ministry will maintain a Deacon Benevolent Account to be used to assist Church members or friends in times of need. With discretion, other assistance may be provided to "street" people.

1.The pastor with the officers of this Ministry shall discern disbursement.

2. If all can not agree on a matter, the whole Ministry will assist.

3. Report shall be made to the congregation at the quarterly business meeting when money is disbursed. Confidentiality is expected.

SECTION 5. Ministry of Property

A. This Ministry will act as the Trustees of the Church.

B. There shall be six (6) elected officials to serve for two (2) years; three (3) shall be elected in alternate years.

C. The officers of the Ministry of Property are selected by the members of the Ministry. Minutes are to be taken at each meeting and a copy given to the Executive Council and pastor.

D. This Ministry may authorize the expenditure of any sums of money, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for any single item or project per quarter. Authorization for the expenditure of any sum in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for any one item or project must be obtained from the Executive Council.

E. This Ministry is responsible to meet the needs of the congregation by making the Church property visibly attractive, and by taking ideas and suggestions under advisement. They are to inspect and maintain all Church facilities, grounds, and equipment or supplies.

F. Adequate insurance coverage for all facilities will be maintained by this Ministry. They will be responsible for all taxes pertaining to Church properties.

G. This Ministry will supervise and be responsible for all custodial procedures.

H. Other jobs, job descriptions and responsibilities pertaining to the upkeep of the Church facilities will be filled by this Ministry according to the needs of the Church.

SECTION 6. Ministry of Pastoral Care

A. The Ministry of Pastoral Care shall consist of three individuals recommended by the Pastor/Assistant Pastor to the nominating committee/Executive Council, and four ex-officio members (Pastor/Spouse, Chairperson of Ministry of Service, and the Moderator). These individuals will work with the pastor and his family to support and encourage them in their ministries.

B. Each of the three elected individuals on each ministry will serve a three-year term on a rotating basis. The ministry members will select the Ministry Chairperson for each ministry each October for the next year.

C. The Pastoral Care Ministries will meet with their respective pastor/spouse at least once per quarter, or at the call of the Pastor/Assistant Pastor, or chairperson for a discussion of any/all things related to their pastoral role.

_{ARTICLE
II: Terms
of Ministries and Officers}

SECTION 1. Duration of Term

A. The terms of Ministries and officers of the Church are for one (1) year.

B. The exceptions are as follows:

1. The members of the Ministry of Property are elected for two (2) years.

2. Members of the Ministry of Pastoral Relations are elected for three (3) years.

3. Members of the Ministry of Service are elected for three(3) years.

4. The term of pastor shall be determined by the congregation through its Ministry of Pastoral Relations. The pastoral contract may be terminated by either party with a written notice of ninety (90) days.

SECTION 2. Election

All Ministry Chairpersons and members of the Ministries of Property, Service, and Pastoral Relations are elected by a majority ballot; the pastor by a 2/3 majority. The election shall be by secret ballot. There will be spiritual instruction concerning qualifications for candidates and the spirit and method of election. A spirit of prayer and communication by the Holy Spirit should be encouraged.

SECTION 3. Time of Election.

Election of officers shall be held at the October congregational business meeting.

SECTION 4. Term Begins.

Term for elected officers is based on a calendar year unless stated otherwise.

SECTION 5. Vacancies.

Vacancies will be filled by 2/3 consent of the Executive Council unless otherwise stated.

SECTION 6. Installation.

Installation of the Church officers shall be arranged by the pastor and/or past moderator as soon as possible before the first Executive Council meeting of the calendar year.

_{ARTICLE III: Stated Meetings}

SECTION 1. Congregational Business Meetings

Four congregational business meetings shall be held on the Wednesday of the week of the first Monday of January, April, July, and October, unless otherwise declared by the Executive Council, Moderator, or Pastor.

SECTION 2. Special Called Meetings

Special congregational business meetings may be called by the pastor, moderator, Executive Council, or upon written request of ten (10) members to the recording secretary. Such meetings must be publicized by a Sunday announcement and a notice mailed to all resident members at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting or by written announcement in at least two Sunday bulletins or a bulletin and a newsletter. The purpose of a called meeting must be stated in the call, and only the stated items of business may be voted on at the meeting. The Executive Council shall be empowered in extreme emergencies to make exceptions to these guidelines.

