Living Faith Fellowship Church

Constitution and Bylaws

Article 1 Mission Statement

Living Faith Fellowship Church exists to...

…glorify God through the clear and practical teaching of His Word
…worship God through prayer, music, Scripture, tithes, and offerings
…serve God by caring for one another and reaching out to others in love, that all
may be drawn by the Holy Spirit to a Living Faith in Jesus Christ.

Article 2 Doctrinal Statement

1. God: We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons- Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.
Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19-20, II Corinthians 13:14

2. Lord Jesus Christ: We believe in Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God. He was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and is fully God and fully man. We
believe He lived a sinless life, with God’s redemptive purpose fulfilled through His life,
crucifixion, and resurrection. His shed blood was for our justification. He rose from the
dead to provide grace for salvation for those who confess and believe. We believe He
sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for the saints. He is Lord and Savior
and High Priest of the believers. He provides the knowledge to us that we may know
we have eternal life. We believe in the personal, visible, imminent return of Christ with
the church to establish His earthly kingdom.
John 1:1-3, Matthew 1:18-23, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 4:15, II Corinthians 5:21, I
Peter 2:24, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 14:9, I Corinthians 15:4, Ephesians 2:8, Matthew
26:64, Romans 8:3,4 Hebrews 3:1, I Thessalonians 4:16-17, I Thessalonians 1:10, I
John 5:13, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 20:6

3. Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit is sent by the Lord Jesus Christ from the
Father, and that He convicts the world of sin. We believe that He makes possible the
spiritual rebirth of the believer. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and
empowers him to live in victory over sin, and that He gives illumination and guidance for
a Christian walk that is pleasing to God. We further believe that through the sovereign
will of the Holy Spirit each and every believer is given gifts to be used for the edification
and unity of the whole church.

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 John 15:26, John 16:7,8, Romans 8:9, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 3:16, Galatians
5:16,17,22,23, Romans 12:6-8, I Corinthians 12:4-11

4. The Bible: We believe that the Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God, a divine
revelation consisting of sixty-six Books of the Old and New Testaments, completely
inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore wholly without error as originally given by God.
We believe the Bible is the final authority for faith and conduct.
II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:21

5. Creation: Having accepted the clear and practical teaching of God’s Word, we believe
in a literal six day Creation account as recorded in Genesis, as well as a young age of
the earth as revealed in the genealogies described in Scripture. We embrace the fact
that the Word of the Author and Creator of the universe is infallible and without error,
and that man’s fallible ideas regarding origins are forever changing.
Genesis 1-2:3, Exodus20: 8-11, Exodus 31:14-15, John 3:12, Deuteronomy 5:12-14,
Hebrews 4:10, Genesis 5:1-32, Genesis 11:10-32, Matthew 1:1-16, Luke 3:23-37

6. Fall of Man: We believe that man was created in the image of God, that Adam freely
chose sin over obedience in the Garden, and in that sin the whole human race fell from
God’s grace. We believe that apart from Christ, man is self-centered, self-willed and
unable to break from sin, and therefore spiritually dead and lost.
Genesis 1:26, 27, Genesis 3:1-24, Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23, John 3:3-5

7. Satan/Hell: We believe in the reality and existence of Satan as the great adversary of
God and His people. By God’s ultimate power Satan will be judged and cast into the
Lake of Fire for eternity. We also believe in the reality and existence of Hell. All those
who reject Jesus and His Teachings will be judged and eternally exist in a state of
torment permanently separated from God.
Revelation 12:1-20, 20:10-15, I Peter 5:8-9

8. Salvation: We believe that Jesus Christ died a substitutionary death upon the cross,
providing the only way to salvation, by grace, not by works, for all who believe in Him,
justifying them on the ground of His shed blood. We believe that Jesus is the way and
the truth and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9, I Peter 1:18-19, 2:24, Titus 3:5-7, John 14:6

9. The Church: We believe the church is the body and bride of Christ and the true
believers of the present age. Jesus Christ has given the church the keys of the kingdom
to fulfill His plan to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. He desires the
church to be disciplined people, obedient to the Word of God. The church would be a
place of Christian fellowship, worship and ministering to human suffering.

