Christian Fellowship of Rolla

Governance

Church By-Laws.

How Christian Fellowship of Rolla governs its life together as a congregation.

  1. 01

    Article 1

    Affirmation of Faith

    1. God: There is but one God, Creator of all things, who has revealed Himself in three persons, Father, Son, and Spirit, and has left behind the Scriptures that the world may know Him.
    2. Salvation: Salvation is only found in Jesus and given by grace through faith. It is by repentance and belief that our fellowship with God is restored. People are not saved by good works but they are saved for them.
    3. Holiness: We are a people set apart for God and His will. This holiness is complete, but we still battle the flesh and must, therefore, make it our every pursuit to live out the holiness Christ has provided.
    4. The Church: The purpose with which Christ established the church was to strengthen those who follow Him, that they might jointly walk together in the faith, urging each other on toward His likeness. To be part of this church means a person has, firstly, committed their life to Christ and, secondarily, has committed toward aiding others in their spiritual walk, as well as listening to others, regarding their own spiritual health.
    5. Leadership: Jesus left the early church with no one single man in charge, but multiple men in equal leadership position. So, we continue with this, when possible, to have multiple brothers taking the lead.
    6. Baptism: Baptism is a symbol taken by Jesus from Judaism and applied to His followers, something which represents a new beginning. This is the image of the new birth: the passing away of the old self and the start of a new person in Christ, identifying with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. In keeping with His instructions, baptism is done in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, whenever possible, thrice in fresh, moving water.
    7. Lord's Supper: Jesus fulfilled the role of Passover lamb within the Passover context, providing something new to celebrate: His death. Since wine and unleavened bread—representing His body and blood—were the elements historically used, we continue in His example. Due to the possibility of personal conscience, non-alcoholic options are also provided. This is a celebration intended for believers active in the faith, particularly those within the confines of this group of believers.
  2. 02

    Article 2

    Vision Statement

    We exist to live out the reality of Christ to the world, through:

    1. Worship, something not to be lost in mere formality
    2. Discipleship, as we equip each other for action
    3. Holiness, demonstrating His word in lives of love, purity, and forgiveness
  3. 03

    Article 3

    Membership

    Section A: What it means to belong

    1. A personal commitment of faith in Jesus
    2. A life consistent with the faith
    3. Believer's baptism
    4. Regular attendance
    5. Request, approved by pastor(s), and presented to the congregation

    Section B: Decision-making

    1. Any expenses outside the approved annual budget must be taken to the church membership
    2. Every active member will have the opportunity to provide input regarding decisions affecting the church, including but not limited to:
      • Annual budget of the church
      • Any substantial purchases for the church
      • Acquisition of real property and related indebtedness
      • Amendments to by-laws of the church
      • The merger or dissolution of the church
      • Calling for the removal of someone, even a pastor or council member
    3. Majority vote is not the way decisions are to be made, instead, along with the pastor(s), an overriding sense of unity from the members of the church

    Section C: Meetings

    1. All items for church action shall be brought to the pastor(s) and/or council members prior to a business meeting
    2. A council member shall moderate all business meetings

    Section D: Church discipline

    Dismissal from membership shall involve the pastor(s), and be presented to the church, and may include loss of office or removal from the church. A person will be removed from the church for any persistent, unscriptural attitude, action, or violation which may be deemed sufficient cause for discipline.

  4. 04

    Article 4

    Leadership

    Section A: Leaders

    All leaders shall be spiritually mature, loyal to the Word of God, beyond reproach, and faithful in attendance and support of the regular services and business meetings of the church.

    Section B: Pastors

    1. Shall be doctrinally sound and meet the qualifications outlined in the Bible. He shall be a spiritually mature man who evidences a burden for lost souls and who is in agreement with this church.
    2. Someone who expresses interest in being a pastor shall be carefully examined by the existing pastor(s) and presented to the church.
    3. The pastor(s) himself is subject to church discipline and may, whether for moral or doctrinal reasons, come under the scrutiny of the church.

    Section C: Financial council

    1. All pastors shall be a part of this council
    2. Only the position of the pastor(s) is permanent
    3. Any new council member shall be nominated by the church and agreed upon unanimously by the current council
    4. If a council member is asked to step out of their position, the council vote must be unanimous; the person in question shall not vote
    5. Whether a council member voluntarily resigns their position or is asked to, it will be presented to the church
  5. 05

    Article 5

    Finances

    The church shall be financed through donations, which are to be placed in the general fund, unless otherwise specified

  6. 06

    Article 6

    Disassemblement

    In the event of the dissolution of this church, any debts shall be paid in full. None of its remaining assets or holdings shall be divided among the members or other individuals, but determined by the church to be given away to another Christian organization(s).

  7. 07

    Article 7

    Ammendments to By-Laws

    This document may be modified by the pastor(s) and presented to the active church members. The proposed amendment(s) shall be announced for at least two weeks prior to the meeting.