Rafter J
Cowboy Church Bylaws and Constitution
Values
Creative
Rafter J Cowboy Church actively seeks creative ways to
present the gospel to the old west culture. Among the
methods used in taking the gospel message to where these
people interact outside of a church environment, as well as
bring people into a non-traditional worship atmosphere.
Hospitable
Rafter J Cowboy Church understands that the greatest of all
spiritual gifts is love. But love expresses itself in the
caring concern for others and the action it produces. How
can we love God without caring for those God Loves.
Integrity
Rafter J Cowboy Church believes that doing the right thing
is always right. That by making every effort to be above
reproach we will also be beyond average. Therefore our
integrity is one of the most recognizable value we share.
Leadership
Rafter
J Cowboy Church seeks to build leaders. Through
evangelism, lead the lost to Christ. Through discipleship
lead believers to fullness of faith. Through training, lead
the church to missions. Through practice, leads a life of
obedience to Christ.
Interactive
Rafter J Cowboy Church believes that being the body of
Christ requires the participation of all parts of the body.
Every member having unique gifts, talents, and interests is
influence on the body.
Rafter J Cowboy Church is
like a bowl of C.H.I.L.I.
Everyone adds a little
flavor!
Rafter J Cowboy Church
Vision Statement
The vision of Rafter J
Cowboy Church is to establish and perpetuate a church with a
ministry to the old west culture. To create a church family
of individuals who have experienced the life changing
effects of a relationship with Jesus Christ. We will put our
faith into action by reaching out into the cowboy culture to
establish relationships with the lost, and share with them
the good news that Jesus died for them and is longing to
know them personally.
We envision a family of
believers committed to making a positive impact on our
culture and community by standing for biblical principles.
We have a vision of creating
a place where worship is an act of the heart, soul, and
mind; a place where the people we are reaching out to, feel
at ease; a place of spiritual comfort for the weary; a place
where those who have fallen find a hand to help them up.
We have a vision of
establishing a place to teach the gospel from the pulpit, in
the classroom, and in the arena of life (literally). We have
a vision of teaching life skills, ministry skills, and
cowboy skills in an environment that supports physical as
well as spiritual growth. For the equipping of the Saints
for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the
body of Christ.
Rafter J Cowboy Church Constitution
PREAMBLE
Under the guidelines and leadership
of the Lord Jesus Christ, we the members of the Rafter J
Cowboy Church adopt the following constitution in order to
declare and preserve the principals of our faith, the
freedom of our church, and the rights and responsibilities
of our individual members.
ARTICLE 1. NAME
The Name of the church, located at
10701 County Road 305, Terrell, Texas and incorporated under
the laws of the State of Texas, is the Rafter J Cowboy
Church .
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The
church is organized and maintained to fulfill the following
Mission Purpose Statement:
The
mission of the Rafter J is to share the love of God with the
unchurched and lost people of Kaufman County area and the
world in such a way that they have the best opportunity to
become fully developing followers of Christ.
A
fully developing follower of Christ ….
Worships God:
Honors God by worshiping Him corporately, in both large and
small gatherings, and by maintaining private devotions.
Lives by God’s Word:
Understands the Bible as the ultimate authority for daily
living and is involved in corporate, small groups, and
private Bible study.
Contributes to God’s Work:
Uses their time, abilities, spiritual gifts, and finances
for God’s glory.
Connects With God’s People:
Pursues Christ honoring relationships at home, in the
church, at work, and in the community.
Impacts God’s World:
Reaches out to the lost and unchurched by praying for them,
witnessing to them, and inviting them to the Cowboy events.
ARTICLE III. DOCTRINE
This church affirms the Holy Bible,
the inspired word of God, as the authority in all matters of
faith and practice. We further identify ourselves as a
distinctive body of faith by affirming the 1963 Baptist
Faith and Message.