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 Ephesians 1:22,23, 5:25-32, I Corinthians 12:13, Matthew 16:19, Ephesians 4:11-16,
Luke 4:18

10. Christian Life: We believe that the Christian Life is a life of righteousness and must be
lived in a manner that is Christ-like and in harmony with the Teachings of the Holy
Scripture. We are to separate ourselves unto God from the sinful ways and practices of
this world and are to keep ourselves Holy in all areas of our lives. We are committed to
speaking the Truth, maintaining the sanctity of the Home, settling differences between
Christians in accordance with the Word of God, and showing a Christ-like attitude
toward all men, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, and maintaining a life of prayer. We
believe that it is the will of God for Christians to refrain from force and violence in human
relations and to show Christian love to all men.
Romans 12:1-2, 17-21, James 5:12-18, Ephesians 5:22-33, I Corinthians 6:1-8,
Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, I John 2:15-17, Matthew 5:38-48,
Romans 12:18-21

11. Ordinances: We believe the Christian should observe the ordinances of our Lord Jesus
Christ which are: baptism of believers upon confession of faith in Christ as personal
Savior, the Communion Service of the bread and the cup representing the broken body
and shed blood of our Lord.
I Corinthians 11:23-29, John 13:1-17, Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:3-7

12. Institution of Marriage: We believe that marriage is intended by God to be the union of
one man and one woman for life, and that the two should be equally yoked; that is,
believers should marry only other believers. We believe that as Christ honored God,
man should honor Christ, and woman should honor her husband. Man should submit to
Christ, and woman should submit to her husband as an act of submission to Christ.
Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:21-24, Matthew 19:4-6, II Corinthians 6:14, I Corinthians 7:39,
I Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22-23

13. Sanctity of Life: We believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of Life, thus making
Life sacred from Conception to His chosen time to take it.
Genesis 1:26-27, Psalms 139:13-16, Acts 17:24-28

14. Future Life: We believe that at death the believer's spirit departs to be with Christ in
conscious bliss, and the spirit of the unbeliever into everlasting punishment. We believe
that when Christ returns for the Church, the believers will be bodily resurrected, and
together with the believers then living on earth, be transformed into the likeness of the
body of Christ’s glory; that believers will have everlasting life in the presence of God,
and that unbelievers will suffer eternal separation from God, and conscious and
everlasting condemnation in hell.

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 Philippians 1:23-24, Luke 16:19-31, John 5:28-29, Romans 14:10-12, II Corinthians
5:10, Revelation 20:11-15, John 3:16, Matthew 25:46

Article 3 Purpose

The purpose of the believers at Living Faith Fellowship Church is to:

1. Glorify God by actively participating in personal as well as corporate worship.

2. Realize that only through commitment to prayer and communion with God can we
discern His will for us as a body of believers as we seek to reach out to the lost in our
communities and humbly serve them.

3. Seek first the Kingdom of God as we serve those who are part of the Church body, as
well as those who are lost, knowing through faith that God will abundantly supply all of our
needs to accomplish these tasks.

4. Actively share the gospel that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose to life that
we may in turn have eternal life with Him in glory if we accept Him as Lord and Savior of our
lives.

5. Commit to meeting together to share gifts, express Christ-like love and

encouragement to one another, help each other grow in Christian maturity, study and meditate
on the Living Word of God, and equip our youth with a clear understanding of God's Word and
His purpose for them in their lives.

Article 4 Bylaws

1. Association and Affiliation: While acknowledging and respecting the decisions of

various churches to identify with a particular denomination, Living Faith Fellowship Church
shall be self-governing, nondenominational and fundamental in doctrine, except by a resolution
signed by the Elders and ratified by a 2/3 majority vote of the members at a duly called
business meeting.

