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First Baptist Church of Elgin
Bylaws
2006
Article I. The Church
1. Qualifications
Membership of the church shall consist of persons who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, have been baptized by immersion, and have agreed in letter and spirit with our Statement of Faith and Church Covenant. Present members who have not fulfilled all of the current requirements of membership remain as members of First Baptist Church.
2. Procedure
When these requirements (Section A, Item 1 above) have been completed, any person may become a member of the church upon completion of a membership class and a membership application and by approval of the Diaconate, after which he or she will be presented to the congregation as a new member.
3. Responsibility
a. Active Members
Members in good standing shall maintain conduct in keeping with the Church Covenant, and, except in cases of physical impairment or dire financial need, shall participate in worship services and in stewardship of time and money.
b. Inactive, Non-Voting Members
Church members who have not attended a worship service and have not supported the church financially for a year shall be contacted to encourage them, and may be designated by the Diaconate as inactive, non-voting members. If a member is designated as an inactive, non-voting member, a letter informing him or her of this decision will be mailed to the last known address. Return to active member status may be granted upon receipt of a written request for such and reestablishment of participation as described in 3a above.
c. Nonresident Members
The Diaconate, at their discretion, or in response to members’ requests, may designate persons as nonresident, voting members who, because of geographical location or job-related assignment, are unable to participate in worship services.
4. Church Discipline
a. Interpersonal Grievances
All cases of grievances between church members shall be dealt with in accordance with the principles laid down in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. If matters are not reconciled before or at the stage of "two or three witnesses", then charges may be submitted to the Diaconate, who may act on the particular disciplinary matter on behalf of the church. Such charges must have the support of at least two (2) active church members who are not members of the same family.b. Disregard of Statement of Faith or Church Covenant
The Diaconate, in keeping with the principles advised in Matthew 18, shall be responsible for dealing with a member who grievously disregards the obligations of the Statement of Faith or Church Covenant. If the Diaconate is satisfied that a member cannot be reconciled or reclaimed, the Diaconate, by a two-thirds (2/3) positive vote, may determine appropriate sanctions, including the removal of that person from the church membership roll.
5. Removal
Members shall be removed from the membership roll by the Diaconate for the following reasons: death, personal request for a letter of transfer to another church, inactive status for three consecutive years (a total of four years of inactivity as defined in 3b), a member’s written request or church disciplinary action.
6. Reinstatement
Any former member, except one removed by church discipline, may be reinstated upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, completion of a membership application and a membership class, and by approval of the Diaconate, after which he or she will be presented to the congregation as a reinstated member. (See Bylaws Article I, Section A, Item 1: Qualification on page 1)
A former member, having been removed by church discipline, may be reinstated upon his or her repentance and return to a lifestyle in keeping with our Church Covenant by two-thirds (2/3) positive vote of the Diaconate.
7. Records
The church shall maintain complete records of the membership status, including all admissions, separations, reinstatements, and baptisms of all categories of members, as well as those who are deceased.
Section B. Meetings
1. Services
Public services for the purpose of worship, instruction, prayer, devotions, and evangelism shall be held on each Sunday and during the week at such times and in such manner as deemed appropriate by the Senior Pastor and/or Diaconate.
2. Regular Business Meetings
Regular business meetings of the congregation shall be held in July and December.
3. Special Business Meetings
Special business meetings shall be called at any time by the Moderator at the request of:
a. The Diaconate, or
b. The Senior Pastor, or
c. Thirty-five (35) or more active members through a formal written request to the Diaconate.
Notice of such special business meetings and the purpose for which they have been called shall be announced at all worship services for the two consecutive Sundays preceding the date of the meeting.
Section C. Government
1. Legal Quorum
A congregational quorum shall be no fewer than twenty percent (20%) of active members qualified to vote.
2. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the church shall be the calendar year.
3. Parliamentary Rules
The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall prevail in the conduct of official business of the church. These Bylaws shall take precedence in the event of any conflict with Robert's Rules of Order.