ARTICLE IV. POLITY AND RELATIONSHIP
Jesus
Christ is the head of the church, the true source of all
that the church is and does, and His glory is to be the
objective of every act, function, and motive of the body,
both individually and corporately. It is before Him that all
the other leadership must bow. He communicates His will for
the church through His word, the Bible. He gives additional
guidance by means of the specific leading of the Holy Spirit
who indwells the heart of each believer. He calls forth
leaders for the church to whom He gives responsibility for
the oversight of the church body and the shepherding of its
members,
The
government of this church is vested in the body of believers
who compose its membership and leadership. Persons meeting
the membership requirements shall constitute the membership.
All
internal groups created and empowered by the church shall
exist to further the purpose of the church. They will be
accountable to the church.
As an
autonomous local church, this church is not subject to the
control of any ecclesiastical body. However, it relates to
and cooperates with the Kauf-Van Baptist Association, the
Baptist General Convention of Texas, and other entities of
like faith in sharing the gospel with the whole world.
ARTICLE V. ORDANCES
SECTION I. BAPTISM
A
church is understood to be a fellowship of baptized
believers brought together to carry out the work of Jesus
Christ.
A
Baptized believer is one who has been scripturally immersed
and understands baptism to be a symbol of the salvation
which has already been accepted in their life by the grace
of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
SECTION II. THE LORD’S SUPPER
The
church will observe the Lord’s Supper on a regular basis as
led by the Pastor.
The
Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act whereby by the church,
through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine,
memorialize the death of Christ and anticipate His second
coming.
ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended by a
three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present at a church
conference called for that purpose. Amendments may be
proposed by the Elders or by written petition signed by 25%
of the resident members and duly presented to the Elders.
Proposed amendments shall be in written form and mailed to
the last known address of all resident members eligible to
vote at least two weeks prior to the election. Amendments
will be numbered, dated and attached to the original
instrument.
RAFTER J COWBOY CHURCH BY LAWS, REVISED
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHING MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Rafter J Cowboy Church is open to anyone
who meets the following qualifications:
A.
A personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for
salvation.
B.
Baptism by immersion after faith in Christ as a
testimony of salvation.
Membership may be established in the following ways:
A.
Letter
Candidates who are members
in good standing of another church of like faith and order
may petition the Cowboy Church to acquire a letter of
membership from the previous church.
B.
Statement
Candidate who have
previously been members of another church of like faith and
order, but are unable to obtain a letter of membership from
said church, may join by affirming that they are baptized
(immersed) believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, holding to
the historic teachings of Christianity, and desiring
membership in the Cowboy Church.
C.
Baptism
Candidates accepting Christ
as their Savior and requesting Christian baptism by
immersion will be accepted as members upon baptism.
All
candidates for membership shall give a verbal testimony of
their conversion, baptism, and walk with Christ to a pastor
or elder.
SECTION 2. TERMINATION
OF MEMBERSHIP
A
person’s membership in the Rafter J Cowboy Church may be
terminated in one of the following ways:
A.
Death
B.
Letter
A letter of dismissal for
any member in good standing shall be granted to any church
of like faith and order upon request from said church.
C.
Exclusion
If a member conducts himself
in a manner which brings the name of Christ and the church
into disrepute, it will be the responsibility of the elders
under the guidance of the pastor to attempt to restore the
member in a spirit of love according to the guidelines set
fourth in Matthew 18:15-17. If the member fails to respond
positively to these attempts, exclusion will require a
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the church membership present and
voting at a called church conference.
D.
Erasure
If a member requests erasure
of offers proof of membership in a church of another
denomination, his name will be removed from the roll.
SECTION 3. RIGHTS OF MEMBER
Each member present, 16 years of age
and older, shall be entitled to one (1) vote on each matter
submitted for a vote at any called church conference. The
right of a member to vote shall cease upon the termination
of his membership in the church. Members have the right to
vote on the following matters: the call of the pastor and
other professional ministerial staff, the election of
elders, the annual church budget, indebtedness associated
with land acquisition and/or building improvements,
cumulative indebtedness for all other aspects of church
business that exceeds 20% of the annual church budget, the
disposition of all substantially all of the assets of the
church, the merge or dissolution of the church, and any
other matter submitted by the elders to the church for a
vote.
ARTICLE II. MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP
SECTION 1. PASTOR
A.
Call
Upon the pastor’s
termination, a church conference will be called and the
church will elect a pastor search team. This team will
consist of no fewer than two and no more than eight members.