SECTION 3. Quorum

Quorum for congregational business meetings will be 15% of the active Church membership.

SECTION 4. Robert's Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order shall serve as the parliamentary guide in business sessions except as they are superseded by this Constitution.

_{ARTICLE
IV:
Management and Administration}

The management of this Church rests solely in the congregation itself, and issues are decided by a majority vote, except amendatory action. The administering of the will of the congregation is by the pastor, duly elected officers, and the Executive Council.

_{ARTICLE V: Absentee Ballots}

There will be no absentee ballots on any decisions made by this congregation.

_{ARTICLE
VI: Fiscal Policies}

SECTION 1. Annual Budget

The annual budget will be established each year to guide the Ministries and congregation for their fiscal spending year. This budget will be approved at the October quarterly congregational business meeting.

SECTION 2. Fund Raisers

It shall be the policy of this congregation to not engage in fund raising projects such as suppers, bazaars, sales or social events for the financial funding of the annual general budget.

_{ARTICLE VII: Amendments}

This Constitution and By-laws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the congregation (with a quorum present) by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. The proposed amendment must be filed with the recording secretary and mailed to all resident members at least seven (7) days prior to the congregational business meeting at which the vote is taken or announced in at least two Sunday bulletins or a Sunday bulletin and newsletter.

_{ARTICLE VIII:
Conferences}

Encourage a full complement of delegates to the District and General Conferences. Delegates are expected to attend all conference sessions. Full credential fees will be paid by the Church.

_{ARTICLE
IX: Manual of Procedure}

This manual lists the Church Ministries and their job descriptions. The Ministries are responsible to the Executive Council. Changes in Ministries and job descriptions are to be conveyed to the Executive Council for approval. The Executive Council will then report these changes to the congregation.

Manual of Procedure for the

Ministry Concept

_{I.
MINISTRY CONCEPT}

The Church is the Body of Christ and is actively engaged in the work of ministry through the will of God. God has blessed the Church with Spiritual Gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ and the work of service. We believe that every Christian has been given at least one gift to aid in the ministry of Christ. Through the development of the Ministry Concept persons will be led to discover their gifts and be able to use them for the glory of God.

The director of each Ministry is elected by the congregation at its annual congregational business meeting in October and is responsible to the Executive Council, of which he/she is a member.

Persons from the congregation may desire to serve on particular Ministries because of interest, or because they have spiritual gifts in those areas. Individuals will be recruited by the Ministry directors for each Ministry and each task. This is not limited to only members of the congregation. Anyone, member or not, may serve on a Ministry. The exception to this rule is the Ministry of Property, the Ministry of Service, and the Ministry of Pastoral Relations. (Refer to By-laws of the Constitution, Article I, Sections 4, 5, and 6.) As new people start attending the Church, they will be given the opportunity to join a Ministry to serve in the congregation.

The following Ministries have been formed to fill specific needs of our congregation. They will be evaluated continually and new Ministries created as needs arise.

_{II. THE MINISTRIES}

A. The Ministry of Congregational Enrichment

The purpose is to develop and maintain a quality expression of our faith in the loving God by providing special programs and activities for the Church and promoting a spirit of Christian fellowship among friends and members. This Ministry oversees and facilitates the areas of ushers, altar commission, nursery, and church music.

B. The Ministry of Education

The purpose is to provide all members and attenders of the First Brethren Church an opportunity to grow in their knowledge of Christian principles and concerns through Sunday School, youth programs and any other educational means to assist the total Church program.

C. The Ministry of Hospitality

The purpose is to train and plan activities that encourage a hospitable spirit among the friends and members of the Church, and to oversee needs and supplies of the Church kitchens.

D. The Ministry of Outreach

The purpose is to develop, promote, coordinate, and encourage areas of ministry in the Church which actively share the gospel to the unchurched.

E. The Ministry of Pastoral Care

Our ministry is dedicated to the support and encouragement of the Pastor/Assistant Pastor and their families in the following areas: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, relational, and financial.

F. The Ministry of Property

The purpose is to insure that all Church owned facilities are maintained to present an outstanding appearance to all.

G. The Ministry of Service

The purpose is to serve the congregation by seeking to make the total ministry of the Church more effective by serving at the Church ordinances and assisting the pastor in other ministries of the Church.

