Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Constitution
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TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Preamble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Article I
Location of Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Article II
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Article III
Doctrinal Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Article IV
Government and Corporate Membership . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Article V
Church Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Article VI
Elders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Article VII
Other Councils and Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Article VIII
Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Article IX
Ordination, Licensing, and Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . 21
Article X
The Pastor-Teacher, Associate Pastoral Staff, and Other Staff . . . 21
Article XI
Settlement of Disputes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Article XII
Other Provisions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Article XIII
Receipt, Investment, and Disbursement of Funds
Article XIV
Corporate Records and Reports
. . . . . . . 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Article XV
Dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Article XVI
Instruments in Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Article XVII
Pension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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PREAMBLE
In order to affirm and preserve the principles of our faith, to guarantee that this body
will be governed in an orderly and efficient manner consistent with the Scriptures, to maintain
the unity of this Church, to protect the liberties inherent in each individual member and the
freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the faith, and to
abide by the appropriate civil laws, we do declare and establish this Constitution.
ARTICLE 1
Location of Offices
The name of this Corporation is Copperfield Bible Church (henceforth referred to as
Copperfield Bible Church, the Church, or the Corporation). It is a Texas nonprofit
religious Corporation with principal offices located at 15216 FM 529, Houston, Texas, 77095.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
Copperfield Bible Church is organized purposely for religious purposes. Our
commission is summarized as follows: And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, All
authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all
the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age (Matthew 28:18-20. All Scriptural quotations in this document are from the New
American Standard Bible.).
Furthermore, our basic model is patterned after the priorities of the early Church:
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42).
Copperfield Bible Church exists to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 3:21;
1 Peter 4:11). In order to make progress towards that end we must be a hub for worship,
edification, and evangelism. As we assemble together regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25) we
establish a base for spiritual operations from which the Church may fulfill its purposes through
the ministry of the Word of God (Acts 20:32, 2 Peter 3:18).
ARTICLE III
Doctrinal Statement
The Doctrinal Statement of Copperfield Bible Church is that which was adopted on
December 13, 1998, and is on file at the principal offices.
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ARTICLE IV
Government and Corporate Membership
Section 1. Government
The government of this Church is vested in a Board of Elders, which shall serve as the
Board of Directors of the Corporation defined by this Constitution. The Board of Elders shall
be biblically qualified men as defined in Article VI, Section 5 of this Constitution, accountable
to Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, also giving account to the members of this body of
believers.
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ARTICLE V
Church Membership
Section 1. Purpose of Membership
The congregation of Christian believers who have applied for and have been received
into membership shall constitute a spiritual body, united for the spiritual purposes set forth in
Article II of this Constitution.
Elders shall meet with the applicant following completion of the application to confirm
qualifications according to Section 2 of this Article, and to answer any questions. Copperfield
Bible Church will not accept the automatic transfer of membership from another church.
The Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI,
Section 18 of this Constitution) shall review the application for membership of the candidate
and qualifications for membership as shown in Section 2 of this Article.
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ARTICLE VI
Elders
Section 1. Responsibilities
We acknowledge no ecclesiastical authority other than our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the
Head of the Church and who directs the affairs of the Church through Elders chosen according
to the precepts of Scripture (Acts 20:17-32; Ephesians 4:11-13; Titus 1:5). The Elders stand
under the authority of the Scriptures and are the principal officials of the Corporation with the
charge to rule, lead, and oversee the Church (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3).
As those who will give an account for their oversight (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1), the
Elders are to be men capable of giving biblical leadership based on their individual and
corporate ability to handle the Word of God and to discern the will of God through study and
prayer (Acts 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9).
These responsibilities are typically fulfilled as the Elders:
(A) Pray and minister the Word of God by teaching, preaching and discipling believers
(Acts 2:42, 6:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Timothy 3:2, 5:17; James 3:1).
(B) Protect the flock by guarding against error and moral corruption (Matthew 18:1520; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Titus 1:9, 3:10-11).
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(C) Seek the spiritual maturity of the flock through the development of various
ministries and the individual gifts of the members (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians
12:7-11; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:28).
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(F) To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Corporation and
to cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes,
bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, or other
evidences of debt and securities.
(G) To carry on a business and apply any such profit that results from the business
activity in which it may legally engage.
Section 5. Qualifications
Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and
possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, qualifications by which
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a man is able to lead the flock according to the Word of God and demonstrate a consistent
example of mature, Christ-like character. He shall be:
(A) A man with an earnest, heartfelt desire to serve as an overseer (1 Timothy 3:1).
(B) Blameless as a steward of God, above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7).