4. Voting Procedures
Active members who are sixteen years of age or older are qualified to vote.
a. Voting to affirm Diaconate, the Pastoral Relations Team (PRT), and Nominating Committee nominees as three (3) distinct slates shall be by written ballot. No nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting where this vote takes place. Other voting shall be by voice unless a request is made for a written ballot or in the case that the constitution specifically calls for a written ballot.
b. Absentee ballots shall be provided upon request by any active member who is unable to attend a business meeting for reasons of illness or circumstances beyond his/her control. Such ballots must be received before tabulation of the voting.
c . Voting by proxy is prohibited.
5. Policy Matters
Policy is determined by the Diaconate. Proposals for changing policy shall be submitted in writing to the Diaconate for decision.
6. Annual Elections
The Moderator, Treasurer, Secretary, other members of the Diaconate, and the Pastoral Relations Team members shall be elected at the December business meeting and will assume office on January 1.
7. Budget Proposal
A budget for the fiscal year shall be made available to the congregation for the two (2) consecutive Sundays preceding the December business meeting and submitted for approval at said meeting. Subsequent to the approval of the budget any unbudgeted expenditure exceeding 5% of the approved annual budget must be approved by the Diaconate and submitted to the church for action.
Restricted or Designated funds shall be spent on the purpose intended. Expenditure of restricted or designated funds exceeding an amount greater than 5% of the annual budget shall be reviewed and approved by the Diaconate and reported to the church at the next scheduled business meeting.
8. Constitutional Review Team
A team of active members (who are qualified to vote) shall be appointed by the Diaconate to review the Constitution and Bylaws five (5) years after the completion of the previous Constitution/Bylaw review.
Article II. Senior Pastor & Pastoral Staff
Section A. Senior Pastor
1. Qualifications
The Senior Pastor shall be a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, is a duly ordained evangelical minister who fully embraces our Statement of Faith and Church Covenant and is committed to fulfilling the requirements of our Bylaws, and meets the biblical qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
2. Authority & Responsibility
The Senior Pastor, called by God and this church, shall have the following authority and responsibility:
The Senior Pastor is the under-shepherd of Jesus Christ, called by this church as our leader, and is ultimately responsible to Christ for the work of the church. He is to direct the staff and to advise the church leadership, thereby sharing his authority, responsibility, and accountability with the congregation, in the work and ministry of the church (I Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7, 17; Ephesians 4:11-12).
The Senior Pastor shall:
a. Preach, teach, train, counsel, edify, and equip as led by the Holy Spirit;
b. Oversee the ministries of the church in accordance with the purpose of the church, as stated in Article II of the Constitution, and the published Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the church;
c. Oversee the administration of the ordinances of Communion and Baptism;
d. In consultation with the Diaconate, develop and implement a comprehensive staffing plan; evaluate all pastoral and professional church staff, including any interim Pastors; and hire or release pastoral staff.
e. Delegate authority and responsibility to pastoral, professional, and support staff and lay leaders as necessary to accomplish "b" above;
f. Supervise and shepherd all members of the pastoral staff;
g. Hire or release any support staff members as conditions warrant;
h. Be a non-voting ex officio member of the Diaconate and any other ministry teams deemed necessary, with the exception of the Pastoral Relations Team;
i. Coordinate with the Finance Committee and Diaconate the preparation of the budget, the presentation of the proposed budget to the congregation, and the implementation of the approved budget;
j. Organize and administer a program of pastoral care which will include his personal involvement in crisis ministry as time allows;
k. Schedule pulpit supply when he will be absent.
3. Accountability
The Senior Pastor is accountable to the Diaconate to fulfill the duties and responsibilities listed in items a-k above.
4. Selection & Calling
In the case of a Senior Pastor vacancy, a Pastoral Search Team shall be formed in keeping with Article III, Section D, page 11. Refer to Article III, Section D, page 11, for details concerning the calling of a Senior Pastor.
5. Resignation & Dismissal
The Senior Pastor shall give the minimum of a thirty- (30) day notice of resignation to the Diaconate. Upon notice of resignation, the Senior Pastor shall meet with the Diaconate to define his role in the ministry during his final days as Senior Pastor.
The Senior Pastor may be recommended for dismissal by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the Diaconate. The Senior Pastor may be dismissed by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the membership present at a special business meeting called for the purpose of Senior Pastor dismissal.