2. Government (Leadership): Living Faith Fellowship Church has adopted an elder-led

form of church government. Our Elders and Pastor work together as a team to lead the church.
Certainly, the Elders seek input from members of the congregation, but the leadership team
has the authority to make overall directional decisions for the Church. Transparency and open
lines of communication on the part of the leadership team as well as the members of the
congregation are critical to the success of this process.

3. Membership:
a. Requirements: Any person may become a member of Living Faith Fellowship
Church who makes a confession of faith in Christ as their personal Savior, who understands
the significance of Communion, who has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit (baptism must be a believer’s baptism as opposed to infant baptism), who has given
assurance of their desire to live a consistent Christian life, and who has given assurance of
their willingness to abide by the Constitution and the Doctrinal Statement of this Church.
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 b. Reception: Persons desiring to be received into membership are required to
submit an application for membership to the Elders, attend church membership classes, and
meet with the Elders to discuss matters of doctrinal harmony and the significance of
membership. It shall be the duty of the Elders to see that additional instruction is provided
when necessary. Upon the recommendation of the Elders persons desiring membership shall
be presented to the membership of the church for affirmation.
c. Responsibilities: Members shall strive to diligently preserve unity (Eph, 4:1-4),
demonstrate Christ-like love (Jn. 13:34-35), support Godly leadership (Heb. 13:17-18), give of
their time, talents and treasure (Rom. 12:1-8), grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord (2
Peter. 3:18), and participate in the development and growth of the believers (Matt. 28:19-20)
d. Classification: The members of this church shall be divided into Active and
Associate members. Active members must be at least 18 years of age and shall have rights in
or assume control over its property (real or personal). They may hold an office or vote in
connection with the business of the Church. Associate membership may be extended to those
who leave the area for an extended, yet temporary time, allowing them to unite with a similar
church for the purpose of encouragement and accountability while they are away. Associate
membership status may be extended at the discretion of the Elders on the basis of personal
need. Associate members are not eligible to hold an office or vote in the business sessions of
the Church. They are also subject to the disciplinary policy of the Church.
e. Member Authority: The congregation shall have the authority by a 2/3 majority
of those members attending a congregational meeting to affirm pastoral staff and Elders from a
list of candidates submitted by the Elder team; to approve the annual financial budget of the
church; to give approval to projects not on the church budget that exceed 10% of the annual
budget, or to give approval to projects that require loans exceeding 5% of the annual budget;
to approve the sale or acquisition of real estate; to approve changes to the Church
Constitution and Bylaws; to decide on other issues requested by the Elder team.
f. Discipline: In case of an erring member or conflict between members,
reconciliation should be sought in harmony with the Scriptures (Matt 5:23-26, Matt 18:15-35,
and Galatians 6:1). It shall be the responsibility of the Elders and the church body to come
alongside believers who struggle with sin, display a wrong attitude towards the Church
Doctrine, or show indifference toward the life and work of the church for the purpose of
restoring them spiritually and to fellowship. The Elders shall terminate the membership of any
person only after efforts to bring back that person into full fellowship have been unsuccessful.
A church member who is absent from all services of the church for six months without a
satisfactory reason, in spite of attempts by the Elder team to encourage him or her to return
shall be assigned Associate member status. If, after an additional six months sufficient interest
is not shown he or she will be removed from the membership roll at the discretion of the
Elders.