(C) The husband of one wife (i.e. a one-woman man if married); morally pure whether
married or single (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6).
(D) Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2).
(E) Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).
(F) Of good behavior; orderly; respectable (1 Timothy 3:2).
(G) Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8).
(H) Able and willing to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching
(1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9).
(I) Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
(J) Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).
(K) Patient; moderate; forbearing; gentle (1 Timothy 3:3).
(L) Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3;
Titus 1:7).
(M) Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus
1:7).
(N) Rules his own house well. His children under his care are faithful and not accused
of rebellion (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6).
(O) One who is not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6).
(P) One who has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7).
(Q) One who is not self-willed (Titus 1:7).
(R) A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8).
(S) Just; fair (Titus 1:8).
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Section 6. Vacancies
Any Elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman of the
Board, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. If the
resignation is to take effect at some future time, a successor may be selected before that time.
A vacancy or vacancies in the Board may be deemed to exist in case of the death,
resignation, or removal of any Elder, or if a need exists. Such vacancies shall be filled by the
remaining Elders in accordance with Section 4 of this Article.
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adjourned) of the Board of Elders, the Board reserves the right to open or close any or all parts
of the meeting(s) to the public as they see fit.
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The Board shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which proceedings of any
such committee shall be conducted. In the absence of any such prescription, such committee
shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which its proceedings shall be conducted.
Unless the Board or such committee shall otherwise provide, the regular and special meetings
and other actions of any such committee shall be governed by the provisions of this Article
applicable to meetings and actions of the Board. Minutes shall be kept of each meeting of each
committee.
ARTICLE VII
Other Councils and Committees
Section 1. Councils and Committees
To promote efficient handling of Board matters, the Board may appoint various
councils and committees from within its membership, the staff, and from the Church at large.
These councils and committees shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and
with powers specifically delegated by the Board. The general functions of councils and
committees are:
(A) To bring considered recommendations to the Board concerning ministries.
(B) To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders having the oversight of specific
ministries.
All councils and committees shall exist for the period specified by the Board.
Section 2. Deacons
The Deacons minister to the body by performing various acts of service as a co-laborer
with the Elders in the local church (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-14), put in charge to lead or
oversee specific ministries of the Church, under the oversight of the Elders. The Deacons shall
assist the Elders in the shepherding of the saints, assist the Pastor-Teacher at communion and
baptismal services, aid in the general spiritual care of the Church, oversee specific ministries of
the Church, and/or perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders.
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The Deacons shall be men who are members of the Church in good standing, possessing
the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. A Deacon shall be a man of dignity, not
double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of
the faith with a clear conscience, first tested and found above reproach.
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ARTICLE VIII
Officers
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary, and
a Treasurer, all of which shall hold the office of Elder. The Corporation may also have, at the
discretion of the Board of Elders, other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the
provisions of Section 3 of this Article.
Section 2. Election
The officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance
with the provisions of Sections 3 or 5 of this Article, shall be chosen annually by, and shall
serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Elders. In the event that there are fewer than four Elders
on the Board, the Chairman may serve as another officer other than Vice Chairman and vice
versa and the Secretary and Treasurer may serve as another officer. Each officer shall hold his
office until his term expires, he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to
serve.
Section 5. Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any
other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in the Constitution for regular election or
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appointment to such office, provided that such vacancies shall be filled as they occur and not
on an annual basis.
Section 8. Vice-Chairman
In the absence or disability of the Chairman, or in the handling of a particular issue
wherein the Chairman may find himself in a conflict of interest, the Vice-Chairman shall
perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be
subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall have such other
powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the
Board of Elders or the Constitution.
Section 9. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office
or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Board
and its committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if
special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings,
the Board and committees meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep, or
cause to be kept, at the principal office in the State of Texas the original and a copy of the
Corporations Articles and Constitution, as amended to date.
The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board and
any committees thereof required by this Constitution or by law to be given, and shall have such
other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board.
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The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office of the Corporation,
a Church membership register, or a duplicated membership register, showing the names of the
members and their addresses.
ARTICLE IX
Ordination, Licensing and Commissioning
Section 1. Ordination
Ordination refers to the unanimous recognition by the Board of Elders of a mans call to
the pastoral ministry, preparation as a shepherd, and qualifications to serve. Ordination shall be
conferred for life, so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office.
Section 2. Licensing
The license is issued by the Board of Elders and is given in recognition of a mans call
to that ministry. Its aim is to allow a man to perform the ecclesiastical duties and functions of
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the Church (i.e., marriage, funerals, etc.). Licenses can be revoked at the discretion of the
Board of elders.