6. Vacancy
A Senior Pastor vacancy may result from resignation, dismissal, or death. Upon declaration of a Senior Pastor vacancy, the Moderator shall call a Diaconate meeting in order to plan for the continuation of the ministry during the vacancy. This plan may include the current Pastoral Staff, the Diaconate, an Interim Senior Pastor, members of the congregation, and other people and actions deemed necessary by the Diaconate to continue the ministry of the church. If members of the Staff resign during the Senior Pastor’s vacancy, their positions may be filled with interim Staff.
Section B. Pastoral Staff
Pastoral Staff positions shall be composed of paid personnel who meet the requirements for licensure by our church. The Senior Pastor shall recommend all new Pastoral Staff positions and nominees to the Diaconate for its approval.
1. Qualifications
Each member of the Pastoral Staff shall meet the biblical qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, and shall subscribe to our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant. Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
2. Duties & Responsibilities
Each member of the Pastoral Staff shall have responsibility for one or more areas of ministry as assigned by the Senior Pastor.
Each member of the Pastoral Staff shall:
a. Develop and implement a plan and the organization required to carry out effectively the ministry of the ministry area(s) assigned by the Senior Pastor;
b. Recommend professional and support staff positions for the assigned ministry area(s) to the Senior Pastor and Diaconate for approval;
c. Recommend the hiring or release of professional and support staff to the Senior Pastor;
d. Consult with the Senior Pastor concerning the selection and recruitment of lay ministry team leaders for his or her assigned ministry area(s);
e. Oversee and empower lay leadership in their work to accomplish the goals of the assigned ministry area(s);
f. Prepare an annual budget recommendation for the assigned ministry area(s) for approval by the Senior Pastor, Diaconate and membership;
g. Assist the Senior Pastor in worship services and in the administration of the ordinances of Communion and Baptism as requested.
3. Accountability
The Pastoral Staff is accountable to the Senior Pastor, or in his absence, to the Diaconate.
4. Selection
The Senior Pastor shall select Pastoral Staff after consultation with the Diaconate.
5. Resignation or Dismissal
a. Resignation - a member of the Pastoral Staff shall give the minimum of a thirty- (30) day notice of resignation.
b. Dismissal - a member of the Pastoral Staff may be dismissed by the Senior Pastor after consultation with the Diaconate.
6. Vacancy
A Pastoral Staff vacancy may result from resignation, dismissal, or death. Upon declaration of a Pastoral Staff vacancy, the Senior Pastor, or in his absence the Diaconate, shall develop a plan for continuing leadership of the ministry area(s) for which the vacating Pastor was responsible and may conduct a search to replace that Pastor.
Article III. Elected Leaders
Section A. Diaconate
1. Qualifications
a. Members of the Diaconate shall meet the biblical qualifications for leadership as outlined in
I Timothy 3:8-13.b. Members of the Diaconate shall be active members in the ministry of the church and shall subscribe to our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
c. No two (2) members of the same immediate family may serve as elected leaders at the same time.
d. No member of Pastoral, Professional, or Support Staff or members of their immediate families may serve as a member of the Diaconate.
2. Duties & Responsibilities
The Diaconate shall oversee the affairs of the church and provide overall governance of church operations.
The Diaconate shall:
a. Ensure that our Statement of Faith and Church Covenant are preserved and maintained;
b. Demonstrate and encourage others in the practice of our Core Values;
c. Review, evaluate, and oversee the policies and ministries of the church in light of our Mission and Vision;
d. Review and approve a plan and organization designed to carry out effectively each ministry area within the church;
e. Administer the selection and termination of the Senior Pastor, in keeping with the Bylaws;
f. Provide for the supply of the pulpit in the absence of the Senior Pastor;
g. Assist in the administration of the worship services and the ordinances as requested by the Senior Pastor;
h. Evaluate the performance of the Senior Pastor annually;
i. Provide consultation to the Senior Pastor in the selection and termination of Pastoral Staff;
j. Review and approve applicants for church membership;
k. Administer church discipline;
l. Oversee the financial matters of the church;
m. Review, approve, and recommend to the membership an annual budget;
n. Interpret the Bylaws.
3. Number
The Diaconate shall be composed of three (3) Corporate Officers: Moderator, Treasurer, Secretary; and six (6) additional members for a total of nine (9) members.
4. Accountability
The Diaconate is accountable to the membership of the church.
