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Revised Constitution & By-Laws
Sun Valley Community Church Constitution And By-Laws
Article I - Identity and Organization
Sun Valley Community Church is a community of Christians who have been called by the Holy Spirit to unite in submission to Jesus Christ and His teachings and to express their life in God.
Sun Valley Community Church began as a mission of the Baptist General Conference in the Southwest Baptist District on February 4, 1990.
Sun Valley Community Church was incorporated by the state of Arizona as a non-profit religious corporation on January 3, 1991.
This church will continue to be affiliated with the Baptist General Conference and the Southwest Baptist Conference.
Article II – Purpose
Sun Valley Community Church is a contemporary, progressive, evangelical church that purposes to be and develop committed followers of Jesus Christ by:
Helping people develop a love for God
By corporately gathering to learn to love God through the instruction of the Bible and express that love in worship and praise.
By personally developing a relationship with God through personal times of prayer and study of the Bible.
Helping people to develop a love for other Christians
By meeting the spiritual needs of Christians within the church through prayer and discipling each other in the basics of how to live the Christian life, as taught in the Bible.
By meeting the relational needs of Christians within the church in real caring ways.
By meeting the physical needs of Christians within the church and outside the church.
By helping people recognize, develop and use of their spiritual gifts.
By responding to the relational needs of people within our community and building loving relationships with those outside our church who need to know Jesus Christ as Savior.
Helping people develop a love for the people of the world
By responding to the physical needs of people outside the church, both in our immediate community and in our world.
By responding to the spiritual needs of people in our immediate community and our world and seeing to it that they have an opportunity to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so that they can respond to it.
Article III – Statement of Faith
We Believe:
…God's priority is for us to develop a love for God, for other Christians, and for the people of the world.
…the Bible is the Word of God, true and without error; it is our guide for life.
…in God as trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit all being one.
…the devil and his demons are real and the enemy of God and all people.
…in the virgin birth of Jesus, God in the flesh.
…Jesus died for our sins which we
could not pay the penalty for ourselves.
…Jesus was buried, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. We look for his imminent return.
…each individual must decide for himself/herself if they will accept God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life by receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
…hell is a real place of punishment set aside for the devil and the demons and for all who will not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
…The Holy Spirit lives in us as Christians, teaching us and enabling us to mature spiritually through obedience to God's Word.
…the church is established by God, the body of Christ, to be God's presence in the world.
…Jesus has commanded the church to observe the ordinances of believers baptism by immersion and communion.
…every individual is incredibly important to God.
NOTE: For a technical/theological description of the SVCC Statement of Faith, see Appendix A An Affirmation of Our Faith Adopted by the Baptist General Conference in 1951.
Article IV – The Leader
Sun Valley Community Church recognizes Jesus Christ as the head of His church on earth and of this local church.
Article V – The Members
Qualifications for Members
The membership of Sun Valley Community Church consists of persons who have affirmed their commitment to this church based upon their commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
These persons have publicly acknowledged their commitment to Christ through baptism by immersion, agreed with the Statement of Faith, and accepted the Statement of Purpose.
They must be actively involved in meaningful Christian fellowship in a small group, serve in a ministry of the church, investing their time, talents and energy, using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them, and give faithfully of their financial resources to see this purpose accomplished.
Those desiring to unite with this church must be at least sixteen years of age, shall complete a church orientation class, submit an application for membership, be subject to approval by the Board of Servant-Leaders, and be welcomed as members at a regular worship service.
Dismissal of Members
Members may be dropped from the rolls of membership at the discretion of the Servant-Leaders after three to six months if they have not attended the church during that time.
Members who do not live by the
Bible's direction shall be subject to the loving disciplinary process of
Matthew 18:15-18 for the purpose of restoration. At the conclusion of the process, if the erring member
refuses the correction of the Servant-Leaders and the church they shall be
publicly dismissed from the church.
Reinstatement may take place upon repentance as determined by the
Servant-Leaders. Members of Sun
Valley Community Church enter into a covenant to minister to one another's
spiritual needs. Since this
relationship is entered into by mutual consent by member with the Board of
Servant-Leaders of the church and with the other members of the church, the
relationship also ends only by mutual consent or after a decision by the church
leadership following unrepentant sin by the member.