Section 3. Commissioning
When local Church certification is required for ministry where ordination or licensing
would be unnecessary or inappropriate, a person may be commissioned by the Board of Elders
to minister. This authorization continues as long as the opportunity to minister remains in
effect and as long as the person maintains the qualifications for ministry.
ARTICLE X
The Pastor-Teacher, Associate Pastoral Staff, and Other Staff
Section 1. Pastoral Selection
The Pastor-Teacher shall fulfill all qualifications and responsibilities of an Elder as
described in Article VI of this Constitution. He shall be selected by the unanimous vote of the
Board of Elders and may be subject to a vote of the members per Article V, Section 3. The
Pastor-Teacher shall hold the office of Elder as long as he remains Pastor-Teacher, without
undergoing the selection process of Elders explained in Article VI, Section 4 of this
Constitution. He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following
reservations: The Elders reserve the right to dismiss the Pastor-Teacher upon giving him at
least one months written notice of its intention to dismiss. The Pastor-Teacher must give at
least one months notice if he intends to resign. The time limit of a Pastor-Teachers
resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Pastor-Teacher and the Elders by
mutual agreement provide otherwise. Church membership shall be conferred on the PastorTeacher and his wife.
ARTICLE XI
Settlement of Disputes
Section 1. General
In any dispute arising between Church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any
matter of spiritual teaching or practices, Church finances, or title to property purchased with
Church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the Church (or a
duly appointed Committee of the Board, per Article VI, Section 18 of this Constitution, at the
sole discretion of the Board) per 1 Corinthians 6:1-6. A decision shall be reached after
prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before
himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
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ARTICLE XII
Other Provisions
Section 1. Endorsement of Documents, Contracts
The Board of Elders, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, may authorize
in writing any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any
instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or
confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Elders, no officer, agent or
employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or
agreement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
Subject to the provisions of applicable law, any note, mortgage, evidence of
indebtedness, contract, conveyance, or other instrument in writing and any assignment or
endorsements thereof executed or entered into between this Corporation and any other person,
when signed jointly by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary and the Treasurer of
this Corporation shall be valid and binding on this Corporation in the absence of actual
knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had no authority to execute
the same.
Section 4. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended and/or added to, or a new Constitution may be made
from time to time at any time by the Board of Elders in the exercise of the power granted to
said Board of Elders in this Constitution. Such amendments, additions, or a new Constitution
may be submitted to the members for a vote per Article V, Section 3 of this Constitution.
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ARTICLE XIII
Receipt, Investment, and Disbursement of Funds
Section 1. Receipt of Funds
The Corporation shall receive all funds or other properties transferred to it for the
purposes for which the Corporation was formed, as shown by the Articles of Incorporation.
However, nothing contained herein shall require the Board of Elders to accept or receive any
money or property of any kind if it shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money
or property is contrary to the expressed purposes of the Corporation as shown by said Articles.
ARTICLE XIV
Corporate Records and Reports
Section 1. Records
The Corporation shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its
business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal
place of business in the State of Texas, as fixed by the Board of Elders from time to time.
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ARTICLE XV
Dissolution
Section 1. Division
In case of schism in the Church membership, the Corporations property shall be
entrusted to those Elders who remain and abide by this Constitution.
Section 3. Dissolution
Upon dissolution of this Corporation, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets herein
to be distributed to another Corporation with purposes and doctrinal beliefs similar to those
identified in Articles II and III of this Constitution and Article IV of the Articles of
Incorporation. Nothing in this section shall be construed as a requirement that the properties
and obligations of the Corporation be liquidated prior to distribution.
ARTICLE XVI
Instruments in Writing
All checks, drafts, demands for money and notes of the Corporation and all written
contracts of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, as the
Board of Elders may from time to time by resolution designate.
ARTICLE XVII
Pension
The Board of Elders shall appoint, as deemed necessary by the Board, a pension and
retirement review committee consisting of two or more members, and their findings shall be
presented, whenever requested, to the Board of Elders.
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CERTIFICATION
I, the undersigned, being the Secretary of the Copperfield Bible Church, do hereby certify that the above
Constitution was adopted as the Constitution hereof on December 3rd, 2000, by the Board of Elders of said
Corporation in a regularly called meeting on the same date. I do further certify that the above Constitution was
adopted as the Constitution hereof by the members of the Church in a regularly called meeting on the same date.
Said Constitution is, as of the certification, the duly adopted and existing Constitution of this Corporation.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on December 3rd, 2000.
__________________________
W.R. Hanley, Secretary
(Signature on file)
Initial Board of Elders
Chris Bayack, Bill Hanley, Jim Morgan, Cliff Wallace
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