5. Selection
The Nominating Team as outlined in Article IV, Section A, Item 2c, page 12 shall select nominees for open Diaconate positions. The nominees shall be approved according to Article I, Section C, Item 4, page 3.
6. Term & Succession
Diaconate Members shall serve a three (3) year term, commencing January 1. Upon completion of one full term, a Diaconate Member may be affirmed for one additional three (3) year term. After a maximum of two (2) consecutive full terms, a one (1) year absence from any elected leadership position is required.
7. VacancyA vacancy shall be declared by the Diaconate if one of the following occurs:
a. Resignation - a Diaconate member shall give the minimum of a thirty- (30) day notice of resignation.
b. Dismissal - a Diaconate member may be recommended for dismissal by three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the total number of Diaconate members. Dismissal requires a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the membership present at a business meeting called for the purpose of Diaconate member dismissal.
c. Death
8. Filling Vacancies
The Nominating Team shall recommend a nominee to the Diaconate to fill a vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. The Diaconate shall approve the nominee by at least a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the total number of Diaconate members. A nominee then must be affirmed by three-fourths (3/4) of the membership present at a business meeting. If the unexpired term is for two (2) years or more, a one (1) year absence from membership on the Diaconate is required after completion of a second term. Every effort should be made to fill Diaconate vacancies promptly.
9. Meetings
The Diaconate shall meet as often as deemed necessary, said meetings to be called by the Moderator or a majority of the Diaconate. A minimum of twelve (12) official meetings shall be held each year. The acts of the majority of the total number of Diaconate members shall be the acts of the Diaconate unless otherwise specially required by law or these Bylaws.
Members of the church are invited to attend Diaconate meetings. A total of ten (10) minutes will be scheduled for church members to present/discuss an issue not included in the regular agenda. If a member wants to have a time slot longer than ten (10) minutes he or she shall contact the Moderator no less than 48 hours prior to the Diaconate meeting to have the issue included on the agenda.
When confidential or sensitive issues are to be discussed, the Moderator shall have the authority to call an Executive Session which will include only members of the Diaconate and any others whose participation the Moderator deems appropriate.
Section B. Corporate Officers
The elected Corporate Officers shall be the Moderator, Treasurer, and Secretary. They will be selected as Diaconate nominees for these specific roles by the Nominating Team as described in Article IV, Section A, Item 2c, page 12 and approved as members of the Diaconate and as Corporate Officers by the membership as described in Article I, Section C, Item 4, page 3.
Moderator - the Moderator shall create the agenda and preside at all meetings of the Diaconate and at all church business meetings of the members. The Moderator shall be a non-voting ex officio member of all ministry teams and a voting member of any Pastoral Search Team. He or she is not a member of the Pastoral Relations Team. The Moderator shall perform all duties incident to this office. In accordance with the Statutes of the State of Illinois, the Moderator shall serve as the President of the corporation.
Treasurer - the Treasurer shall serve as the Treasurer of the corporation and shall perform all duties incident to this office. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance & Stewardship Team as described in Article IV, Section A, Item 1c, page 12, and serve as Moderator in the absence of the Moderator if no other Diaconate member has been so designated.
Secretary - the Secretary shall serve as the Secretary of the corporation. The Secretary or designate shall keep accurate records of all business meetings of the church and the Diaconate, and shall perform all of the duties incident to this office.
Section C. Pastoral Relations Team (PRT)
1. Qualifications
a. Members of the PRT shall demonstrate the servant spirit of humility as described in Philippians 2:1-4.
b. Members of the PRT shall be active members in the ministry of the church and shall subscribe to our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
c. No two (2) members of the same immediate family may serve as elected leaders at the same time.
d. No member of the Pastoral, Professional, or Support Staff or member of his or her immediate family may be elected as a member of the PRT.
2. Duties & Responsibilities
The PRT shall:
a. Establish and maintain good rapport with the Senior Pastor,
b. Understand the roles of the Pastoral Staff and assist when necessary in interpreting and communicating such understandings to the congregation;
c. Provide an additional communication link between the Senior Pastor, Pastoral Staff, and individual members of the church and the congregation at large.
d. Help create harmonious, caring relationships in the midst of differences, and help church members and Pastors to deal constructively with conflict;
e. Be available to assist the Senior Pastor in maintaining beneficial relationships with and among the Pastoral Staff;
f. Counsel with the Senior Pastor regarding continuing education and professional development for the Senior Pastor and the Pastoral Staff;
g. Select one of their members to serve on any Pastoral Search Team.