This team will seek out and evaluate prospective pastoral
candidates until they have achieve complete consensus on a
single candidate. They will then report to the elders who
will set a time and date for the candidate to be received by
the church. On that date, a church conference shall be
called and after a full discussion, a vote will be taken by
secret ballot. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the church
members present and voting is required to extend a call. If
a call is not extended by the church to the candidate, or if
the candidate declines to accept, then the pastor search
team will begin a new search and come before the church with
a second recommendation. This method will proceed until a
pastor is secured.
B.
Duties
The pastor shall be the
spiritual leader of the congregation. In the capacity, under
the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the Holy
Spirit, he shall preach and teach the word of God, lead the
church in regular worship services, administer the
ordinances of the church, serve as moderator at church
conferences, provide leadership to the ministerial staff,
serve as over all administrator of the church, and generally
fulfill all his pastoral duties as set forth in Scripture.
C.
Termination
The pastor’s duties with the
church may be terminated by resignation, death, or
dismissal. Such dismissal will require a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the members present and voting at a called business
meeting. The moderator for such a meeting will be a
disinterested third party appointed by the elders.
D.
Qualifications
This person must adhere to
the western culture.
SECTION 2. PROFESSIONAL MINISTERIAL STAFF
A.
Call
Professional ministerial
staff sufficient for fulfilling the church’s mission will be
employed by the church. Such ministerial staff will require
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation upon the
recommendation of the search team.
B.
Duties
Professional ministerial
staff persons will have specific and written job
descriptions as outlined by the pastor and Personnel Team.
C.
Termination
The service of professional
staff persons may be terminated by resignation, death, or a
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a church
conference called by the elders for that purpose.
D. Qualifications
This person must
adhere to the western culture.
SECTION 3. LAY PASTORS
A.
Purpose and Function
Lay pastors shall serve as
an extension of the ministry of the senior pastor and
in that capacity may serve
as ex-officio members of teams, administer the
ordinances of the church,
assist in leading worship, and generally perform any
other ministerial function
of the senior pastor with his approval or at his request.
B.
Qualifications
Since lay pastors represent
the ministry of the senior pastor, they must be men beyond
reproach who meet the biblical the qualifications set forth
in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. This person must
adhere to the western culture.
C.
Selection
Lay pastors shall be
appointed as needed by the senior pastor and elders.
D.
Duties
Each lay pastor will have
specific responsibilities as assigned by the senior pastor.
E.
Term of Office
Lay pastors will be
appointed to three year terms, but may serve multiple terms
by mutual consent of the senior pastor, the elders, and the
lay pastor involved.
F.
Removal
A Lay pastor may be removed
before their term of office expires by death, resignation,
or consensus decision of the elders.
SECTION 4. ELDERS
A.
Purpose and Function
Elders shall serve to
provide spiritual leadership and accountability to the
church accordance with scripture. They will provide a
brotherhood of support and accountability for the pastor,
assist the ministry teams with difficult issues, serve as
arbiters in matters of conflict or church discipline, and in
general provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and
assistance wherever and whenever appropriate. The elder body
shall be made up of three elected elders plus the pastor,
who is also an elder.
B.
Qualifications
Because elders may be called
on to handle the weightiest matters of the church, they
should above all be men filled with wisdom, love, and the
Holy Spirit. All elders must meet the Biblical
qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
The senior pastor shall be an elder. This person must adhere
to the western culture.
C.
Selection and Terms of Office
1.
On or about January 1st of each year a
list of names will be developed by the elders from eligible
men from the congregation (submitted by the congregation, or
asked to be nominees by the elders). These names will be
screened by the pastor and the elders to ensure that the
nominees meet the qualifications set forth. If it is
determined that a nominee is qualified and he is willing to
serve, his name will be placed before the church as a
candidate. However, if the elders, the pastor, or the
nominee determine that he is not qualified, then he will not
be a candidate.
2.
Once qualified candidates have been qualified, an
election will be held on or before January 31st
each year to elect one elder. Using the process of secret
ballot a vote held by the members present shall elect a
person to serve as elder unless precluded by death,
resignation or removal. One elder will be elected each year
resulting in the stability of two experienced elders at all
times. An elder may not serve more than three consecutive
terms.