4. Elders:
It is understood that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and speaks His Living Word to the
body of the Church through the Scriptures. Living Faith Fellowship Church is governed by a
plurality of godly, qualified men whom the Bible refers to as elders or overseers. The Elders,
along with the Pastor shall constitute the leadership of the Church.
a. Responsibilities: The Elders are expected to teach Biblical truth (Acts 20:20-
27; I Tim 3.2, 5:17; I Th 5.12; Titus 1:9), model Christ like behavior (I Tim 3:1-7), oversee
financial matters (Acts 11:29-30), maintain doctrinal purity (Acts 20:28, Heb 13:17), pray
for/with those who are sick (James 5:14) and discipline unruly behavior (I Th 5:12-13;
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 I Cor 5:12,13).The Elders will meet together as often as needed for the purpose of prayer, to
conduct the business of the church, and to edify one another through instruction and
fellowship. The Elders are responsible to maintain a spirit of peace and unity as they uphold
this Constitution and conduct the affairs of the church.
b. Qualifications: The requirements for elders are directly stated in
I Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. While leadership skills are desirable, the qualifications of godly
character and commitment are of primary and ultimate importance.
c. Selection and Number: New elder candidates will be selected by the Elders
and, after thorough examination be presented to the congregation. Church members who wish
to submit questions or comments regarding the individual being considered for the position will
be given a minimum of two weeks to communicate their questions to the Elders, in writing and
signed. After examining the questions and comments of the membership the Elders will decide
whether or not to proceed with the nomination. If the Elders decide to proceed, election details
will be announced to the Church at least two weeks in advance. Voting will be conducted by
ballot, and the results will be announced to the congregation without delay. A two-thirds
majority of all votes cast shall be required for affirmation. The Elders will make provisions for
absentee voting. Once affirmed, Elders will serve without term limitations as long as they
possess the necessary qualities of character and commitment required for their position. Each
elder will be periodically reviewed by the other elders to reevaluate character and
effectiveness. Recommendations will be made regarding steps necessary for continued
service. Ultimately, an elder may be asked to resign or may be removed by a majority vote of
the Elders if warranted. Any elder may resign by giving a three month written notification to the
remaining elders.

5. Pastors, Ministry Staff, and Support Staff: Church staff encompasses a variety of
roles including the Pastor, Ministry Staff and Support Staff. Those who minister and serve
under the authority of the Elders in these roles shall together and individually uphold the
doctrinal positions of this church, and oversee, provide for and encourage the spiritual life,
welfare and ministry of the congregation in order to ensure the proper care and equipping of
the membership.
a. Pastor: The Pastor is to give himself significantly to prayer and the ministry of
the Word of God through preaching and teaching. He is to cast corporate vision for the Church
and be proactive in developing leadership for the Church. He shall also share in the
responsibilities of pastoral care and Church oversight. He shall provide spiritual guidance,
oversight and encouragement to other members of the pastoral staff. The Pastor is
considered to be an Elder, and as such shall serve on the Elder team. He is the primary vision
caster for Living Faith Fellowship Church. The Elders shall work with the Pastor in the areas of
salary and evaluation.
b. Ministry Staff: The Ministry Staff consists of men and women called by the
Elders to serve in positions of significant ministry oversight. Responsibilities include managing
the day-to-day operations of the ministry for which they are responsible; supporting the
ministry through prayer, encouragement, training and equipping; contributing to and
cooperating with the mission and vision of the Church; shepherding the portion of God's flock
which has been entrusted to their care; upholding the doctrinal positions of the Church.
Everyone that serves as ministry staff is to be assisted and respected as they carry out their
responsibilities.

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c. Support Staff: The Support Staff consists of administrative maintenance and custodial
individuals who are vital to the daily operation and care of the Church. They must model
character, attitudes and abilities consistent with Biblical expectations and the requirements of
their respective jobs. They must be members of Living Faith Fellowship Church, or, at the
discretion of the Elders, be asked to sign a statement of doctrinal affirmation in lieu of
membership. They shall perform their duties under the direction of the Elder team. Those who
make up the Support Staff are to be honored, respected and appreciated in a way that is
pleasing to the Lord.

