Bylaws

ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE

Mission Church is dedicated exclusively to charitable, religious, educational, and literary purposes. The organization’s primary purpose is to reach people with the Christian gospel message and to disciple believers by and through as many methods and means as possible (including but not limited to conduct of public worship; conduct of mission activities; educational activities; creation, sale, and distribution of Christian media; conduct of Christian events; providing for benevolent needs of the local church and beyond; and other related activities), with the primary objective to maximize the number of people who may be reached and discipled for God.

ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF FAITH

What we believe about:

THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). We believe the Bible consists of the sixty-six books that make up the Old and New Testaments. The human writers that penned the original manuscripts were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21) and wrote exactly what the Holy Spirit intended for them to write, using each of their individual personalities and writing styles (1 Corinthians 2:13). Althoug some of the New Testament writers were aware that they were penning Scripture (2 Peter 1:21, 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14:37), some writers, particularly the Old Testament prophets, communicated the words of God given to them at the time, yet did not know the fullest extent and divine meaning of how many of their prophecies would also be fulfilled in Christ (John 11:5; Matthew 22:43-44). We believe the biblical canon is closed, and that no person today receives any word from God that is on par with Scripture (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Holy Spirit does speak to believers, but He does not speak by revealing new special revelation from God on the level of Scripture, but rather by reminding believers of what God has already spoken in His Word (John 14:26). We believe the Bible presents one overarching story of the triune God redeeming a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself (Revelation 7:9-10), and that the story climaxes and culminates in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ (John 5:39; Luke 24:27; 1 Peter 1:10-11) on behalf of sinners. We believe that God’s Word is sufficient: containing everything necessary for salvation (Romans 1:16, 10:17) and sanctification (John 17:17). It provides all that is needed to grow into full maturity and obedience to Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; Colossians 1:28). Scripture does not need any additions or aids from man to save or to sanctify (Proverbs 30:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19).

THE TRIUNE GOD
We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:26; Isaiah 45:5-7) that has eternally existed (Psalm 90:2; Romans 16:26; Revelation 22:13; John 1:1; Genesis 1:1-2) in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Spirit, with each person being fully and completely God (Ephesians 4:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19). The Triune God created all things (Genesis 1:1-2; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 2:10; Psalm 121:2), sustains all things (Psalm 104:1-35; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17), and sovereignly rules over all things (Psalm 115:3, 135:6; Ephesians 1:11; Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:9-10; Romans 8:28) for His glory (Isaiah 43:7, 48:9-11; Romans 11:36; 1 Peter 4:11; John 13:31-32). We believe that each person of the Trinity plays an active role in God’s eternal plan of redemption (1 Peter 1:2).

THE FATHER
We believe that God the Father creates (1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9) and rules all things (Ephesians 1:11, 4:6; Psalm 103:19) according to His sovereign plan of redemption (John 10:29; Romans 9:15-18) that He purposed before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-6 Revelation 13:8; 2 Timothy 1:9) to rescue and redeem His children through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7-10, 3:11; Romans 8:29-30). The Father purposes and sends the Son (John 3:16, 5:24; Matthew 10:40), glorifies the Son (John 17:22, 24), and draws every one of His children to the Son (John 6:37, 39, 44, 65, 17:2). All of the blessings that the Father gives and bestows on mankind are according to His great love and mercy (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 2:4) and for His own glory (Isaiah 48:9-11; Ezekiel 36:22-23). We believe His fatherhood pertains both to His role within the Trinity (1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:3; John 17:5) and His relationship with believers (Matthew 6:9, 23:9; Galatians 1:3, 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 John 3:1).