3. Number
The PRT shall be composed of three (3) members.
4. Accountability
The PRT is accountable to the membership of the church.
5. Selection
The Nominating Team as outlined in Article IV, Section A, Item 2c, page 12, shall select nominees and Chair for open PRT positions. The nominees shall be approved according to Article I. Section C, page 3.
6. Term & Succession
PRT members shall serve a three (3) year term, commencing January 1 with one (1) new member being approved each year. Upon completion of one full term, a one (1) year absence from elected leadership is required.
7. Vacancy
A PRT vacancy shall be declared by the Diaconate if one of the following occurs:
a. Resignation: A PRT member shall give the minimum of a thirty- (30) day notice of resignation.
b. Dismissal: a PRT member shall be recommended for dismissal by three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the total number of Diaconate members. A PRT member may be dismissed by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the membership present at a business meeting called for the purpose of PRT member dismissal.
c. Death
8. Filling Vacancies
The Nominating Team shall recommend to the Diaconate a nominee to fill a vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. The Diaconate shall approve the nominee by at least three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the total Diaconate members. The nominee then must be affirmed by three-fourths (3/4) of the membership present at a business meeting.
9. Meetings
The PRT shall meet as often as deemed necessary with a minimum of four (4) meetings to be held with the Senior Pastor and four (4) meetings to be held with the Diaconate each year.
Section D. Pastoral Search Team
1. Qualifications
a. Members of any Pastoral Search Team shall be active members of the church, demonstrate the servant spirit of humility as described in Philippians 2:1-4 and subscribe to our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
b. No two (2) members of the same immediate family may serve as members of the Pastoral Search Team at the same time.
c. No member of the Pastoral, Professional, or Support Staff or members of their immediate families may serve as a member of the Pastoral Search Team.
2. Duties & Responsibilities
The Pastoral Search Team shall:
a. Take the steps appropriate to secure a candidate for Senior Pastor;
b. Consult with the American Baptist Churches of the U.S.A.;
c. Report periodically to the congregation concerning their progress.;
d. Present only one candidate to the church at one time.
e. After consultation with the Diaconate, recommend the candidate for Senior Pastor to the membership at a business meeting called for that purpose. The candidate shall be called to serve as Senior pastor by at least a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the members present at said business meeting.
3. Selection
The Pastoral Search Team shall consist of eight (8) members who are selected as follows:
a. The Diaconate shall select two (2) of its members plus the Moderator, and
b. The Pastoral Relations Team shall select one (1) of its members, and
c. The Nominating Team shall select four (4) persons from the active membership of the church.
d. The Pastoral Search Team shall be appointed within sixty (60) days of a Senior Pastor's notice of resignation or retirement.
The Church Moderator shall serve as the pro tem facilitator to assist the Pastoral Search Team in the selection of a Chairman.
Article IV. Ministry Groups
Section A. Standing Ministry Groups
Standing Ministry Groups, their memberships, and Chair are established by the Diaconate to carry out an ongoing ministry of the church.
1. Finance & Stewardship Team
a. Qualifications
Each member of the Finance & Stewardship Team shall be an active member of the church, demonstrate the servant spirit of humility as described in Philippians 2:1-4 and subscribe to our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
b. Purpose
The Finance & Stewardship Team shall review the church's financial reports on a monthly basis, identify financial issues, and recommend financial solutions and policies to the Diaconate. The team shall also receive and approve an annual independent review of the financial affairs of the church. In addition, the team shall seek to enhance the overall stewardship of the congregation through programs and ministries that assist the congregation in the management of their financial affairs.
c. Organization
The Finance & Stewardship Team shall consist of the Treasurer (Chair), the Pastor of Administration and several at-large members selected by the Treasurer and approved by the Diaconate.