6. Officers of the Church:

a. Chairman of the Elders: The Chairman of the Elders shall preside over Elders
meetings. The Chairman and a Vice-Chairman shall be appointed or affirmed annually by the
Elders. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall preside over the Elders
meetings.
b. Trustees: The trustees shall be custodians of the church property, serving
under the direction of the Elders
c. Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary, under the direction of the Elder team, shall
take minutes and preserve records of all congregational and specially called meetings, but not
the Elders’ meetings. He or she should have a copy of the Constitution and Bylaws on hand at
all said meetings, where questions may arise which it can answer. The Recording Secretary
should work with all staff members to ensure that current records are kept of church
membership, dates of admission, dismissals, deaths, dedications, baptisms and weddings, as
well as other special services held by the church. The Recording Secretary shall be appointed
or affirmed annually by the Elder team.
d. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall pay the bills of the church, keep a record of all
money received and disbursed by the church, and prepare monthly and annual financial
reports, under the direction of the Elder team. The Treasurer’s records shall be examined or
audited by a CPA annually upon the recommendation of the Elder team. The Treasurer shall
be appointed or affirmed annually by the Elder team.
e. Assistant Treasurer: The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer with
tasks such as counting the weekly offering immediately after the service, keeping a record of
names and amounts given, and furnishing each family with a total of their offerings at the end
of the year. The assistant treasurer, under the direction of the Elder team, may select
accountable members of the congregation to assist on a rotating basis with the counting of the
weekly offering. All offerings shall be deposited in the church bank account and the deposit
slips kept by the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall be appointed or affirmed annually by
the Elder team.

7. Teachers: Anyone who feels led to teach a Sunday School class is required to be a
member and regular attendee at Living Faith Fellowship Church. Nonmembers may assist in
teaching at the discretion of the Elder team. Sunday School materials must be approved by the
Elder team as well.

8. Installation of Elders, Pastors, or Ministry Staff:

a. Adding or Replacing Staff: In the event an additional need or vacancy occurs
among the Elders, Pastoral or Ministry Staff, the Elders shall, after a period of prayer and
discernment, nominate a candidate who meets the requirements set forth in the Bylaws. The
Elders shall communicate regularly with the congregation to keep them informed of their
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progress. When a candidate is found the name shall be announced to the membership.
Members of the Church can submit comments and questions, signed and in writing at this
time. A minimum of two weeks shall be given for these responses. After the elders have
examined the questions and comments they will decide whether or not to proceed with the
nomination. If the nomination is made, the congregation will be informed, and then election
may proceed after a minimum of two weeks.
b. Elections: Voting will be done by secret ballot, with a minimum of 80% of all
votes cast required for affirmation. The Elder team will make provisions for absentee ballots.
The results of the vote shall be announced in a timely manner.

9. Termination of Elders, Pastor, or Ministry Staff: An Elder, Pastor or Ministry Staff

member’s term of office, including financial support, may be terminated for the following
reasons.
a. Voluntary Termination: If an Elder, Pastor or Staff Member wishes to resign
for personal reasons a 60 day written notice is requested. A term of Sabbatical may be
suggested by the Elders for reasons of personal health, family health or professional training
without termination.
b. Involuntary Termination: If it becomes necessary to dismiss or suspend a Staff
Member for failure to fulfill the responsibilities of the office (as determined by a consensus of
the Elders) or issues of conduct that would adversely affect the Church body or staff, that Staff
Member may be asked to resign by the Elders. This process will take place following any and
all efforts necessary to correct the situation. In the case of an Elder or Pastor, a 2/3 majority
confirmation vote by the congregation will be required to call for the resignation of the Elder or
Pastor. Reasons for dismissal would be ineffective leadership or issues of conduct that would
adversely affect the Church Doctrine or body. If a Pastor is terminated the Elders shall have
the authority to make special severance arrangements with the individual.