THE SON
Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God (John 1:14, 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). He is one with the Father (John 10:30, 14:7-11). He is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14), the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the radiance of the glory of God (Hebrews 1:3), and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus has eternally existed with the Father and the Spirit before the foundation of the world (John 1:1-2, 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20). All things were made by Him and through Him and to Him (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 8:6). Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthews 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35) and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35). Jesus is fully man and fully God (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3, 2:17; Philippians 2:7), and He is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15). The eternal Jesus took on human flesh without giving up or altering any of His deity (Philippians 2:7), thereby still having the fullness of the deity dwelling in Him bodily (Colossians 1:19, 2:9). Jesus fulfilled the entire Old Testament law (Galatians 4:4-5) in our place (Matthew 5:17; Luke 4:17-21), while He experienced all of the brokenness of humanity and temptation of sin, yet never sinning (Hebrews 4:15). Although Jesus had the fullness of the deity dwelling in Him bodily, He did not use His deity to His own advantage (Philippians 2:6). Rather He acted in complete submission to the Father (John 8:29, 14:31; Philippians 2:8) by the power of the Spirit of God (Acts 10:37-38; Luke 4:1) and dependence on the Word of God (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Jesus accomplished our redemption by living a completely sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15) and then willingly choosing to die a sacrificial death on the cross (John 10:18; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:2) to shed His innocent blood as a substitutionary payment (1 Peter 3:18) to atone for sinners (1 John 2:2, 4:10; Hebrews 2:17). Jesus’ literal, physical resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Luke 24:6-7; Acts 4:33) confirmed that the Father accepted the atoning work of Christ on behalf of sinners (1 Peter 1:3, 20-21). Jesus’ literal, physical resurrection also confirms that death has been defeated (Hebrews 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57), and believers in Jesus will never have to taste death because Jesus tasted it for them (Hebrews 2:9, 14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Because Jesus rose, believers will rise and experience eternal life with Christ (John 6:40, 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 6:14). Upon completing His work (John 19:28-30), Jesus is currently seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on behalf of believers (Romans 8:34; Mark 16:19; 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:3) until the day that He returns for His bride: the Church (Hebrews 9:28; John 14:1-3). At that point, He will consummate his Kingdom (Matthew 25:31-34) and defeat Satan, sin, and death forever (Revelation 20:14, 21:4; 1 Corinthians 15:26).

THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit is a divine person (John 15:26), eternally existing in relationship with the Father and the Son (Hebrews 9:14; Genesis 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14). In His personhood, the Holy Spirit displays intellect (1 Corinthians 2:10-13), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will (1 Corinthians 12:11), omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10), omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14), omnipotence (Romans 15:13), and truthfulness (John 16:13). We believe, though He is equa with the Father and the Son, in all things the Holy Spirit submits to the Father (John 14:15-17, 26, 15:26) and glorifies the Son (John 16:13-15). The Holy Spirit is God’s powerful, divine agent accomplishing the purposes of God towards mankind. The Holy Spirit is supernaturally and sovereignly active in creation (Genesis 1:2), the incarnation (Matthew 1:18), God’s written revelation (2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Peter 1:10-12), the resurrection (Romans 8:11), regeneration (John 3:5-8), salvation (2 Corinthians 3:6), and the sanctification (2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 15:16) of believers. The Holy Spirit wrote the Holy Scriptures, as He carried along each of the human authors and inspired them to write exactly what He intended, using each of their own individual personalities and writing styles (2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13). The Holy Spirit produces new birth (regeneration) in the heart of a believer (John 3:5-8), as He indwells them (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Ezekiel 36:27; 2 Timothy 1:4), sanctifies them (2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 15:16), empowers them (Acts 1:8; Romans 15:18-19) and seals them until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5). The Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes gifts to believers in the body of Christ as He wills, and the purpose of these gifts is for the common good of the body of Christ and to glorify the Son (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Peter 4:10-11). In the daily life of a believer, the Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin (John 16:8), illumines the truth of God’s Word to them (John 16:13-16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16), guides believers into all truth (John 16:13), empowers them for service to Christ (Romans 15:18-19), intercedes for them in prayer (Romans 8:26-27), comforts (Acts 9:31) and secures them in Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:14-17), emboldens them to witness for Christ (Acts 1:8), conforms them to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18), strengthens them to overcome sin (Galatians 5:16-17), endure suffering (Acts 7:54-60), and produces fruit in their daily lives to the glory of God (Galatians 5:22-23).