2. Nominating Team
a. Qualifications
Each member of the Nominating Team shall be an active member of the church, demonstrate the servant spirit of humility as described in Philippians 2:1-4 and subscribe to our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, Mission, Vision, and Core Values. No two (2) members of the same immediate family shall serve as members of the Nominating Team at the same time.
b. Formation
The Nominating Team shall consist of six (6) members of the church. They shall be appointed by the Diaconate and confirmed as a slate by the church membership during the December business meeting. There shall be no nominations accepted from the floor at the business meeting when the affirmation vote is taken. The term of Nominating Team members shall commence on January 1 and shall be two (2) years with half or three (3) members being confirmed each year. In the event a member does not complete his or her term, the term of the replacement would be adjusted accordingly.
c. Responsibility
Using input from the congregation and in consultation with the Senior Pastor and other Pastoral Staff, the Nominating Team shall prepare an annual slate of nominees to fill open positions on the Diaconate (specifically including the Moderator, Treasurer or Secretary), and Pastoral Relations Team. This slate shall include one (1) nominee for each opening and shall be presented for Diaconate approval by October 1 and then for church membership approval (Article I, Section C, Item 4, page 3). The Nominating Team may also be called upon throughout the year to recommend a nominee to fill a vacancy on the Diaconate (Article III, Section A, Item 8, page 8) or Pastoral Relations Team (Article III, Section C, Item 8, page 10).
In the event of a Senior Pastor vacancy, the Nominating Team shall select four (4) members of the church to serve on the Pastoral Search Team (Article III, Section D, Item 3c, page 11).
d. Vacancy
In the event a member of the Nominating Committee does not complete his or her term, the Diaconate shall appoint a replacement to be confirmed by the congregation in accordance with the Voting Procedures in Article 1, Section C, Item 4, page 3. The replacement will complete the remainder of the term.
3. Ministry Teams
Ministry Team areas shall be added or discontinued as recommended by the Senior Pastor and approved by the Diaconate.
a. Formation
The composition of Ministry Teams shall be determined by the Pastoral Staff, in consultation with the Senior Pastor.
b. Organization
A Ministry Team chair shall be an active church member, or one pursuing active membership at the next available opportunity, selected by the assigned Pastoral Staff leader and shall be responsible for the team's function.
The Ministry Team chair and members will serve one (1) year renewable terms.
The Ministry Team shall meet regularly.
c. Ministry Team Leader Responsibilities
Ministry Team Leaders shall work with the appointed member of the Pastoral Staff to:
1. Develop a mission, vision, strategy, plan, and organization for their ministry area,2. Implement the plan and report on the progress to the Diaconate.
3. Recruit, train, and mentor volunteers needed to implement the plan,
4. Provide semi-annual written reports to the congregation.
Section B. Special Ministry Teams
Special Ministry Teams shall be established by the Diaconate as the need arises. These special ministry teams shall be dissolved automatically upon completion of their assigned tasks.
Article V. Accrual of Assets
No part of the assets of the corporation shall accrue to the benefit of or be distributed to the Church Officers or other Elected Leaders of the church.
Appendix I - Definition of Terms
Absentee Ballot—A ballot used by qualified voters to participate in an election or to vote on a motion only as it is phrased on said ballot when, due to absence from a business meeting, they are unable to vote in person.
Duly Ordained Minister—An individual who has completed formal preparation for ministerial functions, is recognized by a religious body (a church or denomination) as having demonstrated evidence of God's call to the Gospel Ministry, and is set aside for such ministry through a process of examination and affirmation by appropriate leaders in a church or denomination.
Elected Leaders — Persons elected by the membership for positions on the Diaconate and Pastoral Relations Team.
Ex officio Member — Membership on a leadership or ministry team based upon a person's position. May be designated as a voting or non-voting member.
Immediate Family — Father, mother, spouse, son, daughter, brother, sister.
Licensed Minister — An individual who has demonstrated evidence of being called by God to the Gospel Ministry, who is recognized as such by the appropriate religious body and who is actively engaged in the Gospel Ministry.
Ministry Team — A group of active members appointed by the Pastoral Staff, in consultation with the Diaconate, to carry out a ministry function of the church.
Pastoral Staff — Any staff member on the church payroll whose service requires licensing by our church.
Professional Staff — Any staff member on the church payroll whose service requires formal certification or licensure by the State of Illinois.
Support Staff — Any staff member on the church payroll whose service does not require licensing by our church or the State of Illinois.
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