(6) TAKING OFFICE:

All officers are to be elected by ballot and shall take office on the first Sunday of April following the annual or bi-annual election.

 

(7) DEACON & TRUSTEE ELIGIBILITY:

No man shall be eligible for office of Deacon or Trustee until he has been a member of the church for a period of one year.

 

(8) RESTRICTIONS:

No man shall hold the office of Deacon and Trustee at one time.

 

(9) VOTING AGE:

Voting age of church members shall be 18 years and over.

 

(10) VOTING MEANS:

Items other than election of officers may be voted upon by means other than ballot as determined by choice of members present.

 

 

SECTION 2.8 - SUB ORGANIZATIONS/MINISTRY GROUPS

 

 

(1) SUBJECT TO THE CHURCH:

A.  All sub organizations/ministry groups of the church shall be subject to the rules of this constitution and the bylaws of the church, and shall operate in harmony with them. All sub organizations/ministry groups, not specifically identified in this constitution, are to be doctrinally compatible with our statement of faith, and their existence is subject to the approval of the Official Church Board.  Their purpose shall be for the edification, fellowship, and encouragement of the body of Christ, and the entire membership of Bethany Bible Church. 

 

B.  Officers of sub organizations/ministry groups shall be members of the church unless otherwise provided in these articles.

 

C.  The Official Church Board may, at it’s discretion, appoint representative(s) from recognized sub organizations/ministry groups to participate on the Missionary and/or Christian Education Board.

 

 

SECTION 2.9 - BOARDS/COMMITTEES

 

 

(1) BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

(Refer to Elections, Section 1)   All boards and committees (excluding the Official Church Board and Day Care Board) shall elect/appoint a chairman on a bi-annual basis.  The Official Church Board may, at its discretion, create such boards and committees as it deems appropriate and necessary for the effective operation of the Church.

 

(2)  DAY CARE BOARD:

Shall be comprised of candidates submitted by the Day Care Director and/or Day Care  Board with final approval by the Official Church Board.  Day Care Board members serve at the pleasure of the Official Church  Board.  The Day Care Director serves upon the appointment of, and at the pleasure of  the Official Church  Board.

 

(3) AUDITING COMMITTEE:

Shall be composed of 3 people appointed by the Church Board including at least one Board member.  The Committee shall audit all church financial books and the books of sub organizations and report in writing. This shall be done every three (3) years and be completed on or before July 1.  (Refer to section 2.5, article 4)

 

(4) MUSIC COMMITTEE:

Shall consist of the Minister of Music, Pianist, and Organist. They shall supervise the Church music ministry and make recommendations to the Official Church Board, and should meet quarterly.

 

(5) OTHER BOARDS:

The Missionary Board, Christian Education Board, and Day Care Board shall meet at least quarterly.  These Boards shall provide written minutes to the Official Church Board within thirty (30) days after the meeting.  Membership of these Boards shall include a Deacon and Trustee member from the Official Church Board.    

 

 

SECTION 3.0 AMENDMENTS

 

 

(1) This Constitution may be amended at any regular business meeting of the church, provided the change has been presented at least two weeks prior the meeting. The change must be posted and announcements made, drawing attention thereto, at the regular meetings of the church at least two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting. Two thirds majority vote of members present are required for a change.  (See Church Meetings, Section 2.7, paragraph 6).

 

 

SECTION 3.1 RULES OF ORDER

 

 

(1) PROCEDURE:

The parliamentary procedure in all deliberations of the church, not otherwise covered by the Constitution and Bylaws, shall be governed by "Robert's Rules of Order".

 

All former articles of Constitution or rules of the church are hereby repealed.

 

Adopted this 23rd day of January, 1959 by Bethany Community Church

 

Amended this 11th day of December, 1988 by Bethany Bible Church

 

Amended this 13th day of March, 1996 by Bethany Bible Church

 

Amended this 17th day of March, 1999 by Bethany Bible Church

 

 

 

CONSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE

 

 

It is the responsibility of the Official Church Board to insure that the articles of faith and doctrine and the articles of practice are adhered to by the membership, so that we may glorify our Lord and Savior, and edify the Body of Christ.