THE GOSPEL
The gospel is the good news concerning the finished work of the Trinity: The Father sends, the Son saves, and the Spirit sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2). Humanity is in sin (Romans 3:10-11, 23, 5:12), and thus justly deserving the wrath of God (Romans 1:18; John 3:36; Matthew 10:28). Sinful man is spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-3), morally corrupt (Romans 1:21-32), and enslaved to sin (John 8:34; Romans 6:6). Sinful humanity cannot obey God’s law (Hebrews 11:6), indeed they are hostile towards it (Romans 8:7). When the fullness of time had come (Galatians 4:4-7), according to His sovereign plan and because of his great mercy and love (Ephesians 1:3-14), the Father sent his only son to earth (Galatians 4:4-7; John 3:16). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35), born in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:6-7) by the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:25), and his name is Jesus. He is fully man and fully God, thereby being the mediator between God and man. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin. He obeyed the law of God perfectly, and fulfilled all of the types, shadows, and prophecies in the law concerning the Messiah to come. He was the seed of the woman who came to crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15). He was the lamb of God who had come to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus lived the perfect life that humanity should have lived, and then willingly went to the cross and died the death that humanity deserved to die. Jesus was crucified, buried, and three days later God raised him from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This showed that, for anyone who trusted God before the cross, and anyone who trusted in Christ after the cross (Roman 3:23-26), Jesus Christ had: absorbed their punishment, satisfied God’s just wrath towards them, purchased their forgiveness, attained their righteousness and holiness, and removed the condemnation of the law against them. The Holy Spirit, according to the Sovereign love, mercy, and will of the Father (Ephesians 2:4-7; 1 Peter 1:3), causes individuals to be born again (John 3:5-8) to respond to this great gospel in repentance and faith (Mark 1:15). This faith produces works of gratitude towards God for this great salvation. We are not saved by works, but we are saved for good works (Ephesians 2:10). And the works of a believer are fruit that displays they have truly been called out of darkness and brought into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11), and not merit (2 Timothy 1:9), through faith alone (Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:28, 4:3, 5, 5:1), and not works (Ephesians 2:9; Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9), in Christ alone (Acts 4:12; John 14:6), according to Scripture alone (Romans 1:16, 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Timothy 3:15), for the glory of God alone (Ephesians 1:4-6, 12, 14).

ARTICLE III. GOVERNANCE & ELDERS

Jesus Christ is the Head of Mission Church. The Church is led by the Spirit through the Elders of Mission Church. The Church is governed by this Constitution, which establishes a framework for the ecclesiastical leadership of the ministry of the church as well as the provision for the secular governance in accordance with applicable laws with Mission Church Constitution.

Section 3.01 Overview: Elders are the ministers called by God in the Scriptures to serve and lead the church. Elders exercise government and discipline, and take the oversight of the spiritual interests of the Church. The Elders’ ministry is to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge; in humility to lead in being discipled and in discipling others that all the church may reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)

Since Scripture charges the Elders with the responsibility to shepherd and oversee the congregation (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3), the Elders shall serve as the church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application as it pertains to church doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline. (Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 4:1-2). In accordance with that duty, the Elders shall take particular responsibility to conduct worship services, oversee the administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the Church, and mobilize the Church for missions.

Section 3.02 Pastoral and Lay Elder: Elder: There are two types of Elders: Pastoral Elders, who are ordained ministers serving on the staff of Mission Church, and Lay Elders who are the immediate representatives of the Mission Church Partners/Members who are nominated by them, and in conjunction with the ministers, they may exercise government and discipline, and take the oversight of the spiritual interests of Mission Church.

Section 3.03 Number: The total number of Elders will be determined by the Elder Board based upon ministry and discipleship needs coupled with qualified Elder candidates.