Article VI – The Servant-Leaders
The ultimate authority of the church rests in Jesus Christ and the Word of God. The leadership of the church rests in spiritually mature men to be known as the Servant-Leaders. The Board of Servant-Leaders will consist of Staff Servant-Leaders the Lead/Senior Pastor and Volunteer Servant-Leaders confirmed by the congregation, and will not be less than three four, one three of which will be a Volunteer Servant-Leaders. The Board of Servant-Leaders will strive to maintain a balance between Staff and Volunteer Servant-Leaders. The Board of Servant-Leaders shall consist of the Lead/Senior Pastor and 3-9 lay members. The Servant-Leaders, along with staff members who serve at the pleasure of the Board of Servant-Leaders, serve as the corporate Board of Directors and constitute the corporate membership. The Servant-Leaders have spiritual, as well as physical, oversight of the church and control of all corporate assets and affairs. The activities and affairs of this corporation shall be managed, controlled and conducted by the Board of Servant-Leaders, and All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the control of the Board of Servant-Leaders. They are to lead according to the Word of God, not lording it over the church, but by being examples.
Qualifications of Servant-Leaders
The Servant-Leaders are to be men who are of full of faith, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and who have abilities necessary to lead and protect. The Servant-Leaders serve the church by protecting the truth, the unity, the vision and the people. Their qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 under the title of Elder or Overseer. They must meet the same qualifications as members and tithe (10%) to the ministry of Sun Valley Community Church.
Selection of Volunteer Servant-Leaders
At any time the members of the church can submit the names of people they believe are qualified to be considered as candidates for the Board of Servant-Leaders.
The Board of Servant-Leaders will consider each person suggested by the church and discern which persons should become candidates. Following a period of instruction and preparation, the selected candidates will be presented to the church members.
The members will be encouraged to express themselves, in writing, regarding each candidate's suitability for the position of Servant-Leader. The Board of Servant-Leaders will then appoint the additional candidates.
Selection of Staff Servant-LeadersLead/Senior Pastor
A candidate for Lead/Senior Pastor will be selected by the Servant-Leaders for the members to consider. Servant-Leaders will strive to obtain objective outside expert input into the search and selection of the Lead/Senior Pastor. The church members will be asked to give written confirmation of their desire to have the candidate be the Lead/Senior Pastor. After considering the input of the church members, the Servant-Leaders will then appoint the Lead/Senior Pastor. Staff members shall be selected and dismissed by the Lead/Senior Pastor, with the exception of senior staff, which shall be selected or dismissed with the approval of the Board of Servant-Leaders. The staff will be accountable to and serve under the direction of the Lead/Senior Pastor.
Terms and Evaluation
Servant-Leaders may serve up to two three-year terms as long as they serve well. Servant-Leaders may resign or request leave of absence by giving written notice to the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Servant-Leaders.
Members of the Board of Servant-Leaders may not be the immediate family members of paid staff who serve at the level of director or above. If immediate family members of Servant-Leaders are hired during the term of service of a Servant-Leader, that Servant-Leader shall resign.
Volunteer Servant-Leaders will may receive a sabbatical of one year after serving a three to five year period and will be welcomed back on the Board of Servant-Leaders at the end of that sabbatical.
Servant-Leaders will be evaluated annually along with their ministry areas by the other Servant-Leaders who will express themselves on the faithfulness and effectiveness of each Servant-Leader's service.
A Servant-Leader may be removed from office by the other Servant-Leaders if there is a biblical cause or if he fails to fulfill his function.
Functions
The Board of Servant-Leaders will meet regularly at a specified time and place. Meetings of the Board of Servant-Leaders are open to the membership. A member may address the Board of Servant-Leaders by requesting to be placed on an up coming agenda of the Board.
The Board of Servant-Leaders are to rule in the physical and spiritual affairs of the church. Some are to preach and teach the Word of God to the church. They are to equip the church for personal ministries.
The Board of Servant-Leaders are to care for the needs of the church, as a shepherd cares for his flock.
The Board of Servant-Leaders are to counsel and handle oversee the handling of disputes and discipline persons in the church in accordance with the Word of God.
They are to appoint all persons necessary to carry out the functions and ministries of the church according to the standards given in the Word of God for persons who minister.