D.
Removal
Any member of the church may
bring a written scriptural reason for removal of an elder.
Elders may be removed from office by their own decision or
by consensus decision of the other elders. Removal shall be
based upon being spiritually unqualified or the inability to
serve.
E.
Vacancies
Elders vacancies can occur
by death, resignation, or removal. When a vacancy occurs,
the existing elders shall select an interim to fill the
vacancy until the next election.
ARTICLE III. SUPPORT STAFF
The pastor and Personnel Team will
employ and terminate other employees as necessary for the
efficient conduct of the business of the church.
ARTICLE IV. MINISTRY TEAMS
SECTION 1. GENERAL MINISTRY TEAMS
A.
Purpose and Function
Ministry teams shall be
organized to carry out the specialized ministries of the
church. Each ministry team shall have specific functions and
responsibilities as assigned or approved by the pastor
and/or elders.
B.
Structure
Ministry teams will be made
up of an even number (usually 4-10) of people organized to
carry out a necessary ministry or function of the church.
Each team member will have individual functions and
responsibilities as assigned by the team. A staff member or
lay pastor will be assigned to each team to offer assistance
and serve as a liaison between the team and the senior
pastor and elders. One member of the team shall be
designated by the lay pastor or staff member to be team
leader and will be responsible for ensuring that the team
function properly. Teams will function by consensus, not
majority vote. This means that teams must arrive at
decisions that can be supported by each member of the team.
If consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall either be
tabled or placed before the pastor and elders for final
decision.
C.
Qualifications
Team members must: be
members of the church in good standing, love the Lord and
have a desire to see His kingdom grow, have credibility with
other church members, have a passion for the mission of the
team, be determined to make the team a top priority in their
lives (this means that they are willing to rearrange their
daily schedule or do whatever it takes to participate in
team meetings and activities), and desire to use their
talents and abilities to accomplish the team’s mission.
D.
Formation of Teams
General Ministry teams may
be formed as needed by the pastor and/or elders, by the
Leadership Team, or by any lay pastor, ministry team leader,
or church member with the pastor’s approval.
E.
Selection and Term of Office
Members of general ministry
teams may be appointed by the pastor and/or elders, or be
enlisted by a lay pastor or ministry team leader. Ordinarily
members will be enlisted by the team leader or lay pastor
directly responsible for the team. The term of office for
general ministry team members will be two years, but members
may serve multiple terms by mutual consent of the team
leader, lay pastor, and team member involved.
F.
Removal
If a team member causes
conflict, fails to carry out his or her responsibility to
the team, or otherwise hampers the work of the team, every
effort should be made by the team leader and assigned staff
person to rectify the issue in a positive redemptive manner.
However, if the problem persists, a team member may be
removed by the pastor and/or elders, or by consensus
decision of the other team members.
SECTION 2. STANDING MINISTRY TEAMS
A.
Purpose and Function
Standing ministry teams
shall provide oversight of the church’s regular business
affairs and assist in finding and providing the tangible
resources necessary to effectively carry out the church’s
ministries.
B.
Structure
Standing ministry teams
shall be composed of six members serving three year terms
with two members rotating off each year. A staff member or
lay pastor will be assigned to each team to offer assistance
and serve as a liaison between the team and the senior
pastor and elders. Each year, one member of the team shall
be designated by the lay pastor or staff member to be team
leader and will be responsible for ensuring that the team
functions properly. Teams will function by consensus, not
majority vote. This means that teams must arrive at
decisions that can be supported by each member of the team.
If consensus cannot be reached, the matter shall be tabled
or placed before the pastor and elders for a final decision.
C.
Qualifications
Qualifications for standing
ministry team members will be the same as those of general
ministry team members. (Article IV., Section 1.)
D.
Standing Teams
The standing teams of the
church shall be:
1.
Personnel Team
The Personnel Team will be
responsible to ensure that the church has adequate support
staff to effectively carry out its ministries. They will
fill staff vacancies as needed or as directed by the church,
conduct periodic staff evaluations, make salary
recommendations, and mediate church/staff disputes.