ARTICLE IV. ELDER LEADERSHIP

Mission is an Elder led church under the authority and leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Elders are served in leadership by the Lead Pastor as a First Among Equals. First among equals means that the Lead Pastor is officially on the same level as the other members of the Elder board. First among equals means that the Lead Pastor must be first in collaboration, first in transparency, first in humility, first in vision, and first in leadership. The Lead Pastor is the catalyst for the direction of the church, not because of his position but because he has humbly allowed God to develop His will for Mission through collaboration with the Elders and staff. First among equals means that the Lead Pastor carries a heavier weight of responsibility than his peers. The Elders acknowledge this weight of responsibility and view their role as peers to support, counsel and encourage and hold accountable the Lead Pastor as trusted partners in ministry and Godly friends.

ARTICLE V. BOARD OF ELDERS

Section 5.01 General and Specific Powers and Duties: The Board of Elders (Board) is the ecclesiastical and secular governing body of Mission Church. The Board of Elders are the corporate Board of Directors, serving in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. As such, their responsibility and authority extend to every aspect of the church. Specific authority and ministry include but are not limited to:

Each Elder will have an equal vote.
Individual Elders have no other authority unless designated by the Board.
Unless specified otherwise, a simple majority of the Elders constituting a quorum will carry the will of the Elder body as a whole. Although a simple majority is normally all that is required, the goal should be to be as close to unanimous as possible on decisions or to consider continuing the discussions.
Once a decision has been reached, the Board will act as a whole in unity to support it.
The Board will be responsible for accepting partners to affiliation with Mission Church.
The Board will be responsible for removal of partners from affiliation of Mission Church.
The Board will collaborate with the Lead Pastor and Staff for unity of vision establishment of high-level annual objectives.
The Board will elect the Lay Elders to constitute the Officer Team of Mission Church (OT).
The Elders will minister with the staff praying for the Mission body corporately and individually.
The Elders should practice practical and relational accountability amongst themselves.
When scripturally appropriate, The Board is to discipline members of Lay Elders including revoking of ordination when necessary. Decisions for revoking of Elder ordination require a 2/3rds majority of the quorum present.
The Board is to review, evaluate, and issue final approval of the budget recommendations of the OT.
The Board is to maintain an ongoing financial review and evaluation during the fiscal year.
The Lay Elders of the Board are to review, evaluate, collaborate, and make decisions/any recommendations regarding compensation, hiring, and/or terminations of the Lead Pastor. Decisions for hiring and/or termination of Lead Pastor require a 2/3rds majority of the quorum present.
Elders are to fulfill teaching duties as applicable – small groups, ministries, etc. – and to participate in training on regular basis with Lead Pastor.
The Elders are to collaborate with the Lead Pastor to insure the doctrinal integrity of Mission Church, to be supplemented with doctrinal training on regular basis by Lead Pastor.
Elders should model relational shepherding and discipleship throughout the church body.
Elders should minister with the staff pastors in matters of discipline of the Church body.
Elders are responsible for attending meetings as needed and/or scheduled.
The Board is to call partner meetings in accordance with the corporate or ecclesiastical needs of the church

Section 5.02 Number: The number of Lay Elders on the Board shall be no less than 5. The total number of Elders on the Board to be decided by the Board as the effective number to accomplish the work of the ministry. The number of Lay Elders on the Board will normally not be less than double the number of Pastoral Elders.

Section 5.03 Appointment of Elders: Nominees for Lay Elders will be made by the partners of Mission Church at a time and process determined by the Board. The nominees will then be evaluated by the Board appointed in light of the needs of the church in conjunction with the gifting, character, and spiritual maturity of the nominees. All nominees must be fully vetted and approved by the Elder Board in order to become an Elder of Mission Church. Those approved candidates will then be presented to the Mission Partners for affirmation. Lay Elders may not be employees of Mission Church nor can they be related by blood or marriage to employees, staff members, or other Elders. Nominees for Pastoral Elders will be made by the Lead Pastor subject to affirmation by the Elders. In the case the church is in a period without a Lead Pastor, the Lay Chairman will collaborate with the staff pastors to recommend to the Board up to four pastors as Pastoral Elders.