10. Church Corporation and Assets: It is understood that membership in Living Faith
Fellowship Church involves financial tithing to support the Church and the staff as directed by
the Scriptures.
a. Management of Church Property and Assets: Donations made to the Church
by members or nonmembers shall become the property of the Church and fall under control of
the Elders. Special offerings may be sought by the Church, or by any of its organizations with
the approval of the Elders. All funds donated shall pass through the Treasurer in order that due
record may be made. The Church shall be empowered to purchase or
receive by gift any Real Estate or Personal Property for the advancement or mission of the
Church. All assets or property shall be held in the name and ownership of the Church. No real
property shall be purchased or disposed of without 2/3 approval of the congregation
membership. In the case of Church division all property and assets will belong to those who
abide by the Church Constitution and Bylaws.
b. Dissolution Clause: Upon dissolution, any assets of the Church less payment
of all obligations must be distributed to one or more organizations recognized by the IRS as
one organized exclusively for religious purposes and is exempted from taxation, whose
doctrine is in harmony and accordance with the Mission of this Church and its Constitution and
Bylaws. Upon a dissolution recommendation by the Elders, a 2/3 majority of the congregation
membership will be necessary to approve the dissolution arrangements.

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 11. Congregational Meetings: The Living Faith Fellowship Church Fiscal Year will run in
conjunction with the calendar year from January 1st through December 31st. The Elders shall
schedule an Annual Business meeting sometime after the first of the year.
a. Topics: Topics covered may include a review of minutes from a previous
Annual Meeting, an Elders report, a Ministry report, a financial report, short and long term
goals, new budget approval or any items of new business

b. Meeting Guidelines: A meeting agenda will be prepared and distributed to the

congregation no later than two weeks prior to the Annual Business meeting. A quorum shall
consist of 50% of the active voting membership. A 2/3 vote is needed to pass any items of
business. Voting rights in business meetings will be given to any active member
(as determined by the Elders), 18 years of age or older. Special meetings of the congregation
may be called by the Elders anytime at their discretion upon a two week notice to the
congregation. This notice may be given by announcement at a Sunday service or by
contacting members via e-mail or phone tree. This notice will include the topic of business to
be covered. Absentee ballots may be obtained from the Church Secretary and will be accepted
if they are presented to the Church office or Secretary in a signed and sealed envelope prior to
the business meeting.

12. Church Records:

a. Keeping of records: Elders shall keep minutes of the Elders’ meetings and any resolutions
adopted by the Elders. The recording secretary shall keep minutes of congregational meetings
(including all vote tallies), a record of Communion services, dedications, births and any events
that are significant during the Church year; a record of congregational membership with the
dates of reception along with the passing of members and those corresponding dates; rolls of
membership and the term of service; all accounting records; Articles of Incorporation,
Constitution and Bylaws, and all amendments currently in effect.
b. Inspection: Any member shall be entitled to inspect and copy, at a reasonable
time and location specified by the Elder team, any of the church records described above,
provided the Elders find that the member has a proper purpose and is acting in good faith. The
Elders may limit access to any records that contain confidential information about a particular
person or persons.

13. Raising Funds: The work and ministry of the Church is to be supported by the
congregation through generous, systematic and confidential tithing. Other methods of raising
funds for special projects will be conducted only with the approval of the Elders.

14. Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws: This Constitution may be amended or
articles added at any business meeting of the Church provided that written notice of the
changes has been provided to the congregation in writing at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
Ratification of changes will require a 2/3 majority of a quorum (50%) of active voting
membership.

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 Concluding Thoughts
This Constitution has been put together with a considerable amount of prayer,
and discernment of God’s will for Living Faith Fellowship Church. It is the humble intent
of the writers of this Constitution to have crafted a document that facilitates God’s
Church in fulfilling its purpose, and to expend its energy, time and resources into
actually doing ministry rather than being shackled by rigid structure or frustrated with
disorganization. The cornerstone of this Constitution is the Doctrinal Statement, and
each piece of the remainder of the document should lend support to that Statement. Our
ultimate goal at Living Faith Fellowship Church is the glory of God. To that end we
desire to value each other more than we value ourselves (Phil 2:3), to pray for one
another (James 5:16), to be kind and forgiving to one another, even as God the Father,
for the sake of God the Son, our Savior has forgiven us (Eph 4:32), so that when He
returns, He will find the people of Living Faith Fellowship Church united in serving and
glorifying Him.

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