The Board of Servant-Leaders are to seek to make all decisions according to biblical principles and the church's biblical purpose.
The Board of Servant-Leaders will be called upon to give an account to God for the way they have served as Servant-Leaders.
Decisions of the Board of Servant-Leaders
Decisions shall be reached by majority vote after prayerful consideration and in a spirit of humility, with each Servant-Leader regarding one another before himself. The selection or removal of the Lead/Senior pastor, senior staff, and/or officers, and employees of the corporation shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Servant-Leaders. A decision by the Board of Servant-Leaders to dismiss the Lead/Senior Pastor shall be presented to the membership for written confirmation.
Article VII – Officers
The officers of the corporation shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and a Secretary/Treasurer Secretary and Treasurer. The position of Secretary-Treasurer maybe separated into 2 offices if there are more than 3 servant leaders. Staff members may serve in the office of Secretary or Treasurer at the pleasure of the Board of Servant- Leaders.
The officers of the corporation shall be chosen annually by and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Servant-Leaders.
An officer may be removed by the Board of Servant-Leaders at any time.
An officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Servant-Leaders.
Chairman
The Chairman shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation and shall be accountable to the Board of Servant-Leaders, have general supervision, direction and control of the activities and officers of this corporation and shall be the Lead/Senior Pastor. He shall either be, or appoint, the Moderator, who is responsible to direct the meeting of the Board of Servant-Leaders.
Vice Chairman
The Vice-Chairman shall work in conjunction with the Chairman to plan propose the direction for the church and plan the agenda for the Board of Servant-Leader meetings. He shall be the Executive Minister. In the absence of an Executive Minister, The Vice-Chairman will be a Volunteer Servant-Leader. He shall be the Moderator and be responsible to direct the Servant-Leader Board meetings. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall be responsible for the duties and act with all powers of the Chairman.
Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principle office or other place as the Board of Servant-Leaders may order. The Board of Servant-Leaders meeting minutes shall include the time and place of holdings, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings, and the proceedings thereof.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and financial and business transactions of the corporation.
A financial report shall be given at each regularly to selected Servant-Leaders and shall be made available to any Servant-Leader upon request. board meeting of the Servant-Leaders and at the annual meeting of the church.
Article VIII – Corporate Records and Reports
Every member shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind and physical properties of the corporation.
Every member shall have the right to inspect all corporate records and reports. Members shall submit a written request to the Board of Servant-Leaders for temporary access to the specific set of reports or records.
Article IX – Amendments
The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended as follows: 1) Recommendations to amend the Constitution and By-Laws shall come from and be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Servant-Leaders: 2) Approved recommendations shall be mailed to the members of SVCC along with a letter of explanation: 3) The membership of SVCC shall be notified by mail at least two (2) weeks in advance of a meeting of the membership called for the purpose of taking action on the recommended amendments. The notice shall state the date, place and time of the meeting: 4) Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of the membership present: 5) Approved amendments shall be added to the Constitution and By-Laws. A copy of the amended Constitution and By-Laws shall be placed with the original Constitution and By-Laws.
Article X – Meetings
An annual meeting of this church shall be held between October and December of each year. Annually, members shall receive a report of God's blessings and the names of the members that will be serving on the Board of Servant-Leaders in the coming year and the budget for that fiscal year. Annually, The members will be asked to confirm the annual budget of the church and the Board of Servant-Leaders. At the time of confirmation, members are encouraged to express themselves, in writing to the members of the Board of Servant-Leaders in matters pertaining to vision, direction or finances details in the annual budget and. Annually, members will be informed of the financial status of the church along with goals for the future. While the Board of Servant- Leaders will work with staff to form fiscal budgets, corporate communication of financial needs/goals will be made in conjunction with the opportunities afforded by the growth and health of the church and not to the beginning/end of a fiscal year.
Article XI – Disposition of Church Property
Division of Property
In case of organic division of the church membership, the church property shall belong to those members who abide by this constitution. Should any controversy arise as to who is abiding by this constitution, the question shall be submitted to the Trustees of the Southwest Baptist Conference a District of the Baptist General Conference, and their decision shall be final.