H. The Ministry of Stewardship

The purpose is to educate and encourage our people concerning the Biblical responsibilities of stewardship to God and His ministry, to provide an accountable system for the collection, the expenditures and statistical reports of all Church finances.

_{III. MINISTRY
OF CONGREGATIONAL ENRICHMENT}

A. Purpose

The chairperson is to be responsible to the Executive Council and to the congregation for its programs.

B. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. This Ministry shall appoint a head usher for a one-year term. The head usher shall be in charge of all ushering and shall give a record of the attendance to the Church office. The head usher shall appoint other ushers to assist at all services.

2. This Ministry shall appoint an altar commission chairperson and members who shall be in charge of obtaining flowers for the Sunday morning service and for special seasons and events. They shall be responsible for any decorations or adornment of the altar for any special season. The pastor shall be advised of their actions.

3. This Ministry shall be responsible for a missionary conference, or any special series of services or activities for the Church that develop and maintain a quality expression of our faith.

4. This Ministry shall assist the pastor in the planning of an inspiring celebration of music for worship or any other regularly scheduled service. They shall maintain the Church instruments and make arrangements to appoint instrumentalists. They shall appoint/hire a director of music to lead congregational singing and direct the choir.

5. This Ministry shall coordinate the operation of the nursery (ages 0-3) for the Sunday morning and special services of the Church.

6. Provide regular opportunities for all-Church fellowship gatherings.

7. Plan a tape ministry for worship and special services. Oversee the delivery of tapes to those who request their use and maintain quality taping and tapes at all times.

8. Appoint and train individuals to operate the amplifying system during all needed services.

9. Work through the congregation, Executive Council, pastor, and Ministry of Stewardship for the funds and facilities necessary for a quality congregational enrichment program.

_{IV. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION}

A. Purpose

The chairperson is to be responsible to the Executive Council and the congregation for the overall Education Ministry.

B. Responsibilities of the Ministry

1. The Ministry of Education will oversee all teacher appointments, handle any concerns pertaining to teacher performance and the overall operation of the Sunday School program.

2. Promote teacher workshops and training for teachers and prospective teachers

3. This Ministry will appoint persons responsible for: Sunday School attendance and offering, ordering Sunday School material resource room supplies and materials.

4. Provide programs for youth of all ages and appoint adult advisors for the program.

5. Appoint a director(s) for a summer program for children, youth, and adults, and provide assistance as needed. (Example: Vacation Bible School)

6. Enlist and promote the Brethren summer camp for all youth.

7. Work through the congregation, Executive Council, pastor, and Ministry of Stewardship for the funds and facilities necessary for a quality education program.

C. Teacher Qualifications and Requirements

1. Born-again Christian - John 3:5-7.

2. Living example - Colossians 1:10.

3. Gift of teaching - I Corinthians 12.

4. Faithful student of the Bible, a constant learner -II Timothy 2:15.

5. Agree with Brethren Church and Bible doctrine - Titus 2:1.

6. Regular Sunday School attender, dedicated to the Christian education program of the Church.

7. Attend at least one teacher training seminar a year.

_{V. MINISTRY OF
HOSPITALITY}

A. Purpose

The purpose is to train and plan activities that encourage a hospitable spirit among the friends and members of the Church, and to oversee needs and supplies of the Church kitchens.

The chairperson is to be responsible to the Executive Council and the congregation for the overall Church hospitality program.

B. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. Work with other Ministries and Auxiliaries, if asked, in the planning of Church social activities.

2. Plan all-Church socials and activities that encourage friends and members to come together (i.e. carry-in meals, picnics, ice cream socials, etc.).

3. Plan funeral dinners on the day of the funeral for Church members and close associates of the Church. Ask people in the congregation to help furnish food and help as needed.

4. Baby and wedding showers are to be scheduled through this Ministry. Plan for or coordinate with any sponsoring group or person/s.

5. This Ministry shall oversee the condition of the kitchen facilities. Check and purchase all supplies needed to continue its proper use.

a. Check for cleanliness - kitchens are open to county and state inspection at all times.

b. All classes and auxiliaries are to check the schedule with the chairperson before use of the kitchen(s) and report all supplies used.

_{VI. MINISTRY
OF OUTREACH}

A. Purpose

The purpose is to develop, promote, coordinate, and encourage areas of ministry in the Church which actively share the gospel to the unchurched.