2.
Facility Team
The Facility Team will be
responsible to ensure that the church has adequate
facilities to effectively carry out its ministries. They
will oversee the care, maintenance, and use of all
facilities and grounds except the arena. They will also
assist the pastor and elders with long range planning which
will ensure that the church has adequate facilities to meet
future needs.
3.
Finance Team
The Finance Team will be
responsible to ensure that the church has adequate financial
resources to effectively carry out its ministries. They
shall work cooperatively with the pastor, elders, lay
pastors, professional staff, and team leaders to find
maximum resources for meeting each ministry need. They shall
also be responsible for the preparation of the annual
budget, for the oversight and accounting of all financial
records, and for assisting the pastor and elders with long
term planning which will ensure that the church has
financial resources to meet future ministry needs.
4.
Arena Team
The Arena Team will be
responsible for providing the tools, resources, and
personnel necessary for the church to effectively carry out
its arena ministry. They shall be responsible for the
oversight, care, maintenance, and use of the arena. They
will work with the Leadership Team as well as other ministry
teams to develop strategies and plan events that will
utilize the arena to effectively reach the cowboy/western
culture for Christ.
E.
Selection and Term of Office
Members of standing ministry
teams may be appointed by the pastor and/or elders, or be
enlisted by a lay pastor or ministry team leader. Ordinarily
members will be enlisted by the team leader or lay pastor
directly responsible for the team. The term of office for
standing ministry team members will be three years with two
members rotating off each year.
G.
Removal
If a standing team member
causes conflict, fails to carry out his or her
responsibility to the team, or otherwise hampers the work of
the team, every effort should be made by the team leader and
assigned staff person to rectify the issues in a positive
redemptive manner. However, if the problem persists, a team
member may be removed by the pastor and/or elders, or by
consensus decision of the other team members.
SECTION 3. LEADERSHIP TEAM
A.
Purpose and Function
The Leadership Team will
serve to provide a forum in which the various ministry teams
can brainstorm, coordinate activities and events, share
resources, and generally work together to enhance the
overall effectiveness of the church’s ministries. It will be
responsible for setting the church calendar.
B.
Structure
The Leadership Team will
consist of the team leaders from each ministry team, the
pastor, the elders, the lay pastors, and staff. In addition,
its meetings will generally be open to the participation and
input of the entire church membership. Leadership team
meetings shall be moderated by the senior pastor or a person
who the senior pastor will designate.
C.
Meetings
The leadership Team will
meet as often as necessary to effectively plan and
coordinate the activities and events of the church.
ARTICLE V. CORPORATE OFFICERS
SECTION 1. PRESIDENT
The senior pastor shall serve as the
president and overall administrator of the corporation. He
will serve as moderator at church conferences and be
responsible for ensuring that the daily business affairs of
the church are appropriately and effectively executed.
SECTION 2. TRUSTEES
A.
Purpose and Function
When authorized and
instructed by the elders, Trustees shall sign the title to
church property; all legal documents involving the sale,
mortgage, purchase, or rental of property; all notes and
loan instruments; and such other legal documents as may
require execution on behalf of the church,. There shall be 3
trustees.
B.
Selection and Term of Office
Trustees shall be appointed
by the elders to three year rotating terms with one trustee
rotating off annually.
C.
Removal
A trustee may be removed by
death, resignation, or consensus decision of the elders.
SECTION 3. CLERK/SECRETARY
A.
Purpose and function
The church clerk shall serve
as secretary of the corporation. The responsibilities of
each of the clerk will be to keep the minutes of all church
conferences, insure that a proper file of all members is
maintained, and prepare and annual report to be given to the
Kauf-Van Baptist Association.
B.
Selection and Term of Office
The Church Secretary shall
serve as Church Clerk.
SECTION 4. VACANCIES
In the event a vacancy occurs in any
corporate office, the elders shall appoint a successor to
fill the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VI. CHURCH BUSINESS
SECTION 1. FINANCES
A.
Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the
church will be on a calendar year basis beginning on January
1 and ending on December 31 of each year.
B.