Dissolution
Should condition arise when, for any reason, the church work cannot continue, the assets of the church shall be transferred to the Southwest Baptist Conference, a District of the Baptist General Conference, and be used to advance the Baptist General Conference church planting movement in Arizona for processing in keeping with Article VI of the Articles of Incorporation of Sun Valley Community Church.
Article XII – Acquisition of real Property
Authorization to acquire land, buildings or other real property or to obtain loans to finance such acquisitions shall be made as follows: 1) Request to acquire real property or to obtain loans to finance the acquisition of such property shall come from and be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Servant-leaders. 2) Approved requests shall be mailed to the members of SVCC along with a letter of explanation. 3) The membership of SVCC shall be notified by mail at least two (2) weeks in advance of a meeting of the membership called for the purpose of taking action on the request of the Board of Servant-Leaders. The notice shall state the date, place and time of meeting. 4) Authorization for the board of Servant-Leaders to move forward on their request to acquire real property or to obtain loans to finance such acquisition shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of the membership present.
Authorization to acquire land, buildings or other real property or to obtain loans to finance such acquisitions, shall be made as follows: 1) Authorization to acquire land, buildings or other real property that does not require obtaining loans to finance such acquisitions shall require a 2/3 vote of the Board of Servant-Leaders: 2) Authorization to acquire real property that requires the obtaining loans to finance the acquisition of such property shall come from and be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Servant-Leaders. In such cases, the Board of Servant-Leaders reserves the right to call for a confirmation vote of the membership, when deemed appropriate. Notifications of a vote shall be mailed to the members of SVCC along with a letter of explanation. The membership of SVCC shall be notified by mail at least two weeks in advance of a meeting of the membership called for the purpose of taking action on the request of the Board of Servant-Leaders. The notice shall state the date, place and time of meeting. Authorization for the Board of Servant-Leaders to move forward on their request to obtain loans to finance such acquisition shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of the membership present.
Article XII – Miscellaneous
Other corporate internal matter not set forth herein shall be determined by reference to the Arizona Non-Profit Religious Corporation Law.
Signature of the Secretary of the Corporation
I, the undersigned, being the Secretary of Sun Valley Community Church, do Hereby certify that the above Constitution and By-Laws were adopted by a confirming vote of the membership of SVCC as the Constitution and By-Laws of this corporation. Said Constitution and By-Laws are, as of the date of this certification, the duly adopted and existing Constitution and By-Laws of Sun Valley Community Church, an Arizona non-profit religious corporation.
In witness whereof, I have hereunder set forth my hand this _______ day of ________
__________________________________
Secretary
Amendments:
1) The Constitution and By-Laws were amended in compliance with Article IX on 11/15/92. Article X – Meetings was amended to change the meeting time of the Annual meeting from between December and February to between October and December.
2) The Constitution and By-Laws were amended in compliance with Article IX on 11/21/93. Article V was amended to read:
The membership of Sun Valley Community Church consists of persons who have affirmed their commitment to this church based upon their commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
These persons have publicly acknowledged their commitment to Christ through baptism, commit to live following the truths, values and morals taught in the bible as upheld by Sun Valley Community Church and the Sun Valley statement of Purpose.
They invest their time, talents and energy, using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them, and give faithfully of their financial resources to see this purpose accomplished.
Those desiring to unite with this church must be at least sixteen years of age, shall complete a church orientation class, submit an application for membership, and subject to approval by the Board of Servant-Leaders be welcomed as members.
Dismissal of Members and Withdrawal from Service
Members may be dropped from the rolls of membership as the discretion of the Servant-Leaders after three to six months if they have not attended the church during that time.
Members and attendees who provide service to Sun Valley, who do not live by the Bible's direction, shall be subject to the loving disciplinary process of Matthew 18:15-18 for the purpose of restoration. Any lifestyle practice listed in 1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10 and Galatians 5:19,-21 but not limited to that Bible teaches against as upheld by Sun Valley Community Church, could be grounds for this action and withdrawal from service. At the conclusion of the process if the erring person refuses the correction of the Servant-Leaders and the church they may be publicly dismissed from the church. The membership relationship is entered into by membership relationship ends only mutual consent, or after a decision by the Board of Servant-Leaders following unrepentant sin by the member.