Section 5.04 Term of Office, Removal of Elders: Each Lay Elder shall serve as an elder ministering to the congregation as long as they are in good standing as partners of Mission Church. Elders are expected to serve the church as outlined in Section 3.0 even when not active on the governing Elder Board. Elders will normally serve on the Elder Board for a three-year term with no more than two consecutive terms without a one-year interim. Elders may resign their position at any time by giving notice to the Lead Pastor or to the Elders. Any resignationtimetable beyond an immediate resignation would have to be approved by the Board. An Elder may have their role and title as Elder revoked and be removed from office by the Elders in accordance with Section 5.01. The Lead Pastor will annually appoint or reappoint Pastoral Elders for a one-year term with limit of serving at the discretion of the Lead Pastor and the Elder Board. Removal of a Pastoral Elder from the Board will require Elder approval. In the case the church is without a Lead Pastor, the Lay Chairman will collaborate with the staff pastors to recommend to the Board continuation of the current Pastoral Elders or changes.

Section 5.05 Conflict of Interest: Any member of the board who has a financial, personal, or official interest in, or conflict (or appearance of an impropriety of a conflict) with any matter pending before the Board, of such nature that it prevents or may prevent that member from acting on the matter in an impartial manner, shall make known such appearance of an impropriety and shall offer to the Board to voluntarily recuse him/herself and will vacate his/her seat and refrain from discussion and voting on said item. In the absence of the Elder, the remainder of the board will by majority decide whether such conflict or appearance of conflict should preclude the Elder from the decision making process. All Elders shall annually be required to present a conflict of interest statement setting forth any known or potential conflicts or the appearance of any impropriety for the Board’s consideration. Such disclosures shall be noted as a part of the minutes of the Board of Elders for the record.

Section 5.06 Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the Board will normally be held monthly with notice as to such times and place as the Board shall from time to time designate, and an annual meeting of the Board.

Section 5.07 Calling Meetings: Meetings of the Board may be called by the Lead Pastor, by the Officer Team, or by a majority of the Board.

Section 5.08 Special or Called Meetings: Special or called meetings may be held with at least two days’ notice by electronic communication, telephone, personal delivery, or five days’ notice by first class mail, of the time and place of the meeting to each member of the Board.

Section 5.09 Waiver of Notice: Notice of a meeting of the Board need not be given in any event to any Elder who signs a waiver of notice either before or after the meeting. Attendance of an Elder at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of time and place and business undertaken as well as objections thereto at such meeting, except if an Elder states, at the beginning of the meeting, any such objection or objections to the transaction of business.

Section 5.10 Contents of Notice: There shall be stated within the Notice of a meeting the date, time, place, and business to be transacted at any special or called meeting of the Board of Elders, but need not be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of regular scheduled meeting except for the purpose of an election and/or Amendment to these Constitution. The business to be transacted at, and the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board need not be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

Section 5.11 Quorum: At all meetings of the Board, the presence of one-half of the authorized number of Board members, but in any event not less than the minimums established in Paragraph 5.02, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the Board present at any meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained.

Section 5.12 Voting: The act of a majority of the Board present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law or by Constitution. A Board member who is present at a meeting of the Board is presumed to have assented to any action on any matter before the board unless his/her vote is recorded to the contrary in the minutes of the meeting.

Section 5.13 Conduct of Meetings: The Lead Pastor, or in his absence or at the Lead Pastor’s choice, the Lay Chairman, or another designated Lay Elder shall preside at meetings of the Board. The Secretary of the corporation, or in the Secretary’s absence any person appointed by the presiding officer, shall act as Secretary for meetings of the Board and record keeper. Meetings shall be governed in the spirit of Robert’s Rules of Order, except to the extent that this Constitution is inconsistent therewith.

Section 5.14 Adjournment: A majority of the Board present, whether or not a quorum exists, may adjourn any meeting of the Board to another time and place. Notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given to the Board who were not present at the time of the adjournment and, unless the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the time of the adjournment, to the rest of the Board, with at least two days’ notice by telephone or personal delivery, or five days’ notice by first class mail, of the time and place of the meeting.