The chairperson is to be responsible to the Executive Council and the congregation for the overall Outreach Ministry.

B. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. Educate congregation to lifestyle evangelism terms and thinking.

2. Find ways to advertise our Church to assist its growth. Be responsible for any advertising by media or any other means that will promote and inform the public of the Church and its activities.

3. Be responsible for greeters during the Sunday morning service and any other service that calls for this assistance. This will help the Ministry to stay in tune with potential regular attenders.

4. Establish and maintain a program that will register visitors and potential attenders for the Church.

a. Plan and organize a "follow-up" program.

b. Provide material that will inform visitors of the denomination and local ministry.

5. Work through the congregation, Executive Council, pastor, and Ministry of Stewardship for the funds and facilities necessary for a quality outreach program.

_{VII. MINISTRY
OF PASTORAL RELATIONS}

A. Purpose

The Pastoral Care Chairpersons will be responsible to (members of) the Executive council and the congregation in order to report and/or make recommendations that reflect the needs of the Pastor/Assistant Pastor and their families.

B. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. Be an advocate for the Pastor/Assistant Pastor and their families.

2. Discuss with the Pastor/Assistant Pastor and mutually agree upon a policy of confidentiality with exceptions.

3. Educate the congregation on sensitivity to Pastoral/Assistant Pastoral family needs.

4. Practice creative encouragement.

5. Communicate with district personnel at least quarterly to report ministry activities and to use them as resource persons.

6. Be an accountability group for the Pastor/Assistant Pastor to encourage them to maintain spiritual well being, family responsibilities, and other facets of their life.

7. Conflict resolution will begin and follow the process of Matt. 18:15-17, and will be supported by the Pastoral Care Ministries.

8. Be prepared to invite a crisis-intervention team or a transition team to the church in the event of unresolved conflict, retirement, death, or other forms of departure of a pastor from the church, after following the process in Matt. 18:15-17. Conduct this process in conjunction with the Executive Council, the congregation, and with the appropriate district and national personnel.

9. Plan for and expedite Pastor/Assistant Pastor Appreciation Day (or month) each year.

10. Facilitate the evaluations of the Pastor/Assistant Pastor, and manage and oversee with the Pastor/Assistant pastor, the Pastor’s/Assistant Pastor’s contract and yearly financial package, which will be recommended to the Executive Council.

11. All meetings must be held in private and all conversations must be strictly confidential, except as agreed upon with the Pastor/Assistant Pastor (families) to bring issues before Executive Council and or congregation. No minutes will be recorded.

_{VIII. MINISTRY
OF PROPERTY}

A. Purpose

The purpose is to insure that all Church owned facilities are maintained to present an outstanding appearance to all.

This Ministry is responsible to the guidelines mentioned in the By-laws of the Constitution, Article I, Section 5. Every member is elected from the congregation. Other guidelines and responsibilities can be added to the Ministry, according to need, by the Executive Council or the Ministry itself.

The chairperson is responsible to the Executive Council and the congregation for the overall property ministry.

B. Activities

Saturday morning or weeknight projects should be planned. General maintenance, painting, etc. shall be done.

C. Meetings

This Ministry shall meet at least once each month. They shall appoint a secretary who shall keep complete minutes of all regular and any special meetings of the Ministry.

D. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. By-laws of the Constitution, Article I, Section 5.

2. Hire or recruit volunteers and supervise custodial personnel for Church buildings, lawn care, and landscape maintenance.

3. Annually revise and negotiate a job description and contract with custodial staff.

4. Oversee the proper care of the Church tractors and other equipment.

5. Advise the Ministry of Stewardship, the Executive Council, pastor, and the congregation on the needs of the building and property and the budget requirements to fulfill the task.

_{IX. MINISTRY
OF SERVICE}

A. Purpose

B. Meetings

This Ministry should meet at least six (6) times a year, more if needed. Records should be kept at each meeting. The chairperson is to be responsible for the overall ministry. This Ministry shall work through the congregation, Executive Council, pastor, and Ministry of Stewardship for the funds and facilities necessary for a quality program.

C. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. By-laws of the Constitution, Article I, Section 4.

2. Each deacon/deaconess is responsible to the Ministry of Service itself. Each is called into a relationship with other deacons. There needs to be a bond or relationship within this Ministry. This does not mean that all will agree on everything all of the time; but rather that disagreements will be handled in Christian love and always at the preservation of the esteem and dignity of fellow deacons. This responsibility to the Ministry of Service means that members will do their utmost to attend every Ministry meeting. It also means that decisions that come under this Ministry's responsibility shall be made as a Ministry together.