Accounting Procedures
A system of accounting that
will adequately provide for all the handling of all funds
shall be the responsibility of the Financial Team.
C.
Budget
The Finance Team, in
consultation with the pastor and ministry team leaders,
shall prepare and submit a budget for the congregation’s
approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.
D.
Checks, Drafts, Etc.
All checks, drafts or orders
for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness issued in the name of the church shall be
signed by at least two people who have been designated by
the Finance Team for that purpose.
E.
Deposits
All funds of the church
shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the
church in such banks, trust companies or other depositories
as determined by the Finance Team.
SECTION 2. CHURCH CONFERENCES
A.
Church Conferences
Church conferences may be
called by the elders or by written petition of 25% of the
active resident members presented to the elders. An active
resident member is one who has attended the church’s regular
worship service at least 6 times in the 90 days preceding
the circulation of the petition.
B.
Notices
Notices of the time and
place of all church conferences shall be given not later
than the Sunday prior to such meeting by publication in the
church newsletter or worship bulletin, or by public
announcement at a regular Sunday morning worship service.
C.
Place of Church Conferences
All church conferences shall
be held on the premises of the church.
D.
Quorum
The church members present
at any duly called church conference shall constitute a
quorum,
E.
Proxies
Voting by proxy at any
church conference shall not be allowed or recognized,
F.
Will of the Church
All Ministry Teams,
officers, and organizations of the church shall carry out
the will of the church on any given matter, duly expressed
by its vote.
G.
Rule and Procedure
The order of proceedings at
church conferences shall be determined by the rules of
practice contained in Robert’s Rule of Order, Revised.
H.
Conduct of Church Business
All business of the church
shall be conducted in a manner that honors Christ and
respects others. The church shall strive to seek the will of
God by prayerful deliberation and common Consensus.
SECTION 3. CONTRACTS
The Trustee’s shall execute and
deliver any contracts or instruments in the name of the
church which may be authorized by the church to be so
executed and delivered. In this connection, the church body
as a whole shall be the ultimate authority for all actions
taken by the church and no other person, organization or
corporate officer shall have any authority to contract or
otherwise bind the church without express authorization from
the church body.
SECTION 4. BOOKS AND RECORDS
The church shall keep and maintain a
complete and accurate records of all financial accounts,
membership list, and church conference minutes at its
principal office. All books and records of the church may be
inspected by any member, or his agent or attorney, for any
purpose at any reasonable time.
SECTION 5. PROHIBITION AGAINST SHARING IN CORPORATE
EARNING
No member, officer, or person
connected with the corporation, or any other private
individual shall receive at any time any of the net earnings
of pecuniary profit from the operations of the corporation,
provided that this shall not prevent the payment to any such
person of a reasonable compensation for services rendered to
or for the corporation in effecting any of its purposes as
shall be fixed by the church; and no such person or persons
shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the
corporation assets upon the dissolution of the corporation.
All members of the church shall be deemed to have expressly
consented and agreed that upon such dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the corporation, whether voluntary or
involuntary, the assets of the corporation, after all debts
have been satisfied, then remaining in the hands of the
officers of the church shall be distributed, transferred,
conveyed, delivered, and paid over, in such amounts as the
church may determine or as may be determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction upon application of the church,
exclusively to charitable, religious, or educational
organizations which would then qualify under the provisions
of Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its
regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be
amended.
SECTION 6. EXEMPT ACTIVITIES
Notwithstanding any other provision
of these by-laws, no member, officer, or representative of
the corporation shall take any action or carry on any
activity by or on behalf of the corporation not permitted to
be taken or carried on by any organization exempt under
Section 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) of the Internal Revenue Code and its
Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be
amended, or by any organization contributions to which are
deductible under Section 170 ( C ) ( 2 ) of such code and
regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be
amended.
ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended by the
elders or by three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members present
at a church conference called for the purpose. Amendments
may be proposed by the elders or by written petition of 25%
of the resident membership presented to the elders. Proposed
amendments for the church consideration shall be in written
form and mailed two weeks prior to the conference to the
last known address of all members eligible to vote.
Amendments will be numbered, dated and attached to the
original instrument.