ARTICLE VI. STEERING TEAM

Section 6.0 Overview: The Officer Team (OT) is a sub-set of the Board of Elders of Mission Church. The Purpose of the OT is to provide the practical ongoing Elder leadership of Mission. The OT is empowered by the Board with a specific scope of authority and responsibility to provide a smaller group of leadership for ministering with the staff for the regular ongoing mission of the church.

Section 6.01 General and Specific Powers and Duties:

Provide and guide unity in all church objectives
Set Elder Board Agendas
Collaborate with Staff in preparing and submitting budget to the Board
Authorize approval of non-budget expenditures within parameters established by the Board
Monitor and evaluate finances on a monthly basis
Lay Elders on OT will lead Board in annual performance evaluation of Lead Pastor
Lay Elders on OT will lead Board in Lead Pastor compensation review
OT will collaborate with Lead Pastor to train Board
Other responsibilities as designated by the Board

Section 6.02 Number: The OT will consist of the Staff Executive Team, the Lay Chairman and Secretary from the Elder Board.

Section 6.05 Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the OT will normally be held monthly with notice as to such times and place established by the Lead Pastor or the Lay Chairman.

Section 6.06 Calling Meetings: Meetings of the OT may be called by the Lead Pastor or Lay Chairman as needed.

Section 6.07 Special or Called Meetings: Special or called meetings may be held with at least two days’ notice by electronic communication, telephone, personal delivery, or five days’ notice by first class mail, of the time and place of the meeting to each member of the OT.

Section 6.08 Quorum: At all meetings of the OT, the presence of one-half of the authorized number of Lay Elders plus the Pastoral Elders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 6.09 Voting: The act of a majority of the OT present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the OT.

Section 6.10 Conduct of Meetings: The Lead Pastor, or in his absence or at the Lead Pastor’s choice, the Lay Chairman, or another designated Lay Elder shall preside at meetings of the Board.

Section 6.11 Adjournment: A majority of the OT present, whether or not a quorum exists, may adjourn any meeting of the OT to another time and place.

ARTICLE VII. LAY SERVANT MINISTRY/DEACONS

Section 7.01 Overview: The Board will establish a lay servant ministry. This person will fill the role set forth in the New Testament known as diakonos translated as servant and deacon. The position is not an office of the church nor a post of specific authority except as set forth by the Board. It is a servant ministry subject to commitments, standards, and training beyond the normal layperson’s service. These servants are selected, commissioned lay servants that will be able to fill a role of ministry partnering with the Elders and Staff in fulfilling the vision and mission of the church. The Board of Elders has the responsibility to determine the nomenclature of this position; when this position is established; any requirements in addition to those scriptural qualifications that Paul establishes in 1 Timothy and Titus; and the means by which such positions will be filled.

Section 7.02 Qualifications: Deacons must be Partners of Mission Church, in good standing, and fulfill the biblical qualification outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus. Deacons may include men, women, staff members and related family members.

Section 7.03 Selection: Nominees for Deacons will be made by the partners of Mission Church at a time and process determined by the Elder Board. The nominees will then be evaluated by the Elder Board in light of the needs of the church in conjunction with the gifting, character, and spiritual maturity of the nominees. Those nominees accepted will then be subject to approval by the Elders.

Section 7.04 Term of Office, Removal of Deacons: Each Deacon shall serve as a deacon ministering to the congregation as long as they are in good standing as an partners of Mission Church. Deacons will normally serve for a three-year term with no more than two consecutive terms without a one-year interim. Deacons may resign their position at any time by giving notice to the Lead Pastor or to the Elders. Any resignation timetable beyond an immediate resignation would have to be approved by the Board. A Deacon may have their role revoked and be removed from office by the Elders by a majority vote.

Section 7.05 Duties: The duties of Deacons will be determined and modified by the Elder Board from time to time.

Section 7.06 Powers: Deacons hold no decision making or governance power. Though a Head Deacon will be established by the Elder Board, the Deacons will only convene as called by the Elder Board to discuss and establish ministry goals, expectations, and execution thereof.