3. The Ministry of Service is to promote the spiritual health of the congregation. This idea has usually remained undefined and general. The deacons promote the spiritual health of the Church best by example, showing a pattern of godly living and Christian discipleship. Their own attitude of faith and wisdom will promote spiritual health in others.

a. They are to support the pulpit ministry of the pastor by prayer, attentiveness, and encouragement.

b. The Service Ministry is to offer guidance to the congregation, delegating a certain number of Church families to each deacon/deaconess. The deacon/deaconess would have the immediate oversight of twelve (12) families assigned to them for one year. They would get acquainted with the family, follow their spiritual growth, encourage them and let the family know that they always have a deacon available for spiritual service in the name of the Church. This kind of attention would discourage reversions each year (people being rendered inactive) and would enable the whole Church body to be ministered to more effectively. Each year families would be reassigned to a different deacon/deaconess to broaden the acquaintance range of all and to discourage personal attachments which might supersede the devotion to the Church as a whole. This will not excuse the pastor/staff from calling; rather, it will enable him/them to make those more urgent calls with the freedom of mind that the entire Church family is being ministered to adequately. Further, some urgent pastoral calls will likely be discovered which may otherwise have gone unnoticed until it was too late!

4. The Ministry of Service shall serve the congregation by assisting with the ordinances as observed by The Brethren Church. This means preparations for and assistance with Holy Communion, baptism, confirmation and anointing with oil.

5. This Ministry shall have responsibility for the care for poor and needy ones in the congregation. Deacons should try to be sensitive to the needs of the people in the Church. They should be aware of situations that arise that call for special financial or other welfare help. Auxiliaries or individuals of the Church, who are aware of these situations, should inform the Ministry of needs that they themselves cannot meet; then the Ministry will try to assist if possible. Wisdom from above is needed to effectively serve the congregation in this way.

6. The Ministry of Service is to assist the pastor at his request, with interviewing those who present themselves for Church membership and inquiring into the candidate's experience of grace and Church background, explaining the duties of membership, reviewing relevant portions of the Church constitution with him, etc. Effective work here would help prevent the process of reversion and the possible later need to exercise Church discipline.

The Ministry of Service shall serve the congregation, with the pastor, as hands, head and feet for Jesus Christ. They seek to spread His name and influence near and far. They are men and women who are loyalists, first to Jesus Christ, then to the local Church. They believe in God; they believe in their Church. They love the Lord; they love the Lord's people. Unfaithfulness to Christ is a pain in their hearts; unfaithfulness to His Church is a grief to their soul. They are not resident policemen watching for someone to slip in some way, but servants, helping, loving, encouraging, affirming others to a stronger life in Jesus Christ. They serve, not as security officers, but as guides, pointing and leading others to the One Way, Jesus Christ.

_{X. MINISTRY OF
STEWARDSHIP}

A. Purpose

The Church treasurer, financial secretary, and their assistants are automatic members.

The chairperson is to be responsible to the Executive Council and the congregation for the overall Stewardship Ministry.

B. Responsibilities of this Ministry

1. They shall formulate a new budget for the following Church year and present it to the Executive Council at the October meeting for their recommendation to the congregational business meeting to follow.

2. This Ministry shall audit all financial records of auxiliaries of the Church and make a report to the Executive Council at the April meeting. The treasurer's records and the financial secretary's records shall be audited by an accounting committee appointed by the Executive Council. A report will be given to the Executive Council at the April meeting.

3. They shall order and provide weekly offering envelopes to all members of the Church and to all who use the envelope system.

4. The financial secretary shall provide a yearly statement of giving to all who use the envelope system.

5. This Ministry shall seek materials which can be included in the newsletter, Sunday bulletins, or in the form of posters, anything with "taste", that will promote stewardship.

6. Work and cooperate with the congregation, Executive Council, and pastor for the funds and facilities necessary for a quality stewardship program.

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Constitution

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Manual of Procedure for the

Ministry Concept

Constitution

Bylaws

Manual of Procedure for the

Ministry Concept

Send mail to DandJStone@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 08/24/07

Send mail to DandJStone@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 08/24/07