ARTICLE VIII. CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 8.01 Officers: The officers of the Board shall consist of a President, Lay Chairman, and a Secretary. The Lead Pastor of the church will serve perpetually as the President of the Board, and in this document, the terms shall be synonymous. The Lay Chairman of the church is to be appointed by the Board. In the case the church is without a Lead Pastor, the Lay Chairman or other such man as the Board chooses shall serve as Interim President until a Lead Pastor is selected. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Elders. The office of President and Secretary cannot be held concurrently by one person.

Section 8.02 Officer Responsibilities: The President is to serve as the principal executive officer responsible for the ongoing operation of the church and, as Lead Pastor, the ecclesiastical head of the church. The Lay Chairman will serve on the Officer Team. In the absence of the Lead Pastor, the Lay Chairman will serve as the moderator of the Board and any other duties as assigned by the President or the Board. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining the records of the corporation and the church.

ARTICLE IX. CHURCH STAFF

Section 9.01 Overview: Mission Church deeply values the leadership and servant ministry of our staff that is vitally necessary to fulfill the church’s mission to glorify God by making gospel centered disciples. There are no jobs on our staff – we consider every employee to be a minister serving on mission. We will seek to partner with only the best in filling the positions on our staff and we will expect excellence and commitment from all who serve. Therefore, we will strive to create a ministry environment for our staff that is conducive to unity, harmony, and solidarity of purpose as we serve together in joy. We are called to the highest level of service to the King of Kings – may our staff be free to minister accordingly and may the church reflect such in valuing our staff. The Church Staff of Mission will serve and minister under the servant leadership, ministry, and authority of the Lead Pastor. The Staff will carry out ongoing day-to-day and month-to-month ministry and administration.

ARTICLE X. CHURCH PARTNERSHIP

Section 10.01 Partnership: Partnership at Mission Church is not about adding your name to a roster or roll; it’s about getting involved with the vision, mission, and people of the church. Partnership in Mission Church (Partners) will be based upon the following covenant:

Following an interview with an Elder, each potential Partner/Member will be asked to affirm the following:
- I have trusted in Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and have followed (or will follow) through with Believer’s Baptism (Going Public). Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 28:19-20
- I commit to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission represented in our
  vision and mission. Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:19-20
- I commit to gathering corporately, growing spiritually, giving sacrificially and going missionally as the Lord leads me. Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:15-16; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Acts 1:8)
- I commit to praying for and supporting the leadership of Mission Church in a mutually accountable relationship with pastors, elders and partners. Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:5
- A partner may be removed from the fellowship of Mission Church by a resolution of the Board.

Section 10.02 Partner Responsibility and Duties: Partners of Mission Church shall have the responsibility and the duty to:

Align, accept, and follow the leadership of the Elders of Mission in accordance with Scripture
Strive toward personal and corporate worship of our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ
Strive to connect with other Mission Partners in authentic community and discipleship to support one another in growing in Christ’s grace and truth
Follow the model of Christ in serving others in the church, community, and around the world
Be an uncommonly generous people giving joyfully of his/her time, talents and resources to further the cause of Mission’s mission to glorify God by making gospel centered disciples
Fulfill the responsibilities of ecclesiastical and corporate partnership as outlined in this Constitution of Mission Church

Section 10.03 Annual Meetings: The Church will normally hold an annual business meeting within two months of the end of the Fiscal Year of the church as established by the Board.

Section 10.04 Partner Specific Corporate Duties and Rights:

Any merger of Mission Church with another church must be approved by the Partners
Any dissolution of the corporation must be approved by the Partners
The disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the church must be approved by the Partners
The acquisition of real property and any accompanying indebtedness must be approved by the Partners
The alteration, any amendments, repeal, or institution of new Constitution and/or Bylaws of the corporation must be approved by 2/3rds of the Partners
Men to serve as Elders of the Church are to be nominated by the Partners
Partners will be called upon to affirm with their prayers and support their Elder nominees who the Board selects as new Elders for ordination
Partners will be called upon to affirm with their prayers and support the selection of the Lead Pastor by the Board of Elders, the representatives of the partners
Partners will be called upon to affirm with their prayers and support the annual budget vetted and approved by the Board of Elders, the representatives of the partners
No other rights or privileges are afforded to the partners of the corporation except as outlined in Paragraph 10.07. A majority vote of the partners present will carry any decision except as noted differently in the Constitution. Proxy voting is not permitted.

Section 10.05 Quorum: Those partners present and voting at a meeting duly noticed and called shall constitute a quorum of the partners for the transactions of the corporation.

Section 10.06 Notice of Partner Meetings: Notice of partner meetings requiring fulfillment of partners’ responsibilities and duties shall have no less than two weeks’ notice. The notification requirement will be filled by any one of the following:

Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at a regular weekend service.
Announcement of the meeting in a Church newsletter, either electronic or printed.
Oral announcement to the congregation at a weekend service; or
Delivery by United States mail, email, or other electronic communication to each partner identified on the membership roll.

Such notifications shall include communication of any of the following items that will be considered in the corporate member meeting:

Disposing of all or substantially all of the Church’s assets.
Adopting or amending a merger agreement.
Approving the election to wind up and dissolve the Church.
Approving the acquisition of real property and related indebtedness.
Adopting or amending bylaws or constitution.

Section 10.07 Emergency Authority Provision: In the event of a no-confidence situation for the Board of Elders by partners, the partners at an Annual Board Meeting, by a 2/3 majority may call for an immediate, interim election of a temporary Board of Elders for the corporation to replace the sitting Elders and to enact a review and restructure of the organization.

ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.01 Contracts & Loans: Within any constraints dictated by the Constitution of Mission Church, The Board of Elders may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Elders. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 11.02 Amendment: Subject to the provision of Tennessee Law, these Constitution or any provision of them may be presented to be altered, amended, or repealed, or new Constitution adopted by the partners upon the recommendation of the Board of Elders. Acceptance of the recommendation for adoption will require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the partners present at any special or regular partner meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 11.03 Records: The Corporation is responsible to maintain the following accurate and contemporaneous records and reports:

Financial Records of the church and corporation
Minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of the Board of Elders related to corporate or ecclesiastical governance, meeting of the Elders as related to corporate or ecclesiastical governance, and church partner meetings as related to corporate or ecclesiastical governance.
Church partner records
Charitable contributions

Section 11.04 Indemnification: The Corporation shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend its Elders, Pastors, Employees, Advisors, and Officers against any liability or other expense arising in connection with their service to the corporation, to the extent afforded by Sections 48-58-501 through 48-58-601 of the Official Code of Tennessee Annotated, as currently in effect and as hereafter amended. The Board of Elders may obtain liability insurance coverage for any or all of the corporation’s Elders, Advisors, Officers, Employees, or agents.

Section 11.05 Dissolution: Upon dissolution, all of the corporation’s assets shall, after all of its liabilities and obligations have been discharged or adequate provision made therefore, be distributed to any association or associations organized for purposes similar to the purpose of the corporation as may be designated by a majority of the Elders then holding office, provided that such organization is an organization qualified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

Section 11.06 Other: Other: Any other functions, responsibilities, and/or duties for the church and/or the corporation outside these Constitution will fall under the authority of the ecclesiastical leadership and governance of the church, including but not limited to a constitution and/or articles of faith.

Section 11.07 Legal Provision: The organization and function of the corporation is under the authority of the Constitution as outlined subject to the laws of the state of Tennessee and any applicable federal laws.

Section 11.08 Severability: Each provision of these By-Laws is intended to be severable. If any term or provision hereof is determined by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or illegal for any reason whatsoever, such invalid or illegal term or provision shall not affect the validity or legality of the remainder of the other sections and or provisions of these by-laws.

Section 11.09 Controlling Law: This Constitution is adopted in conformance to the laws of the state of Tennessee in a Specially Called Meeting of partners of the Church by a 2/3 majority of those partners voting. Including any rights, remedies or obligations provided for hereunder, this Constitution shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Tennessee without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the laws of any other state.